I enjoyed reading this story for the mystery and found the birthmother's story almost incidental to the plot. As a birthmother I appreciated the author's experience, but find that in my open adoption, I haven't experienced the same feelings.

However, everyone is entitled to their life experience. I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it if people read with an understanding that adoption has drastically changed over the years for the positive.

I just don't buy the theory that Wyoming or Montana are truly as "narrow" as the author portrays. That is simply an excuse to hide behind. Montana and Wyoming have birthed a great number of strong women who managed to live through the perceived slights and do great things -- Jeannette Rankin for one.

As an adoptive mother, I appreciate the insight into the feelings of a birthmother, but I also did not appreciate the foreword which talked of the abuse of process in adoption. In MOntana, most adoptions remain performed through legitimate agencies with little cost to adoptive parents and very little in terms of attorneys fees. Additionally, the new wave for at least the past ten years has been open adoption which certainly should be promoted rather than continuing and berating the blight caused by the secrecy of old adoption practices. No wonder so many ill-equiped women continue to parent when the old practices are still advertised in this manner without any discussion of the realities of today's adoptions.

Set in the Wyoming of the late 1990s, and laced with memories of an earlier era, Burning Of The Marriage Hat: A Novel Of High Plains Women by Margaret Benshoof-Holler is the attention engaging story of a young woman who travels to lay her grandmother's ghost to rest, and to understand the genesis of her own ambivalence toward men. She learns of how women who became pregnant out of wedlock were once treated, and what it meant to come of age in Wyoming in the 1960s. A generational tale deftly written with penetrating insight, personality, and feeling, Burning Of The Marriage Hat is very highly recommended reading and would make an exceptional selection choice for women's reading groups.

In "Dreamers and Schemers", by Lori Van Pelt, the reader is given a front row seat into the personal lives of some of the more colorful men and women that carved out and settled Carbon County, Wyoming. The author has done a phenomenal job of pulling together the history of these people and bringing it to life for the reader. If you've ever wondered what it would have been like to be one of the first white men to walk in the Wind River Range or what the outlaws were really like back in the old west, this is the book for you.

Vivid biographical glimpses of thiry-one colorful personalities who helped shape Carbon County's historical legacy are informative and fun to read. Delightful descriptive accounts make the reader feel as if they had been on the scene and had met the characters personally.

Entertaining and accurate history of characters from Carbon County's past including outlaws, copper kings, mountain men. I throroughly enjoyed this.

This is a fine book, but WHY is it cross-listed under "Natural Disasters"? Geysers are no more "disasters" than trees or rivers are. I don't get it.

The Geysers of Yellowstone is best guide to Yellowstones thermal features I know of, but I wish it would include some of the non-eruptive hot spring and mud pots. Never the less, the book is packed with in-depth information on everything the ever erupted in Yellowstone at time. I am a Yellowstone visitor for 8 years running, and more than half this book, I still don't know! A MUST for any geyser lover.

Now in its third edition and completely revised, this geyser Bible remains the definitive guide to Yellowstone's erupting thermal features. Detailed maps of each of Yellowstone's geyser basins and colorful descriptions of every known geyser make the book both easy to read and easy to use when stalking eruptions of even the most elusive geysers. A fascinating list of all the world's other known geyser regions, many of which have suffered from geothermal development, makes the reader realize all the more what a special place Yellowstone really is.

As I read, Turner took me on an alpine guided trip that allowed me to vicariously absorb the intimacies of nature and "sit" with him as he basked, observed and recorded the essence of nature and the Tetons. I felt like I was with him for every step and hold. This is a very sensual account of his year in the Tetons. The intimacies of his account are to be relished. He was generous to share his otherworldly view and "heightened" sense of what it is like to humbly share the earth with other beings.

Jack Turner has yet again produced a book with a sense of place and sometimes even an aura of the Tetons where he has climbed and guided for 40 years. Although this book is more relaxed and less intense than his powerful "Abstract Wild" it nevertheless provides a mature outlook on life in the Tetons. Turner is not afraid to reveal himself in this book and yet does not fall into sentimentality, the accounts of climbing and the experiences with friends are especially moving such as the tragic consequences of a fall for his friend Kim Schmitz who suffered in incredible agony after breaking just about everything or the death of Leigh Ortenburger, and yet there are great times too like the remarkable skiing of Mark Newcombe and Turner's love of Rilke and Haiku which also appeals very much to me. Surrounding these images of lost friends and at times extreme experiences is the national park itself which never leaves the scene always providing the glue which binds the whole together. Turner has a remarkable grasp of both the scientific aspects of the park such as the geology and the biology/ecology which is added to the feel of it at the same time, I mean the sense of being experienced when the mind is stilled, something which is always enhanced in a wild area where existence is forced upon you no longer escapable such as in a big city. Through the stories of the park, the people and his own very human outlook you can't help but feel Turner loves where he is and lives for it wholeheartedly, his own journey into philosophy, Zen show how deeply he thinks about his life and the natural environment. I also feel that he loves what he does and where he is so much that he not willing to give it up to go that extra distance needed in really deep meditation. My own experiences in this mean that joy can be found everywhere whether it is a city or in natural surroundings. Jack Turner is a man that I would like to meet, his energy, his dynamic outlook, his interest in just about everything is not that common nowadays. A wonderful book of a man and his love.

Each of the book's chapters represents a typical month during the author's decades of life in the Tetons. During each season you get up early with the author, have breakfast, go see some wildlife, experience the Tetons. The day-to-day and season-to-season details of his life were just what I was looking for: I wanted to get real close to what it would feel like to really be there. One third or less of the book covers climbing experiences, and even these accounts may have great appeal for non-climbers such as myself, because the author's attention is forever focused on the natural world around him. The book is especially rich for the author's gift at observing and describing the natural world. Other topics such as ecological issues and author's spiritual views are very subtley and concisely raised throughout the book and are only sidebars in what is an excellent journal about the wild world of the Tetons.

If someone is interested in a better understanding of conflict between game wardens and the public in Wyoming, a topic touched upon in Teewinot, I recommend "Wild Journey" by Bragonier.

How Mr. Spence can be proud of getting a stone cold killer off is beyond me. Joe Esquibell wasn't insane at the time he shot his
wife in the head IN FRONT OF EIGHT WITNESSES ! Mr. Spence and the Doc at the hospital were just tired of the whole
case, it having dragged on for 7 yrs., and the Doc. finally agreed to say that in his opinion (his 3rd flip-flop) Joe was insane at the
time he pulled the trigger. It was a sham. It was a lie.

And then after Joe is freed he of course returns to his old violent abusive boozing lifestyle and gets himself killed. And of all things
Mr. Spence wants the killer of Joe punished even tho he knows it was in self defense, that Joe attacked the guy first.

As you can see I obviously missed whatever good point you all above got out of this book.

Joe Esquibell was a user, abuser, violently jealous, violent in general, boozer. He never worked a day in his life. He had 5
illegitimate kids by three women (one a 14 y/o) that we are told of (you know he had more) that he never supported in any way
shape or form. He was a killer. If there was anyone who deserved the gas chamber it was he. And as far as
insane or not, to me it makes no difference. You take a life...you pay with your own. What's the good in keeping an insane person alive anyway? Especially one who kills. I don't understand it...an insane person has no life. They are the LIVINGDEAD. I think it's cruel to keep them alive in those hospitals where you know damn well they are treated like sh!t.

And what kind of women and/or man has baby after baby after baby when they know they can not support them (they can't
even support themselves for chirst sake!)..., when they don't really want them nor care about them. That is SICK. That's abuse. It's a sin. Joe Esquibell's mother out to be shot. She and her sheepherder husband (alcoholic) are responsible for this whole bloody mess. But that in no way absolves Joe, as Mr. Spence seems to think. Gerry Spence ought to be ashamed.

It's an ugly story about stupid thoughtless trashy people and Mr. Spence attempt to parallel his own life to Joes is a stretch (mr. spence used condoms :o) )

Trial attorney Gerry Spence writes a fascinating tale about one of his trials in which he defends the American underdog. Spence describes a chivalrous undertaking on his part, feeling that a more intellectually advanced human being should become involved with the problems of the less advanced, the unfortunate and the meek. In his book Half Moon and Empty Stars, Spence writes a defense story about the fateful American Indians in modern times, and in Of Murder and Madness his subjects are Mexican Americans in Wyoming and their dire circumstances. As the defense lawyer in a murder case, he takes us behind the scenes unveiling the caprice of the "courthouse club" and the criminal shortcomings of the Welfare Department. He says an insane society produces "skitz" (schizophrenia sufferers). The story of psychotic Joe is interwoven with Spence's autobiography and philosophical outlooks. The battle in this trial is for the lost soul of the defendant, a noble cause for one determined trial attorney. Gerborg

Famous, flamboyant, but brilliant Wyoming attorney Gerry Spence tells the start-to-finish story of a murder trial he was involved in.

For years, this book was out-of-print; few libraries had copies. So, when I ran across this book in the 'true crime' section of a University bookstore, I was elated.

Once I began reading it, there was no stopping me. [Spence is THAT kind of writer. He doesn't bore you for ten pages. He puts the hook in you after a few pages].

The book is rather lengthy, but that's okay. All he has to say needs to be said...in order to understand the crime committed, the background info that LED to the crime, and the actual courtroom drama itself.

This book is a VERY good read for anyone undecided on the death penalty. [It might even confuse you more as to where you're at regarding the death penalty. But that's fine. It will give you something to think about for quite some time].

Yes. This book is a definite page turner. Once started, I doubt you'll be able to put it down. I know I couldn't.

Best part is: it's the type of 'true crime' that could happen in Anywhere, U.S.A. NOT like the Charles Manson "Helter Skelter" true-crime that is sensationalized.

I'd suggest this book to anyone interested in: 1) death penalty cases. Pro or con. 2) real life justice and our legal system.

This is not a book for the faint hearted. Be cautious.

I had really enjoyed Bell's first book, Secret of the Mezuzah, so I was looking forward to Con's further exploits. While it's a good adventure story with interesting characters, I wished that the themes of Indian rights, eco-terrorism and the "new west" had been explored more thoroughly. Bell has already demonstrated that she can handle complicated issues in a sensitive way. Still, it's an entertaining read with strong family values.

I echo the thoughts of previous reviewers on the strengths of this book: a very good middle-school level story, and an excellent description about interrelationships in a functional extended family. I would add that, compared to many "policitcally correct" portrayals of the contemporary West, this story is a nice counterweight by presenting life from the viewpoint of the rancher, as opposed to that of the environmentalist, the Bureau of Land Management and the native American. In this story, the sterotypes are not extended. Everyone in it is portrayed truthfully, meaning less-than-perfect. It is healthy for children to realize that any special interest group, including environmentalists and the BLM, can have less-than-pure motives for what they do. And, I believe the portrayal of a Hollywood star whose self-righteousness turns out to be something less than meets the eye, is a refreshing non-Politically Correct perspective. The point is, it's good to have different kinds of portrayals of people and their motives--that way kids can learn how some folks may behave and allow them to be more prepared to evaluate situations at a deeper level than face value.

This is a great follow up on the first Passport to Danger book.
Con's adventures get more interesting every time.

...I have found that this guide documents alot of the climbing at Vedauwoo very well, but misses the mark entirely in some cases. After getting to know the long time local climbers it is really sad to find out that Skip Harper has taken lots of liberties with renaming routes, or assigning grades to routes that he abviously has not done. I give his book a two star rating just because of the lack of investigation in some cases and the complete disregarding of history that he puts forth in his book.

The Vedauwoo area is unique in it's diversity of climbs and the climbers that frequent this area. This Guide Book has captured both aspects: the wild and mystical Spirit of Vedauwoo and the Hard Core attitude of the climbers. It covers the range of climbs from the Raw Gut Beginners to the Hard Skinned Off-Width Crack climbers that Shred their way up impossible looking ascents. The photos and route lay-outs are simply the best of any guide book in the Rocky Mtn. region and route descriptions give you JUST enough information without taking all the Adventure out of the climb!! A MUST HAVE !! for any climber in the area.

My wife and I are 50ish and have been climbing for three years. We cut our outdoor teeth on Veedauwoo and found Heel and Toe invaluable. Based on our knowledge of the area and compared with other guidebooks we've used, the book is an excellent aid. Area directions and photos are great, route descriptions accurate, and route grades on target. Some tongue-in-cheek humor mixed in (Jurassic Park). More important than our assessment, it is the guide that is used. Skip and Rob did a great job. Hope there's a sequel with updates.

I usually get excited seeing a new Cassie Edwards book on the shelf, but this one has to dissapoint me. I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but it didn't...shine in my face. Her other works are very well-crafted and beautiful but something about this one just didn't work for me. Maybe the fact that Spirit Warrior was a shamon. It kept him so holy. What intrigued me in her other work was how "wild" the male of the story was. But, in a way, Spirit Warrior was too "feminine" for me. And although Edwards uses "love-at-first-sight" in most of her books, I think she overdid it this time. (or just noticed it)
I wouldn't scorn you if you read this book. There are many interesting fact that makes you still wanna believe you're the heroine of the book, but don't get your hopes up. I got mine up and came out the door dissapointed.

The plot and how the story line follows through in this book, made for a great read. I enjoyed and absorbed every page and word. Cassie Edwards wrote this from her heart. Her main characters are great. They were so detailed and heart felt to me. I appreciated the endearing way that Ms. Edwards' words made the leader of the Shoshone chief and the pioneering woman in this story come together. Not wishy-washy in the least, or even predictable. A truly great read!!!!!

In 1838 Denise Russler, her father, brother, and others travel from St. Louis to the Wyoming Territory where they plan to establish a trading post. Indian Shaman and Chief Spirit Warrior accompanied by some of his braves visit the camp offering friendship. Spirit Warrior and Denise share an instantaneous attraction to one another.

After Spirit Warrior leaves, Mole and his renegade Indians attack the Russler camp killing Denise's father. Spirit Warrior and his braves locate and attack a renegade camp. Spirit Warrior captures a unique looking horse from the Indians, but that steed happens to be one stolen from the Russlers. At first Denise believes Spirit Warrior sent the raiders, but decides her heart would not desire a villain and she wants Spirit Warrior with her every breath. As they share more adventures, the white woman and the shaman chief fall in love, but must overcome enemies who have other plans for the duo.

As expected from award winning Cassie Edwards, SPIRIT WARRIOR is a strong Indian romance. The story line focuses on the growing relationship between the lead protagonists in spite of external interference to the contrary. Denise's brother is a unique character as he fully accepts Spirit Warrior as his brother. Though the heroes are too perfect and have little personal conflict between them, the love between Denise and Spirit Warrior turns this western romance into a stirring read.

Harriet Klausner

Worth 3,5 stars, but I gave 3. This is cowboys, ranches and poor ladys. It has some interesting scenes, but somehow lacked a passion. The brothers were good, they had nice relationship. I liked the way everybody else knew right away when something had happened between hero and heroine(..our relatrionship is a worst-kept-secret in this ranch...). I didn't like the villain and had sometimes a feeling of seeing this before in the old westerns (or Dallas). Cowboy lovers dream... all the others find a more modern book. But definitely worth buying the brothers stories as well.

I don't normally read anything but historical romance novels but I didn't have a chance to get any new books and a friend gave this one to me. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read the other books in the series. It's a good buy -

If all woman could find a man like that, purely by "chance", every woman in the U. S. would be fleeing to Wyoming! This was a great read, full of romance and adventure. I like suspence thrillers the most, and romance novels second. This book gave me the best of both worlds. I just wish it had been longer!

I picked up this book because of Nora Roberts' endorsement on the cover. But, what a disappointment. This novel had the same stereotypical romance novel beginning (Alpha male makes man-hating super feminist woman look like a temper-tantrum throwing child) that caused me to take a break from new (at least to me) romance authors for a while. It seemed to redeem itself when the character Meg was introduced and she and Sean connected. Then, out of the blue, Duncan's 15 year old, inexperienced, immature sister appears and Sean's madly in love with her. What? I had to go back to make sure I didn't miss something. I can't understand why the author decided to dump the only strong woman in the book to replace her with a 15 year old child.

The fact that Meg was a prostitute and had such a tough childhood peaked my interest because I wanted to see how the author was going to work through Meg and Sean's relationship. Their storyline was more interesting to me than the main characters'.

I'm afraid that Nora Roberts' and Diana Galbadon's unconventional romances have spoiled me for most romances -- so my search for new authors to add to my short list continues.

Joan Hohl is a new author for me and I find her writing style great! I read the entire book in two sittings. Can't wait to read more of her books. The only hic-up was the development of the relationship between Sean and Heather. That is the only reason I gave it a 4 out of 5.

This is the first historical that I read by Joan Hohl and I really enjoyed it. Usually I read her contemporaries, which I love. This was a pageturner that I read in one sitting.