Book Description
Acclaim for Carolly Erickson
"Carolly Erickson is one of the most accomplished and successful historical biographers writing in English."
-The Times Literary Supplement
The First Elizabeth
"Even more readable and absorbing than the justly praised works of Tuchman and Fraser. A vivid and eminently readable portrait of history's favorite Tudor."
-The New York Times Book Review
"A masterpiece of narrative, a story so absorbing it is as hard to put down as a fine novel."
-Los Angeles Times Book Review
Alexandra
"Gifted . . . breathless . . . heartbreaking . . . Erickson excels."
-Chicago Tribune
Josephine
"An intimate, richly detailed, and candid portrait . . . [Erickson's] scholarly insights combine superbly with a mastery of period manners more often found in the best historical fiction."
-Kirkus Reviews
Mistress Anne
"Carolly Erickson is a most admirable biographer, and this book is highly enjoyable as well as being reliable and acute; indeed, it is popular historical biography at its best."
—The Times (London)
Customer Reviews:
A good piece of niche history.......2007-04-02
This short book retelling the legendary tale of the Girl from Botany Bay--actually Sydney Cove--who was sentenced to penal camp labor in Australia for highway robbery in England in the late 1700s is an entertaining read.
Pieced largely from a few contemporary mentions of Mary Broad in newspapers, journals, and personal memoirs of people who were in the journey with her, Ms. Erickson has put together a short, well researched book.
Though less than 200 pages, the book could have probably been shorter. Since there is so little in the public record about Mary Broad, who was illiterate herself and hence couldn't write down her own story, Ms. Erickson has to spend a great deal of time on conjecture and educated guesses about what may have been going through Mary's mind at a particular point in time. This distraction aside, the book is still worth the short time it would take to read.
Ever wanted a reason to not become a criminal?.......2006-06-03
Terrifying story of the dangers of the sea and the horrors of life on prison ships.
Thank heavens I have never committed any of the crimes (or at least been caught) that would have doomed me to the punishment of being on a ship bound for Botany Bay.
Mary Broad's story of "Crime and Punishment" is a vivid description of 18th century survival under the harshest conditions.
Sealed into a filthy, animalistic hold of a ship and bound for halfway around the world to be imprisioned on the primative Botany Bay, Mary's life goes from bad to worse prompting a plan to escape via a small boat.
With her husband and friends, Mary sets off to get anywhere but Botany Bay. Battered by weather that would have challenged the largest of ships, the little group of escaped convicts suffer hunger and thirst, lose sight of the coast, and find themselves in the open sea.
Finally they drag into the harbor of Kupang where they are accepted and given the warmest of welcomes. Finally, for the first time in her life, Mary experiences pleasures of life that had always been out of her reach. But this dream-life comes to an end when the residents of Kupang realize that their new friends are escaped prisoners.
Mary is turned over to the British and returned to England. Standing trial once again she is to be remanded to Newgate Prison -- it was new then -- but public sentiment moves the courts to determine that Mary has been punished enough and she is released.
The rest of her life is spent quietly and she passes into history without any more notice. The only reason we know her story or even have any interest in the story of Mary Brand is because she was "The Girl from Botany Bay".
Not bad at all.......2005-11-20
Generally I don't enjoy non fiction quite as much as plain old fiction books, but this was an exception.
The story of Mary Broad is quite touching. Arrested for highway robbery and sentenced to hang, she was one of the first waves of convicts to be sailed halfway across the world to England's newest penal colony of Australia. Once there she made a daring escape with her husband, two small children and seven other men. They stole a small dingy and sailed all the way around Australia and then to Indonesia, where they were recaptured and taken back to England for trial. One in England, Mary, whose small children and husband had died since escaping, became a darling of the media and was pardoned.
This is an incredible story, and it's written almost in a novel like fashion, making it accessible to all readers. I look forward to reading more of the author's works.
If you enjoyed this book try reading Morgan's Run by Colleen McCullough for a fictional account of the great prison experiment and information on the Norfolk Island settlement of the colony.
Nice to see more excellent 'commoner' biographies.......2005-08-08
Mary Broad had a brief moment of celebrity, and this is probably one of the only reasons we know so much about the life and times of not just Broad, but others like her. Women who lived a hand to mouth existence, who trod on the wrong side of the law, and then suffered the horrific consequences of British Justice in the late Eighteenth century.
Broad was committed to transportation to the extremely new colony of New South Wales in Australia, first imprisoned on the stinking hulks which had their own brutal justice systems on board. Then the terrible long journey half way round the world, only to reach Australia and suffer famine from failed crops.
Her stoicism in spite of enormous hardship and her ability to survive are testament to an extraordinary woman, and her story of survival is amazing.
Erikson has done a great job as usual drawing from sources to outline the social aspects of the time and combining them to reflect what she lived through where her accounts are limited. Certainly, there are many accounts of male life in transporation but few remain of what women's lot were. Sian Rees published a great book a few years ago called Floating Brothel, which I would highly recommend to read with this one - it follows a transport ship of women and what happened to them on the ship and after - as the title of that book reflects it was not an easy voyage.
Mary Broad escaped from Australia and was eventually recaptured and returned to Britain where she was imprisoned again, only the intervention of the writer, Boswell (who was famous for his connection to the Johnson) garnered a royal pardon for her.
Erickson has been a prolific but good writer, I have enjoyed many of her previous biographies including and excellent one on the Regency period. It was a very good read, but my only real quibble with it is I felt it was less fluid than some I have read lately which have been page turners (without being tabloid). It had a nice measured pace and I found I was kept interested in the outcome to the end. Overall a nice interesting history which should appeal to a wide range of readers.
A Book of Human Suffering.......2005-02-24
I was aware that England used Australia as a place to send prisoners during the American Revolutionary War years and later, but I never realized how miserable the living conditions were and the human cargo that was shipped there arrived more dead than alive. Botany Bay actually was located on the southern shore of the island of Tasmania, but conditions were such that the prisoners were transferred to what is now Sydney harbor. Lawbreakers in England such as Mary Bryant were routinely sentenced to death by hanging. Mary was one of those whose life was spared and chosen to serve her sentence in Australia. After several punishing months at sea and living in filth on the ship in addition to becomming pregnant by a male passenger the group of convicts arrived at their destination. Living conditions for the prisoners encouraged everyone to plot their escape from this living hell hole. Mary, along with her husband, child, and other prisoners escaped and headed for the island of Timor. This is a story of sadistic guards who enjoyed abusing their authority by having violators whipped for escape attempts and other rule violations. Mary and her family were to be returned to England after being recaptured, but her husband and now two children both died before arriving. Mary expected to be resentenced to death, but James Boswell, a friend of King George, wrote asking for a pardon for Mary for all the trials and tribulations she had been through. His appeal was successful and Mary received a pardon along with a yearly annunity from James Boswell for her to live on. This is a book of human suffering while traveling on a ship in terrible weather in addition to the suffering while in captivity in Australia. The English weren't bashful in handing out death penalities to its citizens, and sentencing offenders to Australia to live in squalor if they survived the trip was a way of just getting these people out of their hair and the country. This is a sad chapter in the history of England.
Average customer rating:
- Marcia Willett stirs my heart again with this glorious book
- Delicious Return to the Moors
- A comfy curl up with book
- New Families, Old Friends Unite in Cozy Tale of Tragedy and Renewal
- Another great Read!
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Echoes of the Dance
Marcia Willett
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0312361009
Release Date: 2007-04-03 |
Book Description
In the mellow stone house of his childhood, Roly Carradine has found refuge in the stream running past the garden where a heron makes his nest. A broken marriage and a terrible burden of guilt made Roly remove himself from his busy London life; here in Cornwall he welcomes Kate, who also seeks refuge from the grief of losing her husband, and young Daisy Quin, a dancer recovering from a back injury.
Roly’s son Nat, a garden designer with his own secret, lives not far away, and is plagued by the unsympathetic visits of his mother Monica, Roly’s ex-wife. Daisy, her burgeoning talent frustrated by her back problems, has been taken in by Mim, Roly’s sister and a brilliant ballerina until an accident forced her into early retirement. Living in Bath, Daisy thinks she has found love with the attractive schoolmaster in the nearby flat---but her dreams prove to be false ones.
Treating Marcia Willett’s ardent fans to a return visit with some of her most endearing characters from previous books, Echoes of the Dance is a gem of a story to be savored.
Customer Reviews:
Marcia Willett stirs my heart again with this glorious book.......2007-10-21
"Echos of the Dance" is a complex, heartwarming story of love, loss, and somehow finding along the way that we are never truly alone. God walks with us every step of the way. The ending of this book was one of the best endings I've ever read. It gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
Roly, Kate, Daisy, Mim are some of the main characters. All are alone now for various reasons and yet they find a way to keep moving forward. Roly is great at solving other peoples problems and he is referred to in the book as the great unwumbler. Kate is trying to move on and find a place in life after the death of her husband. Willett writes with such a sense of knowing that you can just feel what Kate is feeling and how it would be to go through something like that. Daisy is young, a dancer who has injuries that might prevent her from returning to dance again. Mim has a story to tell too, but I don't want to give it all away. Let's just say that Marcia Willett has done it again. If you enjoy her books, this one won't disappoint you. She is a beautiful writer. So, buy it, and find a cozy corner and enjoy another life adventure in the beautiful English countryside.
Delicious Return to the Moors.......2007-07-23
Oh what an inestimable treat to find our old friends Cass Wivenhoe (although only mentioned in passing, but very much in our hearts) and Kate Webster, whom we met in First Friends and Friend of the Family!
When I eagerly picked up this latest from wonderful Marcia Willett, I had no idea it was a sequel of sorts, and so was doubly delighted to find dear Kate Webster, whom we last saw happy at last in a new and companionable marriage. Now she is widowed, and in the throes of indecision: sell or keep the house? Give her heart again to a dog (as readers of the series know, Kate has been a dog breeder, but now has no dogs at all!)? She is in a "dither," and our hearts go out to her.
Then there are all the new and wonderful people to get to know: Roly, a friend of Kate's of long-standing; his choreographer sister Mim, whose brilliant dancing career was halted after a serious accident many years before; a lovely, fey young dancer, Daisy, recuperating after her own serious injury and in love with the wrong man; and so many others. Willet's genius is that she allows the reader to get to know her characters as they would real people...slowly, and with growing understanding.
There is a sweet and understated plot, as always, but I won't belabor it here. Suffice to say that this book absolutely can't be missed. I recommend it as a first Willet read or, for those of us who have become enamored of this wonderful British author, an absolutely delicious sequel. Enjoy!
A comfy curl up with book.......2007-07-16
Marcia Willet can write, I'll give her that. And this book is peopled with lovely folks you'd like to sit down with over a cup of tea. Young Daisy Quin has had an injury which threatens to end her dancing career. Roly Carradine has mostly his dogs for company. His sister Mim is busy with dance comapany productions. He would enjoy offering Daisy a place in which to rest and heal. Others find themselves in various less than satisfactory situations. Salvation, or no? A nice warm, comfy read getting there.
New Families, Old Friends Unite in Cozy Tale of Tragedy and Renewal.......2007-05-28
Marcia Willett brings her special brand of English charm to this family saga set in the Cornish countryside. Mim Carradine is an acclaimed ballerina who suffers a career-ending tragedy, the details of which have far-reaching consequences. She finds comfort in managing a school to train dancers for the stage. Uncannily, history seems to repeat itself when one of her former star pupils also suffers a career-ending accident. Lured to Mim's family home in Cornwall, Daisy rediscovers her inner strength as she choreographs a Christmas matinee and puts to rest the remnants of a love affair gone sour. Pivotal to this novel is Mim's brother, Roly Carradine, who harbors a long-standing secret that has led him to alcoholism, divorce, and a rocky relationship with his son.
Followers of Willett's series will be delighted with the reappearance of Kate Webster, one of Willett's most endearing characters (First Friends, A Friend of the Family) as she has reached her senior years and has many problems to bear: her grief as a widow, finances that are forcing her to sell her family home, and the fact that her son Guy and his family are moving to Canada. It's all too much to bear for Kate, but she finds consolation and help from her dear friend Roly Carradine, his son Nat, and Nat's friend Janna.
Along with enchanting new characters like Janna, Nat, and Daisy, there are glimpses of old friends from previous Willett novels: Harriett, Michael, Gemma, Guy, and Giles all appear and there is mention of Cass, Felicity, and Bruno. The old and the new mix wonderfully for an enchanting new story that lets the reader see how Kate and her sons have progressed through the years.
As with all Willett novels, loose ends are resolved nicely and everyone is looking to the future with new hope. If family sagas with happy endings are your cup of tea, you will find this one spot on.
Another great Read!.......2007-05-13
I am a huge fan of Marcia Willett and her latest book didn't disappoint me. Many of the characters have been in previous books and it was so nice to revisit them as they have aged. It was like visiting relatives you haven't seen in a while. Added to the story were new characters that I hope will be in future novels. Her stories are so good that you just want to live in the places she describes and be good friends with the characters.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful, witty, clever
- A gentle, English comedy-of-manners
- Not a bad read, but don't expect thoroughgoing farce--
- Great book! Very warm and romantic ! I love it.
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Harnessing Peacocks (King Penguin)
Mary Wesley
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0140123938 |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful, witty, clever.......2004-04-17
This is a writer of great intelligence, sense of humor and irony. All her books display the same offbeat and surprising characters and are both charming and very funny, as well as humane. I keep rereading them!
A gentle, English comedy-of-manners.......2001-07-03
"Harnessing Peacocks" is one of my all-time favorite books. In some ways, it's a typical British comedy-of-manners, but with terrific, quirky characters and a gentle, romantic plot.
Teenaged Hebe runs away from the home she shares with her grandparents when she overhears them and her bossy older sisters plotting to get her an unwanted abortion.
We see her again as her son, Silas, is growing old enough to question his background. His mother has raised him on her own, cooking for wealthy elderly clients and "tarting" (as she calls it) for several selected men, to be able to provide him with the same upbringing she had. She is smart, fiercely independent, and vulnerable (although she doesn't realize it).
One of my favorite things about this book is Wesley's wonderfully quirky and complex characters.
If you enjoy other authors such as Barbara Pym, Laurie Colwin and Jane Austen, I think you will enjoy this book.
Not a bad read, but don't expect thoroughgoing farce--.......2001-03-16
"Harnessing Peacocks" is a sometimes comic, sometimes slice-of-life novel about a prostitute who takes up gourmet cookery and earns money at both so she can send her child to a fancy boarding school. With great effort she keeps her personal and private lives separate. You know, of course, the dam has to break at some point or there wouldn't be a book.
Perhaps it's just my American impatience but I thought the book took too long to get off the ground. Characters' habits and daily activities were explored more than necessary and by the time the farcical elements got going, I felt relief more than enthusiasm. Still, the writing was excellent and the characters were well drawn. I can see why Wesley is a popular author in her native Great Britain.
Great book! Very warm and romantic ! I love it........1999-05-22
A very heart warming story to give you hope on a cold and miserable day
Average customer rating:
- Best bride finder book yet!
- I think this was the best of the three books
- Midnight Bride
- *Sigh* What a sweet love story
- Awesome!
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Midnight Bride: A Novel
Susan Carroll
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Carroll, Susan
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ASIN: 0345436369
Release Date: 2006-12-26 |
Amazon.com
Setting: Torrecombe, Cornwall, 1770s
Sensuality rating: 7
Hip, hip, hooray! Susan Carroll's Midnight Bride, the third in the St. Leger series, will delight readers with its piquant humor, fiery sensuality, and white-knuckled suspense. Dr. Valentine St. Leger, younger son of Anatole and Madeline St. Leger, is a gifted healer. But his gift, the ability to eradicate his patients' suffering by absorbing it himself, has left Val partially crippled after healing his brother Lance's battle wounds. That matters nothing to Kate Fitzleger, adopted daughter of the St. Leger's bride finder; Kate has loved Val all her life and will do anything--even turn to the dark arts--to make Val return her love and choose her for his bride.
But the St. Leger legend conspires against Val and Kate, promising an untimely death for any woman foolhardy enough to marry into the family. When fate intervenes in the form of a malignant stranger, Val finds himself transformed, ready to risk all--even Kate's life--to slake the passion burning for the mischievous sprite who loves him. Kate, initially thrilled by Val's passionate overtures, begins to question the changes in the man she loves. Could it be just the magic talking? Susan Carroll's suspenseful tale of the supernatural and sexy star-crossed lovers is a page-turner and sure to be another hit. Carroll's fans eagerly await each new offering; expect great things from this gifted storyteller. --Alison Trinkle
Book Description
In her award-winning historical novel The Bride Finder, bestselling author Susan Carroll bewitched readers with the legend of the St. Leger men--the descendants of a medieval sorcerer haunted by an unnatural past. Now Carroll once again conjures the unforgettable castle by the sea--a place where love is as mysterious and invincible as the family legacy. . . .
Valentine St. Leger is a healer with a wounded heart. Born with the amazing gift to eliminate the suffering of others by taking their pain into his own body, Val's gentle hands cannot change a tormenting truth: he will never marry. According to history, should he defy his destiny and wed, his unfortunate bride would be doomed to an early death. Though he aches for the one woman who knows all his secrets, he cannot return her passion. Until a night of magic transforms Val into a different man, a man with desires he can no longer resist.
Kate Fitzleger has loved Val almost her entire life and is not about to let a foolish superstition ruin her chance for happiness. Venturing into a forbidden room of the St. Leger castle to steal an ancient book of sorcery, she desperately hopes to find a powerful love potion. On All Hallow's Eve, when the spirits of good and evil mingle upon the earth, Kate tempts fate with an unholy spell that goes awry.
When Val awakens, he has no memory of the bizarre events that have changed him--the visit from an old enemy or the return of a lost heirloom that has altered his soul. All he knows is that life is for the living . . . and his fair Kate is ripe for seduction. He will tempt heaven and hell to have her--even if it means he could lose her forever.
Brimming with enchanting characters and stunning atmosphere, Valentine's Bride is a romantic masterpiece that will hold your imagination captive and provide a glimpse of a timeless world found only in dreams or the most treasured love stories.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Best bride finder book yet!.......2007-04-28
A terrific story with a rousing series of final events. This time the author creates more than a love story. It's got it all here, magic, mystery, the awesome Prospero. The love scenes were rocking. Everything about this book was different and interesting. A wonderful side storyline of redemption too that proved as moving as the main story itself. Characterizations of Val & Kate were especially compelling, as was even Victor, and of course Rafe.
I hope Val & Kate build their home at Lostland! I'll be watching for anymore in the series. I have begun to like the St. Leger's that I didn't care for in the first book BRIDE FINDER.
I think this was the best of the three books.......2007-04-05
What a wonderful little tale and a great finish to Carroll's St. Legar series. Kate was a wonderful heroine, and a great foil against Prospero the ghost. I loved their scenes together, they were quite "magical". And I especially loved the scenes after Kate cast her "love spell" and it appeared she may have mistakenly cast it in the wrong direction. LOL.
An extremely pleasant, easy breezy read. Great beach book or for a rainy afternoon.
Midnight Bride.......2007-04-01
I really like this book. A little mystery, a lot of love, and much suspence. It was a very good book!!
*Sigh* What a sweet love story.......2007-02-04
I love all 3 of Susan Carroll's Leger family novels. After finishing the first one, The Bride Finder, I was hooked. Each subsequent novel was as endearing as the first. Another thoroughly entertaining read, it has been a great treat to myself to read Midnight Bride over several nights, while I soaked in my hot tub - especially after long tiring days. Ms. Carroll, can you please give us more on the Legers?
Awesome!.......2004-06-22
I read romance novels like they are going out of style. At times I feel as if I have read it all. It seems at times as if all romance novels are just one great repeating book with different characters. However, Midnight Bride was a breath of fresh air. I found the plot to be new and exciting. I even began to feel compassion for the villian. I thought it was well written and delightful. Kate was unlike any heroine I have ever read. This was actually the first Susan Carroll book I have ever read but I plan on reading the first two books in the St. Leger saga. The third book didn't really give too much away on the other stories, I am sure I will enjoy the first two books just as much as I enjoyed the thrid.
Book Description
In the golden time of Arthur and Guenevere, the Island of the West shines like an emerald in the sea—one of the last strongholds of Goddess-worship and Mother-right. Isolde is the only daughter and heiress of Ireland’s great ruling queen, a lady as passionate in battle as she is in love. La Belle Isolde, like her mother, is famed for her beauty, but she is a healer instead of a warrior, “of all surgeons, the best among the isles.” A natural peacemaker, Isolde is struggling to save Ireland from a war waged by her dangerously reckless mother. The Queen is influenced by her lover, Sir Marhaus, who urges her to invade neighboring Cornwall and claim it for her own, a foolhardy move Isolde is determined to prevent. But she is unable to stop them. King Mark of Cornwall sends forth his own champion to do battle with the Irish—Sir Tristan of Lyonesse—a young, untested knight with a mysterious past. A member of the Round Table, Tristan has returned to the land of his birth after many years in exile, only to face Ireland’s fiercest champion in combat. When he lies victorious but near death on the field of battle, Tristan knows that his only hope of survival lies to the West. He must be taken to Ireland to be healed, but he must go in disguise—for if the Queen finds out who killed her beloved, he will follow Marhaus into the spirit world. His men smuggle him into the Queen’s fort at Dubh Lein, and beg the princess to save him.
From this first meeting of star-crossed lovers, an epic story unfolds. Isolde’s skill and beauty impress Tristan’s uncle, King Mark of Cornwall, and—knowing nothing of her love for Tristan—he decides to make her his queen, a match her mother encourages as a way to bind their lands under one rule. Tristan and Isolde find themselves caught in the crosscurrents of fate, as Isolde is forced to marry a man she does not love. Taking pity on her daughter, the Queen gives her an elixir that will create in her a passion for King Mark and ensure that their love will last until death. But on the voyage to Ireland, Tristan and Isolde drink the love potion by accident, sealing their already perilous love forever.
So begins the first book of the
Tristan and Isolde trilogy, another stunning example of the storyteller’s craft from Rosalind Miles, author of the beloved and bestselling
Guenevere trilogy.
Customer Reviews:
isolde, queen of the western isle.......2007-07-12
This book, while heavily researched & rich with characters, just didn't live up to my expectations. I do appreciate the fact that Miles obviously researched this topic, & I loved the fact that she gave me a picture of pagan Ireland, but the characters of Tristan & Isolde seem to get lost in the mix. Instead of keeping the focus on these two, the chapters dance back & forth between many characters that should be marginal. Judging by the number of pages that Merlin, Arthur, Gawain, & several others warrant, I'm not sure that this book should be titled "Isolde. . . . "
Personally, I would have enjoyed a first person narration (by Isolde) in this instance. I think that I would have felt more connected with her & her story. I would only recommend this book to someone already interested in & familiar with the Tristan & Isolde tale.
If forced to choose between this book & a visit to the gynecologist -- head for the stirrups........2007-02-19
Here's the thing -- I wanted to learn the story of Isolde and that is why I picked up this book in the first place. I have read one other Miles book (I, Elizabeth) and that wasn't very impressive but I thought I'd give Isolde a try. It was painful! Miles chronically uses flamboyant and overstated language which just feels silly. Her characters are very poorly developed. Also, the author has a strange habit of often not setting up scenes which is resultingly jolting -- leaves the reader thinking, 'Wait! Where the heck did that come from?' After reading this book, I couldn't decide if I was more annoyed with the author for writing like this or with her editors for publishing such weak, unskilled writing.
Horrible!.......2007-01-28
This is the first Rosalind Miles book I have read, and I am not moved to read another. The language was so very hokey that it was painful to read at times. The book was filled with dull characters, cliche descriptions, and overly dramatic scenes like a B movie script. I was very disappointed.
Rosalind Miles gets carried away by the magic of her own writings.......2007-01-22
Rosalind Miles is a gifted writer. Her retelling of this famous story of Tristan and Isolde is full of magic, lyrical language, poetic descriptions of nature, places and events, but at times, too sweet. Too much magic, I think, can disorient even the most skilled writers.
This book is the first of a series, and in my experience, I find that often times a writer has enough material to write just one book, and somehow they stretch it into two or three more books. I think that accounts for much of the excessive use of exuberant and effusive language, and the lack of substance.
I agree with some other readers about her uncharacteristic superficial characters, but I think the focus here in the story, not the characters, which are described in full detail. They don't do much, other than support the story's plot.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book just as I enjoyed "I, Elizabeth," a novel/biography that is still one of my all time favorites.
A satisfying romance.......2006-06-12
I am such a sap for romance; I thrive on the trembling kiss, the declaration of undying love. If you, like I, enjoy reading of a love that will endure all obstacles and come out triumphant in the end, this is the book for you. Granted, there are definite flaws in the writing. Somehow, Tristan is able to be able to sail to Ireland to be healed by the beautiful Isolde, spend an unknown amount of time riding horses and falling in love with her, return to his uncle Mark's castle in Cornwall, ramble on about the perfect Isolde to his uncle, accidentally swear to win Isolde's hand for his uncle, return to Ireland to propose this union between Isolde and Mark, and return to Cornwall with Isolde in tow--all in the time it takes Kind Arthur's knights to roam the country side in search of a gypsy woman. Either the honorable Knights of the Roundtable move uncommonly slow or Tristan's ship sails impossibly fast. Yes, as I said, this book does hold some flaws such as the aforementioned error in time judgement. Yet, it is in fact a wonderful story about an unconquerable love. Enjoy!
Download Description
This is a beautiful look at the Father�s heart. This sensitive selection includes short love notes and letters, as well as prophetic words from God to those among His children who diligently seek Him. Be ready for a time with God as you read this book.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful devotional.......2006-12-19
I really enjoyed reading this book one page per day along with the scripture references. It was light and inspiring. This would be a nice gift idea.
Understanding the Father's Heart.......2001-09-25
This is a book that EVERY person NEEDS! It will help you make it though the toughest time, the most tender times, and the best of times! It is truly anointed by the Father. It is the first book that I have found that you do not read from cover to cover, you just open it up to ANY page... and the Father is right there speaking into your situation, no matter what the situation is.
I highly recommend EVERYONE get a copy and keep it with you ever day. I have given this book as a gift many times, to then hear back of how it blessed their socks off. Do you want your socks blessed off too? READ the Book!
God's Heart of Love.......2000-10-24
This has to be the very best book I have ever read on understanding how much God loves me and what a friend He is to me! Anybody who reads this book will be very very blessed, I encourage as many people as possible to read it... Be Blessed!!
God speaks individually to you through this book........1999-09-22
I was givren a copy of this book while in the hospital and about as low as one could get. I had just been moved from a room I truly enjoyed and had been in for approximately 10 weeks, to a dark room with a dying roomate. I was very, very angry with the hospital, the nurse who moved me and most of all this guy dying right next to ME!!!! I had just finished reading my novel and all that I had was this book. I started to read it and all my thoughts were "what type of crap is this?" Then I hit (Page #9 I think) God writes TO ME "Iknow you are upset and I too am upset at those who have hurt you. Just say the word and I will bring my vengence on them because I am here to right the wrong." Well now I said to myself, this is more like it Yeah God slay em all. Reading further He reminds me of forgiveness and I realize how foolish I have been. This book has been my companion over the years and I have given maybe 50 copies to others and all have marveled at its content.
A superb collection of letters from our Heavenly Father.......1998-10-04
This book contains a glimpse into our Father's true ways. He has no intention of letting us down or giving up on us. In this book the Lord communicates with us in a fantastic way--the fact that we are important to him. I anticipate a sequel in the near future.
Book Description
This book is part of the series Core Knowledge in Orthopaedics, designed to meet needs expressed by residents for a relatively brief, affordable reference that will enable them to quickly grasp the key concepts and core knowledge needed on each major service within an orthopaedics training program. Brief outlines present need-to-know information and up-to-date content, reflecting the core knowledge involved in techniques used to reconstruct, repair and regenerate bone, soft tissue, nerves, tendons, and more! The field of hand surgery was identified as the area in which residents felt the greatest need for a concise volume that would guide them through their clinical service. The title in the series provides concise, clinically practical coverage of the broad range of disorders of the hand and upper extremities Dr. Trumble is a member of the Council of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand and lectures consistently at meetings of ASSH and at the Hand Society Specialty Day presentations for American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Customer Reviews:
good book for boards.......2007-03-16
this book is concise yet carries a lot information in an easy to read format.I highly recomend it for registrars preparing for their FCS or Mmed exams.
Customer Reviews:
A Must For Rosamunde Pilcher Fans.......2005-10-02
Since Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, I was thrilled to discover this magnificent book filled with charming stories and glorious photographs of the settings she so warmly captures in her books. From the cover photo of a country home on the south coast of Cornwall to the charming interior photos of homes reminiscent of the Balmerino and Aird homes in September, this is a delightful coffee table book that captures the essence of Pilcher country.
Rosamunde writes most lovingly of how she found her home in the Bank House in Scotland and then treats the reader to page after page of impressive photos that will make you want to pack your bags and head straightaway for either the beaches of Cornwall or on to the romantic estates of Scotland.
There are photos of an adult Rosamunde pegging her wash as Penelope might have in The Shell Seekers, as a child playing with her sister on the beach in St. Ives, on her wedding day to Graham Pilcher and many more. The cut-lines reveal the story of her mother-in-law who had a love life worthy of a Pilcher novel, her love for The Elms, the stately mansion where she grew up, and the inspiration for the settings in her novels and short stories. Quotes from The Shell Seekers, September, Coming Home, The Empty House, Another View, The Day of the Storm, Wild Mountain Thyme and other works accompany the photographs.
As well there are recipes for scones, treacle tart, creme brulee with raspberries, and more of the mouth-watering treats that have her readers yearning to sit in Penelope's kitchen or to be served tea by Violet Aird.
There is a section of the paintings that inspired her, perhaps were even the inspiration for the work of Lawrence Stern in The Shell Seekers. Most impressive to me was the painting of Laura Knight which readers of Coming Home will remember is the one Gus thought of the first time he saw Loveday.
The pictures of Scotland were equally impressive and since my favorite Pilcher novel is September, I was thrilled to see a home that might well have been Corriehill, the gala dancing which took me to Katy Steynton's birthday party, and the candle-lit table where Archie and Isobel entertained at dinner before the bash.
Truly a breathtaking book for armchair travellers in general, and readers of Rosamunde Pilcher novels in particular.
--Pleasant interlude--.......2004-07-03
The stories of Rosamunde Scott Pilcher are so enjoyable that those of us who have read them, can't help but wonder about her life. This book is more of a celebration of her work rather than her personal history, although, I did learn a little of her background.
Rosamunde Scott was born in Lelant, England, a small village in Cornwall; however, she's lived in Dundee, Scotland, since 1955. The book gives a short, but interesting account from Pilcher, about looking for and eventually finding a flat for sale in a beautiful Victorian Bank Building in Dornoch, Scotland. The flat was apparently used as a vacation home. The book also contains quite a few wonderful old and new family photographs, and several of Pilcher's recipes.
I loved the photograph of "The Elms," which was the Scott home, where Rosamunde spent her childhood. Another interesting picture is the one of Talland House in St. Ives. It was the home of Florence Pilcher Dow, Rosamunde's mother-in-law. We're told that Talland House was once the home of Virginia Woolf's family.
There are many excerpts given from Pilcher's books. They are accompanied by glorious photographs and paintings that really illustrate her stories. The cover of the book shows an enchanting Tudor style cottage that's located in Cornwall. My guess was that it might be Pilcher's home, but it's actually another illustration of the type of house that often shows up in her stories. I also thought that the interiors shown were from Pilcher's own home, but they were not identified as such. I believe they were, again, used to illustrate the excerpts from her stories. I admit to being a little disappointed that they were not her rooms.
I consider this to be a "coffee table" book, easy reading accompanied by lovely pictures.
Enchanting.......2002-03-24
This book whispered and sang about her life. One could smell the rooms in the houses shown and touch the fine furniture, feel the wind on one's face and Rosamunds love for the world she lives in.
See where the inspiration comes from.......2001-03-24
I have enjoyed Rosamunde Pilcher's writing for over twenty years. This book, "The World of Rosamunde Pilcher" opens a window into the land and people that inspire her. There is a brief (all too brief in my opinion), autobiographical section of her childhood, and her husband's upbringing. Her mother-in-law has a love story worthy of a Pilcher book. There are photographs of her as a child, and young married and with her family. The bulk of the book is devoted to the country in which she now lives. The story she tells of acquiring the Bank house could also be straight out of a Pilcher book. There are pages of photos of the highlands of Scotland, the coast of Cornwell and the hustle and bustle of London. It also goes into the homes she inhabits and the furnishings. We are able to see how and where she lives, get a sense of her as a person. It is easy to feel a sense of the country she loves so well, and the photos are accompanied by the author's own words. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys this prolific author, and gives an insight into what inspires and colours her wonderful tales.
GLORIOUS, BRILLIANT AND HEARTWARMING..........2000-10-10
Reminded me of my childhood. There are so many simple things they did like going to the ocean that filled my heart with gladness and gave me fond memories. Always looking for "a home" too, I've found where I'd like to spend my retirement.
Customer Reviews:
When you are ready and open to the idea, it is well worth it.......2007-01-09
A pastor at my church loaned me her copy of the book, but at the time I was not ready to read it. I was later urged by a good friend and bishop to read it from cover to cover, so I did. If asked what I think, you have to be spiritually ready to read it and once you do it is well worth it. I recommend it to babies in Christ who are seeking to better understand the how important praying with spiritual authority and power is and that only through putting God in rememberance of His word and His promises will doorways open up where you hear from God and obtain better understanding of His will for your life. It is my desire to read it again, this time in conjunction with the bible and I suggest you do too.
Prayer is a dialogue.... actually a response..........2006-01-20
Judson Cornwall does an excellent job of explaining that our conversations with our Heavenly Father should be a RESPONSE to what He has already said. As we delight ourselves in the Lord and in His Word, He will place His desires in our hearts (Psalm 37:4). If we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will ask whatever we desire and it shall be done for us (John 15:7).
It would be prudent to read this book at least once a year.
Prayer That Takes God At His Word.......2005-03-23
Judson Cornwall's book is a challenge to pray the Scriptures. Cornwall offers easy to follow chapters on the power and purpose of praying the Bible directly back to God. Cornwall doesn't misuse the text to force God to act but rather he sees the Bible as God's promises to believers and we are to act upon those promises (2 Cor. 1:21).
Cornwall balances his chapters with much Scripture and with personal illustrations to help the reader grasp the importance of his principles.
This a book that every praying disciple should read and study.
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- The Lean Manufacturing Pocket Handbook
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- The Party's Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies
- The Simple Home: The Luxury of Enough (American Institute Architects)
- The TUFFCUFF Strength and Conditioning Manual for Baseball Pitchers: A 52-week guide to pitching workouts and throwing programs
- The World's Best Tax Havens: How to Cut Your Taxes to Zero and Safeguard Your Financial Freedom
- Understanding Variation: The Key to Managing Chaos (2nd Edition)
- Unknown Quantity: A Real and Imaginary History of Algebra
- Water Encyclopedia, Five-Volume Set
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