Product Description
This is the first volume of a trilogy about Lyttons, a great publishing house and the family that own it. The three books are set in the period before, during and after the Second World War and they cover the lives of three generations of this powerful and passionate family.

Book one will introduce Oliver Lytton, the head of the firm and indeed of the family and his beautiful wife, Lady Celia. They have three children: Giles, the ambitious heir to Lyttons who is engaged to the perfect woman for a man with an important future; Elspeth, who is spoilt, difficult and beautiful and already in a disastrous marriage to a rich philandering layabout; and Kit who, though an afterthought, is, at eleven years of age, the golden boy and the apple of his parents’ eye.

The story is about divided loyalties, both personal and professional, reaching crisis point when these two domains collide. It is about secrets, lies and the dangers of telling the truth. It is about ruthlessness, ambition and power. But above all, it is about a powerful family and the politics that are unavoidable. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Wonderful reading!
I purchased the Penny Vincenzi trilogy as a gift after almost wearing my set out by sharing with friends!Have not met anyone who read these three books, No Angel, Something Dangerous, and Into Temptation say they did not like them!Great winter by-the-fire books!!!!

Page turner
Vincenzi is the mistress of creating family sagas. I thought I would find it hard to relate to the large cast of characters in the novel, but the author manages skillfully to ensure development and individuality in the many characters included in this novel, over a long time period.

It's quickly engrossing, invoking many emotions throughout - hate, love, depression, with betrayal, testing of loyalties and secrets. I couldn't put this down. It's very satisfying, and I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Readable, but not a favorite
No Angel is the first in a trilogy about Lytton's publishing house, especially Celia, a young girl who marries into the family in 1905 by getting herself pregnant. This particular book covers the Edwardian period up until the 1920s.

It's a great story, with some great characters, not the least of which is Celia herself. She's not the most likeable character; indeed, sometimes I found myself wishing she wasn't so headstrong, so spoiled, so determined to get what she wants no matter what. But you also have to admire a woman like Celia, despite her faults. The author's descriptions of the publishing industry are very detailed, though I thought at times that she was describing the modern publishing industry rather than that of the 1920s.

The plot moves swiftly; therefore, this book is an incredibly readable one. The author is very fond of the "in the nick of time" school of writing--for example, Celia and Oliver are just about to go on a voyage on the Titanic, and one of the children gets sick... and then nobody tells Celia about it, until the son does, on the eve of departure. I understand the motive behind writing like this, but after several instances of this, I got a bit tired of it.

There are also a few moments where I just didn't believe it. For example, right out of the blue, Celia decides to up and join Maud Pember Reeves's Fabian Society. Her efforts lead her to the random adoption of Barty, a young girl who quickly becomes a part of the Lytton family. I just didn't buy the whole thing, especially since the Miller family seemed very stereotypical and their home a very cleaned-up version of the real thing. And I just didn't like the relationship between LM and her working-class lover, something that probably wouldn't have happened in real life. Despite the things I didn't like about this book, however, I actually did enjoy reading this book. It's rather soap opera-ish in many places, but it's an easy read.

Guilty pleasure...
She seems to effortlessly spin yarn after yarn...Her books are fun....re-read the Forsythe Saga recently and guess what?It really isn't much better; it's just that it was a "first" endless family saga-type work.Anyway, Penny is a very entertaining writer. I happen to love the books on audio - plowing through all of them, including others outside the Lytton saga. Just resign yourself good, turgid fun.No need to look for the Nobel Prize on these pages.I do disagree with the reviewer who said she didn't capture the period - I feel she did that quite nicely, albeit with many cliches thrown in here and there.But - she's slick - her writing goes down well. And by the way, in her other books, the sex isn't so "tastefully" scandalous.Thre's lots of raunchy sex if you try some of the other novels (such as "An Absolute Scandal").

Felt gipped at the end
Like other reviewers here, I found Vincenzi's family saga unputdownable--but only for a while. I grew restive in the last third of the book as I sensed increasingly Vincenzi manipulating the ending so that the saga could continue. Some of the action was predictable (of course Lady C didn't run away w/ Sebastian), and some of it, downright implausible. Indeed, I just couldn't buy it that Oliver would be found out as having conducted a transatlantic affair w/ someone else's wife, which would somehow make Lady C feel better. Puh-leeze! I wanted to like it, I really did. But by the end I could see why No Angel was on the Strand's $1 rack. ... Read more

Product Description
Annelie fell for Lukas the moment he walked into her pub three years ago. He’s stunning, his vivid green eyes lending to his otherworldly beauty, but he’s seriously out of her league. When he tells her that she’s beautiful and confesses that he wants her, she can’t resist him and his passionate kiss. She unleashes her desire and seizes the moment and Lukas with both hands. But Lukas has a secret, one that will test Annelie’s love for him and threaten to tear them apart.

He’s an angel.

Annelie can’t believe it when Lukas says that their feelings for each other aren’t a sin, but she can believe his pain when he tells her the reason he’s on Earth. He is fallen, cast out of Heaven as punishment for a crime he didn’t commit. Lukas isn’t about to give up and accept his fate though. He’s determined to prove both his innocence and his love for Annelie, and to show her that the intense passion they share is real.

When Lukas and Apollyon discover who framed him, will he be able to stop them from going after Serenity and Annelie? Will he be able to protect the woman he loves and fly away with her into their forever after?

ALL OF THE STORIES IN THE HER ANGEL SERIES STAND ALONE, JOINED BY CHARACTER AND WORLD ONLY, AND DO NOT NEED TO BE READ IN ORDER. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Worth the wait
After reading 'Her Dark Angel' I counted the days until this was released and purchased as soon as it was available. After purchasing I had it read within a few hours. Now that's not to say it was short but more like it kept my attention so rapt that I couldn't put it down.

Love this series and the author's writing style.

With a unique ability to make you participate in the emotions of the main characters allows you to feel completely immersed in their struggles. Not predictable in any sense of the word and truly enjoyment exemplified.

Another must read by Ms.Heaton, can't wait for the next book!! ... Read more

Product Description
The Remarkable Truth about the Agents of Heaven

People have long been fascinated by stories of angel sightings, yet many contemporary beliefs about angels are based on misconception and myth rather than solide, biblical truth.
As he's done so brilliantly for decades, respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah uses Scripture to unveil the remarkable truth about these agents of heaven and their role in our world and our lives.
What are angels? What is their role in God's plan? Are they present? Do they appear? Do they give us personal insight about our work and our worship?
In this broad and thorough survey of Scripture, Dr. Jeremiah clearly and simply separates fact from fiction as it relates to angels. His enlightening findings are supported with illustrations and insights from prominent teachers, such as Billy Graham, Corrie ten Boom, C. S. Lewis, and more.
Dr. Jeremiah's down-to-earth style guides readers around the hype about angels and directly into the "substance of things unseen!"
 
  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

Angels are Real
This was one of two different books on Angels we purchased for Wed. night Bible study. The first one is actual Bible study with questions and answers, but this is a very good one to go along with the other because it's more detailed regarding what Angels actually are, the roles they play or the work they do, when, where, how or for what reason they may appear to us. I like too that David Jeremiah has plenty of scripture to back up what he's saying. I think this is a very good book and I highly recommend it.

very good and educational
This was a very good book and I would definately tell others who want to know more about Angels to read it.It is good because it uses scriptures from the Bible and is all based on the Bible of how Angels are and of what they do.Too many peoplethese days think that Angels should be called upon and prayed to and act like they are worshipping them, which is a very big no no!I have noticed that in countless books about Angels, many people often will leave God out of the picture when in fact in was God who created the Angels and this book helped me to understand more about the Angels of the bible and of how they may help us today, with only God telling them to do so first.Anyway, I was really glad for this book and it expalined things really good about Angels and kept to the Bible.

A must read
This is a wonderful book to read along with your Bible. The only thing I would say is look at the Amplified Bible or New King James Bible for your scripture look ups if you have questions.It was very informative and puts things in prospective about worshipping and fearing God. Jerimiah is a great writer, I have several of his books that I use along with my Amplified Bible to study. Scriptures that have been glanced over come popping out when Jerimiah writes.I also recommend his book "What in the world is going on", on the book of Revelation.

On Scripture!
Basically I enjoyed Peter Kreeft's Angels (and Demons) more because it specifically talked about Angels and Demons themselves and how they are in nature. In Jeremiah's Angels its different but yet hits it right on the dot because you know your obtaining all this TRUE information from the Bible itself and not just from bright fake non-sense so that's what I like about it is that the information is AUTHENTIC and is from God's Word itself. The book uses a lot of scripture quotes and quotes from other authors who did hard core study on angels (such as Thomas Aquinas). So you shouldn't have to worry about receiving fluffy non-sense that was just brainstormed. Jeremiah takes the reader into a world where the angels thrive in scripture. The book doesn't talk too much about the Angels nature or all their effects within the human world but it he does go on to describe the works of the angels within the Bible and how similar sitings today could be truly authentic due to Bible passages that relate to the citing and experience. So if you want to learn more about Angels in the Bible world and how they relate to our world today PLEASE take a copy home. You will enjoy it. There's a short section on Demons which was interesting because it discusses Satan's nature and how and why he does the stuff he does. So you get pretty much whole bit of everything from MOSTLY Bible passages, a few human and real life situations, angels in their life with God, and a short bit on Demonology.I really enjoyed this book because it really delved into the angels from the BIBLE'S viewpoint. Get a copy now if your interested!

A Thoughtful Look at What the Bible Says about Angels
It's really cool to believe in angels. It's definitely cooler to believe in angels than in Jesus.

They're everywhere today. Cutesy little figurines in the church merch section of the Christian bookstore. TV shows about guardian angels. In movies, angels are the moody romantic lead, the friendly guide, the likable and smarmy comedic lead... Heck, a couple weeks back, there was even a movie about humanity having to be saved from God's wrath (brought by a legion of angels, who possess people as though they were demons) by the archangel, Michael, who has rebelled against God and kills the other angels with machine guns!

Then there's books. I don't know about you, but generally when I see a book about angels, I get a little nervous. Usually the only ones I see are by folks like Sylvia Browne and other new age spiritualists.

I say all this to give you a picture of the apprehension I faced when I saw the invite to read Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah. Because I'd never read any of his work before, I decided to give it a shot, uncertain of whether or not it would be beneficial or about as sketchy as a book with fold-out end times charts.

I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Jeremiah's book offers a refreshing, helpful look at the topic of angels as he takes readers through the Bible to discover who they are, what they do and why it matters.

Jeremiah does not present angels as being huggable, friendly creatures, departed loved ones who now have wings or babies in diapers. Instead, he presents us with the Bible's far more impressive and terrifying view.

"Real angels have been and are and shall forever be awesome warriors for God, agents of his wrath and power. We don't wonder in the least why people in the Bible who see angels are so often struck with terror at the sight" (p. 37).

They guard the gates of the garden with a flaming sword (Gen. 3:24). The angel of the Lord, with hand outstretched, sends a plague upon the people of Israel after David's sinful census (2 Sam. 24:15-17, 1 Chron. 21:14-17). In a single night, one angel kills one hundred eighty-five thousand Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35, 2 Chron. 32:21, Isa. 37:36). King Herod accepts worship as a god, but is killed by an angel, devoured by worms from within after the angels touch (Acts 12:21-23). These are just a few examples that Jeremiah gives. I don't expect to see these angels on a Valentines card anytime soon.

Ultimately, angels are servants, just as we are. They are created beings, like us; however, they are not spiritually progressed, evolved or transformed humans, they are a distinct class of beings (see p. 51).

And because they are created beings, they are never to be worshipped.

This point is one that can't be overstated. As Jeremiah points out, even the apostle John had to be reminded twice by an angel:

"After one ecstatic scene of heavenly worship at the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19), a guiding angel turned to John and asked him to write these words: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' The angel added, 'These are the true words of God.'

"At once, John 'fell at his feet to worship him.'

"The angel's rebuke was quick: 'Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!' (19:10)." [p. 54, emphasis in original]

Again, the angels are ruled by Jesus. They are not worthy of worship.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing chapters for me was the one dealing with "The Angel of the Lord." Jeremiah writes, "No doubt you've already noticed that often in an Old Testament passage the `angel' who's speaking is identified directly with God himself. The angel seems not just to be from the Lord, but actually to be the Lord" (p. 157). When I was reading through the Old Testament last year, this was one of the things that came up again and again. Who is the Angel of the Lord? Is he an angel that is more preeminent than all the others, or is he, perhaps, the pre-incarnate Christ?

John Calvin, M.J. Erickson, Lewis Sperry Chafer, C.F. Dickason and J.M. Wilson, each of whom are cited by the author, all lean toward the belief that the angel of the Lord may have been Christ. However, Jeremiah quoting Wilson reminds us,

"Yet it must be remembered that at best these are only conjectures that touch on a great mystery. . . . The appearances of the angel of the Lord . . . culminating in the coming of the Savior, and are thus a foreshadowing of, and a preparation for, the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Further than this is not safe to go" (p. 163).

Jeremiah, I think, wisely heeds this warning throughout as he keeps his conclusions fairly open-ended. In presenting the biblical evidence, the author presents two items that I found fascinating and curious.

The fascinating: "Appearances of the angel of the Lord ceased after the birth of Jesus Christ," he writes on p. 167, "a further bit of evidence that he may indeed have been that angel."

The curious: In citing Exodus 23:20-21 ("Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him."), Jeremiah suggests that the angel could forgive sins.

In studying the passage, I found that this certainly be the case as the term "my name is in him" implies that the angel is of the same nature and character. This gave me a lot to think about, although I believe more study on my part is required before I can comfortably agree or disagree.

"The angels truly love the Lord, and will always love to serve him... and so will I."

Angels by Dr. David Jeremiah is a helpful, thoughtful look at what Scripture says about the angels who, like us, were made to worship and serve the Lord our God. "The angels truly love the Lord, and will always love to serve him... and so will I," concludes Jeremiah. Amen. ... Read more

Product Description
When Mikaela Campbell, beloved wife and mother of two, falls into a coma, it is up to her husband, Liam, to hold the family together, to care for their grieving, frightened children. Day after day, he sits by her bedside, telling stories of the precious life they have built, hoping, always hoping, that she will wake up. Then he discovers evidence of her secret past: a hidden first marriage to Julian True, a man no woman could resist . . . or forget. Desperate to bring Mikaela back at any cost, Liam turns to the one person who could make her respond— and who could take her out of his arms forever.

ANGEL FALLS is a moving portrayal of marriage and commitment, and of an ordinary man who risks everything in the name of love.


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
Nestled into the hills of the Northern Cascade Mountains in Washingtonstate, Liam and Mike (Michaela) Campbell have a picture-perfect marriage and family. While Liam enjoys the comforts of being a small-town doctor with an oldfamily name, Mike cares for their two children and her beloved horses. But whena horrible accident leaves Mike in a coma, Liam frantically searchesfor a way to ignite her memories and awaken her. What he discovers makes himquestion the foundations of their love, as Mike has a secret past as"Kayla" and a previous marriage to her first love, Julian True. Though still ina coma, Mike responds to these stories. Liam knows he must contactJulian, and gamble his future on the past memories of a woman whose true identity and feelings are unknown to him.

Kristin Hannah's talent for writing poignant tales of duty, passion,identity and family bonds made last year's On Mystic Lake abestseller, and will certainly rake in the fans this time. (ImagineDanielle Steel without the Gucci bags or aging corporate CEOs.) Whilethe majority of the novel has our heroine knocked out on a hospitalgurney, Hannah makes valiant efforts to bring Mike's character tolife, and Liam's enduring love should keep you rooting for him andreaching for the hanky. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien ... Read more

Customer Reviews (62)

Another great book from Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah is such a great author and draws you right into the story. Quick read and great story line.

Boring
This story reads as if the author hammered it out in just a few days.Very light on substance--difficult to keep reading to the end.

Good Read
I really liked this book, but then again I love all Kristin Hannah books.I read this quite a while ago but I still think about it a lot.

Light easy read..
I have become a HUGE Kristin Hannah fan. I know that this book was written 10 years ago. That being said, this was an OK book. Not my favorite, but a good romantic read.

I think we all think about our first loves, and Mike is no different. However, what she never planned on is having an accident on a horse, going into coma and her husband Liam finding out exactly who was her ex-husband. He knew she had been married, that is how Jacey came along. But he didn't know it was a famous movie star, Julian True.

Mike isn't waking up until one day when Liam is saying something to her about Julian and her eyes flutter. So Liam decides to call Julian, maybe his presence will help, even if it means breaking his heart in the process. He would do anything for Mike.

Read to find out if first love will win or if long time tested love will!!

NOT SATISFIED
Was listed as free shipping w/orders over $25 & I WAS BILLED FOR SHIPPING!!!! NOT SATISFIED!!! ... Read more

Product Description
In Linda Howard’s gifted hands, second chances, unexpected romance, and unrelenting action combine into a riveting new novel of suspense. In Death Angel, bad girls can wake up and trust their hearts, bad guys can fight for what’s right . . . and dying just might be the only way to change one’s life.

A striking beauty with a taste for diamonds and dangerous men, Drea Rousseau is more than content to be arm candy for Rafael Salinas, a notorious crime lord who deals with betrayal through quick and treacherous means: a bullet to the back of the head, a blade across the neck, an incendiary device beneath a car. Eager to break with Rafael, Drea makes a fateful decision and a desperate move, stealing a mountain of cash from the malicious killer. After all, an escape needs to be financed.

Though Drea runs, Salinas knows she can’t hide–and he dispatches a cold-blooded assassin in hot pursuit, resulting in a tragic turn of events. Or does it?

Left for dead, Drea miraculously returns to the realm of the living a changed woman. She’s no longer shallow and selfish, no longer steals or cheats or sells herself short. Both humbled and thrilled with this unexpected second chance, Drea embraces her new life. But in order to feel safe and sound–and stop nervously looking over her shoulder–she will need to take down those who marked her for death.

Joining forces with the FBI, supplying vital inside information that only she can provide, Drea finds herself working with the most dangerous man she’s ever known. Yet the closer they get to danger, the more intense their feelings for each other become, and the more Drea realizes that the cost of her new life may be her life itself–as well as her heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (165)

Not at all the way the blurb describes
I'm not really sure where to start with this one. Linda Howard is one of my all-time favorites. I'll pick up one of her books without even reading the blurb first. when I read the blurb for this one I thought it would be along the lines of "Cry No More," which is one of the best books she's written. In reality this book is nothing like "Cry No More." In fact, "Death Angel" bears little resemblance to it's blurb.

The first two chapters of the book starts very promising, with Ms. Howard weaving her signature dark attraction between the H/h. But after that, the book takes a sluggish turn, with entirely too much time spent on Drea making her escape from her drug lord boyfriend. Minute little details on how to change one's identity, transferring funds from one account to another dominate way too many chapters. There's little dialogue past the third or fourth chapter, as Drea plans and executes her escape and takes on a new identity.

A major problem I had with this book is how little time the H/h actually spend together in the book. They interact in the first few chapters, then after that much of the book is spent with the hero chasing Drea across the country. I kept on reading, thinking to myself, "Okay next chapter they'll reunite." I was always disappointed. In fact, Drea and "the assassin," as he's referred to, don't have another scene together until almost the end of the book. After they finally reunited the whole ending felt rushed with very little romance, or even any sort of connection at all, between the two love interests. In fact, because they had no chance to get to know one another, their falling in love with each other felt forced an unnatural.

Another glaring problem I had was with one particular scene that takes place in the middle of the book. I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything, but this scene was just...strange. In fact, it was so out of place and odd, that I actually skipped the entire thing just to get back to the real story. It was almost like this was thrown in at the last minute as it didn't mesh at all with the rest of the story.

It pains me to give Ms. Howard a bad review. But it's almost like "Death Angel" was written by someone else trying to pass themselves off as Linda Howard. And the only reason why I gave this two stars instead of one was because I like "the assassin's" character. He was probably the only thing that felt like vintage Linda Howard to me. The fallen angel with the consummate dark streak she gives her heros runs especially strong with this one. In fact, he's probably the darkest hero she's ever created as he is actually an assassin and doesn't just carry the nickname.

Don't expect this book to unfold like the blurb goes. the blurb is misleading and makes the story sound much more interesting than it really is. Save your money and go with "Shades of Twilight," "After the Morning," or "Cry No More.

Erin Kern
author of Looking For Trouble

Had my Attention from Start to Finish
This book had my attention from start until finish.I actual felt for Drea.I cannot believe that Rafael left her to the assasin right off the bat.And that terrifying experienced turned into a very hot sensual romance.They are an unusual couple, but together their connect is amazing.The protective nature of the assasin is very masculine, and endearing.I finsihed this book in about 6-hours because I just could not put it down.I would reccomend this book to anyone.

Death Angel - liked it !!!
I liked Death Angel very much.I don't understand the negative reviews.The thing I love about Linda Howard is that she tries different stories.Some people seem to want her to write the same thing over and over again.It can't happen!She's too good.I loved it!People - try to have an open mind and enjoy different types of characters!It's a lot of fun - and a great learning experience!
Keep it going Linda Howard.I love them all!(except maybe
To Die For" - a little too silly for me"

Why?
This absolutely the worst book I have ever read by any author. It is so degrading! Drea is a kept woman of a mob boss.An assassin wants payment for a job.His payment? Sex with Drea.Not that she is completely willing at first but she goes along and they have sex on the balcony in view of those watching from other buildings. Then they move inside were Drea has sex with this total stranger for hours.WOW! HOW ROMANTIC!GEE WHAT A GUY!Only a weak, stupid woman would fall totally in love with such a soulless shallow male whore.I guess it takes one to know one in this book. If you want to learn how to transfer money from the USA to another country, you will be riveted.For great Romance by Linda Howard read Drop Dead Gorgeous: A Novel (Blair Mallory), Open Season, A Lady of the West, Cry No More, and Ice: A Novel

Love the book, hate the cover, glad I read it in kindle
I came to this page specifically to write a review and in doing so I must say I am so glad I didn't see the cover art before I bought the book. This was a beautifully written book with very strong characterization. Neither the hero nor the heroine were heroic in the traditional romance novel sense, but they were compelling. I appreciated Drea/Andie's journey, loved that Howard made the heroine so self aware in the second half of the book, so clear in her personal integrity, and yet so human that it was easy to identify with her. The hero was so anti-heroic in the beginning, but so compelling also, and Drea's attachment to him made it possible for me to look passed what he did and see who he was.
This is a rare book in that it's a complete emotional journey, but it's one I wanted to continue with the characters.
It's vintage Linda Howard in that it's superbly written, but completely fresh in its innovative characterization. ... Read more

Product Description
Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand-the mark of an angel.
But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows.
Divinely woven together, Angel Star takes readers on a reflective journey when one angel's sacrifice collides with another angel's vicious ambition in a way that is sure to have readers searching for their own willpower. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

i only have one complaint....
I really enjoyed everything about this book.The characters were very likable.The situations and complications they over came was admirable.The author's writing style was fluid and I enjoyed the pace of the book.I'm not going to go into a synopsis of it since you can find that online but I would definately recommend it.My only complaint is I wish the next one would come out sooner!

Fallen Angels & Head Over HeelsLove.
When I was younger I loved the idea of a guardian angel-- some graceful, beautiful creature that invisibly flies around me and leads me away from danger--which is something I definitely needed as a self proclaimed klutzy child. Or I'd think of some motherly figure like Monica on Touched By An Angel. Thanks to Jennifer Murgia my made-up picture of a fairy-like angel has been absolutely shred to pieces and replaced by a movie star quality, grade A hunk! I am certainly not complaining.

The book revolves around Teagan, a high school girl who gets picked on by the resident "Mean Girls" group at school and isn't too popular, but she's got her best friend and her mother on her side. The normalcy of her life is shattered when Garreth, the new mysterious eye candy of the school, shows up and directs his attention towards her. Immediately smitten with him, as if she's known him all along, she starts spending time with him and finds out that he bears the mark of an angel--an eight point star. Her perfect fairytale romance is maimed as she learns that "where there is light, dark follows" and she finds herself in the midst of a battle between that light and darkness that will alter her life and those around her.

As I mentioned in my Sleepless review, I'm new to the paranormal romance genre. I've always thought of it as vampires and werewolves and have been pleased to know that it contains much more than that. I know that there ARE paranormal romance books out there that contain angels (Hush, Hush) but I haven't read them so this is fresh to me!

Having been able to study some angelology in my undergraduate studies, it is always interesting to see the different portrayals of angels in books and movies! I think in some cases books/movies throw angels or other unique creatures into a storyline to spice things up but what you really have is a used up old storyline that could easily be replaced by some other fantastical type of creature and be just the same. Murgia did not fall into this trap. She created her storyline with depth and a rich exploration into the study of angels filled with interesting symbolism and meaning. This was one thought-provoking novel!

I really liked Teagan and found that she was real and strong but not perfect. She wasn't too stupid to function and she wasn't needy but she seemed to have a good head on her shoulders but had the capability to make mistakes and to fall blindly sometimes--as I'm sure all of us woman have done at some point in our lives! I found the plot to be paced pretty well--just as soon as I felt a lull in my reading--I found myself sitting straight up with my finger itching to keep turning those pages.

Now on to the imperfections that I would be remiss if I did not mention. I don't know if this is typical of alot of YA paranormal romance as I'm not well-read (or just the ones I'm reading) but what is with people falling head over heels the first time they see someone? Fantasy or not, it irks me. When has that ever worked out for me? Never. In fact, I hated my boyfriend of 3 1/2 years when I first met him. Where is the natural development of the relationship--the discovery, the curiosity, the little tiffs, etc. I understand they had a "connection" but I'd like a little anticipation surrounding the forming of a relationship. Although, I'm sure other people love this element of the book but it isn't for me. Another minor problem for me was that sometimes things seemed to wrap up too easily for me. It wasn't a huge problem but I did wish that some of the action lasted a little longer with more of a struggle.

Overall, I found it a fun and suspenseful read that had me contemplating the good and the bad that is inherit in all of us and our propensity to sometimes get caught in that blurred place where the two meet--that place where the allure of each is a force field pulling at our being and our sense of self. I will most definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out in 2011.

Rating- 4 stars-- A must read for paranormal romance/fantasy lovers. I think that if you aren't really into the paranormal romance genre you might still find this enjoyable if you are looking for a book with a good plot that will keep you on the edge of the seat.

Gorgeous!
I think most people going into the Angel Genre kind knows what to expect and knows what patterns to look for. That being said, I've read this book 4 times now and it seriously gets better every time. Jennifer Murgia has invented a character that is normal enough to connect with, but unique enough to still fall in love with her. The love-triangle these days is pretty much a given but Murgia has managed to make the bad guy, someone to fall in love and root for all while the good guy is still in the room! A fantastic take on a truly angelic love story. "Team Hadrian!" I mean "Team Garreth!" 4 reads later and I still cant find a "team"... "Team Murgia!"???

Angel Star
Not knowing way too much about Angel Star, except the fact that the author is totally nice and sweet, I wasn't completely sure what to expect. But I did hold high expectations regarding this book, based on the totally high reviews I have been seeing across the bar. And I can't agree with those reviews more.

A very exciting read, with a very dark undertone, Angel Star grabbed my attention very quickly with it's brooding love interest and side characters. The characters are one of the best parts of this book, but definitely not the best. Teagan is a strong feminine protagonist that can be vulnerable, but is definitely not weak. Garreth- finally a guy who isn't a huge jerk in the beginning of the book. He treated Teagan the way she deserves to be treated and didn't make me want to stab him. Most of the other characters didn't really affect the book, but they were important and written very well. Some really got to your nerves, and some you grew to love, both for some. The enemy... well you will just have to read to find out about them!

The story was so fast paced and exhilarating that it hurt to put the book down. The action grew and grew and never slowed down once it started. Some of the events in the book were kind of fuzzy to me, like a dream, and I don't know why. The climax was exciting and made you read until the end, but it wasn't really climactic enough, not tons of action going on there, but you didn't see most of it, so you never really know. The angel mythology is very unique and enjoyable, so imaginative.

Angels are in, they are the new creature to watch and Angel Star definitely is a book to read if you want an amazing introduction into angels and a great book to read if you are hesitant to read at all, once you read this, you won't want to stop reading! Definitely a great pick for anyone... anyone. I can't wait for the sequel, Lemniscate.

Finally a YA Angel Novel with Likeable Characters
Angel Star - 4.5 Stars
As an aspiring YA novelist and teacher, I have been reading Angel/Demon/Christian mythology themed YA novels religiously over the past month or so in order to get a feel for what teens are reading in my preferred genre.Of my most recent reads, "Angel Star" tops my list of favorites for a variety of reasons.The main two reasons are listed below.
1.The characters are likable and realistic.Teagan is a strong character with an enjoyable personality.The story is a bit fast paced and we are "told" a bit more about Teagan's "transformation" than "shown," but there is clearly character growth.It's also nice to see a girl who falls in "love" as opposed to "lust" ("Hush, Hush," I'm talking to you.).Gareth is equally likable and it's refreshing to see a male love interest who isn't a complete jerk.He even sees some character development.
2.This book is fast paced and easy to read, but it doesn't lose its sincerity or lack a voice.This is important to me because the novel doesn't alienate struggling or young readers, and it has enough depth to keep an older reader (I'm 24) engaged.

Other notes:
-If you are looking to get into this genre as a reader or a writer, please take a look at this book.Even if the pace is a bit too fast for your liking, I promise you will get a better read out of this book than similarly themed, NYT Bestseller "Hush, Hush" or even "Fallen".As a main character, Teagan trumps both Nora (Hush, Hush) and Luce (Fallen).In fact, I suspect that with a better marketing strategy, this novel could out perform both of those books.Will that happen?I'm not sure; it's up to the author and publisher.
-If you are looking for a lusty teen novel to fill your Twilight void, look away.Teagan and Gareth's relationship is light and honest-refreshing. ... Read more

Product Description

A love beyond life...a danger beyond doubt.

In a romantic and suspenseful collection of the New York Times bestselling trilogy, love's unbreakable bonds are put to the test.

When her boyfriend, Tristan, died, Ivy thought she'd lost everything, even her faith in angels. But now she's discovered that he's her guardian angel -- his presence so strong that she can feel the touch of his hand, the beat of his heart. Ivy needs Tristan now more than ever because he knows she's in terrible danger. Only Ivy's guardian angel can save her now that his killer is after her.

But if Tristan rescues Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he must leave her behind forever. Will saving Ivy mean losing her just when he's finally reached her again? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Touching Read.
Kissed by an Angel was a beautiful, suspenseful tale that had me falling for it! The story is absolutely beautiful. I was reading late into the night, and was finding myself paranoid to no end, looking around and making sure the doors were locked.

When I first started reading Kissed by an Angel, I was totally confused. The first chapter seemed kind of frazzled, but once you read beyond the first few pages, you see the beauty of the story. Elizabeth Chandler draws you into the story with your emotions and holds you there. She keeps you guessing at every corner, leaving you unsure where you're headed.

The main characters were a really strong point of Kissed by an Angel. Ivy was a warm hearted girl who had this faith in angels, and was a really strong character. Lacey my favorite character - I loved her personality. Will was another I loved from the first time he walked on the page. The one issue I had with Kissed by an Angel was how other characters jumped to side with everyone but Ivy. People Ivy's lived with or known for ages, and they abandon her without a minutes thought. It made no sense to me.

Overall, I'd definately recommend Kissed by an Angel. It's got romance, suspense, great characters, and much more! I love how Simon and Schuster reprinted the books in one! It's really convient and I absolutely adore the new cover.

Kissed by an Angel
Ever see the movie Ghost?If you have and liked it as I did, then you'll definitely like Kissed by an Angel.The characters are enchanting a likable-I loved all of them.The book starts out with Tristan, one of the most popular boys, liking a not so popular girl-Ivy.Finally he gets the courage to ask her out and from then on it's true love.But soon Tristan dies in a car crash.Ivy isn't the same, she can hardly function and she doesn't want to do anything anymore. But what she doesn't know is that Tristan is still there.He soon finds out that it wasn't an accident-he was murdered.Now he will do anything to protect Ivy from the same fate.With the help of another former Hollywood ghost, he does just that.

Great Book
This book was a GREAT book. I enjoyed EVERY page of this book. It was an amazing love story. Suspenseful and sweet. I loved it.

Just as promised
I got the book I ordered at the right time and it was in the condition promised.Very reliable.

My all-time favorite book!
Could not put down! Love this book! You like to read about love, mystery, and suspense? READ IT! ... Read more

Product Description
First Night begins! What happened on the very night Los Angeles went straight to hell, the incident that ended the Angel television series with such a shocking cliffhanger? Why did the team go their separate ways? And how did Connor rise up to become one of Hell's greatest champions? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Strong writing, slightly weaker art
This volume is how many would have wanted the Angel canonical comic series to start--continuing right where the TV show left off.

The writing is strong (aside from one fairly weak story that does not include any of the major players), but the art isn't always clear enough to adequately convey the story to the reader. The supplemental materials in the volume go a long way towards rectifying that.

In spite of these criticisms, would recommend highly to any fan.

Unfortunately skip-worthy
After reading and enjoying the first volume of Angel: After the Fall, I was eager for more in the 2nd volume. I wish I had researched it a little more, though - this book felt like almost complete filler material. The 2nd book is half the quantity, and much less than that in terms of story. As mentioned in other reviews, it's a series of one offs and barely involves the main characters of Angel. I hate to say it but I felt a little ripped off by this volume - it should be an appendix, or better yet for an expensive hardcover series, an apocrypha. There just isn't much here and unless you're a serious collector/completist, or you can borrow it or find it used cheap, I would skip this one.

Fleashing out the end of the world
As we all know by now, Angel's world may have come to an end, but his story didn't.The second collected volume of IDW's Angel: After the Fall details just how and why the group ended up splitting apart upon Los Angeles going to Hell, as well as details just what happened to them all leading up to the first storyarc.Here, we see just how Wesley came back from the dead, how Connor became such a fierce warrior, and learn more of what lead characters like Gunn, Gwen, Spike, Lorne, Kate, and even a story involving some of LA's civilians.Co-plotters Brian Lynch and Angel creator Joss Whedon manage to flesh things out enough (Wesley's story in particular is the best of the bunch), while the biggest flaw of First Night ends up being the artwork.The legendary John Byrne is on board and does quite well illustrating Lorne's tale, while David Messina and Nick Runge do okay, but the rest of the artwork featured here is largely inconsistent and sub-standard compared to the previously mentioned.That aside though, Angel: After the Fall: First Night does a solid enough job bringing things up to speed, and in that respect alone, if you're a Buffy/Angel fan in the least, Angel: After the Fall is something that is definitely worth your time.It may not have the spark that Dark Horse's Buffy: Season 8 has, but it comes pretty close nonetheless.

The Night where it all began...
This volume covers what happened on the night that LA went to hell, basically it serves as a prequel to volume 1 so the story doesnt advance anymore, but it does show what happened to each of the major characters.

Story was excellent and the artwork was very nice in some stories, particularly's Spike and Wesley's.

All in all a good read and well worth it.

Pretty Good
During the first half of volume one, I was not happy. I didn't like the direction the story was going, it was too abrupt a change (to me) from what was going on in the final season of the TV series. But, by the time I finished I was happier with it and very much into the story line. I'm picking up Volume Two tonight and I'm looking forward to finding out more.

I like the style of the art. The paper is nice. And it's always nice to have a hardcover with the built-in book mark! Very well made. ... Read more

Product Description
Springing out of Joss Whedon's Angel: After the Fall story line, novelist Kelley Armstrong (The Summoning) comes aboard to explore the many repercussions following the explosive last issue of Angel: After the Fall. Artist Dave Ross also comes aboard to present the first arc of AFTERMATH wherein we learn who lived, who died, and who will be forever changed from the experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Can we just pretend none of this ever happened?
The absence of Whedon's involvement is obvious. The continuity is there, some of the (less interesting) characters are there, but this Angel has no soul. And not in the fun Angelus way. It completely lacks the spirit of series and is a disappointing follow-up to the excellent Angel: After the Fall mini-series. After the Fall managed to maintain the pacing, the personality, and the wit of the TV series, while Aftermath fails on all counts. There isn't a single line of witty dialog in the entire run (and none of the characters sound like themselves which might explain why the author chose the blandest characters for the "arc"), what passes for a story meanders aimlessly until it reaches...absolutely nowhere of consequence, and none of the characters even look remotely like the actors who played them. Even Angel looks like some generic square-jawed hero. David Boreanaz is a very distinctive looking guy and the best the artist could muster is some Rock Hudson/Cary Grant/random-50s-era-superhero character? Connor's hair is just about the only thing with even a passing resemblance to anything or anyone that appeared in the TV series or After the Fall. If you actually liked the series, do yourself a favor and give this one a pass. I hear the next volume is better.

Absolute Disaster
Armstrong blew it. Big time.

I highly enjoyed volumes 1-4 and volume 6 and would rate all of them either 4 or 5 stars.

This is the first story arc in which Whedon was pretty much entirely hands-off. Given that, it's a shame that they let Armstrong run with the title as it's pretty clear that she doesn't "get" the series. Expecting witty dialogue and the characters acting true to what we've come to expect from them over 5 seasons of television (along with the first 3 seasons of Buffy featuring Angel as a major player) and another 17 comics (21 if you count Spike: After the Fall...and I do)? Sorry, you're bound to be disappointed. The dialogue is flat and the characters (mainly Angel, Gwen, Connor, and Kate...and some new characters that you probably won't care about because they're poorly written hackneyed cliches) are reduced to one-dimensional caricatures of the people that we've grown to love and/or tolerate.

This is truly awful writing for the Angel series. If I didn't know better, I'd think Armstrong walked into the project expecting to treat Angel as a random generic comic book title, having little background as to the history of the characters and having only read a brief plot synopsis of events that had previously transpired.

At the time of this writing, I can vouch for the quality of volume 6, which represents a return to form, but I don't know what, if any, long lasting damage Armstrong has done to the series beyond that.

What have they done?
Let me preface this review by saying that I love Angel and I enjoyed the first four volumes (After the Fall).But this might as well be an entirely different series.The dialogue is not at all intelligent or witty.The "voiceovers" (thought bubbles) do not add any depth to the characters.The characters from the series (other than Angel and Cordelia, who shows up for a brief cameo) are comprised of Connor, Gwen and Kate...where are Gunn, Lorne, Spike, Illyria?The plot decides to go off in an entirely new direction that was never even discussed in the series - Angels (or "potentates") who have some nebulous reason for being on earth, and a shape shifting catwoman that shows up in Angel's life for the flimsiest of reasons.It's a mess.The action is choppy to say the least.We go from dialogue scene to action scene seemingly without any transition or reason.

The artwork is standard comic book without any subtlety or resemblance to the characters.Angel is apparently now Asian and wears sweater vests.Kate is some kind of fighting ninja bombshell who wears tiny midriff tops.Gwen's thong is always showing and Connor, well he looks kind of like Connor.I really hope that the comic doesn't continue down this path, as I've already purchased a number of the future comics.

I really wanted to like this book.I'm just dismayed that this is what passes for Angel now.

awesome!!!
worthy addition to Angel's legacy.

Part 6 is coming out soon so keep an eye out.

Stop at Volume 4
I've read Volumes 1-4 and I'm glad I got some 'closure' after the TV series 'ended'. It was good to see things cleared up and I was satisfied at the end of Volume 4.

Take volume 5, and it's just repeating the whole series again, just with different players on the team.


If you were a fan of Angel on TV, stop at Volume 4. If you just loved the comic and the ideas of the story, by all means, continue to volume 5.

I for one won't be continuing on. In my opinion, the team cannot get any better than it was on TV or volumes 1-4.

Thanks for thinking of it guys, and good luck. ... Read more

Product Description
As a Knight of the Word, John Ross has struggled against the dark forces of the Void and his minions for twenty-five years.  The grim future he dreams each night-- a world reduced to blood and ashes--will come true, unless he can stop them now, in the present.  

The birth of a gypsy morph, a rare and dangerous creature that could be an invaluable weapon in his fight against the Void, brings John Ross and Nest Freemark together again. Twice before, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the lives of Ross and Nest have intersected. Together, they have prevailed.  But now they will face an ancient evil beyond anything they have ever encountered, a demon of ruthless intelligence and feral cunning.  As a firestorm of evil erupts, threatening to consume lives and shatter dreams, they have but a single chance to solve the mystery of the Gypsy morph--and their own profound connection.Amazon.com Review
Angel Fire East marks the close of Terry Brooks's NestFreemark-John Ross saga, which began with 1997's Running with theDemon. After a long layover in Seattle for the middle book,Knight of theWord, the fantasy-meets-modernity action returns to Nest'snative Hopewell, where once again Nest and John must face off againstthe Void, this time in the form of ancient demon Findo Gask, whofavors a black-clad evil preacher getup for his menacing needs.

Brooks's well-realized and likable cast from the previous books isback, from Nest (now 29) to Ross (haggard as ever) to Pick (still justa few inches tall) and even grown-up versions of Nest's childhoodfriends from Running, including Bennett, now a junkie withchild. Of course, Findo Gask has assembled a creepy little Legion ofDoom to harry these nice folks: a giant albino demon; a formless,flesh-eating ur'droch; and a knife-wieldingOrphan-Annie-gone-bad named Penny Dreadful. And Angel Fire'smain plot thread is even compelling: John Ross has caught ashape-changing, wild-magic creature of enormous power, a gypsy morph,that he and Nest must discover how to turn to the Word before Gask andhis crew can capture it for the Void.

But as with Knight of theWord, wooden pacing and unconvincing transitions keep this talefrom rising to the level of Brooks's previous masterworks, such as theexcellent Shannara and Landover series. If you've read the first twobooks, it's certainly worth seeing off your old friends in AngelFire East. But if you're--heaven forbid--new to Terry Brooks,check out his earlier work, or even his very capable novelization ofStar Wars Episode I:The Phantom Menace. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (77)

Love it!
I enjoyed every book in this series and got drawn in to the book so quickly that I was done with it before I even knew it.

Word & Void Series
Terry Brooks is an awesome writer and this series is very well written.I had already read all of the Shannara books, and the Word & the Void series fits in with that set. I totally recommend reading this series!

Angel Fire East
A must read trilogy for Si-Fi fans with an exceptional story line with believable characters.

Angel Fire East
Having gone through and reread this series again, I am once again reminded of how much I have enjoyed Terry Brook's Word and the Void series.

It was great to see what became of Bennit from the first book, even though it then becomes a tragic ending too for her.

The story moves at a good clip despite the real action only happening at the end, but when it comes, it there. Some feel it was over too quickly, I thought it was just fine given the circumstance for Nest and Ross to go in, confront their enemies, hit them fast and hit them hard given the overwhelming odds they had with Findo Gask, Penny, Twitch and the ur'droch.

Overall, this was a great conclusion to the series and if Brook should ever choose to write more, I'd be on board to read more.

"Almost" the end of the story
In Angel Fire East we find out what is happening with John Ross - A Knight of the Word - and Nest Freemark ten years after their last get-together in Seattle. In the mean time Nest has gone on to win Gold medals in the Olympics (twice) and is the reining World Champion and record holder in many middle distance running events. However, several months before, she decided to quit her running as her ingrown demon wolf (Wraith) is starting to control more and more of her and almost escapes during one memorable race. A race Nest wins, but only because of Wraith's influence.

Now Nest is living at her old house in Hopewell, IL and watches the world go by. We find out that she's been married for a while to a guy named Paul, and is involved with her church and community, but that is all we really know of her world.

John Ross has also continued with his life. He is still an itinerant Knight of the World who roves the U.S. drawn by his nightmares to places where he can affect a battle between the demons and mankind. His nightmares show him what might happen if he fails and he learns from those what to change in the situations he finds so that the nightmare does not come to pass. He is more successful than not, and his reward is always to get a new mission from the Word - or its representative The Lady.

In this volume, he is visited by a nightmare that shows him dying on a cross. It turns out that he somehow manages to capture a unique magical creature known as a Gypsy Morph, but he fails in not protecting it enough from the Void. Through this dream, Ross finds out how to capture this Gypsy Morph and he goes on to do so and then runs around the countryside to escape the hordes of demons who are attracted to it. It is kind of interesting to see how Ross - who is obviously fighting on the side of goodness - has to steal cars and cause pain to people who befriend him without a care or remorse as he does so.

Eventually, the Gypsy Morph changes into a little boy and call out "Nest" so Ross comes with him to Hopewell. On the side of the demons, a diabolically clever demon named Findo Gask has assembled a team of three other demons and is waiting in Hopewell for exactly this to take place. The four demons have the run of the town and affect an abusive Deputy Sheriff to help them as well as other townsfolks. Placing the book in Hopewell allows us to spend much time in the park that is Pick's special preserve as well as see what has happened in the 15 years since Running with the Demon featured the same locations.

I quite enjoyed reading this book and thought that Terry Brooks has regained his form for plotting and action. Since the demons are soulless and not interested in what takes place for their human victims, some of the deaths and destruction that they cause makes much sense. However, since they are supposed to feed on their victims, it was surprising not to have anyone taken in this way?

On the other hand, Terry Brooks's vision is very dark and foreboding. So, some of what we learn is not particulaly nice. For instance, Bennett Scott makes a return appearance but now she is no longer a precocious five year old but rather a 20 year old single mother who is a complete and utter loser and drug addict.

Even positive relationships like the love that springs up between Josie and Ross is left hanging. Ross's return to Hopewell rekindles the love affair, but a twist at the end of the book ensures that this love does not go on. That was very disappointing to me.

More disappointments had to do with the finish of the book. The final confrontation between the Word and the Void plays out much as one would expect, but some how Findo Gask is allowed to simply leave town with no ill effects. John Ross is given a highly problematic release from his vows and goes "home" and Nest is left with one three year old and the Gypsy Morph. Of course, since the whole point of gaining control of the Morph is to affect how it develops and affects the world, the immediate suspicion is that a fourth book in the series is imminent, yet that is not the case - there is no fourth book planned for this series. So, that is why I am taking one star away - the conclusion that isn't.

Other than that, this was an enjoyable romp in a dark world view.
... Read more

Product Description

Angels eagerly watch over Ann Fletcher's every move. She just doesn't know it yet.

Ann Fletcher has returned to Charleston to see her younger sister Sarah receive her master's degree. But she soon finds herself riding in the back of an ambulance, watching helplessly as Sarah fights for her life. As they race to the hospital, Sarah talks to someone who is not there...and hums a melody Ann has never heard before.

That unfamiliar, unearthly beautiful melody keeps finding Ann--first in the hospital chapel, then in her dreams, and finally in Sarah's empty house.

Two neighbors have a profound effect on Ann. Ethan McKinney lends her a shoulder to lean on. And as a carpenter, he volunteers to help Ann get the Fletcher family home into shape for selling. His strong presence is a pleasing distraction. Ann's twelve-year-old neighbor, Keith, has Down Syndrome and the guile to believe he can actually see and hear angels. In fact, he insists they are looking out for her in ways she's never imagined.

God begins to reveal himself to Ann--both in her newfound friends and through supernatural events. As she discovers the very real presence of angels around her, will she finally open her heart to receive God's healing love?

Customer Reviews (38)

Captivating!
I stayed up way too late last night reading Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman.I started the book a week or so ago and was forced to set it aside when things got a little crazy, but the story line and the characters stuck in my head.So, left night I shut off the computer and picked it up and again. I have to say, it was a truly wonderful book!

The characters were so real and the story line was captivating. I really enjoyed the authors' descriptions of angels and their roles in our lives. Now that it's done I'm sad to see it go, but I feel more at peace, and more willing to trust His will for my life.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a inspirational Christian fiction book, but I have to warn you, I cried a few times.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not encouraged or required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

See this and other reviews at: [...]

Inspirational and Inspiring Book
Sheila Walsh is a featured speaker with Women of Faith and author. Walsh, along with Kathryn Cushman writes her first, fiction novel, Angel Song.

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"Angels are an interest among believers in Christ and non-believers.We learn about important angels in the Bible, like Gabriel.We also know that God commands his angels to guard us, protect us and help us.(Psalm 91:11-12)

Walsh's descriptive writing draws the reader in through a tragic accident.We follow the main character, Ann Fletcher, as she comes face to face with her past through the tragic end of her sister's life.As the story unfolds, God slowly works on Ann's heart through relationships and angels around her.After her sister hums a mysterious melody before dying, the angelic song plays in Ann's head throughout the book.The only other person who knows the song and sees angels surrounding Ann, is a pre-teen neighbor with Down syndrome.

Ann gradually realizes the past does not have to rule her future.God's love, and the love from new friends, penetrates through the walls of Ann's hardened heart.She recognizes that, "Even something that appears broken, in the hands of a master artist, can be made into something more beautiful than the original."

I would highly recommend this book.It would be a great gift to a non-believing friend.It gives hope that God is working on the hearts of those who do not believe in him.There is also a romantic relationship that develops throughout the story for those that enjoy that aspect.The novel heightens our awareness of the angels that we may come in contact with daily and those that constantly surround us.Angel Song is a well- written, inspiring story.

Good read :)
Women would love this book: it has the quintessential combination of heart, heartache, happiness, and hope.

In the book, the main character is Ann Fletcher, a typical New York career woman. She's an in-demand home stager-a totally cool job, if you ask me-who takes a quick break from her cutthroat world to fly to Charleston to visit her younger sister, Sarah. She expected her sister's graduation celebration-not a car accident that would lead to Sarah's death. The tragedy turns Ann's world upside down, and the woman who thought she could get through and succeed in life entirely on her own starts to find God, through the new friends she `inherited' from her sister, and through some unexplainable events, which can only be attributed to God and His mysterious angels.

It won't fall under my Best Books of 2010 list, but it was a good, beautiful read. I finished it in two days, which usually means that it wasn't too heavy and it was entertaining enough to keep me hooked. The ending was somewhat predictable, but the journey was moving and satisfying. The evolution of Ann-from being hardened to tender-hearted-is a process that every woman has to face sooner or later. The story just goes to show how the evolution can be painful, but worth it in the end.

Angel Song by Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman
Anne fletcher has had a troubled past.She left Charleston and her troubled past behind her when she moved to New York.She returns to Charleston forher sister, Sarah's graduation. Tragedy strikes when Sarah is killed in a car accident.Anne returns to her sister's lonely house where Anne is haunted by strange music in her dreams.I liked Anne a lot.She pretends that she is okay, when she is crumbling inside.I have recently lost a loved one and I could identify with her raw emotions.Anne has troubles back in New York also. She is trying to land a big account so her firm doesn't go under. Everyone is relying on her and she is forced to make some tough decisions.She finds herself escaping to the very place she tried to avoid, Charleston. The other characters in the book are great too.Tammy and her son, Keithare the type of neighbors that are going to help you whether you want it or not.Keith has Down Syndrome and the special ability to see angels all around.They rely on their faith to help them get through to Anne.The story line was great. It was well written and fast moving. I found myself tearing up from time to time as well.Shakespeare wrote " There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, then are dreamt of in your philosophy. " I believe this to be true.

Beautifully written
Angel Song is well written and it's a very lovely story. I enjoyed the struggle throughout the story that the main character Ann, was having with her big city career vs. her small town southern roots.

This was a beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness, sacrifice and redemption. It's a beautiful picture of true sacrificial love. I enjoyed the suspense of whether or not Ann was going to choose the lure of the big city and her idea of success or the love she beginning to find in Charleston.

I loved many of the characters, including Ann, and also Keith, the neighbor boy who had Down Syndrome. He had such a sweetness and honesty about him that it really brought a different perspective to things.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. It's beautifully written. The story grabbed me from the start and didn't let go until the very end. It's very heart warming and leaves the reader full of hope. Overall I felt it was a really great read. ... Read more

Product Description
For more than four hundred years, the art of ballet has stood at the center of Western civilization. Its traditions serve as a record of our past. A ballerina dancing The Sleeping Beauty today is a link in a long chain of dancers stretching back to sixteenth-century Italy and France: Her graceful movements recall a lost world of courts, kings, and aristocracy, but her steps and gestures are also marked by the dramatic changes in dance and culture that followed. Ballet has been shaped by the Renaissance and Classicism, the Enlightenment and Romanticism, Bolshevism, Modernism, and the Cold War. Apollo’s Angels is a groundbreaking work—the first cultural history of ballet ever written, lavishly illustrated and beautifully told.

Ballet is unique: It has no written texts or standardized notation. It is a storytelling art passed on from teacher to student. The steps are never just the steps—they are a living, breathing document of a culture and a tradition. And while ballet’s language is shared by dancers everywhere, its artists have developed distinct national styles. French, Italian, Danish, Russian, English, and American traditions each have their own expression, often formed in response to political and societal upheavals.

From ballet’s origins in the Renaissance and the codification of its basic steps and positions under France’s Louis XIV (himself an avid dancer), the art form wound its way through the courts of Europe, from Paris and Milan to Vienna and St. Petersburg. It was in Russia that dance developed into the form most familiar to American audiences: The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and The Nutcracker originated at the Imperial court. In the twentieth century, émigré dancers taught their art to a generation in the United States and in Western Europe, setting off a new and radical transformation of dance.

Jennifer Homans is a historian and critic who was also a professional dancer: She brings to Apollo’s Angels a knowledge of dance born of dedicated practice. She traces the evolution of technique, choreography, and performance in clean, clear prose, drawing readers into the intricacies of the art with vivid descriptions of dances and the artists who made them. Her admiration and love for the ballet shines through on every page. Apollo’s Angels is an authoritative work, written with a grace and elegance befitting its subject. ... Read more

Product Description
A lonely New York City resident finds companionship and good cheer at the Westway Cafe where dreams come true. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Chloe, age 7
An Angel for Solomon Singer was a great book!In the book, this man named Solomon Singer does not like where he lives.It has a great ending because in the end he ends up liking where he lives.Solomon had dreams, and one of his dreams came true because he sneaked a cat into his hotel room.The illustrations are great, and the artist was very creative.The artist make the buildings fade into stars, and the streets fade into fields, and that is very creative.It helped us to understand his dreams and the author's metaphors.I think you would like this book, and I think you should buy it.

An Angel for Solomon Singer (By Christopher,a 7-year-old homeschooler)
I like this book because it's very creative. It shows a lot of thought. Solomon learns a lesson to use his imagination more. He knows he cannot have balconies, change his walls a different color. And that is why he did not like his hotel at all. The author doesn't use simple words. For example, he doesn't say "a quiet voice said..." He says "a quiet voice like Indiana pines in November said..."
I recommend this book for all people.

Nice, nice, nice
I bought this book thinking it would be a good one for my nieces and nephew; it really is.While the book is slightly sad, I feel it is appropriate to share with children as it profiles how one can find happiness in their own cirumstances through different vehicles.The vehicle in this main character's life is his "wishes" and his association with a common activity and the people who make the activity meaningful.
Read it, read it again, share it and share it again.

WHAT A HAUNTING, PROFOUND STORY......
This is one of those works that will stick with you.It is rather difficult to discribe.I do note, after talking to several people, and reading several reviews on this site and others, that each person who reads this one finds something a bit different.Myself, I was haunted, in a good way, and yet disturbed at the same time.The wonderful prose pulls you into this unknown mans life.The wonderful art work keeps you there.I personally love the work.I do recommend though, that it would probably be best to read this one with the young reader rather than let them try it by themselves for the first time.I find it difficult to think that a very young person would be able to identify with the lonely man in this story nor understand just what is happening (as a matter of fact, after several readings, I'm not all that sure myself, and I am as old as dirt).Be that as it may, this is certainly one worth giving a read, several reads as a matter of fact!

An Angel For Solomon Singer (by a 5 year-old reviewer)
I think it is one of the most perfect books ever. Since my mom bought it, well,I'm encouraged. Because I'ma student, I could have it for my schoolbook. If I could give it ten billion stars, I'd yell out, "Hey, Solomon Singer!" (Giggle!) ... Read more

Product Description
New York Times bestselling author Jo Beverley "brings the Regency Period to life." (Joan Hammond)

Emily Grantwich lives quietly with her crippled father and eccentric aunt, managing the family's land, until the fateful day she walks down the main street of Melton Mowbray and is showered with Poudre de Violettes, thrown by a lady of loose morals at the handsomest man Emily has ever seen.

He is Piers Verderan, known by many as the Dark Angel. His friends lay the blame for his scandalous ways on his troubled past. No decent woman should be seen in his company, but Emily must dutifully manage her father's estate-which Verderan's land adjoins.

Soon Emily learns that the Dark Angel is very dangerous, especially to her sanity and her heart... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Finally!
I wanted this book a long time ago, but it was out of print. I didn't want to pay an arm & a leg for a used copy, so I waited. All I can say is - it's about time! I can't believe they let this book stay out of print. What a keeper! I really enjoyed it. There's no graphic sex, but a LOT of passion! Shades of Georgette Heyer, who is the Queen of Regency novels.

This is a sweet, gentle romance that readers with a romantic heart will cherish.
Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverly
Historical Romance- Oct 5th, 2010
4 ½ stars

This was an engaging Regency with extremely enjoyable characters.If you lovesweet romances that are not steamy this book is just for you!Emily and the Dark Angel is a reprint from 1991 (so has a more reserved style than the author's current books) and part of a series but it can be easily read by itself.

Emily is content in the country and at 26 well past the age of marrying.The quiet, plain daughter takes care of her invalid father. A father who is paralyzed, ill-tempered and has distanced himself from life.Juggling his temper and managing the estate while her brother is missing in the war have made her more independent.Emily has noticed a new restlessness in her spirit.Little does she realize that adventure and love await her when she bumps into a devastatingly handsome and irreverent rake named Piers Verderan. Since Emily has been disguised while out to the market he does not realize she is a lady when he teases and escort her home.Emily can't help but be fascinated by Piers even though she realizes later he has a dark reputation.Soon trouble from a vicious cousin, a bet with her father, an over-bearing beau and the distracting and dashing rake have Emily re-evaluating her life.

Piers is one of the best heroes!Yes, he has a dark past but he is a decent and honorable man.And his charming attention and care for Emily made me love him, too!Emily is the heroine that we all can relate with and enjoy reading.She tries hard and you want her to find love and be appreciated because she never seems to ask for herself.Emily is a gentle and worthy heroine.She has a quiet charm that really grew on me. When the 2 were together, their heartwarming scenes were fun and charming to read.This book felt a little bit like a Cinderella story.

This is a sweet, gentle romance that readers with a romantic heart will cherish.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Very well crafted Regency
I have only read a few Jo Beverley's so far, but when I found this out of print and hard to find regency at the paperback section of the library, I could not resist.

As always for this author, this is a novel that is very well done.The tone is very serious, as is also usual for Ms. Beverley, and her book is well-written, and well plotted, with very real-like characters - in short, a top-notch Regency.But, make no mistake - this is a true Regency, so that if you dislike the Regency format, you may not find this novel much to you liking either.

Emily is on the way home from a business transaction of buying a flock of sheep (in proxy for her father, because he is paralyzed as a result of an ill-advised duel), when she meets up with her "dark angel" - - who is on the way home from his paramour's house.She actually gets to witness a volatile "good-bye" scene between x and his mistress - and gets caught in the melee against her will.He courteously walks her home against her protests - and against her better judgment.The more she finds out about this "dark angel" the more she realizes that this is a person she would be best off having nothing to do with - but there is a part of her that can't help thinking about him - and can't help wondering - is he as black as he's painted?The simple answer does seem to be yes.

Ms. Beverley has taken a rather common-place plot - the innocent and the rake (hence the title Emily and the Dark Angel), and in this book, she has given it a new face.There are not too many ways to reform a rake - one of the easiest and the path most traveled is that he wasn't much of a rake to begin with.But in this story, we are assured that our hero is very much a rake - possibly a villain, even.Yes, he's every bit as black as he's painted, and Emily is every bit as innocent as she seems - but is black black?Is what society perceives as black really black?Or perhaps black is really white... and in Ms. Beverley's capable hands, it does seem that way...

I happen to particularly love a story about someone who does the right thing, yet in an unconventional way, and in a way that is censored by society.I also like a book about someone who was hurt, and uses that as a springboard to develop a passion for justice, for right and wrong - another element of this story.

On the other hand, much of this story centers around hunting - this is set in Devonshire in the hunting season, and hunting is indeed very much part of the story.I have never come in contact with any aspect English hunting, I don't particularly have any interest in hunting, and if I were to see it up close I would probably have even less interest.I understand that the English do have a passion for hunting - but I am the reader, and I found that part of the story not interesting for me.

I also found Emily's innocence a little much - while this is very realistic for that time period, and this does make for some very funny scenes ("pudding" comes to mind), Emily does tend to come across a little of the fool - and I like my heroines to have at least an equal footing in a relationsip.

But of course, this is still a Jo Beverley, and everything you would expect from this author is in this novel.As usual, this is a complicated story, and there is a lot going on, each page is well filled.Her usual brilliance of plot is here, as well.And although I personally don't think that she is the most outstanding writer ever, many parts of this book are very well written.In short, this is an enjoyable novel, and is exactly what you might expect from Jo Beverley, in a Regency format.

Even early Beverleys have wonderful characters and stories!
Emily and the Dark Angel is one of Jo Beverley's earliest books, and is part of a series which began with Lord Wraybourne's Betrothal, and continued with The Stanforth Secret and The Stolen Bride. Not knowing that these books were linked, I read Emily... before Stanforth; I hope that by listing the order here other readers may be helped. (And I hope that some day I can find a copy of The Stolen Bride; I want to read Randal and Sophie's story!)

Emily is a spinster, in her late twenties, who has been looking after her invalid father for many years. Since her soldier brother was posted as missing, believed killed in combat, she has also been running the family estate. Her home is on the edge of Melton Mowbray, a very popular area with the hunting fraternity, situated as it is in the centre of several hunts. (This is the one thing I dislike about the book: I loathe foxhunting).

Piers Verderan, known as Ver to his friends, is there for the hunting, and because he's just inherited the estate next to Emily's. They meet first just as he's been ejected from his (ex-)mistress's establishment, colliding with Emily just as they're both showered in poudre des violettes. Ver offers to escort Emily to her destination, since the collision has damaged the heel of her boot.

She doesn't trust him; and why should she? He's called the Dark Angel for a reason; he is likened to Lucifer. Stories about his criminality and dastardliness abound. And yet he is kind, he comes to her rescue on several occasions, and he makes her feel good about herself for the first time in many years. He makes her feel desirable. He tells her that he loves her.

But can Emily believe a man who has a reputation for breaking hearts and never remaining faithful to a woman; a man who is reputed to have abandoned his own mother to a life of poverty? Can she be brave enough to listen to her heart above the warnings of her brain and members of her family?

Emily and Ver are hugely likeable characters, both with enough emotional depth to hold my interest. There are also some great secondary characters, including some I really want to read about: Lord Randal Ashby appears in this book, with his wife Sophie (and I want to read their story!), and Emily's brother Marcus looks as if he could benefit from a book of his own. Note to self: check if Beverley ever did write Marcus's story...

Highly recommended, if you can get hold of it!

wmr-uk

Sweet and so very funny
A light-hearted and wonderful historical romance! ... Read more

Product Description
Wedding Day

Pretty, flighty Daisy Devreaux can either go to jail ormarry the mystery man her father has chosen for her. Arrangedmarriages don't happen in the modern world, so how didthe irrepressible Daisy find herself in this fix?

Alex Markov, as humorless as he is deadly handsome,has no intention of playing the loving bridegroom to a spoiledlittle featherhead with champagne tastes. He drags Daisyfrom her uptown life to a broken down traveling circus andsets out to tame her to his ways.

But this man without a soul has met his match in a womanwho's nothing but heart. Before long, passion will send themflying sky high without a safety net...risking it all insearch of a love that will last forever.

But this man without a soul has met his match in a woman whos nothing but heart. Before long, passion will send them flying sky high without a safety net. . .risking it all in search of a love that will last forever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (107)

A romance you will want to re-read because the journey is amazing
I love romance novels where I feel like I get to know the characters and the author takes me on a 'journey' through their lives.These are the types of books that you can read over and over again.It's not about getting to the end of the book or 'finding out what happens'... the story all along the way is such a great one that you want to lose yourself in it whenever you're in the mood for a great read.SEP does not disappoint!The circus scene might seem like an unlikely one, but as you get into the book and live through Daisy, you will quickly change your mind.I felt myself falling in love with Alex, Daisy and even the circus animals Daisy started growing attached to (especially considering when Daisy arrived she was afraid of animals)!As you read you also grow to understand Alex just as Daisy does and you live for those moments where you see more and more glimpses of him starting to change.

This is SEP's best book and I just completed my 3rd reading of it in about 5 years.It never disappoints!

I can't believe this book got so many 5 starts!!!!
In a word, odd.This book is just bizzar.

There is just so many weird things with this book I don't know where to start.First, the fact that this took place modern day yet the h parents pretty much arranged a marage to a man with little concern to her happiness.This seemed more like a historical plot to me but whatever, kept reading.The fire thing didn't bother me as much as the other reviewers but I must say, also odd.Also weird is the entire circus thing. As a reader it was just hard to understand the H choosing to live with the circus after so many bad memories in his childhood. Wouldn't you want to never come back? ***SPOILER ALERT*** I am also wondering how one "tampers" with birth control?Again, just weird.

What I found most odd of all is that so many other reviewers found the H to be anything other than a jerk (I would call him something else but Amazon frowns on profanity).I love Alpha H characters but this guy was a Alpha-hole.He spends the entire book demeaning the h followed by a quick "sorry."He threatens her, intimidates her, accuses her of stealing, flirts with other females in front of her, really do I need to go on?Essentially, the entire book is a whole bunch of awful behavior followed by half-hearted sorrys and some sex in between.If that is what you are into then this book is for you.

I bought this book because of all the great reviews and because I was told that the conclusion of the book made you love the H.I'm disappointed in you, Amazon reviewers, usually I so agree with you!I kept reading this book waiting for me to like Alex (I knew I would never love this guy) but he was just too much of a jerk.***SPOILER ALERT***When Daisy finally comes to her senses and leaves this idiot he finally finds her but instead of lovingly winning her back he makes her come back to the cirus when he threatens to have her fired.For all that Daisy put up with, I think in order for this to have read better, Alex needed to make some serious ammends to Daisy and that never really happened in my opinion.A few jestures and a lame stunt was not enough for me to forgive all his behavior or to forgive telling Daisy to get an abortion when she told him that she was pregnant and scared.Just a very disappointing read.

This book is a MUST!
I loved this story.....It really is very good and Susan Elizabeth Phillips as always came through with everything you would want in a love story.

Ignore the cover...
I have seen two covers for this book, and neither one has *anything* to do with the book.Having said, what's within the pages doesn't need a flashy cover.

Daisy's had a rough life.A bastard, she followed her society beauty mother across Europe her whole life, dabbling at an education, mostly just being in the shadows of an exibitionist.Upon her mother's death, Daisy finds herself with no skills and an boatload of inherited debts.Her biological father - a Romanov historian and European ambassador - agrees to give her a clean financial slate (as well as money to live on until she can find herself an income) if she can prove she's capable of living an ordinary, no-nonsense (glamour-less) life for six months.He mistakenly thinks she's as superficial as her mother was.

The deal includes a husband - Alex Markov manages a circus, and has no use for a society bride like Daisy, but is paying off a debt to her father by marrying her for six months.He thinks she's trite and spoiled and obnoxious; she thinks he's brutal and unfeeling and frightening.Neither knows the truth about the other.Or the truth about why Daisy's father ulterior motives in this crazy pact.

Honestly, I didn't expect to like this book.Daisy seemed ridiculous and too 'Paris Hilton' for my tastes, and it seemed sadistic of Alex to bring Daisy to the lowest low he could manage, intentionally.But there's more to these characters, a depth that the reader is lured toward, that is riveting.And as the story unfolds, the vacancy transforms to innocence and beauty, and the blackness transforms to pain and desperation, and when these things mix, it makes for one heck of a story.

Throw in a tempermental baby elephant, a fiery bullwhip, a few sullen showgirls, a motherly gorilla, and an angsty tiger, and the ride becomes unlike any you've ever read before.

Such a great read
I've been waiting to read this book for a while now and I was absolutely not disappointed. The characters are rich and believable, the plot keeps you reading...What more could I say? One of my favorite books ... Read more

Product Description
She’s no angel . . .

Poor Dru Anderson. Her parents are long gone, her best friend is a werewolf, and she’s just learned that the blood flowing through her veins isn’t entirely human. (So what else is new?)

Now Dru is stuck at a secret New England School for other teens like her, and there’s a big problem— she’s the only girl in the place. A school full of cute boys wouldn’t be so bad, but Dru’s killer instinct says that one of them wants her dead. And with all eyes on her, discovering a traitor within the Order could mean a lot more than social suicide. . .

Can Dru survive long enough to find out who has betrayed her trust—and maybe even her heart? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Awesome heroine & storyline!!
Betrayals was the perfect follow up to the Supernatural novel, Strange Angels. Once again, Dru finds herself in danger of being hunted. Evil vampires are gunning for her death and she does not know who to trust. Christophe dropped her and her best friend, Graves off at a school, where she is suppose to be safe. The only problem is that there is a traitor among the students and teachers. There are also those at her new school who want her to believe that Christophe betrayed her mother; but who can Drew really believe?


Betrayals starts off with a bang and never lets up. The plot is filled with action, suspense and humor. Dru once again has her trademark dry, witty humor; and is sarcastic as ever. You spend more time getting to know Dru as a character in this book, which was a real treat. In the first book, I felt like the plot was rushed in an attempt to be exciting - which unfortunately did not leave a lot of time for learning about and bonding to the main character. This was not a problem with Betrayals. Dru spends a lot of time struggling with relationships with the two main boys in her life; Christophe and Graves. She does not know if she can trust Christophe and like I said earlier; some people try and sway her trust in him. Trust isn't the problem with Graves; it's jealousy. He fits in beautifully with his peers and Dru feels left out. She is under house arrest, for "safety" and gets left behind a lot. But, she still trusts him with her life and he always comes through. There are a number of great moments between Graves and Dru. I have always loved their relationship and I really hope she ends up with him.


There are also a unique assortment of new characters introduced in this book. There are so teenage wulfens that start to hang around Dru and Graves; Shanks and Dibs. Shanks is a tough guy who often butts heads with Dru, because of her vampire heritage. Dibs on the other hand, quickly warms to Dru. He is ridiculously shy and submissive. Dru often stands up for him and as a result, he bonds with her. Then there is Dylan, who acts as sort of the principle of the school. He is a djamphir; one that claims loyalty to Christophe. Whether that is true or not, I still don't know. Lastly, there is Anna - who is another svetocha. She is straight up shady. I don't trust that woman as far as I could throw her.


Like I said before, pacing in the first book was a bit of a problem. Things moved too fast and as a result, I was often left wondering what exactly happened. Thankfully, this issue was resolved in Betrayals. The plot was still quickmoving, but not as haphazardly developed and explained.


The writing itself was superb. Once again, St. Crow's descriptions are pure magic. Everything is described in such wonderful detail. Every sentence is dripping with a dark and gritty vibe that compliments Dru's world perfectly. The tone is perfect for the "Real World" - its a dangerous place and nothing that St. Crow writes is sugarcoated.


The ending is one of those brilliant yet extremely irritating cliffhangers that writers just love. However; Dru's gang does get out of danger momentarily, so the ending is a satisfying one.


I enjoyed this book, I thought it was better executed that Strange Angels. There was plenty of excitement and character development to keep you turning the page.

The part of Dru will be played by Bella Swan
Okay, seriously. What on earth happened in this book?! "Strange Angels" introduced us to Dru Anderson, a teen girl who can take care of herself. She makes her own plans, totes weapons, and kicks serious ass.

"Betrayals" gave us a huge, confusing mess of new characters, none of whom I remember, and a new version of Dru, who I barely recognized. Congratulations, author, you have a heroine who passes out MORE than Bella Swan. I didn't think that was possible, but between that and the constant reliance on the male characters, I was sorely disappointed in our heroine. I expect this BS from Bella, but the Dru Anderson I remember from the first book would never have stood for this nonsense. She'd have cocked her gun and demanded to know what the hell was going on. I truly feel that's what she'd have done.

It wasn't all bad--there were nice moments, like the scenes between Dru and Graves (who for some reason is a big old alpha dog here--which I don't like much, as I preferred him as a math nerd/Goth Boy), and the introduction at last to some other female characters, which was a nice change of pace.

Everything you possibly could need!
This book is love. I absolutely loved Strange Angels, and was a little worried about Betrayals living up to my expectations. There was no issue there, Lili St. Crow wrote another fantastic novel! Betrayals picks up where Dru story's ended with Strange Angels and sweeps you right back into her world with a fast paced story jam packed with action, mystery, secrets, and tension.

I continue to be impressed with Lili St. Crows writing. She's managed to create this amazing world for Strange Angels that I absolutely love. The action never lets up, and Lili St. Crow leaves readers guessing. You think somethings finally going to go right or this'll happen, and Lili St. Crow takes you off in a completely different direction than what you think. There were so many times I found myself yelling at characters, and screaming WHAT!?!.

Betrayals was a book that answered some of your questions, but left you with even more! Also you learn so much more about the mythology and story of the werewulfen, djamphir, nosferatu, etc. I thought it was simply fascinating!

Dru continues to be stubborn and set in her ways - but that's what you love about her! If she let anyone push her around she'd no longer be Dru. She's such a strong character. Dru also grew as a character in Betrayals. You see more of Dru than the tough girl she puts on. You start to see the vulnerable girl behind the tough face more. Though, I cannot wait for Dru to wake up and smell the coffee - errr.... Apple Pie? Readers get to see more of Christophe. *swoons* I was majorly crushing on Christophe in Strange Angels, and the swoonage only grew in Betrayals. You get to learn more about Christophe and his past. Betrayals gives Graves a new light. I liked him as a character in Strange Angels, but in Betrayals he really grew as a character. He still is no match for the one and only Christophe. You also get introduced to many other new characters. Dibs is one you meet and is one of my favorites.

This is a must read. I cannot see where Lili St. Crow takes Dru and her friends in book 3! She's set the stage for another amazing story. Gosh, is it June yet? I need Jealously.

Dark, Entertaining and a bit Crusty...
Kick-ass, with a bit of a raunchy flavor, the Strange Angels Series has been promoted to a favorite YA series in my eyes. I really enjoyed Strange Angels and Betrayals was a highly competent follow-up, not the best, but I'm definitely anticipating reading Jealousy. There were a few problems that I found within the book, but besides those minimal flaws, the book was hard hitting, fast paced, emotional and well written.

REVIEW: Ensconced firmly into the new world Dru Anderson has just discovered, the Order has taken her in as an oddity and a rare gem...a female dhampir. She's been enrolled in a small schola and placed into remedial classes until she blooms. They are treating her like fine china, she can't even spar with the boys. And boys boys there are. She is the only female is a school full of teenagers, and in their midst is a traitor, someone who wants her dead.

Chistophe has disappeared and Graves has become reveared among his wolfy peers as another oddity and rare gem, the loup garrou. Dru is alone, alone with her thoughts her fears and the sudden onslaught of a new feeling, blood lust. And as the plot thickens around her and the suckers begin to attack, Dru thinks she might just be a sitting duck and it's time blow this taco stand...

With a slow start and a bit of confusion, I didn't really hit this book feet first like I did with the first installment. St. Crow has an interesting technique of highlighting Dru's thoughts within dialogue. So this can get a bit confusing as you are reading. The inner dialogue was thick in the beginning with Dru practically in need of lithium she was so mentally unstable. By a third in, she had stabled out and was starting to think coherently so the book settled and began to catch my interest and from there it was a non-stop read.

I really enjoyed the blooming relationship with both Graves and Christophe, and I can't wait to read the third installment and see if she settles on a winner. Vamp vs. Wolf. Nor original, but the ideas that surround them are. Christophe is very different than any other vampy character that I've read. When their inner vamp is revealed, I'm sure they are the only vamps that get instant highlights...

This is also the only book that I haven't really picked teams. I was Team Christophe in the first book, but Graves grew on me in Betrayals.


RECOMMENDATIONS: I highly recommend reading Strange Angels before undertaking Betrayals. Gritty but still PG-13. Nothing too heavy for happy teens.

What Miss Kelley is Reading: [...]
Betrayals picks up not long after the conclusion of Strange Angels. The prologue includes a few pages from the end of the previous book and then continues that journey. The main story begins a week later as Dru and Graves are settling in at the Schola. Graves is fitting right in with the other werewolves, and his status as a loup-garouprovides even more privilege. Dru, on the other hand, is not faring as well. She is the only girl in a school filled with male wulfen and djamphir (werewolves and vampiresto use the more familiar terms), and because she has not yet "bloomed", she's kept in remedial classes and largely isolated from her peers. Christophe has disappeared with Dru's truck and most of her belongings, and, of course, Sergej is still intent on killing her.

I had a very similar experience with this book as I did with Strange Angels. Although I really liked how the transition from one book to another was handled, with not too much or too little recap, I once again felt that the first section of the book was really slow. Dru is lonely, confused, and miserable at the Schola. Graves is making new friends and ignoring her. Christophe is gone. No one will give her answers. I wouldn't go so far as to call Dru a whiner, but I definitely got tired of her moping around.

Things ultimately pick up, however, and I ended up just as engrossed in this book as I was in the first one. Other students are introduced, and we slowly learn more about the Order and the larger world that Dru and Graves are entering. Details emerge throughout the book, and Dru continues to struggle to find out what she is and who she can trust.

As a rule, I don't like love triangles, and yet I'm totally okay with the one in this series. For one thing, it's a pretty minor part of the two books that I've read so far, and though Graves and Christophe obviously don't like each, it's not much of an issues until later on in book two. I honestly don't have an opinion or a team; I liked both characters, and so does Dru. She also has very different relationships with each of them, and her feelings for them are distinct, so I'm undecided for now.

The greatest compliment that I can play to this book? The only reason that I didn't immediately read Jealousy, the third book, is that it wasn't out yet. I have it now, so I'm off to see what happens next. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally self-published in hardcover in 2000, this acclaimed memoir is now in a revised paperback edition, complete with 14 black and white photographs and a new epilogue. Here is an unforgettable true story of a young boy's remarkable journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to an affluent Chicago suburb where his family survives on welfare.Following his father's advice to "treat all people - even the most unsightly beetles - as though they were angels sent from heaven," Mawi Asgedom overcomes racial prejudice, language barriers, and financial disadvantage, eventually realizing his dream of a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard University. Of Beetles and Angels is a compelling survival story sure to inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Very satisfied
The book came in fine condition and in good time.Thank you
Regina Immarco

Poor writing
This book seems to be required reading at most inner city schools.It's a typical poor boy from a third world country makes it big story.Sound familiar?It's a shame the poor writing takes away from the story though.I agree that most childen should be taught never to give up on dreams, but there are much better written books out there.

A contemporary autobiography of a young man's journey to success
Of Beetles & Angels is a contemporary autobiography of a young man's journey to success. When he was four years old, Asgedom's family left their war-ravaged home in Ethiopia and spent three years in a Sudanese refugee camp before coming to the U.S. in 1983. He later earned a full scholarship to Harvard where in 1999 he delivered the commencement address. Told from Mawi's point of view as a teenager, he describes the conditions in Ethiopia, their escape to Sudan's refugee camp and finally their emigration to America. Once in the United States, things don't immediately fall into place. Mawi is faced with many trials and tribulations, hardships and pain. Nonetheless, he follows his fathers advice to "treat all people- even the most unsightly beetles - as though they were angels sent from heaven,"Mawi overcomes racial prejudice, language barriers and financial disadvantage, eventually realizing his dream. This is both an inspirational and positive immigration story highly recommended for teens and young adult's grades 6 - high school.A terrific read aloud as well.

review by amanda g
Scared for your life in the midst of a civil war. Then put into a Sudanese refugee camp, disconnected from your father but left with your terrified mother and siblings. After a while, you are reunited with your father, and your entire family is together. Then in America, where you must start over in an alien place, where you get most of your possessions from dumpsters. This was the childhood experience that Mawi Asgedom underwent.
The book "Of Beetles & Angels" shows the extraordinary experiences throughout Mawi Asgedom's young life, which led him to America and to graduate from Harvard University. His amazing story shows the hardships, as well as the joyful occasions, as he discovers American culture and starts an American life. I thoroughly enjoyed his book and believe that I caught a glimpse at just how hard his childhood was.
The chapters within the book are separated into different stories and times of Mawi's life. This way, the reader truly gets to see how wonderful and cruel our country can be to those who are starting over in a new place, and how Mawi and his family start in a new and foreign place. The book also shows Mawi's experiences viewing racism, biased brutality, and what it is like to be noticeably different from most others around you. " Most of our classmates treated us nicely, others ignored us, and the rest -- well, we could only wish that they would ignore us. We may not have understood their words, but we always understood the meaning behind their laughter. `African boodie-scratcher! Scratch that boodie!' `Black donkey! You're so ugly!' `Why don't you go back to Africa where you came from?' We were just two, and they were often many. But they had grown up in a wealthy American suburb, and we had grown up in a Sudanese refugee camp. We were accustomed to fighting almost daily, using sticks, stones, wood chips, and whatever else we could get our hands on. So it was usually no contest, especially when the two of us double-teamed them, as we had done so many times in Sudan. The cruelty of brutal beatings and the name calling left Mawi and his older brother scared and unsure about their new found home America.
Mawi Asgedom's parents dreamed that their children would do well in school. The primary values that they taught their kids were that education was most important, knowledge was power, and that if all of the children within their family studied hard, they could earn scholarships and become smart and powerful leaders within their new country. Mawi kept his parents' values close and fulfilled them all. "I graduated from Harvard one year ago and have since thought much about my parents' dream. By earning my scholarship and graduating, I have fulfilled it. But along the way, I have found greater value in other dreams. And while Harvard University taught me well, my true education has come from less-likely sources. As I look back to the angels, the Charlenes and the Beth Raneys; as I look back to God's servants, dressed as beggrs and as beetles; as I look back to my inspirations, to the Mamas and Tewoldes, I see true guidance staring back at me. True power comes from focusing on what we can give, not what we can take." Mawi learned so much throughout his life and not only made his parents' dreams come true, but also made his own dreams come true.
This book, with all of its extraordinary detail and description, probably cannot entirely summarize all of the struggles, hardships, and rewards Mawi and his family endured from their journey to America and once in America. However, throughout the pages and dialogue of the story "Of Beetles & Angels", the book does an exceptional job of showing how unique Mawi Asgedom's life was as a child. I absolutely recommend this book.

eye opening
Beginning in 2001 I worked with two refugee families from Liberia.I wish I had read this book first, because it would have helped me to understand better the sorts of things these families might have experienced before they arrived in our country. While experiences of war, persecution and homelessness vary among people arriving in the USA, the feeling of confusion (even when you speak English, like 'my' families did) and dependence mixed with utter relief of finally getting here seem to be common among all. "My" families knew basic things, but our housing, food and school systems were totally overwhelming even for these educated people. And the police, which we're taught to depend upon, strike fear into every refugee I've ever met. Most of them have had bad experiences with police.
So when I read this book I could relate to some things, I cried over others, and I put others in the back of my mind to remember for when I'm working again with refugee immigrants, especially in these days of heated debates about immigrants.
Personally I think this book should be a must-read in every high school curriculum and for every teacher, not only because it's such a compelling story, but it helps us to see others through another lens and it is ultimately a story of hope.
From a strictly literature point of view there are better books out there, but this one tugs at the heart.And it's also a fast read if you want it to be.
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Product Description
A reissue of a Pulitzer prize-winning classic, and now the major motion picture GETTYSBURG. As a result of these acclamations, this book is considered one of the greatest novels written on the Civil War. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Rare view of historical event
I heard about this book when listening to an interview of a Federal Judge on Public Radio.The judge gave a rare and enlightened view of the court system and his role within it.Toward the end of the interview the host asked him if he had time to read much.The said that reading had always played an important part in his life.He was asked what was his favorite book. He indicated that his wife had bought him the Killer Angels and that he found this a rare piece of writing. I also found this a wonderful book.The writer, a true student of the Civil War wrote a "Fiction" that lets the reader catch a unique view of this war from the personal viewpoint of some of the war's characters.I would easily recommend this book to others.

Top of the classics list.
Many words have been written about this novel thus it would be superfluous to add much more. Perhaps for the interested who might not want to read three or four paras of reviews and opinions, it might be useful to say; If you are even slightly interested in the American Civil War, you owe it to yourself to read this magnificent novel. If you are interested in the thoughts and processes of military command, you must read this novel. If you are a neutral and wish to know more of the mind set of the combatants in this horrific scar in the mosaic of American History, you must read this novel.
This Novel is uniquely different from most historical fiction. The author puts words into the mouths of some leading characters based upon detailed research of the survivors own words.He provides you with thoughts and anxieties thought to be held by those who will shoulder ultimate responsibility for the outcome.
You will discover truth behind myth, and perhaps alter previously held conceptions that do not hold up in the face of dialogue presented. You will ponder the mindset of initiation/continuation in a conflict so heavily tilted in favor of the one side, both before and after Gettysburg.
A masterfully written account of a deadly battle while providing insight and dialogue of those in command; all the while maintaining a very readable novel of Human spirit and sacrifice that will leave you emotionally moved.

Killer Angels
Absolutely INCREDIBLE. A book to be read when you are ready for an adventure. Only book which describes what may have happened at Gettysburg, and a lay person can understand.Simply written, and you feel like you were right there.This is my 2nd copy- 1st one borrowed and not returned.We just returned from a visit to Gettysburg where we went on the kids tour-another incredible adventure. The visit was the result of my reading this book several years ago. Even friends who are not history buffs have enjoy this book.Too bad the author didn't get to see the success his book was and his movie -which I also repurchased.
If you are an avid reader-this is a different pace, which may spark your interests in a new and exciting way.Go on an adventure and pick up this book.Really good read.

One of the best novels about the War Between the States
LIke many people, I saw the movie Gettysburg before I read Michael Shaara's book.As much as I loved the film, the book is even better!What I appreciated the most was Shaara's way of showing both the Northern and Southern viewpoints equally.He avoided the politically correct trap of demonizing the South, and instead gave a thougtful explanation of why the South felt it was right in breaking off from the United States and taking up arms in defense of it's lands.

Two of my heros from the War Between the States are Longstreet and Chamberlain.this book charts their actions during this campaign is a way that helps the reader understand not just what they did, but WHY they did what they did.Any student of the history of the War Between the States should ready this book for it's study of the characters involved in the conflict.Even though it is a work of fiction, it brings the major players of the Gettysburg campaign alive in a way that no other author has yet achieved.

This is an outstanding book, and should be required reading in all college-level American History classes.

Killer Angels is a must read for the young and old
Mr. Shaara has captured the individual's struggle in the bloodist battle in the Civil War, which is the three days in July at Gettysburg. This is a must read for all American's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Angels Don't Play This HAARP
Believe it or not, this book is a jaw dropper!Every U.S. citizen should read this because most people are not aware of this research. Even the scientists working on this project don't seem to have a clue as to the possible damage they are doing to our atmosphere. The book also has a great bio on Nickola Tesla, A man decades ahead of his time.If you are into conspiracy theories or who's running the world you will probably enjoy this book

Angels Don't Play This Haarp
Can't put it down!It's quite an interesting book if you familiar with electromagnetic have you ever thought about what might be done to manipulate the earth's magnetic field?

A must read for anyone who cares about our world and lives
This book is so wonderful and important. Please read it and suggest it to others. It is so informative and factual. Giving refernces on practicly every page. I know I am not the best speller and I apologize for that. Have a good day all and please read this book. Or at least do more research on this subject. It is vital!

Angels never would play this HAARP!
Clear, accurate, and foreboding of what kind of technology was stolen from Nikola Tesla and used for a much darker purpose. This is supposed to be a independent research facility? At least thats what they would have the sheeple think, right! Wrong. Dead wrong. Run by the U.S. Air Force and other clandestine agencies, it is a top secret facility. What experiments are being conducted not only the facility in Alaska but several sister facilities around the world and another even more powerful version in the former Soviet State. Weather modifications, steering storms, and lets not forget the ability to use it as an electromagnetic weapon. Nick Begich does bring the average folk a birds eye view of what is really going on in good 'ol Alaska. Read it. Understand it. And then, and only then we need to stop it, before some irreversible mistake will forever alter this pearl hurling through space, and potentially end mankind and all life on terra firma. A warning. Don't worry about 2012, worry a lot about H.A.A.R.P.

Angels Don't Play This Haarp: Advances in Tesla Technology
Book arrived in excellent condition as described.Very interesting reading for anyone with a questionable attitude about what our government is capable of.You may want to go see Michael Moore's latest movie "Capitalism".Between the two, you will end up with a lot to think about. ... Read more

Product Description

A noblewoman of frail beauty and exotic mystery fakes her own death to escape the gallows. And now she must flee. In disguise and under a false identity, she finds unexpected sanctuary in the arms of a handsome and arrogant yet gallant British lord -- who must defy society to keep her safe. . .and overcome a tragic past to claim her as his own.

Customer Reviews (34)

Forced romance
This would be a great book if the heroes were just friends and the story centered on Tasia and her fight to overcome her past. But of course, because this is a romance novel there has to be some love. Or should I say there should be some love? Because I never saw it. First the hero ignored the heroine, then made a spectacle of her, then decided that he loved her. Had a mistress, left her one day and jumped in bed with the heroine the next. The love scenes were so forced. They weren't the logical consequence of their relationship. They had no relationship. It was all so forced. Really bad. The hero simply decided that he wanted something and so he went for it, even if the heroine wasn't totally in agreement. It was just so painful to read about them. I don't recommend this book.

Very Satisfied
Received it quickly and was very happy with the condition of the book. Thank you.

Midnight Angel
My only problem with this is that I thought it would have been fine if it ended, say, around chapter 7. After that it was like reading another story. Until that point, it was such an emotional and sensual romance. You don't even have to read the rest, unless you want to know how they got rid of the guy from her past. In fact, if not for the long length of it, I would have rated it five stars.

Emma was so funny and adorable, and so sly, she really helped bring Tasia and her father together. I loved the secondary characters as well, except, of course, for Iris.

The passionate love scenes were so beautifully written, I felt like I was really watching this story unfold with my eyes, and listening to the devotion and desire in each of their hearts. Tasia was so wrought with fear and doubt, and Luke made her feel safe for the first time in her life. I like how Luke was finally able to move past the death of Mary.

This is actually one of the first books by Lisa Kleypas that I've felt what the characters were feeling. It was really awe-inspiring.

Least favourite
I probably cannot add to the reviews already given. This has been my least favorite of Kleypas' books. She has written many brilliant books so I would have a look at them rather than this one.

Good Read
I liked this story.. the only reason it got a 4 instead of a 5 was the age difference of the couple. 18 and 34 or 35 dont go together, if you can forget the weirdness of that it is a really good story. ... Read more