Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent story
This is my favorite book by this author and I have read several of her books.The story not only has a romance between the hero and heroine of the book but there are three other romances that take place throughout this story.

The story is brillantly done--there is a lot of humor in this book--a very likeable, engaging ghost- who takes a liking to the heroine-- a heroine who is a delight --a daffy, endearing, loveable aunt/matriarch to the story and a hero who is a handsome rake who's interests lie in the stars and astronomy.This one is a keeper that I will read again and again.Very entertaining and worthy.

fun book to read again and again
I was just looking up this book to see if I can find similar books in the recommendations, so I thought I should add a review while I'm here.
I've read this book several times.The book is 255 pages with normal size print. Terribly silly cover, but it's a short pleasant story.

This book was Excellent !
I just recently found this author and have a stack of her books now , waiting to be read. In this novel Anna & Beth travel to Devonshire for Beth's wedding. Beth is to be married in the family chapel and if the GHOST doesn't show up then the marriage was meant to be... Anna things this is all made-up and grooms brother Roarke is suppose to be even more scary then the ghost.On Anna's first night she has encounter with both the ghost and Roarke and the mystery, adventure and romance begins...

Off to read more by this author....

Great story
I was pretty skeptical about the ghost part at first but as I got to reading I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.The story line is very fun too.I'd recommend this one!

Enchantingly wonderful reading
I loved this book.The characters were fun and the story line was so entertaining.I was particularly fond of the ghost.I have read this book several times and will not give it up for anything.It is a pleasure tosit back, relax, and escape into the world of a story by Cindy Holbrook.Irecommend this book to everyone.Actually I recommend any book by CindyHolbrook.I don't want to tell the plot because it would spoil the fun forsomeone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not a Five Star, Because ...
I agree with a lot of opinions from below reviewers, including that this was Ms. Ferguson's best Regency romance story, but I felt I must subtract one star because I think its mystery plot was a bit weak.The biggest flaw was the first carriage accident when Timothy first discovered Serenity; it was just way too chancy of plot--everybody was dead except the heroine and lost her memory, how convenient, it was just too big of gamble for the villain to plan; and there were few other smaller incidences, although they were more believable of their likelihood, but villain's motive behind them was kind of stretched.So I would say that this was a very pleasant and touching romance story with a Christmas flavor, but can probably leave out its mystery sub-plot.

Suspense to the end.
I had not read any books by this author before, I thought it was one of the better christmas romance stories that I have read to date. It keeps you guessing right up until the end, and makes it a book you do not want to put down until the conclusion.

The author's best novel yet!
Timothy Crawford may be a viscount, but he loves to build things. So even though his grandfather, the Earl of Brookindale, continuously tells him to let the business men run the family businesses, Timothy just has to keep his hands in the work. To sooth the Earl, Timothy and his cousin, Felix Wayne, tells the Earl that Timothy has found the woman of his dreams. Timothy names this non-existent lady Serenity Adams. When the Earl insists on meeting the woman Timothy knows he is in trouble. He is expected to present his wonderful fiancée during the Earl's seventieth birthday celebration on Christmas Eve. Fearing he will be disinherited, Timothy still decides to do the right thing. He will go to the Earl and tell the truth. So Timothy and Felix depart on a journey to Cheyney Park.

"Fate" is not only a fickle lady, but one with a sense of adventure. This is proven when the two gentlemen find an overturned carriage. All within the carriage are dead. However, one lady had been thrown out. The men believe her to be the lady's maid of one of the deceased. There is nothing around to identify any of them. The sole survivor did not escape totally uninjured. She has no memory. Since she matches the image of the fantasy fiancée, Felix seizes the opportunity that Fate has given them and convinces the woman to masquerade as Timothy's "Serenity" until after the holidays.

***** This is, in my opinion, the BEST regency romance that Jo Ann Ferguson has written thus far! Readers may enjoy this tale at any time of year, because Christmas is only mentioned during the scenes of decorating and because the Earl's birthday is around the same time. The author focus on the main characters, Timothy and Serenity, and not on the season.

Many authors add a child to the story so s/he will touch the heart of the reader. Usually, the child is mean, spoiled, or mute. Apparently the author is as tired of these scenarios as the readers are. Yet the holiday season seems more special with children around. This dilemma is neatly stepped around by what must be a wonderful brain storm on the author's part. Meet Theodora who is ten-years-old but looks six. For reasons revealed in the story, "Uncle Timothy" and the Earl placed the child in the care of a nurse since birth. She cannot use her legs. One arm/hand does not work. The other arm/hand has limited movement. She is friendly, smart, very observant, and definitely NOT mute. You cannot miss what you never knew, so she is content in her room. Of course, Serenity is NOT content and goes about changing things for the better.

Did the author stop there? She could have and this would have still been a "five star" regency tale. Instead a subtle sub-plot is added. This novel proves that Jo Ann Ferguson has a shining talent for writing in the Regency genre! Highly recommended for ANY time of year. I recommend that it be read during the colder season for atmosphere though. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

An enjoyable mixture of ingredients --
Why I didn't find this book last Christmas is a mystery. Better late than never, however. It is certainly a book that can be read--and enjoyed--at any time of the year. There is the customary family get-together, new traditions (a tree in the house! an idea from Germany) as well as old ones (ringing the chapel bell once for each year since the birth of Christ, 1818 peals in all.) There is a sometimes irascible grandfather who longs to see his oldest heir married. And a mystery. Who is the young woman known as Serenity Adams?

The two cousins, Timothy Crawford and Felix Wayne are on their way to Christmas with their grandfather, the Earl of Brookindale, at Cheyney Park in the north of England when they come upon an accident. Of the three inhabitants of the carriage that has gone over the side of a hill, two are dead. The other, a young woman, has suffered a severe blow to her head, which has resulted in amnesia. Purely by chance, the young woman greatly resembles the imaginary fiancée the the young man have created for Timothy, in lieu of the real thing.

For Timothy is an enlighted young man, devoting many hours each day to the care and enlargement of his grandfather's business interests. Such activity has discouraged several young ladies in the past, so he has created the perfect example in Serenity. The young man is not at all looking forward to his grandfather's seventieth birthday party on Christmas Eve, at which time he'll have to confess his falsehoods.

But the young woman, not knowing her real identity nor where she belongs, dressed as she is in servant's clothing, agrees to accompany the men to Cheyney Park. This is as much to recuperate as to set in motion the inquiries that will hopefully find her own real family and allow her to go home once again.

In spite of not knowing who she is, what she is quickly becomes very evident: a young woman of quality. Timothy is soon head over ears in love with her, and hesitantly, she reciprocates, knowing full well the relationship may well have to be abandoned if she is not worthy to be a countess.

This is very much a feel-good book, and when the villain gets his comeuppance, you'll chuckle in spite of yourself. And probably shed a tear or two when a very young lady takes her 'turn'. An added enjoyable ingredient is the author's own variety of Regency slang, or language, not usually encountered in other books. All in all, a book that should live on for several more Holiday Seasons.

Delightful twist on the amnesia theme.
Timothy Crawford has been writing to his grandfather with tales of the woman he loves--Serenity Adams.His grandfather has asked Timothy to bring this paragon of womanhood home to meet the family.Unfortunately this paragon is not real, and Timothy realizes that he will have to reveal that truth to his grandparent during a family gathering.As he and his cousin are en route to the family estate, they come upon a carriage accident and discover one survivor.It is a woman who fits the physical description of Serenity perfectly.When she awakens, she has no memory of anything..Jo Ann Ferguson has written another wonderful novel.She mixes just the right amounts of humor, sentiment, passion, and adventure to guarantee a story to enchant her audience from page one until the final word. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellet book!
I LOVED this book!I am not the type to read silly little romances, and this was anything but!I would highly recommend it to anyone, and I do mean ANYONE, since after I read this book I read a Newberry Award Winner, and then Camus' The Stranger.My only problem was the cover.I don't know about you, but I like to look at the cover so I can "see" in my mind what is happening in the book.But Kathryn looks like a puppet from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood!

A wonderful Regency
You'll love this first novel by the wonderfully talented Melynda Beth Skinner. The heroine is feisty and charming;the hero is strong and romantic;and the plot adds a little mystery and humor.

I look forward to many more novels from Ms. Skinner.

The Blue Devil
A captivating tale of protecting family, uncovering confidential information, and secret identities.Kathryn St. David is on a mission to save her beloved aunt, and Nigel Moorhaven is investigating an elusive spy.Throughout the tale, these two are deliciously at odds with one another as they try their best to ignore the attraction that sizzles between them on every page.

You can't put it down!
Full of unexpected and fun surprises.I thought that the intrigue was great.The book moved.It didn't get stale.The description was vivid.I liked the characters.All of them.They seemed genuine for the era.You can relate to them.It was very romantic but not overdone.I liked the epilogue very much.It didn't leave it dangling.Looking forward to the next book.

Delicious! I loved it!
Kathryn St. David arrived in London for a season under Aunt Ophelia's patronage. The night she arrived, Ophelia was having a masked ball in her honor. Kathryn got upstairs unnoticed and interrupted what sounded like the Marquis, Nigel Moorhaven, seducing an innocent named Lydia. Neither saw Kathryn, but they did know that someone had seen them! Disguised as a fairy queen, Kathryn went to the ball to help poor Lydia escape ruin. She succeeded and was able to keep her identity from Nigel.

Ophelia was positive she left her personal journal on the sofa while "visiting" her rival, Lady Agnes Marchman, at the Baroness Marchman's School for Young Ladies. The entries would ruin Ophelia, so Kathryn went undercover as Kitty Davidson. Her one friend at the school was Lady Jane, her roommate. Unfortunately, Nigel was Jane's guardian. So he was around often.

At the same time, Nigel (known by the code name of Blue Devil) was frequently at the school in search of a French spy.

***** This book is excellent! I was stunned to learn it to be Skinner's debut novel! She already has an avid fan in myself! Well written with a delicious touch of mystery! ***** ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

L is for Wonderful!
A fun twist on the alphabet.Great for preschoolers through 2nd graders.The brain works differently when we do things backwards so this book is just great for your brain!After my son and I checked it out from the library, I purchased a copy for my teacher friend and have recommended it to many others.Creative illustrations too! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Satisfying Traditional Read
Sigh, this book brought back memories of the first romance novels I read in the mid-1980s. Not a goosebumps-inspiring book but a satisfying way to waste an afternoon. It's very refreshing to have an old-fashioned read where there is little to no physical contact until the very end. I won't restate the plot (previous reviewers have done an exceptional job at that) but will say that Maeve is charming, Lord Rothe is hunky, and the supporting cast is well-written although stereotyped.The romantic tension between the two characters was believable - loved the scenes of them meeting at midnight to talk (and just talk, what a change from my recent reads!). I'm not a fan of the governess books; however, this one rang true and was very well-written.

Praise for a well written book.
This book fooled me for a while.I have read so many Regency novels that I thought I knew what to expect.The governess, Miss Maeve Midden, would be caught in a compromising situation (hence the title) with her employer, Captain Andrew Derhurst - lately having become Lord Rothe - and the two would have to marry.Naturally they would already love each other, probably just not realizing it quite yet.Well, stop that little idea right now.That is not what happens in this book at all.And for that I am quite thankful.This book takes off in a slightly different direction and does it very well because of the splendid writing talents of Shannon Donnelly.

Lord Rothe's neice, Clarissa, was sixteen years old and had definite ideas about whether or not she needed a governess.Miss Maeve Midden has been sent by an employment agency to take over the job of governess to multiple children in a large family.Somewhere along the way an error occurred and Miss Midden finds herself in the unpleasant situation of having to tell her prospective employer that she cannot accept the position.She wants, above all else, to find a family which will need her for many, many years and which will keep her away from London.What we are left to find out is, why?

I enjoyed this book very much.Andrew had immersed himself in his military career to the point of excluding any softer, more gentle feelings.He never expected, nor wanted, to take over the title.Ms Donnelly painted him with a wonderful understanding of his past and present while allowing us the opportunity to wish for his future.She drew the character of Maeve with such compassion and sensitivity that I never once felt the need to say (silently):Why doesn't she just tell him?This book is not THE BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.It is a complete cast of characters behaving in a very human manner.They make mistakes, they misunderstand, they get to know each other, they learn to like each other, and then they begin to care about each other.It does not just concentrate on the relationship between the hero and heroine.That type of book is ultimately shallow and boring.No, all of these characters are important and have a large part to play in the book.

Recommended.Very old fashioned in its makeup, even though it was written in 2000.The only kisses are engaged in right at the end of the book.If you want a higher level of intimacy, you will not like this book.If you enjoy reading a well written story, told in a very believable manner, you will want to keep this one for your collection.I will hang on to this one, probably read it again, and look for others written by this author.

A smashing debut
It's always refreshing to read a debut book and find oneself totally charmed.The last time this happened for me was with Anne Gracie's Gallant Waif.So, I look for a happy future with Shannon Donnelly.

The plot for A Compromising Situation has been summed up well by other reviewers so I won't go over it again.I would simply like to agree with others who found this adult story about grown up people a real treat.This book is a little dark; not much in the way of light relief appears.Indeed, at first I thought that the dowager Lady Rothe would be a comic character but we eventually see that she, like the Colonel and Maeve, has her own sadness and regrets.

Another reviewer has mentioned the slightly odd choice of the heroine's surname - Midden - and I have to say I agree; afterall the word means dunghill!However, overlook this little distraction and enjoy some excellent story telling, quality prose, well-drawn characters and follow Maeve and Lord Rothe as they find a deep and unexpected happiness with each other.

I look forward to joining Clarissa in her London debut and hope to meet the newly married Lord and Lady Rothe again in A Dangerous Compromise.

Governess gets a second chance.
I enjoyed this story because first, it didn't take place in London during the season.And second, both lead characters are strong willed adults who had to work for a living, not spoiled beautiful members of the ton.Both characters had a bad experience in their first loves, so they both have to work out trusting one another, talk about the pass, and allowing love to enter their hearts.

A Remarkable Debut!
A Compromising Situation is, indeed, a remarkable debut book. Mark my words, however, you'll be hearing a lot about Shannon Donnelly during the next years; she is an author to be reckoned with, believe me!

The depth of the characterization in this book is extraordinary. A sentence, sometimes merely one word, conveys more here than entire pages have in other books. Another plus (at least to this reviewer) is the ages of those characters: Maeve Midden is eight-and-twenty, rather old for a heroine, while the hero, Colonel Andrew Derhurst, now Lord Rothe, is ten years her senior.

One of the problems with the primogeniture system is, if something happens to the primo, the secondary is seldom sufficiently experienced, much less trained to step up and into primo's empty boots. Such is the case with the Colonel, a second son who was sent off to the military at the age of eighteen, courtesy of his father who obligingly purchased his colors for him. The fact that perhaps the lad might not have wanted colors had no influence on the father; the older son would be the next Lord Rothe, and there was an end to it.

When that older son dies, the by-then Colonel is sent home to take over the estates and the title--plus the widow and teen-aged daughter of his brother. They seem like empty-headed flibber-tee-gibbets to the battled-hardened Andrew, who has no patience with them, nor the drawing room skills needed to build a relationship with the only family he now has left to him.

Maeve, on the other hand, was born a gentlewoman, but left motherless at the age of four. Hard-headed and stubborn, she willingly cooperated in her own ruination at the hands of an experienced rake. When her father disowned her, she turned to the only person who had ever been kind to her--her teacher, Miss Midden. Soon, however, Maeve is out on her own again, and becomes a governess.

Thus, these two lost souls are brought together in a highly believable manner, and in spite of themselves, are drawn one to the other. Of course, the teen-aged Clarissa protests the title of governess assigned to Maeve, who suggests instead that of companion. And it is thus that this relationship is forged. Clarissa is a rare handful, indeed, and unknowingly brings the two older persons together, in a startling twist to the 'unsuitable elopement' gambit.

This is an outstanding traditional Regency romance; you'll find something marvelous on every page. I just wish the author had chosen a better surname for Maeve to assume. But if that's the only gripe I can find in this most satisfying book--well, then, the author must indeed know best.I'm eagerly awaiting the next book from the very talented Ms. Donnelly, and I'll bet you'll feel the same way, too. ... Read more

Product Description
Zink is different from other zebras, including her brother Fink, because she has spots instead of stripes, but her parents reassure her that she is not weird. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A must read for all children and adults
This book is one of the most beautiful children's books ever published.What a powerful message!Everyone knows someone who has spots instead of stripes-The Zink the Zebra Foundation also provides wonderful programs for schools and Girl Scout councils, check them out ....

Joshua Araujo Review
I like when the brother and Zink played together and the other zebrasdidn't want to play with Zink because she was different.But her brotherstuck with her and didn't let her down. I think this is a very good book. Ithink it shows what true friendship is.

Every Child Should Read This Book!
This is an excellent book.It was written by a young girl who got cancer and felt she was being treated differently by her friends.The story of Zink the Zebra teaches children to accept other people's differencesbecause we are all special and all want to be loved.The pictures andstory are very sweet. I HIGHLY recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
A is for Alice, but it is also for alligator. Learn the alphabet with the help of 26 children and their animals. Each child is chased across the page by a different beast, but in the end it is Zoe and her zebra who chase the others right off the page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Pretty and Scary and Uncommon
Like others have said, the pictures are very beautiful BUT scary. Animals are chasing unhappy kids who apparently were happily playing moments before, but drop their toys and run in terror from the animals.

My other complaint is the choice of animals. Seriously there is an "Umbrella Bird" and a "Xoona Moth". What? Xoona moth?! OK, it's hard to come up with an animal that starts with X, but come on, go with X-ray fish. At least X-ray is a word they might know!

Not scary -- beautiful and artistic
The illustrations for this book are not scary. The situation for each letter is as follows "(Letter) is for (name) but who is chasing him/her?" The animal's name begins with the same letter. It is possible to be "chased by" an animal and not be in abject terror. It's all in how the parent presents the situation to the child. If you read the book in a way that makes it seem Sita is afraid of the Snake, it's your interpretation. If you make it light and funny that Ruben is chased by a Rabbit, that's how your child will take it. At the end "Zoe" and her "Zebra" seem to chase off all the "scary" animals anyway. It's no more frightening than your average Disney movie (in fact, it's much less).

Don't let the idea that "chased by" is "scary" keep you from enjoying this book with your child. The applique and embroidery work is exceptional and makes this book different from any other children's book I've seen. The colors are bright and each illustration is different. As other reviewers have said, the names and skin tones of the children are cross-cultural and the animals are diverse as well (not your usual menagerie).

The book is also well-constructed and large for a board book. It's easy for toddlers' hands to manipulate and the pages are large, allowing for enjoyment of the details even by the tiniest infant. I read this book to my Zoe from the time she was a wee baby and she still loves it. And it doesn't frighten her one bit.

Strange...
I was hoping for a story (my baby is named Zoe) but instead it is another standard Alphabet book only featuring children with names that try way too hard to be diverse.Maybe my baby will grow into the illustrations, but right now she is confused by them.

My 6 year old and I love this book!
My 6 year old had this book in paperback for a year and read it so much it lost pages and I had to buy a new board book! He can recite it in the car on trips, and I hear him speaking the alliterations under his breath as he draws. Beautiful pictures and diversity. Thanks!

Disappointing
Without question, Clare Beaton's appliqué illustrations are gorgeous, and it's great that the text emphasizes diversity, but stick to her other books, like _How Big Is a Pig?_ or _One Moose, Twenty Mice,_ which are excellent and in the same visual style as _Zoe and Her Zebra._ This book is likely to frighten younger kids, with its depictions of frightened- and unhappy-looking children being chased by snarling animals.

I don't understand what Beaton and Barefoot Books were thinking with this book; what exactly is the point of using scary pictures to introduce the alphabet?? No doubt some people will point to Grimm's fairy tales and the like, to demonstrate that fear has a place in children's literature (which is absolutely true, it does have its place), but it's a poor rationale in this instance. First of all, most of the Grimm's fairy tales aren't intended for as young an audience as this book, and secondly, the Grimm's tales are *stories,* with plots and morals and some context for the scary parts, whereas this book has none of those things. The element of fear here is gratuitous; the author could just as easily have used non-threatening language and images without changing the substance of this book.

The fabulous illustrations are the only real redeeming factor with this book, and that bumps it up from a 1 star rating to a 3 star rating, in my opinion, but overall I would not recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description

—An invitation to a holiday house party
—A shiny gold pocket watch
—An introduction to Emma, the Duchess of Warwick
—Roasted chestnuts
—A dance with Emma
—A new pair of Hessians
—A kiss from Emma under the mistletoe
—Christmas with the Duchess... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The masterpiece of historical farce.
Don't read this book if you are looking for historical ROMANCE. Lejeune's books are never sweet romance. She is one of the top writers of historical farce. There isn't much sex but a lot of witty dialogue.

You'll enjoy this book if you like Shakespeare's sort of humor. If you like to laugh at low cunning characters like Toby Belch in Twelfth Night this book is definitely for you.

Christmas with the mean people?
I was intrigued by the writer's prose, but I lost interest in the story after I read about a quarter of it. I just grew tired of reading about these mean rude snobby people. I can deal with some meanness, in small doses, but I do not like meanness in the heroine, and it just felt that too many of the characters were catty and conniving and rude. I did not care what happened to them or who they shagged.It seemed like the household was filled with mean arrogant rich people. Probably historically accurate but not that entertaining. The only guy I remotely liked was the hero, but watching him hook up with the duchess just didn't excite me. She irritated me, and while I sympathized with her issues with her children, seeing her use the heroand play unnecessary head games just made me dislike her.

I did think the author had an excellent grasp of characters, and I applaud her writing the older woman/younger man storyline. But I was hoping for a Chrismas novel that would put me in the mood for the holidays, and this one is not Christmassy, but perhaps the worst family reunion ever.

I might pick it up again, to see how it ended, but I ended up getting fed up with the duchess and her household. ... Read more

Product Description
Kids like knowing things that adults don't always know. Zebras will equip them to be young field scientists, able to identify one species from another and to share little known facts-such as the fact that foals have manes that run all the way from their heads to their tails!

Zoobooks, the 59-book animal series - the "everything you wanted to know but didn't know who to ask" guide to the world's most fascinating creatures. Each exciting edition of Zoobooks is packed with current scientific facts, striking photography, beautiful illustrations and unique activities that teach children about animals and the habitats in which they live. With innovative publications and products, Wildlife Education, Ltd. has enriched the lives of children, parents, and educators nationwide for 20 years. All titles are offered in library-bound hardcover and soft-cover styles.Zoobooks, ideal for the knowledge-hungry 4-11 year old! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book for animal loving kids!
I got this book from the library for my 3-year old sons who love zebras.While the text is clearly for older kids (9 and older or so), the book is full of illustrations and photograhs and lots of information even younger kids can enjoy.One son sleeps with this book and never tires of looking at the pictures.He points to parts of the text near the pictures he likes, asks me to read, and he sits captivated.

We've also gotten other books in the Zoobooks series from the library and they are always a big hit! I finally bought the zebra and the gorilla (two favorites).If your kids are interested in animals, they'll love any of these books. ... Read more

Product Description
War had scarred the Earl of Ashby's face...and perhaps his soul. Before being wounded in the Napoleonic war and shunning society, the dashing lord had been a notorious rake. Now, Isabel Aubrey, a proper lady, dares to approach the masked, reclusive nobleman for a large donation to a worthy charity - and decides she must save him from his self-loathing. She begins to flirt. He responds. She invites him to a masquerade ball. He accepts and dazzles her with a kiss.But Isabel already has a fiance and despite her attraction to the earl she knows she must reject him. Yet no force on earth is greater than the passion that leads her into his bed; nothing she has ever experienced is more exciting and erotic. Now he asks her to stay with him although it will mean her ruin. Isabel must not say yes - and the smitten earl cannot let her say no. To win her body and her heart, he initiates an outrageous scheme that only a rake would devise - and no woman can resist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

Great start, but falls short
I really liked this book until about p. 200; I then wanted the annoying suffering to end. I liked the characters, but the back and forth between love and indifference was so painful it felt like a middle school romance. I finished it because I was hoping for the author to redeem herself, which did not happen. I am all for a little angst, but this book has too much of it. I will try other books by the author, I believe she has hope, and I truly liked the characters, but the delivery was way off.

What Happened To This Book?
I am so mad at this book right now!What happened?!?!?Everything was going nicely until page 295.That page is where the book went bipolar on me and made me hate it.

In the beginning we're treated to a sweet love story.Paris has been reclusive after his return from the war and Isabel is finally determined to lure him into spending time with her.She had a bit of puppy love for him when she was younger.Paris was best friend to her older brother, Will, and whenever they would get leave from the war they would come visit.Isabel worshiped him and mooned over him constantly.For his part, Paris longed for the sort of home their family had and thought Isabel was sweet.

Isabel makes sure to insert herself into his home as often as possible and tries to deal with his insecurities about his scars as best as she can.Paris was scarred in the war and is afraid of anyone new seeing him.Isabel was patient and persuasive, and they both fell sweetly into love with each other.Paris had a bit of need mixed up in that love, but with time and patience he would have healed more and straightened himself out.

So, it hits page 294 and I'm really wondering why there are so many pages left in the story.Everything seems to be wrapping up nicely, and I'm looking forward to them being together.But then page 295 hits and I find out why there's so many pages left!Because the author wants to throw in out of character actions and wild misunderstandings just to draw things out!!!Argh!!!

What started with me enjoying it, ended with me absolutely hating it!Isabel turned into a spoiled brat.She (out of the blue) decided that the relationship that she longed for with Paris wasn't good enough unless he ignored all his fears and courted her for a year or so in front of all the ton.She constantly accused him of making their relationship shameful because he was afraid of being seen in public.

Paris miraculously faces his fears andruns into the public eye for her, but they still don't get together.Instead, he creates a ridiculous plot to win her that just causes even more misunderstandings.Time and time again it felt like the hero and heroine would finally get together, only to have yet ANOTHER misunderstanding or insecurity stand in their way.At one point Isabel thinks "oh he really does love me!" to herself, but two seconds later she's back to doubting him and their relationship.

WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THIS STORY AND THESE CHARACTERS????

Just when I thought things couldn't get any more complicated, a caricature villain is thrown into the plot with a blackmail scheme just to make things drawn out even longer!Paris and Isabel were finally getting together and the author had to ruin it AGAIN.

I'm just so mad!What pisses me off the most was that the first half was so promising.It was a little flowery and melodramatic, but that wasn't bothering me that much.I got a bit of an eye twitch whenever Paris referred to his penis by name, but I was still able to ignore it.But I cannot ignore 150 pages of wild misunderstandings and illogical character behavior.

I was interested in seeing if this author had put out a story for Iris and Ryan, but after the second half of this book, no thanks!

Once A Rake
Isabel Aubrey is a paragon of charity.She is always looking for jobs for war widows, taking in orphaned families and other good acts that she enjoys, but her family wishes she would let up a little on.It's her love of her war widows that brings her to the door of the Gargoyle, Earl of Ashby.Once a family friend, Ashby refuses to come out and see society, but Isabel forces her way in and shatters all his closely-held secrets.

Ashby fears his scarred face and soul will scare off Isabel, but when she won't let go that easily, he finds the tug of war between his desire to stay hidden and his love for Isabel might tear him about.

I enjoyed the first half of Once a Rake, but the second half was too much back and forth for me to be truly interested.I liked Ashby and Isabel's characters, and while it leads to the back and forth that I didn't care for, at least it was understandable.This might have been better as a novella or a short story.I think others will enjoy this book more than I did and I will try another book by Rona Sharon.

Niki Lee
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Jumped the Shark at Chapter 12
What a shame.This book was WONDERFUL, right up to the minute that it became AWFUL.It almost felt like the second half of the book was written by a different author.

Lord Ashby's pain and isolation was so accute, and so well written.I couldn't wait to see how the wonderful Isabel, who had loved him for so long, was going to be able to somehow rescue the tortured, tragic hero with the face hidden to the world behind a mask.The scene where he agonizes the return of the box he had made for her, along with the gift of the money, was exceptional and heart wrenching.His pain was so great at her rejection.

Then you turn the page to Chapter 12.............

ACK!!!!!!!!

Next thing you know, he's riding like a hellion, showing off his horsemanship, stipping off his shirt so Isabel and her sister's can oggle his fabulous body, is totally unfazed when the sisters see him without his mask.Where did this guy come from what the heck did they do with poor Ashby?

And don't get me started on Isabel.To have loved a man for so many years and to finally cleverly devise a way to insinuate herself into his life to rescue him from his self-imposed isolation, the TSTL bimbo takes insult at every word or action made by poor Ashby, who has now been turned into a complete love-sick idiot.

Such a tender love story turned into dribble, with the whole "sit your honeypot onmy face" made we want to gag.I long for the rest of the story that I didn't get to read.......before Ashby and Isabel were captured by aliens and replaced by two fools.

It's OK! Entertaining but.....
Well, i just finished this book and yes I can say that this book got me entertained but I would not say that it is such a good book. The book at first I could not put down but going towards the end, it just kind of got me a little annoyed with the characters. If not the woman it was the man who is upset about the other one. I think that they are always bickering, there is always something that one of the character is misundertood by the other then will kiss and make up.I think the Col. Ashby is kindhearted and a nice fellow but his self pity sometimes is a little too much. Then he became a besotted fool which I did not expect since I thought his character is a strong one.Isabel I think is kind of annoying especially the part when she invited him to a masquerade ball then they went in the balcony to have some time alone with each other then suddenly she pulled off his mask which she had known that he is not really ready to unveil himself to her due to his scars that he received from the war.And yes, there was a part that he said to her that he just humiliated him in public.I felt for him and I just want to slap her face for doing that to him. Well there was some confrontation with another gentleman in the balcony and he did not do anything to the other guy even though he was being insulted and disrespected.That did not sit well with me. His reason was that he promised to himself no more violence but still I think he became a doormat there for a minute and I did not like it, he should have stood up for himself.
Well, this is still nice book to read though so go ahead and enjoy reading. ... Read more

Product Description
Heir to the clan MacFarlane, Ailis was a prize to be bartered by her calculating father, and her wedding to a man she despised seemed inevitable - until she is abducted by her clan's worst enemy; Alexander MacDubh, a brutally handsome laird with ice in his eyes and hot blood in his veins. She had heard rumours of the most famous and feared member of the MacDubh clan, a fair and loving man transformed by grief into an embittered cold-hearted raider. And now, she was at his mercy.. Alexander had come riding into Leargan to claim the three children born of a forbidden love between his brother and lovely Ailis' sister. Now, with Ailis herself as his pawn, he can strike at the enemy whose treachery robbed his clan of so much. Her beauty and her fierce temper stir his blood, and vengeance has never been so sinfully sweet. But will a passion they cannot deny by enough to ease the pain and torment of the past-and break the chains around his heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

My first Historical
Ok, I had no idea whether I would like historical romances.I got this book from a friend, and it took me months to finally give it a try.Other that the strange Scot language from forever ago, I really liked this book.It didn't drag, and Howell kept the reader informed as to what was doing around the place, at least for the characters you care about, and ended with a great battle and a promising future.I prob wont make this style of writing my favorite, but I would recommed it to anyone who likes the ancient history suspense romance.

Great Book
Shows great passion and romance.Hannah makes you fall in love with the characters and feel what they feel!

Hannah Howell is wonderful
I always enjoy a good Hannah Howell book.She has not disappointed me yet.

Entertaining- Sort of
I have always liked Hannah Howell. This is an entertaining read.If it was one of the first books that I have ever read from this author I would probably be rating it higher. After reading many of her books it begins to feel like the same story different character names.

I liked Ailis. She had spunk.

Strong, extremely handsome Laird meets beautiful, feisty lass and eventually falls in love. Same story many, many times over.But what else do we want in a romance novel?

I thought it was kind of weird how Ailis never really interacts with her newborn at all.He is hardly mentioned toward the end. Also, the betrayal with Malcolm seemed a bit much to me. I did enjoy Jamie & the children.

Stars Good Book
I thought this was a very good read. I'm not sure what one of the reviewers was talking about when she stated that the hero said that he could not be faithful to her (Ailis)at the end of the book. I did not see that at all so that's not true it had the typical ending as all romance novels. Pick this one up it's a must read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

one of the finest sufi volumes
i simply recommend this collection of stories/talks. an effortless read....though more like you climb and climb with the rhythm of friedlander's words...next thing you know, you're on the top of the mountain. or the depths of the cave...or wherever it is you need to be.

breathtaking wisdom.

i totally recommend this along with other neo-classics of world-wide sufism: The Last Barrier, Living Presence, Among the Dervishes (and most anything from Octagon Press), The Essential Rumi.

HU!

a box of jewels
This has been one of the most enjoyable books I have read over the past few years. I spent an evening reading the ancient tales to my parents, and for the first time in a very long time the evening became dawn without notice of time. I thank you Shems for this. The author's sincerity for the welfare of his audience is pouring out in every page. If you feel as though you are seeking a path to God, or just want to see life from a different angle, this book is for you.

INTRIGUING AND USEFEL
Very few books come by in one's life that impacts life itself. This is one of them. This truly stands amongst other fascinating books in history.

Shems Friedlander takes you on a journey from the most basic logical way of living to the most insightful understanding of the ***meaning of life*** itself. I couldn't believe my own eyes (and mind) as to how clearly and simply I was comprehending the most complex subjects of humanity, all told with many absorbing tales, delivered with a mastery of astonishing ease.

Either the author is justly a genius, waiting to be discovered by the world, or he is truly moved by God to produce such a masterpiece, or perhaps both.

In any case, if you were given a choice to read one book this year, make it "When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra" by Shems Fridlander.

Being an author myself, I will put my entire reputation on line for this book.

Enjoy and Understand.

Shaun H. Ajani

Makes you Think
This is a well written book that really does make you think....it is very inspiring. If your the type of reader who enjoyes mystic, real life, sufi tales....you'll like this book. It takes you to a different level...you begin to breath the words like they are your own...they taste so good. A definite "cant put it down" read. Read it and you wont regret

when you hear hoofbeats think of a zebra
its a very good book about sufiism one thing i like in it the most that it says that you can not do bad deeds with your hands because the name of allah i.e his 99 names have been printed on your handslook on your handsfor few minutes and you will see that there is 81 written in urdu on yourleft hand and 18 written on your right i want to red this book all againbut i can not find it any where i want to purchase it but dont have anycredit card facility what should i do if any one can do me this favourplease i will be obliged thank you bye ... Read more

Product Description

The Vorlob family is getting ready for the new baby, soon to arrive. The preparations include painting a mural in the baby's nursery and making a list of possible names. Since ten-year-old Adine already has four younger sisters, she is used to the routine. This time, however, the routine is broken -- in more ways than one. The biggest change is that Aunt Irene will be staying with the Vorlobs until Adine's mother is back on her feet. Aunt Irene arrives, as does the baby, but nothing else goes quite as expected. Especially for Adine!

Customer Reviews (3)

The Zebra Wall
The Zebra Wall
By: Kevin Hankes
Reviewed by: E. Shim
Period: P.6

This story is about the Vorlorb family. The main character is Adine Vorlorb who is ten-years-old. She has 4 younger sisters. Their names are in order, are; Adine,(age 10), Bernice, (age eight), Carla, (age seven), Dot, (age four), and Effie, (age 2). There was also another baby coming, and they were expecting it to be a girl, since they already had 5 girls in a row. Whenever the family was having another baby, they would make a list of names that they liked. Alphabetically, this next child would have to start with the letter 'F'. Later on her mother goes to the hospital and the girls are forced to stay at home with their most hated aunt, Aunt Irene. Soon to find out that Adine's mother had a son, not a daughter. When her mother had brought the baby home, they couldn't decide what to name him, so they left him with the name 'Baby' until they could think of one that they all liked. Adine doesn't like Aunt Irene or her ugly cat Deedee, so one day when it was raining and she was home because she was sick, she scooted Deedee out the back door and closed the door on the cat, when she knew it was pouring cats and dogs outside. Later she overhears that Aunt Irene was so thankful for having such wonderful nieces, and Adine feels guilty, runs outside, and brought back Deedee. At the end, Aunt Irene and Adine have a special bond between each other, and become best of friends. Adine's mother gives the opportunity for Aunt Irene to choose Baby's real name. Aunt Irene chooses the name Zachary, the name that Adine wanted to name her little baby brother.
I liked this book because it explains to me, as a reader that she felt isolized from her aunt's own 'world'. It explained to be what goes through a 10-year-old's mind when she sees a family member that she doesn't exactly approve of. One quote that I absolutely fell in love with is when she is talking with her sisters about Aunt Irene, "She is so BOSSY," said Adine." I like this quote because I feel as if this scene is a mere image in a mirror of me, when I talk about an adult that I don't exactly approve of.
Another quote that liked was when Aunt Irene and Adine was talking, a the author wrote a very good description about what was happening to the teapot, and I felt as if I was standing right there looking at the teapot, "The teapot was piping hot; steam rose from its spout like a chimney smoke." I love it when an author gets a little object and turns it into a big idea when he or she adds a lot good descriptive words.
My most favorite part of the book was when Aunt Irene finally told everyone in the family what she was going to name her nephew. I liked that part because Aunt Irene had thought about her oldest niece, and how Adine felt. The least part of the story was when Adine and her sisters were talking very badly about Aunt Irene and drawing mean pictures of her. I hated that part of the story because I felt that Aunt Irene didn't deserve to be talked about like that behind her back. This book taught me that even though adults say things that I may not agree with, or things that i do not want to do, those things will take be further in life, but I also highly think that children's point of view and opinions should be taken in too, because children are bright and I think that children can easily think out of the box and come up with more better ideas.

"mom gimme that book!!!!!"
the zebra wll gives you a good idea of what children with ginormous families (and a pregnant mother) are going through. it is a FANTASTIC book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Emily, age 8

I love this book it is one of the best I have read
I think this book was very good. I like how Kevin Henkes writes all his book. I think He should write a sequel on The Zebra Wall. Maybe he could have a miracle come in The Vorlob family. I think they should end up being able to have more children and have it be another girl, and redue the F wall. ... Read more

Product Description
The bastard son of a Norman nobleman, Robert Beaumont has blossomed into one of England's fiercest killers - and has found himself well paid for his talents. But now the time has come for him to set aside his sword. The king has agreed to reward him for his last service with an estate...on one condition: Robert must marry the sitting tenant - the infamous Lady "Deformed". For years, Imogen Colebrook has lived in the ramshackle Saxon keep, the virtual prisoner of her cruel, sadistic brother, the man responsible for her deformity - and for wedding her to a dangerous man. Yet, on Robert's arrival, Imogen nearly brings the hardened warrior to his knees. For she is a vision of unparalleled beauty - living in a world without sight. Drawn to her courageous spirit, Robert gently draws Imogen out of her tortured past. But with her brother always lurking in the shadows, Imogen's newfound sanctuary in Robert's arms is in danger of being destroyed - unless her salvaged heart can find a way out of the darkness... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

NOT overrated
Excellent and unique storyline.I felt heartbroken for the fear and uncertainty both characters went through.The ending makes their suffering worth it.
In response to the last review...yes, you can hide being 5 months pregnant.It's not that noticeable, especially in a dark dungeon.Not too mention he was starving, and just thrilled to see her.Also, the "game" between the two was understandable to me.I didn't want it spelled out, because it was not something anyone would WANT to read.Roger obviously didn't think Robert would fall in love with Imogen and so didn't forsee the "bedding."And as for the smell issue...she loved him.
And Robert could not see through Roger to see what was happening to Imogen.I guess he's supposed to have superhuman powers after being starved and in seclusion for weeks.
I thought the book was wonderful.I felt strongly for Robert and Imogen and I hated Roger.He is probably one of the most ruthless villians I have ever encountered.Gareth was an excellent secondary character, as was Matthew.It was a great love story and should not be dismissed due to some bad reviews.

Are you serious???
Description from the back of the book:

The bastard son of a Norman nobleman, Robert Beaumont has blossomed into one of England's fiercest killers - and has found himself well paid for his talents. But now the time has come for him to set aside his sword. The king has agreed to reward him for his last service with an estate...on one condition: Robert must marry the sitting tenant - the infamous Lady Deformed.

For years, Imogen Colebrook has lived in the ramshackle Saxon keep, the virtual prisoner of her cruel, sadistic brother, the man responsible for her deformity - and for wedding her to a dangerous man. Yet, on Robert's arrival, Imogen nearly brings the hardened warrior to his knees. For she is a vision of unparalleled beauty - living in a world without sight. Drawn to her courageous spirit, Robert gently draws Imogen out of her tortured past. But with her brother always lurking in the shadows, Imogen's newfound sanctuary in Robert's arms is in danger of being destroyed - unless her salvaged heart can find a way out of the darkness...

* I'm shocked to see how high this book is rated.I forced myself to finish it so I could give an accurate review & to see if I might be interested in the sequel to this book (because I liked Gareth).I had so many issues with this book I don't even know where to begin but to name a few:

- First of all this "game" & it's "rules" between Imogen & her brother Roger was just plain stupid & was never fully explained.They certainly understood it & knew when the "rules" had changed & who was winning or who had won.This needed further explaining because in my eyes it was childish & stupid.

- Secondly if Roger wanted Imogen so badly why not take her this whole time?Why provide a husband & expect her not to sleep with him?& why wait many months to make your final move?

- Also, with Imogen being blind & her other senses being so much better than others how is it that she can tell Gareth that he needs a bath but minutes later go into a dungeon where her husband has been chained up for about 2 weeks with no bath & make love to him?

- This ties in to the last point.How could a woman be 5 months pregnant & a husband not be able to notice any change in her body?I'm sorry but you can't hide that you are 5 months pregnant.Especially nude.Her brother could sure tell just from groping her through her clothes.Come on now.

- How stupid was Robert at the end not positioning himself better to protect Imogen.I mean he had to know what Roger would do to Imogen yet he didn't prepare himself or even think about her when she was on the verge of death (that he could clearly see).

My best advice is to skip this book.

Excellent
Midnight Eyes (Zebra Debut)
This book in my opinion was very entertaining and well writen especially for a debut.It kept my interest throughout and had me anticipating Ms. Brophy's next novel "Dark Heart" so much I purchased it immediately from Amazon.It's not very often I find an author with as much talent andpotential.I look forward to many future releases!

Promising author!!!
I enjoyed this author's debut novel and will surely look for more by her.A few spots were a little slow but the story was interesting and kept me reading to find out more.I hope there's a story for Gareth & one for Matthew, they both need to find someone great too!!!

very disappointing
This sounded like a good book and really wanted to be a good book but just fell short.Mr. Tough Guy falls in love with the heroine while ON HIS WAY to meet her.Huh?While riding toward the keep that is now his, he starts feeling all these tender feelings...WTF??

As for the heroine--she is the one meant by the phrase "Too Stupid To Live".She has been terrorized and brutalized but...(and this sentence is repeated several times).....There Was Nothing She Could Do!I don't know, how about opening your mouth and SAYING something???

I got eyestrain from the number of times I had to roll my eyes at these fools.By halfway through the book, I was just flipping ahead to get it over with. ... Read more

Product Description
He haunted her dreams.She haunted his nightmares.

She betrayed him at the altar and her father sold him into slavery.

Kidnapping her was only the beginning of his revenge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

EXCELLENT READING!!!
IT'S EXCITING AND TERRIBLY ROMANTIC!! IF ALL THE MEN IN THE WORLD WERE......MASTERS OF PLEASURE I DON'T THINK WE WOMEN WOULD COMPLAIN (WINK)BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!! BRAVO!

Above average
I just read this book last night and I really liked it (I finished it in one reading).The characters are fun, the story is romantic and their are some good erotic parts.All in all, I think it was pretty good and worth reading.It's not the best I've ever read but its definitely above average (I read 3 to 4 books every week).I don't understand the bad reviews here.If you like romance, you'll like this book.

Great Cover - Strong Characters -
Master Of Pleasure by Jessica Trapp is a 1470 romance novel. Meiriona is engaged to Godric but her father sells him into slavery. He returns and kidnaps Meiriona - lots of great tests of will. Overall a good romance but not my favoriate time period.

I loved this book!
Full of intrigue and adventure it draws you into the time period with strong characters and vivid descriptions. Betrayed at the altar, Godric is sold into slavery by Meiriona's father, who refuses to allow his daughter to marry a Yorkist. Five year's later, Godric returns, determined to seek revenge and claim what is rightfully his. He kidnaps Meiriona and the adventures begin. I especially enjoyed the `Lady Godiva' type scene, when Meiriona defies Godric and walks through the courtyard, adorned only by her beautiful, long hair.

4 stars - I think not
When one purchases a book titled MASTER OF PLEASURE, you'd expect a pretty riveting read, to say the least...but this book is not riveting.It's not even very romantic.

It's not that it's badly written -- it's a readable book.It's just so - mediocre.There is nothing particularly original about this story (the author's first).There are some flashes of interesting dialog, such as when the hero, refering to his imprisonment, says he thinks he was thrown away by God; or when the heroine, victim of a prudish upbringing, thinks that her sexual feelings for the hero are wicked.But these flashes of originality are just not followed up.The romance between the hero and heroine is pretty standard fare; if you've read a great many romances, you'll be finding some familiar scenarios and sub-characters.

The author had a great opportunity, given the hero's history of enslavement in a Turkish harem, to give the romantic scenes some unique "umph", but this history is never built upon.(The reader is told the hero was a sex slave, and later on we learn he'd brought back some toys in a trunk - and that's it.He does use the toys on the heroine, in their one & only sex scene, but in what I can only call a blase sort of way.Emma Holly, this is not!)

Even as a revenge plot, the story never took off either.The hero kidnaps the heroine, in revenge for the enslavement he experienced thanks to her father's machinations.But her family is, like, OK with the fact that she's kidnapped -- there's no real effort made to get her back!Even when her little brother follows her, no one from the heroine's family (including her husband?!) gives enough of a damn to send out a negotiator?

Even the time period isn't well utilized.It's set in the Wars of the Roses, but it might just as well have been William the Conqueror's time, or any medieval period, for all this exciting historical period is brought into the story.

And there was definitely something weird about the heroine's husband (who's also her uncle, no less), who keeps saying at the end, "I loved you" over and over - about the heroine's FATHER.Just a tad yucky.

As a freshman romance writing effort, it's not all bad, but I think the author needs to develop her own voice.I kept wondering if she was reading other writer's romances while trying to write this - because most of it seemed so familiar.
... Read more

Product Description
Zebra annoys the residents of Sweet Pickle with his unconventional behavior. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

exciting
Ordered the book for my granddaughter who is into the Sweet Pickles books.
We had saved the few Sweet Pickles books we had, from when her father was a child. Now my granddaughter wants the whole series. Going through Amazon saved a lot of money. ... Read more

Product Description
England 1483--A time when the nobles would do anything to steal the crown.
Proof of a conspiracy lies in the hands of the executioner's daughter. Her quest to save her father's soul endangers her life along with the Scottish spy she frees from the Tower of London. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

confusing...
This is my first book by this author, as well as the author's debut.I will undoubtedly be echoing other reviewers and their opinions somewhat.I requested this title from the library and recommend you do the same. I admit to preferring regency to this time period, so maybe that has colored my opinion.

This book started out fairly fast paced, but I seemed to run into problems early on.By chapter 3/page 35 the story slows down considerably.We have to plod through almost 100 pages of internal thoughts, planning, and dull conversations before we start getting into the action once again.

While this story ends dramatically, fast paced, and high action; I must say that the general feeling after finishing was confused, with a lot of questions.

********* SPOILERS BELOW!!!!Read at your own risk*********

1st problem I had was the logic of the main plot.Our heroine, Lizbeth Ives, plans to take her stolen document(that contains proof of conspiracy to kill the king) to the King's brother the Duke of Gloucester who is Protector of the Realm and possible future guardian to his nephews the princes.The only reason she could possibly think this would work would be for Gloucester to be content with 4th? in line for the throne and completely loyal to his brother, King Edward.Because if a conspiracy was afoot who would benefit...Gloucester!!! By him being either Regent for his underage nephews or by taking the throne himself.
Furthermore in this same vein, how could Edlynn, an auld blind woman of no rank or position be able to give the King medicine not just once but repeatedly?If she really was giving medicine to the king, why was she not with the King?If she was truly in a position to give the King medicine why did she live in a cottage with no attendants ,etc?

My 2nd problem was as Jaga said the contradictions in the characters.Lizbeth being the worst.She is initially described as religious, shy, timid, and easily cowed then she turns into this seductress, bold, wanton, too easy to jump into physical pleasure.

My 3rd problem was the vagueness/wrong words? the author inserted into some areas of the writing.Now I don't know whether that's just the author's style or what, but it was definitely distracting.For example: SABLE HAIR-the author kept saying the heroine had sable hair which means black then have the hero say she had red hair practically in the same breath. SEEPAGE-in the tunnel it was made to sound like sewage, however in the inn it sounded like rain water damage(you can imagine the image I had in my head with this one, pee on the walls). As to the vagueness, unfortunately, two of the best examples are love scenes.The horse scene-the picture I had in my head was Broc and Lizzy were astride the horse both facing front with her before him.Then the next line is "Broc placed a kiss on the back of each knee." How'd he do that? Is he a contortionist or something? LOLThen I figured she had to be standing in the stirrups, but still with her being shorter than him she should have only gained maybe 5 or 6 inches so her butt should be chest height still causing him to bend down/over.Oh well.

My 4th problem that I guess you could say ties into #3: the slang.Is this slang true to the times or did the author make it up?Why have slang if your only going to use most of them maybe twice per word?

My 5th problem: the names.Was it really necessary to have Broc's family carry the same names? Even if this was true to the times, for book purposes this sucks.Let's see, we have at least mentioned 2-Magnus, 2-Aiden, 3-Broderick, 2-Muira, 2-Raedella, 2-Jean, 2-Ogilvy's,etc.

And finally my 6th problem: Lizzy's nephews.I've thought about it and still don't understand.Did Hollister kill them when he initially told Lizzy he did?Were they poisoned or starved to death?Did Lizzy's father, Osborn know they were in that room and do nothing? Could he not hear them through the wall if he spent lots of time in the outer chamber?And most gruesomely, at 6+ months in a dank room how could you even tell they were boys anymore?

*********END SPOILERS*********

Overall this book was interesting.I did finish it, but it left me with a lot of questions as you can see. As a warning this book does contain several pretty explicit sex scenes, in case you want to know. I will consider trying another book by her.Hope this review helps.

overkill
I will more than likely not be popular with my review but....like the saying 'have some coffee with your sugar' when there is more sugar added than the actual coffee, this story is like 'have some story plot with you sex'Wow, I cannot get over how much sex this couple had and the unnecessary details of every encounter.To me the story line kept getting interrupted with the very detailed sex scenes.I agree with one reader that said 'If I have to hear her say 'mercy mary' one more time!

The other reviewers included the synopsis for this story, and a very good job they did, therefore, it's not necessary for me to include it here.Suffice it to say, I like stories that have good plots, good endings, etc, not so many sex scenes that in the end you just want to skim through them to get on with the story.

Hannah Howell... she is not! Boring as sin!
Usually I finish a romance book in two nights if it is really interesting and grabs me, then I can't put it down. It took me a week to read this book because it was utterly boring. I'm surprised I finished it and it was not worth the $3.99 sale price. The idea for the story was excellent, but how the story was told is pretty lame and the heroine is confusing at best. It is hard to understand why the hero falls in love with her. She is strong, yet weak and we are left confused by the contradictions in her character. There are a few bright spots in the story, but overall it did not hold my interest. It was poorly told.

It was very dull in its telling and the author seemed more interested in the blood, gore and guts of it, than in the romance of it or in the historical details. Her description of the history behind the book at the end, was the best part of the book. Spoiler Alert: If I read one more romance book with two people having sex on a horse while the horse is in motion, I will be sick. The author is not original at times, yet, there are a few good scenes... but it is mostly sex without romance. I didn't feel the romance at all, but in the end, this is a hero that would die for his heroine. Why? I have no idea. Also, there is no humor in it, with boring dialog between characters.

The story was told in a 'this is this and that is that' sort of way. There is no climax to the story. Nothing builds. It just goes along and along to a dull ending that is supposed to be sensual. It is bland, with no real conflict between protagonists, that would make it exciting. The hero doesn't come off as an alpha male, but as a beta pretending to be alpha. His cousin Smitt comes off more alpha. The women of Broc's clan are bizarre and Lizzy does not fit in and never will. There are scenes that are useless and come to naught and are an exercise in sheer drudgy to read. This is a poorly written and constructed story that has a weak romance with strange characters that don't fit the story. If you want to read books in this time period, try Hannah Howell.

Dark elements and lackluster ending detract...
This is the story of a Scot and the English daughter of the Lord High Executioner. There were times in this highlander romance that I really enjoyed the story, but the details of torture in the Tower of London, the deaths of some innocents and some of the less desirable characters (Broc's grandmother for example) really detracted.I did find myself skipping parts which is a telltale sign that it's a 3 star story.And after a dramatic rescue that could have ended the book, there are "epilogue" like pieces to the story still to follow that just seemed like an unwinding of what had been suspenseful. So, while it has some great moments, I just found it overall to be disappointing and not quite at the 4 or 5 star level.Maybe it's a 3 and 1/2 stars or a 4 star minus.

Pretty good book
Let's face it, all romances are basically about how well-endowed the incredibly gorgeous man is. That being said, I actually enjoyed the story line on this one, and the sex was pretty good too. I'll read it again. ... Read more

Product Description
All children deserve an appropriate educational challenge but frustrating barriers and unexpected surprises often prevent this from happening. This is why parents need to speak up and effectively advocate for their children. In Infinity and Zebra Stripes, Wendy Skinner shares her family's story of struggle and eventual success in working with the school system to meet her children s needs. Enlightening anecdotes of the author s experience demonstrate strategies for minimizing parent-school conflict.Learn how to build trusting relationships with teachers and administrators, and how your voice can change your child's life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A book for someone who wants to understand your child better
This book stands out from others on the subject for several reasons. For one thing, there are two very different children, who are both highly gifted, but in different ways and with contrasting personalities. Many articles focus around one child, so the reader begins to associate that "type" with giftedness. This book shows that giftedness is not tied to a certain personality. And in fact, one child is a girl, and the other a boy, which to me is also important, as gifted girls are more likely to be overlooked or undereducated in comparison to gifted boys. (Skinner was determined not to let her daughter's potential go to waste.)

Another important characteristic of this book is that it is readable for a layperson and told from the heart of a mother. The length is fairly short, the style is conversational, and there are no national statistics or those otherwise omnipresent lists of characteristics. My mother - generally a non-reader - picked up this book and after reading it could finally see through the behavioral and anxiety issues we have always had with my son. In fact, I credit this book with making her want to get to know her grandson and to be as proud of him as I am, and for that I'm so grateful.

Finally, this book is not a kvetch about where public schools fail, nor does it claim to be a how-to book. Skinner simply tells about what worked and what didn't work in their dialog with the school district during both kids' early educational years. Parents may pick up a few tips about maneuvering to find a schooling solution for their child, and educators and other family members gain a better understanding about why this is so important.

Infinity and Zebra Stripes

"Infinity & Zebra Stripes: Life with Gifted Children" by Wendy Skinner is a must read for teachers, parents of gifted learners and school counselors. Skinner's book lets us walk in the shoes of the parents of two highly gifted children as they celebrate and support their children's intellectual and emotional growth in public school settings.

Parents, educators, and counselors will enjoy Infinity & Zebra Stripes for its candor, insight and humor.

a captivating account of life with highly gifted kids

Infinity and Zebra Stripes is a very personal account of a family's struggle to find an appropriate educational situation for their two exceptionally gifted children. Mom Wendy Skinner shares her parenting joys and challenges with a candid and often humorous delivery.Topics touched on include intelligence and achievement testing, perfectionism, the reluctant writer, depression and anxiety, sensitivities, intense interests, and social relationships.

The writing is very honest and gifted anecdotes ring true.Seven year old Ben's exploration of the concept of infinity is a wonderful illustration of the profound thoughts that can occupy gifted young minds.Jillian's conversations on God and Santa Claus show extremely high levels of curiosity and inference. A particularly poignant section concerns Wendy's reaction upon hearing that her young son is way beyond the gifted threshold.The professional test administrator discloses where Ben falls on the gifted spectrum, and Wendy reacts physically. She relates, " My eyes and breath were caught and frozen by this statement.It was as if I had a sudden shock.I was aware of a solid thumping beneath my ribs." Many parents of highly to profoundly gifted children seem to share this feeling of panic, with thoughts spinning off into worries about how the child will ever be educated, make friends, or find a compatible mate.

Statistics put children like the Skinners in the top tenth of one percent, which means it's very unlikely they will encounter a true peer in their classroom or their neighborhood.It's no wonder that some parents describe coming to terms with the label of highly gifted plus as similar to working through the stages of grief.Children this gifted do indeed have special needs.

Skinner's open manner and focus on educational teamwork eventually lead to successful full grade acceleration for son Ben and daughter Jillian. Parents currently struggling with advocacy for their own gifted learners may find Skinner's example encouraging and informative.Her emphasis seems to be on polite persistence and an assumption that teachers and administrators share the common goal of finding the best situation for each individual student.

The book ends with an up-to-date list ofterrific parent resources. Highly recommended!



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Product Description
When a bespectacled stranger shows up at the Z-Bar Ranch asking to borrow a horse, the cowboys think they'll have some fun. They offer him the Zebra Dun, the meanest, wildest, most ornery horse around. But this newcomer not only rides the Zebra Dun with ease, he also out-wrangles every other hand on the ranch-- proving that every educated fellow's not a plumb greenhorn.
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Product Description

Horses, horses, horses! Enough horses for horse lovers young enough to need an alphabet book or old enough to read Xenophon. Here are horses from A (Appaloosas and Arabians) right through each of the twenty-six letters. The narrator dreams of having a horse farm with all these horses on it The young reader doesn't have to dreamhere it is, a present fromJessie Haas and Margot Apple. Pull up a saddle and join in this incredible equine experience. Horses, horses, horses!

Customer Reviews (6)

Beautiful book for horse lovers
I bought this for my daughter's 5th birthday. Pictures are nice to look at and is a fun way to go through the alphabet. I gave it a four because I was disappointed that the author felt she had to bring in the evolution theory.I would recommend Snow Ponies, Blackie etc before this book.

Delightful introduction to the horsey world!
Colorful, fun, educational - my niece will LOVE it!Just right for a little "city kid" as an introduction to the world of horses.

horses A to Z
The little girl in the story dreams of having her own horse farm.She tells us of all the things she will have on her farm, starting with the letter A and going all the way to Z!This is a great little horse lovers alphabet book.On each page there is a letter any a horse related term.Sometimes it's a breed of horse and other times it's items that are used in riding.
I liked that the book can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
The book isn't just a picture book using the alphabet. It's a book that can tickle the fancy of a young horse lover, or even older ones, but it's also good for someone who wants to learn a bit more about horses.In the back there is a list of horse terms that are explained well.

A Chinese girl's dreams ofher own horse farm
It's offical, my daughter has also been bitten by the "horse bug" and if your has too, you too will love this book! This is the story of Leelin Yao and she dreams of when she'll have her very own horse farm! Starting out with the letter A and ending with the letter Z, Leelin tells the reader what kind of horses will be living on her farm!

I love that the main character is Chinese, just like my daughter! This story is for both young and old horse lovers. The pictures are drawn using colored pencils, which to me is pleasing to the eye. At the end of the book there are 3 pages of more details on some of the horse and other things that the author talked. Because of that,this book will grow with my daughter and her love of horse! Now we listen to the words, pointing and saying horse, learning her alphabet, seeing a girl that looks like her and to spotting & naming certain breeds!

For horse lovers
This is a great alphabet book for horse lovers. Every letter is a horse or piece of horse riding equipment.Each letter has a sentence with lots of other words starting with the same letter.At the end of the book are 3 pages of text for adults to answer questions that curious readers may have.This reference section provides some very informative explanations of words used in the book.All told, the book has about 300 words. No young horse lover's library is complete without this book! ... Read more