JO

Here's what some early reviewers have said about this book:

"I cried throughout this incredibly moving book. It proves what I claimed in Dogs Never Lie About Love, that dogs have a greater capacity for love than do humans. And they are more sensitive, and wiser and more compassionate, the list goes on and on. This book shows the profound love and compassion that dogs feel, mysteriously and wonderfully, for us. A book for anyone who loves dogs, and children, and the love between dogs and children." - Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, author of Dogs Never Lie About Love and When Elephants Weep.

"Do not be fooled into believing that this is merely a book about a brave boy, a mother with a fierce and tender heart, and their uncannily intelligent dog. It is, of course, about these things but, more important, it is about relationships and about healing. The Good Shepherd teaches us just how broad and strong and miraculous the horizon of relationships can be when we include animals in the mix as friends, family, and--yes--as mentors and healers." - Susan McElroy, author of Animals as Teachers and Healers, in her Foreward to The Good Shepherd

"This book of love and courage demonstrates the healing powers of animals when our hearts are open to them. It gives new meaning to being 'touched by an angel.' Many angels are animals, and many animals become angels in our lives." -Dr. Michael W. Fox, veterinarian and author of The Soul of the Wolf and numerous other books.

"Tears of sadness and tears of joy streamed down my face as story after story opened my heart to the love, miracles, and healing shared by Grizzly and Lana. A must-read for all animal-lovers." - Dr. Allen M. Schoen, author of Love, Miracles, and Animal Healing

"Jo Coudert's words touch one like gentle hands on an animal--and reach the same level of communication." - Betty White, actress and author

"After reading The Good Shepherd, no one can doubt the ability of animals to teach and heal. Readers will enjoy abundant moving stories of troubled individuals changed by the power of the human-animal bond and animal-assisted therapy. Following the examples of Lana and Grizzly, I hope thousands of people-animal teams will seek training to share their special kind of love with people in need in their own families and communities." - Linda Hines, President and CEO, Delta Society

After having reviewed and read 18 or more books on heart disease, I can say with confidence that McGowan's book is the best without qualification. Heart books date very quickly but Heart Fitness addressed Homocystein issue and genes in concise style that was easy to understand.

My only suggestion for the next edition would be to address the "stress" as one of the signficant risk factors. Saplosky's, Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" is a useful update on stress related disease and the linkag to our hearts.

Dr. Ornish's and Dr. MacDougal's books would make positive companion's to this book and are worth considering.

I strongly recommend McGowan's not as the "first" comprehenisive approach to her topic but as the "most current" on the every changing field of caridology.

The emphasis here is on pizzazz for the garden. But, it is not fussy plants with difficult requirements, Ms. Gardner is suggesting, rather the uncomplicated perfection of blooming herbs. What could be easier than herbs? Plants that are disregarded as weeds by the unknowing, but prized by those who value their tenacious and giving nature. And, since Ms. Gardner gardens in Nova Scotia, a zone 4 climate, she is very familiar with the word difficult.

Indeed one of the aspects of this book that makes it valuable is her familiarity with colder zones. Another plus is that she is truly a gardener. How do we know? Because only a gardener would describe Catmint as smelling like Cinnamon. This book is full of personal revelations that come only from experience. Experience that we can benefit from by reading this book.

Eighty herbs are profiled for their value in beautifying the landscape or garden. There are many photos of her selections, including photos of more unusual herbs like Dittany. Also, while discussing Oregano, for example, she mentions numerous kinds, which brings the number of herbs discussed to around 700.

Herbs in Bloom: a simply perfect idea.