JO

There seemed to be entirely too much going on in this story, to the point that I lost track of several subplots. Maybe this book showed the heroine in a worse light than most, but I didn't find her charmingly feisty, I found her extremely irritating. Maybe I am simply tired of Southern characters who brag about Southern manners and then are pig-rude to everyone they meet. I am willing to believe that she is more interesting than this book shows her, but I will probably never know. I am fascinated by bloodhounds and I *still* couldn't enjoy this book, so I do not plan to investigate the rest of the series.

If nothing else, any novel that would have a major character's murder trial occupy about two chapters squeezed into the end has got more problems than I care to think about. The fact that, under the circumstances described, the major character would probably never have been charged in real life only made that part more bewildering.

I plan to read a "How To" book about bloodhound training to cleanse my palate, and then never go near another book in this series ever again.

Ms. Lanier is a very good story teller. She weaves several plot lines through this story and makes it work. I like the main character, Jo Beth Sidden. She is tough and prickly on the outside and mush on the inside. She rubs a lot of people the wrong way but stands up and accepts the consequences. The dogs, however, are the true stars in this series and Ms. Lanier is at her best when writing about them. This book would have benefited from a better proof reading. There were quite a few errors throughout the book, but they really didn't detract from the story. Actually, it became rather fun looking for them. Like a treasure hunt. I enjoyed reading this book very much and look forward to the next installment in this series.

I liked this book at least as much as the earlier ones in the Bloodhound series. Virginia Lanier provides a realistic tour of the nearly mystical abilities of the bloodhound and keeps the characters busy at the same time. JoBeth is balancing ten bloodhound pups, ten murder suspects, the nasty Bubba and her business all at one time. No wonder she's short-tempered. The astonishing information on the scent machine is true--I've seen it in action. She weaves the facts and the fictional characters together in an exciting story that has humidity and 'gators crawling out of the book's covers. A great read!

This book was rather boring in comparison to many of the other writers you can find in this genre. The writing was good though, and by that I mean the characters were fairly well-rounded and weren't just talking in cliches and mindless Harlequin-type sentences. The biggest problem, in my opinion, was that this book lacked a plot; I suppose the 'plot' is about Raine coming home to stay, but that wasn't well developed. In fact, the book didn't really get off the ground at all. The writing was ok though, and I'm still planning to try another Ross book - perhaps one that is more recent to see if she has improved.

Given the present state of the world, it is very calming to curl up with a good, old-fashioned fairy-tale, and that's what "Homeplace" is.

JoAnn Ross has created a well-written, pleasant story of a hard-driving New York attorney, Raine Cantrell, who comes back home to her roots in more ways than one as she flies back to the Pacific Northwest to see to some family problems. Almost immediately, she encounters the town's sheriff, Jack O'Halloran, who she views as a small-town cliche. Raine's problem is that she is so self-protective, she views almost everyone as a cliche, rather than opening her heart enough to see their humanity.

Thus, we meet Raine's flightly wiccan mother, Lilith, who does things like conducting a pagan ceremony in the nude (to Raine's horror); grandmother Ida, a feisty physician who refuses to get old; three troubled teenaged girls, one of whom is pregnant; all from Raine's initial rigid point of view.

The gradual melting of that rigidity, combined with the inevitable (and very sexy) romance between Raine and Jack, makes for a satisfying, heartwarming read. I recommend it to anyone who needs to take a break from stress, and wants to read a truly nice love story.

The end of the book contains a preview of an apparent sequel, "Far Harbor," which is a favorite among... reviewers. I definitely will read that too, and am glad to have discovered JoAnn Ross!

When New York attorney Raine Cantrell receives the urgent phone call to go home to take care of her grandmother and three foster children, she leaves immeiately. Fully expecting to be gone from her high powered job only a short time, Raine never expected to run into Jack O'Halloran in her home town of Coldwater Cove, Washington.

Jack and Raine immediately butt heads, but are attracted to eachother from the start. Jack is the town's sherriff and taking care of his 6 year old daughter, Raine has no time for men in her life. Her career has always been number one. Realizing that she is needed more in her hometown on Washington State's beautiful Olympic Penninsula, Raine takes a short leave of absense. Of course, she never expected to fall in love.

Jack and Raine make a wonderful couple in this charming story, but this is not all what this book is about. JoAnn Ross has written an incredible family trying to come to terms with past mistakes and problems. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the second in the series, Far Harbor.

If I have only one complaint about this book, this is it. Where was all the rain? Okay, it rained the first day when Jack and Raine met, but not much after. I'm from the Pacific Northwest and I KNOW that springtime in the Olympic Penninsula is rain, rain go away come again another day. Except it never goes away. That's it. Only one complaint.

This is the only book available with 50 clinical cases organized case by case, with check lists of manditory questions a doctor must ask for each specific set of signs & symptoms presented by a patient. It offers a general starting place to begin the data gathering process, but you must incorporate the examination and patient note according to the ECFMG standard. This book is all there is available at the moment, apart from commercial CSA review course notes. NMS is soon to provide a CSA Review book. A good study tool, but be careful, you cannot soley rely on it to pass your CSA exam, according to ECFMG standards.

Excellent review book for CSA, especially for medical graduates with limited clinical experience. If you don't have a copy, GET ONE!

I took my CSA and didn't have enough time to study for it. Someone told me about this book.....i looked at it and almost all of my cases were in the book. I would highly recommend it to everyone.....go over the book a couple of times and practice your questions.....try to make a list of your own Q before looking at the answer section. trust me u'll do fine.

I liked it. Mernissi gives you an understanind of how hadiths work, shows you proof that Hadith may have been well contaminated with personal bias as well as cultural bias. Good overall.

I find it interesting that another reader found, within the pages of this book, justification for a Muslim woman wearing a piece of cloth to cover her head. My perception of Ms. Mernissi's views is quite the opposite. What she was trying to say throughout the whole book can be summed up in one of the final questions she asks in her conclusion: "How did the tradition succeed in transforming the Muslim woman into that submissive, marginal creature who buries herself and only goes out into the world timidly and huddled in her veils?" Mernissi then questions why a Muslim man needs such a "mutilated companion." These ideas are what make this book so important. Mernissi clearly reveals the reasons why the tradition of hiding under a veil came about. Many Muslim women feel honored to wear a hijab (head covering) because, for one reason, they feel it earns them greater respect. Mernissi's view is that when the tradition first started, most (if not all) women were considered slaves. The covering of the head signified a woman was not to be considered a slave, but someone who had converted to Islam. I highly recommend this book to every woman, Muslim and non-Muslim, (and man, for that matter) who questions the present treatment of women in the Islamic religion.

Fatima Mernissi's book is a fascinating excursion through her own journey of discovery. She takes us from a man's put-down of her with the Hadith "those who entrust their affairs to a woman will never know prosperity", to an enlightened understanding of the historical context in which the oppressive traditions of Islam arose.

After explaining her background in the introduction she deals with the above hadith and how it came about, she analyzes the role of women in early Islam and especially the prophet's apparent view of women and a very in-depth and detailed discussion of how the veil, or hijab, came into being for Muslim women.

She shows that the denial of women's rights was not the intention of Allah, as the source of Holy Law, nor of Mohammed, but arose in the context of the pre-existing social values of the Arab world of the time, and of the vested political interests and power struggles of the period following Mohammed's death.

The study is very detailed and quite arcane, and although Ms Mernissi takes a lot of care to explain terminology and context, it really requires some background knowledge of Islam and Arabs. The book's main target audience is Moslem women, to show they do have rights within Islam, and possibly Moslem men. I believe westerners can learn from it, but are probably better served by reading more general books on Islamic history and culture. In particular non-Moslems need to understand that Islam is not a single culture, but in reality many traditions under one umbrella, in much the same way that Christendom encompasses many religious and cultural traditions.

I have just discovered Jo Beverley and started with the Arranged Marriage and have read them all so far in order (except Miles Story). And I have read them all in a week - so the stories are all fresh in my mind. I found this book book really boring. I agree with some of the other reviewers this just lacked something. But I do love her writing and am psyched to get started on the next book.

There's plenty of those in this book. Beverley makes the reader feel the weight of the characters' mistakes and the pain it has caused them -- and the way those mistakes continue to influence their decisions. Because Susan had so hurt Con in the past and because he is still dealing with emotional wounds from war, he hurts her in this book -- sad, perhaps even cruel, but totally human. Forgiveness is one of the themes of this novel.

On the other hand, Con is my least favorite of the Georges for some reason. This book didn't live up to my expectations of him from his appearances in other Beverley books. Susan is a strong heroine and their love is deep and genuine -- it merely takes time and circumstances to get through the remnants of the past.

Often Beverley's books contain dark elements; this one is a case in point. The previous Earl of Wyvern was insane, a madness that manifested itself in torture and debauchery. Con's explosive reaction to this is fact is quite memorable. But the book has some very disturbing imagery because of this theme.

Perhaps the most engaging character in the book is Con's friend, Race de Vere. He shows up later as a hero in his own right, but he is absolutely delightful in this book and provides some much-needed lighter moments.

There are spans of narration, description, and inner monologue, but perhaps not as many as it might seem. This book is more slowly paced than many historicals and than many of Beverley's books. All in all, I'd place it on a par with St. Raven -- good, but quite dark and not her best. I might have given this book three stars, but it's a gem with compared to so many books out there; so I'm giving it 4.

After reading the back description of this book, I immediately liked it and bought it regardless of the unknown author to me. I got even more excited when I read the 5 stars ratings here in Amazon. The housekeeper vs a Gentleman initial plot intrigue me, not to mention their childhood friendship and their romance. That was enough to encourage me to start reading. The first part and the middle part of the book was luring, sharp and fast moving. I liked Susan, she is more human than a fantasy book heroine. She makes mistakes, she makes wrong choices but accepts her faults and LEARNS from it. I enjoyed reading the detailed thoughts of Susan & Con. Ms. Jo Beverly picks her words very well. My heart tightens in reading Con's resentment and Susan's regrets. Con's sharp remarks and hurtful rebukes makes me ache for Susan just as much as for Con. Their Romance and love for each other is simply bittersweet. They both try hard to forget the past and to move on as friends. They try to deny the feelings that is still burning deep inside... but it just can't be done. It makes you ache for them & with them. The smuggling operation as well as the Wyvern's wierd description was an excellent spice to the story... However, towards the end of the book, I am sad to say that the story drags on and then ends abruptly. I expected more towards the end. I expected more action twist. I think Gifford gave up too easily. I also wanted to read more hearty situations where Susan can prove herself to Con. I wanted to read more circumstances for Con to be able to rebuilt his trust back towards Susan. There is no question about their love for each other but Con and Susan are also often times avoiding each other that I was unconvince towards the end. I would have love to read more of them together. Togetherness to improve their relationship... to rebuilt... to develop a newer, stronger bond. That would have been a good way to erase any doubts and forget the hurtful past. This book also contains a lot of secondary characters, all are interesting but I think I will appreciate the secondary characters much better if I have read Jo Beverley's previous books that is in the ROGUE & the GEORGE SERIES.

The Rogue Series goes: AN ARRANGE MARRIAGE.....AN UNWILLING BRIDE.....CHRISTMAS ANGEL......FORBIDDEN.....DANGEROUS JOY.

The George Series goes: THE DEMON'S MISTRESS (Novella:In Praises for Younger Men).....THE DRAGON'S BRIDE.....DEVIL's HEIRESS (Aug., 2001). Hope that helps!

This is my first book of Ms. Jo Beverly and I can't say I am very impressed by her work but then I am not thoroughly disappointed either. Perhaps I will give her another try by reading the next book of this GEORGE series, THE DEVIL's HEIRESS. It would be nice to read updates of Susan and Con anyway. Despite my "unconvinced" complaint, I still rated this book a 4 stars because it was afterall an entertaining read.

The last of the George books manages to pull in almost all of the Rogues and neatly ties up several loose ends from a book in that series as well as finally thoroughly reuniting the three Georges.

Clarissa is the epitome of the spunky, independent heroine. She is, however, still rather immature and judgemental (especially about Lucien) at the beginning of the book. She grows out of that by the end of the novel. She does know what she wants and she goes after it, or rather him.

Some see Hawk as cold and manipulative. I think he's merely focusing on the goal (proving the will false), a single-mindedness that made him such a valuable officer. We do see him struggle internally with his feelings for Clarissa and the actions he takes that will hurt her. Although he is not as forceful a character as the Rogues, he is a saner, calmer influence on Clarissa--a needed contrast.

It's engaging, if not heart-pounding, and does a superlative job of connecting the Georges and the Rogues, effectively pulling Hawk and Van into the Rogue family (Con's already one).

I like this book, but I'd wait for Beverley's new release that includes all three George stories. That way, I can get Van's story (my favorite) without buying the horrid anthology it's in.

In 1816 England, Clarissa Greystone is known as the Devil's Heiress, as her former betrothed, Lord Deveril, left her the bulk of his estate when he died. Though Clarissa despised Lord Deveril, her inheritance has given her some independence, which enables her to go to Brighton upon her departure from Miss Mallory's School in Cheltenham.

It is not pure chance, which causes Clarissa to go to Brighton but a memorable encounter with a Major George "Hawk" Hawkinville at a parade in Cheltenham. At Hawk's suggestion, Clarissa was prompted to choose Brighton as a temporary place of residence with hopes of encountering the dashing officer again.

And encounter Hawk, Clarissa does, as she enjoys flirting with him and even visiting his family home. Though Clarissa believes Hawk to be a fortune hunter, she is certain he cares for her, but is a little disconcerted when he probes her about the mysterious death of Lord Deveril. Even though Clarissa is falling in love with Hawk, can she trust Hawk with the events surrounding Deveril's death? And will Hawk reveal to Clarissa the true nature of his interest in her even as his passion for her gets in the way of his original purpose?

THE DEVIL'S HEIRESS, the third installment in Ms. Beverley's series of the George's is an even juicier read than the previous work, THE DRAGON'S BRIDE. The development of Clarissa's character is a joy to behold, as she emerges from a dreary schoolgirl to a clever and engaging woman. The repartee between Hawk and Clarissa is incredibly clever with enough undertones to keep the reader's constant attention. And the inclusion of the rogues, former heroes in Ms. Beverley's prior works, adds much to the intricacies of this plot. A truly delightful read, THE DEVIL'S HEIRESS will make the reader's keeper list.

This book is the third and final in Beverley's 'Three Guys Named George' series; but it's also in many ways a direct sequel to An Unwilling Bride in the 'Company of Rogues' series. So if you've ever wanted to know what happened to shy Clarissa, the very unwilling fiancee of the evil Lord Deveril, after Deveril was killed by Blanche (and the murder was covered up by the Rogues) in An Unwilling Bride, here's all those loose ends brilliantly tied up.

Clarissa, now a year or so older and quite a bit wiser, is the ward of the Duke of Belcraven, a considerable heiress, and about to make her second attempt to enter society. She wants to strike out on her own; fond though she is of Beth Arden, Lucien, the Marquess, scares her. This, for critics of one element of An Unwilling Bride, is the legacy of Luce's one moment of lapse of control. It wasn't all over and forgotten with after all!

Hawk, returned at last from the war, finds unwelcome news. His father is deep in debt and has mortgaged the manor to an appalling developer - all the quest for the family title. The title? That of Viscount Deveril. So his father is about to become Lord Deveril, and he wants Deveril's fortune. Hawk's duty is to obtain it, either by proving the will a forgery, or by marrying the Devil's Heiress.

But Clarissa is obviously no murderer, nor a fraudster. Instead, she's a fairly plain and shy young woman, but as Hawk gets to know her, he sees that she's beautiful, and intelligent, and fiercely determined to combat the prejudice she encounters as Deveril's heir. Despite himself, he is intrigued.

Clarissa knows that Hawk is after her money; but she also knows that someone as plain as her is only going to attract suitors who want her money. And, since she's resigned herself to that eventuality, why not marry someone she *likes*? For she likes Hawk, very much. Too much...

And so the game begins, with guilt and lies on both sides, but with a stirring, sensual attraction between Clarissa and Hawk which simmers off the pages. Familiar characters from other books return: Francis Middlethorpe's Aunt Arabella, who is sent by Nicholas to chaperon Clarissa; Nicholas himself, along with Eleanor and Amabel; Therese Bellaire, Con and Susan; Van and Maria; Hal and Blanche (now, there has to be at least one more Rogues book, simply to complete their story!), and, of course, Lucien and Beth. And the Duke and Duchess of Belcraven!

And there is also a welcome appearance from one very unexpected character indeed!

This is an unmissable, unputdownable book. Don't miss it!

While "Claws Jaws and Dinosaurs" is an easily accessible introduction to cryptozoology, it is not very credible from a scientific point of view. It's written almost on a gradeschool level, with poor annotation. Personally, I believe in the Bible, but Kent Hovind loses all scientific credibility with his religiously zealous remarks. For example, he asserts that the earth and everything on it "were created in six, literal 24 hour days." He won't win any converts by calling readers to repentence in every chapter, either. A better, more scientific approach to cryptozoology can be found in "Mystery in Acambaro: Did Dinosaurs Survive Until Recently?" by David Hatcher Childress. And for those interested in REAL SCIENCE, the most AMAZING book on creationism (and cryptozoology) is "In the Beginning: Compelling Evidence for Creation and the Flood" by Walter T. Brown. Both books are available from amazon.com.

I was pleased to be asked to illustrate for this book by Bill Gibbons and Kent Hovind. As a wildlife artist I am fascinated by natural mysteries and I have loved the subject of cryptozoology since I was very young. While growing up I had mostly read accounts only of Loch Ness and Bigfoot. When first asked to participate in this book I made certain they would venture far beyond the "run of the mill" accounts of Nessie and Bigfoot. This little book enlightens the reader to a myriad of mysterious animals sighted worldwide by reliable eyewitnesses. "Claws, Jaws & Dinosaurs" is a first of its kind Creation Science book dedicated to the subject of cryptozoology as evidence of a young earth. Whether of not readers agree with the view of Creation Science, if they enjoy cryptozoology, they will want this little book in their personal library.

I find it strange that all revews so far are negative, Kent is veary good at what he does and I think every person especialy children sould read this great book.

This was a boring book. The title is deciving. It might be good for 1st and 2nd graders, however.
Nadeli and Tiro go to Jo'burg to find there mother, because their little sister Dineo is dying. But that is all that seems to happen, and they really don't spend much time in Jo'burg. Overall, it is a boring book

In a short and simple book, "Journey To Jo' Burg" informs us about the system of "apartheid" - the worse form of racial segreation that existed in South Africa. It's really the only book that introduces kids to apartheid. I also thought Naledi was very brave to go to Jo'Burg to get her mother home. I admire her courage to take risks in order to save her baby sister's life. But what I would like the author to do is to describe the evils of the apartheid a bit more. Overall, this is a very good book.

Mma is given only a week from her employment, so they hurry back to the village. Mma took Dineo to the hospital; the doctor kept Dineo until her fever was broken. Mma was told to be sure that the baby had plenty of milk, fruits, and vegetables. However, they rarely have money for any of these things.
On their journey to Johannesburg, Naleda learned about the older students who were trying to change the unfair practices of apartheid. She is determined to find out about this and become part of the change. They are going on the bus and they did not read the sign it was a white sign they had to walk to the black sign because they was that the white sign. The mom wanted to see her girl because see was sick. The owner was going to a dinner and the owner said that you can see your little girl tomorrow. A woman said that it is not right that they have to but kids in jail. Grace had a passport but her friend didn't. when they went home two boys ran out the house. One of the girls was splashing water and the girl said do not do that because she remenber when she had to buy water. The mom said that the kids need schools and but the black and white tougher. On the banner that Dumi and his friends carried, they had written on the back of a paper they wrote BLACKS ARE NOT DUSTBINS.

Dineo the baby is very sick; Naledi was afraid because so many babies have died from this sickness. She and her brother Tiro traveled to Johannesburg to get Mma. Mma was a maid in a white lady's home, and the lady grudgingly allowed Mma to return home to help Dineo.
On their trip to Jo'burg, both Naledi and Tiro learn about the things that happen to black people under the white government called apartheid. They discover that they could be shot for picking and eating an orange just because they are hungry. In the train depot they discover that there are trains for blacks and for whites; they must ride the black cars even though they are overcrowded and have no seats. In Soweto, a place in which Mma fears for their safety, they see the police raid, looking for people who do not have their passbooks. The police even try to say that some of the children are older so that they can imprison them. Mma is given only a week from her employment, so they hurry back to the village. Mma took Dineo to the hospital; the doctor kept Dineo until her fever was broken. Mma was told to be sure that the baby had plenty of milk, fruits, and vegetables. However, they rarely have money for any of these things. On their journey to Johannesburg, Naleda learned about the older students who were trying to change the unfair practices of apartheid. She is determined to find out about this and become part of the change. Thirteen-year-old Naledi, her younger brother Tiro and baby sister Dineo live with their grandmother while their mother works as a maid in Johannesburg. When Dineo gets sick, Naledi and Tiro walk to Johannesburg to bring their mother home. On the way, Naledi sees a new world, and learns about the cruelty of Apartheid for the first time. This journey, which saves Dineo's life, causes pride to burn in Naledi, and makes her determined to hold her head up high. They don't understand the song's warning until they arrive in Jo'burg. There they watch, in amazement and fear, while the police storm their train, attacking and arresting people, and the song takes on new meaning. On the crowded city buses, in the sprawling suburbs, and on an unexpected visit to Soweto, Naledi and Tiro begin to see the painful struggle for freedom and dignity going on in the 'City of Gold. ' And slowly they realize that their own journey has just begun.



By Jakeba Henry

Though Jo Beverly's latest Regency on the Rogues bears uncanny shades of resemblance to her RITA-award winning novel My Lady Notorious, she acquits herself nicely in this nimble lark of a tale. Duke of St. Raven, Tristan Tresgallows chances upon the spirited Cressida Mandeville when he disguises as the notorious highwayman Le Corbeau and halts Viscount Crofton's carriage. Determined to save the innocent from the reputed lecher, he whisks her away to his retreat Nun's Chase, oblivious that he has foiled her plans to snatch back the treasure-secreted ivory statue that her father had lost, together with Stokeley Manor, in a gambling game with Crofton.

The rollicking adventure begins when Cressida bares her predicaments and St. Raven as the chivalrous knight errant steps in. They decide to penetrate into the Manor when Crofton holds his infamous sexual orgy and masquerade as a sultan and houri. Cressida is shocked by the decadence and oddly disappointed at Tristan's unsavory associations. She is however tantalized to the seductive masculine appeals of Tristan and knows love can never bridge the rank schism between them. Both of them fall in love against their wills.

Much of the intrigue is in the pursuit of the statue and Crofton's tenacity to unmask Cressida as the houri, which climaxes in a sharp battle of wits and lies to contradict Crofton's accusation. Corbeau, as Tristan's bastard cousin is the charming rogue who plays cupid to the reluctant pair. Jo Beverly is a master at her craft in creating simmering sexual tension and chemistry that sizzles and deftly avoids being vulgar in the detailing of the orgies. Her smooth narration compels readers to overlook the lack of resolution to the class distinction between the couple and the lack of emotional gravity that is surprising for a Jo Beverly's novel. No regrets though, St. Raven self-admittedly is fluff-light and every bit an entertaining sexy caper that packs escapism to the hilt.

For starters, I didn't think that Jo Beverly's "St. Raven" was lackluster romance novel at all. I found it to be a compelling and lightly steamy book. True, there are some things that some readers may find exasperating, but if you're looking for a romance novel that is a little bit more than what you'd usually expect, and one where the sensual-rating is slightly higher than usual (note: no heavy x-rated scenes though), than this is just the novel that may satisfy.

Tristan Tregallows, the Duke of St. Raven, is masquerading as the highwayman Le Corbeau (for reasons of his own), when he comes across Cressida Mandeville and Lord Crofton. That Cressida is a respectable lady is fairly obvious -- why she is with the loathsome and villainous Lord Crofton, however, is another matter. And in a fit of chivalry, Tristan decides to rescue Cressida for Crofton's clutches. However, the lady is anything but grateful. It so happens that Crofton has won a fortune off Cressida's father at cards. Facing near penury, Cressida and Crofton have struck a deal: she will be Crofton's mistress for the duration of a few nights in exchange for some of the Indian artifacts that her father had wagered and lost. Unbeknownst to Crofton is that one of the artifacts hides a small fortune in jewels, and that Cressida actually has a plan to retrieve the treasure as well as hold on to her virginity. But all goes horribly wrong when Tristan decides to rescue her. Upon hearing her tale however, Tristan finds himself volunteering to help Cressida retrieve her treasure. But what starts out as a deed in knight-errantry becomes something more when Tristan finds himself becoming totally enamored with the incredibly ordinary but courageous Cressida Mandeville, while Cressida discovers that falling in love with a rakish duke is one thing but expecting that love to lead to something more is an exercise in folly. For who would expect a duke of the realm to fall in love with and marry an ordinary miss of no particular birth or distinction...

I'll admit that while I did find "St. Raven" to be a rather romantic read, Cressida as a heroine sometimes had me rubbing my brow with frustration. Her vacillations and her frequent verbal jabs at Tristan because she thought that he was an unrepentant rake got rather old fast. Also, given that he had never really caused to doubt his sincerity and honour, her ability to believe the worse and jump to conclusions made me long to shake some sense into her. But every good novel needs obstacles and I suppose Cressida's whole trust problem was as good as any!

What makes "St. Raven" unique is that Jo Beverly has decided to write a romance novel that actually focuses on how two people from different strata of society fall in love and the problems that they face. Cressida Mandeville is a young lady who exists on the fringes of Society, and is someone with little money and no connections, while Tristan is a duke of the realm. She values the quiet life, while Tristan's duchess would always be Society's focal point. This is not a match made in heaven, nor would it be one that Society would actually sanction happily. And Jo Beverly focuses on the anguish that both Tristan and Cressida feel over their situation. It is the stuff of romance -- the love that they feel for each other, all the while knowing that it can come to nothing, and the eventual finding of happiness and the much longed for happily-ever-after ending. Along the way, one does become mildly irritated with Cressida (but not for long, thank goodness). But Tristan as a hero was a dream come true -- no neanthethal male here, but a take-charge, honest and rakishly charming man. (Also, for a rake, he didn't really behave all that rakishly at all -- there were actually instances where he left off a forceful seduction and left the decision on whether or not to give into temptation completely in Cressida's hands.)

Much of the novel flowed smoothly, though the whole finding-the-treasure subplot did meander a little. I would have been happy if the authour had spent the entire novel deciding how to get Tristan and Cressida together and how they would surmount all those odds without having them become even more entangled in the treasure subplot. But that's just me. My vote: this is a truly romantic novel, and just the thing for Valentine's Day.

This was a great book to be stuck on a train with! I'd just finished a rather amateurish novel; it was such a relief to read something by an author who knows how to construct a solid plot, interesting characters, strong conflict, and then flesh it out with a wonderful command of the language.

Was the orgy too long? Yes. Other than that the book held me in suspense by the twisted path to retrieve the treasure, and the fact that we went so long without a "hard" love scene was a surprise. Imho the heroine (and almost everyone else) should have been more shocked by the statue (and etc.), but otherwise the period seemed correct. What we were left with were two fascinating, dynamic characters caught in a skewed and tangled web where they could be discovered at any moment.

Excellent escapist fare.

Overall, I enjoyed the stories in this anthology. There were 3 fantasy stories and 3 sci-fi stories, with 3 written by romance novelists and 3 written by fantasy/sci-fi authors.

My favorites were the first and last stories, by Lois Bujold and Jennifer Roberson. I have never read any of Lois Bujold's Lord Vorkosigan series, and her story definitely made me want to find out more.

Jennifer Roberson's fantasy featuring Robin Hood and Marian, as well as another famous figure from British legend, was very touching in its description of devoted married love. I will definitely seek out other works by this author, who I also have never read.

Mary Jo Putney is one of my favorite romance authors, but I was a little disappointed in her story. I thought it lacked any real character development. It was just too short and everything happened too fast. The premise of the Guardians is a great one, however, and I'm really looking forward to her future books featuring them.

The other stories were pretty good, with my least favorites being Catherine Asaro's and Deb Stover's.

I only bought this collection for the entry by Lois McMaster Bujold, "Winterfair Gifts", which is about the marriage of her series-hero Miles Vorkosigan, and which is set between her recent series novels A CIVIL CAMPAIGN and DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY. I have not yet read any of the other stories, but this story alone is worth the price. It's not only about Miles's wedding, but also about more serious issues such as prejudice, trust, and some very old-fashioned romance (although one of the lovers involved is rather unusual). It's a wonderful read, and its only flaw is that it is too short.

Several of us at the house read this anthology. We each had a different favorite. I'm more a science fiction than romance fan. I don't normally read romantic books. This anthology may change my mind, though. I was able to follow the Bujold story fine. You may need to know sf conventions to get the most out of it, but it is a good read. The Putney story was more history than science fiction. I liked it. Sensual and refreshing. The Stover story was a light, humorous read. The Asaro had a poetic feel and was the most SF of the bunch (except Bujold), which made it my type of story. Good read, more idealistic than the others. The other SF story was the one by Beverley. It had solid development of culture and a take not quite like anything I'd read before on the aftermath of war. Well worth the read. The last by Roberson was a real favorite of another reader here. She liked the combination of two legends. All in all an interesting collection of novellas, tied together by the theme of love. A more coherent anthology than many others I've read, perhaps because of this overlying theme.