MY

Author and seeker Sidney Schwartz questioned the bible, and the roles of religious leaders, since his college years. His destiny of finding truth, began when meeting Carl Hewitt, a trance-medium. AWAN (Angel Without a Name), a highly evolved Spirit, spoke to the author using the entranced medium's vocal cords. Though a series of unique conversations, AWAN provided ancient knowledge and truth.

Eventually AWAN appointed Sidney Schwartz to be his messenger proclaiming, "You are to write down my teachings in the form of books that will help people raise their consciousness." The first of these books is My First Encounter with an Angel, the results of Dr. Hewitt's extraordinary mediumistic abilities, Sidney Schwartz's curiosity and scholarship, and AWANs astounding revelations.

AWAN's first revelation: "Religious leaders have altered the Bible for their own purposes," inspired the author to research 160 versions of the bible. Much to the author's disbelief, he discovered AWAN was correct. A two word Hebrew phrase was translated 52 different ways in 107 Old Testaments! Mr. Schwartz asks: "If there is so much diversity in the translation of two words, how accurate can the translation of the other thousands of words from the original Hebrew text into English be?"

Another of AWAN's revelations was that the bible is a book of psychic history. The events that theologians label as miracles were really demonstrations of psychic phenomena. What astounded the author was that many of the versions of the bible read
almost identically, however, "... as soon as psychic phenomena was discussed, there is a sudden myriad of differences." AWAN explained that since biblical times, priests were threatened by mediumship. The priest claimed to be the intermediary between God and the people, however, it was the prophet who had the psychic ability to conduct a two-way conversation with God (Spirit).

Sidney Schwartz has given us a mind-opening book. My First Encounter with an Angel offers insight to a new, yet ancient, understanding of God's word. Here is a well-written book that can alter your perceptions, and change your attitudes!

My First Encounter With an Angel is an eye opener. The authortells the story of his life and of his background in the Jewishtradition, and eloquently leads the reader up to his first meeting with the medium who passes on to the author a foundation of knowledge that ultimately changes the life of the author...knowledge that opened his mind to a world outside of the rigid rules and limitations of the dogma that he has been taught growing up. As time passed, and his mind adapted to the new teachings, the author was chosen to be a scribe for the teachings of the angel AWAN...Angel without a name, whose essence was channeled through the body of the medium. It was made crystal clear as to why this angel preferred not to give his name, expressing that he had no desire to be deified and worshipped as so many teachers who have tried to transmit knowledge in the past have been. He did not desire to have a religion created in his name. AWAN's message, like so many of the messages from other great teacher's of the past is both simple and extraordinary. He simply informs the author of the contradictions that exist in his (the author's)dogmatic understanding, and also expresses in that first meeting the central theme of the book-- that the Bible had been changed. This message does not sit well with the author,being from the religious tradition of Judaism, and so he decides to study and research until he finds the proof for himself. The proof he finds is enlightening, and brings forth a myriad of emotions from clarity to great anger. For anyone who feels like something isn't quite right when they go to church and go through the motions...for anyone who is looking for the truth about the religious foundation of the world we live in...for anyone who isn't afraid to look at the hypocrisy within themselves, embrace change, and take steps foward into greater joy...this book is for you without a doubt. Tune into the God within...

I commend Mr. Schwartz for his thoroughness in his research, which proves the Bible is a history of psychic science that has been intentionally misinterpreted. I also can relate to his frustration in regards to being wrongly taught by religious leaders. It is very disheartening when you realize that everything you have been taught is wrong; but I am so grateful to these three entities for enlightening me to the truth. Perhaps someday Mr. Schwartz, Reverend Hewitt, and AWAN can combine their talents and publish a Bible translated with the correct interpretations, so humankind can learn from one true Bible.

I recently received My Green Thumb from a friend - and what a thoughtful gift it is. The author has thought of everything. Since I'm not a seasoned gardener, it's handy to have a book that provides a structure for me. I would not have thought to photograph my garden each season, or to set specific goals for my garden's progress each year. There is also very valuable information on poisonous plants, helpful websites, seed suppliers, etc. There's even a list of recommended gifts for the gardener - but the author forgot to include My Green Thumb!

I love this binder organizer. It helps me remember what I planted last year, what worked and didn't work, and ideas I had jotted down for planting this year.

I use the monthly calendar in Garden Essentials to remind me what chores are necessary this month and I have customized the list with additions unique to my garden.

The beauty of this tool is that you can keep adding to it for your projects, making it a very personal and evolving planner.

Thanks, Gail Holmen. This is a winner!

In our first new home and received this as a Housewarming gift.
Our yard is a "blank page" and My Green Thumb is perfect. I put all my clippings and ideas in. We even added sections for all the projects we want to do in the house and garage. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

An important book to have- especially for doctors and families with allergies!

In this book, May and Samet explain, clearly and understandably, what things can happen in a house to cause allergic reactions and asthma flare ups in even the healthiest of people and how to remedy the problem.

For those of us who suffer from enviromental sensitivities, this book is a wonderful way to help your family and friends understand exactly what you're going through with "hard science" to back it up.

And if you're buying a house, reading this book will tell you things to look for during pre-sale inspection that could possibly save you thousands in the long run. (Especially since the insurance industry is becoming increasingly unwilling to pay for mold or mildew related claims

I've read several other books on this topic,plus consulted with a doctor specializing in environmental illness (EI), but I still learned a lot from this book and it's my favorite. Why? Because it's full of practical, doable things YOU can do around your house to make it a healthier environment. Many of the other EI folks want you to tear your house apart, even when there's no evidence that your house is the culprit. This approach makes far more sense. Some patients must, of course, take drastic measures, but many of us do not. Start with this book, then read John and Lynn Bower's books if you need more detail. It's an easy read and cheap. I highly recommend it.

I read this book with a great deal of interest. Recently my sister-in-law was getting sicker and sicker from living in a toxic mold infected apartment. One doctor diagnosed her as having MS and another suggested psychiatric treatment! She got sicker and sicker, started to really lose it, her speech was becoming garbled, she felt like she was losing her memory. In mid-sentence she would suddenly lose her train of thought. I took some mold spore counts in her bedroom and they were through the roof. Finally after constant pestering on my part, they moved into a hotel. Immediately she started to get better.
Today, living in a different apartment, a much cleaner one, she is well again, back to work too.
I do research and write about plants and allergies (Safe Sex in the Garden) and although this fine book by May doesn't touch on outside landscapes, he does do an excellent job of exploring sickness-causing agents within the house. He gets deeply into all parts of a house, from the attic to the basement.
For many people affected by allergies, asthma, and a host of related environmentally triggered illnesses, reading this book would be an excellent idea. If I had one knock on the book it would be that the whole subject of what is growing right outside the bedroom window is ignored. But, to be fair, May sticks to what he knows best here. I have had numerous clients who would wake up every morning feeling lousy, often with sore throats. No one seemed to be able to figure out his or her problem. When I was asked to look over their properties for highly allergenic plants I'd often find a profuse pollen-producing shrub or tree right outside their bedroom window. Sometimes the offending shrub will be a male Podocarpus or a male Yew, both of which produce considerable pollen that is light, dry, tiny, allergenic, and quite poisonous. The solution in these cases is simple; replace the shrub. I recently photographed some of this pollen through my microscope, on a glass slide, over which I placed a small piece of window screen. The photo is impressive. Close to a thousand grains of this pollen could pass, simultaneously, through each tiny square of the window screen!
But I digress. This book, My House is Killing Me! Is a fine book and answers many important questions about indoor pollutants. Jeffery May has provided a valuable contribution to the field of indoor, household contaminants. I highly recommend it.

I liked "My Last Breath" because it describes the aftereffects of the near death experience extremely well. The author focuses on how the experiences have affected and still do affect his life. Having experienced the NDE myself, I do understand the issues Mr Dovel faces.
This book presents valuable insights anyone can use to improve their daily life. I personally didn't care for the religious references in this book, but in no way does this affect my rating. To me, the insights presented are more important than my opinions on religion. My Last Breath is well worth reading and by all means deserves five stars!

The book "My Last Breath" by Matthew D. Dovel is a very interesting and intense story of someone who had two near-death experiences which resulted in him first going to heaven and then hell the other. This makes Dovel's near-death experiences unique in that one was heavenly and the other was hellish. Most NDEs involving a person experiencing both heaven and hell are within the same NDE. It is refreshing to read the comparison between the two destinations from someone who experienced both but at separate times. "My Last Breath" is easy to read and thought-provoking at the same time. As it is with many NDEs, many of his profound insights requires time to fully digest as you reflect more and more on his wonderful message. Undoubtedly, such insights require the rest of your life to fully appreciate. In essence, "My Last Breath" is not only a fascinating read, it is also a guide on how spirituality can be applied in everyday life. - Kevin Williams, "Near-Death Experiences and the Afterlife" http://www.near-death.com

This book makes me think about my actions towards others and I can't seem to get what I have read in this book out of my mind. It's very impactful and I actually cried at the end. Life is very short and I've always want to make a difference with mine in this world. And after reading this book I'm convinced that my actions are important. We all matter and I believe Matthew has been touched by God to relate this fact to us all. I also give this book high marks for its relevance in todays world as we search for answers to all the insane behavior taking place, and that there is a purpose for each and everyone of us.

I read a review in our local paper and bought this book for my husband as a stocking stuffer. I fell in love with it! We have a beagle mix and she makes some of the faces Lucy makes, but we could never be quick enough with our camera. This a keepsake for all dog owners. I look at it over and over and it's a real "feel good book". It's also a great, simple childrens' book. Great idea, great photgraphy.

Welled up with tears as i turned each page. Geoff really got through on paper what it feels like to love a dog.

Geoff Hansen has a remarkable gift for capturing the broad range of emotions expressed by his charming beagle, Lucy. This talented photographer invites everyone to share in the pure joy of watching his little friend explore her world. This collection of photographs successfully combines art and dogs. Anyone who loves either should own this book. They won't be disappointed!

This is indeed a well-written book. It combines a Proustian dredging through the mystery of time and memory with a Faulknerian sense of the harsh poverty of the South and its effects on the human soul as well as Faulkner's own sense of the mysteries of human memory, all written down with touches of fine lyricism.-The problem is, and I realize that I'm in the minority in this opinion, that it's impossible for an author to combine these fine traits and have any hope of getting his work published without mangling, yes mangling, it into a "mystery" where it can rest comfortably in that section in Barnes and Noble and be sure to sell. Proust and Faulkner, with their sense of the artist's obligation to be true to his calling, to not retrench their work to fit the marketplace, wouldn't stand a chance in this day and age. I wish Mr. Grimsley had the luxury to explore more into the psyches of the characters (which he does so well), I wish he would give full-rein to his lyricism and, above all, I wish he didn't have to fit this into the genre of "mystery."-All life is a mystery.-But then the book would be at least as long and complex as a Faulkner novel. And how many of you reviewers would have bought it?-No, the work will not be regarded as a masterpiece. What "mystery" is? The simple truth is that they don't cover the grand swath of light and dark in the human soul (though Mr. Grimsley does his best) because they have to fit into a formula, which by definition limits their scope, however gracefully, as is the case here.-This book is a good page-turner, as most mysteries are, and (as other reviwers have noted) Mr. Grimsley has an acute insight into the feminine perspective, as embodied by the character of Ellen Tote. All this being said, I'm afraid the book will be forgotten in ten years time, replaced by other "mysteries."

Even though I make it a point never to review books online, I cannot resist with My Drowning. If you find most contemporary fiction unexciting, as I do, and if you are looking for work that takes risks, is devoid of sentimentality, avoids the all-too-trendy irony, and tells a story in spare but careful prose written by an author who pays attention to the subtlety of language and syntax, then read this book. I mean what I am about to say: This book should have won (or at least been a finalist for) the National Book Award. It's that good.

Wonderful story of a dirt-poor Southern white family. So captivating I didn't want to put it down. Easy to read. While of a depressing nature of lifes struggles, verbal and physical abuse, it was not so depressing as it had me in tears, as often is the case with me and sad stories. This may be in part because the character realizes the abusive behavior is not acceptable and doesn't repeat it in her own life. Main character has a wonderful narritive voice and it is hard to believe a male author has captured the essence of an innocent girl so well.

In general, this book is a fast page-turner. Joan Collins has gone a long way to prove how attractive women over forty can be in other books and, as if it wasn't enough, she makes her point again with friends rallying for support. This book is written in a very colloquial style which makes us privy to Joan Collins' intimate chats with her friends about beauty, fitness, life and love. It is a privilege to have the likes of Stefanie Powers, Shirley MacLaine, Ali Mc Graw, Morgan Fairchild, Shirley Bassey, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Shakira Caine or Angie Dickinson handing down to us the experience of a lifetime in the limelight. Yet, the most naive readers should beware of certain oddities like Ivana Trump's gobbling up over six eggs a day, Shirley MacLaine's fasting for over six days on apple juice or Jacqueline Bisset's phobia of fans kisses for fear of bacteria transmission. Despite which, the book is a winner.

Joan Collins has done a remarkable job with this beauty tell-all. She has choosen very fascinating, not to mention beautiful, and all over the age of 40, and some close to 80. The books reads like a friendly chat. There are some great tips from legendary beauties such as Ali McGraw, Ivana Trump, the ever beautiful Joan Rivers and from society hostesses such as the Texas beauty Lynn Wyatt the always gracious Betsy Bloomingdale. This book is a must have for anyone interested in health and beauty. The photos alone are worth the price of the book.

What a pleasure to learn from a book that revels in the vitality of life after 40! My Friends' Secrets contains 200 pages of stylish pictures and down-to-earth dialogue that reveal the beauty and health tips of some of the world's most striking women. Here Miss Collins and her friends share more with their readers than advice about living well; they embody a "philosophy of life" that underlines the power of positive thinking as a way to inner happiness and peace. The result is an outward radiance for the world to enjoy. The author's maxim, "After 40 you get the face you deserve", sums up the essence of this book - the women of "Generation Zest" can and do take charge of their own destinies and reap the rewards of aging with grace. In a world where some are inclined to accept lemons, Collins makes lemonade. This sentiment of making the best of things comes through vividly throughout the book. It is perhaps the reason why My Friends' Secrets is a treasure for any home library. The secrets of the women profiled here fire the creative imagination. Collins is evidently in her element as an interviewer; the conversations in My Friends' Secrets have more spark and intelligence than any talk show presently on television. In this volume, it's clear that the author's best gift to the public is her own multi-faceted personality. In short, My Friends' Secrets is a five-star read and a tribute to the habit of living and loving an interesting life.

"Entertaining, Candid, Sincere,and Unique" is how I describe this book. The stories in "My Greatest Day in Showbusiness" are remarkable. The "information" one reads in gossip columns (or books sold for shock value) doesn't even come close to giving a glimpse of who famous people really are. This did. Here we have integrity and entertaining reading at once. Refreshing.

I was at a seriously stuffy dinner party last week, and most of us did not know one another. It seemed no one could break the ice. Someone mentioned Jerry Springer for some reason, and after "normal opinions" were voiced, I related some of the highlights of his interview that are in this book. What a conversation we had because of what I'd read! Everyone ended up talking (sometimes over one another) and we forgot we were strangers. I just had to say thank you. I'm very glad I had read this book. It was most enlightening to be audience to legends we know by face and name, baring their souls about who they really are, and what has shaped them

Great stories about the famous! Fun reading! It's great to know genuine truth about who we "invite into our living-rooms" instead of superficial publicity hype. We hope Ray Richmond introduces us around Hollywood again, soon. Well written!

This was an enjoyable book with good characters and a interesting story. I liked reading all the books in this series, with this one being the best of the three. Will be looking for more on this author.

Garth de Ware comes from a family of warriors, but he thinks himself less than a man and turns to the Church. Lady Cynthia le Wyte has loved Garth since childhood and considers him her hero. It takes a special kind of woman to show this man the way to worldly love, but Cynthia is up to the challenge. The last quarter of this book is the most exciting I've ever read--I stayed up 'til 3:00 am to finish it, unable to sleep until Garth and Cynthia had found their happy ending. If you think you won't like a romance with an ex-monk for a hero--think again. Glynnis Campbell's book will make you wish there were more writers willing to tell a fresh and different type of story!

A marriage of convenience to the eighteen year-old Cynthia le Wyte brings life back into the elderly John Wendeville. The feeble lord knows he is dying, but he wants a companion in his final years. Cynthia is so much more than he asked for. She is a vibrant lover who brings him unexpected pleasure and fills his days with joy and happiness. Her healing herbs and potions extend his life and give them two beautiful years together. Lord John adores his young wife and before taking his last breath he makes her swear to keep a promise that will affect her future - a future a greedy Wendeville abbot hopes to change.

The gaunt abbot is absolutely livid when he learns Lord John bequeathed the small Charing Castle to him. He'd courted the old man almost like a lover and expected to be his heir before the harlot arrived and changed everything. He will have his revenge and it will begin by selecting the new chaplain for her castle. Ah yes, he knows just the right cleric - one who won't interfere with his plans - the pitiful Garth de Ware.

Garth trained as a knight along with his brothers and is able to handle a sword and defend in battle, but when he fails to hold a castle for his brother Holden he decides to return to the church. Garth is temporarily sidetracked and instead of the church, he worships Mariana, a woman devoted to sexual pleasures. Mariana manages to shred the inexperienced youth of all of his masculinity and the humiliated young man vows never to shame himself with a woman ever again. He hides beneath a heavy wool robe and enters a poor monastery to insure that he doesn't. Poor misguided Garth - he may have lost his spirit, but not his hot-blooded male body. He has lustful dreams nightly resulting in torturous penance daily. The prior believes Garth is wasting away in the monastery, and is almost relieved when the Wendeville Abbot asks that Garth replace him as chaplain at Wendeville - a request that makes Garth freak out!

The instant Garth is introduced to the castle, Cynthia senses she's met him before, and soon recognizes him as the fifteen year old she vowed to marry when she was a young lady all of eleven. Her memories flood back to the day in his mother's enchanted garden when the handsome young knight enchanted her. Garth's memories of that day are suppressed, but future circumstances will bring them back. Meanwhile, the young man is about to learn he isn't meant to become a monk.

Glynnis Campbell delivers a masterpiece set in the medieval era. MY HERO has quite an unusual plot, featuring a would-be monk as the hero, but WOW! What a hero Garth de Ware turns out to be! Both Garth and Cynthia are adults, but still innocents, a fact that causes them to misunderstand each other's reactions. The evil Abbot moves the plot along and before it's over the entire de Ware clan from the previous stories in this trilogy (MY CHAMPION, MY WARRIOR) will make an appearance. Ohhh, when I read this scene I was reminded of movies I saw years ago. I felt like stomping, clapping, and standing up to whistle and cheer YES! What a grand finale to a glorious medieval tale. And to make a fabulous story even better, Glynnis Campbell adds an epilogue that adds the finishing crown to a masterpiece of writing. MY HERO - I loved it! Loved it!

Carol Carter, As posted on Romance Reviews Today

I sent this book to my nephew after his little brother was born. He was so excited to fill in the pages. He is so proud to be a big brother. A great gift to send along to the older sibling when you're also sending a new baby gift. New babies tend to get all the attention and the older kid get lost in the excitement.

I bought this book for my daughter before our son was born. It was a great way to get her involved and excited about the arrival of her new brother. It also gave me and my daughter an opportunity to do something together as some of the activities necessitate parental supervision. I'd recommend it to anyone expecting a new addition to the family. -Norma Rems

I bought this book for my seven year old daughter. It is such a wonderful little book for her to work on. She loves her baby brother and has had a ball working on this kid-friendly book. I also liked how it has sections that she fills out about herself, so she feels special too. This book would also work for a younger child with an adult helping them. If you have an older child and a new baby I highly recommend buying this book for your older child. It will be a wonderful family keepsake for both older child and baby!!!!!