On-the-tape

My husband and I were listening to this tape on the way back from a family trip. We got so engrossed in the story that we missed our freeway exit and it took an extra half hour to get back on route!

These stories are perfect for a stormy night, or anytime at night. Most effective if you're alone. You'll become addicted like I did, and wish that there was a 12 step program to join.

Once you listen you will be hooked for more. Better than T.V

As I listened to "Instantaneous Transformation" with Ariel and Shya Kane, I was struck by the power that the Kanes have harnessed in their lives. It's not a power that dominates or sets up hierarchies, but one that vibrates with passion, success, and compassion - a contagious power that lives in everyone, but few as masterful as the Kanes have ever facilitated its discovery in such a an honest, down-to-earth manner. You won't have to change a thing about yourself. No new diets, no dogma, just simple enlightenment on a practical, daily basis.

A section of the tape covers a discussion the Kanes have with participants during this recorded seminar on the story most people listen to, the individual stories of our lives. The Kanes let their guests know that their seminar is "a place to discover the story isn't true - you are." Since hearing this tape, I've discovered so many intricacies of the story of my life along with the freedom that comes with letting go of that story to discover who I am now, in each moment. As I listened, I found that what the Kanes do is create and support a safe space for people to settle into being - not trying to get away from our lives or to feel good or bad, but just to feel. What makes them stand out is not so much the simple wisdom of what they say, but who they are, interacting with participants fully in each moment. Each participant helped to explore the variety of ways the Kanes pointed out that the mind works to take us out the present. The Kanes shed light on each question in a way that I felt myself in a whole room experiencing a profound "AH-HA!" In a world of mental mumbo-jumbo about happiness, Ariel and Shya Kane are a breath of fresh air. They have other tapes and a bestselling book called "Working on Yourself Doesn't Work." I can't recommend these guys enough.

Have you ever not been looking for something and you find it anyway. That is how I felt about this audio tape 'Instantaneous Transformation: An Honest Look at Self Realization' by Ariel & Shya Kane.

Ariel & Shya Kane speak about feeling light and alive in your life. I especially love that they are about not "working on yourself," i.e. not focusing on fixing or judging yourself. Transformation starts with becoming aware of your behaviors and thoughts. Once you are aware of them they do not have to have control over your life. I definitely recommend this audio tape for anyone interested in becoming the author of their own life.

The speakers have a selection of tapes with different themes that revolve around Instantaneous Transformation. My next pick is 'Magical Relationships'. I am really curious about the 'Magical' in relationships. They also have a book called 'Working on Yourself Doesn't Work'. The revues are great for this book. I can't wait to read it!

This was the best Audio tape I have ever listened to on Personal Growth. The speakers both seem amazing and have very great insights that helped me feel more at peace, more centered in my life. I have listened to the tape a couple times in the last two weeks... and I feel good every time I listen to the tape!

What they are saying is so simple - Just become aware of your thoughts and behaviors - and they will no longer have control over you! But while I have heard it before - They add nuances to it that have made listening to them very powerful! I see myself more clearly, I feel better about myself. But it is different from all other motivational or meditation oriented tapes I have heard before.

The authors exude a sense of centeredness and joy. It seems to rub off on me. My life seems to get better every time I listen to their tape. And that's the real thing...not just an affirmation...

I just ordered their book...(Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation) and some of their other tapes...and I am waiting expectantly...

I am so glad I stumbled onto this gem of wisdom.

Hank The Cowdog it's a dogs life is a funny book. Drover
tells Hank it's the end of the world
but when Hank gets the calendar he finds
out that it's not the end of the world
it's really the end of the clearance sale
so he was tricked by a cat. I give
Hank the Cowdog five stars

Hank The Cowdog it's a dogs life is a funny book. Drover
tells Hank it's the end of the world
but when Hank gets the calendar he finds
out that it's not the end of the world
it's really the end of the clearance sale
so he was tricked by a cat. I give
Hank the Cowdog five stars

This is an interesting experience about how Hank (head of ranch security) leaves and goes to the town to visit his sister Maggie. She tricks him into eating an ivory bar of soap. Then he gets caught by the dog pound and they think he has hydrophobia. However, Hank manages to break out.

This is the halarios story when Hank goes uptown to visit his siter Maggie. whiel teaching Maggie's pups,Spot Roscoe Barbra and April who to be a cowdog he ends up in the pound!!he also has interesting adventures such as" the ivory dog bar".

Many times in Bible studies and in associated books theology bogs down the particpants and distants them from understanding where the Lord Jesus is in everyday life. If you need pure "study", this book is not for you. However, if you've been through the studies of Scripture and need time to reflect upon your everyday walk, this book is divine. Very simple written - short paragraphs, each ending with prayer and reflection. I had bought my wife the book "Jesus as CEO", after she received a promotion to a management position where she works. She loved the book, which she still uses today as a tool in working with her fellow employees. Jesus In Bluejeans is very similar - a tool which can be used for personal reflection of your walk with Jesus. Enjoy!!!

One problem many people have with Christianity today is that Jesus seems so mystical and far away. We see Him as a robe clad person of 2000 years ago. Jones puts forth the idea of Jesus coming to us in the cloths of our day. That He is here with us and that His messages are relevant today in this world. Read a sction a day or just crusie through from start to finish. Just read and be comforted in the fact that there is a God here for us today.

This book was a very good book to read, talking about everyday life the way Jesus would see it. I was captivated by her opening remark: I was in a field and I saw Jesus walking up to me in a pair of blue jeans. Why are you wearing those I asked? Because that's what you wear today.

I'm a writer and when I first started reading the book, I was impressed with Bruce's communicative skills. But about half way through, his message began to grip my heart. I began to get a revelation of the unfathomable love that Jesus has for us and why he subjected himself to such agony and torture. He did it because He LOVES me! As a result, my life is forever changed. The love of God is the most revolutionary thing one can experience. And through this book, that's exactly what happened!

Bruce in his wonderful gentle way gives us more insight into the character of Jesus - His undying love for ALL people, His obedience to His Father, His eagerness to forgive, His patience and His Joy! Music by Marty Goetz enhances the listening experience. Bruce's words will place you right into the center of the drama - you will feel the words in your soul and live them in your heart and mind as they are spoken. This is something you will want to listen to over and over and each time you will come away with something new and wonderful about Jesus. If you loved "In The Footsteps of Jesus" you will love Bruce's latest work "Jesus: Yesterday, Today & Forever". Listen to this to fall in love with Jesus for the first time or listen to this to fall in love with Him all over again. Just a bit of advice - keep the tissues handy!

The writing and the photographs are spectacular! It is a great coffee table conversation piece, folks can't help but pick it up and be blessed. Each photo captures the Joy and love and compassion that is so very much Jesus...makes a wonderful gift! OK Bruce, I eagerly await your next book! **hint!**

I like this book because it's fun to listen to. I also like the story of the Homecoming. It's cool. I highly recommend this to future fans.

This CD compilation 16 of the finest stories in the history of the famed, long-running radio show "A Prarie Home Companion". The stories come under four headings: "Faith", "Hope", "Love", and "Humor". Some of the best stories from this package include "Smokes", a brilliant story of a father's attempt at quitting smoking out of pure guilt. "Let us Pray" tells the story of Pastor Inquvist and the stir up he causes among his congregation. "A Trip to Grand Rapids" is about a weekend getaway gone horribly wrong. "Truckstop" is the painfully hilarious account of the events both before and after Florian Krebsbach accidentally leaves his wife Myrtle at a truckstop. "Homecoming" is the story of Karl Krebsbach and his nightmarish experience on the day of his daughter's High School homecoming. These and many other brilliant stories make an amazing array of the Lake Wobegon experience.

These tapes are an absolute must for anyone who enjoys heartwarming, humorous stories. I've listened to them many times and have never tired of them. All the stories are memorable, but one in particular stands out in my mind. A young man overhears his father telling someone that his son is a "pretty good boy." The son thinks to himself that this was the closest his father ever came to saying, "I love you," and it was close enough for him.

Garrison Keillor's voice is very enchanting. He even sings a little on the tapes. For a fun, old-fashioned evening I suggest friends and family gather round with a plate of oatmeal cookies and a mug of hot chocolate and listen to More News from Lake Wobegon.

Jack Hollis has a problem. His daughter, Angela, is being stalked and threatened by her ex-husband. No amount of pleading, restraining orders or talking can keep him away. Jack must do something. After all, this is his daughter. He must protect her and his grandson from this savage animal.

In An Evil Time is a gripping drama of a man forced to lower his code of ethics in order to protect his family. Jack's stress over his daughter's problem catapults him into doing things that would never come to his mind. Out of desperation he goes out to kill this crazed stalker only to find out someone has already done the job for him. Who? Jack suspects his own son Eric who had just as much hate for the man as Jack. Now Jack has to protect his son from discovery.

If you have ever been stalked you can certainly identify with this family. Helpless and hopeless the law is impotent in stopping the harrassment of the stalker. Everyone goes through various stresses and strains until they reach their breaking poing. See a law abiding man turn into a cynical angry time bomb ready to explode. His anger is like a cancer which spreads throughout his family to the point where he makes various mistakes and assumptions that can destroy them.

You will be intrigued by the social implications of stalking upon a family. Pronzini also shows us how psychological pressures can eat away at us to the point where we become the monster that we're trying to eradicate. Find out how Jack tries to rid himself of his personal and psychological demons.

As a mystery writer with my first book in its initial release, I have repeatedly asserted that Bill Pronzini is the finest mystery writer now working. His NAMELESS series is a landmark in modern detective fiction. His recent stand-alone thrillers have been universally excellent, deserving of the nominations and awards that several have received. IN AN EVIL TIME is Mr. Pronzini's most recent thriller. It features Jack Hollis, a good man pushed beyond his limits by pure evil--David Rakubian. Rakubian is the ex-husband of Jack's daughter, Angela. Jack finally makes a difficult decision that a man has to do what a man has to do to protect those he loves, yet he finds someone has beaten him to the task. Jack then, once again, has to struggle to protect those he knows he has to protect. IN AN EVIL TIME is a complex and fulfilling thiller, written by a masterful writer working at the top of his craft.

Angela married attorney David Rakubian on the rebound from her divorce. She tried to make her second marriage work but failed because David is a sociopath control freak who verbally and physically abused her. When Angela worries about the safety of her son sired by a different person she divorces David to return to the home of her parents where she knows her loving parents, especially her father Jack Hollis, would do anything to ease her troubles.

David begins to stalk Angela and threatens her and her loved ones, but in sly ways so that the police have no proof of his acts. Jack concludes that this animal of a former son-in-law must die before he kills one of them. Jack sets up a full-proof plan, but David fails to arrive at the dead zone. Jack goes to David's home to find that someone already murdered his adversary. He believes a family member killed David so Jack buries the corpse and cleaned the house. Not long afterward letters arrive informing David and Angela that someone knows what happened to David. The miserable cycle begins anew.

Bill Pronzini is a brilliant storyteller who uses his characters to propel forward a taut plot. When Mr. Pronzini provides only a last name of a cast member, he insures that the audience never becomes too close to that player. However, Jack is unique as the audience roots for his success even when he steps over the line. IN AN EVIL TIME is a chilling tale of horror with human monsters that could be living next door.

Harriet Klausner

I was thrilled to see a new book from Martha Beck, and since I work in a bookstore, I was able to start reading it before it was released. I meditate, so although I wouldn't say that the first "menu item" is easy, I was able to skip to week two automatically. Don't skip it if you don't do it! It certainly is essential to my life, and helps me stay focused. Each week/chapter adds another dimension to the "diet", and expands your life in some other way. As I am impatient, I can't simply read a chapter a week, so I am finishing the book and then incorporating the weeks as I go along. I appreciate Ms. Beck's sense of humor and frank honesty. She has been a lifestyle coach for quite a few years and offers excellent advice. If you missed "Finding Your Own North Star", be sure and check it out.

"Excuse me, My Life is Waiting" and "Extreme Success" are also excellent titles along this same line.

This book was a surprising help to change my life for the better. It really had some great ideas to follow to add fun back into my life! As a recovering workaholic, the ideas in this book really showed me things missing from my life & small steps I could take to make changes. I highly recommend this book!

This book showed me the secret truth my heart already knew...that the key to finding your home is to follow what your heart tells you, come what may. Sensationally insightful book. Highly recommended with an even stronger recommendation for Beck's Following Your Own North Star. Caution: her message is powerfully redemptive but not for the fainthearted.

I love Lou Campanozzi's fresh style of writing. I picked up this book because I'm a Rochester, NY native and thought the similarity of the backdrop would be interesting. What I didn't expect, was to be glued to the pages! This book is well crafted with many twist and turns, told in a voice that puts you right in the scene. Only a real cop could bring the words on these pages to life as Mr. Campanozzi has done. Bravo! Ground Lions was equally as good. I'm hooked. Now that I'm a Mike Amato fan, I can't wait for the next book in the series. Hollywood will no doubt come knocking.

In Lou Campanozzi's The Killing Cards, a serial killer is stalking the city. Methodically selecting his victims according to the symbolism of their names, this ruthless murderer marks his success by leaving a "calling card" on each body, beginning with the Ten of Spades, then the Jack of Spades, then the Queen of Spades. Homicide detective Lieutenant Amato must work against the odds to identify this killer before he can crown his lethal spree with an Ace of Spades in this deadly and bizarre game. Lou Campanozzi's debut mystery is deftly narrated by film and television veteran Alan Zimmerman who does full justice to a compelling suspense thriller in this highly recommended audiobook adaptation. (Running Time: 360 minutes).

As a Rochester, New York cop for twenty-two years, Lou Campanozzi worked undercover in narcotics, commanded robbery and homicide squads, and rose in rank to a Captain after serving as District Commander on Rochester's west side. Lou and his wife Nancy presently are retired in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Lou presently serves as a Police Chief on an Indian Reservation. The Killing Cards is the winner of the 2001 Audie Award, for Best New Audiobook Publisher.

When Ace Amato is called to the murder scene of Frankie "Ten Times" Lanovara on February 2nd, he thinks it might be a mob hit. Ace is a Lieutenant on the Rochester Police Department, has twenty-five years in, and sometimes thinks that he should retire. He is tough, resilient, is a Viet Nam vet, and has, as one of his worst enemies, his Chief of Police, Westfield. Ace talks to his contact, one "Fast Eddie," who swears this isn't a mob hit. Furthermore, most mob hits don't leave playing cards on bodies as clues. Even Ace's superior officer, Charles Novitski, is stunned when Westfield demands briefings every day from Ace. Something is up:

"You know the story about me and him, boss. He hates me and I wouldn't give a fat rat's ... for him. Our feeling go way back. You know better than anybody what that's all about.' I do,' Charles Novitski said. Than he paused and looked down at the seat of his chair, as if he would find the words he needed there. He usually wants nothing to do with you, and he's one for sticking to the chain of command. Now out of the blue, he wants you to go directly to him every single day. It don't make sense to me, Mike.'"

In this gritty tale, Campanozzi writes a powerful, riveting story about a maniac committing serial murders and the effect this type of stress has on actual police officers and detectives. Campanozzi presents a reality package in this story that goes far beyond a normal police procedural.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

Michael Anstruther-Wetherby has a challenge. There's an opportunity to move into the British cabinet, but only if he can do so as a married man--married to the right kind of woman. Because in 1825 England, women control society and can make or break a man's career. Michael identifies a candidate, Elizabeth, the daughter of a neighbor, and moves in. But his plans don't take into account the schemes of Elizabeth's aunt Caro. Elizabeth has fallen in love with another man and begs Caro to help her fend Michael off. Caro is willing and her plan works--sort of. Because Michael is soon convinced that Elizabeth isn't his perfect bride after all--Caro is.

Caro has never really recovered from her marriage to an aging diplomat. Although she was successful as a society hostess and made her late husband even more powerful, she has always known that he married her only for her political insights and not out of love. As a widow, Caro has a certain power--power she's sworn never to give up by marrying another. Michael may be sexy and strong, she might even consider an affair with him, but marriage--never. Of course, Michael isn't going to give up on his goals. But he'll take whatever path comes open and an affair sounds like the perfect first step. Things really get complicated, though, when Michael discovers that someone is trying to kill Caro.

Author Stephanie Laurens writes a steamy-sexy story. Caro is an interesting damaged character--filled with strength but still wounded from her former marriage. Michael is a fine alpha hero, fiercely protective of his woman and forceful in his lovemaking. Fans of Laurens' books will find a lot to like here, including appearances from some of the Cynster men who were heros in earlier novels.

Several errors pulled me out of the story (note: this review is based on an early review copy. Some or all of these may have been corrected in the published volume). Although it's a minor point, the Austrian general who claims that Austria has no seacoast is living in the post-World War I world rather than in 1825 when the book is set. At that time, the Austrian empire included much of northern Italy (including Venice) and Croatia. It had a seacoast and a navy. Later, Caro refers to Michael as a 'prehistoric caveman.' That term hadn't yet been introduced. More fundamentally, I found the action-packed conclusion to be unconvincing. Surely the intelligent Caro could have come up with a smarter plan to save her love. Also, alpha heros are a matter of taste but I think Michael's decision not to tell Caro about the pellets in her horse (which almost killed her) and his plan to get her pregnant were both unattractive. In contrast, Caro is a highly likable character who's easy to identify with and cheer for as she faces her own problems and the deadly threat to her life.

If you like sexy stories set in an England where the aristocracy still reigns supreme, where manners still matter and where a woman's every gesture can be packed with meaning, you'll find a lot to like in THE IDEAL BRIDE.

By 1825 everyone in the know believes that the future in Parliament is bright for rising luminary Lord Michael Anstruther-Wetherby. His sister's marriage to the influential Cynster clan only enhances his superstar status in politics and in the ballroom. Aristocratic mothers know Michael is quite a catch and his arrogant confident manner makes all the unmarried and a quite few with spouses desire him.

Michael understands that politics at the top tier in England requires the perfect wife to serve as an ornament. His sister's marriage to the Devil compels him to find a compliant pretty spouse who knows how to host galas, but passion and love are not perquisites for the position. His paragon is Elizabeth Mollston, but Michael finds his heart and other bodily parts rebel instead seeking his chosen one's Aunt Caroline, a diplomat's widow. Caro knows first hand the odious life of a politician's candy wife and wants love for her niece. She persuades Michael that an experienced woman would further his career more than a virgin would. Michael agrees as he wants Caro at his side in Parliament and more so in the boudoir, but she rejects the notion that happiness and politics are compatible bedfellows.

The latest Cynster tale uses the extended family of an in-law to continue the series. Though Michael is not a pureblood, he behaves in the same haughty compassionate manner as all Cynster males that DNA testing should be required. The concept of convenient relational marriages is cleverly drawn within the fiery romance between the delightful lead couple. Fans of the Cynster series will enjoy this entry as THE IDEAL BRIDE is a chip off the old block.

Harriet Klausner

Tony and Olivier Award winner Clare Higgins brings verve and eloquence to her performance of the latest from Australian romance novelist, Stephanie Laurens. Those familiar with the author's Cynster novels will find "The Ideal Bride" an entertaining listen as Laurens mixes mystery with love.

Our hero is Michael Anstruther-Wetherby, a headed-for-great-things politico, who is used to getting what he wants when he wants it. In this case, realizing that a perfect wife will be an invaluable asset to his career, that is what he wants.

Elizabeth, a lovely 19-year-old is the bride he wants. However, there are two obstacles in his pursuit - Elizabeth is in love with someone else, and her very attractive widowed aunt, Caro Sutcliffe, is definitely opposed to such a union.

Caro's late husband was a politician so she well knows the rigors of being a politician's better half and she wants none of that for her beloved niece. The two women devise a plan to convince Michael that Elizabeth is not a suitable mate - the young woman will behave inappropriately at public functions.

Sounds like a good idea. However, their stratagem backfires - quite romantically.

Mix in some murder, an unknown enemy, and you have a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

- Gail Cooke