Book Description
Canned from her L.A. law firm, Kendra Ballantyne is now a freelance pet-sitter. When her clients start getting knocked off one by one, Kendra fears she's being set up. Aided by sexy detective Jeff Hubbard, she's got to find out why, and fast. This killer's animal instincts are downright dangerous.
Customer Reviews:
A series debut with bite!.......2007-03-28
Thirty-five-year-old Kendra Ballantyne has two main loves in her life: her job as an LA litigator at a firm, where she has finally landed the position of partner; and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lexie. However, when she's framed for wrongdoing, and has her law license suspended for three months, Kendra is forced to quickly find a new profession that will help her pay her bills. Renting her upscale Hollywood home to total strangers - aside from their 15 minutes of fame on a reality show that she's never seen - Kendra moves into the apartment over her garage, where she can be alone to sulk. But sulking won't pay the bills. So, her close friend, and resident doggy daycare owner, Darryl Nestler, sets her up with a position that she can't refuse. Kendra will be pet-sitting for a private investigator named Jeff Hubbard, who happens to own an Akita named Odin who needs a little tender, love, and care while he's out of town. Kendra is reluctant to accept the position. When she learns that it includes free, temporary, room and board, however, Kendra jumps at the opportunity. Anything to avoid having to witness her new tenants partying it up in her beloved home. Moving Lexie, along with her few belongings, into Jeff's place, Kendra realizes that just one pet-sitting job will never be enough to pay off her debt, and her newly acquired bills. So, with the help of Darryl, she racks up an entire list of clients whom need pet-sitting. Of course, after just a short while of working her new job, tragedy strikes, and one of Kendra's clients ends up stabbed to death in his mansion-like Toluca Lake home. With all of his neighbors, no one witnesses anything, accept for his beloved pooch, Cheesie - and she's not talking. It seems like a freak occurrence to Kendra. However, when another one of her clients is found in the same position, Kendra begins to feel like she's being set-up to take the fall for someone else's wrongdoing. Now, enlisting the help of client/potential love interest, Jeff, Kendra has decided that it's up to her to solve the case, and finger the murderer. After all, the police seem interested in only one suspect: her. And if she doesn't find the true murderer, she may just find herself on a very short leash of her own - in prison. Luckily, after the trouble Kendra has faced at her ex-firm, she's not one to take things lying down, and throws herself headlong into solving the mystery at hand. But as she works to dig up the truth, she can't help but notice the vibes that Jeff is throwing her way, and which she just happens to be reciprocating. Now, in the midst of a killer murder investigation, Kendra finds herself falling for the hunky private investigator. And no matter how hard she tries to deny her growing feelings, they keep surfacing. But if Kendra is truly intent on catching the killer, she'll have to lay her romantic feelings towards Jeff aside, and concentrate on nothing but the case - along with her various four-legged charges - or else she may be the next one to find herself swimming with the fishes.
As an animal lover, I found myself quickly drawn to Linda O'Johnston's SIT, STAY, SLAY. I won't hesitate to admit, however, that part of the novel's appeal started with the adorably illustrated cover. The mystery held within the pages, however, was just as enticing as the cover illustration. Kendra Ballantyne is an interesting new voice in the mystery world. Her quirky, yet oft-times cynical outlook on the world around her is amusing, while her adventures in pet-sitting truly add depth to the novel. Her friend, Darryl, is a fun character, whose ability to appear nervous in just about any situation is slightly odd, but his love of animals will certainly appeal to those who have a soft spot for furry - and slithery - companions. The only other character who seems to appear prevalently throughout the novel would have to be Jeff, who is charming in a rugged, detective-like way. However, his actions and assumptions often lead the reader to suspect him of something - yet it's impossible to put your finger on exactly what. While I adore the fact that animals of all shapes and sizes - from dogs to cats, and snakes to bunnies - were introduced as Kendra's charges; and the fact that she appears as a type of LEGALLY BLONDE meets DR. DOLITTLE character, there are certain aspects of the novel that don't always add up. O'Johnston's writing is not always consistent. On one page, Kendra is spewing crude comments about poop, and swearing like a sailor, making her sound extremely juvenile; on the next she's reverted back to mature, educated, lawyerly lingo. These inconsistencies in language are at two separate sides of the spectrum, and really change the dynamics of the story, as well as the readers opinion of Kendra. The fact that a slew of characters enter and exit the tale as if in a revolving door, never truly being introduced to the reader, is also slightly confusing, as they remain anonymous, and just plain uninteresting from beginning to end. I also find it highly strange that the name Lorraine Giles is thrown out throughout the novel without much of an explanation as to who she is. Overall, however, due to Kendra's fun-loving personality, and passion for her new profession, I can definitely see myself picking up the sequel sometime soon. I only hope that the sequel provides more information about both Kendra, and her cohorts. A series debut with bite!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer
Good Debut.......2006-09-20
As an animal lover, I loved the premise of this series and think it could be a keeper. However, I do hope that there's some development for Kendra.
Frankly, I thought it was stupid that she would keep showing up at the firm where she was disgraced, or that they would even let her. I thought it was ridiculous that she ran around accusing various people, hoping a confession would just fall out of the sky. I found it ludicrous that she never once had any kind of dogfight on her hands while bringing Lexie, and at times Odin and/or Py, on her pet-sitting rounds with her.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Suspension of disbelief is critical here.......2006-05-29
I enjoyed this book, though I skipped a big chunk of it and didn't miss a thing. Hence the three stars. I can enjoy a book without liking the protagonist. As I did here.
Lexie the spaniel's much more likable than Kendra. But then, Kendra was, until her fall from grace, a successful hard-working civil litigator. And although a certain amount of personal charisma never hurts such a litigator's career, they do NOT tend to be lovable philosopher-philanthropists. More like competitive, hyperactive, focused, aggressive, pragmatic, self-centered people who cut you off in traffic and enjoy snatching the last decent parking space while talking on their bluetooth headsets the whole time.
It's easy to believe that Kendra could build a little business pet-sitting in affluent LA where people are away from their homes for long hours just because of their daily commute, much less when they leave town. I found it not believable that Kendra would have such easy and continued access to her former high-powered law firm and its personnel - or why she'd want to anyway, since the place was a complete nest of vipers.
I will probably read the next book in the series to see how - or if - Kendra develops as a human being.
Good new series.......2006-03-11
This was a darn good new series. I am going to get the Second one today . That good, i have to buy it before i will wait till the library will finally get around to getting it.
Hurrah a new read!!
Good Boy!.......2006-02-23
It seems like most mystery series today have to have a "hook" to draw the reader in. In this debut, Linda O. Johnston has offered up a rather entertaining hook with a lawyer who's forced to earn a living as a pet-sitter after having her license suspended. We meet Kendra Ballentyne as the people she's rented her house out to are moving in (a reality-show "star" who trying to extend her fifteen minutes and her boyfriend), a moment which pretty much exemplifies how much her life has changed.
This isn't a "cute" mystery; there's more than a touch of Raymond Chandler's mean streets here, and Kendra's not completely straight and narrow. She's a woman caught up in change, who's had her self-image cracked and is trying to figure out how to put the pieces back together. When a pet-sitting client and friend is found dead, her immediate reaction is to get involved not so much to seek the man's killers or find justice, but to keep herself from being eyed too closely as a suspect.
It's an intriguing start to a new series, with a main character who shows a great deal of potential for growth, something that can help keep the character fresh even as the bodies pile up around her.
Product Description
Canned from her L.A. law firm, Kendra Ballantyne is now a freelance pet-sitter. When her clients start getting knocked off one by one, Kendra fears she's being set up. Aided by sexy detective Jeff Hubbard, she's got to find out why, and fast. This killer's animal instincts are downright dangerous.
Book Description
Fascinating and irresistible, the mysterious Donovan cousins share a secret that's been handed down through the generations -- a secret that sets them apart from ordinary beings.
Entranced
He was certainly a fraud, and she wasn't about to let him exploit her friend's vulnerability. But fiercely protective Mary Ellen Sutherland was desperate to find a missing baby and had run out of leads. So, reluctantly, the dubious private investigator agreed to enlist Sebastian Donovan's help. Soon she had to admit -- grudgingly -- that this beguiling mystery man had some pretty remarkable gifts, including his extraordinary ability to penetrate her tough façade and awaken her heart.
Customer Reviews:
Another Nora Roberts winner........2006-12-28
Loved this book and liked how it tied in the other characters from the two other books in this series- clever. Hard to put down! It was a pleasant and beautiful story with the paranormal mixed in to make it more interesting.
Good way to spend a rainy afternoon.......2006-11-02
While Ms. Roberts' books will never keep you spell-bound, the paranormal ones are extremely entertaining. I don't particularly care for just the romantic ones but these will keep your attention.
A Good Read.......2006-10-29
This was a reread for me and I enjoyed it. This is the second book in the 4 book series on the Donovan Legacy. The Donovan's are a family of witches. Each has a power that stands out. This is cousin Sebastians's story. His gift is that of sight. He is psychic.
Mary Ellen Sutherland (Mel) is a private detective who reluctantly joins her friend Rose on a trip to the local psychic's house when Rose's son David is kidnapped.
She doesn't believe in anything witch related including psychics. But as Sebastian gived her more and more clues. She has to follow them for the sake of David.
They embark on a journey as an undercover married couple trying to break up a kidnapping/selling baby ring.
An enjoyable read. Those of you who enjoy JD Robb/In Death series by Nora my recognize some similar trates between Mary Ellen and Eve.
Entranced.......2006-03-15
When alpha male, Sebastian Donovan, meets alpha female, Mel Sutherland there are sparks of will that turn
into blazing flames of love.
Okay read........2005-09-13
I read this one because the reviews were good and I had already read he first and third book of the series. I have to say, this one just didn't do it for me. It was okay, but a bit a a waste. Sebastian lacked the personalitly and wit he had in the first and third one- The third(with Anastasia & Boone) is the best one I have read so far of the four.
Customer Reviews:
Too smooth.......2007-06-29
Loved the magic but everything just went to smooth. Roberts usually has a bit more twists but i guess since it was a 3fer they had to fall in love fast.
Five Stars .......2007-04-28
Another great trilogy by Nora Roberts. This time the Donovan cousins Morgana, Sebastian and Anastasia who are best friends and witches. Each of them are very interesting and well written. Morgana runs a wicca store and meets Nash who wants to write books about witches. In Sebastian's story he uses his powers to assisst the police he's brought in by a desperate mother looking for her child and meets Mel, a private investigator who doesn't believe in magic or witches. The last story Anastasia mets Boone who moves in next door with his young scene stealer daughter Jessie. All three are wonderful stories that I've read a hundred times and will contiune to re-read.
The Donovan Legacy.......2004-01-07
I had read the Nora Roberts novel "Entranced" several years ago and always wanted to read the books for the other two Donovan cousins, but never got around to it. A few months ago I picked up this book (which has all three novels in it) and read straight through the entire thing in a few days!
The three stories are "Captivated," "Entranced," and "Charmed."
"Captivated" centers around the first Donovan cousin, Morgana. She is a witch who runs a wiccan type store in Monterey. Nash is a novelist who specializes in horror stories (like Steven King I guess) and he is planning to write a novel about witches, so he comes to meet Morgana since she is infamous in the area for being a witch. At first he doesn't believe her powers are real, but as the two continue getting to know each other and fall in love, he begins to believe. I love both the characters, Nash and Morgana. They are extremely well written and fun, I quickly became attached to them. Their story was fast-paced and easy to read, I found it thoroughly enjoyable!
"Entranced" is about the only male Donovan cousin, Sebastian. He has psychic powers and often uses them to help the police when they are stuck on a case. Mel is a private investigator searching for the kidnapped baby of one of her friends. She doesn't want Sebastian's help, but the distraught mother called him anyways. The two of them go on an intriguing journey to find the lost child, and in the process (of course) fall in love! This was my favorite of the three stories - I really became fond of Mel especially. Probably because she reminds me a lot of Eve Dallas, the main character of Nora Roberts' (aka J.D. Robb's) "In Death" novels. Again, the characters are fun, sympathic and enjoyable to read about. This book is more of an adventure than the other two, which made it all the more enjoyable to read. I've read it half a dozen times and I STILL love it. :)
"Charmed" is about the final Donovan cousin, Anastasia. Her extraordinary powers specialize in the healing arts. A widowed (I think, I can't remember) father, Boone, moves in next door to her with his young daughter, Jessie. Ana and Jessie get along extremely well and because of this Ana and Boone end up spending a lot of time together and fall in love. The big problem is, Boone doesn't know Anastasia has magical powers which ends up causing a rift between them when he finds out. Honestly, I thought this was the weakest of the three stories. It wasn't as interesting as the first two and while it was still good, it had the potential to be so much better. Even so, I really enjoyed the characters, especially Jessie who definitely stole the story.
All three books are fun, I really enjoy Nora Roberts trilogies. I get really attached to characters, so seeing them again in a new book is such a fun experience! I highly recommend this set, any Nora Roberts fan will enjoy these books.
Three of the Donovan books.......2003-09-05
"Captivated" is a nice basis for the story of the three Donovan cousins. Morgana's principles are admirable. I found myself giving her a few mental you-go-girls when she lost her temper. Nash's progression to belief was well-written and his trip to the castle in Ireland and his meeting with the family were amusing.
In "Entranced" I noticed shades of Eve Dallas and Rourke. I didn't think I was going to like this story but I was won over by the the love story and the development of the characters. Sebastian and Mel are an interesting couple.
"Charmed" was my favorite of the three stories. The best parts revolve around Boone's daughter Jessie. She stole the show. The stories within the story were lovely.
The supporting characters in this book are very endearing.
If you enjoy a twist of the paranormal, you'll enjoy this book.
Awesome-Thoroughly Pleased.......2003-08-11
Nora Roberts is one of my absolute favorite authors. I have collected all of her books, including the reprints becoming available, and The Donovan Legacy is one of my continuing favorites. It combines her amazing writing skills with the realm of the supernatural, giving it a unique flavor. Each storyline for each of the three cousins, Morgana, Sebastian, and Anastasia are original, yet intertwined with one another and fully charged with the power of their magic. The characters are fully, expertly developed, each displaying their own skill, and it is a book that I go back to time and time again if I am ever looking for romance and magic.
Average customer rating:
- Gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Edwards
- Historical Theology/Biography with Plenty of Application!
- great book - edwards continues to inspire!
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A God Entranced Vision of All Things: The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards
Manufacturer: Crossway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Packer, J.I. | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Piper, John | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Theology | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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God's Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards (With the Complete Text of The End for Which God Created the World)
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Jonathan Edwards: A Life
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The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd (The Swans Are Not Silent, 2)
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The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God's Triumphant Grace in the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin (The Swans Are Not Silent)
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Contending for Our All: Defending Truth and Treasuring Christ in the Lives of Athanasius, John Owen, and J. Gresham Machen (Piper, John, Swans Are Not Silent)
ASIN: 1581345631 |
Book Description
âUseful men are some of the greatest blessings of a people. To have many such is more for a people’s happiness than almost anything, unless it be God’s own gracious, spiritual presence amongst them; they are precious gifts of heaven.â
Certainly one of the most useful men in evangelical history was the man who preached those words, pastor and theologian Jonathan Edwards. Commemorating his 300th birthday, general editors John Piper and Justin Taylor chose ten essays that highlight different aspects of Edwards’s life and legacy and show how his teachings are just as relevant today as they were three centuries ago.
Even within the church, many people know little more about Edwards than what is printed in American history textbooksâmost often, excerpts from his best-known sermon, âSinners in the Hands of an Angry God.â They unjustly envision Edwards preaching only fire and brimstone to frightened listeners. But he knew and preached God’s heaven as much as Satan’s hell. He was a humble and joyful servant, striving to glorify God in his personal life and public ministry.
This book’s contributors investigate the character and teachings of the man who preached from a deep concern for the unsaved and a passionate desire for God. Studying the life and works of this dynamic Great Awakening figure will rouse slumbering Christians, prompting them to view the world through Edwards’s God-centered lens.
Customer Reviews:
Gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Edwards.......2007-09-07
A great concept for a book - ten different people writing about various facets of the life and legacy of Jonathan Edwards. I especially enjoyed the chapter that dealt with Jonathan's amazing wife Sarah as well as the chapter that wrestled with accepting the theology of a slave owner (yes, Jonathan Edwards did own slaves). The chapters were all written by individuals with a great appreciation for Edwards, his theology, his life, work and legacy, so reading it was a real joy...but not an easy task. Part Three of the book examined some of the theological issues best attributed to the work of Edwards, a Puritan and strict Calvinist whose writings on original sin, the freedom of the will and religious affections are still read and discussed today. The authors of this book pointed out various challenges to Edwardian theology and did an excellent job of communicating what Edwards wrote and taught without overshadowing it with their own opinions.
The book is great for any reader wanting to know more about Jonathan Edwards and although it isn't an easy book to read, it is worth the effort for someone wanting to either gain an appreciation for this man and his legacy or deepen their understanding of what he taught and the role he played at such a critical time in American history. Students of early American history should have a familiarity with Jonathan Edwards and this is a great book to move from acquaintance to appreciation.
Historical Theology/Biography with Plenty of Application!.......2005-02-17
A God Entranced Vision of All Things is a wonderful look at the legacy and relevance of Jonathan Edwards life and teachings. John Piper and Justin Taylor have assembled (and also contributed to) a remarkable series of essays on the different aspects of Edwards' legacy. As the back of the book declares: "This book's contributors investigate the character and teachings of the man who preached from a deep concern for the unsaved and a passionate desire for God. Studying the life and works of this dynamic Great Awakening figure will rouse slumbering Christians, prompting them to view the world through Edward's God-centered lens."
The book is divided into three sections. Part I "The Life and Legacy of Jonathan Edwards" introduces the book, and contains 3 essays on our need to rediscover Edwards, a biography of Edwards, and information about his marriage and family (ably done by Mrs. Noel Piper). Part II "Lessons from Edward's Life and Thought" contains some excellent essays by J.I. Packer and Mark Dever. But, for sheer impact and power, the highlight of this section was the essay by Sherard Burns, "Trusting the Theology of a Slave Owner". Mr. Burns, an African-American pastor and theologian, thoroughly and fairly looks at the reality of Edwards' ownership of slaves, and the failure of Edwards to apply his theology to that area. Burns, without excusing Edwards, gives a remarkable analysis of this sin in Edwards. Here are the paragraphs that blew me away:
"As an African American, I know daily the pressures of being in a predominantly white society. Yet how I approach that society, the grid by which I engage that society, is more telling than anything else. God cannot be sovereign over some things and yet not in control of others. This is no justification for abuse or racism, for such perpetuators will have their day of reckoning. But the eradication of racism today, as would be the case with slavery then, will not come about through programs, but by means of a God-centered and God-entranced view of reality. We must not be governed by the political persuasion of today, but governed by the sovereign reign and rule of God. Whatever we may think of Edwards, one thing is for certain: He left the American church with the necessary theological truths to kill racism in our hearts and to be conquerors of it in the church.
In light of that, though we fight and should fight the residue of such hatred in our day, the reality is that the desire to be theologically orthodox means we must add to our shelves books by dead white men who owned slaves. All our heroes today have clay feet. Jonathan Edwards was not a perfect man, and he did not get everything right, nor did he stand for all the right things. Neither do any of us. His blind spots and sins are pointers to our own blind spots and sins. To ask for grace and mercy on our own sins is, by logical implication, to be ready and willing to extend it to Edwards." (p. 170-171)."
Wow! 'Nuff said!
Part 3 "Expositions of Edwards's Major Theological Works" is also very helpful in understanding some of Edwards more(admittedly) difficult works. The book concludes with an Appendix by (of course) Piper, who writes an "Edwardsean Sermon" in honor of Edwards, and a helpful guide by Justin Taylor on "Reading Jonathan Edwards: Objections and Recommendations".
All in all, I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in gaining a more God-centered, God-entranced view of all things.
great book - edwards continues to inspire!.......2004-09-04
This really is a great look at a number of characteristics of Jonathan Edward's life and ministry. A pretty quick read, but rich in depth, the book unashamedly argues for exactly what it says: a "God-entranced vision of all things". Piper hits the ball out of the park in the chapters he contributes (did you expect any less?), and the chapters by J.I. Packer and Mark Dever are also particularly good. Check it out today!
Product Description
5 massmarket paperback Titles by Nora Roberts - Entranced - Birthright - Night Shield - Considering Kate - Cordina's Crown Jewel
Product Description
3 books 1. Captivated 2. Entranced 3. Charmed and Enchanted
Product Description
the most captivating,entrancing&charming witch trilogy written!ms.roberts nails all elements of story telling in this wonderful trio of witch cousins!humor,excitement,intense heat and romance and fascinating paranormal family!
Average customer rating:
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Entranced
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OXIZSC |
Average customer rating:
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Entranced
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1405632739 |
Average customer rating:
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Entranced
Marion Clarke
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0821752928 |
Average customer rating:
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Entranced: Siouxsie & The Banshees Story
Brian Johns
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books | Actors & Actresses | Artists, Architects & Photographers | Authors | Composers & Musicians | Dancers | Entertainers | Movie Directors | New Age | Television Performers | Theatre
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Rock | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
French | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Entertainment | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
Nonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
All French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0711917736 |
Customer Reviews:
Spellbound And Entranced.......2005-10-07
This 96 page biography of Siouxsie & The Banshees features many fantastic full page photos of Siouxsie Sioux and a discography as an appendix. Published in 1989, it only covers the period from their punk beginnings to the 1988 album Peepshow.
Books:
- Sunset Embrace
- Superstud: Or How I Became a 24-Year-Old Virgin
- Taggerung (Redwall, Book 14)
- Tales from Watership Down
- The Angry Tide: Passion, Tide, and Time (The Poldark Saga)
- The Bachman Books : Four Early Novels by Richard Bachman (Rage / The Long Walk / Roadwork / The Running Man)
- The Blackberry Tea Club: Women in Their Glory Years
- The Cat Who Wasn't There (Cat Who...)
- The Christmas Box Collection: The Christmas Box Timepiece The Letter
- The Clan of the Cave Bear (Bookcassette(r) Edition)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- History: Fiction or Science
- Eldest
- Variational Principles and Methods in Theoretical Physics and Chemistry
- A Desert in Bohemia
- Bobbi Brown Living Beauty
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- Complete Book of U.S. Presidents: From George Washington to George W. Bush
- Final Cut : Art, Money, and Ego in the Making of Heaven's Gate, the Film That Sank United Artists
- Act It Out: 25 Expressive Ways to Heal from Childhood Abuse
- A bouquet of ferns
Nothing to Fear But Ferrets (Kendra Ballantyne, Petsitter Mysteries)
Fine-Feathered Death (Kendra Ballantyne, Petsitter Mysteries)
Meow is for Murder (Kendra Ballantyne, Petsitter Mysteries)
Lead a Horse to Murder: A Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery (Reigning Cats & Dogs Mysteries)
Putting on the Dog
