Book Description
The new Mommy Track Mystery from the national bestselling author of Murder Plays House.
Ayelet Waldman's one-of-kind sleuth tracks the mysterious whereabouts of a missing infant to a widespread, top-secret puzzle that's nothing to play with.
Customer Reviews:
Too Convenient........2006-06-06
Waldman can write -- no doubt about that. But her plotting with this book in particular left me confused and unsatisfied. And the motivations behind her protagonist's actions are also a bit sketchy.
There were too many loose ends here and not enough beef... Characters are introduced and then conveniently manipulated, killed off, or abandoned. The sub-plot about Juliet's husband and his lawsuit also seems a bit too convenient -- merely a chance for Juliet to redeem herself in his eyes.
I'd like to see something with more "oomph" and a little less carefully-scripted-plot-designed-to-show-how-bad-the-establishment-is.
Ayelet Does It Again.......2006-03-22
I've followed this series since its beginning and as always, I was happy to read another installment. I enjoyed the storyline in this one and it seemed to resonate with the character well since it was about children. Juliet's antics are always fun and her kids very real. I can't wait for the next one.
Great as always,.......2005-10-13
however "The Big Nap" is still my favorite Juliette book. I am looking forward to the next book with eager intrest.
Is it really the last "Juliet" mystery ?.......2005-09-08
Not the best one from Ayelet Waldman. Starts with a "Liberal" whining that goes and goes for awhile then the real story starts. First "Juliet Applebaum" story that I was not sad to finish. Disappointed reader.
Waldman in top form.......2005-08-24
I have found each of the books in the "Mommy track" series engaging. While I do not have children, I can empathise with each burp and well, whatever, her children do. This book is a welcome addition to the series. While I am saddened by what I learn about the system as it deals with children born in prison, I am heartened by the compassion shown here. Ms. Waldman has written a first-rate mystery with wonderful light notes here and there. She also gives us a look at the sadder side of the care of the children born into the penal system.
Oh, and for those readers who participate in a book discussion group....chapter three is a "must read"!!!!!
Book Description
Lily Manchester's husband wooed her with carnations up until the day that he enlisted in the Army and never came back. Eleven years later she has picked up the pieces of her life and is quite content with he flower shop Bloom in Bliss, North Carolina, until an irresistable young deliveryman named Alex James sets his sight on her and stops at nothing to win her heart.
Customer Reviews:
Short and Sweet.......2005-04-19
This story of Lily and Alex is short, but very sweet. Lily is the owner of Bloom, a floral shop that she started after her husband of 1 year left for the Armed Services and never looked back. After picking up the pieces of her life and starting a successful business, Lily is living the single life.
Until Alex, the new flower delivery guy walks into her shop and into her life. As is fitting for such a short book, the action starts quickly in the first few pages as Alex starts a bold pursuit of Lily. Not one to take no for an answer, things look like they may get off to a good romantic start, even though Lily has strong reservations about dating a younger man. Things are moving along well until Lily's ex, who has been gone for more than 11 years, comes back to town.
The story is good from page one until the conclusion.
Love is Ageless.......2005-01-24
BLOOM by Linda Dominique Grosvenor is the second installment in the Cradle Robber series, a series that portrays loving relationships between older women and younger men.
Lily Manchester's husband, Barry Johnson, enlisted in the Army eleven years ago and never returned from his tour of duty. Since that time, Lily's poured herself into her floral shop, Bloom located in Bliss, North Carolina. That is until the day a very handsome delivery man, Alex James delivered more than flowers to Lily's flower shop. Instantly, they are attracted to each other, but Lily convinces herself that it could never work out between the two of them, mainly because of his age. She didn't want to be the talk of the town and risk losing everything that was important to her, mainly her reputation and her business
Despite Lily's objections, Alex boldly pursues her. As their love blossoms, Lily struggles with the disapproval of her mother's best friend, Mrs. Miller. Out of the blue, the ex-husband returns, which further complicates things. Will Lily give into love with Alex, or will she find herself thrust back into the familiarity of the past with her ex?
This was a romantic love story proving that age is nothing but a number. Lily shows us that sometimes it's okay to throw caution at the wind in our pursuit of happiness. Although BLOOM is a short read of only 125 pages, the characters were well developed and the story line was very engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the Cradle Robber series and I look forward to reading the next installment, Class Act by T. C. Matthews.
Reviewed by Vanessa A. Johnson, Readincolor Reviewer
The Craddle Robbers: Bloom.......2004-05-03
Life in Bliss, North Carolina was anything but bliss for Lily Manchester the lovely but lonely owner of Bloom, who had been deserted by her husband years before. Seemingly, her only life passion was her flowers, that was until she met Alex James. Grosvenor handles this story with such delight. Definitely far from the ordinary romance. It was uplifting with its share of surprises. A definite must read for this summer.
BLOOM is CAPTIVATING..........2004-04-14
Bloom is captivating, mind-blowing and a wonderful emotional read.
I have never read a novella so captivating, well rounded, fast, believable and daring...and when Lily said, "I'm going to love him like my life depended on it." I could have fell out of my chair.
Thanks Dom...for writing what love should be. Many people need to read and learn a great lesson...forget opinions and love freely.
Wow!
A Sweet Love Story ..........2004-04-09
BLOOM is the second book in the Cradle Robber series. This series embraces love between an older woman and a younger man.
Lily Manchester's husband enlisted in the Army eleven years ago and never returned. From the time of his departure, Lily's life and "love" has been her floral shop, Bloom. One day a very handsome delivery man, Alex James, delivers more than flowers to Lily's shop. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but Lily is determined to keep from being the "talk of the town."
"We (women) weren't looked upon as savvy when we dipped below thirty. I didn't even want to think about what they would call me if I was ever caught up in a scandal liaison of any sort with Alex." [excerpt]
Despite Lily's fears, Alex boldly pursues her - determined to prove himself worthy and mature for his age. As their love "blooms" Lily struggles with the disapproval of a motherly, but nosy customer and the surprising return of her ex-husband.
This was a sweet love story proving that age is nothing but a number. Lily was at a stage in her life where it was time for a relationship - time to learn how to love again. Her fears were very real and the decision to be open-minded was a lesson for the readers about taking risks. It was a delight to read about a young man who truly pursued love rather than another sexual conquest. The author is to be commended for creating an extraordinary male character like Alex.
While BLOOM is a short read, the characters were well developed and readers will find the storyline to be engaging from the first page to the last.
Book Description
To those on the outside looking in, thirty-eight year old Portia Warfield has it all. A successful career, a comfortable middle-class lifestyle and a husband that gives her whatever her heart desires. What they don't know, however, is that she would trade it in an instant if she could have the one thing she truly wanted; for her workaholic husband to pay more attention to her. Emotionally banpkrupt and lonely, Portia finds comfort in the arms of a former student, nineteen year old Jonny Quest. But will she realize that the grass is not always greener before its too late?
Customer Reviews:
Crowd Pleasing Quick Read.......2005-05-04
High school teaching hottie, Portia Warfield craves a good challenge, including her marriage. When she transfers to a new high school she meets Jonny Quest, whose 100 times the cartoon character she grew up with...he's sultry, studly and seventeen.
Jonny Quest has one more year before he graduates from highschool. He doesn't need any distractions, including his PHAT teacher, Mrs. Warfield. But he sees her watching him and he can't fight his hormonal rage. And to make matters worse, neither can she.
Matthews short novella moves along with a fast pace and fresh style. Readers would love to get inside Portia's head: why she treats Jonny so abruptly after she gets what she wants out of him, why doesn't she have more friends. This story had all the room for more conflict, and more stakes raised that would have made this a better than average read.
The Cradle Robbers Class Act.......2004-11-01
My book club read and conducted a group discussion on this book and we found it to be excellent!! T. C. Matthews did an excellent job in catching and holding the reader's attention. This book about steamy unforbidden love and sex keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting to know more. Highly recommended for personal as well as group reading.
Temptation..........2004-09-07
What do you get when you have a lonely, neglected wife and a young, virile man? A recipe for disaster, or a hot and steamy affair that leads to promises of forever? Do you give in to the temptation or do you stand firm on your marriage vows, and do whatever you can to regain the attention of your husband?
This is the dilemma Portia Warfield, a thirty-eight year old teacher, is facing. Never in her many years of teaching has thoughts of getting involved with any of her students crossed her mind. That is until Jonny Quest walks into her life. From the first day Jonny walks into her class, she is very attracted to him, and vice versa, but Portia refuses to compromise her job. Years later, she runs into Jonny again, and although the stigma of teacher/student relationships is no longer there, the attraction is. Portia fights the attraction as long as possible, but when her workaholic husband begins to be out of town more than he is at home, the loneliness is more than she can bear. After a while, things start to get a little sticky in Portia and Jonny's secret rendezvous, so she decides to pull back. But is it too late? Has she bitten off more than she can chew?
THE CRADLEROBBERS: CLASS ACT was an average read. The premise of the story was good, with twists and turns that are the makings of a good novel. I would have like to see the story go into a little more detail, though. There were also several grammatical errors that detracted from the story a bit. I do feel that with a little more work, T. C. Matthews has the potential to be a great writer, and I look forward to her future works.
Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
All That Glitters Isn't Gold.......2004-07-16
T.C. Matthews takes us into the life of Portia Warfield. Portia is a Midwestern teacher. She and her husband
Stace are at the midpoint of their lives and relationship. Stace has a highly successful career that demands he
travels and Portia who has her Masters and has been teaching in the suburbs for eleven years. They have the
beautiful home and matching BMW's. No children to tie them down. The perfect middle class suburbanites.
When bored with teaching, Portia chooses to transfer to an intercity school in the heart of Chicago. The school
and students are different. Then she meets her weakness. She notices a young student on campus who ends up in
her class. There is strong attraction there but she avoids crossing the line and risking her career. Portia is able to
resist the temptation and get through the school year.
But what happens when she runs into her former student again? After a brief stint in the military Johnny is back
home and wanting to pursue a relationship. Portia leaves all her senses behind for a relationship with Johnny.
The only part I had a hard time with is her recklessness in letting him come to her house.
Does Portia throw her life away for this young fling? Why is Stace doing that he has to stay away so long?
Doesn't he realize his marriage is in jeopardy? In order to found out if they become another marital statistic you
have to read "Class Act" and ask yourself what choices will you make or have made when you are at the crossroads
of your life.
Dream A Little Dream.......2004-07-16
Class Act is the third novella in the Cradle Robbers series, which introduces its readers to Portia Warfield. She is thirty-eight years of age, has a successful career and a husband who believes; if he put his wife in a nice house with material possessions it would compensate for his missing in action behavior. Unfortunately for him, Portia's ignition is jump started by her former nineteen year-old student Jonny Quest, who admittedly falls in love with her.
T.C explores two myths, the grass is greener and absence makes the heart grow when it comes to relationships and love both these myth might be right. But Stace and Portia found a hard lesson in them one which I enjoyed reading. Ms. Matthews presented herself in words with grace and clarity. I certainly look forward to a fourth installment in the Cradle Robbers Series as well as the authors next book.
Missy
Book Description
Malena Dawson a daddy's girl, internalized the loss of her father but thrived on the love of God that her parents instilled in her from early on. However when she goes off to college she becomes someone that even she doesn't recognize, filling herself with shallow misconceptions of life, love and success. When Grant Carpenter a "younger" admirer from her childhood resurfaces in her life, Malena, unsure of the age difference and still struggling with the death of her father, yo-yo's between wanting and denying Grant until she finally pushes him away. It is only when she finds her life an empty void spinning helplessly out of control that she realizes that no one can help her...except God.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2005-10-25
I enjoyed the storyline and the relationship between Maleena, Grant and God. The story had a wonderful message about how God makes you happy when you serve Him.
I can't wait to read more of her books
A Good Christian Story........2005-04-19
This story of Malena and Grant is like a letter written to the reader in style. For such a short novel it spans 20+ years starting from the time Malena lost her Dad as an 8-year old. The book follows her as she tries to understand life and death and seeks to build a relationship with the God that was a dear friend to her father. Grant is the younger boy that she has known since he was just a pest in the Sunday School class in which she helped out. Grant is a God fearing man that proclaims Malena as his future wife at the ripe old age of 10. His role in her life is peripheral throughout most of the story, but comes center stage in the latter third. Throughout the novel, Malena stumbles along the way, but ultimately finds a path to the life that God intended for her.
The style of the book draws you in at times, when it feels Malena is speaking to you as a girlfriend would over coffee or tea. Though the God-fearing, Malena-loving Grant was an admirable character, I kept wishing I knew more about him. The chapters that interjected his voice didn't give me any greater insight into him as an individual.
Now that's what I'm talking about..........2004-09-02
This tale is a treat from start to finish. Who knew one could feel so much in the span of so few pages? From the books opening upon the confused sorrow of eight-year-old Malena until the gutwrenching end, this one held me, stabbed me, released me and pulled me in again.
Bravo, Ms. Lewis. If this is indication, the world can look to see more of you. Much more. I'm belting myself in for the release of Bittersweet Chocolate. I know it will be more than a treat.
Through the Eyes of a child.......2004-06-29
Author Tanya Marie Lewis uses her main character, Malena Dawson to narrate her debut title Misdemeanor. The story starts off with eight-year old Malena, a daddy's girl dealing with the loss of her father. The concept of death is a difficult thing to wrap her adolescent mind around. In time, she begins to decipher what death is when her father never returns home. With the love of God instilled in her, Malena believes it is her father's voice she hears that guides her on her journey to adulthood. Throughout college and beyond Malena begins to forget her Christian upbringing and becomes someone that even she doesn't even seem to recognize. Her career, material possessions and carefree lifestyle have become the most important things in her life.
But her childhood friend and admirer, Grant Carpenter, who told her early on that one day she'd be his wife, suddenly resurfaces in her life. Grant is a devout Christian with a staunch belief in God. Malena isn't certain that she needs to have a relationship with him because of their age difference. Unable to get over her father's death, she manages to push Grant away despite her love for him. It is only when she finds her life is empty and unfulfilled despite her successes that she realizes that she is spiraling out of control. She then realizes that no one can help her except the God that she has turned her back on. Will Malena heed to the voice within her head? If she does, will it be too late for Malena and Grant? Will Grant be able to forgive her for all her transgressions?
Author Tanya Marie Lewis does a splendid job of answering all of these questions in this inspirational story. Although short for a typical novel, Misdemeanor, focusing on the important things in Malena's life, omitting unnecessary materialistic descriptions. I thoroughly enjoyed Misdemeanor, and I look forward to reading the second installment, Bloom, by Linda Dominique Grosvenor, in the Cradle Robbers Series.
Vanessa A. Johnson
Readincolor Reviewers
Keepin' It Real!!!.......2004-05-05
I would first like to say, I have dubbed myself as a personal promoter of Tanya Marie Lewis'. It's been a long time since I've picked up a book and read it continuously- where every free moment of my time is dedicated to reading it, so that I can find out what happens next. Ms. Lewis kept it real (in so many ways) throughout the book. From the beginning with a young Malena trying keep her grammar as Daddy had taught her - "I and Mitch, Mitch and I". Ms. Lewis wrote as if it were Malena writing at the age of seven- making it so real. (...) You'll have to read it to know what I'm talking about... but she just kept it real, how even though we are Christians we can put ourselves in the wrong situation and make mistakes... and God is still gracious and merciful enough to forgive us- so long as we repent. I couldn't believe she went there but I'm thankful that she did. The twist and turns in Malena's life reminded me a lot of myself- from a subconscious sense of low self-worth to passing up a good thing for what others think is better. I identify with many aspects of Malena- too many to list. The book was EXCITING and ENCOURAGING... I am eagerly awaiting Ms. Lewis' next work... Where is that "Bittersweet Chocolate"? Smile. One last word "BUY THE BOOK!!!"- you won't regret it.
Average customer rating:
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The Cradle Robber
E. Joan Sims
Manufacturer: Wildside Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Poisoned Pen: A Paisley Sterling Mystery (Paisley Sterling Mysteries)
ASIN: 143440112X
Release Date: 2007-06-18 |
Book Description
A KILLER'S ON THE LOOSE!
Life's a picnic for Paisley Sterling-until a tornado cuts a swath through the charming little town of Rowan Springs, Kentucky-and the home she shares with her mother and daughter on Meadowdale Farm.
Paisley struggles to restore order to her life, but fate intervenes, and before long she finds herself caught up in an international mystery of truly evil proportions-involving kidnapping, murder, and baby trafficking!
Watch for the other novels in this series:
Cemetery Silk
The Plague Doctor
The Paper Detective
The Poisoned Pen
The Sow's Ear
ALL PUBLISHED BY WILDSIDE PRESS
E. JOAN SIMS is the author of six delightful mysteries featuring crime writer Paisley Sterling. She also works in disease surveillance at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is planning many new adventures for her popular character.
Average customer rating:
- One of the Better Thieves' World Books
- Theives World Is Invaded!
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The Face of Chaos (Thieves World, No 5)
Robert Asprin , and
Lynn Abbey
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Abbey, Lynn | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Asprin, Robert | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Asprin, Robert Lynn | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Wings of Omen (Thieves World #6)
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The Dead of Winter (Thieves' World, Book 7)
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Soul of the City (Thieves World Book, No 8)
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Blood Ties (Thieves' World, No 9)
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Aftermath (Thieves' World, No 10)
ASIN: 0441805876 |
Customer Reviews:
One of the Better Thieves' World Books.......2002-10-21
This fifth volume in the Thieves' World series contains stories by Janet Morris, C.J. Cherryh, Asprin, Lynn Abbey, David Drake, and Diana Paxson - with Andrew Offut noticeably and thankfully absent. The stories range from the grotesquely gripping to the merely entertaining, and overall are more enjoyable than most of the previous Thieves' World books. The highlight is Paxson's "Mirror Image," which features the two only endearing characters in all of Thieves' World, the painter Lalo and his wife, Gilla. Lalo, you see, had been cursed/blessed. His portraits revealed the inner soul of the subject, not the exterior facade (thus his large, domineering wife appears as a goddess). In "Mirror Image," Lalo paints a self-portrait and the result is a very moving tale. Despite the false packaging (the "invasion" referenced in the title is hardly that, just an omnipresence of mysterious, powerful foreigners), The Face of Chaos is, perhaps, the first Thieves' World book I'd recommend without reservations.
Theives World Is Invaded!.......2001-07-21
A collection of top fantasy writers have contributed to this unique experience of tales.
Product Description
seven mmpb books. 7 Titles By Robert Lynn Asprin Thieves' World Anthologies : Thieves' World Shadows of Sanctuary Storm Season The Face of Chaos The Dead of Winter Blood Ties Aftermath
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Face of Chaos World 5
Manufacturer: Penguin Putnam~mass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Abbey, Lynn | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Asprin, Robert | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Asprin, Robert Lynn | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Adventure | Alternate History | Anthologies | General | Graphic Novels | High Tech | History & Criticism | Series | Short Stories | Space Opera
ASIN: 0140077960 |
Average customer rating:
- Faces represents extraordinary insight into complex issues.
- Paul Thompson gives an unfiltered view of African-Americans.
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Faces Pressed Against The Glass: Black Folks Caught Between Chaos and the Cosmos (6 cassette Tapes)
Manufacturer: Dogon Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
General | Nonfiction | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
African-American Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 1887111107 |
Customer Reviews:
Faces represents extraordinary insight into complex issues........1998-03-17
Paul Thompson touches sensitive issues in black and white with "Faces." The African American expereince in America is still being defined. This effort embodies the sincere reflections and insight of an African American looking backwards and forward at the same time. I think it is exceptional and the audio tapes make it convienent. Dr. Bill Adkins, Senior Pastor Greater Imani Church Memphis, Tennessee
Paul Thompson gives an unfiltered view of African-Americans........1998-01-18
Insightful, new angles and completely honest and unfiltered views of the current status of African-Americans, Paul Thompson's Faces Pressed Against the Glass is the first book in 30 years that gives views of African-American culture in terms not chosen by the media or the majority culture. I particularly appreciated Thompson's unique phrasing and his willingness to tackle black subjects that media-chosen black writers are frightened of. A great set of tapes that I hope will soon be in book form on all shelves.
Book Description
"In Sticky Doorknobs, Jimmy Patterson’s personal experiences of parental fear and everyday frustration open to universal revelations of laughter and love. His stories will move you to smile and cry in the space of three paragraphs. Sticky Doorknobs is a collection of wisdom that points to what gives life meaning. You won’t want to let them go."—The Rev. Clare Petersberger, Towson (Md.) Unitarian Universalist Church
Books:
- The Equity Risk Premium: The Long-Run Future of the Stock Market
- The Grave Maurice
- The Grifters
- The Holy Thief: The Nineteenth Chronicle of Brother Cadfael
- The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
- The Mask of Apollo: A Novel
- The MindBody Workbook
- The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (Portfolio Edition)
- The Novice's Tale (Sister Frevisse Medieval Mysteries)
- The Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin Mysteries)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Maxwell Leadership Bible: Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God
- No Free Lunch: Why Specified Complexity Cannot Be Purchased without Intelligence
- Flaubert's Parrot
- History: Fiction or Science
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- Nazis and Good Neighbors: The United States Campaign against the Germans of Latin America in World W
- Recollections of a Picture Dealer
- History: Fiction or Science
- Flying for France with the American Escadrille at Verdun
Murder Plays House (Mommy-Track Mysteries)
Bye-Bye, Black Sheep: A Mommy-track Mystery (Mommy-Track Mysteries Series)
Death Gets A Time-Out
The Big Nap (Mommy-Track Mysteries)
A Playdate With Death
