Gentle Warrior (Tapestry Romance)

Book Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of Ransom comes an exquisite tender tale of love, adventure and passion!

In feudal England, Elizabeth Montwright barely escaped the massacre that destroyed her family and exiled her from her ancestral castle. Bent on revenge, she rode again through the fortress gates, disguised as a peasant...to seek aid from Geoffrey Berkley, the powerful baron who had routed the murderers.

He heard her pleas, resisted her demands, and vowed to seduce his beautiful subject. Yet as Elizabeth fought the warrior's caresses, love flamed for this gallant man who must soon champion her cause...and capture her spirited heart!

Customer Reviews:

GARWOOD DID IT AGAIN!.......2007-10-04

I have just read this book and ill admit I was worried at first because of all the bad reviews I read but this book was great! Garwood has a way of writing that makes me apart of the book and I love that. It was funny and cute and I'll deffinetly read it again!

Garwood's historicals are always on point.......2007-10-01

Elizabeth Montwright was just a teenager when she watched her entire family be slaughtered at the hands of brutal warriors. Taking to the woods near her childhood home, Elizabeth waited for her father's overlord, Baron Geoffrey Berkley, to return to the Montwright lands and dispel the raiders who invaded her home. When she meets the fiercesome, arrogant knight called The Hawk, Elizabeth can't help but fall under his spell. She wants nothing more than for her family's deaths to be avenged, but she can't help it if she falls in love along the way...

Whenever you're in the mood for a well thought out and elegantly told romance novel, look no further than Julie Garwood. From Honour's Splendour to The Prize to The Bride, Garwood's historicals are always on point. Gentle Warrior is no exception. Elizabeth was a passionate and fiesty heroine who was just headstrong enough that I admired her, without being so over the top and impetuous as to be annoying. In contrast, Geoffrey was a strong, dominant presence who would do anything to protect his bride, though he may have been ruled a bit too much by reason and order for my liking. Still, I enjoyed these two characters and this book served its purpose--to entertain and engage me with an artfully told story about two characters I could root for. And that's about all I could ask.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS!!!.......2007-09-18

It is most unfortunate that it has taken me a long time to discover Garwood and her unique talent of bringing a historical period to life. The anguish that Elizabeth felt over a promise made to her murdered kinfolk versus her undeniable loyalty and love in which she feels for her husband is soul-shattering. This is one romance that I will not forget. This book was also a reminder as to why exactly I read historical romance. Alas, the true love of faded eras no longer exist...but one can always read, right?

Skip this one.......2007-09-08

One of her first and definitely not her best. Very stiff, uneven, choppy writing. Borrow it, don't buy it, if you really want to read it.

bored out of my mind.......2007-07-01

I usually have a book on my nightstand to read before i go to sleep. this book puts me to sleep within a few pages. this is one of the few Garwood Historicals that [...], and I'm discovering why. once Elizabeth marries Geoffrey, she decides she's in love with him. It was like she realized how far into the book I was, and said, "Oh yea, I'm supposed to be in love at this point."
Not great. But good for sleeping.

Average customer rating:

Very Pleased
Love it....
Good book for beginner or advanced cross-stitcher
Fine for beginners
Must have for counted thread enthusiasts

The Cross Stitcher's Bible
Jane Greenoff
Manufacturer: David & Charles Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cross-Stitch | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 071531470X

Book Description

Both novice and expert stitchers will find a mine of useful material in this book to help them obtain the best results from their cross stitch work. Ir is divided into theree parts, each section crammed with essential information and valuable hints.

Part One covers basic techniques such as reading a chart, the different threads and fabrics available, and how to get stitching with them.

Part Two explores creative options including three-dimensional cross stitch, using metallic threads and space-dyed threads, and how to best use the different fabrics available.

Part Three explores the use of bead, button and charm embellishments.

At the end of the book there is a comprehensive stitch library, an essential reference for those keen to develop their counted thread embroidery skills.

Illustrated with step by step color photographs, this book demonstrates how easily the stitching can be made up into a wide range of stunning projects.

Jane Greenoff is Managing Director of the Cross Stitch Guild and the Inglestone Collection kit company. She lives in Fairford, Gloucestershire.

Customer Reviews:

Very Pleased.......2007-07-23

I have been cross-stitching for many years but wanted this book to learn how to use the new threads and materials that were coming out and I was not disappointed. It answered my questions on using beads and embellishments, on how to use the new linen threads and it helped me brush up on techniques I hadn't used in a long time like "railroading" my threads while stitching. Highly informative and easy to understand for everybody. Would be invaluable for a novice stitcher!

Love it...........2007-06-11

I have not read the whole book as of yet??? But so far I am really pleased with this product. It is colorful, easy to understand..and the perfect size to keep in my cross stitching bag.

Good book for beginner or advanced cross-stitcher.......2007-05-14

I have done cross stitching for years and still learned alot of interesting things from this book. Would also be great for first time beginners.

Fine for beginners.......2006-11-11

This book is fine for beginners but doesn't have a lot of tips for an accomplished stitcher. The charts are not very attractive.

Must have for counted thread enthusiasts.......2006-01-12

Don't be fooled into thinking this is just a cross-stitch guide, though much of the discussion is about cross stitch. Counted thread work of all kinds are included in this book. It's wonderful!

If you love counted cross stitch, Hardangar, etc., this book is for you. Clear pictures and easy-to-understand descriptions of the stitches demonstrated make it a reference book of value. The reviews of different types of fabric and stitching fibers is an added joy. The design types are wonderful.

Don't hesitate to get this marvelous book, you'll be glad you did!

Average customer rating:

If it ain't Swagger, it ain't fun!
Sangria Anyone?
Don't buy this one - wait for his next book
Hunter can and has done better.
The chessgame

Tapestry of Spies
Stephen Hunter
Manufacturer: Island Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0440221854
Release Date: 1997-01-01

Book Description

Stephen Hunter has chosen the backdrop of the chaotic and cruel Spanish Civil War to weave a classic tale of espionage and counterespionage. Julian Raines was one of the first Englishmen to volunteer for the international brigade in Spain. The British Secret Service suspect that the flamboyant Raines was recruited for the KGB by the Bolsheviks during his student days at Oxford and send Robert Florry, a struggling young writer to Spain after Raines with orders to eliminate him. Florry was an old school chum to Raines and had every reason to hate him. The British are not alone on Raines' trail. The ruthless Communist leader in Barcelona believes that the identity of the double agent conceals a powerful and profitable secret. It is a novel that constantly surprises.

Customer Reviews:

If it ain't Swagger, it ain't fun!.......2006-04-03

Like "the master sniper" and "the second Saladin" this book is no page-turner and lacks growing suspense and a complex plot. I was really disappointed.
It seems as if Stephen Hunter's books are not on the same high level if the main character is not Bob Lee Swagger.
As loong as Bob Lee Swagger is in it you can buy any of the books. But leave this one on the shelf.

Sangria Anyone?.......2005-02-11

Originally titled Spanish Gambit. I picked this one up after reading Hot Springs, and just let me say that probably one of the big reasons I bought it was because it is set during the Spansih Civil War, which is one of my favorite conflicts in History, as well as I just love Spanish history and culture, having traveled there once. Anyway I liked the conflict the two main characters, with Soviets and Nazis thrown for good measure. Hot Springs is by my opinion the best book Hunter has written. Pick up Spainish Gambit or Tapestry of Spies they're the same book, you'll enjoy it.

Don't buy this one - wait for his next book.......2001-02-03

Unlike the other Stephen Hunter books which I picked up and couldn't put down, this one I put down and couldn't pick up. Finally, on a long business trip, this was the last bit of reading material I had left.

In this book, there are too many characters and plots going on at the same time, and none are handled well. There are bits in the book that have no relevence later, and I wonder why they were added except to increase word count.

I do not recommend that you buy this book. Instead, buy "Hot Spring" or like me, wait until it is released in paperback, as I thoroughly enjoyed the series about Earl and Bob Lee Swagger

Hunter can and has done better........2000-12-04

I have read several books by Stephen Hunter and I fear this is the worst. It did not grab me by the throat and cause me to not want to put it down as some of his others have. I stayed confused a big part of the time and really did not want to finish it but his other books had been so good I kept thinking it would better. I feel now that I wasted my time. Robert Flory, I suppose is the hero but it could be Julian Raines. So many people and so many things going on. The ending was really no surprise. Everybody has bad days or weeks, I guess or hope, this has been a rare bad write for Stephen Hunter. If this is a first read for Hunter it may be your last.

The chessgame.......2000-11-05

In fact, I'm asking for help. Can anyone tell me the notation of the chessgame Levitsky played at that tournament he won? It seems that the book doesn't have the whole game, at least it doesn't play out for me - can anyone help with that opening with the lonely pawn? Please email me... Thanks.

Average customer rating:

Blood & Ivory - Review
Good for what it is.. but..
Usual Superb writing, just not about Jaime and her brother
Blood and Ivory: A Curiosity
She's written better

Blood And Ivory: A Tapestry
P. C. Hodgell
Manufacturer: Meisha Merlin Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1892065738

Book Description

Who was Kindrie's father? What triggered the massacre of the Knorth women? What happened the night Jame was driven out by Ganth? Jamethiel Priest's-Bane first entered our lives when she walked out of the Haunted Lands on the opening page of God Stalk in 1982 with the haunts on her trail, searching for her ten-year older twin brother Tori to give him their father's sword and ring. But what was she doing in the Haunted Lands in the first place? What happened that caused her to leave her home? For the past 20 years, this has been one of the biggest mysteries of Jame's background. The answers to those questions-and others-are found in the pages of this collection. The original edition of Blood and Ivory first appeared in 1994, and included four short stories featuring Hodgell's signature character, Jame. This new edition, Blood and Ivory: A Tapestry is far more than just a reprint. Our edition includes not only the four original stories, but four new ones as well, written specifically for this collection: Three featuring Jame and the fourth one an original Sherlock Holmes tale. Pat has also written brand new introductions for each story, so the reader gets a fuller picture of Jame's life. These stories explore different facets of Jame's life and background and weave a lush and complex picture of this enigmatic figure. Blood and Ivory: A Tapestry also features a gallery section of artwork by P. C. Hodgell, much of it never published before.

Customer Reviews:

Blood & Ivory - Review.......2007-03-16

A book for all ages and lovers of fantasy that treats women intelligently. Anyone who enjoyed Jaime's earlier exploits will be happy to see their genesis while waiting for Pat to finish writing the sequel to To Ride A Rathorn. Not many people can manage to keep a story fresh after so many decades - Jaime first made an appearance in the 1970's! - but Pat has not only managed this but gets better with every story.
Recommended.

Good for what it is.. but.........2007-02-06

I liked it. It fills in a few things that leave you wondering. But if you're looking for more of the Jame story you'll be dissapointed. You'll find out a bit of Jame's childhood, and some of Ganths as well. "So that's why he's so weird..." It also has an alternate story line about her. I would suggest reading it.

Usual Superb writing, just not about Jaime and her brother.......2003-01-24

I was oh-so-excited when the book finally became available and I was able to purchase it. When I received the book I discovered that maybe half of the short stories contained within involved Jaime and her family. Hodgell's writing is excellent, of course, but I was expecting to spend the day feasting on unread tales of the adventures of my favorite heroine. I had no interest in the other stories that were included. What is there is good, but I would not have purchased the book if I had actually known what was contained. Borrowed it, absolutely, but not bought it. I guess I will just have to wait until her next book to get my Jaime fix. *grins*

Blood and Ivory: A Curiosity.......2002-12-17

If your reading this review, you probably want to know, should I buy Blood and Ivory? I guess it depends on how you feel about Hodgell's writing and her amazing heroine Jame. If you're a fan and a completist you'll want to own this no matter what. Even if the quality of the stories is uneven, you'll want to support P.C. Hodgell's writing by buying her work. If you're a casual reader looking for a quick introduction to the Kencyrth and Jame, I suggest you immediately purchase Dark of the Gods and Seeker's Mask instead because these short stories don't do her justice.

"Hearts of Woven Shadow", "Lost Knots" and "Among the Dead" are the new, never been published stories and they fill in some gaps in the Story So Far. HoWS and AtD are the best of the new collection. In the first we meet Ganth and find out how he became the Highlord and the terrible price he paid. He's a much talked about figure in the books but is seldom seen, so it was very interesting to read about events in his early life. AtD fleshes out the sketchy childhood picture of Jame and Tori's youth in the shadowlands, as well as the progression of Ganth's madness. I liked this less since I felt much of what Jame's childhood was like had been sufficiently hinted at in the novels. Still, it makes concrete several things about Jame that were implied before. LK is more a bridge between the two stories than a story in itself. Not even three whole pages, it doesn't add much except again, to make explicit what has already been implied.

Next comes "Child of Darkness" which is a look at a prototype Jame before Hodgell got a handle on her character and how she wanted to set the tale. While it wasn't particularly compelling as a stand alone story, it was fascinating to see how important elements such as Jame's claws and The Book Bound In Pale Leather are embedded like lost gems in this embryonic piece of writing. "A Matter of Honor" provides similar interest. This is Jame's tale much closer to how it is realized in Godstalk. Hodgell's writing is vastly improved from CoD, and you can see how Godstalk grew, in slightly changed form, from this short story. Again, the interest here is to trace the evolution of what eventually becomes part of a full-blown novel rather than the story itself.

This collection also includes "Bones" which is about Penari's Maze, the labyrinth that plays a prominent role in Godstalk. A decent story, but it can also be found in Dark of the Gods. "Stranger Blood" is perhaps the most interesting of the lot, since it is the only one set after the events of all the published novels. Everything else is either back-story, or concurrent with timeline so far. For the people interested in what happens next, SB is a tantalizing tidbit set after Seeker's Mask and the presumed fourth novel, Jame Goes to the Citadel. Again, a good story but nothing earth-shattering is (unfortunately) revealed.

The last story, "Ballad of the White Plague" is a Sherlock Holmes story incorporating vampirism. It's been a few years since I read any Doyle, but her style seems fairly accurate. What's fascinating is that even in a non-Jame story she consciously, or unconsciously, incorporates similar themes from her Kencyr novels. Here Watson discovers Holmes has rather sinister blood-ties, echoing the less-than-savory family that is Jame's. Hodgell also makes good visual use of Holmes' ancestor's portraits, again, echoing the tapestries that permeate the Kencyrth novels. And what is vampirism other than eternal life at the cost of another's? Doesn't that aptly describe Gerridon and his lot, who live on indefinitely, drinking the souls of the Kencyr?

In addition the book contains 8 maps, most of which I believe have been included in the novels already published and some artwork that P.C. Hodgell has done over the years. The sketches don't really add any value to what's been already written - Hodgell has a very rigid and stylized approach - and are included here more I suspect for curiosity sake's and page filler than any intrinsic merit. All in all, Blood and Ivory is an uneven effort which is best read not so much for the actual stories, as for the insights they provide into the thought processes of a much-loved author, P.C. Hodgell.

She's written better.......2002-12-09

I'm a huge fan of Hodgell's published novels - richly imagined world, intricately cantilevered plot; fresh, flowing dialogue; and unique and engaging characters. But these stories are only for dedicated fans.

Three of the stories reveal bits of the past that can be figured out from the existing novels, in solid detail, which is good for fans. However, in the first the writing is overly crafted and hard to follow - more a writer's exercise than a good reading experience. In the second, the writing's mushy and jumpy - her prose doesn't show the tight clarity that makes the novels jump off the page. The third is pretty good stuff, but the pacing is a little uneven - a whole page for a bunch of people sitting around a room and less than a paragraph for a trick of the enemy - and the dialogue isn't as believable and nuanced as it is in her books.

One story adds a bit more detail to Jame's past. The plot follows the kind of intricate arc she favors in her novels, which I love, but without the kind of extensive buildup and background you get in a novel, I don't think it's as enjoyable.

One story is the original form of one of the chapters in God Stalk. For anyone who wants to write, it's a totally illuminating exercise to read it, since the God Stalk form is leaps and bounds ahead of this story, and you can see how the changes she's made bolster and charge up the narrative.

Finally, there's a Sherlock Holmes exercise, which is very Doyle-ish in prose, but I didn't think it was fun to read, because the plot lacks the breathless intensity and adrenaline of the novels.

Overall, I'm totally gung ho about the novels, but these short stories are better checked out of the library.

Average customer rating:

A good resource

A Great Homeschooling Resource!

Excellent Education Book with Emphasis on Science

Fabulous!

Finally! A curriculum strong in science!
Nebel's Elementary Education: Creating a Tapestry of Learning
Bernard J Nebel
Manufacturer: Nebel's Press for Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588208923

Book Description

Gives both subject content and teaching methods for a complete, superior K-6 education. Especially strong in the sciences, also addresses economics, government, and character education. The 3Rs are integrated throughout. Each subject is presented in a logically building, integrated sequence that leads to broad comprehensive understanding. Child-centered, investigative approach throughout, including hundreds of hands-on activities, promises to foster love of learning. Gives web references and additional support for users.

Customer Reviews:

A good resource.......2007-07-15

When you call something a curriculum, I imagine it contains lesson plans and other specifics. This book doesn't. Many people prefer to add in their own structure and details, and if so they can get a great deal from Nebel's book. Personally, I found the initial chapters on teaching to be very helpful. I'm keeping the book solely to re-read them. The organization of the themes made little sense to me, and some of the material covered seemed narrow in its scope.

So, I recommend Nebel's Elementary Ed as a how to teach book. The lists of resources after each chapter are also very nice, though since many are websites and the book was published in 2001 I don't know how many of those are still extant.

A Great Homeschooling Resource!.......2006-07-17

My nine-year-old son is a budding scientist, and he has little patience with the more language arts- based curricula ususally offered. Nebel's has provided an alternative that has made him a more eager student, and me a more relaxed and happy teacher!

The book has a framework for all the basic subjects that should be covered in elementary school, along with suggested websites, over 200 experiments and many ideas for getting the points across. The first chapter, "Teaching Strategies", is very valuable.

The book is non-sectarian, with no disrespect for religion or the lack thereof, so it can be used by anyone.

Excellent Education Book with Emphasis on Science.......2006-05-07

I stumbled across this book when I asked the Well Trained Mind Discussion Board to recommend a program to introduce my kids to fundamentals of economics. Two people recommended "Nebels", which I googled searched, found, and purchased.

I was quite surprised that economics is just one chapter. But it is an excellent introduction, and is indicative of all the other interesting ideas in this book.

The book begins with a discussion of teaching strategies, and it is interesting to see that as a homeschooling parent, I am providing the first three methods in spades - lecturing, hands-on activities, and coaching. However, my children are not experiencing much in the way of "seminaring", or small group discussions. Reading his section, I can see how valuable this would be for my children - to help my son communicate his ideas orally and help my daughter learn to listen to others patiently and thoughtfully.

After the first chapter, the Nebels book is divided into themes.

The first theme is "Communication", which discusses strategies for teaching reading, writing and fine arts. I do wish this chapter discussed oral communication as well - recitations, public speaking, presentations.

The second theme is "Values, Purpose, History and Society", which contains three chapters. The first chapter is on virtues/values/justice. It doesn't really discuss history, other than to say use a timeline, make history relevant, and check out various scope/sequences such as the Core Knowledge Curriculum and state standards. I would also suggest the Well-Trained Mind as an excellent resource.

The next chapter is on "Economics: Exchanging Goods and Services"; and the next on "Government and Leadership". These chapters are not textbooks that tell you exactly how and what to teach, but rather guidelines that urge you to cover certain concepts and material.

So far, this covers about 25% of the book.

The rest of the book is a wonderful science text, the three themes are "Discovering our Planet Earth" (4 chapters), "Water Wonders" (1 chapter), and "Physical Forces and Principles" (4 chapters). These chapters are very specific in the material to be covered and the methods to help children experientially learn the concepts/ideas.

There is also an interesting theme/chapter on "Numerical Skills" which discusses mathematical concepts a child should learn by the end of elementary school. This is not a math program in itself, but you can compare the math program you are using to the ideas in this chapter to make sure you are covering your bases and that the child can apply math in a practical way.

All in all, I think this is a very interesting and valuable book. I am surprised this book is not more widely known among homeschoolers.

Fabulous!.......2003-02-19

I bought Nebel's Elementary Education on an impulse and have been most impressed with Dr. Nebel's educational philosophy and his ideas on implementing them into a child's life. The science education that most children recieve is dismal. I am most grateful that I have Nebel's Elementary Education to help me along the way to guide my children in discovering the world around them. If you are looking for a book to help you help your child learn reading, writing, math, government, and a broad range of science areas then this is it!

Finally! A curriculum strong in science!.......2002-10-13

I am homeschooling a gifted 5 year old who is intensely science-oriented. Every science curriculum I've looked at is either way too easy for him (the typical elementary school curriculum) or too reading/writing oriented (the typical middle school curriculum). I am delighted to have found Nebel's Elementary Education. It provides a strong and well-balanced curriculum overall, but especially so in the sciences. The science portions are simply the most complete and challenging science curriculum I have found, while still being the kind of hands-on curriculum that an active young boy needs.

There is a strong emphasis on collections, from leaves to bugs to rocks, and learning about the enormous complexity of the natural world. What I like best is the way the inter-relationships between different areas of science are stressed. No topic is studied in isolation, and the author has taken great care to connect each topic with related topics (so instead of studying the human skeleten the student studies skeletal systems across the animal kingdom) and to connect the topics with other areas of science (for example, the physics underlying the movement of the skeletal system as muscles pull on it). This makes for an extremely strong curriculum that will undoubtedly lead to a strong understanding of the natural world.

Nebel's Elementary Education is very hands-on, tons of activities and experiments, and very flexible... the scope and sequence is similar for each grade level, with the complexity and depth of study increasing each year. This is especially helpful to me, as a homeschooler, since I will be able to include my younger children in most of the discussions and activities.

Book Description

Welcome to a world of chivalry, danger, legends, and love. These four original novellas bring to life all the romance and adventure of the Middle Ages, with the common thread of a rich medieval tapestry woven through each tale.

Customer Reviews:

Sample Platter.......2007-08-18

I've been on the prowl for a new author/series to get hooked into. After reading other novels by two of these authors, I bought this sampler to compare them and discover two more to see what series I wanted to purchase. After reading these and other novels by these women, I must say this book is an excellent spread of their work. The themes, characters, language, and plot movements all mirror those these ladies use in their full novels. While these were all sadly short, I have to say this was the BEST way possible to get a feel for which author you will like and want to read. You can trust that their short story conventions will hold true in their novels. Don't like the character development in this novela, then you won't like it in the real deal. Love the humor of Kurland (which I do), then buy more of her work. You won't be dissapointed by this sampler. Do watch out going from story to story too fast. There are some similar names that took me a second to adapt to as the stories are all quite different.

teaser.......2007-05-31

I bought this book because I am a big keyon & moning fan! the stories they wrote in here were good but i was so bummed because they were soooo short.

Super, Do Not Miss This One.......2006-09-14

There are four short stories in this one book and they are all great. I considered a five star rating but one of the stories was not quite up to par so I kept it at a four.

1st Lynn Kurland-To Kiss in the Shadows-this is the story of Jason of Artane. He is rumored to dable in the dark arts because he fostered for the mysterious Christopher of Blackmoor. He meets and falls in love with Lianna of Grasleigh. Her once beautiful face is marked by the pox scars and the other ladies at court treat her cruelly because of it. When they become jealous of her friendship with handsome sought after Kendrick of Artane, they poison and almost kill her. Jason tends her and brings her back to health and then begins his plea to the king for her hand in marriage. This is a great story of loving someone for who they are on the inside, Even Lianna has to learn that lesson.

Madeline Hunter's-An Interrupted Tapestry-This one was okay but a little disappointing. Giselle goes to Andreas when her brother Reginald is kidnapped. Reginald has left debts all over town and left Giselle facing the creditors. Andreas was once their good friend but for some unknown reason to Giselle abruptly stopped coming around a couple of years ago. Andreas a wealthy tradesman knows it would be good to marry wisely to increase his trade. However, he cannot forget the feelings he has always had for Giselle. It is revealed that Reginald once offered Giselle to Andreas as a leman if he would help them financially. When Reginald is finally rescued by raising the money through the sale of a tapestry, Giselle must decide if she is willing to love Andreas without being able to marry him. Reginald must decide if he will marry for love or trade.

Sherrilyn Kenyon's- Dragonswan-This is one of the better two stories. It is a toss up whether it or the last story is the best. Sebastian is of a mythical Drakos race (human with dragon traits) who comes to modern times to recover a tapestry that is needed to rescue his brother. He meets Channon and is instantly attracted. They make love and he discovers he is mated to her. When a Drakos is mated, they are only allowed to love and have a family with that mate, otherwise they are doomed to life of celibacy. Sebastian must take Channon back to his times pre-medievil to protect her. Sebastian knows he should let Channon decide if she wants to stay herself, he will not use his powers to sway her. When Sebastian is injured protecting Channon she must decide whether she will bond with him to save him or return to her old life.

Karen Marie Moning-Into the Dreaming-I think this has to be my favorite of the four. IF you like Karen Marie Moning, you will like this one. Aeden MacKinnon makes a pledge to a dark faery to be his prisoner for five years to spare his family from the faery's wrath. What he doesn't know is five years in faery time is five hundred years. Most mortals lose their minds during that amount of time and the evil faery king uses him for evil plots during that time. At the end of his sentence, he is given one month to love and be loved or he will forever be bound to the evil king. The problem is he thinks he is someone named Vengeance and doesn't remember his true self. The faery king suggests to him not to get close to people or things in hopes of keeping him a slave. The good faery queen sends Jane to Aeden in his dreams to give him a chance to learn to love. At the end of his sentence she sends Jane to him in reality to help him remember. Jane knows Aeden from her dreams and hopes for a real life love. Aeden doesn't not remember anything of being human, love, food, the ways of people. He is confused by Jane and doesn't know why she calls him Aeden. He is drawn by her but afraid to disobey his king. Then he remembers, the king made suggestions but did not give orders. The clock races towards his one month while he learns to love. This is great and very sensual and sometimes humorous.

An enchanting read..........2006-05-11

Tapestry is an anthology of medieval romances by four well-known authors. The theme throughout these stories is a tapestry woven of enduring love and bold, beautiful women.

To Kiss in the Shadows by Lynn Kurland:

Lianna belonged to King Henry who would soon wed her and her lands to a man who would not mind her pox-scarred face. As a wealthy ward of the king, she spends her time weaving a tapestry in the women's solar, unmindful of the other women's snide remarks and cruel pranks.

Jason of Artane is a knight with plans to travel to France until he meets the mysterious Lianna. Known as the Dragon's man, he inspires terror wherever he goes, but Lianna does not seem to fear him. He is smitten by her courage and inner light. Will she see him for the man he really is?

Jason has his sights set on Lianna, but he must persuade the king to wed her and her vast wealth to a third son. Lianna cannot understand why the handsome Jason of Artane would want her as his wife. How could any man love her?

This tender story warmed my heart. True love comes from the heart and the connection between Jason and Lianna is nothing less. Brotherly banter between Jason and his older brother Kendrick lends humor to the story, making it an entertaining read by a very talented author. Despite the difficulty I had understanding some of the courtly dialogue, I feel it was necessary in creating the medieval atmosphere for this story.

An Interrupted Tapestry by Madeline Hunter:

Giselle is desperate to save her irresponsible brother who has debts all over London, but the only thing she has left to sell is her virtue. She swallows her pride and seeks help from her old friend, Andreas.

Andreas has plans to join his house-Hanse-with that of Venice, which would form a trading network more powerful than ever known. This would require that he marry the daughter of Signore Alberti. The only problem is old feelings for Giselle have surfaced and he cannot get the lovely vision of her red hair gleaming in the sunlight while she plays beautiful music on her lute.

Years ago, Andreas abruptly left London, ending his friendship with Giselle's brother to preserve her honor and dignity. Giselle is unaware of the circumstances of his quick departure and still harbors some anger at Andreas. Giselle is left to deal with her brother's angry creditors and with no one else to turn to, she calls on Andreas for help. When they meet after years apart, old feelings of desire resurface, but Andreas is about to commit to a marriage to a powerful merchant's daughter. Since Andreas already owns her beloved tapestry, Giselle is willing to sell him her virtue to clear up the debts, but will she lose her heart in the process?

This was a nice story about enduring love. The tenderness that Andreas shows for Giselle is endearing. He is a true knight coming to her rescue. Giselle is a true damsel in distress, but she struggles to hang onto her pride with the fierceness of a true warrior.

Dragonswan by Sherrilyn Kenyon:

Dr. Channon MacRae is a history professor at the University of Virginia, specializing in pre-Norman Britain. She is an average looking woman and she wonders why such a handsome man like Sebastian would have any interest in her. She is studying a dragon tapestry-the famous Dragon Tapestry that no one has been able to interpret.

Sebastian Kattalakis is handsome with long black hair and greenish-gold penetrating eyes. He also has an unusual tattoo that spirals from his hairline to his chin like an ancient symbol. Sebastian is a four hundred year-old Sentinel of the Drakos clan and can shapeshift into a dragon. He cannot understand why he is drawn to Channon, but something about her stirs the beast within him.

Sebastian visits the future to steal the Dragon Tapestry so he can save his brother back in Saxon England. He decides to spend one night with Channon. What he does not expect is to be mated with Channon, which means he cannot leave her and has to take her back to Saxon England with him, putting her life in danger. As a banished Prince of Arcadia, he has many enemies because the Arcadians (who like Sebastian have human hearts) and the Katagaria (who have animal hearts) are at war. When Sebastian is severely injured by a blade covered in Dragon's Bane, it is up to Channon to save him. But to save him she was commit to be his mate for life and the conditions that go with being an Arcadian mate.

The mythology behind the Arcadians was rich in detail and interesting, combining Greek myths with dragon lore. This tender romance tells the story of two soul mates that find each other despite all odds.

Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning:

Aedan MacKinnon is a descendent of the Scottish king, Kenneth McAlpin with a home on the Isle of Skye at Dun Haakon in 928. To save the lives of his clansmen, he agrees to spend five years in the Unseelie Court of darkness and ice, only to discover he has been tricked-five years in the Faery realm is really five hundred years. In the end only a woman's love can save him, but who will love him after his humanity is stolen from him?

Jane Sillee lives in present day Indiana and works at a coffee shop, but hopes to be a published writer someday. Since she was a little girl, she has dreamed of a dark haired Highlander. In her dreams, they are lovers.

The only one who can help Aedan is the Queen of the Seelie Court of Light. After his five hundred years of imprisonment, he will be allowed to spend one month at Dun Haakon. During that time if he loves and is loved in return, he will be freed. If not, he will have to serve the Unseelie king as the new Hand of Vengeance until the king chooses to replace him-then he will die. The Queen weaves a tapestry with magic to bring Aedan and Jane together in their dreams to prepare for the day when they will meet in 1428. After centuries of torment, Aedan does not remember Jane or who he is. Can Jane melt the ice around his heart and help him remember?

Ms. Moning has crafted an enchanting story filled with timeless romance and faery lore. Her words are truly magical.

Tapestry weaves stories of enduring romance, gallant heroes and heroines who have strong wills and a tender touch for the men of their dreams. Though all of the stories were done well, my favorite stories were To Kiss in the Shadows and Into the Dreaming for the charismatic prose, which shined like the full moon floating among a sea of stars.

Thank God For Moning.......2006-03-20

I bought this anthology because many people I know are VERY into Sherrilyn Kenyon, and they've all insisted before that Kenyon's stories are well worth the money. I've read the synopsis of many of her books, and I just hadn't been interested. To be honest, I'm not all that hip on Vampire novels. But "Dragonswan" seemed to get rave reviews here on Amazon, it wasn't a vampire novel, and I thought because it was smaller and there were other authors in this anthology, I might be able to ease my way into reading some Kenyon.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. This is really not the book a first time Kenyon reader should be reading, apparently, because I was decidedly unimpressed. I'm really not seeing the appeal. Nor did I see the appeal of Kurland or Hunter.

I'll admit it....I've got a short attention span. Or, maybe it's adult ADD. But whatever it is, I've really got to feel a connection to a story in a hurry, or I find myself starting to skim and flip through instead of reading. From the beginning, with Kurland's story, I felt I'd come in right in the middle of something (which I did, seeing as how I've never read any of her other stuff and this was apparently an extension of another series?). That made reading the story a bit awkward. I finished it, but I had this odd feeling of incompleteness with it.

Hunter's story just didn't grab me at all. I really wanted to like it. I tried very hard to stick with it and like it. But by the middle, I was just bored with it and had to move on.

Kenyon's story was much the same as Hunter's. I tried to like it. I tried to stick with it. But even more than with Hunters, I found myself really bored, and wanting to skim rather than read. After almost a week of picking it up, reading a few lines then putting it down again, I finally had to move on with that one as well.

I will say here that I am a big Moning fan. And for me, that's what saved this book. I was interested from the beginning. Once I started reading it, I finished in a few hours. Not sure what it is about Monings style that I like, but for me, she's very easy and enjoyable to read.

So, I gave this one a 3, mostly based on Moning's story, as the others were just too hard for me to get into.

The Darkest Road (The Fionavar Tapestry, Book 3)

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Super Reader
Solid finish
Appreciation of a great tale
A Tolkien Re-write
Annoying Characters

The Darkest Road (The Fionavar Tapestry, Book 3)
Guy Gavriel Kay
Manufacturer: Roc Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451458338
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Customer Reviews:

Super Reader.......2007-08-26

They realise they have a bit of a problem with the Maugrim character. The enemy is from outside their reality, so is just may not be possible to kill him.

Lancelot and Arthur have monsters to fight, and Arthur has to make a stand against his on this world's version of Camlann. Diarmuid steps in for Arthur and sacrifices himself.

Darien comes up with a sneaky trick to get rid of Maugrim.

Some of the people from Earth stay, some go home.

Solid finish.......2007-06-07

Finishes off the series relatively well, but the arthurian legend pieces could have been eliminated

Appreciation of a great tale.......2006-04-18

This book while not as satisfying as the promise in the first two, is still an excellent story.Kay is gifted and his use of celtic and other legends to further his work is excellent!
I originally purchased the first volume of The Fionavar Tapestry in the early '90's, and eagerly awaited the following volumes. I am a heavy reader, 2-6 books per week, and this is one of the few tales that brought tears to my eyes in the last 50 or more years of reading. The man IS a storyteller and this tale is captvating!
I have been slightly disappointed in his other books, and I believe that he can do better. The Light of the Sun is slightly better than most of the others
In closing, I have read The Fionavar Tapestry at least 7 times in the time I have owned it and recommend it highly to others. Its a great story and is presented well.

A Tolkien Re-write.......2006-03-07

I have mixed feelings about this book (and the entire trilogy). I've re-read it a few times over the years, and once I start re-reading, it's definitely quite addictive.

This doesn't mean it doesn't have flaws though, the most major one being that the entire series seems to be a modernised, 'how-I-would-have-written-the-LOTR-if-I-were-Tolkien'. Indeed, if you read the entire series with that as the caveat, it is quite an entertaining one.

The Darkest Road itself has quite a few weak points, the Arthurian thread being my major pet peeve. I found it extremely irritating with how Kay tells - not shows - over and over and *over* how terribly tragic the whole thing is - I get it already! I love the Arthurian myth cycle, and have read a good deal of material from there, and Kay doesn't even begin to do it justice. In effect all he has done is lift the names.

There are three moments in this book that stand out with crystal clarity for me though - I'd say these three are the ones that make the book worth reading. So, one star each. ;)

(Warning: spoilers.)

1) Diarmuid's last battle with the urgach Uathach. This one was beautifully done - with Kay having the courage to kill off a very engaging, major character in a memorable, meaningful way.

It's a pity he seems to lose his nerve for doing such things in his later works - in the Lions of Al-Rassan, there's no contest really. It's so much more obvious that Ibn Khairan is going to live. Which on the one hand is great, because I found him much more engaging than Belmont... but on the other hand...

2) Kimberly's refusal to bind the crystal dragon - and the cost of that choice at the final battle.

Although here I have reservations because I find it hard to swallow that one tiny unicorn with an even smaller rider, blessed by a goddess or not, can take down a dragon. And Tabor doesn't even die.

3) The Lios Alfar as bait for Rakoth at the final battle.

This one was a brilliant stroke for me - I never could buy that Sauron would bother with an army of 7,000 at his gate, led by Isildur's heir or not, and a chance of the Ring.

Using the Lios as bait though, and counting on Rakoth's hatred of them to make him unable to restrain himself given the opportunity to wipe them out entirely... that rings far more true with me than Tolkien's, 'Oh look, my great grand-grand-grand-ad-infinitum-daddy cut off your finger a millennia ago, won't you come get me now, nyah!' approach.

All in all, if you've read the other 2 books and liked them, then read this one. It's not one of the books I'd recommend as superb fantasy, but it's definitely entertaining, especially if you found yourself unsatisfied with how Tolkien handled some things...

Annoying Characters.......2006-01-22

I wasn't impressed with any of the books in this trilogy but the third had to be the worst. Over flowery prose, whole sections that didn't serve any purpose, and over used cliches. The whole Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere thread was unbearable. While Jennifer as Guinevere can be somewhat excused because she is very young Arthur and Lancelot are adults. Get OVER IT ALREADY and move on. Of course Kay also changes the concept of what a dwarf is. Most other mythologies have dwarf women just as likely to go into battle and have beards as the males. However in this novel they are stripped of any fighting power. Just like all the other female characters in these novels.

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Magnificent!
Passion for Purses
Purse book to die for

A Passion for Purses, 1600-2005
Paula Higgins , and Lori Blaser
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764326171

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent!.......2007-05-17

What a beautiful book; filled with glorious bags of the past, historical information and current values. There are hundreds of bags, created using techniqes such as beading, embroidery, tapestry, netting, crochet, knitting, tambour, loom, petit point and various stitchery. Gorgeous bags are displayed - eye-smacking delicious- that I have not seen in other collectible publications; a real plus for collectors. There is a chapter dedicated to restoration of vintage bags, with instructions for repair and cleaning, plus photos; tips when purchasing bags; and choosing the right purse frames. At the back of the book, page 256, I was delighted to see the two contemporary bags by Katerina Musetti, an artist and established opera singler; the bags are exquisite. It is obvious this book is a culmination of Paula and Lori's purse obsession, historical studies and labor. I highly recommend this inspiring book for collectors, as well as, bag enthusiasts; a book not to be missed. Review by Lydia F. Borin, The Beadwrangler

Passion for Purses.......2007-05-12

'Passion for Purses' is a beautiful, quality reference book for all purse lovers & collectors; from novice to the serious collector. The book has special emphasis on very early antique purses by one of the most knowledgeable persons around today. Contains previously unseen purses from private collections that have never before been published. Hundreds of pictures on quality paper, excellent information on the many catagories of purses that are included. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for purses. Great book for study or pleasure.A Passion for Purses, 1600-2005

Purse book to die for.......2007-05-09

For those of us mere mortals who can love from afar and have a "Passion for Purses" and.. the collectors among us, WOW. This book is a consumate collection of the incredible history and workmanship of this much needed and desired personal item. The descriptions and photographs of each purse made me feel as though I was almost visiting them in person. The depth and breadth of the collections plus the amazing amount of detail & photos given on the handpicked items for this book made me feel as though I got a real education and my money's worth for sure. I still cannot figure out how these authors gained so much knowledge and still have lives other than their immersion in purses...do they, I ask? This book was written by people who LOVE what they do. I have read and reread this book too many times already. My husband actually was impressed. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable as I was an antique dealer for years, but I have seen things in this book that I never even knew existed. A "Passion for Purses" - my compliments. This is the first book I have ever bothered to review but - it is just that FABULOUS.

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature

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Brilliant affirmation of Emanationism, of Phi and complexity-in-nature
Masterful exploration of natural beauty
A really great book.
Sad
The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature
Philip Ball
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0198502435

Amazon.com

Seashells are often spirals, just like water going down the drain. There must be a connection, right? Our intuition scoffs at such a notion, but maybe they are related, writes Nature editor Philip Ball in The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature. This deep, beautiful exploration of the recurring patterns that we find both in the living and inanimate worlds will change how you think about everything from evolution to earthquakes. Not by any means a simple book, it is still completely engaging; even the occasional forays into mathematics and the abstractions of hydrodynamics are endurable, tucked as they are between Ball's bright prose and his hundreds of carefully selected illustrations.

When speaking of the living world, Ball seeks to go beyond the theory of natural selection, which explains why we see certain characteristics (height, shape, camouflage), to find mechanisms that can explain how such characteristics come to be. Again, this is no easy task, but for those willing to follow his discussion, the elegance of nature is laid out in zebras' stripes, ivy leaves, and butterfly wings. Moving on to find the same patterns at work in the clouds of Jupiter and the cracks in the San Andreas fault give strength to the feeling that there are self-composing structures that guide everything in the universe toward a kind of order. The Self-Made Tapestry is a challenging look at the biggest issues in science, and well worth a thorough read. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

Why do similar patterns and forms appear in nature in settings that seem to bear no relation to one another? The windblown ripples of desert sand follow a sinuous course that resemles the stripes of a zebra or a marine fish. In the trellis-like shells of microscopic sea creatures we see the same angles and intersections as for bubble walls in a foam. The forks of lightning mirror the branches of a river or a tree. l This book explains why these are no coincidences. Nature commonly weaves its tapestry by self-organization, employing no master plan or blueprint but by simple, local interactions between its component parts - be they grains of sand, diffusing molecules or living cells - give rise to spontaneous patters that are at the same time complex and beautiful. Many of these patterns are universal: spirals, spots, and stripes, branches, honeycombs. Philip Ball conducts a profusely illustrated tour of this gallery, and reveals the secrets of how nature's patterns are made.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant affirmation of Emanationism, of Phi and complexity-in-nature.......2007-05-10

This is one of the finest affirmations of Emanationism of the Neoplatonists, i.e. that complexity in nature doesnt require Supernatural causes as exposited by Creationists. While this book does not deal with philosophical-religious principles, that its premise is the explaination for complexity in nature as merely Phi (golden section) ratios, it does provide the backbone for Emanationism, of the metaphore for the Cosmos in Platos Repuplic 509d-511 wherein Phi is given as the principle Logos (ratio/'tapestry') behind complexity in nature.

Masterful exploration of natural beauty.......2006-11-20

This is a lyrical celebration of natural beauty and underlying complexity. Not only that, the book itself is beautifully typeset, composed and arranged. A real pleasure to read, aesthetically and intellectually. Sheer wonder.

A really great book........2005-05-25

This is one of the best books i have read. Clear, in depth, and intelligent. Academic and also well written!
I highly recommend it.

Sad.......2004-08-03

I hope some publisher will do the world a favor and keep this book in print. It's a classic that belongs on the shelf right next to D'Arcy Thompson's "On Growth and Form." This might seem strange for me to say, but if I were to design an educational curriculum for people learning my profession (oncology), this book would be mandatory. It is highly recommended for anyone interested in morphogenesis. If anyone knows where I can buy 10 or 20 unused copies, I'd appreciate hearing from you (wmshea@earthlink.net).

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature.......2004-02-06

The Self-Made Tapestry: Pattern Formation in Nature written by Philip Ball gives us some answers to long-standing questions as to why there are patterns in designs in nature that reoccur in seemly unrelated objects.

Biologists are used to the idea that form follows function. The shape and structure of a biological entity whether it is a protein molecule, an organism, or the wind blowing ripples in a sand dune all have a purpose and a function. These are things I was curious about when I was studying in college, things that caugh my attention as interrelated but how and why. Of course, things in my life became more complex, but these questions still always seemed to weigh in the back of my mind... A tree with limbs and a lightening bolt look simular and so too roots and nerves.

Well, "The Self-Made Tapestry" explains the why and how of why these simularities do exist. This book explains why these are not just coincidences. As nature weaves it tapestry through self-organization it employs no master plan it just applies simple local interactions between the component parts. The component parts inpart a common self-organization to energy conservation allowing for typically univeral patterns.

What I liked about this book is the author has put complex theories into non-technical language along with adequate illustrations show the reader how these patterns come about.

If you looking for a book on explains some of life's and nature's mysteries this is the book for you as it is highly readable and you begin to understand why things are as they are. The book reads like a textbook , the chapters build upon one another making for an accumilation of knowledge bases on a solid foundation from the start.

This book is a solid 4 stars giving the reader a adequate knowledge of the hows and whys of nature. This book only has very minor flaws, but that is all. I would highly recommend this book for you home science library as it would make a worthwhile addition.

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Norwegian Tapestry Weaving
Maria Koppen Brekke , Spangler Christine , and Maria Brekke Koppen
Manufacturer: Not Avail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0977796809

Product Description

The classic book on Norwegian tapestry. Profusely illustrated with over 220 black and white drawings, photographs and 4 color plates. The translation combines the 1978 and 1988 editions. It includes: history, joining techniques (especially the Norwegian dovetail),looms, designing, weaving methods and finishing.

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