Average customer rating:
- Good, but not excellent
- Trilogy
- Good Authors
- So this is Nora Roberts . . .
- A Perfect Ending to the Trilogy - But I Still Want More!
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Red Lily (In the Garden, Book 3)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Jove
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ASIN: 0515139408 |
Book Description
Three women learn that the heart of their historic home holds a mystery of years gone by, as number-one bestselling author Nora Roberts brings her In the Garden trilogy to a captivating conclusion, following Blue Dahlia and Black Rose.
A Harper has always lived at Harper House, the centuries-old mansion just outside of Memphis. And for as long as anyone alive remembers, the ghostly Harper Bride has walked the halls, singing lullabies at night...
Hayley Phillips came to Memphis hoping for a new start, for herself and her unborn child. She wasn't looking for a handout from her distant cousin Roz, just a job at her thriving In the Garden nursery. What she found was a home surrounded by beauty and the best friends she's ever had-including Roz's son Harper. To Hayley's delight, her new daughter Lily has really taken to him. To Hayley's chagrin, she has begun to dream about Harper-as much more than a friend...
If Hayley gives in to her desire, she's afraid the foundation she's built with Harper will come tumbling down. Especially since she's begun to suspect that her feelings are no longer completely her own. Flashes of the past and erratic behavior make Hayley believe that the Harper Bride has found a way inside of her mind and body. It's time to put the Bride to rest once and for all, so Hayley can know her own heart again-and whether she's willing to risk it...
Customer Reviews:
Good, but not excellent.......2007-08-22
I came away from this conclusion to Roberts' "In the Garden" trilogy a bit disappointed, but satisfied overall. There was just a bit too much of the stereotypical ghost behavior, although I was quite pleased at the different approach from the other two novels. The characters remain sympathetic and likable, although I think Hayley is just a bit too sicky sweet for my taste. The chemistry remains light and easy. The dénouement was a tiny bit anticlimactic, but the drama and excitement beforehand made up for it somewhat.
All in all, a fitting end to an excellent trilogy by an author who rarely lets her readers down. While not one of Roberts' strongest series, it is quite enjoyable and memorable.
Trilogy.......2007-07-19
This was a very good trilogy. It will keep you interested to the last page!
Good Authors.......2007-07-04
Nora Roberts is always a good read and she does not disappoint with this series.
So this is Nora Roberts . . ........2007-06-30
This was my first Nora Roberts and one of the only books I never finished. After several chapters, nothing had happened. No suspense was developed. Just page after page of aimless dialogue among a cast of cookie-cutter romance characters. Only the heroine had a personality - one so insipid and self-absorbed that I began to hope the dreaded ghost would get her. But even the supernatural failed to pump any energy into this listless story. I really wanted to like the author because she has so many books available, but if this is typical of her writing, I'm baffled by her popularity.
A Perfect Ending to the Trilogy - But I Still Want More!.......2007-05-14
I always hate when trilogies end, and the "In the Garden" trilogy (Blue Dahlia (In the Garden, Book 1), Black Rose: In the Garden Trilogy (In the Garden), and now RED LILY) is no exception. You get to know the characters so completely, and feel such a connection with them, that they become almost real--and you just want to keep on reading about their lives!
RED LILY is the story of Harper Ashby, oldest son of Rosalind (BLACK ROSE), and Hayley Phillips. Hayley had come to Harper House the previous year, pregnant and alone, to beseech Roz, a distant cousin through marriage, for a job. Unwed, with her baby's father out of the picture, Hayley wasn't looking for a handout, but for a chance to start over. What Roz offered her was so much more--a job, a place to stay at the renowned Harper House, and a family.
Now she has her daughter Lily, a great job, and a roof over her head, but lately she's been thinking of Harper, the man whose been her friend through it all, in a brand-new light--that of a love interest. Afraid to ruin their friendship by telling him how she feels, she keeps quiet. Harper, on the other hand, has wanted Hayley in a more than friendly fashion ever since he laid eyes upon her--pregnant and all--more than a year ago. But he's sure that she doesn't think of him in the same way, and he's leary of messing up the friendship that means to much to him.
As these two friends--both wanting to be so much more--fight their attraction to each other, the resident ghost of the house, the Harper Bride, kicks into high gear. She's always been loving and kind to the children in the house, singing them lullabies in the night, but she seems to hate men, and she's become especially violent now that Hayley is entertaining thoughts of romance.
As the whole crew--Roz and her new husband Mitch, a geneologist trying his hardest to discover who the Harper Bride really is; Stella and Logan, both employees of Roz's In the Garden shop; and Hayley and Harper, who live on Harper/Ashby land--try to figure out the Bride's agenda, their lives are in danger, and their hearts and passions intertwine with that of the ghost's.
I loved this entire trilogy, and read RED LILY in one day. It was a perfect conclusion to this powerful family saga, and I was especially happy to finally learn the answers to who the Harper Bride was, and what happened to her.
I will admit that there was one surprise twist to the storyline that I didn't see coming, and wasn't really thrilled with, but since Ms. Roberts wrote it and I didn't, I can't complain! Overall, the story was still great, and in time I learned to live with what I thought was an unnecessary plot device.
Pick up this trilogy today--you won't be disappointed!
Book Description
Lilly Owens, ed. Illustrated edition of 159 cherished tales that have enchanted readers for generations. Includes The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes, Snow Queen, all uncut with beautiful illustrations by Arthur Rackham, Hans Richter, et al. 60 B&W illustrations. 816 pages.
Customer Reviews:
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON.......2007-08-06
MY GRANDKIDS WILL ENJOY THIS AS MUCH AS I DID AS A CHILD WHEN MY MOM READ TO ME. IT HAS ALL HIS WRITINGS.
Andersen deserves better.......2007-03-10
It is just sad that publishers like this one are opportunistic and know that just because Andersen is on the cover the book will sell. The translations are rickety and unreadable. And the quality of the book is disappointing. I immediately resold mine and bought another, far superior, volume. Don't get taken for a ride.
This book is for adults as much as children.......2006-10-27
Hans Chrisitian Andersen's fairy tales are incomparable. They have a level of depth absent in any other collection of fairy tales including the Grimm Brothers, Arabian nights etc...He amalgmates magic and reality and seals them in beautiful poetic expression. You will feel pain and love, rejection and hope, despair and persistence. The characters and images are sad yet impeccable. The tales are vivaciously symbolic of your dreams and reality. My favorite tales are The Red Shoes and The Little Mermaid(which is way different from Disney's version). They are a must-read.
Not for kids.......2006-07-09
I first read HCA when I was about 8 and I remember being baffled at their deviation from the standard "fairy tale" formula. They stayed with me however.
I bought this edition because I wanted to explore more of his work and I am very glad I did. I have finished about 3/4ths of this volulme and the richness, satire, obersvation, depth, humor and relevance of the themes continue to awe me. It's not a book for children but for those adults who want to go on adventures with a master storyteller.
Every one should read.......2006-02-25
This is the perfect gift for a child or adult of any age who enjoys reading.
Book Description
This best-selling anthology is a unique introduction to feminism and women’s studies. It presents a multidisciplinary collection of academic essays and analyses, personal narratives, and fiction and poetry about women’s lives. The selections illustrate the variety of women’s experiences, primarily in the United States, considering both commonalities and differences among women and appreciating women’s diverse approaches to living and fostering change.
Customer Reviews:
Aishe Berger Is a Wonderful Poet.......2005-02-26
There are so many wonderful pieces in this collection, but my favorite is Aishe Berger's poem Nose Is a Country...I Am the Second Generation. She deserves to be read and re-read. Buy the book, if only to read her work!
Feminists buy this book.......1999-04-26
I originally read this book for a women studies class at SUNY New Paltz. Here I am two years later, unable to find my original buying it again. It is a helpful book for all women studies courses, and an excellent book for one's own life, using personal essays relating to women's issues.
Book Description
Follow the second star on your right and fly straight on till morning and you’ll find a place you know from your dreams–Never Land. Past the pirate ships and Peter Pan’s secret hideaway is Pixie Hollow. A great old maple tree grows there, and in it live hundreds of fairies. For, you see, Pixie Hollow is the Never fairies’ kingdom, and each fairy who lives there has a special, extraordinary talent.
Tinker Bell loves to fix broken pots and pans.
Vidia flies faster than every other fairy.
Beck talks–and listens–to animals.
Lily can make any flower, tree, or plant grow.
Come on a magical journey with Disney Fairies . . . all it takes is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust!
The first four enchanting chapter book stories of Pixie Hollow are available in time for the holidays, boxed together in a lovely set, shrinkwrapped, and packaged with a never-before-available Fairies poster!
Customer Reviews:
Tales from Pixie Hollow 4 copy box set.......2007-07-22
The books are beautiful. The illustrations make the stories come to life. My 5 year old daughter loves them and we have been reading them nightly since we got them.
great.......2007-05-16
I bought this book set for my 10 year old daughter. She read all four books in 1 day. she loves them. Now she is bugging me to buy the rest.
In love with Tink.......2007-04-25
My 8 year old daughter received these books as an easter gift and she loves them!! THe illustrations are colorful and beautiful! I recommend any fairy fan to get these books
Loved Them!!!!.......2007-03-21
I got them for my 5 yr. old and she absolutely loved them. The artwork in them is beautiful. The writing was very good and it actually kept my daughter interested.
My 5 year old daughter loves these books!.......2007-03-16
These books have been done so well. The stories are very cute and teach good lessons. The art is beautiful. My five year old daughter absolutely loves them.
Customer Reviews:
model factors and products.......2007-03-02
You can use this book to introduce model factors and products.
cute book.......2007-02-12
When I saw this book, I thought "goodness, it's expensive but I'll order it since it has great reviews". It's a hit in our household.
Did you ever want too much of one thing?.......2005-11-22
Two of Everything
By Lily Toy Hong
This book, Two of Everything, is about a couple, Mr. Haktak and Mrs. Haktak, which had very little money. They lived in a little hut! The man finds a big pot in his backyard. He accidentally falls into the pot and when he comes out another copy of him comes out too! This happens to his wife and the four of them get into a big argument. I loved this book as a young reader. It taught me that too much isn't always good. I would recommend this book to anyone or to that little girl or boy that wants everything. The only thing I would have to say that I didn't like is the fact that the pictures weren't that great but there are many different books in publish since I got it so you can choose the style pictures you want. Overall I would give this book an eight on a one to ten scale. This book was my favorite book as a kid and I hope it is yours too.
One for me, two for you.......2004-05-12
This book is the embodiment of everything (in a word) pleasant. It's just a pleasant pleasant story to read through. Based on a classic Chinese folktale, the book follows an old married couple and their life. The two live in utter simplicity, only eating the food from their garden and occasionally selling the surplus when they get the chance. One day the old man, Mr. Haktak, is digging in the garden when he finds an old pot. He brings it home to his wife (after a fair amount of struggling and straining) and it isn't long before the two discover that the pot is magic. Indeed, after Mr. Haktak's purse and Mrs. Haktak's hairpins fall in and wondrously duplicate the two come to the rather obvious conclusion that the pot doubles anything that falls into it. They're right of course, and the pot truly seems as if it is too good to be true. Unfortunately, the day Mrs. Haktak accidentally falls into the pot herself, things become a little more complicated for the two...three...four people.
The book is utterly charming. Filled with author/illustrator Lily Toy Hong's roly poly people, the humor of each and every situation is undeniable. There's a great moment when Mr. Haktak is pulling his wife from the pot, only to find another pair of legs are kicking in her place. The book also has (if this makes any sense) a rather contemporary feel to it. Though it may well be an ancient story, the way in which Ms. Hong has written it makes it feel as fresh and lively as the day it was conceived. There are wonderful little details in some of the more crowded scenes and each illustration is drawn with thick pleasant colorful lines that are enticing to the eye. Should you be looking for a good Chinese folktale to entertain the little ones with, and you'd rather not read anything too old or possibly racist, then this book is a perfect fit. Simultaneously elegant and easy to understand, it's sure to be beloved by the whole fam.
Delightful, humorous, appealing to all ages.......2004-02-18
Before the book was released in 1993, I purchased the book thought a teacher catalog sight unseen after reading the description. I knew it would be a favorite in my collection of multicultural books. Although this is a children book, I have read this book every year with parents in my classroom. Both children and parents just love the anticipation of knowing what will be happening next. There is gleefully laughter when the two Mrs. Haktaks come out of the pot and double laughter when the two Mr. Haktaks do the same. I have used the book as a springboard to introduce doubling numbers to my kindergartners.
"Double Happiness" (popular Chinese phrase) is when we see more books from Lily Toy Hong in the future.
Book Description
The long-awaited follow-up to her groundbreaking bestseller, now Dr. Laura focuses on how men and women need to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of masculinity and femininity; what the best ways to relate, caretake, and nurture each other are; and how to bring a marriage back from the brink of disaster.
Jumping off her million-copy bestseller The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands, Dr. Laura asserts that in order to produce and sustain a wonderfully satisfying marriage, spouses must recognize and appreciate the polarity between masculine and feminine. Both husband and wife have power in the relationship, and each needs to realize this in order to ensure personal satisfaction. Using real-life examples from her call-in radio show, and giving real-life solutions, Dr. Laura focuses on the typical mistakes made by men and women in their relationships and shows how marriages can come back from the brink of disaster and divorce.
Read by Lily LoBianco
Customer Reviews:
VERY condescending - poorly written.......2007-10-08
I don't know who edited this book but they did a poor job. While reading it, I kept thinking that my 7th Grade English teacher would NOT approve of that sentence!
It doesn't help any that Dr. Laura is a bully and can be a b**** on the radio. I just find no value in brow-beating people on national radio just to make yourself look intelligent or knowledgeable.
Personally, I don't think Dr. Laura has any moral authority to speak on this subject and she obviously does not have the writing abiltiy either.
The Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage.......2007-09-16
Dr. Laura, you are amazing! I've been married 25 years to a wonderful man. We have been the best of parents, but have only just begun to be the best of friends and lovers! Thank-you so much for your timeless wisdom. I have already purchased "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Husband" and "The Proper Care and Feeding of a Marriage" for our married daughter and son-in-law. I have been recommending your book to everyone! May God continue to do His work of reconciliation with the help of books like yours. Sincerely, Lydia Sherrin
What a bunch of nonsense!.......2007-07-29
Please save your money and do not buy this drivel. Most of this book is a direct and harsh attack on feminists, and feminism in general. Guess what, Dr. Laura? It's 2007, not 1957. She has no practical or specific suggestions for improving a marriage, just general "smile and be pretty, open your legs and don't complain".
Proper Care & Feeding of Marriage Review.......2007-07-28
As with all Dr. Laura products I was very pleased with this purchase. Her books are so much more than meets the eye. She has a gift for showing how deep and wide even the smallest of things affect yourself and those around you. I would recommend this book to any married couple.
Dr Laura.......2007-07-16
Dr Laura gives down to earth excellent recommendations. It is just that most of us are too selfish to follow them. The recommendations are simple common sense solutions to marriage problems that we in our selfishness try to make into difficult solutions. Instead of thinking of our children's welfare we are only concerned with our own. We have our priorities in the wrong place. We need to grow up and become responsible adults.
Average customer rating:
- Simple, meaningful a must-have for Easter
- The parable of the lily
- The Parable of the Lily
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The Parable Series: The Parable Of The Lily
Liz Curtis Higgs
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
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ASIN: 0785272313 |
Book Description
The Parable of the Lily begins with a mysterious gift on a gray wintry day and ends one Spring morning with a joyous discovery.
The gentle Farmer from The Pumpkin Patch Parable lovingly helps His young daughter, Maggie, understand the power of grace and forgiveness and the true meaning of Easter.
Customer Reviews:
Simple, meaningful a must-have for Easter.......2001-02-01
This book tells a story of a girl (who represents humanity) who is given a gift of a lily bulb (who represents Jesus) by a "secret" friend, who turns out to be her father (representing God the Father). The girl is disappointed in the gift, and eventually tosses it outside, never thinking of it again. But she wakes up one morning to find that it has bloomed despite her neglect. She also learns her father is the one who secretly gave her the gift, and she apologizes for ignoring his gift. "Will you forgive me" she askes. He replies, "Oh, my child, That's what Easter is all about." Bible verses in small print at the bottom of the pages tie the story to the Bible (when the girl receives the gift she is disappointed, as it appears to be just dirt -- the corresponding verse is "There was nothing in his appearance to make us desire him; when the girl tosses the bulb out, the verse is Isaiah 53:3: He was hated and rejected by people...People would not even look at him.") The Bible verses are in a child-friendly translation, which is wonderful. This is very creative, simple, yet incredibly meaningful, as are all of Liz Curtis Higgs' books. The artwork is colorful, simple, and comforting.
The parable of the lily.......2000-05-17
I would highly recommend this book . It was a joy to read it to my 4 year old. The bible verses are wonderful. My Husband and I were both impressed with it's creativity in explaining what Christ did for us at Easter. The little girl in the story represents us, lost and unsaved, her father is our Holy Father, the forgotton bulb she throws away is Christ, which comes back to life. Refering to the store of the Lily, my little girl said, "Mommy thats' just like Jesus"! It made me feel so good that she understands. Get it for you little one and God Bless.
The Parable of the Lily.......2000-04-22
Like the other parable books by Liz Curtis Higgs, this is a wonderful story for children that has a lesson to it. Maggie learns the lesson of forgiveness and the true story of Easter. It is a book that will surely bring a tear to the eye of a mother reading it to her child. I recommend it highly.
Book Description
This illustrated volume contains every published story by the Brothers Grimm, from well-known classics like "Cinderella" to lesser-known tales such as "The Bright Sun Brings on the Day". Other enchanting fairy tales include:
• "The Frog Prince"
• "Hansel and Gretel"
• "Snow-White and Red-Rose"
• "Rapunzel"
• "Little Red Riding Hood"
• "Rumpelstiltskin"
Customer Reviews:
grimm.......2007-10-04
this book was just as good as i thought it would be very pleased with it and so is my young son who i purchased it for
i likey da booky.......2007-07-16
although the book is pretty long, there were a lot of stories that kept me interested. i always wanted to find out the true version of all my childhood fairy tales like cinderella, the frog prince, rapunzel, and so much more. my favorite of them all had to be "The Youth Who Could Not Shiver and Shake," that story was scary, funny, as well as amusing. overall the book, The Complete Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, was and old time classic that could never be forgotten.
Good 'ol days.......2007-05-23
This book was amazing. It's nice to see the original tales in all their glory, not the wussed out pansy versions of today. Parents, if you TRULY love your children buy them this book now.
great.......2007-05-16
this book is amazing, and no home library should be without it. it's also delivered in great condition.
Simply the BEST.......2007-04-12
These are the stories in their true non-Disneyfied forms. A great collection, that I'd hold up against any other.
Book Description
Even in a sleepy Arkansas town, the holidays can be murder.
Lily Bard is going home for the holidays. More comfortable in baggy sweats than bridesmaid's frills, Lily isn't thrilled about attending her estranged sister's wedding. She has moved to Shakespeare, Arkansas, to start a new life, cleaning houses for a living, trying to forget the violence that once nearly destroyed her. Now she's heading back to home and hearth--just in time for murder.
The town's doctor and nurse have been bludgeoned to death at the office. And Lily's detective boyfriend suddenly shows up at her parents' door. Jack Leeds is investigating an eight-year-old kidnapping and the trail leads straight to Lily's hometown. It just might have something to do with the murders...and her sister's widowed fiancé. With only three days before the wedding, Lily must work fast to clean up the messy case before her sister commits...marriage!
Customer Reviews:
great book in a great series.......2007-01-17
I love this series and this book lives up to expectations. I think the author is very talented.
Shakespeare's Christmas.......2007-01-04
I loved this book! Then again I love anything that is written by Charlaine Harris. She is a fabulous writer, I get lost in her books.
Ho Ho Hum.......2006-05-06
This was the only installment of the Lily Bard series I had not read because there were only two copies in my county's entire library system (versus the half-dozen copies of the others). Now I know why it was given so little representation on the bookshelves. I saw this mystery coming a mile away, and midway through chapter four I lost my patience and headed straight for the end. This is not the same Lily Bard in the earlier installments -- she's overly occupied with her clothing (and ye gods, the descriptions are awful). I can't believe Charlaine Harris wrote this, it's so uninspired. Luckily, I had also checked out a copy of "Grave Sight," her newest series, which had me hooked with the first paragraph.
Ho ho ho..........2005-06-06
In this 3rd installment into Miss Lily Bards life, we are treated to a trip back to Lilys hometown. Varena, Lilys sister, is getting married and Lily is to be her maid of honor. While away, Lily gets herself involved in yet more trouble when she stumbles across two bodies in a doctors office.
Shakespeares Christmas didnt disappoint. There was murder, mystery, humor...and Jack. Oh how Im loving Jack.
This is another great addition to the series. Read it.
murder, kidnappings, molestation - this book has it all.......2003-07-05
In the third Shakespeare book featuring Lily Bard, the victim of gang-rape years earlier (and consequently murdering one of the rapists), the former future-housewife turned cleaning lady is on a visit home, to attend her sister Varena's wedding... right before Christmas.
She has barely settled down in her hometown of Bartley, Arkansas, when the small town's doctor and nurse are killed... and she, along with her sister, are the first ones to find them. Sooner than later, her lover - Jack Leeds - comes to town. Being a detective, he is planning on finding out who kidnapped Summer Dawn, eight years before.
Lily joins in on the investigation, planning to help Jack, since she's a native to the town. When one of three girls, who may or may not be Summer Dawn, turns out to be her sister's future husband's daughter, it becomes personal.
In this exciting tale of murder, kidnapping, and some really confusing clues, the reader will be unable to put down this novel. I wasn't especially fond of the first book in the series, and picked this one up - and was pleasantly surprised. If the rest are up to the standards set by this book, there will be no way I won't be getting them.
Book Description
When cleaning lady Lily Bard discovers the dead body of her nosy landlord, her plan of starting a quiet new life may end in her death.
Customer Reviews:
Compelling.......2007-09-13
Charlaine Harris excels at writing characters who grab my imagination. Sookie Stackhouse. Harper Connelly. And now Lily Bard. There is no supernatural layer to "Shakespeare's Landlord" as there is in the other two series, but again we meet a character who has a burden that makes her an outsider. Lily's backstory is painful, making her social withdrawal understandable, and the picture Harris paints of Lily's life and her fears of opening up to others is stark and poignant. "Shakespeare's Landlord" is a good mystery but also a great story.
Another great series by Charlaine Harris.......2007-02-11
Lily Bard is a woman with a tortured past, literally. She has come to the sleepy town of Shakespeare to escape that past, to a place where no one will know her and what happened to her. She cleans houses for a living, which lets her live on the fringes of society but not part of it. A man is found dead in the apartment house next door to where she lives and someone uses her trash can to dispose of the body. To protect her secret Lily is drawn into the lives of people that could expose her secret, so she has to find out who killed her neighbor, before they find out about her. Lily Bard is one of the best drawn female characters of any mystery series I have read. This woman feels real, you really feel her pain and her determination to never be a victim again. The story draws you in, I couldn't put it down and couldn't wait to get the next one in the series. I highly recommend this book.
Hauntingly Vivid Dark Cozy.......2006-09-23
In the 1st book in the Lily Bard Mystery series, we are introduced to the complex character of Lily Bard. Lily is healing from emotional and physical scars she received in a brutal attack several years before, and has moved to the small town of Shakespeare, Arkansas, to escape the horror of that experience. On an evening that she has trouble sleeping, she watches an unknown person transport a dead body to the arboretum across the street from her home. The killer dumps the body, and leaves Lily to decide whether to expose herself and her secrets to the police, or to leave the dead body exposed to the elements. She provides an anonymous tip to the police, and finds herself as a target for violence once again. Working closely with the chief of police, Lily struggles to catch a killer while learning to heal some of the deep wounds from her past.
This book grabbed me right from the beginning and wouldn't let go until I had finished it much, much later that night. A voracious reader, I could read a book a day...if my schedule permitted. With this book, however, the schedule flew out the window, I blocked out everything else, and I settled in for a nice rainy evening with a great book. I was quickly transported to the small town of Shakespeare into the troubled life of Lily. I loved her dark, brooding character and enjoyed watching her learn to open up and to begin to trust others while facing some of the demons from her past. Lily is a strong yet vulnerable character, and I look forward to watching her evolve and blossom in future installments in this series.
Most books in the cozy genre are not as dark or haunting, and I found my thoughts returning to Lily long after I had finished the book. Lily reminds me somewhat of Kinsey Millhone, and if you are a fan of the series by Sue Grafton, you may want to give this book a try.
The next book in the series is called "Shakespeare's Champion". Enjoy!
The Shakespeare series are among the best genre novels I have ever read. Truly a class above........2006-06-28
I have one piece of advice to anybody interested in Shakespeare's Landlord: buy it, borrow it, whatever, just read it as soon as possible. Put it at the top of your pile. You'll be glad you did.
Lily Bard is one of the most compelling and, frankly, admirable heroines I have ever come across. She's got a very dark past, and from the very first page it's clear how much sheer will it has taken for her to make a new life for herself. Lily is independent, blunt, ass-kicking, solitary, and smart as hell.
The Shakespeare books are mysteries, and they're good ones, but the reason to read them is to watch Lily Bard's character grow and change. Charlaine Harris has a tremendous ability to infuse the most quotidien events with incredible depth, a true master of the 'show don't tell' school of writing. Her characters are both ordinary and monumental, and she writes about the South in a way that (really!) bears comparison to Faulkner and Toni Morrison.
The Shakespeare series in particular picks up on a lot of very delicate issues and tackles them head on: questions of race, class, and gender end up tangled in the crimes Lily has to solve. For women, in particular, thinking about how Lily has changed in response to her own past can be a real eye-opener.
Not a Southern Vampire in sight..........2006-02-20
But Ms. Harris's writing style is just as unique, and just as compelling.
I'm not a fan of mysteries, normally. They seem to fall into one of two groupings: the Dame Agatha group and the Deaver group.
The Marple mass always seem to have a little murder with supper. They are slightly horrified, but everything seems so silly... the death is never really... real.
The Deaver denizen are just the opposite. A killer is always a serial killer, and they're always out to find nastier ways to kill, gorier trophies, and trickier ways of hiding themselves among the population.
Ms Harris's mystery leans more toward the Murder She Wrote grouping. The murder is treated as a puzzle, and the victim almost as a side story. But the reason for this is we're learning the life of Ms. Lily Bard, and her chosen environs of Shakespeare, AK.
Early on, Lily discloses the icky feeling that the victim gave her, so the lack of concern with his murder is totally explicable. Also, Ms. Bard has quite a back story of her own, and I found myself turning the pages just to see how she'd react in different situations.
I read this in an afternoon. I love Ms. Harris's writing style - if you're a Sookie fan, I think you'll like this simply because of the lead character. I also think if you like the first group of mysteries above, you'll like this. There are enough little twists and turns to make the pulp mystery reader happy.
Heck, I'll probably even read the rest of the series when they're available at the library. I don't usually do that for series...
(*)>
Books:
- Reflections of Kauai: The Garden Island
- Rotary Magic: Easy Techniques to Instantly Improve Every Quilt You Make (Rodale Home and Garden Books)
- Searching for God Knows What
- sifting through the madness for the word, the line, the way: New Poems
- Square Foot Gardening: A New Way to Garden in Less Space with Less Work
- Teaming with Microbes: A Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web
- The Art of Landscape Detail: Fundamentals, Practices, and Case Studies
- The Big Bamboo
- The Cake Bible
- The Carrot Seed Board Book
Books Index
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