Customer Comments

This beautifully illustrated and wonderfully told story is sure to become a family favorite and tradition every Christmas.  I like the premise of there being other people there to witness and assist in the birth of Baby Jesus. It only makes sense that a midwife and her assistant would be called when Mary went into labor, it was the common practice - no matter where the child was being born. It is almost a comfort to think that there was a warm, human element present during the miracle.  This story draws the reader into what the scene may have looked and felt like there in the stable that beautiful night. I highly recommend this book and am adding it to the gift-worthy list for 2015. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest, unbiased review. Originally posted at my review blog: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Anthony Anglorus. It was a delightful "backstage" view into the lives of several powerful figures in history with a lovely dose of fiction for sheer entertainment. Many questions popped into my head while reading this, mostly regarding the actual English law and the blatant disregard so many of the elected politicians had for it. (Of course, here we are centuries later and that is still an issue we're dealing with.) Some of the "court" scenes were actually a little comical while also being maddening at the same time. I've read a lot of history regarding Charles Stuart and his reign and while not a fan of the inept King, I think the injustice of this entire period is sad and terrible. The author was very adept at giving us the mental picture and feel of what it might have been like to been in that room. I have to admit to laughing at the spot where Charles pokes John Cook in the back with his cane. The same cane that the head had fallen off of earlier and Charles was forced to pick up himself. Small human moments like that really pulled me into the story. The descriptions of the people and the scene were spot on. Characters in this book were very easy to become involved with. It didn't matter if they were the good guys or the bad, they are so well written that you can't help but become engaged in their story. I enjoyed that we were allowed to see so many sides of these people. James Hind, our Prince of Prigs is shown as a soldier, a thief, a friend, a family man and a political insider. Moll is an aged prostitute who is involved in several threads and intrigues. Even Cromwell has his moments as a father in contrast to the dastardly deeds he's masterminding behind the scenes. The same can't be said for Zachary Howard though, I felt he was a horrible person with nothing to redeem him. I was seriously rooting for him to get what he deserved. In all, I highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of historical fiction with adventure and intrigue thrown in the mix, this is the book for you. If you just want a political thriller with some true historical figures as stars, this is the book for you. I loved it and I am excited to also let you know that a second book is in the making. *This review was originally posted on my blog: One Book Shy of a Full Shelf. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest review.

To say that I love this book is way too tame and a BIG understatement. Herawas amazing! I have always enjoyed reading Greek mythology and reading about the Gods and Goddesses who inhabit those myths. I really wasn't prepared by how much this book would blow me away. I literally didn't put it down until I was finished. The story of Hera is familiar to most readers who have sampled the Greek myths. She is usually portrayed as the jealous and vindictive wife of Zeus. THIS book tells us about Hera, the girl. Hera the young, untrained priestess of the Emerald Temple. It shows us the life she led and the people in that life who shaped the Hera that would come to rule. You will recognize many of the players, but not necessarily the situations that they are in. The author shows us the people behind the big, mythical names ~ Hecate, Zeus, Hades, Persephone, Aphrodite, etc. Ms. Longo's style of writing really draws the reader in. She makes you feel as if you are right there with Hera as she hunts the wild boar along her best friend and soulmate, Artemis - sister of Apollo. You can feel Hera's heart beat faster when she spies the handsome Titan, Zeus. Your fingertips burn too when Hera calls up the fire within her. I just flat out LOVED this book. I haven't felt drawn into a story like this since I first read "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley. In fact, the feeling of this initial book in the series is reminiscent of that most beloved Avalon saga. Longo's story has that same texture and mystical quality that kept me completely immersed in that tale for quite a while. Hera also celebrates the feminine without discounting the male. The extensive research she undertook is very obvious in all of the elements of the story: spirituality, herbology, Greek mythology, the Titans, geography, etc. I don't need a crystal ball to tell you that this book is going to be huge. In fact, it would make an awesome epic movie. I can't wait to read the next installment "Romancing the Dragon". I wish I had it right now so I could continue reading well into the night.

This is a fun read that just happens to be about a family of vampires. With the major outpouring of vampire novels currently out and in the works, The Radleys was a refreshing change of pace for me. It was definitely a character driven story with several interesting plot twists that keep the story moving forward. Matt Haig has created an average and endearing family in the Radleys - they just happen to have a few more secrets than the rest of us. Peter is the head of the family. He's middle aged and feels he's in a rut ~ in his marriage and his professional life as a small town doctor. Helen runs her household well, but dreams of a man she can't have and a life she left behind. Rowan is a teenager with more than his fair share of trials and tribulations - he's pale, always itchy with a rash and considered a freak by his schoolmates. Clara is also unpopular at school and on top of that is trying to become a vegan. She can't understand why her parents (and her own body) are fighting her so strongly about it. As we follow this normal-seeming family, the real story starts to unfold. A tragedy occurs which brings to light the fact that the Radleys are vampires hiding in a small, unsuspecting English town. This is a severe shock to Rowan and Clara, especially when they also suddenly meet their uncle Will, a man neither knew existed. He is the key to several of the problems facing the family and plays a pivotal role in what transpires. There were several times when I found myself laughing out loud. This book was a lovely departure from the current vampire books on the market. It was centered on the family, not the blood-sucking issue. I really liked that the Radleys had a battered copy of "The Abstainer's Handbook" which gave them such gems as "If blood is the answer, you're asking the wrong questions." It is essentially an instruction manual for vampires who choose to not drink blood. Enjoyable and fun read. I need to mention though, this isn't really a tween book. Although it's being marketed as YA, I think it was intended for an older audience due to some of the sexual tones as well as quite a bit of swearing. More mature teens would be fine with it.

This is the 1st in the new Heirs of Kilronan series from Alix Rickloff. I am thrilled to have been one of the early readers of this fantastic new book. The author has created a mystical realm full of magic, love and intrigue. The lovely Cat is down on her luck when she takes a job to steal a diary from the dark and mysterious Earl of Kilronan, Aidan Douglas. The characters are very richly written and draw you quickly into their story and their lives. You find yourself becoming the champion of one and then the other throughout the story. I immediately liked both of them which is unusual for me as I tend to favor one side when I read romances. The skillful blending of mystery, love story and paranormal mythology left me anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series: "Lady of Shadows".

As a former WOW (World of Warcraft) player, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I hadn't read any of the books written about this fantastical game world and I wasn't disappointed. Author Christie Golden captures the feel and spirit of the game while also telling a fast-moving and colorful story. I don't think a person has to be a fan of the game to enjoy the book, although there are several references that a non-gamer might not understand. The characters, while not Golden's own creations, are well written and engaging. I used to play on the side of the Alliance which is the "enemy" of the Horde leaders who are the center of this story. I learned a lot about the members of the races that make up the Horde itself. The reader is drawn into their world and traveling along with them around Azeroth. This book definitely made me want to go back to playing the game ~ alas, we don't have fast enough Internet out here in the boonies... I recommend this book to fans of adventure and fantasy, especially those readers who are WOW players. It's an engrossing read no matter which way you approach it.

I must admit that I've only read a few of the Sherlock Holmes stories over the years. My interest in the collection was sparked when I saw the movie with Robert Downey Jr. last year. I enjoyed it so much that I jumped at the chance to review this book when it became available. The story alternates between the late 1800's and present day. We follow the master, Arthur Conan Doyle as he deals with the aftermath of killing off London's most-beloved sleuth~Sherlock Holmes. We are then along for the ride as modern-day Sherlockian scholar, Harold searches for Holmes's missing diary. This was a very interesting and fun-to-follow story. I learned a lot about Doyle as well as the Sherlock Holmes stories. Harold was a very likable and easy to relate to character. The author made you feel that you were right there with Harold as he searched for the diary. I really enjoyed the fact that Bram Stoker was Conan Doyle's "Watson" in their adventures through London. Stoker and Doyle's friendship with Oscar Wilde was also something that I never knew. Graham Moore did a wonderful job of creating a book that was both educational to me and quite entertaining.

This was a very interesting tale of a young shepherd boy in search of himself. This was one of the first graphic novels I've read and I must admit I really liked it. I loved comic books as a kid and this is a fantastic way to introduce new or even reluctant readers to the joy of reading, as well as a treat for us "old-timers". Re-publishing classic stories such as this one into a different format will bring many new fans to the table. While the story was very simple and at times, very predictable, it was enjoyable. The author used a gentle touch to deliver his message and thoughts. I think fans of Paulo Coelho's and those looking for a book that could be shared with family members would find this to be a perfect fit. I thought this was a quick and easy read with a lovely overall message. I am looking forward to reading the full novel now as well and encourage others to give this book a try for themselves. It would be a meaningful gift, especially during this holiday season.

This book is the newest addition to my new "gift-worthy" list. I got to test out a few of the recipes a few weeks ago when I made brunch for 7 of us. Unfortunately, I don't have photos to show the yummies as my camera was out of commission during that time. I will tell you what I used from the fantastic book: Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles Maple Butter Crunchy Bananas with Cinnamon Chili Chocolate Sauce I also made the required bacon and sausage with coffee and orange juice. I am thrilled to report that it was a resounding success. We've used the maple butter a few times since then. The recipes are very clear and easy to understand. Lots of full color photographs aid in making these delightful dishes (as well as enticing you to hurry up and make it!) The authors take the everyday cook into account with these scrumptious concoctions. My next experiment will be their Split Pea Soup. It's a long-cooking recipe that is making my mouth water just writing about it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys trying great new recipes or collects fabulous cookbooks. Very gift-worthy!

This book was a must-read for me as soon as I read that Diana Gabaldon had contributed a new story for this collection. Her "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows" was well worth the wait. It ties up some unanswered questions about Roger Mackenzie's father Jeremy as well as opening up some more lines from "An Echo in the Bone". Many other favorite authors added their all-original tales of star-crossed love for this happy, sad, tear-jerking, smile-making group of shorts. While there were a couple of stories that I didn't really care for (as happens with any collection), most of them have reaffirmed my enjoyment of the authors' writing or introduced me to a few new-to-me writers that I will seek out in the future. Two of my top picks along with Diana Gabaldon would be Jo Beverly with her inventive tale "The Marrying Maid" inspired by Tatiana and Oberon's continual toying with humankind and "Blue Boots" from Robin Hobb which follows the lingering love story of a minstrel and a kitchen girl. I highly recommend this collection and I think it would be a great gift idea for the avid reader on your gift list.

I am always up for a book about cowboys! This one was no disappointment either. This is the final installment in the trilogy that includes Montana Legacy and Montana Destiny. Montana Glory can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but I also think readers will enjoy the stories of Zane's cousins Jesse and Wyatt to get a full picture of these yummy Montana men and the women they love. The characters in this novel are very well written. I was really impressed with the character of Riley. She is an outstanding mom who will stop at nothing to protect her daughter. She is willing to give up her own happiness for little Summer's benefit. Zane is one tall drink of water! Cool mountain water.. He is quite the hero as he goes from a confirmed bachelor and ladies' man to someone who is thinking of the future. Probably one of my favorites though is Cal, the crusty old ranch foreman. He is the glue that holds the whole ranch and its inhabitants together. His story is integrally entwined with that of the McCord family from the start. This book moves along at a fast clip. It is full of the required elements of love, adventure and intrigue. A very enjoyable read that I finished in an afternoon. I highly recommend Montana Glory along with the previous two books of the series.

**I have tried to write this without any spoilers, but it has proven to be a tough task and I apologize if anyone feels I've let too much slip out. I have always been a fan of the original tale of The Little Mermaid. It's a little grittier and "real" than the beloved Disney take on the story. It is darker, based more on the theme of love lost and sacrifice than of the happily-ever-after everyone associates with the title nowadays. This wonderful modern and updated version is closer to that first telling of the classic story. I must admit that I really didn't care for John in the beginning. I thought he was full of himself, selfish, and promiscuous. He was technically cheating on two women for a while. Not my kind of man. I did warm up to him eventually. Especially when he gets caught up in a web of deceit that really wasn't his doing. I almost felt sorry for him, not quite though. I tend to be hard nosed when it comes to infidelity issues. But what counts, is that I did like him when it came down to it. I loved Tamarind! She was fresh and quite funny without meaning to be. It was nice seeing our jaded world through her innocent eyes. The author did a lovely job of showing her naivete and her strength at the same time. Her belief in humans and her loyalty was very sweet, if misguided and mostly undeserved. She is very straight-forward and unfortunately learns how devious and underhanded people can be. I loved the descriptions of her and her surroundings as well as her life as a mermaid. There were several other characters who supported the story, both good and bad. With the evil outweighing the good, Tamarind and John had their work cut out for them. I loved that Tamarind found Valerie as a role-model and sort of guardian. Tamarind's faith in her teacher Ana turns out to be ill placed and she suffers for it. Tamarind's neighbor Lucy also helps teach the pair what it takes to make it in this life. She's a nice balance for John's ex, Zoe. I immediately detested her when she appeared on the scene. She's one of "those" type of women. All of these characters were well written and fleshed out quite nicely. They did what they were created to do in as much as you either loved them or hated them. A very imaginative remake with a healthy dose of magic and reality, I highly recommend this book and I think it is another story that would be an outstanding choice for a book club selection. There are many points to ponder in this tale that can be applied to our own everyday lives. My copy has a great reading guide in the back that would spur some lively discussions. You can also download it HERE.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I agreed to review this book. I didn't know if I was getting a science manual, a photo book or a surfing journal. To my surprise and joy, it is a fabulous combination of all three plus more. Susan Casey is a master of the description. She vividly paints pictures with her words and terrifies and spellbinds us with those mental images. The photography that is showcased in the book just reinforces the author's words. In her search of the giant, ship-breaking waves, she comes across more than just the scientific geniuses studying them. She collaborates with the undisputed surfing king of the waves Laird Hamilton. With him at her side, she discovers what it is about these oceanic mysteries that call to the surfers who live to master them. She takes us with her as she travels in search of these unpredictable and unstoppable forces of the sea. This was a fascinating look into the ocean and the giant waves that live there. I recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the ocean, surfing, and the sheer power of nature.

Caridad Pineiro is a new-to-me author who has been receiving really good reviews for her first book Sins of the Flesh. When I read the blurb from the publisher about this new book, I jumped on the chance to review it and see what the excitement was all about. I must say that I am glad I took the time to find out. This is an action-packed story of a brainy but gorgeous doctor and an angry but hunky, ex-football player who are both trying to attain the same thing - a cure to devastating side effects from an experiment gone very wrong. As soon as Liliana and Jesse meet, things start happening at a frightening pace - both personally and around them. I couldn't put the book down as I just knew something was happening on the next page and I didn't want to wait. The characters are well written and I found myself empathizing with both of Liliana and Jesse. Both love their families beyond measure, but have different ways of expressing it. They come from very different worlds but find a bond to connect them through all of the turmoil and danger. The sparks fly between these two and there are some very steamy scenes that lit up the pages! I haven't had a chance to read the first book yet, but plan to do so very soon. This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone, but I really enjoyed this story and want to read the beginning and learn more about how the experiments began.

I was really, really NOT ready for this book to be over. This was such a fun read! The fun starts right off the bat when Maddie almost runs super-hot Jax off the coast highway and over a cliff. So begins her new life in Lucky Harbor! Maddie considered herself a mouse. She had let people walk all over her for her entire life. When she finally stands up for herself against an abusive boyfriend and gets fired in the process, she decides to head north to claim her birthright. I loved watching this character grow and learn about herself and her estranged sisters. The fact that Maddie is an extreme klutz makes her even more endearing. Jax is a major stud muffin. He is a man of many talents and occupations. He is a lawyer, builder, financier, AND the mayor of Lucky Harbor all rolled into one gorgeous package. He is hooked by Maddie from the very beginning and does everything he can to break down her myriad of defenses. Their relationship is super steamy and full of humor. I want to move to Lucky Harbor now. The description of the scenery and the supporting characters have me hooked. People such as Maddie's sisters Tara and Chloe as well as Jax's buddies Ford and Sawyer would be great to have as friends and neighbors. This is a great first book in Jill Shalvis' new Lucky Harbor series. I can't wait for "The Sweetest Thing" to come out in April 2011! It'll be the story of Maddie's older sister Tara and Jax's childhood friend, Ford. Major sparks will fly. The anticipation is already getting to me!

I really enjoyed Sedaris' previous book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. It was a real kick with some surprisingly helpful information. This new book was still really funny, but just not what I was expecting. I had really hoped to find some new, inexpensive crafts to make but instead, just found myself laughing at her "creations". It is NOT a book for kids. The chapter "Making Love" is hysterical. The author states, "The craft of lovemaking is simple to initiate, yet difficult to accomplish. Even for the amateur crafter, the starting point is obvious: roll up the sleeves, take aim, and begin poking about the pubicly-tufted fleshy parts." The photos that accompany this chapter include a man in an extremely short yellow robe which only made me laugh harder. The photography and instructions are very helpful if you desire to make things such as: Secret Treasure Box ~ Decorate the outside of a box you're fond of. Fill the secret box with irreplaceable sentimental treasures and keep in a safe place.

I received this from the author for review. I found it to be a quick read that I enjoyed quite a bit. The author packs a lot of adventure into this story of a reluctant heroine. Diony is a very beloved member of her small community. When it becomes apparent that she is the chosen one from an ancient legend who can help free her city from tyranny, Diony steps up to the plate. She loses everything and many whom she holds the dearest in her fight against the oppression of the Overlord. Diony is forced to flee her home in Mareese in order to grow and learn to focus her new powers. A small mis-matched band of supportive friends aid Diony in her quest to find the other two keys as foretold in the legend. Ms. Bulow-Morgan has created a great protagonist in Diony as well as the well-written characters of Brynal and Catrine. Their adventures together and apart make for an addictive book that you won't want to put down.

I enjoy historical fiction and this book is a lovely addition to the this genre as well as that of young adult reading. It is listed as an appropriate book for ages 12 and up. I think young readers and adults alike will find this a very satisfying look into Queen Victoria's young life. Liza is mercilessly thrust into the life of a servant after being catered to and pampered her entire existence. She is 16 years old and doesn't know how to undress herself! When she lucks into a position as a maid to Princess Victoria at the run-down Kensington Palace, she must learn to do everything for her lady that she was used to having done for herself. There are several colorful characters that are introduced in the telling of the tale. Several are people that you instinctively dislike such as Victoria's mother, the Duchess and her ally, Sir John. The author writes their personalities in such a way that you can't help but root against them in favor of Liza and the Princess. In contrast, Will and Inside Boy are two of the supporting cast that you immediately like. I always enjoy when an author incorporates real people and real events into a fictional story. It gives these historical figures a much more human appeal and a reality to them. Ms. MacColl wove fiction and fact into a lovely tale of two young ladies in different circumstances who are thrown together to make their way as they can. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this debut author.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book after reading the first one. I was hooked big time! In this well-named second book, we rejoin Bree and her clan as they have to overcome several obstacles aka. tribulations.. that keep blocking their way. Some of these challenges come from within the clan while many are just there because Bree is still adapting to the fact that she is "The Chosen One" in a magical world that she never knew existed. The love story between Bree and her soul mate, Steven continues to strengthen even while she is trying to settle into her role as Alpha female to Bradley's Alpha male. Bree struggles with meshing her human emotions and values with the inner workings and structure of her supernatural and magical clan. The author does a fine job of building and growing her characters. Although, I would love to know more about the men and just what it is that makes them tick. Especially when it comes to their utter devotion and I guess, addiction to Bree. I have to admit that Bree's character was much more forgiving and generous than I could have been. I wanted to completely throttle Madelyn. She was petty, mean and jealous. If I had been the one with Bree's powers, I'd have squashed her in a big way. (Yes, I really got into the book!) But I did really enjoy Bree and could easily place myself in her shoes. It isn't hard to imagine having similar thoughts and feelings if I were to be suddenly told that I had all of these abilities and everything in my life to this point was a facade. I don't want to give anything else away for those who haven't had the pleasure of starting this series yet. Ms. Lacy has created a fantastic world with rich characters that I definitely want to read more about. I highly recommend readers start with the first book Chrysalis - The Awakening: Book 1 in order to get the full effect of this entire story. You can read my review of it HERE.

I thought this was a fun and very entertaining book. It takes the reader from adventure to next, exciting adventure. The author created interesting characters that keep you interested in them and rooting for their success. We have the evil villain, the doctor, two headstrong young ladies, a farmer and his stubborn son, a wise old granny, and LOTS of Pirates! There are also several others including Gerta, whom I became especially fond of. The plot was well thought out and I enjoyed the various locales we were taken to during the course of the story. It is obvious that Ms. Greenlay did a lot of research on the ships and the various terminology that goes along with them. This attention to detail adds to the charm of this story. Her medical background also shows in the writing of scenes between the doctor and the main character Tess while they are tending to various wounds and ailments. Legend and mentions of the mysteries of the title "spinner rings" are weaved throughout this story. I wanted to learn more about them. While this book had a great ending, I think the author left room to continue with the storyline. I am really hoping there will be a second book as this has the beginnings of a really good series.

I was immediately drawn to this book when I learned that it was about Robert the Bruce. Scottish history has always been a favorite of mine and this sounded like it would be a great story as Sir Walter Scott, another favorite, would also be in the mix. I was definitely not disappointed. The author takes us with Robert as he fights for his life, his family and for independence. The descriptions and details are exceptionally accurate and thorough. History lovers will enjoy this re-telling because of the attention to facts. The book is broken down into small, manageable chapters that are descriptively titled. A very helpful and extensive Cast of Characters is included in the beginning of the book. It is a resource that is very useful in the reading of this book as the names and connections can get a little confused at times. Mr. Macreery builds deep characters that the reader can really get a feel for and come to care about. The many references to other important historical figures of the time adds to the authenticity in this story. The amazing amounts of research and study that the author underwent for this book is very apparent. The only issue I had with this book was the fact that the tale was being told to Wattie (the future Sir Walter Scott) by his Aunt Jenny, but in his grandfather's voice. I found this to be very distracting at times as the grandmother would interrupt and there would be a switch back and forth in the voices. I probably would have preferred it if it had just stayed with one or the other. It's a small thing that still didn't detract from this wonderful story. Mr. Macreery has taken a subject that can still get the blood boiling in those of Scottish descent and created a riveting and memorable tale that will keep the memories alive. I highly recommend this book to any who love a good saga, especially to those who love the colorful and tumultuous history of Scotland and one of its most beloved and beleaguered heroes.

I loved this book. The main character, Bree is a 32 yr old woman who has been sheltered from the truth and her real identity her entire life. In the midst of protecting her, her parents and friends kept her from her true love and paved the way for evil to insinuate itself into her life - in the form of her abusive and deadly husband. She was beat down both mentally and physically. Now that she is getting a divorce, the path is clear for her reunion with her soul mate, Steven. She just isn't immediately aware that he is a vampire who has been waiting for her since her birth. One of the things that I really appreciated in the book was the author's method of delivering vital information. Instead of long, dry narratives full of important details or back story, she used dialogue between several characters or groups to fill the reader in. It was a very refreshing technique from a lot of books I've read in the past. I usually tend to skim over long sections of details and background history when I'm reading - I never did that while engrossed in this book. The characters were interacting while giving me the info I needed to move forward in the story. The characters were very richly written in this story. There is a lot of humor and warmth as well as adventure and drama. Family was another aspect that I really liked seeing with the author making the reader feel a part of the group. Bree's family or extended family are a large, very warm and gregarious group. Millie, Bree's Gran is one of my favorites. She's a tough old bird that garners respect and admiration from everyone that knows her - good or bad. She also just happens to be an extremely powerful witch. This book was full of twists and turns - some you had an inkling were coming, while others were a big surprise. I think the story flowed very nicely and I have to admit that I read it in one day. I told everyone I was busy and immersed myself in Bree's world. I am really, really looking forward to this next book in the series: Chrysalis - Tribulations

I was very interested to see what this book had to offer. It is a fun, easy read with a very strong environmental theme ~ that doesn't beat you over the head. I like the detailed descriptions of some of the things that Man is doing to the planet for which there are other, less damaging options ~ if only we humans would take heed of them. The characters were very personable and fun to follow along with. The Earth Goddess, Gaea (Mother Earth) is quite outspoken in her need to make humans sit up and take notice of what they're doing to HER. She is quite funny at times with her temper and sarcastic wit. My favorites were the poor Friars who were being teased mercilessly by Quant - a seraph who masqueraded as their pet cat Leo. The Friars are trying to become more green and are learning to care for a garden and be self-sufficient where possible. (While trying to explain the strange sightings of a disappearing/re-appearing cat..) I applaud the explanations and interweaving tales of the gods and goddesses, the Titans, the Christians, and the Lord. The author plyed her words in such away that anyone can receive the important message of this book while still enjoying a truly lovely story. It is a very readable book that covers the issues of ecology, faith, spirituality, myths, and history all at once. Gaea's discussions with legends such as Poseidon and Triton were humourous and informational. The friendship between her and the seraph Quant is very warm, especially since she knows the Lord has sent him to keep an eye on her. When she and Quant had a "meeting" with the Almighty Creator, he shows her his love for all of his creations, including the pesky humans and admonishes her that HE is the only one who owns and dispences vengeance. This is the 3rd book in Ms. Williams' Quantam Cat series. I'm looking forward to reading the others: Jerome and the Seraph and Angelos (Quantum Cat) as soon as I can. I'm happy to have discovered this wonderful author. I HIGHLY recommend this book to all. I do believe there is a message for everyone residing in its pages.