Book Description
The unforgettable characters from the bestseller What Goes Around Comes Around are back -- in a smashingly suspenseful tale of love, trust, and the secrets that can make or break our lives.
The dashingly handsome Keaton Lapahie has watched many of his friends do the one thing he has vowed he will never do: get married. His plan is to enjoy his retirement, open a restaurant, and remain a bachelor for life. But when he is unexpectedly put on mandatory medical leave, he decides to visit his sister and her family...not realizing fate is about to take him on a trip -- not just out of town, but toward his own heart.
In Philadelphia, Keaton is reacquainted with Dr. Meridan St. John, his sister's pediatrician. Meridan is seemingly the perfect woman -- smart, bold, and beautiful. Why can't Keaton attract her attention? He soon learns that Meridan is haunted by something in her past -- and though Keaton can read her better than anyone else, he cannot figure out the cause of her nightmares and fears. Things become even more complicated when Jacob, her jealous childhood friend, arrives in Philadelphia and threatens to expose all the dark secrets of her past. Worried that Keaton will not believe she was innocent in her situation, she does the only thing she can...run. Thus, Keaton must decide -- does he follow her, and get to the truth, or does he leave the woman he loves to her own dark nightmares?
Penetrating in language and powerful in meaning, When Hell Freezes Over is a remarkable story about how accepting the past is the only way to make a future.
Customer Reviews:
So disappointed.......2007-08-18
This book sucked on so many levels. I feel like this should have been the first one in the series, because her writing seemed to digress so much. All that and a bag of chips was damn near perfect. The following two books were just as good, but after reading this I am beyond hesitant about reading anything else she writes. It took me almost three months to read it. I felt that the characters were at times overly dramatic, and even her writing style seemed to be that of a novice rather than a published author with a couple of published books under her belt. The story line itself was good. Man, likes woman. Woman's in danger, hesitant to reveal why.... etc. It was good, but the way that Miss Lee presented it was just horrible. At one point she was almost at the top of my Authors to watch" list, now, she's not even on it. Not saying that she can't redeem herself, it's obvious that she has the talent. Maybe this was just a slip. We'll see.
Big Fan.......2007-07-05
I'm a big fan of Darrien Lee. I have read all of her books. I let a friend borrow it and never got it back. So I had to get it to add to my others. I love reading books that follow the characters. It's a great series and I wish she write another sequel or two.
LOVED IT.......2007-03-12
THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT READ, I ONLY HAVE ONE BAD THING TO SAY. I DONT KNOW WHY SHE WAS TRYING TO HIDE HER PAST FROM HIM, THEN WHEN HE FOUND OUT ABOUT IT SHE WAS TRYING TO KEEP HIM AWAY FROMHER THAT'S WHAT MADE ME MAD THE ENDING IS WHAT PISSED ME OFF BUT OTHER THAN THAT I WOULD READ IT AGAIN BUT SKIP THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS.
ASHLEY
What a story.......2007-01-08
All of D. Lee's books are excellent, but this one is my favorite, I would reccomend that you read them in order, that way you will know who's who as they are mentioned. I know there has to be a follow up to this on, focusing on Nikki and Damon.. in the meantime I will read Talk to the hand (which is unrealated to these storylines).
Page Turner.......2006-11-06
I could not put this book down. I've read all Ms. Lee's novels and enjoyed them immensely! I love that she keeps characters from the previous book coming back and I love the added twists. Keep them coming Ms. Lee.
Average customer rating:
- The Cole/Delgado Series
- very nice
- Give me a break!
- "I Need To Read From The Very Beginning"
- The history was out of order
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Stranger In My Arms (Arabesque)
Rochelle Alers
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0373830084 |
Book Description
Orphaned at birth and shuttled between foster homes, CIA agent Merrick Grayslake has made a practice of not letting anyone get close to him. But he finds that his emotions are at risk when he is introduced to Alexandra Cole.
It has been all work and not enough play for Alex. And what little social life she's had has been on hold for a year while she completes her graduate degree. But her ordinary everyday life changes from the moment she meets Merrick Grayslake.
Customer Reviews:
The Cole/Delgado Series.......2007-07-13
If you haven't read all the books in the series then you should definetely pick them up. This is another excellent book by Ms. Alers. The only reason I put it down was so the story wouldn't end so soon. Hopefully she will come up with another exciting series that her fans will enjoy!
Kudos for Ms. Alers!!!
very nice.......2007-06-26
This book was a very easy and pleasant read.It flows easily and keeps you interested.
Give me a break!.......2007-06-22
To L.D. Brown of Compton, CA - you really aren't missing any thing. All of Alers characters in this series are the same. The characters are all perfect and too predictable. I've read several of her books (like a fool) and can't for the life of me point to one that I could honestly say I enjoyed or that I didn't toss aside at some point during reading because the characters just got on my nerves. They are multi-racial, speak several languages, own a conglomerate, are the wealthest African-American family in the U.S., have their own island, have private jet(s), recipients of Oscar and/or Grammy awards, are spies, and of course reside in Palm Beach Florida in sprawling mansions. The women of the Kirkland/Cole/Diaz clan are basically breath taking, strong-willed with great hair and carmel colored skin and the men are all attentive, strong and gorgeous with gray eyes, green eyes, whiskey colored eyes. Like I said give me a break! I put Alers in the same category as Brenda Jackson another writer who utilizes cookie cutter characters with no depth and plots that make me just cringe. And please whatever you do, do not think of these books as examples of romance. They are about sex, Don't get me wrong. I'm not a prude but, I do like characters with some astuteness and convincing plots. Please deliver me from characters who jump into bed and then wonder later who they just slept with and never get the questions answered right up until the day she's walking down the isle pregnant on her wedding day.
"I Need To Read From The Very Beginning".......2007-05-31
I'm new to Ms. Alers' Hideaway series and from what I've read so far, it's an o.k. novel. Like the title of my review says, "I need to read from the very beginning" to get a better understanding of it all.
The history was out of order.......2007-05-24
as a stand alone this book was great but if you have read all of her work you will see that this book recreates history.
Micheal and Jolene's daughter Teresa was born before Tyler and Dana met, remember he was babsitting her when he talked to Dana on the phone. In this book they were already married and adopting their daughter who they didn't adopt until after their biological child Martin was born he isn't even mentioned in this book....all out of sequence..there was some other things as well which made the book harder to read.
As a stand alone book though the book is good!
Amazon.com
One year after Lara thought her husband was dead in a shipwreck, he returns home to her. But is he really her husband or an impostor? Although the evidence is inconclusive, this new Hunter Hawksworth is very different, and much improved, from the first. Not given to introspection, Lara is willing to put her doubts aside for this man who embodies all her dreams, and desires her with a ruthless and seductive persistence that overcomes her considerable sexual fears. Inspired by the French movie The Return of Martin Guerre and the original court case on which it's based, this late-Regency historical romance, notable for its compelling sexual tension, spare but evocative dialogue, and deftly drawn characters, asks the intriguing question "Can you ever really know the man you love?" One of the superlative romances of the season. --Ellen Edwards
Book Description
"Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead."
With those words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage––with its cold caresses and passionless kisses––was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn't deny that this man with smoldering dark eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never was before. Soon she desperately wanted to believe, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had this rake reformed––or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?
"More than just a fine writer...she's a genuine phenomenon."
–– Heart to Heart
"A character–rich love story with a delightful twist!"
–– bestselling author Jill Barnett
Download Description
With those words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage--with its cold caresses and passionless kisses--was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling secrets only a husband could know, and vowing she would once again be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn't deny that this man with smoldering dark eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never was before. Soon she desperately wanted to believe, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had this rake reformed--or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?
Customer Reviews:
Maybe I need to re-read? **SPOILERS!**.......2007-08-25
I thoroughly disliked this book. Now before I am inundated by unhelpfuls let me explain why,
The first chapter I absolutely loved. I was eager to see how LK would resolve a such a mean unloving husband and his ill treated wife. Then I got more glimpses of said wife who was the most annoying heroine lead I have ever encountered by LK. In the TSTL handbook, Lara would be under the chapter of 'sanctimoniously stupid'. (TSTL- Too stupid to live)
How could she be so open and loving to orphans etc and not think Hunter could have changed.
OK she doesn't want to be married again- fine- why does she ask him for money for her orphanage in one hand, then deny him his husbandly duties with the next? In fact forget husbandly duties- why is she acting like such a prude for kisses?
Why did she bargain for a charity ball in exchange for a night with her husband then try foist his ex lover on him? Who does that to their husband in the 1800's when he is paying for said ball to aid her charities and they are getting out of debt? The charities are very important to Lara, but not sleeping with her husband is more important.
Why does she act like a doddering fool when he wants her to wear the negligee? Why did she think it was ok to freaking adopt an orphan and bring it into their home? This isn't an orphan cat or dog but an orphan child. Why did she go to Arthur and Janet with the realization that Hunter be an imposter, and then act all shocked when Arthur and Janet did not want to compromise with her? I mean Lara, did you think they had a personality makeover after they got kicked out?
Now before you howl in protest that I am being overly critical of 'Ms. Oh woe is me, I must perform my marital duties !' , please know that I like my heroines with a little backbone, some common sense to be slighly endearing. Lara was not.
It was OK........2007-02-28
I'm in between on this one. I thought it started off great, and it sort of kept me in suspense. The ending was sweet but sort of a let down. And the whole time I read it, I kept thinking of Sommersby.
I found myself more interested in the storyline of Rachel, Lara's sister. It would've been nice to see more of the relationship between Rachel and Lord Tufton (I think that's his name). Or Kleypas could have written the story like how she wrote Again the Magic, with both of the sister's lovelives in focus.
I recommend all of Kleypas's other books: The Bow Street Trilogy (in particular Lady Sophia's Lover), The Wallflower Series (in particular The Devil in Winter), Suddenly You, and Dreaming of You (both of which are my favorites). The only books I didn't enjoy (at all) were When Strangers Marry and Midnight Angel (I shudder at the latter).
Other than that...Kleypas is the best!
Characters did nothing for me...not her best work .......2007-01-26
IF you are new to Kleypas then try Lady Sophia's Lover. Skip this one. The plotline was intriguing, but the chemistry between the Hero/Heroine was lacking. There just wasn't enough substance between them. Blah.
Very disappointed........2006-10-01
I love Lisa Kleypa's work and have read almost all of her books. However this one is not one of her best.
The character of Lara is very contradictory. She seems very generous with everyone except her husband and doesn't give him a chance to prove himself. Its the last straw for me when near the end she betrays him. I didn't care much for her up to then, and that did it for me.
I really loved Hunter. I thought he was one of the best heroes Ms. Kleypas has ever written. Sebastian from "Devil in Winter" being at the top of my list. LOL.
I found this story to be very depressing. And there seemed to be so much that was never cleared up.
Stranger in Lisa Kleypas's Collection.......2006-08-20
*SPOILER ALERT* (Don't read this if you don't want to know what happens in the book!)
I usually enjoy Lisa Kleypas's books for the usually less-than-perfect characters and somewhat believable plot, but Stranger In My Arms strayed from this and was a lot like the other romance novels I usually tend to avoid with a selfless, beautiful female character and a very patient, very handsome male character. Although these characteristics may be possible in reality, they seem to be typical in almost all of the more superficial romance novels I've read.
SUMMARY
The female protagonist, Lara, was too perfect. She was one of the most gorgeous widowers in society and was very generous - helping others in the village and constantly assisting orphans. After the death of her husband, she was made to live in an old run-down cottage away from the main house by her dead husband's aunt and uncle. (Maybe I'm too cynical, but this part of her made me roll my eyes. The obvious "pity me because I don't deserve this" technique.) When she learns that her dead husband, Hunter, is actually alive, she is shocked and dismayed since their relationship was not an enjoyable one. However, she learns that Hunter has changed and she begins to fall in love with him and him with her. The aunt and uncle are kicked out of the house and they begin to resume their life as the Lord and Lady Hawksworth. Hunter is ever-loving and patient with Lara; completely the opposite of his former self. As their relationship develops into a strong one, Lara learns that the man that posed as Hunter isn't actually him, but a spy and chameleon of sorts. Feeling a bit righteous, betrayed, and disregarding their newfound love, Lara turns back to the aunt and uncle who previously mistreated her and informs them of the betrayal. (I really disagree with the way Lara handles this situation. She helps people in need and orphans. She should have more of a heart and at the very least, approach the man she fell in love with and speak to him before making this very rash decision, especially with all the patience and understanding he gave her.) To keep this short, she talks to Hunter's real mother and finds out that the imposter Hunter is actually a half-brother and the real Hunter is really dead. The mother is the one that tells her to disregard her self-righteousness and just love him. Lara finally realizes her mistake, apologizes to a very guilty imposter Hunter, and they live happily ever after.
There were some holes or questionable aspects in the book that I found:
* Imposter Hunter fell in love with her after seeing her picture and reading her letters to the real Hunter. How likely does that happen?
* Imposter Hunter knew intimate details about her body. Maybe he did read the real Hunter's journals, but since the real Hunter barely cared about Lara, why would he note certain small moles and scars on Lara's body for?
There are a lot more discrepancies in the book found by other reviewers... (see Sophie T. Lam and J. Stevenson's reviews)
If you are interested in reading some good Lisa Kleypas books, try her more recent ones, such as those from the Wallflower Quartet (Secrets of a Summer Night, It Happened One Autumn, etc.).
Book Description
Dale J Bingham's In the Arms of a Stranger is a touching and moving account of his career as a paramedic. From his early days in Southern California to his work as a Tulsa, Oklahoma paramedic, he gives an inside look at the rewards, the trials, and the heartaches that emergency workers face everyday. In between he writes of his own struggles with a difficult career and of tragically losing his own mother to the very part of life he worked so hard to conquer. In the Arms of a Stranger will tug at the heartstrings of the reader and leave the reader with a greater appreciation for those emergency workers who struggle everyday to help those in need.
Customer Reviews:
Short Story.......2005-10-22
This book was really good. Its more like a book with abunch of short stories because every chapter is very diffrent.
From the author.......2004-02-12
This book was simply a collection of stories and memoirs from my career - put into book form to give my children something to know about their father. Never intended for wide readership, it is nonetheless listed through the publisher. While somewhat unrefined, if you choose to read please understand that EMS is a harsh business, what is defined as excitement early in a career oftens fades and is replaced by more of a deep caring for the individuals that we serve. "Blood and guts" never was and never will be my thing. This is not action packed and thrilling. I apologize to those who have found only disappointment with it's purchase. I do not market this book. I do not claim it to be a prize of literary worth. But if you choose to read please read between the lines and understand that we in EMS are in the service of our fellow man. For those in the business, learn to "see" more than injuries and pain. I still believe and always will, that we rarely save many lives, but we impact countless people everyday by our actions and care. If I have learned anything in my career to pass on it is simply this "Learn to love those you serve." Period.
Thank you, Dale J Bingham PA-C, MPAS, BS, NREMTP
Hidden gems.......2003-10-04
While this book by Mr Bingham is not destined for the pulitzer prize anytime soon, it is filled with some marvelous pearls, more related to life in general and not simply paramedicine. Having over 20 years in EMS myself I think Mr Bingham has the inside track, though the publisher could definitely use some "editorial" corrections.
Younger medics may not get it, but there is something more profound here. At least that's what I got out of it - I hope that is what Bingham was going for. I found the book cheap to buy and fun to read, though short.
And yes, paramedics can be dumb. I have met hundreds of dumb ones in my career. They usually "shine" -but they shine dim and dull.
Good book. To the point.......2003-02-03
I thought Bingham did a decent job on this book. I can't find anything else by him so it must be his freshman effort. Hopefully there is more to come. I like the way he sees other people and the faults within himself. We are not supermen/women in EMS and very few actually see it that way. This book was short, but I think I got the message of what he was trying to say. Probably could use a little more "picture painting" but it was not a bad effort at all. And inexpensive. Want to read the next edition....if there is one.
short but stocky.......2003-01-31
I really enjoyed this book. Not the longest I have ever read, but it touched on some areas most medics refuse to acknowledge - though we all feel them. If all you want is blood and guts maybe this isn't exactly for you, but I recommend it to learn a little about the business
Product Description
From the glittering ballrooms of Rgency London to the glorious gardens of countryside manors, Kleypas invites readers to visit a lushly romantic world."Lady Hawksworth, your husband is not dead..." With those words, Lara's life turned upside down. Hunter, Earl of Hawksworth, had been lost at sea. Or so she'd been told. Their unhappy marriage-with its cold caresses and passionless kisses-was over. But now a powerful, virile man stood before her, telling her secrets only a husband could know and vowing she would be his wife in every way. While Lara couldn't deny that this man with the smoldering eyes resembled Hunter, he was attentive and loving in ways he never had been before. Soon she desperately wanted to beleive, with every beat of her heart, that this stranger was truly her husband. But had the rake reformed-or was Lara being seduced by a cunning stranger?
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good!.......2000-01-15
Was pleasantly suprised by what a good book this was, however, the plot is a little predictable, but you probably won't mind anyway.
Average customer rating:
|
Stranger in My Arms
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000CSYUEM |
Book Description
Raheiran Special Forces captain Gillaine Davré has just woken up in some unknown space way station, wondering where the last three hundred years have gone. The last thing she remembers is her ship being attacked. Now it seems that while she was time-traveling, she was ordained a goddess…. Gillaine’s only hope of survival rests with dangerously seductive Admiral Mack Makarian, who suspects her of being a smuggler—or worse. But he can’t begin to imagine the full extent of it. For Gillaine is now Lady Kiasidira, holy icon to countless believers, including Mack—a man who inspires feelings in her that are far from saintly…feelings she knows are mutual. But when their flirtation is interrupted by a treacherous enemy from the past, Gillaine’s secret—and secret desires—could destroy them both….
Download Description
A former news reporter and retired private detective, Linnea Sinclair has managed to use all her college degrees (journalism and criminology) but hasn't soothed the yearning in her soul to travel the galaxy. To that end she's authored several science fiction and fantasy novels, including Finders Keepers, Gabriel's Ghost and AN ACCIDENTAL GODDESS (all of which Spectra will reprint). When not on duty with some intergalactic fleet she can be found in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with her husband and their two thoroughly spoiled cats. Fans can reach her through her website at www.linneasinclair.com.
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Great romance interaction in a sci-fi setting - good stuff!.......2007-09-08
An Accidental Goddess was the first Linnea Sinclair book I read. I loved the writing style, Ms. Sinclair's sense of humor and the romantic interaction. My first comment to the friend who had given me the book was how human the main characters were in their interaction (no sudden "animal" MUST HAVE attractions)as attraction grew from respect, liking and then trust. Very refreshing and rather addictive character creation!
Loved the book:)
Too much Mary Sue for my tastes.......2007-06-07
I've enjoyed a couple of this author's books and just couldn't get into this one as much. The main character, Gillie, just had too much Mary Sue going on, from her purple eyes (which is like 100 automatic points on the litmus test) to having unusual talents that save the day! She lands her man, saves some kid, has her own portable Yoda, and nails the bad guy as the Bad Guy (tm) before anyone else does. It's a pity because Mack was a lot of fun.
Interesting setting but the simple story line.......2007-05-28
The story has interesting setting, combine futuristic technology with magic. Unfortunately, the story line is relatively predictable and didn't take full advantage of the set-up.
Surface tension........2007-02-27
The book is written with a witty style, with some snappy dialogue and considerable wry humor, vaguely reminiscent of Lois McMaster Bujold's style. I say vaguely, because witty banter doesn't stretch far enough to cover the weaknesses in the book.
"Accidental Goddess" is billed as a sci-fi romance. At first glance, it has all the trappings of a typical space opera romp: a military hero, space ships, an invasion, a space station, and what looks like a very advanced AI. In fact, the first few scenes from the male lead's POV reminded me of early episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A little too much, though.
However, Sinclair also includes *magic* in this supposed science-fiction story. Not magic *as* technology, but *magic*: crystals, the use of something like rune stones, the magic power of true names, etc. Sinclair tries to hard to mesh these two, making the AI a mentor-ghost and implying the use of nanotech, vaguely reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's "The Ship Who Sang". This magic is never explained, we don't know its rules, how it works, any of the things that make a magical system believable in fiction--and that kind of structure is especially needed if magic and space-age technology are going to be combined. For example, a 'mage cabinet' is a major plot device later in the story--but we're never told what it *is*, or why it's considered so immoral to have one or use one. It's not well described, either, leaving me picturing some kind of glowing medicine cabinet.
The worldbuilding is vague (just what *is* a Prime Hostess, and why is she so significant?), and the characterization sometimes falters. Mack and his second are good, solid characters. Gilliane is... less so. Supposedly a rare and powerful mage, single-handed savior of entire people (hence why when she 'died' they made her into a goddess), but she seems more like a whiny child. We are repeatedly told about her 'pub crawls' and how she ditched her lessons and wasn't a proper acolyte, and disliked the pomp that came with her position. Instead of making her down-to-earth (so to speak), she comes across as childish, a teenager who just wants to party. It makes her heroic 'noble sacrifice' behavior later seem contrived.
The other characters bring in tension that remain unresolved--the fallout from the 'revelation' of the 'goddess's' true nature is never explored. Since this has been the main point of tension throughout the novel, it's disappointing to have it boil down to a glorified boardroom announcement. Losing a three hundred year old religious icon should have a hell of a lot more of an impact. Several hints of tension and conflict were never developed and left hanging. Perhaps I expect too much, but with books costing $7-$9 for paperback, I expect to get my money's worth.
The romance flowers quickly and is made more realistic by Mack's doubts, but there's a degree on unbelievablity in it. The tension with the stationmaster is never reolved, she just morphs into an accepting, understanding character after being the sex-as-a-weapon stereotype.
There's nothing new in "Accidental Goddess." It's a pleasant read but this is a book I'd loan out and not be unhappy if I never got it back.
Fun Read.......2007-02-20
This was the first book I read by Linnea Sinclair and I wasn't disappointed. Its an entertaining novel and fun read, though it does lack that special something that makes a truly spectacular book. In spite of this lack its a great book I highly recommend reading.
Captain Gilliane Davre of Raheiran Special Forces and her sentient crystal ship Simon, destroy an enemy Fav'lir ship in Rift Space. The unintended side effect of the battle is that Gilliane and Simon are catapulted 342 years into the future. Gilliane wakes up in the sick bay of Cirrus One, a deep space station on the edge of the Rim Worlds. To her shock and horror people have turned her into a Goddess. Instead of viewing her battle manoeuver as a military strategy, its viewed as a "Sacred Sacrifice" by the Lady Kiasidira in order to save the Kahlar people. There are temples built in her name and a huge holovid of her from her graduation. But that seems the least of Gilliane's worries when she discovers that at least one of the enemy Fav'lir mageline has survived the battle. As a Kiasidira (highest level of mages), its Gilliane's duty to put an end to his evil plot. But matters soon become even more complicated when she falls in love with station master and military admiral Rynan Makarian, a devout believer in the Goddess Lady Kiasidira. Will he still love her if he finds out who she is, and that the goddess he worships is a fraud?
I loved the book, but I do have to agree with the previous reviewer that it would have been nicer to know more about Raheiran culture. Why did they never send another Raheiran military adviser? Why has no Raheiran been seen in 342 years? Its seems very odd to me that they wouldn't have sent someone in all those years. Besides that minor complaint this is a great book you'll enjoy reading.
Book Description
WINNER OF THE RT GOLD MEDAL!
A deep space explosion in Riftspace sends Captain Gillaine Davré and her sentient crystalship, Simon, three hundred and fifty years into the future, where her likeness graces every shrine, and her accident has been recorded in history as a "divine sacrifice." Anonymity and lies seem her only options. How can she risk harming the Khalaran culture with the truth about her pub-crawling ways? They think she's a goddess, and she has no intention of destroying those beliefs. Admiral Rynan "Mack" Makarian is a follower of the Lady Kiasidira. He believes that the Lady sacrificed herself in order to save his people. He also believes that the mysterious freighter captain who's turned up on his station is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. But is she hiding a secret? Suddenly, a long-time enemy attacks, again. Can Gillie help Mack stop the invasion without revealing her identity, and losing the man she loves?
Download Description
A deep space explosion in Riftspace sends Captain Gillaine Davre three hundred and fifty years into the future, where her likeness graces every shrine, and her accident has been recorded in history as a "divine sacrifice." Anonymity and lies seem her only options. Then a long-time enemy attacks, again. Can Gillie stop the invasion without revealing her identity, and losing the man she loves? Winner of the RT Gold Medal.
Customer Reviews:
An Accidental Goddess.......2007-08-05
Most reviewers seem to like this book, but I would rate this an ok book.
I was really impressed by "Accidental Goddess"!.......2004-04-15
I was really impressed with Ms. Baker's science fiction work, especially since she was able to create a believable and entertaining, even to us guys, romantic angle into the fantastic story. I will definitely add this to such science fiction and cyberpunk books as "Foundation", "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Neuromancer", "Snow Crash", "Cryptonomicon", and "Darkeye: Cyber Hunter". All are a definite must-read.
Accidental Goddess.......2004-04-10
This book is fantastic...however, if you're thinking of buying it, be sure NOT to buy the downloadable version--the microsoft reader software is buggy, hard to use, and all-in-all frustrating. In fact, it's terrible. Amazon should really consider the downloadable version in Adobe, like many of their other excellent titles. A good read, though. Too bad that I couldn't carry it around with me in my pocket pc...now I have to lug the book around. Ah well.
A Romance, Time-Travel Action Adventure novel.......2004-04-04
Captain Gillaine Davré of the Raheiran special forces and military advisor to the Khalaran people is both an unwilling time traveller and much to her surprise, also a goddess. After an epic military battle where she 'sacrificed' her life and became the symbol of all that is good to the Khalari she was accidentally thrust through a time warp 342 years into the future and into the life of Admiral Rynan "make-it-right" Makarian on the run down space station of Cirrus One.
This is a romance novel, not usually the sort of thing I read, but the Sci-Fi aspects of the story drew me to it. It turned out to be a well written story that didn't let the romance elements overwhelm the action and the world building of the story. Gillie and Mac are both strong and well written characters that you easily and quickly like.
AN ACCIDENTAL GODDESS successfully mixes a number of different genres and is both an enjoyable and worthwhile read and romance that is not too soppy or too reliant of bedroom scenes to tell its story.
SO AMAZING! This book is a MUST read!.......2004-02-20
Gillaine Davre' - just Gillie - is a woman of mysteries that newly appointed Admiral of the Fifth Fleet, Rynan Makerian can't fully figure out. Her ship halfway destroyed, Gillie finds herself deep in space on Cirrus One 352 years in the future; so faking flight codes becomes a necessity as well as keeping a low profile when she discovers that everyone believes she died in the accident that saved their world. So what did the grateful people do? The made her a Goddess! But when things start to happen out in deep space, Gille fears the war she thought ended three hundred years before, might have just been a major set back for the Fav'lhir. Trying to keep her identity a secret is next to impossible as she falls hard for the hunky Admiral. But what will happen to her hard fought persona of being 'just Gillie' when her job to protect the Khalar becomes entangled with not being a Goddess?
I loved this book! Gillie wants to be an average girl, hang out in the bars, play pool, drink and have a boyfriend. But because she is the military advisor for the Khalar and has the important task of saving them from the attacks lead by the Fav'lhir and their planned inhalation, pretty much everyone gives her space and treats her as untouchable. They can't see beyond the power she wields to the woman she is. Finding herself 352 years forward in time has its advantages as long as the people on the space station don't find out the Goddess they worship isn't dead after all. Makerian or Mack is a man set on accomplishing everything set before him. He has control and the responsibility of converting an old space station into a functioning military facility as well as dealing with a crew that doesn't answer to his leadership, and if that isn't enough has to deal with a shrine that he is getting pressured into building to honor the Goddess Kiasidira. When Gillie shows up his already not functioning so perfect life can only get worse. Gillie is just the sort of woman he needs.
Ms Baker has woven together a wonderful story that will have you laugh one minute and cry the next as you discover what makes the difference between a witch, a sorceress, a mageline and a Kiasidira. I need to point out that it is because of authors like Ms Baker I love reading paranormals so much. AN ACCIDNTAL GODDESS is so creative and different. She writes with wit and charm. There are so many things I loved about this story. Gillies' ship, Simon, who is trying from the beginning to set Gillie up with Mack; and then there is Macks' jealousy of the mysterious Simon Gillie keeps talking about. There are parrots that plague the station (I am going to compare them to mosquitoes - they never go away!). And Gillie trying to deal with the fact she is a Goddess - with a raunchy consort she is constantly thwarting (just so there isn't any confusion, this isn't Mack!)! Excellent book, I can't recommend it enough!
Amazon.com
Divided by Faith by Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith has an ingenious, troubling argument. "[E]vangelicals desire to end racial division and inequality, and attempt to think and act accordingly. But, in the process, they likely do more to perpetuate the racial divide than they do to tear it down." Emerson and Smith, who conducted 2,000 telephone surveys and 200 face-to-face interviews in preparing this book, argue that evangelicals have a theological world view that makes it difficult for them to perceive systematic injustices in society. In particular, evangelical emphasis of individualism and free will seem to predispose them to believe that most racial problems can be solved if individuals will only repent of their sins. Therefore, many well-meaning strategies for healing racial divisions (such as cross-cultural friendships) carry within them the seeds of their own defeat. Divided by Faith also includes a brilliant, concise history of evangelical thought about race from colonial times to the civil rights movement. Clearly written and impeccably researched, this book ranks among the most compassionate and critical studies of contemporary evangelicalism. --Michael Joseph Gross
Book Description
Through a nationwide telephone survey of 2,000 people and an additional 200 face-to-face interviews, Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith probed the grassroots of white evangelical America. They found that despite recent efforts by the movement's leaders to address the problem of racial discrimination, evangelicals themselves seem to be preserving America's racial chasm. In fact, most white evangelicals see no systematic discrimination against blacks. But the authors contend that it is not active racism that prevents evangelicals from recognizing ongoing problems in American society. Instead, it is the evangelical movement's emphasis on individualism, free will, and personal relationships that makes invisible the pervasive injustice that perpetuates racial inequality. Most racial problems, the subjects told the authors, can be solved by the repentance and conversion of the sinful individuals at fault. Combining a substantial body of evidence with sophisticated analysis and interpretation, the authors throw sharp light on the oldest American dilemma. In the end, they conclude that despite the best intentions of evangelical leaders and some positive trends, real racial reconciliation remains far over the horizon.
Customer Reviews:
What You Never Knew.......2007-09-16
This book gets you out of your own hide and context and helps you better understand your context as opposed to the context of others from another type of family, neighborhood, race. We in america have a terrible bias that makes us think of ourselves as the best in the world. We base that mostly on material possessions and military power, not on any real attempt to identify with those in other parts of the world. The same is true of the white culture of this country who do not realize - and cannot without a lot of hard work and introspection - what it is like to be non-white and to grow up in a non-white family, neighborhood, and deal with whites and the predominant white culture. There are multiple white contexts just as there are multiple black and multiple Hispanic contexts - looking at them and seeing the bias helps towards understanding one another and working together. We have a lot to learn about God and Jesus that we can simply learn from breaking down walls and talking.
Powerful, Yet at Times Missing the Ultimate Power Source.......2007-07-31
Please, don't read this book without reading the "sequel": United by Faith.
"Divided by Faith" probes the problem, as understood through a dissertation research project, of race relations in Evangelicalism in America in the 1990s. The results are troubling and at times produce hopelessness. However, facts are facts, and this sort of detailed quantitative and qualitative study is all-too-rare in Evangelical circles.
Emerson's premise is that much of what white Evangelicals do to unite across racial lines end up being counter-productive. He does so by showing a concise history of Evangelical thought about racism from Colonial times to the Civil Rights movement. His basic premise is that most work done is too individualistic--one person trying alone to cross racial boundaries. His basic suggestion is the cross-cultural congregation. Unfortunately, until one reads "United by Faith," how to accomplish this goal is left to the reader's imagination--which may by now have been stunted by all the piles of statistics suggesting that Evangelical racial reconciliation is futile.
The power of God, starting with one person's commitment to cross-cultural relationships, can start a chain reaction--and lead to hope.
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction, Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends.
Intolerant of Policy Disagreement.......2007-04-18
What we have here is a leftist author who believes the way to fix all racial problems is for everybody to accept his policy prescriptions.
He thinks white conservative Christians, although showing little racial animus toward blacks, are "part of the problem" because they don't accept his particular political views. This bias taints any insightful parts of the book.
Some good, some bad in this book.......2006-07-22
First off, I am a white evangelical in a moderately sized city to give you some idea of the perspective I bring to reading this.
THE GOOD:
The statistics in the book (the median net worth of blacks is $3,700 compared to $43,800 for whites, P.13...the subtle racism in depiction of the 'evils' of heavy metal music which is usually consumed by Caucasians and rap music which is more favored by urban blacks, p.15...the 1998 National Congregations Study showing 90% of U.S. congregations are formed at least 90% by one race, P.136) reveal that the Church has a long way to go to demonstrate that "Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight".
The personal anecdotes of average evangelical laypeople, both black and white, help put a human face on the views of those on each side of 'the divide'. It helps to remind us that the answers may not lie in 'one size fits all' political solutions.
Chapter 7, as another reviewer mentioned, does a good job of explaining why it is difficult to maintain a mixed-race congregation. "Birds of a feather flock together" and over time, congregations tend to bleed toward one hue or another even despite the pastor's attempts and the founding members best intentions. (The story of 'First Church' 147-150 is illustrative) Also, the tendency of churches to 'market' themselves toward specific groups cause this too...most churches that feature hymns do not also feature contemporary rock-tinged praise and worship music..those who feature 'black' gospel chorals don't tend to feature country infused "Southern gospel".
THE BAD:
The book seems to be very dismissive towards free will determination and individual effort, even as it states these are evangelicals' bedrock values. Since the authors themselves are evangelicals, it seems self-flagellating that they more or less paint two crucial elements of the evangelical belief system as endemic to preventing racial harmony.
It also does seem to embrace a government oriented method of "fixing things": i.e. whites and blacks would get along better if they rubbed shoulders as neighbors, therefore laws must artificially mandate that this happen. The problem with this is the authors seem to not try and understand WHY the inner city areas, which tend to have a higher percentage of black population, don't have as much racial diversity as they would like to see. Is it all simply "white flight"...or is it possible that people desiring the best they can manage for their families choose not to live in neighborhoods they perceive as crime-ridden and unsafe? The same reason why middle and upper income blacks would choose to leave the same areas...they're doing the best they can to provide safe haven for their children as that's what good parents do (or at least try to do).
The argument can be posited I suppose that what Jesus would do is to go where the 'trouble' is and I can see the wisdom in that perspective, but I'm more willing to take more risks with my own PERSONAL safety in the attempt to minister to others than I am willing to do with my FAMILY'S safety. My wife and child are more vulnerable to criminals and because of that I do my best (nothing's 100 percent mind you..even in our 'better' neighborhood we've seen break-ins) to minimize danger and try to make them feel sheltered.
I second the comments another reviewer made in that the problem seems to be 'fixable' in the authors' view primarily through human efforts. Little to no mention is made of individual believers, both black and white (and other races for that matter), who strongly desire to see Christian racial unity as the beginning of the larger healing of the country by actively PRAYING for it on a repeated basis. For an evangelical, the belief that God ANSWERS prayer is foundational and should be a cornerstone of any push to bind society's wounds.
BOTTOM LINE:
Asks a lot of the right questions and for that it's worth reading. Just don't expect to find the answers for the "race problem" here.
Petty Politics Disguised as Social Science.......2006-02-11
I had high hopes for this book, as I was expecting an analysis of why church congregations are one of the most segregated places in America. Except for one chapter (more on this chapter below), that is not at all what the book is about.
Unfortunately, the bulk of the book plays out into a typical conservative/liberal disagreement. Much of the disagreement between conservatives and liberals stems from two very different views on how the world works. Conservatives generally view the world on an individualist basis, and they count the bulk of life's happenings to be the result of cause and effect from the individuals actions. Liberals generally see the world with a more corporate view; they tend to claim institutions as the causes of problems, and collective responses as the remedy.
The main conclusion of the authors from their interviews with Evangelical Christians is that they claim to want racial equality, and in fact the bulk of them sincerely desire racial harmony in the world and act accordingly in their own lives, but the vast majority of Evangelical Christians are doing nothing to change *the system*. Per the authors, the main cause of racism today is institutional racism - e.g. a stacked legal system, unfair lending practices, unequal salaries, etc. The fact that Evangelicals are not standing up against this is inexcusable to the authors.
The statistical proof for this institutional racism is laid out in chapter one, which brings me to my main criticism. The authors' use of statistics to back up their claims is both sloppy and irresponsible. The issue of race in America is important and filled with emotion; proclaiming loud condemnation based on very poor statistical analysis does not help. I am a professional statistician by trade, and if I was to draw definitive conclusions from the stats that the authors quote, I would be out of a job quickly. If institutional racism does exist, then Christians absolutely should be fighting against it. But I am unconvinced by the given statistics.
But at this point it degenerates into politics. These statistics have been lobbied and attacked by liberals and conservatives for years. This book argues nothing new. Its point: there is a lot of division in America, and if conservatives would adopt the world view of liberals we would all get along.
Chapter 7, however, is the wheat among the chaff. Chapter 7 is an insightful view on race and religion and why congregations are so segregated. The chapter is a bit more theoretical, but the analysis is thoughtful and the conclusion challenging. If possible, I would recommend that people read only Chapter 7 and ditch the rest, unless of course you are in the mood for some typical political bickering.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Church History, published by American Society of Church History on December 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1111 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America.(Book Review)
Author: Randal Jelks
Publication:
Church History (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2004
Publisher: American Society of Church History
Volume: 73
Issue: 4
Page: 895(3)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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