A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies: A novel
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Well-written, Vivid Portrayal of Society in Early 1900s America
  • Where did it go wrong?
  • Excellent prose, but in the end, not a great read
  • A Good Start, But Not Much Else.
  • Great book, I couldn't put it down!
A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies: A novel
Ellen Cooney
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375423400
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Book Description

It is 1900 in a small, prosperous Massachusetts town. Charlotte Heath, a lively, independent redhead of humble beginnings, is married to the scion of the powerful Heath family. When, on her first outing after a long illness, she spies her husband, Hays, bending to kiss another woman in the village square, impulsive Charlotte heads her horses straight out of town. Unsure where to go but certain that she wants to leave both Hays and the stifling, if luxurious, life of the Heath household behind, Charlotte makes her way to Boston and checks in at “The Beechmont: A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies,” where she makes another startling discovery: the classy Beechmont is a rather unique institution, where handsome porters make discreet, late-night visits to its all-female clientele. Charlotte finds herself surrounded by a cast of characters that will delight the reader as she settles into life at this reverse brothel: Harry Alcorn, the hotel’s dashing and prescient proprietor; Miss Berenice Singleton, the bohemian painter who holds a kind of salon in her rooms; the scowling cook, Mrs. Petty, who once worked for the Heaths and is determined that Charlotte not stay on at the Beechmont; the charming and handsome “porter” Arthur, who both gives pleasure and makes trouble; and the venerable lady doctor Lily Heath, her husband’s aunt, whom Charlotte is amazed to find among the hotel’s regulars.

In the midst of a dizzying sexual enlightenment, Charlotte must puzzle out why she really left Hays and why he seems to have left her first. Her task is to determine whether she can forgive him and to discover where, if anywhere, she truly belongs–an adventure that takes her farther afield than she could ever have imagined.

Ellen Cooney has given us a remarkable portrait of a historical moment and an irresistible protagonist. Fresh, high-spirited, and wonderfully seductive in the telling, A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies carries the reader along on a woman’s unforgettable journey to self-enlightenment.

Download Description

Ellen Cooney is the author of five previous novels, most recently Gun Ball Hill. Her short stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Glimmer Train, The Literary Review, and Ontario Review, among other publications. She has taught creative writing at MIT, Boston College, and Harvard. She lives in Phippsburg, Maine, and Cambridge, Massachusetts.


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Well-written, Vivid Portrayal of Society in Early 1900s America.......2007-08-10

A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies focuses on Charlotte Heath, a woman around 30 married to the youngest son of a rich, prominent American family. After spending nearly a year in bed due to a mysterious, paralyzing illness, Charlotte ventures out and witnesses her husband, Hays, about to kiss another woman. Without much thought, Charlotte turns around and flees the town, arriving at the place of employment of her only friend, the Heaths' past cook. This is the hotel of the title - a hotel catering to women (who mainly seem middle-aged, somewhat bohemian and well-off) who are visited in the evenings by handsome, young "porters," who provide them with all manners of sexual and intellectual fulfillment. Thrown into the midst of this titillating atmosphere, Charlotte is at first ignorant of the true nature of the hotel, but as realization dawns, she embraces its purpose whole-heartedly, and also ends up embracing one of the porters, Arthur Pym.

If you expect a titillating, erotic read, this is not it. Despite the novel's premise, the focus is on Charlotte's inner struggle: she is fed up with her stifling former life but also hurt and upset by Hays's betrayal; she feels she abandoned her past (including her family) for a life where she always felt out of place; she is drawn in by the excitement of love and sex with someone new and more liberated (Arthur) but feels more strongly that she longs to have those feelings with her husband (Hays), despite his betrayal; she spent so long in bed, weak, helpless, that she is now determined to be strong, free, and willful.

Cooney's narrative is vivid and passionate. The detail is striking and tactile, and it is easy to immerse oneself in this muted, proper world. She also does a fantastic job of portraying the emotional life of a woman in Charlotte's situation. It is unrealistic to think that Charlotte would just turn around and leave her husband without looking back, embarking on a new, exciting, liberated life. Instead, Cooney concentrates on the maelstrom of emotions Charlotte feels, and the reader feels as conflicted as she does, but also as stimulated by the new sensory experiences as she is.

The end is not entirely satisfying, as the reader does not find resolution to many of the novel's mysterious situations (what will happen to Lucy Alcorn? why is Lucy's keeper so sad? what is the relationship like between Lily and her husband? what happens to the cook and her children?), including Charlotte's own situation, but I didn't find myself that displeased. One has a good idea what might happen and perhaps that is enough. Also, some of the relationships were a bit odd (for example, why would Charlotte feel such an affinity with the painter upstairs after spending only a few minutes with her?). Overall, there was less action in this book than I expected, and the action that the book has is interrupted by pages of Charlotte's inner turmoil and memories. But, Cooney's portrayal of Charlotte's thoughts is so vivid, rich, and real, that this becomes the best accomplishment of the book.

1 out of 5 stars Where did it go wrong?.......2007-06-18

After a somewhat lyrical & intriguing start this story simply tanked. What happened? Who knows because it degenerated into a silly muddle that was a total waste of my time. Will I ever get those hours back? I don't think so. The one star is for the premise, the missing four stars are for all the lost promise. A Private Hotel would have made a great short story, it was about 150 pages too long.

1 out of 5 stars Excellent prose, but in the end, not a great read.......2007-05-01

I decided to read this because of the recommendation by author Julia Glass (she wrote Three Junes).

I agree with others that the writing is superb, particularly in the first few chapters. The author paints a fascinating picture of what life is like in the early 20th centurty. I found that to be the most engaging part of the story.

As the book drags on, there are many unanswered questions. For instance -- who was the woman that Hays was stooping to kiss at the beginning of the book? Characters come and go and contribute little to the story, the "gratifying surprise" at the end as intimated by Julia Glass, is hardly gratifying and not much of a surprise. Should we really care that much about the situation between Arthur and Eunice? We barely know anything of Eunice until the "surprise".

2 out of 5 stars A Good Start, But Not Much Else........2006-06-13

I had such high hopes for this book, based on its description. And in spite of the author's sometimes hard-to-follow writing style - she does love to start in one place and wander quite far from the original subject before finally winding her way back - for the first few chapters I managed to hold on to those hopes.

But in the end, I would have to classify this book as 80 percent disappointment.

Charlotte is set up to be a very sympathetic character: Married to a man she loves, but trapped in the family home surrounded by a seemingly endless supply of in-laws (also all residents of the family home), none of whom have ever made much of an effort to make her feel a part of the family. Charlotte has been unable to bear a child to term in all the years of the marriage, and her 10 months in a sickbed seem to have put the final distance between her and her husband, Hays.

Finally, after an inexplicable recovery (the author never bothers to give any hint of why Charlotte is suddenly well after all this time), Charlotte is off to surprise her husband at the wake for one of his recently deceased uncles. But what she encounters is Hays and a mystery woman, just about to share a kiss.

Calling in a favor from the local baker and his wife, Charlotte finds herself at the hotel of the title, facing a chilly reception from Mrs. Petty - the former cook in Charlotte's in-law's house - who had been the one to first tell Charlotte about the hotel. (Though not about the details of what goes on there.)

To this point, the book was enjoyable. But once Charlotte lands in the hotel, the book heads into a decline from which it never recovers.

The efforts of the hotel's owner, his staff and Charlotte's Aunt Lily - a surprise "regular" at the hotel - to get Charlotte out of the hotel were understandable, if a little tedious. Arthur's attachment to Charlotte is pretty sudden, and regardless of how she feels about Hays' cheating on her, it seems a little odd that she would embark on an affair with Arthur quite so easily.

And unless the author is planning a sequel, there were things in this book that just didn't seem to have a reason for being. Charlotte's introduction to the hotel owner's wife and her servant, for example. An interesting enough scene, but to what purpose?

The artist who created all the paintings in the hotel - introduced, then killed off.

Mrs. Petty and her children - suddenly packed off to another situation, for the good of the children. Sure, we learn who the father of one of the children is, but again - why?

Charlotte's parents, who have been conspicuously absent from Charlotte's thoughts for a good portion of the book - there's no purpose to their appearance at the end, nor really to Charlotte's search for them.

The ending, as mentioned by another reviewer, is the worst part of the book. Why does Charlotte do what she does when she leaves the hotel? Is it guilt, a desire for reconciliation?

Charlotte frustrates me...I don't know what she wants, and most of the time she doesn't seem to know, either. In the end, I didn't care much about this book, except to wonder about the several chapters that seemed to have been lopped off the end. Maybe they would have wrapped things up in a better fashion.

I won't read this book again, and I certainly can't recommend it to others.

4 out of 5 stars Great book, I couldn't put it down!.......2006-05-25

A gentle young woman, Charlotte Heath, is married to the youngest son of a wealthy Boston family. She has spent her married life living in the ancestral home with her husband's family. After a debilitating illness, keeps her bedridden for most of a year, Charlotte leaves her room, only to discover her husband involved with another woman. Fleeing from her life and her in-laws, she seeks out her only friend, Mrs. Petty, former cook to the household. Mrs. Petty works at the Beechmont, a Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies, with a reputation for making gentle ladies very happy.

It takes Charlotte a while to understand what is going on at the hotel, like the deliciously desirable young men who are employed, providing room service to said ladies, a rather reverse-brothel, if you will.

Charlotte is a physically unhealthy and frail woman who has been treated as a child through her married life, and has no voice, no sense of importance. She just wants someone to notice her, to see beyond her illness and discover the strong, capable, loving and sensual woman she really is. Charlotte Heath is one of the most enticing heroines I've met in awhile: heartwarming, obstinate, genteel and deeply sensual.

With a cast of quirky characters, like Aunt Lilly, her doctor, and her husband's uncle's wife, and a handsome young man named Arthur, who Charlotte has a steamy affair with. Ms. Cooney paints such a perfect picture of this hotel that I could visualize every room in the hotel as well as many of its mysterious characters. To me, a good novel takes me away from the day to day humdrum, into another place.
The narrative moves through Charlotte's musings of her adventures, with many flashbacks and reminiscences.

Charlotte's adventure is funny and charming, and ends with the kind of surprise that reminds me why reading stories is such an essential pleasure in my life. Though this is not an erotic book, and it is very well-written, an interesting twist on hotels of a certain sort, and the pleasures to be found there.
A Great Read, I highly recommend it. A
Private Hotel For Gentle Ladies, a Novel of erotic Awakening Circa 1900
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Private Hotel For Gentle Ladies, a Novel of erotic Awakening Circa 1900
    Ellen Cooney
    Manufacturer: Anchor Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback
    ASIN: B000QWBYTI

    Lone Star Baby  (Heart of Texas , No 6)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Beating a dead horse?
    • Sugary
    • GREAT
    • The best of the Sons of Texas
    Lone Star Baby (Heart of Texas , No 6)
    Debbie Macomber
    Manufacturer: Harlequin
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    2 out of 5 stars Beating a dead horse?.......2004-05-28

    A logical question would be, "Why would a person who detests the romance genre listen to this audiobook?" To expand my mind?

    I wouldn't read a romance, but I found this tape thrown out by a local library, so why not listen?

    Things seem so mundane and non-different in Promise, Texas, I really didn't expect much to happen. And it didn't. One positive thing, it is easier to keep track of the characters here than in some other audiobooks.

    The reader does a good job with the voices, though Amy's "protector" Dovie tends to sound like an old woman, real old.

    Routine happenings here, nothing unusual or even remarkable: for example, Lyle Whitehouse, the so-called cow-hand, approaching Amy with "lust in his heart" (and being what Amy found to be "unmannerly") and then having to fight the upright pastor, Wade (whose heart is, of course, pure). Ever heard or seen that one before? If you haven't, you've missed many an "oater."

    In fact, the whole plot, such as it is, reminds me of an old western, but even duller. I doubt that I'll ever have occasion to read anything by Ms. Macomber again, or any Harlequins for that matter. Unless I'm lost on a desert island with only that one book. She pulled my coat on this one, and I think I've learned my lesson. Diximus.

    3 out of 5 stars Sugary.......2000-11-23

    Sweet as cotton candy, and with about as much substance. Great if you want a feel-good book with no plot complications or messy details, but there's no real meat to it.

    5 out of 5 stars GREAT.......1998-08-08

    Anything by McComber is great!!! I never miss one. She is absolutely the best in romance. Love Comes Softly has always been my favoite.

    4 out of 5 stars The best of the Sons of Texas.......1998-06-26

    Always save the best for last seems to be the motto for the Sons of Texas series. Wade's character was introduced in the previous books, bu there he finally becomes a three - dimensional character. This is an emotionally charged book -- it brings laughter, tears, and finally a heart-warming end to Bitter End. Unlike many other books with a religious character, Wade's status as a pastor is part of his character and motivations, not a stereotype. Newcomer, Amy is a young woman struggling to find a home for her unborn child and Wade promises to deliver her three miracles - a place to live, a job, and a father for her child. Ms. Macomber delivers a miracle of her own in the final installment of the Sons of Texas. This is definitely a KEEPER.
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    4 out of 5 stars Great story!.......2006-02-20

    LONE STAR RISING by Darlene Graham
    February 19, 2006

    Amazon rating 4/5

    "This second in the Baby Diaries series continues the story of three sisters living in the small Texas town of Five Points. Robbie McBride Tellchick is a pregnant widow, raising three young boys, and not sure how she is going to make it financially. Currently she's working as a waitress at the local diner, but this is not enough to help them survive. Her dream is to open up a shop selling items such as handmade quilts.

    Firefighter Zack Trueblood tried to save Robbie's husband when he was trapped inside their burning barn. Zack has been in love with Robbie since they were in high school, but Robbie only had eyes for Danny. Zack does everything he can to protect and care for Robbie after the death of her husband, fixing up her house and making sure she has what she needs. Robbie doesn't understand why Zack is being so attentive, but does feel guilty about the emotions she is beginning to have for a man she barely remembered from their school days (Zack was much younger than Robbie). Each chapter is prefaced by Robbie's journal entries, so the reader sees how her feelings for Zack evolve from friendship to love. She also tries to reconcile these feelings for Zack, comparing him to her deceased husband Danny, a man who did not make her very happy in the long run." - Complete review at BOOKLOONS - M. Lofton

    3 out of 5 stars Simple Story Line Satisfies.......2006-01-27

    There is no complexity in this love story. It goes: guy sees girl, girl has boyfriend/husband, boyfriend/husband dies, and guy moves in.

    At least Zach Trueblood has some moral struggles when he realizes he needs to carry through on his job before he tells the woman he loves how her husband really may have died. Robbie McBride also struggles with her attraction for Zach. Her three children also seem nearly terciary characters and do not drive her in either direction as a parent.

    If you're looking for sheet tingling romance, this is not the book for you. The love here is very tender to the point of hesistation on both the parts of Robbie and Zach. They are aware that all eyes are on them as they reach for each other.

    The end is almost anti-climatic and muddled as the author sets up the romance for Francie.

    As a stand alone from this series, this story holds itself up, is enjoyable and provides entertainment.
    Heart Of Texas Vol. 3: Nell's Cowboy\Lone Star Baby (Heart of Texas)
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                For The Emperor: A Ciaphas Cain Novel
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • Fun!
                • Im am now a huge Commisar Cain fan!
                • An amusing, entertaining and very good start to a new Warhammer40K series.
                • Great Novel
                • Book 1
                For The Emperor: A Ciaphas Cain Novel
                Sandy Mitchell
                Manufacturer: Black Library
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                5 out of 5 stars Fun!.......2007-07-21

                I read this sort of fiction for guess what entertainment! This series including this little gem, do it for me. A refreshing look at military sci-fi. Without imperialist ("whitemans burden") overtones that are part and parcel of the Flashman universe. Which is(historical perspective or not)at times derogatory and to understate it annoying. Happily not an issue in this entertaining series.

                5 out of 5 stars Im am now a huge Commisar Cain fan!.......2007-04-17

                Im a huge Gaunts Ghosts fan,i was use to the quote"normal"commisar view of commisars,Cain has not only made me laugh but also shows versitilty in characters and writing styles.Hes another special type hero of the emperor,he might not want to be a hero,but fate has it to make him one.

                Also im a fan of Jurgen,how can you not be:)
                All the books are written well,im waiting for more ofc,i also like how they are written as from a view of a Librarian of the emperire.

                All i can say is relax and enjoy these novels,they read easy and are enjoyable.

                4 out of 5 stars An amusing, entertaining and very good start to a new Warhammer40K series........2006-07-17

                For the Emperor by Sandy Mitchell is the first novel in the new Warhammer 40K series starring the amusing, irreverent and, ultimately, heroic Commissar Ciaphas Cain of the Imperial Guard. This new series recounts the adventures and exploits of Ciaphas Cain as he tries to fake and smooth talk his way out of what he thinks are dangerous and life-threatening situations. This sort of behavior is very unusual for a man of his rank and resposibility since as a Commissar of the Imperial Guard he's suppose to be represent a symbol of bravery in the face of danger, especially insurmountable ones. Cain does so through all his adventures, but usually due to his actions of self-preservation actually putting him in danger. And when he gets out of it he's hailed a hero of the Imperium. I like to call him the accidental hero, but he is one nonetheless.

                In For the Emperor we're first shown Cain's talent for trying to get out of trouble as he tries to make a newly formed regiment of troops made up of survivors from two decimated Valhallan regiments. One regiment being all-male while the other a rare, but able all-female regiment. Accompanying him is his ever-present and ever-loyal aide Jurgen whose personal appearance and hygiene doesn't conform to the most minimum of standards of what a soldier is suppose to look. But Jurgen's administrative talent makes him a valuable sidekick to Cain, and whose more secret talent Cain later finds out through another companion makes him even more invaluable in keeping him alive. As Cain works to make the newly formed 597th Valhallan become a well-drilled and proper Imperial Guard force he and his men soon become part of a diplomatic delegation between Imperium diplomats negotiating with Tau counterparts in the Damocles Gulf sector. One thing leads to another and soon Cain and his men must solve the mystery that is putting the Imperium and the Tau Empire in the path to war.

                It is through his investigation that Cain first meets Amberley Vail. A woman who seems to be nothing more than a political hanger-on and courtesan, but whose outward appearance hides a much more dangerous personality. It is actually through Vail's recollection and annotations throughout the novel that Cain's exploits are told. From the get go there's a mutual respect and attraction between Cain and Vail. This is a new one in the series of novels released about the Warhammer 40K universe. Though the romance is minimal it is hinted at early on and given mention as something that both pursue as they get to know each other throughout their lives.

                The whole novel is a very good start to a new character for the Warhammer 40K and at times the pacing of the story shows this. There's less of the intense battle scenes that makes another series about a Commissar very good and intense. But the unveiling of Cain, Jurgen, Vail and the 597th more than makes up for the smaller amount of action. The foundation laid down in For the Emperor by Sandy Mitchell shows that bigger and better things await those who have the patience to stick with Ciaphas Cain. Here's to hoping that Amberley Vail picks the right volume from Cain's memoirs for us readers to read through.

                5 out of 5 stars Great Novel.......2006-06-21

                This was a great novel - it was witty, fast-paced, and action packed. The author, Sandy Mitchell, scored a real winner with this novel.

                I really liked the way he developed the main characters - Cain, Amberly, etc. His irreverent treatment of the Commissariat is wonderful. We're so used to the fear inducing Commisars that Cain's self-deprecating manner, the way he critiques himself is like a cold splash of water. It really makes you sit up & say, "What?!?"

                Even though Cain is continually belittling his own abilities & justifies his action by his "cowardice," he always seems to end up in the right place; at the right time; with the right equipment & people to get the job done.

                5 out of 5 stars Book 1.......2006-05-22

                Commissar Ciaphas Cain asks to be transferred to a regiment - any regiment. Cain thought he would be safer with all the people he could pull rank on and put them between himself and the ammo. Needless-to-say, Cain thought wrong. The reluctant hero is sent to a Valhallan regiment. Problems occur from the instant he sets foot on the hangar bay of the Righteous Wrath.

                Two Valhallan regiments have been consolidated from the survivors of 301st and 296th. One is a female regiment, one is a male regiment, and each believe themselves better than the other. Cain has his hands full keeping them from each other's throats and eventually welding them into a single cooperating regiment (597th Valhallan). This is barely accomplished before they are sent to help maintain order on an outpost world on the borders of Tau space. But when the alien ambassador is murdered and the situation quickly spirals out of control, Cain and his new regiment find themselves in the middle of a war.

                ***** This is the first of a series reporting the archived memories of Commissar Cain. Each is told as written by Cain, after his retirement. It also describes the first time Cain meets Amberley Vail, an agent of the Ordo Xenos, and the Valhallan regiment he spends most of his career with. Vail is the one putting Cain's archives together for her fellow inquisitors to read if they so wish. She has annotated several sections to fill in Cain's gaps.

                As the reader, I found many of these footnotes interesting, as they made Cain's campaign seem more realistic; however, some of these footnotes are pointless. This novel covers the Gravalax campaign and will be referred to often in the upcoming books of the series. All-in-all, I believe this novel to have succeeded in creating a solid foundation for the Cain series to build upon. *****

                Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

                This Present Darkness
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • Shawn Patrick Williams, Author of "Beyond The Darkness: Exposing The Occult"
                • Book #1 of 2 *********10 Stars*******
                • Wonderful Book
                • Exciting, thrilling novel
                • Awesome
                This Present Darkness
                Frank E. Peretti
                Manufacturer: Crossway Books
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

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                Similar Items:
                1. Piercing the Darkness Piercing the Darkness
                2. Monster Monster
                3. The Oath [Bargain Price] [Paperback]  by Peretti, Frank E. The Oath [Bargain Price] [Paperback] by Peretti, Frank E.
                4. House House
                5. The Visitation [BARGAIN PRICE] [Paperback]  by Peretti, Frank The Visitation [BARGAIN PRICE] [Paperback] by Peretti, Frank

                ASIN: 1581345283

                Amazon.com

                This Present Darkness, by Frank Peretti, is among the classic novels of the Christian thriller genre. First published in 1986, Peretti's book set a suspenseful standard in spiritual warfare story-telling that has rarely been met by his contemporaries. Set in the apparently innocent small town of Ashton, This Present Darkness follows an intrepid born-again Christian preacher and newspaper reporter as they unearth a New Age plot to take over the local community and eventually the entire world. Nearly every page of the book describes sulfur-breathing, black-winged, slobbering demons battling with tall, handsome, angelic warriors on a level of reality that is just beyond the senses. However, Christian believers and New Age demon-worshippers are able to influence unseen clashes between good and evil by the power of prayer. Peretti's violent descriptions of exorcisms are especially vivid: "There were fifteen [demons], packed into Carmen's body like crawling, superimposed maggots, boiling, writhing, a tangle of hideous arms, legs, talons, and heads." This book is not for the squeamish. But for page-turning spiritual suspense, it's hard to beat.

                Book Description

                For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
                Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

                Ashton is just a typical small town. But when a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes, they suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.

                This Present Darkness rivals The Screwtape Letters with its keen insight into spiritual warfare and the necessity of prayer. It is fast-moving, riveting reading, ranking with the best thrillers on the bookshelf. Readers have picked up more than 2.5 million copies since its publication in 1986, and, with its companion volume Piercing the Darkness, it has sparked great interest in spiritual warfare over the years.

                "Frank Peretti kicked open the doors that all of us Christian novelists are passing through today. We owe him a huge debt."
                Jerry B. Jenkins, Author, The Left Behind Series

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars Shawn Patrick Williams, Author of "Beyond The Darkness: Exposing The Occult".......2007-09-05

                Great stuff! I think the way Frank brings true spiritual concepts into a fiction story is great. The Church of Jesus Christ must be aware that these things do happen in our culture. Frank brings great description to real life curcumstances. I have been saved out of the occult and set free. The book gives a voice of description for those people, like me, in the Body that feel alone. Your not alone, but set free!
                Check out my story of salvation from this darkness.Beyond The Darkness Warring With The Word

                5 out of 5 stars Book #1 of 2 *********10 Stars*******.......2007-08-16

                AWESOME!

                I recommend this set to all folks who ask me for a recomendation.

                This is not a romance.

                It is sold in the Christian section of bookstores. FYI

                It is NOT preachy.

                This is about a small town where the devil and his helpers are battling the angels while the humans are trying to figure out what is going on and who is doing all the strange killings.

                The angels and the devils fly around and fight to help the humans, but most of the humans don't see them.

                MOST.

                This is wonderful.

                5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book.......2007-06-21

                Couldn't put it down. Frank has such a way with words that you can actually see the spiritual warfare happening around you. Thanks

                5 out of 5 stars Exciting, thrilling novel.......2007-05-29

                This is not only one of the best Christian books ever, it is one of the best novels, Christian or secular that I ever read. It gives insight into the power of prayer and spiritual warfare. Peretti has carefully crafted this message into his story-line and colorful cast of characters. I found this novel as well as it's sequel "Piercing the Darkness" so captivating that I tore through each one in a matter of hours! This is a "must read" for anyone who likes suspenseful novels. Although this novel is complete by itself, I highly recommend it together with the sequel.

                5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2007-05-09

                I have not finished reading this book yet, but from what I have read so far it is an outstanding book. A friend recommended it to me after reading it and I have not been dissapointed yet!
                This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • A must read
                • Frank Peretti
                • Awesome Book!!!
                • Outstanding
                • Great sequel!!
                This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness
                Frank E. Peretti
                Manufacturer: Crossway Books
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover

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                ASIN: 1581342144

                Book Description

                The two #1-selling novels that have captivated millions are now available together in one volume

                This Present Darkness takes place in the typical small town of Ashton where nothing much ever seems to happen. Until . . . a skeptical reporter and a prayerful pastor begin to compare notes. They suddenly find themselves fighting a hideous New Age plot to subjugate the townspeople, and eventually the entire human race.

                The battle against evil continues in Piercing the Darkness, where a young loner fleeing for her life while trying to recall her dark past takes refuge in the tiny farming community of Bacon's Corner. There she finds herself caught up in the middle of bizarre events--from an attempted murder to a ruthless lawsuit against a struggling Christian school.

                Across a vast panorama of heart-stopping action, these stories are a penetrating portrayal of our world, a reflection of its spiritual wanderings, and a vivid reminder of the redemptive power of the Cross.

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars A must read.......2007-09-30

                While not really a churchy type person, these are 2 of the best books I have ever read. In fact I have read them both twice and getting ready to go for round 3. I would highly recomend these 2 books to anybody.

                5 out of 5 stars Frank Peretti.......2007-09-02

                I have read many books by Frank Peretti. This one is hard to read but is my favorite by far.

                5 out of 5 stars Awesome Book!!!.......2007-01-11

                If you've wondered about spiritual warfare and what goes on behind the scenes, this book really gets you thinking. Though it's fiction, there is truth behind it. As Christians we fight not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.

                5 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2006-10-03

                These books will change the way you pray! While it took me a couple of chapters to really get into it, once I did there was no laying the book down. I was able to "see" the powers of darkness that we, as Christians, fight with daily. Yes, it's a fiction novel, but it is based on Scripture. My whole prayer life changed, and has become more effective.

                5 out of 5 stars Great sequel!!.......2006-05-25

                If you loved This Present Darkness, you'll love this sequel, too. Sequels are hard to do well. If it's too much like the original, it seems like a tired rehashing -- been there, done that. If it's too different, those who enjoyed the first story may not have the same feeling about the follow-up. Peretti does a great job of avoiding both extremes. All the action and suspense of the first book are there. Some familiar characters return, but new characters and situations are introduced so the plot seems fresh without losing the "feel" of TPD. Both books are fantastic.
                This Present Darkness
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  This Present Darkness
                  Frank Peretti
                  Manufacturer: Crossway Books
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

                  GeneralGeneral | Peretti, Frank | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                  PaperbackPaperback | Peretti, Frank | ( P ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: B000K0F744
                  2-book Set; This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness By Frank E. Peretti
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    2-book Set; This Present Darkness & Piercing the Darkness By Frank E. Peretti
                    Frank E. Peretti
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback
                    ASIN: B000VG60FC

                    Product Description

                    2 book set
                    4 Frank Perretti Books: This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Oath, The Visitation (Unboxed Set of Christian End Times Novels)
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      4 Frank Perretti Books: This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Oath, The Visitation (Unboxed Set of Christian End Times Novels)
                      Frank Peretti
                      Manufacturer: various
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Hardcover
                      ASIN: B000VM52ZU

                      Product Description

                      4 Frank Perretti Books: This Present Darkness, Piercing the Darkness, The Oath, The Visitation (Unboxed Set of Christian End Times Novels), in either Hard or Softcover, (See Seller Condition Comments), Shipped in one package to save on shipping costs.
                      Esta Patente Oscuridad/ This Present Darkness
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Esta Patente Oscuridad/ This Present Darkness

                        Manufacturer: Zondervan
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

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                        Miracles of Charismatic Prayer
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Miracles of Charismatic Prayer
                          PANDIT SHRIRAM SHARMA ACHARYA
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback
                          ASIN: B000UO7Z9A

                          Product Description

                          this booklet the effect of prayer, principles of scientific prayer, different types of prayers, and topic related to prayers.
                          Out Of This Darkness (Harlequin Presents, No 778)
                          Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                          • Back Cover of M&B ISBN 0-263-74835-9 - (A Keeper)
                          Out Of This Darkness (Harlequin Presents, No 778)
                          Madeleine Ker
                          Manufacturer: harlequin
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Paperback

                          ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                          Harlequin PresentsHarlequin Presents | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
                          ASIN: 0373107781

                          Customer Reviews:

                          4 out of 5 stars Back Cover of M&B ISBN 0-263-74835-9 - (A Keeper).......2004-05-02

                          Cathy had reason to be grateful to Fabian Blackthorne when he got her out of a nasty spot of trouble, brought about by her own foolishness. But then tragedy struck Fabian when he was blinded in an accident - and the tables were turned with a vengence as it became apparent that Cathy was the one person who could help him. And, inevitably, as they were forced into closeness Cathy found herself falling more and more in love with him. But what consolation was there in the situation when she knew that, in any other circumstances, Fabian would only want the glamorous Cerise Hunniford?
                          This Present Darkness
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            This Present Darkness
                            Peretti F
                            Manufacturer: Kingsway
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Paperback
                            ASIN: B000UH5ZOO
                            This Present Darkness
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              This Present Darkness
                              Frank; Frank E Peretti Peretti
                              Manufacturer: Kingsway
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Paperback
                              ASIN: B000OISSKC

                              Books:

                              1. A Strict Seduction
                              2. A Tale of Love and Darkness
                              3. A Thousand Years of Good Prayers: Stories
                              4. Afterlands
                              5. Ali and Nino: A Love Story
                              6. Answered Prayers: The Unfinished Novel
                              7. Articles of War: A Novel
                              8. Baby Momma Drama
                              9. Beauty and the Spy (Warner Forever)
                              10. Bee Season: A Novel

                              Books Index

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