This One and Magic Life: A Novel of a Southern Family

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Love Anne George Southern Sisters

If you have southern roots, you'll smile a lot.

This One and Magic Life...

Laden with Happiness and Tears

Southern drama with a drab ending

This One and Magic Life: A Novel of a Southern Family
Anne C. George
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 038079540X
Release Date: 2001-02-05

Book Description

In the deep South, where love and hatred run deep and close, dissension often summers just beneath the surface. When a family gathers for a funeral as its old homestead above the waters of Mobile Bay, it must carry out the last wish of the aunt and sister whom it has come to mourn. It is a wish that will unearth a terrible secret, one that will either tear her siblings and their offspring apart or allow them to accept buried memories, wounds , and love.

In This and Magic Life, Anne Carroll George has created as brilliant portrait of a Southern family in all its glory, captured in a moment of searing intensity and lyric truth. Rich with wisdom and deep understanding this compelling saga the twentieth century -- and tells a story that is truly timeless.

Customer Reviews:

Love Anne George Southern Sisters.......2007-07-23

I absolutely love her books. She writes with such a smooth air. I love the Souther Sisters, they just make you laugh. Definently buy and read the series.

If you have southern roots, you'll smile a lot........2007-02-20

If you understand/appreciate southern culture, you will enjoy this book. Finding your 80-yr old mother dressed for a funeral in a black dress and flip flops - well, what can I say?! This is a light read but fun for those of us who appreciate southern humor.

This One and Magic Life..........2004-06-25

This was my first experience reading Ms. George's work, and what a wonderful one it was! This a great southern fiction book!!! You feel like your right there with all them in Harlow Al. arguing about whether or not to have a funeral with an empty casket! I really did enjoy this book, and recommend it to anyone who may be interested in reading it. You won't be disapointed :)

Laden with Happiness and Tears.......2002-06-21

Spaces and overlaps and the time space continuum. Family, heart, soul, southern fiction at its very richest. Voices from the grave and a meeting of the generations as a family icon passes through this world. Mortality, as seen through a veil of overlaps and spaces, quirks and characters. Sunrise, Sunset - flows through the chapters like the water of Mobile Bay. Bittersweet beauty woven through the pages with language artistic and lyrical. Confusion and chaos, childhood secrets and the furtive secrets of love and life. One season following another, and don't forget the devil either. This is NOT a light hearted beach read, although the bay beckons and glimmers and the dunes reflect the dimming light. The depth and intensity of this book left this reader breathless and weeping. The characters are as authentic as the Spanish moss and the scent of almonds and are a glimpse in our own humanity. And, perhaps a literal glimpse into the author's own sunset? Let me HIGHLY recommend this book, it goes to the very top of the scale.

Southern drama with a drab ending.......2002-04-09

This Southern Drama surrounds a Catholic family whose beloved sister has decreed she be cremated rather than enterred. The events of the plot occur over a 3 or 4 day period of time. There are the traditional and stereotypical skeletons in the Sulivan Family closet-- divorce, alcoholism, the mentally ill mother, and accidental deaths. These do add some content, but in general, I would say that this book lacks any action. This plot style indicates that George is trying to get us to examine the characters in order to make a statement about Southern life. George fails in this aspiration.If I was forced to use this book to draw conclusions about Southern culture, I would say Southerner's were shallow, mundane, and uninspiring. George's characters are focused on social expectations and are all self-involved. They really are not a compelling lot.

Instead of using flashbacks to the past, George uses the ghosts of the family members to add depth to the story and the characters. This technique generally fails to add any since of history or real depth to the story. The characters and the story remain uncompelling and unsympathetic.

I would classify this book as a "Beach Read." It is interesting enough to keep you occupied and thinking is not required to understand the plot. I was glad that I borrowed it from the library.

Book Description

The perfect daughter . . . secrets within secrets, lies within lies

Adopted daughter Eleanor Becket is dedicated to her family and its welfare. She is also a commendable commander, and a keeper of secrets, most especially her own. Who would ever expect this fragile beauty, with her quiet ways and her unfortunate limp, to be capable of anything more than her accomplishments at embroidery and her mastery of musical instruments?

Only Jack Eastwood feels the need to look more deeply at this self-proclaimed spinster, and what he sees -- and the long-ago crime he suspects -- lead both Jack and Eleanor to the very edge of desire and danger. As the Beckets feel the outside world looking ever more closely at the nocturnal activities taking place in Romney Marsh, as the Black Ghost rides yet again, Eleanor Becket is forced to risk her family, her chance at love, even her life, in one desperate gamble.

Customer Reviews:

well...I am glad that I kept reading this series.......2006-09-16

The first book got 3 stars, the second one 3.5 and this one 4. At least Ms. Michaels is improving with each book. :-)
I thought that it would be hard to beat Morgan as a heroine (she was just so lovable and different than most historical romance women) but somehow the reserved Eleanor became just as endearing of a character as her more rambunctious sister. The chemistry between her and Jack was great and the plot line was much better than the previous books (this one seemed to have a point). And, finally, the island plot introduced in the 1st book and almost ignored in the 2nd comes to light. The villians are almost amusing and the brief family appearances are encouraging. After forcing myself to continue the series, I am actually looking forward to the next book. If Ms. Michaels continues to improve at this rate, she may yet get a 5 star rating out of me.

You'll be completely lost if you haven't read the others.......2006-05-17

I half-heartedly read the first book. I skipped the second one, and then read this one. What a mistake. I'm an intelligent individual, but I felt like an imbecile as I tried to make sense of storylines that were obviously in the first two books. This one really doesn't stand on its own without the other two. I forged ahead and finished the story because I liked the characters, but the last 100 pages are tough going. You must understand all the inticacies of the Beckett clan and their history in the first two books, or you'll find yourself in a bit of a fog. That's a frustrating experience when you just want to escape into a good story.

terrific romantic suspense .......2006-04-25

In 1813 the infamous dangerous Red Men Gang viciously compete with the Beckett lead family who are smuggling near Romney Marsh because it helps bring food to the nearby villagers. Something must be done as the Red Men Gang is turning ugly in their pursuit of a monopoly. Family patriarch Captain Ainsley Beckett accepts friend Jack Eastwood's plan that the latter go undercover to learn who in London society leads the violent gang.

Ainsley's adopted daughter Eleanor offers to pretend to be Jack's wife while in London shocking her family as she is so reserved and seemingly fragile. Jack agrees that having a spouse will enhance his cover, but wonders if Eleanor has the steel to do the job. In London he quickly learns that his "spouse" is intelligent, efficient and courageous, but that she hides secrets from him. These secrets could place them in danger because the prime suspect of the Red Men Gang leaders Earl Rowley Maddox knows the truth about Eleanor. Jack realizes with every risk he takes he realizes much he loves the enigmatic Eleanor.

The third Romney Marsh regency tale (see THE DANGEROUS DEBUTANTE and A GENTLEMAN BY ANY OTHER NAME) is a terrific romantic suspense that grips the audience from the moment Eleanor volunteers. Less humorous than the previous two triumphant tales, readers will enjoy the amateur sleuthing of the lead couple as much as they're falling in love. Perhaps the only negative to this great historical and series is that book four is next year.

Harriet Klausner

Wow.......2006-04-17

In this installment of the Becket series, Jack Eastwood plans to make a large splash in London society to catch the attention of a trio of men, one of which could very well be the leader of the Red Men Gang. Jack discusses his plans with Ainsley Becket and the unusual men that surround the gent. To make it all seem more real, Jack needs someone to play the part of his wife. Elly forcefully volunteers for the position.

Around the age of six, Eleanor "Elly" suffered an injury to her leg and foot while she was at sea. The injury left her with slight limp. Since then, she has been with (Captain) Ainsley Becket and his rag-tag clan in Romney Marsh. She is now twenty-one. She has sat quietly in the background, admiring and dreaming of Jack, but never trying to make him notice her. But when she learns the names of the three men Jack is after, she knows that she must seize this opportunity. In volunteering to play the role of Jack's wife, she not only gets to spend time with the man she secretly loves, but has a chance of finding out some answers about her childhood. The only problem Elly really has is keeping her personal secrets away from Jack's prying eyes.

Jack never paid much attention to the quiet lady whenever he was in Romney Marsh. But now that he sees Elly Jack cannot seem to take his eyes off of her. This fragile looking lady looks like a mouse to anyone who does not know better. There is strategy behind Elly's quietness and keen intelligence behind those oh, so innocent eyes. As Jack falls in love with Elly, he slowly learns that she is possibly even better at tactics than even he.

***** The Black Ghost is not mentioned often in this part of the Romney Marsh tale. You will see characters from previous episodes, but only briefly. Anyone who has not followed the story along will still find themselves enthralled with this dangerous romance. However, they could find themselves just a bit lost in the beginning. The author, anticipating this, gives a brief "Our Story So Far" section. If new readers will take just a moment to read this single page, they will have no trouble at all. Author Kasey Michaels either has a military background or a close family member who has such and helps her with these bold strategies. If I am wrong and Kasey Michaels simply imagined all this up on her own, then I believe myself fortunate never to have had her as an opponent in the Stratego game. All-in-all, I found this to be a brilliant addition to the Romney Marsh series and am eagerly awaiting the next release. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Book Description

The eagerly awaited continuation of OLD WOUNDS!

Captain Chakotay and his sister, Sekaya, are being held captive beneath the surface of Loran II by a Changeling -- an outcast Founder masquerading as Chakotay's second-in-command, Andrew Ellis. To Chakotay's horror, the Changeling gives the two prisoners over to the infamous Cardassian scientist Crell Moset, who plans to use Chakotay's Sky Spirit-enhanced DNA to create a super species that will bring him the fame and acceptance he craves.

Leaving Chakotay and Sekaya to their fate, the Changeling assumes Chakotay's image and infiltrates the Starship Voyager™, putting the entire crew at risk. Dr. Jarem Kaz and Lieutenant Harry Kim, increasingly suspicious of their captain's odd behavior, turn to Admiral Janeway and Lieutenant Commander Tom Paris for help. As Paris races to save Voyager from catastrophe, the real Chakotay must undertake a "Spirit Walk" that could set him and his sister free -- or lead to their ultimate destruction....

Customer Reviews:

Hello, what's going on here?.......2006-02-10

Just to give you my own "back story" with these books, you can read my reviews on Homecoming, Farther Shore, and the first Spirit Walk book to get a general idea about (at least my opinion on) Christie Golden's work in this series.

Now, having said that.... I'm a big Voyager fan, out of the 3 more modern incarnations of Star Trek, Voyager had my favorite premise and characters. (TNG was more fun and DS9 was better written, but) there was something about the idea of being stuck out there in the unknown that was inviting to me, ... like in the original series. I actually became emotionally attached to this crew as I watched them become emotionally attached to each other, and considered themselves (by the end of the series, just like a family) that they WERE home as long as they were together. As Harry Kim said, "It's the journey."

Now let me be clear by saying that I did NOT expect that "family" feeling to carry on when they split up and went their separate ways. I DID expect it to be like the series in the sense that each character grew so tremendously in the process of being literally thrown out to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. The captain went from being a by the book type to being seasoned in the reality of life (although she still kept it close to protocol). The first officer went from Mr. Anguish to liking the idea of protocol more. B'lanna from very angry and uncontrolled to a loving wife and mother. Paris from being a ex-con to looking toward someone like Kim to understand what it is to love family and follow the rules. Everyone became better, or at least, more well-rounded people.

I mean, think about it, one way we all have our greatest "growth experiences" is facing the unknown. The other most significant time we have that growth is when we leave our "familiar" (notice how that word is so close to family)lives and go out into the world on our own without the constant family support. I think my greatest disappointment from the Voyager relaunch books so far is I'm not seeing these characters grow anymore, that is with the exception of B'lanna, who we barely hear about (I get the feeling, or at least I hope, we'll be hearing more about her in the next book.) They seem to be the same people in a different situation without the INTERESTING part. In fact it seems like I'm reading the text version of a "low brow holo-novel" based on the lives of the Voyager crew after they return to the Alpha Quadrant.

I'll keep reading the follow up books to find out what happens to B'lanna and Miral and to see if the Changeling and Moset are captured. I'll keep reading because I am a fan of the series.

I'll keep hoping that the writer will find it in her heart to do these characters, from a very character driven show, justice.

Voyager back in Action!.......2005-05-24

Call me crazy but I LOVE Voyager. I love the characters, Seven of Nine, Janeway, B'Elanna, Tom Paris, the Holo Doctor, Chakotay, Harry Kim and the rest. And I love the ACTION that made Voyager more exciting than DS9 or TNG.

And boy do I MISS Voyager. So I am truly grateful to Christie Golden for continuing the series. This book takes Voyager and her crew back out into space where they belong. Some of it is slow going, especially Book 1 of the series. But the last half of Book 2 is exciting and action packed. If you love Voyager like I do, BUY THIS BOOK!

Thank you Christie Golden! Please write MORE Voyager books!

First grade writing and reading.......2005-03-31

Let me start off by saying i love voyager, the series and while the homecoming books were okay, i still enjoyed them. These two books were so simply written it almost made me feel dumber while reading them. Yes, I found some pleasure in reading them because I`m hooked on Voyager and wanted to see what everyone was up to but the storyline was stupid. The whole part with Chakotay and his native american powers? The cat coming out into the real world? Where was Christie Golden going with this? It was just ridiculous.

So, I guess I can say that if you want to keep up on Voyager and you`re a fan, read the books. You`ll finish them both in about an hour. But don`t be looking for great writing and a profound storyline, like the Deep Space Nine books. And Christie, if you`re reading this review, step it up a little in your writing. More original ideas and write for adults, not third graders. We`re capable of a little more.

Light entertainment.......2005-02-26

This is reasonable if light entertainment reading. The characters are good but shallow, as are most of the descriptions. Thankfully, quite a lot happens in this book. The pacing is good and the story moves along quickly. The plot is rather convoluted and not really fleshed out. The main villain is supposed to be a Machiavellian type, but he just does not have the complexity to make it realistic. Also, the inclusion of the Voyager characters no longer on the ship felt fairly gratuitous. The story would have benefited from seeing a less of them and giving depth to the events on the ship. The events leading directly to the climax were too metaphysical to me. I have often felt that this author should have stuck with the fantasy genre and magic, as they do not mix well with Star Trek, at least in my opinion. Finally, the climax was a bit like the ending of The Matrix, with a pseudo-Native American gloss, and not as well done. However, Gradak Kaz's eventual revenge was rather elegant. All in all, the book as a whole was enjoyable, but it is strictly light entertainment. There is nothing to really recommend against it, but there is nothing to really recommend it either.

Backfill Please.......2005-02-14

This is the poorest effort yet in the post return to Earth of the Starship Voyager. Chakotay as a Captain is as bad as he was as first officer. Sprinkling in Janeway, Kim and Paris can't save this mishmash of Skyspirits, Changlings and Cardassians. Please Voyager writers, go back and fill in the years Voyager was under the Captainship of Janeway still lost in the Delta Quadrant.

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A possible answer, but not necessarily the only one...

An interesting but ultimately frustrating book!

a very good little book

What Is Anglicanism (The Anglican Studies Series) (The Anglican Studies Series)
Urban Tigner Holmes
Manufacturer: Morehouse Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anglican | Protestantism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Episcopalian | Protestantism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0819212954

Customer Reviews:

A possible answer, but not necessarily the only one..........2004-05-30

The Episcopal church in the twentieth century took advantage of the general availability of publishing to good advantage, compiling through several auspices different collections and teaching series, the latest of which was only completed a few years ago. One of the better of the 'unofficial' collections of teaching texts is the Anglican Studies Series by Morehouse press, put out in the 1980s, which comprise several volumes that look at different aspects - theology, spirituality, history, and more. The introductory volume, if you will, to this series is this text, 'What is Anglicanism?' by bishop Urban T. Holmes.

Holmes, a respected educator and clergyman in the church, provided this personal set of reflections on the central question in response to the general need in a changing environment. This is not meant to be a comprehensive treatment - in a mere 100 pages of text, it could hardly hope for that. It is not heavy on history or theology, but rather in twelve chapters looks at some of the key issues involved in the church, devoting a few pages for each subject, such as liturgy, scripture, sacraments, spirituality, etc.

There is no strong dogmatic or doctrinal system that the Anglican church insists upon; indeed, even the liturgical standards around which much of the church coalesces are far more flexible than many realise. Thus, this is not a book that will tell the reader what he or she must believe, or must do, but begins to approach the question of what is unique about Anglicanism, a point of continuing inquiry among Anglicans and non-Anglicans alike.

Holmes wrote this text shortly after the adoption of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer by the Episcopal church and the decision to officially accept women's ordination; being an authority in the church hierarchy, he felt it important to be generally supportive of the moves the church was making in the face of dissatisfaction by many traditionalists.

One of the criticisms of this book is that it is not specific, and that it wanders a bit in its text. This is true, but as Holmes discusses the Anglican consciousness in the first chapter, this kind of ambiguity is inherent in the Anglican mind. One can think of mystics and authors who embody ideas quite apart from traditional Anglican dogma, but still embody an overall ethos - C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, J.R.R. Tolkien. Anglicanism is also a system of acknowledging the incarnation, making Anglicanism a 'sensible' religion - not necessarily sensible in terms of being practical, but rather in terms of paying attention to the experiences of the senses - worship services that involve 'smells and bells' can testify to this feature.

Because Anglicanism does not have a set catechism or doctrinal system to which one must adhere, the statements in Holmes' text are subject to interpretation and change, but it does give a good introduction to the way Anglicans think.

An interesting but ultimately frustrating book!.......2002-11-17

This book is an effort by a noted Episcopalian educator and priest to describe his "understanding of what it means to be an Anglican." By "Anglican," Dean Holmes meant "nothing more than those Christians who worship according to some authorized edition of the Book of Common Prayer and who are in communion with the see of Canterbury." As an Anglican who is trying very hard to understand what is happening in the Anglican Communion today, I looked forward to reading this book. It is loosely organized into 12 chapters, each dealing with the author's assessment of the Anglican perspective on key issues in the church, such as authority, the Bible, the Liturgy, Episcopacy, and like topics. Each chapter could stand alone as an essay on the subject at issue, which makes reading the book less challenging than it might otherwise be. The author is articulate and his prose is generally understandable in a single reading. He delights in using vivid imagery to describe the theological topics he is examining; for example, Dean Holmes writes that "the Sacraments are to life in the church as sexual intercourse is to a marriage. They do not encompass it, they guarantee nothing, but out of them springs the possibility of lives changed by an intimacy with God at the deepest level." I was nevertheless very frustrated by the book. It is less a description of Anglicanism than its 20th century American incarnation; a better title would have been "What is Liturgical Liberalism?" The author neglects the Anglican tradition of the last five centuries as well as that evolving in the rest of the world in favor an "Anglican attitude" that is, as another writer has observed, "averse to the truth claims, disciplines, and passions that make for mission." It is also interesting that an author who repeatedly stresses the need for imaginative approaches to theology and "the penultimate nature of our answers to the character of God and his will for us" can speak so derisively of those who do not share his positions. Dean Holmes refers to the "simplemindedness of Pietism," characterizes the worship of Protestants as "homogenized," refers to those who think that the Gospel of Matthew could possibly support the infallibility of the Pope as "foolish," and labels as "absurd" the views of those who see in the book of Revelation prophecy about our present circumstances. So much for tolerance! The reader in search of an objective answer to the question of "What is Anglicanism" should, quite frankly, look elsewhere.

a very good little book.......2001-04-24

This is not an insubstantial book, in spite of its modest size of 95 pages. The author goes to some effort to dispel any notions and impressions that the Anglican Communion is socially and financially upper class. He also refrains from denominational triumphalism. There is a great deal of interesting reading on issues of missionary work, prophetic witness, the Sacrements, Bishopry and administration, and Biblical interpretation. The writing style is quite heavy but not overwhelmingly so, and is closely and coherently argued. Certain readers might find his exposition rather stiff and humorless, but very thoughtful and well researched.

This book was written I believe in 1982 and it reflects issues affecting the Anglican church at that time. It is due for an updated edition, in light of recent developments. Perhaps surprisingly, there is no commentary or opinion on the Anglican position - at least in Canada from my direct experience - on the issue of encouraging participation of Baptized but not Confirmed Christians in the Eucharist. The Anglicans have come in for some criticism on this matter, even from Pope John Paul II.

Book Description

In his newest book Schlafer looks at the preacher's task at the high times of the church and the secular year, those occasions on which expectations run high and emotions can be intense.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2004-01-06

You might be tempted to skip the introductory theoretical material and go right to the "do's" and "don'ts". But this short, wonderful book needs to be fully digested. It's like having a preaching coach at your elbow.

Book Description

What Anglicans Believe is a personal statement by David L. Edwards and a revision of the book first published in 1974.

Customer Reviews:

Please no candy.......2003-09-07

The book is written in a clear style but its like candy you can either put it in your mouth and its taste good but nothing is left or you can put it in your hands and find a sticky mess. It is the product of confused church community trying to reason away what is going wrong. If I want this type of logic, I will be off to see the wizard and follow the yellow brick road.

General and helpful.......2000-04-06

This book is aimed at people who aren't sure whether they believe in God, or what the Episcopal Church is about. It takes the reader step-by-step through the resons for believing in God, with a definite Anglican point of view, but does not do a great job of pointing out how Anglicans differ from other Christians. Still, it was interesting and helpful even for someone who already knew a fair amount about the episcopal Church.

What Was the Oxford Movement? (Outstanding Christian Thinkers)

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What Was the Oxford Movement? (Outstanding Christian Thinkers)
George Herring
Manufacturer: Continuum International Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0826451861

Book Description

This account of the Oxford or Tractarian movement provides essential information to the study of English church history and the history of England during the Victorian era. This book is an up-to-date, scholarly but approachable exploration of the Movement which features primary material from a range of its key members. Herring looks at the relationship beween the Movement and the older, pre-1833 High Church tradition and, crucially, at developments after Newman's departure for Rome in 1845. By placing the Tractarians in the general political and social context of Victorian movements that sought to revitalize England's traditional institutions during a period of urbanization and industrialization, Herring brings new meaning to the movement.

Pan-Anglicanism: what is it?: Or, the church of the reconciliation

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Pan-Anglicanism: what is it?: Or, the church of the reconciliation
Moris J Fuller
Manufacturer: Kegan Paul, Trench, and Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008CXFCA

What church? and the only faith and fold: Romanism and Anglicanism tested. Correspondence with Archbishop Manning

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What church? and the only faith and fold: Romanism and Anglicanism tested. Correspondence with Archbishop Manning
Charles Bullock
Manufacturer: "Hand and Heart" Publ. Office
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008A0V0G

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