Amnesia Books

Another hit for Kunati publishing! Cheryl Kaye Tardiff's story of a young girl's struggle to leave her home in Wyoming to move to Canada with her parents touches the very soul of the reader. Change is hard for any age. Cheryl weaves the uncertain path of life, death and recovery with a golden needle. Many times I found myself fighting back the tears because of the grip of real-life emotion. It's a great read for any age and the valuable 'lessons' portrayed are bone jarring. There has been talk of making the book into a movie and I'd love to be the first in line! Great Work Cheryl Kay Tardif!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book other than there would be whales in it. The summary above comes from the back of the book and doesn't say much. I'll tell you a little more about the book so you can properly decide if it's your kind of book but don't worry, I'd never reveal too much or spoil and ending.

The main character is an 11 year old girl whose family moves to a small town where most of the inhabitants are Native Canadians. The book is Children's Fiction but for older children, say 12 and up. A large portion of the book has stories, myths and history of Native Canadians, specifically Huuayaht. I found this very interesting.

Also, since the summary says a tragedy will happen but doesn't specify anything, you don't know where or when it will happen. I don't know if it was on purpose or not but quite a few times the words made me think the tragedy would happen next and I was wrong. As an adult, later on in the book I figured out what the tragedy would be although I wasn't sure who did it. I had an idea and it did turn out to be right but I could just have easily been wrong. I don't think a child reader would be guess what the tragedy would be.

Another common occurrence in this book is bullying and the book teaches good lessons about it. It may be a good book to give to a child who is being bullied just as a fun read but with underlying lessons.

Overall I enjoyed the book although I did find my mind wandering a bit. The writing style didn't pull me into it's hold until the second half of the book.

This is going to be an unusual review for me. I too am an author and I have also read other works by this immensely talented woman and also interviewed her. I also have a suggestion but I will mention that again at the end of this review. I'm also a two time war veteran and retired Marine.

There is a common misconception about Marines. I.e. "Dumb Jar Heads!" The truth of the matter is, and this applies to all ranks. Many "Marines" are some of the most well read individuals you will ever meet in your life! And the reason for that is "Down Time" and I am sure this also applies to the sister services as well. I do suffer from PTSD so my memory isn't what it use to be, but I do remember being on a field op in Big Island Hawaii.

I walked up on a Cpl and he was engrossed in a book. I watched him for a while and I could see the emotions on his face and how he was holding back tears. Big burly guy with muscles in his eye brows I might add.

Watcha reading? I startled him, and he tried to hide his emotions and then he gave up trying.

"You have GOT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!"

Me and about five others did. I also knew after reading that book, what everyone I cared about was getting from me for Christmas.

"Whale Song" is just such a book as well!

The only other book I've done that with is "The Bridges Of Madison County" by Robert James Waller.

Something else that has touched me in a way that "Whale Song" has touched me is the movie by Sean Penn called "Into The Wild." If I had Sean Penn's personal mailing address I would be sending him a copy of "Whale Song" so he could turn it into a movie and I know he would do so superbly!

Buy this book as a Christmas present for those you love and believe me when I say this, it is a gift that will last a life time!

Oh and as far as my suggestion I said I would address in the end?

Have tissues handy because this book will not only tug on your heart strings, I can say for myself, it basically tore quite a few out!!!

And one last thing...

The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas?

It is called.

"The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks.

"Whale Song"

Is not only that good...

It just might be considered by some, better.

I know if I had to chose, I wouldn't be able to.

Respectfully

Chase Von

Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak
The Last Panther

In the summer of 1977, eleven-year-old Sarah Richardson is filled with trepidation and resentment when her father's new job forces her to leave her home and best friend in Wyoming to relocate in the remote town of Bamfield on Vancouver Island. But these feelings fade when she sees her gorgeous new home overlooking the ocean and befriends and Indian (a term commonly used for First Nations people in 1977) girl named Goldie. Of course, her idyllic summer with her parents and Goldie doesn't last. Once school begins, Sarah endures long, painful lessons about bullying, racial hatred, and family tragedy.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif's WHALE SONG is an unusual mystery. Although the story opens with an adult Sarah reflecting back on the summer that changed her life, she eases into eleven-year-old Sarah's point of view as the story unfolds, turning the book into a young adult novel. But then grownup Sarah slides briefly back into the story with ominous foreshadowing about events she wished she'd seen coming.

The other unique aspect is that the mystery doesn't occur until two thirds into the book. Certainly, the reader feels tension building among main characters and a grim situation inevitably spiraling out of control. But death, a police investigation, and murder charge don't occur until the reader knows the Richardson family so well that we feel their anguish. Some mystery fans might loathe the pacing of events, yet it's important to understand that mystery is only one facet of this multi-layered story. Crime might not be center stage in WHALE SONG, however, it's essential to the story.

Cross-genre novels are hard to pigeonhole, and this one will be a challenge for librarians and booksellers. WHALE SONG is an elegantly written, heartbreaking blend of friendships lost and gained, family tragedy, spirituality, death, guilt, punishment, and forgiveness. This is a lot to incorporate into one novel, but Tardif does it beautifully in a mere 199 pages. If you want something different in a mystery, WHALE SONG is a compelling story you won't forget any time soon.

11-year-old Sarah and her parents, Daniella (an artist), and Jack (a marine biologist), move to Canada from the States. Sarah is not happy about the move but she starts warming up to the idea when she sees their beautiful new house located right along the beach that has an amazing view. She's even more happy when she meets Goldie. The two quickly become best friends. Sarah loves Goldie's family, especially her grandmother who they call Nana most of the time. Goldie is of Indian descent (along with most of the other people in the town where Sarah is living), so Sarah learns new traditions and tales from the past.

Sarah develops a crush on a boy in her class, Adam. She also gets bullied by a girl named Annie. But for the most part she likes her new home. She especially loves going out on the schooner with her parents and listening to the whales, which are Sarah and her mother's new love.

Not long after being in their new home, Sarah's mom starts having fainting spells. It is discovered that she has a rare condition that is slowly wasting her away. When Sarah finds this out she's devastated. Unfortunately, there's nothing anyone can do for her mother. Her doctors only give her about two to three more years to live, max.

When Daniella eventually ends up in a coma, something happens and she dies. Jack (Sarah's father) is arrested for pulling the plug on the machines that were keeping his wife alive. Sadly, after his long-awaited court date, the jury finds him guilty and he's sentenced to ten years in prison.

Sarah has to go back to the U.S. with her grandparents and leave everything behind once again. She tries to block out all that has happened to her back in Canada, even the good things. But when she's older (in her 20's), someone comes along and opens her floodgates (so to speak), and she once again remembers everything, including how her mother died.

This was an incredibly hard book to write a summary of. So much happens in WHALE SONG that it's hard to cover the basic things in a short summary. Just go read the book and you'll find out how wonderful it is! It's completely heart wrenching because you know all along that Daniella is dying. But the whole book is just amazing.

I seriously never wanted to put it down. Ms. Tardif's use of words is incredible, like when she's talking about the killer whales or describing scenery. They just flow so easily across every page. My heartstrings were being pulled the entire time and I absolutely loved it. If you like these type of books, I seriously recommend getting yourself a copy. You seriously won't be disappointed. And yes, I know I just overused the word seriously -- sorry!

Reviewed by: Breanna F.

I honestly think this is the best book yet! This spellbinding book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I really appreciate Patricia's hard work and effort in writing this series. Keep up the good work!

"Forgotten" has got to be the best so far in the entire Jennie McGrady series. I first started reading these when I was 11 I am now 19 and although this may be a little old to be reading them I think they are a great series especially considering the disgusting rubbish that is around these days for teenagers. The books are a good clean exciting christian read. "Forgotten" had that extra element of excitement and interest for me the idea of making Jennie lose her memory was a really good idea and kept u on the edge of your seat. It also gave me an insight into what it must be like to lose your memory especially when she was trying to remember her family. I really hope that Patricia continues this series. An excellent read!!!!

I really loved this book! The more you read into it, the less you can put it down! It takes twists and turns in the plot that you would never expect, and holds your attention the whole time. I read it in less than 24 hours! I loved the way that the mystery started out as something sort of small, and then built right up to the climax. It's a MUST READ!!!

I have been reading the Jennie McGrady series since I was 12. Along with the Helen Bradley also. I find both series very interesting. Patricia Rushford writes beautifully. I only wish I had her talent. Not too long ago I got to meet her personally. She visited me and my family to come talk to my school about being an author. Along with writing books. She is a wonderful bubbly person who has an excentric personality and energy to do anything. I found that she is a lot like her characters. The first book I ever read was #3. It was addicting. I had to start from the beginning. So I did I have now read every one except for her latest McGrady book. I know that I will also enjoy this one as well. So please read her facinating books. All of the series!

This book is one of the best books in the series. It is a frightning but also entertaining book. A great read. I recomend that no one under about 8 or 7 years old should read this. I am 9 years old, and it was a tiny bit scary in some parts like when.. oh I probably shouldn't tell you if you're going to read it, and those of you who aren't, well you'll have to find out for yourselves! Enjoy!!

I dare anyone to read this book and not be changed.

No one has Hilton's power of drawing a reader into the mind and heart of an ordinary bloke. I don't know how he does it; why do I care so much about his characters? He knows how to help the reader to sincerely CARE ABOUT a character, and therefore even his fellow man.

The twist and twist of the plot and timeline can be challenging at times, but well worth the effort.

And I thought the book was absolutely great BEFORE I read the last page!

(BTW, don't confuse this great book with the mediocre chickflick movie of the same name, and I don't recommend watching the movie first, as it might spoil some of the suspense.)

I had first seen the wonderfully sentimental movie, which is one of my favorites.

The book is not so sentimental. In reading the book, I was unprepared for how well-depicted would be the pain of the protagonist's psychological plight, how thought-provoking this book would be about society, and how much an individual could realistically be shown to be at a loss - no matter his external circumstances.

This is very much about someone who senses that once his life had meaning to him, and he had happily occupied a niche in the world - and can't rediscover it. The author is so wonderful in conveying this desperation.

Mr. Hilton also wonderfully conveys the highs and lows of both the well-born establishment, and the utterly displaced, of inter-war England.

And amazingly, he brilliantly evokes the wonderfully dreamy feeling of being in love. The scenes in which Smitty finds the small town, climbs up to the small lake in the hills, what he sees when he awakens, and the following several days, must be among the most moving in fiction.

I also love how the author shows the differences in personality between the earnest, sweet, easily alarmed, humble Smitty and the somewhat cynical, immensely able, practical-joking, self-deprecating Rainier - much of the difference seems engendered by the way they're treated and their places in life.

I love how subtly the author shows Mrs. Rainier's reaction to Rainier's discoveries - it's just brilliantly done. And the book's ending could not be more satisfying.

This is a more thought-provoking book than Goodbye Mr. Chips - and as much as I enjoyed that, this is a better one. I loved this as much as Hilton's So Well Remembered - which is high praise.

This completes the trilogy of classic James Hilton novels (the other two being "Lost Horizon" and "Goodbye Mr. Chips") which were all made into movies during Hollywood's Golden Era. It is the lesser known of the three novels, although Random Harvest is his most complete work.

The story is a romance, a mystery, a critque on England's class structure, and a parable. Hilton uses the lost years of Charles Rainier as a methaphor for the lost years of the 1920/1930's when England failed to prepare for the next war. Told in flashbacks and bookended by World War I and World War II, the resolution is only revealed in its final sentence that will shock you and change everything that you have just read & thought you understood. You will go back and re-read the book as your perception of all the characters are altered by the surprise ending.

Two cautions: First, see the 1942 Ronald Coleman/ Greer Garson movie AFTER reading the book to see how the ending is handled. Second, the opening few pages are set in an England and of a time that will be unfamiliar to most Americans, but if one continues on, the reader will be deeply rewarded. The ability to be surprised is a rare gift and Hilton delivers.

Random Harvest is my all-time favorite story. It might well be called The Wonderful Story or The Beautiful Story. Who hasn't read James Hilton's Good-buy Mr. Chips or Lost Horizon? This book, in my view, is his best work. It was this work that convinced me Hilton had to be a mystic although I don't know that. I do know that on one level, the earthy one, this is the best romantic novel I've ever read. On another level, social or historical, the work is a bringer of hope- written during WWII about WWI and ending on the eve of WWII the story speaks directly to our own uncertain post 911 era. But most importantly this is a work of spiritual completion. It can be read as the story of two people, or for Jungians in particular the coniunctio (union of opposites), the reconciling of the male and female within each of us, and in another context the "Marriage Feast of the Lamb"... This is, indeed, "The Wonderful Story."

A magnificently engrossing story that takes place over several years and including many twists and turns that make it difficult to write a review that does not give away too much of the plot. It starts with a war injury that brings amnesia induced loss of identity to our main character. The life that he builds from scratch is washed away when a car accident brings back his earlier memory, while losing the memory of his most recent life and identity. The two identities are quite dissimilar making it most difficult for the love of his second life to trace him once again to where he has built an entire life upon his early roots. The clash of his two identities and what he does with the women from both his lives is the crux of the book. Both his lives are truly worthwhile and if only there were a way to combine the best of both parts - but impossible to go back . . . the eventual answer is one of the most breathtakingly satisfying conclusions of all time.

James Hilton's (Goodbye Mr. Chips, Lost Horizon) greatest novel. A romance for the ages. If still possible for you, this is one time the book should definitely be digested before the movie (also great but substantially different).

I love reading and I've read alot, but this book, well, I just can't have enough of it. I keep coming back to it! It's amazing! I recommend it to everyone, it's so exciting you won't be able to stop reading it till it's finished! Alicia's the best:)

THE BOOK AMNESIA IS LIKE YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE. THE REASON I SAID IT CHANGED MY LIFE WAS BECAUSE I THOUGHT HAVEING A SISTER WANTING TO KILL YOU IS JUST WEIRD. I DO RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO OTHERS SINCE IT'S SUCH A GOOD BOOK. I ALSO RECOMMEND OTHER BOOKS BY SINCLAIR SMITH

This was a great book. Even though i hate reading, i couldn't put this one down. It keeps you wondering what terrible thing will happen next. It's freaky and interesting. You should read it today!

Amnesia is a brilliant book it is thrilling and a shocking book to read. Alicia is my favourite character. The story is about a girl name Alicia and she wakes up in a hospital bed not knowing where she is.She doesn't remember anything she doesn't know whether its a dream or is it true?

Alicia thinks it's a bad dream when she wakes up in hospital, unable to remember anything. She doesn't even recognise her own face in the mirror! This is the exciting and original basis for this above average horror. Suspense keeps the plot moving throughout and unexpected twists are a common occurence. The ending is not what you would expect. Alicia knows that there is a reason for her amnesia but perhaps she's too afraid to remember. Her sister Marta has the answers but will Alicia live long enough to discover them? A pleasing read for young adults

"DARKLY LUMINOUS....Tushinski's novel evokes one young man's discovery of and longing for the mystic chord into which he would transform his life. Van Allen's Ecstasy risks austerity and an expressive restraint too challenging and complex to be mistaken for plainness."

Reviewed by:
Peter Weltner,
Author of The Risk of His Music and
How the Body Prays

"'I remember and remember and remember,' Jim Tushinski writes, 'and the act of remembering becomes a physical sensation, like drinking water to quench a thirst.' In Van Allen's Ecstasy, the act of reading, too, becomes a physical sensation. This is the story of Michael Van Allen, a man unable to create in a family of natural-born creators, a man yearning for the joy of unrestrained creative activity--ecstasy. What Michael doesn't know is that there is a price to pay for ecstasy.

We are lost with Michael in a story in a mist, feeling our way through place, time, and people that ought to be familiar, but isn't. This is a story about how we are who we are, even without all the memories and connections we depend upon every day to help us define ourselves. Tushinski has written in a prose that is by turns major-key bold and then minor-key tentative in response to the estranged world that we--the writer, the reader, and Michael Van Allen himself--must make familiar once again."

Brian Bouldrey,
Author of Love, the Magician,
Monster, and The Boom Economy

"A FASCINATING ENTRÉE into the mind of Michael Van Allen, who has undergone a nervous breakdown during a performance by his famous father of Scriabin's Piano Sonata No. 5. Tushinski masterfully achieves a rich portrait of Michael's internal struggle for sanity, as well as powerful characterizations of those around him. Tushinski's sensitive and confident command of language immediately engages the reader...IMMENSELY SATISFYING."

Reviewed by:
Jim Van Buskirk,
Program Manager
James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center
San Francisco Public Library

From the first sentence, the reader is plunged into the mind of Michael Van Allen: and the mystery begins. Who is he? Who was he? What happened? As he struggles to regain his memory, we gather the clues with him, and it's difficult to put this book down until we reach the climax. Engagingly written, with a roster of memorable characters; you can almost hear the piano soundtrack in the background as you join Michael's journey.

Michael Van Allen is a young man who is awash in successful relatives-his father is a famous composer, his mother a well-known painter, and his siblings Karl and Sara are, respectively, an attorney and columnist. It's not for not trying-Michael has taken several paths in the arts to try for success, and now works as a file clerk.

Michael wakes up in a mental hospital, where he's received treatment supposedly after screaming through one of his father's concerts. But he can't remember anything-nothing about his past, nor why he has a partner, Paul. It's like being in a world of strangers-only they know all about you! This imaginative concept provides a gripping read. It's especially captivating when Michael discovers his old journal and begins reading the entries. Somehow, reading his own words about his past rekindle dark emotions.

This had to be a challenging story to write, and, fortunately for us, was brilliantly done.

Honest and beautifully written memoir of a mother whose daughter sustained a traumatic brain injury. Unsentimental but profoundly moving and often humorous. I admire the author and I wonder if I could be as brave if something as horrible as this happened to my child. Makes you stop and think!

A very interesting memoir. I thought the blend of medical and personal was very good. The author (Rachel's Mom) wrote a very moving memoir.

Karen Brennan's Being With Rachel ... tells of a family's changes when a 25-year-old daughter is gravely injured in a motorcycle accident. Her mother's account of her daughter's slow recovery, determination to walk again, and lasting brain injuries makes for a moving story of rebirth and courage.

This book is a must read for anyone who has had a family member suffer a TBI (traumatic brain injury) and I wish those who don't deal with TBI's to read it so they have an understanding of those who do have one. I have a son who suffered one and even though his wasn't as severe as Rachel's, there were parts of Rachel's problems that he also dealt with.

This book is also a wonderful story that miracles do happen. I think Rachel's mother was the driving force in her recovery.

Great Book

Atop all the courageous acts in this story, the final and most lasting one is Karen Brennan's commitment of her story to print. In her turmoil's depths, she attests to uncomfortable truths and confesses her impassioned dismay that love is sometimes mixed with guilt, that hope is a hairsbreadth from dread, that the cruelest and most unjust penalty is in another light a largesse with unending rewards. Most impressive is the revelatory presentation of an active mind (or perhaps two minds) learning, reformulating, performing. In her new role as caregiver researching her daughter's brain injury, Brennan confronts anew terms she had understood as fiction instructor and critical theorist: reading this, you'll come to know that what you appreciate in your favorite author or in your best friend's letters is your own innate complicity in a good act of perserveration or confabulation or dissociation. The gradual reunderstanding of memory and narrative is a thrill to experience.

Notwithstanding her publisher's marketing strategy, this is far more than a story of survival; and though she may share with Mark Doty or John Bayley a life marked by caregiving and loss, Brennan authors a far finer literary memoir, imaginatively and unsympathetically crafted, with a style more akin to the radical sincerity of J.R. Ackerley or Annie Ernaux or Herve Guibert.

These are your best friend's letters. Karen Brennan is your favorite author.

Setting - England and Ireland 1827 --- Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, had fallen in love with the very beautiful Katherine from the moment he saw her, a mutual attraction, some would say that was pre-ordained. Moments before they were to run away and elope to Gretna Greene a great fire erupted that trapped Katherine, and no amount of heroic effort on the part of Devan could save her. Totally devastated, suffering the nightmares of Katherine's screams to save her, Devan left London for the tranquility of his Irish estate, Dahlingham. Days after his arrival he gazed out to the gardens and spied the mysterious new maid his housekeeper and her daughter had found unconscious on the grounds days before. The young woman had no memory of who she was, or where she had come from, and had been nursed back to health by his housekeeper and her daughter Collette who would name her Raven. When Devan finally sent for her, he saw the very image of the woman he had loved and lost, his beloved Katherine. Soon, she was installed in the upper floors, and treated as his guest while he tried to discover who she was. A mystery as her speech switched back and forth from an Irish peasant brogue, to a `lady' with precise and correct English speech.

Almost immediately, Devan's nightmares of Katherine stopped only to be replaced by dreams of Raven who invaded his consciousness both night and day. Raven had nightmares and dreams as well, of a time, people, and places from long, long ago, until soon the face of her dream lover became the face of Devan. Terrified that she was losing her mind, as well as her heart, Raven did her best to distance herself from Devan by using the friendship of his friend Victor, Duke of Brookshire. Was it reincarnation, a foul trick, or was it madness? History would almost repeat itself, if not for the interference of Devan's wonderful friend Victor, who would save the day for Raven and Devan and give them the chance to right a wrong that had torn the two apart 200 years before. But wait, the story does not end there, as another more surprising twist will stun the readers in this amazing sensual tale of reincarnation and second chance at love.


In this, her debut novel, the author admits being inspired by the tragic folk ballad of Barbara Allen and Sweet William. She has crafted an amazingly intense and totally sensual tale, so complex and riveting that it will simply take your breath away with emotions her vivid words evoke in the readers mind. Filled with memorable visual imagery, and stimulating dialogs you will find your emotions engaged with scenes of passion, love and betrayals. This is an outstanding, debut novel by a very talented writer that should not to be missed, and should have fans of historical and supernatural genres immediately looking to find a copy that they'll want on their `keeper shelves'. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---

Set in the year 1827. Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, lost his beloved Katherine in a great fire the night of the ball at Dakshire. They were to elope that very night. Devan leaves London for his home in Ireland to drown his grief in the bottles. Shortly after settling in at home, he looks out this library window to spy a servant tending the roses. When he sees her face, he is startled. She is the exact image of his Katherine.

Raven has no memory before being found on the lawn of Dahlingham near death. The housekeeper, Mrs. Captain, probably would have turned her out as a crazy person, but Collette, her daughter, begged to be allowed to nurse the girl back to health. By the time Lord Castlereagh returns home from London, Collette has named her Raven, nursed her to health, and Raven has a position tending to the laundry and the garden.

Since Katherine's death, confusing nightmares tortured Devan. He knows that Raven and his is connected. He decides that by bettering Raven's life and helping her learn to be a lady, he would ease his nightmares of failing to save his love from the flames. Raven, somehow, held the key to it all.

Unknown to Raven or Devan, Raven walks in her sleep every night. Raven plays out the dreams of being a lady from two hundred years ago named Mairéad. Devan follows Raven's nightly treks, not realizing she is not awake or in some sort of trance. When questioned about the outings at a later date, Raven insists HE dreamed it all. He is left to wonder why she is lying.

Through it all, Devan's friend, Victor, Duke of Brookshire, visits almost daily. He adores Raven and even courts her. As Victor comes to understand that love has bloomed between Devan and Raven, he decides to give them a helping hand. After all, someone has to known some sense into the pair.

***** Fans of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, HEADS UP! You do NOT want to miss out on this author! Laura Mills-Alcott is quickly rising to stardom with her magical historical romances. This one will touch your heart and linger in your memory forever! I cannot urge you strongly enough to rush out and get your copy of this story. Best get hardback. You will not be able to read it only once in your life. This one will win awards! Absolutely unforgettable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Set in the year 1827. Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, lost his beloved Katherine in a great fire the night of the ball at Dakshire. They were to elope that very night. Devan leaves London for his home in Ireland to drown his grief in the bottles. Shortly after settling in at home, he looks out this library window to spy a servant tending the roses. When he sees her face, he is startled. She is the exact image of his Katherine.

Raven has no memory before being found on the lawn of Dahlingham near death. The housekeeper, Mrs. Captain, probably would have turned her out as a crazy person, but Collette, her daughter, begged to be allowed to nurse the girl back to health. By the time Lord Castlereagh returns home from London, Collette has named her Raven, nursed her to health, and Raven has a position tending to the laundry and the garden.

Since Katherine's death, confusing nightmares tortured Devan. He knows that Raven and his is connected. He decides that by bettering Raven's life and helping her learn to be a lady, he would ease his nightmares of failing to save his love from the flames. Raven, somehow, held the key to it all.

Unknown to Raven or Devan, Raven walks in her sleep every night. Raven plays out the dreams of being a lady from two hundred years ago named Mairéad. Devan follows Raven's nightly treks, not realizing she is not awake or in some sort of trance. When questioned about the outings at a later date, Raven insists HE dreamed it all. He is left to wonder why she is lying.

Through it all, Devan's friend, Victor, Duke of Brookshire, visits almost daily. He adores Raven and even courts her. As Victor comes to understand that love has bloomed between Devan and Raven, he decides to give them a helping hand. After all, someone has to known some sense into the pair.

***** Fans of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, HEADS UP! You do NOT want to miss out on this author! Laura Mills-Alcott is quickly rising to stardom with her magical historical romances. This one will touch your heart and linger in your memory forever! I cannot urge you strongly enough to rush out and get your copy of this story. Best get hardback. You will not be able to read it only once in your life. This one will win awards! Absolutely unforgettable! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I admit I looked forward to this book's release after reading a couple teaser chapters online. I love books with Ireland settings because it's one of my favorite places to visit and read about. I also admit I wished it had been paperback, because then I wouldn't have had to wait until after the holidays were over to order it! But now I'm glad I got it in hard cover because I know I'll be reading it again. It's a classic.

The story starts with the Marquess of Castlereagh returning to his home in Ireland after the death of his fiance in London. Shortly after his return, he meets a woman that's been taken in as a member of his staff, and to his shock, she looks exactly like the woman who died. He calls her to his library, hoping he's been granted a miracle, but he soon realizes this woman, Raven, is just a common Irish girl, who's suffered a tragedy so awful that she can't remember her past before the day she came to his estate.

After meeting Raven, Devan (the marquess) is freed from the dreams of the fire that took his fiance that he's had ever since the night in England when she died, only to begin having strange dreams of Raven, who calls out to him for help in these dreams.

Devan soon realizes that the only way to put an end to the disturbing dreams is to solve the mystery of Raven's past.

It's just beautiful how the author lays out the clues throughout the story and then ties up every loose end, and through it all Devan and Raven discover a precious love.

I loved this story! I could feel every heartache and victory these characters experienced. Devan and Raven are wonderful characters, but I also fell in love with the whole cast of characters, which I don't normally do. This book made me feel just about every emotion imaginable. There's passion and humor and drama. It's just a beautiful story all around.

Not only is it written very well, but the story is so original that I consider it the best historical romance I've read in a long time, and I read a lot of them. I think other readers who love historicals set in Ireland and England will love it too.

I was surprised a debut book captured me as completely as this one did. If you love historical romance, especially those set in the Regency, then you won't want to miss this book. Lovely writing, steamy love scenes, and a story that will haunt you long after you've finished reading. Readers of the historical romance genre will appreciate this book's original plot. This book had its funnier moments and also its more dramatic moments. One pivitol scene in particular, where the hero finally learns the truth of the heroine's past, made me actually weep. There were a couple scenes that I thought could have been a little bit longer and more fleshed out, but even so it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. Excellent book and a must for readers who love historical romance.

Reading is one of my favorite things to do, and reading this book was definately a highlight of my years of reading. I have never read a book more enjoyable than Lenegrin. It was entertaining, engrossing, tantalizing and thorougly addictive from the first page to the last. I found myself slowly getting to know these characters with all their good and bad characteristics, as one would get to know someone in life. By the end of the book, I didn't want to say goodbye.

Lenegrin is one of the few books I've looked forward to reading again. Great writing! Let's hope there are many more where this one came from!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The imagery was beautiful and vivid. It was very moving at times and wonderfully well thought out. Most of all, it was totally intriguing, I just had to keep reading. I loved the profound and mysterious ways of the ancients and the flaws of the "perfect" Kehl society. It is a brilliant piece of work and I would highly recommend it.

On the surface, "Lenegrin" is a highly readable visionary/adventure novel involving a quest. However the content of this book suggests that the author may have some familiarity with one or more of the schools of experiential
mysticism.

In some ways, the novel's antecedents may stem more from certain examples of ancient or Medieval romance than from contemporary fantasy or visionary literature. Like those earlier works, "Lenegrin" utilizes the outward form of a contemporary popular fiction genre, while embedding the work with material that is of deeper significance, for those in search of it.

Regardless of what you're looking for - simply a good read or something more -- " Lenegrin's" narrative is so engrossing and the writing so well-crafted that I can unreservedly recommend this five-star book.

Lenegrin offers readers an exciting vision of another world. Jonathan has become my favorite writer of all times! He is incredibly insightful and creative! After reading Lenegrin, I felt that I was returning from an amazing journey that has enriched my imagination as well as my knowledge of my own self. I cannot reccomend any other book as highly as I reccommend Lenegrin!

This is a first, folks! Middleton Books is a brand new independent press, and Lenegrin is their very first title. It is Middleton Books' intention to publish books of a non-traditional fantasy genre. By this they state that the genre is allegorical based on language use, but not tied to any religious connotations. Jonathan Scott was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and has studied traditional tales used for teaching purposes for twenty-five years. He has published several short stories, and Lenegrin is his first novel.

Lenegrin is the tale of a man who has lost his memory, but finds himself in the middle of an enemy camp, brought there cold, bloody, and hungry by an old woman. He has no idea of his identity, but quickly learns he is some type of warrior. He flees after killing a man who threatens him, only to find himself in the company of a strange group of companions. He only remembers the term "Lenegrin."

"When it was light enough, I was able to see my traveling companions. On my left sat a tall, think man of early middle age with a beaked nose and a lifeless expression on his face. Next to him, a ragged adolescent girl was sitting with her mother, who was even more ragged than the daughter. The Mother held a baby on her lap and clutched a large basket holding a pair of birds inside. Sitting across from me was a frail ancient-looking man, with a shock of snow-white hair. He had a sack with a strap slung over his shoulder. None of them seemed to pay me any attention.

Jonathan D. Scott accomplishes many things with Lenegrin. First, he employs language and myth to create an "every man" type of character. He also entertains us with a great story of searching, self-doubt, and ultimate redemption. But he leaves enough shrouded in mystery to captivate and bemuse his readership. At the end of the tale we are thirsting for more. Just when we begin to understand what Lenegrin the place is all about, Scott pulls down the curtain. Hopefully this is just a tease for the sequel he has in mind. Lenegrin could be another "Lord of the Rings". We're not sure. We'll just have to wait and see.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

I came across Cooper via his Young Adult novel, Milrose Munce and the Den of Professional Help. Which I LOVE. Of course, Amnesia is radically different, in almost every way. It is equally wonderful, however.

Prepare to use your noodle as you enter the many rooms of Mr. Cooper! A deeply philosophical and intense study of nuerotic/erotic/psychotic animal man. While perusing this fine novel, I couldn't help but feel like I was being used, fooled into the hijinx of the main character. If you have ever questioned the correlation between family and fate, I urge you to find this book!

I read this book about two years ago and was utterly facinated with the books premise and characterization. The mood is evocative, anything seems possible, if not likely. A fantastic Canadian writer, an iconoclast with dark vision.

Amnesia is aptly named. Reading it, you feel like you yourself have forgotten something integral. It moves at a deadly, feverish pace, twisting itself out of recognition, becoming something more than a novel. Just as Torontois an organic city within the book, the book itself is organic. It grows into and out of itself. It finds its way into your life.

Like a rotted tooth or a troubling sore I return to this book. Scrape aside the scab of human suffering and Cooper finds the sore beneath. Enigmatic and esoteric, he delivers the knock out punch when least expected. As a long time fan of Eco and Borges, I appreciated Cooper's craft and touch upon his work when I get a chance. This is not an exit.

This was a very entertaining romantic suspense. Loved the plot and the likable characters. I highly recommend.

Jarred Bryant was in a plane crash and lost part of his memory. when he opens his eyes in the hospital he sees his wife..soon to be ex-wife. Knowing he still loves his wife, he trys to win her back. Also, knowing someone is out to kill him and possibly her. Frustrated that he can't remember the events leading up to his plane crashing he searchs for clues to who he can and can not trust.

I never read a romance novel before I read this book! It is so entertaining. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes to have a good read. It was so hard to put down. Janelle Taylor mixes the romance and mystery perfectly in this book. The end was such a shocker!

In Seattle's Bryant Park Hospital, Jarred Bryant begins to regain consciousness after lying in a coma for a few days. Jared was injured when his Portland-bound small plane crashed into the Columbia River. His passenger Chance Rowden died in the accident.

When he awakens, Jarred realizes his memory is shot to hell, but he immediately recognizes his wife Kelsey. However, he is stunned to learn they are estranged as she moved out of their house three years ago. Jarred cannot remember the accident. The police inform him that it was sabotage because someone tampered with the fuel line.

Jarred's half-brother tells him that a company insider has revealed their bids so that their main rival has won all the construction jobs. Will feels it is Kelsey who works for the competitor. In spite of Will's theory, all Jarred wants is Kelsey back in his life and will do anything to regain Kelsey's trust because he wants his wife at his side forever. Ill he let Will's doubts spoil his chance to win back the woman he loves.

NOT WITHOUT YOU is an entertaining relationship romantic intrigue that will furnish pleasure to fans of contemporary drama. The story line's uses of amnesia might be a trite cliché but the trick works due to the dysfunctional relationships between several of the key charcaters. The suspense elements have several angles to them that adds tension to the plot. The lead couple is insecure and not trusting of one another which led to their previous problems and leaves readers wondering throughout the whole story whether this time around they will make it. Janelle Taylor writes an interesting romantic suspense novel that shows why she is one of the romance genre's most popular romance readers.

Harriet Klausner

This was my first Janelle Taylor book and I really enjoyed it. It was very well written and kept me guessing up until the very end! Ms. Taylor has taken a not-so-original story and some how managed to make it very original. There is even a bit of humor and wit added in. I highly recommend this book.