Stacy’s Book Reviews

Back Cover Summary:

Does your child have uncontrollable worries and senseless rituals? Do you feel helpless and frustrated as you struggle to understand and help your child stop the bizarre doubts and habits that take over his mind and his life? Your child may be one of millions of children suffering from OCD. Now, there is hope and help for your child.

Dr. Aureen Wagner brings you the latest scientific advances in the treatment of this beguiling disorder along with her many years of experience in treating children and teenagers. Using the metaphor of the “Worry Hill”, for which she has received international recognition, Dr. Wagner presents a powerful step-by-step approach that countless children have used successfully to regain control from OCD. She provides parents and children with the blueprint to take charge of and master OCD. Her skill, compassion and expert guidance will give you new hope, energy and resolve to conquer OCD.

• Unlock the power within you and your child to overcome OCD
• Practical, clear and easy-to-understand steps
• The latest scientifically proven advances in recovery

Stacy’s Review:

My son has struggled with OCD/OCPD for the past eight years and counting. This book is a must-read for parents of children with OCD, and or OCPD. I highly recommend it. This opinion is based upon the benefits that my son and I have received by using the ‘strategies & solutions’ in this book. Upon my recommendation, my son’s therapist read this book. He stated something to the effect of this being one of the best written books on the subject. He too, found it highly worthy of recommendation and praise.

Dr. Aureen Wagner writes in an easy-to-understand manner. She is clearly a well-educated, skilled and compassionate clinician. As I read this book, I was gripped by the case stories presented within. They touched my heart and brought a mass of tears to my eyes. I understand, and completely relate to the pain and torment these children deal with on a daily basis. I’ve been there with my son. It is a continuous battle. But, this book not only gave me hope, it showed it to me as well, and I thank the author from the very depths of my being.

I keep this book ‘always handy’, ready to reference on a moment’s notice. It is way too easy to get caught in the vicious OCD cycle, lose your composure and therefore lose your ability to understand and assist your child. It is a gut-wrenching feeling of pain, frustration and sorrow when we are made to feel helpless in protecting our child. OCD constantly threatens our ability to do so. Dr. Wagner’s insight, compassion, understanding and knowledge are a God send. She gives us the tools necessary to fight back and overcome.

Even if no one in your family has OCD, I still recommend that you read this book. Those of us that suffer the trials and tribulations of this disease, would greatly appreciate your effort to understand. “OCD, like Asthma or Diabetes, is a legitimate illness that impairs coping and functioning. Children with OCD don’t derive any pleasure from their condition and are not doing it just to be difficult. They are genuinely anxious and do not have effective coping skills.” – Dr. Aureen P. Wagner, Ph.D.
An excerpt :

Sadly, the stigma of mental illness still pervades our society. It’s a dark and lonely place that no one walks in, except those who have been in your shoes. Having a family member with a mental illness is a different experience than having one with a debilitating physical illness. If your child has diabetes or cancer, you may be able to discuss it openly with family and friends without repercussion; you will generally meet with sympathy, not suspicion or blame. Tell someone your child has OCD, and you will get a hundred and one opinions, and very little understanding. Even close family and friends may assume that OCD is a character flaw or weakness that can be corrected with good discipline.

It’s almost impossible to explain OCD to others because it’s so bizarre and unreal. It’s so far from most people’s normal experience that they simply cannot relate to it in the abstract. So you are left alone and lonely, longing for someone to talk to and understand, but with little support or empathy. Suddenly, even family and friends seem so remote and distant because there is little overlap between your world and theirs.

- Quoted from the above titled book.

”What To Do When Your Child Has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder”, has a plethora of useful information, as well as strategies and solutions that work! I cannot even begin to cover the mass of topics covered within these pages. A must read for all! An excellent tool for combat and recovery! A must have for parents and teachers! Please, please, please … read this book!

Thank you.

“Creates Fairy Tales That Come True.”
– Romantic Times

Side note: I am covering the “Malory” series in proper sequence. To read the reviews for books one (1) through three (3), please click on the links below:
Malory Novel #1 – ‘Love Only Once’
Malory Novel #2 – ‘Tender Rebel’
Malory Novel #3 -’Gentle Rogue’

Back Cover Summary:

As wild and reckless as the most incorrigible of her male cousins, Amy Malory has reached a marriageable age and has set her sights on a most inappropriate mate: the straight-laced American ship captain who once nearly had her Uncle James hung for piracy.

Warren Anderson is shocked by the brazen advances of his despised enemy’s beautiful niece. Though determined to resist her; he burns for the enchanting British minx. And an impassioned heart implores him to surrender to a love that could stoke the smoldering fires of a family feud into a dangerous, all consuming blaze.

Stacy’s Review:

Well, it seems that this book has received many mixed reviews. I would venture to guess that this is because the hero and heroine are near complete opposites, with about a twenty year age difference. Some people simply cannot get past that last fact. Personally, I venture into every novel with an open mind. I don’t have any set ideas on how the characters should behave if they were real, living, breathing human beings. Heck folks, this is fiction.

The Magic of You is definitely a “Malory” novel, with all the hilarious, somewhat predictable, yet fun antics of Lindsey’s characters. Amy Malory is quite incorrigible in her blatant pursuit of Warren Anderson. This is a fun twist in which the heroine pursues the hero with a bold, optimistic determination. She’s mischievous, charming, spirited, and blatantly honest. Amy is a gal who knows what she wants and makes no bones about going for it; an admirable trait, in my opinion. Besides, Amy has a special talent for matchmaking, and putting that gift to personal use doesn’t fail her here. One of the few Malory’s blessed with the rumored gypsy blood, Amy is a raving beauty on the outside, coupled with a delightful, compassionate minx on the inside. She’s one of my favorite heroines in the Malory series.

Warren is an unhappy, brooding grouch. The events of his past, (of course), have soured him on any notions of love or romance. Some have stated that his nature was a bit over-the-top, but I disagree. I believe that it was in perfect accord with how his life had unfolded thus far. Warren Anderson has substance. He is a caring, compassionate, intelligent, strong-willed, man with plenty of warmth locked up in his tarnished heart. All he needed, he found in Amy Malory.

This is a fun, fast-paced, adventure-filled romance. And quite to my delight, Lindsey has tossed in plenty of Anthony & James Malory’s entertaining banter as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

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- Quoted from: fabjob.com

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Back Cover Synopsis:

Private investigator Jimmy Miles works the Hollywood nights. His new client is the desperate daughter of a dead man. Her father was executed for a long-ago murder – and she wants Jimmy to uncover the truth about the crime and the real killer’s identity. But this case isn’t’ the only mystery keeping Jimmy up at night…

The shadowy world Jimmy inhabits is full of secrets, shared with a restless few who also roam the L.A. nightworld. They call themselves Sailors. Jimmy Miles is one of them. And he is about to discover the truth about himself.

And for a Sailor that can be a frightening thing …

“Strange, haunting, cool – and very hard to put down.”
– Michael Marshall, author of “The Straw Men.”

My Review:

First of all I have to say this … “ARGH!!!”

Secondly, I’ll say this … I now know why Michael Marshall said that this book was ‘hard to put down’. Because you are made to be constantly reaching for the point, any point really! Let me save you some time; Life happens. Yup, that’s about the gist of it.

Yes, this novel had some really strange, cool, and somewhat spooky stuff going on. The author has a sense of humor as well, which is always a plus in my book. (pun intended) But, truth be told, I had to wade through a ton of useless descriptions (my opinion). I found myself skimming over several paragraphs of descriptors just to get to the meat of the story. And, well, I was left with a sense of … “That’s it? Really? That’s how you’re going to end this?” … and then I simply heaved a weary sigh. The only reason I finished this book is because my husband read it first, and he asked me to read it as well. One of those, “Hey Hon, tell me what you think of this, will ya?” Next time I may not be quite so accommodating. At least not without asking questions first, such as; “Does this book suck big bananas?”

The underlying story about the ’Sailors’ was intriguing, and would make for an interesting RPG character, to say the least. Jimmy Miles is a ‘hard-boiled detective’ with a ‘supernatural’ twist. He hangs out with MENSA members and street people that are of a similar make-up as he. And, he has a penchant for classic, hot-rod cars with Hemi engines.

You know, I never re-sell or give away any book that I’ve read. I keep them, proudly, in my library. But this one is gonna be a first. So, in conclusion, if you don’t mind trudging through mounds and mounds of useless descriptions, and you think you would enjoy a supernatural/detective/murder/mystery, then by all means … pick up this book. Or better yet, take my copy … Please!

“Experience the storytelling magic that makes each and every Johanna Lindsey novel impossible to put down.”

Back Cover Summary:

The most desirable beauty in the land, wildly unpredictable Megan Penworthy has set her amorous sights on Ambrose St. James, Duke of Wrothston – a man she has never met but has every intention of marrying. No other suitor will satisfy her – especially not the common, if uncommonly handsome, horse breeder, Devlin Jefferys.

Posing as lowborn Jefferys to escape a potentially fatal confrontation, Ambrose is enthralled and infuriated by the brazen, duke-hunting redhead. Without revealing his true identity, the notorious rogue vows to foil Megan’s plans to wed the man of her dreams – never imagining the enchanting schemer would turn out to be the only woman he would ever dream of marrying.

Stacy’s Review:

“Man of My Dreams” was a fun read. The formula was fairly predictable, but none-the-less entertaining. It was a ‘push me – pull you’ kind of romance. You know, where the hero and heroine have a strong physical attraction right from the ‘get-go’, but they find that antagonizing each other is a much more rewarding sport than a roll in the hay. Well, at least that’s the case through about half of the book.

There are quite a few chuckles to be gained within the pages of this book. The characters are definitely memorable, and fun. The sexual tension, which leads into sizzling chemistry between the characters, grabs you with a few Wow! moments. Grab a glass of ice water and enjoy! Also, this book introduces the outrageous character of a Scotsman by the name of Lachlan MacGregor. His story is continued in ‘book two’ of the ‘Sherring Cross’ series, and another must read for Lindsey fans.

Overall … A frolicking good read!

“Sheer delight … As always, Ms. Lindsey gives us what we want – A memorable, wonderful read that brings us laughter and joy.”
– Romantic Times

Back Cover Summary:

Still mourning her mother’s death, Kimberly Richards is incensed by the determination of her father, the Earl of Amburough, to marry her off as quickly as possible – just to please the jealous lover he plans to wed. And since Kimberly harbors a deep-seated dislike of gold-diggers and the whole distasteful state of affairs, the feisty young heiress already despises the “worthy suitor” she encounters at Sherring Cross Estate: Lachlan MacGregor, the dashing, newly impoverished Laird of Clan MacGregor.

A tryst with the handsome, haughty Lachlan seems dubious at best – especially since the rogue has designs on the married Duchess of Wrothston. But strange turns and outrageous circumstances promise to lead a woefully mismatched pair to a wildly unexpected destination – where a hard, resisting heart can open to the true glories of love.

Stacy’s Review:

“Love Me Forever” was a memorable read, filled with sexy, fun, endearing characters. There were plenty of twists and turns, outrageous behavior, guffaw wrenching humor and just plain ol’ fun!

The heroine in this story was not … (did you catch that?) … not a raving beauty. She was an average looking gal that radiated an inner beauty. She did, however, have a smile that garnered attention, and enhanced her outer appearance. The hero, Lachlan MacGregor, was a hoot! Ya gotta love this guy!

Once again Johanna Lindsey has created characters that come to life! Lots of fun! An awesome read!

“She manages to etch memorable characters in every novel she writes.”
– Chicago Sun-Times

Back Cover Summary:

What was to be a grand adventure for Melissa MacGregor – an escape from the wilds of her Scottish home into the whirl of the London social scene – seems to pale before the promise in the passionate gaze of Lincoln Ross Burnett. Though they exchange but a few words before parting after a chance encounter on her grandfather’s lands, Melissa instantly knows this bold stranger is her destiny, while Lincoln realizes his heart has been claimed forever and he will never be complete until Melissa MacGregor is his bride.

But there are serious obstacles impeding the well-smitten Viscount Cambury’s pursuit of glorious romance: sixteen of them – all big and brawny, six named Ian and all named MacFearson. The bane of Lincoln’s youth, Melissa’s stifling, disapproving; uncles are now determined to rob him of his newfound happiness. Yet he is equally resolved to confront the peril – and to pursue his exquisite obsession all the way to London … and to the ends of the earth, if necessary.

Stacy’s Review:

“The Pursuit” left me with a nice, warm feeling. Like hot cocoa on a rainy day, it just felt good. This was a switch from Lindsey’s usual writing style, or least from what I’ve read in her novels thus far. In this novel, the hero and heroine actually make a connection from the moment they meet. They talk with one another in an open, direct and honest manner. It seems as if there is nothing to keep them from being together. Nothing, except for Melissa MacGregor’s sixteen uncles, who, it seems, have a good reason for wanting to keep the happy couple apart.

Lincoln Ross Burnett, (the hero), is a rather determined chap. His is a tormented past, that haunts his chances of having a future with the woman he wishes to make his bride. Having learned from his past mistakes, he now meets obstacles with an inner calm and admirable grace. Through him we maintain optimism while fighting adversity. We learn to never give up on what is important in life.

Johanna Lindsey throws in dashes of her usual humor, which is always fun. The banter between Lincoln and Melissa’s uncles is a chuckle a minute. Lindsey always brings her characters to life, and this story is no different. It’s an endearing tale of love, romance, adversity, forgiveness and the importance of family ties.

“Experience the storytelling magic that makes each and every Johanna Lindsey novel impossible to put down.”

Back Cover Summary:

They didn’t mean to fall in love …

Sharisse Hammond had no intention of giving herself to some rancher who had sent for a mail-order bride! She had gone West only to escape the New York society marriage her father was arranging.

Lucas Holt’s intentions were also less than honest. But their plans to use each other were soon complicated by unspoken desire. He never expected her to be so stunningly beautiful. And she never expected to want any man so much.

While Lucas forced Sharisse to play in a dangerous game of revenge against the man who killed his father, she forced him to feel passions he could no longer control. Yet when her family asked her to return to New York, Lucas couldn’t find the words to ask her to stay.

Only when their stubborn hearts felt the pain of loss and separation did they come to know how completely they loved each other. And despite the distance and time – and misunderstanding – between them, somehow they had to be together …

Stacy’s Review:

Rather than stare numbly off into space as I waited for my next Yard Sale customer this weekend; I picked up another entertaining Lindsey novel. I read “Tender Is The Storm” while braving the cold October day, and you know what? This book was such an engrossing read, that I barely noticed it when my toes went numb from the chilly air.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away here, so I’ll have to keep this review short. I will say this though … the heroine was never kidnapped, nor did she fall deathly ill in order for the hero to finally realize that he truly loved her. Can you believe that!?! (grin) Go figure. I thought that I had finally got Johanna Lindsey novels down pat and she goes and changes the rules on me. The nerve! (chuckle)

The setting is placed in Arizona and New York back in the 1800’s. There were a couple of surprises contained within the pages. The main characters were likeable and real, nothing larger than life. The hero, (Lucas Holt), had a heart-wrenching past which shadowed his feelings of the future. The heroine, (Sharisse Hammond), was completely likeable, just enough of variety to her personality to make her believable. I didn’t find myself hollering at the pages this time, as the heroine didn’t do anything too incredibly frustrating. Lindsey’s usual sarcastic wit wasn’t really present in this book. But, there was a fun scene between the heroine and another gal where they traded some heavy-hitting barbs. Plus, there was a variety of humor thrown in here and there.

Overall, it was a good read.