Book Description
Rebecca Lopez enjoys a life of privilege in Elizabeth's England -- yet she guards secrets she dares not reveal. The beautiful, tempestuous daughter of the queen's own physician, Rebecca is also a converso -- a Jew who practices her prohibited religion clandestinely -- helping others of her banned faith escape persecution and death. And her insatiable hunger for excitement often takes her to the bustling streets of London in male garb to experience the kind of adventure available only to men. But one such outing is leading her into a dangerous viper's nest built of intrigue and foul murder in the company of a dashing young actor who inflames her romantic passions, even as he escorts her toward peril, a charming and fearless would-be playwright who calls himself Will Shakespeare.
Customer Reviews:
What a waste of talent!.......2005-11-29
I enjoy most of Faye Kellerman's books and so it was with excitement that I settled down to read this one. I wish I hadn't wasted my money on it.
With the amount of attempted rape, overemphasis on sex, and abundant uncouth language, Faye's regular readers are sure to find that this book is of more interest to horny 12 year old boys and persons addicted to bad historical romance. If that weren't enough to put you off of reading it, the historical figures in the book are NOT believable. I just couldn't buy Shakespeare's involvement in this novel, let alone other historical figures. As one reviewer mentioned, Queen Elizabeth I of England as a lesbian? I've never read that before as one of the reasons she ever married! None of the characters are interesting or likable. Personally, I found them all repugnant. And, frankly, I'm sick and tired of both the Kellerman's biased attacks on Christians. If they portrayed Jewish characters the way they portray Christian ones, they would be accused of being racist. Come on guys, be a bit balanced and bring some reality into the portrayal of these individuals. Yes, there are problems in this time of history with people who said they were of a certain religion not behaving in a way consistent with the religion's basic teachings - in this case a book that contains quite a few chapters that also belong to the Jewish religion. All religions (including Judaism) have people who state they believe but are only giving lip-service to the tenants of the religion.
I've had to force myself to read this book, only once again picking up the book because I cannot believe that Faye Kellerman could have written a book this bad.
A Bit Over the Top.......2005-08-04
This novel is more adventure than mystery, and though the setting and the historical correlations are interesting and at times compelling, the plot gets out of control, and the author takes us to unlikely scenarios for the sake of thrills. Would Shakespeare have had enough time away from his playwrighting and acting to engage in these romantic adventures? Improbable, though lively.
Interesting idea, but book is a bit trashy at times .......2004-12-22
The Quality of Mercy encompasses many genres. It is a murder mystery, thriller, romance and a partial history.
Rebecca Lopez and her family are conversos, Jews who practice their religion secretly and help others escape persecution. She meets and becomes romantically involved with Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright who is trying to put together the pieces of his best friend's murder. While Will longs to find the clues to discover Harry's killer, Rebecca longs for the excitement of being an independent person who can love the one she truly is attached to. Rebecca's father, who is Queen Elizabeth's physician, leads a secret mission to help Jews escape out of Spain.
While Faye Kellerman's novel is quite unique, intertwining historical and fictional elements, it came across as being a bit too trashy. There are many times Kellerman goes into great detail when describing something graphic or less than appealing (honestly, do we need a one page description about Queen Elizabeth's old wrinkled skin or health problems). The sex scenes are quite frequent and overdone throughout the novel, and there is a good deal of profanity (I didn't know they used the "f" word so often during Elizabethan times). Perhaps these sections of the novel could have been less blatant and repulsive, as they seemed to diminish much of the quality of the plot.
While the novel irked me on certain levels, there were also aspects I found refreshing. Kellerman's ability to bring forth all of the Shakespearean and Elizabethan background, all the while telling a murder mystery, was remarkable and not an easy task to accomplish. She is able to take many aspects of Shakespeare's life and insert them into her character Will Shakespeare, making many of the connections accurate. As one reviewer noted, it reminded me a lot of how the movie "Shakespeare in Love" was done, adding fictional elements with historical elements based on Shakespeare's life. Much of the feel of the novel is Elizabethan, and the descriptions and background for the London area definitely give the novel its credibility.
Overall, this is an entertaining read, based mostly on the plot and historical quality. However, I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it to anyone.
3 Stars.
Great Shakespearean fiction.......2004-10-15
Who knew Faye Kellerman, best known for contemporary thrillers, could write historical fiction so well? In this book, she gives Shakespeare a Jewish mistress, plonks him down in the middle of a murder mystery, and has him smuggling Portuguese refugees off a pirated ship - and it works.
Kellerman has observed the most important rule of writing about Shakespeare: Have a sense of humor. (After all, he did.) Even when tackling serious subjects or plotting suspenseful encounters, there is an easy feel about this book that makes it enjoyable to read.
Rebecca Lopez is the daughter of an expatriate Portuguese converso - Jews who supposedly renounced their faith. Yet her family has fled to England, where they can practice their religion, albeit secretively. She meets Shakespeare - how else? By dressing as a man and attending one of his plays, then challenging him to a duel. Shakespeare, meanwhile, is trying to solve the murder of his friend and benefactor Harry, and finds himself drawn further and further into the seedy underbelly of Elizabethan London at the same time as he is falling in love with Rebecca and becoming involved in the plight of the Jewish exiles.
Lighthearted without being farcical, poignant but not sappy, Kellerman strikes a great balance here with a wonderful novel.
Graphic yet compelling.......2003-09-10
I was so engrossed in this book, I couldn't put it down. I found Rebecca's storyline particularly interesting, Shaespeare's, not so much. It is not for the faint of heart - there are graphic descriptions of torture that may be fiction but are based on actual historical events and are very disturbing. But if you can handle it, it's a great book!
Average customer rating:
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The Quality of Mercy: An Autobiography
Mercedes McCambridge
Manufacturer: Times Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Theater
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Foreign Languages
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0812909453 |
Customer Reviews:
One Great Mystery!.......2000-01-26
I felt that this book was one that I should add to my personal collection. It was well written, as well as fast-paced. Gilbert Morris did a great job with the details of the plot, and had me guessing right up to the end. Danielle and Ben are quite a duo, and I can never tell what Morris will have them do next! I suggest that anyone who likes Gilbert Morris or mysteries should definetly read this book!
Book Description
When the Nazis seize Austria in March 1938, Verity Browne — the New Gazette's correspondent in Vienna — is one of the first to be deported as a well-known anti-Fascist. Before she leaves she is able to arrange for a young Jew, Georg Dreiser, to escape to England, but where he expects to find safety, he finds danger and sudden death.
Lord Edward Corinth also finds death where it is least expected, in the grounds of Lord Montbatten's country house, Broadlands. There to meet his friend the Maharaja of Batiala, Edward's nephew Frank stumbles on a corpse. The police are satisfied that the man, identified as Peter Gray, a painter of some repute, died of natural cause; but his niece, Vera, persuades Edward that all is not as it seems.
Between them, Edward and Verity investigate two murders and Verity's eyes are opened to what has been obvious to all their friends, that Edward is the man she loves and that her destiny is to be his partner in life as well as in crime.
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The Quality of Mercy (Eileen Ramsay Omnibus)
Eileen Ramsay
Manufacturer: Time Warner Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Genre Fiction
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0751532991 |
Average customer rating:
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Quality of Mercy
Mercedes McCambridge
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 042505389X |
Product Description
3 Titles By Faye Kellerman : The Quality of Mercy Moon Music Double Homicide (With Jonathan Kellerman). Three mmpb books.
Book Description
Three sister-princesses . . . three magical talismans . . . one chance to save a world from utter annihilation: SKY TRILLIUM!
In the World of the Three Moons, an unknown evil stirs . . . and severe earthquakes, widespread volcanic eruptions, and disastrous weather rock the land . . .
Only the legendary Sky Trillium--made from the three talismans of the princesses Kadiya, Anigel, and Haramis--can heal the ancient wounds of the world. But Anigel's is missing, and Kadiya's talisman has lost its potency. Yet even if the sisters are able to regain all three of the talismans, will they be strong enough to control the awesome magic of the Sky Trillium?
Encounter the wondrous world of the Black Trillium, originally created by three of fantasy's stellar talents: Julian May, André Norton, and Marion Zimmer Bradley.
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Turns you in every direction.......2001-10-22
Wow... It's hard to rate this one book when there is a whole
series. You'll recognize lots of Julian May in these books. You
are taken into one direction then totally blown away in another.
The series starts out kinda slow but then, watch out! I highly
recommend the whole series.
I was captivated to the very end. This is one of the books that
you just find hard to put down.
Entertaining, but not classic.......2001-05-01
This book is mostly well-written and has an involving storyline, but it just doesn't have that certain something that makes a book classic. Also, I was disappointed at how the relationship between Haramis and Orogastus was portrayed; there was a lot of potential for great writing there that was never realized.
I'm hoping Black Trillium will be better, as it was the original Trillium book, written by three authors.
for fantasy fans.......2000-08-24
Sky Trillium continues the Trilliumseries nicely. The other four book and this one all have well developed characters, great plots, and a little twist in them to keep you interested. You don't have to but I would recommend that you read the other books before this one.
All the trillium books jump around from the view points of the main characters so no matter what kind of character you like one these will be your fav. espesilly since they are all very differnt in personality.
Best fantasy author.......2000-02-05
One of the best book I've rea
Very good book........1999-06-30
I read the book after picking up the Black Trillium about 2 years ago. I went through about 5 used book stores to find this book. I recommend highly this book to any of Julian May fans out there.
Average customer rating:
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Sky Trillium
Julian May
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVCKHQ |
Average customer rating:
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Sky Trillium
Julian May
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVECJA |
Book Description
The bestselling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic shows chronic pain sufferers how to treat the underlying causes of pain and regain health and vitality
Pain Free 1-2-3 demonstrates the four critical components for healing tissue: getting optimum nutrition and sleep, correcting hormonal levels, and eliminating the factors that put stress on the body. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum provides more than 100 treatments combining both natural and prescription approaches to guide you on how to aid the body in healing, locate the source of their pain, and tailor treatments for maximum effect.
“An excellent and powerfully effective part of the standard of practice for treatment of people who suffer from fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome.” --The Journal of the American Academy of Pain Management
Customer Reviews:
Good information.......2007-10-08
I received the book very promptly and it was in good condition.
The information is very good on what I have read so far.
If you are in pain, this is THE book for you.......2007-06-22
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"Although both allopathic and natural medicines have their weaknesses, when you combine them, almost all pain can be effectively treated. It's the difference between having only one tool- say a hammer, which is like allopathic medicine - or a whole tool kit that includes the dozens of other healing arts available in natural medicine. A hammer can be a very useful tool, but unfortunately when all you have is a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail! It's much easier to get the job done safely and effectively when you are using all the tools available." (Keep in mind the author is a medical doctor!)
"I simply propose that you use the best of both systems. To make this easier for you, and to maintain objectivity, I have a policy of not taking money from any companies (natural or pharmaceutical) whose products I recommend. In addition, for the products I make, 100 percent of my royalties go to charity. There's nothing wrong with money, I simply don't want to get in the way of your getting well!" [Wow, now isn't that refreshing!]
"...most Americans are chronically dehydrated, and this can make you feel worse as well. I do not recommend that you count glasses of water; this is an annoying way to spend a day. Simply check in with your mouth and lips every so often. If they are dry, you are dehydrated and need to drink more water." (How many times have we all read that we have to have eight or ten glasses of water a day? Really, how many of us spend a day counting how much we drink?! What a practical solution to the problem!)
You will find this book engaging, informative and practical.
Great book.......2007-01-11
Great book. I have taken some of the ideas to the Dr and they have helped. Would highly recommend this book.
Wonderful Book!.......2006-12-28
I got this book yesterday and ended up reading it into the wee hours of the morning. I learned so much about pain and recommendations on how to treat it. I can't wait to get started on some of his suggestions. if you are in pain and don't know what to do - get this book!
Pain Free 1-2-3.......2006-11-06
This is an excellent summary of conditions and products, both natural and prescriptive, for combating pain. The writer describes different types of pain that result from various types of conditions, and avoids technical jargon. In some instances his explanations appear to be simplistic, especially in suggesting products without empirical foundation. However, it is a great primer for those seeking pain relief.
Book Description
This sumptuous collection of recipes for eighty of Dunaways best loved breadsfilled with her wonderful illustrationsoffers recipes for such classic Italian breads as Focaccia, Filoncino, and Pane Casereccio (Housewifes Bread) and also traditional American breads like Skillet Cornbread and Sourdough Biscuits. With Dunaways revolutionary methods for easy baking, everyone can have his or her breadand make it, too!
Customer Reviews:
Good for Beginners.......2007-09-17
I'm what you might call a serious home baker. Roughly 30 dedicated bread books in my collection. I like this book for fast bread- especially the focaccia. My kids just love it. On the other hand, the flavors just aren't what you might get with some of the serious bread books on the market. Crust and Crumb by Peter Reinhart or Great Bread by Martha Rose Shulman include recipes that aren't much more work but yield much more complex flavors. For what it is, I like this book. For more accomplished home cooks, look elsewhere or you might be disappointed.
almost too easy.......2006-09-21
I have just finished eating my first loaf from this book and felt that I needed to clarify some of the existing reviews.
I have been baking bread for years and have built quite a collection of bread books in that time (and have made bread using recipes from all of them). This is one that I know I will continue to use.
I didn't notice that the author's tone was particularly annoying as has been mentioned elsewhere. However, I tend to skip the basic introductory information and go straight to the techniques where it may be less evident. The method of not kneading the bread results in a lovely airy bread that also has good flavor. The loaf I just made did require four minutes of stirring by hand which may seem like a great deal of effort to some but, compared to your average kneaded bread, it's fairly minimal. Nearly all recipes have two alternative methods, one that only requires about 90 minutes of time for the dough to rise/proof (in two separate steps) and the other that is a much slower refrigerator process that happens over night. The author explains the trade-offs and allows the reader to choose. For the loaf I just finished, I used the instant gratification version and was not disappointed.
The "no knead" method is not unique to this author and there are other books in my collection that include similar techniques but I am quite impressed with the initial results of this first loaf.
All in all, I think that this book is worth checking out if you are used to kneading dough or if you are just starting to bake bread.
The Only Bread Book You Will Ever Knead.......2006-05-03
I would give this book six stars if I could! It's simply the best book for making easy and delicious bread without wearing out your arms kneading. I'm a novice baker, but these are simple and easy recipes written in a style that is friendly and casual, and designed for anyone to use. If you like Italian or French peasant breads, (I love Ciabatta) look no further, and buy this book. I don't think you would ever regret it. It's sitting on my kitchen counter even now, and I expect to use it often.
Great bread.......2006-05-01
I love this book. This book has turned me into a bread baker, something I never expected to do. My family loves the baguettes, the pizza crust (with an addition of 2 tbsp of basil and 3 cloves fresh garlic) and the whole wheat bread. I'm slowly working my way through with a lot of repeated bakings of favorite breads.
Quick, Easy, and Delicious.......2005-12-23
I haven't baked bread in twenty years since it was such a disappointing experience. So much work and all I ended up with were little whole wheat door stops. These days, I don't have time to waste on elaborate recipes so when I came across this title and its promise of delicious bread with no kneading, I thought it was worth a try but was also skeptical. I tried the foccacia on page 40. Less than ten minutes to prepare the dough, 40 minutes to let it rise, 15 minutes in the oven, 15 minutes to cool. The most amazing bread ever!!! Flavorful, with a tasty crust and moist inside. The only downside was that I ate half a loaf in one sitting. In addition to other flavorful breads, the book also includes the easiest pizza crust ever, recipes for bread leftovers (although I doubt you'll ever have any), and bread recipes for children.
Books:
- The Raven in the Foregate (Brother Cadfael Mysteries)
- The Riddle of the Traveling Skull
- The Samurai's Daughter
- The Siren Queen (Mystery at Queen Elizabeth I's Court)
- The Watcher in the Pine (Soho Crime)
- Thieves Dozen (Dortmunder Novels)
- Tropic of Night
- Tularosa
- Unexplained Mysteries of the 20th Century
- Vineyard Deceit: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery (Martha's Vineyard Mysteries (Avon Books))
Books Index
Books Home
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- Flavor, Fragrance & Odor Analysis
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- Good Morning, Midnight
- The Solar Chimney: Electricity from the Sun
- Constant: New Babylon : art et utopie : textes situationnistes
- The Deep Blue Alibi: A Solomon vs. Lord Novel
Sacred and Profane (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels)
Day of Atonement
Milk and Honey (Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Novels)
Sanctuary (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels)
Justice (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels)
