Tan's ability to bring the reader in to the character portrayal of Mother Vs. Daughter is amazing. Surely this is a theme that she enjoys writing about and it's obviously a non-wasted talent for her to do so. By the end of the novel, I found myself caring deeply for Lu Ling and mourning her loss of memory through Alzheimer's, concerned for Ruth in her quest to find "Precious Auntie's" real name, as well as despair for Precious Auntie and her eventual tragic fate in the family history. This, my second Amy Tan novel, did not leave me disappointed.

During a second-honeymoon in the British Scottish Highlands meant to reunite Claire and Frank Randall in Post WWII England after their equal service to the British armed forces, Claire finds herself in the midst of a Stonehenge-like circle "Craigh Na Dun" and subsequently slips through a crack in time transporting her to 1743 Scottish Highlands. Her adventure leads her to become enmeshed in late 18th century Scottish politics and a conveniently arranged marriage that not only saves her life but unexpectedly becomes the love of her life. The reader is taken through a long but fast-paced gripping 640 pages where "Romance" is merely a side step of this adventurous and finely woven tale.

Far Fetched? Well, maybe to the straight historical reader. Otherwise, this reviewer begs to differ. One must certainly have a good appreciation for a little science fiction, a little history and a little romance (though not really a high focus despite mass-marketing as a romance) with a seemingly accurate theme of the violence and reality's of life in the Scottish Highlands during the eighteenth century. Diana Gabaldon knows her history and it shows in this, her first, novel. What makes this story is not the small romantic story line, but the knowledge and meticulous research used as a backdrop to this excellent novel.

If you expect Romance and tawdry sex, move on to other historical romance's you won't find that here. You will find however, a relationship based on the reality of life in the 1740's where not all was silk and lace even in the best of relationships. Again, the romance is one backdrop of many and the strict romance fan will be disappointed. If you have an appreciation for History, knowledge of paganism and the workings of Catholic monasticism and a desire to open your imagination, you will love this book and like this reader, you'll be unable to put it down until it is finished, hurriedly running out after to purchase the sequel.

An excellent work of historical fiction that deserves more than five stars.

Cannell's fans will no doubt agree that Ellie needs a good vacation away from the twins and the most interesting residents of Chittendon Falls. . Understandable then is the reader's frustration, surely shared by our heroine, that yet again that her plans are hijacked by her dramatic and high maintenance family. Instead of jaunting off to a well earned rest and recreate exploring the epicuriously rich France we are delighted to have another Ellie Haskell adventure even if the poor woman must stay at home at Merlon Court.

Readers are again held hostage to Cannell's British wit as seen through her characters old and new. Delightful was the creation of new characters, annoying as they may be, and comforting was the venerable Mrs. Malloy to dazzle us with her adventures, sage advice, and forked but witty tongue.

A slow start but a dazzling finish brings the reader to a delightful and smiling close that seems to never fail to disappoint this devoted fan of the author, leaving me, and I'm sure other readers, hungry for more adventures. In agreement with some of the other reviews, I'd certainly like to see Ellie and Ben on holiday without the Kids. Someplace far from the family and relatives that often bring Ellie to her wits end, Perhaps a cruise to Australia or an African Safari, or even an adventure in the Scottish Highlands. Would it still be the same however, without the family antics that keep our heroine busy and readers in stitches?

Don't miss this witty adventure, excellently written, very amusing continuation of the misadventures Ellie Haskell, her accidental partner and husband, Ben and the usual witty characters of Chittendon Falls.

I have to say that this book did not help me. I'm not sure why exactly it failed, but perhaps I have only to look no further than my own incurable compulsion with food. Fortunately I was able to have life saving surgery to reduce the size of my stomach. It did, however, still leave me with the same compulstion to eat which I struggle with.

However, the idea of this book is a very good one and it just may help you. You have to be willing to work on yourself and you should make that comittment before you read any further or decide to purchase this book. The author seems rather vague in areas in explaining her theories and how they might be applied o anyone else. Tragically, a recent NIH study reveals that only 5% of people who Diet to loose weight are able to keep it off permanently. Therefore, a Diet-free solution is not only convenient, but I believe, neccessary. Perhaps for me a re-read of this book is in order now that I've lost 65 lbs.

What do you mean they don't make the Biscuits Fresh Daily? I was horrified. I had always thought
Mom worked at Micky-Dee's Rolling out the biscuits in the early morning and frying up the bacon. Who
knew it all comes frozen? Who knew the French Fry taste is a chemical produced in New Jersey!!
While I'm not surprised that Fast Food is not good for you, I was a bit shocked to find out the
process of making it is not conducive to the health of the manufacturing employee's. I haven't
eaten a burger since finishing this book. Not sure if that's a good thing, but I know in the end
I may live just a bit longer. Very good research, author presented credible research combined
with appropriate human interest topics. Careful, you might become a vegetarian after this one!

I'm a lapsed Catholic but have always had a curiosity about the history of Mary, alleged Virgin
mother of Jesus of Nazareth. Erroneously I thought the book was a fictional account of a made
up visit between a non-catholic unsuspecting woman and the mother of the Devine savior. I found
quickly that it was that and more! Schoemperlen weaved an intriguing tale that left my imagination
to wander. Several times she had me convinced, because of excellent historical research and clever
writing that indeed Mary did come to visit and refresh herself at the authors home!
Perhaps it was slow at times, but only served to let me recover between giggles of delight.
I've recommended this to all of my Catholic and Non-Catholic (especially recovering Catholic)
friends.

The publication of this very intriguing Novel was, in publishing terms, a long time ago thus much has already been said on the best qualities and follies of this story. One can read those in the many other reviews below this one. However, I do wish to add my own Kudos' to the author in that from the perspective Erik Larson approved abridged audio version of this tale is well written fictionally enhanced history. I felt that the author did a good job at keeping me captivated to the story line, provided a lot of accurate and historical information, and brilliantly speculated on fictionalized aspects of the story while carefully painting them as a "possibility" but not touting them as the absolute truth. Further captivating was the pleasure of listening to the reading of this story by Edward Herrmann. One could not possibly have a better voice with which to tell this story. Very familiar with Herrmann's past roles in movies such as FDR, Automaker Dodge commercials and more recently as a guest appearance on the HBO series "OZ", I was delighted with his pleasant baritone voice-guiding the story. His use of inflection brought this story to life. Having listened to this in my car to go with my daily commute among the Washington, DC clogged I-95 corridor, I actually found myself looking forward to my "commute". That alone speaks volumes about both the authorship of the story and the quality of the narration.

Finally! A delightful and funny film interpretation of this excellent and very humorous Musical! Tyne Daly is brilliantly funny and the casting of Jason Alexander to the role of Albert was perfect. Also delightful was Vanessa Williams. It is clear to me that the cast had a lot of fun making this movie and it shows very well in this made for TV Version. Chyna Phillips as Kim?!? Did the casting Director pull names out of a hat? Though she tried her best and her acting was good, I just could not accept her as Kim McAffee. It certainly makes up for that abhorrent film interpretation of 1963. This includes ALL of the music, dialogue and scenes from the musical script. A highly recommended movie, especially if you are planning a HS or Community Theatre production of Bye Bye Birdie.

Dr. Jerri Nielson was no ordinary ER Physician. She sought adventure in her practice as a member of the trauma team in an Ohio Hospital. She struggled to get past an unhealthy marriage that resulted in the loss of her children to a husband who would sooner spite his own children from their mother than accept defeat through an ugly divorce. Dr. Nielson found healing and new adventure in her new job at the Antarctic. Little did she realize that this assignment would not only change her life, but bring her on the brink of death as well when she found a tumor growing in her breast deep in the night and cold of Winter at the South Pole where a flight to safety and life-saving medicine was out of the question for months. Readers will be enthralled and delighted as they read this tale of one woman's bravery to heal her life and fight the cancer that threatens to take all that she hoped for away like a thief in the night.

I found this to be a book that I looked forward to reading nightly and difficult to stop reading until the night enveloped me and sleep was easily put off in lieu of "one more chapter". We all know of Dr. Jerri and here is the story we don't know, her thoughts, her fears, her hopes and her dreams during the time when she doubted she would see her life return to "normal" or for that matter see any of her family again.

In one sentence, this is a story of triumph over not only breast cancer but over chaos of a life shattered by years of abuse and eventual divorce.

This life leaves us with so many unanswered questions and our heads filled with much fear and anxiety of the future. Cruelly we're unable to receive a definite answer to those questions except, "It will all be understood when you get to the last page". Well, I've got news for you, some of us need to have a better understanding of that first answer to our questions and I believe Ms. Browne to have a very good answer for us. Of the many religions of the world, most share one commonality of an afterlife. Some have varying degrees of what the afterlife is like but none can give us a clear answer. The question will never be answered completely, not by Sylvia, not by Mohammed and not by Jesus of Nazareth.

Yet, it's apparent that Sylvia has a pretty good grasp on the subject. Her words gave me great understanding and comfort in loosing cherished loved ones and in understanding this Vita Loca of mine. Who knew, that there is a great "Hall of Records" where my life is written down, and amazingly pre-planed by my Higher Power and myself. It makes perfect sense to me and as a practicing Ecumenical Christian agrees with much of my own personal theology.

No matter what the flavor of beliefs you have and your spirituality, I think Sylvia has something for everyone. Take what you need, and leave the rest...and if you need all of it know that she will generously give it to all to you and ask for nothing in return but your time and attention.