He'd turned painter as well. I've been out of that loop for a few years now. You're welcome, Lorace, for the reply, and I'm enjoying the discussion, too. It really bugs me a bit that so few people stay active on the Books boards - or maybe I just started at a slow time. My first time venturing into this corner of Epinions was just a few days ago, and I hope it picks up some activity, because we book people are just so much fun! :0)

Have you (Mark, Lorace, and anyone else who cares to join this discussion) ever read J.M.T. Miller? The only one of her books I've read was "The Big Lie," and that was a few years back, but I couldn't put it down. I'll have to borrow it from my parents again, because it sadly hasn't been reviewed on here yet. Amazon has a few reviews for it, but none for her two other Weatherby series books.

Back to making dinner.

-Valetta

I think Lorace is right about that. I'm interested in Sandy, too, Mark. As I said before, we seem to have similar reading tastes. Would love to hear more, as I've never read her/him. eBay, half.com or Paperbackswap.com are usually good places to look for out of print stuff. I really wish I could remember the name/author of a book I read awhile back about virtual reality games, drugs, and a red-haired reporter in Colorado. It was excellent and after I immersed myself in it for hours on end, my dad picked it up and was engrossed the same way. If the storyline sounds familiar, please let me know. Would love to check out the author for future reading. Lorace, who/what are some more of your faves?

-Valetta

Sandy Dengler wrote stuff in many genres in the Christian market in the 80's and 90's. She had a kid's series, historical romances, and mysteries.

To be honest, I haven't read her stuff in years and wonder if I would feel the same about it now as I did then. I remember liking her plotting and characters. Most of all, her writing style was wonderful. She had an almost poetic style at times. It took more concentration to read then, say, Left Behind, but was really worth it.

I'm guessing I would like her stuff now because most of what I learned to look for in a good plot I learned from her at a writer's conference, so I would assume she followed it herself. :)

I'm thinking of rereading some of her stuff this year, but unfortunately, not much of it is listed here and it's almost impossible to find pictures of her book covers to SAP. And suggestions on how I could do that would be appreciated.

Mark

Mark,

I'm ashamed to say I've never done a SAP to date. I just have so many other books to review, I kind of put anything not on Epinions yet on the back burner, saying, "I'll get around to it someday."
Have you been here? http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/sandy-dengler/
Guess while we're on the subject of laziness, I keep asking you to describe authors to me when I have that nifty little Google button at the top of my screen...but I really suppose I was just asking for your personal view and recommendations on them. Anyway, she looks to be well accomplished and quite intriguing - definitely worth a look-see. Thanks for suggesting her. I actually wonder now (after perusing a few more sites about her) if I've read one of her books as required reading at Moody Bridal *ahem* Bible Institute. It was back in '96 in a blitz of other books, but I think one her Moody Press volumes might have graced my unsightly pile on my dorm desk...

-Valetta

I think I've been there. They have a few covers available, but not many. Of course, they also have all the titles messed up and series books not listed together and....

I'd be curious to know which book it is you think you've read.

As to SAP's, I review books as I read them, and the catalogue is so behind right now that no new books published in 2006 seem to be showing up. Since those are the last few books I've read, I have been taking advantage of it quite regularly. Of course, with new books, a picture of the cover is just about everywhere. Not so with older books.

Mark

*Grin* Danged scanners.
Glad to hear you've found something I've said useful - I'm kind of occupying a teensy little niche with my most recent deluge of obscure children's books reviews, but I'm finding fulfillment in it. Guess that's what matters. Hats off to you for expanding our database and posting so many reviews on previously unreviewed books. Now if I could just bring myself to type the first few words of my upcoming Veggie Bible Dictionary review...

Gotta go press plants with my son...wonder where Lorace went. Surely she didn't sneak back to the real world!
Guess I'll be branded a follower.

Have a good one, and catch you on another string errr...thread.
-Valetta

Either Michael Crichton or Chuck Palahniuk.

Both very different, but I love their writing. I can read a Crichton book quicker than anyone else. Palahniuk's books are so full of oddities that I actually read them slower than usual just to take it all in.

King? Did you watch "Desperation" on TV? I taped it and began watching it. Perlman has the Entragian character perfectly, and the kid (Haboucha?) is also great. I think "Desperation" is my favorite King book.

As to all-time favorite author, maybe Steinbeck or Twain.

Over the years I would probably have different authors. At one time I would have said Isaac Asimov. That was years ago when I was very much into sci fi. As time goes on I suppose I go for the author of the year where I follow a particular writer for a while. I was a huge King fan. Still am.

When it comes to one, I have to go with David McCullough. I started reading him fairly recently and I enjoy history and his books are brilliant!

I've read 1776, John Adams and Mornings on Horseback. I enjoyed each. I am now reading Truman and I have a yearning for a couple other books of his including The Course of Human Events and The Johnstown Flood.

Phil

Could be George R.R Martin, the late Douglas Adams, Terry Pratchett but I would have to go for Stephen King just for the variety, consistency and scope. The mans imagination is genius and even his worst books are better than the majority. In Britain he would be knighted by now!