Stealing Heaven

June 5, 1990
``Just one story,'' pleads Baby Bear, and then he'll go to sleep. When Goldie falls for what has to be the oldest line known to youngsters, ``just one'' story soon spins into a whole picture book-full. Each of the stuffed animals in Baby Bear's room--an elephant, a mole, an anteater, an alligator, a sheep and a tiger--takes a turn in the limelight as Goldie patiently makes up tales to suit her charge's fancies. The stories are pure froth, and the prolific Yolen outdoes herself at one point with an exceedingly comical account of a flock of sheep, all named Sam. Dyer, Yolen's collaborator on the Piggins books and The Three Bears Rhyme Book , treats readers to crisp, imaginatively framed images in a palette of clear, fresh colors. Ages 3-8.

July 8, 2002
Love, loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness are issues often touched upon in romances, and Hunter (Lord of a Thousand Nights) explores them more thoroughly than most in this serious yet sensual medieval romance. English knight Marcus of Anglesmore is commanded by King Edward III to wed Genith, the youngest daughter of Welsh rebel chieftain Llygad, in order to bring peace to the volatile English/Welsh borders. But he meets Genith's older sister, Nesta, first, and there's never any question whom he desires. Known as "the King's whore" owing to a possible dalliance with Edward, who quickly married her off to an elderly Scottish lord, Nesta is her father's heir; she's inherited his cause and will do anything, even risk losing Marcus, to further it. At night, the two come together as lovers, but during the day, they are torn apart by their loyalties—his to Edward and hers to Llygad's memory. The solution to their predicament doesn't come easily, but in their struggle to reconcile duty with passion, they grow as characters. Hunter paints a vibrant portrait of life in the 14th century, and her protagonists sparkle with an intelligence that will endear them to readers. A large dose of suspense and a number of beautifully written sex scenes help round out this absorbing read.

August 1, 2002
King Edward has given Marcus of Anglesmore his holdings back and arranged for a betrothal to a Welsh beauty. This marriage would solidify Edward's hold on Wales and provide Marcus with a much-needed bride. One night, after repeatedly being turned away at her door, Marcus scales a garden wall and encounters a woman strolling in the moonlight. Enchanted by her, they share an instant attraction and stolen kisses. Nesta knows that Marcus believes she is her younger sister, his intended, who is actually destined to marry another, a man who would further the Welsh cause. Nesta herself is dangerously involved in the same conspiracy. When Nesta's sister steals away, Marcus chooses to marry Nesta instead, but there are many complications, both personal and political, and although they experience a profound mutual attraction, duty demands that they betray each other. The latest by seasoned romancer Hunter is both intriguing and sensual and a must-read for her fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)