When a Temporal Interventionist goes back in time to find out how a certain type of influenza broke out in several unrelated places at a time, he learns that yet another time traveler is spreading the disease to insure his time period does not develop as it did. Confusing? Only the way I tell it.

This is a great sci-fi short story which first appeared in Analog in December 2004. The narrative is well told from a first person point of view. I strongly recommend this as a quick read.

In the near future, I'll have reviews of the following books:

• Beaudry's Ghost by Carolan Ivey--LTD Books
• Small Moments in Time by John Hemry--Fictionwise
• The Reluctant Rancher by Patricia Mason and Joann Baker--Moonlit Romance

Be patient. I'm reading as fast as I can!

What a howling good book. Marrianne Wilson and Nick Galanapolous are the victims of mother matchmaking. As they try to avoid getting sucked into a marriage just like Mom and Dad's, they learn that mother really does know best. However, mother doesn't have to know right away. They have to work through issues of trust, and honesty first.

It's All Greek to Me will lift your spirits, give you the giggles, and if you aren't careful, empty your bladder. The secondary characters flesh out the story in a delightful way which brings depth to the romance.

I had life issues near the end of last year, but now I'm back and ready to tackle some new reviews. Check back soon to read my review of It's All Greek to Me by Laura Hamby.

If you're looking for a classic romance, you'll find it with Mr. Far From Perfect. Tim Starling ran, not walked, away from Veronica (Roni) Dey when she suggested marriage three years ago. But suddenly he has the opportunity to waltz back into her life when his mother requests that Roni's business supply a museum with her dried flower products.

Tim has come to the realization that he wants a wife and children. Unfortunately, Roni isn't buying the sudden turn around. Tim has to prove that he is really interested in having a committed relationship with her, even if it means giving up the job he was more devoted to than he was to her.

I only have two little nit picks with this book. The first is the insensitivity shown toward larger women. In a scene in which Tim and Roni are looking at Rubenesque paintings, Roni makes negative comments regarding the women's figures. I found this distasteful.

The other problem I had was a small plot hole. Tim has blisters on his hand which require medical attention, yet he goes bowling, and doesn't do too bad. It pulled me out of the story.

Even with these two small things, this was a very well written and enjoyable story.

I'm reading a longer book right now. It may be Friday before I review it. So far, it's really good.

Just "cute" looking librarian Colleen Phelan becomes a beautiful queen every year for the Renaissanse Faire. She and her king slide into their roles as completely as possible. Everything is going as ususal until a new knight shows up and begins vieing for the queen's favor, during the Faire and after hours.

Australian Christian Troussaint plays Sir Kendrick in the Faire, the knight in pursuit of the fair queen. His persistance wins him a passionate fling with Colleen, which appears will be short lived. He's only in the States for a short time.

All in all, this story is rather flat in the emotional punch department. I just can't feel them falling in love, at least not enough for Colleen to make the sacrifice she does in the end. Nonetheless, this story is a fun romp, and the descriptions of the Faire and other players are entertaining.

Oh, wow, what a book.

Gypsy Larabee is running from a crazy ex-boyfriend turned stalker when she winds up taking a job as an estate liquidator. The "estate" is a funky purple house in the middle of a section of Dallas known as Psychedelic Heights. The job includes living in the house while she renovates and sells off the contents. To her surprise, the contents include a crystal ball and how-to psychic books. During the course of her stay, Gypsy becomes known for her "psychic abilities," finds two missing people, one alive the other dead, solves a murder, gets her sister Petal's marriage back on track and hooks up with a hottie of a reporter. *Deep breath.*

To sum up Sister Gypsy Moon in just a few words, this is an action packed ride. I really enjoyed the humor with which this story was told. The cover says it is a Gypsy and Petal Mystery, I'm looking forward to seeing MORE of Gypsy and Petal in the future.