From the Bookshelf (in Association with Amazon.com)

History is another of our passions, and that's reflected in a couple of our current literary favorites: Cold Mountain, a powerful Civil War-era debut by Charles Frazier; and Anne Rivers Siddons' Low Country, a tale of personal renewal in a changing South Carolina (loved it!)

But we haven't forgotten the equines! Horses meet arts and letters in the richly rewarding Horse People: Writers and Artists on the Horses They Love, edited by Michael J. Rosen. And there's never been a better manual for young riders and their instructors than the truly joyful Let's Ride! with Linda Tellington-Jones (in conjunction with Andrea and Hilmar Pabel).

We also adore Frank McCourt's signature work, Angela's Ashes -- it's a moving tribute to the enduring spirit of the Irish. (Grab this Pulitzer Prize winner before the movie comes out!) Speaking of the Irish, St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, but there's always room in life for a little Celtic wisdom. Take a look at Steve Rabey's In the House of Memory, a thought-provoking manual for applying the power of Celtic prayer and philosophy to modern living.

And for you mystery buffs, there is nobody like Dick Francis -- especially if you love horse racing. His new collection of stories, Field of Thirteen, is Francis at his best.

Besides our horses, we're lucky enough to be owned by a Jack Russell terrier named Xena (right). (For more information on this breed, visit the Jack Russell Terrier Association of America.)

Our warrior princess "digs" The Lost History of the Canine Race, by Mary Elizabeth Thurston; and Dogdogs, by photographer Elliot Erwitt (left) which showcases canines in the most entertaining and engaging situations! And at Amazon's $7.96 price, it's a real steal.

Ready for something different? Pick up a copy of Francesca Marciano's Rules of the Wild. It's a compelling first novel about the safari set, a wild bunch of expats who are busy exploring Africa's dark side. It speaks volumes about the relationships between family, friends and lovers, wherever they may roam!


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