While this is a great book by Kay Hooper, it is from the now out-of-print Loveswept line. It was 5 stars then, but times have changed and now I would give it 3 to 4 stars. However, make no mistake, this is a reissue.

I got this book because it seemed to look interesting, and I was right. I couldn't put it down, and read it in one sitting! Kay Hooper is a great author, and as you go through the story, she lets you know things that you already suspected to be true. This was the first book of hers that I have read, but I'll be sure to read more of her books!

The novel is a change of pace for readers more familiar with the author's recent science fiction, but Isaac Asimov also wrote mysteries. The setting is 1837. Persis Rooke finds herself shipwrecked and stranded on a Florida key, rescued by a wrecker/salvager of the time period. A contested inheritance, a hostile business rivalry between her savior and another sea captain, and a resident ghost all add to the plot. Life is full of surprises, and Persis encounters her share. Overall, it is a good, well written story. The author does use some archaic terms from the time period. The novel is suitable for students at high school level.

The Opal-Eyed Fan is one of my favorite Norton books, though it isn't overly endowed with substance, or is even really fantasy. It's romantic suspense, tinged with a bit of the supernatural. And while it might not be particularly intellectually stimulating, it serves a very necessary function as brain candy.

It's set in the Florida Keys, quite awhile back when wreckers-- and pirates-- still roamed the waters. Persis Rooke, accompanying her uncle on a mysterious quest involving an old family scandal and a forgotten will, is shipwrecked on Lost Lady Key. Lost Lady Key is the home of her rescuer, the wrecker Crewe Leverett, his sister Lydia, the remnants of an ancient island race, and (as implied in its name) a ghost. Persis is increasingly drawn into the intrigues of the island's inhabitants. What are Lydia and her handsome beau, pirate Ralph Grillon, planning? What does Ralph Grillon want from Persis? And what is the significance of the strange false fan that keeps turning up in Persis' possession?

Perhaps a little conventional, but still great fun. It has its high points; the take on wreckers, who are often represented unfavorably, is particularly interesting. Recommended for all who like swashbuckling, pirates, adventure, and a nice dash of romance. If this heady mixture sounds appealing, it's worth the effort to find a copy (although it will be necessary to ignore the dreadfully dated cover). For another great swashbuckler, also try Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill's recent The Shadow of Albion.

Ailanna

Fia Scheyer's book, "Out From Nassau", really captures the feel, sounds and smells of the Bahamas. Written with unusual sensitivity for the indigenous population, the book drives home the importance of human relationships. Ms. Scheyer's knowledge of the local seas as well as the local people, comes through on literally every page. And her weaving of this tale makes it amply clear what human values should be as Hannah makes her tough life choices. Good book!

I loved "Out From Nassau"! Fia Scheyer is a wonderful writer and did a marvelous job of creating and developing her characters. Having some knowledge of the Bahamas and its people I find the story of the out-islanders very authentic, as is the plot and the various relationships. I could hardly put it down! It is very readable. It is indeed a pleasure to find such a fine book.

Rufus Broadaway

serious divers will likely think this complex system is pretty silly. A slate works really well. But for kids, or for a few basic communiques, the book has some good signals. It would take a good knowledge of the marine creatures before the signals would make sense. It does go far beyond the simple hand signals from your PADI classes. It would be a neat gift to give a Junior Open Water graduate.

A great book for someone who is new to the diving experience. Great visuals.

Before the Europeans arrived in the Bahama islands in 1492, the agricultural system developed by the Island Arawak people comprised shifting cultivation of starch and sugar-rich foods, garden plots, hunting fish and fauna, and collecting fruits. It has not stopped changing since. In AGRICULTURE IN THE BAHAMAS, the author, who was Director of Bahamas' Agriculture from 1973 to 1982, reviews agriculture before Columbus and the colonial centuries, tracking social and institutional transition from subsistence to a plantation economy. Until 1950, agriculture was the major employer and export earner, but now tourism dominates a largely urban economy, and finances a massive food import bill. Diets are based on imported preferences (Florida is only 30 minutes away) and agriculture strives to meet seasonal demand. Bahamian agriculture has been compressed to a state of uncertainty and is vulnerable to the dictates of the WTO, where "the interests of rich, industrialised countries outweigh those of small nations."

This book is a labour of love, is tender and thorough with a nation's agricultural history, and is fraught for its future, "shrouded with challenges of unknown dimensions." A tale for how many ACP states?

I think that this was a wonderful book-knowing that it was true, and having visited the island where the johnstons lived, and seeing the foundry, was an exceptional experience. I met Randolph Johnston and his family, and watched as he created a statue for my husbands family. I would highly recommend this book.

DO NOT go to the Bahamas without this book if you are an ornithophile! It covers not only Grand Bahama and New Providence, but virtually all of the inhabited Out Islands. Each chapter offers various suggestions for birding trips and covers all reported hot spots and species. This is NOT a field guide, however, you will also want to take along the Bond/Peterson guide to birds of the West Indies, and I recommend a North American field guide as well, though you could get along without that if you take good notes (some species will not show up in either of the other two books).

For the diver looking to expand their geographical horizons. The info for the most part is very general. It's an overview of interesting and less visited dive spots. If you're serious about travelling & diving 'off the beaten path' you'll need to supplement this with a more specific guide for your destination. But a good 'idea book' for those casting about for new travel & dive destinations.

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in plants of the Bahamas or Turks and Caicos. And of course, there is also some overlap of flora between Cuba, South Florida, and the Caribbean basin. The book is an almost comprehensive tome for the Bahamas with great plates. There a few mistakes, but based on the size of the book (1,692 pages), it is quite an undertaking to not have any. The only warning is that it is a scientific key. The average person, without a botanical background or without an understanding of botanical terminology, may find it difficult to comprehend. Suggestions for those without botanical training are to purchase a Plant Identification and Terminology book to go along with Flora of the Bahama Archipelago.

Good,but not heavily detailed maps. Good,though brief history coverage.Irritating $$ signs instead of real prices.Mailboat info. Not complete coverage on cheap hotels. Lists sites but nothing off the beaten track. Plenty of detailed trip planning info, could get by with just this one book if not traveling on a tight budget. For those who research prior to trips, this is worth the addition to your library, but you'll need other books to complement it for in-depth research.