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!!!THE LATEST NEWS!!!

From Our Website

byline by Penny Terk

ARBORETUM NEWS!! All of us love the Arboretum and we want to stay current on everything happening there. One of the best ways of doing this is by checking out the MARVELOUS new website of "The Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden". PennyTerk.com is happy to announce that we have placed their LINK on our own Home Page. Please take a look! You can also go to their website by clicking here:

http://www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.org/index.htm

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Dear members,

One of our own, author Ramona Tipton, is on the ride of her life! Her books are receiving national recognition and this could not happen to a nicer person. Please read below..... the email I just received from her!

Go Ramona!!!

"Penny, What a ride! This week we sold thousands of books to schools. Tincy Miller a life-long activist and advocate for education, and the Chair of the State Board of Education fully endorsed my books written about children who suffer with dyslexia. God is so good and He has blessed me in many ways, I only hope these books will bless the children who really need a lift. I also found a wonderful distributor who has her finger on the pulse of children’s books in our schools. Lisa Winter is a dynamitic sales person who believes in the spirit of my books and she will not rest until they are sold nation wide.

Tips for promoting your self published book…

1. Give back. Find a charity & cheerfully write a check now. Put it in your wallet beside your available cash & tell it to make babies. I wrote a check for 10 million a year ago.

2. Bookmarks are a great way to get your book’s picture & your contact information in the hands of readers. Everyone loves bookmarks. Don’t go anywhere without them. If you are at the grocery store & you notice someone looking at the paperback books go over & introduce yourself as an author. Hand them one of your bookmarks.

3. Ask everyone you know from here to Alaska to go to their local library and request a copy of your book. Libraries are a great source of support. Your local library will often allow you to come & review your book to the local community.

4. Put them on e-bay, Craig’s list. Your locally owned mom & pop shops may help you out with a small display. You furnish a small sturdy shelf & offer a commission.

More tips to come!"

Mark your calendars now! The Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13th @ First Christian Church, Duncanville, from 9:00 - 4:00. It will include 30 plus vendors from the Metroplex area w/holiday gifts & homemade crafts. Visit the Bakery w/delicious homemade breads, freshly baked pastries, relishes, jams, jellies & much more! The Bazaar will also feature a Raffle w/donated specialty gifts & gift baskets. Raffle tickets may be purchased @ the Bazaar which is hosted by the Disciples Women of First Christian Church Duncanville, located @ 203 So. Main St, Duncanville. (972) 298-2166

Ramona Tipton is an inspiration to me in so many ways. She has taken her own struggles with dyslexia and turned turned them into positives! Now teachers are clamoring for her books and she is "busting out" as an author! Congratulations Ramona!

Please read what she just shared with me:

Penny I thought I'd share some of the reviews on Barnes & Nobel. Grow Wings & Fly Publishing is finally a reality! Teachers and Librarians are saying, "The Backwards Series will get our kids reading again!" "Reading backwards is genius!"

Distributors were fighting at the D.I.S.D. summit, over the chance to sell my books to the schools! Will my literary family pray that God will give me discernment when choosing the right people to represent "The Backwards Series" & "Secret Keepers Legacy"? Thank you Penny Terk for all your heartfelt advice and guidance during my journey into the book world! Ramona Tipton

Catherine Ann Smith, Special ed resource teacher, August 10, 2008
Their struggle is print, not intelligence.
The power of print can be awe inspiring and moving—as was this book. For a great majority reading gives us great pleasure and relaxation. Yet for many others laboriously wading through printed text is a daunting task. Reading this book backwards was distracting—not “normal”. When the witch wrote her notes, the words were misspelled and took great focus to read. As a teacher of children with learning disabilities this book provided me with an insightful realization of what my students face on a daily basis. For those with dyslexia, reading and writing requires intense concentration and effort, and in the end the result is much too often deemed as a failure of their intellectual ability. These books are entertaining and should be read by students, teachers, and families of children with dyslexic tendencies. A walk in the shoes of these children will guide you on a path of deeper understanding. Their struggle is print, not intelligence.

Unique backwards format!!!!
Abby Jacob, North Garland High School Librarian, 07/23/2008

Ramona Tipton writes children’s books with a unique backwards format featuring children with learning differences. These books read backwards to forwards forcing the reader to empathize with the reading struggle many dyslexics face. She is dedicated to changing the way people view children with learning differences and to presenting strong character role models for all children.

Tipton places a much needed magnifying glass over our understanding
Eleanor Briley, Conference Speaker, 07/21/2008

In the Backward Series Ramona Tipton places a much needed magnifying glass over our understanding of “learning disabilities.” Her storyline is full of imagination, life, and excitement. You live with the characters through each episode and find yourself saying, “Ramona, keep them coming!”

The proof is in the pudding!
A reviewer, K. Shada, Med., Literacy Facilitator, 07/15/2008

Ramona Tipton's creativity is multifaceted! One of her greatest strengths is telling a good story and her concept of writing this series of books to be read from back to front is unique. 'She held out for this format because of the widely held misconception that dyslexics see things backwards and face multiple challenges when reading.' Middle to upper elementary age children through adults will delight in the stories and the whole gimmick of reading from back to front will engage many readers who are reluctant to read in the usual manner. In addition, the fact that the characters, many of whom are learning disabled in one way or another, enjoy fun and adventure with a close corp of friends should reassure readers who relate to them that they can have 'normal' lives while feeling less than 'normal' much of the time. The proof is in the pudding she is receiving a lot of interest from librarians, teachers and their students who have read them!

Are you ready for a challenge?
Cheryle M. Greene, Library Media Specialist, John F. K, 07/15/2008

Ramona Tipton's Backwards Series is a trilogy of The Glass Tears, Mystic Pool and Curse of the Stolen Cross. These novels acknowledge the challenges that different learners face in life while it introduces others to those difficulties when they have to read her novels from back to front. The books spans three generations of young men from Texas who have adventures, solve mysteries and have fun growing up with the help of their friends, family and God. When the boys encounter a problem large or small, they have the confidence to face it head on. It doesn't matter if it is defending their tree house from hooligans or struggling for survival on a deserted island. These young men are ready for the challenges they face. Are you?

PennyTerk.com welcomes new member, DON SHOOK!

We are so happy to have the incredibly talented DON SHOOK to sign on as our newest member! He can do it all! One of his MANY talents is writing. Now he has written another book, THE BLUEHOLE. Please visit his page at http://www.pennyterk.com/Shook.html

and then call him up and BOOK him! Welcome aboard, Don Shook!

I just heard from one of our members, Charles Williams, and he tells me that during the first week in October he will lead a small, private tour along the route Benedict Arnold used in his gallant but ultimately doomed expedition to conquer Canada during the Revolutionary War. Charles says, "It was written about in Kenneth Roberts' classic novel "Arundel", and we will follow the route Mr Roberts laid out in the book. The route has changed very little during the ensuing two hundred plus years, and of course, the fall follage should be at it's peak! And, yes, I am adding a review of "Arundel" to my list of programs!".

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT LIFT!

Dear members and readers,

LIFT www.lift-texas.org needs volunteers! If you are looking for meaningful ways to spend your time..... please read the following request I received today from Leslie Clay, Dir. of Community Development at LIFT.
Please contact her at: leslieclay@lift-texas.org

PennyTerk.com has another new member!

We extend a BIG Welcome to KAY BLANKS!

I just finished reading her pre-launch book, HEART TO HEART FOREVER, and I could NOT put it down. Just the jacket cover alone will make you want to run out and get the book! Kay is a delight and lives up to the saying on the cover: "Tie a knot - hang on - it's a roller coaster ride." Your club/organization should book this lady because she has real talent. There's much more news about Kay. Just visit her PennyTerk.com page at
http://www.pennyterk.com/Blanks.html

and find out for yourself!

Dear Readers,

Here is news from some of our members on PennyTerk.com. Recently, I wrote each member asking for anything they might wish to send to post on THE LATEST NEWS! I thought you might like to hear from them. Some are away right now but as I hear from them I will be adding their news. Please check the site often to read their "latest news" and then I hope you will click on their page links and read even more about them.

Hope you all are having a great summer!
Penny Terk

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Nancy Ashley writes:

" I have been called 'the lady who loves Mississippi' because I have ten great programs that center on the lives and works of Eudora Welty, Willie Morris, Leontyne Price, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Walker Percy, Walter Anderson, Elvis, Oprah, and Elizabeth Spencer. These are the top tier of great Mississippi writers and artists. Now I am branching out to other great personalities like Martha and George Washington, Willa Cather, Mary Chesnut, and Edith Wharton. I present the biography of each artist and give the story line from one or two of their most famous works to cause my audience to want to read!! "

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Lurline Morrow wrote:
When Lurline Morrow is not reviewing or preparing for her reviews, she is an artist. Her pallet is a gourd! These gourds are created as birdhouses, bowls, masks, gifts, baskets. You can see examples of her gourds on her website, www.lurlinemorrow.com.
She accepts commissions, presents programs for groups, and teaches classes. For more information, just call her, or send an email. This is so much fun!! We invite you to visit Lurline's PennyTerk.com page at : http://www.pennyterk.com/Morrow.html

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Sharron Lucky writes:
Sharron Lucky is spending the summer as usual: trying to keep 2 acres of forest and flowers happy through the Texas tough times,
and cutting/editing/memorizing her new selection for the coming season. Sometimes rehearsing for the squirrels, birds and butterflies that are her preview audience, she will do most of her "practicing" out-of-doors. Check her listing at http://www.pennyterk.com/Lucky.htm to see what is next in store for the backyard critters, and you!

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Jill Peters wrote:
Comedienne Jill Peters has been performing in the Dallas Area since 1974, and has been book reviewing since the 80's. Known for her musical reviews of singers' autobiographies, she adds Julie Andrews to her repetoire starting in 2009. She will review the two best sellers about Julie, "Home, a memoir of my early years," and Richard Stirling's book: "Julie Andrews, an intimate biography." Ms Peters is also an impressionist and vocalist and will sing several of Ms Andrews' favorite hits. For groups who love music, comedy and informative backstage stories, this program is sure to please. See her page at : http://www.pennyterk.com/Peters.html

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Dave Lieber writes:
From Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Dave Lieber (www.YankeeCowboy.com) On Oct. 1, 2008, I have a new book coming out — and here’s the best part — a great funny speech to go with it. Your club members will really enjoy this because it’s a topic that will benefit them. The book and the speech are called “DAVE LIEBER’S WATCHDOG NATION.” I’ll show your group how to bite back businesses and scammers who do them wrong.
- Inside tips you can’t find anywhere else about how to protect you and your money
- Handle stubborn customer service representatives
- Fight the electric company, the phone company and everyone else who drives you nuts
- Know your rights under the law
- Make your life better by standing up to scammers who wish you harm

As The Watchdog columnist for the Star-Telegram, I am helping to lead a consumer-rights revolution. I know your members will love this. But my speaking schedule is booking up fast.
If this interests you, please contact your program chairman for me. I can be reached at 1-800-557-8166 or by e-mail at dave@yankeecowboy.com . And please visit my Web site, www.yankeecowboy.com .

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Jerre Simmons writes:
Night Books
My husband sleeps with books! I know that sounds slightly adulterous, but he has no choice! He knows where to place the blame for the “strangers sharing our bed." It is his wife who needs a few readables available to hold off sleeplessness. So, there must be scattered under our covers or by the pillows a bit of philosophy, a good novel, a mystery or two to choose from or Phil Yancy and some poetry. Bill himself doesn’t mind what I choose to read. He does prefer I
save humor for the daylight hours since I am prone to laugh aloud! Essentially an indulgently loving husband, he just hopes for all paperbacks with no sharp corners that poke and jolt him from his dreams back into our nightly library!
Read more about Jerre at: http://www.pennyterk.com/Simmons.htm

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Ramona Tipton writes:
The Backwards Series will receive much acclaim in classrooms across the Metroplex this fall, as the backward style of writing cleverly entertains and draws students into the mysterious world of DYSLEXIA…Ramona Tipton has been invited to attend the “D.I.S.D. Librarian Summit ” this August. She is hoping every Librarian there will grasp the distinctive challenge to read backwards. The Backwards Series will literally turn the literary world inside out and back again! See Ramon's page at: http://www.pennyterk.com/Tipton.html

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Sue Brooks writes:
Sue Brooks introduces two new books. A Rose For Mrs. Minver: Greer Garson's Life which was more colorful and inspirational than any of her motion pictures - and she had
many ties to Dallas. So, You Want to be President: Foibles & Vignettes of Former Leaders & Their Families. And of course, Finding Betty Crocker continues to entertain.

Please visit Sue's web page at http://www.pennyterk.com/Brooks.html

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(Stay tuned!)

WE SEND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER,
LINDA RADKE, Founder of

Linda is also author of The Economical Guide to Self-Publishing (a Writer's Digest Book Club selection) and Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show (a Doubleday Executive Program Book Club selection). She was recently named Book Marketer of the Year by Book Publicists of Southern California.

Please visit her PennyTerk.com page at

NANCY SPIVEY writes to alert us to mark SEPTEMBER 18TH on our calendars now! That is when the annual LIFT Luncheon (a wonderful cause supporting literacy) will be held at the beautiful Scottish Rite Library and Museum located at 500 S. Harwood in downtown Dallas. Nancy writies that there will be FREE, SECURE SURFACE PARKING ADJACENT TO THE BUILDING. There is even a shuttle for people who have difficulty walking from the lot to the front of the building.

You will NOT want to miss this wonderful event.

THE SPEAKER: JOHN CORCORAN, FORMER EDUCATOR AND AUTHOR OF "THE TEACHER WHO COULDN'T READ" and "THE BRIDGE TO LITERACY: NO CHILD OR ADULT LEFT BEHIND" Mr. Corcoran was a high school teacher who was functionally illiterate until the age of 48. His is an inspiring story!

Friday Morning with
Charles Osgood

Friends of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
cordially invite you and a guest(s) to join them
Friday, May 23, 2008 10:00 A.M.
Highland Park United Methodist Church, Wesley Hall
3300 Mockingbird Lane

BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!

Friday, April 18th From 6:00 – 9:00 PM at The Old Red Courthouse, downtown.

100 S. Houston Street

Dallas, TX 75202

(Return of service: RSVP before April 15th)
Reviews@Levybooks.com or 1-800-229-5560

You are hereby COMMANDED by the Readers of Texas to APPEAR and bear WITNESS to the launch of a dynamic new novel by Larry D. Thompson, Texas attorney and novelist at law. You are further commanded to MEET the author, MINGLE with other witnesses and ENJOY yourself!

Refreshments: JUSTICE will be served!!

We Welcome Our Newest Member Dr. Lurline Morrow!!

She was awarded "Best Book Reviewer" by the Dallas Observer in their "Best of Dallas" issue. You will definitely want to include her as you plan your new slate of programs for next season! Have a look at her new page on

http://www.pennyterk.com/Morrow.html

WE SEND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER,

Dr. Lurline Morrow

jewelry & accessories

$5 & $10 Sale!!

Click here to see more -->> http://pennyterk.com/jewelry.html
Visit one of our shows OR book your own showing with us! penny@pennyterk.com

(There's something in it for YOU!)

NECKLACES * EARRINGS * SCARVES * RINGS * BRACELETS * MAKE-UP KITS * HEADBANDS * ANKLETS * WATCHES * AND MORE!!

Hello All,

Recently, I had the PRIVILEDGE of attending a review given by Gayle Brink and I must tell you it was one of the BEST presentations I have EVER seen and heard. Gayle is quite simply a PRO at speaking to audiences. She SHINES! The review she gave was The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (How My Mother Raised Ten Kids on Twenty-five Words or Less) by Terry Ryan.

Thank you, Gayle, for taking me, and the rest of your audience, on an incredible "journey" with your words! It was WONDERFUL!

Penny Terk

Penny,

After getting to know you and your ideas for struggling authors, I think you're heaven sent.
God put you in my path for a reason! Thanks again for all the advise and encouragement.

Ramona Tipton

TestDrivingMen@aol.com

Hi, Penny,

You go girl! I appreciate your vision and energy to keep our culture and civilization alive and growing in grace and good communciation!

Warmly,

Nancy Ashley

Penny,

I can't begin to tell you how much you and your website have helped me.

Thanks,
Char Justiss

Penny,

I wouldn’t think of leaving your site! I have sold 11,000 copies of my book. And this year, I broke my record and have sold 3,000 copies myself in one year through my talks. Part of that is thanks to you!

DAVE LIEBER
Columnist, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER, HUMORIST
Web site: http://www.yankeecowboy.com
Email: dave@yankeecowboy.com

FLASH! Author Larry Thompson's book SO HELP ME GOD! is BUSTIN' OUT!!!!

Please read the news about our very own Larry Thompson's book,
SO HELP ME GOD!
I have posted the email history AS IT HAPPENED below.:

(Larry to Pam Nelson, Director of promotions at LEVY (book distributors)

Sarah Weddington is an Austin lawyer. As a young lawyer she argued for "Jane Roe" in the Roe v. Wade case at the United States Supreme Court. Of course, she changed the political and social landscape in our country. I got a copy of "Texas Super Lawyer" magazine last week (I'm always rated a Texas Super Lawyer; I tell my clients that and five bucks will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks). Anyway, there was an article about Sarah Weddington in it. She teaches at the University of Texas School of Law and has the Weddington Institute that promotes women's rights. She travels the country (and the world) lecturing about women's rights. I sent her an email, telling her a little about the book and myself and asked her for a blurb. I got an email back in a couple of days, saying she had looked at my author website and my lawfirm website and was very impressed. She said that assuming the deadline was not too close, she would be pleased to read the book. A blurb from her with a brief description of who she is ought to get the attention of the pro-choice forces and maybe a few of the pro-life forces. I'm thrilled.

And one last thing, Ken (Atchity) has given his final blessing to (my latest book) "Insanity;" so that one is done. We're going to wait until shortly before So Help Me God is published before giving it to Doherty. Larry

(Pamela Nelson of Levy Books to Larry Thompson)

This is great news! I have some exciting news myself. I just returned from New York for Levy publisher meetings and during the MacMillan meeting SO HELP ME GOD was presented. I really love the packaging/cover! They also gave me an advanced reading copy, which I plan to read even though I read the first issue because I want to refresh my memory as to what a great book it is. Thinking of how I am going to promote it in the Levy chains. This should be huge and the release date is timely.
Take care and keep in touch.

(Larry D. Thompson to Penny Terk)

Hi,Penny. I want to share this with you. You introduced me to Pam and started this ball rolling. The paperback publication date is April 1. If Pam says it should be huge, then I'm beginning to believe it. Stay tuned.

(Penny Terk to Larry Thompson)

How much of this, if any, could I put on THE LATEST NEWS section of the website? I would love to "chirp about your news" there but will not say a word without your okay.
P.

(Larry D. Thompson to Penny Terk)

Put up what ever you like. I know it will be good. Just send me a copy when you do so. Thanks. By the way, I learned yesterday that Tom Doherty Associates has been bought by McMillan which is why Pam was at McMillan for the meeting.

(Penny Terk to Larry Thompson)

So.... McMillan bought Doherty! It can only get better, eh? Great!

We Welcome New Member RAMONA TIPTON
to PennyTerk.com!!!

Here’s a gal you’ll really want to get to know! Not only is she a great speaker and prolific writer of wonderful books but she is also a very warm and friendly lady that your own organization/club will absolutely love. Mark her down as VERY GOOD and give her a call! We are adding her new page to www.pennyterk.com in the Speakers Section as well as the JUST BOOKS! section. Take a look!
WE SEND A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER,

RAMONA TIPTON!

PennyTerk.com’s

ASPIRE MARKETING,

"Lovely Jewelry!

Reasonably Priced!"

Come SEE! Bring a Friend. Come BUY!

Contact Penny@pennyterk.com for details!

We Welcome another new member to our website….. AUTHOR, SPEAKER, AND WORLD TRAVELER, MARY JANE WILSON !! Please visit her page at http://www.pennyterk.com/Wilson.html and read all about her wonderful book, “BACK TO EUROPE WITH THE BUSY BODY ”

It is always so great to receive emails like this one I just received from Char Justiss! :

Penny,

Within the next few days, I'll be sending you my renewal fee as well as the minor changes I want.

In the past year I have presented 7 book reviews and 5 of those were a direct result of the website! At present, I have 3 more scheduled for the fall and 2 of those are also a direct result of the website. I can't begin to tell you how much I have benefited from the website and how much I have enjoyed doing the book reviews.

Char

GOOD NEWS! I just got this email from new member, Dawn Ireland. Her book, The Puppy Baby Book, is SMOKIN'! Read what she says:

Hey Penny, I have wonderful news to impart: AEI has just offered me a contract for the book. They will be my literary manager. I am beyond excited! My little book is going to get out there!

Welcome newest member, Dawn Greenfield Irelandc

Dawn is an award-winning author, speaker, screenwriter, and technical writer. She is personable, warm, fun..... and we welcome her! She has written one of the most NEEDED books for ANY dog lover….. THE PUPPY BABY BOOK. If you are a dog lover you will want to buy this book!!! Please visit Dawn’s new web page at: http://www.pennyterk.com/Ireland.html

Please read below the email I just received from new member/author TEX LITTON! Contratulations, Tex! You are getting INTERNATIONAL exposure for your wonderful book, THEY CALL ME TEX.

Dear Penny,

I have another book signing in this area Saturday noon to 4 PM.

'They Call Me Tex' will be displayed at an International Book Fair for new titles in London on April 16-18, 2007 in Earls Court Exhibition Center. It will be displayed at The Texas Regional Book Fair for new titles on March 9, 2007. It will be displayed at the Beijing, China International Show for new titles on May 2, 2007. It will be displayed at the Frankfurt, Germany International Book Fair for new titles on July 7, 2007.

press release.pdf

We welcome newest member, Charles Williams!

Charles is NOT new to the speaker/reviewer circuit! He is a seasoned articulate speaker as you will soon find out when you visit his page at http://pennyterk.com/Williams.html !

Good things just keep on happening for our wonderful website! Satisfied current members like Sharron Lucky and others just keep on referring us and the result is MORE new members are signing up.

ANOTHER NEW MEMBER! We welcome our newest member, GAYLE BRINK, to the website. Please visit her page at http://pennyterk.com/Brink.html and read all about her! Then send her an email and get to know her. She is great! Welcome aboard, Gayle!

Here is an update I just received from one of our wonderful authors, Larry D. Thompson! I want to share it with everyone:

Dear Penny:

I thought you would be interested in the status of INSANITY since you were so kind to assist in editing it. Ken Atchity, my literary manager, was in Houston on other business. He had completed the manuscript and had some ideas to improve it. Ken has one of the keenest minds I've seen when it comes to what makes an outstanding novel. He avoids minor editing and focuses on the big picture. He and I spent an hour and a half over breakfast this morning, going over his ideas for improving/changing the manuscript, particularly the last two hundred pages. Even though I had the manuscript read by fifteen people before submitting it to him, I will adopt nearly all of his suggestions. It will take me another sixty to eighty hours of writing, but it will be worth it since Ken believes it will then sell easily in New York. He has also suggested my third novel and wants me to develop it as a thriller. His comment was, "You're a great story teller. I know you can do it." So, I will.

Happy New Year!

Larry D. Thompson

It is always a thrill to me when someone takes the time to send us compliments about our website! Read below the latest one received. Thanks, Helen Long, for your kind words. We are glad you found us! Ms. Terk, Sharron Lucky just told me about your web site, www.PennyTerk.com . I am excited to know that this exists. I am a member of the Garland Book Review Club. My role in the club this year is to schedule reviewers for 2007-2008 and to introduce the reviewers for this season. Ms. Lucky told me that I could consult your web site for the latest information regarding her bio. Using the site to update our information and to get leads on other reviewers will be so valuable to me personally and the club's success overall. I just thought that you might like to hear some response from a new participant. Helen Long