The calm before the storm
587362
This was an interesting read and very different from Fool's Errand.  Unlike 'Errand, this story is actually many small stories that take place during the winter court following the events in the earlier book.  Each story is woven within the others and tied together seamlessly with brilliant segue's.  Hobb uses her ability to paint vivid characterizations to pace the book and keep us turning the pages.  As the various plot lines appear, present their difficulties, and get solved (well, most of them anyway) we get to see the central characters become more finely honed.  Fitz needed this to rebuild after his loss in 'Errand.  The other characters needed this because of the roles they will be playing in the third book.  This is Fitz's 'rebuilding' book and the pleasure I had in following Fitz through this tough time was very worthwhile.  While Fitz is busy rebuilding we get an inkling of the nature of his next adventure which promises to be active and rife with conflict that will not only test Fitz's abilities against his foes but his friends as well.  I highly recommend this book, but will say no more lest I spoil the experience.
3877467
This book helped me through a very difficult period in my life that spanned 3 months.  It spans a range of topics so even though some areas didn't directly apply to the hardship and challenges I was facing, the reflections provided an incredible amount of comfort in a larger sense.  I have also enjoyed re reading this book during the calm AFTER the storm.  I have recommended this book time and time again to many friends regardless of their religious and spiritual beliefs.  The reflections are applicable and logical for all.
3840605
The crashes of the waves are a little more dramatic and loud than I had expected.  Just get about to sleep and BOOM another crashing wave.
3341118
It's funny, I owned this book for 3 months before I had a chance to read half of it. My friends would borrow it and didn't want to give it back like a neighbor that you lend a tool to. Anyway, it's a very good read. I say "pragmatic" because it is more matter of fact in the way it trims the fat compared to the other books you might find. The best way I can explain it is it's like Cliff Notes for the everyday run of the mill family. It's NOT an Armageddon, sky is falling, China is invading, gravity is fading book. It's the kind of book that you can navigate easily and get ready for the "disaster" that most concerns you. It helped me get ready for the week after Hurricane Irene, and it is getting me and my family ready for the 15" of snow that may or may not fall here in Maryland in the next 4 months. LOL! Being a Buffalo native, it's not the snow I prepare for here in MD, its the chaos that ensues. You know, the PANIC because the weatherman says it is gonna snow a couple inches and people think it's the blizzard that all others will be judged and people may write songs about and it turns out to be a 2 day event where the 5" of snow melts 2 days after that(like it always does) but now they have 8 gallons of milk and 50 rolls of toilet paper and 15 cans of cream corn('cause that's all that was on the shelves when they panicked). We have all been there. This book helps you get ready for the season ahead so you don't have to be "one of them" that you see on the news running with a shopping cart full of crap you don't want or need.
Arthur Bradley insures I don't look like an idiot on TV so I can make sure that my family and I are properly prepared to watch TV and laugh at everyone else.
2835294
This novel seemed very realistic to me, given the extreme weather lately.  It is well written, with humor and good conversation mixed in to balance the desperate survival action passages.  There are very few grammatical problems, and the words flow smoothly.  I also learned a few new survival tips.
3400146
A natural disaster can happen at any time. Some disasters give warning like a storm preceding a flood. Others, like earthquakes give no warning. Once a disaster happens, the time to prepare is gone and all you can do is cope. Take the next few minutes to examine what you can do to prepare. Anything you do today to will be like making a deposit in your survivability savings account for withdrawal in tough times.

Today, we have the ability to predict with more accuracy than ever dangerous tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and floods. We know the areas that are prone to earthquakes and areas that are susceptible to wildfires, and we can tell hours in advance whether a tsunami will hit our shores.
However, in spite of all the capabilities for advance warnings, Americans are still quite poor at preparing for these disasters. Many of us really believe that it cant happen to us.

This book is trying to do exactly that, to prepare you for everything that can happen to you, or your family. Sooner or later we must all protect our family and prepare ourselves for natural disaster. This book do provides a lot of ideas on how to be prepared in case unexpected things may happen such as what we will need from food, water, the essentials and many more. The author was able to pull together the best survival tips for both bug out and bug in situations.

All in all, this book is very practical, easy to read and well written. A good read.
1313129
This was relaxing and easy to read.  While some events were expected, others were a surprise which kept me in suspense.  If you enjoy a heart-warming book, then this one is for you.
1339473
Reviewed by Francesca and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Well, we are coming to an end.  Finally!  And I finally see the way things will start blowing up in peoples faces.  Although, I foresee a cliffhanger ending to this season.  Not happy about that.

WEATHER THE STORM felt a bit like a preparation for the end type of installment.  What I liked about it is that it lacked the over the top drama that the rest of the characters experience in Storm.  This story centers around Bryce, the Pastor, and his wife Tara.  They are dealing with their youngest song being diagnosed with autism and how that is taking a toll on their marriage.  I was really happy that the author didn't work in extra stuff. And to see somewhat of a happy resolution to their issues.  The first in this series history!

Then theres Dakota.  I really dislike her character and she seems to be the one that will bring hell on Ginny Morenos parade.  It had to be, right?

Overall, I couldn't quite connect with the characters in this story as much as I wanted to and we don't get enough of the ones I do care about to keep pushing me to continue, although I will finish this season.

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1136079
The author shows a lists of tools that can help to redirect our perception and pont of view, with this change in the value of some concepts it allows our souls to find stillness and calm down our anxiousness. You should translate it and sell it in spanish.
3617469
The photographs are amazing and the lay overs show how the storms work. Explanations are easily understood. I recommend it for anyone who loves the weather and especially severe weather.
2127904
As much as some people turn a blind eye, this is a time of impending doom - the relative calm before the Gathering Storm.  (See what I did there?)  It is time for decisive action, and for everyone to work cooperatively in order to fight the Shadow!  Like that'll happen.  :)
2818578
My last military tour there was 73 through 76 when the island was still a relatively quiet and relaxing place to be. Reading the book realize things have changed to bring the island to a "resort level" for all the international tourists. It is still a beautiful place to be.
3525605
I bought this book at a store closure sale in city center of Bristol, UK. Even going through this book, without doing those activities calms down my nerves. Had got me through many difficult times. A great go-to book for any time. The images are very serene and soothing. Reminds that there is still many things in world left uncomplicated, simple. Love it. I really hope Amazon sells it on a prime mode.
3779529
This is the second book of Ms Prence's that I have read. It tells of a time that is soon to come, but one which the world will not understand. I pray that many of you will come to know the Lord before that day.

In His Service,
Gordon T. Eldridge
4656306
This is a very good read,it gives you many things to think about when you prepare for living in conditions that will be bad. Whether from storms,nuclear Holocaust,society breakdown,or whatever it will help you prepare.
1067487
Finally, people that don't have the heads up their butts waiting for the "inevitable" a breath of fresh air and logical.
4936525
I found this book enjoyable, because it was a refreshing break from heavier historic reading. It is a quick read for advanced readers, but still well enough written with a good amount of history and a good reflection of the people of the Revolutionary era to be worthwhile. I enjoyed it, though it is probably written more towards younger readers, teen-age level.  A nice over view of the colonial areas and the people at the the beginning of the Revolution more than the hurricane itself. Though it is non-fiction, it paces more like a novel, making it informative and pleasant.