Fate has it's hand in all the lives of the characters in SX Meagher's successful "I Found My Heart in San Francisco" series, and Book 11, "Karma" is yet another example of fine writing, of which the author is in a class all her own.The continuing adventures of Ryan O'Flaherty, her partner Jamie Evans, and a cast of parents, siblings, cousins and friends combine to make this installment literally, one hell of a ride. Ryan finds that playing sports isn't always fun, while Jamie deals with trouble between her parents. Love blossoms between old friends, while others are afraid to admit their true feelings towards one another. Will Ryan sacrifice all, for a chance at a long forgotten dream? How will Jamie be able to balance school, golf, and a relationship?? And lastly, I guarantee the finale of this installment will have you on the edge of your seat. Reading anything that SX puts out makes me aware that I have been witness to greatness, to something that comes along but once in a lifetime. The words, images, flow movie-like into your consciousness, and I have found myself affected by them long after "The End." There is enough going on in this book to curb your appetite until Book 12, of which I know I can hardly wait. So I suggest you get comfy, and have a truly mesmerizing read with "Karma."

A lonely girl ( Holly ) in a small town bumps into ( Robin ) a Gypsy trucker, who steps in to rescue her from a abusive father and a unwanted suitor. Well written on an original theme. This is a sweet little Uber that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. I for one, hope there's going to be more!

The author of such brilliant works as Mortal Trade, The Judgment of the Gods, and the perfect short story After the Volcano, Mary’s forte has always been imaginative creations that highlight the bond and relationship between the Bard and Warrior. This story does exactly that. Though there is no explicit sex, and the story might be considered Gen, their commitment to each other could not be stronger.

Set in other mythical kingdom once taken by the Destroyer of Nations, Xena is asked to play a dark role in the upcoming transfer of power, the details of which he is sworn not to reveal to her inquisitive and worried Bard. Gabrielle soon realizes that nothing is as it seems, and that Xena’s life and soul are in the balance.

The story is possibly handicapped by a somewhat slow opening, and by a narrative style different from her usual work. This is not a fanfic bonbon to be scanned. It is one to be read slowly so that the rhythm of the prose carries you with it.

The story is rich in detail. She combines the actual character of Hesiod (circa 720 B.C.) with a mystery, a supernatural backdrop and an hidden curse, and moves them with some spectacular sequences and brilliant dialogue. The exploration of the minds and hearts of Gabrielle and Xena, their fears and obligations to the greater good and each other, is discerning and moving.

Again, Ms Lela has perfectly portrayed our girls as they were durin’ that time in their relationship. Gabrielle so confused, losing the only man she had ever loved and the irony of the only woman she ever loved bein’ trapped inside the body of his murderer. And poor Xena who wants so very much to comfort her treasured bard but any attempt at vocal or physical contact only makes matters worse.

Really makes Ms Maggie wonder just how much the love we have for one another is based on physical attributes. Course it also makes Ms Maggie wonder how much those physical attributes help shape the person we are.

The angst in this one is felt deeply by both our girls. Oh, and Ms Lela is one of those bards who likes to leave their readers wantin’ more. So be warned, she's left the door open to sequels if she so desires. Oh yes, and the violence and hint of subtext are so minimal they're not even worth mentionin’.

Ms Maggie has bent Y'alls ears long enough. Y'all go on over and read this one. Please let Ms Lela know how y'all liked her story. MaryD has her address. Y'all go on and I'll let her know y'all are comin’. Thanks ever so much for droppin’ in to see Ms Maggie. Please drop in again soon. I do so love to discuss our girls. Bye now. Y'all be sweet.

Picking up where the episode The Xena Scrolls left us, the story sees our intrepid, butchy archaeologist Janice Convington pair up with Mel Pappas, the seemingly fragile southern belle with fire in her veins (well, hey, she's Xena's descendant). Xena's and Gabrielle's legacy is in danger of being auctioned off to the four corners of the world and thus the dynamic duo whisk themselves off to great adventures as they try to save the scrolls and other Xena paraphenalia on sale.

I read this story ages ago, even before I saw the episode that spawned the characters, and thus it was my first foray into the world of Uber. And what great, rollicky fun it is! The dialogue is superb, with witticism I greatly envy, and of course the story has the only dog I tolerate in fan fic -- Argo.

OK. If I don't have you convinced yet, picture this: Mel Pappas in a tux. 'Nuff said.

"It All Began with a Trout" by Alexiares is not your typical X&G romp, not by a long shot. Thraso is a weapons master from a distant tribe of Amazons who literally bumps into Xena and Gabrielle with hilarious results. The ending is a little blurry but hopefully this means that we can look forward to more mayhem and "Slap your neighbor".

More mayhem and silliness ensues when Thaleia the muse of Comedy needs a Vacation. She selects our favorite arms master "Thraso" to fill her oversize shoes. Mix in a visit to Queen Gabrielle's Amazons. Add feuding Goddesses, and a troop of  fools, and a skunk. Stand back and watch the fun.

Be prepared. Don't eat anything and especially don't consume Miller Lite while reading this baby here.

I loved everything about this story, it's originality, the easy comfortable way that it is told, and the way everything is left more or less to faith. There are no big secrets laid bare, no truly violent events; rather it is the tale of a redemption without all the usual trappings, although no less heroic.

A light, enjoyable tale that left me, entertained and satisfied.