The Vessel
"...Cribbs' eloquent command of time and place puts the reader squarely into his mind's eye..."
Halifax Magazine
"...Randy Cribbs is vibrantly alive inside each of his books..."
Flager Magazine
St. Augustine, FL
"...Cribbs is becoming quite a prolific writer..."
St. Augustine Record
St. Augustine, FL
"Randy Cribbs' fifth book speaks to mystery lovers on many levels. It is an exploration of one of history's foggy corners combined with a punchy, satisfying whodunit, set in modern day St. Augustine. I've never read anything quite so original and would recommend it as a good read."
Peter Guinta,
Senior Writer,
St. Augustine Record
"... his passion for the area's history, architecture and colorful characters-past and present-provide endless inspiration...such a craftsman and really works hard at getting it clean and clear for the reader...with Randy, it is all about vision..."
The St. Johns Sun
"...Randy Cribbs has stretched his expansive imagination in this tale of modern day events combined with a touch of early Florida history...St. Augustine is the perfect setting for this intriguing story, and readers will recognize the places and characters he so vividly describes. In the end readers will be posed with the question: was Ponce DeLeon pursuing the wrong object for everlasting youth?"
Jim Mast
Author of 'Bloody Sunset in St. Augustine.'
ONE SUMMER IN THE OLD TOWN
"I sure hope Samuel and Honeyman are real characters-I suspect they are because of the really great visual image you created through your writing. And you were right; I WAS smiling when I finished the book. Are there more adventures on the horizon?"
Janice Lundy
Jacksonville, FL
"What a wonderful story…made even more interesting because I live in St. Augustine and am familiar with places (and I think some of the characters) you mention..."
Pat Thomas
St. Augustine, FL
"My husband and I purchased your book during our first visit to your wonderful city. We enjoyed the story very much and found that the history you blended in so well really enhanced our perspective and caused us to truly appreciate the 'old town' even more. We now look forward to reading your other books."
Charles and Ellen Francone
Highpoint, N.C.
"As an area resident, I really appreciate the historical overview and could certainly relate to the delightful story, much of which I suspect is also true. I hope you plan a sequel."
Paula Nettles
Crescent Beach, FL
"I love good stories set in real places with real people…you truly captured the progression of a special lifelong friendship…I could see the banks of the river and taste Cutter's softshell crab and palm salad."
T.C. Miller
Keystone Heights, FL
"Thanks so much for your presentation to our book club. We love your books and hope you will visit us again. Your 'Cap' in 'One Summer…' was quite a character. You should do a book on him!"
Edna Bush
Alachua, FL
"I am not a poetry expert, nor do I hold a "prestigious position" within my
organization. I can tell you what feelings were evoked in me when I read
some of the poems, though.
First, I loved the color of the jacket, that army green. This, along with
the illustrations, really helped set the mood for the piece. I could almost
picture being there and what the conditions must have been like for these
men and women.
I appreciate his honesty, sensitivity and depth. Reading this book helped
me to understand what these people went through. I realized the fear in
myself when I would begin to read a poem that I thought might describe too
vividly the horrors and then I felt like a coward when I thought about the
people in this book who had to face and live through the horrors every day.
Perhaps that is why so many of these heroes did not receive a heroís welcome
when they returned home. We do tend to turn away from such things.
I believe the book is a wonderful gift to those who have the courage to read
it. I can imagine those who were there perhaps feeling ambivalent; wanting
to read it but afraid of opening old wounds. I think the book has the
capability of bringing healing to those who wish it.
His light-hearted humor keeps the book from being too dark; and he does not
write as one with a bitter ax to grind, either."
Brenda Alexander
Gainesville, Florida
"I was there, you hit the nail right on the head. Thanks."
Ed Bryant
Boston, Massachusetts
"As the wife of a Vietnam vet, I wish your book had been available thirty years ago.
I now better understand what my husband and all our soldiers went through. I am
Recommending your book to all my friends."
Ann Mosely
Falls Church, VA
"I lost several high school friends in Vietnam and saw many others change. Your book caused
me to more fully appreciate their sacrifices. We all owe these Americans a great debt."
Paula Nettles
St. Augustine, FL
"Every American should read your book, particularly families of those who served or are
serving. Thanks for a great effort."
John Carlton
San Antonio, TX