Irish Cream: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Should have been two novels
  • Worth a READ - My Review is a different slant from the other reviews
  • In Spite of short Shrift Reviews it's Super Good Reading
  • Greeley biased
  • Not Fr. Greeley's Best Work
Irish Cream: A Nuala Anne McGrail Novel (Nuala Anne McGrail Novels)
Andrew M. Greeley
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Family SagaFamily Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Women SleuthsWomen Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Greeley, AndrewGreeley, Andrew | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0765303353
Release Date: 2005-01-27

Book Description

Countless readers have been delighted by Father Andrew M. Greeley's bestselling tales of Nuala Anne McGrail, a fey, Irish-speaking woman from Galway blessed with the gift of second sight and a knack for unraveling mysteries, and her hapless husband and accomplice, Dermot Michael Coyne. From Irish Gold through Irish Stew! this spirited couple has untangled many a knotty mystery, both at home in Chicago and back in Erin. Now they return in another captivating blend of romance, humor, and intrigueDamian "Day" O'Sullivan is a troubled young man who blames himself for a tragic vehicular homicide he may not have committed. Trouble is, Day's entire family seems to be conspiring to pin the crime on the poor lad, which only leads Nuala and Dermot to wonder who really ran over (three times!) Rodney Keefe in the parking lot of a ritzy Chicago country club.The O'Sullivans are a ruthlessly ambitious clan of South Side Irish, who consider themselves the cream of the Irish-American community. The sensitive Day has always been something of a black sheep in the family---and perhaps a scapegoat as well.But the twisted saga of the O'Sullivans isn't the only mystery to be unraveled. Having stumbled onto the diary of Father Richard Lonigan, a nineteenth-century parish priest assigned to a remote village in old Donegal, Dermot and Nuala find themselves caught up in the closely guarded secrets and scandals of that desolate time and place, where simmering resentment against the ruling English sometimes erupted into violence and murder......Irish Cream is another rich and satisfying concoction by one of America's most popular storytellers.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Should have been two novels.......2006-12-02

I have always enjoyed Fr. Greeley's novels - from the early ones (like THE VIRGIN AND THE MARTYR) through the Blackie Ryan novels and now the Nuala Anne and Dermot series. In the latest series, I especially like Fr. Greeley's portrayal of a passionately happy and happily passionate marriage.

That said, in IRISH CREAM I found myself more engrossed by the historical story of Fr. Richard than Nuala's modern day attempts to save young Damian O'Sullivan from his psycho/neurotic family. As in past books in this series, Nuala and Dermot solve a modern mystery at the same time they unravel some historical connundrum. In this case the modern story deals with John O'Sullivan, a man so determined to control the world's perception of his family that he frames his own son for a nelgigent homicide. Nuala and Dermot discover this miscarriage of justice and set to work righting it.

Meanwhile, Dermot is reading the transcripts of a diary written in the late 1800's by an Irish parish priest ministering to a poor community still suffering from the aftereffects of the Great Famine. Unlike in prior books, this historical tale does not relate in any way to the modern one.

I found Fr. Richard's story more interesting than the modern tale and wish that Greeley had given this fascinating character a novel of his own. I was also struck by the writing style in this section of the book - remarkably free of the Irishisms that can sometimes overwhelm Fr. Greeley's work.

Because I enjoy the relationship of Nuala and Dermot, I will certainly continue to read this series. However, I would love to see Fr. Greeley write something more in the style of "Fr. Richard."

4 out of 5 stars Worth a READ - My Review is a different slant from the other reviews.......2006-10-25

I agree with most of the other reviews, good, bad or otherwise. You have to take this book for what it is, light hearted fare and entertainment without a lot of heavy lifting. SEXUAL ANTICS! Yes, lots of that, surprising that a priest can write all of this stuff. Must hear it in the confessional???????? Anyway, NOT BEING IRISH MYSELF gives me a different slant. Maybe if YOU ARE genuinely IRISH, this will be too much a caricature of Irish folk for you. However, for me, it was delightful, bringing to life the IRISH of the South Side of Chicago. Also, there is a portion of the novel that takes place in IRELAND too so there is a connection between the characters of their home in Chicago and their other former home in IRELAND. This thematic connective device is actually quite creative from a writing perspective I believe and quite ingenius as it helps flesh out the characters. There is one character though that is not well developed and that is the "Mick", the son of Nuala and Dermot. There are off handed references to the boy but you wont get the sense that you know him as a character as you do with the much better developed daughter characters. That is a minor complaint though.

5 out of 5 stars In Spite of short Shrift Reviews it's Super Good Reading.......2006-09-08

Even if his first 3, Nuala Anne, Irish Gold Books were more than exceptional; This is an engrossing story combining some of the good Father Greely's best characters. And surely isn't his the Irish gift of spinning a wondrous story when given the best cast of characters. After Dermot, his precious 3 childre his arwesome fey bewitching Lady Nuala Anne, who not only is sexy but can sing along with the best Irish Folk Narratives, "Alive/Alive-Oh, and Sweet Molly Malone," there are two well trained Irish Wolf Hounds!

The counterpart Family, a well-known South Chicago Irish brood of John Patrick O'Sullivan starts as the breeding place for the scape-goat son as Damian (Day) Thomas O'Sullivan. The complex story is under-scored by a companion story of the yet-to-become famous of Father Dermot Michael. All-in-all Sullivan's young son Day becomes the surprising hero and budding artist who joyfully specializes in painting dogs and children in solo, duo, & trio!
Cheerfully Retired Rabbi/Chappy Fred W Hood

4 out of 5 stars Greeley biased.......2006-05-21

Andrew Greeley is entertaining once you get by his extreme and wrong headed political biases. He has never met a
republican that is honest and never met a crooked Democrat. There are both. His bookswould be even more interesting if he understood that fact.

3 out of 5 stars Not Fr. Greeley's Best Work.......2006-02-10

I fear that the brillant Nuala Anne series is falling into decline with the latest installment.

The "historical" and "modern" mysteries do not play out parallel to each other as well as they have in the past 7 novels. The "historical" mystery/ plotline is sketchy at best with little development in the plot or characters. It is certainly not written in "Ned's" free flowing journalistic style, rather is written by an Irish cleric who studied in Spain (WTF?) whose biggest concern is denouncing ancient custom and superstitution. On the other hand the "modern" mystery/plotline is just as good as it has always been but with the addition of a new character. Cindasue will be the destruction of the series if the good Father continues with her; she adds nothing to the story and the "cute mountain accent" is horrible just to read. About halway through the novel, the perspective is suddenly switched to Nuala (from Dermot) which hasn't been done since Irish Gold with "Nuala's Voice" but not with nearly as much success. The continued development of the Coyne Clan is certainly interesting and I like Socra Marie being cast as the "little terror" (although I wonder about "la terroista" what's with the sudden Spanish interest?). I also like Damien "Day" O'Sullivan and hope that Greeley will keep him in future stories. In conclusion, it is a good novel but not to Fr. Greeley's usual standards.

A Well Pleasured Lady
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Avoid it.
  • Not my type of hero...
  • An Avid reader.
  • crossed the line
  • Well pleasured, indeed!
A Well Pleasured Lady
Christina Dodd
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0380790890

Amazon.com

Powerful Sebastian Durant, Viscount Whitfield, has good cause to hate the Fairchild family, so when his godmother requests Sebastian's help in regaining an incriminating diary she believes to have been stolen by the Fairchilds, he welcomes the opportunity to exact revenge. Lady Mary Fairchild, though estranged from her family for 10 years, is loath to aid the Viscount. Unfortunately, her loyalty to his godmother, and the knowledge that Sebastian is privy to the dark secret she hides from the world, compels her to cooperate. The handsome Viscount and the beautiful Lady Mary pose as engaged lovers, and their charade soon becomes reality as they untangle a web of lies, theft, and betrayal that threatens their very lives. Christina Dodd has once again written a historical romance filled with her trademark humor, wit, and steamy sensuality, giving readers yet another not-to-be-missed novel.

Book Description

Prim, plain, desperately virtuous Lady Mary Fairchild stared at the seductive gentleman and wondered -- did he remember the elements of the night they met? Surely not. In the ten years since, she had abandoned her youthful impetuousness and transformed herself into a housekeeper -- disguising her beauty beneath a servant's dour clothing determined to conquer the passions of the past.

But Sebastian Durant, Viscount Whitfield, did recognize her as a Fairchild, one of his family's bitter enemies. When he demanded her help recovering a stolen diary, she dared not refuse him. When he proposed they masquerade as a betrothed couple, loyalty forced her to agree. And when the restraint between them shattered and pleasure became an obsession, Mary had to trust a powerful man who could send her to the gallows ... or love her through eternity.

 

Download Description

"

Determined to conquer the passions of her past, Lady Mary Fairchild disguises her beauty in servant's clothing, but Sebastian Durant, Viscount Whitfield, recognizes her immediately. When he demands her help, restraint gives way to passion, and Mary must trust a powerful man who could send her to the gallows.or love her forever.

Prim, plain, desperately virtuous Lady Mary Fairchild stared at the seductive gentleman and wondered -- did he remember the elements of the night they met? Surely not. In the ten years since, she had abandoned her youthful impetuousness and transformed herself into a housekeeper -- disguising her beauty beneath a servant's dour clothing determined to conquer the passions of the past.

But Sebastian Durant, Viscount Whitfield, did recognize her as a Fairchild, one of his family's bitter enemies. When he demanded her help recovering a stolen diary, she dared not refuse him. When he proposed they masquerade as a betrothed couple, loyalty forced her to agree. And when the restraint between them shattered and pleasure became an obsession, Mary had to trust a powerful man who could send her to the gallows ... or love her through eternity.

  "

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Avoid it........2007-03-05

Forgettable historical romance without any historical detail OR romance. A highborn young woman hiding from her past and working as a housekeeper agrees to a pretend betrothal (how original!), discovers she's an heiress, and tries to avoid being blackmailed for killing the aristocrat who tried to bugger her young brother years before. Strangely tedious. This author has far better novels in her repertoire. Try one of those.

1 out of 5 stars Not my type of hero..........2007-02-06

I normally enjoy Dodd's book, but this one I had to stop reading after the heroine was raped (I see it as rape- many people here call it "almost rape", but I am a firm believer that, even in fiction, no- especially when said that many times- really means no). I eventually went back to it, only to see if Dodd could somehow save the book, but the ending wasn't nearly worth that scene. I completely lost respect for the heroine, Mary, who, as a supposedly strong, sassy, and independant woman, could fall in love with the man who forced himself on her... and there was no way that I was able to view Sebastian as anything but an arrogant, domineering man who raped the woman he supposedly loves- and couldn't even bring himself to say I'm sorry because it was just that good. Not my idea of a hero. I don't need to read romantic fiction to read a rape scene like that, thanks, so I will stick with Dodd's other books.

3 out of 5 stars An Avid reader........2006-11-10

It wasn't one of my best Christina Dodd book, but it was good. Pretty light read and not alot of depth. I think my biggest complaint was that it ended too quickly.

1 out of 5 stars crossed the line.......2006-06-24

I will only say I was uncomfortable the first time I read the book. I went back and started to read it again. The hero is a typical, impatient, judgmental jerk who uses his anger at the actions of the heroine's family to justify his behaviour towards the heroine. (Is all supposed to be excused once he realizes his mistake?) The first sexual encounter can only be viewed as rape. Usually I like Christina Dodd and the characters she creates, and it is not that the characters in this book lack interest. It is just that there is no excuse for using this type of facile characterization. P.

P.

5 out of 5 stars Well pleasured, indeed!.......2006-01-29

Not only was the heroin in this book well pleasured, but I as well finished this piece of literature well pleasured. I found myself interegued by Christina Dodd's superb writing. Thank you Christina, I hope you write more books of th same caliber.

Lilith's Brood
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous Collection!
  • Friendly but Invasive Aliens
  • A forced breeding program for humans - with a heart
  • Great study on human sociology and culture
  • Passing of a Star
Lilith's Brood
Octavia E. Butler
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Butler, Octavia E.Butler, Octavia E. | African American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Butler, Octavia E.Butler, Octavia E. | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0446676101

Book Description

Dawn: After nuclear war destroys the world, Earths survivors are rescued by the miraculously powerful Oankali aliens- who survive by merging genetically with primitive peoples without their permission. Adulthood Rites: Desperate to regain their world, childless humans seek to cleanse the alien taint by kidnapping hybrid children. But the raiders are blind to the truth of Earths new children. Imago: The futures of both humans and aliens rest in one young beings successful metamorphosis into adulthood.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous Collection!.......2007-08-17

In my opinion, these 3 novels (Dawn, Adulthood Rites and Imago) are some of Octavia's best work. These novels explore many of her popular themes, race, sex, gender and humanity at large. Great starter for anyone looking to build their collection.

5 out of 5 stars Friendly but Invasive Aliens.......2007-04-10

The way she writes is as if I'm watching events unfold on CNN, its real feeling and spooky. The set up is great and the plot unfortunately all to believeable. Humans mess up in foriegn affairs and get into a thermo nuclear war while aliens watch from orbit. They haul us out of the flames but now there's a price to pay and its a biggie. I got into this book and I think anyone who likes books about aliens and human interaction will really enjoy this. Its complicated and at times depressing. But all in all a good book, it will stay with you long after you're done reading.

4 out of 5 stars A forced breeding program for humans - with a heart.......2006-09-22

Lilith's Brood is the trilogy "Dawn," "Adulthood Rites," and "Imago" in one book. A fascinating tale of post apocalyptic Earth visited by a race of aliens physically designed to interbreed species through genetic manipulation. The remaining humans must learn to accept the species, interbreed and live in harmony with them, or else be condemned to a Earth covered with raging jungles, angry displaced men and few resources ... and even that Earth may not last as long as the Humans think ...

Lilith is an intelligent black woman who initially resists the aliens but eventually comes around to their way of thinking - for her own good, and the good of her people. By "Brood" refers both ro Lillith's own children, and humanity in general - the fate of which constantly weighs on Lilith's shoulders despite the sorrow she's experienced at their hands. Butler does a great job taking you along Lilith's emotional ride, and you feel not only for Lilith, but for the aliens, the humans and humanity in general.

A lot of social commentary - about race, gender, and nationality - is encompassed in this story, sometimes not too subtly. But to me it never felt preachy - I almost always came away with a felling of "yeah, that is probably exactly what would happen". Butler has a great grasp of the basic nature of the human psyche.

One of the major faults, and the reason I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars, is that the authors descriptions of the aliens and their habitats, while imaginative, lacks the kind of descriptive, relatable detail required to create a picutre in your head of what your reading. Visualization is especially important with science fiction and/or fantasy, so this shortcoming seriously effects some parts of the story.

After reading this I went on to read the Patternmaster Trilogy. I would advise against it. The themes are somewhat similar, but in a more bizarre, disjointed form, totally devoid of the sensitivity that makes Lilith's Brood a pretty good read.

5 out of 5 stars Great study on human sociology and culture.......2006-07-02

I'm not normally "into" sci-fi, but I was more intensely drawn into this book the longer I read it. It is intriguing to me how similar this is to how Lilith was drawn into the Ookali way of life. The author did a wonderful job of gradually introducing the reader into new ways of thinking. You find yourself accepting a portion of the alien society you didn't think you would. Then, a few pages later, you accept another part. Toward the end of the book (which is actually 3 novels in one), I found myself liking the alien way of life a bit better than what we humans have produced in earth's general culture. But, this all makes it sound so cerebral. Actually, it is FUN to read, too.

5 out of 5 stars Passing of a Star.......2006-06-15

Octavia Butler recently died in Seattle. Her passing is a great loss to literature in general and science fiction in particular. She once said that she didn't really write `Science Fiction' as such because she did know much about science. In fact her books do tackle some of the big themes of SciFi, but are not in the `hard science' genre. Her themes were race, sexuality, and the nature of `reality.'

Ms Butler was dyslexic, [...], above average in height, African American, and a genius. She lived as a hermit in the middle of a major city and created a body of work which stands with the very best. She won both Hugo and Nebula Awards several times and the MacArthur Foundation `Genius' Award in 1995. I think she is one of the few SciFi writers to have received this recognition.

I am posting this review on each of the Xenogenesis Trilogy (Dawn, Adulthood Rites, and Imago) sites as well as the volume where they are collected; `Lilith's Brood.' All are excellent and recommended.

In this series Ms Butler took on sexuality and the nature of `humanity' in a startling new way. She gradually takes the reader from the perspective of a `human,' specifically an Earthling who encounters an alien race to the perspective of the `alien,' specifically the descendent of interbreeding between humans and aliens who is now the `human' and sees Earthlings as the aliens.

Ms Butler skills are so great that this change in perspective goes so slowly that the reader is largely unaware until it has been accomplished. While some will dither about which of Ms Butler's novels are her `greatest,' few will argue that this series is superb. I have read nearly all of Ms Butler's works and enjoyed them all. I think she was one of the finest writers of speculative fiction in recent history and will miss her work.
The vengeful brood of Lilith and Samael
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The vengeful brood of Lilith and Samael
    R. P Dow
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Unknown Binding
    ASIN: B00086IW7E

    The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Fantastic
    • Life Changing
    • Matthew Kelly's "The Ryhm of Life"
    • Fresh
    • Outstanding!!
    The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose
    Matthew Kelly
    Manufacturer: Fireside
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0743265254

    Amazon.com

    Matthew Kelly, the charismatic minister, speaker and best-selling author from down under, wants you to live life out loud and on purpose. In this expanded version of The Rhythm of Life he syntheses Christian theology, cognitive psychology and storytelling to unpack the paradox of being happy. As Kelly explains, "We want to be happy. We know what makes us happy. But we don't do those things--because we are busy trying to be happy." So here's the gospel according to Kelly: Find a life-changing rhythm by choosing a central purpose and becoming "the best version of yourself." With examples draw from his own life and diverse cast of characters including Charlie Chaplin, Jude the apostle, piano man Billy Joel, the Magi, and Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, he maps the way to a meaningful life. Kelly makes thoughtful distinctions. He contrasts the difference between doing and having, the legitimate need for health and happiness with the illegitimate desire for expensive toys and the pursuit of minimalism vs. excellence. Then he gets specific, offering five questions about life's meaning, three instruments for anchoring your life and ten principles of excellence. At times, Kelly seems to be recycling his speeches and sermons or downplaying his religious stripes to seek a wider audience. And he lets cliches share the pages with memorable gems. But Kelly's gift is to convey the much-discussed ideas of personal accountability, mind management, and spirituality with passion and clarity. Barbara Mackoff

    Book Description

    Do you ever feel that if you weren't so busy you would be happier, healthier, more effective, more fulfilled...and maybe even a better person?

    Once every twenty-five years or so, a book comes along that perfectly identifies our common search and struggle for happiness, and teaches us how to find lasting fulfillment in a changing world. This is that book. Not since M. Scott Peck published The Road Less Traveled have we experienced a voice as refreshing and authentic as Matthew Kelly's.

    The Rhythm of Life will help you to bring into focus who you are and why you are here. Through this book Matthew Kelly will help you discover your legitimate needs, deepest desires, and unique talents. He will introduce you to the-best-version-of-yourself and lead you to a life filled with passion and purpose.

    Here are just a few of the timeless creeds that he presents in The Rhythm of Life...

    "You were born to become the-best-version-of-yourself. This is your essential purpose. Embrace this one solitary truth and it will change your life more than anything you have ever learned. In every situation, ask yourself, Which of the options before me will help me become the-best-version-of-myself?"

    "Everything is a choice. This is life's greatest truth and its hardest lesson. It is a great truth because it reminds us of our power. Not power over others, but the power to be ourselves and to live the life we have imagined. It is a hard lesson because it causes us to realize that we have chosen the life we are living right now."

    "The measure of your life will be the measure of your courage. Courage animates us, brings us to life, and makes everything else possible. Fear stops more people from doing something with their lives than lack of ability, contacts, resources, or any other single variable. Fear paralyzes the human spirit. Life takes courage."

    "Energy is our most valuable resource, not time. The rhythm of life is a way of life that brings our legitimate needs, our deepest desires, and our unique talents into harmony with each other. The result: passion, purpose, and energy."

    Kelly has a way of thinking and writing that cuts through the stifling clutter of our everyday lives and delivers a clarity that is both refreshing and liberating.

    Download Description

    "Do you ever feel that if you weren't so busy you would be happier, healthier, more effective, more fulfilled...and maybe even a better person? Once every twenty-five years or so, a book comes along that perfectly identifies our common search and struggle for happiness, and teaches us how to find lasting fulfillment in a changing world. This is that book. Not since M. Scott Peck published The Road Less Traveled have we experienced a voice as refreshing and authentic as Matthew Kelly's. "

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2007-06-01

    The Catholic answer to "Purpose Driven Life" This is a great book, well written and an easy read.

    5 out of 5 stars Life Changing.......2007-04-02

    I was skeptical when a friend recommended this author, but a few pages into the book, I knew I had found a life altering read. Matthew Kelly shares pieces of himself and his journey in a way that makes you feel like you can have everything you have ever wanted out of life. It puts the power back in your hands and is a wake-up call to anyone who feels that life is just not 'all that'. I have referred to this book so many times since reading it and will continue to pass along the message to anyone who seems lost and unsure of the path to finding the best version of themselves.

    5 out of 5 stars Matthew Kelly's "The Ryhm of Life".......2007-02-07

    Matthew Kelly is a phenomenal speaker and writer. If you have ever felt lost, confused, or felt as though your life was out of control, this is the book that will set you on the right path; on a path toward happiness.

    5 out of 5 stars Fresh.......2007-01-22

    Matthew Kelly is once again delivering information which could be very complicated in a manner which is easy to understand and apply.

    5 out of 5 stars Outstanding!!.......2006-11-25

    This book gives extreme insight and motivation to increase a person's well-being and striving toward self-confidence. An awesome combination of drive, passion and reality. Very Clever!
    The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose
      Matthew Kelly
      Manufacturer: Fireside
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: B000JLJ2AE

      Meat and Games - Sauces and Bases Execution, Display and Decoration for Buffets and Receptions
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Meat and Games - Sauces and Bases Execution, Display and Decoration for Buffets and Receptions
        Denis Ruffel
        Manufacturer: Wiley
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        GameGame | Meat, Poultry & Seafood | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
        ProfessionalProfessional | Professional Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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        ASIN: 0470250100

        Book Description

        This volume offers a prestigious collection of classic dishes and buffet menus.
        The Professional Caterer Series: Meat and Game,Sauces and Bases, Planning,Execution,Display, and Decoration for Buffets and Receptions, (Ruffel, Denis//Professional Caterer Series)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Professional Caterer Series: Meat and Game,Sauces and Bases, Planning,Execution,Display, and Decoration for Buffets and Receptions, (Ruffel, Denis//Professional Caterer Series)
          Denis Ruffel
          Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          Hospitality, Travel & TourismHospitality, Travel & Tourism | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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          ProfessionalProfessional | Professional Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0442001436

          The Glass Candlestick Book: Identification and Value Guide (Glass Candlestick Book)
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Stunning Series, wish all books were like this
          • Wonderful Resource
          The Glass Candlestick Book: Identification and Value Guide (Glass Candlestick Book)
          Tom Felt , Rich Stoer , and Elaine Stoer
          Manufacturer: Collector Books
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          GeneralGeneral | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Glass & GlasswareGlass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          ReferenceReference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Similar Items:
          1. The Glass Candlestick Book: Vol. 2, Fostoria to Jefferson The Glass Candlestick Book: Vol. 2, Fostoria to Jefferson
          2. The Glass Candlestick Book, Vol. 3 The Glass Candlestick Book, Vol. 3
          3. Glass Candlesticks of the Depression Era: Identification and Value Guide Glass Candlesticks of the Depression Era: Identification and Value Guide
          4. Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide: Easy Identification for Glassware from the 1920s Through the 1960s Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide: Easy Identification for Glassware from the 1920s Through the 1960s
          5. L.E. Smith Glass Company: The First One Hundred Years: History, Identification And Value Guide L.E. Smith Glass Company: The First One Hundred Years: History, Identification And Value Guide

          ASIN: 1574323008

          Book Description

          Candlesticks made by 33 different American companies, alphabetically from the Akro Agate Company to the Fenton Art Glass Company are featured with more than 620 candlesticks. Over 500 color photos and more than 220 reprints from old trade journals and advertisements light up the book. Every candlestick is described with dimensions, production dates, known colors, information on reissues and reproductions. Current location of the mold, as well as current values are revealed. AUTHORBIO: Tom Felt is the author of Heisey Glass Candlesticks, Candelabra and Lamps, two other books on Heisey published by the Heisey Collectors of America, and co-author of a three-volume series, Glass Candlesticks. He is a frequent contributor to the Glass Collectors Digest and other magazines and newsletters. AUTHORBIO: Elaine Stoer and her husband Richard, are co-authors of a three-volume series on glass candlesticks, along with Tom Felt. She and husband Richard are advanced collectors and researchers in this field. AREVIEW: This is the first volume in a three-volume series, covering Akro Agate through Fenton Art Glass companies. These books are undoubtedly the most comprehensive on the market. Crisp photographs and thorough facts about each candlestick are provided, along with current collector values. Other reference materials can't hold a candle to this one. More than 500 color photos and over 220 reprints from old trade journals and advertisements light up the book.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Stunning Series, wish all books were like this.......2007-04-01

          Love the miniature quick-identification pictorial indexes! Would love a separate pocket book of all 3 volumes of these with a price for shopping. THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE. Can't speak highly enough about the pictures, the completeness, and the detailed information. Even describes similar pieces that could cost you, and how to recognize them. One of best books in my 20 glass-book collection. Just great. As much as they knew they wrote in, a nice change from a rigid structure. THANK YOU, Tom Felt and Elaine & Rich Stoer! GET ALL VOLUMES.

          p.s. The only other source of information you'll need is a guide to all the etchings that are available. They tell you what etchings are available on each candlestick, but don't always show a picture of each anywhere in series.

          5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Resource.......2004-02-07

          I have recently begun collecting glass with a particular affinity to candlesticks. This book has been a great help in identifying various pieces. The authors have grouped candlesticks according to the maker, and photographs and pictures abound. Not only do the authors describe the individual candlesticks, they point out similarities and differences between makers to ensure accurate identification. I am purchasing vol. 2 and look forward to the rest of the collection.

          Making Lovable Teddy Bears & Their Clothes
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • pleasantly surprised...
          • not found anything better yet
          Making Lovable Teddy Bears & Their Clothes
          Marion Thielmann , and Beate Franz
          Manufacturer: Sterling
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Stuffed AnimalsStuffed Animals | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          ToymakingToymaking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Similar Items:
          1. Make Your Own Teddy Bears: Instructions and Full-Size Patterns for Jointed and Unjointed Bears and Their Clothing (Dover Needlework Series) Make Your Own Teddy Bears: Instructions and Full-Size Patterns for Jointed and Unjointed Bears and Their Clothing (Dover Needlework Series)

          ASIN: 0806997133

          Amazon.com

          Forget the Furby fad. Teddy bears are timeless: they never go out of style, they're cuddly, and each one has a distinct personality, even if it doesn't talk. Best of all, they're not all that difficult to make. Here are full instructions and complete patterns for making more than a dozen irresistible bears and their wardrobes, plus good background on the basics of teddy bear construction and assembly. And if you really need one that makes its own noise, there are even directions for inserting a voice box or music box. --Amy Handy

          Book Description

          Could anything be cuddlier than a teddy bear? Now, making a special, personal teddy bear—with its own wardrobe—couldn’t be simpler. Just follow these basic instructions, and the advice on easily available materials. Includes detailed patterns and full color photos that show you the fabulous completed bears. “With patterns for making a stunning wardrobe of, er, grizzly fashions.”—Publishers Weekly.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars pleasantly surprised..........2006-09-09

          At first glance, I was not very impressed when flipping through this book. The bears seemed very plain and simple. However, upon closer inspection - I realized that it was only their expressions that were very basic; Each bear pattern was really very different in size and shape. A bear's expression is actually the part of the bear that allows the artist to make the bear uniquely "theirs". So armed with the bear patterns in this book, the creative possibilities are endless! The author has included a large variety of bear styles (jointed, non-jointed, 4 legged cub) and adorable clothes for all the bears. The patterns included in the book are all full size. There is a very thorough and well-pictured techniques section in the beginning of the book discussing different fabrics, joint materials, etc. This book is really a gem, and at the listed price - well worth the investment.

          5 out of 5 stars not found anything better yet.......1998-09-25

          i made a few teddy bears and still don't have enough. so many great ideas and possibilities and patterns for clothing. i can only recommend it. you will see that teddies are easy to make.
          Making Lovable Teddy Bears and Their Clothes
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Making Lovable Teddy Bears and Their Clothes
            Marion and Franz, Beate Thielmann
            Manufacturer: Sterling Publ.
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover
            ASIN: B000LC1O2A

            Shabby Chic: Sumptuous Settings and Other Lovely Things
            Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
            • Shabby Chic Gorgeous
            • Shift in Focus to Parties, Away from Home Decorating
            • Beautiful picture book.
            • best cottage style reference
            • Looking for Femininity
            Shabby Chic: Sumptuous Settings and Other Lovely Things
            Rachel Ashwell
            Manufacturer: Collins Design
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

            Decorative ArtsDecorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            DecoratingDecorating | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
            Household HintsHousehold Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
            DecoratingDecorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
            Rachel AshwellRachel Ashwell | Expert Advice | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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            Similar Items:
            1. The Shabby Chic Home The Shabby Chic Home
            2. Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic: Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide. Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic: Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide.
            3. Shabby Chic Shabby Chic
            4. The Shabby Chic Gift of Giving The Shabby Chic Gift of Giving
            5. Home Sweet Home: A Journey Through Mary's Dream Home Home Sweet Home: A Journey Through Mary's Dream Home

            ASIN: 006052393X
            Release Date: 2004-11-23

            Book Description

            Rachel Ashwell uses her signature style to make any event a special occasion.

            This beautiful, accessible book proves that entertaining need not be expensive. Making every day into an elegant extravaganza is a matter of inspiration and imagination, and shopping is a great way to get inspired. Travel with her to unique locations like a Chinese grocery store, local antique mall, a flower market, or a flea market to search for the perfect accents that will give your event unexpected charm without breaking the bank. Use the treasures you find to jazz up average items – sometimes it's as easy as adding a little paint, ribbons, or flowers. Decorate the chairs, create a themed meal, or custom design menus and place cards. When it comes to setting a scene, Rachel is an expert and with her easy how–to advice, you can be too. She has practical ideas for any occasion – baby showers to weddings, birthday parties to bar mitzvahs, even old–fashioned family dinners.

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars Shabby Chic Gorgeous .......2007-06-15

            As usual Rachels books never fail to delight the eye with the sumptuous photography, attention to detail and her style of putting together the simplest objects to create visual feasts. A book to devour over and over with a lovely cup of tea !

            4 out of 5 stars Shift in Focus to Parties, Away from Home Decorating.......2006-02-15

            Maybe "Elegant Shabby Chic" would have been a better name for the book. The photos are gorgeous. The events the author created are lavish affairs for Hollywood socialites. The reader can find inspiration from these and depending on the budget, create your own event.
            Each chapter covers a separate affair or decorating challenge. There's Jennifer Lopez' restaurant and Pamela Anderson's son's birthday party. Paper parasols, vintage/flowery hats, a mixture of china teacups, and lots of old-fashioned flowers.
            I picked this up, originally thinking it was a decorating book. As a party planning book, it's can be an inspiration.

            4 out of 5 stars Beautiful picture book........2005-08-28

            I was in great anticipation of this book because I found her previous ones (with the exception of the Gift Giving one which I have not read) to be beautiful, inspiring and filled with great, new to me, information. I wasn't expecting another book like the first ones and had I, I think I would have been disappointed. What I was expecting, however, was just another beautiful book filled with wonderful images to give my brain a creative spark. And it did just that.

            It's not really a how to, it doesn't lay things out easily, and it's not really for home ideas and living. But it is beautiful, thoughtful, unique and true to Shabby Chic. So if you're in the need of some more inspiration and love her books, this would be a great match. If you're looking to learn more about shabby chic for home and how to do all that, her other books are much, much better.

            5 out of 5 stars best cottage style reference.......2005-08-10

            If you like the casual comfortable look of overstuffed slip covered furniture, this is the best reference you could buy.

            5 out of 5 stars Looking for Femininity.......2005-07-06

            This is a great book! With having only sons and a husband, I am a minority in my household. I am constantly surrounded by comic book hero toys and other action figures. The book was so pretty to look at and I enjoyed the femininity of it. It gives great ideas to share with my friends who have daughters.

            The Best of Business Card Design 5 (Best of Business Card Design)
            Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
            • Lots n Lots X 5
            The Best of Business Card Design 5 (Best of Business Card Design)
            Cheryl Dangel Cullen
            Manufacturer: Rockport Publishers
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback

            AdvertisingAdvertising | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Graphic Arts | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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            1. The Best of Business Card Design 6 (Best of Business Card Design) The Best of Business Card Design 6 (Best of Business Card Design)
            2. Letterhead & Logo Design 7 (Letterhead and Logo Design) Letterhead & Logo Design 7 (Letterhead and Logo Design)
            3. The Best of Business Card Design 7 (Best of Business Card Design (Hardback)) The Best of Business Card Design 7 (Best of Business Card Design (Hardback))
            4. Letterhead and Logo Design 9 Letterhead and Logo Design 9
            5. Letterhead & Logo Design 8 Letterhead & Logo Design 8

            ASIN: 1592530486

            Book Description

            Featuring a high-end collection of the best work by top designers around the world. Cards come from around the world and their production costs are equally as widespread. Some were created on shoestring budgets while others spared no expense, yet all are effective at making that all-important first impression.

            Organized in a visually focused presentation, The Best of Business Card Design 5 is comprehensive collection of more than 290 business card designs that were selected from thousands of entries. Essentially an art collection of today's most innovative business card designs, this high-quality resource will be sought by both professional designers and marketers who clients tem from every kind of business. What are the latest trends in business card design? Color, color, and more color, odd sizes, varied substrates, and much more.

            Customer Reviews:

            4 out of 5 stars Lots n Lots X 5.......2003-05-01

            Lots of amazing business cards for you to drool over. A great reference book for the graphic designer.
            Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 5 (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards)
            Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
            • Ideas
            • simplicity
            Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 5 (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards)
            Karen Chambers
            Manufacturer: North Light Books
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

            GeneralGeneral | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Graphic Arts | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            Letterhead, Logos, & Business CardsLetterhead, Logos, & Business Cards | Design | HOWdesign Studio | Specialty Stores | Books
            Similar Items:
            1. Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 4: Winning Designs from Print Magazine's National Competition (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards) Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 4: Winning Designs from Print Magazine's National Competition (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards)
            2. Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 6 (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards) Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards 6 (Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards)
            3. Print's Best Logos & Symbols 6 (Print's Best Logos and Symbols) Print's Best Logos & Symbols 6 (Print's Best Logos and Symbols)
            4. Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards: Winning Designs from Print Magazine's National Competition/3 Print's Best Letterheads & Business Cards: Winning Designs from Print Magazine's National Competition/3
            5. 1,000 Greetings: Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions 1,000 Greetings: Creative Correspondence Designed for All Occasions

            ASIN: 1883915058

            Customer Reviews:

            4 out of 5 stars Ideas.......2003-05-12

            A bit pricey for it's size but still it is full of good examples of well designed letterheads and business cards. I found some new ideas in this book that I haven't seen yet.

            3 out of 5 stars simplicity.......1999-02-11

            it has many minimal yet innovative designs. i like the style. clean, simple, effective. good picture book. however it can use a more analytical side review for teach piece.

            Sam Mendes at the Donmar: Stepping into Freedom
            Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
            • A unique and captivating tribute
            Sam Mendes at the Donmar: Stepping into Freedom
            Matt Wolf
            Manufacturer: Limelight Editions
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback

            GeneralGeneral | Theater | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
            EntertainersEntertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            Movie DirectorsMovie Directors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            TheatreTheatre | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
            GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: 0879109823

            Book Description

            Matt Wolf's book chronicles ten amazing years for the Donmar and for Mendes, combining accounts of numerous productions and extensive interviews with Mendes himself and more than sixty Donmar alumni: Sondheim, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alan Cumming, Helen Mirren, Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle, to name but a few. This celebration of the Donmar's tenth anniversary is full of candid conversation, analyses of its successes as well as its failures, and trenchant behind-the-scenes reporting. It is also the Donmar's farewell to Sam Mendes, who is leaving the theatre to pursue other opportunities on the stage and screen. As director of American Beauty, for which he won an Academy Award, and Road to Perdition, his future is as bright as his past.

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars A unique and captivating tribute.......2003-04-14

            Sam Mendes At The Donmar: Stepping Into Freedom by London theatre critic and arts correspondent Matt Wolf is a close chronicle of first decade of the Donmar Warehouse, the site of unforgettable play performances which ranged from classics of live theatre to the works of contemporary playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Brian Friel, and Harold Pinter. Celebrating The Donmar's tenth anniversary as a theater (and doubling as a farewell to Sam Mendes who has left the theater to further his career on the silver screen), Sam Mendes At The Donmar is a unique and captivating tribute enhanced throughout with black-and-white photographs and thought-provoking quotations.

            Books:

            1. Kaddish for an Unborn Child
            2. King of the Vagabonds: The Baroque Cycle #2 (The Baroque Cycle)
            3. La casa en Mango Street
            4. Letters from Pemberley the First Year
            5. LETTERS OF A PORTUGUESE NUN: UNCOVERING THE MYSTERY BEHIND A 17TH CENTURY FORBIDDEN LOVE
            6. Little Ghetto Girl: A Novel
            7. Maps of the Imagination: The Writer as Cartographer
            8. Music Through the Floor: Stories
            9. Myths for the Modern Age: Philip Jose Farmer's Wold Newton Universe
            10. Night of Many Dreams: A Novel

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