Damn Straight (A Lillian Byrd Crime Story)

Book Description

After her narrow brush with death in Holy Hell, you would think Lillian Byrd would have learned to keep her head down, but when a friend in crisis calls from Palm Springs, Lillian jumps on a plane and wings her way from Detroit to California and danger. It's the weekend of the Dinah Shore golf tournament, the wildest women's sporting event in the world, when thousands of lesbians from around the country descend on the small desert town of Rancho Mirage and take over. At a pre-championship party, a capsized tray of champagne serves to introduce Lillian to a top LPGA star, and Lillian leaps into a sizzling romance without a second thought. But her superstar athlete has a secret: Someone is quietly terrorizing her. Lillian, eager to help, goes undercover as a high-profile reporter, an unhinged nun and a professional caddie while uncov-ering disturbing layer after layer of her lover's past. Who is the stalker? The lickspittle agent? The fierce rival? The alcoholic mother? Finally, with violence erupting at every turn, Lillian uncovers her lover's final horrifying secret. And it is not at all what she thought. Once again, Elizabeth Sims has crafted a nail-biting thriller, featuring her oh-so-human amateur detective, that sizzles and zings and has readers laughing through their shivers.

Elizabeth Sims is also the author of Holy Hell. A book person through and through, she is a 10-year veteran of bookselling and has written book reviews for the Detroit Free Press. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in Moving Out and The Smudge. A longtime resident of the Detroit area, where Lillian Byrd lives, Sims now lives in Northern California.

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read!!!.......2004-07-07

Ok, I have to admit, the only reason I picked up the first one (Holy Hell) was because of an email I received about Elizabeth getting the Lambda Literary Award for this one and the fact that she was a local grrl. I'm not normally into the "Lesbian Mystery" type books.

This is NOT typical in the least! I was enthralled from the start and laughed out loud many times. The love scenes were very scorching! The main character was fabulously believable and imperfect. I don't think I can give this series enough stars and am impatiently anticipating Lucky Stiff. Keep them coming Elizabeth!!!

An excellent sports focused story.......2003-08-10

I've been reading lesbian books for a long time and this is one of the best stories in a sports milieu. The fact that Lillian is a golfer (duffer to be sure)helps pull the reader into the "Dinah". The only problem I have (as I do with many other books) is Lillian's sureness that she is in love with Genie in two days. Really! We do get a solid picture of who Genie is and what golf means to her by the end of the book. An excellent read!

bursts of laughter intertwined with great intrigue.......2003-08-08

Best book I've read in awhile! I adore this fresh, bright character. Can't wait for the next installment of Lillian's adventures!
Sims writes in the first person perspective, but even moreso - it's as if the character Lillian is sitting right beside you, unfolding her story. And I come away as if I'm met a new friend...a friend who is smart, very witty, with a heckuva great sense of humor.
I especially enjoyed that Lillian shlepps her mandolin around with her, sharing fiddle tunes with friends. The details about this part of her life and also about her pet rabbit Todd make Lillian come alive. Great character development. Damn Straight is a fun and engaging read.

Buy this book now!.......2003-07-11

Lillian Byrd is back and she is as sarcastic, human, and intuitive as she was in her first book, "Holy Hell". There are several laugh out loud funny parts as well as some deliciously creepy ones. The story gets going right away and before we know it Lillian is on a plane with Todd the rabbit, heading to California to meet up with her old friend Truby (who turns out to be a fun side story) and right into the arms of a mystery. The story is filled with twists and turns, humor, and humanity. Buy this book, you will not be disappointed!

Sweet Jesus.......2003-07-01

It looks like intelligence and wit might be making a come back.

I loved this book because the story is tight and the author is generous. She doesn't just give you a requisite description of the alcoholic's house, but tosses in this gem about a lush "...her feet looked like two poached footballs..." You won't find such observations in the typical page-turner (which so quickly turns dull as you realize you're only exercising your fingers and not your mind).

And how about a lead character who, in the end, prefers getting herself centered over hanging out with the rich and famous? Honor thyself instead of some poohbah, that's a fresh new idea. Too bad they won't read it in school.

The book is delightfully engrossing from the opening page. Read it and enjoy.

Lost Paths: Ahl-I-Batin and Taftani (Mage: The Ascension)
Average customer rating:

Two Trad Books plus the Djinn! All Right!

Interesting, deep, rich, but a little tiring to read...
Lost Paths: Ahl-I-Batin and Taftani (Mage: The Ascension)
Kraig Black Welder
Manufacturer: White Wolf Games Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Mage | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1565044290

Customer Reviews:

Two Trad Books plus the Djinn! All Right!.......2004-01-05

Since the early days of Mage, I've wanted to see more on the Ahl-i-Batin. This book gives all that plus more about Mages in the Middle East and even material on the Djinn, spirits unique to the Middle East. The first chapter covers the Ahl-i-Batin, the subtle Arabian magi who seek unity, and opens with perhaps one of the most interesting fictions in any Mage supplement in which a Batini magus decieves one of their ancient foes the Nephandi. It then gives a whole bunch of Arabic words used by the Batini. It then details their origins from the meeting of Akashic refugees of the Himalayan Wars and Ecstatic dervishes of Perisa to the modern times. Major things, such as the rise of Islam (which the Batini supported) to the Technocracy's war on the Batini to their growing influence in modern Iran's Shi'ite government complete with a timeline. It then examines the Batini's power and influence in the Web of Faith (which stretches across the Islamic world) and the five schools of the Batini (kabbalists of the University of Light, alchemists and architects of the Silk Cartel, assassins of the Ikwhan at-Tawhid, sufis of the Darwushim and mentalists of the Paradise Garden). There are plenty of new Rotes, details on Batini magic, foci and philosophy and some interesting signature characters and templates. More importantly it also details the unique aspects of Batini magic (they begin with extra Arcane and can have Arcane ratings above 5, but cannot learn Entropy).

The next chapter details the Taftani, extremely vulgar Persian magi who summon djinn, make flying carpets and shoot fireballs. First introduced in the Sorcerer Crusade's Player's Guide, this book fleshes them out by making their beliefs more interesting, drawing upon Zoroastrianism and Middle Eastern paganism. This chapter examines not only the beliefs of the Taftani but also a timeline of their history from ancient kingdoms in Petra and Mesopotamia to their suppression under Islam to their influence amongst Afghani warlords. Along with a map of Persia and Afghanistan, we are treated to areas where the Taftani are strong: Arabia, Turkey, North Africa and so forth. Ironically the same places as the Batini (like the Batini, some accompanied the Moors into Spain, followed Arab immigrants to Detroit or chose to settle in the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern US). Their two factions are examined, the Zaotar who embody vulgar magic in all its forms and the subtle Kahin, who use poetry and divination to work their magics. Theres also details on their magic, beliefs, some signature characters and templates, new rotes, information on Djinn summoning and binding and a few sample spirit minions. Theres also legends of the City of Brass and Irem of the Pillars.

The book closes out with a short chapter on the Djinn, their history, their courts (from their Sultans and Caliphs to lowly commoners) and social structure (such as Shayateen, Efrit and so forth) and how to create and use Djinn in games. Basically, they are treated as extremely power spirits. There are also a couple sample Djinn presented.

Overall, its a pretty nice book to get, but there are a couple errors and mistakes that keep it from being ideal. For instance, a big point is made of how the Taftani avoid the use of Arabic words in favor of Persian, because of their rejection of Islam, but it then goes on to list the Taftani's major languages as including Gujarati, Armenian, Greek, Avestan, Pahlavi, Sanskrit and... Arabic! Likewise, Ar-Rutbah is mentioned as being a major Batini outpost in Iran, even though it is in Iraq (and in fact theres even a map showing it IN IRAQ!). A couple other examples are in there. But in general its a nice book for information on the Batini, Taftani and Djinn, as well as providing some nice details for a Middle Eastern/Islamic setting for Mage games. Its even better if you use it alongside the information on the Web of Faith in Guide to the Traditions.

Interesting, deep, rich, but a little tiring to read..........2001-07-27

A nice book, covering a couple of obscure points in MtA: The arabian traditions. Very well researched (if almos difficult to read, too many arabian terms), all the paradigms was very deep developed, but, perhaps just a feeling, a litte "rigid".

Customer Reviews:

Forgiveness: How to Make Peace With Your Past and Get on With Your Life.......2007-08-21

This book is clearly written. We found it a source of great help dealing with a very difficult time. We would highly recommend it. The closing sections really pulled the process of healing together for us.

Very Helpful.......2007-01-02

This book is well written and it has given me a new perspective on forgiving. It has helped me understand the power of forgivness and why we forgive which was new to me. I now feel a new sense of freedom since reading this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels stuck or wounded. I feel it has aided me in the gradual process of healing my wounds.

Forgiveness.......2006-07-29

I am using the book as my personal reference and like the way it was written.
Thanks!

May not work for everyone.......2004-09-01

This book is an invaluable aid to those who feel forgiveness is their best way to find healing, or for those whose personal beliefs demand this, but it's too simplistic to work for every trauma victim. Some victims find the pressure to forgive their tormentors to be an additional burden, or an addition to their pain, or an insult to their suffering. Therapy must be tailored to the individual and this method just doesn't work for everyone.

Dig deep to find freedom from the pain of your past!.......2002-05-16

This is an incredible book! Take the time to complete the exercises, you will not be sorry. Some of the tasks seemed mundane but when I was finished, I felt lighter. For me, this book was more effective that 5 years of psycho-therapy combined with anti-depressants. I have FINALLY achieved freedom from my childhood traumas!!

Cherished Czech Recipes
Average customer rating:

What do I do with my leftover Pig Snouts?

Short But Has Most Common Czech and Slovak Favorites

From Wild Rice Casserole to Poppy Seed Coffee Cake!

Good food...

Cherished Czech Recipes
Pat Martin
Manufacturer: Penfield Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
European | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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The Czechoslovak Cookbook: Czechoslovakia's best-selling cookbook adapted for American kitchens. Includes recipes for authentic dishes like Goulash, Apple ... Torte. (Crown Classic Cookbook Series)

Czech & Slovak Kolache Recipes & Sweet Treats

Quality Dumpling Recipes

The Best of Czech Cooking (Hippocrene International Cookbooks)

Czech and Slovak Touches: Recipes, History, Travel, Folk Arts

ASIN: 0941016463

Book Description

This inexpensive, index card size spiral-bound recipe book features over 100 Czech-American recipes. Makes a great gift or "stocking stuffer" for friends and relatives.

Customer Reviews:

What do I do with my leftover Pig Snouts?.......2002-10-12

Why, make hash, of course!! A lot of interesting recipes in this little book, and many of them, including Christmas recipes look pretty tasty. I probably won't make anything with Pig Snouts, Brains, or Cheeks, but you never know!!

Short But Has Most Common Czech and Slovak Favorites.......2001-11-19

There are many variations for cooking Czech and Slovak dishes. This brief flip-chart bookelt has about 100 recipes. It is weak in the soup department but strong in bakery and main courses. Included are meat dishes like Chicken Paprika and one version of Marinated Beef (Svckova).

Other favorites include liver dumplings, nut cake, poppy seed pastries, and of course, Kolacki (Kolaches). The last section of the book includes the words for the Czech and Slovak anthems and proverbial sayings from the region. It is not a complete Czech and Slovak cookbook, but contains good tried and true recipes.

From Wild Rice Casserole to Poppy Seed Coffee Cake!.......2000-11-20

Cherished Czech Recipes, in the popular recipe-card file Stocking stuffer format. is full of the best recipes and notes about Czech culture. Compiled by Pat Martin, this little book reflects the best food traditions of Czech Americans. Pat served as the first coordinator of the Czech Village Association in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Many of the recipes featured have not been published previously, and a special section features traditional Christmas favorites of pioneer Czech families.

The cover art is a collaboration between noted Czech-American folk artist Marj Nejdl and graphic designer/calligrapher Esther Feske. The result is a lovely calligraphic title balanced by a Czech border design in red.

In addition to wonderful recipes, Cherished Czech Recipes also includes information on Czech-American culture. Included are a listing of Czech festivals, tourist sites, and information on where Czech Americans are found in the United States. Also included are popular proverbs and the Czechoslovak National Anthems.

The recipes included in this book are wonderful individually or to create a full Czechoslovak meal! Included are a variety of soups and gravies such as Mushroom and Barley Soup and Tomato Gravy. No soup would be complete without delicious breads to accompany it! Cherished Czech Recipes tells you step-by-step how to serve up piping hot loaves of Bohemian Rye Bread and Crescent Rolls. For a complete dinner, try the Roast Goose accompanied by the Wild Rice Casserole. For dessert, a warm Poppy Seed Coffee Cake will have your guests making room for more!

Cherished Czech Recipes is excellent for personal collections and as a memento of Czech American culture.

Good food..........1999-10-13

I have been looking for my mother's recepies all over the place and for the first time I found a book that really covers them all. If you are a real fan of Czech foods or if you just like to try new things, this is the books for you.

Book Description

An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet is the series to turn to when you want a basic reference that's reliable, up-to-date, and complete. These guides feature:

Expert authors, plus renowned guest contributors on specialized topics
Full-color photos throughout
Basic information on the breed, species, or topic
Complete coverage of care, health, grooming, training, and more
Tips and techniques to make life with a pet more rewarding

Customer Reviews:

The Best.......2000-03-19

I bought this book along with 2 others and this book is by far the most informative for the average buyer. It is easy to read and understand. It should be all you need unless you are going to show you dog.

Book Description

Although advertising has a history that goes back thousands of years, it is the Americans who have made it into an art form. Advertisements were put on everything from pocket mirrors to memo pads, the sides of barns to the sides of carriages and buses. A history of advertising printed in the 1880s even show and advertisement on a tombstone. With the advent of color lithography in the late 1800s, some of the most beautiful and highly collectible items were created. Tin signs with colorful, strong images, often embossed, were made for stores, and often found their way into homes. Paper advertising in calendars, trade cards, and posters reached new levels of artistry in the latter years of the 19th century. This new book explores advertising in all its media, tin, paper, celluloid, and enamel. In full color it portrays the creativity of its makers, while at the same time bringing to life the styles of the past 120 years. Included are signs, three dimensional designs, smalls, and novelties. With some tin signs bringing in excess of $100,000 (a Campbell Soup sign included in this book), it is clear that this is an active and exciting area for collectors. At the same time, it is a good field for the new collector, who can find many pieces of advertising for under $50. Both ends of the spectrum are nicely covered in Antique advertising: America for Sale, making it an important book for all collectors.

Lasagna Gardening with Herbs: Enjoy Fresh Flavor, Fragrance, and Beauty with No Digging, No Tilling, No Weeding, No Kidding!
Average customer rating:

Worth Trying .......

Lasagna Gardening with Herbs: Enjoy Fresh Flavor, Fragrance, and Beauty with No Digging, No Tilling, No Weeding, No Kidding!
Patricia Lanza
Manufacturer: Rodale Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Herbs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 087596897X

Book Description

Hang up your shovel and trowel! Now you can use the time (and money) you save laboring in your garden to actually enjoy it. Drawing on the amazingly simple layering sys-tem of gardening developed in her previous 'lasagna gardening' books, Patricia Lanza applies these principles to the ever-popular topic of growing herbs. Her organic, commonsense approach uses natural ingredients, close planting, and generous mulching, with little or no fancy equipment. Here she shares her homegrown methods, based upon almost 50 years of experience, to give readers tips on: lUsing more than 50 favorite herbs in recipes lMaking herbal wreaths and creating delicious herbal teas lUsing herbs for aromatherapy and potpourri lGrowing and using edible flowers This is the perfect book for all the busy people who want to reap the rewards of a garden but who lack the time, the energy, or the confidence to get down in the dirt. Accomplished and amateur gardeners alike will love this ingenious process that allows you to create beautiful, productive, low-maintenance herb gardens.

Customer Reviews:

Worth Trying ..............2005-04-12

First things first, this book was great fun to read. The author writes with passion on her subject and clearly has a great love of this topic. It really does shine through. The description of different herbs is workman like and covers off on all the kitchen herbs in everyday use.

The book is punctuated by some interesting recipes. Those that I have tried I like.

Now getting down in the dirt: lasagna gardening is a combination of using composted materials coupled with a layer of news papers between the soil and the compost to eliminate weeds. Preparing rich compost from kitchen waste is something I do already, the use of newspaper as a weed suppressant is something I would never of thought of (very logical though). I love the thought of minimal work.

In general herbs can do very well in dry sandy soil and will tolerate poor conditions. My main problems are countering winter cold.

The technique outlined should be great for raised bed and limited space gardening. I plan to try out the technique on a small area, for growing annual herbs. I plan to document my progress on my blog page (check out if interested):

http://mysite.verizon.net/herbgardeners/id1.html

Great book, well worth a read if you want to try something different. Very out of the box thinking.

Book Description

Letter-writing was seen in the Middle Ages and Renaissance as a major branch of rhetoric, and its importance is testified to by the survival of numerous manuals, treatises, formularies and model letter collections. Polak's pioneering inventory is the first comprehensive and organized compilation of over 1100 extant Latin manuscript sources consulted in almost 200 libraries and archives in what was until recently Communist Eastern Europe. The survey is arranged alphabetically by country, city, library or archive, and collection, and gives standard details of folios, incipits, explicits, colophons and bibliography. Four indexes of manuscripts, incipits, medieval and renaissance authors and select anonymous works are also provided. N.B.: previously announced as Iter Epistolographicum.

Medieval and Renaissance Letter Treatises and Form Letters: A Census of Manuscripts Found in Eastern Europe and the Former U.S.S.R..: An article from: Renaissance Quarterly

Average customer rating:

Medieval and Renaissance Letter Treatises and Form Letters: A Census of Manuscripts Found in Eastern Europe and the Former U.S.S.R..: An article from: Renaissance Quarterly
John Monfasani
Manufacturer: Renaissance Society of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Renaissance Quarterly, published by Renaissance Society of America on June 22, 1997. The length of the article is 1223 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Medieval and Renaissance Letter Treatises and Form Letters: A Census of Manuscripts Found in Eastern Europe and the Former U.S.S.R..
Author: John Monfasani
Publication: Renaissance Quarterly (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 1997
Publisher: Renaissance Society of America
Volume: v50 Issue: n2 Page: p591(4)

Article Type: Book Review

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