Valentine's Day Books

This book embraced important issues about life-decisions very well. Marrage is business - ask an attorney or anyone in or near divorce.

Single or married, HAPPY PEOPLE DO NOT WANT YOU TO BE UNHAPPY. Most miserable people are so mixed up that they tend to follow nature's law of "like attracts like". Many insist that you join "their ranks", no matter what your personal feelings or costs will be. Truely happy and healthy people want you happy and making the best life-decisions for YOU.

I'm a medical clinician and have taken many very private personal histories over the years. Candidly, MANY married friends or aquaintences (a wife or husband - without their spouses present)have stepped up to the plate and have told me point blank in private HOW LUCKY I AM TO BE SINGLE. These stories happen over and over, year after year. I hear them from all levels - all the way up to professionally degreed ladies and gentlemen. They couldn't believe what they traded and gave up, wishing more than anything that they could get out of their marrages.

I was married once briefly and very happy then, too. Unfortunatley, she abandoned our plans of dual professioanl incomes, saving and investing. We were retiring early together to travel to follow a "lets have fun together following our instincts and interests" lifestyle. She wanted to retire THEN. I was loaded with all financial responsibilities with my new, irresponsible, yet loving (in her ways) wife. Six months after we married, a short gentleman's discussion cleared any misunderstandings that I may have had about our plans. We thoroughly discussed our marrage GOALS. I NEEDED to be sure she changed. Three days later, my divorce was on the way and I felt a tremendous sense of relief. One of my most happiest and most productive days was the day the judge signed my divorce. It felt I, MY ONE CHANCE IN LIFE, was born anew with a fresh start every morning.

As a happy single, I have to make up my own mind based on my true feelings. "Marrage pushers" grasp at holding "spouse power cards" - typically, the non-worker party (yes, they're having a party). The longer someone stays in a clear misadventure with wrong parties, the potential of great emotional and financial losses skyrocket.

Today, many younger first generation immigrants entering the U.S. refuse to get a U.S. marrage. They feelit's too risky for hard workers trying to embrace dreams of a new life. Their solution? They adopt or parent their children overseas and raise them in the U.S. independently. I've read through U.S. BLOG sites where ladies have "Divorce Showers" BEFORE saying vows. These groups plot and plan to take their husbands for everything, BEFORE the wedding day. The typical execution takes 1 to 3 years plus the pleasant divorce.

Need to valadate a potential spouse? Look at their Real World ADULT Report Cards: Family history, read their credit ratings, lifetime social security earning statements, financial records, and validate REAL Monthly Cash Flow. Are they "true" or are they taking monthly cash advances (your future debt, so get ready) to snow-job everyone concerned with your well-being and appear more attractive as a valuable mate?

Gravitating towards a variety of happy people who stay busy with socially healthy, personally challanging activities is probably the best choice. Validate their Adult Report Cards. Someone who loves you and looking out for your best interests, too, will discuss everything with you willingly and openly.

Of course, you can smile, date, go out, and just stay happily single. Spend that dough on you and protect your future!

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"I do wish married people would understand that a lot of singles actually WANT to be single. Why does that bother you?...It is like the story my (happily married) friend...likes to tell about meeting the late Ann Landers, who said, `You tell that Richard Roeper to figure out what's keeping him from getting married and to fix it!'""

The above is found in this meticulously well-researched book by social psychologist Dr. Bella DePaulo (who is unmarried herself). (Specifically, the above quotation comes from an essay written by movie critic (of TV's "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper") and columnist Richard Roeper's reaction to two married friends who wanted Roeper to get married.)

I think it's important for people to know what social psychology is: it is that branch of psychology that concentrates on any and all aspects of human behaviour that involve persons and their relationships to other persons, groups, social institutions, and to society as a whole. Social psychology exchanges freely ideas, models, and methods with other social sciences, particularly sociology.

This is why I chose this book. It's based on an objective social science (or, at least, it tries to be) and not on subjective opinions. This book is not a "diatribe" or a rant.

The best chapter in this book, in my opinion, has the title, "Science and the Single Person." Here, DePaulo looks at data and their numbers with regard to different kinds of people (single, married, divorced, etc.). She then interprets the data. The final conclusions are eye-opening and completely unexpected.

Then we proceed to examine the myths of being single that form the core of this book. Here are the myths that each form an independent chapter for analysis:

Myth #1: Marrieds (that is, married couples) know best.
Myth #2: You are just interested in one thing--getting coupled.
Myth #3: You are miserable and lonely and your life is tragic.
Myth #4: Like a child, you are self-centered and immature and your time isn't worth anything since you have nothing to do but play.
Myth #5: (For single women). Your work won't love you back and your eggs will dry up. Also, you don't get any, and your promiscuous.
Myth #6: (For single men). You are horny, slovenly, and irresponsible, and you are the scary criminals. Or, you are sexy, fastidious. frivolous, and gay.
Myth #7: (For single parents). Your kids are doomed.
Myth #8: You don't have anyone and you don't have a life.
Myth #9: You will grow old alone and you will die in a room by yourself where no one will find you for weeks.
Myth #10: (Regarding the term "family values"). Let's give all the perks, benefits, gifts, and cash to couples and call it family values.

In all chapters, Depaulo delves into history, tells us true stories, and logically analyzes arguments.

Finally, you would expect a book like this to be overly harsh on married people or couples. Actually, it's not. The book tries to be fair and balanced.

In conclusion, this book is an intriguing cultural study that gives a complicated subject the attention and respect it deserves. I leave you with other quotations regarding marriage and the single life (the title of this review is actually a quotation uttered by Mae West):

(i) Marriage is like a besieged fortress. Everyone outside wants to get in, and everyone inside wants to get out. (Quitard)
(ii) My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. (comedian Rodney Dangerfield)
(iii) People think I'm gay because I'm single, slim, and neat. (comedian Jerry Seinfeld in the sitcom "Seinfeld")

(First published late 2007; 15 chapters; main narrative 260 pages; notes; bibliography; acknowledgements; index)

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A very selective review of the literature on singlehood. DePaulo has a good point--alone does not equal lonely, and our society should be aware and open to that. However, she protests too much--and misinterprets a lot of other people's meaningful words in very negative ways.

I highly recommend this book to everyone! DePaulo finally gives a name to the practice of stereotyping and discrimination against single people in North American culture: "Singlism". Singlism is such an ingrained part of our culture that most people don't notice it; however if you've ever been a single adult for any length of time, you've probably experienced it! This book really rang true for me and I believe it will for others too. Hopefully it will also raise awareness in a broad scope for many, both personally and politically.

I know some people are marriage-obsessed and I've certainly experienced one of the main questions at a family gathering being, "So, do you have a boyfriend?"; still, I've never realized the extent of discrimination against singles. (And yes, Bella DePaulo is very aware that singles do not face the discrimination many other groups must survive.) Sometimes she seems to be digging too deep into a frankly benign situation, but other times she uncovers surprising truths. The tone rarely contains bitterness - yes, there is some, but DePaulo approaches her subject matter with humor. Each chapter focuses on a different subject singlehood in a fairly self-contained manner. She concisely debunks most of the popular myths about singlism.

In one of the concluding chapters, DePaulo writes, "I think that most Americans - including most single Americans - want the marital mythology to be true. They passionately want to believe that if only they find their soulmate, they will live happily ever after." My friends and I talk all the time about this concept, and we do want it to be true. We grew up in an age of high divorce rates, but we still hold the Disney dream close - jaded, cynical teenagers who still believe one day we'll find the one. Maybe we will, maybe we won't. Who cares? We'll be just fine on our own, whether Prince Charming arrives on the scene or not.

Don't be put off by the non-fiction aspect. SINGLED OUT is a fascinating read. It may not change your paradigm, but it will open your eyes to various injustices.

Excerpted from In Bed With Books.

This book is okay - it is what it is. The pages are filled with many questions that you answer to help tell the story of your relationship with someone. I bought this book years ago and found that, since I was in my early 20's and dating, I couldn't answer a lot of the questions. There is a small section geared towards the meeting/dating part of a relationship, but most of the book is about marriage, kids, getting older, etc. It's a great book if you're many years into a relationship with someone. This book would make a great wedding gift.
Another book I would suggest is called "The Story of Us" - it's the same concept with a more juvenile twist to it.

This book is great for chronicling events and memories of the couple. The format of the book is that there's a question prompt at the top of the page and 1-2 blank pages following for you to answer. I would say it acts like a great journal, but really one person only need to fill it up (most likely we can guess which of the couple will take time to write in it).

If you want a book where the couple can really interact and learn about each other, I'd recommend: All About Us. It has some of the question & long answer-type format, but it also has series of multiple choice questions and short answer sections. It's a lot of fun, too!

My husband bought this for me, I just love it. It is broken up by sections, dating, wedding, first year of marriage, middle years, later years. I think its such a neat way to keep track of things that go on in your relationship. We will have it for years to come and our grandkids can read funny stories that we would have otherwise forgotten.
It is a very thoughtful wedding/shower or anniversary gift.

I bought this for my boyfriend and I for Valentines day this year. I filled out all the parts I possibly could, and when I gave it to him I told him once we're on our way through getting married, we'll fill the rest out together.
He loved it, it's a very sentimental gift and it's PERFECT to keep track of your growth together as a couple.
I strongly suggest getting this if you're already married, or if you're with someone you know you want to spend the rest of your life with.

I wrote in this book for a few months before giving it as a birthday gift to my fiance on his birthday, he loved it and spent the next few nights reading it before bedtime. He was very surprised that I had spend time writing it in all my feeling for him when I first saw him and how I felt, made him feel very special. He still keeps in on his night stand even 2 yrs later. Love the book, helps to tell someone how you feel. Great questions and lots of room to write, really helps your feeling come out.

I agree with the review of J. Arena that this book is a wonderful, warm introduction into the world of books. It has an uplifting family message featuring colorful and cute artwork that holds my children's attention. It's among many of the books my children ask me to read to them. I'm also happy to know that it's helping the food bank.

This is a great picture book. It's a fun book to read to your kids.

Since retiring, I love reading to my grandchildren (kind of a new hobby) and this book is one of their favorites. The book has an important message of the love a family provides. My grandchildren like the end of the story when the baby bug is thinking about her family. In my opinion, it's great for toddlers to first grade. Cute artwork, too.

My daughter that just turned 3 loves this book. She loves looking at the pictures and when she sees a ladybug outside, she says "Look, it's ladybug baby bug". I know it's a bedtime story, but I read it to her at breakfast. It's a nice family book.

This book is so cute. My kids love ladybugs and this book. It also is helping the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. Whimsical illustrations hold your children's attention. A very sweet story. Highly recommended.

This was a fun little work book. I used it as a wedding gift to my husband. He has really enjoyed reading through it--and all of my little comments. Basically, its a series of fun, serious, and quirky questions about how you feel towards your significant other. It makes a fun gift...but it isn't anything that would qualify as a marriage fixer or relationship rescue.

My husband is deploying to Iraq soon for 12 months and while he's away I'm going to complete this and ship it to him at the half-way mark. It will remind him that while he's gone things haven't changed about how I love him, and will make him feel a little closer to home at the same time. It will be the little things like this that will help us out.

I got this to give to my boyfriend and filling it out was so much fun. There are still many pages to go but, I let him read it. He said it was a very touching gift and he was so greatful that I thought enough of him to do something like this book.

This book is only any good if you and your partner are super lovey dovey and sugary sweet. I bought it for my husband for our 1st wedding anniversary and I struggled through the first 20 pages or so and then it got so ridiculous that I just gave up. I told my husband about it, read off a few of the questions, and he agreed that it was pretty darn stupid. It was supposed to be super sweet since for our very first anniversary I bought us the book All About Us and we loved it. I wanted to follow up with What I Love About You, and I do love my husband very much, but I don't know what kind of fruit he would be.

I absolutely love this book. I bought it to fill out for my fiance to give to him as a wedding present. You shouldn't be able to fill it all out at that time, so it can be an ongoing project that the two of you can do together. I highly recommend this!

I read this book when I was 6 (I'm 11 now) and I thought it was EXCELLENT!!!!!It was funny interesting and a little bit mysterious!!You got to read this book!!!!

I loved this book. I've read it at least 20 times. It's funny and cute. It's my favorite Bailey School Kids book and I've read almost all of them. I would have given it 10 stars if possible.

This was a great story. The main characters are Howie, Eddie, Liza, Melody and Mrs. Rosenbloom. The book is mostly about a new cafeteria lady who makes food that is heart shaped. Almost everybody eats a cookie she made. She gave them a heart button too. Eddie and Howie are the only ones who didn't eat a cookie. They find out that the button is an arrow that makes people fall in love with each other. Even the teachers are falling in love. The boys made a batch of cookie dough that tasted sour. She catches Eddie bringing the cookie dough to the mixing bowl. She gives him a cookie and makes him eat it. He falls in love too. She makes the cookie dough that Eddie and Howie snuck into the bowl. Everyone eats it and everything turns back to normal. Once again the Bailey School Kids saved the day!!!

Hi i'm going to tell you a little about book number 12, Cupid Dosent Flip Hamburgers. There are four kids who live in Bailey City. There names are Eddie, Howie, Liza, and Melody. One day they go to lunch and see a new lunch lady. Melody said the new lunch lady is Cupid because the new lunch lady has pictures of Cupid and it's near Valentine's Day. The new lunch lady has brought Valentines into the picture by making their lunch hearts. Is the lunch lady really Cupid? Read this book to find out. I like this book because it's a really funny story.

When Liza, Melody, Howie and Eddie meet Mrs. Rosenbloom, Eddie thinks Mrs. rosenbloom is a cupid because she made those heart hamburgers. She also made people in-love like Principal Davis and Mrs. Jeepers. I can't believe Carey has a crush on Eddie. Then, One day Eddie decides to make a cure, A cure that people will not be in-love. One day he brought it to school and mixed it in Mrs. Rosenbloom's recipe. After those people tasted it, They Complained about the food because it was not delicious. One day Mrs. Rosenbloom was gone because she is done working there

I thought that this was cute novella. Meg Cabot has certainly done it again with another, however short, installment of the life of our favorite princess.

Short, fluffy novella for the series about Mia's first Valentine's Day with Michael. Her grandmere has gotten entangled with an astrologer, and some of Mia's friends don't understand the spirit of the holiday. Fun, light reading. Grade: B

Meg Cabot has done it again. I just love her princess collections. Each one is as sweet as it can be. the way mia and michael express their love and the way mia is always confused is really interpreted in a beautiful way..

An enjoyable, very short book. Does not take long to read at all. Mia as usual is totally insane, though she seems a bit stronger and willing to let some things just happen, than totally freaking out. She is stuck b/c Michael has already declared that he doesn't beleive in the propaganda for Valentine's day, but at the same time Mia really wants to give him one since it is their first one together.

Its funny and the ending is very sweet.

My daughter appreciated this as a Valentine's Day gift and is enjoying the peripheral storyline.

Title: Crush
Author: Ellen
Conford

Crush is a book about different people that are or going to be in a relationship. Every girlfriend/boyfriend you had, had a little story to go with it. Like, how they started going together, or how long they've been going together. The story leads up to the dance. It is a book that is very thought through. It has a different twist to it. I liked all the parts in the book that make you squeal with excitement. Like when Mason asks laurel the question she wanted him to ask. You just get so happy for the characters. I could not put this book down. I read a little over a half in one night.
I think I will remember this book in the future. I would recommend it to all my friends that liked love stories that would make you laugh.

If you are looking for a good book to read, then read Crush, by Ellen Conford. Crush is about a girl named B.J and her school is having a Sweet Heart Stomp , and she hasn't found a date yet. B.J is mad because the boy that she likes is going to the dance with a girl that she doesn't like. B.J tries to find a date to the dance, but she can't find anybody to go with. One day B.J finds a wishing well and wishes for a date to the Sweet Heart Stomp. A few minutes later a boy shows up and asks her to the dance. That afternoon B.J goes home and tries to figure out what she is going to wear. Right that instant B.J goes into the den and gets her clothes, then trips over her brother's weights and breaks her ankle. B.J started crying and her mom came in and asked her what was wrong. B.J. said, "I think I broke my ankle," and right then her mother rushes her to the hospital and waits for the doctor. B.J started to worry about the dance, because she thought she wasn't going to get to go. After all B.J desides to go and hang out with her friends.

If you are looking for a great book to read check out Ellen Conford's Crush. Here are three major reasons why you need to read this book. First of all, B.J. Green, the main character of the book, really wants to go to the Sweetheart Stomp. She doesn't have a date or a dress to wear. The Sweetheart Stomp is only a week away. B.J. goes to a wishing fountain in front of a pizza place and makes two wishes. The first wish is that someone would ask her to the Sweetheart Stomp, and the second is that someone who really likes her would ask her to the Sweetheart Stomp. Secondly, B.J. finds out that a guy named Doug really likes her. He asks her to the Sweetheart Stomp. Both her wishes had come true! I thought that was neat. Now her wishes really did come true. Lastly, B.J. goes to the Sweetheart Stomp with Doug. She has a wonderful time. I was so glad that B.J. had a good time at the Sweetheart Stomp, aren't you? This is a really sweet book with a really happy ending. I recommend Crush, by Ellen Conford, if you are looking for a great book.

I like the book titled "Crush" written by author Ellen Conford. It's a book full of short stories, that are in a series, so it's a story collection. The whole entire book is set around a Valetine's Day dance at Cutter's Forge High School called the Sweetheart Stomp. There are ten stories in all. In order, the titles of these stories are: 'Room 202', 'The Gifts of the Mangy', 'Have a Heart', 'Metamorphosis', 'Two Coins in the Fountian', 'Russian Overture', 'Call Waiting', 'Cross Out Where Not Applicable', 'Lucky Break', and 'At the Stomp'. In 'Room 202', it's really just an introducton to the whole thing, where you get to meet each of the characters and learn something about them. In 'The Gifts of the Mangy', Amy Porter and her boyfriend "Batso" are trying to figure out what Valentine's Day gifts to give each other. Amy has long fingernails that are constantly covered in manicures, while Batso (which isn't his real name) has long hair. In 'Have a Heart', it takes a little while for Will Moffet to find out how his girlfriend Linda Sherman is a con artist. In 'Metamophosis', a group of girlfriends decide to send Valentine's Day cards to a dweeb guy they dislike just so he won't feel too bad about not being liked, but something shocking happens. In 'Two Coins in the Fountain', B.J. Greene makes two wishes about going to the dance that turn true; this story is sort of weird. In 'Russian Overture', Janushka Farrentino (Jamie) interviews foreign exchange student Alexei Grigorov (who pretends to be dumb) for the school newspaper; the interview turns into something surprising. In 'Call Waiting', Di Callahan tries to talk on the telephone with a girlfriend but instead some guys call to ask her out to the upcoming dance. In 'Cross Out Where Not Applicable', Doug Meyers writes a letter to B.J Greene, basically telling her how he likes her and such. In 'Lucky Break', Laurel Baker breaks her ankle and can't go to the dance,
but yet, at the hospital, something happens which makes her ankle almost worth breaking. And then, 'At the Stomp' takes place at the waited-for Sweetheart Stomp and just tells what happens there and who ended up dating who and what the couples do. Each of these stories are simple, small, and short. But the book itself is worth reading; except for a few bad phrases of swearing. I think teen girls, ages 12 and above, would like or enjoy this book for a (quick or so) fun read. Whether you read it on Valentine's Day (which I didn't, it's December, afterall) or not. This book is a little different then what the author usually writes (but maybe not, this is only my opinion), but you can telling this is her work by her humourous/humourness and wit.

If you are looking for a good book to read, then read Crush, by Ellen Conford. Crush is about a girl named B.J and her school is having a Sweet Heart Stomp , and she hasn't found a date yet. B.J is mad because the boy that she likes is going to the dance with a girl that she doesn't like. B.J tries to find a date to the dance, but she can't find anybody to go with. One day B.J finds a wishing well and wishes for a date to the Sweet Heart Stomp. A few minutes later a boy shows up and asks her to the dance. That afternoon B.J goes home and tries to figure out what she is going to wear. Right that instant B.J goes into the den and gets her clothes, then trips over her brother's weights and breaks her ankle. B.J started crying and her mom came in and asked her what was wrong. B.J. said, "I think I broke my ankle," and right then her mother rushes her to the hospital and waits for the doctor. B.J started to worry about the dance, because she thought she wasn't going to get to go. After all B.J desides to go and hang out with her friends.

I know you want to protect your little one form hurtful sayings, but when they are ready to learn the lessons of respect and kindness; when they are learning about empathy, read them this book. Each of us can be callous at times, but we can turn it around and become a better person if we ask for forgiveness when we have been hurtful. Good conversation starter about bullying, too.

I have bought many, many books for my girls (now aged 8 1/2 and 6) over the years. They both loooove this one and so do I. Adorable illustrations (and I'm a graphic designer who hires illustrators) and great story about a little boy that does something 'bad' but recovers well. Great lesson!

So much fun to read! I love the Jingle Bells, Homework Smells one too!

Our 4 yr old daughter loves this book. She has requested this book every night for the past two weeks. The illustrations keep her attention while the story teaches lessons at her level of understanding. We look forward to more books from this series.

We really liked the illustration and the funny poems and the good moral of the book. There wasn't anything really that we didn't like while reading it.

Stacey's Movie has some interesting points, and shows that all the BSC characters are not just the happy-go-lucky people they are made out to be. But at times the book could drag on, and I think its a little late in the series to all of the sudden have the character blurt out their emotions. It should have happened before the one hundred and thirtieth book in the series, don't you think? Also, I really didn't like the character Emily Bernstein. She could be too blunt, and, although she cut her interview short, she wouldn't do the same for anyone else, which I don't think is fair.

This is by far and away the best book featuring Stacey. I like the Stacey character and find her level and mature and very believable. Ms. Martin has a real gift for creating characters with staying power and her natural flair for dialog and conversation is phenomenal.

In this story, Stacey's school has a series of "short takes" classes. Professionals offer to teach a class in their area of expertise for part of a marking period. Movie making was one such class and Stacey eagerly agreed to participate in that one. She is grouped with a compatible bunch of kids and, armed with camera and notebooks, learn a lot about how their class mates really feel. My favorite parts were Claudia's confession about her strong distate for school and Emily Black, the school editor's adept dodging of any discussion of herself. Turning the question around to the asker is a very effective dodge and I loved that part. I also liked seeing a more mature version of Mary-Anne.

This one is one that I think most readers will enjoy. Ms. Martin is truly gifted in creating something with a lot of staying power.

I read it about 12 times.Still LOVE it!I am a huge fan of the BSC series.My fave is Mary Anne.But I like Stacey too.In this book Stacey and her classmates are doing a video-interwiewing all the SMS students,evan the BSC's worst enemie:Cookie Mason.Found out more!By reading it!

Lots of Love,
Fulliem xoxoxo

Although I, personaly, am not a hug Stacey fan (she's part of the club, it wouldn't be quite the same without her, but my personal favorites are Mallory, Abby, and Kristy) This account of her school film project, in which she interviews other kids on what it's like to be a middle school student, is a... good read. I wouldn't call it wondrfull, exactly, but all these books kind of have a certin something that makes them enjoyable, especialy as you get to know everyone, and i did enjoy
reading the responces of the studens. I liked Alen Grey's interview inparticular. It was nice to see another side of him. After all, a sence of humor is a great thing, but it's nice to know that there's...more, to Alan.
All in all, Stacey's movie is a peice that I would certenly recommend.

I rate this book 5 stars. Once I read it I could not put it down. Stacey loves film-making and her school is having a Short Takes class with a real-life director to teach it. Stacey films all of her friends and Mary Anne says something on film that she wants Stacey to cut out. But will Stacey be a true friend? Or will she embarress Mary Anne in front of everyone?

Was not impressed by the actual book. The interior of the book did not provide enough information on what it takes to become a good Wedding Planner. It would be a good book for someone who has been in the Wedding industry for some time and the person was just looking for additional pictures to provide inspiration.

It was not exactly what I was looking for but it was O.K. I will keep the book

This book is nothing but AWESOME starting with the detailed cover flowing through the most vibrant pages one could ever image in a book. As a up and coming Professional Wedding Planner this book was helpful mentally and spiritually. It's not just pretty pages, and flawless creativity but D. Valentine also tells her story of how she came up in the industry starting out with nothing but accomplished a lot. This is a must add to your collection if you are getting married or interested in pursuing event planning.

Ms Valentine I am reading your book and I am enthralled, I am a registered nurse. I have helped friends plan there wedding. I always receive abundant complements about my work from banquet managers and wedding guest. Finally I decided to make weddings and events my business, so I set out to read everything that I could find on weddings and the business end of wedding and party planning. So I got on amazon.com and ordered over twenty books, Preston Bailey, Colin Cowie, David Tutera, Maria McBride Harriet Cole and some I wont mention because they were to put it diplomatically disappointing in their lack of useful content...Ms Valentine you struck a chord I read your book and I was listening to me... a more advanced me. A friend of mine teasingly refers to me as a gay man in a woman's body because she says I am fabulous (by the way she did not say this in any way to be offensive to gay men). Ms Valentine, you are fabulous. Thank You for being dedicated to excellence it is apparent in your work and your enthusiasm. I have learned a lot from your book. Harriet Cole did a great start in Jumping the Broom. Preston Bailey is wonderful but unrealistic to the common budget. However you Ms Valentine brings glamour to the African American urban young professional you "BRING IT". Thank you for laying down the gauntlet.

I am an Event Decorator located in Los Angeles; I must tell you that I was excited when I heard that Diann was coming out with a book on weddings. I purchased my book right away, I didn't care how much it cost, but to my surprise! The book was very affordable. The photographs are absolutely amazing and I loved the articles in the book. Diann style seems to be some what simple but yet edgy.

I guard my book with my life, I take it every where. I recommend this book for every event professional.