Spas Books

From the outside, Morgan Malliard seemed to have it all ~ diamonds at her disposal, a father whom seemed to do anything for her...or did he?!? When you find out in the novel that Morgan's father had her sign papers about tax evasion/fraud, I was like, WHAT!?!!!?!? What an unexpected TWIST...and then when he threw the paperweight at her head that landed Morgan in the hospital...WOW, what a father, eh?!!?!!? I just LOVE the Spa Girls, and seeing what will happen next in their adventures.....be sure that you don't miss the 3rd book in the series, "Calm, Cool & Adjusted".....

I would recommend Kristin's Spa Girls books to anyone into chic-lit...there's friendship, faith, and fun all rolled into one series! Each of the three books has twists and turns that are unexpected. A fun read!

I enjoy reading chick-lit, but I shied away from it for a while because they all began to sound alike. When I heard of Christian chick-lit, I thought it would be an interesting genre to read. I love Christian novels, but most of the ones I've read are historical sagas, and I had no idea what to expect from Kristin Billerbeck's A Girl's Best Friend. This is a fun and entertaining novel with a compelling storyline and a lovely message to boot. Morgan Malliard is a young socialite from San Francisco who seems to have it all -- money, good looks, an envious wardrobe and unlimited dough. But there is more to her than that. She loves God and her two best friends, Lilly and Poppy, whom she meets at their favorite spa, calling themselves the Spa Girls. She also dreams of meeting the perfect man, that one perfect fish in the sea. Things, however, aren't as great as they seem. Morgan has no direction in life. Even though she attended Stanford University, she doesn't know what she wants in life, and settles for the comfort her father's money brings. Then she discovers that her fiancé, a self-proclaimed Christian rock star, is already married. Could things get any worse? When her father, an imperious jeweler, is accused of tax evasion, dragging his daughter along with him, Morgan is forced to reflect on her life and makes some big changes. Will God and her lawyer, the gorgeous George Gentry, help her along the way?

I enjoyed Billerbeck's sassy language and keen storytelling. I also like the chick-litty feel mixed with spirituality. This novel has satisfied me in supplying me with a fun, girly read and uplifting me in a spiritual level at the same time. What could be better than that? I enjoyed the opening paragraph, which goes: "There are plenty of fish in the sea. But really, there's not. It's not just our imaginations. It would be great if decent men were as plentiful as jumping salmon in a rushing river, but they aren't. For every Mr. Darcy (and he's married, incidentally) there are a hundred Mr. Wickhams. Or in more contemporary terms, for every one of Colin Firth, there are several thousand Hugh Grants. The odds are against us." I was sold from the moment I read the aforementioned opener. The best part about this novel is that, unlike many Christian novels I've read, it is not swamped with judgment or sanctimonious passages. Those novels, as well as many religions/churches and believers, give Christianity a bad name. To me, God is about love and giving and teaching and freedom. He is not bitterness and restriction and judgment. This is the second part of the Spa Girls series. Lilly's story is the first one. Having read this, I will read Poppy's story next. I will also read other books by this author. This is a genre I will follow closely in the future.

In A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND, Kristin Billerbeck continues the spa escapades and relationship foibles of three friends whom readers met in SHE'S ALL THAT. It's a Chick Lit plot all the way, as they try to make sense of life, love and vocation. When the going gets tough, these gals head for a good manicure and facial.

In book one, Billerbeck followed Lilly Jacobs, Poppy Clayton and Morgan Malliard's friendship through the eyes of Lilly, a fashion designer whose romantic life had gone to pieces and who was at a dead end at her job. In book two, Billerbeck shifts the focus to Morgan, the poor little rich girl who has everything money can buy but longs for love and her father's attention.

Morgan is despondent after an escapade with a man who claimed he was a Christian rock star. He swept her away from a fashion show where she was modeling Lilly's couture wedding gown and her daddy's diamonds, and he seemed to be the Prince Charming of her dreams. But like most Prince Charmings, he seemed too good to be true --- and he was. The paparazzi are having a field day with the story of the "Jilted Jewelry Heiress" and Morgan is ready to lay low for a while.

"You know, if it was Johnny Depp I was accused of adultery with, well, so be it, gossip away," Morgan tells her two best friends angrily. "But a guy without a job, who was living off his wife in Daly City while I thought he was off in Nashville making his way as a Christian artist? Now that's just humiliating."

With her father's money, Morgan can lay low in style. She has the 600-thread Egyptian cotton sheets, unlimited Visa card, a BMW, and pair after pair of Jimmy Choo shoes. But her father's money may be in jeopardy --- and a new wicked stepmother waits in the wings. Then, Morgan is implicated in legal troubles. Should Morgan leave home and try to make it on her own? And what talents does she have besides wearing big expensive diamonds and looking beautiful?

When the three girls get in over their heads, they head for...you guessed it right. "Man, I need a spa treatment," Morgan intones. "Not just a measly pedicure or a pink-and-white nail fill. I need the full treatment; an enzyme peel, a moisturizing facial, a cucumber mask for my puffy eyes, a hot-stone massage, and maybe even a diamond treatment."

Meanwhile, Morgan and Poppy wonder why Lilly is putting off tying the knot with her own special guy, hotel dynasty heir Max Schwartz. Lilly has a few secrets of her own, and her beloved irascible Nana isn't going to be happy when she finds out what Lilly isn't telling. Poppy, a chiropractor, lends some engaging quirkiness to the storyline, with her oddball mixture of natural healing remedies, Zen-like statements and Christianese: "Self-esteem comes from the Lord, not other people. Why should we care what others think?" She mixes self-help and pop spirituality as easily as she wears her gauzy skirts.

Although Morgan isn't as interesting a character as Lilly, fans of the first book will enjoy catching up on the lives of the three women. It's a good bet that Poppy will be the focus of the next installment, and as the most colorful character of the trio, her story may be the most promising of all.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

A great series by a fine author! This book was a gift, and I had serious reservations about reading it (I wasn't planning to read it!). It sounded like chick fluff, but I read it anyway. IT WAS FABULOUS!!! Ms. Billerbeck has a way of pulling you into the story...you just have to read what the characters say and do next! After I finished this book, I bought four others (two from the Spa Girls series and an Ashley Shockingdale novel). Keep 'em coming, Kristin!!!!

If you are a seasoned salon or spa owner or new to business, this is your complete serious success manual.
This little book coveres every aspect of business related to the salon spa industry, all your questions are answered in a precise and easy to understand manner.
My business went form strength to strength using this book. Now more than ever is the time to focus on business and this investment will pay for itself in no time.

If business were a religion, this would be the bible.
Awesome, practical information that can be implemented immediately!

Neil has written a remarkable guide for the salon and spa industry. His tested business methods have proven to become the standard in the industry. If you follow the systems and use the analytical models, you can't go wrong! This book should be on every salon owners desk to use as a referrence.

Fast Forward is a must read for anyone in the salon spa business and for that matter any business. This book addresses topics from A to Z on Quality management. I found excellent guidance for my many qustions from finance to teamwork. The needs of any business owner in today's rapid changing business environment must be met with the right information. No one has time for costly mistakes. Neil's book is a "must have" tool for any salon leader.

Owning a copy of Fast Forward is like having a PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) for your salon. If you need any answer, it's in there. This is a great reference book for anyone in the salon or spa industry. It's just chock full of useful information. Just the other day I needed wording for a help wanted ad. I picked up my copy of Fast Forward and bingo - there it was. I highly recommend this book.

The best cookbook I've ever owned.
Just like the other reviews say,recipes are easily laid out,simple,and ingredients are easy to get; or you may have them in your pantry already.
Plus,it's got a little of everything-not just indian recipes...something from each region,and appetizers,breakfasts,etc.

You could easily add meat to the recipes if you are not vegetarian. But definitely get this book-you will not be disappointed. My dad copied the recipe for Morrocan stew and added meat to his.

I have given this book countless times,as a gift. It's just beautiful.
If you are a seasoned cook,you will find inspiration and appreciate the simple elegance of the recipes.
If you are trying to increase your kitchen know-how,you will find this book accessible and do-able. If you have children,they will likely enjoy many of these recipes. My child does!
Get this book,and enjoy!

I own about 45 Vegan and Vegetarian cookbooks and this one is the best! Head and shoulders above the rest. It's recipes are easy to make. They are also incredibly delicious and nutritious! No need to sacrifice taste for good health when you have this gem in your library. The Indian breakfast cereal is now a staple in our house. If you don't own this book do yourself a favor and purchase it. You won't be sorry!

Of all the vegetarian cookbooks I've come across, this one is among the best. I've tried other cookbooks such as Moosewood and was never satisfied. This book actually has entrees that aren't just a collection of Middle Eastern dishes. They are original, yet simple and easy to follow and don't require a trip to specialty stores for that one ingredient you've never heard of. The dishes that I've prepared from this book have been enjoyed by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, so if you're family is divided on such issues, have no fear.

This is my all time favorite cookbook. Anyone can use it and get terrific results. It's laid out in a very organized fashion making it easy to read and follow. My favorite recipes? Ashram lentil soup, and the Zucchini Pinenut Tamales!!

EASILY READ,EASY TO USE!

I received this book in very good conditions.
And its very interesting read the live of Celia Cruz.

Yo buscaba una Biografía en la que sintiera que ella me está contando su vida, con sus palabras y su forma de ser. No quería que fuera escrita por otra persona y esta reunió esas condiciones, me divierte mucho, me hace pensar y conocerla mas aún. Tuvo una vida increible, fue un ejemplo de vida, y creo que este libro reúne esos pequeños y grandes momentos relatados por ella.

This is my second review of this book which I re-read (I don't know why Amazon lost the first review). The book is a good read and very well descriptive of La Reina de Guanguanco ("Queen of Guanguanco"). Celia spoke of many points in her life which we all can relate to. She also spoke highly about her wishes to return to her homeland. I'm glad we have her in the USA! She is worthy of her success as a human being and a fine negra-latina. Bravo!

This book was truly written by Celia Cruz. You can almost see her speaking to you as you read her words. If you are lucky enough to be bilingual get the Spanish version. You'll love it!!! Celia's kindness and honesty is refreshing and inspiring. I had admired Celia Cruz for a long time, this book made me realize why I had found her so likable. Celia was a great human being and a great inspiration to us all, not just as a great entertainer but a wonderful person. I will always treasure this book.

It's been a long time coming but my search is finally over. I have been waiting for a book of this type to come along since I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Finding contemporary medicine unable to treat the pains I suffer, I soon began seeking "alternative" medicine. I was shocked to find so little information available and it soon became a struggle to combine work and healing on my very frequent business travels. Now with Ms. Miller's book always tucked away at my desk I am sure to find a center to fill my needs. I find her guide to be accurate, concise and interesting. Her descriptive style entices me to try new places and new treatments. I wish this book had been written five years ago, it sure would have saved me a lot of time, trouble and headaches. I seriously recommend this book as a must for travel agencies with clientele looking for "alternative" vacations. They and their clients will not be disappointed.

Everything you wanted to know about holistic healing retreats, but didn't know where to look. This book was a wealth of information and helped with many of my unanswered questions.

This book really covered the gamut. I didn't realize there were any healing centers at all in the midwest! It gave the basic information I needed to plan my next healthy vacation. The write-ups had a sense of humor, also.

Thank Buddha for this most insightfull guide. Now I know where to go in order to get what I need. I feel much better just knowing that this is out there. Not only did it save me time in finding my perfect retreats it was also enjoyable to read. Ms. Miller's writting really held my interest, she is quite witty and amusing.

This was a great book for do-it-yourselfers. I've enjoyed the different recipes that focus on different conditions. This did not introduce many different types of beauty products or treatments, but offered a tremendous amount of work in aromatherapy treatments for different types of conditions. It's a great book to keep on hand.

Don't let the name fool you. There is more to this book than "spa" recipes. It is full of common sense home remedies for more than 100 ailments including everything from vericose veins to alergies.

I am all about taking care of our health in a holist way. The great thing about this book is that, for me, it does two things at once. It gives natural remedies for health conditions that feel self-nurturing. I so appreciate that. Recently I had bronchitis and while I applied the natural remedies I felt pampered at the same time. Can't beat that ... especially when you're sick!!

This comprehensive "health & wellness" book not only covers aromatherapy (my main interest), but also covers breath work, diet/lifestyle tips, herbal remedies & teas, sound & music therapy, and yoga. It provides a variety of remedies for an exhaustive list of ailments, such as: Allergies, Chicken Pox, Colds, Depression, Headaches, Hyperactivity, Insomnia, Muscle Cramps, Nausea, Dry/Oily/Sensitive Skin, Stress & Anxiety -- to name a few.

A wide variety of aromatherapy, herb, and food recipes are included, such as: Asthma Oil Blend; Bachache Massage Oil; Cool, Calm, & Collected Tea; Peaceful Sleep Spray; Farm Fresh Facial Scrub; Lavender-Rose Silken Lotion; Sore Throat Gargle; Stay-Healthy Spice Seasoning; Tasty Teething Biscuits; and Old-Fashioned Garlic and Onion Soup. Pure essential oils are a must for the aromatherapy recipes, but most other recipes include easily-obtained ingredients, which can be found at a grocery or health food store.

Packed with useful information, some case studies, and factual data, it's also written in an easy-to-read, conversational style. My only complaint is that the Essential Oil References section in the Appendix could have been lengthier & more helpful. For instance, the author lists only one company as a supplier of pure essential oils. And only lists HER OWN company as a source for additional Aromatherapy and Holistic Education information. Also, one future recommendation for the book would be to have an additional index of recipes by title (e.g., currently, you have to remember that the Garlic Soup recipe is in the "Bronchitis" section or look up "soup" in the index).

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for ways to cope with everyday stress or specific health/emotional problems, or just to improve their quality of life!

Allie Armington just wants to relax and take her mind off her current troubles, and that's exactly what she and her sister, Angela, aim to do during their impromptu getaway at a plush New Mexico spa. Unfortunately, any hopes they have of getting a little R&R are quickly dashed when a series of bizarre murders begin to plague the local area, culminating in the cold, calculated death of the popular town sheriff. To make matters worse, Allie is ostensibly connected to each of the murders by her mere presence alone, making her the prime suspect and the target of the vengeful wrath of the newly-appointed acting sheriff - who just happens to be the nephew of the beloved murdered official.

After Allie is eventually cleared of any wrongdoing, Angela decides that she's had all the "relaxation" she can take and quickly heads back home to be with her family. Allie stays behind, though, her natural inquisitiveness getting the best of her as she resolves to discover the truth behind all the suspicious activity in the area. She soon learns deadly secrets about the grimy world of drug trafficking hidden just beneath the surface of the spa's genteel façade. The deeper Allie probes, the more the mystery grows, until she finally realizes that those who pose themselves as allies are really enemies - and vice versa - and she finds herself square in the middle of more grave danger than she could ever have imagined.

Spa Deadly is a well-crafted, suspenseful tale of compounded intrigue that will keep the reader riveted with each fresh turn of the page. In masterful fashion, Louise Gaylord peels back layer after layer of misleading clues and duplicitous information, leaving you with only a faint hope of discovering where the real truth behind her unfolding mystery may lie - right up until the startling, eye-opening conclusion. Her writing style is unique and engaging, and her skillful storytelling and colorful characters captivate the reader's interest from beginning to end. A highly entertaining read.


Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews

SPA DEADLY, by national award-winning author Louise Gaylord, continues the saga of Allie Armington, an assistant D.A. from Texas. It is the third book in the series following ANACACHO and Xs. It does not disappoint! If anything, this book takes the mystery and suspense up a notch!

Allie Armington and her sister, Angela Bruce, have booked a 1 week retreat at the Cielo Azul - a spa near Taos. It seemed like a good idea when they were making the reservations as Angela was ready to give birth to child #3 and knew that she would need a relaxing break. Seemed like a good idea until they discover that the spa is managed by Selena Channing - who had once been an unpopular and unattractive girl that Angela had tormented through high school.

Yes, it SEEMED like a good idea until Allie and her fiance', Bill Cotton, started having problems. Now Allie wonders if she can trust him anymore.

And it definitely seemed like a good plan to relax at the spa until murder ensues and Allie is left with the proverbial "smoking gun."

SPA DEADLY will keep you reading at a fast and furious pace! And frankly, you will never see the surprise ending coming! Excellent book!

This is the actual book that the publisher asked me if I was interested in... Spa Deadly, An Allie Armington Mystery:Things are rough at the resort, in fact they're murder by Louise Gaylord. They also sent along the first two books in the series, so this installment had to wait until I got through those two first. But the wait was worth it. Allie once again finds herself in deep trouble, but just can't step away from the chase.

Allie's sister Angela has just had her baby, and really needs a break from everyone and everything. She drags Allie up to this ritzy spa nestled in the mountains of New Mexico. To their surprise, they find that the lady that runs the spa is a former classmate, one which Angela tormented unmercifully. That seems to be forgotten, however, and Allie tries to slow down and and settle in to a week of pampering. But that week ends prematurely with the death of another spa member, one who was overly bossy, broke many of the rules, and seemed to have a financial interest in the operation. The death mystery gets even deeper when Allie and another member stumble over another dead body while out hiking, one that doesn't look like a spa member but also didn't look like she deserved to die, either. Allie hangs around to try and discover who the murderer(s) might be, while Angela figures that heading home is a much better option. All the spa employees appear to have reasons to be involved, and she's also spooked by the appearance of a drug kingpin and her on-and-off lover Bill Cotton. Besides trying to stay alive, she has to figure out who is actually working for who in this bizarre business arrangement.

Gaylord has done an excellent job in this series. Aside from having an interesting cast of characters, she twists and turns the plot so much that you really *don't* know how it's all going to fall out once the final page is turned. I'll be keeping an eye open at the library for any further adventures of Allie Armington. It's a very good series...

Allie's sister, Angela, has just had a baby and asks Allie to go with her to a spa retreat for some much needed R&R. Allie's an ex DA and lately she's been having doubts about the stability of her current relationship, she reluctantly agrees to the trip. When they arrive an old school enemy of Angela's happens to be the owner and trouble keeps landing in Allie's path. Soon she is the only suspect in a murder.

Allie is a heroine who has an insatiable curiosity that lands her in trouble from time to time. She's not a bumbling or incompetent heroine though, and she faces danger head on and is able to take care of herself.

The actually mystery portion of this story was as mystifying as I had hoped and there are more twists and turns than a labyrinth. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, Allie would stumble across something that would leave me unsure and off balance again. The ending was a real shocker and I think had I been with the series from the start it might have made me a little angry - lucky for me I was new to the series and was able to enjoy the ending.

Although this is a series, I didn't find it at all hard to follow the story, I never felt lost with the characters or storyline. I am going to order the first two to read, however, as I enjoyed this one so much.

Cherise Everhard, August 2008

What a beautiful book - both in words and design. It is a great addition to a time of devotion and meditation. It will inspire you to make time for your own spa treatments! A great gift idea - especially paired with a spa gift certificate.

This book is beautifully written and designed, allowing the reader to slip off into a relaxing state when reading. The recipes for spa remedies are also very easy! Makes for a GREAT gift, and decorative addition to a bedroom or bathroom.

I went to a retreat based on this book and it changed my life forever! I highly recommend it...

This book is worth buying for the unbelievable art direction alone, but the content itself if is inspiring, uplifting, and something every woman should have on her bookshelf -- or in my case, right on my coffee table. Every person who sits on my sofa picks it up, comments on how beautiful the book is (I wish Amazon would let you preview the interior pages) and asks to borrow it!

Bought as a gift for a teen and was such a great gift with loads of info that we'll buy more as gifts (and use myself). Lots of good tips and ideas for those on a tight budget, or who just want to be able to use natural ingredients for skin and hair. Also good info on how-to's, quick fixes, etc(especially for pesky pimples).

I was looking for a gift for some of my female friends who are into beauty and self-improvement. I was at a loss and didn't want to do the traditional Martha Stewart/Oprah stuff that everyone has already seen. I ran across this book and was pleasantly surprised by the tone and topic. Ms. Brenner takes an approach that is user-friendly and do it yourself. Who would have thought that you can actually make your own beauty products and that it isn't as hard as you'd think. My friends have loved the book and have already told me that they've tried many of the "recipes." This gift is great for those guys who don't know what to get their female friends but don't want to get them the same old same old.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the fun new ideas and all definitely budget! Some great recipes for skin & hair and I can make up concoctions from stuff I have in my kitchen today to give as gifts and save me money too. Even more than recipes...learned lots of new stuff rather than all the same tidbits you read in beauty magazines and different from other beauty secret books I've read before-very unique. And everything is quick and easy-no long drawn out procedures to follow. I always had problems with cracking, peeling, chapped lips all my life, it was so ugly and no matter what I used, it never worked and this book finally gave me remedy procedures-life saving-my lips don't bleed anymore-thank you! Great ideas for my frizzy hair too ...and improving my voice, posture, thousands of ideas, even diet stuff! Very happy :) If you're looking for a great reference book to keep, get this one. It's got all the tips from all those other books rolled up into one and more.
And Amazon got this book to me in just a few days on standard shipping-excellent!

I was so happy when Condorito came out in book format finally. The only drawback is that there aren't more of these types of books out. Condorito is a beloved character and I am happy this fact was recognized with the release of this book in english and spanish.

Great fun to read. Better than the editions in Spanish.
I am looking forward for the following edition. You'll laugh along with Condorito and friends from the first page to the last one!

I've collected all the Condorito magazines since I remember and obviously I got this first book. It really is different than the other comics as it features shorter stories, but it still gives great laughs.
A must have for fans and and worthy read for non-fans.