Bryan Books

"The Sanctity of Marriage" Handbook was published nearly 5 years ago-- but it's strangely relevant now with ballot propositions in California and Arizona. Instead of facing the usual arguments against same-sex marriage ("ewww,they're icky" or "they can't make babies"),the author takes on the arguers themselves. The author,in his own sardonic way,takes on Christian conservatives who've conveniently forgotten Jesus' words of "why do you bother your brother about the log in his eye when you have a plank in your own?"

"Sanctity of Marriage" takes on the usual suspects- Ann Coulter,who dated a pr0n magnate's son,the conservative blogger/male prostitute Jeff Gannon,serial adulterer Newt Gingrich (who is currently praising Prop. 8),along with Gary Bauer (famous for spending waaay too much time with a blonde secretary) and Bob Barr (who now opposes the Federal Marriage Amendment). It reads like a celebrity rag,not unlike OK! or US magazine. It has the depth of Brangelina's onset romance or Amy Winehouse's latest shenanigans.

"Sanctity of Marriage" has the full texts of the Defense of Marriage Act as well as the quixotic Federal Marriage Amendment (it's still on the GOP platform,despite Hurricane Ike,rising gas/food prices,the Iraq/Afghanistan wars) The book could use some expansion. It doesn't have Sally Kerns,R-Oklahoma,who equated marrying gays to terrorists,or GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney,who said that marriage is between "a man and a woman and a woman and a woman."

Now that Prop.8 is a circus in California,send in the clowns!

We all know people that we absolutely adore who choose to have relationships with the same sex. Who are we to dictate that? This book provides some great information in a light hearted manner. We all need to be more open and allow people the right to determine their own preferences regarding their partners. After all that is what our country was founded on. Good book with good information for being more open minded. Annie Lawrence, author Love's Secret Live Your Life In Love.

Approximately one year ago, I was having a phone conversation with a close (albeit Republican) relative. She started arguing that two members of the same sex couldn't get married because the Bible said so and that we need to "protect the children." This relative just happens to be divorced and had an adulterous affair with a married man for many years. I haven't spoken to her since and she should have her own entry in this book. She'll be getting the book as a Christmas gift--as should all Republicans and, especially, all Christians who claim, like my relative, to be fine moral citizens...

This book had me in stitches. It's about time somebody pointed out how full of it these guys are. And Harris's witty banter is purely hillarious. It's hard to remember how tragic the issue is when you're doubled over laughing.

Bravo! We need more books like this.

This little handbook is the absolute perfect weapon in any debate with anyone who is anti same-sex marriage. The reviewer who calls its execution "flawed" takes the book too seriously--anyone who picks up a $10 paperback with images of wedding cake toppers consumed in the flames of hell on the jacket thinking it is going to be some serious political tome has major perception problems, for which he should seek professional help (and perhaps a tutorial in spellcheck--takes guts to criticize a writer when you can't even spell hypocrisy yourself.) A funny, snide, sarcastic read, this is the perfect stocking stuffer for the progressive--or die-hard Republican--in your family.

I enjoyed reading this book and it was a good review of Schaeffer's other books.

Francis Schaeffer has drawn many people to the feet of Jesus through his persuasive writings and personal relationships. But not everyone has been satisfied with that legacy. One journalist recently claimed that, "The tragedy of Francis Schaeffer is that, at some deep inner level, he knew what he preached was a con." With statements like these, it's helpful to look to fresh perspectives on what Schaeffer taught and how he lived and what that means for Christians today.

Bryan A. Follis has provided such a perspective in his book Truth with Love: The Apologetics of Francis Schaeffer. Dr. Follis traces the intellectual roots of Schaeffer's theology and apologetics in order to expose the true picture of one of the 20th century's most noted apologists.

After a brief introduction and biography, Dr. Follis explores the theology of John Calvin and Reformed interpretations since. This lays the groundwork for Schaeffer's understanding of the dignity of humanity despite its depravity and the role of reason in his apologetic. The second chapter considers the various arguments Schaeffer put forward, including the well-known "taking the roof off," and places Schaeffer's love and compassion in proper relation to his apologetics. Francis Schaeffer has been accused of rationalism by some evangelicals, so Dr. Follis seeks to defend him against that charge in the third chapter. He argues that Schaeffer's argumentation cannot be separated from his spirituality and that critics simply do not consider the full canon of Schaeffer's work and life.

In the fourth chapter, Dr. Follis explores methodology, noting that Schaeffer was not a presuppositionalist in the tradition of Cornelius Van Til, but more like a verificationist in the tradition of Edward Carnell. He makes the important note, however, that Schaeffer did not believe "there is any one apologetics which meets the needs of all people. The concluding chapter considers the role of love in Schaeffer's work and life, which Schaeffer called "the final apologetic." Dr. Follis explains the personal nature of Schaeffer's evangelism and the importance of community.

Truth with Love by Bryan Follis not only sets the record straight about the beliefs and life of Francis Schaeffer, but puts forwards an inspirational vision for apologetics in our current postmodern culture. It's main fault is that some of the points are repetitive throughout the book, but with such important points that may be forgiven.

Until I read this book, I was not too familiar with Francis Schaeffer. But since this book, which is a nice treatment of the man, his family, his mission, is apologetic, and his love for people, I have immersed myself in the writings of Schaeffer. The assessment Follis is that Schaeffer and his apologetic are an example for present times. I have come to agree with this assessment, and my mission has been reshaped because it.

There have been a couple of biographies either telling the story of Francis Schaeffer or critiquing his apologetics framework. Bryan A. Follis falls in the latter camp, but I think he succeeds because as he writes in the book (quoting Sire), he reviews Schaeffer on his own terms: that as a Christian evangelists who happened to use apologetics as a means to reach people.

Follis looks at Schaeffer's legacy as well as his methods. He does not avoid dealing with those critical of Schaeffer such as Christian Clark Pinnock who leveled the familiar charge that Schaeffer's knowledge of great western thinkers was "pseudohistorical" and "pretentious." Further, he deals with the Van Till controversies as well those who quite mistakenly refer to Schaeffer as a pre-suppositional apologists (while I think Schaeffer leaned that direction, Follis is right to remind us that Schaeffer used whatever apologetic means available that spoke to the people he encountered).

This evangelist portrait is enhanced further when Follis mentions how Schaeffer when he was just an associate pastor, spent a couple of years teaching a Down Syndrome child the basic skills required to develop to his potential. For Schaeffer, love did come first and apologetics was an outgrowth of his love.

There are a couple parts, however, where Follis gets sloppy. For example, in trying to defend Francis Schaeffer so much, he shifts blame to his son Frank Schaeffer; however, I think he fails to provide enough evidence to make his point. There really are no specifics. Although this only takes up a couple of paragraphs, it is best avoided unless one is willing to be more specific. I also think he sometimes to easily dismisses those who argued against Schaeffer's arguments and mis-steps. He should have devoted more time to Morris' criticisms as well as a couple of others.

In the end, however, Follis's book actually effectively accomplishes what he set out to do: to remind those critical of Schaeffer, those favorable, and those new to the Schaeffer world, that Schaeffer was first and foremost an evangelist, or with his L'Abri home, works as a caring pastor genuinely in love with those whom seek answers to tough questions.

I picked up this book in London, U.K. after seeing that it was a study of Schaeffer's apologetics. Having studied Church History as my undergraduate degree where we barely touched on this man and his influence, I was immediately drawn to it. The cover design was also very enticing as well as the picture of which I am assuming is the man in question. I was interested also to see the different men who had given their approval to the book on the back page, one of whom is a professor at the seminary that I am now attending. I was further intruiged to learn that the author is a rector (pastor) at All Souls in London, a church that I have attended and admire very much. I was interested to read from an author out of the North American scene as we are well provided with religious authors and literature in the U.S. and Canada.

I have to say that reading this while on the road in India gave me a much different perspective than if I was back in London or home in the U.S. With the pluralism that has been a part of this culture for centuries and the overwhelming number of gods, religions and religious people who don't question the existence of God, this was an especially interesting book as it pertains mostly to the needs and thinkings of westerners. As one friend put, "there are no atheists in India". Reading it here also gave me the opportunity to see that though his ideas wouldn't match the needs and questions of India's seekers, his hospitality and love for people would have had an equalling effect on them.

As I started into the book, I was thoroughly overjoyed to be given such a wide understanding of the history behind the thought system of Francis Schaeffer. Having studied many of the same ideas and authors from history, I was able to reconnect with my bachelor degree (Historical Theology) all within the span of about two hours of reading time. Follis gives a great introduction to Church history, specifically that which helped to shape Schaeffer's apologetic.

As I followed Follis throughout the book I was overwhelmed with how many gems I found page after page of information both about Schaeffer and also about others and their view of Schaeffer as well as their general thought systems.

Spelling out Schaeffer's main ideas again and again to drive home the point was excellent in wrapping together what Schaeffer believed and how he came to believe these things. The way in which Follis pointed out that Schaeffer kept coming back to the fact thae the problem wasn't drugs or alcohol for young people, but that it was a drastically changing epistemology that was at the root of the problem. With this, I totally agree. Follis's analysis of the apologetic of Schaeffer was very rewarding for me and this is one book that I will put on my shelf with pride and refer back to many times.

The one disappointing factor came for me at the end in his last chapter about the apologetic of love being the most important for Schaeffer. Here, he does one thing that ruined the chapter and almost the whole book for me. Follis denounces postmodernism and aligns himself with others who do the same. That's bad enough but beyond that he states that Scaeffer too would denounce postmodernism if was still alive. This all happened in the first pages of the last chapter. As a 28 year old seminary student who loves Jesus and the Church and wants to engage the youth and young adults of today with the relevance of the Gospel, I find this completely antithetical to the whole purpose of what Schaeffer himself was trying to accomplish through L'Abri. He did not denounce or condemn the thought systems of the young people coming to him. He listened to them, he fed them, he stayed up long hours and sacrificed vacations to spend time with them. He presented the Gospel and its clear demarcating points, but not until the young person knew they had dignity in his sight and were worth listening to themselves. He left the ball in their court as they thought through the evidences that he believed were self-verifying. In so doing, he dignified their person and their present thought system (tainted and scarred as it was) and challenged them to think further into it.

This present generation has an identity that attaches them to postmodernism. It isn't just a thought system for them, it has become an identity, something young people "are" and not just the way they think. As an identity, it has to be cradled to a certain degree and the way Follis denounced postmodernism outright and explained that Schaeffer would have done the same, is indicative of some misunderstanding of his in how postmoderns think as well as how they identify themselves. The whole book builds a case for the fact that Schaeffer would not have denounced postmodernism or any individual connected with postmodernism. He would have continued doing the same things he was doing from the beginning. He would have opened his home to them, fed them, listened to them, reasoned with them and hoped that in time his life lived before them would be the created context that would then be the strongest apologetic alongside the arguments he would present. This would give them enough reason and impetus to choose Jesus for themselves. He would have challenged the pluralism within postmodernism but as he did with modernism, he would have used what postmoderns use to ascertain truth as well as introducing them to his own methods. As Follis explains in his earlier chapters, Schaeffer would have started with what they have and moved into the tensions they had that were self-evident. This fits with Follis's analysis of Schaeffer as a an evangelist and not fitting into one camp of apologetics. This was all for the sake of making space for the visitors of L'Abri to be in continuing and safe conversations where their difficult and unanswered questions could be voiced and hopefully answered. This is all pointed out by Follis throughout the book, but he fails to follow Schaeffer's example in his own denouncement and loses the momentum that the book was building.

Every chapter about Schaeffer in this book only serves to build the reader's confidence in what he and his wife were doing and the effect that it had on the youth of his day. This same confidence in him, had he lived longer, would have carried him into the lives of young postmoderns today without denouncing them or their thought systems, but loving them and challenging those "tensions" that their non-Christian beliefs created. This is still a relevant method for a postmodern thinker today but it requires a relationship and time and not ascribing to failproof arguments. For this reason, I wholeheartedly disagree with the author's premise of condemning postmodernism and his view that Schaeffer would have done the same but also wholeheartedly and highly recommend the book for the rest of the chapters and most of the last chapter. Great analysis and research but some poor conlusions.

Major Bob pulls no punches in telling his story but I felt the actual writing didn't pull you in as it should have. The topics are certainly timely but the writing style was sophmoric.

Major Bob has a very interesting theory as to what may happen if we just pull all our troops out of Iraq as the liberals want! It is hard to disagree with him. It very well could "play out" just as he suggests and would be catastrophic for our country and way of life. Read it!

Major Bob has truely knocked one out of the park with this insightful and gripping reality check. I was delightfully pleased to see that someone in our society still has the nerve to tell it like it is. This book should be mandatory reading in Congress, for White House staffers and in every military institution of higher learning. Major Bob drills down to the very core of the problem and addresses in a very direct way, why we, the United States of America, keeps making the same mistakes. My only regret in reading it; it wasn't longer.

His unique experience an an SF Operator and his real world experiences and Lessons Learned but Ignored by the Current crop of Managers (Not Leaders) makes this a great read. Accurate, Factual and without Bias, this is a must read for anyone who wonders why the Global War on Terrorism is stumbling.

Very though provoking book. Would recommend it to friends and relatives

My mother was a "Mitchell" who traced her lineage to Peig Sayers and Pierce Ferriter. Next month I will visit Ireland for the first time. In preparation for the trip I have finally read "Peig". I should have done it many years ago. It has helped me to understand the thinking of my mom's relatives in Springfield, Mass so many years ago. Devout Catholics all, they had memories of poverty and famine. America offered them hope for a better life, but they never forgot Ireland.

This is the story...of a lovely lady! This book was the bane of every school child in Ireland for decades. It used to be on the curriculum so that, despite the fact that you would have to grit your teeth to read it, it was a bestseller in Ireland. It tells the story of Peig Sayers, a woman who lived in the poor and rural south-west of Ireland in the early 20th century. In this book, everyone was poor, no-one had anything, people were evicted from their hovels, life was hard, people died young, children were barefoot, the livestock slept in the house, it was always raining....well, you get the idea.

Peig was born on the mainland of Ireland, but married a fisherman who lived on the Blasket islands, a small collection of islands a few miles off the coast of Kerry. Tough as things were on the mainland, things were tougher still here! You were lashed by the Atlantic, the wind could blow you off the cliffs, and you could be drowned while you were fishing, and that was on a good day! The book tells of her struggle to be accepted by the islanders, how she brought up her large family, how she coped with the death of some of her sons fishing, and the folklore, stories, and culture all around her.

This book, and others like it from other authors on other islands ("The Islander" being another good example) formed a literary style which became known as "the poor mouth". They all share similar characteristics as they described the oppresive hardships suffered stoically by the people. Even now in Ireland, anyone whinging about their bad situation would be dismissed as "putting on the poor mouth" and everyone would know what was meant. There is even a spoof "poor mouth" book by Flann O'Brien, which is well worth reading as an antidote to all the hardship and depression!

Now that Peig is no longer force fed down poor school children's throats, it has been re-appraised as a valuable historical record of western Irish culture, and no longer as an instrument of torture. Now that you don't HAVE to read it, more people now seem to WANT to read it! The book was originally written in the Irish language since that was the only language Peig spoke, but a translation in English is available.

If you want a glimpse of an Ireland now long gone (and it really is long gone, despite what anyone might tell you), you can't go wrong with Peig. Just make sure you have a good supply of prozac close to hand.

This is the story...of a lovely lady! This book was the bane of every school child in Ireland for decades. It used to be on the curriculum so that, despite the fact that you would have to grit your teeth to read it, it was a bestseller in Ireland. It tells the story of Peig Sayers, a woman who lived in the poor and rural south-west of Ireland in the early 20th century. In this book, everyone was poor, no-one had anything, people were evicted from their hovels, life was hard, people died young, children were barefoot, the livestock slept in the house, it was always raining....well, you get the idea.

Peig was born on the mainland of Ireland, but married a fisherman who lived on the Blasket islands, a small collection of islands a few miles off the coast of Kerry. Tough as things were on the mainland, things were tougher still here! You were lashed by the Atlantic, the wind could blow you off the cliffs, and you could be drowned while you were fishing, and that was on a good day! The book tells of her struggle to be accepted by the islanders, how she brought up her large family, how she coped with the death of some of her sons fishing, and the folklore, stories, and culture all around her.

This book, and others like it from other authors on other islands ("The Islander" being another good example) formed a literary style which became known as "the poor mouth". They all share similar characteristics as they described the oppresive hardships suffered stoically by the people. Even now in Ireland, anyone whinging about their bad situation would be dismissed as "putting on the poor mouth" and everyone would know what was meant. There is even a spoof "poor mouth" book by Flann O'Brien, which is well worth reading as an antidote to all the hardship and depression!

Now that Peig is no longer force fed down poor school children's throats, it has been re-appraised as a valuable historical record of western Irish culture, and no longer as an instrument of torture. Now that you don't HAVE to read it, more people now seem to WANT to read it! The book was originally written in the Irish language since that was the only language Peig spoke, but a translation in English is available.

If you want a glimpse of an Ireland now long gone (and it really is long gone, despite what anyone might tell you), you can't go wrong with Peig. Just make sure you have a good supply of prozac close to hand.

In 45 years, I'd never seen this book in my dad's library, but on the night my mother died - I went in there and pulled it from the shelf and started to read through the tears.
I've not too long myself on this bench - figuratively speaking, of course, I hope.

I did this book at school in Irish, being really square I liked it.Peig told her story of hardship and poverty with humour,and dignity. It gave real insight into the life of the Irish tennant farmer in the early 19th century, I even used it for my thesis at uni. Good book

This wonderful book arrived exactly as promised (quickly and in perfect condition) and made a great birthday gift for a friend who owns quite a few pigeons. Thank you for the fantastic service!

Good Starter and Advanced Learning book. Author describes the basics of pigeon genetics for the beginner and helps the breeder through learning with examples. Can also help the more advanced breeder to get the rare color/pattern figured out.

If you have pigeons - you MUST HAVE THIS BOOK. It is the only resource you need when figuring out diseases or illnesses. SO HELPFUL. Mine is kind of old, but the info is timeless. Get any edition you can find and you won't be disappointed!

This book is clearly the classic reference book for the pigeon fancy. Unfortunately the book is basically unchanged since the 50's. The chapter on diseases and their treatment is severely dated and needs a complete rewrite to address modern treatments and drugs--but there is no author who can do the job. However, there is a corresponding advantage--the chapter on breeds and varieties could not be done as well these days. In the intervening years, with the changes in society and interests, the quality of many of the rarer breeds has declined markedly. Still, this is the book that everybody with an interest in the pigeon fancy must have!

If ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIGEON BREEDS could be topped, it would be only by THE PIGEON and only Wendell Levi could have had enough knowledge and love of such a topic as pigeons.

Whatever your interest in pigeons, hobbyist, researcher or commercial production, you will find this a treasure trove to be valued more than most any book in your possession.

Enjoy this book, then order ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PIGEON BREEDS and MAKING PIGEONS PAY - I got all three at Amazon and am grateful to Wendell Levi and his heirs, as well as Amazon, for making such terrific books available in the 21st Century.

This book has quite a bit of info, which is good. The flow is so bad. I have just decided to return this book. I am dropping my class. I like my intructor and all, but I know a school that uses a better book. using a good book is to vital. This book s horrible. A good read if you just want to read about biology. It is horrible if you are reading info that you will be tested on.

I used this textbook in a class taught by one of the authors. The arrangments is designed to make it easy to skim, that is the first few pages of each section summarize the sectioin, with each new section going into more and more detail. However this makes the book very hard to read in a good flow. Depending on the level of your class, yo uwill almost invariably need to know more detail than in the first few pages. Also, the text and metaphors used are terribly written and often times sentences jsut flow badly and lead to ambiguous sentences. However, the book covers a very broad range of topics in pretty good detail. so i am giving it a modst 3/5 stars. By the way, I got a 3.5/4 in this class so i am not just complaining out of sour grapes.

This has to be my favorite biology book. It is clear, consise, comprehensive, and all the figures and tables are very useful for studying the material. I suggest that whoever buys this book for a course, KEEP IT! Don't sell it, because it's a basic book for all biologists, past, present and future.

This text has a lot of diagrams, pictures and graphs that help the reader understand the material more fully. Also well written and easy to read. The diagrams for respiration were especially helpful.

This book wrote in easy language, easy to understand, beautiful cover and artworks, I sure that this book is excellent in every page.

I am a college student studying Web Design, so I bought this book to help me get through reading that has technology terms that I'm not familiar with. Most of the time, this book has the term that I'm looking for, and gives a basic definition. It's a quick, handy reference and it's very easy to use.

In our world today technology seems to be the driver behind just about everything: entertainment, communication, and even getting your job/homework done. In such a technical environment, techno-lingo is unescapable: bits, bytes, digital, DSL, cable modem... Let's face it! Our lives are surrounded by terms we sometimes understand, but other times don't have a clue about.

This is where this dictionay comes into play. It's the perfect companion for both the casual user who just wants to understand what X technical term heard over the newscast, or read in the technology column of the newspaper means; or for the tech-savvy who wants a quick answer to a term he/she's faced with for the first time, as a starter, or a quick refresher of something not seen in a while.

Since 1988 third edition I'm using different editions of this well-known dictionary. The Webster's New World Dictionary of Computer Terms, 8th edition is still a good computer dictionary and rather inexpensive. Although there are not some updated terms in the dictionary, I'm sure they will be included in the next edition. I understand, the evolution of the computer industry is still too fast, and it is just impossible to collect all the new words, acronyms, terms, meanings and definitions in a paper version of dictionary. So I'm using not only this paper dictionary, but also some online dictionaries updated every day, not every year.

I believe, the context is useful for beginner computer users up through near-advanced computer users. Maybe I am not an independent witness because I used to this dictionary for many years, but this book is very useful for me as a technical writer and editor.

As far as research books, the newer the better. This one was published in 2000, and since I'm writing in Sept. 2000, you can't ask for more than that. As an editor for an online high-tech news publication, I find the dictionary indispensible. I keep trying to test the book by looking up terms I think it won't include, but it hasn't let me down yet.

Don't get me wrong- this dictionary is a wonderful resource, full of computer terms that will help you catch on to the lingo. But realize that with the rapid evolution of the computer industry, you will find that in 5-6 months this book will be way behind and you will be searching for the next edition. Never-the-less, if you are interested in beginning to grasp this techno-language, this is the best resource on the market. Hopefully the evolution of computer lingo will slow a little so that you do not need to buy a new edition twice a year.

This heroine was definitely different from your typical English miss. The story had some humorous parts that varied from the norm and made it original. Although there was a lot of sexuality, I didn't find it very sensual or emotional. Maybe I just thought that some of the circumstances were awkward and the argument in the end was a bit odd to me in that it was a relationship dealbreaker. It was an easy read and was never boring, so I think many people will enjoy reading this story nevertheless - at least it was different.

The writing is great. The premise is hilarious -- they meet when she thinks he's her figure model who's going to pose nude so she can paint him. There's a mystery. Lots of chemistry between the hero and heroine, and the heroine is really smart and independent. All my favorite qualities of an excellent romance! The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is the sex scenes aren't that great. They're a little stilted. Oh, well. The rest of the book more than makes up for any lack of passion between the sheets. :)

Emily Bryan is a pseudonym for author Diana Groe whose writing style was somewhat altered from her previous books, being more sexy and comedic in tone. The Duchess in 'Distracting the Duchess' is the widow Artemisia, an artist who has rather shocked polite society by painting nudes. When a man arrives in her studio she assumes he's the newly hired model and he goes along with this assumption; Trevelyn Deveridge is actually the second son of an earl and spy working at the Great Game in India against Russia. Artemisia's father was a former spymaster who unfortunately is suffering from dementia; Deveridge has been sent to try to find the list of his contacts to keep the people safe. He thinks that one way to find this list is to get closer to Artemisia and posing as her nude model certainly helps them to spend time together. However Artemisia is soon drawn into the plot against Russia when one of her employees is captured and she and Trevelyn have to work together to try to keep the list of spies' names from falling into enemy hands.

This is a lighthearted book with some amusing moments. Historicity isn't its strong point and certain elements of the plot strain credulity but it's an enjoyable ride with appealing main characters and some amusing side-characters such as Artemisia's butler. There was nothing particularly new in this story but it is worth reading for those who like lighthearted historical romances.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Lady Artemisia, Duchess of Southwycke, may only be twenty-five-years-old, but she has already been a widow for two of those years. Knowing Society would snub a female in business, Artemisia does her dealings behind an alias. Artemisia's nom de guerre is Mr. Beddington. In her employ is one assistant, James Shipwash. James runs the day-to-day operations and does interference on the occasions someone tries to call on Mr. Beddington at the office. All goes well until her father, Angus, slips into dementia.

The Honorable Trevelyn Deveridge, second son of the Earl of Warre, is in Her Majesty's Secret Service. The last coherent message received from Angus simply said "Beddington holds the key". However, no one can reach the elusive man. The key refers to a list Angus created of all his operatives. Should it fall into the wrong hands, many would die. When Trevelyn shows up at the Southwycke estate, Lady Artemisia assumes he is the new model she had sent for. Disrobing and posing nude for the lovely lady was not what Trevelyn expected, but he was not one to say no. It is not long before things start getting dicey, as espionage often does. As the intrigue deepens, as well as the passion they share for each other, Artemisia and Trevelyn must team up to figure out where the key is.

***** There are secondary plots, secondary characters, and foreign villains galore, but there was no way I could tell much more in the synopsis without giving away something vital and spoiling the adventure. The amusing mistaken identity at the beginning sure caught my attention and the suspense began quickly thereafter. The character of Artemisia is deeper than I could explain as well. She grew up in Bombay, where riding elephants and going on tiger hunts were considered the norm. Between her background and her stiff backbone, Artemisia is a force to be reckoned with. Trevelyn has his hands full with her. No faint-hearted miss here! I found this story to be downright engrossing and I cannot recommend it highly enough! Author Emily Bryan simply oozes talent! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

"Distracting the Duchess" is the first novel by Emily Bryan, but not the last, which is good news! This is just the kind of romance that I enjoy most: interesting and individual characters, quickly enmeshed in a story which includes some suspense and a mystery in need of solving, with lots of spicy sexy interludes and a good dollop of humor and whimsy. Can't ask for much more than that, in my opinion!
Artemesia is a wonderful heroine, determined to do her best by her family and also by the artistic gift she's been given -- both of which demand she behaves in a manner contrary to that of a 'normal' well-bred young widow. The "how and why" of her meeting with our hero immediately thrusts the reader into a fast-paced adventure, and sets the scene for these two fascinating peoples' journey toward a bliss that neither expects to find.
Emily Bryan is the not-so-secret pen name of Diana Groe, also the author of historical romances set in Viking times. In each of those three books ("Maidensong", "Erinsong", and "Silk Dreams" -- if you haven't read them, I recommend them highly), I saw a distinct improvement and growth in her story-telling and her writing, and have been eagerly awaiting the next "rung on the ladder" of her talent. With the first Emily Bryan book, I see quite clearly that upward climb; and with more overt sensuality, characters of more subtlety and depth, and stories of more complexity and sophistication, I'm intrigued and satisfied.
Ms Groe is clearly a writer of more than one story-telling voice, something not often found, in my experience. And in those authors who attempt to write in several genres and voices, it's even more rare to find one who can do so successfully and seamlessly. My guess is that there are several more "voices" gestating in Ms Groe's fertile mind right now, and I can't wait to hear them!

I'm in my fifth week of a year-long Paramedic Academy. This book wasn't on any of our lists, either required or recommended. None of our required reading (INCLUDING THE DRUG CARDS IN THE BRADY PARAMEDIC WORKBOOKS) had any helpful, succinct, well organized information on the drugs we needed to know. We were all having trouble with pharmacology, until someone stumbled on this book. We have all found or bought copies at this point, and they are exactly what we needed. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

I would not use this book in the field to determine dosages but it is a nice reference to give you an idea of what the drug is, how it works, and what its used for.

It fits easily into your pocket and is a complete drug reference resource that will cover the drugs of any medical protocol.

I have used this book in the field and found it to be an asset. This is a must have for any paramedic. The Home Medication section in the back is the most important for me. It is hard to keep up with the new drug out now, never mind remembering what classification they are. I found this very thorough as far as medic field medications and the explanations, interactions, contraindications, etc.. for each. A must for all students.
As said in another review, waterproof pages would make this book a 5+.

This was on the recommended list of books that we get for my Paramedic class and I decided to get it. It is a great resource for gaining information. I have found it not only usful in the classroom but in the field as well, even when I am working as a Basic EMT at the EMS agency I work for and when I am doing my student time, not only with EMS but in the hospital as well.
I highly recommend this book to any EMS student or provider and even any angency as a book to have handy!

This book provides a thorough and comprehensive description of every darned geyser in Yellowstone National Park by a recognized expert. The descriptions are organized geographically by geyser basin, which is a good framework. Photographs are found throughout the book, but none in color. This is the book's primary drawback. On the other hand, inclusion of color would probably make the cost of the book prohibitive...... Great for reading about the geysers BEFORE going to the Park, but I wouldn't use this for a guidebook while IN the Park. I'd go to Carl Schreier's "Yellowstone's Geysers, Hot Springs & Fumaroles" for that. Together, the two books make an outstanding package.

This is a fine book, but WHY is it cross-listed under "Natural Disasters"? Geysers are no more "disasters" than trees or rivers are. I don't get it.

If the phenomenon of geysers interests you, this is your book. It should be the yardstick by which all others on the subject are measured.

Superbly well organized, and written, this book readily conveys the author's enthusiasm for the subject. I would have preferred a few more color photographs in addition to the cover, but this is a minor quibble. The black and white photos are chosen carefully, and give a good idea of the feature involved.

The book discusses all known geysers in Yellowstone, which park contains a substantial majority of these features on the planet. Maps are supplied, and are easily deciphered. Data is given concerning the eruptive pattern of each geyser, where known, and this proved most helpful during a recent trip to this magnificent area.

The feature I enjoyed the most was the detailed appendix, setting forth all known geyser fields anywhere on Earth. I guarantee some of the locations and features will surprise you. The author also discuuses which of these fields are most endangered by unwise development of geothermal power.

Very, very highly recommended. Indeed, I should say it is indispensible for anyone planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy.

The Geysers of Yellowstone is best guide to Yellowstones thermal features I know of, but I wish it would include some of the non-eruptive hot spring and mud pots. Never the less, the book is packed with in-depth information on everything the ever erupted in Yellowstone at time. I am a Yellowstone visitor for 8 years running, and more than half this book, I still don't know! A MUST for any geyser lover.

Now in its third edition and completely revised, this geyser Bible remains the definitive guide to Yellowstone's erupting thermal features. Detailed maps of each of Yellowstone's geyser basins and colorful descriptions of every known geyser make the book both easy to read and easy to use when stalking eruptions of even the most elusive geysers. A fascinating list of all the world's other known geyser regions, many of which have suffered from geothermal development, makes the reader realize all the more what a special place Yellowstone really is.