Simmons Books

I purchased this for my own reference. A friend already has it and I wanted one for myself.

Great detailed information and great pictures. Learned a lot about the old breed. Thanks.

THIS IS THE FIRST OF THE LEGENDS SERIES THAT I PURCHASED.
IT IS EXCELLENT! I HAVE COLLECTED ALL OF THE LEGEND BOOKS AVAILABLE AND LOOK FORWARD TO NEW ONES. ALL VERY USEFUL INFORMATION AND MAKES FOR SOME GREAT CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN AROUND THE QUARTER HORSE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF AQHA.

IT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT HAS INFORMATION OF HORSE MR CONCLUSION IN THIS BOOK

This book provided the ancestry of the horses that started the American Quarterhorse breed. It was fun to take my horses' lineage and be able to trace it all the way back to the original King Ranch horses. I found out why my horse has such hard feet, why she likes to run so much, and found that she is the spitting image of one of her ancestors. I could hear the stories of her great grandsires and great granddams, the lives that they led, the places they lived, their temperaments, their quirks of behavior. I feel that I know my own horse better after seeing where she came from. I highly recommend this and the other volumnes of this series.

Beautiful pictures and interesting, informative articles make this book a must for anyone who is allured by the beauty of turquoise. I read the book in one setting, and while it is a good place to start, I found myself wanting more information. If you collect turquoise or just wear it because you love it, do yourself a favor and get educated about vintage, pawn, and newer creations; natural stones vs. stablized stones, and even fake stones. You'll find this book helpful.

"The Allure of Turquoise" is made up of a collection of articles on turquoise, its history and the Native American mythology surrounding this stone. I was particularly fascinated by one article about ants and their relationship with turquoise. Nevertheless, although this is an informative and interesting book, if you are looking for a guide to collecting turquoise or turquoise jewellery, I'd begin withTurquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones), which focusses more on purchasing turquoise and the different types of turquoise. "The Allure of Turquoise" is a relatively short book (only 107 pages in length), but contains color pictures throughout. Be aware, however, that this book does not contain an index, a major drawback, as far as I am concerned.

I found this book very thorough as far as the knowledge of the types of turquoise. But, I also found a lot of good info about traditional jewelry selling, info about fakes and treatments and historical knowledge. Gorgeous pictures.

This was a birthday gift for my husband. He loved it. He said it was the perfect present since he loves turquoise and making turquoise jewelry. It even arrived on time, gift wrapped. If you love turquoise, the color pictures are worth it. The content is very good too, my husbands states.

This is the same review I gave to "Turquoise Unearthed"...and for all intents and purposes, they could be classified as companion volumes...both doing an exceptional job in words and images!

"I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.

I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became one of my favorite references for the rest of my life.

If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"

No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!"

My many thanks to Mr. Vigil for his labor of love, a compilation of articles from New Mexico Magazine...on everything from the Lowry "Turq" Museum...to the history and significance of the Cerrillos Mines...to the myth of "Old Pawn" jewelry...and much, much more!

I have been married 40 years and my husband has always been complimentary of my Better Homes and Garden Betty Crocker, meat and potato style of cooking. He went on a mission construction trip to Uganda and came home raving about the "freshness" of the food. I did a query on fresh foods and ordered this book. IT IS WONDERFUL. The seasonings are not ones we have used, but are easily obtainable. After each dish my husband has pronounced the meal Excellent. Now he is helping me with the preparation so he can understand the ingredients and preparation!!!

The recipes are without exception delicious. The descriptions of the times involved for preparation, cooking, and so forth are accurate, and the recipes that need more time are also clearly labeled. Now...this cookbook will make you feel inspired! Get this book! I've bought it for all my friends and for my daughter and they all love it. Not to mention it's got the best fudge sauce in the world in it!

I tried this at the library first, and after a few recipes I knew I had to purchase it. The recipes are truly fast - most take under 30 minutes, although some take up to 45 minutes. They are also easy and delicious.

When I have some perishable food on hand that I want to use up while still fresh I scan this book for ideas. It will often have a recipe that only involves a few other ingredients that I can use. I also use it when my cupboard is a little bare, because there are recipes in here that use only staples that I usually have on hand.

I haven't tried every recipe in this book, but eventually I will try most of them. So far two of my absolute favorites are the Stir-Fried Chicken, Green Beans and Walnuts and the Carmelized Banana with Rich Chocolate Fudge Sauce. It was the easiest fudge sauce recipe I've even seen, and it was one of the most delicious.

I will probably be purchasing this book as a gifts for others, because I think most people could find enough recipes in here that they would work into their cooking on a regular basis.

Simmons contends that fresh foods are more convenient than packaged and sets out to prove it with this seasonal approach to quick meals. Most meals can be on the table in an hour or less, each is accompanied with preparation and cooking times, and a "plan ahead" box alerts cooks to any extra steps such as marinating, cooling or the use of cooked ingredients.

Simmons, known for her monthly Bon Appetit column and numerous books, such as 'Lighter Quicker Better', has organized the book by course. Recipes are listed at the beginning of each section and further broken down for convenience. Salads, for instance, are listed as main dish (Black Bean and Yellow Rice with Fresh Corn and Tomatoes; Spinach, Shrimp and Warm New Potato), side dish (Couscous with Confetti Vegetables; Tomato, Sweet Onion and Fresh Mint), and "when you have more time."

Sandwiches range from the exotic (Crisp-Fried Soft-Shell Crab with Spicy Tahini) to the sublime (Tomato, Basil and Mayonnaise on Toasted English Muffin), and main dish chapters include pasta (with Arugula, Olives and Fresh Tomatoes), Poultry and other Meats (Stir-Fried Chicken, Green Beans and Walnuts) Seafood (Baked Scallops with Bacon, Sauteed Apples and Cider Sauce), Grains and Beans (Curried Lentils and Vegetables).

Her vegetable chapter (Warm Beet Salad with Wilted Greens; Roasted Zucchini Vinaigrette with Basil and Mint, Roasted Summer Vegetables) is extensive and includes menu ideas for making a meal of vegetables.

A highly useful and practical book for any season, accompanied by two sections of artfully composed photos, with tips and ideas throughout.

That's because I am constantly reaching for it! I love this book. And you should know that I hate to cook. Really. But I do love to eat, and this book marries those two opposing characteristics beautifully.

One of my favorite things about this book is that the recipes are simple enough for a true novice such as myself to tweak without fear of crashing the dish. I have scribbled my own notes all throughout the pages on things I have tried and added and truly enjoyed. One of my favorite recipes is for rice with broccoli and parmesano-reggiano cheese. It is so fabulous that even though it is a side dish, I usually will make it as a main course for my family.

This is the best cookbook I ever expect to own.

Alright gang, I have held the hard bound copy of Dreamland Chronicles in my hands. Then Mark took it back. It was for the reviewers to write about. But it is real I have seen it. It does exist. It is coming so be patient. Also read everything in it including the footnotes and the footnotes to the footnotes. They are hysterical. This man is a wonderful and witty writer. Very clever and subtle. He is just so darn witty.
Also He has a wonderful speaking voice but that is beside the point. Wait and the Book will soon be in your hands too, and for keeps.

This book was quite a trip through fantasy. To be able to step out of this world, even for a short time, and experience the world of knights and wizards we read about in other fantasy novels would be a treat. Mr. Simmons has given us a way to at least imagine exactly that to be possible. The mix of the silly/familiar characters found here and there through out adds a perfect humor to keep you guessing from page to page. In short; of the dozens of books I read while trying to stay cool in 130 degree heat (in the shade), dodging sand storms, and hoping a SCUD wasn't about to land on my head, THIS book was the only one I brought home with me. I can't wait to get into the "Chronicles." Thanx a TON Mark.!!

Take a dash of The Matrix, a pinch of Grimm Fairy Tales, a smattering of Dungeons and Dragons, as well as a heavy dose of humor, and you have something approaching 'In the Net of Dreams'.
It's filled with memorable characters and settings, all viewed through the cynical eye of it's hero, Robert Remington Ripley III, who lets you know he's aware how ridiculous the situations he keeps getting dropped into are. It's a book that's more entertaining, funnier, and smarter than it's component parts.

It's a shame Wm. Mark Simmons has never gotten wider recognition for this series.

A well-written, fast-paced adventure novel, one part fun, one part danger, one part wit and one part naughtiness. Simmons uses a dash of science fiction to justify putting a modern-day character into a fantasy world - his own literary creation, now programmed into a game world by a large corporation bent on giving users the 'ultimate fantasy experience'. But something goes wrong and now they want the man best suited to the task to find out what! It's a fun, rollicking adventure that is still uplifting each time I read it. It makes a nice light read with a satisfying ending (although it has a sequel). Be warned: there are puns, although they're not too bad.

Wm. Mark Simmons' "In the Net of Dreams" has been a favorite of mine for years. I picked up a copy of the book when it was first released, mainly because I liked the cover art. (I'd never heard of Simmons, but that was because "In the Net..." was his first novel.) Once I got into the book, however, I couldn't put it down. An almost perfect crossover idea, "In the Net..." is filled with Gnomes and Goblins, Sorcerers and Spells, Witches, Warlocks and Werewolves (actually, it's a Werebear and boy, does it hate fire) and some off-the-wall Science Fiction, all of which comes to life on the pages of the book. When I read the book back in the '90's, I told my friends to go out and get the novel that was "Dream Park" with Heart. I haven't changed my opinion with subsequent re-readings. Simmons has an uncanny ability to grab the reader's emotions and then hold on for dear life. His protagonist Ripley knows love and heartache, fear and triumph, lust and revenge, and half a dozen other emotions that will jump off the page to become real to the reader (Did you cry when Misty Dawn died?). More than anything else, however, Simmons knows how to make the reader laugh. The book is riddled with humorous allusions and a plethora of horrid puns that the tosses about with seeming impunity. For a fascinating blend of Fantasy and Science Fiction (you can't get to Fantasyworld without going through the very hi-tech suspension tanks) with a liberal dose of Freudian psychology thrown in.

I got one of the books from an old stack when we were cleaning out my grandmothers house and have been searching for the rest of the books online. I have not been dissapointed! Everyone is as good as the last. These are books I read over and over again and still feel the anticipation and tension between the characters every time.

The sad part is that without a current publisher Simmons will never be able to publish Reynold & Nicolas' stories.

I hold out hope that someday the right person will want these published and will have the power to do something about it.

I am a great fan of Deborah Simmons and have read almost all of her books. I have read all of the currently written books on the de Burgh males. I really liked that the young lady in this book gave as best as she got. I recommend this book as it is a great read.

This is the 3rd book in the de Burgh brother series following "Taming the Wolf" and "The de Burgh Bride." The book was very entertaining and it was great to see serious warrior Simon rubbing his chest and suffering from lovesickness!! Bethia was a great heroine - tough and strong when she needed to be, but also compassionate and caring. Ms. Simmons does a great job at interjecting just enough humor so that we see Simon as man with feelings and not just as a knight who barks commands and expects to be obeyed. The only complaint I have is that the rest of the de Burgh brothers didn't appear until so late in the story!! I hope the next book (maybe Robin's story?) brings up to date on not only Simon & Bethia, but also Dunstan & Marion and Geoff & Elene. But what ever brother is up next - I'll be sure to read all about him!!

This is the 3rd in the series of the deBurgh brothers and although, Geoffrey may always be my favorite (next to his father of course) the tale of the rough, gruff and total warrior Simon being felled at last by his Maiden - Warrior - Lover was a delight to read from the first to the very last page. Not only was it a delight to see Simon brought to his knees but it was probably the most humourous of this series so far. Okay, Ms. Simmons - I am definitely hooked - bring on the rest. Outstanding story - deserves all of these 5 staars and more!

Now, I am a great fan of Deborah Simmons and I have to say that Robber Bride was great. I enjoyed it immensley. I have kept up with Deborah's writing since first book and to this day my favorite is "Silen Heart." I have to tell anyone that if you wish to read a good romance, start with Deborah Simmons. You won't be able to put the book down. She is a icon of our time and I am glad she is here to entertain all us ladies who have dreamed of Knights in Shining Armour and their lady loves.

This is a really good book. It takes you trough the steps easily and has pictures of all the diffrent kinds of cookies. It doesn't get 5 stars because I thought that the choice of cookies where a bit boring, safe but boring. I would so recommend this to everyone who likes to bake.

easy to follow and a good collection of recipes. i would definitly recommend this book

Williams-Sonoma has proven again that their recipes work, and can be used successfully by a baking novice!

I have had excellent experiences using this book. Although some of the recipes call for non-standard kitchen equipment (like Madeleine trays or silicon baking sheet liners) most of the recipes are both easy to use and very good to eat. I particularly liked the chocolate chip cookie recipe; it never fails to turn out chewy and delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Here are the rest of the recipes included:
Scotch Shortbread, Sugar Cookies, Lemon Bars, Anise Biscotti, Madeleines, Linzer Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, Brownies, Blondies, Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches, Black & White Cookies, Nutty Butter Balls, Crisp Chocolate Bites, Ruby Jewel Cookies, Almond Sand Cookies, Neapolitan Cookies, Chocolate Espresso Bars, Almond Crisps Drizzled with Chocolate, Peanut Butter Cookies, Brown Sugar Tuiles, Cigarettes Russes, Pistachio-Spice Cookies, Double-Ginger Snaps, Lizzies, Hazelnut & Dried Cherry Biscotti, Butterscotch Coconut Cookies, Oatmeal, Date, & Walnut Spice Cookies, Coconut-Macademia Triangles, Spritz Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Moravian Molasses Cookies, Brandy Snaps, Bourbon Balls, Rugelach with Apricot and Pistachio Filling, and Hazelnut Meringues.

The book also has an excellent section of decorating tips and every recipe features a beautiful full-page color photo.

I am not a novice in the kitchen - that's for sure. But with the help of this book, I've managed to make some of the nicest cookies I've ever made. I found the recipes easy to follow and clear instructions. The smells in the kitchen are so good, we've often eaten the goods before they are cooled properly. If you are a little kitchen challenged, this is for you because as I mentioned, I'm finally getting some serious results (and putting on a pound or two).

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (11/08)


"The Wizard's Legacy" by Ashley Simmons is one of the best fantasy books that I have read in some time. I was instantly hooked in the first few pages of the book and stayed up many late nights reading because I couldn't find a place that I wanted to stop and put the book down. The storyline flows very smoothly from start to finish and there is never a dull moment.

The book begins in the village of Sandmier on a stormy night with a knock on the door of Jonas and Thesa's crude little house. At the door is a pregnant woman who is in labor. She gives birth to twins, a boy and girl whom she names Dev and Kylea respectfully. Knowing that she is not going to survive because of loss of blood, she begs Jonas and Thesa to raise the children as if they were their own. She also tells them that in her cloak there is a letter for the children from their father and to give it to them when the time is right.

When they are older, goblins attack and destroy their home. The twins arrive back just in time for a wounded and dying Jonas to inform them about the letter, and to tell them to seek out their real father's memory at Wheladon. After burying Jonas, they head out toward Wheladon and along the way they meet a gnome named Talnik, whom their real father asked to watch over them. They are told that their father was the wizard Pafrourk and that he had fathered them after he was dead. Pafrourk had died while trying to defeat Zolun, an evil demon who was trying to destroy the King and all of his followers. With Talnik, they embark on a journey down "a dangerous road in search of a legacy neither one is prepared for. Along the way they must face challenges that will test the bond between them to its very limits."

The characters in the book, especially Dev and Kylea, are extremely well developed. It was very interesting to be along on the journey to witness their emotional struggles and their resulting personal growth. Simmons' well-thought out characters are the foundation of what makes this book great, and the rest of the story falls neatly into place around them. "The Wizard's Legacy" is a must-read for any lover of the fantasy genre. Ashley Simmons's work is very intriguing, and I will definitely be watching for more books from her in the future.

Ashley Simmons
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432720902
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (9/08)

As I began reading "The Wizard's Legacy," I was immediately drawn into the story. It begins with the birth of the twins Kylea and Dev. Their mother dies while in childbirth, and they are raised by a couple who had taken her in while she was in labor. Kylea and Dev have special gifts. They discover information about their past in a letter that they find when their home is destroyed and their adoptive father is killed by goblins. This letter leads them to their roots and the ghost of their birth father who was a wizard. They journey to a place that teaches them about their ancestry and their gifts. Kylea is a Mindrider who can communicate with dragons. She is given a magical sword that will kill anyone else who touches it. Dev is given the power of wizardry. He is given a magical staff that will also destroy anyone trying to touch it.

At the time of these discoveries a demon, which their father had once imprisoned, has escaped and is wreaking havoc upon the land. Goblins and trolls are destroying the people and their towns. Dev and Kylea side with dwarves, elves and humans to fight this evil. Dev, with his magical wizard abilities is much more accepted than Kylea. People fear Kylea because of her warrior abilities and her abilities to communicate with dragons. Her connection to dragons is seen as evil and greatly feared. Kylea has to work hard to overcome the mistrust of the people. Both she and Dev have experienced tremendous personal growth as people through their learning experiences given to them by their wizard father. Kylea does everything in her power to help the people; however, they still fear her. She has to work with understanding why they fear her and deal with the pain of not being accepted.

I really, truly loved this story. The characters are very special. Kylea and Dev are particularly endearing and so are a very special dragon and a little creature known as Mimic. Ashley Simmons has written a perfect fantasy. She infuses magic into an adventure of a lifetime. If you were to take away all of the magic, you would still have an incredible story about personal growth and redemption. I really, truly hated for "The Wizard's Legacy" by Ashley Simmons to end.

A very good read, one of those "Late At Night" books. Good character growth development, and it was enjoyable to see dragons have a different impact with people. I would have liked to read more about the little fuzz-ball "Mimic" however - possibly in the next book from Ashley?

Finally... a new, intelligent, well constructed fantasy you can sink your teeth into. If you like a good story with well thought out original characters this book is for you. I like that I couldn't guess what was coming next but when things happened the characters and their actions remained believable.
A great read that I truly enjoyed. When is the next one coming out?

Finally, a fantasy book that focuses on what a great story should have- characters. All too often, other fantasy books bore you with endless descriptions of costumes, camps and castles. Not here- instead you will be rewarded with believable characters trying to make sense of their world. Casual and critical readers will enjoy this book.

Mr. Simmons has done it, an action hero in the 1930's who is an African American. The book captures everything a good action book should and is a nessesity in any good collection

Someone please make this into a film right now!

What I love about Blackjack is the character. Blackjack is a wealthy, well educated, world-travelled black man at a time (the 1930's) when many people felt that wasn't a good thing to be. He is a complicated man--and no, he's not Shaft, and he's not Indiana Jones, he's a complex, three-dimensional character who I find utterly fascinating. Another plus is that the writer's historical settings are so accurate it almost feels like you're reading a true story about a person the history books forgot. A great book for anyone who loves well-written, well-drawn adventure in the grand tradition.

My comic book days are about over, but I remember them fondly. I remember some of my enduring favorites. The Spirit; The Green Lantern; The Blackhawks, to name a few. Now, my friend Alex has brought forth one who fills a deep void in the pantheon of world class heroes pitted against an evil force. BlackJack is one on a par with The Blackhawks, full of daring adventure in exotic places in the world. Bravo!

--- Morgan Freeman, actor and film star ---

Alex Simmons's "Blackjack: Blood and Honor" is fresh and exciting, thoughtful and informative, and incredibly well-written. Yes, this is a graphic novel, and you are thinking, "I'm only into real books, man." Here's the bottom line, pal: This is a real book, just done in a fresh, thrilling way.

Blackjack is an adventurer-for-hire, who takes a contract to protect a Japanese official opposed to the pre-World War II build up in Japan, circa 1938. I never even knew any leading Japanese were opposed the war! I found it great to learn something new while reading a strong action tale.

Simmons writes more words than usually show up in graphic novels, and does it in such a way that this is, indeed, a very good thing. I forwarded my copy to a friend who commented that he didn't need the visuals to follow this tale; that is how clearly Simmons spins his yarns.

But the art is wonderful to behold as well. From the intense cover painting to the frequent action sequences, the illustrations deliver the back up punch to the intelligent, intriguing prose. And additional pages such as "Shades of History" serve as exquisite desert to this hefty reading meal.

So pick order it, sit on down, enjoy, and bon apetite!

As you have probably guessed by now, this audio is one family's account of their emotional journey through the process of adopting a Russian child. This story serves as an example for others who are interested in pursuing the adoption process, and is filled with hope and disappointment, love and loss, happiness and despair. A good job from a new audio publishing venture.

If anyone has journeyed down the road of international adoption, they empathize with the author's every pen stroke. The book starts off with John describing a little girl who longs to be adopted after her best friend is adopted. He captures what this little girl was surely going through in heart-touching detail, having obviously been told first-hand what it was like to be so lonely, teetering on the verge of losing hope. The delicate feelings of many sweet children, as well as the see-saw emotions of the would-be mom and dad, who never gave up, are captured so vividly in this book. This book is based on actual experiences. Knowing that simply makes the tears of sadness and joy flow more freely as you live this experience. If you haven't experienced internation adoption, you just might find yourself Google'ing 'Russian Adoption' before you finish.

I received an advance copy of this book some months ago. The commercially edited version is just as good, and perhaps flows a bit better. While written as "fiction" to protect privacy, almost all of the events depicted are taken directly from John and Amy's experience in adopting three children from Russia.

The book offers a tremendous amount of insight into the bureaucratic world of international adoption. But this isn't a "how-to" book on adoption. It is a story of love, hope, fear and triumph. There are no villains. Most of us will live a whole lifetime without ever encountering a real villain. There are problems to overcome. Differences of opinion. Of course there is bureucracy..........can't be helped. In short, it is a story of life - several lives really. And that makes it a story we can all relate to.

Three Russian orphans had their lives changed forever because someone was willing to love them and pay the price to salvage them. The story teaches that we can all save someone. You need to read the book, and if you ever get the chance to hear John or Amy tell you their story personally, do whatever it takes to do so. It will change your perspective on life.

i really enjoyed reading this book and could barely put it down until i finished it. i would recommend this novel whether you are considering adoption or not. it is a wonderful story about the love of a family.

This book is a must-read for anyone considering adopting a
child from overseas. It also is an eye-opener if you know
someone who has. You will discover they've gone on a journey
that may be marvelous but also was filled with emotionally
draining setbacks and disappointments. But a warning to
everyone else: After you finish this you might very well
want to adopt a child yourself. The dedication, under a
picture of four older girls and one younger one, foreshadows
the joy and sorrow ahead: "For Marina, Svietta and the girl
in the blue bandana. Three beautiful young woman who saw
past the shards of their own shattered dreams, to find joy
in the fulfillment of hope for a beloved younger sister in
tribulation, who they would never see again in their lives.
You will trouble my thoughts and dreams as long as I live."

We follow the fictionalized account of Mike and Laura Knight
(who have two sons of their own) as they adopt two girls
from Russia (Katya and her younger sister, Luba, who lives
in a different facility). John Simmons wisely begins the
story with Katya at an orphanage in Partizansk. We feel her
disappointment as a friend leaves and through one of the
workers, Sofia, experience the mixture of hope and cynicism
characterizing post-Soviet Union Russia. There are then some
contrasting chapters between the orphanage and the Knights'
life in America that create early drama. Once the adoption
process is in full motion there is drama enough to carry us
forward. There are also a few surprises for readers. Mike,
we discover half way through the book, was a Mormon
missionary to Brazil for a year when he was a young man. And
Laura has a revelation about her own past that adds
poignancy to the story.

I love the cover but the title is too Walt Disney-ish
(though it takes on added significance in the final
chapters). Some description of the early adoption process
seems as if it were out of a brochure, and the interaction
between the couple at times feels sugar coated. But the
children are real, real, real. And there is no doubt the
author and his wife have experienced each stage of this
process themselves. He speaks with absolute veracity. Why do
we write? Sometimes it is for escapist pleasure or to
discover some profound truth. But there is also the sharing
of experiences that help us understand life a little better
and appreciate the goodness of the human heart. That may not
make for great literature, but it just might provide
something more important.

When we meet the children, through Mike and Laura, it is as
if we are trying to assess what we see, do the right thing
for the officials and pick up the Russian word or two that
will allow us to connect with each girl. Even more
interesting are the girls' first experiences being
overwhelmed by too many choices and the couple's early
attempts to exercise some parental control. Then there is
Mike's mother dying of cancer back in the United States.
Like the two girls she is, "...torn between two worlds, not
bearing to leave, not bearing to stay." When I finished the
book I went out and bought a small present for my
one-year-old grandson. What miracles children are. What joy
they return to our lives.

"Success in business is tied to the access of capital and information. New York Finance provides the methodology on how to write a write and sell a winning business plan to a lender or investor. It provides invaluable direction as to where and how entrepreneurs can access capital to start or grow their ventures"

"We hear from small businesses across the country that obtaining capital is one of the most intractable concerns of entrepreneurs. This book is an enormous help to emerging businesses, as they learn the fundamentals of creditworthiness, bank debt, and alternative sources of capital. We wish there were guides such as this across the country."

"A comprehensive road-map for the small businessperson to help them plan, grow, and prosper in business."

"Simmons' Book is more than just another how-to manual, more than just another directory of resources. It's informative, insightful, innovative. New York Finance makes a unique contribution!

"A unique book that can unlock the door to alternative and traditional sources of financing. A must for the economic development community, entrepreneurs and startups. New York Finance has become an integral part of my small business community."