Simmons Reviews

Raising Sheep the Modern Way

Published in Paperback by Storey Books (1976-12)

Author: Paula Simmons

List price: $8.95

New price: $8.95
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

Rasing Sheep The Modern Way

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-10

This is some serious book, no wasted pages here. From chapter 1 to the end is a steady flow of information. The Pictures are clear and plenty. This book is an excellent book.

Dreaming in Koganecho

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-22

Who would think that a book about sheep would be interesting? Paula's simple but direct writing style is as stunning as a Charles Bukowski take on drinking in dives in the dirtiest parts of town. UI've never read an animal husbandry book better than this.

Don't bother buying this book

Helpful Votes: 24 out of 27 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-24

It's a good book but it has been revised and updated under the title "Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep." I didn't know this - bought the Storey's Guide, but sheep breeders kept recommending this one. So I bought it too, and then learned that it's simply the previous version of the Storey's Guide. So buy the newer one.

Sheep Farming is not for Me

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-20

If you've ever thought to yourself, "Maybe I should quit the rat race and become a sheep farmer", this is the book to bring you back to your senses. After 15 minutes with this book I realized I was not cut out to raise livestock. Raising sheep is difficult work, and the sheep are, by and large, nasty little creatures. Check out the chapters on sheep parasites! Or how to deal with difficult lambings.

The book is highly detailed and vividly illustrated, so if you are going to raise sheep, it probably is pretty helpful.

Another Garden Way Classic

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-02-08

Like the title states this is another standard cranked out by the folks at GardenWay publishing, now don't get me wrong their information has been the staple for many a years and is still very useful today but this publishing house is not exactly known for their updating. Paula Simmons is a figurehead in her field and has some truely great advice and experience to give so listen to it folks even though it may be as old as your sheep's great grandsire. Defineltly a book anyone new to the livestock industry should have around for constant checking and even the occasional read through, I am a firm believer in information and research and so believe that even dated material is important. So if you are truely interested, buy this one for reference and keep building your library, do your own research develop a foundation of knowledge and no matter what your flock encounters you can overcome it and you can look happily out at your beautiful lambs one day and say with pride " I did it ".

The Richard Simmons Farewell to Fat Cookbook

Published in Hardcover by GT Publishing Corporation (1996-10)

Author: Richard Simmons

List price: $19.95

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Average review score:

Great cookbook for the average person.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-16

My mom has this cookbook and I love everything she has made from it. My favorite, so far, is the Apricot Bread Pudding. I didn't think I liked bread pudding or even apricots, but I could eat the whole batch of this stuff in one day.

One of my mom's prerequisites for buying a cookbook is that each recipe has a picture of the final product. That's another reason to like this book.

I've always thought Richard Simmons was wierd and hokey, but this book is not. The writing of the background information for the recipes is great and usually worth a chuckle. It is obvious he really loves food and wants others to know such enjoyment.

The one book that has it all!!!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-13

The recipies are so tasty you won't miss what's missing(the extra fat and calories)there's a little something for EVERYONE here. On a low carb diet? No problem! or.....do you carbo-load? Are you a vegetarian? or, do you love meat? Either way this book is for you! My personal favorites so far,are the south beach halibut with jade sauce and fruit salsa and the keep away the flu chicken soup delicious!) I highly reccomend this book. For the two aforementioned plus the Seattle salmon alone are worth the price of the book!

Funny, fabulous fare!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-09

I know, I know - am I REALLY going to try to get away with extolling the virtues of a Richard Simmons cookbook? YES! This is a great cookbook, filled with recipes anyone can make, tips for healthier cooking and living, and lots of cute stories and jokes from "Mr. Slimmons" himself.
I picked this up after thumbing through it in a bookstore one afternoon, and I haven't been disappointed yet. It's got everything - appetizers, main and side dishes, desserts. Throughout the book are tips on different cuts of meat and how to ask for them, substitutions for certain ingredients you may cook with, and comparisons of some foods that have many different types, like rice, potatoes, and hot peppers. Everything is presented in easy steps, and none of the recipes have such exotic ingredients that you can't find them in your everyday grocery store. The pictures are bright and every recipe is preceeded by Richard's 'background' on it's origin. My favorite so far has to be the Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey Breast in a Cornbread Nest. Soooo good.
Although I am not a die hard Richard Simmons fan, I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to lose weight but still eat some really delicious food. In my house, this book is the ying to Emeril's yang!!!

Great Basics

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-28

I use this book often and most of my family and friends would consider me to be an excellent cook. There are a limited amount of recipes but all are usable and very good. Not too simple and not to complex. Basic recipes with SUPER illustrations. I find it much easier to make something new if I know what the heck it should look like. Besides the basic detail, the book is spiced with wise comments and hints. There should be a copy on every cooks shelve (or hidden in a drawer...)

Farewell to Fat

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-11

Love It!! I have had several intimate dinner parties and I prepared dinner and dessert from his book and didn't tell anyone.
One couple asked if they could take me home.
It's better than Jenny Craig's cookbook.

365 Ways to Cook Pasta

Published in Paperback by HarperCollins Publishers (1995-03)

Author: Marie Simmons

List price: $5.99

Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

So-So

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-20

I bought this cookbook as I own several others (like 7) in the 365 Ways series and because I'm Sicilian & LOVE carbs. I wasn't too impressed, a lot of the recipes start off using the same ingredients then add an ingredient and call it a whole new recipe, etc., etc. If you like fish then maybe this one is for you, I don't eat fish at all & a lot of the recipes call for it in their ingredients. There isn't a section on casseroles either, I was expecting more of those or what to do with leftover cold pasta if you happened to cook too much one night, well, that happened to me and I got fed up looking through the book for a recipe & just created my own recipe from items that were in the fridge.

This one's a risk, you really need to look at it before you buy.

Favorite cookbook

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-15

I love cookbooks and have several--this unassuming cookbook is my favorite because (1) I love pasta, (2) I've never made a bad recipe out of this book, and the recipes are easy to follow, and (3) most of the recipes use common ingredients that you already have on hand or are easy to find. My only slightly negative comment is that often the sauce ingredients are not enough, and then I have to double the sauce or cut back on the pasta. Sometimes I have to make small adjustments to the recipes--for instance, there is a zucchini/carrot/Parmesan cheese dish I often make that is crying out for salt and, for some reason, doesn't call for it. But any recipe adjustments I've had to make are very minor.

Good book for a variety of pasta sauces

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-10

This book has been very helpful because my husband is a pastaholic so variety is particularly welcome. I use this as a basic and then embellish as I see fit. If you like pasta, this book is a must have.

Handy cookbook you will USE

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-22

This is a handy, easy-to-use cookbook with delicious recipes that work. If you like to eat pasta frequently and want some variety in your dinners, get this book.

Great little book

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-11

I found this book at a flea market, took it home and made really tasty, easy meals, soups, side dishes, puddings and breakfast.

No pretty photos just 365 easy recipes!

I Served number #201 "Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Bacon, and Onions" to guests,(I added Red Pepper flacks, roasted red peppers and portabella mushrooms because I like them) and got rave reviews.

#236 " Tricolor Bell Pepper Sauce with Imported Black Olives and Anchovies" was wonderful.

#84 "Spaghetti with lemon butter" is super easy to make and a great side dish for shrimp.

#209 Linguine Tuna Black olives & Tomatoes, M-m-m-m.
I melted cheese over this one.

I have NOT put on a pound. I watch the amount of pasta I eat and feel up on all the goodies.
I have gone to Amazon and bought this book for friends and family.

Climbing Parnassus: A New Apologia for Greek and Latin

Published in Hardcover by ISI Books (2002-04)

Author: Tracy Lee Simmons

List price: $24.95

New price: $9.92
Used price: $3.00
Collectible price: $26.50

Average review score:

A Great Argument for the Classics

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-15

This book is a tremendous resource not only for some history of education, but it intelligently explains the importance of Greek and Latin as well. Simmons could have spent a little more time, in my opinion, exploring some of the arguments against learning the classics, such as the (perhaps justifiable) fear of polluting young minds with "pagan" philosophy and racy tales. He does seem to think Greek and Latin exercises will enable children to rightly discern between the proverbial baby and the bathwater, which they undoubtedly will to a point. One cannot help but notice that Simmons has, however, given too high a place to these languages. They are important to learn, but they are not the pinnacle he makes them out to be. He over-sells in my estimation. That said, it is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone.

Why the Classical Languages Matter

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-28

Simmons' book answers that nagging question, Is there really any reason to study Latin besides improving one's SAT scores? The answer is a resounding yes. This in-depth look at what traditional classical education meant and contributed for centuries is particularly useful for homeschooling families as a counterpoint to the more popular "neoclassical" approaches of Susan Wise Bauer, the Bluedorns, Doug Wilson/Logos School, Veritas Press, etc. In fact, by the end of the book, the nagging question has changed: Can any curriculum not based on the classical languages really be called classical at all? Highly recommended reading. Another top pick: Andrew Campbell's The Latin-Centered Curriculum, which is as practical (even including a scope-and-sequence component) as Climbing Parnassus is historical and theoretical.

A must-read for teachers and students

Helpful Votes: 33 out of 34 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-13

This book is profoundly inspiring, and an invaluable resource for those who desire to learn and those who desire to teach. Teachers would do well to heed Simmons' advice:

"Any lower school aspiring to help the intelligent children to be their best, to allow the smart to rise and reach heights undreamt of, will give full credit to those children for possessing minds capapble of great things. Children are to be sympathized with and respected, not coddled, nor are they to be humored. Their roads aren't always to be made smooth."

Simmons warns us that the ascent of Parnassus is not easy, but is so very worthwhile. He provided me with a glimpse of what I missed out on by not being Classically educated, and left me with a determination to ensure that my child IS Classically educated.

Climbing Parnassus, a bit too Herculean

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-24

Wonderful book. Well written. One of the best apologies for Latin and Greek (and being a Latin teacher I have read not a few).

The only reason it is only four stars is that the labor is too difficult (for mortals like myself). Simmons falls, I believe, into the Erasmian (and Kantian) error that the pains of the labor are the measure of the greatness. I have two words: Mozart and Shakespeare. The Muses give their gifts to whom they will. Erasmus' error is corrected by Josef Pieper in "Leisure. .", and although T.S.Eliot wrote the introduction to that book, he may have fallen somewhat into the same error. Nevertheless, it is an admirable error.

This brings me to the second point. No one will undertake such an enterprise. In the wide searches I've done in looking at various institutions, I have found none that come close to preparing one for climbing to Parnassus. Moreover, his model is very English in bent. There was another model on the main Continent that was far more felicitous, namely the Jesuits'. In the medieval tradition, they began teaching the young to speak Latin naturally. It is the answer that Dorothy Sayers was seeking for in her essay complaining how she studied Latin 20 years and never learned it. Moreover, the English method is the very method that likely killed Homer (though I have yet to read that book) and, I have some time maintained, killed the study of Latin (and Greek).

My suggestion is to speak Latin, starting as young as possible. The closest method is Oerberg, whom my own sixth grade students thoroughly enjoy.

That said, it is a wonderful book, a delight to read. I think students, starting in 3rd grade, should study Latin at least three hours a day (by speaking and reading, of course). When they have long mastered the idiom, then they can move on to the complexities of Cicero and the beauty of Virgil. For now, I am satisfied teaching Oerberg to sixth graders since most people think me crazy if I suggest we do away with (or lessen the part of) mind-numbing "subjects" to make way for a real training of the "animal having speech" (logos), as Aristotle defines it. To evolve from a mere chatterbox to an "animal having reason" (logos), requires difficult training. Nevertheless, even the most strenuous exercise, done the right way and to greatest effect, can be delightful.

Another mewling conservative

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 78 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-03

Another mewling conservative decrying the present state of American education and calling for a return of the Greek and Latin classics. All the usual suspects are included: Bill Clinton, multiculturalism, etc. It's less a call for a return to the basics than a whining political screed and written with all the Asiatic tinsel of a Bill Buckley, who wrote the foreword and gave the book his blessing. There is much good being done in public education, and the classics are not being ignored. It's just that education--and a classical education at that--is no longer the exclusive right of a privileged caste, which is what really bothers these people.

Letterhead and Logo Design 9 (Letterhead and Logo Design)

Published in Hardcover by Rockport Publishers (2005-09-01)

Authors: MINE and Christopher Simmons

List price: $45.00

New price: $64.29
Used price: $14.98

Average review score:

great!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05

i'm a graphic designer student and I needed a book that shows me some logos and letterhead...

This is a goob book, nothing amazing though, but very cool that shows a lot of good stuff (nothing outdated)

I liked it a lot (not my favorite) and in it saw stuff that gave me good inspiration...

Great Examples

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28

I bought this book for the letterhead samples as I recently purchases Tres Logos but after reviewing this book, I like the format examples and that they gave the name of the company and of the designers. This book definitely gave me inspiration, it is well organized and shows a wide variety. Only down fall for me was when they showed business cards they didn't always show the front and back. Usually just one side. I would recommend this book to anyone.

Some fabulous logos, not enough background

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-17

There is no doubt this book contains some beautiful and smart logos. I just wish more information would have been given about the clients. In fact, some of the best logos in the book are in the introduction, designed by the author, and here a very brief desciption of the client is given (such as "Logo to identify certified vegan foods"). But this stops once the heart of the book begins. To be fully appreciated, a logo needs to have context, and none is given in this book except for the client's name (such as "VIP Industries" - who?).
Nevertheless, definitely worth buying.

Definitely stirs up inspiration!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08

I was hasty about getting this book vs. some of the newer logo books out there. I read all of these reviews and everyone keeps saying how it will stir up inspiration. I have to agree. I bought this in hopes that it would help inspire me for a logo project I was working on. Sure enough, it did. Regardless of being a little bit dated, it has a lot really interesting ideas.

Tons of great ideas, but seems to have been rushed to publication. :)

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-25

I thumbed through and read this book in about an hour last night, and saw some annoying typos, so it seems the proofing stage might have been skipped... but regardless, I was inspired by what I saw in there, for sure, and can only hope and pray that I'm good enough to be in that book someday. (And by the way, if I ever get in, you are FREE to spell my name however you please.) ;) I'd recommend this book.

Principles of Genetics

Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons Inc (1999-08)

Authors: D. Peter Snustad and Michael J. Simmons

List price: $103.70

Average review score:

it was great

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-09

this book helped me a lot. i used the book for its extra problems which they were great.

Great Purchase

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-01

There was no marks in the whole book, and the price was great.

i want to review this book again

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-22

i have read this book once but i am very keen to read again this book so i want to read this book and for that i want to see the review of this book.

Well written.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-23

When I was getting a very brief introduction of genetics in my Biology book by Raven, for some reason I was just not understanding what the hell I was reading. This book is easy to grasp, very well written. I highly recommend it to anyone, also, the CD is pretty good.

The best introductory text broadly covering the field

Helpful Votes: 19 out of 19 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-11

I would rate this as one of the best (if not the best) introductory texts in genetics. Comparing this to various other material that I've come across, Snustad and Simmons definitely exhibit superior aptitude in educational skills in this work. They have a firm grasp of what their target readers can understand and know how build up the readers' progressive comprehension while keeping the interest level high. This is the true mark of a well-constructed textbook. We all know how boring some texts can be, but I found myself always itching to read on and even go backward to review some of the concepts. The authors' use of simple language (unlike some other "introductory" texts) makes reading somewhat "light and fun" in contrast to some others who seem to not be as adept in communicating to "pre-PhD" students.

Another characteristic that makes this work stand out is it's sheer beauty. The illustrations, photographs, charts, and even the layout are absolutely gorgeous! Hey, I'm not one who judges a book by the cover, but even the cover is beautiful! The artwork is well thought out and easy to understand. Many parts of the text can be reviewed plainly by looking at the pictorial descriptions without necessitating too much re-reading of the sections.

The authors also include well-placed "sidelights" throughout the book to help the reader get a "real-life" connection to subject. And the sidelights are mostly about what we care about most...ourselves. Thus, in addition to constant reference to medical applications here and there, the sidelights help the reader appreciate what genetics is all about.

Another important aspect of this text is that it is up to date. The authors have taken into consideration the exponential advances in the field and documented it here. That is just one more plus to this already fantastic piece of work!

Strawberry Mansion: A Philadelphia Story

Published in Paperback by Queen Midas Books (2008-06-21)

Author: Julia Press Simmons

List price: $15.00

New price: $9.99

Average review score:

What does not kill me...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-15

What does not kill me...makes me stronger

Strawberry Mansion a Philadelphia Story is a gripping coming of age story that will appeal to many readers young and old.

Julia Press Simmons displays impressive writing skills as she takes us on a journey through the lives of three young women, Tabitha, Lisa and Shanice. Each of these characters is going through their own personal hell. Abusive relationships, rape, promiscuity and mother daughter issues threaten to destroy the lives of these women who fight to maintain their dignity, self-esteem, and self worth.

The story is very well written. I was engrossed and I almost didn't want to finish the book. The characters stuck in my mind long after the last page was read. Julia Press Simmons did an amazing job with this story. I would recommend it to women every where. If you have ever been through anything...this is a story for you. I look forward to the next book by Julia.

Life Ain't Always Sweet~

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-31

I found myself very impressed with Julia Press Simmons' debut novel, Strawberry Mansions. Initially, the cover drew me to the book and from page one, I was drawn into the lives of the three best friends and their drama.

The issues that Julia wrote about are real issues that need to be confronted. Molestation and rape, abuse, drugs and religion, adultery-all issues that we are faced with and that our teens are faced with.

I recommend this book to parents and teens alike. After reading this book, you surely want to sit down with your teen and have a serious conversation about life.

Great job, Julia! I look forward to the next book. I know from the sneak peek in the back of this book that the next one is going to be GREAT as well.

Linda R. Herman
Author of Consequences
www.LindaRHerman.com

AAMBC Book Reviews

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-23

When I picked up Strawberry Mansion I had no idea what genre it was in by the looks on the girl's faces on the cover, but when I read the back cover I saw that it was a story of three ladies my age 14-19. The storyline for all three girls was true to life and on point. I was Happy to see different Dialects and Ebonics used when they were speaking because we do not speak with perfect grammar and it helps the girls be relate-able. The Portrayal of 19 yr old Tabitha Williams, Who Is being abused by baby daddy Eric, in her book has to be my favorite because as sad as her situation is I've seen it happen, Front Row Seat, I've Been Erica(Tabitha and Eric's Daughter) and The authors words are on point. Lisa Perkins 17 has an interesting story that involves a mother who believes she isn't nothing with out a man, no matter what kind of man he is, and don't care how it affects her daughter. its the opposite with 14 yr old Shanice Thomas who believes the Sun rises and sets between her legs and thinks' because her mother found Jesus she hates her. She goes through a battle within her self discovering right from wrong and the true meaning of growing up. In the general sense this book was great, it was interesting and informational. With a Very Interesting Twist at the end but you'll have to pick it up to See. I give it 4.5 stars

Shy Richardz
AAMBC Book Reviewer

An unrelenting read

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-10

This is a fantastic book, raw and unrelenting. Ms. Press-Simmons has a way of capturing her characters on the page and bringing them to life. "Strawberry Mansion" is a roller coaster of a ride through a few days in the lives of three young women, each of whom is dealing with her own troubles, both internal and external, but who are also trying to help the other two cope and survive in a harsh and hostile urban setting. At the end they discover a profound revelation that brings them all closer together than ever. Ms. Press-Simmons isn't afraid to show the dirt on the shelves of her characters' lives--this is by no means a white glove treatment of a story. Her knowledge of and seamless depiction of the characters and events in this story bring it to life. It's a relatively short novel, but a powerful one nonetheless. And one that sticks with you after you've finished the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Everybody's Got A Story, Everybody's Got A Song...

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-26

Ms. Press-Simmons makes her mark with a storyline centered around three friends that are all plagued with various issues but have one true connection. Their love for one another outweighs all other circumstances.

Tabitha Williams is the eldest of the three but low self esteem ties her to her daughter's father, who's verbally and physically abusive. Lisa Perkins, a high school senior who left home to escape molestation at the hands of a family member, seems to be the strongest of the three. Then there's the baby, 14-year-old Shanice Thomas, who is wild, promiscuous, and foolishly unafraid of the world.

Strawberry Mansion is a tale of struggle that narrates that pain has no discrimination in whom and when it strikes. It was a good storyline, had a good flow, and would have been a much better read if not for the very poor editing job. Julia Press-Simmons has the potential to be a force to be reckoned with. I hope with future projects that she makes a more conscious effort to perfect her novels.

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

Brides Of Christmas: The Wise Virgin/ The Vagabond Knight/ The Unexpected Guest

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Harlequin (1999-11-01)

Authors: Jo Beverley, Margaret Moore, and Deborah Simmons

List price: $5.99

New price: $1.94
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

The Brides of Christmas, The Unexpected Guest

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-04

This was my favorite of the three stories. Very believable, but then I have a soft heart for romance expecially when it is slightly May-December love story. It made sense that he was wary of another marriage with the possibility of losing a beloved again. The romance and ultimate marriage. of Fawke de Burgh, Earl of Campion, and Joy was great that it inspired me to seek out the sons' stories as well and I was not disappointed. Within four years, 5 of the de Burghs were wed and their stories were lively. Enjoyable. Now I'm waiting for Reynald's story. I hope to learn how many children the Earl and Joy eventually have together. Can't wait.

1 out of 3 can't be bad

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-31

out of the three stories in this book, i was impressed with only one. but, i shall review them all.

THE WISE VIRGIN
it is wise to say that this is the only good story of the book, and it's a good thing that it's first or i wouldn't have read the whole book. when joan first realizes that she has been captured by the golden lion, she is annoyed to think that someone like him would go and get her cousin pregnant without being married. after a 'close encounter' with him, joan is stunned to find out that it's the golden lion's brother who was in love with her cousin. after a night of passion in a dark cave, joan is taken back to her uncle's land, where the golden lion is attacked. seeing him under seize, joan realizes that she loves him and goes against her own family to protect him. when she finially gets the golden lion to agree to a settlement with her uncle, she is as surprised as the towns people at her fate.
this whole story had me on the edge of my seat. the author kept me interested the whole time, without any real pornographic details.

THE VAGABOND KNIGHT
this story didn't hold that much of my attention. it's about a knight who comes to stay at a widow's manor. when the knight's horse gets sick, he is surprised that the widow is willing to help him. they both are extremely shock, and even in denial when a priest tell them that have feelings for each other.
there's not much to say about this story, except: boring.

THE UNEXPECTED GUEST
while a little more interesting that the second story, it is still not an attention keeper. the earl turns down all offers of sex with a widow until she gives up and leave his manor, than he realizes his true feelings for her. the widow looks at the earl only as a one night stand, until the earl keeps refusing her. she is just as shocked as the earl to find her own feelings of love for him.

Three Superb Short Stories

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-03-17

I bought this book because I absolutely LOVE Jo Beverley and I was not disappointed with "The Wise Virgin". The case of mistaken identity but finding true love amidst such problems of long time bitter feuds. I really shed a few tears on this one, as to the poignant way Ms. Beverley fleshed out her characters. She makes me laugh and she makes me cry. So sensual in such a short story, it was a pure Beverley delight.

I was very much impressed with "The Vagabond Knight" by Margaret Moore, as well. Here you had two wounded souls both past the fresh dew of youth, older and hopefully wiser, but both carrying baggage. I cried for these two as well as laughed as some of the dialog, and shed tears of joy at the end. I felt she dealt well with giving both a history and tieing it up quite nicely in the end.

The "Unexpected Guest", by Deborah Simmons, again was a wonderful short story. Being able to flesh out so many characters this well in so short a story time is the mark of a very accomplished author. I was so impressed with this story, that I plan to look into other novels by this author to pick up more works on the de Burgh family.

As a rule, I dont like anthology novels and much prefer the meatier stories, but this was excellent. A keeper to reread around the holidays!

Two great stories, and one adequate one

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-08

I bought this book for Jo Beverley's "The Wise Virgin", and I was not disappointed. The characters were awesome, the story well-developed, and the resolution plausible.

When I buy an anthology just because there's one author I know I want to read, I always hope that there will be good surprises in the other stories. I'm frequently disappointed, but not this time.

None of the stories in this book were a total waste of time. Deborah Simmon's story was wonderfully well-written. And it's clear that it's part of a series of stories about a family of men, which is great news. New books to read, a new author to explore.

The middle story I found less compelling. An enjoyable read, but not a keeper. Still, since the entire book was worth reading, I'll give it five stars to reflect the quality of the two stronger stories.

NO END FOR THE DE BERGH SAGA!!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-10

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.

Configuring Windows 2000 Server

Published in Paperback by Prentice Hall (1999-11-22)

Author: Curt Simmons

List price: $49.99

New price: $5.00
Used price: $0.36

Average review score:

Excellent coverage. Easy to read and follow.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-14

I like books that are not 1000 pages and weight 10 lbs and at the same time cover enough ground to make it a useful book and handy to keep around. This book is one of such cases, with 440 pages that feel more like 200, yet it covers the content in such a way that it leaves a smile on my face every time I read it. To the point, no filler content, tons of screen shots and hands on, step by step guides, but not like other I've seen and used which tend to be confusing, these step by step guides are more "generic" (in a good way) and easier to read and follow.

I've used it for various purposes, one of which is to prepare for the "big" 70-240 exam which I have yet to take, and the other one is for day to day operations of my small network, at both it does a good job; and even though I have not taken the actual test, this book has been of great help as evindenced by the results of plenty of practice tests I've taken to prepare for it. I am an experienced Windows NT/9x administrator and Developer, and perhaps that is why this book is such an easy read for me because even though simple it goes straight to the point with no unnecessary information.

I strongly recommend it for someone who is looking for quick answers and who does not need to know the nitty-gritty of the subject, a "jut tell me how its done and where" kindda person, or as a quick reference/refresher for a more seasoned user.

It does cover a lot of ground and the surprising element is how well it does it.

One of my all time favorite technical books!.

I liked it

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-24

I was really surprised that a prerelease book could get this much straight. I used the book to get ready for teaching the 1560 MOC class and am very happy with it. Lot's of hand's on and lot's of basic information to get started learning a new OS.

Step By Step Guide In 448 Clearly-Written Pages

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-10

This book together with Curt Simmons other Windows 2000 book, "Creating Active Directory Infrastructure," were at my side as I successfully (even happily) installed Advanced Server and Active Directory in a small enterprise with multiple domains.

Read the Active Directory book first in order to plan the architecture because some fundamental changes to the elegant structures possible with Active Directory can only be done by starting over. (If the archtecture has been decided, you can get right into the Configuring book since it covers the essentials of Active Directory.)

After completing the planning, "Configuring" will be all you need for the initial installations. The book takes you step by step with about one screen shot on every other page. Server installation, hardware management, network configuration (including ADS, DNS, DHCP, WINS) security, profiles and policies are all covered.

There is only limited information on migration from UNIX or Novell. Those moving over, up, or down (depending on your viewpoint) from those systems, may find that the Simmons books are not what they want. (Simmons is an MCSE type guy.)

This is not a "dummies" book, but Simons command of the material and his clear and practiced style make the material no more difficult than it has to be.

There is no CD and system administrators will need to supplement the Simmons' books at a later date with one of the doorstopper reference works to cover all of the options in full detail.

The book was carefully edited and is nicely bound and printed.

Quick & Easy Reference

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-05

I used this book, along with other monster references like Mark Minasi's book, to learn the concepts of Windows 2000 and setup my server. You don't get the level of detail in this book as 1200+ page ones, but that is not at all a bad thing. This books stays focused on configuration - has a lot of good step-by-steps, and I found myself using it as a quick reference over and over. Overall, its a good book to have in your collection.

Really light-weight reading, for beginner's only, skip it

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-29

Not worth the price. This book contains very little details and is really for causul and light reading only. If you know anything about Windows NT, skip this book and buy another one. This book is strictly for NT/WIN2K beginners.

Strings of Connection: Book one of the Witches in America Series

Published in Paperback by AuthorHouse (2006-06-08)

Author: Durk Simmons

List price: $14.99

New price: $7.15

Average review score:

Too much of a fantasy

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-28

I wouldn't say I did not like the book, I eventually read it all, but I was a bit disappointed by the image the author gives of Wicca : the magic that I know and practice has nothing to do with aquiring instant super powers, flying like Superman or traveling in the past as easily as you switch from one TV program to the other...

I was, maybe wrongly, expecting a novel set in a normal, credible pagan context.

The whole story is quite entertaining, once you get past the abundant mis-spelling, and agree to be lectured from time to time with some "Wicca catechism for teenagers".

Very entertaining!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-21

I really liked the story and have high hopes for the next book as well. From the first page I could not put the book down. I was home sick so I actually read the entire story in one day! Kudos to Mr. Simmons.
The only drawback was the editing of the book...but when overlooking these small discrepancies in grammar and spelling, it is a great read.

This book could easily be made into a movie if they don't change the story.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-11

This book was well written and easy to read.. If you want to try and explain wicca to someone important this is a great book to hand them. I can not wait for the next book.

Strings of Connection

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-03

As a Wiccan, I am glad to see more novels being written in a realistic manner about our religion and magick and the ways of the old ones. this book did not disappoint me with regards to the content of the story. However, the proofreading and editing left a great deal to be desired. with all the errors in the text it was often difficult to follow the story while correcting in my mind the content. I also had difficult following Mr Simmon's dialogue with his characters due to the fact that he often did not make a new paragraph to indicate another person was talking. I am not a writer by any means, but I am an avid reader and hope that in his future books that the author will have a more capable person proof and edit his future books. It was easy to follow the adventures of the main characters and I look forward (despite the errors) to Mr Simmons future books in this series. With books like this based in reality, ascribing the working tenents of Wicca, it is very hopeful that non pagan, non Wiccan people will pick these books up and read and become educated about us and our ways. Cudos to Durk!

FINALLY! SOMEONE GETS IT!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-18

Strings of Connection: Book one of the Witches in America Series
Author: Durk Simmons

Strings of Connection chronicles the Harper family line from the late 1600's to the present day. It combines the basic tenets of Wiccan beliefs and practices with a witty and creative story line designed to be an introduction of Wiccan ideals to those unfamiliar, and a fun romp of magickal possibilities to those that are.

Yes! Woo hoo! Incredible! This book was read in one night by me, I never went to bed, I couldn't put the book down! I was thrilled that finally, there was an author out there that was bold enough to put real Witchcraft in a book. I kept thinking while reading this book about all the fuss that the Harry Potter series caused with the Witchcraft and how very little true Witchcraft that it had in it. Here I was holding the golden book, the book I have wanted to read since I learned it was written. While there was some fantasy in this book, venturing off the path of Wicca, I enjoyed it so much! Who says all this doesn't exist? Didn't take place? Won't take place? I have read so many books written about families involved in the Wiccan religion and this was the one that darn near made me dance with joy! I handed the book to my daughter, age 18, who refused to read the HP books because in her words, they were `cheesy'; I awoke the next morning to find my daughter still reading. She couldn't put the book down either. We are both anticipating the arrival of the second book. That is one we will fight over for sure! Incredible book! Incredible author! If I had to say anything bad about this book, it would be simple. I didn't like how Wicca kept being referred to as the `Old Religion' when in actuality; Paganism is the "Old Religion' Wicca came to be in the early 1960's. As for stars for this book...10, 100, 1000! Keep them coming Durk! My daughter and I are waiting!

Katrina Stiles

Simmons Books