Simmons Books

This was a wonderful story. It's very hard to put down. It only took me 2 nights to complete it. I hope Curt Simmons writes more books soon!

This one is hard to put down! I loved each of the colorful characters and couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next. The surprise ending was the perfect conclusion to this heartwarming story.

This is a wonderful story. I fell in love with the characters and hated to see the book end. But the surprise ending left me crying and smiling at the same time. Loved it!

I've had never read a 'romance' novel before but after hearing great things about this Canadian author I thought I would at least take a glance through the book next time I was at the local bookstore. I quickly became engrossed and read it all the way through. The characters Sunny and Michael are very interesting. Their dialogue is very witty and entertaining. A good read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Sunrise in Manhattan brings an interruption to hunky hotel project manager Michael Wolfe. He likes women who like to share a few laughs and a bed without promises or expectations. Women who don't mind interruptions in the name of business. Michael travels light, without baggage, holdups or unscheduled stops. But he can't quite forget the curvy painter of the mural, despite the baggy overalls and baseball cap.

Crashing the party of the year at New York's finest hotel was Sunny Anderson's biggest opportunity to change her life. With her mural on the ceiling above, Sunny can make new contacts and create new opportunities for her work. Maybe finally make enough to move out of parent's home, put away money for her daughter's college fund, and quit waiting tables at her mother's restaurant. But creating an elegant Sonja for the evening is quite a challenge for this paint splattered artist who prefers high tops to stilettos.

It's a magical night and Sunny, now Sonja, is entitled to a moment of madness between her schmoozing and networking. In her elegant Grace Kelly look, complete with fabulous butterfly mask, Sonja becomes something more than a painter in a baseball cap. As the ballroom fills with color, music and laughter, Sonja attracts the attention of Michael, relaxing, becoming beautiful, powerful and desirable. One night, one moment of madness and then the magic's interrupted by business. Cinderella only leaves behind earrings to mark the night's passage, and now Michael knows how Prince Charming felt.

Sonja becomes Sunny to return to the world of children, family and responsibilities. She gains a new project from the night of magic -- now she's commissioned to create a mural in the penthouse, which just happens to be where Michael lives. Now Michael's searching for the nonexistent Sonja, while fighting his attraction to Sunny. Meanwhile, Sunny's painting his office penthouse, and trying to retrieve Sonja's earrings. And if I haven't confused you yet, then pick up the book, because it's not to be missed!

This elegant Cinderella story blends just enough of the favorite story and the talented author's imagination to become wonderful. With a dusting of magic, Lynda Simmons blends sophistication and simplicity in a dazzling tale that's a real keeper. JUST THE WAY YOU AREN'T goes beyond feathered masks and glittering costumes, getting to the heart of the matter. Very highly recommended.

Canadian author Lynda Simmons paints a fun-filled picture of romance in her latest novel Just The Way You Aren't.

Spunky artist Sunny Anderson has been commissioned to paint a mural in one of New York's luxury hotels. As she puts the finishing touches on her work, she comes in contact with Michael Wolfe, the man responsible for refurbishing the grand hotel. Intrigued by the handsome and personable hotelier, Sunny soon finds herself becoming a little more than interested - she discovers that she is falling in love!

Michael Wolfe is a solitary kind of guy. A widower, he is content to travel from job to job, keeping his personal relationships as temporary as his addresses. But when he meets the beautiful young muralist Sunny, he begins to think that maybe there is a chance for love in his life.

Simmons fills her delightful story with amusing situations and a cast of colorful secondary characters that keep the action hopping. Her heroine Sunny is a hard-working single mother who, although surrounded by her extended family, finds that she must exert her independence in order to maker her own place in the world. Readers will be rooting for her to succeed.

This book, while serving as an excellent and colorful children's fairy tale, also has some layers that are invisible to the untrained eye, but satisfying for the person with a little knowledge of modern Salvadoran history. Although the concept of the cadejo goes back a long way in Central American culture, Argueta has hidden a subtle commentary on the political history of El Salvador inside this fun-loving tale. It's no coincidence, for instance, that the number 14 occurs in the description of the landowners who send the lead soldiers to teach a lesson to those workers who have the nerve to think they should get to rest once in a while, or eat; look up the reference "fourteen families" (catorce familias in Spanish) to make the allusion emerge clearly within this charming tale.

Don't get me wrong -- if you want your child simply to read this story as a fairy tale, that will be possible, even easy to accomplish. The story stands on its own two (four?) feet without any need to introduce the allegorical aspects. All the same, there's a good reason this story was excerpted for an intermediate college Spanish textbook ... there's a lot more going on here than meets the eye.

i'm currently living in El Salvador and found this book online when looking for traditional Salvadorean legends on which to base a drama production. I was delighted by the story, which is accessibly presented in both English and Spanish, and which features enchanting details to make adults smile as they read to their children. The beautiful illustrations add to the enjoyment of this story - I intend to buy a copy to send to my 2 year old godson in England - he will adore it.

This is an excellent story, well told with colorful illustrations. It opens children's eyes to compassion, offering a story of hope and reconciliation. Excellent for children and for adults, too - it went over well in a class in Hispanic culture at Wofford College.

We found this to be an excellent handbook. There were handy maps of each region and fairly comprehensive reviews of things to do both in the major destinations and off the beaten track. For example, on our visit to the Waitomo region we noticed a few nature sites noted on our driving map withoout explanation. Checked the location in the Moon Handbook and discovered memorable side trips we would not have taken otherwise.

This book is great for backpackers and students. It is also helpful members of Hostelling International and VIP backpackers. It explains the cheapest way to travel and the must sees in New Zealand

A must for traveling and truly enjoying the people and countryside. Details of out-of-the-way places as well as the city life. Able to get around without driving (on the wrong side of the road). Will long remember all of the friendly people and the cleanliness of cities and countryside.

Writing "NUTGRASS" taught me a lot about the publishing industry. Publishing a book is a long process that can't be hurried. There are many factors that must be dealt with after the contract is signed: editing, proofreading, format, layout, cover design, etc. It has been worth the wait. Every piece of writing is a journey and I hope everyone who reads "NUTGRASS" enjoys the trip. Your friend, Linda M. Simmons

If you want to read about running moonshine the way it was really done, you have to read this book - the plotline is great, and I read it in just two sittings, which is pretty much a record for me. The only question I have now is when will Ms. Simmons' next book be available?

I am looking forward to Linda Simmons' next book MILL VILLAGE. Nutgrass was excellent reading with vivid characters and a plot that keeps you anxiously reading chapter after chapter. I highly recommend this novel.

Hello, my name is Kris and I am fourteen years old. This was a great book and expertly written. It challenged the faith of liitle children and two teenagers who were shipwrecked on a deserted island. (or so they thought!) Through many differet circumstances they found a village who have been desperately searching for the truth and a way to preserve their people and culture that was fast slipping from them. When pirates invade the island and capture them all,they find out it was a very good thing! So Yes, I highly recommend this book! I loved the book, it was awesome!!!

Upon first glance, people may think this book is targeted particularly to girls, but I have had many boys and grown men come up to me and tell me they really enjoyed my book! I would encourage you all to get a copy and try it for yourself. It is a great read for the family during cold winter months. I am currently working on the second book in the series and challenge you all to take the first step, order the book, and find out for yourself what a group of orphans do to make their way, alone, on a strange island, and how God turns all things out for good! God bless!

This book would appeal to readers of all ages. Mrs. Simmons descriptive language and style of writing is interesting and really pulls the reader into the story. I especially love the wholesome Christian attitude and Bible references entwined in the story. I would highly recommend this book.

In "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics", veteran reporter Rob Christensen, of the Raleigh News and Observer, provides a stellar addition to the pantheon of North Carolina political works.

This book is a must read for any politician, journalist, activist, observer or just plain interested party. Christensen deserves a medal for making the subject matter approachable to the layman. As an historical work, the book ranks among the most active and engaging stories in recent memory.

Perhaps a testament to the editors Christensen has had in his career, the prose is engaging and full of energy. There is hardly a weak spot in the entire book. Whether the reader is on vacation with hours on end or a casual nighttime bookworm reading a few pages a night, "The Paradox of Tarheel Politics" is sure to capture and hold their attention.

Read the full review at my personal website, or via this link:

[...]
Jeffrey Sykes
www.jeffreysykes.com

The most complete account of North Carolina political history I've ever found in one book. All the major players for the past century are here with lots of great stories. A great read.

The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections, and Events That Shaped Modern North CarolinaThis is a wonderful read by one of the best newspaper reporters in the State. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who has an interest in the history of modern day politics in North Carolina.

O. Max Gardner III

This is the kind of bio that should be written about every important film director. Simmons is just detached enough to be objective, but not cold and removed so as to miss the color and flavor of this remarkable man. Highly reccommended for all interested in films - not just Peckinpah geeks.

Someone should get this guy to do a series of books on directors.

This is one of the first and best Peckinpah's biographies. Written a few years before his death but with a new preface and postscript it is a superb account about the life and films of Sam Peckinpah. Garner Simmons talked to many friends, family, actors and producers to make this a wonderful readable experience.If you are in the films of Sam Peckinpah get this book!

Peckinpah, written by Garner Simmons and published by the Universtity of Texas Press in 1982,is a no-nonsense, non-opinionated look at the life and work of director Sam Peckinpah. The first few chapters are devoted to his early life: parents, childhood, growing up, early TV work, etc. The rest of the book is presented in a movie-by-movie format, with one chapter being devoted to each film. The chronological discussion of each film pays great attention to detail form pre to post production. Lots of good insight from cast and crew members help make this book really special! There is little info on Peckinpah's final film, "The Osterman Weekend", as it had not been released at the time of this book's publication. The book is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Fielding, the extremely talented composer who worked with Peckinpah on several films.

What a great book. A great story and well told. Wonderful pictures and high quality print and binding make this a must-have. As a former Taylor owner, I had lost touch with the brand, but this book made me appreciate Taylor Guitars and all they've done to get where they are. Finished it in a day

Superbly written and packed with intriguing historical photos, this 220-page coffee-table book tells how Kurt Listug and Bob Taylor met as struggling luthiers in a San Diego workshop and managed to create one of the world's preeminent guitar companies. It's a dramatic tale of economic hardship, disappointment, and eventual triumph over adversity. Guitar geeks will delight in details about tonewoods, tools, and manufacturing, while Taylor owners will appreciate the history of the various models and how they evolved from pencil-and-paper sketches into successful production instruments.

Taylor's extensive (and often humorous) quotes are particularly insightful. He credits other luthiers -- including James Goodall, John Carruthers, Jean Larrivée, and Augustino LoPrinzi -- for providing him with techniques and inspiration, and points to Tom Anderson as being the catalyst for Taylor's own pioneering work with computer-controlled milling machines. We learn how and why Taylor developed such radical innovations as the New Technology neck, finger-jointed headstock, UV-cured finish, and Expression System pickup, and get to ogle dozens of custom, celebrity edition, and one-of-a-kind instruments. More than a guitar book, this is a tale of two plucky pals, who, accompanied by a handful of bright and dedicated coworkers, learned to beat the odds and make their dreams come true.

A very good over view of not only the business, but the man and his vision for the best acoustic guitar. Many of the names of people associated with Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug will surprise you. Many fabulous pictures of some beautiful and rare Taylor instruments, including a few home made models from his youth! Many helpful dates and side notes for the curious and the collector. I would highly recommend this for anyone serious about either Taylor guitars or acoustic guitars in general.

I realize that my rating is not objective, as I am the author. However, I think readers might want to know that the six composers featured in this book are: Ernest Bloch, Howard Hanson, Vittorio Giannini, Paul Creston, Samuel Barber, and Nicolas Flagello.

This book is the first of a projected series of books by the distinguished writer on music, Walter Simmons. I've admired his writings for many years and had heard about this book from several friends who recommended it highly. I now see why. Not only does Simmons have a particularly graceful writing style, he is able to explain with clarity some complicated matters, describing music in non-technical language that most reasonably educated readers would be able to understand. His contention that these six composers have been generally under-appreciated and misunderstood is argued cogently and convincingly, and he shares insights not seen anywhere else. There is a section on each of the six composers - Bloch, Hanson, Giannini, Creston, Barber, and Flagello (I was particularly heartened by the inclusion of the shamefully neglected Giannini and Flagello) -- that contains a brief biography and then a fairly detailed description of his major (and many smaller) works in the order they were composed. Recommendations are made for recordings for those wishing to explore the music itself.

I for one am eager to read each of the five prospective books to follow this one. The subjects of the remaining books will cover American neo-classicists, American opera composers, American nationalists and populists, three traditionalists of the Juilliard School, and American traditionalists of the post-1930 generation. When this series is finished it will, on the evidence of this first volume, comprise one of the very most valuable overall studies of American classical music in print.

Strongly recommended.

Scott Morrison

I was familiar with Walter Simmons writing from his magazine reviews, and I had found him an almost invariably trusted guide to good music. When I found that he had written a book focused on six of my favorite American composers, I was excited but dismayed by the price of the book. Nevertheless, I took the plunge, and the cost became immediately greater: Simmons led me to search out even more recordings by these composers.

Although I was already a devoted follower of the music of Paul Creston, Simmons' analysis added immensely to my understanding of the music. Flagello and Giannini had also been a passion, as had Ernest Bloch. I was forced to look overseas for a recordng of one Bloch work with which I had newly become familiar: "Helvetia: The Land of Mountains and Its People," a thoroughly enjoyable symphonic work.

Each section of Simmons' book follows a similar pattern: a BIOGRAPHY of the composer, followed by a discussion of the MUSIC, typically broken into three or more periods, a CONCLUSION, NOTES, SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY, and ESSNETIAL DISCOGRAPHY. For those intimidated by the cost of the book, consider the fact that it will serve as a constant reference and provide many many hours of absorbing reading. But be prepared to spend even more as you discover recordings of works you suspect you must have.

For those concerned about any technical jargon that might hinder comprehension, be assured that Simmons writes with eloquence in a way to help even the minimally musicologically educated reader to follow his analyses.

If you have even a minimal interest in American music, or in music that touches the heart while showing considerable knowledge of structure, you owe it to yourself to obtain this book. Make it number 1 on your wish list, or, as I did, take the plunge now. You won't regret it.