Way Books

This nifty little journal is perfect for you and your dog! You don't have to be an experienced dog owner to take advantage of this journal (though experienced dog owners, fanciers, and enthusiasts will appreciate Millan's tips); the journal is tailored to all skill levels and even contains folder pockets for holding your dog's medical records--very handy!

I've been around dogs my whole life, and recently got MY very own dogs (as in, while the whole family loves them, they are mine to care for, pay for, etc.). I found this journal incredibly useful on a number of levels--for those calm moments when you're trying to figure out what a certain behavior means, for those middle-of-the-night moments when the dog is sick and you can't remember the vet's number and then you remember you wrote it down in the journal, and perhaps most importantly--this journal has given me a foolproof way to store all the medical records and vet bills accrued by my dogs over the past year.

I totally recommend this journal--and Cesar's Way!

I was hoping for a little more information than I found in this book, but it is a very unique and nice quality book/journal.

When explaining the difference between Cesar's first two books I frequently use the following analogy:
* 'Cesar's Way' by Cesar Millan is like when one learns how to drive a car (dog/human interactions), to successfully apply useful solutions for problem dog behaviors.

* 'Be the Pack Leader' explains how the car (dog/human relationship)works, is applied to the understanding of WHY being a Pack Leader works (and which can also be applied to the human/human relationship!

Cesar's Way Journal brings these pieces into an integrated whole by first helping us examine OUR real interactions with our dogs in Section one: "Know yourself, Know your dog" Concrete exercises help us to see accurately how dogs are our true mirrors, teachers and healers.

Section 2, helps to decide how best to put Cesar's formula into practice by examining our unique environments, lifestyle, choices and individual dog's needs. There is a through check list to help ensure we address all elements of the dog's needs. One o the most important elements of this section for me was the exercise that got me to take a HARD look at how I work with issues around power - those who have power over me and how I react, as well as those I have power over - and how I treat them...on good days and bad!

Section 3 has a system that is so easy to work with to help me keep track of all the history, vet care, and resources I rely on all the time in hard copy form so I can lay my hands on it right away! There were some interesting recommendations of new reading material in the back I want to follow up on too.

I have helped to rehab over 25 problem dogs who were going to be euthanized if someone didn't step forward to help. I'm no one special or especially skilled - just a dog owner who cares that these dogs don't die! Had to use Cesar's way because the way with dogs that I was raised with never seemed to work with problem dogs, only dogs that were already good!

I stepped forward to help because there was no one else - "professional" or not. All but one, the first one, were brought to me by rescue non-profits who had run out o options to change the dog's behaviors into something that could be adopted out. Did it using the solutions I learned from watching the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic and then buying and studying the season 1 and 2 episode tapes:
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season
and
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan: The Complete Second Season

So for people like me - just people who want to help save dog's lives, one day at a time, this is yet another tool that is really helping me to up my game another level!

this was bought as a birthday present for my mam and she absolutely loves it as it incorporates sections of both of his boks along with giving you space to write in how the training is going and any important information like vaccination due dates operation dates all the things you would need to keep regarding your dog and their health, it is a really pretty little journal inside and out.

It is 99.9% you and only 1% the dog and Cesar once again describes it all in this book. He is one of the first who proved to dog owners AND even to trainers that you CAN get results using your knowledge, technique, proper body language, attitude, and have the right goal and expectations from your dog and from yourself.

Unlike clicker training or PetSmart training where you give your dog treats just for being alive and call it training, I have been compared to Cesar a lot. This is because I always tell my clients you want to rely on your Love, Leadership, Praise and Technique and NOT Hotdogs, Ham, Sausage and Dried Liver. Kevin "The Dog Prodigy" Salem.

Wow, this is a great book. I find many books on Christmas to be formulaic marketing exploits on the good will and memories most of us have for the holiday season, not the Christmas House. This is a true story of a remarkable man, George Skinner, who in LA during the 1930's transformed Polio and the complex morass we all call our families to bring joy and holiday spirit to literally millions and invent the modern tradition of Christmas decoration for homes with his creation of the first "Christmas House". It even ends with a romance, if it weren't true it might seem too good. The book is beautifully bound like a fine heirloom family photo album and reads like one if only the rest of us could write as well Georja Skinner, the books author and the daughter of George Skinner. This is a wonderful gift for those who love to decorate for the holidays, could use a dose of optimistic courage, or just want to read a delightful story of the capacity of the human spirit improve and inspire. After all, isn't that what Christmas is about?

A charming, heart-warming, inspirational story. The world needs more stories like this - now more than ever. The world also needs more people like George Skinner, the man behind the Christmas House and Georja Skinner, the woman and gifted storyteller behind this book. I wholeheartedly recommend THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE.

As an avid reader, I am always looking for books which are well written and interesting to read.
This book met all of my requirements for a great read.
Ms. Skinner presents a moving family story because she includes 'secrets' which many families try to deny or avoid discussing. Including the 'secrets' makes us see the individuals as human being with flaws who managed to succeed and help start a tradition which we all enjoy in the present day.
The enjoyment which I received from reading this book far exceeded the price of the book.

The Christmas House by Georja Skinner
New World Library

In the literature that celebrates the tradition of Christmas, Clement C. Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" stand out as enduring classics. Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales, while perhaps not as popular, continues the literary tradition of reflecting on the cultural meaning of Christmas through the eyes of the individuals who celebrate the season.

Georja Skinner's The Christmas House is a worthy successor to these perennial classics, not because it is fictional (it is not), but because it plausibly explains the origin of a very common American tradition - house decoration during the Christmas season. However, this remarkable story is far from a dry exercise in social history, for in its unobtrusive lesson about the meaning of Christmas we find both the recovery of the origin of a tradition and the reconstruction of a family's history through the historical marginalia of a personal archive.

The Christmas House is at once a search for roots, an inducement to preserve history and memory, and the fascinating re-telling of one man's struggle with a devastating disease - poliomyelitis.

The story is a simple one, simply and directly told, and that is its great strength. The author's father, George Skinner, separated from his family in Canada and resettling in California with his father Albert, contracted polio at age 22 in the epidemic that struck Los Angeles in 1934. George was hospitalized, confined at times to an iron lung that enabled him to breathe, and, greatly weakened and disabled, released to re-join his father at their Boyle Heights home in 1936. He had spent over one year recovering in the Los Angeles General Hospital.

Disheartened but yet undaunted by this traumatic experience, he hit on the holiday expedient of decorating the façade and chimney of their home with Christmas decorations in such profusion that the resulting spectacle would serve as a grand "thank you" to their neighbors for their many kindnesses and tokens of support during his convalescence. It was the Great Depression, and neighbors banded together for mutual support.

The young George Skinner had no material riches to give back in return, but the delight he generated with his "Christmas house" idea sparked the imagination of his neighbors and energized the people of Los Angeles as the news media focused on the unusual spectacle of Santa Claus, snowflakes, and icicles at 919 Mathews Street. In 1938, over 100,000 visitors witnessed an even grander display at their home, though a house fire proved to be an unfortunate setback. George Skinner's determination and artistry propelled him into a successful career in broadcasting, and the author traces the Christmas house's subtle influence through her father's subsequent career, marriage, family reconciliations, and many holiday seasons.

The uniqueness of this story turns on George Skinner's experience with polio and his exceptional resolve to overcome its aftereffects. In that, it is reminiscent of the experience of Franklin Roosevelt, whom George and many others with polio upheld as a role model of colossal importance. George's experience nearly killed him, and his convalescence was long and arduous. Not much was known about polio in 1934, and the Los Angeles epidemic was unusual in many ways, primarily for the extraordinary outbreak of what first appeared to be polio among the nurses and attendants at Los Angeles General Hospital, but now believed to have been chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Among 2,500 confirmed cases of polio, of which George's was one, nearly 300 nurses were also affected by CFS.

In later years - the 1940s and 1950s - the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now the March of Dimes) dispatched specialized medical teams to communities throughout the nation for epidemic relief and paid for the hospitalization and aftercare treatment of those affected by polio. In 1934, however, George Skinner had only his father Albert, a tool and die maker, to rely on after his hospitalization, and these were very hard times. Albert and George together built and rigged up many devices of their own making - an outdoor gym and stationary bicycle - to provide an opportunity for physical therapy. Before their residence became "the Christmas house," their modest home was in actuality a makeshift polio rehabilitation center. First, the regime of physical therapy; then, the therapeutic and artistic breakthrough of the Christmas house; these were George Skinner's personal triumphs and re-inventions of himself, and what makes this story all the more captivating are the many photographs and documents that illustrate every episode.

One of the prerequisites of writing history is the keeping of archives. Most of us pay scant attention to the repositories of records, i.e., archives, that form a common and critically important part of higher education, government, and community life. At the same time, most of us do keep personal records of many sorts: photographs, scrapbooks, correspondence, and family memorabilia are typical. In The Christmas House, the profusion of illustrations enriches the story tremendously, and this is an integral part of the story itself.

George Skinner's childhood, hospitalization, post-polio experience, and adult life are all captured in photographs; and the inclusion of telegrams, clippings, press releases, Christmas cards, and souvenirs also serves to impart a photo verite quality to this story proving, as author Georja Skinner phrases it, that her father and grandfather were "consummate pack rats." In other words, they were incipient archivists. She describes the experience of discovering a personal scrapbook of clippings and photos that her father had kept as "going through a time warp." This is a common experience. What is uncommon is the author's transformation of family history into a luminous biographical memoir.

The Christmas House is a testament to love of family, personal fortitude against adversity, and recapturing the past. Without an overbearing religious message, it is a book about the Christmas tradition, a perfect antidote to the hyper-commercialization of Christmas that Americans commonly witness.

If anything, its message is "preserve your memories," and it will serve to raise our historical awareness about polio and disability and about a unique moment in American history when a young man in Los Angeles transformed his personal misfortune into a popular holiday tradition.

August 17, 2005 / David Rose / March of Dimes Archives

"My father was passionate about Christmas. He believed Christmas was the perfect time to celebrate all the joy that comes with living, and he did his best to spread good cheer...His zeal came from an unlikely place: the polio epidemic of 1934." - Georja Skinner

On May 22, 1934, a robust twenty-two-year old college named George Skinner was swimming laps at the Los Angeles City College pool. Reading a book at poolside, his girlfriend Allison realized that an unusual quiet had descended. She looked up from her book and was horrified to discover that George was quickly sinking to the bottom of the pool-spread-eagle, motionless, and eyes wide open.

After arriving at the Los Angeles County General Hospital, the doctor immediately recognized George's symptoms: poliomyelitis. In the early 30's many were stricken with polio and, at the time, there was no known cure or prevention for the virus. The only treatment was isolation, rest, time spent in the iron lung, and morphine to relieve the pain.

As he lay in the polio ward, George received a dire prognosis. The disease had spread through 80 percent of his body and there was a strong possibility that he would never walk again. Unable to speak, George blinked his eyes in acknowledgement as the doctor relayed the shocking news. Albert, George's talkative happy-go-lucky Dad, was stunned into silence. Because the ward was under quarantine, the hospital staff asked Albert to leave-leaving George alone.

Although George was inducted President of the Optimist Society in 1932, he still struggled with the question "Why me?" After all, he thought, I believe in God. I go to church. One minute I'm playing varsity sports, in love with my college sweetheart, and the next I'm paralyzed, on the verge of death.

Other troubling thoughts plagued George in the polio ward-ones involving the family he and his father left behind in Canada 14 years ago. He had fond memories of his Mother and his brothers, especially during Christmastime. His Mother had loved Christmas and so had George. Yet, what was supposed to be a "few weeks vacation" turned into a new life in California--*without* his other family members.

Why did his Dad avoid questions about the family they left behind? Where were they? Why didn't they write or visit when he needed them the most?

Fueled by his fond memories of Christmases past, his fiery optimism, and his desire to repay the many kindnesses and overwhelming support shown by church members, friends, and neighbors, George vowed that he would one day walk again-and that he'd create a spectacular Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy.

The Christmas House, written by George's daughter Georja Skinner, chronicles the heart-warming-and sometimes heart-wrenching-account of George's rigorous exercise regimen and arduous recovery, which included enlisting the aid of Eleanor Roosevelt and FDR's private nurse for hydrotherapy. Ms. Skinner lovingly relays George's tireless planning for the Christmas House, the elaborate steps that George and Albert took to bring the vision to life and the outpouring of support from merchants, friends, and the community. In addition, The Christmas House is a poignant story of enormous dedication, creativity, resilience, forgiveness, love, and community spirit. Also tucked within the pages of this touching book is a sweet love story about Georja's parents.

Bound with leather and filled with over 100 photographs, various newspaper clippings and journal entries from George's scrapbook, The Christmas House: How One Man's Dream Changed the Way We Celebrate Christmas is a beautiful homage to a man many have credited with launching the holiday decorating tradition still in practice today.

An indoor holiday forest, hand-painted scenery, snow shipped in from Utah, floodlights, a magical wishing well, home-made baked goods, and an elaborate sound system-all designed by George-were but a few of the wondrous experiences enjoyed by visitors to the Christmas House.

It's fascinating to read how the Skinners transformed a bungalow into the magical Christmas House-and how its presence touched thousands of lives. Volunteers worked tirelessly to bring George's displays into reality. For example, one of George's ideas was to bury tree trunks upside down in holes dug in the backyard. He figured that the twisted roots would resemble leafless branches in the dead of winter. After he was satisfied with his makeshift forest, he painted the exposed roots with white paint and sprinkled metal shavings on the wet paint. You see, in the days of the Great Depression, they didn't have extra money for modern decorative conveniences like glitter.

The Christmas House by Georja Skinner is a stirring tribute to her father and his legacy. I cried, I rejoiced, and I marveled as I read about this remarkable man and his father and the community they rallied together at a time when despair and poverty covered America.

As a first-year Service Learning teacher, I find this product essential to understanding what Service Learning is all about. Plenty of concrete project ideas, book resources, and activities are in easy reach for teachers and students.

This book has great, unique ideas as well as appropriate annotated booklists for various topics that fit well with curriculum AND service. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to step up service learning in the classroom!!

I am an elementary school guidance counselor who wanted to create a service learning program in my school, but wasn't sure how to get it off the ground. This book not only offers service learning project ideas, but also how to tie them to curriculum. It also suggests different fiction and non-fiction literature on the subject by grade level!!!

I have been reading your "The Complete Guide to Service Learning" the last few days. I am teaching teachers tomorrow about the 40 Developmental Assets and integrating Service Learning into their curriculum. Your book is great. It is thorough. It is user friendly and it has great information that is easy to digest. I especially like the "Across the Curriculum" sheets.

This book is a very inspiring guide to implementing service learning projects in each classroom. It offers countless practical, specific, easy ways for teachers to teach their students new skills and the value of contributing to their community. I would definitely say that this book is a must-read for any teacher or parent!

For Those Who Love was a timeless love story that relates to American history. When you read this story, you will not be able to put it down. It tells you about historical events that happened in Boston during Abigail's life and how our country was formed. It was a beautiful story that a person who likes romantic novels could read, or one that a person interested in history could read. I personally fell in love with the Adams'.

"Those Who Love" got me hooked on the saga of John and Abigail Adams. Thiers was a true love match that endured through joy and pain, triumph and trajedy. Stone's sprawling novel follows the pair from thier spirited first meeting, through the hellish American Revolution, and into the turbulent White House years. A fantastic read.

Irving Stone gives us a look at the American Revolutionary period and the writing of the Constitution in this book about the relationship of John and Abigail Adams. His attention to the details of life in that era help us to a greater understanding of what it was all about.

When I first read this book many years ago, I fell in love with John Adams. Stone brought to life not only this most honorable of our founding fathers, and his beloved wife Abigail, but other "characters" of our nation's revolutionary history such as Samuel Adams, a rabble-rouser who was afraid to ride horses. So many intimate details of John and Abigails's life together were brought to this novel that you feel as though you know and love them both. You can't go wrong with this one.

Irving Stone transports you back into time. You feel as if you knew Abigail Adams as well as a next door neighbor. It was hard to put down.

This is a great book for the epi-curious romantic, but also stands on its own as an inspiration for the more experienced. The humor, full-meal suggestions, and anecdotes make this much more than a simple collection of recipes; and it's further enriched with a guide to wine selection, a guide on setting the table, unit conversions, and a glossary of terms. And while the book is very oriented towards "the traditionally inexperienced man cooking for his woman", it's innocent enough that I think it lends itself to any wooing situation.

One of the hardest things with any new endeavor is getting past the learned or imagined certainty that you're doomed to failure--Cooking Your Way to Romance eases this fear with its light humor, personal stories to pull you in, and calm assurance that if you try, it'll be all right. It's also filled with recipes for more than just the food on the table. It guides you through eight full meals--dinners and lunches, soups, salads--and preparation of mood and self.

Romance is kindled with some setting with a bit of the author's background--and a delicious dinner centered around a chicken parmigiana. The first accompanying illustration shows a young man choking a still-feathered chicken in a pot, a skeptical woman standing back: "I appreciate your intentions, but who's going to clean up this mess when you're done?" The instructions are much more sane, and easy to follow (though I still made a few mistakes--I can say from experience that the recipes in this book are very forgiving).
Illustration by Lanny Liu

The meals are an international tour for your loved one: Italy, Mexico, France, New Orleans, and more, with running commentary egging you on, lovely illustrations, and decent full-color photos of many of the meals to let you know what you should be winding up with.

While none of the individual recipes are intrinsically more romantic than they would be if found somewhere else, Cooking Your Way to Romance packages everything in such a way that romance is always close at hand. The book weaves a tale through the planned meals, guiding setting and mood, and telling the story of your romancing--not just from your point of view, but from your partner's, as well, with snippets of conversation between your partner and their friends, suggesting the effects your cooking is having so that you can feel them and believe them. Just remember the mantra--you're doing this for _them_.

As an inexperienced cook, I could have used more suggestions as to how long things would take to prepare (a gimmick could have been ratings--novice, journeyman, master); and perhaps hints on possible substitutions (I had a tough time tracking down tomatillos), and something that's always perplexed me--what to do with the extra ingredients when you inevitably buy more than the recipe calls for.

That said, I'm looking forward to revisiting the meals I've accomplished so far and approaching meals I haven't yet found the time for; my wife insisted that I get a copy to keep in addition to the one we raffle off.

Illustrations by Lanny Liu nicely enhance the commentary and recipes of Carl R. Wendtland in "Cooking Your Way To Romance", a thoroughly 'user friendly' collection of easy, delicious, elegant dishes suitable for any romantically inclined dining occasion from a first date to a 50th anniversary celebration. The twist is that these are recipe instructions designed to be carried out for men! Of special note are the 'Wine Selection' section about the basics of choosing and serving an appropriate beverage, and the 'Glossary of Terms' for guys unfamiliar with kitchen jargon. "Cooking Your Way To Romance" takes even the most novice aspiring chef through each recipe step-by-step in a readily accessible manner which insures success for ever dish, ever time. "Cooking Your Way To Romance" is the perfect do-it-yourself cookbook for guys wanting to impress the gals in their life!

I had such a great time working on this project, and it is so pleasing to see that people are finding value in Carl's philosophy about Life, Marriage and it's inextricable link to the kitchen.

Carl and his wife, Moralee, have been married for 39 years and Carl attributes this success to his personal approach: cherish your wife as the most valuable person in your life. Carl chose cooking as a way to show Moralee his feelings for her, and he did this by creating delicious meals and adding that special ambiance that would transport her from her everyday life, staright into setting of his choosing; whether it be Italy, Mexico, New Orleans or France.

Join Carl in this expression of Romance in the kitchen, and create delectable menus such as: Roast Duck on a Bed of White and Wild Rice, Crawfish Etouff'ee, Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Carmora's Tuscan Style Soup with Salad and Breadsticks... and more!

Not only is this book a great addition to YOUR kitchen, but it makes a fantastic gift book, as well. Give a copy of "Cooking Your Way To Romance" as a gift for one of these special occasions:

Wedding Gift
Valentine's Day Gift
Birthday Gift
Bachelor's Gift
Sweetest Day Gift
Wedding Favor
Graduation Gift

Buy this book for yourself or for another -- but either way, BUY IT, you won't be sorry.

This is a handy book for any man looking to either get started cooking or add a lot more recipes to their repertoire. The recipes are easy to follow and shouldn't be difficult for a first time cook. Initially the recipes are themed together so that you can cook several items for one meal. With each of these sections is a story with insites on adding romance to your relationship. In the back of the book are even more recipes and a quick guide to selecting wine. Although it's a thin book, don't let that fool you because there is plenty of good content and it's well worth the buy, with recipes as simple as guacamole dip to harder dishes like roast duck. Give it a try!

This is one of the best cookbooks I've ever owned. It's witty, and charming, and full of great recipes. The directions are clear and the dishes turn out great. And of course, I love it when my husband cooks for me!

I had read this book by borrowing it initially from the public library and was so impressed with it, I went onto Amazon to purchase a copy. For anyone struggling with sobriety or with a family member, friend, etc. struggling with sobriety, I think this is an awesome book.

I found this well-written book easy to read and to understand. The straight-to-the-point real-life examples seem to answer my questions completely.

The narative flows along smoothly while making the points. If a person didn't get it the first time, the subsequent narrative of other people's situations and outcomes gives them another chance to do so.

I know a few people who will benefit from reading this book and will be thanful to Mr. Manville for writing it.

I have had this book for awhile having read it once and then put it on the shelf. I picked it up today and reread almost half of it when I had planned to do something else.As a sucker for anything that clearly tells the tale of our human nature- the stories here do just that. Garnered from the sober author's radio call in show, (he's sort of the sober dear Abby) the problem drinkers or persons who are not sure if what they are wrestling with is an alcoholic situation get straight answers.The authors experience was extreme- and he is an advocate for rehab and then a 12 step program. However, the stories and information here are useful to any tangental situation - they cut right to the chase. Another thing that is super refreshing is that the author really loves and embraces his sobriety and is "cool, hip and sober" For all those pub crawlers who have given up on their creativity and their dreams , it is nice to hear someone affirm that sober life is technicolor and the alternative dreary black and white. I love any text that tells the truth and this book is just filled with "stories".

My family has a long history of addiction and I've been exposed to a lifetime of books, programs, literature and advice on the topic.

Cool, Hip and Sober is the ONLY "Self-Help" book I have ever read,(on any topic) that I didn't have to make myself read.

Before any form of knowledge or experience can be helpful, it must be transmitted. Bill Manville's, Cool, Hip and Sober flows into the reader's conscious without resistence and therein lies the beauty of this book.

You will want to read this book!

As an addiction counselor, I've read many self-help books about addiction. Cool, hip & sober is my favorite so far because of the question and answer format, the down to earth approach of the author and the believable, heart felt stories and examples of the pain and suffering of the addict and everyone around them, as well as the tough, but doable triumphs of recovery.

Brice McCormack and Prudence Randolph grew up in the same town. Always trying to make her daddy proud made Prudence go the extra mile in everything she does. Trying to be better than a McCormack to prove that she was worthy of her family was an exhausting job, as it was keeping her family out of trouble and out of jail when McCormack's were thrown in the mix. The family feud was a live wire for over 70 years and the Judge of the town was getting tired of it. So he came up with a solution. Marrying both the leaders of the family should take care of the problem! Ja! Brice and Pru tried to get out of the jam without success. Before they even noticed things started heating up between them. Dianne's has mastered a witty and funny story that will have you laughing from the first page to the last. The way she weaves romance, with sexy and funny have no contenders. If you are up for a fun, heartwarming romance this is a great choice for you.

Court-Appointed Marriage is a wonderful, hilarious story. Judge H.T. Willis has had enough with the feuding McCormack and Randolph families. Their latest battle has landed them in his courtroom. Prudence Randolph is the attorney for her grandmother, Eulah Randolph. Brice McCormack is representing his grandfather, Wes McCormack.
To help settle their differences Judge Willis forces Pru and Brice to marry. This begins a wild ride to their falling in love. Dianne Castell has a great story telling future.

What a fun story. Sweeps you along in the fun tale of a mismatched couple destined to be together. Dianne Castell does a wonderful job! Can't wait to read her next book!

Sassy, sexy, and just plain fun to read. In order to protect their respective feuding families, two star crossed enemies are forced to marry, and their forbidden attraction has the pages of this story smoking as sparks ignite.

I really enjoyed this book! If you're looking for a fast fun read with a humorous love story, then read it. Pru and Brice find themselves ordered by the town's judge to get married in order to stop a long time family feud. Although their families are at odds, each at one time or another has had romantic thoughts about the other one. They agree to go ahead with the wedding and along the way find out they want the marriage to work. Both characters are good hearted, have a sense of humor and are just nice folk. My credit to the author for her first book in this line. It's exactly the type of story I like to read from this Harlequin line. She did not over do the humor nor did she leave any loose ends. I look forward to reading her next book.

Amazon invited me to do a review of my book. Okay, it was probably automatically sent, but hey...

THE COWBOY WAY was my first book. It took me twelve years to get published--twelve long years of learning and trying until finally I got a call from Harlequin/Silhouette books. THE COWBOY WAY is about my tenth book (but numbers one through nine will never see the light of day).

My heart and soul is in this book, and I have received very heartwarming, positive feedback. I promise that fans of cowboy romances will love it--I ask others to give it a try.

Now for a commercial: my second book NOT YOUR AVERAGE COWBOY will be out in October, 2006. This is also a great book (and I say that with much humility). You can pre-order it at Amazon now. Many thanks!!!

Chris Wenger, author

Wonderful read. Loveable characters make this an unforgettable read. The only adice I can offer is, don't start to read it unless you have time to finish it, I couldn't put it down. I will be watching future publications by this talented writer.

Christine Wenger's debut novel is a keeper! I loved this story, and I loved the author's way of gently building the tension throughout the book until I was nervous as all get out about Jake's bullriding future and his permanent injuries and whether he'd actually get the girl! Beth Conroy is a marvelous heroine and a great match for Jake- she's real. I won't spoil the ending, but I audibly sighed after reading the last page. If you haven't read this book, buy it now, you won't be disappointed!

Christine Wenger's debut romance The Cowboy Way is a winning, warm, engaging read with down home characters that feel life, yearn for love, struggle with disappointment, chase dreams, and wind up with the ultimate prize. The heroine, Beth, is a woman we can all relate to: she's strong yet vulnerable, soft yet resilient, feminine yet tough. Her life was torn apart when her young son was in an accident, leaving him wheelchair bound. She faces the day to day challenges of living this life, and struggles with guilt at the same time. But her son won't let her stay down long, and enters a contest that ropes in a free vacation at a working ranch for a "wheelchair rodeo" hosted by the hero and his family. The hero is a man who peaked in his field of rodeo bull riding, and is on the other side of bad injuries and a life altering career decision: one he's bound not to make. Jake is the kind of cowboy you want all for your own: tall, dark, tough on the outside, full of soft spots for women and kids on the inside, yet he's got enough flaws to bring him down to earth enough to be believable. Beth and Jake are fire and gasoline, sparking off one another with increasing tension that has you turning page after page after page to soak the whole story in. I don't want to ruin the ending by giving away the twists and turns. Suffice to say by the book's conclusion you'll be longing for more of this fabulous writing, and looking for a cowboy to call your own.
For a first romance, this is impressive work, and it truly captures all that's great about reading in the SIM line. This is definitely an author to remember, and to watch. And The Cowboy Way is definitely a book to buy, read and keep

Five Roses

Ms. Wenger's debut book is a winner! She has created two memorable characters in a cowboy story that is a fast, satisfying read. Jake, a celebrated rodeo champion, is all rough and tough as nails when he rides bulls, but can't resist helping handicapped children and especially one beautiful blue eyed widow. Beth may look soft while caring for her wheelchair bound seven year old, but she's tough as an eight second ride on a bull named "Twister." I love that the characters are so opposite. Jake may be hard on the outside, but he's soft as pudding on the inside and organizes a Wheelchair Rodeo at his ranch every year. The death of her husband, whose drinking and driving has landed her son in a wheelchair, has left Beth so hard and cynical that it's gonna take a lot of cowboy charm to melt her heart. And Jake's just the cowboy for the job. This is such a sweet story, not only because of Jake and Beth, but you will just love the little boy, Kevin. If you love cowboy stories, this is a must read.

I found this book interesting & informative. It includes some great pictures & first hand information from a hero that was actually there defending our country.

God Bless the U.S.A.!

If you liked "Band of Brothers," you'll enjoy this book. It follows one member of Easy company from when he joined the Airborne until the end of the war. The book is filled with photos taken by Cpl. Guth during training, the Normandy Invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. There are also photos of the uniforms and equipment he carried. It's really a fascinating account of what this one man experienced during the war. Be sure to check out De Trez's other Airborne books. You won't be disappointed.

Amazing collection of photo's from a 101st member on D-Day. If you are a fan of the Band of Brothers series on HBO or enjoyed Ambrose's book you'll love these photos.
You will see up close photos of uniforms and equipment of the 101st Airborne Division as well as some German gear. This makes a perfect reference for WWII Re-enactors.
Also included are some great stories behind the photos. As a huge WWII buff and re-enactor I highly recommend this book for your collection.

Cpl. Forrest Guth, of Wilmington, Delaware, was one of the real "Band of Brothers" featured in Stephen Ambrose's book and the HBO movie series of the same name.

This book is written in English and French and chronicles the training, D-Day experiences and European service of Cpl. Guth (including the Battle of the Bulge) as he and other members of his 101st Airborne company liberated Europe from German control.

This is a coffee table type book with great pictures and long captions that tell the story of one man's duty in that great war. The pictures are terrific and are a good impression of the look, equipment and wear of a combat parachutist. A good companion book for fans of "Band of Brothers."

I have had the honor of meeting Cpl. Guth. He is a matter-of-fact man who did is duty honorably and is humble regarding the attention Mr. Ambrose's book has placed upon him. This book is a nice brief picture of a regular young man called to do big and dangerous things during wartime.

Mr. DeTrez does a fabulous job in telling Corporal Guth's story of his time in the Airborne. Tons of pictures, many with long, information-filled captions. The pictures are from Mr. Guth's private collection, and give a great perspective on his time in the 101st Airborne. It's almost like you're sitting in his house, looking at his personal photo albums.

I met Mr. Guth on one occasion, and correspond with him occasionally. He's a very nice man, polite, modest, and takes very little credit for the incredible job he performed in the military.
If you like the Band of Brothers Mini-series, you need to buy this book; it's a must!

This book is about the cross by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-jones.
I think if you read this book, you can really understand the profound meaning of the cross and why Jesus, who is Son of God, should die. I am sure of that.

On top of that, I realized the meaning of the prayer, and what's wrong with my prayer.

I strongly recommend this book to you.

thanks.

This most excellent book consists of a series of sermons by Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones which were preached in Westminster Chapel, London, during the Autumn of 1963.

Readers of this awesome work cannot fail to be moved by the manner in which this subject is approached. The writer being recognised by many as perhaps one of the greatest preachers of the 20th Century.

The basis of this book is the words written through the Apostle Paul in the New Testament book of Galatians in chapter 6;verse 14;-
"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ..."

The message of Salvation being expounded through the full gospel message of 'Christ crucified'. A message that will hold you throughout this book.

As I read I can but count it loss that I was never able to hear the learned author preach, especially in these days where the central truth of the Gospel is so often ignored amidst the perilous times now facing the World as outlined in Scripture pertaining to the last days.

One particularly moving aspect of this book is that during the course of these sermons in 1963, US President Kennedy was assassinated.

Clearly shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Kennedy, the writer mentions his death during his preaching. We are left in no doubt as to the uncertainty of this physical life, it's transiency and our inability to save ourselves.

The meticulous study together with the fervent depth of the message provides a message that is extremely powerful. We are left in no doubt as to the importance of Salvation and it's absolute necessity for us all.

Many references are made, not least the glaring parallel between Christ's sacrifice on the Cross and the Old Testament Passover where the Jewish people were spared whilst the first born of the Egyptians were killed.

The blood of a pure, unblemished lamb having been painted on the posts and lintels of the Israelites' doors causing death to pass over them. The shedding of Jesus Christ's blood on the cross at Calvary being the New Covenant, whereby Jesus Himself is the pure, unblemished Lamb of God which now takes away the sin of the entire World, for those who believe in Him.

If you read just one book apart from the Bible about Jesus and Salvation, let it be this one. Highly, highly recommended.

Thanks for listening.

Lloyd-Jones, in nine chapters (sermons) on Galatians 6:14, brings to light the central focus of early Christian preaching. He shows how the cross, and it message, has been God's proclamation of deliverance throughout the Scriptures. It is not simply Paul's message, but that of Jesus, all the epistles, and the Old Testament as well. Lloyd-Jones' passion, as well as his precision in analysis, come through wonderfully in these marvelous messages. A must for thorough grounding in the Christian faith and for those who do not yet know the "heart of the gospel."

I started reading this book because a pastor friend of mine had suggested it to me when I inquired about a good book on the cross. I have to say that this book has truly revolutionized my understanding of Christ's sacrifice on my behalf, and what the cross really means. There is hardly one page in the book that I have not underlined and written in the margins. I wholeheartedly recommend Martyn Lloyd-Jones' book "The Cross" for all those who want a deeper understanding of this most crucial matter. I also recommend "The Cross of Christ" By John Stott for further study. God be with you.

I read this book when a life threatening illness faced me. Nothing can replace the Bible, but D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones used the Bible, Philippians, in showing me how to place my complete trust in Jehovah God to face any trial. He is by far my favorite read for spiritual application in today's world.