Windsor Books

Description from the book back cover:

Another unforgettable romance from the Loveswept series - a bewitching tale of a mysterious secret and a beautiful woman's hynotic power!

Something strange is happening in Hilary, Virginia and Noah Braxton has come to find out what it is. But first of all he has to deal with Rhiannon, the golden-haired, blue-eyed witch who casts her spell over him and steals his heart. Slightly staid buy definitely sexy Noah, beguiled by Rhiannon's bewitching eyes, lips that taste of moonbeams and her exotic scent, longs to lose control in her soft arms. But would the dawn prove that the tantalizing web of sensuality Rhiannon wove was only an illusion and bring disenchantment for the New York lawyer? Can Noah trust the fiery enchantress enough to learn that dreams can come true?

This collection of Pam Ayres' poems tells us how she came to be a poet before explaining the mysteries of all the things hands are used for!

Pam has chosen to include some prose in which she shares with us some snapshots about her life - holidaying at Gumpy's beach, her thoughts about aging gracefully ('Will I have to be sexy at 60?'), wonderbras, the realities of keeping chickens, the feelings of parents as a child's sports team is mercilessly thrashed...the list goes on.

My favourite is 'Yes, I'll marry you, my dear' which explains the practicalities of marriage from a uniquely female perspective!

As in all her poetry, Pam has a special ability to make us laugh.

In 1940, the German bombers seem everywhere, softening England and Scotland for what looks like the next Blitzkrieg invasion. Still in spite of the fears and the anticipation of the worst, most citizens remain loyal to the crown and try to whatever they can to support the war effort.

The Conway sisters are typical Scotswomen trying to help their country battle Hitler. While her spouse fights as a soldier, Babs evacuates her three oldest from Glasgow keeping only the youngest with her as she works as an office assistant in the Ministry of Labor. She detests "Johnny Foreigners" ever since her former employer Dominick deserted her sister Polly to flee for America with their children in tow. Polly manages her estranged husband's business while he stays safe in New York. The third sister Rosie, though deaf, works at a factory where she is verbally abused due to her handicap. The trio's loyalty to country and husbands is tested when Dominic returns with an American and a plot that forces each sister to choose.

Few writers bring out the fear and courage of those who stayed behind on the home front doing what they could to support England the way Jessica Stirling does. Her latest war tale (see SISTERS THREE) is a strong character driven tale starring three siblings who though fearing for loved ones feel they must help Scotland in the Battle of Britain. As usual, the key players, particularly the three sisters, contain different personalities as they react in varying ways to the situations they confront. Dominick's plot adds tension and suspense, but WIVES AT WAR pays homage to women who stayed home to work in support of the war.

Harriet Klausner

Well, how to start the story? Wells Hood knew just how to start the story and how to tell it. If you are at all interested in the most dramatic and famous Love Story of the last 100 years, you know that this book is The Book about day to day life for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for several years after his abdication and their marriage. The many many books about this fascinating couple may have more pages and more pictures, but they all come from a detached historical perspective. To our great good fortune, Ms. Dina Wells Hood was an observant and articulate secretary to the Duke for several years. Not only does she give us a unique view of their day to day life, but she also tells us what her life was like working for those Windsors. At the same time, she has an instinct for knowing exactly what history wants to know about the D&D and giving it to us from her unique perspective. Ms. Wells Hood's perspective was unique - so is her book. I have read most and own many of the books about the D&D. If I could only keep 2 of my D&D library, it would be this one and the Suzy Menkes/Sotheby Jewel Sale. (OK OK there's a tie for second so I counted them as One. They have fabulous pictures, but no 1st hand intimacy). I'm embarassed to say that I love this book so much that I just can't sell the extra one I have...I waited for 30 years to get one and then I got 2 in one year and now I hold on to both of them.

The bottom line of this review is: This book is The Bottom Line for Duke and Duchess of Windsor Afficianados.

Reviewed by: Duke and Duchess of Windsor Afficianado who owns 2 (two, Two,TWO!) copies of Working for the Windsors ! ! !

Last year I lost four of my closest relatives during a period of only six months. I desperately needed sensible comfort and guidance thorough this difficult time. This book is free of the ridiculous platitudes and poems that so many other books on bereavement consist of. I would say this is the best and most helpful book on bereavement I have ever read. It offers clarity at a sad and confusing time. I would without doubt send it to others who have been bereaved as it was a great help to me.

If you have only experienced the movie, let me make it as clear as possible: you have barely scraped the surface. This a very rich and rewarding novel that will absorb you into another time, a far away land and a completely alien mentality. Welcome to the Floating World of the Geishas in its twilight.

This is the true story of Mineko Iwasaki (whose personal autobiography is also available under the title Geisha: A Life) presented in the form of a novel by a brilliant Arthur Golden (too bad he did not follow up his success with a second novel).

Japan in the years following WWI was a country in transition. The old ways were on their way out yet they have a way of soothing the soul of any nation, especially one found itself caught in limbo, between progress and tradition. In this transitional world Sayuri is offered the chance to become a Geisha. The unique color of her eyes, her patience and artistic abilities soon propel her to the position of the most famous Geisha of them all. But one should always be wary of what he wishes for.

Fame and success are never a guarantee for personal happiness. Predictably, Sayuri's love story is bittersweet and has many false starts. In fear of spoilers, I shall only say that life is never boring.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This is one of my favorite. Well written and beautiful story. I couldn't put it down.

Arthur Golden spent a fair amount of time researching this book, speaking to geishas whose stories in one form or another appear here. The book basically presents the biography of one geisha who through often very harsh events in her life transforms herself from the daughter of a fisherman into one of the most famous geishas of Japan. Both she and her sister are thrown into geisha houses to be taught this profession although her sister falls quickly into misfortune. Geisha houses demand strict discipline and service and have firm hierarchies that allow the use of power either purposefully or with cruelty. Jealousies and rivalries threaten the course of this woman. Once she achieves her goal, there remain tough decisions about whom she will serve. Economics and survival prevail over personal preferences and sentiment. The stability of her career is precarious as numerous events threaten to destroy it as they have for other geishas who are then often dragged into lives of prostitution. The intrusion of WWII presents other unexpected challenges and compromises to cope with shortages and lean times. A vivid and captivating book.

This book was easy to read and kept me turning the pages. I personally did not agree with the ending, and wished it would have ended differently but will not put any spoilers out there :)

Definitely worth reading :)

This book arrived in perfect condition just when I was told it would. It is so well written and completely mesmerizing. I enjoyed every minute of reading about this woman's story of a culture so steeped in tradition.Amazing book. You'll love it.

I was loaned this book by a friend. He told me just to "trust him" and read it. I was hesitant and wasn't sure if I would like this book, but now you can "trust me". If you have any interest at all in Ireland, culture, sociology, or that particular time period you will love this insightful memoir. This book will stay with you, and after only a dozen pages you will be hooked and unable to put it down.

July 1999.

That summer was blistering hot and full of anticipation. Waiting for my beautiful son to arrive into our arms from Korea.

I had just finished up working full time in a children's Day Treatment program. I wanted the summer to "nest"...

to prepare for my son's arrival.

I spent the past two years of my social work career, day after day, listening to the stories of children.

Suffering.

And when permitted the children would allow me to enter their world and join them on their healing journey.

This work provided the daily miracles that can so easily be missed in any other setting.

Kids laugh, they pull pranks, they love to open gifts, they are still just kids in spite of the worst that humanity can toss at them.

Not even three weeks out from this counseling job, I picked up Angela's Ashes.

I don't know why... I just did.

In Frank McCourt's book, I found comfort. I found that optimism grows like a lotus flower out of the mud. I found the voice of an angel in the poverty stricken dirty streets of Limerick. I found the voices of all those kids who spilled their secrets behind my closed office door... lightening their load while I tried my best to make their world better... one kid at a time.

Frank McCourt is a ruddy angel with an acerbic wit and a gift for seeing things as they truly are.

I love ruddy angels.

This is a book that needs to be on everyone's to read list.

Yes, it is that good.

McCourt's child protagonist and his over-riding optimism, his natural-born inclination to make the best of things, makes an otherwise grim tale not only bearable but uplifting and heroic. Despite the daily, brutal grind of poverty, this child still manages to experience, wallow in, simple joys. Due to McCourt's honest voice, I felt every one of this kid's untidy, conflicted emotions. I LOVED this kid.

But after reading some of the criticism here, I think some people forget that this is first and foremost a MEMOIR. Memoirs are subjective by nature. So if McCourt's personal experience shows prejudice toward the Catholic Church, or if he seems to present a "stereotype" of the drunken, morose, Irish----that's HIS viewpoint----naturally. If you want a more balanced view don't read memoirs! Read academia! (It's like reading an autobiography of a politician and complaining that it's too political).

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. The naysayers included. It's not a pretty story, but it IS heroic.

Definitely one of the best written books I have ever read. The stunning simplicity and humor he used to depict the heart-wrenching account of his childhood is just truly brilliant. This book would have you crying and laughing. I love it and would highly recommend it. I think its a masterpiece and a MUST read!

The basic problem with it is that while McCourt's life of poverty in Ireland is interesting and there are a couple of dozen well written passages and anecdotes, the work is atrociously edited. All the more galling for the lack of good editing is that this was McCourt's first book- he needed the help. The book is about 450 pages long and the 1st 300 pages deal with his first 6 or so years of growing up. We get the same images of infant death, Irish blarney, drunken dad, suffering mom, stalwart Frankie, and colorful Eriniana. The problem is that early childhood is necessarily the least interesting part of a life because a) the percentage of real memories per year is very low and b) the remembered is rarely cogitated upon enough to produce any coherent thesis of its import or meaning to a life.

At describing these things McCourt is excellent. The scene of him and his brother getting bananas from a vendor in Brooklyn and his mom thinking he stole them is excellent, BUT such only works its charms once. After about 50 pages we get the idea already: McCourt's early life was bleak- it's as if he wants us to really, really know he suffered. The opening page or so at first read seems to poke fun at the Irish habit of bemoaning their woes, but it quickly becomes apparent that McCourt intended no irony in its felicitous prose. He truly wants the reader to know the Irish suffering is on par with that of Jews, blacks, and American Indians. By going on for 300 pages with this the reader starts to turn off about a third of the way though, then skimming between the Godotvian feeling anecdotes of misery.

Things only pick up when Frank reaches his teens- he gets various employment, has a falling out with his mom and her lover, rues his dad's departure, loses his virginity to a consumptive girl who dies, then heads off for America. There are many moving images and wonderfully non-stereotyped characters. The scenes with his tubercular lover are priceless, yet their whole affair is accorded a mere couple of pages vis-à-vis the dozens allotted the repetitious sufferings. A good editor would have told McCourt he had an intriguing 1st draft, but told him to cut the early years down to 100 pages, and double the teen tales to 300 pages. That 400 page edition of AA would have deserved all the acclaim the canonical edition has, while also being over 10% leaner.

This is the main reason why the film version of the book is actually better than the written version. That said, it's far from a great film, but it more judiciously accords the interesting portions of McCourt's life, with about ½ the film on the early years, and the rest on the teen years. As a writer I've often said that the poor practices of editors, publishers, and critics have had a disproportionately deleterious effect on contemporary literature. A bad editor either does not realize a gem that falls in their lap, passes on it, or butchers it, or they get a diamond in the rough, like AA, but have not the sense nor insight to demand the necessary revisions. Toni Morrison has made a career out of having her ill-edited novels published. Yes, she's gotten acclaim, but once dead her trip to the canon will be fruitless because the poor editing of her work will become ok to speak of. But, McCourt was not Morrison- he was a first time author- his editor should have done a better job.

"A Walk To Remember" was my first exposure to Nicholas Sparks, but it was the movie, not the book. I absolutely adored the movie and I can watch it over and over, and cry, and cry again. Finally, I read the book, just to see how it differed from the movie. It was a disappointment. Yes, it was a sweet love story, and keep the kleenex handy, but I've come to learn that Sparks' writing style really doesn't change from book to book. The story is about a typical teenager who discovers the inner beauty of an unpopular, overprotected girl and falls in love with her. The characters are well-developed but what annoys me the most about all of Sparks' books are the long, drawn out self reflection of feelings and emotions (I like him/her, does he/she like me...well, he/she seems to like me...)

I've seen all of his movies (including "Message In A Bottle", "The Notebook" and "Nights in Rodanthe") and loved them all. After I found out they were all books by Nicholas Sparks, I decided I'd better start reading, that they had to be good!!! So, now I've read half a dozen or so, and the more I read them, the more I dislike his style of writing. These books are nothing more than modern-day Harlequin romances. Predictable and, well, boring. Most of the women in the books are very annoying and makes me wonder why on earth any man would put up with them. And Sparks uses the same phrases from book to book and more than once in a book. If I read "she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear", one more time...

I'm currently listening to "At First Sight" on audiobook. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to finish it, then I'm done with Nicholas Sparks. I'll watch the movies because they're good chick flicks.

once again nicholas sparks brought me to tears. this book grabed me from the very beginning! i loved every minute of it. nicholas sparks created an amazing character that made mebeleave true love does exst and it can brake any barriers.....this is a book that i will passfor all my friends to read.

This is one of the only times I would say a movie is better than the book. But if you haven't seen the movie yet this is a great book. I like to read the book after seeing the moving to read what the characters were thinking etc.
I enjoyed the differences of the book from the movie but I liked the ending in the movie better.
It's a great rainy day afternoon read.

This book is a very quick read, only about three hours. It held me from the short sample downloaded to my kindle until the very end of the book, only stopping to refill my coffee cup. I am a Nicholas Sparks fan and this is definitely one of my favorites. I only wish it was longer!

Not surprisingly, Sparks tells a beautiful story of two teenagers in love, with absolutely nothing in common. At first, the love between Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan looks as if it won't happen. Landon is outgoing, popular, and has many friends. Whereas, Jamie - she keeps to herself, carries a bible, and dresses plainly. She is a great person with a "big heart."

Landon decides to take a drama class to skid by in school. He is then put into a play and this is when Jamie starts talking more and more to Landon. Landon is embarrassed in front of his friends, and Jamie immediately notices it. She walks away from him and Landon feels bad for hurting her feelings. Time passes on and the two of them start spending more and more time together. Love is inevitable for the two.

Jamie volunteers for on orphanage, and Landon senses his feelings changing for Jamie. He begins to see her in a new light, one with compassion toward her.

In the end, Jamie has a big secret that no one in town knows about, except her father. She decides that her love has became so strong for Landon, that she must share this secret with him, and knows deep in her heart that it will destroy him.

What the two of these characters share between each other is beautifully depicted in this story. It will bring happiness and sadness to you, and if you love to cry at a good story, then this is the story for you. It will also make you look at life in a different attitude.

Of all the editions I have to favor the new cover for the paperback with the beautiful paining of the gate and downs. Not available in hardcover! After much shopping I picked up this hard cover version and was very very happy. A beautifully made book with truly great binding, paper, and cover (with or without the dust jacket). I'd still like to see the modern non-mass market cover in hardcover form but if you are going to gift Watership Down (as you all should) this is the most beautiful and quality printing available. In today's world of cheap books you hold this baby and I actually went "ohh" a really great gift edition.

Richard Adam's Watership Down is an amazing story of epic proportions worthty of El-ahraiah himself. It deals with a tale of great bravery, courage, and loss of a group of friends struggling to survive and find their home. The story follows the journey of Hazels, Fiver, and their many companions. Even though the subjects of the book are animals (particularly rabbits) instead of people, this novel doesn't fall short in any grade, in fact, it surpasses all the marks.
The classic story begins with Fiver, one of the books main characters and a rabbit with what some would call psychic abilities, foresees a great danger heading to destroy his homeland. After warning all his neighbors and countrymen, only a few come with him on his journey to find a new warren, or home. Amongst those are Hazel, Bigwig and Blackberry. As the group journeys across the land, they encounter other rabbit countries and many elil, or enemies. They eventually find the fate of their old warren and go on many daring mission to help and protect their new home. Hazel and his friends even befriend a bird that helps them along the way.
Watership is nothing shot of a truly astonishing, heroic, awesome story that is l more than worth its weight. At nearly 500 pages, some may be turned away by its large size, but every page is more than worth reading. The imagery and detail that this book provides really makes you feel like you are there, alongside the rabbits in their everyday struggle for survival.
Read as the friends escape from crazy places where rabbits are much more like squirrels and dogs. Watch as they fight off cats and other elil in epic battles. Discover how they build up their new home, and if they can keep safe from enemy forces.
Watership Down is a true classic story that will be treasured for many generations to come and will become a huge part of English history. It is truly one of the best books ever written and one that we can all relate to. A statement about his book, by the St. Louis Post Dispatch, said that "Everyone who can read English should read it." This is very true, for it is a truly astonishing book. I can grantee you that Watership Down will not disappoint you.

The title of my review refers to a conversation I had with a friend about his favorite book. We were in a book store browsing and he pointed to a book saying, "that's my favorite book." I was immediately curious, I deeply respect this guy and consider him the smartest person I know. I asked him what is it about, he said "Rabbits." Me: "Rabbits?" Him: "Rabbits" Me: "Rabbits?" Him: "Yes, Rabbits!"

In the end, I did not buy the book nor did I in the near future. WHAT A MISTAKE!!!

When I finally did decide to buy and read the book, I was enthralled. Is there a perfect book/read? I don't know, but here's another story.

I was reading Watership Down at work on a Friday. Time came to pack up for the day. After being half-way home I realized I forgot Watership Down. There was no way for me to go back and get it, and I was not going to be back at work for another two days. To make a long story short, I bought another copy of the book and finished it over the weekend.

Watership Down is a remarkable book. BUY/BORROW IT.

I bought this as a gift as I had read the book before and thought it would be a suitable present.

Alright, the first thing you need to know is that this is about rabbits. Yes, rabbits, and not a childrens book. It is a long book, and it is a complex book. Even if you don't understand the complexities of the allegories that are involved with this book, it is still a fine read. The writing is superb, and the characters pop right off of the page. This book will stay with you long after you read it. Not for its amazing points it makes, although they are in there, but really for its terrific storytelling, and wonderful language. You can tell that this book was a labor of love for Richard Adams. I don't need to describe the story for you, that is done above. I don't need to talk about the allegorical significance of the various parts of the book, that is done in colleges all over the country. What I do need to tell you is that if you read this book you won't be sorry. I promise you won't even remember they are rabbits except in the smallest sense of yourself by the time you are a quarter of the way into the book. By the end you might even find a tear or two for the ending. So read it, enjoy it, and than pass it along to someone who you know will like it. That was how I got it, and I have cherished it ever since.

I ordered this book thinking I was getting the newest edition (2007). Instead I received a book that was 2 editions ago and published 5 years ago. If you simply click on New or used links at the top, you will be taken to the screen for the 7th edition (higher price). If you click on the new/used link, it takes you to the 5th edition.

The book is still decent, but I feel like the sale was somewhat deceptive. The authors themselves state that they change 30-40% of the book during each edition which means that potentially 80% of the book I've received is OUT OF DATE.

Bummer. And no recourse since my invoice doesn't have an edition number on it.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Instead of just focusing on what baby products are cheapest, the authors take into account safety, value, necessity, and just about any other variable you can think of. We were clueless before this book, but referred to it for just about every purchase and we feel confident that we have chosen quality products for our baby without spending unnecessarily.

I have recommended it to every pregnant couple I know - even a random couple we ran into at a department store while registering for gifts. It is easy to read, well-organized, and thorough. I just ordered Baby 411 by the same author and look forward to more great, practical information.

This book was very educational and helpful. It saves so much time when looking for products. I was trying to find reviews on my own from all different sites and it got very frustrating. This book does the work for you while also listing the best bargains. It gave helpful hints and tips on things I hadn't even considered. If you are new to parenting this is a book you must read!!!

Baby Bargains is a super helpful book. There is tons of information on anything you could possibly think of needing for you and your baby. This book is especially good for first time parents, but I imagine it would be helpful for any parent who would like advice on the best products out there. I know that I saved money using this book. It also makes a great gift!

A friend of mine had recommended this book to me when I first became pregnant. Initially I was a little skeptical because my husband and I already have a subscription to Consumer Reports and read on-line product reviews prior to making most purchases.
However, this book is fantastic. Doing research of all the items you'll need for your baby can be quite overwhelming. We are first time parents and I think that we would have registered for/bought a number of "unnecessary" items for the baby had it not been for Baby Bargains. This book is also very instrumental with its review of brands of all the important baby items. We would have probably spent more money if we would have bought some of the poorly made products first, and then having to replace them later on. Of course I also got baby advice from friends and family who already have young children. This is what I got from this book that Consumer Reports or other product reviews could not offer:

1) The authors tell you which baby products (i.e. bottle warmers, sleep positioners, etc..) you can forgo and are pretty much a waste of money. Whenever I felt that I "needed" something that I didn't already have on the registry I knew that I could go back to Baby Bargains and read about whether it was necessary to purchase that product or not.

2) The authors review which products you can/should buy used (after all they are trying to save you money) without compromising your child's safety. For example, they warn parents against buying used cribs and sharing breast pumps between moms (unless you rent a hospital grade pump). As you can see cribs and breast pumps are some of the big ticket items. Consumer Reports may actually have a section on this as well, although I liked the way it was presented in Baby Bargains.

3) The book is well organized and easy to take with you to the Baby stores. It does have a sample registry in the back, which you may or may not want to follow. Some of the registry items we picked out were the top rated products by Baby Bargains.

4) The authors also give you an idea of which baby clothing items you'll need right away, in what sizes and quantities. I wanted to avoid too many unworn clothes sitting in the baby's closet.