Vacations Books

I get this book every year and find it to be a great source of savings. However, this years edition requires you when using the coupons to comply with a new condition printed on the coupon. It states: "Offer void if detached from book. This coupon should only be removed at the time of redemption." The author states in his remarks in the book as well as his remarks here on Amazon that this was done as a reult of abuses and counterfeiting of the coupons. I can understand this and have no problem with this. My problem is the fact that there are three coupons per page and the coupons do not have preforations to easily remove the coupon at the time of use. This is especially hastlesome if you need to use the middle coupon, as you usually end up ripping the top and bottom coupons trying to evenly remove the center coupon. A little common sense and forethought should have been used when designing the coupon section of the book......maybe next year's issue will come with a pair of mini scissors. Other than this years coupon 'preforation oversight' this book is well worth the money.

Everything you need to know about casino gambling is contained in this fine book -- many informative articles about the best way to play all the games, excellent commentary by many of the world's leading gambling authors, complete discriptions of most every casino in the country, and over 140 coupons with a cash value of over $1,000! If buying this book on an annual basis isn't in your plans, you're making a big mistake!!

1. Found the same coupons being handed out on the street
2. Unless you are traveling to different states & towns so you can use the coupons, its not worh the hassle.
3. Found that the hotels/casino's offered better deals and the same offers as in the book.
4. A few places would not accept the coupons.
Save your money, It's not worth the hassle to carry around the whole book just to save a few bucks.

Sorry, but as the author of this book, I couldn't let Mr. Davis' comments go unanswered.

He wants to know what the abuses were? Well, the problem was that the coupons were being counterfeited. That's what happens when you have such great coupon offers in a book that sells for only $14.95

There are 147 coupons in the new 2004 edition and it has even better offers than were in last year's book. If you use just one of the 2-for-1 room offers you can easily save $50. If you use all of the matchplay coupons you can get more than $100 in FREE gambling money!

Of course, there's also great information from America's finest gaming writers on the best strategies for all casino games, plus maps and details on more than 600 U.S. casinos in 33 states.

The book is one-of-a-kind and truly a bargain. That would also explain why it's consistently ranked in the top 10% of all books sold on Amazon.

I used to love this book for its coupons. Somehow saving a few bucks on lunch made the gambling trip more of a bargain hunt.

Now, because of "abuses", you need to have the book present to use a coupon. The idea is annoying and certainly alters the sense of a fun outing.

What were the abuses anyway? Someone traded coupons with a neighbor, or handed them out at church? So what. They're coupons!

Keep your book.

This book is about a college girl named Kim. She is at home for winter break and gets a little bored so she jumps on the opportunity to help out her mom in a drug case. Her mom is a head police officer and is trying to solve a drug case at Hanover Academy, a rich boarding school. Kim decides she would be great for the job, going under cover as a transfer student in order to bust the dealer. Kim has 3 suspects she has to somehow become friends with. This ends up being difficult becuase they are all opposites and don't like eachother. Kim goes through many ups and down's trying to solve this case and the author threw in a few twists so it keeps you guessing until the end. It is a pretty short and easy read.
Considering the book is short and there are 1000 vocab words in it, it does seem a little packed. Though, all sat vocab books are like this, so it isn't too overwhelming. As far as sat books go, this one was the most well-written, and most enjoyable story line.

I bought this book more for a guilty pleasure sort of read than I did for the vocabulary. It wasn't an outstanding storyline, but it wasn't awful and did succeed in making me giggle a bit along the way.

As far as the vocab goes it is either inconsequential to the plot or a hindrance. It was irritating to have to look down the page every couple sentences to see what a word meant and this made it difficult to really get into the story. While the words are all used correctly in the technical sense, it seems like the connotations of some of them have been forgotten. I've never heard of your heart "distending" in your chest to be a good thing, for example. Because of that, learning the vocabulary from the book isn't much different than memorizing a list.

Overall, it isn't a bad read. Get it at your library though, it isn't something you'll be desperate to read again. Quick, easy, fun story and all the vocab you'll need with technically correct definitions supplied. Just don't expect any context clues to help you figure out the words on your own.

This book is not the greatest in the world, plotwise. It does, however, have a tolerable plot. It does help a little if you want to brush up on your SAT vocabulary. I'd get it from a library if possible. No reason to read it more than once, unless you're really desparate for vocab help.

This book was helpful and all, but the story was really unsatisfactory. It's very easy to read, so if you have nothing better to do (which I don't), I guess it makes it hard to put down. I don't recommend it unless, of course, you need to study the SAT words. I did find that helpful, but it makes it a bit hard to remember all of them and their definitions because it's a pretty short book with 1000 SAT words, so it's all kind of jam-packed and it's a bit overwhelming.
Also, I don't like the story because it was about a teenage girl trying to bust a highschool drug ring, so obviously they're going to talk "like teenagers," but they're also trying to teach you these big SAT words, and it all ends up sounding, well, extremely stupid. No teenager would ever talk like they do in the book. I guess that's not really the point, but then if the book isn't good (it's also EXTREMELY predictable), learning the SAT words in it is just as hard as it would be without the book. See what I mean?

The main character has just recently graduated high school and started going to college.She's not with her friends.They all decided to go to different colleges.They really haven't stayed in contact. As for Kim she's smart but quite lazy. When she's back home she gets involed in an undercover investigation trying to bring down a drug ring at a high school.
I liked this novel because of the way it was written. This novel kept you guessing. The way things were and the details made it seem real. One of the things I liked is they didn't stay on one subject for too long. This is what made the book hard to put down.
This book is also good because while you're reading you're learning S.A.T vocabulary words. Having them put in the story makes them fun and easy to learn. I don't think the words made it more difficult to read. If anything the book has helped me with my vocabulary and added another book to my list of favorites.

Having attended several cooking schools in Europe, I was eager to read COOKING IN PARADISE. I am sorry to say that I was very disappointed in this book for several reasons. First, the majority of the schools listed were way out of my price range. Most of the courses started at $2,500 for five days not including airfare. I don't think that the majority of average recreational home cooks would be willing to spend that type of money for a short cooking course. While the descriptions of the courses and their locations was enticing, the cost of most of the classes listed was certainly a turn off. The second major fault I found with the book was its inaccurate information. Two years ago I attended the Podere le Rose cooking school listed on pg. 87 of the book. The description was fairly good but then I noticed that the address listed for the school was incorrect as they had moved at least three years ago. I found this odd since the book was printed a short time ago. I assumed that this was the only glitch and continued to read the book. Of the five schools listed in the book that I decided to research on the internet, three of them had incorrect websites. I know that websites do change but I think that the authors of this book did not follow up and check their information before having the final version of the book printed. There are many spelling errors, one school is listed as Cucina Devina (which is incorrect) in one paragraph and in the next it is referred to as Cucina Divina. There are no photos in the book which leads me to wonder if anyone really visited these schools. Photos would have been a wonderful addition. The recipes in the book were average and some contained ingredients which would not be readily available in the United States. If you are not seriously considering attending a cooking school and simply want to read about what they are like then you might enjoy this book, but for those of you who are looking for a book with solid useable information then this is not for you.

Having attended several cooking schools throughout Europe, I was really looking forward to "Cooking in Paradise". I'm sorry to say that I was very disappointed. While the descriptions of the cooking schools make the reader want to hop on the next plane, the prices of the schools reviewed are prohibitive. I doubt that the average home cook would want to spend $2,500 for a 5 day cooking school, not including international airfare. I had hoped that there would be classes in all price ranges listed, but the majority were very high end. The book is dull in that it has no photographs. There are many glaring errors in the book such as; in one paragraph a school is listed as Devina Cucina (which is incorrect) and in the next Divina Cucina. About two years ago I attended the Podere Le Rose cooking school listed in the book. I noticed that the address listed for the school was an address that was old, the school had moved at least 3 years ago. Of the 5 schools in the book that I decided to research on the internet, 3 of them had incorrect websites and addresses. Did anyone really go to these schools or was this information just pinched from the internet many years ago? The recipes in the book are average but many of the ingredients listed are ingredients which are not readily found in the United States. This book might be enjoyable reading for those readers who are not seriously planning on attending a cooking school, but for those who are looking for a reliable source of information this is not the book for you.

Great book! It lists hundreds of culinary vacations, from gourmet five-star resorts, to living on a farmhouse learning traditional country cooking. Many of the vacations are in France and Italy, but there are also many in Mexico, Asia, England, --and a couple in Brazil, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, etc. Descriptions are really good--you get a very strong feeling for the place. It's not only for experienced chefs or serious students, either, but for anyone who loves cooking and travel (I found it in the travel section,actually, and don't know what's better--the cooking or the activities, like visiting local markets and horseback riding and spa treatments and language classes.) Plus, I made the Pad Thai (the books has a recipe every four orfive pages--I'm going to try the 'Fried Milk,' a strange-looking dessert from Basque Country in Spain, next), which turned out to be easier than it looked, and delicious!

I found this book to be so helpful in planning my vacation. The listings are comprehensive, the descriptions fun and substantive, and the recipes are spectacular! Even if you don't want to take a cooking vacation (but I'm betting you will after reading this book) you will still enjoy taking a mental vacation as you read it. Cooking in Paradise combines the best of travel and cooking writing in a unique, creative way. Great gift for those planning a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, too. The food of love!

Great book! It lists hundreds of culinary vacations, from gourmet five-star resorts, to living on a farmhouse learning traditional country cooking. Many of the vacations are in France and Italy, but there are also many in Mexico, Asia, England, --and a couple in Brazil, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, etc. Descriptions are really good--you get a very strong feeling for the place. It's not only for experienced chefs or serious students, either, but for anyone who loves cooking and travel (I found it in the travel section, actually, and don't know what's better--the cooking or the activities, like visiting local markets and horseback riding and spa treatments and language classes.) Plus, I made the Pad Thai (the books has a recipe every four or five pages--I'm going to try the 'Fried Milk,' a strange-looking dessert from Basque Country in Spain, next), which turned out to be easier than it looked, and delicious!

Don't waste your money! This book was so boring. It had nothing good about it. The plot was confusing and dull, there was no Nancy/Frank stuff, and once again, Nancy got the small potatoes case while the Hardys were chasing international spies or whatever. Huge disappointment. I had to force myself to read it so that my money wouldn't go to waste with the book just sitting on my shelf.

When are ya'll people gonna learn that the whole Nancy and Frank thing is utterly and completely over. They kissed how many times two thats right only TWO. Then after that they admitted that it felt very very wrong and very awkward. I mean they say that they LOVE Ned and Callie they just don't love other people they love Callie and Ned. So get out of your head that there is ever gonna be a thang going on between Nancy and Frank!

I loved this book but I do hate it that Nancy ALWAYS DOES get the stupid and almost worthless case. It's been a while since I've read this book so I don't know whats going on but I know she has a crapy case. Like the one where she's in Memphis and she has recover a stolen guitar Puh-leeze!!! Where "The Hardy Boys" are tracking international spies, assassins, terroists etc. etc. It always seems that way no wait it is always that way! Other than all that "other stuff" it was a pretty good book ;)

Among the rocky coasts, shimmering turquoise waters and ancient ruins of Greece you can rest assured that a mystery lies in wait for Nancy Drew and the Hardy brothers.
In Islands of Intrigue, Nancy Drew, Bess Marvin and the Hardys meet up in Greece by chance. For the girls, this Grecian vacation is nothing but a pleasure trip, but for the Hardys -- it's work. A dozen Phoenix missiles disappeared from a military base near Athens, along with an undercover agent. The Network is convinced that the agent, Terry Brodsky, is going to sell the missiles to another country.
At a smart cafe in Athens, Nancy Drew overhears a man threatening to kill a girl. Nancy offers her help to the young woman, Alexis Constantine, who is the daughter of one of the richest men in the world. Suddenly, Alexis disappears.
Nancy and the Hardys find that their cases are starting to connect...
Islands of Intrigue is one of the better books of the later Super Mysteries. It comes before the series jumped the shark with a bunch of enviromental and animal rights issues in books like "At All Costs," and "Murder on the Fourth of July."
True, you won't find the "Nancy/Frank" stuff in this book, but too much of the attraction actually takes away from the mystery.

This book was very cool - and is a good read if you're the type of person who is into "international mysteries/James Bond-ish" stuff. I found it to be one of the better of the Super Mysteries. It is fast paced and the literary style is especially remarkable. However, the frequent shifts in the narrative voice, characteristic of all Supermysteries, is quite annoying.

As a big Nancy Drew fan I found this book exciting and one of the best books in the Super Mystery series. It has excitment and suspence, not to mention mystery! As Nancy finds herself and Bess( Nancy's best friend) in the romantic islands of Greece she also finds herself a mystery as a new friend of hers,Alexis Canstantine, is kidnapped. Well just as she always does, Nancy sees this as a chance for a much enjoyable mystery. Meanwhile the famous brothers, Frank and Joe Hardy, also find them selves in Greece but for a different reason. They are there to follow a man accused of stealing a dozen of U.S. super powered misiles. I give this book two thumbs up! It was an exciting page turner, you won't be able to put it down!

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. This is a fantastic book to introduce small children not only to the BIG concepts of religion (eg: God & Jesus' parent/child relationship, the apostles, etc...) but to the compelling person of Jesus himself. FAR from blasphemic, irreverent or disrespectful - this book paints a picture of Jesus LIKE the children who read it - but with an even more special relationship to God! Aside from the positive religious message it teaches - the book also puts forward an important message about how - when you take good care of yourself - you can take better care of others. Christians and Non-Christians should be able - through their subsequent talk with their children - put the content into proper perspective for their kids (depending on their views). A fundamentalist could make it a great way to draw kids into their savior. A non-believer could use it to introduce their children to the important historical figure of Jesus. It's a win/win situation.

Okay first off, I'd like to point out the fact that I am an Atheist and if I was Christian I probably would burn this book. But from a non-Christian point of view this book is very crazy and insane making it very enjoyable. The plot: It appears ol' Jesus is having a bad day and all his miracles aren't quite what they used to be. (Ex: He tries to walk on water and sinks) So basically the Jesmeister says, "I need a vacation from being a savior for a day. The next 20 or so pages has some hobo doing some crazy antics. (I say hobo because Jesus wouldn't be caught dead doing some of these idiotic things.) If you're a devout Christian, though, I warn you, you are going to HATE this book like the devil himself. But if you're one of the other kinds of people by all means read on.

Jesus' Day Off can be a humorous way to make a point to adults who feel they must maintain control of their time and effort. Only when we all take time off to appreciate God's magnificent creation - both our own bodies and the rest of the universe - can we see that we are not in fact in control. God is. God rested after creation to celebrate the magnificence, and if God can rest, so can we! Amen!

This book is excellent to teach young children that religion can be fun. The illustrations are fabulous. They really draw the child into the story. In a word, fantastic!

This book is a total insult to Jesus Christ, and most Christians will be very offended by it. The light-hearted comical approach here is way off base- totally inappropriate. Jesus is not some fictitious fairy tale character to be toyed with- He's the real thing, the Son of God (that's what I believe). It's ridiculous to suggest that He sank in the water. Reducing Him to such an irreverant cartoon is shameful. I don't recommend this book to anyone, except as an example of what NOT to write about Jesus. This book couldn't be farther from the real Jesus (it reminds me of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "The Last Temptation of Christ" in the way that it is a total departure from the Biblical portrayal of Christ).

This book gives you just enough information to help you to plan a great family vacation. They give you places and numbers to call to get more information on some great trips accross the country. For a busy parent who wnats to get more bang out of their short vaction this is a must have. We love the book.

This guide was a wonderful breath of fresh air. As parents of a 14 yr old we were really tired of the same old vacations and really had no idea that exploring North America could be so interesting. Our family used this book as a guide on a recent trip to Montana and South Dakota. It was a terific trip--from the Blackfeet tours to Little Big Horn to Lakota Pony Rides, we truly had a unique experience. Ms. Stapen's guide helped us navigate and explore the most interesting sites these states had to offer. The guide was very informative, especially pointing out those places that are "kid friendly". The book was even helpful in pointing out certain tours not especially suited for kids.---ie. the tour at Little Bighorn. While this did not stop us from going on tour, it did prepare us for the " are we finished yet" complaints of our 14 yr. old. I highly recommend this guide for anyone considering vacationing anywhere in the U.S. From the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and throughout Canada, this book will help you if you are truly looking for a different type of vacation. I urge anyone to consult this guide---- it will open up a whole new world!

As the mother of two active and intellectually curious boys, I was so disappointed with this National Geographic book that I am sorely tempted to return it to the publisher. My aim: to find some suggestions for hikes in the White Mountains and family resorts in New Hampshire for this summer and an exciting, wilderness approach to seeing the West for next summer. The cover: a healthy, athletic father and son, in a kayak on a pristine lake. The subtitle: wildlife encounters, cultural explorations and learning escapes in the US and Canada. The inside: Connecticut's only entry is an Indian museum at the Mohegan Sun gambling casino; four of Massachusett's five entries are museums in downtown Boston and the fifth a small recreation of the Plymouth Colony; New York's six entries include three museums in New York City, two adult continuing education programs in upstate NY and a weekend workshop on Indian culture in the Catskills. I could go on ,but it would only bore you. In short, every entry I read (and I quote only those states I am familiar with) could have been found in literally any run- of -the- mill (free) guidebook found in any hotel loby, restaurant or Chamber of Commerce office. (SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in Florida?? Give me a break!). I implore you to save your money and pass on this book!

Stapen's book on family adventure travel is one of the best of its kind. Our family was looking for new types of vacations (other than the usual places like DisneyWorld, the beach, etc) that would cater to children of different ages. We are looking forward to trying out several of the recommendations, such as a night at the zoo, space camp, dogsledding, llama trekking and exploring native american culture. The writeups are well done and the book is very enjoyable. A must for families. I am over 50 but could not put that in Box 5 for some reason .

This book is a real dissapointment. There is no 'adventure' here. It's just a list of museums from around the country. Now these are nice museums, but perusing the AAA Tourbooks will give you the same information for free. This books is a waste of money.

..."The Emerald Greens" is the perfect book for my needs. Her comments about playing golf on a conveyor belt really struck home-all of the sudden I wanted to avoid Ballybunion! In large part, the book met my needs and I used it to help me select the courses I wanted to play. So, put that in your hat if you're planning a trip. The book definitely has value in that it nicely combines local attractions beyond golf.

But I also have a number of complaints about the book. First, it's a travel book and I just couldn't ignore the stunning lack of pictures-especially of the courses. I'd rather look at 3 or 4 representative pictures of each course than wade through mind-numbing text about how water affects your tee-shot on the 4th hole. I also would have appreciated some kind of course rating system (3 stars or whatever) based on the author's judgment as to how tough a given course is, how scenic and so on. Or, perhaps, some authoritative, judgment statements about a given course as opposed to letting me develop a theory about it based on a page of text.

It's clear to me that the author has firm grasp on both the game of golf and what Ireland has to offer-but there may be better books out there. I hate being negative here because it was a well written and informative book, it just did not present the courses in a way I would have appreciated...

I purchased Emerald Greens to help me plan a golf vacation to Ireland. I was disappointed in that the book was not helpful at all. The author focuses on the obscure courses and ignores any well known venues. I'm not a total golf snob who only plays the premier courses, but if I am going to go all the way to Ireland to play golf I want to play some of the historic courses. If you have unlimited time and a limited budget this book would be helpful in finding courses to play. For my money Golfing in Ireland by Armstrong was much more useful.

It is not often that you pick up a book about golf courses and find it hard to put down. This inspirational book is well researched both in terms of the Golf courses and the local history, geography etc, but it's strength lies in the author's ability to convey her own evident passion for the subject by weaving these strands together to give an evocative picture of the places and give you a feel for the rich culture and history. I am a keen 10 handicap golfer and have visited Ireland many times over a number of years, this book really captures the charm of playing golf in Ireland. This will be the second thing I pack on my next trip - after the golf clubs of course.

I am sorry the reader from Los Altos was disappointed with "Emerald Greens" but I set out to write a book that featured terrific golf courses that are not on the package tour route and that can be played for less than £50 sterling. It was also intended for the non-golfing companions of golfers and for golfers who like to discover something of the country in which they are playing and who take time to "smell the flowers." That's why I describe castles and gardens and scenic drives and tell you the names of the mountains you can see while you're playing or just driving between courses. The famous links at Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal Portrush and Portmarnock can't be played for less than £50 at any time of the year. Neither can famous parkland courses like the K Club and Druid's Glen. However, Royal County Down (rated 3rd in the British Isles) Waterville, Baltray (a real conoisseur's course and a favourite of professional golfers)The European Club ARE included in the book and can all be played at bargain rates. Moreover, Ballybunion languished in obscurity until discovered and publicised by Tom Watson. Those who read about the courses in "Emerald Greens" will discover courses that rank with the best and that aren't overrun with visitors. I love Ballybunion, but I feel like I'm playing on a conveyor belt. Play - for example - Tulfarris in County Wicklow, Baltray in County Louth, Portstewart in County Derry, Carne, Enniscrone in Counties Sligo and Mayo (there are too many fine courses to mention)and see if you agree with me. They are all described in the book. Read the book - divided into 14 holiday areas - contact the tourist office in any area you fancy. They are all very scenic. The addresses and telephone numbers are supplied for each area. Be adventurous. Book your own car and accomodation. Each of the areas described could be covered in a week or even a weekend. Could I suggest flying to Belfast, taking the short 35 minute car journey to Royal County Down - one of the greatest links in the world - playing it and two other terrific links courses, each within 30 minutes drive of Royal County Down and seeing something of the beatiful countryside (described in the book) as well? I don't think you'll be disappointed. At least I hope not!

I have read this book cover to cover and absolutely love it! I am in the process of planning our summer vacation; this book is so informative and helpful. I am looking forward to a GREAT summer vacation with my family.
I'll let you know....

I grew up in New England and wanted to get a refresher. It was OK but I wanted more.

It was geared to entertaining a family with young kids, not us any more.

We just got back from our New England trip and used this book as much as possible. While it had some useful items, overall we found the AAA Guide more useable and helpful. This text was out of date on some items (the LL Kids no longer exists, we discovered, after a drive to Freeport, ME) and for many others it exagerated its "wow" factor. It also doesn't distinguish between places for small toddlers (the Portland, ME children's museum which my 4 year old loved) versus older kids (like my 10 year old who was board at the Portland musuem). Places are identified by address and phone only (no directions), the maps are difficult to use as they only show parts of each state (be sure to get a New England road map from AAA). Also, the restaurant recommendations are good for the most part only if you are looking for standard kids menu fare, i.e., chicken nuggets, etc. Our kids want better food, e.g., lobster while in Maine, and so we had better luck on our own (or from recommendations from the "locals", like ordering take out lobster cooked at Bayleys in Old Orchard Beach and eating it back at our condo (with our own side dishes) and in a more relaxed state than we could ever have at a restaurant with 3 kids.

While I wouldn't discourage you from getting it since there are some helpful ideas, don't expect to rely on it as your primary tour book.

I bought this book because are planning a trip to Cape Cod. It was very informative and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend it if you have children because it offered hints and tips about traveling with children, price ranges for each activity and things you should not miss while in each vacation spot. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the format. Sometimes a "hint" or description of a place would start in the middle of a page that was describing something else. It was a bit confusing at first. Otherwise it was well written and informative. I feel prepared to leave for Cape Cod (or any New England spot) today!!

The Retreats are mostly exceedingly expensive or wildly funky (it takes a special person to really enjoy a sojourn in a teepee). The photography is beautiful, which is a saving grace for the book.

Perhaps this reader is overly attuned to comfort, but I was dismayed at all the circular stairways, ladders, and challenging skywalks to enter or navigate these homes-away-from homes. Some were set in such boggy, swampy areas, all I could think of were mosquitoes and other unpleasant insects. If readers are expecting examples in the United States, they will be disappointed; most of the retreats were set in the British Isles.

The book illustrates a variety of settings: seaside, desert, mountains, lake and forest as advertised. "Little Retreats" is fun to read, but I would not recommend it as a practical guide.

a wonderful and diverse photo essay on many small houses around the world. Great detail provided - so great ideas that can be projected into your own project.
good writing providing background and approach to each house by its owners, great photos.

Lovely book, wonderful photos of creative little retreats. Lovley word descriptions, too. But it was not what I was hoping for. Few interior shots that show how the spaces actually work. No floorplans, no useful information on how to plan or design a little retreat of your own. Lovely book though.

"Little Retreats" covers what it sets out to do. It's not a house plan or how-to book---and it doesn't claim to be. It succeeds in the task the author set for it, with pictures of charming, whimsical, personal homes. Places are quaint without lapsing over into funky and the text is concise. Looking through it is like a tiny vacation as one imagines having a private space of one's own as a refuge.

I rated it at four stars instead of five because while I like it, I'm not passionately in love with it or transformed by it. (The recently released "Storybook Style" raises the bar for perfection in a home & garden book, in my opinion.) It's an enjoyable book and I'm glad to have it in my collection.

I HATE THIS BOOK!! THIS WAS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT--IT SHOULD BE CALLED VINTAGE CABINS. WHEN I THINK OF " VINTAGE COTTAGES " I THINK OF QUAINT VICTORIAN TYPE DWELLINGS. THE MAJORITY OF PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK DEPICT RUSTIC, BACK WOODS, NORTHERN CABIN TYPE HOMES. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS BOOK. THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK IS THE COVER.

She did it again. Worth the wait...terrific new book.
Job well done Molly and Tom!
Love that they included the dogs.

I had high expectations for this book. Had I realized it was written by the same author as Camps and Cottages, I may have thought twice before I bought it.

Just like its sister book, Camps and Cottages, Vintage Cottages features California cottages exclusively. That should have been reflected in the title or subtitle.

Secondly, the photography disappointed. Too many little heavily styled micro views of bookcases and table tops. I longed for wider shots to get a better sense of the whole house.

And last, the spaces feel artificial to me. A heavy stylist's hand is evident in many of the photos. There is even an obvious product placement of the author's other book, Camps and Cottages.

If you are interested in real vintage cottages, spaces where people really live, the book to get is The Cottage Book: Living Simple and Easy.

We love this book. So many excellent ideas. Our family being animal people, absolutely love that this book is dedicated to Buddy who happened to be at the right place at the right time. The cottages are beautiful as well as the landscapes and the celebration of four-legged friends is a beautiful plus!

This is an item we accidentally happened upon due to recommendation from previous purchases. We will certainly integrate some of the ideas in our tiny cottage as well with much enthusiasm. Very nice reading indeed and beautiful photography. It sits with pride on our coffee table for when the need for inspiration hits.