Books

For the Love of Old: Living with Chipped, Frayed, Tarnished, Faded, Tattered, Worn and Weathered Things that Bring Comfort, Character and Joy to the Places We Call Home

Average customer rating:

Great Book!
Love It or Hate It - I Loved It
FOR THE LOVE OF OLD: LIVING WITH CHIPPED, FRAYED, TARNISHED, FADED, TATTERED, WORN , AND WEATHERED THINGS THAT BRING COMFORT...
Not her best...
Yikes!

For the Love of Old: Living with Chipped, Frayed, Tarnished, Faded, Tattered, Worn and Weathered Things that Bring Comfort, Character and Joy to the Places We Call Home
Mary Randolph Carter
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Shades of Country: Designing a Life of Comfort
The New Eighteenth-Century Style: Rediscovering a French Décor
The French-Inspired Home, with French General
Art of the Cross
Creole Thrift: Premium Southern Living Without Spending a Mint

ASIN: 0847828476
Release Date: 2006-10-24

Book Description

This stunning volume focuses on the qualities of the old things in our homes (the patina of an old table, pewter dulled by age, old floorboards that creak) and how to live with and incorporate them into our personal aesthetic. Divided into chapters by the qualities of oldâpeeling, dried, tarnished, faded, chipped, frayed, rusty, and mossyâthis unique book not only pays tribute to furniture, textiles, china, silver and other accessories with these qualities but also shows us how best to preserve, adapt, and arrange them. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful photographs that highlight the warm colors and rich textures of wood and paint, cloth and leather, For the Love of Old also includes ideas and recipes for saving old items from the junk pile, preserving and caring for the old things you have, giving newer things a lived-in feel, and bringing an enduring personality to every home.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book!.......2007-02-07

I loved Mary Randolph Carter's book American Family Style so much and this book seemed to me like a part two of that original book. Although this book wasn't filled with pictures of her family it was filled with the same warmth and comfort as the original. Even though it may not be filled with exactly the things I might put in my own home it is something I enjoy reading. You can tell the author truly LOVES these lost, rusty, beautiful things. I truly can appreciate that.

Love It or Hate It - I Loved It.......2007-02-01

Many, indeed virtually all, of the books we see on interior decorating show rooms set with furnishings that are either brand new or antiques that are pristine and beautiful. They are a very, very long way from those long ago college days when glasses came from empty jelly jars and none of the plates or silverware matched.

Ms. Carter's book is a celebration of the old, the frayed, etc. The individual table settings don't have to be all alike. They just need to be interesting, attractive, have a story to tell. I particularly liked her comments regarding silver, probably because I've gotten a lot of it from my mother and grandmother.

Ms. Carter has an artistic eye that sees art where other people see junk. She matches her eye with her photographic skills that enable her to show exactly what she means. It's a book to be celebrated by those of us who like garage sales, thrift shops and making that special find.

FOR THE LOVE OF OLD: LIVING WITH CHIPPED, FRAYED, TARNISHED, FADED, TATTERED, WORN , AND WEATHERED THINGS THAT BRING COMFORT..........2007-01-10

AN AWESOME, INSPIRING, AND COMFORTING BOOK FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE OLD AND ECLECTIC LIFESTYLE. SIMPLY WRITTEN AND BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOS FIT FOR FRAMING. A GREAT RAINY DAY READ AND SUITABLE FOR THE COFFEE TABLE.

Not her best..........2007-01-09

I love her other books, I was so looking forward to reading this one over a long afternoon. I fell hook, line and sinker for her romance with flea markets and flea market treasures. This one looks like she took the leavings off the cutting room floor from her other books, packaged it nicely and called it good. Except it is not, good that is. Sorry but this stuff just looks like junk that I would not give a second glance to at a yard sale or flea market. And the price is so high!! Mutton done up as lamb.

Yikes!.......2007-01-09

This book would be more aptly titled "For the Love of Junk" -- old things are wonderful, but they don't need to be broken, peeling, dusty or creepy!!

We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle

Average customer rating:

move along, nothing to see here
I snorted in a waiting room......
A Fellow Belle Can Relate
Hilarious, but crass
Not So Much

We're Just Like You, Only Prettier: Confessions of a Tarnished Southern Belle
Celia Rivenbark
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Bless Your Heart, Tramp: And Other Southern Endearments
Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral
Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank: And Other Words of Delicate Southern Wisdom
What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should): Timeless Secrets to Get Everything you Want in Love, Life, and Work
Southern Belle Primer

ASIN: 0312312431

Book Description

"On the short drive to the preschool,I dutifully unwrap a NutriGrain bar andtoss it into the back seat to my four-year-old.Sometimes I'll even unwrap one for myself.Studies have shown that it's very importantfor familes to eat together. . . . "Why couldn't the Sopranos survive living down South? Simple. You can't shoot a guy full of holes after eating chicken and pastry, spoon bread, okra, and tomatoes.What does a Southern woman consider grounds for divorce? When Daddy takes the kids out in public dressed in pajama tops and Tweety Bird swim socks. Again.What is the Southern woman's opinion of a new "fat virus" theory? Bring it on! We've got a lot of skinny friends we need to sneeze on.Want to become honest-to-Jesus white trash? Spend two weeks' salary on hair extensions and pancake makeup for your three-year-old so she can win a five-dollar trophy in the Wee Tiny Miss pageant and the adoration of, well, nobody much.What does the Southern woman think of Paul McCartney's marriage to a model thirty years younger? We're not surprised. Statistically speaking, it's almost impossible for billionaires to discover that their soulmates are fifty-five and restocking the shampoo end caps at Kmart.In this wickedly funny follow-up to her bestselling Bless Your Heart, Tramp, Celia Rivenbark welcomes you, once again, to the south she loves, the land of "Mama and them's," "precious and dahlin," and mommies who mow. Ya'll come back now, you hear.

Customer Reviews:

move along, nothing to see here.......2007-05-30

I thought this was going to be a book about the south and how cute and funny we are. It's not. It's about the new south that has had the south beaten out of it and homogenized beyond recognition by someone who has been not raised by parents but by a big screen TV, magazines and what she has bought into that passes as women's lib. This unnecessarily potty mouthed woman has every tired joke, reference and scenario that you have heard before. The book is outdated and I hardly cracked a smile the whole way through after about the 2nd chapter. If you love being grossed out and think everything your play group does and your gal pals talk about especially their children then this book might be funny to you. If you are looking for sophisticated humor it won't be here. There is very little to relate to here if you actually are Southern, and don't just happen to live here.

I snorted in a waiting room.............2006-12-15

Unless you want an entire waiting room full of people (actually patients, but not very....) looking at you, don't read this book there. I snorted in public and am forever humiliated. This book makes you laugh out loud. Yeah, it does!!!!!

A Fellow Belle Can Relate.......2006-11-11

It is like this woman stepped into my life. I can relate to so many of the stories, it is crazy! This book is a total hoot, and a must read for any Moon Pie lovin' Southern Girl.

Hilarious, but crass.......2006-11-03

I was laughing out loud all over several airports as I read this book. It IS funny, but much more crass and much more derogative of other people than I expected. I was briefly allowed the privilege of living in the South and bought this book as my celebration and induction into the southern belle club. Very true to life, a belly-aching laugh of a read, but you have to be prepared to filter out some profanity, etc. I probably wouldn't buy it again and only gave it to my sister to read because she knows me well enough to know my character. Decide for yourself what you want to take in, and what you don't. 3-star rating is because of the items mentioned above - otherwise it would get a 4.

Not So Much.......2006-05-23

I had been looking foward to reading this book for quite a while. From the great reviews I've read here and Laurie Notaro's thumbs up (Inside the book), I thought I had picked a winner. Like another reviewer stated, I may have cracked a few smiles but it just was not that funny to me...and I am southern! Bless her heart.

Under The Tarnished Dome: How Notre Dame Betrayd Ideals For Football Glory

Average customer rating:

Interesting look at NCAA Football & Scandal
Great Read
Notre Dame NCAA violation in 2000
Makes Pravda Look Objective
10% truth, 90% lies

Under The Tarnished Dome: How Notre Dame Betrayd Ideals For Football Glory
Don Yaeger
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

College & University | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

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Turning of the Tide: How One Game Changed the South

ASIN: 0671899384

Book Description

"Under the Tarnished Dome" is the bestselling book that rocked the Notre Dame football program. Don Yaeger and Douglas S. Looney investigate the contrast between the Notre Dame image--that of a place where wins on the field are no more important than the integrity off it--and the Notre Dame football program's reality, with trash talking, rampant steroid use, pregame fights, and academic misconduct. Part history and part investigative journalism--the authors interviewed 150 people for this book, including nearly 100 former Notre Dame football players--this is a stunning indictment of the school's administration and especially of present-day Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting look at NCAA Football & Scandal.......2007-01-04

I felt the authors did a decent job exposing the realities of College Football and the scandalous things athletic programs will do for victory. Those scandalous things include looking the other way on steroids and player misbehavior, downgrading injuries, and academic malfeasance. The authors picked on Notre Dame and then-Coach Lou Holtz, but could have written this book about USC, Colorado, Michigan, Florida State, or other big-time progams. Despite the scandalous activities alleged in these pages, Notre Dame probably has one of the cleaner reputations among football schools. We fans might not like these types of books, but we should at least question the relationship between NCAA sports and higher education. After all, college football scandals have occurred with great regularity all the way back to the late 1800's.

Several reviewers attacked this book as unfair. Perhaps they were correct, or perhaps they wrote more as fans than as objective readers. Whatever the case, readers should also see THE HUNDRED YARD LIE, a superbly-paced expose by former Northwestern player Rick Telander.

Great Read.......2006-12-21

This book is a MUST read for every college football fan. The authors get deep inside the nd football program and shines a light on the dark underbelly that is nd. The lily white image of nd is truly tarnished, it just took two great writers to expose the myth that nd has on the sports world. It is always the ones who scream that they are perfect that are the most corrupt.

Perfect book, excellent read.

Notre Dame NCAA violation in 2000.......2006-09-19

Before dismissing this book as a lie, remember that Notre Dame football program was sanctioned by NCAA for major violations in December 1999, and the violations occurred from 1993 to 1998, under Lou Holtz. Notre Dame got away with loss of one scholarship a year for two yesrs (because it is Notre Dame). While the authors may have a personal agenda against Lou Holtz, Lou Holtz does not run a clean ship to begin with. 3 stars, worth a read especially if you are a usc or michigan fan :-)

Makes Pravda Look Objective.......2006-07-09

Well documented here is the story of how this book came about, that once denied the access they craved to the football program, the authors performed a hatchet job from the outside.

What would have made the book credible is any account from a successful ND football star who could substantiate anything in this book, ie - a smoking gun. But what you get instead are extended interviews with washouts and proven drug users who the school pushed down the depth chart, off the team, or out of school. The book falls because it's primary sources are all players who would have THRIVED in an atmosphere of rampant drug use and academic violations the book claims to unveil. As demonstrated from other sources, here is the list of the top sources of the book, and their fortunes with the team:

1. Dan Quinn (suspended from the university, took steroids, accused of sexual assault, sued Notre Dame);
2. Marty Lippincott (suspended from the team, placed on academic probation three times);
3. Jim Baugus (suspended for steroid use);
4. George Marshall (suspended for drug use);
5. Linc Coleman (played only one year, dropped out of Notre Dame after academic problems);
6. Tony Smith (claimed Notre Dame caused him to lose $1 million in the NFL draft by playing injured);
7. John Foley (placed on academic probation);
8. John Askin (claims Tarnished Dome is ?an outright fraud?);
9. Mike Crounse;
10. Jeff Pearson (suspended from the university, tested positive for steroids, sold steroids);
11. George Williams (suspended from the team);
12. Kurt Zackrison;
13. Mike Golic (played at Notre Dame before Holtz became coach).

Hardly a smoking gun, in fact quite the opposite. When such a rogue's gallery of shady people stand as your character witnesses, it almost proves the opposite of what you have in the book. Where are the interviews with the players the university holds up as the model? Why do so many say the authors deceived them in their approach for an interview, or claim they were taken out of context? This book stands alone, with no one of any merit to vouch for it.

If there is a bargain bin for bargain bins, this should be in it. Hopefully it will sell for less than the price of kindling, as that is the proper use of this deceitful, transparently biased "expose."

10% truth, 90% lies.......2005-09-13

The authors had an ax to grind with Lou Holtz. They had asked for full access to the ND team in order to do a Season on the Brink type of book on ND. Their request was denied. From that point on, they went into smear mode, taking comments from a small number of unhappy players and embellishing them with exaggerations and lies. A number of players stated that they were taken out of context or misquoted after the publication of the book. ND is the college with the most fans and haters both. This book was written for the latter group. Poorly written and researched, I might add. For the record, I am a University of Texas alum.

Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant: James Longstreet and His Place in Southern History

Average customer rating:

turning of the tide
The War Horse as "Scalawag": debunking Lost Cause mythology
Best Book on Longstreet: Lee's Dependable Field Commander
First Book for the First Corps
Grammar Firing Squad

Lee's Tarnished Lieutenant: James Longstreet and His Place in Southern History
William Garrett Piston
Manufacturer: University of Georgia Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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General James Longstreet: The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier
From Manassas to Appomattox: General James Longstreet
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ASIN: 0820312290

Customer Reviews:

turning of the tide.......2003-12-02

This biography and the one by Jeffrey Wert must be considered as one of the two best works on the life of General James Longstreet. William Piston's work came first so he get the credit for turning the tide for James Longstreet who have long been a goat and villain of the Lost Cause of Confederacy. Piston proves to be a good writer, fair and honest about Longstreet. The controversy that surround this general are treated with a sympathic outlook, realizing that perhaps, Longstreet was too honest and blunt for his own good during the time and period he was alive. Longstreet made many errors during the war and he did many great things as well. His major mistake was telling the south after the war that Lee did the same thing. I think if the reader read both Piston and Wert's biographies, he got Longstreet pretty well covered.

The War Horse as "Scalawag": debunking Lost Cause mythology.......2003-09-08

William Piston has written a fine, highly readable, and fair-minded but sympathetic biography of one of the most controversial leaders of the Civil War. While Lee himself held Longstreet in the highest regard and made the dependable Longstreet his senior subordinate and commander of his First Corps in the Army of Northern Virginia, the stubborn South Carolinian found his reputation tarnished after the war by jealous military rivals who disliked Longstreet's politics and resented his criticisms of some of Lee's command decisions.

As a military biography, this work offers a fairly comprehensive and balanced treatment of Longstreet's career that effectively demolishes some of the more unfair criticisms of Longstreet as a commander, and in particular takes apart the myth (that emerged in post-war controversy) that Jackson, not Longstreet, had been the senior commander in whom Lee had placed his most reliance and trust (although for a more critical, but still balanced and highly useful analysis of Longstreet's military record, see Jeffrey Wert's biography of Longstreet).

Reading Piston's book will demonstrate why Lee described Longstreet as "my Old War Horse," and why Longstreet was widely regarded on both sides as one of the very finest -- if not THE finest -- corps commanders of the war. Piston also does a nice job of disentangling the post-war Gettysburg controversy, which emerged out of polemics over Reconstruction politics and the bickering among former Confederate generals anxious to rescue their own reputations while putting Robert E. Lee above any criticism.

Lee, of course, was a great commander, but he never pretended to be perfect, and Longstreet, in daring to criticize certain aspects of Lee's tactical operations, became a threat to a post-war mythology, the cult of Lee, that became so important in building a post-war, Solid Democratic South and white supremacist post-Confederate Southern identity. As Piston demonstrates, the post-war Lost Cause mythology, in deifying the defeated Lee, required a scapegoat, a "Judas", upon whom the blame for defeat and humiliation could be heaped. As both Jackson and Stuart had been killed during the war, and as most western Confederate commanders lacked the prominence to serve this function, Longstreet emerged for unreconstructed Confederates as the bete noir of Southern military history, both for his post-war Republican politics and his criticisms of Lee, his actual war record and relationship with Lee notwithstanding.

And in this post-war Lost Cause narrative, Gettysburg became the critical key or turning point upon which all else hinged, as though the outcome of a thousand campaigns mobilizing millions of men, fought over five years across a vast continent, could be reduced to one afternoon on one bloody field in Pennsylvania, or as though (even if that had been true) Longstreet alone could be blamed for Lee's failure at Gettysburg. It is the politics of Reconstruction and Longstreet's place in that political struggle, that largely shaped what became the dominant Southern narrative about the battle of Gettysburg, and the meaning of that defeat in the larger destruction and humiliation of the Confederacy. Piston's treatment of this issue, and his discussion of the evolution of Lost Cause historiography, is brilliant, and deserves attention not only from those interested in the Civil War and Reconstruction, but from those interested in the relationship between politics, historical memory, the historical record, and the writing of history.

Best Book on Longstreet: Lee's Dependable Field Commander.......2002-02-06

This is a very objective and informative book on General Longstreet who, had he died at the battle of the Wilderness instead of surviving his very severe wounds, may have had a monument on Monument Ave. in Richmond in spite of not being a Virginian. Longstreet fought all the major campaigns of the Army of Northern Virginia from Manasas up to the Wilderness returning after a recovering from severe wounds to command the Richmond theater during the siege and the final stages of the war. Piston points out well that Longstreet was a steady hand for Lee as he called him my "Old War Horse". Enlightened in that he thought of the war in broad strategic fashion suggesting using the railroad and interior lines to reinforce the west with eastern soldiers and he even offered to go himself which he did in time for the battle of Chickamaugua. Longstreet's role in Gettysburg is well discussed particularly the Lost Cause syndrome led by Jubal Early who pins the entire war on Longstreet at Gettysburg. Ironically, Early's original memoirs make no mention of any criticisms of Longstreet until after Lee's death when Early finds a niche to match his abrasive leadership style. Often critics suggest that Longstreet failed in Suffolk, Knoxville and East Tennessee; however, Piston notes that in Suffolk and Knoxville he was laying siege to forces equal or larger than his own that stayed within their works. The attack at Fort Sanders was a severe failure and in the East Tennessee campaign Longstreet performs well but the low point was Longstreet's dealing with personnel in difficult circumstances. Piston demonstrates how Davis micromanaged when he writes of Davis' interference with Longstreet personnel issues. Impressive that after his wounding Longstreet returns for any command that Lee will give him. Piston quickly covers Longstreet's post war career as a businessman, a republican who enters Louisiana's controversial political scene, leads the Police on horseback against a mob only to be attacked himself, his Republican connections and maneuvering for political plum jobs and his final days as a hotel owner and vineyard grower in lovely Gainesville, Georgia. Longstreet's post war writings are covered which had Longstreet been more accurate in his views or memories, his legacy may have stood taller and less challenged.
His criticisms of some of Lee's decisions and turning Republican cost him dearly in the south but he steadfastly refused to change to suit others. The most endearing part of the book is Piston's telling of Longstreet and Dan Sickles after a joyous round of spirits, they walk each other repeatedly back to each others door refusing to end the night of the two most controversial generals who were at Gettysburg.

First Book for the First Corps.......2001-12-09

Piston's book is the first modern account of the first soldier of the Confederacy. Controversial both during and after the war, James Longstreet is one of the most fascinating and forgotten figures in American history. Second in command of the Army of Northern Virginia, Longstreet was the only senior officer who was with that army from the first battle at Manassas to the surrender at Appomattox. He was in command of the most famous attack in American history, Pickett's Charge. His most notable victories included Second Manassas, Fredericksburg, Chickamauga, and the Wilderness. After the war, he did several things considered unpardonable sins by most Southerners, some of whom still cannot forgive him to this day. First, he dared to criticize Robert E. Lee and his conduct of the battle of Gettysburg. Second, he reconciled with his conquerors, became a Republican, and accepted appointive federal offices from four out of the next six presidents of the United States, including President Grant, to whom he was related by marriage. Even worse, he became a Catholic in a staunchly Protestant South. Most important of all, he promoted a doctrine of racial reconciliation that is as relevant today as it was 135 years ago.

Grammar Firing Squad.......2000-10-28

"Longstreet is the one Rebel general who's memory hasn't been romanticized." Yikes. That "who's" deserves grammatical capital punishment.

The Tarnished Lady (Leisure Historical Romance)

Average customer rating:

Almost five stars
Not the Best
Sandra Hill does it again!
wonderful
Another great read from Sandra, very funny & very hot indead

The Tarnished Lady (Leisure Historical Romance)
Sandra Hill
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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The Bewitched Viking (Wink & a Kiss, 1)
The Blue Viking
The Outlaw Viking (Timeswept)
My Fair Viking
The Reluctant Viking (Timeswept)

ASIN: 0843945575

Customer Reviews:

Almost five stars.......2005-08-03

Third in Sandra Hill's Viking Series, this novel was very well written with all of the elements of a romantic escape. Sandra Hill is such a prolific writer that at times I find some of her novels too quickly developed, but that is not the case with this book. With carefully constructed details about the romantic leads, revealed through each character's intimate thoughts, I felt as if these two people truly connected before pronouncing their undying love for each other. Both characters are flawed, Erik with his poor eyesight and Eadyth with her "tarnished" past, which makes them even more acessible and likeable.

In Sandra Hill's Viking Series I give two novels a five star rating, The Bewitched Viking and the Outlaw Viking. The Bewitched Viking deserves a top rating based on the clever repartee between Tykir and Alinor. Not to mention, Tyker was a very enticing male character. While, The Outlaw Viking, thus far, has proven to be the sexiest of the series thanks to the masculine appeal of Selik. I rated The Tarnished Lady four stars due to the strained sexual tension between Erik and Eadyth in the beginning of the story. Because of the circumstances of their marital arrangement not much sexual chemistry ensues for a large portion of the book, but I think you will find their eventual discovery of each other quite passionate.

Not the Best.......2003-06-16

This book was not the best in the series. Of course, I started at the end with the Blue Viking, but still, the story trudged along and I did not care for either character. Try another one.

Sandra Hill does it again!.......2003-05-04

Sandra Hill does it again. She delivers a passionate, enthralling novel laced with her usual dose of good humor. She also brings a fresh new twist to the marriage of convenience plot device. Lady Eadyth is a headstrong, independent lady we can all relate to. She runs her own business making candles and holds her head high despite condemnation from society about her child born out of wedlock.

Like all of Hill's heroes, Eirik of Ravenshire is virile and handsome, but he has a few flaws that make him very endearing to the reader. His nearsightedness, combined with Eadyth's ruse of being an ugly, old crone--so she can avoid the usual marital duties--creates a hilarious situation. Eadyths bees are good for even more laughs. The dialogue crackles with energy and wit as do Eadyth's inner thoughts.

This book is also very sensual, and the lovemaking seemed more real to me than any book I've ever read. It was as if I was there living it.

Sherri Neilson

wonderful.......2002-05-20

Well I had missed this book but I'm sure glad I found it. This is the 3rd book in the series of Viking tales by Sandra Hill and I have loved all of them. Sandra puts humor, passion, excitment, conflicts and tenderness in all her books. This one made me feel happy at the end and excited about other books in the series.

This is Eirik's story. He is the Saxon-Viking son of Thork, from the 1st book. He has returned to Ravenshire to find himself propositioned by and ugly old hag. She wants to marry him in order to protect her young son from his true father. Who happens to be Eirik's enemy. The old hag is no hag though. She is the beautiful, young, Lady Eadyth. She hides her beauty for fear of men making advances on her and hurting her the way her son's father did. She decieves Eirik, who has bad eyesight, into thinking that she is not a pretty young woman, only a desperate old hag who needs his protection for her son.

These two go round and round. Both are strong willed and stubborn. They clash several times before the truth is found out. When it is the passions they both feel combine to make them both breathless. The love scenes are tender, exciting and passionate.

But trouble is brewing and soon their new found happiness will be shattered by their enemy, Steven. Together they must defeat him so that they can have a happy peaceful life.

The secondary characters of Tyrik, Eirik's brother and the children are wonderful. They bring to story a real sense of family.

I hope Sandra Hill continues to write more books in this series because its a wonderful world she has created and I enjoy escaping to it whenever I can.

Another great read from Sandra, very funny & very hot indead.......2001-09-01

I cannot think about Sandra's books without having a smile on my face. And when I read them, which I have done loads of times I am in stitches. Eirik and Eadyth are another of Sandra's perfectly matched couples. They will have in tears of laughter with their antics. Especially when you read about Eirik standing on his head.

Thank you Sandra for giving us another marvelous story in your Viking series. I love them all.

Tarnished Icons (Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov Novel)
Average customer rating:

Got a New Boss, Lost a Leg, Gained so much more

another in this superb series

Recommended

Very nicely done....

Welcome back Porfiry !!!

Tarnished Icons (Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov Novel)
Stuart M. Kaminsky
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Blood and Rubles (Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov Mystery)

Hard Currency

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Murder on the Trans-Siberian Express: A Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov Novel

Death of a Dissident

ASIN: 0804112894
Release Date: 1997-05-28

Book Description

"Rostnikov is quite simply the best cop to come out of the Soviet Union since Martin Cruz Smith's Arkady Renko in Gorky Park."
--San Francisco Examiner

In the topsy-turvy world of post-communist Russia, Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov's work is never done. Three congregants from a local synagogue, gunned down in the night, are the latest victims in the seemingly systematic execution of Jews in Moscow. But the shocking identity of one of the murdered men leads Rostnikov to suspect that, rather than simple intolerance, a more calculated motive lies behind the slaughter.

Meanwhile, the city's women are under siege by The Shy One--a knife-wielding rapist who strikes without being seen. And as the last vestiges of order spin wildly out of control, a rabid antinuclear crusader plans to send a message to the New Russia via an "explosive" special delivery. It's up to Rostnikov and his fellow cops to stop the madness before it stops Russia--for good. . . .

"Stuart Kaminsky's Rostnikov novels are among the best mysteries being written."
--The San Diego Union

Customer Reviews:

Got a New Boss, Lost a Leg, Gained so much more.......2007-02-08

Since the last book, there have been three major changes in the life of Chief Inspector Porfiry Petrovich Rostnikov:
1. His son Yosef has come to work in his department,
2. The Grey Wolfhound has been made a General and head of security at the Hermitage Museum in St.Petersburg; and Colonel Yakovlev (formerly of the KGB) is his new boss, and made Porfiry his chief deputy,
3. He has had his bad leg amputated below the knee and is getting used to a new prostetic leg.

There are two things going on in his life that he does not yet know about:
1. Yosef has proposed to Elena Timofeyeva (the former Procurators niece)
2. His wife Sarah has begun to have 'episodes' that might be related to the brain tumor she had removed

As always, there are three crimes to be solved (and of course they all are by the end of the book):
1. Some one(s) has murdered six Jews from a single congregation
2. A serial rapist (twelve over the last few years) has just struck again, this time a television reporter
3. A serial bomber, an anti-nuclear activist (and admirer of the Unibomber) has injured the daughter of a journalist who opened the letter by mistake

But there are very good clues for Porfiry and his people to follow:
1. Of the six men killed, one was not a Jew
2. The woman who was attacked, a reporter, is sure that the man was wearing a police uniform and left in a police car
3. The bomber has a source or way of knowing when the Police know that a bomb is imminent to blow up

The only thing not solved by the end is when (not whether) Josef and Elena will get married. There are also two very touching vignettes at the end that involves the two little girls staying with Porfiry and Sarah, and separately one about the Vampire (Inspector Karpo).

To me this has been the best of the series so far, hands down.

another in this superb series.......2002-03-11

Simply great stuff, why is it not more widely known?
Once you have read one, you will want to read the whole series.Inspector Rostnikov is my hero!

Recommended.......2000-06-01

This was a satisfying crime novel set in a gloomy Russia. It was so gloomy I was reminded of New York in the classic sci-fi movie Escape from New York. Is it really so horrible? But the characters sparkle, especially Rostnikov, as they somehow survive and cope amidst the corruption, crime and depression.

This book is composed of three interesting and suspenseful crime stories. Rostnikov's team is split up into three pairs and each pair is assigned to a case. All three tales are compelling and all of the characters, both good and bad, are fully developed.

This was as good as A Cold Red Sunrise, which won an Edgar. Recommended reading for all mystery fans.

Very nicely done...........1998-08-26

I like the Rostnikov detective series because while certainly living in a depressing climate the characters all seem to show their humanity in small ways. Even the gaunt unsmiling Karpo shows that he can care with his befriending of mad genius in the forensics department.

If you like mysteries that tell you everything then you'll like this one. I can only hope though that Russia gets less depressing as time goes on because no matter if it is even greatly exaggerated it makes America's ghettos pale in comparison.

Welcome back Porfiry !!!.......1997-09-21

Porfiry is back and the saga continues. Oh, how he's been missed. All the regulars are there and it's like a visit with the family to find out what they've been doing. Of course, the path of the Russian police is never without a new twist or a more difficult challenge. The new boss seems much more likeable and appreciative of Porfiry's intellect. Hope the next reunion isn't so long in coming

Tarnished Chalice (Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles)

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Not her best
Medieval Fiction at its Very Best

Tarnished Chalice (Matthew Bartholomew Chronicles)
Susanna Gregory
Manufacturer: Little Brown Book Group Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316726419

Book Description

In 1356, on a bitter winter evening, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael arrive in Lincoln—Michael to accept an honor from the cathedral, and Bartholomew to look for the woman he wants to wed. It is not long before they learn that the friary in which they are staying is not the safe haven they imagine—one guest has already been murdered. It emerges that the dead man was holding the Hugh Chalice, a Lincoln relic with a curiously bloody history. Bartholomew and Michael are soon drawn into a web of murder, lies, and intrigue in a city where neither knows who can be trusted.

Customer Reviews:

Not her best.......2007-01-26

I just finished the 12th novel of the Gregory series. I love the characters and I love Gregory's writing.

There was just something about this last novel which made it harder to read than the others. I usually devour these stories which are nice little walks through the time,stepping over ever increasing body count as the mystery is inevitably solved.

I can't say the lovelorn Matthew was one of my favorite parts, especially considering he had been looking for the elusive Mathilde for almost two years. Frankly by that time she probably could have married and had her first child. While she was an interesting character, Gregory's characters all are in their ways, I was never so enamoured of her that I would miss her if she Never reappeared. The only good thing about Matthew's search is that he learned a thing or two about protecting himself. And Cynric, the Welshman, how did his wife feel about all these never ending wanderings to find Mathilde.

While the actual solving of these mysteries is not as enjoyable most times as the journey to get there I began to find all these particular characters tedious. And there was less "humor" -the intellectual cat fighting which I enjoy-than the others.

Gregory is a wonderful entertaining writer and I can not wait for the new one To Kill or To Cure which I guess is coming out this summer-in England at least. She is one of those authors and this series are one fo the few that I seek out as soon as they come out. I guess in the meantime I will have to seek out the other series she writes. They are not carried for the most part in my area -virtually all had to be ordered on line but Gregory is an author worthy of the search. It almost makes me want to take a trip to the UK to get it.

Medieval Fiction at its Very Best.......2006-08-02

Susanna Gregory is not as prolific a writer as many of the authors who write this style of book and the anticipation of waiting for a new title can be quite frustrating for the reader. However the wait is always worthwhile.

Her choice of Oxford as the main backdrop to her books is inspired. It seems to lull the reader into a world of spires and colleges inhabited by the students and academics who teach there. There is also always the underground rumblings of the inhabitants of the city who are constantly at loggerheads with the colleges and hate the students intensley, thinking of them as nothing more than thugs and bully boys.

Now to a little background from the book, which of course to make a complete liar of me takes place in Lincoln.

It is a cold and blustery evening in the year of our Lord 1356, Matthew Bartholomew and Brother Michael have journeyed to Lincoln. The cathedral are to honour Brother Michael and Bartholomew is determined to look for and find the woman he loves and is determined to marry.

Both men soon find out that the religious lodgings in which they are staying is not the safe place it is depicted to be. It is revealed that a guest has already been murdered under mysterious circumstances. It emerges that when the victim was found he was holding a chalice, a well known relic of Lincoln and one that had a bloody past. Why? what significance does it have to the death of the man . . .

Matthew and Brother Michael are soon drawn into the web of murder and deceit, but they are far from home, this is not Oxford and neither man is sure who can be trusted and who cannot.

I have never hidden my admiration for Susanna Gregory's writing and this one is a joy to read.

Tarnished Image (The Barringston Relief Chronicles #2)

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A Nappaland.com Review
Outstanding sequel to Terminal Justice
David O'Neal's faith was taken to new heights

Tarnished Image (The Barringston Relief Chronicles #2)
Alton L. Gansky
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1578560462
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Book Description

PEOPLE SAY YOU'RE GUILTY . Dr. David O'Neal has dedicated his life to easing the pain and suffering of the world's downtrodden. His life stands for faith, hope, and honesty. As head of the world’s largest relief agency, he has the means to save countless lives. But now, he must use all his wits and strength to save one innocent man from destruction: himself.

THE EVIDENCE SAYS YOU'RE GUILTY. In the midst of his relief work, David's world is shaken by the appearance of photos and videotape that show him in compromising situations. He is arrested. Friends and coworkers distance themselves. His love, Kristen, wants to believe in him but struggles against the undeniable evidence. Soon he is faced with the very real possibility of losing all he holds dear.

ONLY YOU KNOW YOU'RE INNOCENT. Amidst the media frenzy, David fights to prove his innocence. But more than his reputation is at stake. Someone is determined to bring Dr. David O'Neal down-even if that means killing him. Now only a miracle can save his life and restore his Tarnished Image.

Customer Reviews:

A Nappaland.com Review.......2006-12-31

Who knew so many heart-stopping events could happen at a plain-old humanitarian relief agency? Well, Alton Gansky for one. That's why he's written Tarnished Image, the second novel in his Barringston Relief series. This book is a well-paced thriller that could've come straight from today's newspapers.
For starters there's Hurricane Claudia bearing down on Cuba and the southeastern United States. And there's that tsunami that barreled through the Bay of Bengal, killing thousands and destroying entire villages. David O'Neal and the rest of the Barringston Relief agency are going to have to work fast to get people and supplies out to combat the disasters...
Except David O'Neal is sitting in a prison cell, arrested on trumped-up charges of embezzlement and smuggling of illegal aliens into the U.S.! Worse yet, since David is CEO of Barringston Relief, the FBI has frozen all of the agency's bank accounts--and a weasel of a finance officer is trying to usurp David's power at the agency while he's gone.
Without access to their resources, and without David to lead them, will Barringston Relief be able send help in time? And why is somebody trying to stop them? And is David's Christian faith enough to see him through these crises? Only God--and Alton Gansky--know. (Well, you'll know too once you read the book. But until then, it'll have to remain a mystery.)
It's refreshing to discover Christian fiction like Tarnished Image. Kudos to both Gansky and WaterBrook Press for remembering there are female and male Christians, and for creating enjoyable reading for both.
BOOKBLOG RATING: B+
--MN

Outstanding sequel to Terminal Justice.......2002-12-04

Tarnished Image takes up where Terminal Justice left off. For that reason, I recommend reading the Terminal Justice first. In Tarnished Image, David is now the head of Barringston Relief. His character is further developed, and the story line is equally full of twists and action. It is top level entertainment with an uplifting message. I particularly like the way the author, Alton Gansky, ties up all the loose ends. Many writers fail to do that. The ending was highly satisfying, and left me with a good feeling for having read it and a wish that the Barringston Relief Chronicles would continue with another book. I highly recommend this as a combination of mystery, suspense, ample action, and Christian theme.

David O'Neal's faith was taken to new heights.......2001-11-28

Being framed for something he didn't do,the evidence is nearly fool proof. David is faced with an ordeal most people do not have to face, and the difficult task of proving his innocence. No one believes him, only his attorney, the owner and the Lord. His love of Timmy and his girlfriend Kristen gives him the motivation to fight back. He now realizes that without his faith in God, he is going down hard. I loved the ending (...). The book overall was very written.

Average customer rating:

Astro City, A City Worth a Visit
My favorite storyline so far
Great super-hero story
Steeljack's story is another "Astro City" triumph
Ok, Ok, I'm Getting To It!

Astro City Vol. 4: The Tarnished Angel
Kurt Busiek
Manufacturer: Wildstorm
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 156389663X

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Tarnished Angel tells a story that would be just as compelling even if its hapless hero weren't made of metal. It's a familiar story: old supervillain Carl Donewicz--or Steeljack--gets out of prison old and broken, and just wants to spend his last years out of sight. Events, as they will, conspire against him, and his journey through prejudice, mistrust, and backstabbing ethics is deeply moving. Brent Eric Anderson's penciling is precise and perfectly balanced between '70s superheroes and '40s pulp; Will Blyberg's inks are unparalleled. Readers who are tired of the hero-recycling that's been standard operating procedure at the major comics companies should reward themselves with a visit to Astro City. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

The fourth volume in the popular Astro City series introduces Steeljack, a recently-paroled former supervillain. Steeljacks trying to turn over a new leaf by finding out whos been killing other small time supervillains in the run down neighborhood of Kiefer Square. But even if he learns the truth, whose going to believe him?

Customer Reviews:

Astro City, A City Worth a Visit.......2006-09-10

I've read nearly all the Astro City collections. I stand in awe of Kurt Busiek's imagination, his storytelling, and the high quality of his work on Astro City.

But I'm sure Mr. Busiek would be hurt if his collaborators weren't mentioned. Brent Eric Anderson has been Astro City's main penciller since it's beginning and it's hard to imagine it without him. Will Blyberg's crisp inking and Comicraft's wonderful lettering and lastly, Alex Ross's magnificent covers make AC in Wizard Magazine's opinion, "the best superhero comic being printed. Period." An opinion that in my estimate that's hard to disagree with. There's something else, it's hard to imagine any comic book with the same creators after 10 years. The fact that Astro City still has the same creative team speaks volumes for the love and camaraderie these three have for the high quality work they are producing for this title.

The Tarnished Angel was the title's second long story arc. Carl Donewicz, aka Steeljack, a supervillain who no longer has the desire to get "the big score," is parolled out of Biro Island Prison. He goes back to his old neighborhood of Kiefer Square to try to start over again. He wants to go straight, but when someone is killing off the former and active "Black Masks," in Kiefer Square parlance, the residents hire Steeljack to discover who is behind the killings.

Busiek takes his time for character development and imerses himself and the reader into the story. Steeljack is closely patterned after Robert Mitchum and the way his narration is written, it's hard not to hear Mitchum's crusty voice telling us Steeljack's odyssey.

Despite the long storyline, Busiek stays with Steeljack as the mystery slowly unravels. He ends each issue with the reader frantic to see what happens next.

The Tarnished Angel, along with Confession are superhero comic storytelling at its best. Definitely worth every dime.

My favorite storyline so far.......2004-05-19

Apparently some are slightly less impressed, but of the Astro City volumes I've read so far, this is my favorite. Yes, the plot is deliberately more "comic bookish" than some of the other stories, but that's neither good nor bad in itself. (I personally think it's good, but that's me.) Steeljack is a believable and surprisingly sympathetic character. A weary ex-con forced by circumstances to be a hero. The artwork is great, sa usual, and the pulp-inspired cover of the paperback edition is perfect.

Great super-hero story.......2004-02-20

Yet another triumph by the master of super-hero comics, the wonderful Mr. Kurt Busiek. While greats like Alan Moore and Frank Miller took the super-hero to disturbing new places and made them gritty and eerie, Busiek returned to the way super-heroes once were, and to what made them so inspiring and fascinating; on Tarnished Angel, though, he tackles the issue from the opposite direction, and takes the villain's side. The Steeljack character is one of the most interesting and complex characters in the Astro City universe, and his story is one of Busiek's greatest. Tarnished Angel takes on the character of a classic villain, and tells the tale from his point of view, building him into a character that is entirely human and entirely full. On the other hand we have the actual villain of the story, the Conquistador, and the comparison between his story and that of Steeljack makes for an interesting and provoking pairing.

Also interesting is the story `The Voice of the turtle', the tale of the British supervillain The Mock Turtle, which is both comic relief and an interesting look at the story from a different angle. One reviewer complained the British characters were too prototypical and not half as original as the Astro City heroes and villains, but I don't see that as a problem; these characters, other than being quite funny, give the reader the feeling that he's somewhere else. As Kurt explains in the intro, throughout the series, the further one travels from Astro City, the more accustomed to their location the characters get. As usual, special note should be given to Alex Ross's beautiful cover gallery (though I liked the ones in `Family Portrait' better), as well as his fascinating pages of sketches and explanations about the various characters.

Nobody can write a super-hero story like Kurt, and Tarnished Angel is, over all, one of the best super-hero stories you'll find. If you're a fan of the genre, consider it well worth your money.

Steeljack's story is another "Astro City" triumph.......2004-01-07

"Kurt Busiek's Astro City: The Tarnished Angel" is another fine graphic novel in the outstanding "Astro City" series. This seven-chapter story is about Steeljack, a metal-encased supervillain. Released from prison at the book's start, he is hired by a criminal kingpin to find out who is murdering other supervillains.

This is a powerful, rich, complex story. Steeljack's tale is intertwined with that of a number of other fantastic characters: whip-wielding Latino superhero El Hombre, high-tech British supervillain the Mock Turtle, and more. Many characters from the other Astro City volumes (Samaritan, Winged Victory, etc.) also make appearances.

Sort of a world-weary loser, Steeljack is a compelling, memorable protagonist. "Tarnished Angel" is full of great visuals, heroic battles, and moving human drama. The book as a whole is a fascinating look at the Astro City milieu from its dark side.

Ok, Ok, I'm Getting To It!.......2003-05-08

Imagine you are a villain in a world of supermen (and women).

Imagine you have been in and out of prison for as long as you can remember and now all you want to do is lay low...

Then Imagine you see old friends killed off one by one in your old neighborhood, the only neighborhood you ever knew.

What comes next?

This is a very intense, downbeat tale of a super powered bad guy who has seen the error of his ways, but still feels a kinship to his old comrades in the bad guy business..

Amazon.com

Her high school graduation just days away, pretty Gabriel Landry is blissfully happy. Then a rich cannery owner, Octavious Tate, surprises her near a secluded pond and shatters her world. Pregnant and desolate, Gabriel agrees to let Mrs. Tate pretend she's the one who's expecting and claim the baby for her own. But after her baby is taken from her, Gabriel's life is shattered again -- until the mysterious Creole millionaire Pierre Dumas comes to the bayou...

Book Description

Tarnished Gold is the captivating prequel to the bestselling V. C. Andrews© Landry series that began with Ruby and continued with Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters, and Hidden Jewel. This thrilling new novel takes us back to the Louisiana bayou in the time before Ruby. In a world of wondrous natural beauty, a world of tantalizing dreams and inescapable sorrow, we meet Gabriel Landry, daughter of Catherine and Jack.

Growing up in her beloved swamp, Gabriel is supremely happy, despite the ever-widening rift between her Mama and her conniving, whiskey-drinking Daddy. Her classmates tease her, calling her "La Femme Au Naturel," the Nature Girl, because she seems more interested in poling her pirogue through the canals than she is in romance. But Gabriel nurtures her own secret dreams. Then, days before her high school graduation, rich cannery owner Octavious Tate surprises her in a secluded pond and shatters her innocence.

Pregnant and desolate, wishing to spare her dear Mama the scandal, Gabriel agrees to a shocking plan that will allow Octavious's frigid wife Gladys to claim the baby as her own and will net Gabriel's furious Daddy a huge payoff. Hiding in a tiny abandoned playroom in the Tate mansion, Gabriel is miserable. Her only visitor is Mama, whose mission as a Traiteur, a Cajun healer, gives her an excuse to treat Gladys Tate's "pregnancy." But nothing is more wrenching than the moment Gladys takes baby Paul away forever.

Returning home to the swamp, Gabriel drifts in a world of twilight gloom, brightened only by chance glimpses of her son. But as Jack Landry's reputation as a swamp guide grows, a hunting party brings handsome, gentle Creole millionaire Pierre Dumas to the bayou. Falling desperately in love, Gabriel will not heed the voice warning that their joy may bring her more grief than she can bear....

Customer Reviews:

Nature's child.......2006-04-23

According to the blurb on the book jacket, this fifth book in the Landry series is actually the prequel, and in fact, I'm reading it at the right time ie. before I read any of the others. This famous series has been made into movies, including "Flowers in the Attic". Gabriel Landry is the daughter of two Cajuns, living in the swamp land of a Louisiana bayou. Her mother Catherine is a "traiteur", a healer and a midwife and is much loved and respected by all. Her father Jack is a whiskey swilling, no-good dead beat who is always looking for an easy way to make money without working for it. Gabriel is completely at home in the swamps with her animals and plants and falls easy prey to a lecherous, wealthy neighbour who rapes her when he finds her alone in the swamp. When she discovers she is pregnant, her father makes a deal with the neighbour's wife to hide Gabriel in her house until the baby is born so that no one will know of Gabriel's disgrace and the neighbours may pass off the baby as their own. After the birth, Gabriel sees her baby son only a few times and from a distance. A year passes and this poor, naive(stupid?) girl once again falls victim to a rich man, but this time, very willingly, and the same process starts again, with Gabriel agreeing to give up her baby to the rich couple, to raise as their own. The baby, Ruby, is apparently the star of M/s Andrews first book, and, although this review reads like a gigantic soapie, I'll now simply HAVE to find this first book, Ruby!

5th book in the series but should be 1st..........2005-12-11

This is the 5th V.C. Andrews series that I've read & I need to start taking my own advice and read the 5th book in the series before I read the others. The 5th book is always the actual beginning of the series & I have no clue why it's like that. You already know everything that happens so I can never make myself finish the last book because there are other books that I'd rather be reading. I'm sure if I had read this book first I would've really enjoyed it but I just see no reason to read a book where you already no everything that happens. Overall though, this is my least favorite V.C. Andrews's series. It was just o.k. for me. Nothing special.

Sweet girl!!!.......2004-08-29

Before you even begin reading the Landry Series, read Tarnished Gold first. Because this is the saddest book of them.

Gabriel should've never gave up Paul. Who she concieved by Octavious Tate. After an alleged rape. Who cares if people would gossip about the incident. The only person who cared was Gladys Tate.

The same goes with when she got pregnant with twins by Pierre. It's cute to know that Gisselle was the fist to be born, and Ruby was the last!!! The way Gabriel died was wonderful. She dreamt that she rowed toward shore in a pirouge, towards Pierre. Once she landed, she past away in real life.

One of the worst efforts from the GW yet.......2004-05-08

I honestly cannot understand how anyone could like this book. This is absolutely the worst book in the Landry series. This book is even worse than the entire horrendous Melody series.

Why do I hate this book so much?

Well, it's absolutely, 100% unbelievable. The GW tries his best to write from the viewpoint of a teenage girl, but fails miserably. None of the characters in this book felt developed at all to me. They were all stereotypical and flat, and the plot was just the same plot we've seen since V.C.'s death replayed once again with different characters and a different setting.

There was no flow to the story, the major plot points weren't built up to properly, or at all. All of the actions undertaken by the heroine were completely unbelievable. Again, I believe this is the fault of a writer unskilled at writing from the viewpoint of a young woman.

The main problem with the story is the romance between Gabrielle (or Gabriel as she is referred to in this book) and Pierre. In what I can only assume is an effort to keep the book to an acceptable number of pages, the relationship develops much too quickly, with the two being pained to be apart instantly. What follows is just too flowery and awful to endure, really. Then, the relationship ends just as abruptly, and it all goes downhill from there.

I honestly cannot think of even one redeeming quality about this book, and cannot in good conscience recommend it to anyone.

Good Book.......2004-01-02

This was an excellent book, like all the V.C. Andrews series.

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