The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook

The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook
Average customer rating:

Great Cookbook!

mmmmmm

Best Wedding Gift

Meals with a flair that don't consume your day!

Great for Newlyweds

The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook
Mary Corpening Barber , Sara Corpening Whiteford , and Susie Cushner (photographer)
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Newlywed Cookbook

Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Cookbook: Recipes for Cooking Together

Not on Love Alone: A Cookbook: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds

The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook

The Newlyweds' Cookbook

ASIN: 081183493X

Book Description

Here is the perfect gift for the happy couple--the first and only cookbook they will ever need. Best-selling authors Sara Corpening Whiteford and Mary Corpening Barber start the bride and groom off right with essential information on the equipment they'll need to begin cooking in their new home, as well as invaluable tips on getting the pantry stocked. Then they offer 125 recipes--those special dishes to turn to again and again. Ready to entertain the new in-laws? A weekend brunch featuring Sausage and Cheddar Cheese Strata comes together in a snap and is certain to impress. If something a little more romantic is in order, Brie and Champagne Fondue for Two shared in front of a roaring fire is as cozy as it gets. Everyday favorites like Classic Lasagna, Grilled Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa, and the impossible-to-resist Silken Chocolate Tart will have even inexperienced cooks looking like pros in the kitchen. Whether cooking on the fly with Dinners in a Dash-a meal on the table in 30 minutes or less: perfect for the working couple!--or hosting that first-ever holiday dinner, this is the cookbook newlyweds need to chop, peel, saut , and roast in harmony in the kitchen. Complete with beautiful photographs and menu ideas for special occasions (including the first anniversary), the Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook will have the happy couple-and their family and friends--eating well from this day forward.

Customer Reviews:

Great Cookbook!.......2007-08-29

We got this cookbook as a wedding gift and I have tried nearly all of the recipes in it. All are extremely delicious, east to make and impressive.
The pizza dough is easy and the thin crust is tasty; the breakfast items such as the pancakes, french toast, banana milk are great, desserts, beverages, etc. My husband is fairly picky and he has given each recipe so far his approval. Our favorites are the Roasted Chicken with Vegetables, Chicken Satay and Peanut Sauce, Pan Fried Pork Chops, Beef Burgundy, Mac and Cheese (fantastic!), Wild Mushroom Risotto, the Tuna, the Chicken Divine (crowd pleaser), even the Meatloaf! The special occasion recipes are the Prime Rib which my whole family enjoyed and the Filet Mignon - absolutely delicious. In the "Sides" chapter, if you like potatoes, try the Creamy Dreamy Mashed which are great (w/cheddar!), the Potato Pancakes, and the Killer Roasted Potatoes (which my husband always asks for). The banana bread recipe is one of the best ones I've ever tried and the Chocolate cake went over unbelievable at parties.

mmmmmm.......2007-08-01

Everything I've made from this cookbook has been amazing! I've taken quite a few things to social gatherings and nothing but compliments :)

Best Wedding Gift.......2007-05-18

I received this book as a wedding present three years ago and I still find myself pulling it off the shelf over all others. Although my husband and I have always enjoyed cooking together, this book makes it easier and more fun; the recipes are classic and sophisticated. We have already enjoyed several Saturday morning breaskfast and brunch recipes and the ideas for holiday menus are great. Everything has tasted wonderful so far.

Meals with a flair that don't consume your day!.......2007-04-06

My husband bought this for me a few weeks before we got married. He knows how much I love to cook and when he saw me browsing through this in a Williams-Sonoma, he snuck back to the store later and bought it. I'm so glad he did because I absolutely love their recipes! I love to use recipes with a little flair that veer away from the typical "comfort food", but I hate how most of them call for ridiculous ingredients or require you to slave away for 4 or 5 hours! When I come home from a long day at work, that's the last thing I want to do (which is why I sometimes end up eating a bowl of Count Chocula on the couch)! Three reasons I love this cookbook above all others:
1) The directions are clear and easy, I appreciate how they include tips throughout the book on what recipes can be prepared ahead of time, and also the saucy selection of "quick meals" at the back!
2)Their recipes don't feel heavy like general American fare (not that I don't love a Large carton of hot McDonald's fries every now and then).
3)They include ingredients that are a bit more exotic, but don't require you to visit a specialty shop.

We tried their recipe for Guacamole during our Honeymoon week (our honeymoon consisted of moving into our new apartment in Chicago...not exactly Santorini island...but still fun!) and it is the best Guacamole ever created. I've been to countless restaurants of different calibres, and I promise you you won't find one that is better. I've taken it to several parties and family gatherings, and it has become the stuff of legend! It's like catnip for people. Some of my other favorite recipes are the "Goat Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomato & Pesto Torta", the "Wild Rice with Dried Cranberries, Green Onions & Pecans", "Classic Lasagna", and the "Hidden Treasure Bread Pudding" (...and I'm from the South so I KNOW bread pudding, haha).

If you like recipes with flavorful combinations that don't consume your life, BUY THIS BOOK! You won't regret it!

Great for Newlyweds.......2007-04-05

This book is wonderful. There is a wide variety of recipes from simple pasta dishes to more complicated soup recipes. They included desserts and drinks which are perfect for entertaining. This book was a gift from my shower and I love it. My husband and I working our way through each recipe-it's a great way to know all the kitchen devices we now have. I highly recommend it. I use tips from this book when shopping seasonly and in other dishes.

The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World: The Ultimate Source of Ideas, Advice, and Relief for the Bride and Groom and Those Who Love Them.

Average customer rating:

Very Helpful
Some Good Advice, Mostly Hype
Engagement Gift
Don't get married without it!
Pretty Darn Informative

The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World: The Ultimate Source of Ideas, Advice, and Relief for the Bride and Groom and Those Who Love Them.
Carley Roney
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Traditions: Readings, Rituals, Music, Dances, and Toasts
Bridal Bargains, 8th Edition: Secrets to throwing a fantastic wedding on a realistic budget (Bridal Bargains)
The Knot Guide to Destination Weddings
1001 Ways To Save Money . . . and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding

ASIN: 0767916425
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Book Description

Planning for the big day? Here are the most up-to-date answers to all of your questions in the book from the editors of the acclaimed wedding website, The Knot.

Overwhelmed by the countless questions and details your wedding entails? Don’t despair! The Knot Complete Guide to Weddings in the Real World takes you step-by-step from your engagement to the big day, from the reception to the honeymoon. Inside you’ll find checklists, worksheets, insider advice, and in-depth sections on:

How to personalize your wedding
Updated wedding etiquette
Creating a realistic budget
Sneaky cost-cutting tips
Dress shopping advice
Tips for working with florists, caterers, officiants, and others
Invitation wording
Vows and ceremony details
Unique wedding customs

ALL NEW SECTIONS ON: Planning Online and Destination Weddings

Customer Reviews:

Very Helpful.......2007-08-24

This was an extremely helpful book and it's not bulky. I definitely recommend it.

Some Good Advice, Mostly Hype.......2007-05-26

When my fiancee and I first started planning our wedding, we heard about this book and purchased a copy because of its popularity and mention in magazines and elsewhere. While there is some good advice, it's not the must-have some people say and it's heavily tied into the web site too, which is just more of a time drain. I think much of the material could be condensed into fewer pages and more focused advice. You won't regret buying it, but nor will it make your planning much easier IMO.

Engagement Gift.......2007-05-07

Bought this item as an engagement gift for the daughter of a friend. She is someone that really enjoys being organized and this book has definitely helped her in planning the wedding.

Don't get married without it!.......2007-03-26

This was a great resource - explained everything you may want to consider or don't even know to ask regarding weddings. Very informative & easy to read & had great ideas from ettiquette and budgeting to options. Loved the website as well from the Knot & found this a great companion. Highly reccomend to anyone getting married - great engagement gift!

Pretty Darn Informative.......2007-03-22

Touched on it all. Definitely a How To with details. It answered many questions not just for one kind of bride but for brides of all kinds. I thought the least helpful were the personal accounts, more touchy feely than helpful. Their website is the best and this does supplement the website with more detail.

Average customer rating:

Very basic
Too much responsibility!
Probably not the worst bridesmaid book out there...
I don't understand the good reviews...
This is a very helpful book

Ultimate Maid of Honor
Pocket-Poet
Manufacturer: Pocket-Poet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

Everything Bridesmaid: From Planning the Shower to Supporting the Bride, All You Need to Survive and Enjoy the Wedding (Everything Series)
The Ultimate Bridal Shower Idea Book: How to Have a Fun, Fabulous, and Memorable Party
The Bridesmaid Guide: Etiquette, Parties and Being Fabulous
The Bridesmaid Handbook
The Bridesmaid's Guerrilla Handbook

ASIN: 0975275321

Product Description

Pocket-Poet's guide to be the Ultimate Maid or Matron of Honor. All topics covered so you are not caught by surprise. Step-by-step review of your obligations from the day you are asked until after the reception. Includes sample toasts for the Rehearsal Dinner and the Reception.

Customer Reviews:

Very basic.......2007-05-15

This book was ok. I was hoping for a little more detail or delving into the maid of honor duties as opposed to bridesmaid duties and this book failed to deliver. It is very simple, perhaps good for a junior bridesmaid?

Too much responsibility!.......2006-11-10

This book gives the maid of honor WAY too much responsibility. From contacting and dealing with all the other bridesmaids so the bride can worry about others things to contacting everyone on the guest list to introduce yourself and let them know where the couple is registered. Ha! This book does contain the basics, but it pushes things a bit too far I think.

Probably not the worst bridesmaid book out there..........2006-11-06

My husband was obsessing over his duties for a wedding that he and I were asked to stand up in. As long as I was buying him a book about being a Best Man, I decided to read up on being a Maid/Matron of honor.

Now I've only been a part of weddings in the Midwest, so I don't know how it is done elsewhere in the country, but many of the duties this book outlined seem out of date. For example, calling all of the guests and introducing myself? No honor attendent has ever called me when I was a guest! I also was not aware that the maid of honor was supposed to organize absolutely everything with wedding day hair appointments, guest accomodations, dress fittings, etc. As I bride I did all of that as part and parcel of being the bride and the brides I've stood up for have all been the same. Perhaps we are all just control freaks.

I mostly wanted information on the bridal shower and bachelorette party and I did get some ideas. And it did remind me that I needed to check in with the bride frequently to offer my services, even if she had everything under control.

The last section of the book covers toasts. Please, do not use the sample toasts. I'm not sure what the author was drinking when she wrote the section on toasts, but whatever it was, it was in large quantities. I know that not everyone is a natural public speaker, but a few heartfelt works about your relationship to the bride and well wishes would be much prefered to the toasts written in the final chapter.

I don't understand the good reviews..........2006-07-01

I bought this book based on the reviews, but I found it to be a horrible book. I can't imagine following these rules and having friends after the wedding. What the tell you to do is be one of those annoying people that gets involved in EVERYTHING and takes over EVERYTHING.

EVERYTHING wedding related seems to be the responsibility of the Maid of Honor.

I'm scared to be a Maid of Honor after reading this book. What the author describes as responsibility of the Maid of Honor seems more appropriate for a Wedding Planner.

This is a very helpful book.......2005-05-04

I was a little nervous to buy this book because I saw a bad review but the others were all so good. It was out of stock for a while but I bought it and I found it very helpful. The tone seemed really fine to me. I dont know if I would buy it as a bride to give to the maid of honor because I think any book would be presumptous. I think this is a book that a Maid of Honor should buy for herself. It helped me a lot.

Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Cookbook: Recipes for Cooking Together

Average customer rating:

Great Gift for Many Wedding Occassions
BEST of the Bride & Groom Cookbooks
A great wedding gift !
Great as a Present or Starter Cookbook
Over a hundred classic dishes for meals from breakfast to dinner

Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Cookbook: Recipes for Cooking Together
Gayle Pirie , and John Clark
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Betty Crocker Cookbook (Bridal Edition) (Betty Crocker Books)
The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook
Food Made Fast: Weeknight (Williams-Sonoma)
Williams Sonoma Essentials of Healthful Cooking: Recipes and Techniques for Wholesome Home Cooking (Williams-Sonoma Essentials)
The Newlyweds' Cookbook

ASIN: 0743278550

Book Description

Whether it was a whirlwind romance or you've known each other for years, you are entering a new stage of life. Now that you're married, it's time to think about the new life and traditions you'd like to create. Often our fondest family memories are centered around the dinner table, with the fulfilling meals and companionship it offers.

To create this cookbook, Gayle Pirie and John Clark have drawn from their experience as restaurant chefs and on their shared history as a married couple. They have cooked in some of San Francisco's best restaurants for nearly twenty years, so they know how to make food taste delicious. But they also know what it's like to come home from a long day of work and want to create a comfortable haven for their family. In these pages, Gayle and John have brought together dozens of their own favorite dishes that can create hundreds of family meals.

Knowing that most of their readers won't have learned the art of cooking at their grandmother's knee, they've also included the basics. The Bride & Groom Cookbook explains all you need to know about setting up a kitchen and pantry with essential equipment and ingredients, combining dishes to create a meal, and even cooking methods. If you're already comfortable in the kitchen, you'll find plenty of valuable advice on pairing wine and food, serving a cheese course, and gracious entertaining.

The two of you could take only one cookbook with you as you embark together into this new and rewarding stage of life, the Bride & Groom Cookbook would truly be the one.

Customer Reviews:

Great Gift for Many Wedding Occassions.......2007-04-10

I ordered two copies of this book for different wedding occassions. The first was as a wedding gift. It was loved when received. The second occassion was for a his and her shower. As the bride and groom cookbook published by Williams-Sonoma, the recipes are all fantastic and are great for various occassions from casual dinner to a romantic evening, to meals to celebrate special occassions. As well as all types of meals, the recipes are also of varied cooking levels for beginner to expert, which allows new couples to begin cooking and develop their cooking skills as their relationships grow. HUGE RECOMMENDATION for any wedding occassion!

BEST of the Bride & Groom Cookbooks.......2006-12-30

I have gone through the Betty Crocker Bride & Groom Cookbook, the Better Homes and Garden Bride & Groom Cookbook and many more trying to find one that would have great pointers for cooking for two as well as great dishes. This cookbook has it all. The recipes are great classic dishes and the recipes range from breakfast foods to desserts. I highly recommend this cookbook.

A great wedding gift ! .......2006-08-30

the happy couple about to be married enjoy good food. the groom to be is the chef; the bride has a demanding career and has no time to cook, but wants to learn some basics just the same. This book is great for people like them...really begins at the beginning and has some very good recipes. I copied a few of them to keep for myself.

Great as a Present or Starter Cookbook.......2006-07-18

First off, this book looks great. I have a collection of hand-me-down 'classics' (Beard, Joy, all that jazz) but none of them are very presentable. After getting married recently, we decided to get a new book and this one really stood out. I personally think the title (cooking together) is a little misleading, because there's not much really that would differentiate it from any other starter cookbook in that regard. It is more family oriented in meal choices, and gives some great pointers to get you moving around the kitchen. There is also excellent advice on meals, pairings etc. Overall its a very good resource, especially for a younger couple. And of course, thanks to the slipcover, it makes a great wedding or anniversary present!

Over a hundred classic dishes for meals from breakfast to dinner .......2006-05-23

If you're seeking a shower or wedding gift for a couple who likes to cook or eat, BRIDE & GROOM COOKBOOK: RECIPES FOR COOKING TOGETHER is the item of choice for such a couple. The authors use their own experience as restaurant chefs and as a married couple to show how working families can use dozens of favorite dishes to create hundreds of family meals. Even though the authors are cooks, they don't presume any prior knowledge: the basics accompany over a hundred classic dishes for meals from breakfast to dinner and plenty of supportive tips from preparation and cooking times to a complexity scale between 1-4.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

Average customer rating:

yummy
NOT AS GOOD AS OTHERS.
For a more intimate present, you may want to try . . .
Um no thanks - totally old school!
Not for beginners

The Bride and Groom's First Cookbook
Abigail Kirsch
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Newlywed Cookbook
New Cook Book, Bridal Edition (Better Homes & Gardens)
The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook
Not on Love Alone: A Cookbook: A Year of Delicious Dinners and More for Newlyweds
Williams-Sonoma Bride & Groom Cookbook: Recipes for Cooking Together

ASIN: 0385476353
Release Date: 1996-01-01

Book Description

The Bride and Groom's First Cookbook is indeed a first--the first modern and manageable teaching cookbook for young couples whose sophisticated tastes outdistance their kitchen skills and available time. And who better to provide such a book than Abigail Kirsch, who has been responsible for orchestrating thousands of weddings and engagement parties, who knows better than anyone the kinds of recipes and instructions young people need and want, and whom young people know and trust.

This easy-to-use teaching book is designed for young working couples who will be sharing the cooking and entertaining chores at home. The recipes, from Spinach and Pine Nut Pizzetta to Roasted Salmon in Horseradish Crust and Lemon Chicken with Capers, are designed to please the well-trained palate, but no culinary skill is assumed. Each recipe includes a list of necessary utensils, a clear set of do-ahead instructions, tips for serving, and variations. In addition, there is a section of complete menus for entertaining in a number of styles on different occasions, from a tailgate picnic to a formal dinner for in-laws or the boss. Each menu includes a timetable for completing all preparation chores and dividing them efficiently between two people. And last but not least, there are a glossary of cooking terms, a list of essential pantry ingredients, and a checklist for a bridal registry.

In short, The Bride and Groom's First Cookbook is an indispensable resource for busy young couples with more taste than time, who want to eat well and entertain with flair.

Customer Reviews:

yummy.......2006-11-02

I received this book as a gift and I have used many of its recipes! Many of the recipes are things I would not have come up with on my own so it gave me the chance to try new things. My husband and I really like the horseradish salmon and mustard crusted lamb! If you can follow directions you can use this cookbook.

NOT AS GOOD AS OTHERS........2006-06-16

I purchased The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook and loved it so I decided to try this one. The Bride and Groom's First Cookbook DOESN'T have pictures! The Bride and Groom First and Forever DOES. Because of the pictures in the latter, I felt compelled to try some of the dishes. They were great and have become part of my regular menus. This book, the Bride and Groom First Cookbook, may have several good recipes but it's more apt to end up dusty on the bookcase. I wasn't really pleased with a few of the recipes I read. Actually, they may be a bit to fancy for my taste and really didn't appeal to me. Others may really like them though. I'm just a basic food type of person. I like basic recipes with a little common flare.

For a more intimate present, you may want to try . . . .......2005-05-18

I am an avid, but amateur chef and am getting married in Fall 05. I've looked at a number of bride-groom cookbooks. So far, my favorite is NOT ON LOVE ALONE by Jessie Carry Saunders. It has a friendlier, more intimate tone than any of the others -- it feels like something written by a bride for other brides.

It has a friendly, appealing feel, like the author is in the kitchen with you, telling you stories about the recipes as she teaches you how to make them. Also, it's just a higher quality book -- it's a hard cover, the pages are nice and thick, and the watercolor illustrations on every page make the book seem like something you could display on your coffee table as easily as you could use it in the kitchen.

If you want a good cookbook, any of the various newlywed cookbooks will work fine. If you want an excellent present for a wedding or a bridal shower, my recommendation is NOT ON LOVE ALONE.

Um no thanks - totally old school!.......2003-08-01

This is soooooo not the first cookbook for newlyweds. Any well meaning guest who buys this for their bride and groom should really take a second to look through the recipes. Newlyweds and cooking are not a natural combination, if you know what I mean. Okay, call me crazy but if I open up a cookbook and most of the recipe titles have things I've never heard of in them, that spells trouble. The recipes are so 1980s - very foo-foo. What about healthy, quick, good food? And a little diversity in the recipes, please :)

Not for beginners.......2003-07-26

If you're a true beginning cook like me, this book will overwhelm you. I'm a working newlywed and eating three hours after I get home at 7pm just isn't going to work.

Some of the recipes are tempting, but overall they have lots of ingredients (some that i've never heard of or that are expensive to buy and then sit on the shelf) and take a long time to prepare/cook.

If I were having the parents over for brunch one Sunday, I may get up super early to surprise them with a meal from this book, but for everyday cooking, this cookbook is a disappointment. The "First" part of the title is misleading.

Book Description

Dog trainer Holly Winter is set to marry veterinarian Steve Delaney, but the wedding plans have been spoiled by murder--and Holly's taking it personally. The victims have been female dog lovers, and since Holly fits the profile, "till death do us part" isn't just an upcoming vow--it's a dire warning.

Customer Reviews:

Love the Wedding planning.......2007-07-26

I've been a Susan Conant fan since the beginning. I've owned dogs all my life, though never malamutes (!) - though my Maggie mutt, whom I owned for 15 years, was a malamute at heart based on Conant's writings about the characteristics of the breed. :-) And as a long-time dog lover I find myself saying "yeah!" to most of Holly's admittedly over-the-top pronouncements about the perfection of the canine species.

But I have long loved Holly and Steve and Rita and Kevin and Buck, etc. Recently I began rereading this entire series (at least all my copies I could find, still a few I have not found again yet, darn). I do think the earlier books were better, but beginning around with The Dogfather they began to get a little whacky.

I always loved Steve, and long wished to find a Steve of my own (no such luck). But the whole Steve/Anita interlude just seemed so *wrong* and out of character to me.

So in this book I was pleased to see Holly and Steve together again and headed for matrimony at long last. I agree the mystery in this book, and the murder motive, was strained and forced. Some of the murderer's reasons for the crimes just seemed out of left field.

But for me the murder was not the main reason for the book anyway. I love murder mysteries as a genre, but for me the fun of this book was all the wedding planning. That alone is enough for me to read and reread this book.

Very weak mystery.......2007-01-04

I agree with the other posters that this book had too much detail and rambling. I wouldn't say that there was any bad writing in the book--it was an easy read and flowed very well.

The detail would have been okay with me if there was a solid mystery to back it all up. Sadly it read more like a long wedding journal where the murders were simply on the news in the background. The main character didn't even actively try to solve the mystery--she just worried about it! The ending was especially awkward with an unbelievable motive and ridiculous ending for the villan.

The dogs were certainly talked about a lot, and how much everyone loved them. Unfortunately their presence contributed nothing to the plot and their activities were only mildly amusing.

I've never read any of Conant's other books and I shudder to think that this was the best. Maybe if you know the characters (in real life or from previous novels) you would enjoy it more but I would strongly discourge it as a first Dog Lover's Mysteries read. I love dogs and mysteries and this book was a disappointment on both accounts.

Am I Still Awake?.......2006-01-15

I devoured all of this writer's books when I first discovered them and it had been quite some time since then when I bought this book. I'm a real sucker for a book with dogs so I dove right in only to become disappointed all too quickly. I didn't remember all the rambling. It is rampant! At times it was almost like reading a text book for all the 'skimming' that I did. I can't say it was a waste of time but some more editing would be appreciated.

Bride and Groom.......2005-09-27

I just finished Bride and Groom. This was the first Holly Winter mystery I have read in a while, as I became disappointed in the long rambling paragraphs and uninteresting story lines of her later mysteries. However I LOVE dogs and wanted to try them again. B&G was much better than many of her latter books. Still a lot of rambling by Holly, but not as bad. The introduction of a new puppy, Sammy, brought lots of smiles. And the wedding story line was very fast-paced. Many of my old "favorite" characters were back and involved-- Rita, Kevin, Steve... even the dog club trainers got named! The actual mystery? Eh, so-so. It was disappointing in the end and the actual killing didn't make sense. Many of the characters were VERY flat and almost caricatures (Ceci and Althea, for instance--ESPECIALLY Ceci!!). This led to lots of eye-rolling as I read! But in general, a good book, and better than most of Conant's latter Dog mysteries. A solid "B" from me. :o)

more attention please to story construction and dialogue.......2005-09-19

I preordered this book in hardback, as I have all the author's books since they first started coming out in hardback, but I am just now barely getting through it. I loved the earlier dog training oriented books in the series and sometimes reread them. But I must confess the later books seem to be less and less interested in dogs. And even though the mystery aspect of the novels have always taken second place to the dogs, these later novels are even less interested in crafting a mystery. What substitutes are more pages of trivia and rambling introspection that seem unrelated to dogs or the plot of the novel.

In this one, I found the mystery incomprehensible. Why would Mac, who seemed to be well off and relatively easygoing if a philanderer, whose kids liked him, and who was reported as begging his wife to forgive him, ever give a wife an ultimatum that she could have no more dogs? Perhaps I missed something -- I was skimming through the book a lot. But the murderer's -- and even the philandering husband's -- motives and actions weren't believable. Their resolution was also handled "off stage", in a rush, and left me feeling still more unconvinced as to why the characters acted as they did. This book, which was a "finale" of sorts in that it involved the marriage of Steve and Holly deserved more attention to producing a believable mystery and more effort in the final resolution of it.

Regarding the trivia, it seems to serve as a way of providing exposition as opposed to dialogue. Whatever happened to bringing characters into the story, to Holly sleuthing and searching to give us some of the information in dialogue instead of having Holly searching the web and giving us a precis of her finds, or having us read emails? Dialogue, as opposed to narrative exposition would have forwarded the story better.

This novel also seemed disjointed in a lack of real connection between characters and the two main plots. It would have been better if the mystery and the wedding had been constructed to dovetail, instead of two relatively unrelated plots jogging along, uncoordinated. Have the murder involve the characters at some wedding planning shop run by some dog lover with a philandering husband. Or a murder between some patrons of a wedding shop or wedding related business. Or at a dog training club where Holly went to give her dogs practice in not eating the flower collars (given malamutes eat everything, it was puzzling they should be indifferent to those and that we were given so little info on training for the wedding. That seemed an opportunity lost). If the murder was more related to the wedding, some of the information could have been more easily relayed in dialogue even without Holly having to do much sleuthing, as well as tying the mystery to the wedding, instead of so much narrative. The murder and wedding could have proceeded more naturally together.

It would have been nice too, if the familiar characters had more than walk on parts in the novel. Keven could have spent some time solving the murder while Holly and the rest had their wedding planning around it and him. Rita could have come in for dispensing some shrink advice on pre wedding jitters, given Holly's resistance to marriage before. The subplot involving Rita and her philandering boyfriend in some respects had even more attention paid to it than the actual murder mystery, but did nothing to further the two main plots of wedding and murder. Rita could have had other more relevant roles. And Steve needed to be much less than a cipher through this. He seems to show up to bring dinner and take Holly to bed and that's pretty much it for him. Instead, Rita had her own subplot, Kevin's involvement in the mystery was perfunctory, at best, and Steve didn't seem to have much to do at all. I would have liked to have seen more relation between the characters (these are after all, cozy mysteries) more coordinated plots, more dialogue with each other and much less of the pages of filler. It would have resulted in a better, tighter mystery.

I'm hoping the promise of the first few books gets renewed by the author putting a little more effort into the nuts and bolts of writing. In the meantime, I probably am going to hold back on preordering the hardbacks -- which I regret -- and wait to see. I keep hoping some editor is going to take this author by the hand a little. To put it in words Holly might understand, this was a good writer who -- like a formerly well trained dog whose owner has lapsed on training sessions -- needs to return, reinforce and work on those basics that were practiced in the first books of the series.

The Bride & Groom Thank-You Guide: A Thoroughly Modern Manual for Expressing Your Gratitude-Quickly, Painlessly andPersonally!

Average customer rating:

The best wedding thank you book available!
Don't Waste Your Money

The Bride & Groom Thank-You Guide: A Thoroughly Modern Manual for Expressing Your Gratitude-Quickly, Painlessly andPersonally!
Sharon Naylor
Manufacturer: Perigee Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Etiquette | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

The Bride's Thank You Guide: Thank-You Writing Made Easy
The Bride's Thank-You Note Handbook
Heartfelt Thank Yous: Perfect Ways for Brides to Say Thank You (Clark, Beverly)
Personal Notes: How to Write from the Heart for Any Occasion
Easy Eloquence: Sample Thank You Notes and Sympathy Cards For Every Occasion

ASIN: 0399532587

Book Description

A thoroughly modern manual for expressing gratitude-quickly, painlessly, and personally!

How can I ever thank you?
Thank-you notes are essential-but they don't have to be torturous to write and stilting to read. With this concise guide, modern couples can make the task easy while adding essential personal touches to each note they send. Filled with information on everything about writing the perfect thank-you, including:

- Modern technology like email, DVDs, and videostreaming-to use or not to use?
- The top 15 thank-you mistakes-and how to avoid them
- A thank-you thesaurus
- How to word thank-yous for non-traditional gifts, including charitable donations and honeymoon registries
- Thanking the bridal party and other special people
- Creating unique cards with stamp art, photos, and more
- Thank-you checklists, shopping lists, and a writing timetable

Customer Reviews:

The best wedding thank you book available!.......2007-04-15

The subtitle accurately describes this handy book, "a thoroughly modern manual for expressing your gratitude--quickly, painlessly and personally!" Naylor's text is hands down the best wedding thank you book available. While there are limited examples included, Naylor offers lots of inspiration through the following six parts:

--The foundation of thank you notes
--Saying thank you for gifts
--Saying thank you for help
--Ordering (or making) thank you notes
--Inserts
--Thank you gifts

Naylor gets straight to the thoroughly modern as she emphasizes how writing thank you notes is a job shared by both the bride and groom, while covering modern technology--including email and DVD thank yous as well as those nontraditional gifts like honeymoon registries and donations to charities. Possibly Naylor's only downfall is following the traditional way of hyphenating each and every "thank-you" tip. While this feels passé because it's never printed on thank you cards, and contradictory because she excludes the hyphen in the sample notes, it doesn't hinder her modern message for modern couples...making Millie proud.

Don't Waste Your Money.......2007-01-13

This book did not offer nearly enough real-life examples for thank you letters. Do not waste your money.

Average customer rating:

Super Fun!!!!
An Entertaining Contemporary That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet!
Cute Easy Read
Good sequel
Sequel to "Once Upon a Date"

Bride Needs Groom
Wendy Markham
Manufacturer: Forever
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Once Upon a Blind Date
Hello, It's Me (Warner Forever)
The Nine Month Plan
Slightly Settled (Red Dress Ink)
Slightly Engaged (Red Dress Ink)

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0446614548

Customer Reviews:

Super Fun!!!!.......2007-08-17

It was a super fun read. I could not put it down. It was very entertaining read.

An Entertaining Contemporary That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet!.......2007-03-10

A flick of the wrist, a touch of the palm - the psychic foresees a man for you. Grab-up your wedding dress, tiara and veil, the walk down the aisle has commenced. Now where that leads, is up to you. Marriage - commitment, it could be for you, but the Bride Needs Groom!

Mia Calogera is on a plane bound for Las Vegas, to get married. After Grandpa Junie, wins the New York lottery, Mia's simple life changes overnight. Mia now has enough money to splurge and shop, until she drops. Grandpa Junie is getting close to his eighty-fifth birthday - he wants to see Mia wed, if she does not marry soon, Mia would be out on her, very poor fanny! She takes matters into her own hands, and finds Derek online to marry her, which leads us back to Mia on the plane.

When Dominic "Dom" Chickalini finds his seatmate is a ravishing bride all dressed in white, he thinks it is a sign of things to come. As these two get to know each other throughout the long flight, Mia's entire wedding plans to Derek are turned upside down. When the plane lands, Mia will go one way, and Dom, another. What will Mia do now?

Can she still go through with this farce of a marriage or is Dom truly the one for her?

Bride Needs Groom is the latest release by author Wendy Markham. This is a story of finding your marriage partner, in the most twisted of possible ways. Ms. Markham has a razor sharp voice and tongue to match. She whips-out snappy comebacks left and right - keeping the readers on their toes. Ms. Markham has a flair for mixing in wisdom, personable characters and a touch of magical love into this zipped-up book. This reader never lost contact with the characters or their wacky world. The book is pulled together and delivered with amazing insight of a keen author. This is one whimsical wedding wonder of a read!

Mia is a woman, who had a shaky childhood, when her parents divorce she is left to be raised by her Grandparents. This has all taken its toll on her views of marriage. But, what is a girl to do when a fortune is on the line, and marriage will be the only saving grace.

Dom is a free loving spirit who is not ready to settle down yet. He is closing in on thirty and everyone around him is married, getting married or engaged. Dom feels the noose tightening around his neck. Will Mia be his answer - marriage of mutual convenience or is there more going on here, than meets the eye?

Dom and Mia - a twisted match made in heaven. It is said, that love can move mountains, but can it surmount the twin peaks of these two? Will she, won't she - could he, does he, the list goes on...

Ms. Markham has created thoroughly entertaining contemporary romance that her fans are sure to love. Grab your copy today! Bride Needs Groom by Wendy Markham.

Reviewed by Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2007

Cute Easy Read.......2006-12-30

This book is very cute. Especially if you just want to read a laid back love story.

Good sequel.......2006-11-25

BRIDE NEEDS GROOM starts out with Dom(inic) on a business trip in an airplane to Las Vegas where he meets Mia. Mia is in a wedding dress ready to get married to her mail order groom, which she has to do in order to keep her inheritance and luxury lifestyle.

They get talking to each other and after Mia decides not to get married to Derrek (her mail order groom) she comes to find Dom, who agreed to marry her to help her out. It was planned as just another business deal but of course they can't deny their growing attracting for each other and end up staying together.

Even though this book isn't as good as the first, it was still a nice refreshing fun read with lots of laughs and insides in the characters unusual meeting and way of thinking.

Sequel to "Once Upon a Date".......2006-07-13

In order for Mia to continue to receive a healthy stipend from her grandfather's lotto winnings, she has to get married and settle down. This is an ultimatum, and rather than have gramps bring back a mail order husband from the old country, she decides to find one herself on the internet.

When she arrives for a flight to Vegas, with plans of matrimony, she starts talking to the man in the seat next to her, and soon she is telling him her sob story. Dominic just wants to get to Vegas, have his business meeting and do some gambling. When she propositions him to be her groom instead, he has visions of moving away from his dad, and agrees, despite having an aversion to commitment.

When they return to Queens, everyone is excited about the marriage, and Dom for one feels like a heel because it meant a lot to his family, and they were not there to share in the celebration. Despite intense attractions to each other, their lack of communicating outside the bedroom starts to strain the marriage. Will they both wake up and realize that they care for each other?

Markham's sequel to "Once Upon a Date" and "The Nine Month Plan" has all the old characters back, but this one is not quite as good as its predecessors.

Bride & Groom First and Forever Recipe Box

Average customer rating:

Dent Disappointment

Bride & Groom First and Forever Recipe Box
Sara Corpening Whiteford , and Mary Corpening Barber
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Misc. Supplies

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook
The Bride and Groom's First Cookbook
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Betty Crocker Cookbook (Bridal Edition) (Betty Crocker Books)

ASIN: 0811850951

Book Description

Love, cherish, and eat well together for the rest of your lives. The Bride & Groom First and Forever Recipe Box is a wedding keepsake the couple will treasure. Inside the vintage-style, collectible tin box are classic recipes adapted from Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford's best-seller, Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook. In addition to recipes such as Chicken Soup for Your Soul Mate and Better Than Grandma's Meatloaf, there are blank cards for the couple to add family favorites. The perfect shower gift!

Includes:
- 50 delicious recipes including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts
- 50 blank cards for you to fill in family favorites and new treats
- 7 tabs: appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, side dishes, breakfast, and sweets

Customer Reviews:

Dent Disappointment.......2007-03-25

I was disappointed that the tin had a dent in the top. However, I do feel this is a good buy for the money. Not only do you get 50 recipes, but you also get many blank recipe cards with the tin. Our only problem is that we already had the cookbook by the same company so we already have the recipes. Oh well. Overall, I am satisfied.

Teach Me How To Love You: Bride, Groom & Wedding Planner's Checklist

Average customer rating:

Excellent checklist for your wedding day

Teach Me How To Love You: Bride, Groom & Wedding Planner's Checklist
III & Juanita Bynum Weeks Thomas Weeks
Manufacturer: Global Destiny Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Planning | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Teach Me How to Love You: The Beginnings

ASIN: 1933006137

Product Description

Teach Me How To Love You Bride, Groom & Wedding Planners Checklist! This guide book has a wealth ok knowledge for planning the wedding of your dreams. Also included is The Wedding of the Century DVD to inspire your ceremony planning.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent checklist for your wedding day.......2007-09-08

The thing that is so awesome about this item is that Bishop Weeks and Prophetess Bynum have added several important items to my wedding day checklist that I might otherwise have forgotten. For example, antiseptic, gauze, Ace bandages, and styptic pencil (to stop the bleeding on those pesky little facial cuts). They also stress the importance of videotaping the blessed event, in case the police need it for evidence later. Not just two thumbs up.. two fists up! Way up! For Teach Me How to Love You. Keep up the good work, Bishop and Prophetess! Hotep and Habari Gani to you!

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