Average customer rating:
- Just OK
- Great even for those whose wedding is years away
- I WENT FROM LAZY TO ATHLETE!!!
- I LOVE THIS BOOK
- Fascist rhetoric for brides
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Bootcamp360 for Brides: The Few, the Proud, the Fit
Tamara Kleinberg
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Bridal Bootcamp
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Buff Brides: The Complete Guide to Getting in Shape and Looking Great for Your Wedding Day
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Accessories:
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Luna Bars, Nutz Over Chocolate, 1.69-Ounce Bars (Pack of 15)
-
Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
-
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
ASIN: 0060722223
Release Date: 2004-12-28 |
Book Description
You are cordially invited to get your butt in gear! Bootcamp360 for Brides is a health and fitness program that will whip any woman into sultry shape in time for her wedding, and prepare her for a healthy lifestyle even when the honeymoon's over.
"Do you want to look stunning in your wedding dress?"
"YES, SIR!"
"Would you like to impress family members you've never met before with toned arms, sculpted back, and flat abs?"
"YES, SIR!"
Bootcamp360 for Brides is a popular extreme fitness program geared for the woman who wants to look buff in time for her wedding. "Be his better half, not his better three–quarters," says Tamara Kleinberg, whose program focuses on weight loss, nutrition, and shaping up those areas that all eyes will be on that special day, especially the arms, shoulders, and back. Every bootcamp trainee will set time–oriented goals for herself, building an exercise regimen that includes both challenge and variety. The book will also include "tips from the trenches" advice; inspirational success stories and before–and–after photos from bootcamp graduates; and practical nutritional guidelines and "mess hall" recipes; and progress charts to keep brides–to–be focused on their fitness goals.
The Bootcamp360 program has been extremely successful in New York City and in Denver (its two outposts), and Kleinberg is in the process of building a franchise. We think this book, and the program, is going to be a great success.
Customer Reviews:
Just OK.......2006-03-09
I bought this book hopeing to get into shape for my wedding, I find it dificult to follow. Yes she does map out a plan but you have to filp back and forth and practilly memorize the book before you go to the gym to get the moves down!
Great even for those whose wedding is years away.......2006-02-28
I actually didn't buy this book because I am getting married anytime soon - since I am not - but because I had heard that it is one of the most comprehensive exercise books out. From the ones that I have encountered, I have to agree. It combines easy to understand (not always so easy to do - at least the first time) routines with tips on how to get yourself motivated. And the charts that come with it are a great tool to get anyone started on a comprehensive fitness program, whether you have a year or just a few months.
I WENT FROM LAZY TO ATHLETE!!!.......2005-08-19
If i could wrap up Tamara and her program and take them home I would! I went from being totally unmotivated to get my butt off the couch to exercising daily. i totally toned up and can now wear the clothing i want to. I feel fantastic. i have tons of energy, my confidence is soaring and i know i will be a beautiful bride. I changed my dress to something i really wanted - strapless - now that i have sexy arms. We just booked our honeymoon vacation and I can't wait to get on that bikini and hit the beach. Ladies, I highly recommend this book. The exercise routines are easy to follow, the nutritional section is tasty and the motivation keeps you going. Thanks Bootcamp360!!!!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK.......2005-05-12
I am gettng married this year and decided to try losing 10 pounds for my wedding. This program really made it happen for me. It was easy to follow and I didn't need any major equipment or a gym to make it happen. I love all the motivational tips and being able to see REAL people and their before and afters. It kept me going. The recipes are yummy and the exercises are tough. I would highly recommend this to any woman that wants to get in shape. I even bought copies for all my bridesmaids so that they could do it with me. Wish us luck!
Fascist rhetoric for brides.......2005-01-28
If I could give this book negative stars, I would. It's truly disgusting. It cynically exploits two groups in America that are known for their willingness to plunk down phenomenal amounts of cash in pursuit of their dreams -- brides-to-be and women who think they're too fat and get caught up in the weight loss craze.
Kleinberg's "program" is nothing more than an unholy union of militaristic language juxtaposed with the flowery, sentimental dreaming that supposedly infuses the engagement days of any girl-bride. The program relies heavily on guilting women about the size and shape of their bodies, particularly in relationship to male bodies, exhorting women to go ahead and eat cookies if they wish, but only if they first strip down and eat it naked in front of the mirror (apparently to shame themselves out of the desire for tasty food).
Kleinberg uses the same shaming technique by encouraging women to compare their female bodies to that of their husbands-to-be in a method that is nothing short of absolutely evil, throughout the book encouraging women to "Be his better half, not his better three-quarters".
There's no reason to believe the program itself would not be effective since there's absolutely nothing original about it except for its cynical target marketing. Indeed, her program consists of exactly what doctors have been telling Americans for years -- that good nutrition and exercise are the keys to weight loss and physical health. Kleinberg has simply regurgitated this basic medical advice using a woman's supposed fixation on her wedding day as the culmination of her otherwise pitiful existence, as if we have little other motivation for good health than to look waifishly dainty in a party dress.
This is the worst book I have had the misfortune to pick up (perhaps ever) and any self-respecting woman will avoid it like the plague. Take the medical advice, but give Kleinberg and her fascist, self-hating sexism two middle fingers way, way up.
Average customer rating:
- I love these books!
- Sensational Start of New Series
- A Fun historical romance
- enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance
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The Beauty Bride
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Delacroix, Claire | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Dailey, Janet | Delinsky, Barbara | Deveraux, Jude | Dodd, Christina
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ASIN: 0446614416 |
Book Description
Alexander has a problem.It's not that his parents have tragically died, or that he has been made Laird of Kinfairlie years before he anticipated, or that their treasury is empty, or that he now has to take care of his seven younger siblings.It's that he has to marry off his sister Madeline, who has refused to ever wed. Madeline's betrothed died on the same boat as their parents and she won't even discuss it.So Alexander is forced to take matters into his own hands by auctioning Madeline off.But he never intended Rhys Fitzhenry to take part. Rhys is a warrior who has fought the king to gain land.Clever and resourceful, he knows he needs an heir, and this auction is the perfect way to get one.After all, buying a wife is the simplest solution#151;love is so messy, after all.Furious that her brother would dare auction her off and desperate to ignore the passion mounting between them, Madeline flees...but Rhys won't be cast aside so easily.Can this strong and witty warrior catch his impetuous and bold bride?
Customer Reviews:
I love these books!.......2006-07-26
I love these books!!! They're great to read over and over.
Sensational Start of New Series.......2004-12-29
Setting - Kinfarlie Castle, Scotland, 1421 --- With a depleted treasury and forecasts of a bad harvest, Alexander, the new laird of Kinfarlie was in a quandry. He had five sisters and the eldest, Madeline, refused to marry. Discussing his problem with his cousin, they come up with the plan to `auction off' the `jewel' of Kinfarlie - namely Madeline. The auction, to take place at his Uncle's nearby keep of Ravensmuir, would be offered only to the worthiest of men whom Alexander knew would be good to his sister. Naturally, Alex kept this plan a secret until Madeline walked into the hall and the bidding took place! Furious, Madeline couldn't stop the auction. Although in shock, she bravely faced this humiliation -thinking it an ill-conceived prank by her brother. When the purported outlaw and traitor, Rhys FitzHenry won her hand, she even endured his claiming kiss, which shook her to her very core. But, no matter - never the obedient child - she wasn't about to stick around for the wedding.
The night before the wedding she ran away, never believing that Rhys would pursue her. But, as her hastily, ill-planned escape progressed, she was very glad he did as he came to her rescue. Contrite, Madeline was now fairly resolved to her fate and open to taking a chance with the enigma that would soon be her husband as they traveled to a nearby abbey to be married. Rhys consummated their union into a sensual dance of physical passion that convinced Madeline to work at making this a real marriage as she was determined do all in her power to discover his secrets, and in spite of his reticence, Madeline began to lose her heart.
Rhys, continued substituting folk tales in answer to her many questions until he realized that he had, of all things, fallen in love with his courageous wife. Rhys knew she might soon discover the true reason for his mad dash to Wales and he decided to be honest by answering all of her questions. He knew that she might end up hating him but loving her as he did, he would forfeit his own happiness for her.
In this first novel of Ms. Delacroix's brand new trilogy, the Jewels of Kinfarlie, I found an exciting action tale fully packed with an assortment of well-defined forceful characters, both old and new. Along with the wonderfully strong and engaging protagonists, Madeline and Rhys, I enjoyed the highly mischievous little fairy spriggan, Darg, and Madeline's youngest sister Elizabeth, who was the only person able to both see and communicate with the spriggan. AND, I certainly will be anxious to see what I hope will be a future confrontation between Tynan and Rosamunde - boy does he deserve a swift kick! BOTTOM LINE - This is a prime example of the highly imaginative and entertaining novels Delacroix is celebrated for in a stellar start to what looks to be a sensational new medieval series that is heading straight for my `keeper shelf'!. ---- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---
A Fun historical romance.......2004-12-12
THE BEAUTY BRIDE by Claire Delacroix
December 11, 2004
COURTESY OF WWW.LOVEROMANCES.COM
What can a man do to marry his oldest sister off in a hurry? In THE BEAUTY BRIDE by Claire Delacroix, the reader will find out one method: by auction. Alexander has become the Laird of Kinfairlie, due to the unexpected death of both parents, and one of his duties as head of the family is to make sure each of his five sisters is betrothed and married off at the proper age. Unfortunately, Madeleine, the oldest at 23, refuses to commit to anyone, since the love of her life, James, has been killed. And, with Madeleine not ready to wed, the other four sisters must wait their turn. Alexander has tried everything, but she refuses to cooperate, so he tricks her into attending the auction held at their estate, with the prime catches of the day bidding upon this fair maiden, who will soon be considered an old maid.
What Alexander has not counted on is the appearance of Rhys FitzHenry, who is wanted for treason. Furthermore, Rhys decides to bid on Madeleine, and with his seemingly unlimited supply of coin, he wins, to the horror of Alexander. Rhys does have an ulterior motive. He believes that Madeleine is the long lost heir to his family's land. With him wed to his "cousin", the land will be secured under his name.
Madeleine is outraged by the entire concept of this auction. Alexander has been known to be the king of pranksters but this was the ultimate insult. She runs away that night, the night of her nuptials, and lucky for her, Rhys anticipates her actions. He saves her from being raped by someone she thought she could trust, and from there, their adventures take off.
This reviewer enjoyed the adventures of Madeleine and Rhys in THE BEAUTY BRIDE. Historical romances are a very specialized sub-genre, but this novel was so well done that it is possible that any fan of the romance novel will enjoy it. There is humor, adventure, as well as love in this well-written book. The characters are likeable and believable, the dialogue is realistic, and although one cannot exactly duplicate the English of the 1400's, Delacroix wrote the novel in such a way that will take the reader back in time and believe they are truly there. A touch of fantasy inhabits this novel, with one of the sister's ability to see Fairies, but it is done in such a humorous way that the reader will buy into it. This is the first in a three part series, and this reviewer is looking forward to the next two books.
enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance .......2004-11-15
In 1421 Scotland, Laird Alexander Lammergeier was not ready to take over Kinfairlie, but his parents recently died tragically. Adding to his woes is that he feels he must find spouses for his sisters, but has no money to fund them, let alone feed them. The oldest female Madeline refuses to wed anyone since her betrothed died during the assault on Rougement.
Heeding the advice of his Aunt Rosamunde to auction the "jewel of Kinfairie". Alexander holds a bidding war amongst acceptable suitors. A stunned Madeline learns she is the jewel and even more shocking regally declared traitor Rhys FitzHenry wins the bidding leaving an angry spoiled Reginald Neville seeking mischief. Meanwhile Madeline's sister Elizabeth insists she sees a fairy on her sibling's shoulder, only Rhys takes her seriously. Unbeknownst to all except perhaps Elizabeth, an angry fairy seeks revenge against Rosamunde and kin for selling off treasures at the auction. As an outraged Madeline thinks of fleeing, Rhys begins to win her over, but soon is stunned when the woman he bought to produce an heir steals his heart.
THE BEAUTY BRIDE is an enjoyable fifteenth century Scottish romance with a wee bit of the supernatural. The story line can seem a bit complicated with eight siblings amongst other players to delineate between, but Claire Delacroix does a great job of seven degrees of separation. Though Alexander's actions seem dishonorable, fans will commiserate with his dilemma. Readers will receive immense enchantment from a warm paranormal historical starring two fabulous lead protagonists and a horde of support players, human and fairy.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
-Instructions for making your own headpiece or veil.
Customer Reviews:
For the Confident Sewer.......2007-06-16
I purchased Veiled in Beauty to go on my shelf of resource materials, you know the shelf you go to when the coffee hasn't kicked in at 7 in the morning?! I must admit I am very thankful that I have millinery experience as you are not shown how to make the foundation pieces such as juliet caps, crescents, wired frames and so forth. You are shown how to cover these pieces though, utilising a number of methods such as crinolin(horse hair is crinolin out here - don't trust my spelling of it), covering a buckram frame (book suggests underlining fabric with flannel, a item not easily come by in Australia any more- try pellon, a fine wadding used under quilt tops to enhance embroidery etc).
Veiled in Beauty contains some beautifully taken photographs. It also features a number of illustrations that clearly demonstrate numerous styles of veils. If you are patient, you can match some of the suggested styles and trims to the photos.You are shown how to make veils, such as single tiered veils, two-tiered veils, veils with a pouf, bouffant veils and so forth. Also features instructions for mantillas. Lace applications are demonstrated as well as edging techniques. You are shown how to make continuous bias.
Something that may be interest - you are shown how to make your veil removable from your head piece. That way you can get extra value out of your cocktail base by wearing it at your reception or even to other events after your big day. You're also shown how to make barrette bows- this might be a great idea for your flower girls? Don't forget the wreathes, made from fresh flowers either.
To succesfully use this book I would suggest that you must have a fair amount of patients and an ability to follow the written word. The instructions are clear, but it does no good if you are like me and just want to get right into it.
Like every resource, DIY, style guide book, etc- what you can do with what they sohw you is limited only by you. Let your imagination take over and make sure you purchase some surplus nylon illusion to experiment on before committing to your final piece. Veiled in Beauty is a lovely book that I wouldn't hesitate reccommending to someone who has a little bit of time on their hands. Don't buy this if you expect to be able to produce your bridal head wear in a day and are relatively new to sewing. It might end up more pricey then paying someone to make your veil in the first place.
This book is a 3 and a half star for me - like another reviewer wrote, it just lacks something that I can not put my finger on. When I do, I'll come back and edit this review.
It is Okay.......2007-04-16
I bought this book after reading the other reviews. I thought that this one would be better than 'I Do Veils So Can You.' This book has better pictures and some ideas that the other did not, but not terribly much. I do think that those extra ideas were worth buying the book for. It has more infomation on making a wire frame and decorating the headpiece. I did have a hard time understanding some of the directions for making different types of veils. I am still searching for a book with better information on making veils.
A comprehensive guide to veils and headpieces.......2006-07-13
I ordered this book at the same time as "I Do Veils and so Can You," and this book puts that one to shame. This book does a great job of demonstrating how to cut the different shapes of veils from tulle, easy to follow instructions for various headpiece construction techniques, and a wide variety of options for embellishments and finishing. There are lots of options presented in terms of fabrics and materials, and the book suggests actual things you can buy at your local fabric store. Don't waste your money on the other outdated books out there when you can learn everything you need from this one!
Average customer rating:
- The Best of this newest Trilogy
- Another Winner
- Unexpected
- Guilty Pleasures
- interesting plot, but some definite flaws in this story
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The Beauty: The Bride Quest #4 (Delacroix, Claire. Bride Quest.)
Claire Delacroix
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Delacroix, Claire | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Dailey, Janet | Delinsky, Barbara | Deveraux, Jude | Dodd, Christina
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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The Princess: The Bride Quest #1 (Bride Quest)
ASIN: 0440236371
Release Date: 2001-01-09 |
Book Description
"I was born a woman. There are but two courses for my life -- marriage or the convent. I have chosen."
Certain that she will never wed for love, sworn to let no man possess her for her beauty alone, Jacqueline de Crevy has vowed to become a bride of God. But en route to the convent of Inveresbeinn, her party is ambushed by a knight, who snatches Jacqueline from her saddle and spirits her away with him.
He is Angus MacGillivray -- not the blackhearted ravisher she fears but a valiant man of honor who has returned to Scotland seeking justice ... and revenge.
Angus has come home from the Crusades to find his family murdered and his birthright seized. Sworn to reclaim his rightful lands, he has kidnapped the stepdaughter of Duncan, chieftain of Clan MacQuarrie -- Angus's avowed enemy. But his lovely captive refuses to be the chattel -- or ransom -- of any man ... until Jacqueline senses the yearning heart beneath Angus's embittered facade.
In spite of himself, Angus has let this defiant beauty touch his very soul. And as desire flames between them, a lady fair and her battle-scarred knight will fight for a love that could banish all the sorrows of the past....
Customer Reviews:
The Best of this newest Trilogy.......2001-12-17
THE BEAUTY is Jacqueline's story, but unlike many historical romances that are told from only the point of view of one of the
featured couple, this story showcases a very special couple: each with a unique voice. The BEAUTY is a sort of medieval Beauty and the Beast tale, but it is so much more.This second installment in the Scottish trilogy of the Bride Quest series by Claire Delacroix is sure to delight readers with its unique blend of both humor and deep emotions.
Jacqueline, Eglantine's first born daughter had barely escaped a betrothal that had ended in disaster when she was almost raped . She of all the daughters of Eglantine is the quiet soul with an inner beauty that out distances her outer beauty; at least that is how she believes others see her. But despite her many gifts she possess she is terribly frightened of men and is seeking a life as a Bride of Christ.
Angus MaGillivary is a battle weary Crusader who in the darkest days at Outremer held onto the dream of home. Yet, upon his arrival at Ardfinnan in the Scottish Highlands all was for naught when he learns his home has been taken and his family are all dead. In an act of vengeance he and his often times funny side kick, Rodney decide to capture Mhairi, daughter of the man who he believes has destroyed his family. Blinded by the vengeance(no pun intended as our hero is blind in one eye) he captures the wrong maid with the resulting effect his heart and life will never be the same.
Although freightened of Angus, she learns despite his barbarian methods he is not a man to fear and begins to let down the barriers she has erected to keep men at bay. As they travel they experience a number of events that help develop a tenuous friendship, especially when she meets the mysterious Edanna who helps her to see Angus and what he could become when past wrongs are corrected. With the knowledge he will let her go back to her family when all is said and done, she begins to fall in love with this tortured hero, and in the process becomes more whole herself. But will they come far enough to have a life together?
As in the case of her other books Ms Delacroix effectively uses secondary characters (Rodney for humor, Edanna for mystery and Father Michael for gentle spirituality) to move the couple toward their satisfying end, even if they don't have a clue they deserve to be together. She even has a few surprises
that caught me off guard but none were red herrings and will delight the readers.
THE BEAUTY is a wonderful adaptation of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast sure to provide readers with many satisfying sighs of satisfaction. As in the case of the other two books in this trilogy, Ms Delacroix's greatest strength is creating brilliantly formidable heroes who in the company of their soul mates are gentle and loving, if a bit slow to realize they deserve the gifts bestowed on them. Although it could have been set anywhere outside of Scotland, it should be read for the plot and characters who seem to fit well into Ms Delacroix's medieval voice.
Another Winner.......2001-09-03
I have read all the books in the Bride Quest and this author once again has used my favourite time period and made magic with it. Her characters really come to life and she really follows her plot line well. Her books always hold me in rapt attention and I love to read them over and over again.
Unexpected.......2001-03-15
I picked up this book for the Medieval story not realizing it was a Romance novel. Overall it was well written - good plot, good character development (if you can get past the 'twas and other language that went against the tone of the book). I did find the word Vixen used in a Medieval book hard to swallow and the lack of barriers particularly for someone raped a little unbelievable. But I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters and the strength of woman's character.
Guilty Pleasures.......2001-02-18
One of my guilty pleasures is reading the mind candy of medieval romances. Of the romantic genre it is often difficult to find medieval books. When I find one I buy it and read it. Never mind that it is the fifth book of a series as is The Beauty by Claire Delacroix.
Angus Mac Gillivray mistakenly abducts Jacqueline de Crevy who is en route to the convent to become a novice. This has many of the elements that I look for when I read a novel of this genre: there is the necessary tension between the hero and heroine, the heroine is not completely ineffectual and lacking in intellect, the love scenes are sufficiently heated, but do not over do it and the side characters add a certain dimension and entertainment. While I appreciate a book which goes into a little more historic background and detail and which one is called to suspend belief for given periods - it is a romance and candy after all, so sometimes I just sit back and enjoy.
For those who appreciate this genre as I do I would recommend this book. I intend to read others of this series
interesting plot, but some definite flaws in this story.......2001-02-03
The basic plot and theme were interesting enough, but this is another romance novel that I really feel was just rushed through, with somewhat sloppy results.
The heroine had this "fear of men" which was told to the reader often enough - but not really demonstrated. The motivations of all the characters was stated in an overly straightforward manner - again and again and again. And both the dialogue and narration, as an another reviewer mentioned, were filled with "'twas" and "zounds", which would have been fine if it did not read in such a stilted manner.
The plot was actually quite good, and the characters themselves were interesting and fairly believable (although the heroine's attempted rape seems to have left her curiously unscathed.) All in all this is an acceptable romance novel, at least compared to most in print, but I do think that better editing would have made this a much more enjoyable story.
I wouldn't recommend this one unless you really have nothing better to do on a rainy day, but I haven't given up on the author. I think she could do better, and I will read her books again, hoping for better results.
Book Description
Every bride wants to look and feel her best on the big day, and this handy "countdown" guide will help anyone get into wedding-day shape, inside and out. By incorporating fitness tips, weight-loss secrets, beauty ideas, and wedding-planning reminders into an easy-to-follow 6-month plan, anxious brides will be able to tone-up their bodies and calm down their nerves. Learn exercises to tone and shape arms and torso, how to detoxify your system for flawless skin, diet plans for guaranteed weight-loss, and which beauty treatments really make a difference. Running out of time? Never fear--there's an emergency 6-week plan. Even special yoga stretches and skin firming tips for the actual wedding day are included, along with hair and makeup secrets and hints from wedding photographers.
Book Description
When Sophie Temple discovers a letter inquiring about a child her late aunt had borne some twenty years ago, Sophie decides to pose as the long lost child. She'll give herself one season to carry out the deception so she can make the best marriage possible. Unfortunately, she never counted on meeting Gideon Hayworth, Earl of Ashford.
The dashing earl is anything but respectable, but suddenly he is all Sophie's heart desires.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding...........2006-03-10
Gideon was truly a magnificant man. He could be Alan Shore, of the TV show "Boston Legal" played by James Spader, reincarnated!! They are so much alike! This book was extremely interesting from the get go, not a boring moment anywhere. I loved Sophie, too. Not only was she lovely, she was smart. I didn't care for the drastic turn the story took-although it seemed in line with Gideon's attempt at reform, it seemed to come out of nowhere and suddenly everything changed and there was much heartache. I'm of the opinion that if these people would have just spoken plainly, they would have ALL been much happier.
2.5 stars.......2005-09-19
Lady May has spent quite some time finding her illegitimate nieces and setting them up in society. Her latest find, Sophie, has as many secrets as May herself, or more. Sophie is not a lost heiress, but a woman desperately trying to avoid being a courtesan. Faking her way into society seems like her best option. Then, May's late husband's nephew, Gideon, comes on the scene and turns Sophie's world on its ear. Does she dare continue her masquerade and does she dare not?
** Multiple plots interweave in this detailed novel. Fans of the series will both rejoice and mourn as it concludes. **
Reviewed by Amanda Killgore, Freelance Reviewer.
Prefer the 1st book.......2005-09-11
It's an interesting idea: an earl dies and leaves behind a journal which details a number of children he's had out of wedlock, and his sister decides that the children need to be looked after.
The Beauty of Bond Street is the third book in the series on the Mayfair brides, and the first I read of the Mayfair Brides series. Navin started with the story of Michaela in The Princess of Park Lane, and continues with Trista in the Heiress of Hyde Park; I'm reading Princess right now, and it looks to be a better story than Beauty.
The plot is flawless in this book. You have the heroine, Sophie Temple, the daughter of a courtesan, who decides to impersonate the daughter of another courtesan so that she can claim that dead child's inheritance as one of the Earl of Woolrich's natural daughters. She wants to have a season, meet someone rich and titled, and become respectable.
While staying at her 'Aunt May''s house, Sophie meets Lord Gideon Ashford, her patroness' brother-in-law and a rake, and sparks fly. At the same time she is pursued by Lord Oliver Burton, which her friend Margaux is hopelessly in love with. Thinking that she can't lust after her best friend's husband-to-be, Margaux cultivates the friendship of Lord Farnsworth instead. As luck would have it, Farnsworth just happens to be Ashford's friend and also the one person who knows Sophie is not who she says she is..
The story starts quite slowly with Sophie getting to know the injured Ashford better. At every turn Navin makes sure to remind the reader that she's feeling guilty of being found out, so much so that I found it tiresome.
I felt the conversation uninspiring as well - nothing seemed quite real among the characters, at least until the last third of the book. Among other things, Ashford ends up offering for Margaux because he is caught with her in his arms after rescuing her from Farnsworth, Sophie confesses, finds her true love, and all is revealed.
There are still gems, as when Ashford persuades Margaux's mother to invite him to her home, but the pacing of the plot could have been better, as could the dialogue. Navin is definitely capable of better, as I've seen in Princess.
These books should be read in sequence, as May's story slowly unfolds across each book. I did find some things completely unbelievable though - it's possible to introduce one or two natural children into the ton, but surely not so many? And such natural children would unlikely have been considered 'good ton' - it doesn't seem likely that society would have accepted a peer marrying Sophie. Then again, romances are escapist, so what's a little more fantasy.
Third in trilogy by Jacqueline Navin.......2005-08-08
THE BEAUTY OF BOND STREET by Jacqueline Navin
August 7, 2005
Rating: 4/5 stars
THE BEAUTY OF BOND STREET by Jacqueline Navin centers on a young woman who poses as someone else in order to survive. Sophie Temple has nowhere to live after the death of her aunts, and decides to replace Sophie Kent who is a missing heiress, an illegitimate child of Aunt Millicent. After she presents herself to her new family, Sophie is invited into the home of Lady May, while Sophie lives with the guilt of having deceived this very hospitable woman and her family.
In the mean time, Lady May's handsome brother-in-law, Gideon, is recovering from a shooting accident which occurred during a duel. He is laid up at Lady May's home and Sophie decides she wants to get to know him, a man with a reputation of being a rogue. Secretly, the two forge a friendship, and unfortunately fall in love, realizing that this can never result in anything more than a flirtation. Sophie is to be presented to the ton and Gideon is deemed not suitable for marriage to someone like her, a woman of wealth and honor. Little does Gideon and Lady May know, that Sophie is not who she appears to be.
A subplot has Lady May dealing with her own romantic troubles. She loves Lord Marcus Roberts, but she is not quite ready to marry again, although her husband has been dead for many years. Lady May has a secret that she is afraid to reveal, for it will affect the family as well as herself.
THE BEAUTY OF BOND STREET kept this reader interested, especially because of the amusing characters that filled this book. But Sophie stood out as a character that the reader will empathize with, and will wish that she does find the peace of mind and the respectability that she craves. She was a woman that was born on the wrong side of the tracks, a daughter of an actress. She wanted respectability as well as comfort, and knew that her only way out was to marry a man that could bring her all this. Gideon was a man that enjoyed living the life of the rogue, a man that in the past had no qualms with having affairs with other men's wives. When the two meet, you know that both will find their lives will change for the better. But how does Sophie find a way to get rid of all her other suitors, so she can be free to marry Gideon? The reader will want to root for her. I am giving this book 4/5 stars.
no complaints.......2005-07-20
The Beauty of Bond Street is the third in this series of historicals about a woman, Lady May, finding her late brother's illegitimate children and launching them into society (&, incidentally, finding them spouses).
The best thing about The Beauty of Bond Street, for me at least, was the emotional development, which really rang true. All three main characters (Sophie, Gideon, and Lady May) have deep emotional wounds, and those are explored fully, without either lapsing into melodrama or sidestepping difficult issues. The more Sophie falls in love with Gideon, the more her secret weighs on her, yet the harder it is for her to tell him because his regard is so important to her. And the same goes for Gideon and Lady May. And the ending.... Heart-wrenching and satisfying.
In addition to the romance between Sophie and Gideon, there are two secondary romances, which are like icing on an already scrumptious cake.
The cover, as well, is very appropriate: The mask, hiding the characters' secrets.
Seems I can't find anything to complain about at all.
Book Description
With a wedding impending, the Taiwanese bride-to-be turns to bridal photographers, makeup artists, and hair stylists to transform her image beyond recognition. They give her fairer skin, eyes like a Western baby doll, and gowns inspired by sources from Victorian England to MTV.
An absorbing consideration of contemporary bridal practices in Taiwan, Framing the Bride shows how the lavish photographs represent more than mere conspicuous consumption. They are artifacts infused with cultural meaning and emotional significance, products of the gender- and generation-based conflicts in Taiwan's hybrid system of modern matrimony. From the bridal photographs, the book opens out into broader issues such as courtship, marriage, kinship, globalization, and the meaning of the "West" and "Western" cultural images of beauty.
Bonnie Adrian argues that in compiling enormous bridal albums full of photographs of brides and grooms in varieties of finery, posed in different places, and exuding romance, Taiwanese brides engage in a new rite of passage--one that challenges the terms of marriage set out in conventional wedding rites. In Framing the Bride, we see how this practice is also a creative response to U.S. domination of transnational visual imagery--how bridal photographers and their subjects take the project of globalization into their own hands, defining its terms for their lives even as they expose the emptiness of its images.
Product Description
Journey of The Bride of Christ. Contents: An Hour of Preparation, The Burden of Abraham's Servant, God's Sovereign Choice fo the Bride, The Journey of the Bride, A Bride for the First Adam, A Bride for the Last Adam, Interaction of the Heavenly with the Earthly
Average customer rating:
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How to Be a Beautiful Bride
Jacqui Ripley
Manufacturer: Ryland Peters & Small
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Planning | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1845973321 |
Book Description
Every bride wants to appear at her best on her wedding day. If you read and inwardly digest the practical advice contained in "How to Be a Beautiful Bride", you will not only feel great but also look wonderful as you say, 'I do.' Packed with pampering treatments and beauty tips, this little book provides all the know-how you need to become a truly beautiful bride. *Words and pictures show you how to achieve flawless make-up that will not only look natural but also photograph well. *From the timing of your pre-wedding facial to the perfect pedicure, here are plenty of easy and enjoyable ways to look fabulous on your big day.
Customer Reviews:
Secrets un-veiled........2007-08-07
Un-Veiled is all about secrets and the lives we live holding them in. I think it was written in a very clever way. Throughout the book, the secrets come out and we see how it affects each and every character. At first I didn't see why it titled Un-veiled (besides it being partly about weddings) but now it makes so much sense.
I can't wait for Rendahl's next book!
Another great one!.......2007-07-25
Once again Eileen Rendahl has given readers a treat to read! Un-Veiled is a captivating journey, using life circumstances with a big helping of humor and secrets to keep the book flowing and hard to put down. It's a perfect summer (or anytime) read!
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- Double Jeopardy: Strength In Numbers
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