Book Description
What can a woman do to improve her husband's life? That's the question J.S. Salt asked more than a thousand husbands (ages 18-82). Engaging, funny, honest and revealing, here's the definitive guide to what men need from their wives. Finally, men reveal:
* What to do when he wants to go off with the guys
* How to criticize (if you must)
* What to do when you KNOW he's wrong
* How to deal with his shortcomings
* Two little words that can make life a lot easier
* What to do once in a while
* What to do a lot more often
Like its companion book, How to Be the Almost Perfect Husband by Wives Who Know, this insider's guide will surely serve as a catalyst for conversation leading couples to deeper understanding, better relationships, and improved ... everything!
Customer Reviews:
great book!.......2007-03-08
I just received this book today and have already read completely through it. I had my husband go through it and highlight all the things he wanted me to work on. I think this book is going to be great for my marriage. Great book!
Fuel for the Newlywed Soul.......2007-01-04
This book is by no means a wonderpill for awful relationships or a bible for the newlyweds, but no book really is. What this serves as is more of a running start for people who plan to stay together forever. The advice is sound and badly needed, although some of the "experts" have been divorced several times. Other than that, it's a solid four out of five as far as good advice for long, loving relationships. And the reader doesn't feel like they're being psychoanalyzed by a book. This is the healthy marriage book for people who don't want to be therapied to death.
good ideas.......2004-09-02
There are many good ideas throughout this book. Some are obvious, but still a good bit of information. You can learn how to be the wife your husband desires. There is not a lot of depth, however. It is a collection of quotes and nothing more. Why not ask your husband how you can be his perfect wife?
Filled with gold nuggets for improving your relationship.......2004-04-23
As an Author, Coach, and Motivational Speaker I read alot of books about people, their motivations, and their relationships. Wow, How to Be the Almost Perfect Wife is a guys version of a relationship conversation. It's short, direct, and impactful.
Ladies, please read and act on the items listed in this book. Some of the most important for me are:
** Be my cheerleader. Believe that I have the talent to achieve my dreams, even if it takes longer than I ever imagined.
** I love it when you just listen to show you understand. I also love it when you challenge me with a different perspective.
** If I want to go to bed later than you it doesn't mean I don't love you. It means I want to go to bed later than you.
** Pounce on me unexpectedly
Get a copy of this book and use it in your relationship for fun, for passion, and for romance.
Wonderful!.......2003-07-21
This book and the companion book, "How to be the Almost Perfect Husband" are absolutely wonderful. As a couples therapist, these are the things that often come up that men and women want one another to know about. This is great for men to read, to better understand women and also to understand how universal their needs are. I recommend both of these books highly! These are both my new gifts for bridal showers, weddings, and anniversaries. I just love them!!
Average customer rating:
- Poor Hamish
- Hamish Macbeth -- enough said
- A Satisfied Man Looks for the Murderer of the Perfect Wife
- Amusing, Unique, with Nice Scottish Background....g
- A Strong entry in the Hamish Macbeth Series.
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Death of a Perfect Wife (Hamish Macbeth Mysteries)
M. C. Beaton
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Beaton, M.C. | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Beaton, M.C. | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0446614734 |
Book Description
"Offbeat, utterly endearing . . ." Booklist.A Hamish Macbeth Mystery.When Paul and Trixie Thomas move to the village of Lochdubh, Trixie jumps into things with a vengeance. She organizes an anti-smoking league, promotes vegetarian cooking, even starts a birdwatching society. It's too much . . . too perfect. It doesn't feel like the old Lochdubh anymore. So when Trixie is murdered, not everyone is exactly devastated. Constable Macbeth, head over heels in love with beautiful Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, must interrupt his romance at the most inopportune time to solve the mystery. But how to do that when the list of suspects includes the entire town?
Customer Reviews:
Poor Hamish.......2006-11-11
Just when Hamish McBeth feels Lochdubh is settling down so he can enjoy his life of lazy leisure, the town's newest arrival sets his peace loving life on it's ear. Trixie Thomas is the biggest pain in the rear the poor constable could imagine, bound to cause nothing but trouble by organizing all the other wives into her vision of perfection.
At first, all seems well, until gradually the husbands become less and less happy over the changes being made, and the wives seem more and more frustrated that they can't achieve the level of perfection Trixie demands. It's only natural then, that someone solves everyones' problems by doing away with Trixie, which of course, creates all manner of problems for poor Hamish. Not the least is the arrival of his worst nemesis, Dectective Chief Inspector Blair, who proceeds in his usual ham-handed manner to muck things up for Hamish.
As always, M.C. Beaton delivers with her Highland policeman in his murderously inclined village of Lochdubh. Hamish is a terrific creation, a man who is genuinely content to be where he is, except for his lack of success in the romance department. The books are always an enjoyable read and MacBeth is a warm, endearing character, especially for those of us who appreciate his lack of ambition and his desire to be allowed to go his own way.
Hamish Macbeth -- enough said.......2006-11-10
What is there to say about finishing a Hamish Macbeth mystery? You've had a delightful read, and the good news is another one sure to follow.
A Satisfied Man Looks for the Murderer of the Perfect Wife.......2006-10-07
Death of a Perfect Wife is my introduction to the Hamish Macbeth mysteries. Having enjoyed the book, I look forward to reading more in the series.
Unambitious, but happy, Police Constable Hamish Macbeth is the one-man police force in the village of Lockdubh in the Scottish Highlands. He has his dog, his sheep, friends and all the time in the world to enjoy life. The hardworking citizens there usually think of their relaxed Bobby as a bit of a goof-off. All that changes when an actual crime occurs that threatens the domestic happiness of many of the village's households.
When Hamish is not out poaching salmon or game, he's given to dreamily considering the delights of Priscilla, daughter of the snooty, hyphenated castle-owning family. He's obsessed with her . . . or his imagination of her . . . and finds it disturbing when Priscilla is seen being friendly with a new man.
Into this idyll comes Trixie Thomas, the new wife of reformed overeater, Paul Thomas. Trixie is the White Tornado of cleanliness. She also advocates healthy living, saving the environment and many other good purposes. Soon, all the husbands in Lockdubh are having salads and fiber instead of steak and potatoes, giving up smoking and being hectored to give up other bad habits at Trixie's instigation to their wives.
Trixie also makes no bones about needing money and is constantly scrounging up old furniture to furnish a bed and breakfast establishment. The uproar becomes even stronger when Trixie leads a group to stop a local farmer from knocking over a building with bats in it.
Then, the uproar takes a new turn when Trixie turns up dead. Blair, Hamish's sarcastic superior, takes over . . . but Hamish plods away on his own. The investigation is complicated when Blair's new superior decides that Hamish is the route to Priscilla's hospitality for his wife.
The mystery isn't very mysterious, but the novel does a fine job of exploring the ways that we mis-mate ourselves by the expectations we bring to relationships and marriage. Those misperceptions can cause a lot of harm.
I listened to the Recorded Books version of the book as portrayed by Davina Porter and found my enjoyment greatly enhanced by her imaginative use of Highland accents and verbal pacing. I recommend you do the same.
If you are looking for high action, high tech mysteries built around crime scene investigations, this isn't your book. If you like a good, light-hearted story, you'll have a ball!
Amusing, Unique, with Nice Scottish Background....g.......2004-04-01
This is a fine , short , to the point mystery with great Summertime Scottish scenes, eccentrics, cozy old fashioned couples who get hysterical over seeing theiri mate hug a friend of the opposite gender. An English couple move into this quaint Scottish village, start a bed and breakfast, and the wife converts many of the ladies into bat-saving environmentalists, non smokers, and vegetarians ! Some frustrated romance, upper crust lords, rough and tumble kiddies, and arsenic enter into the brew, and our detective-hero saves the day.And the very end is a real winner. my only complaint is many of the locals almost think the victim deserved her fate,including the detective..Still, a fine, Scottish mystery!
A Strong entry in the Hamish Macbeth Series........2003-09-02
The more that I read Hamish, the more that I like him. He is a totally understated, shy and smart village policeman. He has many endearing qualities, not the least of which is his naivety. In this book an English couple moves into Locdubh and opens up a bed and breakfast. Their arrival throws the whole village into an uproar because the wife, Trixie Thomas, is a do-gooder as well as a "tree-hugger". All the wives join with her and start dramatically changing their home lives, much to the dismay of their husbands. It doesn't surprise Hamish when Trixie turns up dead and he certainly has no dearth of suspects. Trixie antagonized a lot of people. It's up to Hamish to determine who was the one that got mad enough to kill. Along the way we meet more of our Lochdubh friends and Hamish triumphs again. Ms. Beaton's characters just seem to live and breathe off the page.
Average customer rating:
- What a treat!
- Humorous and Romantic
- Being a big girl myself
- QUITE DISSAPOINTED - REALLY 2 STARS.....
- What in the world is this???
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The Perfect Wife (Leisure Historical Romance)
Lynsay Sands
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 084395499X |
Customer Reviews:
What a treat!.......2007-08-08
The Perfect Wife is a perfect treasure! Avelyn and Paen are both wonderfully likeable and caring people. Because he spent so many years fighting in the Crusades, Paen was so obviously clueless about how to interact with his wife, yet he was observant enough to see - and deal with - Avelyn's low self-esteem caused by those nasty cousins. Thank you, Lynsay Sands, for this beautiful falling-in-like and falling-in-love story!
Humorous and Romantic.......2007-08-02
Lynsay Sands books are never overly serious and are usually filled with humor. The Perfect Wife is a an example that keeps you laughing from the beginning when the bride's seams burst to the end with the baby pig Samson. Avelyn is the betrothed of Paen, a soldier just returned from the Crusades who has returned hoping for a healthy hearty wife to share his life with. Believing the taunts of her cousins that she is too fat ,Avelyn has her wedding gown altered believing she will lose weight but when she can't fit into, her mother and maid sew her up in it. When his bride faints at the wedding, Paen believes he has gained a fragile bride but when her seams burst at the reception it is revealed that she is attempting to hide her glorious figure. Paen is delighted in his full figured bride but before the marriage is consummated, a fire breaks out and he receives serious burns to his hands. On the way to their estates a series of mishaps and near misses leads, Paen to believe his new bride is accident prone. However, she endears herself to him and he cannot wait until they can become truly man and wife.
This story is so funny for many reasons...the way Paen doesn't know how to raise his wife's self esteem ( his idea of praise is to swat her on the butt) and his young squire's tendancy to forget the messages he is delivering but his ability to remember all the curse words....also, there is enough seriousness with the attempts on Avelyn's life and the look at weight issues to make it a believable story. Great read
Being a big girl myself.......2007-07-27
Okay, I've read some of the other reviews, and I was literally taken aback by the cluelessness of some. Avelyn was NOT dimwitted or a twit she was just insecure. Insecurity can definately short wire the brain on occasions. Also it was charming that even though her newfound husband made some serious feux pas himself that she didn't ridicule him, she just went with the flow. That, in my opinion, had a lot to do with making her look incompetant. Avelyn was a beautifully written character with much of the self doubt that a lot of women have today. Granted it wasn't because her boobs weren't big enough or her nose was like pinnochio but it was because she was overweight. You really don't see that in ANY of the romances today. It was a lovely change.
Ms. Sands did a superb job in catching the character's spirit as a large girl. The fact that her confidence was helped by her husband falling in love with her no matter what she looked like, was the icing on the cake. True beauty DOES come from within. If it didn't, I know for a fact that I wouldn't now be married to the high school jock. Bravo Lynsay!!
QUITE DISSAPOINTED - REALLY 2 STARS............2007-07-08
I must say that I love Lynsay Sands. Have loved her books. The last one I read, Love is Blind was one of the best books I read last year.
However, it is with regret that I must say that this book was rather terrible. I finished this book because I thought that it had to get better. The hero and heroine were likable enough but unfortunately, the plot was useless, thin and trite.
Avelyn was so "recurrently" clumsy that it made her escapades not even funny - it makes you wonder why everyone believed she was that clumsy when her maid, who had been with her all her life went and with her on their journey could have straightened the situation - but everyone kept believing that she was clumsy and clutsy. The "vile" characters were not so vile and the plot was so watery that by the time I was done I was very disappointed, even though I had persevered to read till the end.
I you want "cute" then I guess I can say that the book could be labeled as "cute" in some parts. However, I want books that once I am done with them I cant wait to recommend. Not so with this one. Sorry if I am a bit brutal with this review. I guess that having enjoyed her other books so tremendously, I was thoroughly disappointed that this book was so flat. Sorry Ms. Sands, this one just wasn't you at all. I am giving it 3 stars, out of love for your other books, it should be more like 2. Sorry guys.
What in the world is this???.......2007-07-06
I have read her books about vampires and was like wow! I read Love is Blind, and was like wow, wow!! I got this book from my favorite book store and read the back and was like wow, wow, wow!!! This is going to be great. AFTER trying to read this book for 4 days, and only getting to page 97, I thought what in the world is this?? I like the guy, but really do not like the girl. She is soooooooo clueless. She says she is going to lose weight to get in a dress, in her time period, yea right. She has some funny moments, but she just acts totally like a whimp when she deals with her cruel cousins, and her new hubby steps in and gives them the what for, and she is still acting like a ditz, I just did not like her at all, she has no backbone. She does not want her hubby to see her naked, despite the fact that he sees her any way. So what does she do........knock the candle on the floor, where there are rushes (aren't those made out of hay or something)! Get a clue!! Then she feels guilty because her new hubby has burned his hands. Go figure, he is a knight, a warrior, of course he was going to put out the flames. Have mercy!! By now I had hoped the book gets better, but it does not. By the time I got to page 97 I found that Avelyn (this is HER name) was not raised by a fool, but a very intellegent mother, and she took after her mother, and was well trained by her mother. Yea right! Just give me a break here. She acts so, so, so, Oh I give up. Read it if you must. But please don't say I warn you. Bad, bad, book. I am going to push this to the back and read the others. Lynday Sands, very good author, buy all the others, just not this one. Please, just not this one.
Book Description
"Past: Perfect! Present: Tense! Insights From One Woman's Journey As The Wife Of A Widower", an exciting new book and the first of its genre, offers readers a personal glimpse into the life of a "WOW" (Wife Of a Widower).
Sensitively written by Julie Donner Andersen, a WOW herself, the book is a clear and honest portrayal of the roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs that most new WOW’s endure, and includes reassuring quotes from fellow WOW’s who validate Mrs. Andersen's research. The author also empathetically describes the heart of a widower and how the WOW can relate compassionately to his grief issues while at the same time, protecting her own sense of security, self worth, and dignity. Best of all, this book offers valuable and sensible advice from someone "in the know" regarding how to deal with WOW-related issues in marriage.There, you can find a WOW (Wives Of Widowers) message board and you can also sign up for my monthly WOW newsletter.
Customer Reviews:
One Woman's Journey As the Wife of a Widower.......2007-01-03
This book was well written and very insightful. I would reccomend it to anyone who is about to embark on such a journey as this one.
outdated theories and notions.......2006-06-20
As a health care provider I am constantly searching for information to share with my patients. I often suggest specific books they might read, in order to enlighten them on subjects they are currently dealing with in thier lifes. This particular subject is near and dear to my heart as I am also the WOW (we are nearing our 6th anniversary). It is my opinion that we need more written on this subject....there are way to many women searching for answers and not finding them. Unfortunetly, they will not find them in this book. I believe this book to be outdated in many of it's notions and "solutions" ( if not in all of them!). This particular subject I believe, is currently moving in a new direction...the opposite direction in fact, that Julie Donner Andersen is traveling. For way to many years WOW's and GOW's were told that they had a certain "place" and a certain" attitude" they had to uphold. Todays woman does not take lightly, to being told how to think and feel.
This book in many ways pushes the new woman in a widowers life back in time. To a time where she was "second". To a time when a woman was silent. This book would have a new WOW or GOW doing "grave visits" with the new man in her life. By the time you are done reading, you find yourself asking....who is more in love with the LW...the widower or the new wife??
The book has a sweet, yet antique notion of three hearts involved in the relationship when indeed that is not possible. It is two hearts and one past relationship, with lingering bittersweet memories for only ONE of the other two hearts.
The whole idea behind being involved with a widower is to love him...move forward into the future, and hope that one day soon the LW is a non-issue in the relationship. By the end of this book you realize if you follow the suggestions....the LW will exist forever. I believe Juilie Donner Andersen had good intentions, but then again, I also love the scenes in a Norman Rockwell painting, and the scenes depicted are alas also scenes from the past. It is a new world, new times and women are changing.
Unfortunately, This is all that's out there........2006-05-12
While I do appreciate this book being available I really wish there was something else more realistically written. I found the book in the midst of a second wife emergency. I read it half way through and was totally depressed and felt like I would always be the sad replacement, not the one he wanted and that I would just have to accept that. A week later when I could finish the book I found the tiny ray of sunshine in the final chapters. So, if you get this book be sure to read the whole thing before you get too bummed out. The book did validate some of my fears but also perpetuates the Hollywood, romantic movie myth that your former widower will always be looking back to someone else and will never be able to love you completely or be completely happy in the future. The myth that your entire role is to "stand by your man" while he unknowingly hurts you with his words and actions and you should for the most part take it.
It's my personal opinion that you need to take the crumbs of truth for your situation from this book and ignore the rest.
If I was not already married when I read it I may have given up on a wonderful man due to the extra fears this book created that I had not considered and the depressing way the first few chapters were written.
Thanks for validating my feelings.......2006-03-03
Loved the book. It was great to just have all the things I have been feeling by being with a widower to be validated. Had no idea the emotional rollercoaster that exists with being with a widower and its great to see that everyone experiences a lot of the same feelings. Thank you so much.
Must read for GOW's and WOW's.......2006-03-02
This is an excellent book to assist anyone dealing with widower issues. I found it very helpful and encouraging.
Book Description
A young bride questions her new husband's true motives for marriage in this surprising novel of playful revenge and ravishing romance.
Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger:
"The most exciting new voice in romance. Her rich and compelling stories delight."-Lisa Klepas
"Goodger sweeps her fans away." -Publishers Weekly
"Goodger has become a must-buy for me." -Romance Reader
"Jane Goodger delivers."-Affair de Coeur
"Ms. Goodger weaves an exciting and sensuous tale."-Romantic Times
"Hours of joyful reading... exceptional characters, blazing passion." -Rendezvous
"Simply wonderful. A beautiful, touching story." -Romance Communications
"Exceptional...fun...a storyline that captivates. This is one definite keeper."-Under the Covers
• Goodger is the winner of the HOLT Medallion Award
Customer Reviews:
Thought provoking...........2000-10-05
The Perfect Wife takes place in Rhode Island, in 1893. It's a romance about a young woman whose weight and appearance puts her in last position as a popular debutante, but in first place with a man desperately looking for a woman he couldn't possibly have an emotional attachment with, marry, and ultimately leave in order to get his rightful inheritance from his wicked, selfish grandfather.
In the first chapter, the reader is made aware of Henry Owens feelings, and what he feels are acceptable reasons for choosing Anne Foster and treating her the way he does. I'm sure each reader will have her own reaction to it and to the story line that reveals everyone's secrets, including Henry's parents and grandfather. My reaction was sympathy for Anne, but I had none for Henry or his grandfather, even up to the end. When Anne is rejected, her family and society put her out. She disappears, and after two years comes back for revenge. This is where the story takes off. Anne's friend Beatrice Leyden, Bea's brother, and mother, Helen, take part in The Plan to make Henry pay for ruining Anne's life. Henry's moral support will be found in his life long friend Alex Henley and a famous socialite.
The story as a whole was an interesting read. Jane Goodger juggles the different story lines quite well. Once I realized that the grandfather's journal was going to pop up, off and on, throughout the story I was able to capture each bit of the information, put it aside, and continue on with the main story. Once at the end I was able to put the grandfather's journal pieces together and understand the impact of it. Like I said, I held no sympathy for his character, but I thought his storyline added a great mystery feel to the main plot.
I will give a couple of fair warnings: the sexual content is bold and passionate and the author successfully reveals the sad side of prejudice that is shown against those who are overweight. It's a serious, though provoking read that will have you turning the pages in hopes of a happy ending.
Keeps you glued!.......2000-10-04
This is a Cinderella story with a twist of revenge.Ms. Goodger has drawn her characters so well that they come alive. This story takes place when Newport was THE place to be and when divorcees were absolutely to be shunned. Henry Owen, a ruthless rogue in need to marry to claim his inheritance of an ancestral home, sets his sights on Anne Foster to complete his plans. Anee is an overweight, shy wallflower and can hardly believe that this wonderful man (in her eyes) wants to marry her. At the end of their wedding day Henry tells Anne that he must see to some business and will be back soon. He disappears and shortly thereafter, when Anne has to return to parents' home in disgrace, divorce papers arrive with no word of explanation. Anne soon becomes aware of the plot concocted by Henry and his friend Alex Henley to get Henry's inheritance. Anne is comforted by her best friend, Beatrice, and is totally shunned by everyone, even to the degree of being pushed out of her own home. Her mother does not want to lost HER social standing. Two years later a slim, beautiful woman - Anne - appears at a social gathering at the urging of her friend, Beatrice. Anne knows she will be shunned but feels she must do this.When Henry sees her, he does not recognize her and is instantly attracted to her. When he learns her identity, he is stunned and can hardly believe that this sophisticated woman is the woman he dumped two years ago. Beatrice convinces Anne to turn the tables on Henry by leading him on until a marriage proposal and then refuse him. However, the complication is that Anne has never stopped loving Henry. A subplot between Alex and Beatrice is very good. Five stars ++/
Newport in its elegant past.......2000-09-18
To learn what it was like in the auspicious society in Newport, Rhode Island and the thinking that made the life of the rich so facinating, read The Perfect Wife. The book takes us to the ballrooms and mansions that were the norm at the turn of the century. But more that that, it is a love story of the times. Anne Foster isn't very attractive, so she is the perfect wife to discard. Henry Owens weds her to fulfill a demand by his grandfather in order to get his inheritance. She tries to make him suffer for his thoughtless act, but her heart breaks in the trying. There are sub-plots that are just as captivating as the main story. All in all, I loved the book.
Customer Reviews:
Lady Smuggler beomes Egyptian Gold Hunter.......2006-01-17
This book seemed to start off with a lot of promise but fell way short of the mark. The first chapters show promise with the discovery of a treasure map left by her deceased husband. They then reveal the fact that 10 years previous she Sabrina, was the infamous Lady B the smuggler. Lady B had captured a government agent and shared a lusty kiss while he was blindfolded. Through the years she had often thought of that kiss and the way he had heated her blood. Fast forward 10 years ahead. Her daughter is engaged to a political figures son, Erik. By request of his son, Nicolas investigates the sudden change in Sabrina and the reason behind the trip to Egyp. He eventually ends up also leaving for the trip to Egypt. Sabrina ends up marrying Nicholas and becomes her own daughter, Belinda whom is engaged to Nicholas's son Erik, future mother in law. Erik is very nondescript and boring. Sabrina's daughter Belinda, who is engaged to Erik and is very shallow, self centered and whines a lot. The bright spot in the book is Nicolas's sister Wynn and the Captain Matt Madison. Matt was Sabrinas smuggling buddy and in the first half of the book is in love with Sabrina. Upon meeting Wynn he drops all feelings for Sabrina and goes for Wynn. I would personally like to see about book about these two characters. They much more interesting then the hero and heroine. At any rate all 6 end up trekking across the desert to look for gold. A lot of the dialouge seems to go round and round until you are bored to tears. I will probably not read any other books by this author.
but not a perfect book.......2004-04-30
More often than not, I really like Victoria Alenander; she's one of the authors who got me started on romances. It's probably a good thing this was not one of the first of her books I read. Excellent premise, but the execution was way off.
Nicholas was an okay guy--your typical haughty aristocrat. Sabrina started out with such promise, but in the end didn't live up to her characterization. She's supposedly lived the last 10 years wearing a mask that slowly falls away during the course of the novel, worn that mask for love of her daughter. But in the end, she simply leaves her; I didn't buy it. She supposedly led a band of smugglers who adored her and followed her with unswerving loyalty, yet we see nothing of those qualities in a long and boring trek across the desert--for nothing. This is also the woman who is determined to never be dependent on another financialy again--but she doesn't follow her investments to the point that she's barely solvent? Too many things don't add up.
Everything in the book is set up to get these two together in love; unfortunately that fact is far too obvious. Everytime a new dilemmna is needed, the author simply states a reason for things to be different. For example, Sabrina's daughter is not enamored with her fiance's sea sickness; she needs to see him do something heroic. So the ladies are kidnapped and the dear fiance just happens to be the only one available to rescue them, which he does with absolutely no difficulty. And Nicholas is supposedly an important man with political aspirations--but he can take off for nearly a year at a moment's notice?
As for the witty repartee, it isn't all that witty; Alexander is capable of much better (see her Effington series, except the last one which was as dreadful as this tale). Secondary characters have as much if not more life to them than the main couple. Nowhere near Alexander's best.
Fun, Funny, Sensual --- Loved it!.......2002-06-26
I liked the spontaneous way Nicholas was willing to take off on a trip at the last minute to and as yet to be discovered location just to follow Sabrina.
The book was witty, fun and carried off an unusual plot for a historical romance. I enjoyed the side characters finding romance, too.
As the first reviewer said, I wish the motivation were a little clearer, but the story was so fun to read that I look forward to future books from Victoria Alexander.
She's not the woman he thought he married........2002-03-11
Sabrina has spent the past 10 years as a very proper matron raising a daughter alone. In truth, she is trying to wipe out her scandalous past as a daring smuggler for the sake of her daughter's marriage prospects. Suddenly facing financial reverses at a time when she desperately needs a dowry for her daughter, Sabrina jumps at the chance to go treasure hunting in Egypt. Not understanding what is happening, her daughter Belinda turns to her fiancé for help, and he in turn pleads with his father to intercede.
An absentee father, the Earl of Wyldewood has been feeling guilty about his past relationship with his son. The endless pursuit of pleasure has left him somewhat jaded and cynical, and he has thought about remarrying, if for nothing more than to have a chatelaine and hostess for his home. When the sparks fly between the earl and Sabrina, he impulsively decides to ask her to marry him. She seems to be a perfectly proper society matron, and the attraction between them is an added bonus.
Unfortunately, she seems to be leaving for an extended trip, and the earl decides to accompany her as a protector. Of course, when their children learn that their parents have taken off together for Egypt, they persuade an aunt to accompany them in hot pursuit. The earl, after all, is a known rake, and certainly cannot be trusted alone with a woman for an extended period.
Sabrina impulsively marries the earl on board the ship, then discovers that he has the power to destroy her if he discovers the secret of her smuggler-past. She loves him, but fears that he will reject her when he discovers how very far from proper she truly is. Not being blind or stupid, the earl realizes rather quickly that Sabrina is in reality a very feisty and spirited lady, and he finds himself entranced rather than repelled. Still, there is something she isn't telling him...something in the past she has shared with the handsome American ship captain. And he determines to stick with her until he discovers what it is.
I really feel this book would be better if it included a more vivid description of Sabrina's days as a smuggler and her run-in with the earl, then a government agent. As it is, those scenes are vague, and the motivation for the earl's fierce determination to catch her just isn't clear to me. If she had been an agent for the French or some such thing, I could understand his dilemma...but smuggling just isn't in the same league as treason.
Other than that, I truly enjoyed the book and would love to find out what happened between Matt and Wynne, since their liaison was not resolved.
Average customer rating:
- Funny, but could lead to salmonella
- For complete idiots
- hilarious & helpful
- Finally, an Instruction Manual for Marriage!!!
- Pleasing Your Woman
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How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt: The Perfect Husband Handbook Featuring Over 50 Foolproof Ways to Win, Woo & Wow Your Wife
Craig Boreth
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Marriage | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
ASIN: 1400053625
Release Date: 2005-04-26 |
Book Description
PERFECT HUSBANDS ARE MADE, NOT BORN
LADIES: At long last, a practical guide to help your man become the perfect husband. How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt is your salvation, with simple, easy-for-a-guy-to-follow instructions on those little things you can never get him to do, such as:
• How to Put the Toilet Seat Down
• How to Stop Snoring
• How to Ask for Directions
• Plus, more than 50 other essential topics (even How to Dance at a Wedding)
It’s a must-have guide that will finally convince him it’s in his best interest to make you happy, no matter what it takes.
GUYS: Don’t panic. It’s not how perfect you are, it’s how perfect she thinks you are. How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt is your key to the castle. Imagine what she’ll let you get away with if you master a few skills, such as:
• How to Appear Calm While She’s Driving
• How to Apologize Convincingly
• How to Enjoy a Chick Flick
• Plus, more than 50 other essential topics (even How to Hide Your Porn)
How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt includes countless tips and tricks for keeping you sane, keeping her happy, and keeping you both laughing.
Customer Reviews:
Funny, but could lead to salmonella.......2006-01-18
This is a lightweight, funny read for the totally clueless male. Watch out, however, for the Tiramisu recipe which calls for using raw egg yolks. The proper method is to combine the liquor, sugar and egg yolks and wisk them in a double boiler until the sauce thickens (170 degrees), killing any bacteria and fluffing up the mixture. Just a tip to help you get your just des[s]erts.
For complete idiots.......2005-10-22
This book is a stinker, a really lame effort. The audience is apparently newly married midwestern ex-frat boys. Written in the breezy jocular tone of such junky magazines as GQ and Details. Extremely shallow. Wallows in the stereotype of men as beer-swilling, farting, football-loving oafs; overworks the tired concept of "the war between the sexes." If you like this you are 100% normal and probably watch lots of television.
hilarious & helpful.......2005-09-21
My review heading pretty much sums this book up. It provides some genuinely good advice while being funny at the same time. You'll get some good tips and have a good time reading it and I think women will enjoy it too.
Finally, an Instruction Manual for Marriage!!!.......2005-09-07
After hearing the author on the Howard Stern show, I had to check out this book. I'm glad I did, as the book actually presents loads of useful ideas and tips for all of us husbands looking for that 'edge'. The book is a very easy read, and can be read cover-to-cover or individual chapters as needed. Although the book has a tongue-in-cheek veneer, this is a sincere book with useful ideas in every chapter, presented in a funny way where you find yourself saying, "I've been in that EXACT situation." No preaching or talking-down in this book...
My favorite chapter is the last one, where Boreth relates a brief story where one of his friends is in Vegas and proceeds to max out the daily limit on his ATM card...and later that day his wife is unable to buy food for their daughter...classic example of what NOT to do as a husband...he even then names the offender, Gary Lipshutz of Metuchen NJ, in hopes of shaming him out of future similar behavior.
In short, the tips in this book have enabled me to parlay my 'good husbandness' into not only an annual Vegas trip, but also an annual 4-day golf outing with the guys plus multiple random nights out during the year. In turn, I have also encouraged my wife to take a weekend trip with her mother and sister, or her friends...
Thank you Craig Boreth, for making me a more perfect husband!
Pleasing Your Woman.......2005-08-09
Since my husband irons his own shirt every morning, the title caught my attention. I've always been impressed by his ironing abilities especially if it allows me to sleep a little longer. I loved the chapter on finding the perfect gift, breakfast in bed and grocery shopping, not to mention the recipes for Crème Brûlée and making Stir-Fry.
I'll agree that men who can cook and clean are very sexy. Just tell a woman you do these things and she will probably forget all other men exist. Imagine how she will be bragging about you to her friends and relatives. There is also a chapter on how to Win Over Her Parents, Enjoy a Chick Flick and Grow the Perfect Lawn. Each task has a difficulty rating and a reward rating.
The main concept in this book seems to be about showing a woman you care about making her life a little less stressful and much more romantic. Even the smallest effort will not go unnoticed and I can almost guarantee a woman will be most appreciative and plan romantic situations to reward such kindness. Plus, with all the time she saves not having to iron shirts, imagine the possibilities.
Craig Boreth is a truly talented writer who has written for major publications. He also has quite the varied life experience as a landscape architect, chef, electrician and carpenter. He joins the ranks of authors like W. Bruce Cameron, Steven Andrew Guerrero and Mike Dugan who provide humorous insight into the male psyche and also love women and take pride in making a woman's life more enjoyable.
I look forward to reading any book Craig Boreth writes because he also completely understands the female psyche and his wit and comedic timing is perfect.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Book Description
The mist-covered mountains are a haven for four women who have been bruised by the pace of the modern world: Hester is drawn to the town of Afterglow to seek answers to her past. Amy hopes a small community will be her refuge from painful mistakes. Ellie has gone home to the mountains in hopes of healing her broken heart. Anna is drawn to her granny's rustic home as a solace from the demands of her career. But, when faith starts to heal their hearts, can these women hide from the reach of romantic love?
Amazon.com
The title of this carefully measured biography of First Lady Laura Bush can have an ironic double-meaning depending on which side of the political/sexual liberation divide one finds themselves. Compared with the driven Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton (predecessors whose level of public acceptance often seemed to vary in inverse proportion to their ambitions for themselves and their husbands), the former Laura Welch of Midland, Texas can often seem like a cipher. But the causes (education and literacy) she has quietly espoused from her White House pulpit have indeed been the driving passions of her life since her days as an SMU coed. Given the hyper-polarizing presidency of George W. Bush, veteran Washington Post Style writer Ann Gerhard is careful to walk a fine line between fact and wildly divergent public opinion--a task made even more challenging by her subject's natural reticence and aversion to overweening self-analysis. But neither does Gerhard shy away from personal tragedies (the death of a high school classmate caused by Laura running a stop sign) or her husband's snowballing controversies (alcohol, Harken, Air National Guard duty gap, economic and social policies, 9/11, Iraq) and the public foibles of their twin daughters. Gerhard portrays Laura as a woman of typical West Texas manners and reserve, yet one steely enough not to sacrifice her longstanding social concerns or sense of self amidst a modern political dynasty. In that sense she may well be her husband's better half. --Jerry McCulley
Book Description
The intimate and critically acclaimed biography of the much-admired First Lady -- now in paperback with a new post-election Afterword by the author -- The Perfect Wife tells the complete story of Laura Welch Bush. From Mrs. Bush's upbringing in West Texas to her whirlwind romance with George W. Bush to the Governor's mansion to her roles as mother, Bush family member, First Lady, and savvy political campaigner, Gerhart reveals her as never before.
Download Description
"Laura Bush is arguably the most popular figure in the Bush White House. Even the President's detractors would not hesitate to describe the First Lady as utterly sincere and devoted to family and country, whether she is advocating on behalf of education and libraries or comforting the nation in times of crisis. Ann Gerhart of The Washington Post has covered Mrs. Bush since 2001, and no other reporter has interviewed the First Lady more often. Through this unparalleled access Gerhart has been able to uncover the woman behind the carefully maintained image. Far more than an uncomplicated maternal figure and dedicated wife, Laura Bush emerges as a complex and fascinating woman in her own right, who has composed a life of accomplishment for herself alongside her husband's tremendous ambitions. The Perfect Wife tells the complete story from Mrs. Bush's upbringing to her whirlwind three-month courtship by George W. Bush and her role as a mother, wife, and public figure. An only child raised in a segregated and fiercely traditional West Texas town, she is less conservative than her husband and appealingly down-to-earth despite the extraordinary privileges of her position. Two tragedies have defined her: a car accident when she was seventeen and September 11, when she suddenly had to transform her job and take herself far more seriously. Ann Gerhart examines the First Lady's influences and motivations, reveals the depths to which her husband relies upon her, and assesses her achievements. Compelling and insightful, this is the first comprehensive account of a woman who has won the admiration of the nation and of the compromises and challenges that come with taking on the most examined volunteer job in the world."
Customer Reviews:
Who is she? Author tries to answer this question.......2006-04-13
At the end of this book, despite having interviewed plenty of people for it, this reader still doesn't really know who Laura Bush is. She comes off as very private, and seems to be doing a noteworthy job of her quasi-job - "First Lady", which we learns is a term she does not care for in the least.
The author takes a few pot shots at President Bush ~ such as saying that the President has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Mrs. Bush has one with reading. She paints them as polar opposites, and I got the sense that the author was constantly shaking her head at what possessed Mrs. Bush to marry Mr. Bush. She also tries to suggest that Mrs. Bush is farther to the left than she would like to let on, but I don't necessarily buy that.
Ms. Gerhart takes a chapter and dedicates it to the Bush daughters, and to their parents' parenting style, which suggests that the girls were brought up spoiled. She seems to nitpick every comment Mrs. Bush has ever publicly made about the girls, and this reader got the feeling that the author was shaking her head over the Bush girls' antics.
Overall I didn't come away learning anything important about Laura Bush. Maybe someday she'll write her own story, in her own words. It would be fitting considering her fervor for the literary arts, and quite probably it would be without the sniping that the author sneaks in every few pages.
Less Than Meets the Eye.......2005-08-04
I'll admit up front that I am not a George W. Bush fan (does an American exist who does not have a strong opinion of him one way or the other?). But I thought there must be a deeper, more complex Laura Bush.
Ann Gerhart's book is well written and I could not stop reading it once I started. There are lots of interesting tidbits (Laura Bush smokes cigarettes, but never in public) and revealing anecdotes and interviews. The chapter on the twins is ruthless. In another chapter, Gerhart describes in detail the tragic car accident that Laura Bush caused when she was seventeen, and what a traumatic experience it was for all concerned.
So how does a woman who voted for Eugene McCarthy, who hangs out with liberal friends, and who loves her work, meet a guy who is running for congress on a Republican ticket and marry him six weeks later, giving up forever a career she has wanted since she was in second grade? I was certain that there was more to Laura Bush than meets the eye. After reading The Perfect Wife, I am convinced that there is less.
Maybe she couldn't bear the thought of staying single into her thirties. I don't doubt that she loves George and that he loves her. It is obvious what George gets out of the deal. Less obvious is what Laura gets. One (male) interviewee suggested to Gerhart that George was irresistibly handsome and sexy. Please.
There is little evidence that Laura Bush is an introspective person. She reads a lot, but seems to be as shallow as her husband. If she ever does evaluate her life and her decisions, I wonder how she will come to grips with having left the desperately important job of teaching at-risk children to raise a pair of self-centered and inconsiderate daughters. And with having supported a man who is dismantling the most important social programs this nation has. Will she ever speak out?
Gerhart leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but by the time you finish The Perfect Wife, you will have enough information to form your own opinion about Laura Bush.
A woman with a very different outlook from my own.......2005-06-14
I read this book in October 2004 - an interesting time to be reading such a book, during the latter weeks of the US presidential campaign with Bush seeking a second term as president. The book dragged in places, the earlier and latter chapters being the more interesting. The writer seems sympathetic to Laura Bush - hence it is almost a shock to read the chapter on their twin daughters which is not at all sympathetic to them, and critical of the parenting they have received, such a contrast to the tone of the rest of the book (and perhaps also something of a relief?). A woman who says (and seems to believe) that supporting her husband is the most important part of her job, "whether my husband is president or not", and who gave up her own career as soon as she married him (after knowing him for just 12 weeks), a woman who has been able to refrain from voicing any of her own views and opinions - maybe that sort of woman is indeed the perfect wife for a President of the United States. I may have my own thoughts about what that tells us, but it is interesting to read about a woman with such a different outlook from your own and to try to see the world through her eyes for a time. I have considerable respect for anyone who has been through what she went through as a 17 year old (when she drove her car through a STOP sign at 50 miles an hour, crashing into and killing a very popular 17 year old male friend) and has managed to come to terms with it and go forward. And there is no denying the wisdom of this woman - whether it has come from her life experience or from her extensive reading - we can probably all take something from the lessons she teaches. Having read the book, I am no more enthusiastic about Bush and his policies than I was before, and have not been converted to a die-hard Laura Bush fan either, but I feel considerable respect for the choices she has made and for her commitment.
The Wedgewood of Laura Bush and Status Value.......2005-02-19
Laura Bush and her mother in law, Barbara, both reflect the enigma society has long created that women who have little or no income lack status or deserve no status, and therefore, have little or no value to society. The misconception arises from the hierarchy which values income level over social contribution and one that fails to recognize the value of marital support, childbearing and raising activities and housewivery. Women and men have been led to believe that unless they have substantial income, they have little value to society. Yet, First Ladies are always valued for their voluntary contributions, expected or not, but anticipated with enormous respect and anticipation with each new administration. Defying the logic that, by default, falls upon every female in this nation, or any nation, the income-based hierarchy of capitalism that fails to acknowledge the contributions of women to their families, to the community, and even to themselves, presents the most schizophrenic of economic philosophies to women, and the most difficult to digest over their lives. Due to the trend to adopt more women into the economic hierarchy of income earnings, Mrs. Bush represents the remnants of our civil society that once respected women for their presence, rather than the barbaric feudal world to which America continues to gravitate which defines women only by their level of income, as it does for males, and ignores their status as wives and mothers, deferring to the singular world where the benchmark of status is conferred by the status of the warrior, as measured by his conquest alone. That women allow this to happen is even more striking, and shows they lack the wisdom of the ages to allow themselves to be placed in so narrow a social box!
Why don't they discuss it?.......2005-02-17
The woman KILLED a boy - she was driving her car down the street and of all people in town for her to accidently kill - she runs over her boyfriend!!! Talk about coincidence! There's a lot of bloodshed in that family. They're the new Kennedy's!! Let's open a dialogue about what a murderer Laura Bush is! Why didn't her husband send her to the deathchair???
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