Book Description
What I Love About You offers a fresh way to say "I love you."
This fill-in-the-blank book prompts you to say what is in your heart, but may not always be at the tip of your tongue. Tell the most important person in your life just how much they mean to you by completing the scores of unique, evocative checklists, short answers, and phrases in this attractive gift book:
If we'd first met in a comic strip, the thought bubble over my head would have said...
I adore this little daily ritual or habit we have...
One of your most irresistible physical features is...
I missed you when...
Playful, tender, and personal, this is the perfect gift for the person in your life who makes your pulse race.
Customer Reviews:
Great Bridal Shower Gift.......2007-10-04
If you are looking to by someone a unique gift for their bridal shower this is definitely a great idea. I receieved it for mine and am trying to complete it for my new husband for our first married Christmas together.
What I Love About You.......2007-08-03
The book was a great idea for my husband on our first anniversary. It took a while to fill the book out but, it was easy to fill out. He loved reading through the book.
Great Book, Great Condition, Fast Delivery!.......2007-07-30
I am very happy with the book, and with the condition in which I received it. I am looking forward to filling it in with my personal input. I am giving it to my husband for our 2-year wedding anniversary, and it is exactly what I expected it to be.
A Lot of Fun.......2007-05-14
If you want a way for the significant other in your life to get to know you better this is a great way to do that.
Kinda cute.......2007-02-22
I gave this to my bf for V-day this year and he really enjoyed reading though it. It took me over 3 hours to fill it out b/c you have to think of stories, memories, etc from your relationship. I've been dating him for a year and a half, but I think this book is more geared toward those who have been in a relationship longer or are married.
Book Description
People who are single are changing the face of America. Did you know that:
* More than 40 percent of the nation’s adults---over 87 million people---are divorced, widowed, or have always been single.
* There are more households comprised of single people living alone than of married parents and their children.
* Americans now spend more of their adult years single than married.
Many of today’s single people have engaging jobs, homes that they own, and a network of friends. This is not the 1950s---singles can have sex without marrying, and they can raise smart, successful, and happy children. It should be a great time to be single. Yet too often single people are still asked to defend their single status by an onslaught of judgmental peers and fretful relatives.
Prominent people in politics, the popular press, and the intelligentsia have all taken turns peddling myths about marriage and singlehood. Marry, they promise, and you will live a long, happy, and healthy life, and you will never be lonely again.
Drawing from decades of scientific research and stacks of stories from the front lines of singlehood, Bella DePaulo debunks the myths of singledom---and shows that just about everything you’ve heard about the benefits of getting married and the perils of staying single are grossly exaggerated or just plain wrong. Although singles are singled out for unfair treatment by the workplace, the marketplace, and the federal tax structure, they are not simply victims of this singlism. Single people really are living happily ever after.
Filled with bracing bursts of truth and dazzling dashes of humor, Singled Out is a spirited and provocative read for the single, the married, and everyone in between.
You will never think about singlehood or marriage the same way again.
Singled Out debunks the Ten Myths of Singlehood, including:
Myth #1: The Wonder of Couples: Marrieds know best.
Myth #3: The Dark Aura of Singlehood: You are miserable and lonely and your life is tragic.
Myth #5: Attention, Single Women: Your work won’t love you back and your eggs will dry up. Also, you don’t get any and you’re promiscuous.
Myth #6: Attention, Single Men: You are horny, slovenly, and irresponsible, and you are the scary criminals. Or you are sexy, fastidious, frivolous, and gay.
Myth #7: Attention, Single Parents: Your kids are doomed.
Myth #9: Poor Soul: You will grow old alone and you will die in a room by yourself where no one will find you for weeks.
Myth #10: Family Values: Let’s give all of the perks, benefits, gifts, and cash to couples and call it family values.
“With elegant analysis, wonderfully detailed examples, and clear and witty prose, DePaulo lays out the many, often subtle denigrations and discriminations faced by single adults in the U.S. She addresses, too, the resilience of single women and men in the face of such singlism. A must-read for all single adults, their friends and families, as well as social scientists and policy advocates.”
---E. Kay Trimberger, author of The New Single Woman
Customer Reviews:
A great consciousness-raiser.......2007-10-05
I just finished this book (which I had checked out from the library) and plan to purchase a copy for re-reading. Recently and very unexpectedly divorced after nearly 30 years of marriage, this book came into my life at the perfect time. I (embarrassingly) recognized myself within the pages as one of those who had unknowingly had the cultural advantages and self-satisfied attitudes of couplehood/marriage.
This book has taken me to a new level of awareness and understanding of society's subtle (and not so subtle) messages about people who are single by choice or by circumstance. Ms. DePaulo's writing is clear, insightful, and humorous. (I found her humor in turns wry, sly, and playful, not at all sarcastic or bitter.) She is right-on in her analysis of cultural views of both singlehood and coupledom.
Aided by the perspective of this book, I am no longer simply accepting life as a single, but looking forward to creating a future as rich, fulfilling, and compassionate as possible. I now view my unexpected singlehood as a blessing that allows me to direct my love and energies into new avenues, including deepening my friendships and providing community service. This book has dramatically redirected my outlook.
Somewhat disappointing.......2007-08-01
A friend sent me DePaulo's chapter headings and they are hilarious! I looked forward to reading her book as an interesting exploration of the devaluation of singlehood. The book's concept is thought provoking. The writing, however, is sarcastic (to the detriment of DePaulo's message), at times embittered, and sometimes tedious (e.g., she'll describe at length another writer's work and then pick it apart bit by bit; she could have instead made her point more clearly and persuasively if she wasn't just reacting to other material). All in all, I was disappointed.
"Don't worry, honey, your turn to divorce will come....".......2007-06-23
DePaulo's book is brilliant, but it made me so angry. Angry at how many couples (from here on, "marrieds") stereotype, stigmatize, and ignore singles, of course! I already knew that marrieds feel sorry for singles because they're "incomplete," "lonely," and "unfulfilled." But not everyone wants the same thing, not everyone wants the conventional, predictable married life. I enjoy solitute tremendously, and marriage has never been my life goal. I'd rather focus on my career, which is more fulfilling than any relationship I've had. I also enjoy traveling on the weekends whenever I want, spending my money how I want, hanging out with single friends (fortunately I still have several of them). Most marrieds don't plan a weekend to go visit a good college friend (well, maybe they will if it's a couple and not merely a single person) and spend money "selfishly" on food, entertainment, and going to take photographs of old nuclear power plants or other unique trips. Does this mean I'm not grown up? no! It means I know what I like to do, so I do it. It's that simple. I feel like I have to put so much energy into defending my contented state, while marrieds are assumed to be content (although I know that isn't always the case, especially since marriage ends in divorce half the time).
I am almost 26 so it's still "acceptable" for me to be single, but people still ask why I don't have a boyfriend. "Don't you want to get married one day?" "Are you dating anyone?" "Don't you want to have children?" "You're attractive, why aren't you with anyone?" (there must be something wrong with you!) I used to feel inferior when asked those kinds of questions, especially in college when people were frantically getting engaged, much like a Baskin Robbins gets raided on the day they sell ice cream for 31 cents per scoop. Better get some before it runs out, ya know. But gradually, I became confident in my singleness by my junior year. This book really reinforced my feelings and it was as if DePaulo was reading my mind for most of it. Especially the chapter about why anybody should CARE if we're single of not? Get a life, marrieds..perhaps you should worry about decreasing your divorce rate instead.
I also liked the part criticizing how society gives a hard time to singles who still live with their parents. I still live with mine but am not "mooching" off them. I pay rent, my car payments, my car insurance, my phone bill, my college loans, and other expenses. I am saving up for my own condo (not because it screams "Single person!" but because it's the only thing I can afford in my area). I have a good relationship with my parents and I give a lot back to the economy, much like the Japanese women. I know that I go out and have a social life more than a lot of marrieds I know. And I'm not going out just to look for a husband either, grrrrr!
I have a good male friend in his late 30s. Some people have asked me if he's ever been married. When I answer No, one of them remarked, "There must be something wrong with him." Actually, there isn't. He just doesn't believe that marriage would improve his life. It's overrated and not a "fix-all" solution. He likes being single! He's happy being single. Is that so difficult to understand? Apparently, it is.
Sure, sometimes I think it would be nice to be married, to have that one person who is supposed to be your best friend, lover, etc. But I'm not going to go around actively looking for it because it's not worth it. If it happens, it happens, but I know I wouldn't mind being single for the rest of my life. I don't need another person to make me feel complete. I'm not going to waste time obsessively searching for the right person (dating is much more of a waste than being contentedly single). Ooh, I must be bitter with this attitude! Sometimes I am, but usually I just think, why try to change my life when I love how it is right now? And marriage could also make my life much worse - you never know if it will work out or not, and you could end up devastated by infidelity, abuse, etc (also true in serious unmarried relationships, i know, but people generally have higher expectations of a fairytale perfect marriage, especially with all that commitment). I know a few married men at work who are cheating on their spouses. Obviously, not all marrieds even respect marriage. How then, can this type of person look down on singles as inferior?
I was especially disgusted with Chris Matthews' treatment of Nader. How dare he imply that because Nader did not consume as much as the marrieds (such as no house, no car), that he was less of a person, less responsible? He is really a thousand more times responsible than Newt Gingrich or Bill Clinton, who have made a mess of their marital relationships. Nader is responsible enough to never embarrass a wife (or any other woman, for that matter) on international television. HE never made a mockery of the all-important marriage as others have done. And he is environmentally responsible for not owning a car because, wow!, he doesn't need one, which makes perfect sense (although not to Matthews). Singles rarely get credit for their accomplishments. I admire him and politicians like Condi Rice all the more because of their singleness.
How are people more "grown up" just because they're married? Nineteen year olds get married and are no more grown up than 19 year old singles. In fact, I argue that 19 years old marrieds are much more stupid and insecure than singles their age.
Have to mention one more thing. Once I was invited on a weekend trip where I would be set up with some guy. But I immediately turned it down because I was buying my new car that weekend. An organizer of the trip then asked me, "Which would you rather have, a new boyfriend or a new car?"
"A new car." Of course. I needed a car, but I didn't need a boyfriend...and still don't.
Singe Edition.......2007-06-13
I had been anticipating the arrival of Bella DePaulo's book for months and read it within a day upon receiving it. Ms. Depaulo could not have said it better when she indicates that not all singles are desperately waiting to be rescued by a mate. In fact many are completely satisfied in their solo state while those who are married may not necessarily be fulfilled. Increasingly individuals are choosing to remain single and Ms. Depaulo helps shatter the stereotypical portrait that has been painted. Bookstores today are replete with kitschy chic lit tales, dating propaganda or stories that glorify mommies but Singled Out is a power piece that raises the individual to the positive and realistic rank they merit. I am thankful for the contribution Ms. Depaulo has made and applaud the sincere and courageous stance she has made in putting forth her writings.
Sherri Langburt
The Last Socially Accepted Prejudice.......2007-06-11
This book is about one of the last forms of prejudice that is still socially acceptable, the stigmatization of people who are single. Contrary to some of the comments made, the author makes it clear from the start that this is not a book about putting down people who are married. The criticism is of married people and others who portray marriage as the only valid lifestyle choice for a mature adult and stereotype single people in such a way that they are portrayed as lesser human beings. I have observed that often, pioneers in exposing stigma of an out group get personally attacked for their "tone", especially if they present compelling arguments that are difficult to reasonably refute.
This is not a book about victims, but rather, a book about the resiliency of single people who have managed to prosper in spite of the negative stereotypes and discrimmination. In each chapter, DePaulo exposes and systematically refutes myths about singles that many in our culture have taken for granted. One of the most prevalent myths is that singles don't "have anybody" when research shows that always single people, especially women have the strongest social support networks. She illustrates how our culture has belittled any relationships other than marriage as unimportant when in fact, friendships and relationships with siblings are just as important and often longer lasting.
The book also exposes how legitimate research can be misinterpreted in the popular media, especially when the data violate cherished beliefs and assumptions. The truth is that singles comprise a higher percentage of households than the traditional married couple with children. While the traditional household is a fulfulling choice for some people, when it comes to marriage, given the high divorce rate and the growing percentage of people who choose to be single and remain happy, clearly one size does not fit all. It is time to stop blaming and pathologizing people for failure to conform to the expectations of society that we all must marry and begin to recognize that differences in civil status are often due to normal, healthy differences in personality and temperament. I have written a lengthier review of this book on my blog:
[...]
Book Description
Diann Valentine makes magic and weaves dreams. For more than a decade, she has produced inimitable celebrations of love for a host of top talents, as distinct as Lela Rochon and Antoine Fuqua, DeLeon and Gary Sheffield, and Kelis and Nas, in cities as different as Toledo, Ohio, and the Big Apple. "I'm definitely living up to my name," says Valentine.
In Weddings Valentine Style, this unabashed romantic with a commitment to quality and a keen eye for excellence reminds readers that a classy, unforgettable wedding is not about merely serving up fine caviar and champagne but rather about envisioning the triumph of a stunning centerpiece composed of a single stem of dendrobium orchids rather than a crowd of carnations or mums. Ultimately, Valentine insists, "It's about making choices that speak to your own beat."
Valentine has been featured in InStyle, Essence, O: The Oprah Magazine, and Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, among other periodicals, as well as on InStyle Celebrity Weddings, Entertainment Tonight, E! News Daily, and VH1 Rock N' Roll Weddings. She receives constant applause for her extraordinary ability to trump continuously her own creativity in producing one-of-a-kind celebrations, her energy never failing from vision to execution. Her signature style is clean, simple elegance with touches of eclecticism, meshing tradition and innovation. And in Weddings Valentine Style, she offers lovebirds with and without big budgets a treasury of information and inspiration for dreamweaving a glorious "I Do" day.
Customer Reviews:
O.K........2007-08-06
It was not exactly what I was looking for but it was O.K. I will keep the book
Fabulous.......2006-09-14
This book is nothing but AWESOME starting with the detailed cover flowing through the most vibrant pages one could ever image in a book. As a up and coming Professional Wedding Planner this book was helpful mentally and spiritually. It's not just pretty pages, and flawless creativity but D. Valentine also tells her story of how she came up in the industry starting out with nothing but accomplished a lot. This is a must add to your collection if you are getting married or interested in pursuing event planning.
Elegant and Glamorous.......2006-03-22
I am an Event Decorator located in Los Angeles; I must tell you that I was excited when I heard that Diann was coming out with a book on weddings. I purchased my book right away, I didn't care how much it cost, but to my surprise! The book was very affordable. The photographs are absolutely amazing and I loved the articles in the book. Diann style seems to be some what simple but yet edgy.
I guard my book with my life, I take it every where. I recommend this book for every event professional.
Simply Fabulous!!!!.......2006-03-11
Ms Valentine I am reading your book and I am enthralled, I am a registered nurse. I have helped friends plan there wedding. I always receive abundant complements about my work from banquet managers and wedding guest. Finally I decided to make weddings and events my business, so I set out to read everything that I could find on weddings and the business end of wedding and party planning. So I got on amazon.com and ordered over twenty books, Preston Bailey, Colin Cowie, David Tutera, Maria McBride Harriet Cole and some I wont mention because they were to put it diplomatically disappointing in their lack of useful content...Ms Valentine you struck a chord I read your book and I was listening to me... a more advanced me. A friend of mine teasingly refers to me as a gay man in a woman's body because she says I am fabulous (by the way she did not say this in any way to be offensive to gay men). Ms Valentine, you are fabulous. Thank You for being dedicated to excellence it is apparent in your work and your enthusiasm. I have learned a lot from your book. Harriet Cole did a great start in Jumping the Broom. Preston Bailey is wonderful but unrealistic to the common budget. However you Ms Valentine brings glamour to the African American urban young professional you "BRING IT". Thank you for laying down the gauntlet.
A Blessing To So Many..........2006-02-25
Diann's story is so inspiring. Her work is full of love and passion which shows in the photographs. We are fortunate to have Diann's sister, Julie coordinating my sister's wedding. My sister is absolutely ECSTATIC! We love everything about the book. It is wonderful to see examples of people fulfilling their purpose for being here. This book will not only help to make your wedding day special but also inspire people to fulfill their purpose! We wish Diann and her family an abundance of success beyond their dreams.
Book Description
When the only library in Bramble, Cape Cod, announces it's in danger of closing its doors, the town residents have got to raise BIG money and FAST. Thirteen-year-old Willa Havisham must put her crush on Joey Kennelly on the back burner to save the library, but the question is: How?
Willa's best friend, Tina, is positive that her compatibility test, expertly designed to match up every girl in school with her "perfect match," will raise the money and get everyone paired up for the Midwinter Night's Ball. Willa, an old-fashioned romantic, is not so sure. But with a little help from Shakespeare, a Southern beauty queen, and Cupid himself, romance is striking all over Bramble.
Readers will be swooning until the stroke of midnight with this delightful sequel to The Wedding Planner's Daughter.
Customer Reviews:
Keep Willa Coming!.......2007-07-06
C.M.P. is such a gifted writer. What a gift to see a child as a child should be! I love Willa (I celebrate the real way you chose to characterize our Willa).
Talk about a book that makes you feel. You do not just read it, you feel it. You feel Willa, you feel her mother, you feel her grandmother...you feel!
I tell you...these "little novels" are appropriate for their audience; however, they are mature enough to capture the attention of a light-hearted and loving adult (such as me)! I am so greatful to have something that my daughter and I can read (and love) together. I cannot wait for the 3rd book!
Thank you for sharing Willa with us (and all the other characters, which we also love)!
Great Summer Reading.......2007-04-23
Again, Ms. Paratore has written a fun adventure set in a great summer time place. If you can't go to the Cape, reading this will take you there. If you're there, what fun to read about the very place you are in! The best part about this series (well, it's the second book about the character, we can only hope it's a series) is the wonderful literature referenced throughout the story. It's a great way to find some meatier books to indulge in over the summer!
Rose Kent.......2007-02-19
A Feel Good Page Turner for Optimistic Tweens -- Willa has a zesty Everyday Gal style that makes the reader whistle and cheer for her, whether it's in her quest to save the library, snag the school hearthrob, or cleverly manage her glam-mom Stella. Coleen Paratore does a terrific job of subtly weaving in themes like community activism, antimaterialism and staying true to oneself without cranking up the preach factor. And it's a laugh-out-loud journey with some tearjerker moments packed in its 207 pages as well.
Sequels can be ho-hum recycled or brand-new adventures with old friend-characters, and this one is definitely the ladder.
If you believe in goodness prevailing -- read this book.
If you love books and want to relate with a loveabe bookie character -- read this book.
And if you love how story sweeps you out of your own world for a while and into a special place (this one's called Bramble), THE CUPID CHRONICLES is waiting.
As colorful and sweet as the saltwater taffy Willa loves so much.......2006-12-15
Thirteen-year-old Willafred "Willa" Havisham is on cloud nine ever since she did the impossible, and matched her "unsure about love" mother, Stella, up with the handsome English teacher, Sam Gracemore, living right next door. Since then, Willa's wedding planner mother has ditched her old career, and begun running an Inn with her new hubby, and Willa's spanking new step-father, Sam. But now Willa, someone who has always believed strongly in love and fate, finds her beliefs wavering, as Joey (JFK to Willa) - her sort-of-first-kiss - heads back to Bramble, but finds himself falling for none other than rich, glamorous Ruby Sivler. Now Willa doesn't know whether she can trust Cupid or not. Luckily, she's got other things on her mind. Like the fact that Ruby Sivler's father is trying to close down the Bramble library. Now, Willa (being the book lover that she is), has decided to try her luck at rallying her ninth grade class together to save the library, and the memories it holds. Now they just need to raise enough money to keep its doors open. But when a computer compatibility test is the hit of the fundraising season, Willa doesn't know just what, exactly, will dictate her adventures at the Midwinter's Night Ball - Cupid, or a computer.
I couldn't resist Willa in Coleen Murtagh Paratore's THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER, and I had an even tougher time resisting her character in THE CUPID CHRONICLES. Willa is the ideal character for any book-loving girl, what with her extensive knowledge of the classics, and her passion for saving the local library. Her good-natured, fun-loving personality is like a breath of fresh air in a sea of fiction overwhelmed with backstabbing, self-obsessed characters; while her various adventures in love give readers an inside look at the makings of a true romance. Paratore's descriptions of the Cape are absolutely breathtaking, and make the reader feel as if they were right there on the sandy shores, strolling the shops and searching for sea glass; while the sights and sounds are so magnificently described that they paint a perfect picture of the scenery for a reader who has never experienced a trip to the Cape first-hand. As colorful and sweet as the saltwater taffy Willa loves so much.
Erika Sorocco
Book Description
Dogs don't know deceit, dishonesty or ingratitude. They're loyal, loving, don't hold grudges and give undivided attention and affection. When looking for a role model for a healthy and happy relationship, who better to turn to than the family dog? "DogSense" is the study of human relationships through the eyes of the family pooch. Humorous and entertaining photos of our furry friends are accompanied by gentle reminders of how we can keep our own relationships healthy and happy. For dog lovers everywhere, this book is not only a celebration of canine splendor but a wonderful primer on how being a little bit more like our dogs can make our human relationships that much better.
Customer Reviews:
DOG SENSE.......2006-11-14
I JUST KEEP ADDING MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TO MY GIFT LIST THAT WOULD BE THRILLED TO GET SUCH A "COOL" GIFT. EACH PAGE MAKES ME SMILE. THE AUTHOR'S WORDS ARE SOOOO TRUE TO WHAT THE PHOTOGRAPHER SO PERFECTLY CAPTURED. THIS IS A PERFECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION, PARTICULARLY HOLIDAY TIME. IT MAILS EASILY (I'VE ALREADY MAILED 10!) AND WILL LOOK JUST GREAT UNDER ANYONE'S TREE. PERFECT BOOK, PERFECT TIME TO BUY SEVERAL; A REAL FUN BOOK!
STOCKING STUFFER/HANUKKAH/JUST GIVING.......2006-11-10
THE BOOK HITS HOME WHEN IT COME TO OUR BEHAVIOR TOWARDS EACH OTHER. KIND OF MAKES YOU THINK. GOOD BOOK
DogSense: 99 relationship tips from your canine companion.......2006-11-10
DogSense is a delightful book to curl up with.Also makes a wonderful book to give as a gift.
Great Book.......2006-11-03
A perfect "coffee-table" book. Cute pictures with great stories to go along. Who can resist dogs? (I'm not just saying this because me and my dog are in it!!)
Book Description
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, Harry hatches one of his bright ideas. He's going to stage a weddingto Song Lee!
Customer Reviews:
A review by 5th graders.......2006-09-07
I like this story because it is so funny because two kindergarten
kids want to get married to each other. I think this book is so fuuny because people mock Horrible Harry and he gets mad at them and tickle them so hard he make them fall to the floor. Then they go to the
big tree at the park to get married. Now that's what I call a good book.
Teacher's Grade: A+.......2006-07-14
I've been teaching 2nd grade for a dozen years now, and this is a perennial favorite of my students'. The story is excellent, and the wedding theme combined with the kickball and Harry's antics appeal to almost all the children. The story is terrific to read-aloud to children, or to have a guided-reading lesson with. I recommend reading this book in February since there's an excellent Valentine's Day connection.
Read It!.......2001-10-20
What I mostly liked about it was it is funny. This book is about Harry and Songlee getting married on Valentine's Day. Of course you do know that they really don't get married. They called it the kick ball wedding and that's the title of this book. The funniest part, I think, is at the end of the book Horrible Harry at recess didn't finish the wedding because they went and played kick ball; they finished the wedding when they were lining up to go back into the classroom. If they made a sequel to the book, I would think that they would probably sit close together if they got married.
This is an Okay book........2000-05-11
This book is funny and so are the others, this book is a great book for young ones
Average customer rating:
- Not a favorite
- Okay, but not great.
- Not for the uneducated
- A difficult, slow read
- Vivid language, detailed characters, non-typical love story.
|
A Valentine Wedding
Jane Feather
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0553578936
Release Date: 1999-01-05 |
Amazon.com
Lady Emma Beaumont has never taken well to being controlled by men. so When her late brother Ned names Lord Alasdair Chase as the trustee of her fortune until she marries, she is less than thrilled. Not only is Alasdair a deceiving, if charming, rogue, he is also her ex-lover, and the man she has tried her best to forget for the last three years.
Though once her childhood friend and even her fiancé, Alasdair plans to keep his relationship with Emma as formal as possible. After the pain and humiliation of her flight from their wedding years ago, Alasdair doubts he could ever feel deeply for her again. When Emma declares that she will have a husband and a lover by St. Valentine's Day in order to free herself from his control as quickly as possible, Alasdair wishes her the best, and sits back to enjoy the show.
But when Emma sets her sights on the sinister and unknown French émigré Paul Denis, Alasdair cannot contain his disapproval. Determined to win Emma back, or at least keep her from the clutches of Paul Denis, Alasdair turns on the full power of his charms. Unable to deny their long-buried feelings, Emma and Alasdair try to sort through their conflicting suspicions and attractions. Undaunted by Emma's rejection of him, Paul's malicious interests pose a greater threat to Emma and Alasdair than their own insecurities.
While this book's finely detailed setting and liberal scattering of barouches, pelisses, and postilions satisfy the basic requirements for a tasty historical romance, Valentine for Emma lacks the sparkling creativity usually found in Jane Feather's work. The dialogue drags a bit in early scenes, and minor characters such as the snippy aunt and the villainous Paul remain shallow and unengaging. However, Alasdair and Emma are both compelling characters, and their passionate love scenes will certainly keep any reader's attention. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien
Book Description
Dear Reader,
In celebration of true love, here's a Valentine's Day treat--the tale of two star-crossed lovers who can't see that they're perfect for each other....
Lady Emma Beaumont and Lord Alasdair Chase were once inseparable childhood friends, then betrothed lovers. But something went dreadfully awry, and Emma left Alasdair practically at the altar.
Now, two years later, Emma has inherited a substantial fortune...but there's one small string attached: until the day she weds, Emma cannot spend a farthing without Alasdair's consent.
The thought of having to go to Alasdair, with his mocking smile and derisive eyes, every time she needs money is not to be borne. Emma swears to Alasdair that she'll have both a husband--and a lover--by St. Valentine's Day.
Alasdair vows she won't--unless he himself becomes both her lover and her husband. In fact, he's looking forward to employing every form of sensual persuasion he dares to convince his passionate, headstrong Emma that she'd rather have him than any other man.
Will he succeed?...or will Emma get her way?
Warmest wishes,
Jane Feather
P.S. In summer '99, look for
The Accidental Bride, the next volume in my Brides trilogy, which began with
The Hostage Bride. Three unconventional young women vow never to marry, only to be overtaken by destiny.... In
The Accidental Bride, Phoebe, the "awkward" one, stumbles into romance, adventure, and passion....
Customer Reviews:
Not a favorite.......2005-11-05
This could have been much better. The premise was interesting, with having the former fiance being the trustee. What ruined the story for me was what Alasdair lied about that caused Emma to leave him at the altar. The novel makes it out that she was irrational for doing so, when what he lied about was inexcusable.
I don't require that the hero and heroine of a romance novel be perfect. In fact I prefer them to have some flaws. However they must be likable. Alasdair was not honorable or redeemable, and the ruined what could have been an interesting story.
Okay, but not great. .......2005-10-15
The story line had potential, but I just couldn't get into it. I stopped liking the stroy at page 114. Emma jilted Alasdair because he kept secrets from her and she found out about them in an embarrassing way. Alasdair feared Emma knowing about all aspects of his life so he never explained about his past. In Alasdair introspection he states, "Honesty forced hin to admit that three years ago before Mike Hodgkins had appeared on the scene, the situation had a different construction. Then Lucy had been living under his protection with her child. He had visited Chiswick several times a week, and while their sexual relationship had been on the wane, there was still great intimacy between them. He hadn't wanted to expose that intimcay to Emma. It had seemed something very private, very special."
I have one problem with this statement the word wane. It implies that there is still a somewhat infrequent sexual relationship between Alasdair and Lucy. I might point out that Emma and Alasdair had a sexual relationship with each other before they were married. I am okay with having a somewhat experienced man in my romance stories but not a cheater. One of my personal pet peeves is the typical double standard of its okay for the man but not for the woman. I realize the time period for this book would have precluded Emma from having a lover due to the need of being acceptable for marriage, but it just never seems fair (sigh). Alasdair has a mistress when they meet again and it just feels like what does this woman see in a guy who is so flagrant in his sexual life but never gives clear explanations or tells her specifically what he thinks and feels, some is implied, but I like clear cut emotions from my heros.
Not for the uneducated.......2002-03-13
I absolutely loved this book. Not only was it a good romance novel, yet it challenged the mind to think. The language is appropriate for the time period, which adds a sense of being, as though you are there. The romance scenes are steamy, and descriptive. Highly recommend to those who are willing to read with an open mind.
A difficult, slow read.......2001-05-16
Interesting characters, interesting history lesson. The steamy sex scenes were way too graphic for my taste and the verbage chosen to portray these scenes was obscene and unnecessary.
I've read regency novels before and always understood them. It seemed that the author of this book tried to outreach the reader's intelligence by using language the average reader couldn't understand, or even imagine its meaning. Really slowed me down, almost quit reading it twice. When I got to the last page, all I could say was, "Humph." Funny thing was, the ending had the best descriptive scene of all.
If you understand the English language of the mid-1800's, give this book a try. Otherwise, choose another one.
Vivid language, detailed characters, non-typical love story........2000-06-06
The author uses extremely vivid language. The description of each character and event is very detailed, almost as if you were there. A Valentine Wedding is definitely a love story, but not a typical love story. Unfortunately, there is violence. The whole thematic scheme is about love triumphing over violence. The book could be for a variety of audiences and succeeds in what the author is trying to accomplish. Atleast, that is the impression of this reviewer. What I would like to suggest to the author is to write a book that is non-violent. The potential is definitely there. I have not read any of the author's other books. Maybe the author has already written such books. There is one word which should have been made a bit clearer to the audience. On page 246, there is the word, "nuncheon". About the author, taken from the book, Jane Feather is the nationally bestselling, award-winning author of "The Hostage Bride", "The Emerald Swan", "The Silver Rose", "The Diamond Slipper", "Vanity", "Vice", "Violet", and many more historical romances. She was born in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in the New Forest, in the south of England. She began her writing career after she and her family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1981. She now has over two million books in print.
Bianca Spontaneo, Reviewer
Book Description
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I hate Valentine's Day
Just like you.
One of the top wedding photographers in town, Liv Hetherington, steadfastly single, hates Valentine's Day. This year she's putting her foot down and has vowed there'll be no dinner party set-ups, speed-dating frenzies or any other form of accidental dating organized by her father, flatmate or best friend.
What she hasn't counted on is that, this year, they've given up on her.
Liv's ecstatic, to say the least. Now she can concentrate on more important things like setting up her own studio and polishing off her Dickens collection. But are relationships really not for her? Drew, the new man in Liv's life, would beg to differ. As would Cupid, who's had enough of Liv being stubbornly single and sends the ghosts of Valentine's Day Past, Present and Yet-to-Come to teach her a lesson or two where love's concerned . . .
Valentine's Day . . . bah, humbug.
Or is all that about to change?
Download Description
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I hate Valentine's Day
Just like you.
One of the top wedding photographers in town, Liv Hetherington, steadfastly single, hates Valentine's Day. This year she's putting her foot down and has vowed there'll be no dinner party set-ups, speed-dating frenzies or any other form of accidental dating organized by her father, flatmate or best friend.
Liv's ecstatic, to say the least. Now she can concentrate on more important things like setting up her own studio and polishing off her Dickens collection. But are relationships really not for her? Drew, the new man in Liv's life, would beg to differ. As would Cupid, who's had enough of Liv being stubbornly single... Valentine's Day...bah, humbug. Or is that about to change?
Customer Reviews:
An okay Valentine's Day story.......2007-02-15
This book is more like a modern day A Chrirstmas Carol, only with Valentine's Day as the main theme. Liv Hetherington, a wedding photographer, is a humbug about Valentine's Day. Mostly because of the break up she went through two years ago ON Valentine's Day, that she never got over. Between her dead co worker and three spirits visiting her and a new man named Drew trying to enter the picture, Valentine's Day just might turn around for Liv this year.
Scrooge for Valentine's Day.......2007-01-09
Another great story by Rushby. While the plot was slightly borrowed from Dickin's, it explained how most single women who've been burned feel about Valentine's Day. Rushby's heroine learns valuable lessons that push her from hatred to wanting to take chances on men once again. Great read.
A cute v-day tale.......2006-08-13
I bought this book around Valentine's Day and for about a week I just couldn't put it down. It's a cute Valentine's Day tale with a twist off of 'A Christmas Carol'. I like the idea of this, but the ending in my opinion just ruined it all.
Good, but could have been much better.......2005-06-30
I bought this book based on the title and graphic alone, thinking that the plot sounded intriguing.
After being dumped on Valentine's Day two years prior by Mike who left her for his ex-wife, Liv has no use for the holiday; except that she makes her living as a photographer and weddings (particularly romantic VD themed weddings) are her bread and butter.
Liv is reluctant to enter into any more romantic entanglements, despite the efforts of her friends and family. She never really meets anyone she likes until she runs into Drew. They go out a couple times, and through a series of misunderstandings, have difficulty trusting one another, and she won't give Drew the same second chance he afforded her when she misconstrues his intentions toward a former flame.
So it is off to not trusting. She is visited by the ghost of a former colleague who warns that she will be visited by 3 Valentines ghosts (just like a Christmas Carol). Each ghost provides insight - into her relationships past, present, and potentially future.
You know there will be a happy ending, but getting should be half the fun. For the most part it is, however, after all the build up and narrative, I was expecting a little more out of those last 40 pages. The ending seemed so rushed, and the last visit with the ghost did not pack the wallop I was hoping for. It could have been so much better wit a tad more development and attention to detail in the end.
Read Dickens lately?.......2005-05-05
We've seen this premise work before.
Embittered gal works up courage to date again, backs out, sees life flash in front of eyes and lives again. . .
This time it's dolled up in the form of a Valentine phobia, replete with the three spirits of the day (aka Ghost of v Past, Present & Future, as in the "of Christmas..").
Liv the heroine narrates it all in the first person, and as she seems a trifle tedious, or the author cannot/willnot leave anything to the readers imagination the tale is a very long, very straight, very boring one. If you skip past the tiresome beginning, the tiresome middle, to the last chapters you'll find a little quick bit of romance which'll make you grin.
Unfortunately the morose Liv merely pulls the book down with her, and author takes no advantage of her setting in Brisbane, Australia, but pretty much neglects the setting when it could have been exploited to make a more interesting novel.
There is one funny scene when Liv as a wedding photographer is on the job, but it's only one.
Could have, should have, wasn't. Don't bother.
kotori ojadis@yahoo.com
Average customer rating:
- fascinating contemporary romance
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Wedding Belle (Five Star Expressions)
Valentine Dmitriev
Manufacturer: Five Star (ME)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Romance | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1594145210 |
Customer Reviews:
fascinating contemporary romance .......2006-10-24
In Seattle Ariel Barton runs Haven House, a shelter for battered women, but needs funds to repair the facility before the city condemns the building as unsafe. Her Uncle Phin controls her trust fund since her parents and grandma died years ago in an accident; he refuses to release any money unless she marries. His choice is law firm partner Cyrus Capp.
After an unsuccessful meeting with her Uncle, Ariel notices a homeless man and his dog. She helps him starting with obtaining his medicine and gives him a place to stay that includes his canine Rufus. When he cleans up she realizes this is Dane Garrison, not Dave Gannett as he claimed; she still remembers his kiss from college that made her realize he is the one for her. When her uncle dies, his will gives her one week to marry or else she will never receive her inheritance. She offers Dane a marriage in name only, but he refuses though he loves her. Instead Dane needs to prove his innocence of a charge of sexual assault before he will propose a real marriage to his beloved.
Though things wrap up to easily, WEDDING BELLE is a fascinating contemporary romance starring a caring female and a downtrodden male. The story line is driven by these two characters though a strong secondary cast augments the fine story line by either encouraging or nuking the relationship between Dane and Ariel. Readers will enjoy this fine tale that highlights the serious issue of the homeless as Ariel needs to help while officialdom and her Uncle prefer they be swept away under a bureaucratic rug.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Cousin Dinky Little has big news for the family: he and Della Kett are going to be married on Valentines' Day! The only problem is that the wedding has to take place in the Longs' house, which is almost a block away. That means that Granny and Mrs. Little (with Baby Betsy to look after) might not be able to attend the joyous event. But Cousin Dinky contrives an ingenious device for transporting the women to the Longs' house. After an adventurous journey, Lucy, as flower girl, and Tom, as ring bearer, attend the tiny bride and groom in a ceremony sure to delight all Littles' fans.
Customer Reviews:
Quite charming.......2005-03-01
Living on this Earth, right under our very noses, is a race of tiny people. They are not dwarfs or elves, but simply tiny people, six inches tall at the most and possessing beautiful, furry tails. And in the home of the Biggs, lives a family of these tiny people, called the Littles.
In this book, cousin Dinky Little comes over and announces his engagement to be married to Della Kett. The whole family would like to come to the wedding, but it is so far to the Long's house, where the wedding is to be. But, don't worry; Dinky Little has a plan for transporting them, a helium balloon. This is likely to be a big adventure for some very little people!
I am a fan of Mary Norton's Borrowers books, and was saddened by the knowledge that there would never be any more. When I discovered Mr. Peterson's Littles books I was overjoyed, hoping that these would be just as good. Well, I wasn't disappointed! This book in particular is adapted from the book The Littles Have a Wedding, and is layedout so as to be easy for younger readers.
The story itself is quite charming, and Jacqueline Rogers' illustrations are wonderful. If you have a young reader (4-8 is probably just right) who would like reading stories of little people, then this is the book for you. My family and I recommend it to you and yours.
Books:
- Where the Wild Things Are
- Wild Stars Seeking Midnight Suns: Stories
- A KNIGHT'S VOW
- A-List #8, The: Heart of Glass: An A-List Novel (A-List)
- A Season in the Highlands : Unfinished Business / Fall from Grace / Cold Feet / The Matchmaker / The Christmas Captive
- Aftershock: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide
- American Dream: Three Women, Ten Kids, and a Nation's Drive to End Welfare
- Art of Forgiving
- Beany Malone Series - 14 Book Set (Beany Malone)
- Before Midnight: A Retelling of "Cinderella" (Once Upon a Time)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves & Other Little People
- Lost in Translation: A Life in a New Language
- Contemporary Architecture and the Digital Design Process
- Heart of the Dragon
- History: Fiction or Science
- Introduction to Stochastic Processes
- How a Man Loves a Woman: Secrets of Success
- Expanding Discourse: Feminism and Art History
- Fireside Orgies
- H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Road to Triumph
All About Us
Book of Us: The Journal of Your Love Story in 150 Questions
All About Me
What I Love Most About You: A Keepsake Book for the One I Treasure
Our Wedding Anniversary Memory Book
