Million Dollar Dilemma: Love Me, Love My Dog #1 (Life, Faith & Getting It Right #6) (Steeple Hill Cafe)

Book Description

"I'm a P.K., preacher's kid (or if I want to get fancy, a T.O., a theologian's offspring). I grew up afraid of my own allowance . . ."

So when over $20 million falls into her lap shortly after she moves to Minneapolis, Cassia Carr views her Midas touch as a cross, not a blessing -- above all, the unexpected difficulty of giving it away!

It's hard enough to gauge romantic feelings without the complication of a humongous windfall. Her globe-trotting neighbor, Adam Cavanaugh, seems interested -- but in Cassia or her fortune? And when Adam abruptly disappears, should Cassia forget him and reconsider the suitors she's dismissed as "Mr. Slightly Wrong" -- or follow her heart to an unknown, life-changing destination?

Download Description

When over $20 million falls into Cassia Carr's lap, she views it as a cross, not a blessing--above all, the unexpected difficulty of giving it away! It's hard enough to gauge romantic feelings without the chaos of a humongous windfall -- is her globetrotting neighbor, Adam Cavanaugh, interested in her or her fortune? And when he disappears, should she forget him...or follow her heart to an unknown, life-changing destination?

Customer Reviews:

soooooo funny but good!!!.......2007-08-13

I loved Million Dollar Dilemma! I read alot of Christian fiction but Million Dollar Dilemma is one of my favorites! Its funny, has an interesting plot, and Cassia is a loveable character. Its also thought-provoking and challenging. I like Judy Baer's use of scripture throughout the book. Its a light read.

This book's worth a million!.......2007-07-24

Million Dollar Dilemma was not the typical chick-lit book, well, it was, but there was something different about it. It made me actually think about my own life. I think of most chick-lit books as just an easy read-something to get my mind off my daily routine and life. This book made me actually think, "WHAT WOULD I DO IF I WON 20 MILLION DOLLARS?"
My initial reaction was, well I would give 25% to the church (I mean, look how much I have...I don't need it ALL...), put 50% in savings, and then buy a new car, a nice outfit, take a trip, etc. with the rest.
But by the end of the book I understood it all. MONEY DOES NOT BUY HAPPINESS.
This book is a wonderful book in making you realize that very important proverb.

The ONLY thing I didn't really like about this book is that I was a little concerned with Baer's idea of the main character falling in love with a man who was not firm in his Christian walk, whereas she was. It all turned out okay, and the man WAS a Christian, he was just not EQUALLY yoked with her, because she was so very strong in her faith and he was not. Minor detail though, and he came back to the Lord, strong as ever in the end.

Great book though!

Money (That's NOT what i want).......2007-04-05

Cassia has always lived a life of frugality. She's learned to live cheaply and not worldly. In fact, money is the last thing on her mind. So it's a shock for her when she finds out that what she thought was a $5 donation for an office present is really her share in a multimillion dollar jackpot lottery ticket. Now she's being bombarded by everyone, those who want her money, to give her advice, even those she barely knows. Plus now she has 2 guys are who are vying for her attention. Cassia wants nothing to do with the money, but it's everywhere she goes. Money's not just the root of all evil, it also makes a normal life practically impossible!

Ok, who hasn't dreamed about winning the lottery? Everyone, no matter what they believe in, has had thoughts about what they would do if they were given a million dollars. How they spend the money may differ, but I'm sure that even the most practical person has some plans for its use. And that is why I found Cassia to be a very unreal character. Frankly she annoyed me quite a bit. I don't mind that she didn't want the money. I just found it annoying the way she kept complaining that she didn't want anything to do with the money, and then she's worried about having to pay rent. She brought up wanting to go back to college but not being able to because she didn't have money. Ok, now she has money but she won't do it because she doesn't want to touch the money. I don't understand why Cassia couldn't save just a little for her future and then give the rest away. She kept acting like it was tainted and evil. I also didn't really like that she kept throwing around Bible verses in normal conversation. If she was my coworker, I would have thought she was either showing off. There's nothing wrong with studying Scripture, but when it's quoted out of context, it's weird. I didn't really feel her relationship with Adam had much chemistry. I liked him, he was a good guy, I just didn't feel that they clicked. I did like Cassia's final decision about what to do with her winnings.

I personally enjoyed The Whitney Chronicles a lot more than this book. Maybe it's because I could relate to the main character in that book as opposed to this one. This book was a light read, but I would recommended TWC or Norah's Ark to a first time Judy Baer reader.

What would you do if you won the lottery?.......2007-02-16

A completely entertaining and thought-provoking novel! The characters are likeable. The main plot involves our main character splitting lottery winnings with her office mates. As a Christian, she is conflicted over this because she wouldn't have played the lottery on her own. She only contributed to the lottery ticket because she thought she was chipping in for a gift for a co-worker.

Judy Baer is a very creative and colorful writer. Million Dollar Dilemma was a fast-moving, fun read. But it did get me thinking about how I would behave in the same situation. How do you really know if someone likes you for you or for your net worth?

Don't even bother!.......2006-12-14

I LOVE Christian Chic Lit, & I even adored the prequel to this book, "The Whitney Chronicles", but Million Dollar Dilemma, was just ridiculous. I felt the plot was very contrived, and there was not a lot of character development. The pacing seemed off, and the storyline was just too bizarre. Now, sometimes it's fun to indulge in fantasy-reading, but as a reader, I sure couldn't "just go along" with it..... I love books that enrich my devotional life, but the scripture spouting seemed very forced, like the author said, "Well, think I'll throw a scripture reference on this page."

I really did not connect at all to this character, Cassia. She was very flat, unseemingly naive, weak & had no personality.

In fairness to Ms. Baer -I KNOW she is a good author, as mentioned above with her "Whitney Chronicles". I have heard from friends that other novels that she has written are equally as good. This was just not up to par.

I recommend reading the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series.

Where, Oh Where, Is Kipper's Bear?: A Pop-Up Book with Light!

Average customer rating:

A Keepsake Book!
Sweet and fun book
Great Book
Delightful book
Absolutely adorable!! A must have!!

Where, Oh Where, Is Kipper's Bear?: A Pop-Up Book with Light!
Mick Inkpen
Manufacturer: Red Wagon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0152003940

Book Description

Help Kipper search for his lost teddy bear. Could he be hiding in the tree? Under the stairs? Peek into the holes, pull the tabs--and see who pops out.

Customer Reviews:

A Keepsake Book!.......2006-11-14

I have almost 1,000 children's books that I've collected over 20 years. I would rank this charming book in the top 20...probably top 10 for the 0-4 age group. It was a favorite of my son's for about 2 years and the wear the book shows illustrates that. I have memorized every page, and never tired of reading it. It is constructed with heavy pages that hold up much better than the average (non board) book. There are just the right amount of words on each page to hold the child's interest. The interaction of each page involves your child and will keep them on the edge of their seat/bed with anticipation and excitement with every read! It is among the very best of interactive books for young children. You won't be disappointed !! I am buying 3 more for each of my children's children, since you never know about re-printing in the future...and it's definitely a book to enjoy forever.

Sweet and fun book.......2006-03-20

My two year old loves this book. We have to read it to him three times in a row each night. The pop-ups are sturdy enough for him to manipulate. This book is fun and I highly recomend it.

Great Book.......2005-10-08

My twin boys love this book....especially the working flashlight at the end of the book!!

Delightful book.......2005-08-02

This is a charming little story that my 3 year old son insists on hearing over and over. A must have for any Kipper loving family.

Absolutely adorable!! A must have!!.......2004-10-12

My mom bought this book for my son when he was about 18 months old. It was one of his favorites until he was about 4 years old. It's probably too young for ages over 5. But for under 5 it is the cutest book I've seen. The pictures are great. It is very interactive with awesome pop-ups. And the ending is just so unique. I highly recommend this book. My 3 year old loves it now. I'm online right now to buy a copy for my niece/nephew-to-be.

Average customer rating:

Major fun! Easy read from an intelligent writer!
Where to start?
ok
To Call This A Cinderella Story Is to Insult Cinderella . . .
So it's not rocket science. Who cares?

Guys & Dogs
Elaine Fox
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0060740604
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Book Description

A GUY VS. A DOG

One of them is affectionate, loving, and eternally loyal –– a companion for life who lives only to make you happy...

Small–town veterinarian Megan Rose doesn't usually wake up next to strangers. But this morning she finds one sleeping in her bed. Unfortunately, "Baywatch" a stray puppy, doesn't belong at the address on her tags, either: the mansion of Sutter Foley, millionaire software mogul and six fabulous feet of gorgeous, eligible male.

Sutter doesn't even like dogs. He does, however, like the sexy, spunky vet who's trying to saddle him with a pooch. The animal magnetism they share is intense, but so is the spotlight in which Sutter lives. Can Megan stand the heat? Though her outspoken ways make a lot of waves in Sutter's goldfish–bowl world, he's never enjoyed life so much. Could she be the trustworthy companion he's been looking for . . . or should he stick with the dog?

It's the old story: girl meets dog . . . girl and dog meet guy . . . guy loses girl, gets dog . . . Or will there be a frisky new twist to this puppy's tale?

Customer Reviews:

Major fun! Easy read from an intelligent writer!.......2007-02-15

I'm not ashamed of the fact that I like to read popular fiction instead of Proust, but still I only enjoy INTELLIGENT writing. Elaine Fox is VERY clever, very smart, and says things the way I only WISH I could. In short, she is one of a handful of my favorite popular fiction authors. I'd recommend Fox's work to anyone, with absolute confidence.

Guys and Dogs is a particularly fun book -- partly because I've spent a lot of time at my sister's house in Fredericksburg, VA and recognize most the places mentioned (right down to the walk-everywhere dog society...my sister is a dog freak!). What I like best is how Fox combines the coziness of a funny little group of women friends talking straight with each other about men and life AND the sexiness of a red-hot sexy romance between Sutter and Megan. In fact, as with all of Fox's books (and I stared with "Traveller"), the sexual tension crackles until you just can't wait for the hero and heroine to finally get together!!!!

If you like small-town settings and larger-than-life romances, woven together seamlessly by a master who creates realistic characters acting in realistic ways, this is the book for you! Whether you're on an isolated beach or a crowded bus, Guys and Dogs will take you away!

Where to start?.......2006-10-09

1. We stay in Fredericksburg every year on our way to the beach. It has a population of over 20,000. It's not so small that everyone knows everybody else nor does it have only one bar open after midnight nor can you walk everywhere. It's not Mayberry!
2. Sutter was a first class snob even though he came from a poor background. Appearances were everything to him.
3. Although he hadn't had sex with his girlfriend for months, and she was less than charming, he still had no business having sex with Megan without telling Briana.
4. He used Megan, plain and simple. He had sex with her but didn't consider her good enough to take out in public. He had no qualms with hurting Megan when he appeared with Briana since Briana was "suitable".
5. Megan was foolish to get involved with Sutter but he was pure scum.

ok.......2006-07-23

I liked this book. I thought it was a fun fast read. The only thing that really bothered me about it though was that Sutter cheated on his girlfriend with Megan, I mean what respectable guy does that and doesn't that make it extremely likly that he'll cheat on Megan. Other than that it was a good book.

To Call This A Cinderella Story Is to Insult Cinderella . . ........2006-07-20

Maybe I hated this book because I am a native of Fredericksburg. And a dog lover. And a person who does not place strenuous demands on beach-bag fiction. But I was looking forward to a pleasant escapist romp, and instead found myself annoyed on almost every page. The writing is horrible. The plot, even by the most forgiving standards, tests your patience. (News flash: the CEO of a major corporation does not negotiate basic contracts, much less personally sign them. The lack of awareness or interest in getting right even the most basic facts about business life is a distraction. Why not make him a member of just the idle rich? Why Fredericksburg? Why not Middleburg?)

Ugh.

The whole book thing was clearly a necessary evil to sell a screenplay . . . but the day the camera crews show up on location in my town, I am grabbing my torch and pitchfork and storming City Hall!

So it's not rocket science. Who cares?.......2006-02-26

Given that the text in the book description field comes from the back of the book, I wasn't looking for something deep that would wring new depths of emotion from my tattered soul. The book was predictable, based on the back copy, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed the character development, cared about what happened to them, and even knowing that things would have to turn out ok, I found myself crying over some of Megan's problems. I enjoyed Sutter's elderly aunt, who "seemed to have a great deal of trouble keeping things straight sometimes", but who cares about Sutter, and wants what she believes is best for him. I enjoyed the canine characters, and especially one of Megan's more exotic patients.

My only problem, and it's not uncommon for me, is that I'd really like to see some of the "happily ever after". Trouble is, there wouldn't be much plot at all. Maybe Fox could develop one or both of the supporting characters and I could peek in on how things are working out here while I enjoyed a new plot line.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because of the predictablility. I don't know why that should bother me, when it's just what I wanted. I suppose I'm just unreasonable.

Bringing Light To Shadow: A Dog Trainer's Diary

Average customer rating:

A document of patience and example
Review of "Bringing Light to Shadow"
must read book for anyone with an interest in training, rescue, or shelter work
Her mistakes and successes come to life in a diary which tells of a successful achievement
Good book, but a bit disturbing at times

Bringing Light To Shadow: A Dog Trainer's Diary
Pamela S. Dennison
Manufacturer: Dogwise Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1929242174

Customer Reviews:

A document of patience and example.......2007-01-17

This book and the author's work were inspiring to me as a dog owner and trainer of my own dogs. It gave me perspectives and encouragement to use patience. In the descriptions and journals of her trials and progress with Shadow, Dennison outlined usable and applicable formats and plans for reaching troubled dogs and establishing and keeping their trust and loyalty. Most of all, I laud her faith in herself and in Shadow despite any measurable setbacks and lessons.

Review of "Bringing Light to Shadow".......2006-08-17

"Bringing Light to Shadow" is the daily journal of a skillful dog trainer's experiences as she gradually modified the behavior of a human-aggressive Border Collie. She succeeded with this difficult dog because of her understanding and perserverance, and with the help of a wise mentor and several patient and helpful friends. Shadow's story is an inspiration to anyone who has a similar dog and is wrestling with the difficult choice between behavior modification and euthanesia.

must read book for anyone with an interest in training, rescue, or shelter work.......2006-04-13

In my mind, this is the best, most comprehensive book on the market on the subject of rehabilitating a dog who has "baggage."

Why? Because it explains in heartfelt detail everything that can go wrong or right in the process of retraining and does so through personal experience of an expert trainer. As Yogi Berra said: "In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is."

It also reveals how we humans we will ride the highs and lows of a journey that is at times filled with joy, hope, and exuberance, and at other times great disappointment and guilt.

In the end, it is also a "how-to" book for everyone who loves a scared dog, and who has the dedication and perseverence required to keep working.

Her mistakes and successes come to life in a diary which tells of a successful achievement.......2005-10-12

Dennison's Bringing Light To Shadow: A Dog Trainer's Diary provides the diary of a dog trainer who turned an aggressive rescue dog into a good pet. Shadow lashed out at people without warning and was dangerous; Dennison was a pro dog trainer who faced a real challenge with her new Internet acquisition. Her mistakes and successes come to life in a diary which tells of a successful achievement.

Good book, but a bit disturbing at times.......2005-06-09

All in all, this is a pretty inspiring book. As a professional trainer and behavior specialist of 18 years, I probably would have given up on Shadow! The author doesn't and it pays off. She uses positive methods and doesn't try and battle physically with the dog. The only real problem I had with the book and what I found disturbing is that the author constantly tells of Shadow attacking her other dogs which I thought was very unfair to the other dogs. Knowing Shadow isn't safe around other dogs, she continues to allow her non-aggressive dogs to interact with Shadow and he attacks them repeatedly. So, she puts all this focus into rehabilitating Shadow at the expense sometimes of the other dogs she has, something I would never to do my own dogs. Other than that, it's good, but that part may bother you.

Average customer rating:

Good point, bad points
Another Hit!
enough already
Not for Babies
great book for kids who like blues clues and hide and seek

Lights On! Lights Off! (Blue's Clues)
Angela C. Santomero , and Alice Wilder
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 0689819099

Amazon.com

Eureka! The team from television's Blue's Clues may have found a cure for the common messy room. In this sturdy board book, polka-dotted puppy Blue and her ever-perky human helper Steve play a clever game of hide-and-seek. Lurking under this façade of fun is the fact that this game can help improve concentration skills. Children memorize the toys that have erupted all over the colorful playroom floor (a scenario sure to strike a familiar chord), and when the lights go out, Blue puts one back into the basket. Now the reader must figure out which toy is missing. It's a game parents may even want to stage in their own homes, since it is enjoyable, challenging, and has a major added benefit--luring unsuspecting kids into cleaning up their rooms. (Baby to preschool)

Book Description

Look for additional Blue's Clues books -- board books, sticker books, and more!

Customer Reviews:

Good point, bad points.......2001-09-07

Maybe my son is just too young to understand the book, but the only thing he likes about the book is that when he touches the light switch the pages turn. As for naming the toys and noticing where they are, he has no interest. Of course, he is only 18 months old. I think that part of the problem is that every page looks alike, with only one toy out of place. The changes are not really obvious, so to him the book is boring. Blue is his favorite character and I am sure he will continue to look at the book. It's just not one of his favorites.

Another Hit!.......2000-03-26

I have a 20 month old who absolutley loves this book! She discoved the light switches some time ago and so she loves to see the effects in the book that back up her experiences! Of course, at her age we are using the book as a tool to increase her language by naming objects and colors. I also only ask her to find Blue hiding in the dark and not the missing toy as asked for in the narrative. This is what I love about these books - they capture her attention immediately with the characters and colors and they can "grow" with her. As she develops more sophisticated problem solving skills I can then start asking her to find the missing toy. If your child likes brightly colored pictures or the show itself, then put this on your book-buying list!

enough already.......2000-03-13

Ok, we all know toddlers just love blue. But this book isn't well written. My two yr old tires of them easily, and she loves books. So, its says alot when she is sick of something, as well as myself. Don't get me wrong, if it takes a favorite character as an incentive to read, buy this book. If you want a book to enjoy for years to come, a book that will last in memory, buy another book.

Not for Babies.......1999-11-24

My 11-month-old son loses patience with this book. He's not really old enough to figure out which toy Blue has put away from page to page, so he usually loses interest after about 4 pages, because the pictures are kind of repetitive. This might be better for an older toddler.

great book for kids who like blues clues and hide and seek.......1999-11-21

My son is two and he loves this book because it has Steve, Blue and a bunch of toys in it. It's interactive for kids because they have to turn the light "on and off" and find Blue in the dark and figure out which toy has been put away in the toy box. It helps kids find the missing toys as well as learn how to put away toys. Tanner usually asks to read it once a day!

All Weekend with the Lights On : Stories (Leaping Dog Press Book, # 2)

Average customer rating:

The wisdom of the Trashman
A Hysterical Look at the Human Condition
A Hysterical Look at the Human Condition
A Writer From Milwaukee
A Must-Read!

All Weekend with the Lights On : Stories (Leaping Dog Press Book, # 2)
Mark Wisniewski
Manufacturer: Leaping Dog Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1587750023

Book Description

This collection of 14 short stories evinces an edgy, humorous, and sexually tense contemporary America. The characters range from urban immigrants to college students, each of whom is on the verge of understanding contemporary mores, or giving up on them entirely.

Customer Reviews:

The wisdom of the Trashman.......2001-05-04

A long-awaited feast: several of Mark's stories in a single pub. After partaking you'll feel glutted, uncomfortable, and disturbingly aware of your animal nature. It's great, important stuff. Thanks.

A Hysterical Look at the Human Condition.......2001-04-08

Wisniewski writes with a hilarious cynicism. There is the hot woman who at her peril, ignores her baby to cheer on her team, the small-time gambler who nails his bookie roommate's girlfriend in her hour of need, and the musical beds of ravenous college men and women. Story after story speaks of unconsummated love, such as the man who, on the verge of nailing the cashier, loses his prophylactic in the sheets! The stories are short and captivating, the dialogue sharp and very credible. Read it. You won't be disappointed.

A Hysterical Look at the Human Condition.......2001-04-08

Once again, Wisniewski does it! He writes with hilarious cynicism. There is the hot woman who, at her peril, ignores her baby to cheer on her team, the small-time gambler who nails his roommate's girlfriend, and the musical beds of ravenous college men and women. Story after story speaks of unconsummated love, such as the man who, on the verge of scoring with the cashier, loses his prophylactic in the sheets! Read it. The stories are short and captivating, the dialogue sharp and credible. You won't be disappointed.

A Writer From Milwaukee.......2001-02-23

Once again, Mark Wisniewski delivers the goods. He's a stalking tiger, a python, a charging rhino. This book of stories is beyond magnificent. Every story is unique and intriguing. Don't miss this keeper!

A Must-Read!.......2001-02-14

I loved Mark Wisniewski's first collection of short stories. His writing is sharp, funny, intelligent, and insightful. He approaches the human condition (our failures and triumphs) with grace, dignity, and a healthy dose of irony. I read it straight through and laughed out loud along the way. No one does it better.

Painter's Quick Reference: Cats & Dogs (Painter's Quick Reference)

Average customer rating:

Painters Quick Reference:Cats & Dogs

Painter's Quick Reference: Cats & Dogs (Painter's Quick Reference)
North Light Books
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1581808607

Book Description

*Cats and dogs are two of the most popular animal subjects for painters, but good reference material is often hard to find. This book provides ideas and solutions for making better paintings

*Quick visual resource for painting major breeds and mixed-breed looks

*Provides inspiration, tips and down-to-earth instruction

Fine artists and the more sophisticated decorative artists share their tips and techniques to painting the world's favorite animals: cats and dogs. This irreplaceable text includes major breeds and mixed-breed looks in a variety of poses and detail studies of fur, eyes, paws, tails and noses. 40 demonstrations in all generally limited to 4-8 steps in the three best-selling mediums--watercolor, acrylic and oil--and a variety of painting styles and techniques.

Customer Reviews:

Painters Quick Reference:Cats & Dogs .......2007-02-20

I ordered one Cats & Dogs, received one but have been charged to my
Master Card for two. I have been unable to e-mail you regarding this
error as the e-mails have not been accepted. Please reimburse me
$28.47.

O.J.Harrison

Average customer rating:

Very Good Book
an excellent read

Light a Single Candle

Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0671443852

Product Description

When Cathy lost her sight at the age of 14, she faced a very different way of life, where her other senses had to take over the work of her eyes. Adjusting to blindness was often easier than handling the reactions of people. One friend who now avoided her her. Another smothered her with too much kindness. Then came the thrill of independence after completing a tough training course with Trudy, her wonderful new guide dog. With her new freedom of movement, Cathy accepted the challenge of going back to public high school. "This book was written by an author who is herself blind, the narrative has the ring of authenticity and is moving without being sentimental or romanticized..."- A.L.A. Booklist

Customer Reviews:

Very Good Book.......2006-05-25

I too, read this book years ago for school, and it has stayed with me. It was a touching story, and great to read about Cathy overcoming her struggles. As well, there's a bit of nice old-fashioned romance (not like the garbage written in strictly "romance" novels). I recently purchased a copy for myself on Ebay, as well as the sequel, called Gift Of Gold, which deals with Cathy postponing decisions about love and career until she finds out if her eyesight can be restored.

an excellent read.......2006-04-28

I read this years ago, and it has stuck with me. The basis for the title is an old proverb to the effect of "It is better to light a single candle that sit and curse the darkness." Cathy, through losing her sight, faces darkness. The book details how people react to her differently, and how she reacts. It details the choices she makes, and her reasons behind them. I believe that this book was written before mainstreaming of special education students became mandatory. The book also mentions Cathy using books on records, which we now use as books on tape or CD, so modern young persons reading this might need a quick history lesson. I would one day like to teach elementary school, about 4th grade level, and this would be an ideal book to read, as Cathy is only a few years older than they. The title of the book have stuck with me over 25 years, since I read it in middle school, and I intend to purchase a copy soon. A wonderful read to have and to pass on to one's children around the age of 12 or so, or to read with youngsters over 10. I can't say enough about it.

Average customer rating:

Not Good
I don't get it...
You can't win 'em all, Jen
Turns the usual formula upside down
Same book????!!!

Crazy for You
Jennifer Crusie
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312198493

Amazon.com

High school art teacher Quinn McKenzie's life is perfectly normal--and it's making her insane. She's living with Bill, the nicest guy in Tibbett, Ohio, and he's crazy about her. Really crazy. Quinn is already having serious doubts about the future of their relationship when Fate intervenes, in the form of the scrawniest, squirmiest scrap of a dog you'd ever want to lay eyes on. She figures if the dog has the good sense to detest Bill on first sight, she ought to pay attention. And besides, there's Nick Ziegler, local mechanic and totally unsuitable love interest. Of course, that only makes Nick all the more appealing, not to mention his phenomenal aptitude between the sheets, and against the wall, and in the car, and... But getting rid of Bill is harder than Quinn ever expected. In fact, Bill was the last person she would have thought would try to hurt her. Thank God Nick is as capable with a two-by-four as he is with an automobile engine! Jennifer Crusie's second contemporary romance is a smash--literally! You'll laugh while you're tucking the covers around you a little tighter. --Alison Trinkle

Book Description

ON A gloomy March afternoon, sitting in the same high school classroom she'd been sitting in for thirteen years, gritting her teeth as she told her significant other for the seventy-second time since they'd met that she'd be home at six because it was Wednesday and she was always home at six on Wednesdays, Quinn McKenzie lifted her eyes from the watercolor assignments on the desk in front of her and met her destiny.Her destiny was a small black dog with desperate eyes, so she missed the significance at first.She didn't miss anything else. The dog that her favorite art student held out to her was the canine equivalent of an exposed nerve: wiry black body, skinny white legs, narrow black head, all of it held together with so much tension that the poor baby shuddered with it. It looked cold and scared and hungry and anxious as it struggled in Thea's arms, and Quinn's heart broke. No animal should ever look like that."Oh." Quinn rose on the word and went toward Thea while Bill groaned and said, "Not another one.""I found it in the parking lot." Thea put the dog down on the floor in front of Quinn. "I knew you'd know what to do.""Come on, baby." Quinn crouched in front of it, not too near, not too far, and patted the floor. "Come here, sweetie. Don't be scared. It's all right now. I'll take care of you."The dog trembled even harder, jerking its head from side to side. Then it made a dash for the nearest door, which, unfortunately for it, was the storeroom."Well, that'll make it easier to trap and catch," Bill said, his tone as cheerful and sure as always. It was always a beautiful day in the neighborhood for Bill, a man who'd taken the Tibbett High football team to five consecutive championships and the baseball team to four--fifth one coming right up--almost solely, Quinn believed, by never considering the possibility of defeat. "Know where you want to be and go there," he'd tell the boys, and they would.Quinn decided she wanted to be someplace else, with a pizza, but she had to comfort this dog and get rid of Bill before she could go there. She crawled on her hands and knees to the door, trying to look nonthreatening. "Now look, dogs like me," she said in her best come-to-mama voice as the dog cowered against a carton of oaktag at the back of the narrow storeroom. "You're missing a good deal here. Really, I'm famous for this. Come on." She moved a little closer, still on her hands and knees, and the dog peeled its eyes back."I suppose you had to do this," Bill said to Thea goodnaturedly, and Quinn felt equally annoyed with him and guilty about misleading him. "No more dogs," he'd said the last time she'd rescued a stray. "You don't have to save them all." And she'd nodded at him to acknowledge that she'd heard him, and he'd taken it as agreement, and she'd let him take it that way because it was easier, no point in creating a problem she'd just have to turn around and fix.And now here she was, cheating on him with a mixed breed.She looked into the dog's eyes again. It's going to be all right. Ignore what the big blond guy says. The dog relaxed away from the box a little and looked at her with caution instead of terror in its worried little eyes. Progress. If she had another ten hours and a ham sandwich, it might even come to her on its own."You're not bringing it home with you, right?" Bill loomed behind her, cutting off the afternoon light that came dimly through the wall of windows and casting a shadow over her so that the dog shrank back again, anxious at the darkness. It wasn't Bill's fault that he was huge, but he could at least notice that he cast considerable shade wherever he went."Because we're not allowed to have dogs in our apartment." Bill's voice was patient as he went on, a teacher's voice, telling her what she already knew, guiding her to form the correct conclusion.My conclusion is that you're patronizing me. "Somebody has to rescue strays and find them homes," Quinn said without looking behind her."Exactly," Bill said. "Which is why we pay taxes to support Animal Control. Why don't I go call them-""The pound?" Thea's voice was full of horror."They don't kill them all," Bill said. "Just the sick ones."Quinn looked behind her and met Thea's disbelieving eyes. Yep, Quinn wanted to tell her, he really believes that. Instead, she patted the floor again. "Come here, baby. Come on.""Honey." Bill put his hand on her shoulder. "Come on, get up.If she shrugged his hand off her shoulder, he'd be hurt, and that wasn't fair. "I'm okay," Quinn said.Bill moved his hand, and Quinn let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding."I'll just call-""Bill." Quinn kept her voice as friendly as she could. "Go finish in the weight room so I can do this. I'll be home at six."Bill nodded, radiating tolerance and support in spite of her illogical resistance to Animal Control. "Sure. I'll go warm up the car for you and bring it to the door first." He patted her shoulder and said, "You stay here," as if she'd been planning to follow him, and after he left, she could picture him crunching his way across the icy parking lot toward her CRX as if slipping weren't a possibility. It probably wasn't for him; Vikings loved ice, and at six foot five, two hundred and forty-three healthy blond pounds, Bill was a Viking's Viking. All of Tibbett adored Bill, a coach in a million, but Quinn was beginning to have doubts.And it was so unfair of her to have doubts. She knew he'd warm the car for her, first opening the door with his key instead of hers, which was another thing about him that bothered her, that he'd had that key cut without her permission two years ago when they'd first begun to date. But since he'd had the key cut so he could keep her gas tank filled, it was completely illogical that she should be annoyed. It was wrong to complain about a man who was unfailingly clean, generous, considerate, protective, understanding, and successful, and who'd shelled out hundreds of dollars in fossil fuel for her since 1997. Really, the dumbass was the perfect man.Quinn looked at the dog again and said, "As soon as I get you out of this storeroom, I'm taking a serious look at my love life."Thea said, "What?" but even before she finished the word, Quinn was shaking her head."Never mind. You don't have any food in that bag, do you? I know I could just go in and grab it, but it's so scared, I'd rather it came to me on its own.""Wait." Thea fished around in the huge leather bag she carried everywhere and came up with half a granola bar."Granola," Quinn said. "What the hell." She unwrapped it and broke off a piece and slid it across the floor to the dog. It shrank back and then edged forward, its little black nose quivering. "It's good," Quinn whispered, and the dog took it delicately."What a nice little dog," Thea whispered beside her, and Quinn nodded and put another piece on the floor, this one closer to them. The dog edged forward to take it, keeping its eyes on them Just in case they did anything anti-dog, big dark liquid eyes that said to Quinn, Help me, save me, fix my life."Come on, sweetie," Quinn whispered, and the dog came closer for the next piece."Almost," Thea breathed, and the dog sat down in front of them, still wary but calmer as it chewed the granola."Hi," Quinn said. "Welcome to my world."The dog tilted its head, and its little black whip of a tall began to dust the floor. It had one white eyebrow, Quinn noticed, and four white socks, and the tip of its tall was white, too, as if it had been dipped in paint."I'm going to pick you up," Quinn told it. "No fast moves." She reached out and picked it up gently as it cowered back a little, and then she sat down so she could hold it in her lap. She gave it the last of the granola, and it relaxed and chewed again as she stroked its back. "Really a sweet little dog," she told Thea and smiled for the first time since Bill had walked in the room. Another problem solved."Car's here," Bill said from the doorway, making the

Customer Reviews:

Not Good.......2007-08-06

I agree with another reader - were we all reading the same book. I was really looking forward to this book. I've read other Crusie books & loved them & this book had great reviews. But I was thoroughly dissappointed - bad in every way. The plot was lame, the characters were lame....lame, lame, lame. And have I mentioned boring? I do not recommend this book. Neither do I recommend "Getting Rid of Bradley" or "Charlie All Night". But I have read a few greats by Crusie - I RECOMMEND: "Bet Me" and "Welcome to Temptation".

I don't get it..........2007-06-16

I'm always hearing such fabulous things about Jennifer Crusie. People rave about her books and eagerly anticipate new releases. And I just don't get it. This is the second book of hers I've read and I haven't liked either one. I was bored to tears with this one by page twenty. It got a little better as the story progressed, but I still couldn't wait to finish and be done with it.

The whole vibe of this book was just bizarre. The only thing I can really say that I liked about the book was the humor. Crusie does do well incorporating humor into her books, but it doesn't overcome the short points. I had problems with the story right from the start. The introduction of all the various (many) characters is poorly done. They are all just sort of plopped in there like I should already know them, and I ended up confused as hell until they were better established later.

Romance wise...so-so. There was chemistry between Nick and Quinn, but I wasn't feeling the sentimentality of it. It was just sort of like too people getting together for the heck of it and because of a long standing friendship. I had some problems with the fact that these two people were good friends for like fifteen years or however long it was...hung out, were close and all that...but only now a sudden sexual overtone pops up. That just kinda didn't work for me. And the characters overall where just very one-dimensional, with very little depth

What really killed the romance of this book, and just the story overall, was the faithlessness of everybody. It seemed like there was cheating going on left and right and nobody gave a damn. Well, they do, but not to the extent they should, and it just seemed exceedingly bizarre. I mean, one couple is having some marital problems, so the husband decides he's gonna go on a date with the town [...]. Then Nick's not sure what he wants to do about Quinn, so he dates the town [...] Another woman decides, what the heck, I'll take my husband back now that he's been dumped by the town [...]. Then Quinn's parents have some bizarre problems and her dad goes out with the town [...]. Quinn's Mom reveals she's had a long-standing sexual relationship with another woman, kicks her husband out, has her girlfriend move in, and Quinn's Dad is just like, okay whatever guess I'll go find myself a date. It was like nobody in the whole book had any respect for commitment and monogamy. I just didn't find anything pleasant or romantic about that and it drove me nuts.

In the end, I just found the book as a whole rather stupid and campy. It was like reading a cheesy soap opera with fickle, whiny woman, clueless men, and rotating romances. There was absolutely no substance to the story whatsoever. Why people act like Crusie is the next coming, I just don't know. I certainly don't plan to read any more of her books. If you like lame, very superficial beach reads, then, hey, go pick this one up. But if you like stories that have more substance, I wouldn't waste your time on this one.

You can't win 'em all, Jen.......2007-06-05

Maybe I shouldn't have read two early Crusies in a row -- "Getting Rid of Bradley" was great fun -- because "Crazy for You" almost made ME crazy! Quite dull, jumping all over the place with several different characters and a hero and heroine that were completely uninteresting. I guess what she wanted was small town charm, but it came out as big time boring.

Nick just seemed like an old hound, living in a crappy apartment, drinking beer and dating twentysomethings. If he weren't "gorgeous," would any self-respecting woman go near him?

Quinn was a dope. She had no spine and is such a wimp. I can't believe she is viciously attacked by Bill, who is clearly mentally deranged, AND SHE WAITS UNTIL THE NEXT DAY TO GO TO THE POLICE???? How dumb is that? And to hear the characters say "Oh, hell" a thousand times got real old, real fast.

Get any other book, "Bradley," "Manhunting," or "Anyone But You" if you want vintage Crusie.

This one was a dud.

Turns the usual formula upside down.......2007-03-26

In 99 out of 100 romances, Crazy Bill would be the "hero" of this book.

He is: handsome, thinks he knows what is best for the heroine, orders her around for "her own good", and is beloved by the entire town, who spend much of the book trying to get the heroine to "come back to her senses" and back to Bill.

One problem, though. Bill's a control freak and nutso to boot.

It's wonderful to read a book with a romantic heroine who knows what she wants and goes after it, instead of the usual, "must be manipulated into happiness for her own good by hero, parents, entire town" nitwit.

Same book????!!!.......2006-12-27

Are we talking about the same book? It happens to be the most boring book I have ever come across. It took me almost 3 weeks to finish it. In fact, I had to struggle to finish reading it. Very disappointing. I wonder why it's getting such good reviews.

Average customer rating:

Light A Single Candle

Manufacturer: PocketBook
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0671298682

Product Description

When Cathy lost her sight at the age of fourteen, she faced a very different way of life. It took courage and alertness to explore a new, uncharted world where her other senses had to take over the work of her eyes. But adjusting to blindness was often easier than handling the reactions of people. One friend now avoided her. Another smothered Cathy with too much kindness. Then came the thrill of independence after completing a tough training course with Trudy, her wonderful guide dog. With her new freedom of movement, Cathy accepted the challenge of going back to public high school.

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