This third book of the triology was even better than the first
two, if possible. I have already purchased my next Philippa
Gregory book and am looking forward to reading it. She is a
complete author. Her books have history, suspense, romance,
and adventure.

All three books in the series were great but I felt the charecters in this one were incredible. It was like I felt what she felt, It really inspired me. The girl Meridon was ws just trying to find who she was, like so many of us are. It was fantastic.

This book, the last of the three books about the Laceys of Wideacre, manages to be both very different from its predecessors, and also just as good. Wild gypsy girl Meridon lives hard and keeps her heart well guarded. Her abusive father, indifferent mother, and completely selfish sister make Meridon cynical and very tough. Yet despite the hardness of her life travelling, Meridon has one delight... her dreams of a beautiful home far away called "Wide" - a place where she is rich and loved and warm... do Meridon's longings bring her back to her ancestral home, and lead her into a life of happiness and luxury? You never know with that Lacey family. I would reccommed reading the book to find out...

Well, Robert Earl Keen himself said this was more of a greeting card than great literature. I think it's a delightful presentation of one of REK's best-loved songs. It's chockful of lyrics, pictures (did you know that Fran and Rita are both women?), recipes (for all those great drinks sung about), lists (10 Things You Can Do with Fake Snow, 10 Things You Won't Find in a Convenience Store), and Texas-style fun. And it includes a CD to boot, so you can listen while you read along. This is a hoot--and at this price, you can buy one for yourself and all your friends. Spread the love from the fam-o-lee!

This is by far the funniest thing I have seen, heard, and read in a long, long time! A must have for anyone with a sense of humor!

If you are a fan of Rober Earl Keen- I mean a fan of all his stuff from the rowdy staples "Road Goes on Forever" and "Copenhagen" to the skillfull subtle songwriting exhibited in No Kinda Dancer, and West Textures.

If this is you, then you will aprreciate this book. In short it is a hysterically illustrated version, verse by verse of his epic Chrismas Song "Merry Christmas From the Family". It is designed by esteemed Nashville graphic designer Buddy Jackson, and it is done with wit and humor in keeping with the songs' lyrics.(...)

When we first looked at this map, we didn't think it would be accurate. Once we arrived in Scotland, we realized that it was extremely accurate, there are just not that many roads there as we are used to in the US. I would recommend this to anyone traveling in Scotland.

Set to the same scale as a lot of the very good Michelin maps, this map covers all of Scotland with enough detail to make traveling the country easy. It can give you a sense of how far Loch Ness really is from Edinburgh, points out the scenic roads, main roads, back roads; has good detail on the islands; and covers from the border with England up to the top of the country. Any specific city like Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, etc, will require a more detailed map, obtained locally, but this map is very good for planning and getting around. Main thing to remember, you can end up going much slower in the Highlands than you think, in some areas 25 mph average speed because of the roads twisting or being single track. On the other hand, I was going 70 for a while, keeping up with traffic, in a glen above Loch Lommond. The roads are in good condition, and driving on the left is not the hardest thing about driving in Britian; it is getting used to how narrow the lanes are.
The roads are safe, the countryside more beautiful than you think, even if you rent a car only for one day to head out it is worth it, and this map is excellent.

Get this - you'll need it.........

This highly rated manual, covers just about every practical and tangible theoretical introduction to the full design and/up to implementation cycle of MH projects, all in about 370 pages. It is important that it was written and amply illustrated not only with detailed schematics, but also with actual pictures from original installations in developing countries, which makes a viable aid in comprehending the "actual picture". The chapters covered detail a syllabus in: Components and Design of an MH Scheme, Cost benefit estimations, Hydrology and site survey, Flow prediction, Civil works and operational parts (all aspects from Weirs to Penstocks), Commercial engineering, Turbines (including reverse pumps), Governing, Drive systems, a very thorough presentation of the -cumbersome- Electrical Power System aspects, along with Operational, Maintenance, Financial and Commissioning aspects. Should there be something more for an engineer to wish for, would be more info on turbines -something you would expect to find in a specialized book on the subject anyway. The book should provide a valuable asset not only to MH engineers, but to Renewable Energy Technology engineers as well, since it is progressively becoming apparent that a combination of RET along with Pumped Storage and MH, presents a highly attractive opportunity for both developed and developing countries

The insight given in this book is, without a doubt, beneficial not just to mankind, but also and especially developing countries. I highly recommend.

This book describes all the aspects involved in gettting a micro hydro plant running. It has the right blend of "The birds eye view" on the subject, very useful to people, new to the subject as well as "earth worm view": You can use this use this book as a guide to select the right kind of drive pulley for you plant.

Why can't more books be this funny, well-written and wise? I, who read at every available moment, and have a stack of good books waiting to be read, actually savored Mrs Fytton's Country Life twice. Please, please read this book if you need a fine laugh. Read it twice, in fact.

Mavis Cheek is to "women's fiction" (for lack of a better term) what Janet Evanovich is to mystery. This is one of the wittiest, brightest, funniest books I have read in a long, long time.

With quiet, droll but absolutely side-splitting humor, Cheeks, a shining star if there ever was one, tells the tired old cliched story of a first wife whose husband has left her for a younger, blonder, bimbette. And after all those years of devotion, too! Before you groan aloud and stop reading this review, believe me when I tell you that this is NOT the ordinary tale!

Angela Fytton, the spurned wife, is not one to take rejection quietly, and is not above casting aspersions on her (ex)-husbands er...manly equipment to wifey number two. Angela embarks on a diabolical plan to get her husband back. Part 1: Buy a huge, rambling house in the country that doubles as historic artifact. Start making one's own honey and talking to the hens (whom she threatens with coq au vin recipes if they don't behave). Part 2: Send one's obnoxious teenaged children (boy and girl) to live with Daddy and Bimbette and New Baby Brother. Part 3: Well...you have to read the book.

Does Angela get her husband back? Does Binnie the Bimbette (yes, Binnie) survive her predecessor's truly outrageous onslaught? Will the baby survive his teenaged siblings? Will Ian the ex-husband survive both wife number one and wife number two without resorting to bondage (one of the shortest but funniest paragraphs I have yet to read)?

Read it and find out...and rejoice that there is a wildly funny British wit on the loose! I was thrilled to find that Cheek has written [other] novels, and plan to investigate her other books as soon as possible.

I travel annually to the U.K with my husband (he is British i am American) and I often go to the book shops and buy a suitcase full of books to take home. Mrs. Fytton's is the last of the run from my last trip and it is a fine read! Mrs. Fytton the first spends her early days as the queen of the household mother, business woman, wife, interior decorator, bon vivant a veritable whirlwind of activity. Just a little Martha stewart crossed with a dose of Delia Smith and just a dash of Erica jong. By keeping up the smooth external veneer of a woman firmly in love with the idea of woman's liberation whilst secretly harboring a desire to please her man at all costs she loses her husband to a "younger blonder model". For revenge she leaves London, dumps her two teenage children off with her ex, his new wife and their new child and moves lock stock and pickling jar to the country to become a domestic goddess and win back the heart of her former husband. I have found myself on numerous occassions chuckling out loud on my commute on the train at the eccentricities of Mrs Fytton's neighbours. I love Mavis' style and will look for one of her other novels to read in the future.

Noah Saari, former smoke jumper, is now a notorious hermit in his hometown of Alouette, Michigan. Thinking to avoid the rumors surrounding his return, and escape painful memories, he has settled himself into a cabin deep in the woods, taking care of injured animals, and crafting unique wooden artifacts. Noah has no desire for human contact--until Claire Levander crosses his path.

Claire Levander is having one heck of a time trying to locate the bed and breakfast in the back of beyond that she's supposed to scope out for the company she works for. On the dark, lonely stretch of road that's supposed to take Claire to Bay House, she nearly runs over a mama bear and her cub. No sooner does she recover from that incident, when a deer pops out of the woods, using the hood of her rental car as a springboard to get to the other side of the road. Result? Car goes off the road into a ditch. Claire exits the car and tries to backtrack to see if the deer is okay. Instead, she stumbles into a huge, most hirsute man, baby bear cub tagging alongside him. Can the night get any more bizarre?

What follows is a most endearing, emotional read with traces of humor, and a twisted quest for revenge. Ms. Alexander's ability to create well-rounded and fully developed characters, both main and secondary, is exceptional. Readers will gather to their hearts Noah and Claire, along with the quirky caretakers and employees of Bay House, Noah's animals, and Bay House's number one boarder, disabled spitfire, Cassia. Even the setting takes on a life of its own, with descriptive narrative that places the reader firmly in Alouette.

NORTH COUNTRY MAN is classic Carrie Alexander. She has definitely found her niche with Harlequin Superromances, starting with THE MAVERICK. Even though TM is a wonderful read, it is not related to NORTH COUNTRY MAN; however, it is my understanding that there will be at least two more stories related to NCM. Personally, I can't wait!!

I admit it: I'm a Troll. I live in the Lower Peninula where residents living south of the (Mackinac) Bridge are labeled Trolls. Being a native Michigander I was delighted to see Ms. Alexander (a Yooper-or a Michigander north of the bridge)set one of her books in my home state. And she couldn't have picked a better story with which to do it.

Noah Sarri lives a private life by choice, wanting to forget that his good intentions of making a difference in the world turned tragic in the blink of an eye. Now he devotes his time to nursing injured wildlife back to health and crafting pieces of furniture that fetch lofty sums and provide his livelyhood. His seclusion fuels wild speculation in the town about him.

Enter Claire Levander, businesswoman on a working vacation sent to scout out the possibilities of buying property for her company, a hotel corporation. She and Noah meet when one of his critters crosses her path.

The story is rich in characterization, setting and believable plot lines. Noah has some big demons to overcome and Claire is there to help him. Claire, on the other hand, has to make some decsions as to make as to what path her life is going to take. Add to this a haunted bed-and-breakfast, a man eaten up with revenge against Noah, and some hot moments between Claire and Noah and you have a story that is never dull.

I'm glad Harlequin is planning on releasing more books about the residents of Alouette, Michigan. They make interesing reading, even if they aren't Trolls. [grin]

While she practically begged for an easy assignment, Claire Levander expected deluxe accommodations, certainly nothing as rustic as the Upper Michigan. Her boss promises that they have booked her into the Day Brook House where she will have nothing to do but breath fresh air and release stress. And decide if she wants to recommend that Bel Vista Hotel Corporation should purchase the property from its unsuspecting owners. Her boss could not have been more wrong. Before she even arrives, Claire encounters Michigan's wildlife with uncomfortable closeness, including the hermit Noah Saari.

The proprietor of Day Brook House puts Claire in the "Valentina bridal suite." Rumored to be cursed, the suite displays a bridal painting that does not convey the joy of a wedding, but suggests a much more foreboding and chilling tone. According to the prophesy, any woman staying in the suite will be married before the year is out in retribution for the jilted, suicidal Valentina. But Claire's social life has been on hold for a long time, and establishing a relationship with an alpha male as reclusive as Noah might hold some especially difficult challenges. Especially since she will be leaving in a week to resume her high powered career.

An orphaned cub and other assorted wildlife lend an intriguing backdrop to Carrie Alexander's NORTH COUNTRY MAN. The closeness of the citizens of the small community of Aloutette, Michigan, both alienates and draws characters together with painful gossip and sparkling loyalty. While Claire and Noah might be the stereotypical case of opposites attract, their path is quite original from steam baths and fallen plaster to a creative legend. Further, Noah lends a powerful presence to the novel with his genuine heart and deeply held secrets. As his past becomes revealed, readers will find him as irresistible as Claire does! In addition, while many elements might seem to superficially follow traditional plotting, Alexander has a flair for giving them subtle twists that keeps her writing refreshing and different. An absolutely delightful read, NORTH COUNTRY MAN comes very highly recommended.

Now in a newly updated eighth edition, travel expert Deborah Sakach's The Official Guide To American Historic Inns: Bed & Breakfasts And Country Inns continues to be is a grand and enthusiastically recommended reference for tourists and travelers throughout America seeking to experience the unique and memory-making Bed & Breakfast and historic Country Inns. Covering 2,400 lodging coast to coast, and in every state of the union, The Official Guide To American Historic Inns lists each inn and B&B with its address, phone number, fax if available, email if available, brief historic description, price, credit cards accepted, luxuries available (such as cable or a swimming pool), and more. If you are planning a trip around your state or anywhere in the country, begin your planning by browsing through this superb catalogue which is certain to feature an historic inn to please you and make your stay truly memorable.

My new hobby is scanning this book from cover to cover highlighting all of the wonderful inns I'm going to visit. This is a delightful book of very reasonably priced inns in the US and Canada. Every entry provides unusual information about the inns, mouth-watering breakfasts offered and local attractions. This book is well worth the money and is easily one of the best (if not the best) travel books I've ever purchased. I've highlighted over 20 inns to visit and I'm not even halfway through the book.

This updated seventh edition offers an easy-to-use format detailing more than two thousand historic lodgings in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. State maps locate each inn and B&B, as well as a special "Inns of Interest" index helping travellers to select an itinerary that suits their particular interests. A highly recommended travel planning aid.

I've been a fan of Jim Heyden ever since a friend introduced me to his The Man Who Kept Cigars In His Cap not long after it was published. He is a master of the one or two page sketch that illuminates a sliver of human behavior.

In this collection, you feel as if you're listening to a keen observer, a quiet storyteller reminscing about childhood on a midwestern farm - corn, pigs, cows, chickens i.e. very diversified farming. The characters consistent primarily of the boys, the youngest boy, the men, with guest appearances of the preacher, town boys, and grandfather.

Whether you're reading about the preacher who passed gass, the gypsies at the old school yard, grandfather teaching the boys to make firefly flashlights, the youngest boy hiding in a dip until a dandelion seemed to breath, hunting June bugs with old ping-pong paddles, you'll enjoy the honesty, earthiness, innocence, and style of these stories.

Literature that will change the world? No. Literature that will be known in a century? Probably not. But for pure delight, especially if you were raised on a farm, this book is great fun.

Heynen has been writing about "the boys" for years; this is a collection of the many stories he has written. "The boys" are an indeterminate number of boys growing up in the rural Midwest. In the course of their days, they find insight into many aspects of life, death, love, friendship, and an amusing number of encounters with animals and small town bureaucrats (if there is a distinction). Humor ranges from a chuckle to laughing out loud, and poignancy ranges from a knowing nod to fighting back tears. This is lovely writing.

I discovered this book while rummaging around in my high school library and fell in love wiht it almost instantly. Most of these stories are short enough to fit on a postcard, and I don't think there's a proper noun anywhere in the book. These characters are merely "the boys"--but they wouldn't even have to be *boys*, as far as I'm concerned. The stories are about tiny events - electric lights, rat-tails, the coming of spring - but Heynen, with just a few deft words, gets you to see and feel them, and opens up all kinds of wellsprings. But I'm babbling; the stories speak for themselves.

Our Dream, A World Free of Poverty, demystifies that strange word "development," making it the perfect gift for anyone unfamiliar with the efforts of thousands of professional men and women working to end poverty alongside people in parts of the world far less well off than our own. Sandy Granzow has been able to capture with extraordinary pictures and informative prose the positive and hopeful results when people are given the tools and resources to solve urgent and pressing human problems. The book is a wonderful way to see up close what the lives of people in cultures very different from our own are like and to realize all over again how remarkably interconnected we are as a human family. This is a book that should uplift and inspire us each to reach out a helping hand and actively fight for bringing balance and justice to all parts of the world.

It was fascinating to see what Timbuktu really looks like. The book also shows an Estonian town covered with smog so thick that it looks like falling snow. A local cement factory was the problem, and the book tells of a successful World Bank effort help the locals clean up the city. A great book for people who like international photographs.

"Our Dream" is, above all, an astonishingly rich display of high quality photographs of ordinary people in developing countries going about their day-to day activities. It devotes much attention to children, at school, at home, at work. It also give much attention to people engaged in improving their conditions, getting ahead. The mood is largely upbeat, with cheerful colors and cheerful faces, but the images are not contrived, nor are they too narrowly selected. It may come as a surprise to many of us living in prosperous nations that poor people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America find joy in life, even in the most barren of circumstances. There is plenty of data to document the stories, but the author has done an admirable job of keeping the reader's eye on the photographs, which reveal over and over again the beauty of the human spirit.

If you've ever wanted to just forget city life and pack up and move to the country, read this book. It's a great collection of non-fiction writing about Drake's life in rural wine country, raising sheep and making wine.

Barbara Drake has written a sweet and lovely word-picture of her life on the Oregon farm she shares with her husband and their motley group of animals. Although she writes with a tender love for her land, and all that is on it, it is never saccharine, and is actually quite informative for anyone thinking of undertaking this type of lifestyle change.The book is written as a collection of brilliant essays,each filled with pathos,tenderness,and a deep understanding of the dramatic lifestyle changes involved in delving into farming.We meet, and learn to love, her sheep, geese, the sheepherding dogs,and the colorful neighbors. And even her warm and adoring father,who has an especially hilarious relationship with the hugely protective gander who patrols the gaggle of geese on the property, becomes someone you wish you could have met in person. This is one of those truly magical reads that leaves you with an afterglow of satisfaction after it's done. This is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and the magic of nature, the relationship of animal friends, the satisfaction of self-reliance and independence, or just someone who loves simply-beautiful prose. Barbara Drake is a poet at heart.

Drake's book is warm and touching but never mushy. She uses her words with economy to create vivid images that strike the eye, and the mind. I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book. Filled with positive images, and insights that are surprising and touching, it's a great read, I couldn't put it down.