Book Description
Putting all her eggs in one basket, Agatha Raisin gives up her successful PR firm, sells her London flat, and samples a taste of early retirement in the quiet village of Carsely. Bored, lonely and used to getting her way, she enters a local baking contest: Surely a blue ribbon for the best quiche will make her the toast of the town. But her recipe for social advancement sours when Judge Cummings-Browne not only snubs her entry-but falls over dead! After her quiche's secret ingredient turns out to be poison, she must reveal the unsavory truth...Agatha has never baked a thing in her life! In fact, she bought her entry ready-made from an upper crust London quicherie. Grating on the nerves of several Carsely residents, she is soon receiving sinister notes. Has her cheating and meddling landed her in hot water, or are the threats related to the suspicious death? It may mean the difference between egg on her face and a coroner's tag on her toe...
Customer Reviews:
An Incomer from London Breaks a Few Eggs with Her Store-Bought Quiche.......2007-05-24
As a devoted fan of M. C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series, I was intrigued to keep reading reviews of Hamish Macbeth books by people who claimed they liked the Agatha Raisin series better. But every time I contemplated the title, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, it just seemed too tongue in cheek to be possibly any good. Well, I was wrong. Although the book couldn't be any more satirical and much punnier than it is, the book works very well both as a straight story and as a satire. It's like getting two books for the price of one.
Since the Hamish Macbeth series started first, let me address Hamish Macbeth fans first: Think of Agatha Raisin as being one of the optimistic incomers to Lochdubh who hope for peace and tranquility without realizing what village life in Sutherland is really like. But Agatha has mostly good intentions (except towards the women in the area who drive her batty) instead of being an incipient homicidal maniac like the incomers in Sutherland. Agatha is also her own woman, and not about to take any prisoners she doesn't have to. Like Hamish, she has a crime-solving partner, Bill Wong (of the local detectives), who helps her in ways she doesn't always appreciate (like Priscilla Halburton-Smythe does for Hamish). Agatha is based, however, in the gentle Cotswolds so there won't be too many stories about brutal winter blizzards in this series. You won't miss hearing about Strathbane.
In this inaugural book, Agatha has just sold her PR firm in London (where she succeeded by being a blunt instrument in plying journalists with meals and drink and then shaking them down for stories) and decided to retire to a cottage in the Cotswolds, an area she had once visited as a child. Naturally, she has a romanticized view of what life there will be like. Having been a busy businesswoman, she now finds herself not quite sure how to fill her time. Although she had made no friends in London, she expects to make many in rural Carsely. People nod and are friendly, but it goes no further. Agatha soon makes an enemy of her next door neighbor by stealing her housekeeper. While catching up on her reading of Agatha Christie mysteries, Agatha decides she needs to get everyone's attention. Why not win a prize for baking?
Plotting her strategy, Agatha invites the quiche competition judge, Reginald Cummings-Browne, and his wife, Vera, to an expensive dinner (expecting to curry favor as it were in the quiche wars). Agatha instead ends up with a very large bill and a not very high opinion of the Cummings-Brownes. Agatha makes a quick foray to London to buy a wonderful spinach quiche that she enters as her own.
But her plot is soon foiled when the woman who always wins the quiche competition once again triumphs. Agatha leaves her quiche behind in disgust, and Vera Cummings-Browne takes it home as a snack for her husband. That night, he eats the quiche and dies of poison! Naturally, there's a police investigation and Agatha has to confess that she cheated.
Feeling like she will never make it in Carsely after such a large faux pas, Agatha begins to think she should move out and go back to London. Soon, she's between two islands of discord and not sure what to do.
The police decide that the poisoning was an accidental death, but Agatha's not so sure. Before long, she starts acting on her urge to detect . . . with consequences that definitely heat up the story.
Where most detective stories are mostly about a crime and the process of uncovering the criminal, that element retreats into the background in this book. Instead, Agatha's search for happiness is the main focus of the story. The crime and its solution are merely incidents along the way. I liked that element. In fact, this would have been a very entertaining story even if it hadn't contained a mystery.
Any time your attention threatens to flag, you can just sit there and chuckle over the outrageous satirical elements. Although you know they are overdone, you can't help but laugh . . . as you might at good burlesque sketches with imaginative pie throwing.
Although I haven't read past this book in the Agatha Raisin series, I would have to say that Agatha could displace Hamish as number one in my affections for M. C. Beaton characters.
Enjoy!
British asocial Jessica Fletcher type............2006-11-11
...And great fun to read! Agatha first comes across as hard to take, but pretty soon we begin to appreciate her vulnerability. Set in the Cotswold villages of Britain, Agatha's adventures are closely tied in with her inability to safely navigate normal social life amongst the village. The supporting cast is wonderfully diverse, and the humor that is liberally sprinkled throughout Agatha's observations and experiences kept me thoroughly entertained chapter to chapter. I don't much care for series, but look forward to reading more in this one. I appreciated that it was PG rated, and that the main emphasis was on characterization and solving the mystery. No blood and guts.
Agatha Raisin is so fun!.......2006-08-26
This is the very first Agatha Raisin book. In it we meet Agatha, retired early from the London PR firm she owned, and ran with an iron hand. Agatha grew up in the Birmingham slums, and dreamed that one day she would live in a Cotswold village and no one would ever know she had been poor. In order to escape the slums, she learned to be tough and hard-headed, and never had a friend in her life. Now she wants to be someone important in her new hometown. She has never cooked or baked, or planted a garden, but has learned through hard experience how to get by: with ingenuity and a little cheating. When the judge of a local baking contest dies after eating the quiche she submitted, the truth comes out: she bought the quiche in London. Now she must deal with utter humiliation and try to clear her name, and in the process she begins to thaw out and make friends for the first time in her life. What a great book!
Accident my foot.......2006-08-13
Advertising mogul Agatha Raisin always wanted to retire in the classic English village and turn domestic. When she gets her chance she also wants to be popular with the locals. To this end she enters a spinach quiche (store bought) in the local contest. She even butters up the judge by taking him and his wife out to eat.
Needles to say her quiche is snubbed and the standard winner gets the prize. To compound matters the judge eats more that night and expires. Now everyone will know she cheated. The local police chalk the death up to an accident as cowbane a weedy poison somehow got mixed up in the spinach. They invite Agatha to keep out of it. Of course Agatha will not let sleeping dos lie and whit the help of her city friends puts her nose and foot into it.
This is a good little mystery that takes place in contemporary times not some old 30's or 40's setting. The mystery is formula with the standard suspects, sub plots, a few read herrings, and funny now and then.
Never Cheat with a Quiche!.......2006-05-18
Agatha Raisin, a sharp-tongued middle aged woman, debuts in this cozy set in the Cotswolds of England. Agatha, tired of London and the publicity business, sells out and buys a cottage in the village of Carsely. Wanting desperately to fit in, she enters a baking contest in the village, but resorts to cheating when she enters a store bought quiche instead of her own. When the judge of the contest dies from eating the quiche, all fingers point to Agatha and she must admit to all that she cheated.
All the while, Agatha becomes more and more curious about the poison found in the murder victim, and wanting to clear her name, Agatha sets out to find the real killer. Helping her (when everyone else shuns her) are Mrs. Bloxsby, the vicar's wife, and Detective Bill Wong. Future love-interest, James Lacey, is also introduced in this hilarious romp of a mystery.
M.C. Beaton is also the author of the much-loved Hamish McBeth mystery series, and shows her sense of humor in this series. Agatha's antics are legendary, and at times, I laughed out loud at some of the silly things that she does. Agatha's low self-esteem (hidden under a rough, blustery exterior) makes you root for her even when she pushes everyone away. I especially like the scenes in which Agatha tries to make herself appear younger (wearing tons of make-up that runs, high-heeled shoes for a walk, etc.) because she becomes much more human and lovable to the reader. If you have not read this series and you like cozy mysteries, ask yourself what you are waiting for, and get all of the books in the series! Then curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy!
Average customer rating:
- Agatha Raisin Breaks a Few Eggs with Her Store-Bought Quiche
- A cozy with a just a bit of bite
- Introducing Agatha Raisin
- Books
- Agatha still the tops
|
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (An Agatha Raisin Mystery)
M. C. Beaton
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0312081537 |
Book Description
"The irascible but endearing personality of Agatha Raisin is like a heady dash of curry. May we have another serving, please?"
DETROIT FREE PRESS
Agatha has moved to a picture-book English village and wants to get in the swing. So she buys herself a quiche for the village quiche-making contest and is more than alarmed when it kills a judge. Hot on the trail of the poisoner, Agatha is fearless, all the while unaware, that she's become the next victim....
Customer Reviews:
Agatha Raisin Breaks a Few Eggs with Her Store-Bought Quiche.......2007-05-24
As a devoted fan of M. C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series, I was intrigued to keep reading reviews of Hamish Macbeth books by people who claimed they liked the Agatha Raisin series better. But every time I contemplated the title, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, it just seemed too tongue in cheek to be possibly any good. Well, I was wrong. Although the book couldn't be any more satirical and much punnier than it is, the book works very well both as a straight story and as a satire. It's like getting two books for the price of one.
Since the Hamish Macbeth series started first, let me address Hamish Macbeth fans first: Think of Agatha Raisin as being one of the optimistic incomers to Lochdubh who hope for peace and tranquility without realizing what village life in Sutherland is really like. But Agatha has mostly good intentions (except towards the women in the area who drive her batty) instead of being an incipient homicidal maniac like the incomers in Sutherland. Agatha is also her own woman, and not about to take any prisoners she doesn't have to. Like Hamish, she has a crime-solving partner, Bill Wong (of the local detectives), who helps her in ways she doesn't always appreciate (like Priscilla Halburton-Smythe does for Hamish). Agatha is based, however, in the gentle Cotswolds so there won't be too many stories about brutal winter blizzards in this series. You won't miss hearing about Strathbane.
In this inaugural book, Agatha has just sold her PR firm in London (where she succeeded by being a blunt instrument in plying journalists with meals and drink and then shaking them down for stories) and decided to retire to a cottage in the Cotswolds, an area she had once visited as a child. Naturally, she has a romanticized view of what life there will be like. Having been a busy businesswoman, she now finds herself not quite sure how to fill her time. Although she had made no friends in London, she expects to make many in rural Carsely. People nod and are friendly, but it goes no further. Agatha soon makes an enemy of her next door neighbor by stealing her housekeeper. While catching up on her reading of Agatha Christie mysteries, Agatha decides she needs to get everyone's attention. Why not win a prize for baking?
Plotting her strategy, Agatha invites the quiche competition judge, Reginald Cummings-Browne, and his wife, Vera, to an expensive dinner (expecting to curry favor as it were in the quiche wars). Agatha instead ends up with a very large bill and a not very high opinion of the Cummings-Brownes. Agatha makes a quick foray to London to buy a wonderful spinach quiche that she enters as her own.
But her plot is soon foiled when the woman who always wins the quiche competition once again triumphs. Agatha leaves her quiche behind in disgust, and Vera Cummings-Browne takes it home as a snack for her husband. That night, he eats the quiche and dies of poison! Naturally, there's a police investigation and Agatha has to confess that she cheated.
Feeling like she will never make it in Carsely after such a large faux pas, Agatha begins to think she should move out and go back to London. Soon, she's between two islands of discord and not sure what to do.
The police decide that the poisoning was an accidental death, but Agatha's not so sure. Before long, she starts acting on her urge to detect . . . with consequences that definitely heat up the story.
Where most detective stories are mostly about a crime and the process of uncovering the criminal, that element retreats into the background in this book. Instead, Agatha's search for happiness is the main focus of the story. The crime and its solution are merely incidents along the way. I liked that element. In fact, this would have been a very entertaining story even if it hadn't contained a mystery.
Any time your attention threatens to flag, you can just sit there and chuckle over the outrageous satirical elements. Although you know they are overdone, you can't help but laugh . . . as you might at good burlesque sketches with imaginative pie throwing.
Although I haven't read past this book in the Agatha Raisin series, I would have to say that Agatha could displace Hamish as number one in my affections for M. C. Beaton characters.
Enjoy!
A cozy with a just a bit of bite.......2006-03-23
I love English mysteries, mostly because they center on personality--and Agatha Raisin has tons of personality. This first book in the series, set in the modern hills of England, introduces you to Agatha and many recurring characers. There are references to sex and all of the gore happens off stage. As a mystery, there are many better but you have an even chance of guessing the killer(s). Red herrings abound, but the point is not the mystery but the slightly (let's be honest) silly story. The village itself is a character, and has more than a few living in it. (I particularly love to hate the Boggles.) The book is quick, fun read. I keep waiting for the vicar's wife to be less a saint, and love the various sinners -- and enjoy how Agatha keeps getting herself in fixes that arise from her little weaknesses. This is not a book to analyze,just to enjoy. You'll wish you were in the Cotswolds, in the rain or at the Village fair. Have a great time!
Introducing Agatha Raisin.......2006-02-14
Agatha Raisin has clawed her way to the top of the PR field. She has escaped her terrible childhood, discarded a useless husband and built her firm from scratch and now has decided to enjoy the rewards of all her years of hard work. One of her few happy childhood memories is of time spent in a village in the Cotswolds so now that she had the time and the money at her disposal Agatha has determined to retire there. She has purchased a cottage in a quiet village well off the tourist route, had it suitably furnished, sold both her firm and her flat and now if off to enjoy her new life - she was bored within a week.
Agatha had never had the time (or inclination) to develop either hobbies of friends and now didn't know how. The villagers were either only superfically friendly or out to take advantage of her, or ever outright hostile towards her. Agatha decided to take on the village the same way she had the business world years before, she decided to go right for the top, in this case entering the local cooking contest by making a quiche. The mere fact that she did not know how to cook was a minor problem but one Agatha felt she could deal with. Soon Agatha found herself with larger problems to cope with when the contest judge died apparently from eating her entry! The resulting investigation revealed many village scandals both old and new and left Agatha longing to return to the peace and quiet of London.
This is the first of the 'Agatha Raisin' series from author M. C. Beaton of 'Hamish Macbeth' fame. Both series are set in small British villages, involve the lives (and secrets) of the locals and feature an outsider/loner as the detective there the similarities end. Where Hamish Macbeth is a very likeable, quiet rather unambitious young man Agatha is a pushy, rather disagreeable middleaged woman. Still, like with Macbeth, Beaton manages to turn her detective and those around her, into people the reader comes to care about. The mystery is clearly, and fairly laid out with plenty of twists and turns to keep he reader guessing. I'm looking forward to getting the rest of the series.
Books.......2006-01-16
They were excellent.
Agatha still the tops.......2005-10-25
This is the first of Agatha's adventures and still the one that I can bring to mind and enjoy a chuckle. I often go back an re-read it. Highly recommended for curling up with in front of a fire on a wintry day.
Product Description
6 Compact Discs, Unabridged
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Average customer rating:
- Never Cheat with a Killer Quiche!
|
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Manufacturer: CONSTABLE & ROBINSON
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GM4LXO |
Customer Reviews:
Never Cheat with a Killer Quiche!.......2006-07-25
Agatha Raisin, a sharp-tongued middle aged woman, debuts in this cozy set in the Cotswolds of England. Agatha, tired of London and the publicity business, sells out and buys a cottage in the village of Carsely. Wanting desperately to fit in, she enters a baking contest in the village, but resorts to cheating when she enters a store bought quiche instead of her own. When the judge of the contest dies from eating the quiche, all fingers point to Agatha and she must admit to everyone that she cheated. All the while, Agatha becomes more and more curious about the poison found in the murder victim, and wanting to clear her name, Agatha sets out to find the real killer. Helping her (when everyone else shuns her) are Mrs. Bloxsby, the vicar's wife, and Detective Bill Wong. Future love-interest, James Lacey, is also introduced in this hilarious romp of a mystery.
M.C. Beaton is also the author of the much-loved Hamish McBeth mystery series, and shows her sense of humor in this series. Agatha's antics are legendary, and at times, I laughed out loud at some of the silly things that she does. Agatha's low self-esteem (hidden under a rough, blustery exterior) makes you root for her even when she pushes everyone away. I especially like the scenes in which Agatha tries to make herself appear younger (wearing tons of make-up that runs, high-heeled shoes for a walk, etc.) because she becomes much more human and lovable to the reader. If you have not read this series and you like cozy mysteries, ask yourself what you are waiting for, and get all of the books in the series! Then curl up with a cup of tea and enjoy!
Average customer rating:
- Regency romance at its best!
- Suddenly You
- delicious!!!
- Looked promising - A disappointment
- Did I like it????
|
Suddenly You
Lisa Kleypas
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0061259357
Release Date: 2006-11-28 |
Amazon.com's Best of 2001
Setting: London 1836
Sensuality: 8
Successful novelist Amanda Briars buys herself a scandalous present to celebrate her 30th birthday. Of gentle birth, unwed, and still a virgin, she contracts with a well-known madam to deliver a lover to her home. When handsome publisher Jack Devlin knocks on her door, it doesn't take him long to figure out that Amanda thinks he's someone else entirely. Intrigued, he stops just short of taking the lady's virginity, for he has other plans for the talented writer.
When she discovers Jack's true identity at a gathering of writers and publishers, Amanda is first angry, then fascinated, as he is a powerful force in the London publishing industry. Jack is determined to court Amanda not only to publish her novels, but also to lure her into his bed, and it isn't long before the two are deeply involved. But their path to happiness is strewn with stumbling blocks: Jack has a past that haunts him, while Amanda's family would be hurt by a scandalous liaison.
Suddenly You is a lush, deeply romantic tale of two free spirits who learn that they are, after all, susceptible to the binding ties of love. The setting provides readers with a different view of London society--the lives of affluent writers and artists rather than the world of the nobility--and a fascinating look into the publishing industry in 1800s London. Once again, Kleypas has delivered a well-written, sensual novel that's sure to hit the bestseller lists. --Lois Faye Dyer
Book Description
She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible. . .but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream.
Jack Devlin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected. . . but both soon craved.
Download Description
Amanda Briars buys herself a most improper gift -- one night of passion with a stranger. When she discovers the irresistible man is notorious businessman Jack Devlin, she pleads for her privacy. Jack will keep her secret.but only for a price. She was unmarried, untouched and almost thirty, but novelist Amanda Briars wasn't about to greet her next birthday without making love to a man. When he appeared at her door, she believed he was her gift to herself, hired for one night of passion. Unforgettably handsome, irresistibly virile, he tempted her in ways she never thought possible...but something stopped him from completely fulfilling her dream. Jack Delvin's determination to possess Amanda became greater when she discovered his true identity. But gently-bred Amanda craved respectability more than she admitted, while Jack, the cast-off son of a nobleman and London's most notorious businessman, refused to live by society's rules. Yet when fate conspired for them to marry, their worlds collided with a passionate force neither had expected...but both soon craved.
Customer Reviews:
Regency romance at its best!.......2007-09-06
This novel enveloped me in its warmth of emotions with such intense and passionate characters I started this book and took
it everywhere with me, for Jack Devlin and Amanda Briars would not let me go. The story is spectacular in its simplicity telling
about love, independence, strength and two imperfect people whom fit perfectly together and their journey of acceptance.
Lisa Kleypas has captured the essence of love for me with these two stunning characters and the tale they tell. Jack is so
focused on his success as a publisher and the money he makes that the meeting with the vibrant Amanda takes him by
surprise. They both want so much out of life, living it on their own terms and both are controlled by the rules of society
though Jack has a healthy lack for certain rules which is expected from a man with a scoundrel status. From the moment they
meet it is a chemistry of emotions that results in a sexual energy that radiated from the pages, luring the reader to read on
and on and before you realize it you have finished the story and feel utterly spellbound by the romance, the characters and
the tale Lisa Kleypas told with Suddenly you!
As this is my first novel by Lisa Kleypas all I can say is that she delivered a high quality regency read that will compel to many
readers in this genre. Suddenly you blends all the regency elements together with a high level of emotions and sizzling heat
that will resonate with the reader. The supporting cast of characters is one that I enjoyed meeting and told so much about the
personality of both Jack and Amanda that it adds more depth and understanding to where they are coming from. All though there
is no real plot in this novel it doesn't need one for it speaks of a man and a woman with their thoughts and feelings and that is all
I needed!
With flair, passion, talent and unforgettable characters Lisa Kleypas written a book that will become an instant favorite!
courtesy of realmsonourbookshelves
Suddenly You.......2007-07-26
I purchase books for my mother and she loved the book. Excellent service would order again
delicious!!!.......2007-05-07
Only a strong woman would hire a man for herself on her 30th birthday. And what a trip!! This was witty, funny, and the characters were wonderful. Lisa Kleypas has a wonderful talent for romance novels that you do not want to put down. This one will be kept in my collection and not passed on for others to read.
Looked promising - A disappointment.......2007-04-18
I had been reading some of the reviews about this book and when i saw it at my bookstore, i bought it.
The first few chapters very very promising and i thought this will be an excellent read. But as i read the book, somewhere along the plot i started getting bored and losing interest.
I don't discredit Lisa's sizzling sex scenes but i feel that this book revolved too much around sex, sex and more sex.
What began as a good story plot turned out to be very disappointing.
I don't recommend this book the LK fans.
My friend asked me how i felt about the book and my reply was, "the book is a sex manual which describes different methods to sexual positions."
Did I like it????.......2007-03-24
I just finished this book and i don't really know if I liked the book overall. The book is too shallow, the story is just so so. There is nothing really exciting about the book. This is the first Lisa Kleypas book that I've read and I really rely in the ratings of the readers of course depending on the story also before I buy a book. This book have a good rating and definitely have a nice start to the story but after reading it, I am not having second thoughts about her books. I have other books of Lisa Kleypas and now I am hesitating to read them.
Book Description
It could happen today. You are called into the office, and the boss tells you that due to unforeseen circumstances, starting today you will be in charge of a team, a project, an office, a committee, or a business unit. Without any warning (or preparation on your part) you've become an accidental leader.
If you have been thrust into a position of sudden responsibility, you need The Accidental Leader. This book is a first aid kit that gives you the information and inspiration you need to
- Know what you bring to the challenge— your pluses and minuses
- Define success and achieve it
- Get other people on your side
- Overcome your natural shortcomings
- Get organized— right now
- See through the apparent system to the culture within
- Direct people and get them to act
The Accidental Leader is your lifeline to leadership success. It is filled with practical answers to the many leadership questions that you will face.
Download Description
It could happen today. You are called into the office, and the boss tells you that due to unforeseen circumstances, starting today you will be in charge of a team, a project, an office, a committee, or a business unit. Without any warning (or preparation on your part) you've become an accidental leader.
f you have been thrust into a position of sudden responsibility, you need The Accidental Leader. This book is a first aid kit that gives you the information and inspiration you need to
- Know what you bring to the challengeâ your pluses and minuses
- Define success and achieve it
- Get other people on your side
- Overcome your natural shortcomings
- Get organizedâ right now
- See through the apparent system to the culture within
- Direct people and get them to act
The Accidental Leader is your lifeline to leadership success. It is filled with practical answers to the many leadership questions that you will face.
Customer Reviews:
Insightful!.......2004-03-01
Say the boss drops dead and suddenly you're the acting boss. Or the company reorganizes, everyone above you is fired and guess who's in charge. Imagine that your career suddenly becomes one of those movies where the plane starts to go down and some poor, benighted sap finds himself in the pilot's chair trying to land a 747 on a stormy night on what is either a landing strip or just a long, broad swath of plankton in the water. Can you land it? What do you do? You're responsible. Suddenly people look at you in a different way. Your friends no longer completely trust you, your enemies are working actively to undercut you and your ability to come to terms with accidental leadership will make or break your career. It is full of little motivational tips, kind words and straight talk covering everything from managing complex and difficult teams to firing people (tip: avoid Christmas Eve). The book is thin, a quick read and a good one.
This Is What A Business Book Should Be.......2003-10-26
I received an advance copy of The Accidental Leader because I review business books for a big-city newspaper. I put it at the top of my pile because I have always liked what Finley and Robbins do. I now recommend it enthusiastically, not only for the suddenly-empowered people the title addresses, but for anyone with leadership responsibilities.
In my view, the business books that are truly useful for real-world managers have two qualities. First, they don't pretend that managerial life is anything less than unbelievably complex and unbearably demanding. Second, they provide straightforward, relatively simple tools, methods, and strategies for dealing with all that complexity and pressure. Tools that actually work.
The greatest business writers, geniuses like Jim Collins and Gary Hamel, can embrace huge amounts of complexity and then provide advice that's somehow whittled down into manageable prescriptions that still have world-changing impact.
This book isn't as great as those, because its topic is more limited, but it still has those great-book qualities. There's a whole lot of reality encompassed here - organizational realities, performance-related realities, and personal ones, too - yet the highly distilled, non-nonsense advice still imparts ways of wrestling with those realities and coming out on top.
There's also a lot to like about the way Finley and Robbins write. They're direct and pungent, funny and witty, and completely readable. They earned some deserved recognition a few years back when their book Why Teams Don't Work was named "Best Business Book in the Americas" by Financial Times and Booz Allen & Hamilton, but they still haven't gained the wide readership and top-of-the-charts sales they deserve. The next step for them is to sell a whole bunch of books. So, if you buy this book and like it, why not check out their other entries here at amazon.com -- it's all good, and good for you, too.
Average customer rating:
- None
- Same book as Suddenly You. Fantastic though!
- Suddenly You glorifies the English language
- SPANISH VERSION OF 'SUDDENLY YOU'
- Once known as "Suddenly You"
|
Irresistible (Suddenly You, Spanish Edition)
Lisa Kleypas
Manufacturer: Ediciones B
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Kleypas, Lisa | ( K ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
( K ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Contemporánea | General | Literatura y ficción | Libros en español | Formats | Books
Kleypas, Lisa | ( K ) | Autores, A-Z | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books
General | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books
Histórico | Romance | Libros en español | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 8466623981 |
Book Description
Of gentle birth, unwed, and still a virgin, successful novelist Amanda Briars decides to buy herself a scandalous present to celebrate her 30th birthday and hires a well-known madam to deliver a lover to her home. When handsome publisher Jack Devlin knocks on her door, it doesn't take him long to figure out that Amanda thinks he's someone else entirely. Intrigued, he stops just short of ending her celebate streak, for he has other plans for the talented writer.
Customer Reviews:
None.......2007-03-19
I had to return this book because I didn't realize it was in Spanish. I have yet to receive a credit for it and am rather upset. Germaine Corbin
Same book as Suddenly You. Fantastic though!.......2007-01-19
For a moment I was excited there was a new Lisa Kleypas book, but the description quickly told me the publishers are pulling the wool over us on this one. This book was originally sold as Suddenly You, which is one of my favorite Kleypas book.
Suddenly You glorifies the English language.......2007-01-09
"Irresistible" is the Spanish translation of the original "Suddenly You"... I am giving the five stars for the original that honors the English language and not for the translation: it prouves again the old truth "traductore, traitore".
SPANISH VERSION OF 'SUDDENLY YOU'.......2006-12-19
People, please read carefully next time before you start posting about how this book has been reissued under a different title. This is the SPANISH version of 'Suddenly You'.
Once known as "Suddenly You".......2006-12-09
Why this is the second Kleypas book to be reissued under a new title I do not know. Very confusing!
But it is a terrific tale, and I love it.
If you have never read it and are a fan of Kleypas's unique romantic voice (neither over done nor undertold) and of other books of hers such as her "Bow Street" series (Grant Morgan, et alia), you will love this one too.
Customer Reviews:
Totally Awe Inspiring Debut Novel.......2007-04-18
WOW! All I can say is this was a great debut novel! It captured me from the first words, the first page. I read it in 1 1/2 days. I couldn't help but enjoy Cady's fiery personality. And once I found out what made Keren act the way he did, you couldn't help but sympathize and fall in love with his character. They were perfect together. And the supporting characters were definitely memorable and people you hope to read more about in Mrs. Hubbard's future novels. This was a story that at times left me in tears and at others times had me LOL. I truly enjoyed Mrs. Hubbard's writing style, her attention to detail and her ability to make me feel as if I was watching a live performance. A Definte MUST READ!
A Very Special Romance.......2007-03-24
I didn't know what to expect when I heard what this book was about, which is that a Boston reporter named Cady Winters goes to a St. Louis hospital where she meets an Iceman, an oncologist named Keren Bailey who is so emotionless that a terminal cancer ward is probably the best place for him to work. Cady is all fire and heat. Keren is ice and heartlessness until Cady starts to touch things in him that he never knew he had.
The thing I liked best about Suddenly You is how Ms. Hubbard finds the balance between life, love, death and forgiveness. Ms. Hubbard is very much in touch with how people deal with tragedy and she does an amazing job of showing how to get through it. Love is so important and most romance novels make it a joke in a way with contrived, predictable plots and love scenes that make you giggle instead of sweat. Crystal Hubbard knows what she's doing and she's very, very good at it.
Suddenly You is a very special romance because it strikes all the right chords of being romantic, sensual, funny and deeply touching. Suddenly You is a really beautiful story that celebrates life and love and how love really is the most powerful force on earth.
A nice love story.......2007-01-06
I enjoyed the book. Cady was a breath of fresh air for the rigid doctor. Her grandmother was wise and gentle. She also was a cunning matchmaker. Both Cady and the doctor had to discover the truth about themselves to make thier relationship work. I like the ending it had me laughing so much I had to read it again.
Delightful Summer Reading.......2006-06-19
Suddenly You by Crystal Hubbard is a very good book about a young woman who learns important life lessons in the course of falling in love with a doctor who needs to learn a few things about life and love himself.
This book is beautifully told with humor, warmth and intelligence.
I am looking forward to more books by this talented newcomer.
Very special book.......2006-03-10
Suddenly YOu is one of the most unique books I have ever read. It is a romance but it is also a story about women, family and the enduring love people can share. I liked this book so much because Cady is very likeable and very real. She does the things that most of us wish we could do.
Dr. Keren Bailey is a fascinating character because at first you don't know what to make of him. You get to know Keren along with Cady which makes his part of the stroy very interesting. Keren comes off cold and unfriendly, but when you know why he's that way you can't stop yourself from loving him.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Cady and her grandmother, and all the other patients in the hospital where the book is set. Suddenly You has a very unusual setting, the cancer ward of a hospital, but author Crystal Hubbard makes it work.
It's real. It's not melodramatic when someone dies and it's not overdone and overemotional when someone lives. One of the best parts of the book is the funeral when Keren finally tells Cady how he feels about her. You expect everything to fall into place and when it doesn't, you really feel for Keren and Cady both.
Suddenly You takes you through real emotion like Cady and Keren starting to fall in love, the death of Cady's grandmother, and Cady's journey through grief. It may seem sad but it is actually a raptuorous journey for the reader. That is why this book is so good because it makes you FEEL. You will laugh, you will cry and you will celebrate this story.
Customer Reviews:
delightful western romance .......2007-02-23
In 1872 Cedar Springs, Colorado Territory, legendary retired Texas Ranger Captain Quentin Smith arrives by stage asking for Dark Horse Saloon owner Nash Bond. Jasmine Fairchild, who serves liquor at the establishment, escorts him to the saloon. Quentin informs Nash he no longer works as a Ranger having taken a job with the Kansas Pacific; he is town because he has learned that the "brain" behind the violent murder robbery of a train is meeting his gang here.
He is also in town recovering from injuries, which he will use as an alibi while waiting for the outlaws to arrive. Quentin dreams of owning a ranch and raising a family, but knows that will never be having lost a wife due to a bullet intended for him. However, he is very attracted to Jasmine, who reciprocates his feelings. When he is forced to use her as bait to trap the killers, he fears like he has never ever in his life and prays she comes out of this okay.
SUDDENLY YOU is a delightful western romance starring two likable protagonists who each believes they do not deserve love, but when it comes they want it with all their heart. The story line is initially character-driven as Quentin's presence overwhelms the townsfolk as he is so famous he appears in Dime novels. Jasmine starts off as one of his hero worshippers, but soon sees the person, insecurities and all. The plot turns begins to turn into High Noon towards the middle of the novel as the gang members begin to arrive. Readers will enjoy this fine Americana as two worthy souls pray that they are FINDING LOVE'S FUTURE if they survive the outlaws.
Product Description
Romantic, Virgin decides to remain one no longer and her decision leads to a night of passion
Customer Reviews:
Wow, finally a real woman!!!!.......2005-10-16
What a great book.... I loved the fact that Amanda is very real..She is not perfect and throughout the book it lets you know she is pretty but short and alittle on the stocky side, she is very intelligent and a woman self assured. The hero is Jack and having a horrible chilhood, rises to become a self made man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Their love story is sweet,tender and full of great sex. Truly, a love story from start to finish. I could be more detailed but I beleive you should read it yourself..It won't disappoint ...Beleive me.
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Customer Reviews:
It is a good book........2003-02-11
This is a very good book for those who are divorced, widowed or thinking about a divorce or even the happily married, both male and female. It is both funny at times and thought provoking as well. It may seem the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. The author points out the problems of trying to replace what you once had. What may look like green grass can turn out to be just straw. The author, Anita Richwine, writes of some experiences with the dating scene today for the ?Suddenly Alone?.
For those who think that it cannot be any worse and you must get out of your situation -- read the book. The book makes it clear it is easier and much less costly to rekindle the fire that once brought you together than to try to find another one who could turn out even worse. Remember, both of you would be trying to show off your best. No men, it clear that Viagra is not the answer; remember we men do feel the affects of age. It is impossible for both of you to be the same as when you were 20.
My suggestion to this talented author is: Write a sequel from the male point of view and the problems we men face in learning to court the ladies again.
Books:
- The Rebel: An Essay on Man in Revolt
- The Sailor Who Fell From Grace with the Sea
- The Serpent's Shadow (Elemental Masters, Book 1)
- The Smoke Jumper
- The Touch Of Fire
- The Vanished Man (A Lincoln Rhyme Novel)
- Transamerican Literary Relations and the Nineteenth-Century Public Sphere (Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture)
- Upright: The Evolutionary Key to Becoming Human
- Valley of Horses, The (Earth's Children®)
- Vittorio, the Vampire
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