This is a most useful book and it is easy for the average cook to use. The recipes are understandable and easy to use. A fasicinating read and most interesting.

This was one of the finest cookbooks I have come across in years. Mr. Smiths mastery of maritime flavors quickly surfaces and he obviously has a highly refined and developed taste.

I really enjoyed this insightful masterpiece. I have visited the Bay Islands on numerous occasions over many years. I can honestly say that this book very accurately depicts the consequences of tourism on the people, communities, and environment. The book really opened my eyes to the fact that if development of the tourism industry continues at such a rapid pace, then in time the paradise that I enjoy so much may not turn out to be such a paradise after all. Thank you.

- One of the best academic books of the year, The Other Side of Paradise reviews tourism, conservation and development in the Bay Islands. The author has focused on tourism and development for many years and this volume is a well-written synthesis of her findings. She explores the historical legacy of the Bay Islands and the expansion of the international tourism market. All is not well in Paradise as she documents the negative impacts on the communities and the local ecosystems. Maps, black and white photos and illustrations compliment the text.

If you are interested in the inside stuff -- before Wolf & Holmgren, this is simply the best. He was there and wrote it all down.

Get a copy!

If anyone can tell me the value of a signed and numbered copy, I would appreciate it. I lost mine in a flood. Thanks. Judy

Welcome to Paradise Bay - Where The Day Begins. When Trish Taylor found herself on the other side of the world from the safe, secure life she led in New York, she was less than overjoyed. But with her wedding to boring and predicable Elliot a mere 4 months away, her step-father felt she needed some time away from the wedding preparations to give some final thought to the relationship she was about to commit to for the rest of her life. Elliot was all wrong for Trish and Russ hoped Trish's time in paradise would make her see that.

Elliot was everything Trish wanted in her life. Safety. Stability. Security. There was no excitement or adventure with Elliot, but those things were overrated. Upon her arrival at Paradise Bay, Trish met Jack Kendall and discovered that the two of them would be working together to design and build a vacation resort on the island paradise. When she wasn't fighting with Jack, she began to question her plans for the future. Soon, Trish put thoughts of Elliot and her upcoming wedding aside and found herself thinking of Jack instead.

Jack was everything Elliot was not, and that both infuriated and intrigued Trish. And it wasn't long until she found herself drawn into the excitement and adventure that was Jack. But would his unknown family identity ruin his hopes for happiness with Trish?

Victoria Alexander has crafted a humorous tale with vivid imagery and multi-dimensional characters. If I was to be stranded on an island paradise to welcome the new millennium, I'd want that paradise to be "Paradise Bay" and my companion to be Jack Kendall. This book is a surefire winner. Don't pass it up!

That's the only word that will come to mind after finishing _Paradise Bay_. This was the first book I'd ever read by Victoria Alexander and I was definitely not disappointed. The characters are not only believable but endearing. Trish's sarcastic wit and conversations with herself will leave you laughing aloud and Jack's sensuality definitely turns up the heat. Thrust together under unusual circumstances, the passion that ignites between Trish and Jack almost burns the pages with the intensity. This book exudes an electricity that draws you in and leaves you powerless to resist. From the first page I couldn't put it down. You'll cry when Jack realizes he loves Trish and you'll hold your breath until Trish admits it herself. Smoldering romance that's sure to make you search out all of Ms. Alexander's work.

So, don't hesitate to read about the wonderful island of Paradise Bay . . .

Where the magic and the majestic scenery will cause you to do things you never would have before.

Hilda Van Stockum was one of my favorite authors in elementary and middle school. My first book by this outstanding author was "The Winged Watchman," which was a historical look at a Dutch family during WWII. It was a lovely story replete with Dutch customs. "Pegeen" and the entire "Bantry Bay" series will not disappoint, either. The characters are lively, heart warming and full of fun and vigor. I am lucky in that I have several Hilda Van Stockum books as my library was having a sale some years ago. I have never read a bad Hilda Van Stockum -- there is no such thing. She is a keeper.

Pegeen is the third and final volume in Hilda van Stockum's delightful Bantry Bay series. Without a hint of pedantry or preachiness, all three books teach children virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, and honesty. The whimsical and charming young heroine of the present volume gets into a few tight scrapes, learns to accept the blame for her own wrongdoings, and is rewarded in the end. I've read all three books to my three year old; he can listen to them for hours on end. They are quite appropriate for accomplished young readers ages ten to twelve. Pegeen can be read without any knowledge of the preceding volumes, but do your children (and yourself) a favor - buy all three; you will not be disappointed.

The extraordinary true story about a scrupulous midwestern entrepreneur who built a small local railroad into a strong regional system -- known as "The Vandalia" -- and resisted repeated efforts to be acquired for nearly 30 years or until he was ready to relinquish the reins. Belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in Indiana or Illinois history or the history of the Pennsylvania Railroad. A highly readable and entertainingly-written research masterpiece addressing an area of corporate history not often broached. Required exploration of corporate minutes, court files and private correspondence. "A railroad's history, telling it through the life of the man who made it what it was." Outstanding photos and diagrams. A keeper.

This book centers on the history of railroad development and expansion in Indiana and Illinois at the turn of the century as well as the lives and times of the movers and shakers that propelled this activity. I particularly enjoyed reading about where and why certain rail lines were built and then why some of them otlived their usefulness. It is interesting to see what exists in todays world and then read about how it started and occurred during the glory years of railroad construction in the Midwest. The insights on personalities, motivations and strategies of people like Wm. Riley McKeen, his supporters (Chauncey Rose) and detractors (Samuel Ives) were also extremely enlightening and entertaining. I grew up in Illinois and Indiana and always wanted to know more about the history of the Pennsylvania RR "Lines West". (Most PRR history books discuss the eastern portion of the railroad.) This book explains much about "Lines West" in an informative and entertaining fashion.

Very easy read. Enjoyable and very well documented. It is in this book that the names of the ships that were used to hunt down Blackbeard are revealed. Nearly every book on the subject of American Colonial Pirate actions that has come out in the last 15 years has been heavily influenced by this work. I have also used it as a guide to visit many of the naval battle sites. It is wonderful. I wish the author would turn his talents to other geographical locations.

When I saw the book"Pirates on the Chesapeake" , I new it had to be a good book. But, BOY! was I surprised when I picked it up and couldn't put it down. I even gave copies for presents. I felt like I was there. This book would make a great movie or documentary and IT SHOULD! Full of history. I can still here the cannons and see the sails.

This book includes listings of every park, playground, museum and activity of interest to children 10 and under. As an adventurous mother of three, I couldn't live without my copy!

This book is absolutely fantastic and I use it so often that I need to buy another copy to leave in my car! Whenever I want to go on an outing with my kids, "Play Around The Bay' gives me all the pertinent information - as well as directions. It is extremely accurate. Some of our best adventures have come out of this book! I couldn't live (and preserve my sanity) without it.

What a great book packed with pictures. The design is very modern and unconventional (read expensive). This is a very fun book to review. If you can't afford the architecture costs there are many ideas you can incorporate into a more typical home design.

Coffee table book showing all the nicest spots in the Bay Area. The spread on the family compound in Sonoma is worth the price alone!

This is a great book for anyone who loves sea otters! It's got great pictures and is very informative. The author didn't skip the details on these wonderful, adorable creatures!

Marianne Riedman does an excellent job of portraying the playful sea otter in its habitat. She brings us up close and personal with one of the most beloved marine mammals. Through this book, one can discover much about the sea otter's history and behavior. I recomend that all sea otter lovers read it.