Steve Gaffney has captured the essence of communication and he shows, in simple terms, how to effectively deal with the most common problems that affect our professional and personal relationships. His vivid examples and practical suggestions come together in an easy-to-read book full of helpful information. I would recommend it to anyone who regularly communicates with others!

This book is awesome!
We'd have a lot less problems in this world if everyone read this and implemented the simple steps Steven points out.
The book will help you in all facets of your life!

What makes this book GREAT is the specfic examples, stories, and tips that Steven Gaffney provides.

It is good to describe principles and theories and to relate why it is essential to be honest and have great character, but this book brings these important elements to life with real storIes and examples and practical advice and ideas.

The "notice" versus "imagine" concept is so simple (now that I've read it), but it is so overlooked in everyday communication and relationships.

Loved the story about Mike Tyson. Steven got himself into a real pickle with his encounter with Tyson. We can all learn from this example of what not to do.

An easy read with solid content.

I read Patricia's other books and I always felt her books were lacking in some way. Not with this book. This book was a laugh out loud, funny, and sexy book about two thiefs with insercurities. They are not perfect, but they are good people who deserved the ending they got.

I am so glad to see Patricia Gaffney enjoying well-deserved success -- especially as it means a return to print of one of my all time favorite romances. Crooked Hearts has it all, wonderful, unique, fully fleshed characters, witty dialogue, adventure and a deep, soul-fulfilling love. Not only is there one copy on my keeper shelf, but two-- one to lend, and one to cherish.

Grace and Reuben are a couple of con artists who meet by chance while traveling (in disguise, of course: she, a nun; he, a blind spaniard.) Hilarity and hijinks ensue as a result of one's belief that the other can't see, etc. Meeting one another was an intriguing diversion, nothing more, considering the two would probably never cross paths again...that is, until their stagecoach is robbed, their "winnings" are stolen, and their false identities exposed in the process. As help is sought from the authorities after the bandits are subdued, Grace and Reuben, fearing questioning by the police, make their escape on horseback with nothing but the clothes on their back and a small, mysterious chinese figurine that seemed to be of special interst to the robbers.

Back at Reuben's San Fransiscan apartment, the two decide to partner up, just for a scam or two, until they can recoup their lost winnings. They develop a certain friendly-but-somewhat-suspicious camraderie, and, finding that they work rather well together, decide to see what they can get out of the figurine.

Grace and Reuben are wonderful characters - quite a refreshing change from the typical romance genre. Both are somewhat jaded and devious, yet the reader sees glimpses of basic goodness and kindness - even innocence - that only desperate circumstances and hard luck has served to temper in both of them.

The book drew me in immediately - action-packed from the get-go. The dialogue was quite clever, with lots of quite funny moments, as well as a couple of intricately impressive con schemes (where DOES Ms. Gaffney come up with this stuff?) Reuben and Grace are endearing, and I think any reader would soon find themself cheering for this couple.

Grace and Reuben develop a certain honor-among-thieves trust and friendship, and even grow to depend on one another (though they'd never admit it), and though there is a mutual attraction, they each inwardly determine to keep things neutral...until they find themselves caught up in the dangerous world of a deadly chinese mafia in Chinatown, the leader of which wants the little figurine quite desparately...and wants Grace even more.

Though the story is lively and witty, a deep, abiding love is developing between Grace and Reuben that is really quite touching and very deeply sexy. Reuben, though a shaking coward where knives are involved, a devious con-man when the moment calls for one, and a comic with an appreciation for the absurd, is probably the sexiest hero I've ever "met" in the pages of a book!

In the late 19th century, economist and social philosopher Henry George achieved international fame by calling for the abolition of all taxation save that upon land values -- a tax reform that would reconcile the conflict between economic liberty and social justice. So persuasive were George's arguments that landed elites, desperate to protect their vested interests in unearned wealth, set out to undermine George's immense popularity.

In "The Corruption of Economics," the precise manner in which Henry George was neutralized is uncovered by professor Mason Gaffney. That manner -- which later became known as neo-classical economics -- was to corrupt economic science. How? By blurring the traditional distinction between capital and land (and hence between earned and unearned income), by glossing this blurred distinction with jargon and abstract models, and by recasting economics generally to make free-riding by landowners seem just and moral.

Unable or unwilling to address Gaffney's arguments head-on, some economists are fond of dismissing this book out of hand as nothing more than a "conspiracy theory." In reality, it's a scholarly analysis of the anti-Georgist origins of the neo-classical school of economics, and how this school made an artform out of justifying landed privilege. Every single one of its claims in that regard are supported by credible references.

"The Corruption of Economics" is a must-read for anyone who suspects there is something inherently flawed with "mainstream" economic theory -- particularly when it comes to reconciling the seeming conflict between economic liberty and social justice -- but is unsure as to what that flaw is.

Anyone who has ever spent a half a day in a university getting lectured on economics should read this book. To academics it is a must. To ordinary folks it reads like a crimi. Best insight book on the market as why economics is such a muddled science and why lawyers, historians, politicians and journalists have no clue about todays whereabouts. Or did you ever wonder why you work like a slave and get stripped down to nearly nothing by the state and its "social" agencies. Ever wondered why we face so much sprawl, poverty, blight? This book explains neatly what happened to the once grand sience of political economy and the real effects on todays world.

This is an amusing and witty book. I like all of Patricia Gaffney's books; they are well-researched and highly-entertaining. Unlike many books of this genre, the characters are not perfect. You want to applaud them on one page and then scold them on the next. Sophie is pretty but her beauty is not emphasized on every page to the point where it interrupts the flow of the story. Unlike heroines in, for example, Judith McNaught's books where the heroines lack irony and you suspect would be tiresome to be around in real life, you would welcome an acquaintance with Sophie by the end of the book after she goes through a positive character transformation. Connor, the hero, is also unlike most "rugged and handsome but loner" heroes with a lot of money that you find in other romance books. He's someone who is not always sure he's doing the right thing for the right reasons. This book is part of a trilogy but it can be read on its own. You might like reading all the books in the Wyckersley trilogy though because you'll enjoy reading about all the characters as their lives intertwine around the river Wyck (or Wick?) in England around the turn of the century. To Have and to Hold is a particularly different romance book. Sebastian, the "hero" is about as unlikable as a "hero" can get at the start of this book and it's absorbing to read how he turns his life around by the end of the book.

When I first picked this book up after reading the other two, I didn't know for sure if I'd like it. For starters, Sophie just wasn't my favorite person and I was disappointed when I found out it was about her. I quickly changed my mind. I loved it! I loved her and I loved Connor.

The Insiders Guide to New Orleans is a giant step forward in the city guidebook field as well as the best guide I have found to New Orleans. The authors put history in its true place as an introduction to one of the world's most fascinating cities and then present the destination in fine style as experts on the city, its attractions, its almost embarrassing riches in restaurants, its quirkiness and more. As a resident of the Big Easy (who also happens to be a professional travel writer) I found fifty things I didn't already know. Unlike many guidebooks which are either on-paper cheering sections or, alternatively, a drab presentation of facts, open hours and prices, this guide is a delightful and informative must-read for anyone every thinking of escaping to what can be considered almost another country. Five stars for The Insider's Guide to New Orleans by Becky Retz and James Gaffney.

If New Orleans is a city that easily evokes the utterances of Tennesee William's Blanche Dubois , the New Insider's Guide New Orleans by Gaffney and Retz certainly is a kindness to strangers visiting to city. Written in a lively and fun to read style, the authors take you on a lively tour of the famous and infamous aspects of the Big Easy. Locals will find the book a way to explore the underpinnings of a city they may have too quickly come to take for granted. Like the city itself, this guidebook is an easy read to curl up with (to paraphrase Blanche) on a long rainy afternoon when an hour isn't just an hour, but a little piece of eternity dropped in your hand." I highly recommend this guidebook. --Candace

Even five stars isn't enough for this book! Besides, Larryboy's archenemy is Emperor Napoleon of Crime and Other Bad Stuff!
(#1)

I gave this book to my first grade son on a recent trip. He sat engrossed for the entire 5 hour flight - this is the first book he has read cover to cover.

I will not go into the plot since other reviewers have already done so. I just wanted to add that this is the most unique story I have ever read. The characters are so vividly drawn that by the end of the book I felt as I knew them personally. Try this book you will not regret it. :)

A (surprisingly) believable and downright fascinating story of a man found in the wild, thought to be a sort of "missing link," forced to endure the loss of his freedom as well as his dignity. He is rapidly losing his will to live, until he meets Sydney, the woman who clearly sees what the others refuse to admit, that "Ontario Man" is an intelligent human male, like any other, with very real thoughts and feelings, made all the more real and honest by his lack of human contact. A simple, sweet gesture from Sydney's young brother can render him near tears, and his naked desire and affection for Sydney makes him touchingly vulnerable, yet somewhat dangerous, given his difficulty in grasping the social etiquette of the day (1890's). A grown-up Tarzan-and-Jane story, which is surprisingly quite touching. I read this book in a little over a day!

Wild at Heart is the story of a wealthy Society widow, Sydney, her eccentric family, and her love for 'wild man' Michael. This story is simple and sweet, graduates to thoughtful, insightful, and ends... On an abrupt note.

Michael views the world differently than others, and has the ability to open the eyes of those around him. While others take Nature for granted, Michael views the natural world and creatures within it with respect, wonder and love.

This is a wonderful book. I cannot say enough good things about it... But... My only disappointment with this novel is that in the last fifty pages it disintegrates from a serious romance to romantic silliness....

The author introduces a fantastic story line, and rushes through some major plot developments, to bring about a rather abrupt 'happy ending,' which hit a sour note with me.

I would much preferred a slower ending, without the long drawn out last minute (silly) plot complication.

Overall, still, an excellent read... AND a keeper!

There's a lot of very interesting material in this book. I found descriptions of the human condition and basic tenets of Buddhism to be intelligently written, and to be inspiring at times. However, I'd like to issue a warning to skeptical people like me who have little interest in unproven or unprovable opinions and expressions of "faith" in their Buddhism. This book spends a lot of time on Tibetan ritual. It cites numerous examples of things the author has seen that seem to prove reincarnation, the possibility and power of enlightenment, karma, near death experiences, etc. When enlightened monks die, did you know that their bodies often don't rot? Or that their bodies disappear into thin air, or that rainbows appear thousands of miles away? That dead monks bodies stay warm for weeks? These things may or may not be true, but I'm just skeptical enough to not want to take the author's word for them. If you tackle this book, brace yourself to read about a lot of belief topics, and then prepare to be accused of being too cynical and capitive of your own ego for doubting it. I would categorize this book as religious Buddhism, as opposed to philosophical Buddhism. An aside: the author's reverence and love for his teachers and his faith is truly touching. His knowledge is great, his love is great, but I'm not sure that makes him the best possible reporter for those who are seeking truth instead of opinion.

This book should be read by or to everyone at some point in their lives. It not is not just for the buddhist. As His Holiness, the Dalia Lama explains, no matter what religion you practice the goal is the same: happiness. This book can be an inspiration at all times in life. Once you have read it through once, it is organized in such a way, so one can go back and read certain sections to help along the way. Sogyal Rinpoche captures the essence of his purpose of creating the book when he writes: "to learn how to die, is to learn how to live." That simple statement is a social commentary on the development of modern society and the direction it is heading in. The ageing and dying are quickly isolated and doctors are rarely educated in emotional or spiritual care. Sogyal Rinpoche's proposes a new attidute to those who are in a stage that we all will reach at some point. His beautiful writing style and comforting compassion radiates from the pages themselves. I do not associate myself with any one religion, but consider myself a wanderer following my own road in search for answers, for all those who feel the same, this book can illuminate some of the darkness that surrounds us all who have not yet awakened.

This book gives you a spirutal, personal and intimate understanding of death and dying. More than that, it compels you to stop and take a deep and serious look at your own life and your own death. The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying helps to alievate your own fear of dying and helps you take the responsibility to prepare for your death. At the same time, it gently helps you prepare yourself for the death and dying of a loved one. The teachings and personal experiences of Sogyal are simple to understand and intrepret and incorporate into your personal life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for every introspective person as well as for those facing the death of a loved one.

Well I actually read this one after I had read "To Have and To Hold" and I think I preferred the story of the 2nd book better. Gaffney does seem to have a knack of unusual storylines for romances.

Anne is a very "hard to like" heroine IMO. Her views on life, religion, marriage is a bit jaded and cynical. Christy is very likable, being the Honest-to-the-bone Vicar. Be prepared for a book that does not fit the honey sweetness of your typical romance novels. Anne is a married woman, married to Christy's long time best friend (although he and Christy have not spoken for years). There are some strange circumstances around their marriage which is revealed in the book but it is left up to the reader how such a condition came about......

I like the fact that Anne eventually becomes less cynical and I love the fact that Christy didn't betray his beliefs to have her. That all ways works out better in romance if this can be achieved. I would recommend reading these books in order though, this being the first. So you can see how Ms. Gaffney sets up the different people in this cozy village.

Happy Reading

Another very fine read, which is what I've come to expect from Gaffney. What was most intriguing about this book was the heroine, Anne's, somewhat jaded, cynical and self-deprecating outlook on life(usually that's the man's role in a romance novel). The hero was noble and good, sexy and romantic, and the romance between Christian, "Christy," and Anne is divine.

The anti-hero is not your typical brutish lout - a bit more interesting and well-defined than the outragiously monstrous, errant husbands in novels with similar plots.

In "To Love and To Cherish," Gaffney respects the vicar's Protestant beliefs. Rich in textured descriptions of characters and the quaint village of Wyckerly, one never feels Gaffney is just filling up page space; rather, you are transported to another place and time.

Highly recommended.

This is the first book of a wonderful series. Patricia Gaffney has created a beautiful English village and an incredible love story between the local vicar and a married woman. I loved it!

This book is fantastic! I had read that it won several awards so was interested in checking it out- there are incredible photos on every single page, showing you just how the recipes will look when you make them and the recipes are just the kind I love, simple and easy to make, but really interesting combinations I never would have thought of myself. It is really unique, too, that the author not only was a professional ballerina but is now a Le Cordon Bleu chef!
There are appetizers like Shrimp Cocktail with Avocado and Green Apple, Chicken Sate, Crostini with Pesto and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, Easy Soups for every season including Gazpacho Andaluz, homey French Onion Soup, and Udon with Tiny Gingered Pork Balls, and the salads are fantastic! Vietnamese Chicken Salad and Spinach Salad with Feta, Almonds, and Black Mission Fig Vinaigrette. There are lots of vegetarian recipes, including a lasagna to die for, and even an unusual soup made from bananas and indian lentils that is really amazing! There are great ideas no matter what kind of food you like, from asian to southwestern, to mediterranean- all healthy without heavy sauces.
There are beautiful pictures of ballet and lots of stories about life as a ballerina, which makes this book great for dance lovers, too.

Along with Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, The Dancing Gourmet makes creating meals for your family and friends not just healthy but fun. The recipies are easy to follow and understand and for me that makes a cook book!!

I am a simple kind of guy and I really enjoy my food so it is hard to believe that what I have created from this book isnt going to give me heart trouble in later life. But thats the joy of this book, the recipies (even the deserts) are designed and created to be healthy for you.

The main thing though is that the food is fantastic and my friends think I can cook now!! Thanks Linda!

I bought this book as a gift but when I looked through it the recipes looked so good I kept it and bought another! I've made the lasagna for friends and everyone thought it was the best they had ever tasted. The recipes are simple to make and they actually end up looking just like the photos! And the artistic way they are tied into the ballet with stories and pictures make it a really beautiful book as well. I definitely recommend this very high quality book!