This book is a delight! It is lovely, homey and enjoyable. The author captures the flavor of the time and you relive it with him. Outstanding stories. Easy reading. Highly recommended.

this book has everything - laughter, sadness, joy, youth and innocences. the stories are exciting and refreshing.
highly recommended for young, old and all family oriented people.

Love this book! It is warm, loving, funny, innocent and family. It tells of respect and how to live love. Highly recommend for
family. Great gift for all people who like to remember and love to feel involved. Hoping to see more from the author. Excellent!

I never knew TEA could be anything steeped in hot water, nevertheless medicinal! It is a true must have and I don't leave town without it. It really makes sense and I never knew there was so much information just on black tea alone. I read it all the time just gleaning from its information. I even bought a copy for a friend.

Great little book packed with useful information concerning the benefits of tea.

I started experimenting with brewing herbal teas several years ago and have greatly relied on this book. I have in that time frame become much more knowledgeable and adventurous about brewing teas from bulk herbs, largely due to this great resource book. It describes the attributes and potential benefits of many herbs in detail, and gives advice on brewing methods and blends. I like it so much I am now buying another copy for one of my friends.

This is the story of an immigrant family in the early 1900s. Many times were hard but the family's faith in God brought them through. This is a very easy to read book with stories that put the reader in the setting. The stories, although enlightening about living in that time period, also serve the purpose of building one's faith by seeing how Mama believed God's promises and helped all her children to believe them too. This book is a pleasure to read & the reader will feel better after having read it.

I was surprised by how attractive biblical marriage is portrayed within the pages of this encouraging little book. This is not about how to have a happy marriage/family life when both partners are 'wonderful'. This is the life-story of a woman who applied God's truths to her life and trusted in the Lord for the outcome. Her husband didn't suddenly turn into the romantic white knight she may have dreamed about in her youth, but she loved and respected him, even regarding his differences. She walked the walk, sacrificing many things to the Lord, and found that the secret to a happy life was a thankful heart. There just aren't very many Christian books out there that unabashedly take God's word as it is written. So many water it down with situational ethics...this one does not, but what an encouraging and riveting biography for us to follow.

This is an excellent book to read. I have this book and I have passed it around to my friends. It is a very heart warming story. I hope you like it.

I've seen Mo onstage and she is smart and hilarious and cute and sexy wrapped up into one package deal. My friends and I all have major crushes on her...we hear she's going back on tour soon. Yeah! Anyway, this book totally rawks. I loved everything about it. It's Mo all the way. Very smart, very cutting edge, very funny. Go Mo! And PLEASE come to entertain us SOON!

I've seen Mo onstage and she is smart and hilarious and cute and sexy wrapped up into one package deal. My friends and I all have major crushes on her...we hear she's going back on tour soon. Yeah! Anyway, this book totally rawks. I loved everything about it. It's Mo all the way. Very smart, very cutting edge, very funny. Go Mo! And PLEASE come to entertain us SOON!

I originally read a review for this in the Gay & Lesbian section of London's Time Out magazine and just had to pick it up!

The only thing that frustrated me was that it seems to be more aimed toward the experienced Lesbian/Bisexual woman than toward newcomers to the scene. However, it is a witty commentary on and guide to same-sex girl relationships and I thought that overall it was a great read. Reading the book really makes me want to see Mo live! This is less a resource guide than a tongue-in-cheek commentary on all aspects of Lesbian singlehood, relationships and dating. A good read for anyone with a sense of humor..gay or straight.

My daughter and I spent a cold, early fall afternoon sipping tea and eating sinfully delicious treats at the Savoy. It remains one of our most pleasant memories of the time we shared in London while she was studying there. Tea at the Savoy is about as special as the trip itself, and this little cookbook brings back the wonderful memories. Maybe I will even try to make a few of the recipes! The book is a must for anyone who ever had the pleasure of tea at the Savoy.

I actually bought this for a friends b-day present and ended up keeping it for myself and getting him another one, I looked through it and realized that it was packed with so many delicate yet simple recipes, even a delicious doughnut section.
it's not a big book, but the info is. Enjoy;)

There could hardly be a better person to write about the indulgence of a stylish afternoon tea than the chef of the legendary London Savoy Hotel, Anton Edelmann. And he presents, accompanied by beautiful pictures, the best recipes for different savouries to start with, recipes for scones (with 5 different variations) but also cakes, biscuits and pastries. Edelmann provides a perfect guide for this quintessential British pleasure.

This interesting book serves as a guide and history book to the world's favorite drink, made from the plant Thea Sinensis. The book reveals the huge variety of teas available and encourages the reader to try some of the world's most exquisite teas. It deals with the discovery of tea (according to legend, by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung), advice on where to buy it, storage hints and how to make the perfect cup. It also includes a discussion of the origin and spread of the word "tea" plus a Grading Terminology and the Tea Taster's vocabulary. Part One, The Story Of Tea, contains the chapters The History Of Tea, Production of Tea, Tea Equipage and Tea Appreciation. Part Two is titled Global Tea Directory and includes a Guide to the Teas of the World, followed by chapters on Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Other Tea-producing Countries. The book concludes with the section Addresses of Mail-order Tea Companies and a thorough index. The text is beautifully illustrated with photographs, reproductions of art, portraits and maps. Tastefully designed, well written and informative, The Tea Companion must be the ultimate book on this popular beverage. I strongly recommend it.

If you do not collect books on tea; if you wish to know about tea but not spend your life in that pursuit; if you want a reference guide to tea; if you ONLY want to own one book about tea - this is that ONE book that gives you the most information in the least amount of pages.

As mentioned, there are a lot of books on tea. The trick is finding one that's practical and useful. What makes this special is 1) extra detail about brewing time, temperature, amount 2) clear color photos of the dry and brewed tea and tea leaves 3) clear organization that helps you understand teas by country and variety. I've browsed through lots of books and of the ones I've seen, this is the best. Think of it as a first rate primer (beginner and intermediate level), not a text book, but five stars for what it tries to do.

I have read where this book has been placed in the "chick lit" category. Fine - but I have to say that FINALLY there is some smart, interesting chick lit out there.

I am a big fan of the genre, Bridget Jones being a personal favorite. However, in the last little while, I feel as though too much "junk" has been printed in the name of "chick lit".

Finally, Coffee and Kung Fu is a wonderfully written, SMART book. This book will actually make you think about feelings, expectations and loss.

The main character, Nicci, is not adorable, cutesy or perfect. She is actually quite ordinary - which is, of course, part of the charm of this story. What a nice switch of pace - a main character who is actually very ordinary. She doesn't come out with terrifically witty comebacks, doesn't seem to have any money at all, and most surprisingly, very little interest in men, marriage and 2.5 kids.

Although the story tended to lull a little bit (too much Rob) and the Ethan character could have been a little more fleshed out (although this may be intentional on the part of the writer), I would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of reading generic chick lit stuff.

What a wonderful book! COFFEE & KUNG FU blurs the lines between the Chick Lit genre and mainstream literature. While utilizing some of the Chick Lit conventions - urban setting, dead end job, Mr. Wrong - Karen Brichoux has portrayed her heroine, Nicci Bradford, with a thoughtfulness that delves much deeper than most books of the genre.

Nicci Bradford is a young woman of unconventional upbringing who attempts - sometimes with a tinge of desperation - to adapt to a conventional lifestyle. Poignantly, and often humorously, Brichoux guided me through Nicci's journey to discover herself. I rooted for her, despaired with her, and finally exulted in Nicci's discovery of who she is and where she belongs.

To this sensitive characterization, add a solid story line and prose that vividly portrays Nicci's background, and you come up with a winner. This is a deeply satisfying read - Chick Lit for the thoughful reader.

I was in a rush at the library, needing to pick up a book to read for an all-night babysitting assignment. I zeroed in on this book because the author's name ends in "oux" like my maiden name, and because it was her first novel (I'm partial to debut novels because I find the authors giving it all they've got). And the title was intriguing enough for me to grab the book and run with it, and what a blast it was! The heroine is incredibly real, fresh, and honest--I couldn't put the book down, and I laughed and cried with Nicci, whose life I feel privileged to have followed for a couple of days. I used to always leave the room when my kids were watching Jackie Chang movies, but now I may as well rent one next time I'm in the library. Thanks for a refreshing read!

Hospitality, history, helpful and practical information all packed into one verbal and visual delight. This is what one finds inside the cover of the concisely complete book about tea and how to enjoy it by Elizabeth Knight. She has managed to tuck a large amount of information into a very pleasantly readable book that should be in everyone's home even if they aren't usually a tea drinker. This is practical information that can be used by real people, not some elaborate idea that takes a staff of half a dozen to implement.

Ms. Knight's writing paints vivid pictures even without the lovely watercolor illustrations, and the party ideas can be used as guidelines for launching many a celebration or even quiet gatherings. Her genuine enthusiasm for her subject is evident throughout and rubs off on the reader. Buy two copies,you'll find yourself thinking this is also a welcome gift.

I've given Elizabeth Knight's Tea With Friends several times as gifts to tea lovers and tea lovers-in-training. The recipient always loves it! This book combines information about tea with imaginative ideas, including delicious-sounding menus, for tea events for each month of the year. January's Hogmanay Tea sounds like fun. It comes complete with instructions for reading teas and a delicious recipe for Scottish Scones. And, as a book lover, I'm drawn to the literary tea for September. Perfect as a hostess gift.

Amazingly, Elizabeth Knight's book achieves the Herculean task of providing a primer for beginners as well as delighting the avid and informed hostess with creative and polished tea themes. The menus serve as both a journey and a destination; have a look and enjoy both!

The art, coupled with the quotations and introductory material make this a delightful book just to leaf through, but the ideas and the warmth of them sing, "It's time for a cup of tea with friends."

The initial chapter, "Taking Tea," launches the novice but serves the informed as a succinct reference. Keep this volume in an easily accessible place!

This book offered different ideas and suggestions that I had not thought of while planning for my new business. It was well written and easy to understand for a beginner. I really enjoyed learning about different coffees and roasting techniques without getting so much information that I thought that I was in school or something. It gave just enough information and helped provide a good starting point for my business plan.

Very detailed with down to earth concerns of a business owner. Just wish I had the start-up money now and I'd be all set!

This book is a must read for those starting out in the coffee business. It covers everything from the history of coffee to suggested operational and customer service procedures. I have found this book invaluable in its scope and breadth of coffee shop industry information.

I loved the God in the Coffee Shop Donovan portrayed. So caring, loving and real. I was right there , breathlessly waiting for each new encounter. I talked with Grandma for months after finishing the book. A very moving tribute to a new author, I can't wait for her next book. Maura Rand, Marshfield, Massachussetts

Rene Donovan's sparkling descriptions of nature and the miracles of everyday life make my heart sing. It's good to know that I'm not alone in seeing God's glory in every ounce of creation. As I write this review, on a north bound flight, the Canadian Rockies glisten outside my window in snowy majesty, their silent voices proclaiming, "She's right you know! There's joy and beauty in all of God's handiwork."

Though everyone may not agree with the beliefs and practices described in this book, the principles of love and divinity set forth are universal. Whether you embrace the Pentacle or the Cross, after reading "Me 'n God-", you must agree that God is love no matter by what name we might call him. The author has done a marvelous job of conveying meaningful concepts through the medium of fiction.

Rene Donovan offers her readers more than a great story: she gives the gift of the divine. Love flows from every page, love of self, love of the Earth, and love for the divine that exists in all. For those on a path of spiritual awakening, the book offers encouragement and reaffirmation. Those who have not yet stepped on the path may well stumble onto it through this incredibly wise, funny, and uplifting tale. It is rare to encounter the divine in everyday life; rarer still to run across it in a novel. But "Me 'N' God in the Coffee Shop" is most certainly a divinely inspired work, refreshing in its hopeful outlook and its wonderful message that "each of us is a miracle". Spiritual seekers will love this book, and Starbucks should, too...