Had this study come out in a timely manner it would have been far more useful than it is. A fine example of why professionals do better public opinion polling than academics.

Worth the time for a quick start; I knew nothing about Belgium when I started reading. The strength of the Xenophobe guides is their short coverage, rather than the insights of the Culture Shock! series. I read this one in about 40 minutes, and it helped me understand some of the key issues among the Belgians. It covered current issues, with very little history, and provided enough background to appreciate some basic aspects of Belgian culture. Although a little light-hearted in its discussion, I feel comfortable passing it on to a Belgian friend.

I'm not familiar with Ms. Mason or any of her other novels and thus, am not familiar with the quality of her additional works...but I DO know the quality of this so called "romance" novel and I must say that honestly--and I'm being kind here--it stinks! I found the actions and attitudes of both the "hero" and "heroine" of this novel so deplorable that I just had to find an outlet to vent and, thankfully, I have found one. Alot of the plots and events in this book had no relevance whatsoever to what else went on in the novel--especially the unbelievable part where Gabby gets kidnapped and drugged at the brothel. I have to say that this one plotline still disgusts me everytime I bear to think about it, especially given the descriptive, cheapenened narrative about it. It had NO PURPOSE whatsoever and didn't even tie into the rest of the story, especially considering she couldn't remember that the event even took place! A GOOD, or even a DECENT romance novel is supposed to make you feel some sort of empathy for both of the characters and make you want to literally scream for them to get together in the end. I found myself wishing these two to never set eyes on each other ever again because the infidelity on BOTH sides was beyond shameful and immature. Don't even get me started on the sexual violence and racist overtones of the novel, especially the portrayal of the slave mistresses of the "hero". He had the audacity to look down upon these women with blatant disgust as if he had no part to play whatsoever in the defilement of his wedding vows. I read this novel last year and am still attempting to forget it. I got this book at a local free booktrade and was fortunately able to return it. I only wish I could get a refund of the time I wasted.

I have only recently started reading Connie Mason's books and I am stating without a single hesitation that she is one of the best writers whose books I have ever laid my hands on. So, what the heck happened here?? I actually didn't want to give this book ANY stars but they won't accept my review without at least one star!!! Darn it!!

I have NEVER, ever read a book like that before in my life. If the "HERO" is what dreams are made up of, I'll gladly stay single forever...either that, or just go stand in front of a runaway bus...it would hurt less, I think. Or push HIM in front of the bus.

I felt so sorry for the "heroine"...right up until she slept with "Rob". How did the "hero" and "heroine" actually manage to fall in love, what with all the abuse and infidelities??

This book left a very bad taste with me. I alternated between anger and disgust... with BOTH the "hero" and "heroine" and I just could not finish it. I skipped pages like crazy until I finally just turned to the last chapter in the book, just so I can give myself closure with the book. He abuses her at nearly every turn, and when he wants [anything], she just gives in to him. What a wet noodle for a backbone!!

I recommend that if you want to stay Connie Mason's fan, DO NOT read this book. Maybe Ms Mason was trying her hand at other writing styles but PLEASE Connie, give us honorable heroes. I've loved ALL your books so far...except this one!!

I have read almost all of Connie Mason's books and love the many highly erotic sex scenes. In this book, I was disappointed that Phillipe could be so base as to passionately engage in sexual affairs with his mistress while claiming to have tender feelings for his wife until his indiscretion caused her to flee and miscarry their child. Then, he had the nerve to blame her. This is a hero you end up hating and doesn't deserve the heroine. Unusually, these characters have active sex lives with and without their destined mate. Gabby tries to flee and is befriended and ends up sleeping with her friend, but it's plain it's just pity sex. Later, she's manipulated into a drug-induced masterbation and animal sex with the highest bidder. While Phillipe can't seem to keep it in his drawers no matter who's around and likes to flaunt it by taking his partner's scent home to torment his wife. It broke my heart. The skanky hero had no morals or tender feelings for his 'victim' wife during their trials.

I don't know why I didn't look at the other reviews. My mistake. This three-stapled page 'book' is a complete waste of time and money. I don't even know why it's being offered here. Don't make the same mistake I made. Stay away!

This is not a book but an old (and bad) high school term paper. While service was great and receipt was quick, I have asked for a refund because the product was unacceptable.

Although these four copier paper pages are full of somewhat helpful but dated information. Potential buyers should hesitate spending $6.55 (includes shipping) for 2 sheets of paper folded in half with a cardboard cover. Sorry, not worth it.

I just received...Grandma's Olde Fashioned Soap Recipes - and boy was I ripped off. It was an 8 page xeroxed hand typed couple of sheets of paper with recipes that didn't even include the precise amount of lye to use in a soap recipe. Also, no author name was included anywhere on the papers or I would have written to them.

First and foremost, the masonic red herring of the book's title has not been explored beyond citing the names of some lodges. Then there are straightforward historic mistakes. Mr.Giese does not seem to know, that the Final Act of the Congress of Vienna has been signed one day after the battle of Waterloo, making it simply a wrong one to write that King Louis XVIII. sent Talleyrand to Vienna after the Battle. Although Talleyrand has been and to England and to America, these journeys date from shortly after the French Revolution and not from the time after Waterloo. On the other hand I dearly miss the explanation with what the firing squad fired at Ney! At a distance of 8-10 meters, even with a contemporary musket you cannot miss a man. What use therefore to test if Ney's blood is mixed with theatre blood. Either the officer LeBias was in the conspiracy, having cared for blank charges in his mens muskets or Mr.Gieses research is simply uncompleted. I will not deny that it was possible to get Ney out of the mess and into America with the British in the plot and Wellington either helping or closing his eyes on his officers doing so. I would not deny that Peter Stuart Ney could have been Ney etc. but in any case, Mr.Giese should do his research and writing in a more professional and less amateuristic manner and by the way...............there was no Frances de Stael! The lady, Giese is refering to is Germaine de Stael, Baronesse Necker a scion of French liberalism, writer of so well known works as "On the State of Germany" in opposition to Napoleon's policy of integration of the Rheinbund into his sphere of influence or the two romantic key novels 'delphine' and 'Corinne'.

If Mr.Giese wants to launch himself into historical writing, let him first learn how to do research work properly...

What a shock I got when I opened the package from Amazon and inside - at a cost of $13.30 including shipping and handling - I found an eight page pamphlet, produced by Kelso Mfg. Co. with unattributed authorship. Wow! If you have $13.30 burning a hole in your pocket I suggest donating it to the nearest homeless person. A much better use of your money.