Average customer rating:
- An honest book from a smart man
- Gene does dr.Phil??
- Sex Money Kiss
- Full of himself - what a character!
- Autographed edition, eh?
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Sex Money Kiss (Gene Simmons Family Jewels)
Gene Simmons
Manufacturer: Phoenix Books
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Kiss and Tell
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Kiss and Make-up
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Is This as Good as it Gets?
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KISS: The Early Years
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Gene Simmons - Family Jewels - Season One
ASIN: 1597775029 |
Book Description
"Let's face it, just because I stick out my tongue a lot and spit fire doesn't mean I have any qualifications to advise anyone on relationship, money or career issues. I don't. Yet I've lived with a beautiful woman for twenty years with never a cross word between us, in a relationship based on honesty and full disclosure. I've amassed a fortune--and "expert business people" work for me. And for three decades I've been in KISS--a band that has scaled the heights and broken every possible record, from album sales to touring to merchandising and licensing. What I have and have always had (thanks in full to my mother's wisdom) is an abiding faith in me. Call it a "life philosophy": a philosophy about money (mine!) and happiness (mine again). It works for me. It can work for you!
Customer Reviews:
An honest book from a smart man.......2007-07-09
This book is so honest, that at time it was painfull for me to listen to (I've got an audio version). The realization that I also sometimes want to escape the truth shocked me.
The book contains a lot of things you probably have heard - and not once, BUT Gene makes an old wisdom sound very convincing. He uses logic, facts, statistics and examples to make you re-think your beliefs.
He may sound cynical, but I think he really is a man who uses his brain.
I loved the audio-version - Gene is a charismatic narrator and I listend to the whole 4+ hours of audio in one sitting.
Is Gene sometimes wrong? Maybe. But everybody or almost everybody is.
But not everybody is as honest as Gene.
"If people tell you they don't want more money, they are a) lying, b) insane" - says Gene. It is true. But a lot of people lie about this even to themselves.
The book really made me look at life differently. I now see a "rebel" rock stars like Trent Reznor (a Kiss fan buy the way) or Marilyn Manson in different light - as businesspeople who spend their time earning money by selling their stuff to people, a lot of whom don't know how to spend their time.
It also made me really look at time and money and re-think the value of these resources.
I strongly recommend this book. And even you don't like some or all of Gene's OPINIONS, you still will probably find his ADVICE valid and useful. It works, baby.
Gene does dr.Phil??.......2007-05-25
No... this is not a politically 'correct' book. Its a bottom line type of book. It is refreshing in this era to have things like Money, Marriage, Sex and Business laid out as bluntly as Gene does here. even if you are familiar with these concepts, Gene's way of explaining is unique. Very cocky and very proud. Gotta love it..
There are some Kiss thoughts mixed in for balance and to get Kiss $$, but it is more or less just a mans view on life as we know it. There are good suggestions along with some ideas that you may have never thought of.. A good purchase for the modern man. I dig it.
Sex Money Kiss.......2007-01-03
Wonderful item. It was given to someone for a present and she loved it.
Full of himself - what a character!.......2007-01-02
What a fun character Gene Simmons is *g*, this book is definitely entertaining - he is so full of himself but maybe that's part of his success, he believes in himself at all times (and if he doesn't, he sure doesn't show it) - regardless, enjoy the amusing ride in Gene's world. You have to take him with a grain of salt though or he'll brush you the wrong way. Definitely not a book for narrow minded people, they might have a heart attack reading it ;p. He appears to be a natural in everything he does and when things don't work out, he takes it as "lesson learned" and moves on to the next quest, nothing seems to get him down. As for his "unmarried" state, the man is only brutally honest, this might be tough to swallow for some ladies out there. I don't know what the ladies see in him (unbelievable record there my boy) but he DOES have a good voice and I have the feeling that he can be a very smooth talker if he wants to be (listened to an interview I've found online on NPR). I would give this book 5 stars for the pure entertainment value of it but it IS to repetitious, that's my only complaint. He talks about things and then there are pages sandwiched in between with graphics and it's basically the same content again. Still, I do recommend reading it, it's highly amusing!
Autographed edition, eh?.......2006-12-03
I recently purchased his autographed "Sex Money Kiss" book and his signature looks different from other signatures he's done. Makes you wonder.
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful.......2005-10-13
My wife loved the book and has found it very informative. She was not aware that she knew so much through our trial and error methods, but now more errors....just more fun.
Mistress enjoyed this book.......2005-09-14
I Purchased this book for my Mistress. She read it entirely in one sitting! She very much enjoyed the look on my face as she described what she had read.
Why Didn't Anyone think of this before?.......2003-04-10
Let's get all the cliches out of the way first. "The Family Jewels" is a gem. It is precise, finely cut to spec and invaluable. In fact, the first time I laid eyes on it, my first thought was, why didn't anyone think of this before?
Hardy Haberman has filled a void in the SM literary canon that not only give tips to the experienced edge player, but to beginners as well. There are also a few chunks of anecdotal scene evidence to add the touch of hard-on reading that any book of this nature needs to keep the entertainment value at a maximum.
You may not be familiar with Mr. Haberman, who considers himself a "Pain Technologist." He specializes in CBT and has an unusual fondness for clips, clamps and clothespins, as well as more exotic SM play. I recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in learning about esoteric genital play.
Got male parts or play with them? This book is for you!.......2002-11-28
When we hear or see the term CBT we think "torture" and that usually makes us all cross our legs. But Haberman's book is really focused on creating intense or simply pleasureable sensations for male genitals in ways that do not involve intercourse. The book has four main divisions: anatomy, safety (please don't skip over this one), basics & toys of CBT, and finally a collection of nine short stories to demostrate the first three sections. The stories aren't really arousing, they are more instructive. If CBT is something you've thought about but know little about, this is a great place to get information. Read it with your partner and you can figure out what he is interested in.
Handy Guide for CBT Play.......2001-12-06
Being in the computer field, for years I thought CBT was an acronym meaning something other than Cock and Ball Torture. While those three words might make the average man cringe or instinctively cover their groin, there are those men who enjoy it immensely and other men and women who enjoy doing CBT to them! It is for these two groups of folks that this book is primarily written for.
Among the topics Haberman covers here include basic male anatomy (and there's quite a bit to know about it!), negotiation and safewords, play benefits and risks involved, safe sex play and cleaning CBT toys, all very important subjects to cover.
There's also a chapter devoted to various CBT toys, including clamps, ball stretchers and spreaders, cock rings and electrical toys just to name a few. There are also diagrams included on how these toys are to be used, as well as several diagrams on tieing up the proverbial cock and balls. There's even a chapter on CBT "recipes," guaranteed to give the proverbial Dom/me lots of ideas!
While CBT may not be my idea of a good time, I fully support those who do enjoy it. I enjoyed the book because it covers the topic well and Hardy's easy-going style makes reading this book fun and enjoyable.
Average customer rating:
- Royal Kingdom of Dreams
- hopless romantics will love it.
- Where's the Juice?
- Not her best novel, probably, but I still couldn't put the book down...
- Two Stars-Spoilers follow
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Cordina's Royal Family: Bennett & Camilla: The Playboy Prince\Cordina's Crown Jewel
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Silhouette
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ASIN: 0373285329 |
Book Description
The Playboy Prince
When it came to women, Prince Bennett could never refuse a challenge -- and after meeting quiet, lovely Lady Hannah Rothchild, the dashing playboy couldn't rest until he broke through her careful reserve. Love had always been a game to Bennett, but with this elusive, mysterious woman he found his heart was on the line, and he was playing for keeps . . .
Cordina's Crown Jewel
For a few blessed weeks, Her Royal Highness Camilla de Cordina could be just plain Camilla MacGee. And working in rural Vermont for archaeologist Delaney Caine -- devastatingly handsome, utterly cantankerous -- offered the perfect refuge. But as her irritation became fascination, then desire, the royal runaway knew she'd have to confess. Would Del see her as a woman to be loved, or dismiss her as a royal pain?
Customer Reviews:
Royal Kingdom of Dreams.......2007-08-14
To me, Cordina's Royal Family is the best of Nora Robert's series. I have read other of her series, but none have the magic that I found in the Royal Cordina Family. I loved each character: Bennett, Camilla, Alex, Eve, Gabriella, Hannah and Reeves. Somehow this series stirs the fairy tale mystery that exists in all of us. I really wish Ms. Roberts would continue with the Cordina family series. As a talented and skillful author, she should be able to find a way! What about Bennet and Hannah"s wedding? To me, that would be wonderful to read! I want more of that wonderful family!
hopless romantics will love it........2006-08-16
If you are a hopeless romantic, like stories about princes and princesses and love a classic ending. Then you will enjoy this book. I really like the fact that Hannah was a heroine but Bennett also took some credit. Very entertaining.
Where's the Juice?.......2006-08-06
Based on the recent recommendation by a Stephen King article in Entertainment Weekly, I purchased this book expecting to read some really good romance writing. The writing lack depth, dimension, and offered zero emotional skill, and after struggling through the first 100 pages, I threw the book away. So much for Stephen King's opinion - although he's written so really good things, he's also put out a lot of mediorce work too. If you want some juicy romance as well as good storytelling, read Susan Carroll's "The Dark Queen", The Courtesan" and "The Silver Rose"
Trilogy. Once I read these I went back and purchased Carroll's earlier works, all with underserved tacky covers I might add, but the writing is fun and her heroes are "broad shouldered with powerful thighs and sensuous mouths" etc. Diane Galbaldon (could be incorrect spelling) writes well with very interesting characters and story lines but too sexually violent for my taste.
Not her best novel, probably, but I still couldn't put the book down..........2006-07-17
I read all four stories over four days and I will agree that these are not her best, but still I laugh and I cried and I gasped out loud and was generally entertained. From the moment I started reading I could not put the book down and I found myself transported to royal Cordina were a family loves one another and finds love and passion while fighting terriorists. Still liked it a lot.
Two Stars-Spoilers follow.......2006-06-24
After being disappointed in reading Gabriella & Alexander, I still tried Bennett & Camilla and was still disappointed. Once again there was a lot of things happen but it felt like they were trying to destract you from the charactors. I didn't like Bennett at all. Starting with his name and it went down from there. His treatment of Hannah after learning her true idenity comented my hate. I wished Hannah would have stabbed him with a knife. I did however enjoy Hannah thoroughly all of her working with the terrorities in order to bring them down was very exciting. It would have been fun to see series on Hannah's work. Now on to Camilla. Camilla was not a very exciting charactor she was very dull. Her beau Delaney was all right until he got all hung up on her lying about being a princess when he was lying about his own title. Its calling the kettle black and makes me lose all respect and like for the charactor.
Customer Reviews:
The Jewel and the Lotus.......2007-03-16
No other English book on Tantra captures the complete essence of the practice.
The standard bearer of sexual enlightenment........2005-04-02
I'm not much into this whole Tantric thing, just dont have the patience for it and honestly I dont think I could keep a straight face through all the ritual of heart salutations and stuff. However, this book contains vital information on physiology and response that I have not found elsewhere.
Yes, there are breathing exercises, basics on chakras, mudras, and all that but there are also massage techniques, pressure points, and crucial data on the G Spot that can be incorporated into a normal routine that will become anything but normal. I credit this book with the creation of my own "Triple-Play" and that's one you'll just have to figure out for yourself.
Read this book, and apply its teachings to your own sex life. Forget about all this Tantric hoodoo and Kundalini, you won't find instruction on the Cobra Breath in here anyway, just howl at the moon. 5 Yonis
kriya yoga tantra student.......2005-02-14
I'm currently a student of Kriya Yoga and this system, and found this book to be the building block of a solid pratice. I definetely recommend for the sincere student, I will not defend this work from humans as it was meant for human beings. I would say that you should research the authors and find out about them before buying this book if you have doubts. Simply put Sunyata Saraswati was a student of kriyananda(Chicago), Jaradan, and Satyananda(who taught him tantra). All of these teachers are from the Kriya Yoga tradition and traces back to Babaji. Bodhi Avinasha was a student of Sunyata and Osho, which should clarify her statis, I look forward to meeting her soon. Tantra is neither light or dark, it is both if any, which in reality is just a reflection of the goodness or evil in the practitioner. Never fear it and know that those which are meant for tantra will always find it, and those that aren't will gentle flow away from it. Namaste, with the love of mother(Shakti)!!!!!!!
Deception!.......2004-01-20
This book presents to the hungry soul a technique for awakening the Kundalini based on ejaculating the sexual energy through the orgasm. What they do NOT tell you is this:
"Man and woman can use sexual intercourse and the delights of love and kisses in order to become Gods or Demons.
"From the dawn of life, a great battle has raged between the powers of Light and the powers of Darkness. The secret root of that battle lies in sex.
"There is the correct interpretation of the mysteries of sex. The White Magicians never ejaculate the semen. The Black Magicians always ejaculate the semen.
"The White Magicians make the igneous serpent of our magical powers ascend through the medullar canal. The Black Magicians make the snake descend towards the Atomic Infernos of the human being."
(Quoted from The Perfect Matrimony by Samael Aun Weor)
This is why our humanity is suffering so much, and why life is truly getting more complicated and more painful: because we ignore the mysteries of sex, and we want to take our animal desire with us to heaven.
Do not be deceived by the illusion of desire: conquer your animal nature, and you can elevate your spirit.
For more information on REAL Tantrism, read the works of the Dalai Lamas and the works of Samael Aun Weor.
Best regards.
obscure information.......2003-03-29
Okay, so not everybody wants to sit on a mountain top & om out. Give us little animals a break. Transend the body, transsend the senses, the mind yadda yadda yadda. if transsending is all that profound, why bother with the karmic path of rebirth. I thought the idea was an acceptance of the entire self & not those bits & pieces we find loathsome, disgusting ... horribly, sentimentally human & impure & imperfect. We all desire sex, we all desire love & to be touched. Not to desire these things is not to be human. To aspire to being a perfect thought wave of the infinite, I thougth I was a piece of the pie. & I don't particularily care for those who have done all these perfect things thinking that to abstain from life is the ultimate goal of life. I don't want to apsire to be god. Been there, done all of that. & all I did was hide from the living. I can't stand that any more. I'm refuse to camp out from life any longer. So this book is not exactly "KRIYA YOGA". To release all imperfections is to release the very quailty which makes all of us all so human.
Product Description
The matching song folio to the AC/DC Family Jewels DVD. Guitar Tablature Edition, 40 songs.
Customer Reviews:
Not a bad book..........2006-05-09
if you excuse the mistakes it contains. By the way, I feel I should let everyone know that this book is published by AMSCO >_>.
otherwise, the book seems to be all right plus the size of it gains some credit back. This book is good if you want to get a basic grip on AC/DC's songs. However, if you are looking for solid material that teaches you how to play like Malcolm and Angus, look elsewhere.
Again, I would recommend this for beginners(it will keep you busy for a while). But, if you're a player looking to take your playing to the next level and really tear the speaker cones out, then i wouldn't recommend it. Either way it's your choice, but it is still a good book despite the common errors.
bon scott lives.......2006-02-26
great tablature book, though some of the songs do not contain the complete guitar solo outakes.
Highly recommended!
Book Description
God's Precious Jewels Are Crystallized Tears contains the stories of 14 extraordinary women as they journeyed through incredible hardship to become sparkling jewels of joy and encouragement to others. Best-selling author Barbara Johnson includes her own story of grief turned to blessing, with her signature touch of hope and humor. Woven throughout these inspiring stories are the stories of real gemstones-their creation and their traditional meanings.
Customer Reviews:
Need an encouraging book to read? Here it is..........2001-07-25
Barbara Johnson's work was new to me so I hesitated before reading God's Most Precious Jewels....there was no reason to hesitate! It wasn't full of preachy or trite messages, but real stories about real women with real problems many of us can relate to in one way or another. It somehow helps, knowing others feel as we do and yet they still keep on going and keep their faith.
By helping others and sharing their love of God and His love for us, these women have made me feel more whole and less incomplete and less alone. I am encouraged by the stories in this book and moved to tears but brought out of the tearful state by the quotes and quips that end each chapter. When I finished reading, I felt stronger and uplifted.
Book Description
Solomon Snow and his stalwart friends return in a second mock-Victorian extravaganza!
In their second adventure, the intrepid trio becomes ensnared in a plot to steal a priceless ruby. But what do a stubborn donkey, a shady dwarf, and Mr. Skippy the rabbit have to do with it all?
Customer Reviews:
The Shawty, the Rabbit and the Firestone of Toj.......2007-08-20
STOP!!
Have you read the first book in this series, Solomon Snow and the Silver Spoon?
If you have, then you are cleared to proceed, but if you haven't, please go back to the beginning of book one and start there.
.
.
.
.
Okay, now that we've gotten rid of the newbies for the moment, let me tell you about book two in this series of books by Kaye Umansky, the "not-quite Dickens, but ever-so brilliant anyway" author from the UK.
We last saw Solly Snow receiving a reward for services rendered to a wealthy couple during the business of the spoon, and by now of course, it's all gone, squandered by Ma and especially Pa Scubbins. He had however managed to make one business investment before going bust, and now he's got wheels. Unfortunately, said wheels are on a cart attached to a donkey named Betty, whose start button is linked to Solly singing about drunken sailors.
Anyway, wheels are wheels, and before you can say "Sea Chanty" he's linked up with his pal Prudence of proboscis fame, and they're off to Seaport to stage a rescue operation for Pru's poacher pop, who's about to be deported. As lousy luck would have it, they are reunited with Rosabella, the overly precious cherubic little brat known as the Infant Prodigy, and she's got a new blue bunnikins in tow.
This installment tells of a missing jewel known as the Firestone of Toj; a celebrated jewel expert named Calamari, a very jealous Mr. Skippy, and a little ole Shawty who just can't get the canons of being shot out of cannons.
Once again, Kaye Umansky has dreamed up a winning tale of fun and adventure, highly recommended as suitable for young readers everywhere.
Amanda Richards, August 20, 2007
Book Description
She has been called "one of the most richly idiomatic female pop singers of her generation" by Rolling Stone magazine. Translation: Jewel speaks to millions of fans of all ages through her award-winning music and bestselling poetry books.
Now, get to know this supertalented performer for the down-to-earth, savvy, and unpretentious person she is -- a dynamic young woman who, her friends all agree, is "too normal to be a rock star." Revealing Jewel pieces together a remarkable portrait, through the words of those who know her best: her family and close friends, her band, and her colleagues on the road, in the studio, and on the movie set -- including Moby, producer Arif Mardin, actor/director Billy Bob Thornton, Jewel's father, singer/ songwriter Atz Kilcher, and her mother and manager, Lenedra J. Carroll. This one-of-a-kind compilation gets up close and personal on:
Jewel's childhood...the hard times...her rise to fame...paying her dues...the recording experience...the touring life...superstardom...artistic pursuits...her passions...her causes...her friendships...her love life...her personal style...her sharp wit and hard-won wisdom.
Also included are trivia questions, candid photos, and sidebars in Jewel's own words. Delve into Revealing Jewel and celebrate the heart and soul of an artist who constantly challenges our assumptions and defies our expectations.
Customer Reviews:
an interesting little book.......2003-12-19
This is an interesting little book. I'll admit it is only for the fans, and the hardcore fans at that (those like me, who might have a little obssession for Jewel). The book isn't even written by her. What it is is various remarks made by those who know Jewel. Nothing great, but it has a great cover photo.
Good for fans.......2003-06-09
Yes, I know I just gave this book 3 stars, but despite the rating, I like this book and I enjoyed reading it. It's not a personal book, though, so don't expect a biography or memoir.
This book is set up in a "did you know?" fashion. Let me explain. This book is 90% a compilation of quotes and commentary from the people who know Jewel personally. The other 10% comprises of responses from Jewel to various questions (i.e., "What were your worst performance experiences?") This is why I say it's more of a "Did you know?" foundation under this book. It's full of insights and facts we never knew about her. This is a book about what the people who surround Jewel think and know of her.
You really have to have an interest in not just Jewel's music, but Jewel herself to appreciate this book. That's why I rated this item 4 stars instead of 5 because of its limited appeal. I am a long-time Jewel fan, so I loved this book. It's too bad, though, that non-Jewel fans probably won't be attracted to this book, because it reveals so much about her character that fans have known for a while, but the public is oblivious to. For instance, Moby talks about how she has the most twisted, blackest sense of humor, and how contrary to popular belief, she'd fit in with the kids in South Park perfectly. He also mentions that Jewel's told him the most disgusting jokes he's ever heard and has the mouth of a sailor that "would make Eminem blush." (I have to admit that I was giggling all throughout Moby's commentary.) Another bandmate admits that "[he has] sarcasm coming out of [his] pores, but she's worse." Another roadie comments, "Jewel hawks the biggest loogies."
Plenty of attention is given to the side of Jewel's personality the public is familiar with, though, such as her honesty, integrity, and kindness.
What impressed me the most about this book is how more attention was given to her "boyishness." After reading this, you see that she's definitely NOT the simpering, wilting flower so many people believe her to be. In fact, most her friends are amazed that she hasn't been butchered by the media for her jokes (which can easily come across as offensive by those easily offended by direct sarcasm, and many, many people are).
I'm not going to say non-fans are going to be interested in this book, because that really depends on how they feel about Jewel. If you're a fan or just someone wanting to understand the woman who is Jewel better, then this is the book for you.
I think, also, that this book is a wonderful addition to anybody interesting in learning about a very modern and complex woman. Jewel is sexy, smart, kind, and possesses a very sharp wit. She's a paradox in that she's an honest individual who is uncomplicated, yet very complex at the same time. She's feminine yet is definitely "one of the boys" and can stand her own with men. She's definitely kind, yet she's probably the most sarcastic person I've ever read of. On top of that, she's optomistic yet her humor can be very dry. This book covers all of these facets and has been an absolutely delightful read for me.
Shows the many facets of Jewel's personality. Great Book!.......2003-06-06
This book gives a very fresh and surprising view of who Jewel really is and the many fascinating aspects of a very complicated yet simple person. By that, I mean she has many complicated ways about her but she needs the basic things to make her happy in life (This book will explain what I mean by that and more!) The book has little trivia tidbits,interviews with people who know jewel, and many new pictures. Did you know that Jewel has a dark and twisted sense of humor or that she was friends with Moby? Find out this and lots more in this excellent, in depth book! A+ Plus don't forget to check out Jewel's newest album 0304! It's great!
Book Description
Derek Mason arrives in Charlotte, North Carolina for the funeral of his Aunt Walterene. He encounters the family who sent him away because he revealed he was gay. His mother and Uncle Vernon want him out of town because of Vernon's senate campaign. His sister and Aunt Ruby urge him to stay. His cousin Mark denies their past relationship. Derek uncovers mysteries in the death of a family gardener, possibly at the hands of a young Vernon. Secrets and lies unravel as Derek digs into the family history with the help of hunky reporter Daniel.
Customer Reviews:
First in a Series of Mysteries?.......2007-09-20
Execellent first book in a series, at least, I HOPE it is the first in a series of mysteries. Lilly created some lovely characters (though I wish he hadn't had to kill off Walterene to have an excuse for Derek to go back to North Carolina). The plot line wandered all over the place, seeming to incriminate first this one then that one. Derek got his eyes opened about his family, including his cousin Mark, and his new boyfriend. One thing we did not learn much about was his "family" back in California, which he so easily gave up at the end of this book. Since we know so little about Derek's life there, we don't know whether or not to miss it on his behalf or be surprised that he could give it up so cavalierly. Enjoy the read for the fun characters and interesting plot twists and because there may (if we're lucky) be some sequels.
A 2 a.m. review.......2007-04-25
After years of reading 'hetero' fiction, I decided that I damned well wanted to read some good gay fiction, something that was closer to my own life. This year I've read a lot of gay fiction and discovered -- not unlike many gay films -- that the quality isn't what one hopes for. It's seemed that to find well-written, well-constructed fiction that dealt with being gay as part of its story is an uphill battle.
It's two in the morning, and I've just blown my 9am alarm by staying up half the night to finish the wonderful 'Fingering the Family Jewels'. I haven't done that in ages! This is very well-written, from any point of view: mystery, characters, humor, plot, structure. It has gay characters and situations without being pornographic (in fact, it's far, FAR sexier than many of those male bodice-ripping ones); and it's genuinely funny and a great read.
This is among the best gay fiction I've ever read -- and in fact, labeling it 'gay' fiction might sadly cut it off from all readers. Five stars and worth every one of them (ignore the awful cover!). Great characters, great story, funny, touching, and wildly absorbing. Buy it.
A Great Mystery.......2007-02-06
Lilly, Greg. "Fingering the Family Jewels", Regal Crest Enterprises, 2004.
A Great Mystery
Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
If you like mysteries, this is a great one. Greg Lilly's "Fingering the Family Jewels" with its tongue in cheek title is an enjoyable read.
It is a tale of secrets and lies which come to fore as Derek Mason, a detective, and a good looking reported named Daniel uncover family secrets when he comes to North Carolina to bury his aunt.
Derek Mason's family wanted him away from the family when they found out he was gay. Eight years later he comes home to bury his aunt Walterine. Knowing what he would find upon his return, he was surprised when he met his first cousin mark again. Mark had been his first sexual experience even though he claimed to be a family man and he still could not stop lusting after Derek. When Derek met Daniel and had a drink with him, he discovered that he was a reporter who had published material that could hurt Derek's family. From here things get really interesting as things come to light that the family would have preferred to keep secret. Derek found out by reading his aunt's diary was that a gardener who had once worked for the family had been lynched and Derek is determined to find out why and who was involved.
I have to hand it to Greg Lilly. He is masterful in creating characters that it is easy to love. The family that he created here is one we all know, directly or indirectly. As he pokes fun at the Southern way of life, he also creates a wonderful mystery with twists and turns so characteristic of Southern literature. The ending is so unexpected that you are almost tempted to reread the book to see if you missed any of the clues. This is one ending you cannot guess.
Greg Lilly, I predict, is an author to watch although it will be hard for him to follow up this novel with one better. Having known many Southern writers and being aware f the gothic tricks they use, I have to say, that Lilly came close to, if not having reached, the Southern style of writing. I loved this book and I am not a mystery fan. But there is more than mystery here. It is a good story with great characterization and a very satisfying read.
Great twist to this story.......2006-11-10
I have to say I never expected the turn out that happened at the end of this book. I was completely taken by surprise but totally loved the twist since I am usually the type that can figure out endings way in advance.
loved the title.......2006-10-16
I bought the book because I liked the tongue in cheek title. I was glad I did. I am from the south and beside being a great mystery it nailed the south.
Average customer rating:
- EPIC...EXCELLENT...HEART WRENCHING AT TIMES
- Comparing The Good Life Abroad with America in the 1930s.
- Probably my favorite Steel novel
- Great detail and story lines!
- Excellent
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Jewels (Danielle Steel)
Danielle Steel
Manufacturer: Random House Large Print
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0375433252
Release Date: 2004-11-02 |
Amazon.com
Birthdays are a time for reflection, especially for Sarah, Duchess of Whitfield, who is awaiting the arrival of her far-flung family. Years earlier, reeling from her pending divorce, Sarah Thompson is force-marched through Europe on the grand tour by her concerned parents. Disinterested in the sons, grandsons, and nephews paraded before her by well-meaning acquaintances, Sarah chances upon William Whitfield, the Duke of Whitfield, 14th in line for succession to the English throne. Disarmed by his wit and intrigued by his intellect, Sarah allows William to become her companion in London, warning him they can only be friends. Undeterred, William dismisses Sarah's protestations that her divorce makes her unsuitable to be his duchess and finally convinces Sarah to marry him. While honeymooning in France, Sarah and William happen upon Chateau de la Meuze. Enchanted, the Whitfields buy and set about restoring the estate. But World War II looms, threatening their idyllic existence. Following the birth of their first child, Phillip, William joins the RAF when England declares war on Germany. Reluctantly, he leaves Sarah and Phillip at the chateau. German troops, led by the courtly commandant Joachim von Mannheim, take possession of the chateau to establish a hospital, removing Sarah and Phillip to the caretaker's cottage.
When the war ends, William, after being imprisoned for three years and barely surviving the torture that deprived him of the use of his legs, returns to his family. The Whitfields pick up threads of lives strained, but not broken, by war. Soon, they are approached by others who lost everything during the war except a few secreted heirlooms. But jewelry can't put food on the table, and the Whitfields begin purchasing jewelry to provide neighbors with much-needed cash. When William jokingly suggests opening a Paris store, a legacy is born: Whitfield's, Jewelers to the Crown. Over the next decades, which bring three more children, two more branches of Whitfields, and the death of her husband, Sarah is molded into a force to be reckoned with, capable of handling her willful children and a highly successful international business with equal aplomb. Steel paints a portrait of a family, imperfect as they may be, and the powerful matriarch who reminds them of the bond that transcends titles, money, and borders. --Alison Trinkle
Book Description
On Sarah Whitfield's seventy-fifth birthday, memories take her back to New York in the 1930s. To a marriage that ends after a year, leaving Sarah shattered. A trip to Europe with her parents does little to raise her spirits, until she meets William, Duke of Whitfield. In time, despite her qualms, William insists on giving up his distant right to the British throne to make Sarah his dutchess and his wife.
On their honeymoon, the newlyweds buy an old French chateau, but not long after, the war begins. William joins the allied forces, leaving Sarah, their first child, an infant, and their second child on the way, in France. After the Nazi forces take over the chateau, Sarah continues to survive the terror and deprivation of the Occupation, unwavering in her belief that her missing-in-action husband is still alive.
After the war, as a gesture of goodwill, the Whitfields start buying jewels offered for sale by impoverished war survivors. With Sarah's style and keen eye, the collection becomes the prestigious Whitfield's jewelry store in Paris. Eventually, their jewelry business expands to London and Rome, as their family grows. Phillip, their firstborn, is stubborn and proud; Julian, their second son, is charming and generous and warm; Isabelle is rebellious and willful; and Xavier, unusual and untamed, is the final unexpected gift of their love. They each find their own way, but will be drawn to the great house of gems their parents built. In Jewels, Danielle Steel takes the reader through five eventful decades that include war, passion, international intrigue, and the strength of family through it all.
Customer Reviews:
EPIC...EXCELLENT...HEART WRENCHING AT TIMES.......2006-12-13
Superbly written over five decades of love and loss and triumph. I especially like the history of WWII era and of course the European setting. Great Read...set aside some time for this one.
Comparing The Good Life Abroad with America in the 1930s........2006-11-20
As all of the Danielle Steel devotees know, she writes always about the rich and famous in a never-ending series of life among the wealthy, the ups and the downs. Sarah grew up in Manhattan in the 1930s and was exceptionally beautiful; like Evelyn Hazen, she was lured into a sordid marriage which she found distasteful. Unlike Evelyn, she had parents who cared enough to take her on the 'Queen Mary' to Europe to get over the embarassment and pain of lost love. Evelyn's parents had money and a big plantation just outside town, but she was left to wallow in mental turmoil and unjust treatment by the man who took advantage of her. All Knoxville men tell lies to get what they want, and go their merry way after they have hurt young girls. Evelyn lived in disgrace but after the trial of breach of promise held in Kentucky, she eventually became the assistant to the Head of the English Department who wrote t he Harbrace Handbook, used by English teachers everywhere.
Sarah met her destiny one afternoon at a luncheon a periperial member of the British monarchy and, like the King, he gave up his office to marry a divorcee from America. There is some accounting of Wallis Simpson and the similarity. Both (or should I say, all three) were scandals, but when a man loves a woman he will give up his throne to be with her in Paris. William Duke of Whitfield was much older than the lovely Sarah but he took her to France on the honeymoon (like Tom And Katie) and stumbled upon the perfect "dream house," a historic chateau which they renovated. Katie was a princess who married in an Italian castle after having her lover's baby girl. Sarah soon had a son to raise and another child on the way when the war intervened and William is forced to join the allied forces.
The Germans took over her castle and turned it into a medical facility as the Civil War did here in America, confiscating plantations, even the courthouse in downtown Knoxville for their wounded soldiers (the Union did). William has apparently been killed as Sarah is bereft with grief when he is not located; after the war, however, she finds him and brings him home to the chateau in France and nurses him back to health. They go on to have two more children.
This book encompasses fifty years and is a lot like A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE with the matriarch calling a family gathering on her 75th birthday to decide who gets her business dealing with jewelry. Sarah and William bought the family jewels of the war survivors to sell to the crowned heads of Europe. It is the basis of commerce, to take from the poor and sell to the rich. It goes on all the time. Here where I live, there was a well-planned burglary in which the most expensive antiques, including three large heavy mirrors were stolen from the hallways on three of the eleven floors. Had the thieves been able to get into the apartments, they would have taken money, jewelry, medications to sell on the streets, and anything else they could grab and some of the old people would have been hurt. This place has bad management, and the theft did not reach the newspaper -- probably was not even reported to the police, as this is run by a "Christian" organization (more like a Hell with a monster office manager who mistreats the elderly and steals from the rent money). But Sarah lived to enjoy the fruits of her labors and had to decide who would inherit the jewels along with the family company. It is a hard decision, as Emma in Woman of Substance chose her granddaughter because of the bickering within the group-up part with dissension and finger-pointing. She had an extraordinary marriage, even though the husband was much older, as opposed to Evelyn Hazen who was afraid to marry or love any man ever again. Such is the substance of life versus fiction.
Probably my favorite Steel novel.......2006-10-21
"Jewels" is a generation spanning, romance driven, nail biting (and all the other cliches) extravaganza that involves all the standard familiar tools of romance writing: the heroine stuck in a loveless marriage... the dashing gentleman (with an accent) who saves her... a war that separates them... and so on. Outward appearances would make one believe it is your old run of the mill romance novel. But Ms. Steel succeeds in creating a very likable and sympathetic heroine, as well as, a truly chivalrous and charming leading man. Though I found the story to slow a bit when the focus was placed on the children, it is not enough to cause the novel to lose momentum (or rating stars). As I said, it is one of her best and truly enjoyable!
Great detail and story lines!.......2006-10-19
This is a fantastic story. Danielle Steele is an amazing writer. Not only does she incorporate so many different story lines in this book, they all flow amazingly together. I also love that it is set in different countries. I feel that sending your readers on a virtual vacation makes reading the book that much more spectacular. I too have written my novel "Fallacious" this same way, sending my readers to Greece which brought so much more excitement to the readers. Also, this book is longer than usual which also is great because when you are reading such great material, you usually say to yourself that you wish it had not ended so soon and this is exactly what Danielle has done by making this book lengthier. In other words, she gave you more bang for your buck! Read it!
Excellent.......2006-10-13
This book is my second fav Steel book. Beginning near the depression era and progressing throughout WWII it talks of life of an American woman living in France. It's the typical Steel story, where it goes through an entire life of the main character until her death. I love Thurston House, but this one is a close match to being #1. If you like the WWII era and add a bit of romance and overcoming tragedy throughout a lifetime, then you'll love this one.
Books:
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- The Army of Flanders and the Spanish Road, 15671659: The Logistics of Spanish Victory and Defeat in the Low Countries' Wars (Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History)
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- The Fred Factor: How passion in your work and life can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary
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