The reviewer from GA has given the plot description in her review. This is an unusual and different story then I'm used to from Ms. Neels. In this one the doctor has a disability. Cassandra is smart, caring and strong. Nice story, good plot, a better than average Neels book.

BACK COVER: He needed her as a nurse, not a woman.
Benedict van Manfeld really was one of the surliest, most unfriendly men Cassandra had ever met ! But then she learned he was a brilliant Dutch surgeon who had severely damaged his sight in an accident, and her attitude changed. He didn't know if he would ever see again, so when he asked her to go to Holland with him as his nurse, she agreed ....... and soon began to feel rather more than sympathy for him. But with his close friend Paula nearby, why should he even notice Cassandra ?

This book deviates from Ms. Neels' standard plot lines, and does so beautifully. The heroine thinks she is a plain girl with nothing special about her, when in truth her compassionate, giving soul is truly wonderful. She meets the hero on a compassionate mercy mission to be a good neighbor, refuses to pity him or indulge in his private pity party, and then continues to show her understanding and warmth. The hero is smart enough to keep her close, and eventually comes to cherish her inner beauty. He knows that it will not matter what she looks like if his sight comes back. She fears just the opposite. She is sure that when he can see how plain she is he will leave her behind. Let's hear it for the good guys ! And for the really important kind of beauty in this world - the inner beauty seen through a person's actions and in their eyes.
This will be a true treat for devoted Neels fans and an engaging read for new fans ! :)

I am an avid fan of Betty Neels books. Not every single book is my favorite I would say this one will be added to the list of ones. The doctor in this book had physical limitations which was unusual and refreshing. I loved the way they interacted with candor, wit and humor. I liked the way the doctor had a way of humbling himself in this story. It is still a classic Betty Neels. A wonderful read that I am sure that I will read again and again.

I started leafing through this book at a friend's house and before I put it down had written down the ISBN number to get myself a copy. Not just a compendium of recipes, the book explains techniques and general background concepts in a way that those with little experience will appreciate, while presenting a large and interesting variety of dishes to please the more experienced Chinese food maven. Even vegetarians should be satisfied with the selection of vegetable and noodle based dishes provided here. Meeting the requirements of Kosher preparation has not limited the author at all in her culinary creativity.

This is an excellent book for would-be chinese cooks, even if they are not strictly kosher, or if they have other requirements (vegetarain, for instance) in that it gives more general principles and advice which are applicable to a broader picture, rather than just specific recipes to follow. And it's pleasant to read.

The stories and information about the repcies are all engaging. The recipes are wonderfully flavorful! My favorites are the Spring chicken packages and the Peking Duck. Would recommend this to the Kosher and non-Kosher.

The designs in this book use many new and wonderful specility yarns which bring an updated look to the traditional outfits. It was great to see cute boys clothes as well as girls clothes. The instructions include the pattern outline and dimensions which I find extremely helpful - these are not usually included in patterns from the US.
The only draw back on this book is that it calls for specific yarns by specific manufactures (which are not all available in the US). It does not give equivalent yarn weights, such as sport, worsted, baby, etc. to substitute. You can figure it out with a little math work - it does give stitch gauges.
The patterns are clearly written and easy to follow. The photography is wonderful. I recommend this book as inspirational and a must for a pattern library to make clothes for kids.

Wonderful children's clothes--if only there were more and for slightly older children...I have made 4 items (including the adorable cover dress), and I couldn't be more pleased with them. The patterns are easy to follow and they work up "professionally." My grandchildren love the clothing, and much of it can be made with Luster Sheen, an easy care yarn, as well as with cotton. My next project is the little bear on the cover as my granddaughter wants it to "go with" her dress.

Finally, a new book of crochet designs for little ones that uses yarns other than pastel acrylics in baby/sport weight! This book contains patterns for babies to 3-4 yrs that are updated and refreshing in a world where knitting patterns abound and crochet sometimes seems relegated to 20+ years back despite the fact that this craft is alive and well. The directions are clear and concise and there are also patterns for toys, a beautiful christening blanket, and a charming nursery pillow. If you are looking for a new take on crochet for kids, this one won't let you down.

Another terrific story. I agree with the other two reviewers,(HI and GA) heartwarming and cosy. This story gives you a good feel all the way through and it's worth it just so you can read the letter at the end. This Cinderella is not going to sit around waiting for the good fairy, she'll make her own luck.

This is another of my many favorite Neels stories. The previous reviewer tells the story well enough so I won't re-tell it. However, one of the most romantic endings is contained in the letter Titus writes to Arabella as he is on a lecture tour and she is home with their new son--he starts it with "Dearest Love" and says he is anxious to be home with her.......I LOVE IT! Don't expect sexy scenes as you'll be disappointed. Read it for the lovely story and enjoy.

BACK COVER: An offer she couldn't refuse?
"I wish to marry for the wrong reasons, although perhaps they are no worse than many others. I am not in love with you..."
Titus Tavener was a busy and successful medical man who lacked a wife. Arabella had applied for the post of caretaker at his consulting rooms, but was happy to accept the new position Titus was offering her - until she complicated matters by falling in love with him....

This is another wonderful example of Betty Neels' flair with a Cinderella story. Arabella Lorimer has just lost her parents and is all alone in the world with no money and her cat. Having nursed her mother for years prior to their passing, Arabella's sole experience is in domestic engineering :) and hard work. The story lovingly displays Arabella's kind and generous heart and the hero obligingly figures out just what a treasure he has and falls very much in love himself. Along the way we enjoy all the mischief that a beautiful but selfish evil colleague can cause, and get the pleasure of spending time with old friends, Aldrik & Cressida van der Linus and their children, previously introduced in Betty's book A Happy Meeting. The doctor's family, faithful servants and pets all lovingly enclose Arabella in her wonderful new life and we enjoy every minute of the wait for Titus and Arabella to come to their senses!! :) This is a super book for anyone who is new to Betty Neels' writing and will thoroughly enchant her faithful fans.

I enjoyed much of this book--particularly the parts about her family and their effect on her and her Judaism. The parts about Palestinians go on a bit long, and they were hard to read in light of more recent developments. A lot has happened in the last 10 years, and I wonder what she would have to say about this topic now.

This book was eye opening. As an Orthodox Jew and a feminist, there were many aspects of the this book I found hard to deal with. However, I have found that overall I was very impressed with the content of the book.

The author spends a lot of time reflecting on her own experience as a Jewish Woman in America, which was often very different from my own. However, when she got down to the nitty-gritty of being a Jewish woman, and the problems and issues therein, she hit the mark. I found myself reading excerpts in discussions with both male and female friends about the way women are treated in Judaism, especially in Orthodox circles.

As a mother, I found this book especially important as I raise my daughter to become a, G-d willing, enlightened Orthodox Feminist Jew.

This book, which was a bestseller, is certainly one of the most important books in both women's studies and Jewish studies. Written with love, with force, seamlessly incorporating meticulous research with the author's insightful wisdom, it is a book that will be read for many years to come. I bought 6 copies of this book for friends, and all agreed it was probably the best book of this ilk that they had read. Ms Progebin is an extraordinary writer, with a great heart, and the abilty to weave love into the most hardened or bitter of facts. To all women, and most especially to all Jewsish women, READ IT! You will be greatly helped.

Jasmine Gray, aka Jamey Schyler, gets herself into deep trouble when she double crosses her thieving boyfriend Carl and runs off with a bag of priceless gems. She believes she's left a cold trail behind her as she flees Oklahoma to a cabin she inherited in the forested area of southern Oregon. She makes a grave mistake, however, when she drops in on Tina, a longtime friend in LA, figuring she can feed her a phony line and divert attention from her real destination. She logs onto a couple of websites while visiting her old classmate, forgetting that a computer user with even minor sophistication can track your online movements and cough up valuable clues as to where you've been - and just maybe where you're going.

Tina's abusive boyfriend discovers these clues and follows Jamey to Medford, where he starts making demands. That's when Jamey turns to PI Tom Casey, nickname Hawkman, rogue good guy sporting an eye patch, for help. With her background, however, she cannot afford to tell him the whole truth, so he tries to help her without having all the facts at his disposal. But Jamey quickly changes her mind, deciding he's too nosey. She tries to disengage him and his attentions, which only makes him more curious. He teams up with his wife Jennifer to tail this peculiar blond looker.

Meanwhile, boyfriend Carl, having recovered from injuries sustained in the jewel heist, takes out after his partner in crime. But Jamey, a veteran dissembler and an incorrigible varlet, manipulates men with a wiggle of her hips. Thereby, she succeeds in enlisting the help of several of the smitten. Hawkman has met a worthy opponent in DIRTY DIAMONDS.

Long-time fans will recognize Richard, the deaf lead character from THE SILENT SCREAM, and of course the falcon Pretty Girl, Hawkman's namesake, and various other citizens of Medford. Reading DIRTY DIAMONDS feels like catching up on the news from home.

As with other of Ms. LaPierre's Hawkman novels, the book is filled with nonstop action. Jamey and her shenanigans will keep you guessing. And there's a nice twist at the end.

© Copyright 2002, Kate Ayers.

Just how many ways can you say terrific, superb, outstanding, the best, out of this world, etc.? I don't think that the dictionary has enough of these words to describe Ms. LaPierre's Hawkman series. Each and every one of them, from THE ENEMY STALKS up to and including DIRTY DIAMONDS just gets better and better. How is that possible? Especially when they started out even more terrific than you can imagine. But they do, and DIRTY DIAMONDS just proves that.

Every time I open a new Hawkman book, I fall in love with Tom Casey all over again. Tom is known as Hawkman in the beautiful countryside of Oregon where he lives with his wife Jennifer and his falcon, Pretty Girl. Having retired from "the agency" he now keeps busy as a private investigator with offices over a doughnut shop in Medford.

This time Hawkman gets himself involved with a very mixed up, dubious young woman, Jamey Schyler, who has shown up in Medford asking Hawkman to protect her. When Hawkman starts asking questions of her, she freaks out and changes her mind. Soon however it becomes quite evident that something is going on, as her home is broken into, and her kitten almost killed. Still though, she will not come clean with Hawkman, and therefore he becomes very intrigued as to just what in the world is going on with her.

It soon becomes evident that whatever Jamey is involved in, it isn't legal. It is also very dangerous as her ex-boyfriend, Carl Hopkins, who is out to find her, and whatever it is she is hiding. Hawkman is sure that he is not getting the truth out of Jamey, but at the same time feels that if he doesn't keep an eye on her, she is going to end up hurt, or worse yet dead, if Carl does manage to find her.

DIRTY DIAMONDS overflows with action, danger, deceit and a plot that moves so fast that you cannot put it down until you come to that last page. Time fly's as you are reading DIRTY DIAMONDS. You are so engrossed in the story, that you don't even realize it until you read the last sentence and look up and realize the rest of the world has flown by while you were in the world of Hawkman, as he tried to solve yet another puzzle.

Like all of her previous books, Ms. LaPierre has penned another masterpiece. I cannot put into words how absolutely fantastic DIRTY DIAMONDS is. The story is believable, and the characters are very real, with qualities you cannot help but like. You even have to like Jamey, even if she is not quite on the up and up. And then of course there is Hawkman. He is such a wonderful character that you feel like he is a friend. He and Jennifer make a wonderful couple, and you just fall in love with them. They both have personalities that just jump from the pages and grab you. Very real personalities.

I sincerely hope that you get a copy of DIRTY DIAMONDS and find a comfortable place to sit back and relax, because you are not going to believe how caught up in the world of Hawkman you are going to become. As with the previous Hawkman books, Ms. LaPierre has outdone herself again. And I just cannot wait to see what she does with this cast of characters next time. The Hawkman series is that addicting. And so is Hawkman himself.

They may be Dirty Diamonds but everyone wants to get their hands on them. So what is it that makes the diamonds so dirty, yet so desirable? In Oklahoma Carl Hopkins learns that a diamond courier is registered in the same hotel in which he and Jamey Cray are staying. Well, what's a respectable thief to do when he knows all those jewels are so close? Naturally, in order to maintain his reputation he's going to rob the courier, in spite of Jamey's trepidations. But things didn't go quite as smoothly as Carl expected. He knew he had given the courier a good, solid hit on the jaw with his brass knuckles, but the courier had a gun and on his way down from the blow managed to get off a shot that ripped through Carl's shoulder. Carl staggers back to his hotel room, shoves the little velvet bags at Jamey and tells her to get out, that he will be alright and will meet her at Rusty's Bar in Amamrillo, Texas, when this all blows over.

Jamey packs up and heads out of Oklahoma. She arrives in Amarillo and checks into a motel with her Visa card. She knows Carl is a computer expert and can track her trip easily on the computer through her use of the card. But wait. The next day she drives through Texas and heads straight for Los Angeles, California, to visit a high-school girl friend, Tina Randolph, with whom she has stayed in touch over the years. Wow, so long Carl, you've been taken, and not for a ride, just left, dropped, with nothing, nada, zilch, and in the hospital with a bullet wound. Jamey is not exactly honest with her lover.

When she arrives at Tina's in Los Angeles, she discovers that things are not all strawberries and cream with Tima either. Tina has a rather nasty tempered boy friend, Nick Albergetti. Jamey didn't stay at Tina's long enough to meet Nick so had no idea what he looked like. But she was there long enough to use his computer to plot out her next travel route. Her next stop is to be Medford, Oregon where she has a little house she inherited from her foster parents, the Schyler's. Mistake one, she should not have planned her route on Nick's computer.

In Medford she quickly becomes Jamey Louise Schyler, a name she knows Carl will not recognize. No one knows about her foster parents, nor does anyone know their name in connection with her. It is not something she talks about, even to her closest friends, nor to her lovers. She finds the house in Medford has been trashed by youths who have left remnants of their pot smoking all over the premises. While she is assessing the damage to the property a man approaches giving his name as Tom Casey, a private investigator who has been keeping an eye on the property. She, of course, informs him in no uncertain terms that he did a lousy job, and shows him all the roach clips and remnants of cigaretter,setc. that the kids had left in the house. Tom is very surprised to hear of the intrusion on her property and gives her his card and tells her to call him if she ever needs help.

After a couple of weeks Jamey is settled in, but is becoming bored, as well as discovering that she need some money. Someone told her about Curly's Bar & Grill. After a talk with Curly she is hired as a waitress, and is happier now that she is becoming acquainted with the town's people. This includes Tom Casey, otherwise known as Hawkman.

Curly has a son named Mark with whom Jamey becomes involved. At least that what Mark thinks.

Jamey is a very clever adversary, and quite adept at using people. And Mark makes a perfect victim and lover for her purposes. But Jamey runs into trouble when she tries to outsmart Nick Albergetti. He is one tough enemy that will not be wooed by her charms.

In this, the fourth Hawkman book of the series, Ms. La Pierre has written a smooth flowing suspense story in which Hawkman meets his cleverest adversary. And to make matters worse for Hawkman's ego it is a woman who seems to be outsmarting everyone. This does not set well with him, but he does hang in there to the end.

This is one of the best thought-out, cleverly-executed plots this reviewer has had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The writing flows perfectly, and the characters are alive and moving. One does associate with them. Ms. La Pierre's talent of coming up with superb plotting is one not to be rivaled. You will miss an excellent suspense story if you pass this one up.

This is a really good book on business etiquette, and etiquette in general, although I have not read many other books in the genre as a comparison. Gives very specific, easy to find and easy to read information on any particular etiquette topic you're searching for, and gives it to you in short paragraphs and chapters. The section on proper use and placement of table utensils is a bit to digest if you've never paid attention before. Overall, great stuff.

"Don't Slurp Your Soup" has just the right amount of quick tips for the busy professional who seeks to make a good impression on colleagues and customers alike. Written in bite-size paragraphs, it's easily digestible just when you need help. The comprehensive Table of Contents allows you to find information quickly.

Seeing as my business colleauges have given me the nickname of "Slurp", this book was most appropriate for me. The small paragraphs made it easy for me to digest. The extensive table of contents is very helpful

The other two reviewers have the plot description. This is another fine story by Ms. Neels. If you read her stories you know what to expect-strong silent men, heroines who soldier on no matter the difficulty and no sex. The only part that annoyed me was that the fiancée was involved in the story too long. That being stated, another story that when you finally reach the end, you're smiling

Cover: When Eulalia (Warburton) first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is another of Betty Neels' wonderful stories about a strong, loving, selfless heroine who takes in her orphaned little cousin without hesitation, and raises him with the help of yet another devoted, charming family retainer who completes the new family circle. The little family group has, as usual, fallen on hard times through no fault of their own and are cheerfully carving the best life possible in their new situation.
This story is made even more fun by an outspoken heroine, a hero slow to recognize his attraction, and - best of all - a very witchy snooty fiancee who unwittingly spoils her own chances by being truly rude and spiteful to the heroine, orchestrating the heroine's certain unjustified employment termination, thereby throwing her right under the compassionate wings of the Hero !! What fun !
Thank heaven also for cute little nephews who know how to look out for their beloved Aunts!

Cover: When Eulalia Warburton first met Fenno van Linssen she thought him thoroughly infuriating! And yet, the eminent Dutch surgeon had swiftly taken charge when her young cousin, Peter, had a minor accident, his dedication far beyond the call of duty. But Eulalia's growing admiration for the man was rather alarming. He had a fiancee, after all. And Eulalia had more pressing concerns - like finding a new home for Peter and herself. Her mysterious inheritance of a country cottage seemed a heaven-sent solution! But was fate or Fenno giving Eulalia a helping hand?
This is a delightful story about a courageous heroine with a limitless capacity for caring. The hero takes a little while to realize the depth of his feelings, but he has a helping hand from the charming little orphan cousin that Eulalia raises as her own. There are the requisite Neels devoted servants that give fate a hand, and the snooty fiancee that through her own bad behaviour places Eulalia more firmly under Fenno's wing! It is a fun book with characters you will fall in love with.
As usual, the heroine AND hero are both what the other needs!

... Betty Neels writes good stories about normal (regular) people. We can't all be rich or beautiful. With some of us it doesn't matter how many times we go to the salon, we come out looking the same, only neater. I like a good sex scene as well as anyone, but somehow Ms. Neels stories don't seem to need them.Even the
villian(ess) in this story wasn't with us for long. A nice, comfy read.

Like the reader from Australia, "The Fateful Bargain" was the very first book I ever read by Betty Neels-- and once I'd read one, I was hooked! For those of you out there who enjoy a warm, feel-good, clean (operative word) romance, this is one of many Neels books I recommend you sink your teeth into
The narrative style is wonderfully matter-of-fact, relating the story of a young woman who is neither beautiful nor brilliant (facts that will instantly gain sympathy points from many readers--after all, most people are not gorgeous; does that mean they are less worthy of love?)-- just a nice, practical-minded girl whose life could stand to be enriched by love. The story may strike some readers as a classic rags-to-riches tale, but this ordinary girl turned Cinderella does not now become ravishing in appearance(except to the adoring Sebastian),nor does she begin to make brainless decisions as she begins to fall in love with the good doctor--and she does not hesitate to speak her mind when necessary. Emily is just a plucky young woman whose heartwarming common sense in trying situations is sure to evoke a few smiles.
Dr. van Tecqx, who is several years older, is at first only sympathetic toward his "little friend"; he pities her near-impoverished plight and desires to help her even as she renders him an invaluable service. But gradually, (and this is another delightful aspect of the plot: the hero does not fall madly in love with the heroine at first sight-- where does that happen in real life?)he comes to realize that Emily is the woman for him.
Although Betty Neels died recently, her legacy lives on in the very many romance titles she penned over a career spanning nearly thirty years. For a refreshing change from sultry, over-sexed drivel that passes as romance these days, you might try Ms. Neels-- you won't be sorry.

Fateful Bargain introduced me to the Betty Neels genre. Her unique style is captivating. I enjoy reading about Holland, a country she features in her many books. The tall, handsome Dutchman in FAteful Bargain is absolutely scrumptious.

Tot Ziens

This book was scary. It was about a old lady that use to work there.She comes and appear to kids that misspell words all the time. There should be more books like this.

The Ghost in Room 11 takes a look at how scary it is to be the new kid in class, which, the story reveals, is not as scary as meeting a ghost. Matt (the new kid) soon learns the value of honesty in new friendships. He also learns the importance of doing your best in school because old teachers don't go away, but they might come back to haunt you. This is a fun book for boys and girls of all ages. Comments: Hannah, grade 2 - "It was pretty scary when the ghost touched Matt's chin, but I really liked the book."

Do you think there's a ghost in your school? Well Matthew thinks that there's a ghost in room 11. Matthew just went to a new school and he doesn't like it there, then a kid named Charlie says there's a ghost in this school. First Matthew didn't beleive him until he saw it with his own two eyes.What is he going to do? Will the ghost leave him alone? Find out read the book Ghost in Room 11.