I am an avid baker and recently borrowed this book from the library. I am a Food Scientist who has worked in the baking industry for 10+ years and this book impressed me. It states the information simply for the average baker and also delves into the chemistry and science of baking for the curious and more advanced.

Excellent explanation of how and why while also providing interesting histories behind various recipes. Attention to detail is obvious. I have baked two cakes from it already as well as two frostings and fillings. All terrific, obtaining rave reviews!

Ms. Purdy knows her stuff and knows how to present in a comfortable and inviting manner. After renewing the book 3 times I'm finally on line to buy it. Happy baking!

Unlike many cook books that are simply collections of recipes and a few photos of what the finished product should look like, Purdy's "The Perfect Cake" goes further. It is a "why" book, explaining how the different ingredients interact as you mix them then bake them. It also discusses the different qualities those ingredients have and offers advice on what you should choose and why. And perhaps more importantly, why not.

The book also gave me the confidence to experiment with some of the basic recipes. And I didn't mind eating the results, thank you very much.

I borrowed a copy of the book from my local library, learned a lot, and enjoyed it so much that as soon as I submit this review I will buy my own copy.

The Perfect Cake: 150 Cakes For Every Taste & Occasion by baking expert Susan G. Purdy is quite simply a definitive, single volume compendium designed to enable the family cook to have a wealth of delicious, imaginative, desert choices for any occasion from daily family dining to special celebratory events. Enhanced with a wealth of "tips, tricks and techniques" for everything from measuring ingredients to preparing pans for baking, the profusion of cake recipes are grouped into Butter and Shortening Cakes; Cheesecakes; Sponge and Foam Cakes; Elegant and Special Cakes; as well as Filings, Frostings, Icings and Glazes, Sauces and Syrups. Of special interest is the section on Decorating Cakes covering special effects, flavorings, and decorative techniques. Before you bake your next cake, browse through Susan Purdy's The Perfect Cake!

Elaina engaged to be married to a man she doesn't love because she feels she owes a debt and that is her way of repayment, meets Dan Morgan, a man who looks very much like Ren Daniels, the man she fell in love with as a little girl. We find out early on that Dan is in fact Ren, returing to exact revenge for an accident that could have cost his and his brother's life. Ren also has obligations and commitments that he can't ignore. Therefore, this story is about two people who love each other (and realize it fairly early and not at the end) but are committed to others. I really enjoyed this story very much. I haven't read all of Ms. Martin's books but so far this is my favorite.

Elaina and Rey's story is amazing. Both are torn by duty - but united by love. If you're looking for a strong hero, hot romantic love scenes - this is the book for you.

Elaina McCallister is torn between the duty and obligation to marry the son of her father's business partner and the passion she feels when she meets Dan Morgan, a gunfighter who has an uncanny resemblance to Ren Daniels, a man she saved nine years earlier in a mining accident.

Destiny brings Ren Daniels and Elaina McCallister together, but will obligations tear them apart?

This is a passionate and wonderful story. The author made an admirable and unforgettable character when she created Elaina. She is filled with passion, caring, and love. The story was so intense at times that there are moments where my heart was breaking for her. I loved this story! I couldn't put this book down.

Martin Plumb did an excellent job in describing the system of multiple accounting. It is an excellent way of starting to control your finances and keep track of your expenses.
Since I read this book I never needed to take an other credit and I paid off all my credit cards. Now I get all the free Credit offers from the different banks, but I will not take them. The system allowed me to be on time with my taxes and plan and stay on the budget.
This is a MUST read for everybody who wants to save money and avoid bank fees. Great job

Martin Plumb has done it! He has taken what would normally be a very dry subject-matter and, with his great story-telling abilities, has turned this into a readable and entertaining book. I would not ordinarily be able to focus my attention on a financial book long enough to finish it, but the interlacing of anecdotes throughout grabs the reader's attention and keeps it until the end. In addition to this, the financial system espoused by Mr. Plumb truly works and is not difficult to understand, especially for those of us who are financially undisciplined or inexperienced in financial world jargon. This book, in short, is entertaining, easy to understand, and the system just plain works!

I havn't read every book about Mary, but I know a classic when I read it, and this book falls in that category. The sub-title "The Virgin Mary in History, Art, & Apparition" aptly summarizes the main themes. Mr. Martin traces the historical flowering of Mary's influence in Christendom. This is seen from the very beginning of the church and proves to be a guiding factor in keeping the Church from being ship-wrecked on the rocks of error and enemies. In addition to history and theology, the artistry of Marian paintings, cathedrals (such as Chartres), and music are also appraised and found to be valuble anchors to keep to us grounded in the truth. Finally, the apparitions reinforce the theme that Mary's work did not end when she gave birth to our Lord. She continues to draw people to Christ through miracles and messages which are difficult to ignore. The Remnant newspaper's book reviewer says, "I can think of no better book on the subject written in the last fifteen years." The National Catholic Register calls it "A Marian Tour De Force. . . the book stimulates the mind and enflames the spirit in equal measure." In addition to a beautifully written book, there are some beautiful art reproductions. Order one today and chances are you will order more later for gifts.

Whether you are part of the Judeo/Christian tradition or not, it would be impossible to name a woman who has more influence in the history of the world than the Mary of Nazareth, the mother of Jesus Christ. More paintings, sculptures, music, and architecture has been dedicated to and inspired by this remarkable, singular woman who lived nearly two thousand years ago in Asia Minor. Believers and non-believers alike can learn an immense amount from this truly well written book. I highly recommend it!

A non-fiction, first person narrative by Captain Martin Meylach and author Charles Whited of treasure hunting for the lost treasure fleets of the 1733 Spanish Armada and the wrecks of the galleons off the Florida Keys. Though the action takes place in the 1960's, it's a great book for those who want to appreciate more about the Keys than the usual tourist stuff. As a first time visitor to the Keys, I learned more about the history of the area than many of the local residents had knowledge of. (Probably why it's a "Florida Classics Library" selection.) It's exciting history to boot, and one that ran concurrently with the famous Mel Fisher of the Atocha fame (and who is mentioned often). In fact, it was at Mel Fisher museum in Key West that I saw a copy of this book as part of the exhibit. Plenty of references to locate the wrecks of the 1733 Spanish Armada, and some suggestions on a few artifacts still to be recovered, or so he says...Fun reading, great references!

Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church bucks several trends: it is a successful church in an urban setting; its affluent members are involved in hands-on help with people in a nearby ghetto; it espouses a decidedly liberal theology. Wellman seeks to explain how Fourth Presbyterian has both accommodated to and transformed culture.

Wellman studies the ministries of Fourth Church's four 20th century pastors. Each pastor ministered to an affluent congregation and addressed the social issues that kept near neighbors of the church in poverty. Each pastor was able to rally the members of the congregation to take action on behalf of the less-privileged.

Wellman combines historical investigation and sociological analysis to explain Fourth Presbyterian's success. The book is a revised Ph.D. dissertation but doesn't read like one. Wellman writes in a fluid, engaging style and keeps the academic excursions into sociological theory to a minimum.

This book will be a welcome read for a) folks who love Chicago; b) people who worship in urban churches; c) liberal Christians who wonder if they are any others left on the planet; d) cultural historians; e) folks who wonder if the church still cares for others.

LOTS OF HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND STORIES FROM THE "OLD TIMERS" . THE BOOK IS VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT AND PUT TOGETHER. THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK PROVIDES MODERN RECREATIONAL PROSPECTORS WITH INFORMATION ON WHERE TO GO BY LETTING YOU KNOW WHERE GOLD WAS FOUND IN THE PAST.

This is the best book I have found covering a general history of the White Pass & Yukon Route. Included is the history of the gold rush, the building of the WP&Y, and railroad operations up to the book's publication date in the early 1960's. Numerous black & white photos are included covering the gold rush, steam and diesel engines, freight cars, railroad buildings and yard layouts. The back material contains a roster of steam and diesel engines,with a page of notes explaining a brief history of the engines; a biblography and an index.

Cy & Jeannie Martin give you a crash course in the history and practice of gold mining in the western U.S. (including Alaska), Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. Sections of the book include: Chronology of Gold in America; How to Pan for Gold; Tales of Gold Rushes; Directory of Old Mining Camps; Glossary; and a Selected Bibliography. Numerous B& W photos and drawings are included. 160 pages.

As a silversmith, any reference that will make me more knowledgeable about my field, is essential reading. Such is the case with the Guide to Evaluating Gold & Silver Objects by Scott V. Martin. This book offers what others don't: detailed, clear and simple technical information on the precious metals and the best method(s) for determining actual precious metal content. Even a metallurgist will find this book useful. Mr. Martin appraises, researches, lectures and writes about antique silver. His perspective provides the reader with a refreshing and practical approach on the subject of how to best evaluate objects made of gold and silver. In this guide, Mr. Martin shows us that there are many ways for readers to make a precious metal determination. He begins with non-invasive methods and then presents variations on the most commonly used invasive acid tests and proceeds to the new advanced scientific methods. His approach is very practical, such that the reader will be able to accomplish most of the testing methods themselves. He has also simply and clearly laid out his personal philosophy: if you are going to test an object for precious metal content, then know why a test is necessary and how to select the most appropriate testing method. I keep this 100 page laminated cover spiral-bound reference close at hand. It is full of useful information, techniques and guidance. The Guide to Evaluating Gold and Silver Objects is a "must" for anyone involved in collecting, making, and identifying gold and silver. The following summarizes this book: Chapter one give us an understanding of gold and silver in historical as well as scientific and mythological terms. You will find some interesting facts and information about gold and silver which can be use to dazzle your friends and clients. Chapter two deals with how to visually inspect the most often appraised objects: flatware, holloware, coins, and jewelry. This is obviously the most non-invasive method of determining an object's composition, and when used in conjunction with the extensive list of reference books in the appendix and the information in chapter three, the reader may be able to eliminate the need for any sort of invasive testing (i.e., nitric acid test). Chapter three discusses marks of standard, referring to the marks generally found on an object signifying its metal composition, such as "sterling" (92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper), or the lower fine silver content of "coin" silver (90% fine silver and 10% copper), also known as "pure coin," "dollar," ".900," or "standard." This chapter also delves into the lesser understood electroplate marks, defining their terms and corresponding thicknesses. The foreign quality marks section is also very useful, for not all countries use the same terminology or alloys as the United States. Chapter four, the longest in the book, deals with gold and silver testing. The chapter starts by introducing us to the most simple and common empirical tests such as "feel", "flex", "heft", "ring-ping" and even "smell." The reader will find out how to properly administer these common field tests; it is also revealed which of these should not be relied upon. The balance of this chapter deals with 14+ tests, from the most commonly used but invasive acid tests, to the advanced electronic and scientific tests. Also included is the often overlooked but very informative specific gravity test. Most of these tests can be performed by or arranged by the reader. Chapter five discuses the various reasons for evaluating a precious metal object, such as for curiosity's sake, selling or acquiring a piece, insurance replacement, collectability, etc. Chapter six gives one a thorough understanding of both the art and science of cleaning/polishing precious metal objects. The step by step instructions will insure that the seemingly elemental act of cleaning doesn't leave the object ruined and/or effect any of the test results. The appendix discusses the U.S. stamping laws, has very helpful tables and equivalents for units of measure, conversion formulas, melting points, specific gravity tables, and comparative weights of equal volumes. There are also appendixes which present recommended references, books, associations, and an extensive glossary. Jeffrey Herman (jherman@silversmithing.com), Providence, RI