I am so loving this writer's Lambert series! What fun I am having trying to connect the dots and piece things together from book-to-book. If it isn't one thing then it is another to keep the reader guessing chapter after chapter. Something to please everyone is contained in this fun series! If you haven't had a chance to check one of Ms. Murray's books out "Friendly Enemies" is a great book to start with! Loved it!

Friendly Enemies picks up where Forbidden left off. Homicide Detective Gabe Baldwin is still protecting Nouri Sommers from someone who wants her dead. Despite his growing love for Nouri, Gabe is still fighting what he considers "forbidden fruit" - giving in to his desire for a woman loved by his best friend. The disappearance of her husband, murders at Lambert, and knowing she has been betrayed by husband, friends, and lovers takes a harsh toll on Nouri. She's beginning to see a pattern to her life and does not necessarily like what she sees. The author does a good job of portraying Nouri's crisis of understanding.

Her wealthy perverted husband is still missing. From all evidence, his wealth has been ill-gotten by associating with evil men around the world. Her best friend is plotting with a vicious killer to end Nouri's life. The man she thought was the love of her life - Clint Chamberlain - is cavorting with a sexy beauty in France despite his recent protestations of undying love and promises to stop playing the field. And the man she is beginning to love refuses to make love with her out of loyalty to his friend and fear that she will break his heart. It's a frightening and frustrating time for Nouri.

A few more loose ends are connected in Book Three of the Lambert Series. Nouri inches closer to what may possibly be genuine love. The devoted men in her life tolerate each other as "friendly enemies" to safeguard Nouri and her fortune. And readers are left wondering what the clincher will be in the final chapter, Le Fin. Until then, Ms. Murray keeps us all hanging, waiting for answers and wondering at the outcome. Friendly Enemies is recommended for mature readers due to sexual situations.

By the time the reader reaches the third book in this writer's Lambert series (Friendly Enemies) the fun story line and sharp character development have been so vividly described at this point the reader actually begins to feel a real connection to the heroine almost as though the reader is now a real part of the story! I love this series!

The author, in a relatively short book comprised of sixty or so telling vignettes, has been able to capture the essence of "working alone," including the pros and cons. I recommend this very readable book highly to anyone about to start off on his/her own, or already "in the game."

Based on the reviews I've read here .... I sat down and, reading a few pages, I knew at once that this book was for me. I join all my fellow reviewers in hailing this book as a little masterpiece. It's built just right for folks heading out on their own --not too serious, not too funny, not to difficult to read, and not to simple. It is full of great advice and points for the budding entrepreneur. ....

I too work alone. I've not been able to find another book on the subject that is as precise and accurate (as well as readable)as is this one. Every one of the sixty-plus little chapters has been an eye-opening guide for me. Good piece of work.

Where to begin? This book ROCKS!!! I am such a huge fan of this new writer-- That being said, if you haven't had the opportunity to read THE LAMBERT SERIES then you owe it to yourself to give it a shot. I have no-doubt you will fall in love with this writer and her four-book Romantic Suspense Series. To fully enjoy, understand, and appreciate the overall intended polt of this ongoing soap opera type read you really should start with the first book in the series, Thief of Hearts, but I will tell you that this writer does a nice job filling her reader in of what they may have missed in the first two books of the series (with a prolog in book three) however, you really should at least read book three, Friendly Enemies, before starting this book, as there is not a prolog in Le Fin. All-in-all if you like your fiction reads full of suspense, romance, and interesting, then you really should consider reading the LAMBERT series. I think most people who enjoy mystery mixed with romance will enjoy (especially) the last two books in this series. I like this writer very much!

Before reading this fun book I had a great set of fingernails! WHAT A FANTASTIC FINISH TO THE LAMBERT SERIES!!! I was completely stunned at the ending of this series! I am very upset that it is now a done deal. I am bummed in a big way! Getting that out of my system I would like to say it has been some time since I have enjoyed reading a story this much. I enjoyed every chapter of each book in this series and I have no doubt that you will enjoy it as much. I think most lovers of romance and compelling drama will agree, The Lambert Series, is a series you don't want to overlook!

I do not want this series to end! I really love the Lambert series and would love for it to go on for another few books. The island where every wish is granted and every dreamed fulfilled has stolen my heart and I don't want it to be over yet. My four trips to the pretend island paradise of Lambert is the best vacation I have had the chance to go on in years! PLEASE BRING IT BACK TO LIFE AGAIN SOON!!! Fans like me need books like Ms. Murray's Lambert series to get me through the days and even sometimes through the nights.

If you are interested in finding out more about one of the most elite fighting forces in the world then read this. Simon Murray is INCREDIBLY modest which is one of the best factors in this book. Exceptionally hard yet incredibly modest.

READ IT!!!!!

I first read this book as a schoolboy and I think I have read it at least twice more since. Simon Murray is the perfect tour guide to the Legion of the time he writes about. He writes with style, but not in an affected manner, he is humble regarding his own achievements, and he is sentimental at times, but never descends into soppiness. This book should be read not only by people who enjoy military yarns, but by anybody who appreciates a good book.

It is tragic that this wonderful book is not in print. Do yourself a favour and make a real attempt to find a copy.

Simon Murray's autobiography of his first adult years spent in the wartorn country of Algeria in the sixties, is filled with an amazing understanding of the complexity of issues that surrounds us all in everyday life.

For the ultimate book on the French Foreign Legion - which this is - it may sound borring, but believe me - its anything but. This is simply put the best book ever written on the subject of the French Foreign Legion.

Starting with the end of his teens Simon Murray joins the Legion in a quest for adventure. With a canny ability to describe everyday events, ones imagination otherwise hardly can percieve, the author gives a day-by-day account of his life in the legion.

From the treasured dull moments of barrack-life to the rutine patrol on the border to Marokko that suddenly turns sour. From basic training at age eigthteen to transferral for the deuxime REP where the lure of jump money means a difference to a new sergent. Its all in here and so are you.

This book takes advantage of the authority and impact a diary can have, and although this is not the diary of Anne Franks - which in context may be a poor comparison - the impact of this book it just to great to be ignored.

Where Anne Franks Diary sqeezes your heart and leaves you wondering what kind of human being your really are; Simon Murray hits you in the teeth and pulls the rug from under you and as the drillsergent tries to stomp your head in, you wish you had the same integrity and strength Simon Murray displayed throughout his years as a Legionaire and later at the Legions Sergent School.

This review is committed from memory as I read this book 18 years ago. I then made it the cornerstone of my bookcollection on The Legion. I have never read one better. Neither will you.

Sarah's page grabs hold of what it is about to come to terms with who we are as kids in the nineties world. It is so real, and believable. Sarah is the kind of friend you want to have to e-mail and share with, and what's great about this book, is you CAN, on the webpage that goes with it! Awesome.

I bought this book for my niece for Christmas and she LOVED it, she couldn't put it down and she isn't a big reader. I read it too, and it is hilarious. The descriptions of Michigan are dead-on accurate and the references to the superiority of New York will tweak many a midwesterners nose. But, Sarah starts to love Michigan, so that makes her all right with me. A great coming of age story for girls, and I love the Internet component.

Originally I bought this book for my niece who is a Michigander. The weekend it arrived from Amazon, she was off with her parents to a wedding for the weekend. It didn't take her long to read the entire story. This weekend she lent it to me. One day. That's all it took. I couldn't put Sarah's Page down. Not only is it a clever idea, but the story is compelling. Sarah is your best friend or the one you wish you had. (BTW I am 53 years old ;) )

This is a great book for the general public as well as naive health care professionals to learn about Natural Medicine. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A COPY OF THIS BOOK AND STUDY IT. YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT. I have learned that I am eating totally wrong and am setting myself up for a cardiovascular disaster. And I'm a doctor and should know better! Now I can set things straight.

Yeah, I'm an M.D. and have been trained to treat my patients with chemicals (Allopathic Medicine), but I have been trying to expand my knowledge base about the practice of medicine and luckly stumbled on Dr. Murray's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine.

I will integrate what I have and will learn about Natural Medicine in my everyday practice (and my own life!). I feel that, with certain exceptions, Natural Medicine should be tried first. Only when that fails or is inappropriate should Allopathic Medicine be used.

There is a growing trend for M.D.'s to use Natural Medicine in their practice. ...

As a student preparing to enter into the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine provides a wonderfully interesting, informative and easy-to-reference guide to natural medicines. What I enjoyed most was the fact that this book avoids giving a simple "run-down" of the natural treatments used for specific conditions. Instead, it teaches the reader the philosiphy behind how those natural treatments work (for example by promoting the healing power of our body), and therefore why they are used to treat certain conditions. The authors also do a great job of "backing-up" what is written with solid scientific evidence. This addresses a major concern readers have, namely, the validity of natural treatments. While there is still a multitude of research yet to be done, the authors utilize the available research and combine it nicely with the wisdom of centuries-old medical practices from various cultures around the wor! ld. Finally, the applicability of this book is widespread. It is a complete and comprehensive guide for both the everyday person as well as doctors and students (of both Traditional and Naturopathic/Complimentary Medicines).

I have long been a proponent of taking my own health into my own hands. Murray's reference book was first given to me by a friend. It encompasses a diverse array of health concerns and treatments that WE, the people, can access on our own. With sites like Amazon where we can peruse books on alternative health as well as one my friend recently recommended, Papanature, which has a substantial stock of natural supplements and vitamins. etc. I was pleased with the information, the documentation links, the products and the prices which Papanature provided so I ordered. Many of the items covered in Murray's Encyclopedia can be found from this source.

One can find the answers to most of life's little (and big) problems in this classic work. It does everything from helping one determine why the backyard just doesn't feel right to describing the problems with sprawl. I hesitate to label it as an architectural work because it can be so much more. Certainly, it illustrates how architecture can play a much larger role in shaping our lives than it has during the past fifty years.

The format of the book is effective in that it allows one to follow the connections between various design rules/patterns that might otherwise not be obvious. The use of these "links" within the book could have been a source of inspiration for web designers. This book will appeal just as much to the lay person as it does to the legions of architectural professionals who use it as a guide on a frequent basis.

Part 2 of 3 part series.

This book is the dictionary for A Timeless Way of Building. The Oregon Experiment is a case study of the use of these ideas to plan a college campus.

This book is about functional design for humans rather than design for design's sake. It directly refutes the real estate industry's insistence on neutral design for quick sale (which is the industry's goal - not the goal of a homeowner!) It promotes design which fits the needs and desires of the user, not the developer or architect. The philosophy involves the users heavily in the process of design, permitting integrated design without requiring comprehensive knowledge of all interacting factors on the part of the designers, it is a way of modularizing the design process into smaller, comprehensible units which can be understood and discussed in a useful way.

You will not be disappointed in reading these books.

Yes, it's dated a bit, especially in it's language approach to social issues.

Yes, it's Utopian, but not impractical.

No, all of the patterns do not apply to all people in all places, but then, they are not intended to.

What is important is the basic premise: That physical environment design can either promote community or divide people. That there exist basic patterns of interaction between people, buildings, roads and environment.

No, you cannot just change your entire community overnight into a utopia (mores the shame) however, these books can help to redefine how your community grows and develops to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.

All of the research is fairly old, but it is research into basic human actions and reactions to their surroundings - not something which is subject to a great deal of change - examples cover several thousand years.

If you're tired of strip malls, rampant development for development's sake, neighborhoods without character or community, irritating traffic patterns, multiple hour commutes, buildings which are uncomfortable to live and work in or just interested in improving your corner of the world, read these books and apply some of the principles wherever you feel they will fit your life.

I own multiple copies and recommend it highly.

I've read all three books in this series, and I thought this was by far the best and most accessible. The first, "A Timeless Way of Building", introduced the author's philosophy and was, I thought, a bit bogged down with New Age jargon. I prefer to think in terms of comfort and relationships, though ultimately I agree with just about everything the author-as-designer states and obviously went on to read his other work. I thought the third book, photographs of a project completed by the author, should have been the most informative, but ultimately didn't do justice to the author's ideas. But maybe it was just the poor quality of the pictures. IMHO this is the masterpiece of the trilogy. Christopher Alexander's Empire Strikes Back. Its concern is the practical application of the author's ideas, and one could only wish to live or work in a space designed with this philosophy. His thinking is pragmatic AND beautiful, bringing balance and harmony to space.

Having made the case for his system of architectural and social design in his earlier work, the author here goes on to formalize a system of 253 patterns, ranging in scale from towns down to benches. Patterns 1 through 94 define a town or community; numbers 95 through 204 define (groups of) buildings; and numbers 205-253 define a "buildable building". The individual patterns are themselves evocative and inviting, and cover a myriad of human social and environmental relationships: number 1 is Independent Region, pattern 2 is Distribution of Towns, 10 is Magic of the City, 57 is Children in the City, number 62 is High Places, number 63 Dancing in the Street, 94 is Sleeping in Public, 203 Child Caves, 223 Deep Reveals, 235 Soft Inside Walls, 253 Things from Your Life.

One example of developing the pattern language for a specific project using a subset of the author's Pattern Language is that of the front porch, composed of 10 elements: private terrace on street, sunny place, six-foot balcony, outdoor room, paths & goals, ceiling height variety, columns at the corners, front-door bench, raised flowers and different chairs. Alexander gives many such examples and eloquently details the process of exploring patterns and moving between them in a search for the proper set. And that is one thing that makes this book special and fun. He does not say a 'successful' set of elements but a 'proper' set of elements. At first that might seem like a lot of hot hubris, but on reading you find that there is a reason that a balcony should be 6-feet square .... THAT is the minimum space required for people to have a comfortable discussion around a small table. It is a charming and useful way to look at one's surroundings, and each of the 253 patterns is given the treatment as the author goes on to detail each element's specifications, definition and purpose. These expanded definitions are often quite charming; for instance, under pattern 57, Children in the City, he specifies a very safe bike path that meanders past workplaces and shops with windows so that kids can see the diversity and alive-ness of the place in which they live. Lovely idea.

While others have noted that Alexander's ideas inspired changes in software engineering, I would also like to note that the author's ideas were, in turn, most likely informed by others, such as neuroscientist Karl Lashley and, in particular, linguist Noam Chomsky. Chomsky developed the idea of a generative grammar, composed of constituent symbols, a set of rules and a set of terminal elements, which together describe all possible sentences in a language. This was considered revolutionary at the time and is quite similar to Alexander's characterization of his patterns, described as a context combined with a system of forces or rules generating an infinite number of solutions in the form of sets of specific design elements. That configuration, in turn, becomes the context for another pattern. The theory's dynamism and scalability render it very powerful indeed.

I think another interesting approach to this philosophy would be to reverse engineer our own environment. To say, Obviously there is a Pattern Language at work in the larger world in which we live, and it is decidedly in opposition to what Mr. Alexander and others, including myself, believe is preferred. What are the rules of that language? What is the context within which those elements operate? The author codifies a desirable Pattern Language. I'd like to see his principles used to turn an eye toward decodifying our own milieu. This is the kind of book that leads one to think and imagine, and isn't that a wonderful thing?

What I didn't like about this book were that neither ideas nor photographs were credited, which is frustrating for someone who wants to follow up on these ideas, and not fair to those whose work contributed to the author's. The author apologized for this in his first book, but then repeated the discourtesy here; the second time is less forgivable. Also, there is no index, which is especially painful for a librarian :-) I would have liked to have seen a more diverse selection of examples, and some attempt to address the implementation of a pattern language after more conventional designs are already in place. That said, I agree with the many others who have stated that this book changed the way they looked at their surroundings, and I'm profoundly grateful to the author for his work, which stands up well after a quarter century.

Even when mediocrity (or worse) is the order of the day, there are those voices in the wilderness who speak to a better understanding and envision a better world. In codifying an aesthetic relationship among elements of a viable, living environment and describing a system of scalable self-sustaining systems, the author joins visionaries like R. Buckminster Fuller, who bring a philosophy to architecture that is as much about living as it is about building. I would encourage anyone who is interested in architecture, design, a philosophy of organic wholeness, or creating a more humane environment, to read this informative and provocative book.

Not to pan the book entirely: it's an easy read and offers hope as well as some helpful information - but I have two issues.

First, there are innumerable references to products which provide profit for the "Medical Editor", Dr. Murray Grossan. I'm a user of one of his products, and I'd endorse it too - but not under the guise of an medical self-help book.

The second item that makes me wonder about the expertise of the author ("A long time sinus sufferer"). Opposite the title page are some of the other titles from the author - "The Super Aspirin Cure for Arthritis". "Super Calcium Counter...". "The Osteoporosis Cure". "The Fibromyagia Handbook". Can "The Tao of Ephedra" be far away?

The book is worth a read. But if you're deciding between it and other well-rated volumes - I'd look elsewhere.

Thank you for this book. Finally, after years of mouth breathing because of constant congestion, I can breathe through my nose again (something most people take for granted). The book was extremely well written and easy to read. I'd recommend to anyone who has allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis or other respiratory problems. It gives you HOPE!!

This is VERY IRONIC!!! I just heard the author Debra Bruce on the radio in Atlanta, Georgia this morning. A friend gave me her book three weeks ago and I read it--cover to cover. An interesting and easy read. This was BEFORE tree pollen season hit the South. I used the techniques suggested in the book--the nasal saline irrigation, avoiding iced drinks, avoiding key pollen times, and a nasal steroid spray. I changed my medication to a decongestant/antihistamine combo. For the FIRST time in my life--I have MY LIFE. It's super. I'm not a shut-in anymore. Thank you for a very credible book. A must read for ANYONE with sinusitis.

Temptation is an extraordinary story of love, faith, friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness. It tells the story of Kyla and Jefferson Blake, their picture-perfect 16-year marriage, and their commitment to one another and also to God. Jefferson makes the mistake of sleeping with Kyla's best friend, Jasmine, showing that Christians are also faced with real trials and tribulations. The lessons of the story are illustrated in how the characters overcame this event-dealing with the issues of trust, betrayal, love, redemption, and forgiveness. The strength, belief in God, and the ability to act according to His wishes (despite desiring to do otherwise) is inspiring. This novel moved well and was paced just right.

The supporting cast of characters was balancing: Alexis and Brian both dear friends of Kyla and Jefferson begin a relationship together based on Christian values and go through their own temptations and issues, and Jasmine, the seductress, is relentless in her pursuit of Jefferson.

Murray sprinkles bible scriptures and words of love and faith to share the source of wisdom and power. It is a delightful, easy read that isn't "preachy" or condemning...in fact, I think it renews the inner spirit. This is a definite must read for Christian couples or anyone needing another's forgiveness.

Five stars is not enough to rate this book. I give this book an absolute 10. I have never read a book so inspiring, so wonderful, so full of everything that your looking for in a book. It's a page turner from beginning to end. I love the way the author quoted scriptures, that in fact helped to encourage and up lift me. Very inspirational. I just can't rave anymore about this book. This is by far one of the best books I have ever read in my life. I love the way Victor Christopher Murray made you feel Kyla and Jefferson's pain, their sorrow, their joys, their happiness. I mean she really made you feel what each character was going through. She just could not have done a better job. Oh and Brian and Alexis, Couldn't have happened to a better couple. I thank God for blessing Ms. Murray with such enormous talent. Truly his hand was in this. Victoria Christopher Murray, continue looking to the hills from whence cometh your help and know that he will do the rest. I will definetly be looking forward to reading more of her work. I would recommend this book to all. You won't be dissapointed.

This book is truly a must read! It is so difficult to believe that this is the first book written by Victoria Christopher Murray. I totally agree with previous reviewers. The book held my interest from the beginning to the very end. This is exactly the kind of reading material for which I've been looking. Victoria does an excellent job of showing that Christians are also faced with real trials and tribulations, however, the beauty of this book is laid out through the actions taken by characters who have decided to do things God's way no matter the consequence(s). I was so blessed by Jefferson's determination to tell the truth and trust God to work a bad decision for good, in the face of loosing everything, including his wife, his daughter and his reputation. Then there's Alexis, who as a single sucessful young woman, has made a commitment to God and honors it more than the newly found relationship with the man of her dreams. This book definitely encourages one to stand firm on God's word and just watch Him grant the disires of the heart in His own perfect timing.

I was so caught up in the lives of the characters of the book, I dared to put it down. I must have read this book in record time. Bravo, Victoria! I'm looking forward to you next work!

I am a really big Victoria Taylor Murray fan and have been since I purchased the first book in her Lambert series, Thief of Hearts. The plot is unusual and I just love her imagination. Just order the next in the series and can't wait until it gets here! If you like exotic characters with a passion for romance and intrigue then this series is the one for you. A recommended romantic suspense series!

FORBIDDEN is the second book in writer Murray's LAMBERT series. A series that has me totally captivated! I look forward to the next in the series. If you are a reader like me and enjoy getting lost in someone elses world for a few glorious hours then Ms. Murray's Lambert series is the one for you!

Forbidden, is the next book in the Lambert series. It is also a book that pulled me in to this romantic suspense series for the longhaul. It has everything a reader like myself enjoys in it, action, romance, and mystery. I can't wait for the next book (Friendly Enemies) in this series to arrive.