Virginia has long been home to some of America's finest golfers. Virginia golfers have won 16 major championships and 169 PGA-sanctioned events while playing in 27 Ryder Cups, 9 Walker Cups, and 2 Solheim Cups. Virginia is boasts six golfing resorts that rank among America's top 1000, while dozens of the state's golf courses are part of almost every list of the finest places to play the sport in this country. Veteran golf writer Jim Ducibella's Par Excellence: A Celebration Of Virginia Golf explores a grand golfing legacy of players, courses, tournaments, and stories. The informative text is wonderfully enhanced with the stunning photography of Ross Franklin. From Nancy Lopez to Sam Snead, Par Excellence is a splendidly presented tribute and history that is entertaining and informative reading for all golfing enthusiasts.

If you're a golfer or you have a golfer in your house, this is a must for Santa's stocking on Christmas morning. The book lives up to its subtitle of being a celebration of Virginia golf, but would be appreciated by golfers in all the states and even around the world. Jim Ducibella is one of the nation's finest golf writers and he captures the history and tradition of Virginia golf in loving detail. He writes vivid portraits of the state's finest golfers as well as giving graphic descriptions of the state's best courses. Whether you're a duffer or a scratch golfer, this is a book you will want to read from cover to cover. And the pictures by Ross D. Franklin make you feel you right on the course. Don't miss this book.

Just about everyone I know has played or is playing golf. I myself play about four to five times a year and in Massachusetts there is very few PGA rated courses. Par Excellence shows you the world of golf as it is played in a Virginia and these are some beautiful courses.

I was very impressed by not only the stories but also by the pictures. Full color photographs of the courses show how rich in beauty the state of Virginia really is. Some the courses have hosted several PGA events and the storied past of the courses are a true golf fans dream.

The book also covers some of the more famous golfers to have played at these courses, with men like Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins, J.C. Snead, Sam Snead and others. The book is only 240 pages but it is clear that author was able to capture the essence of the sport and of the state.

Also included in the book is coverage of over 15 courses and some of the more notable events that have taken place at each course. For a true golf fan this book is the perfect gift. Sports Publishing Inc. has a web site loaded with other books on an abundance of sports topics.

The book "Passage To Intimacy" was wonderfully done. It is helping me in my relationship. I am developing all the skills needed to make it work. It is fun again because we have a new outlook on our points of view. We are actually starting our relationship over and building it to new lengths. I recommend this book to all that want to do it right!

The concepts in this book have dramatically transformed my relationship! I now understand what went wrong in previous relationships and what is going right now. It's helped by tracing my emotional roots, and helping me determine the assumptions I make in relationships. I would definately recommend this book.

This book is made of the things that save relationships and make them great! As a marriage and family therapist, I recommend this book regularly to clients and other therapists alike.

Easy to read and packed with practical tools for people to use right away, this book is full of the concepts and exercises Dr. Lori Gordon has been testing and refining for over 25 years!

I love this book because it focuses on strengths instead of weaknesses and is really a "how to" book instead of "pie in the sky theory." I use it to help people discover what they can do differently as well as to understand their partner's behaviors, but always to help them make something they want actually happen!

Applause for Dr. Gordon, and for her elegant simplicity, profound wisdom, and practical help!

This book has given me the opportunity to try many new recipes as well as enjoy the historical tidbits depicting the life of James Madison and his entertaining wife, Dolley.

Unlike most restaurant-related cookbooks, the recipes in this book, although very gourmet in their presentation, can be easily followed by any home cook. Coupled with the beautiful table settings featuring rare antique china--beautiful portrayed in the magnificent color photos throughout the book--the writing brings forth many unique ideas for entertaining on any usual or special celebration.

Plantation Feasts and Festivals is a celebration, published on the occasion of the 250th birthday of President James Madison. Worthy of coffee table prominence, Plantation Feasts and Festivals is filled with beautiful photographs of Montpelier and neighboring estates of family and friends. A treasure trove of cultural and historical traditions, this volume's greatest value is in the kitchen. With recipes organized by seasonal occasions and celebrations, the sumptuous menus are connected with the land and its seasonal bounty, Southern tradition and hospitality. Edna Lewis, a native of Orange County and known throughout the country for her primers on Southern cuisine, shares her reminiscence of each season and many of the occasions. She says, "All recipes have been developed for special occasions, for those times when you want to indulge. Therefore we took no shortcut in preparation of ingredients."

Angela Mulloy's thirst for perfection must surely be quenched with the selections she included in this book celebrating Virginia heritage. Each menu is a beautiful balance of seasonal taste and tradition filled with ingredients that embrace the locale: shad roe, potted trout, quail, Chesapeake crab, country ham, fried chicken and venison; profoundly delicious uses of corn meal, greens, and fruits; and desserts made elegant in their simplicity and exquisite presentation.

Each occasion depicts a certain mood and a traditional style. The Hunt Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Lawn Party, Wedding Dinner, Holiday Feast, and Twelfth Night Ball all bespeak the gentility of the time and place, and yet each recipe is on the leading edge of today's most sought after techniques and tastes.

Plantation Feasts and Festivities would make a grand addition to anyone's library and a wonderful gift for any celebration.

Plantation Feasts And Festivities: A Celebration Of The Grandes Dames Of Virginia Food And Hospitality combines a regional culinary and cultural history with delicious recipes carefully modified for today's kitchens and adjusted to serve from six to eight adults. Superbly enhanced with spectacular color photography, Plantation Feasts And Festivities is organized around the four seasons of Spring, Summer Autumn, and Winter. From Hand-Churned Honey Vanilla Ice Cream, Streusel Peach Pie, Savory Bread Pudding, and Bourbon-Grained Mustard, to Cornbread and Country Sausage Dressing, Caramel-Pumpkin Custard, Sweet Potato Gratin, and Scalloped Tomatoes, This inspired and inspiring collection is highly recommended for fine gourmet dining and a true reflection of Virginia's impressive culinary history.

A fine book, evoking a lot more than just thoughts of fiddles. It brings back a lot of memories. There's endless stories winding on late into the night and square dances at the fire station with bright lights and cake walks. It's playing rhythm guitar while sitting on the porch hypnotized by the "play of the fiddle", playing those simple little tunes over and over and over, breathing life into them till they break loose and come alive. Reading Jerry's book was like stumbling into an attic full of memories.

There's something hypnotic about the sound of a fiddle, and Jerry weaves his own spell. All those countless, nameless, fiddle players were drawn to it and just couldn't ever get away. Way back "up the holler". It seems like the devil got hold of them & wouldn't let go. It's like sitting around a campfire, deep in the woods, listening to the baying of the hounds and just wondering what's really out there. Lot's of mystery up in the mountains and those old fiddle players felt it and made it sing out. Jerry really loves his fiddle music, but I think he really loves the spell of the mountains even more. Seems to come out best in the sound of a fiddle, played on the front porch, all alone, nothing but that fiddle sound, a full moon, and the deep silence of the endless woods. That fiddle music just floats in the silence. The hills don't care, they just sit there, and the fiddler plays on, just hearing that sound, going on and on and on...

Yep, it's a pretty good tale.

Gerry Milnes knows more about the tradtional music of West Virginia than probably any other writer on the subject.

This book presents a delightful look at the history of West Virginia fiddling, profiles of the players, and the culture in which this music thrived. It is well researched and presented in a very engaging style. Of particular interest to me were his profiles of some of the musical families of the state. In addition to his look at fiddlers, other folk music traditions are covered as well, including a look at the fretted dulcimer players and builders of the region. There are many helpful and interesting photographs as well.

Also recommended: "Fiddles, Snakes, & Dog Days," Milnes documentary film on the same subject which features the playing of many traditonal West Virginia musicians.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Milnes provides good descriptions of the history and the cultural contexts for fiddling in West Virginia. He provides especially good descriptions of dances. My favorite part of the book dealt with some of the traditional beliefs and practices associated with fiddling. There are fascinating traditions that fiddlers continue to use, and there is a wealth of folklore associated with the instrument. Milnes also provides a fine history of dulcimer music in Appalachia, and his work provides a corrective perspective about this instrument as he challenges the degree of purism and perhaps "snootiness" that is associated with fiddling.

Just when I was convinced that this summer would leave me irritable and dissatisfied with fiction, I chanced upon this wonderful read! The main characters are well drawn, and despite a mystical tendency to see and feel past events and current ghosts, believable. The situation is a new look at the old returning scion theme, with a female character who is refreshingly unlike most in period novels, yet true to her time and station. Charbonneau weaves in several story lines well, leaving only one that tugs at greater exposition, that of the Frenchman, "Fayette". On the whole, a marvelous way to spend some reading hours.

Ms. Charbonneau has woven another masterful, compelling tale. I found the narrative richly layered with drama, action, and heartfelt romance. Readers will fall in love just as the main characters do! Judith Mercer is a warm, unique heroine; and Ethan Randolph is deftly drawn as a man both simple and complex, endearing in his innocence and attractive in his strength.

Anyone who thinks all romance novels are alike have never read a novel by Ms. Charbonneau! What I always like best about her work is her fresh, unique voice. THE RANDOLPH LEGACY does not disappoint. The plot is unusual and intriguing. The language is spare but visual, painting pictures of sailing ships, bustling ports, sunny plantations and lighthouses by the sea. This is a book you won't want to put down!

Charbonneau's latest novel represents both a brilliant celebration and daring augmentation of the historical romance genre. In The Randolph Legacy, Charbonneau demonstrates to the hilt her mastery of all of the traditional elements of her craft: the weaving of a deep mystery around the fascinating male protagonist, Ethan Randolph; searing and sensuous descriptions of carnal passion unfolding in the beautiful Quakeress heroine, Judith Mercer; convergence of fast-paced subplots on the harrowing denoument of the central mystery; all served up with sedulous attention to the regional cultures of the United States in 1815. But, in addition to these traditional elements, Charbonneau audaciously bestows upon her most sympathetic characters certain shared powers of extra-sensory perception that enable them to transcend their cultural limitations and that also enable Charbonneau to further her ethical investigation of the ambiguities, hypocrisies, and redemptive possibilities of interracial human relations on the slave plantations of Virginia.

I enjoyed this book VERY much since I do search and rescue but THIS IS NOT A TRAINING BOOK but a true story of a woman and her two dogs. if you are looking for a training book I would suggest the the book by Susan Bulanda called "Ready, the training of a search and rescue dog" it is a very good book. I used it to train my current SAR dog. Happy Searching!!!

The stories in this book could almost stand on their own. I can't imagine doing this dangerous and time consuming work for free, and for so many years! The copy of the book I got has a White Shepherd on the front, much more interesting than the picture shown here. I read it all in one night, couldn't put it down!

I expected more technical information about training dogs, but was captivated by the stories and adventures. I wish there had been pictures of the White Shepherds. My 10 year old and 12 year old (boy and girl) liked the book very much.

She Is Born is hard to classify: nonfiction which reads like fiction. She Is Born discusses how cultures around the world celebrate the birth of a daughter, with vivid paintings by John Rowe capturing the multicultural explorations of a daughter's birth. A beautiful presentation, outstanding in its contrasts.

I just had a daughter last month and my best friend gave me this book. I was really touched - the words are profound. The illustrations are beautiful. I am now giving it to another friend who just had a daughter. I highly recommend it.

I knew this would be a perfect book to give to any expecting mother (expecting a daughter, that is). The book is beautifully illustrated--amazing work! I'm impressed with John Rowe's luminescent pictures. And the words are equally powerful. Virginia Kroll did some research to include all groups of people in her book. A bonus is the author's note in the back which explains everything she discusses (from food to customs). She does not exclude any group--she incorporates so many types of people, and the drawings reflect this as well. I've noticed Beyond Words Publishing releases works with a multicultural theme, and this book is indicative of this idea. With beautiful pictures and a wonderful message, this book is worth it. Any new mother of a daughter will love this book!

The work of Virginia Wilson in this book is to be praised. People with RLS will get so much out of this book, it is easy reading for everyone. Because of her hard work and dedication I have learned so much about RLS, having it myself after 11 back surgeries I can now tell my doctors to read the symptoms of other people that I have been complaining about for years. Because of this book I am taken seriously, I take her book to my doctors and have them read some of the pages. One of my doctors (Whom I admired dearly) put me on myopex, now I can sleep a few hours at night, compared to no sleep at night before. I don't dread bedtime anymore. Virginia, I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me and hopefully for so many sufferers. I read your book all day and thank God not all night. God Bless. Joan D'Agostino

This is a must read for RLS sufferers and their family. I have been suffering from RLS and its "cousins" for at least 23 years. For the most part, doctors have never taken me seriously. This book says it all. It describes the syndromes, the reactions of freinds, family, and the medical community (we are imagining it all), and offers some help and comfort. The latter in knowing what we knew all along: we have a real ailment that is making our lives miserable! Pressure your doctors to look into this disease. Change doctors if you must until you find someone who listens. It was infuriating for me to learn that Dr. Daniel Picchietti, a noted expert in the field referenced in this book, has been working at Carle Clinic, where I have been a patient for 17 years, and no one ever told me about him or refered me to him. I have an appointment now. Thank you so much, Virginia! [Footnote: I did see Dr. Picchietti and found relief. Daily doses of Mirapex have been a great help. For once I am being taken seriously and treated that way. Get help, fellow RLS sufferers.]

Virginia Wilson pins it down it down to a t when she gives an excellent and concise overview of RLS and how it affects it's victims. She and the doctors who wrote with her also give hope to the millions of those afflicted with what I call the scourge of my life, RLS. The book is a good source of info and places to get help. As a health care professional I felt the book was a good source for medical professionals and laymen.

Petals in the Wind is V.C. Andrews's sequel to Flowers in the Attic. The sequel is just as good as the first book. Andrews takes her readers through many emotional twists and turns with her characters. In Petals in the Wind Cathy, Chris, and Carrie have escaped from their mother's evil ways. They get ona bus and head for FLorida. On their was to Florida, they meet a nice doctor who takes them in and gives them the chance to live again. The doctor helps the children pursue their dreams. She puts the children back in school. Cathy also strives for her dream to be a prima ballerina. Cathy attracts many men throughout the story, and some will be hard to believe. Cathy is always longing for revenge on her mother; she wants her mother to endure the pain that her children went through. The moral of this story is that change is good. Things can always change for the better. Andrews again outdid herself in this book and it is always amazing to see how well she depicts her characters and lets you know exactly how they are feeling. this book is a must read for young adults.

It's told by Cathy and goes into her life...she becomes a ballerina...falls in love has a kid, falls out of love, falls in love again, has another kid...etc etc...the mother still ignores her in this book...Marvelous ! marvelous! V.C. Andres CANNOT go wrong!!

Riding on the success of a beautiful peice of work like the previous novel, "Flowers in the Attic', V.C. Andrews clearly has lived up to the expectations. Not only is this book haunting, but it is also complelling. It doesn't preach, but it informs. It's very simply written, and it's beauty is in the simplicity. This book has the longest timeplate of the Dollenganger series (not counting Garden of Shadows) and the rage from the last book spills over into vengence in this. As before, Andrews captivates the audience with her enchantment.

Saunder's dictionary is well-organized, and contains most ever term that I have needed to look up the definition is for. However, it is frustrating that the pronunciation is not listed for any word in the entire book. When learning a new vocubulary it is important to not only know what it means, but also how to say it. The definitions concerning pathology terms where often misleading or contradictory to those in the pathology book.

I am a third semester veterinary student and I use this dictionary at least once almost every time I study. The reason I say that first year students will need this book is that I find I am using it less as my basic medical vocabulary grows, but I am still using it regularly. I too borrowed this book from my roommate constantly before I bought my own, even though I own a medical dictionary and had to walk farther to use her vet dictionary. This book simply has more of the veterinary terminology that I need definitions for. It is just the right size to bring with me when I study - it's not too heavy and it has enough words to make it useful. It does have some words that are unnecessary though, such as 'pooper-scooper'!
Another 'pro' for this book is the appendix at the back: there is one for arteries, bones, joints, muscles, nerves, etc. Honestly, the only one I've used is the muscle chart, but that one was great when I was studying for anatomy lab since it has origins and insertions as well as innervations.
Since I do use it so much, I would recommend the hardcover version. If you want to see the picture of the cover or use the 'look inside' feature, you can see these features on the paperback book webpage since they are currently not available at the hardcover webpage. ...
Don't get me wrong; I still think a medical dictionary is useful. I often find words (and their pronunciations, since the Saunders does not have pronunciations) in the medical dictionary that I didn't find in the veterinary dictionary. But I almost always try the veterinary dictionary first, and I almost always find the word I'm looking for in this book.

When I started vet school, I wanted the biggest, most expensive medical dictionary because I figured it would be the best. I bought Dorland's medical dictionary which is intended for human medicine, and it weighs about 10 lbs. I found that, for my purposes, it was close to useless. Too big to carry around, not very user friendly, and of course lacking in veterinary terminology. I was constantly borrowing my classmates' Saunders dictionary (it was small enough that they could carry it around easily) and I was SO impressed. It's an excellent resource and is on the bookshelf of nearly every veterinarian I know. I now own a copy for myself.