Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire (Murder She Wrote)

Book Description

America's favorite sleuth is back in a brand-new mystery

Over 3 million copies of the series in print!

Jessica Fletcher is in a Florida retirement community for the funeral of a dear old friend whose heart gave out-only to discover that the woman's death from natural causes may have been artificially induced.

With the help of a feisty group of young-in-spirit retirees, Jessica must track down the clues and find out who prescribed the fatal treatment...

Customer Reviews:

Chomp, Chomp, Chomp Went the Gator.......2005-09-25

Portia Shelby, a former resident of Cabot Cove has been found dead on the beach near her retirement home in Florida and the Metzger's, Seth and Jessica have all flown down for the funeral. Seth had treated Portia for years for a heart condition so her apparent heart attack was no big surprise. The Maine contingent was surprised however to find that the mild and unassuming Portia that they knew in Maine had become something of a tiger in Florida. A tiger that had been causing no end of trouble for powerful real estate developer DeWitt Wainscott who was known to be vicious in silencing his opponents.

Despite the Wainscott connection everyone assumes that Portia's death was by natural causes. Portia was however a fan of herbal medications and Seth who hates herbal cures decides to snoop around in the deceased's pillboxes. To his surprise he discovers diet pills in there and given Portia's heart problem, diet pills could be deadly. Sure that Portia would know better than to take diet pills, Jessica's suspicions are aroused and the snooping begins.

The Florida setting allows the author to run wild with the introduction of new and colorful characters and he does so with a vengeance. There is Monica Kotansky, a man hungry retiree who was involved with Portia's husband before he married Portia and the senior rumor mill still has them together. While the husband is grieving however she turns her attention elsewhere and Seth falls into her net with hilarious results. There is Tony Colombo, a pizza parlor owner in the village who some feel sure is a mobster and even Jessica is sure that he is not really a restaurant owner. But most of all there is Sam Lewis who drives a big pink Cadillac even though he can barely see over the steering wheel. It is Sam who is sure that Mr. Colombo is a mob hit man and that DeWitt Wainscott had taken out a contract on Portia. Determined to prove his point, Sam takes his big pink car and starts to tail Colombo with predictable and entertaining results.

The mystery here is a little deeper than those found in some of the books in this series. The first question that must be answered is whether Portia was murdered at all, and once that question is answered by the autopsy the clues start to point in all sorts of odd directions. As Jessica tries to find the correct path in a maze of conflicting information she also has to contend with an angry alligator, a runaway dumpster and one of Seth's old classmates who has moved to Key West, grown a ponytail and painted his house purple. Needless to say, Seth is flabbergasted by his old friend's behavior. Of course, Seth although lovable, is easily flabbergasted.

Despite Seth's little fits, the disgruntled gator and more key lime pie than you can shake a stick at, Jessica finally begins to fit the puzzle together. Of course when you start one of these books you do so knowing that Jessica will figure it all out in the end, so the question is really one of how much fun the reader will have solving the case with her. That being the case, you should fear not for this book is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and even includes a visit to Papa Hemingway's home in Key West. I found this entry in the "Murder She Wrote" series to be one of the most entertaining and enjoyable so far.

"Another Great Mystery! ".......2004-09-05

I have reviewed other mystery books including one from the Murder,She Wrote series! I would like to say this is absolutely a geat and Fantastic Book! I am a huge fan of all the Murder,She Wrote books (Even though I have not read all of them) the ones I have read are great! If you like mysteries this is a book that will keep you guessing the whole way through! I highly recommend it!

Did Portia take the diet pills knowingly or was it murder?.......2004-09-02

Jessica, Seth, Mort and his wife Maureen fly down to Florida from Cabot Cove, Maine, for the funeral of their old friend Portia Shelby.

At first the police and Clarence, Portia's husband, feel her death was of natural causes or an accident. Not long after arriving, Jessica and Seth discover potent diet pills in one of her pillboxes. Since Seth had been her doctor in Maine, he knows she's on heart medication. The two together is a deadly combination. Did she take them voluntarily or was she murdered?

Over time, it becomes certain that it was murder. But, who did it? Was it Clarence? Was it the mysterious restaurateur who Sam, another resident in Foreverglades, thinks is a mobster? How about the developer who Portia and her neighbors are fighting to keep their beach? Or is it one of the women who seem to be after Clarence?

Jessica comes face to face with a large alligator. She is quite shaken, but luckily not injured. Later she has another accident. Is someone out to stop her? Or are they just coincidences?

Seth and Jessica go to Key West to visit a friend of Seth's. Jessica has ulterior motives for that trip. Seth learns a lot about his old friend while visiting. They also meet up with Mort and Maureen who have also gone to Key West for a little R&R.

Jessica gets some help from some of the other retirees in Forestglades. Portia was well liked. Will Jessica be able to figure out who killed Portia before without becoming the next victim?

I always enjoy reading books in this series. I watched it on t.v. extensively. I can see the characters playing out their parts in my head. I hope there are many more to come in this series.

I highly recommend this book.

Murder She Wrote: Dying to Retire.......2004-05-31

I happen to enjoy this book very much. It just so happened that I was in Florida at the time I read this book. What a coincidence.

Truly the best of the bunch!.......2004-05-19

Reading Murder She Wrote books is a guilty pleasure of mine. As a 23 year old, most people my age never watched the series in the 80's because they were too young. I watched it with my mother, and I got into reading the books when they came out in the late 90's. I've read all of them, and in my humble opinion, this is truly the best of the bunch. Bain keeps the characters true to their roots in the series. He gets the characteristics of the New Englanders Seth and Mort down to a science. I loved this one because it was more predictible then the other ones. There's been a few in this series where you've been able to guess who did it, right off. This was definitely not one of those. The character of Sam Lewis described as someone with bigger ears then Yoda, who drives a Pink Caddy, was definitely one of the many highlights of the book. Yes it's a quick read, but definitely a good way to get your summer reading started. Highly recommended!!

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Murder She Wrote: Dying to Retire
Jessica; Bain, Donald Fletcher
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LNMBR6

4 Titles in Murder She Wrote Series - A Vote for Murder - Murder on the QE2 - Blood on the Vine - Dying to Retire

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4 Titles in Murder She Wrote Series - A Vote for Murder - Murder on the QE2 - Blood on the Vine - Dying to Retire
Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RY72EQ

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item for your convenience. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

4 Titles Murder, She Wrote Series : Dying to Retire The Maine Mutiny Margaritas and Murder A Question of Murder

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4 Titles Murder, She Wrote Series : Dying to Retire The Maine Mutiny Margaritas and Murder A Question of Murder
Jessica Fletcher , and Donald Bain
Manufacturer: signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RJOPP0

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

Book Description

A man has come out of the seabrain damaged in a fight with a terrible giantremembering very little about himself. He knows his name is Proteus, and that he was sent to join Jason and the Argonauts as they embarked on the greatest journey the world has ever known. When Princess Medea is struck by Cupids arrow, she falls so desperately in love with Jason, that she is ready to betray her father, and to lure her own brother to his death, so that Jason may win the Golden Fleece.

Customer Reviews:

The myth retold.......2006-10-06

"God of the Golden Fleece" is the fourth book in Fred Saberhagan's Books of the Gods series, which retell the famous Greek myths, albiet with differences that make the stroys both more realistic and with super science half explanation that still leave the reader with a sence of wonder. In this book Proteus is washed ashore with no memery, excet that he had just fought a Giant. He signs on with the famous Jason and the Argonaughts in the quest for the Golden Fleece. They face all the adventures and challenges that the traditional tale includes, but with some slight differences. For example, the falling rocks are actually chuncks of an iceburg falling. The stroy is still the same, Jason is tring to claim the kingdom hiw uncle stole from his family.

But in this story, Jason is not really much of a hero, let alone a Hero. He fights when he must, and he is good at it, but this Jason is moody and depressed, not an enigmatic leader as in legend, and certainly not a Hero in the class of Achilles or Perseus. The majority of the book revolves around Proteus, who quickly realizes he is more than human, and the revelation is actually quiet cleaver, and his fate at the end of the book both happy and a bit sad. You'll see. Medea is bit strange, a witch who is also brought under a spell, and when it wears off her love for Jason is not what it used to be. The end of their realtionship is sort of the same, but the details are somewhat different from the myth.

A great swashbuckling adventure with magic, action and romance, this is a great book, second only to "Arms of Hercules", the book immeadiatly preceeding it. Though all of the books in the series are good, read them all; go ahead, treat yourself.

Good Ending.......2004-02-14

This is a good book with a non-typical ending. A good Saberhagen book

Excellent retelling of classical mythological story........2003-07-11

One of 5 books which have taken the classical Greek myths and updated them with a sci-fi hook. When are the stories in the books taking place? Before the classical Earth-centric Greek period? Or, sometime way, way, way after our civilization has passed? Saberhagen drops a hint or two (use of word "bio-computer) which may or may not lead one astray. But the good storytelling and stories stand by themselves. If anyone has a copy of Robert Graves 1955 (or later re-issue) The Greek Myths, it's a wonderful co-read. Unfortunately, word from the Saberhagen web-site indicates the publisher, Tor Books, is not interested in continuing the series. Maybe we, the readers, should let Tor know that WE ARE interested in the series being continued. I, for one, want to know more about the background and future of this new mythological world.

Great fantasy.......2001-08-15

Following a deadly battle between the Gods and the Giants, a shipwrecked Proteus barely manages to reach a nearby beach but has lost his memory. Already on the shore are Jason and the Argonauts preparing to continue sailing in order to take the Golden Fleece from King Aeetes. Proteus decides to join the quest and performs feats beyond that of the heroes of the Argo.

As Proteus begins to regains pieces of his memory, he concludes that King Pelias hired him to kill Jason. However, his time amidst the Argonauts, especially the brave leader makes him realize he cannot do this task and instead becomes an intrepid and loyal member of the crew. After fleecing Aeetes and other adventures, the Argonauts land on the enchantress Circe's island where Proteus not only learns more about himself and the truth, but plans to do something about it, that is if he lives long enough to do so.

This retelling of the Greek epic Jason and the Argonauts is a well-written fantasy tale that keeps reader attention throughout the book. The story line is fast-paced and filled with action though much is seen through the eyes of the mysterious and bewildered Proteus as opposed to Jason, Hercules, and some of the other mythical heroes. Highly regarded Fred Saberhagen, in his fourth ýBOOK OF THE GODSý novel, is not quite on the level of the mythological classic or the Ray Harryhausen animated enhanced movie, but will provide the authorýs myriad of fans with an entertaining story.

Amazon.com

Wisdom of the Ages reads like a workshop on "What the Masters can Teach You." Author Wayne Dyer offers wisdom taught by the world's "great teachers" (such as Buddha, Jesus, Confucius, Michelangelo, and Emily Dickinson) and then provides an easy-to-digest interpretation for modern readers. The book is formatted into daily, quoted passages (around a page in length) from 60 of these teachers--the "60 Days to Enlightenment" in the book's title. After each quote, Dyer offers his own thoughts on how the "lesson" can be applied to contemporary life. After his essay, the author includes a list of exercises to put the teacher's advice to use. Each passage includes a heading--"Soulcenter" for a quote from Herman Melville's Moby Dick, or "Communication" for William Blake's poem "A Poison Tree," for example.

While his tone is always reverent, Dyer's interpretations occasionally sound flat and obvious--as if he is dumbing down the language for his audience, rather than elevating readers to a higher consciousness (or at least a higher education). This is a shame, because when Dyer writes with the eloquent and enthusiastic voice that earned him his huge popularity--glimpses of that voice do appear in this book--one sees why so many consider him a "master teacher" in his own right. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
-- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

In his inspiring new book, Wisdom of the Ages, bestselling author Dr. Wayne W. Dyer poses the question:

"What do our ancestral scholars, whom we consider the wisest and most spiritually advanced, have to say to us today?"

The answer lies in this powerful collection of writings, poems, and sayings by some of the greatest thinkers of the past twenty-five centuries. In succinct original essays, Dyer sets out to explain the meaning and context of each piece of wisdom, and, most important, to explain how we can actively apply these teachings to our modern lives. From sixty ancestral masters--Buddha, Michelangelo, Rumi, Whitman, Jesus, Emily Dickinson, and Emerson, among others--here are treasured passages on a variety of subjects, including solitude, time, and passion. Among the contributions are words on inspiration from Pantanjali (c. 1st to 3rd century b.c.), author of the Hindu classic, Yoga Sutras; teachings about the power of prayer from 13th-century monk St. Francis of Assisi; and thoughts about the importance of action written by Mother Teresa.

The voices collected here cut across a wide range of historical eras and cultures, yet they communicate universal truths about the human experience. Wisdom of the Ages provides us with a marvelous dual opportunity: to receive guidance from our great ancestors and to recognize our own potential for greatness.

Customer Reviews:

Wisdom of The Ages.......2007-07-29

I came upon this 1998 book recently and found it to be timeless. I was reintroduced to philosophers, statesman, poets, etc. and Dr. Dyer tied their message into everyday wisdom with simple analysis and hints for practical applications. In five weeks I have purchased 6 copies as gifts. My 17 year old son is getting his first introduction to many great thinkers as well as an education as how to live in balance and harmony. This book is a must read and re-read. It is also a spring board back to some of the best thinkers that this world has ever had!

A Great Collection.......2007-06-10

This is my favorite Dyer book. You can read a chapter a day or just jump around. Whatever the case, once these lessons are put to use, you will not be the same and thats a good thing.

Very thought provoking.......2006-11-03

Every chapter/segment has worthwhile and thought provoking material, especially for someone on a spiritual journey.

Wisdom of the Ages - Philosophical Review.......2006-10-31

It is intriguing to follow Dyer's journey from psychological to ontological in his path to enlightenment. It is almost as if he evolves on stage for all to see. His essays on the world's great thinkers and enlightened and gifted souls and his explanation of universal intelligence resonates in this anthology.
Trish New, author of The Thrill of Hope, Concepts to Ponder and South State Street Journal, Secrets of The Heart.

Inspiring.......2006-08-15

I have read most of Wayne Dyer's books over the course of the past few years. This is because find him to be more than an extraordinarily gifted writer, but rather a truly inspiring example of how one can not only change ones own life - but also dramatically affect the lives of others for the better. This book is one of his best works; I have bought several copies and given them as gifts to friend and family. It is an anthology of short dissertations on sixty of the world's most gifted religious figures, philosophers, poets and writers. He starts with some of the earliest writers of known history and progresses to our present day. It includes both eastern and western writings, and teachings - and in reading them one cannot help but see that all of these people had a special connection to the universal intelligence that is within all of us. One truly pleasant feature of this book is that one can go to any chapter virtually at random, and find an inspirational thought to meditate on or practice for the day. This is especially convenient because each section is only one or two pages so that even if I have only a few minutes with nothing to do - I can always pick it up and read a section or two.

While the subtitle to this book "60 days to Enlightenment" might be a tad over-stated, reading and putting Wayne's thoughts and suggestions into practice is definitely a very good start in that direction. I can attest that this book and two others of Wayne's have been significant factors in changing at least a few lives that I know of - dramatically for the better. Keep up your wonderful work Wayne.

Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment

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Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment
Wayne W. Dyer
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0000546QA

Download Description

Bestselling author Wayne W. Dyer has crafted a powerful collection of writings, poems, and sayings by some of the greatest thinkers of the past twentyfive centuries. In succinct original essays, Dyer sets out to explain the meaning and context of each piece of wisdom, and, most important, how we can actively apply these teachings to our modern lives. A beautiful and thoughtful gift, this book shows us a window to wisdom and a door to greatness.

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Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment
Wayne W. Dyer
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBZZD4

Wisdom Of The Ages - A Modern Master Brings Eternal Truths Into Everyday Life - 60 Days To Enlightenment

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Wisdom Of The Ages - A Modern Master Brings Eternal Truths Into Everyday Life - 60 Days To Enlightenment
Wayner W. Dyer
Manufacturer: Quill / Harper-collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S2YTKC

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Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days To Enlightenment
Wayne W. Dyer
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N7649Q

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Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment

Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GG4JPK

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Got bread?

The Big Book of Bread: 365 Delicious Recipes for Bread Machines and Home-Baking (The Big Book of...Series)
Anne Sheasby
Manufacturer: Duncan Baird
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bread | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Special Appliances | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

250 Best American Bread Machine Baking Recipes

Biggest Book of Bread Machine Recipes (Better Homes & Gardens)

More Bread Machine Magic : More Than 140 New Recipes From the Authors of Bread Machine Magic for Use in All Types of Sizes of Bread Machines

Whole Grain Breads by Machine or Hand: 200 Delicious, Healthful, Simple Recipes

Bread Machine Magic, Revised Edition: 138 Exciting Recipes Created Especially for Use in All Types of Bread Machines

ASIN: 1844831930

Book Description

Bread is a staple of the Western diet, yet all too often families rely on store-bought loaves that lack both taste and nutritional value. Happily, good bread is surprisingly easy to make, and bread machines simplify the task even further. With a healthy and inspiring recipe for each day of the year, this big cookbook brings excitement—and nutrients—back to our daily bread. It’s broken down into eight sections—bread basics, everyday bread and rolls, specialty and festive breads, flat breads, quick breads, bread machine recipes, gluten-free breads, and bread dishes—and features a deliciously diverse selection of culinary traditions, from Indian naan and Scottish oatcakes to panettone and Greek Easter Bread. An authoritative introduction explains breadmaking basics, and gives advice on equipment and ingredients as well as tips for crafting the perfect loaf. Dozens of luscious color photos add further inspiration.

Customer Reviews:

Got bread?.......2006-03-13

Lay-flat binding for the definitive book on bread, which can be made either in a bread machine or by hand. Gluten, wheat and yeast-free breads and recipes for those on restricted diets pack a book filled with color photos of finished products.

Average customer rating:

A good book for novices using automatic bread machines
How to review an item - which so far never shipped?
Wow, a Big and Very Useful Book!
VERY good recipes
My Favorite Bread Recipe Book!

The Big Book of Bread Machine Recipes
Donna Rathmell German
Manufacturer: Bristol Publishing Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Bread | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Special Appliances | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1558672389

Product Description

Donna German, the pioneer and undisputed expert in bread machine baking, puts more than 600 of her delicious bread recipes together in one convenient volume, together with information and tips for successful results every time. The Big Book of Bread Machine Recipes is fully indexed and contains complete ingredient information, recipes and baking hints from 5 bread machine cookbooks.

Customer Reviews:

A good book for novices using automatic bread machines.......2007-08-19

{Review written Jan 2005}

I've owed and used all 6 books of the author's "The Bread Machine Cookbook" series. However, as of this writing, I have not yet purchased a copy of this particular edition, whose cover art seems to indicate that it "includes 5 books in 1". I'll assume that means it's an omnibus edition that includes (and replaces) the older series by the same author. Accordingly, I'll review the newer all-in-1 edition, rather than each of the original books ...

If you've just purchased an ABM (Automatic Bread Machine), and if you're still learning the ropes of basic breadmaking, then this is a great series.

STRENGTHS:

a) The author includes a dizzying array of recipes ... the cover says over 600, and the page count is listed at 360 pages. That solves 2 complaints I had against the original series, which used a silly long, slender and awkward 'chap-book' format that not only didn't fit on book shelves cleanly, it also limited the recipes to 1 per page in order to maximize page count. The newer edition appears to improve upon this. In any case, the recipes span a wide variety of flavors ... from potato breads, to corn breads, to breads with dried fruits, dried herbs, etc.

b) The author included helpful information on which of several batch sizes for any given recipes should be used based on what make & model ABM you own. I assume this information has since been updated and carried forward to the omnibus edition, but I have not verified this.

c) Recipes were usually simple, terse, easy to prepare, and (in most, but not all cases) fairly reliable.

WEAKNESSES:

1) ABMs, by definition, have a whole spectrum of inherent limitations, and can only make, at best, mediocre quality bread. Just like the training wheels on the first bicycle you owned as a child, ABMs are a tool for convenience and learning - but they should be left behind as quickly as your learning curve and experience permit ... otherwise, despite your enthusiasm, your skills will quickly plateau at 'mediocre'. When you're ready to attempt ascending to the next level of mastery (handmade/artisanal breadmaking), get yourself a large pizza stone, some parchment paper, and a peel, a digital thermometer and a plant mister, and a pastry brush, and learn to work without a net by doing it all by hand. Soon, the only limit to your results will be the quality of your oven, your sour dough culture, and your kneading & rising techniques. With further experience, the latter 2 limits will dissipate too, and it'll just be the quality of your oven (i.e., even radiance & heat retention, higher temperatures, automatic moisture controls, etc.). In any case, the author largely glossed over all that in the first 5 books of her original series, and then touched on such things only briefly in Book 6 (i.e., pizza dough, baguettes, stuffed breads, etc.) - and even then she did so in extremely limited depth, and she STILL advocated using ABMs to make the dough, even for hand-shaped breads. I don't know if that stance/mindset has changed any in the newer edition. Anyway, let me spell out the big picture about why I'm not feeling especially hopeful on that count - an author specializing in ABMs is unlikely to go out of their way selling you on techniques that dont require ABMs, because doing so would be a conflict of interest. As far as I'm converned, that's like selecting a doctor whose goal is to keep you sick (in order to keep you coming back).

2) Book 4 of the original series (Whole Grains) had many problems with inconsistent density & texture (gleutin-related issues), and moisture control in the resulting breads - most of that was due to both the author's inexperience, and the inherent limitations with the ABMs of the day, and with ABMs in general. As of this writing, I do not know if any of these problems have been revisited to any extent in the new omnibus edition. ABMs have improved and become more feature laden since they first came out - but they're still a limiting factor for aspiring home breadmakers.

3) The original series included no pictures - just a few B&W hand drawings. I dunno if the new omnibus has improved on that any.

BOTTOM LINE: If you've just purchased (or been given) an ABM, and if convenience and ease of use are important to you, then this series is highly recommended for it's ambitiousness, creativity, and variety. If that's what floats your boat, then there's enough recipes there to keep you interested and entertained for years. As for myself - I gave away my ABM several years ago, along with half my books on ABM breadmaking, and moved on to the hand & stone method, and I haven't really looked back.

How to review an item - which so far never shipped?.......2007-03-09

Ordered the item 1/9/07 with an anticipated delivery of 3 weeks.Received two
times requests to accept further delivery delays or cancel. Hopefully it will
ship now beginning of April.

Wow, a Big and Very Useful Book!.......2006-10-29

I got this Big Book of Bread Machine Recipes and my first ever bread machine, a Sunbeam breadmaker 5891, from Amazon almost a month ago, and I am SO pleased about these purchase decisions!

Such a BIG and USEFUL book! There are 600 recipes from the author's previous 5 books: Bread Machine Cookbooks 1, 2, 3, 5 (Favorite Recipes from 100 Kitchens), and 6 (Hand-shaped Breads from the Dough Cycle)--this book is so informative for this first-time bread machine owner, has so many different types of recipes/preferences, and is so useful that I simply had to share the "goods" here.

Recipes with/without starters or sourdough, pizza crust, bagels, cheese, nuts, whole wheat, rye, cornbread, rolls, coffeecakes, doughnuts, toppings and fillings, international recipes, etc., etc... Unbelievable, I've never had so many recipes-to-try stickers attached to a cookbook! I've baked Pistachio Raisin Bread (twice; used butter), Whole Wheat 1 (once; used milk and honey; added pine nuts), Ricotta Bread (thrice; also added 1 tbl. of unsweetened cocoa powder), Almond Bread (once), and Apple Chunk Bread (twice; used butter, substituted homemade apple sauce and added 1 egg; increased yeast by ½ tsp and decreased salt by ½ tsp; hand shaped & oven-baked). Next, I'll be trying the Hawaiian Sweet Bread. So far, all the loaves have been VERY yummy. My husband, the big-time bread gobbler, and I, the newly no-fuss-just-wipe bread machine baker, have both been sighing with contentment.

Regarding the other reviewer's comment about the format of this book--the format is fine. Here is a book that is very functional and will be used FREQUENTLY. (Such straightforward recipes/ingredients producing such delicious bread--wow!) This hardcover book not only has widely diverse recipes/choices, it also has a sturdy (not spiral-bound) moisture-resistant and wipe-able glossy cover. The recipes are listed for small (1 lb.), medium (1 ½ lb.), and large (2 lb.) loaves. Furthermore, the recipes are not "crammed onto the pages" as the other reviewer claimed; as far as photos go--the last loaf of bread baked by a bread machine tends to look like the 1st loaf, regardless of the recipe/ingredients.

Tip: If you want the "looks", or if you enjoyed a bread-machine loaf so much that you're curious about its oven-baked possibilities, don't be afraid to hand shape, let rise in the oven with the oven light on, and then oven-bake the loaf. The loaves made from the Ricotta Bread and the Apple Chunk Bread recipes were so good that I braided part of the dough into four 5 oz. mini-loaves and one large break/pull-apart loaf, brushed with egg-milk glaze, and baked at 350F until golden brown. The oven versions have very thin crusts and a very soft texture. I do like the oven-baked version better than the bread machine-baked version, but not by that great of a margin--considering the work and clean-up. I'd probably only use the oven-baked version for presentations (as gifts to friends).

Conclusion:
The inspirational recipes and choices really make this book worth its price. If you like to bake/eat a VARIETY of breads with a small amount of fuss, this book (and the bread machine) gives you the freedom to do just that. All the flavors and possibilities--this is a must-have book; get it and enjoy.

VERY good recipes.......2006-07-03

Book was recommended to me and it has met all my expectations.
Warning! There are a lot of calories in these breads.

My Favorite Bread Recipe Book!.......2006-05-08

I was fortunate to find this book several years ago. Have purchased them for my daughter-in-laws also. I am still trying new variations found in the book. I like the spiral back until it comes out of the holder. Also, there are 5 different books included in the book. mmm fresh bread!

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