Market-return

This is my first Malia Martin book. Put it this way...I'm only on page 110 ( not even half way through) and it's absolutely WONDERFUL!!! I had to comment on it! (This is also the first time I have written a comment.)

I think "Dull, Dull, Dull" in Singapore doesn't know how to appreciate a different take on a character. Something Miss Maring has truly done! As much as I love historical romances, there are only so many scenarios to write. And while 'arrogance, looks, & breeding' are all great...to a point, Trevor is a wonderully 'human' and DIFFERENT approach to "boy meets girl, boy saves girl, boy & girl live happily ever after!"

I look forward to searching our more of Ms. Martin's work! But for now...back to my book! Thank you! =)

I loved Ms. Martin's first book, HER NORMAN CONQUEROR, and with THE DUKE'S RETURN she has once again impressed and entertained this reader. Her characters are very real and appealing and her unique stories stay with me long after closing her books. I'd recommend both of these books to any fans of historical romance and I'll be looking forward to reading Ms. Martin's third.

This was my first Malia Martin book. I thought the story was wonderfully written. Trevor was written with a very believable short coming that made his character very endearing. I will be looking forward to reading another Malia Martin book.

Stock market investing books usually come in two flavors.

The first group of authors tell you to look for certain price and volume patterns; that the stock price depends on those patterns because those patterns are a reflection on human behavior.

The second group of authors tell you to look for certain ratios in the financial statements; that the stock price depends on those ratios.

Then there's this book, which tells you that the price could depend on a lot of things, like mergers and acquisitions and the synergy they generate, executive compensation, competitive strategies, stock buybacks, etc. But they don't tell you how to calculate those factors into the stock price. The book is a good book which certainly provokes thought. And it's probably good for finding stocks for the long term investor. But for me, it's a little too impractical. And a little too academic intellectual guru voodoo. When I have money at risk, and I have to make quick decisions (which can affect my net worth), I like to keep things simple and easily measurable which technical and fundamental analysis allows me to do.

This book should be required reading for every active investor today. Too often pundits throw out terms like market leader,growth stock, value stock, recession resistant as reasons to buy a stock, and try to predict where the "market" will go for the next six months. Expectations Investing will help you learn to throw away these lazy investor labels and instead provides a framework for evaluating a particular stock in terms of what the current price is saying about how good or bad the future for the company may be and whether it merits your purchase or sale. You will learn that every stock, market leader or not, has a whole set of assumptions embedded in the current valuation- this book will help you learn to think in these terms and evaluate whether those assumptions embedded in the current price are reasonable. The book debunks some popular myths and provides highly illustrative examples that make some technical issues easy to understand. For the pro, coverage of executive compensation, option analysis as well as key chapters on competitive strategy and other operating issues will definitely stimulate the thought process. At the same time the basics of valuation are covered in an easy to read fashion. Finally, the Notes section itself can lead the intellectually curious to a "pot of gold" of information. Turn off the business TV and put your popular financial magazine on the coffee table and read this book instead !

Rappaport and Mauboussin expertly utilize the often misapplied DCF model to identify and analyze market assumptions that determine stock price. In the age of irrational exuberance, the disparity between market value and intrinsic value is often dismissed as the product of a fickle and unpredictable market. Rappaport and Mauboussin, however, remind us that the market is indeed rational in the long term and changes in stock prices are the result of changes in market expectations. The "Expections Investing" methodology helps investors to understand current expectations and anticipate expectation revisions.

A financial model is only as good the assumptions behind it. The forecasting process invariably reflects the assuptions of the analyst, which tend to be biased by experience and preconception. "Expections Investing" teaches investors to avoid predilection by reverse engineering DCF models from stock prices, allowing them generate figures that reflect market assumptions rather than their own.

This value-agnostic process produces greater accuracy in many areas that are frequently overlooked. Rappaport and Mauboussin expose the fallacious nature of models based on forecast periods and discount rates that are assigned in an arbitrary fashion. They correctly state that the finger-in-the-wind approach is not sufficient and can greatly distort the final analysis. "Expectations Investing" also highlights topics (i.e., valuation of employee stock options) of which the significance is often underestimated or ignored in traditional valuation analysis.

Precious few individual companies in a portfolio should be held for the very long-term. Only companies that can create shareholder value, increase profits and intrinsic value steadily, and dominate their markets should be considered.

"Great Companies, Great Returns" is a guide to developing a core investing strategy with the highest quality companies. This strategy includes owning companies with household names such as Citigroup, General Electric, and Johnson & Johnson, and is meant to be a viable alternative to indexing.

As Jim Huguet says, "Core strategies differ from other investing strategies in that they are long-term, tax efficient, easy to understand, and proven, and provide excellent returns relative to the level of risk. This differs from "black box" strategies that buy stocks rather then companies, cost you dearly in taxes, and often underperform the market at high levels of risk."

"Great Companies, Great Returns" does define the qualities of "terrific businesses," and then builds the case for a great company though twelve criteria (i.e., "screens"). The book is a primer for anyone who wants a disciplined methodology for identifying and selecting companies for long-term investment.

The twelve screens in the book generated fourteen large capitalization companies. An overview for each of these companies is presented. This "Super Investing" strategy, in the author's opinion, invests in the 14 greatest public companies headquartered in the United States.

The "Great Companies" strategy is also applied to IPO's, international companies, and mostly technology-based "Great Companies of the Future." The author covers, in detail, allocating, managing, and monitoring funds in a "Great Companies" portfolio.

"Great Companies, Great Returns" contains charts, graphs, CEO interviews, worksheets, and a partial listing of helpful web sites.

Huguet realizes that many investors are frustrated by the fact that the performance of their investment portfolio is below their expectations. They are often confused about the world of investing. Because they are busy people, they are frequently short of time. Many rely primarily on indexing. Others have just begun their investment journey. They pay too much in taxes. They are concerned about pre-retirement investing. Or they are retired and fear that they will outlive their money. They may be concerned about financing the education of children or grandchildren. "Is there an investment strategy which will produce great returns over the long-term cycle of bull and bear markets?" Huguet asked himself this question and then began rigorous and extensive research to answer it. Great Companies, Great Returns is the result of his research.

Essentially, Huguet concluded that there are certain stocks which every investor should own. Which stocks? He next concluded that there are a few great American companies in which to invest, companies whose stocks will produce outstanding, tax-efficient returns in a variety of market conditions. OK but which Great Companies? He identifies and then explains his selections.

The strategy which Huguet advocates makes compelling sense for those whose long-term investment objectives are to maximize returns while minimizing risks and taxes, and thereby achieving the greatest returns (over time) from publicly-traded stocks. Large-cap companies really do have significant strategic advantages over their smaller-cap counterparts. Of these, Huguet has selected only 14. If a reader of Great Companies, Great Returns has a better combination of traits and/or a better selection of Great Companies in which to invest, Huguet would be delighted to know. (So would I.)

I rate his book so highly for two reasons: Huguet's rationale for long-term investment is sound, and, while explaining his reasons for it, he provides a brilliant analysis of the companies in which he believes such an investment should be made. My guess is that this book will be most valuable to those who need both the rationale and the research in support of it.

If you're fed up with mediocre returns but can't stomach the volatility of internet stocks, this book offers an alternative. Huguet explains how a number of old-line companies have collectively been trouncing the S&P 500 by a wide margin for years. But just any established company won't do. Huguet explains in clear and concise terms how to identify these companies by focusing on what makes them great, not some obscure technical analysis that doesn't even look inside the company. This book could easily be titled "It's the basics, Stupid!". In short, a must read for serious long term investors who want to be able to sleep at night content that they own the bluest of blue chips.

Judy Christenberry knows how to mix humor with romance and she always pulls it off wonderfully.

She has had several long going series.
The Randalls & the people of Cactus (which has been my favorite)

I have waited for Caroline to have her own story since
Randall Pride.

I am a little miffed why there wasn't more interaction between Toby and Caroline as there hab been in Randall Pride.

This was just a little thing that bothered me.

The story was good, not as much humor as she had in the past.
I found it harder to like Caroline than I thought.
In a way, she always seemed to be in a bad mood.
The fact that he handcuffed her the way he did was unbelieveable.

Or that she was always apologizing for not being happy and smiling just bothered me.

I have read all of Judy's books.
I have also kept them for re-reading.
I don't think this is one I will re-read.
Then again, you never know.

Only his second cousin Bill Metzger could get police officer and former MP Mike Davis to leave Chicago for the former's hometown of Rawhide, Wyoming. Bill suffered a heart attack that forced him to retire as town sheriff, but before relocating to the warmth of Arizona, he insured an experience and skillful professional was chosen as his replacement.

Jake Randall asked Mike to keep an eye on the house that his daughter is moving into when she returns to town. When he sees an SUV parked outside, he investigates and finds a thirty something woman inside. When she offers no identity, Mike arrests her only to learn she is the daughter, Dr. Caroline Randall, home for the first time in four years.

Caroline explains to her mom she can never get pregnant as a result of the car accident. Now she is back amongst the happy meddling Randalls who will pity her. However, though a true blood, Caroline fails to understand her kin because they plan for her to marry the new sheriff as the Wyoming matchmakers get to work on two feisty victims.

Writing the thousandth book for an imprint is quite an honor and means plenty of pressure. Judy Christenberry proves she earned the privilege with a fine Randall "Brides for Brothers" tale. Though the twelfth novel in the Randall universe, the tale retains the Wyoming briskness that will please newcomers and fan followers. Though Caroline is to obdurately opposed to a relationship, the lead couple is a delightful pair while the usual matchmakers cause havoc as is their want. Readers will have a good time with the cast's antics pushing the Windy City expatriates together.

Harriet Klausner

Hunky Sheriff Mike Davis doesn't want any trouble, especially with the Randalls. When it looks like a house belonging to the wealthy and powerful Randall clan is being robbed, he quickly arrests and cuffs the intruder--only to find out that she is the prodigal Randall daughter, now a doctor, returning home. He knows Caroline Randall is out of his league, but that doesn't mean he can't feel the attraction. Especially not when Caroline's father, erstwhile matchmaker Jake Randall, decides that he needs to find a husband for Caroline and puts Mike right in his sights.

Caroline Randall is on the rebound from a failed relationship, home from Chicago to remote Rawhide, Wyoming. Her former lover got another woman pregnant and left Caroline. Now Caroline is convinced that no man will want her--since injuries she suffered in an accident leave her unable to bear children. She swears she won't let her heart get broken again, even if she is attracted to the sexy sheriff.

Under the matchmaking eyes of Caroline's parents, Caroline and Mike explore the passion that surges between them. The desire is real, but can it be strong enough to overcome the damage that each has suffered?

Author Judy Christenberry brings back the match-making Randall family in another heart-warming tale of love in Rawhide. Fans of the series will be happy to see many familiar characters, but this story belongs to Mike and Caroline. Christenberry's approachable style makes A RANDALL RETURNS a quick and enjoyable read even as she explores powerfully emotional issues.

If you've read the three previous books in the series ("Forests of the Night", "Emperors of the Twilight" and "Spectres of the Dawn"), you know about what to expect - a mystery plot that leads to several twists and surprises, and a lot of action and suspense, all set in the late 21st century Earth where many of the inhabitants are genetically engineers animal-morphs (Moreaus) who were originally created to fight wars but who still survive and are treated as second-class citizens by most humans. In case you haven't read the previous installments, Swann does a pretty good job of filling in the relevant background information, but be aware that much of that information will be spoilers if you later go back and read the first three books, especially the first, "Forests of the Night", which also features Nohar Rajasthan as the lead character (the other two have different main characters).

The book was hard to put down, and all the action and plot twists worked pretty well, to a point, but starting somewhere around three fourths of the way through the book it felt like the author was overreaching, trying too hard to escalate the tension, pushing things too close to the edge, and as a result the ending didn't work as well for me as it could have. But boy!, what a thrill ride this book was. If you like sci-fi action thrillers, read this book. Read the other three of the series while you're at it.

What a great book! I totally enjoyed this from beginning to end. It had just the right amount of suspense, action and humor. As well as wonderful characters. S Andrew Swann truly has created the greatest fantasy world of anthropomorphic creatures to be had anywhere. A great read, animal lovers, members of the Furry Community, sci-fi buffs, everyone should read this book and the rest of the series! Yes, start with Forests of the Night and work from there! Nohar, what a guy, my hero. *siiiigh* Ahem...uhh..err...READ!

This book is the fourth in a series, but you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this one. The books opens with a bang and ends with one. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, but the author does play fair and gives you all you need to figure out what is going on if you pay attention and read between the lines here and there. This is not a good book to read if you want a pick-me-up. This story is dark and does not paint a very cheerful picture of the world or humanity. I happen to love these sort of books, and Andrew Swann's in particular. As long as you know what your getting into I can't recommend a book much better than this.

Do you remember David from books 20 21 22 of Animorphs well he's baaack.With a vengence for Rachel who else would he want?Cassie? I don't think so. David returns with the help of Cryak and the Drode to get Rachel again to kill someone. Someone like Visser One ( whom we all know and love our # 1 andalite host buddie). Well of course it's a sweet deal. Rid the world of him and the Yeerks are goners right? Wrong. What will the Animorphs do when the Yeerks are gone, be normal? I couldn't be a normal teen after all that. So if you like Animorphs this is a god book for you.

I think this book is very good despite the ending with a twist.
I'ts up to you to decide what happens.
Even though David was alittle crazy you can't blame him and in the end you just feel sorry for him.
He doesn't want to go back to the rock and live as a rat or live in the sewers he wants rachel to kill him.....
All rachel wants is to do the "right thing". Should she take him back to the rock? Thats what she wants to do but when david begs her to kill him she tries to get him to run awy so hes not her problem anymore.But david wants her to kil him because thats the right thing to do, to end his misery... but does rachel kill him? could she bring herself to do it despite her tough talk?
We never know but I think she would in the end to set david free from his living nightmare.
This book is great and deserves to be read by all you animorphs fans out there across the world!

I consider "The Return" one of the best books in the Animorphs series. Applegate and Harkrader use a clever and creative method to instill an atmosphere that's chilling and realistic. Difficult ethical questions are introduced and the answers hold astonishing wisdom. Rachel's voice has truly been lost through recent ghostwriters. This is due to the high level of difficulty which I'm sure ghostwriters Elise Smith and Emily Costello have discovered when attempting to portray this complex character. This book's importance to the series is unmistakable; with a mere handful of books before the series' conclusion, having an understanding of Rachel's emotions will prove essential. Readers who have not read previous Animorphs books should read them if they wish to fully appreciate this book. It's a great series, and more so when you take the time to read it thoroughly. The ending is left incomplete because K.A. doesn't have all the answers- no one does. That final, burning question has no sure answer, and you must decide for yourself. This book serves the greatest purpose of literature: encouraging both a comprehension of the world around us, and a desire to make decisions for oneself... therefore commencing the eternal legacy of intelect and learning. It is fairly well-written and is an enjoyable read that was worth my five dollars. I recommend it highly.

In "The Return", Dinah McCall just misses in giving her readers a satisfying story. Somehow, the plot just lacks that certain McCall magic.

Set in the hills of Kentucky, we read about, Catherine, who returns to her city of birth. Trials & tribulations over mean-spirited people almost overwhelm her. There is not much intrigue or fully developed characters. I do commend the authors message of how hurtful gossip & such can be.

When romance writing is at it's best.... we expect rich, full, textural images and characters that make our hearts soar. Hopefully Ms. McCall will "return" with one soon.

I chose this book from the library simply because I share the same first name (which is hard to find for me =) with the author and without even reading the back of the book, took it home and started it. Although it turns out Dinah McCall is simply I pen name, I was not dissapointed with her book. The Return is a very touching drama that reminded me of the fued between the Hatfields and McCoys in Kentucky. The tragic beginning had me hooked and I could not put it down. The characters, the details, the plot and the interesting twists were all excellent. Wouldn't change a thing =)

"The Return," by Dinah McCall is a moving story that touched me to tears! Buy it, you'll be happy that you did!

While the writing was smooth and the characters engrossing, the "mystery" at the center was somewhat flimsy. The whodunnit was clear from the very beginning, for our murderer serves no other role in the story so his very presence makes his guilt clear. It's always annoying to the reader when s/he spends the novel waiting for the characters to catch up. That said, the folks of Appalachia that McCrumb introduces us to are well worth meeting, and well worth following in later books in the series, which, I am happy to say, not only rely less on the mystery as plot device, but also devise better mysteries.

What a delightful cast of characters! Nora Bonesteel has "the sight." Sheriff Spencer Arrowood is trying to solve the murder of a young town girl. Folk singer Peggy Muryan unwittingly becomes part of a twisted murder committed to "avenge" a soldier she left behind before he was killed in Vietnam. Lovingly shows insight into Appalachian manners, customs, and ways. Ms. McCrumb writes about Appalachia from the inside

Sharyn McCrumb is one of our finest novelists. Her characters have depth and nuance; there are surprises and suspense along the way; and she manages to touch our emotions in a way few writers do. Readers expecting a puzzle mystery may be disappointed, but that's only because McCrumb transcends the mystery genre and writes real stories about real places and real people.

I've just reread the entire Apalachian series straight through and they were just as good this time as last. Can't wait for Ghost Riders in July.

I try to review every book I read because I find reviews so helpful when I'm contemplating buying a book. I love civil war era books and read "An honorable man" several months ago. It was well done and certainly enjoyable but there is no way I would compare it to GWTW! There is only one scarlet and one rhett!! I rated "honorable man" a reluctant 4 * and it is one I would reread again (which is my 4 rating.) That book ends in the early war years so the middle years are missed (unless there's a bk we all overlooked after cam and jackson marry) and this bk starts when he returns from the civil war. Actually it starts out really cute, their reunion is romantic and spicy. But the rest of the book drags. It's a book that you want to finish BUT you want to finish it soon. Jackson is the quintessimal stud/hero/man to die for. He is patriotic to his country and so takes on one last mission. Cameron is still the southern belle spoiled brat. I don't know why jackson puts up with her nasty moods. In fact cam's hot tempered and high maintainence personality even tired me out. The better part of the book was the relationship between Taye (Cam's biracial sister), her fiance (who's not all she thinks he is) and Falcon, Jackson's partner in spying. Falcon, a "halfbreed" understands Taye's life as it is and truly loves her. A sequel about their relationship
would be wonderful. Taye actually has more depth to her than the illustrious camerson. There are wonderful love scenes which compensate for story flaws.

I loved the first Jackson/Cameron book "An Honorable Man". And I really like this book, but I feel like we missed alot with the war years. Did I miss a second book? What occured in the years before the war was over? When did Jackson first become involved with the spy lady? I just thought I missed too much. I have looked for another book, but found nothing.

I have been a fan of Rosemary Rodgers's books for many years. I collect them, in hard copy when I can find them. I was so excited when I read "An Honorable Man", Cameron and Jackson's story. It was better than "Gone With The Wind". I loved the relationship between Cameron and her bi-racial half-sister. I do hope that Ms Rodgers will write Taye's story. I want to know what happened to her. When I read "An Honorable Man" I felt that the characters were alive. Jackson is so male! Cameron was stubborn, but had a good heart, and I knew they'd come to appreciate each other. I didn't want to see the story end, so when I received "Return to Me" as a Christmas gift from my personal hero and husband of nearly 40 years, I was delighted. Often sequels are a disappointment. "Return to Me" was fantastic, even better than the first. Ms Rogers touches the hearts of readers better than most of the newer writers. She obviously knows the south and knows southerners, something so many of those who write about the Civil War fail at. I laughed and I cried. No one who loves romance should miss "Return to Me". I hope her next book comes out soon. I intend to reread, "An Honorable Man" starting today.
A Sincere Romance Reader From Maryland

This book deals with the return of the greatest spellcasters on Toril, the mighty archwizards of Netheril! I have high hopes for this series and cannot wait for the other novels to come out. TSR tried to bring Netheril alive with its Netheril boxed set some while back and a series of novels, but then Netheril just diappeared again without further word. Now it is being brought back and I cannot wait. After hearing Netheril mentioned in tons of FR novels, we are finally going to have a series dealing with it entirely.

The only fault I had with the story was lack of character development. I just was not made to feel for the characters as I usually am and I was disappointed. Mr Denning is a great writer and I wish he would have added more details. The book, however, is wonderful and promises to start a great line of novels- pick it up!!

The Phaerimm are brought out from imprisonment, Elmenster is brought into imprisonment, Khelben Blackstaff gets a hole blown out of His chest, Mind Flayers, Eye Tyrants and Bugbears are manipulated into helping the Phaerimm destroy Faerun (Or at least try to), Shadow Magic is explained (And the evil gods want to learn it's secrets..), Liches do battle, undead knights are avenged, a stone giant that has a soft spot and an elf that sleeps like a human...Troy Denning went above and beyond in this book. A pity the next one wont be out until Dec. 2001. Until then, check in on ol' Elminster and his battle/imprisonment in the 9 hells comming out in aug. 2001.

Troy Denning is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for the Forgotten Realms series. The idea and concept behind the Shadow Weave is continually interesting and entertaining.