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Mail-Order Groom
Cindy Flores Martinez (Goodreads Author)
3.54 · Rating details · 156 ratings · 38 reviews
This edition is no longer available, here is a 2nd edition. This edition is no longer available, here is a 2nd edition. ...more
Published February 7th 2014
B00IBD5THC
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Clean, Completely Awesome Fiction WITHOUT God or the Lord's Name in Vain!
· 156 ratings · 38 reviews
All LanguagesEnglish (35) Español (3)
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May 09, 2014 JaHy☝Hold the Fairy Dust added it
Shelves: my-eyeballs-wanted-2-commit-suicide, charlies-winning-i-am-quitting
DNF @42%
... Yup, that's me . Sorry not my cuppa annoying heroine. DNF @42%
... Yup, that's me . Sorry not my cuppa annoying heroine. ...more
Aug 05, 2015 Claire - The Coffeeholic Bookworm rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This one is a cute story about Lisa, an American and Krzysztof, from Poland, who found love through books and photographs.
Lisa was supposed to get married but a week before her wedding, she caught her fiance in bed with another woman. Torn, hurt and devastated, she broke up with him and found solace in the arms of her best friend, Daphne.
Meanwhile, Daphne was looking into a mail-order-groom website and caught the photo of The Bookstore Guy. He's the one Lisa had always been seeing whenever she w This one is a cute story about Lisa, an American and Krzysztof, from Poland, who found love through books and photographs.
Meanwhile, Daphne was looking into a mail-order-groom website and caught the photo of The Bookstore Guy. He's the one Lisa had always been seeing whenever she went to the local bookstore as she looked for poetry books, magazines and wedding paraphernalias. A few email exchanges from the Bookstore Guy's uncle, they discovered his nephew, Krzysztof, was actually looking for a wife and was willing to pay thousands of dollars just so he could still stay in the USA for a couple more years.
Lisa agreed and all hell broke loose during their wedding. A lot of things didn't go as planned but so far, so good. She was ready to divorce him as soon as he got his green card, but somehow, being with Krzys seemed to have changed her decision. Her mind agreed, but did her heart, too?
This was quite an interesting read. For once, this is my first "green-card" romance story (and subsequently, I'm watching a local telenovela about a woman who went to US and got married to an American boy so her visa could get extended).
Anyway, with Mail-Order Groom, Krzysztof was lucky to have Lisa for a wife. Theirs may have been a marriage of convenience, but deep inside, he's got this secret he wouldn't ever want to tell her. Lisa, on the other hand, was having a hard time convincing the people around her about her feelings for her new husband. It felt so wrong yet it also felt so right.
One thing I loved in the story was how Krzys and his family was able to share a thing or two about Poland. I learned a lot about their wedding traditions, family customs and some Polish words. The author really seemed to have done her research. It made me want to visit their country and stay there for a while.
Cindy Flores Martinez is a great romantic storyteller. She made me gasp and sigh and daydream. I admit I am quite hopeless romantic, and I happily allowed myself to delve into this fictional world, where romance is everywhere and I found it quite enjoyable. Thumbs up for Mail-Order Groom! ...more
Jul 06, 2014 Kathleen rated it really liked it
Mail-Order Groom is an entertaining romantic comedy that follows a jilted woman's intriguing journey to the altar with a sweet Polish immigrant seeking a green card after her fiance calls off their wedding.
Lisa has planned the perfect wedding, but days before their special day, she catches her fiance Jeff in the arms of another woman! Unfortunate misunderstandings, accusations, and a heat-of-the moment argument has Jeff dumping a brokenhearted Lisa and calling off their wedding. Determined to ha Mail-Order Groom is an entertaining romantic comedy that follows a jilted woman's intriguing journey to the altar with a sweet Polish immigrant seeking a green card after her fiance calls off their wedding.
Lisa has planned the perfect wedding, but days before their special day, she catches her fiance Jeff in the arms of another woman! Unfortunate misunderstandings, accusations, and a heat-of-the moment argument has Jeff dumping a brokenhearted Lisa and calling off their wedding. Determined to have her perfect wedding, Lisa's best friend suggests finding a replacement groom on mail-order-grooms.com. Lisa meets Polish baker, Krzysztof Zielinski, who needs to marry an American woman so he can obtain a green card and stay in the US. Lisa's race to the altar with her stand-in groom is anything but perfect, but can her journey lead her to finding love and happiness?
In her debut novel, author Cindy Flores Martinez weaves an intriguing story that is full of angst, confusion, romance and comedy. Told in the first person narrative, Lisa takes the reader along for the ride on her crazy journey to the altar in search of the elusive perfect wedding that she craves. The reader easily gets drawn into the story from the start with the drastic end of Lisa and Jeff's relationship, to Lisa's frantic search for a replacement groom, to the journey of two people who come together for different reasons and discover that maybe they really do belong together. The story has a good mixture of drama and humor, and enough twists and turns that will keep the reader's interest. Lisa, Jeff, and Krzys' story will take the reader on a crazy roller coaster ride to reach the desired romantic happily ever after ending.
Mail-Order Groom is a touching romantic story that will leave a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Book Promotions By Literary Nook.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot... ...more
May 25, 2015 Kathy Heare Watts rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: sweet-romance, arc-read-review, mail-order-brides
FINDING YOUR PRINCE CHARMING IN A BOOKSTORE
I loved this clean, sweet romance story. Lisa and Jeff have dated for a couple years, become engaged and are down to only days before the wedding. What happens when she stops by his place, that is soon to be their place, and finds him in the arms of another woman kissing? Heartbroken, in shock, she breaks off the engagement. Just recently, with a group of her best friends, they had been discussing this new website, Mail-Order-Grooms.com, where men are n FINDING YOUR PRINCE CHARMING IN A BOOKSTORE
I loved this clean, sweet romance story. Lisa and Jeff have dated for a couple years, become engaged and are down to only days before the wedding. What happens when she stops by his place, that is soon to be their place, and finds him in the arms of another woman kissing? Heartbroken, in shock, she breaks off the engagement. Just recently, with a group of her best friends, they had been discussing this new website, Mail-Order-Grooms.com, where men are needing green cards and will pay a woman to marry them so they can stay in the US. One of the men is Krzysztof Zielinski from Poland that Lisa has seen in the Bookstore. Before she knows it, she has agreed to meet him and go ahead with the planned wedding, after all, everything was already arranged and paid for, with just a change in the groom now. Sometimes, what seems like a tragedy, can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. But you can't sit and feel sorry for yourself, or you might miss out true love and happiness. The plot kept me captivated, the dialogue heartwarming and the characters entertaining. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
Aug 23, 2015 Sultry Steamy Reading rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: romance, contemporary-romance
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Every now and then, a clean, light and funny contemporary romance is what I need, to get me out if a reading hump, to make up for the devastiation of a previously read book, or to just have something fast to pass the time. Mail-Order Groom is one pf those light contemporary romance that has hints of comedy and exaggeration which will certainly entertain readers.
I have to admit that I haven't read anything from this author before. Ho I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that I haven't read anything from this author before. However, I think it's safe to say that her books are enjoyable at the very least. I appreciate the intent in this story. We have a heroine who got cheated on days before she was supposed to get married. Instead of marrying a man she'd been engaged to, she finds herself married to a man who's practically a stranger for reasons that have nothing to do with romantic love. In the end, though, this detour in her HEA is a good adventure that paved the way to her meeting new people, learning more about the world, and finding herself a real man.
This is a good book that I won't mind recommending. It has all the necessary elements of a good romance novel. ...more
May 11, 2014 8o's rated it really liked it
Shelves: contemporary
Mail-Order Groom is a cute romance by Cindy Flores Martinez. I can see why the author shopped it around to be made into a movie because reading the story definitely reminded me of a movie.I did enjoy the story. I thought Krzysztof Zielinski was a great character but I did find Lisa frustrating at times. I think the break up was blown out of proportion but maybe Lisa was just looking for an excuse to get out of the relationship. Did I mention I really liked Krzysztof? I would have liked more of h Mail-Order Groom is a cute romance by Cindy Flores Martinez. I can see why the author shopped it around to be made into a movie because reading the story definitely reminded me of a movie.I did enjoy the story. I thought Krzysztof Zielinski was a great character but I did find Lisa frustrating at times. I think the break up was blown out of proportion but maybe Lisa was just looking for an excuse to get out of the relationship. Did I mention I really liked Krzysztof? I would have liked more of him and less of Lisa but overall I enjoyed the plot, kept me interested till the end. ...more
Jun 08, 2015 Cathy rated it liked it · review of another edition
This book had a good storyline but the characters needed to be more fully developed. I was particularly put off by the ignorance of some of the characters about the Geography and culture of Poland.
Jul 02, 2014 Allison rated it really liked it
A jilted fiancee, an immigrant in need of a visa, and a wedding fiasco...
After Lisa finds her fiance in bed with another woman, she faces the ultimate embarrassment--canceling her wedding. Her friend has a solution: why not marry a mail-order groom from the internet? Turns out there's one just down the road and he's in dire need of a visa so he won't have to return to Poland. With just days to go before the wedding, Lisa wrangles Krzysztof Zielinski into her former fiance's place without thought A jilted fiancee, an immigrant in need of a visa, and a wedding fiasco...
After Lisa finds her fiance in bed with another woman, she faces the ultimate embarrassment--canceling her wedding. Her friend has a solution: why not marry a mail-order groom from the internet? Turns out there's one just down the road and he's in dire need of a visa so he won't have to return to Poland. With just days to go before the wedding, Lisa wrangles Krzysztof Zielinski into her former fiance's place without thoughts to the consequences of what will happen at the immigration office or whether they're breaking the law. Without thoughts to the consequences of what Krzys really wants either. With time running short, Lisa either has to make it work with Krzys or risk their future together.
I'll be honest, I was pretty up-in-the-air about whether Lisa was going to stick with Krzys once her ex-fiance Jeff came crawling back. Somehow I wouldn't have been surprised if she'd said, "Okay, let's get back together." She seemed like the kind of character who was easily pushed around and talked into things without taking the time to see exactly what she wanted.
This book could have benefited from Krzys' POV, but being chick lit, it worked without it. There were times when I wanted to grab Lisa and say, "sit the hell down, woman. Take a breath and see if you can't work something out with this man." It could have used more attraction between them--while staying clean--than a couple of kisses.
On the upside, the characters are hilarious (Lisa's parents were a riot trying to figure out what Poland was like), the writing is tight enough that a few wordy places didn't really bother me, the plot is realistic enough to be plausible, and you really have to sympathize with Lisa because when everyone's expecting a wedding, you understand how embarrassing it would be to announce your fiance was in bed with another woman. In short, it sounds like a bad plan I came up with. Lisa is a realistic enough human being who seems to touch things and the whole world turns upside down. You really have to feel bad for Krzys when he outs the truth to his family, but you also hold out hope for these two. The ending was lovely, even though it could have used a little more supporting detail for romance between them.
I'll give it four stars because it hooked me, it made me laugh, and delivered a happy ending.
I received a copy of this book from Literary Nook for an honest review. ...more
Jun 27, 2015 Jamie (Books and Ladders) rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on Books and Ladders
Okay. You know I love fake-relationship tropes. And this was probably one of my faves, right up there with To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I was a little skeptical at first because it seemed like such a short time period between Lisa and Jeff ending their relationship and when Krzys and Lisa get married, but it made it a whirlwind romance and I at Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Okay. You know I love fake-relationship tropes. And this was probably one of my faves, right up there with To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han. I was a little skeptical at first because it seemed like such a short time period between Lisa and Jeff ending their relationship and when Krzys and Lisa get married, but it made it a whirlwind romance and I ate up every second of it.
Lisa was a sweet character and I liked her as a main character. Her decision to marry Krzys might have been irrational and quick, but it made sense to me. For $25,000, I would have done the same thing. I feel like I wanted them to have more time together before the wedding instead of the quick passing we got of them being at the bookstore together.
I liked how supportive their relationship was. Krzys made Lisa feel like she was special and could do anything -- he believed in her dreams. I know we didn't see much of Jeff and what his and Lisa's relationship actually entailed, but from Lisa's descriptions, Jeff was never that supportive of her dreams. He seemed pretty selfish whereas Krzys gave Lisa choices about their relationship left and right. It was really nice to see that in here.
I feel like I needed more though. I would have liked to see the actual immigration interview and more of the two of them fumbling around how to be together when they hardly knew one another. And maybe more of meeting their families and trying to explain the situation. As well, I think Lisa telling Jeff the truth was a stupid decision that could bite her in the ass? But honestly, this one was really good. I really enjoyed it!
Overall: 3.5/5 stars. This was a fun, fast-paced read but I would have liked a bit more detail and time with the characters to get to know them. ...more
Jun 05, 2015 Mylissa Demeyere rated it really liked it
I have read this book several times. I absolutely loved it. It is one of those witty, funny, charming stories, that puts a smile right on your face.
Lisa and Jeff are engaged after dating for two years. Lisa is a dramatic, over-the-top excited bride to be, completely consumed by the whole preparation of the wedding.
Sadly she walks in on Jeff in a very amorous lip locking session with his co-worker Vivian, in his bedroom (soon to be their bedroom) while their song is playing on the background, and I have read this book several times. I absolutely loved it. It is one of those witty, funny, charming stories, that puts a smile right on your face.
Sadly she walks in on Jeff in a very amorous lip locking session with his co-worker Vivian, in his bedroom (soon to be their bedroom) while their song is playing on the background, and all of this a couple of days before the great event. Poor Lisa!
She decides to go ahead with the big day, using the dress, chapel, reception hall, guests of the bride, but instead picks up a new groom, which she so happens to select from the illustrious website Mail-Order-Grooms.Com. Krzysztof Zielinski is Polish and in need of a green card. This wedding is the ideal solution for both of them!
What follows is a cute love story, told from Lisa's POV, full of all her dramatic inner dialogue (which I happen to love). Lisa has a real knack for exaggeration, to the point of making this read a funny piece of entertainment!
This book is a clean, fun read, which leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy at the end. I loved getting an insight into the Polish culture, as I don't know much about it. Also there is a lot of food and pastries mentioned in this book, making it a fun bonus for all those readers who like me love food, and learning about new great foods out there!
This book is such a deal, you would be silly not to pick this up! Trust me, you will not regret it!
Read the full feature on my blog: http://www.mylissasreviewsandbookthou... ...more
Jun 05, 2015 Mylissa Demeyere rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Sep 13, 2015 Manna rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
'Mail-Order Groom was a tough book for me to get through. This was one of the few books j have read where I simply could not being myself to like the main character Lisa. As the story begins, Lisa is engaged to Jeff. After catching him in a "compromising position" with another woman, they breakup. Lisa then u Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
'Mail-Order Groom was a tough book for me to get through. This was one of the few books j have read where I simply could not being myself to like the main character Lisa. As the story begins, Lisa is engaged to Jeff. After catching him in a "compromising position" with another woman, they breakup. Lisa then unexpectedly receives an offer to marry a local baker in order to allow him to remain in the states. Krzysztof is from Poland and he's helping his uncle Jerzy run the family bakery. It's obvious from the start that Krzys has adores Lisa from afar, having met her numerous times at the local bookstore. This is where it gets frustrating. Lisa is all over the place. She's up, she's down, she's hot, she's cold. She's emotionally unavailable and just detached. She makes questionable choices from the start which makes it even more difficult to like her. First, she uses her already planned wedding arrangements for her new ceremony with her new groom, but she doesn't tell the guests that the groom is a different person!! Not even her parents!! Then, her cold, unwelcoming attitude towards Krzys's family is baffling. Her and her parents are so ignorant about his heritage and they reference Poland like it's another planet, not simply a foreign country. At times, I wondered if these two would ever actually communicate with each other and work things out. I would be more interested in a follow-up book when Lisa is more capable of having a mature, adult relationship, willing to grow and adapt with Krzys, because this story seemed to lack that. ...more
Mar 12, 2016 Alicia rated it really liked it · review of another edition
**** "Mail Order Groom" by Cindy Flores Martinez. (Individual novel as well as part of the "Spring Into Romance" box set
A sweet heartwarming novel of a marriage of convenience turned into a marriage of love.
The author takes an interesting concept, men who need wives in order to obtain their green card to stay in the country legally.
After being dumped by her long time boyfriend and ex-fiancé, Lisa decides to help out Krzys, someone she has seen on and off at the local bookstore. At first things **** "Mail Order Groom" by Cindy Flores Martinez. (Individual novel as well as part of the "Spring Into Romance" box set
After being dumped by her long time boyfriend and ex-fiancé, Lisa decides to help out Krzys, someone she has seen on and off at the local bookstore. At first things are a bit awkward, yet as they learn more about each other, Lisa begins to realize she has a lot more in common with Krzys than she ever had with Jeff. With Krzys's help, she realizes how much of her self and her dreams she gave up when she was with Jeff in order to have the perfect relationship with him.
As Lisa and Krzys learn more about one another they grow closer and their relationship becomes more real. What Lisa doesn't know, but learns just before Krzys is about to leave for Poland, is that Krzys has loves her from a distance for a little less than a year. When Lisa finds out, she realizes she has fallen for Krzys, as well. And they both want the same thing: for the marriage to be real and not just for his green card.
I enjoyed this novel. It was sweet, funny, well written and a good addition to the box set.
My one issue with the novel was that I felt like it dragged a bit about a 1/4 way into the book. But it picked up steam a little after the 1/2 way mark and really began to hold the readers attention.
This is a novel I would recommend as a beach or pool side read, a rainy day or quiet day read. ...more
Feb 07, 2016 Sara rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: reviewed-books, read-2018, read-2016
Review in English and Spanish / Reseña en Inglés y Español
The fact that it is a short story doesn't mean that itsn't has a very good development of the relationship between both protagonists and a pleasant ending; the only thing that I didn't like very much was some attitudes of the protagonist being she who caused most of the situations she didn't want to deal with; I liked the rest a lot.
A point in favor was to make known the culture of another coun Review in English and Spanish / Reseña en Inglés y Español
A point in favor was to make known the culture of another country throught Krzysztof, it gave a fresh touch to the plot and made it look a little more of him being the book narrated from the point of view of Lisa.
A story undoubtedly relaxing and to read in a moment. Totally recommended for those who like soft romance.
El hecho de que se trata de una historia corta no quiere decir que no tenga un muy buen desarrollo de la relación entre ambos protagonistas y un agradable final; lo único que no me gustó mucho fue algunas actitudes de la protagonista siendo ella la que provocó la mayoría de las situaciones con las que no quería lidiar, de resto me gustó bastante.
Un punto a favor fue dar a conocer la cultura de otro país a través de Krzysztof, le dio un toque fresco a la trama e hizo que se viera un poco más de él, siendo el libro narrado desde el punto de vista de Lisa.
Una historia sin duda relajante y para leer en un momento. Recomendado totalmente para las que les guste el romance suave. ...more
Mar 24, 2014 Paula Phillips rated it really liked it
Lisa is about to get married and have it all as the wedding she has been planning is nearing the last and final details. That is until the day before the wedding, her fiance Jeff decides it's over and he is sick of hearing about the wedding and has found someone who will appreciate him . Meanwhile Lisa, has a whole wedding planned and needs someone to fill in the gap for Groom as no matter what happens, she will get married today. Enter the website Mail-order Grooms which Daphne finds , this si Lisa is about to get married and have it all as the wedding she has been planning is nearing the last and final details. That is until the day before the wedding, her fiance Jeff decides it's over and he is sick of hearing about the wedding and has found someone who will appreciate him . Meanwhile Lisa, has a whole wedding planned and needs someone to fill in the gap for Groom as no matter what happens, she will get married today. Enter the website Mail-order Grooms which Daphne finds , this site is filled with mostly hunks looking for brides etc in order to get Green Cards and citizenship in America. Lisa finds herself scouring the site for the perfect stand-in husband and picks Krzysztof Zielinski - a Polish baker. He also happens to be "The Bookstore Guy" , someone who has caught Lisa's eye over the last few months. The pair get married and soon their romantic feelings develop for each other - but not before Jeff comes waltzing back in to take back Lisa as he proclaims the cliched line " I can't live without you in my life". Who will Lisa choose Krzysztof - the guy she has started to fall for or Jeff - the one who got away ?
Find out which Groom , Lisa will finally and officially marry in Mail-Order Groom by Cindy Flores Martinez.
The Mail-Order Groom is a fun read and puts a new spin on the Mail Order business as we are used to it mainly being Brides not Grooms. ...more
Apr 27, 2014 Sassy Beta Reading & Review rated it really liked it
I loved this book. The only thing keeping it from getting 5 stars was it needed Krzys POV as well. I love a book with a multi POV and this book would have benefited from that. That would have added so much more to the story.
Lisa is so excited about her upcoming wedding. Only a few days away and on the night of her bridal shower, Lisa receives one gift she didn't expect.....finding her Fiance in the arms of another woman. After storming out Lisa ends up at home with her Fiance on her heels. After I loved this book. The only thing keeping it from getting 5 stars was it needed Krzys POV as well. I love a book with a multi POV and this book would have benefited from that. That would have added so much more to the story.
Lisa is so excited about her upcoming wedding. Only a few days away and on the night of her bridal shower, Lisa receives one gift she didn't expect.....finding her Fiance in the arms of another woman. After storming out Lisa ends up at home with her Fiance on her heels. After heated words are exchanged, Lisa finds her self without a Fiance, a booked church, dj and enough food to feed an army. There is no woman like a woman scorned and payback is a bitch. Thanks to a website her bestie found, Lisa decides that she will have her revenge and wedding too....only difference is the groom.
Krzys is a hot guy from Poland that is looking for someone to marry so he can get his green card to stay in the US to help his family that lives here. Lisa contacts Kyzys and speaks with his uncle. They come to an agreement for Lisa to marry Kryzs for 25,000.
After confusion from Lisa's family and friends and some white lies being told, Lisa ends up married. But not everything is Champagne and roses. If you want to find out more, you just need to one click the purchase button on Amazon. It is worth it.
Jul 02, 2014 Ruth Hill rated it it was amazing
Shelves: 2014-reads, romance, e-books
First of all, it is imperative that I inform you that contemporary romances are usually not my forte when it comes to preferred genres. Therefore, when I give a contemporary romance a five-star rating, you know it's good! Honestly, the only thing I did not like about the book was the epilogue, but that was a personal preference thing. The author ended the story as she saw fit.
But to the good points--there is no profanity nor sex! Okay, that is worth the rating on its own! All too often, contempo First of all, it is imperative that I inform you that contemporary romances are usually not my forte when it comes to preferred genres. Therefore, when I give a contemporary romance a five-star rating, you know it's good! Honestly, the only thing I did not like about the book was the epilogue, but that was a personal preference thing. The author ended the story as she saw fit.
But to the good points--there is no profanity nor sex! Okay, that is worth the rating on its own! All too often, contemporary romances are filled to the brim with both, and I have no choice but to "ignore" those for my rating. It is sometimes a challenge, but there was no challenge with this story. I fell in love with the characters--I want my own Krzysztof. He was so charming and funny. And Lisa reminded me of my own journey to rediscover myself. I was reminded why you don't marry the wrong person (like I did when I was 19). This is a book that all romance lovers can enjoy. I struggled to put the book down, and I lost track of the time (hard to do with the amount of books I read).
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine. ...more
Jul 09, 2015 Sara rated it liked it · review of another edition
I was excited for this book based on the premise. I enjoyed the concept of the story, but I just couldn't get my head wrapped around Lisa. The story moved at a fast paced, and there was a lot of well written details. I feel that Lisa's parents were done a disservice by being written as so ignorant about Poland, it's not that obscure of a place (even Lisa was ignorant of it). I did enjoy the Polish theme wrapped through the book, the food, music and poetry, and mostly the family atmosphere. I thi I was excited for this book based on the premise. I enjoyed the concept of the story, but I just couldn't get my head wrapped around Lisa. The story moved at a fast paced, and there was a lot of well written details. I feel that Lisa's parents were done a disservice by being written as so ignorant about Poland, it's not that obscure of a place (even Lisa was ignorant of it). I did enjoy the Polish theme wrapped through the book, the food, music and poetry, and mostly the family atmosphere. I think that aspect of the book was very well done. I enjoyed Jerzy and Krzys's other extended family, they added some flavor to the story. Krzys was the character that I loved the most. He had so many facets to him, I do wish he was a little more sure of himself, a little more assertive.
Back to Lisa, she's the first heroine that I have ever disliked completely through a story. I felt that she was weak, but she didn't acknowledge her issues, so was too wrapped up in denial and self-pity. I don't mind a heroine that is a little weak, if there's an evolution to their character, but I feel like Lisa didn't really grow as a character.
Overall, I enjoyed the concept of the story and Krzys, but would have liked to feel more of a connection to Lisa. ...more
Jul 23, 2015 Erin Kathleen (CTBookGirl) rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Lisa is about the marry the love of her life...until she find him in the arms of another woman right before the wedding and he calls off the wedding. Heartbroken she forges ahead with the wedding- the groom, now a man named Krzysztof, from a mail-order-grooms.com, who needs a green card to stay in the country and interesting enough, someone she has caught eyes with at the local bookstore. Her simple act of kindness, in exchange for 25k, ends up more complicated than she thought once she really g Lisa is about the marry the love of her life...until she find him in the arms of another woman right before the wedding and he calls off the wedding. Heartbroken she forges ahead with the wedding- the groom, now a man named Krzysztof, from a mail-order-grooms.com, who needs a green card to stay in the country and interesting enough, someone she has caught eyes with at the local bookstore. Her simple act of kindness, in exchange for 25k, ends up more complicated than she thought once she really gets to know him and begins to have genuine feelings for him.
I liked this book. I thought it was a fast paced read and while at first you think "this couldn't happen", you are totally sucked into the story and it is very believable (and does happen!). I loved the character of Lisa and really felt for her with her wave of emotions of losing her fiance and trying to navigate the "marriage" with Krzysztof. I loved reading about the Polish traditions and foods which I thought was a nice touch to the book and made it more realistic. I would have loved to see what would happen if they went to the interview and what they would say about each other but overall a it was a fun read and I was happy with the ending!
*I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. ...more
Feb 12, 2014 Nash Norden rated it liked it
Shelves: humor, contemporary, chick-lit
I received a copy of this book from Irresistible Reads Tours to provide an honest review.
I wanted to read this book when I saw the synopsis. Lisa was about to marry Jeff, but then she found him with another woman. Now the wedding is off. Lisa was heartbroken and ashamed to tell everyone that Jeff dumped her. She wanted revenge. Lisa decided to find a new groom through the internet and go through the wedding with a total stranger. She met Krzysztof, a guy from Poland who needed to marry an Americ I received a copy of this book from Irresistible Reads Tours to provide an honest review.
I wanted to read this book when I saw the synopsis. Lisa was about to marry Jeff, but then she found him with another woman. Now the wedding is off. Lisa was heartbroken and ashamed to tell everyone that Jeff dumped her. She wanted revenge. Lisa decided to find a new groom through the internet and go through the wedding with a total stranger. She met Krzysztof, a guy from Poland who needed to marry an American for a green card. Lisa thought that it would be easy, but soon found out that everything was not as simple as she thought.
I read Mail-Order Groom within one sitting. I found that the plot was very intriguing. There were lots of humorous moments that made me laugh. I love the craziness that Lisa went through to marry Krzysztof. It was very entertaining; I wish the story was a bit longer. I wanted to see a lot more moments between Lisa and Krzysztof and how they come to like each other. But still. Mail-Order Groom was definitely a fun, short read. ...more
Feb 12, 2014 LAKristy rated it liked it
Shelves: lendable, reviewed-on-gr
Well written and edited. This book was probably 3.5, but I just couldn't round up to 4. It's a G-rated romance with a lot of quirky humor.
In a couple of early chapters, I laughed out loud in more than one place, and I was crossing my fingers about the rest of the book. While it all hangs together and ultimately gets where it needs to go, for me, the characters were a little too zany, the decisions a little too wacky, the plot a little too familiar, and for a hot, single, almost-married American Well written and edited. This book was probably 3.5, but I just couldn't round up to 4. It's a G-rated romance with a lot of quirky humor.
In a couple of early chapters, I laughed out loud in more than one place, and I was crossing my fingers about the rest of the book. While it all hangs together and ultimately gets where it needs to go, for me, the characters were a little too zany, the decisions a little too wacky, the plot a little too familiar, and for a hot, single, almost-married American girl, a little too asexual. And sadly, that all distracted from the humor I enjoyed in the early chapters, so there were no laugh-out-loud moments after the first 25% of the book.
If you like cute, perky, non-sexual, over-the-top chick lit, this is probably the perfect book for you. ...more
Jul 21, 2015 Shannon Ferguson rated it it was ok · review of another edition
I have read this both editions of this book, and with the exception of the wording, nothing has changed. Same story line (girl finds fiancee in the arms of another woman, decides to marry a guy she's seen at the bookstore and discovered he's on a website looking to marry to get his green card, new guy finds out the marriage was done basically for revenge and leaves,she chases after them. Lisa let's her family believe that she was the one who stepped out in the relationship, and not her ex. An ov I have read this both editions of this book, and with the exception of the wording, nothing has changed. Same story line (girl finds fiancee in the arms of another woman, decides to marry a guy she's seen at the bookstore and discovered he's on a website looking to marry to get his green card, new guy finds out the marriage was done basically for revenge and leaves,she chases after them. Lisa let's her family believe that she was the one who stepped out in the relationship, and not her ex. An overall good read, but I feel it's the same as the first edition. I would recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the first book, but it's a bit disappointing for someone who has read both and didn't any changed but words being rearranged.
I have received this book in exchange for an honest review ...more
Jul 11, 2015 Spunky N Sassy rated it really liked it
Shelves: 4-star
SNS Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Patricia's ★★★★✰ Review~~~~~~~~~~
This was a book about a girl named Lisa who catches her soon to be husband in a compromising position just days before the wedding. They break things off and she decides to marry Kryzs and help him stay in America for $25,000.00 and he does have a sad story to boot. Lisa decides to marry Kryzs in her original wedding when she was supposed to marry Jeff. Will Kryzs and Lisa find a love in one another? Will Lisa forgive Jeff? Will Lisa and SNS Rating: 4.0
This was a book about a girl named Lisa who catches her soon to be husband in a compromising position just days before the wedding. They break things off and she decides to marry Kryzs and help him stay in America for $25,000.00 and he does have a sad story to boot. Lisa decides to marry Kryzs in her original wedding when she was supposed to marry Jeff. Will Kryzs and Lisa find a love in one another? Will Lisa forgive Jeff? Will Lisa and Kryzs realize what they have stumbled upon in one another? This was a fast pasted book but was still a cute read from Lisa's POV. ...more
May 14, 2014 Colleen Everly rated it really liked it
Really liked this book. The way these two got together was ironic because they did it for different reasons yet they still got together in the end. This book was well enough written that I could see it happening as I read it. I read this book in one sitting because I was rooting for these two to finally realize they belonged together. I smiled at times at some of the situations they found themselves in. Very touching story with a touch of humor of two different people coming together and becomin Really liked this book. The way these two got together was ironic because they did it for different reasons yet they still got together in the end. This book was well enough written that I could see it happening as I read it. I read this book in one sitting because I was rooting for these two to finally realize they belonged together. I smiled at times at some of the situations they found themselves in. Very touching story with a touch of humor of two different people coming together and becoming one. ...more
Jul 17, 2015 Geri rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I thought this story is a great twist on an old idea....marrying for money and marrying someone for a green card. The characters were funny and endearing. Lisa and Krzys both have ideas about love and marriage, but they come together. What starts out as an arrangement may not end up that way. It is written with a funny side and not at all a mushy story. I thoroughly enjoyed the Polish heritage throughout the book as I was familiar with many of the things. Another great read for the beach or thos I thought this story is a great twist on an old idea....marrying for money and marrying someone for a green card. The characters were funny and endearing. Lisa and Krzys both have ideas about love and marriage, but they come together. What starts out as an arrangement may not end up that way. It is written with a funny side and not at all a mushy story. I thoroughly enjoyed the Polish heritage throughout the book as I was familiar with many of the things. Another great read for the beach or those long lines. ...more
Mar 25, 2014 Cj Mackenzie rated it really liked it
I have received this book in exchange of an honest review.
I thought this was an interesting and fun story. The main characters are likeable and I was rooting for them.
I liked the way the relationship between Krzysztof and Lisa developed and the funny situations Lisa got herself involved in.
Mail-Order Groom is well-written, fun and easy to read.
Fans of contemporary romance will definitely be able to enjoy this book.
Aug 02, 2015 Isabelle Andover rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Thanks to Cindy for a copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this book - the idea was fresh and original, and I found myself wanting Lisa and Krzys to become a proper couple. I particularly liked the references to Polish culture, as I feel the reader really learns something about the country's customs. I did worry that the book would be quite short, but it turned out to be a nice length. I'd definitely read more books from this author. Thanks to Cindy for a copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading this book - the idea was fresh and original, and I found myself wanting Lisa and Krzys to become a proper couple. I particularly liked the references to Polish culture, as I feel the reader really learns something about the country's customs. I did worry that the book would be quite short, but it turned out to be a nice length. I'd definitely read more books from this author. ...more
May 16, 2014 Shannon Ferguson rated it really liked it
This was a cute read. It was nice to read a book where the hero wasn't the typical "alpha" most authors are going for. The heroine was overall likable, but there were a few times I would've liked to slap her upside the head if possible lol. I would recommend this if you are looking for a short sweet read, perfect for the beach or poolside :) This was a cute read. It was nice to read a book where the hero wasn't the typical "alpha" most authors are going for. The heroine was overall likable, but there were a few times I would've liked to slap her upside the head if possible lol. I would recommend this if you are looking for a short sweet read, perfect for the beach or poolside :) ...more
May 05, 2014 Amy O'neal rated it it was amazing
loved this story! lisa was a little accident prone at times, but the ended had tears in my eyes. the poems that kryzs w rote were so romantic.
May 07, 2014 Lola Montalvo rated it really liked it
Sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone good read Sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone good read ...more
Romance > Contemporary Romance
Romance > M F Romance
About Cindy Flores Martinez
Cindy Flores Martinez
Cindy Flores Martinez is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes Christian Romance and is a member of Sweet Romance Reads. Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started as a screenplay and movie project. She spent years shopping it around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world and had two well-known actors interested in portraying the lead character's parents. He's an Academy Award nomi Cindy Flores Martinez is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes Christian Romance and is a member of Sweet Romance Reads. Her debut novel, Mail-Order Groom, started as a screenplay and movie project. She spent years shopping it around Hollywood, New York, and other parts of the world and had two well-known actors interested in portraying the lead character's parents. He's an Academy Award nominated actor and she's a blockbuster film actress. After not finding the success she wanted, she officially canceled her film production company and embarked on the journey of turning her screenplay into a novel. She has an MFA in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Screenwriting. She has been a screenwriting instructor, screenplay consultant, script reader, and screenplay collaborator.
Books by Cindy Flores Martinez
A Debut Novelist's 2020 Reading that Mirrors Our Timeline
Mateo Askaripour is a Brooklyn-based writer whose debut novel, Black Buck—which Colson Whitehead calls a "mesmerizing novel, executing a high...
68 likes · 7 comments
Trivia About Mail-Order Groom


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Former Storm Rowney Gets First NHL Goal
There are two moments in every NHL player's career that they never forget. Their first game and their first goal.
Forward Carter Rowney took the long road to the league, paying his dues in the American Hockey League and ECHL before making his NHL debut this season at the age of 27.
And in his 15th game on the year, he finally recorded his first NHL goal. Rowney lifted a shot over the outstretched body of New Jersey goaltender Keith Kinkaid in the third period for the eventual game-winner in Pittsburgh's 6-4 victory against the Devils at PPG Paints Arena Friday night.
He is the second former Grande Prairie Junior A Storm player to score an NHL goal. The first was Grant Stevenson, who played for the Storm during the 2000-2001 season. Stevenson scored in his first-ever NHL game with the San Jose Sharks against the Calgary Flames on Nov. 23, 2005. Stevenson played 40 games with the Sharks that season, his only in the NHL, scoring 10 goals and collecting 12 assists.
"That is a great feeling," Rowney said after scoring against the Devils. "I think it was a great play by my teammates, get that monkey off the back. It was a great feeling."
"It's fun anytime somebody gets their first goal," captain Sidney Crosby said. "I think you can tell that it kind of gives everybody a boost. For a lot of us, we have all been there and it is an exciting time. We are happy to see him get that one. It was a big goal in the game, so we are happy for him."
Carter was named the first star of the game and Crosby the second.
Kinkaid was sprawling on the play when the Tom Kuhnhackl fed Rowney at the side of the net. Instead of rushing a shot, Rowney waited for Kinkaid to fall flat before lifting the puck into the goal.
"I was just trying to wait it out," Rowney said. "I saw he went down early, so I just tried to wait him out and I was lucky enough to finish."
"Really good patience there, he waited him out," center Nick Bonino said. "He's played well for us. He's come in with all the injuries, worked hard. We're happy for him."
Bonino was also the recipient of a Rowney pass that led to a Pens' goal. With Bonino netting his 14th goal of the season, Rowney finished the night his first career multi-point game.
"Rowney gave me a bullet," Bonino said. "It's one of those where I caught it and I thought I'd have to make another move. The pass was hard enough that Kinkaid bit the wrong way and I had a pretty easy goal."
Rowney's wife was in the crowd to witness the goal firsthand. But Rowney is expecting to have a lot of messages on his phone when he retrieves it from the change room.
"I am sure there are a few congratulations," he said, "and I am sure my brothers were watching back home."
Home is Sexsmith where he was born and played minor hockey before joining the Grande Peace Athletic Club where he played bantam and midget hockey before graduating to the Junior A Storm and then to the NCAA where he played with the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
– with files from Pittsburgh Penguins
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The next Vintage Bazaar at The Cheese and Grain in Frome is on Saturday 27th April, the event runs from 9 am to 3 pm, admission £2 for adults. Dogs are not permitted in the hall.
Our first Vintage Bazaar of the year takes place at The Corn Exchange in Devizes on Saturday 16th March. The event postcode is SN10 1HS, doors open at 9 am and the event will close at 3 pm. Admission for adults is £2. Dogs are not permitted in the building. The following stall holders will be exhibiting.
The next Vintage Bazaar is on Saturday 17th November at The Corn Exchange in Devizes, SN10 1HS. 9 am to 3 pm. Admission £2. The following stall holders will be joining us this time.
Please click on the square above left to link to the Vintage Bazaar in the town of your choice.
Nine years ago Lizzie and Clare came up with the idea of a Vintage Bazaar in the town of Frome as a perfect venue to sell vintage clothing, vintage textiles, homewares and Clare's fabulous cloche hats. The Vintage Bazaar also takes place in Devizes twice a year. This blog is intended to keep stall holders, friends and followers up to date with news of our Vintage Bazaar events.
Follow us on Facebook. Click the picture to link.
Thank you to the following who have all been amazing in assisting The Vintage Bazaar in spreading the word about our events to like-minded folk. Please click on the image to view their websites.
Click the image to take a look!
Vintage Textiles, hand-made lovelies and treasures from the past.
Sells French and English vintage quilts, vintage French dowry linen, vintage fabric, costume and accessories.
The following shops help us spread the word about our events.
Another fab shop in Wellington, Somerset.
Followers. Welcome to our blog!


Description: Amazing condition. If you're looking for a Winter White or a neutral that can transcend seasons, this Blazer is it. It has the best texture to it and is fully lined. The sleeves look great rolled up or not. It has double front oversized slit pockets on the front for all of your essentials and double front buttons. This Blazer will compliment so many outfits so well. A definite favorite that you will reach for all the time.


If you want a sure-fire indicator of the divide between generations, ask people how far from home they could walk at age 8 without an accompanying parent.
To someone from an older generation, that Skenazy's 9-year-old son took a 45-minute subway ride by himself probably wouldn't seem unusual or surprising. But when national TV and radio shows picked up the story, the response of many parents was that Skenazy was guilty of neglect or child abuse. One talk show identified her as "America's worst mom." Yet as Skenazy pointed out in her column and in other articles since then, New York City is safer now than 40 or 50 years ago, as are most U.S. cities. The media's constant stream of bad-news stories, in her view, has skewed the perspective of America's parents, schools, and communities. The risk, she argues, of protecting children from childhood — of putting knee pads on toddlers, of prohibiting free play at recess, of refusing to let children talk to strangers or walk to a friend's house unaccompanied — is that they won't learn crucial skills for navigating the world as adults.
Skenazy has joined a chorus of researchers, educators, and community members calling for more room for children to roam — and added "free-range children" to their phrasebook. Her blog and book of the same name debunk fears and what she calls "worst-first" thinking, or "taking the worst possible outcome and acting as if that's likely to happen." The blog and the book highlight the benefits of letting children roam, such as increasing children's creative problem-solving abilities and independent thinking, and offer statistics to ease parental anxiety about children's safety.
- Turn off the TV. As TV viewers, we're riveted by bad news; in fact, as human beings, we're wired to pay attention to bad news, so we can avoid it for ourselves. Constant media coverage of rare occurrences, however, makes us think that the world is scarier than it actually is. The best way to counteract this tendency, Skenazy says, is simply to ignore the temptation to overreact. And the best way to do that may be turn off the television when — or before —such stories come on.
- Counter "worst-first" thinking with real-world numbers. If your child's school bans children from snow play or throwing balls or playing tag at recess — all actual cases — ask the school to put numbers to the risk involved and challenge them to weigh that risk against the developmental benefits of play.
- Give children opportunities to practice self-regulation. Learning how to control emotions and play with a group of peers is an important skill, and in Skenazy's view best learned away from interfering adults. "If I'm your mom," she says, "I'm going to let you take a fourth swing at a ball, because the sun was in your eyes. But if you're playing with a group of kids, they're going to tell you you're out, go to the end of the line. When you go to the end of the line, that's self-regulation," she says. "Nature made play so much fun that kids stick with it," even as they're learning to deal with inevitable disappointments and defeats.
o Join together to create safe environments for free-ranging children. "I'm not against safety," Skenazy says. "I'm all for seat belts and food regulations and bike helmets," she says, but notes that numbers back up those safety measures. "Kids need sidewalks and stop signs," people who obey the speed limit, and people they know in the community, she says.
o Encourage children to talk to strangers. Children need to know the adults in their community, and know that they can rely on them. Trick-or-treating at Halloween, selling Girl Scout cookies, collecting money for good causes, or simply greeting neighbors on the way to and from school are all ways that children can become acquainted with the adults in their community.
Lenore Skenazy's Free-Range Kids blog has a link to "How Children Lost the Right to Roam in Four Generations," an article about the Natural England report.
Flickr photo taken in Castle Combe, England, March 2011.


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Pollution and waste management
Canadian Environmental Protection Act Registry
Lists of substances: Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
Toxic substances list
Toxic Substances List - Updated Schedule 1 as of June 26, 2019
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) provides the Government of Canada instruments including regulations to protect the environment and human health, and establishes strict timelines for managing substances found toxic under the act. Substances that are determined to be "toxic" under CEPA are recommended for addition to the List of Toxic Substances (Schedule 1) of the act. Preventive or control actions such as regulations, guidelines or codes of practice, are then considered for any aspect of the substance's life cycle from the research and development stage through manufacture, use, storage, transport and ultimate disposal or recycling. Furthermore, substances determined to be "toxic", persistent, bioaccumulative, anthropogenic, and which are not naturally occurring radionuclides or naturally occurring inorganic substances shall be proposed for implementation of virtual elimination under Section 65 (3) of CEPA.
Determining what is toxic
Under CEPA, both the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Health are responsible for developing a list of substances which must be assessed in a timely manner to determine if they are "toxic" or capable of becoming "toxic". This list is known as the Priority Substances List (PSL). CEPA requires that substances on the PSL be assessed within 5 years of their addition to the list. Environment Canada and Health Canada have a legal obligation to determine if these PSL substances are "toxic" as defined in Section 64 of the act. "Toxic" is defined in terms of risks that substances pose to the environment or to human health.
A substance that is found to be "toxic" under section 64 of CEPA - through a Priority Substances List assessment of the substance, a screening assessment, or the review of a decision by another jurisdiction - is recommended for addition to the List of Toxic Substances (Schedule 1) of CEPA.
Substances may also be added to the List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 of CEPA through section 90(1) of the act without having gone through a Priority Substances List assessment, a screening assessment, or the review of another jurisdiction's decision if, on the recommendation of the ministers of Environment and Health, the Governor in Council is satisfied that a substance is toxic. A substance is "CEPA-toxic equivalent" if it satisfies the definition of "CEPA-toxic" as a result of a systematic, risk-based assessment. Such assessments can include determinations made under other federal statutes, or can incorporate appropriate elements of assessments done by or for provinces or territories, international organizations or other appropriate scientific authorities.
The updated Schedule 1 of CEPA includes substances considered "toxic" as a result of:
The List of Toxic Substances in Schedule 1 of CEPA 1988
Risk assessments under section 64 of CEPA 1999
Risk assessments under section 90(1) of CEPA 1999
Substances Management Information Line
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
Telephone: 1‑800‑567‑1999 (in Canada) or 819‑938‑3232
Fax: 819‑938‑3231
Email: eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca
Management of toxic substances web section


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Community & Partnerships
Learning & Curriculum
Pressburst
Mount St Mary's College
Day Weekly Boarding Yorkshire
The Mount is the only local Catholic independent senior school and attracts parents of all denominations who want their children to be part of its welcoming community. Parents choose the Mount, and its preparatory school Barlborough Hall School (ages 3 to eleven), because of the emphasis on each pupil as an individual. Pupils transfer automatically aged 11 from Barlborough to the Mount.
About Mount St Mary's College
The ethos of the school is to provide an education that allows pupils to develop their talents – academically, socially, physically and spiritually. Pupils are encouraged to be aware of their place in the wider world, and their responsibility for each other.
The emphasis at the Mount is on promoting positive values and our system of merits ensure pupils are rewarded for their excellence in academic work, cultural and sporting activities, behaviour and community spirit.
Both schools are proudly non-academically selective, but achieve superb results with pupils leaving for top universities each year. In the Mount pupils are set for main subjects, and this combined with a commitment to small class sizes, ensure that each pupils received the appropriate attention.
The curriculum at Mount St Mary's is broad and balances, helping pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning and our innovative Enhanced Studies programme helps our pupils to become independent learners.
Pupils at the Mount are currently enjoying the recently opened Art and Design Department and the new Sixth Form Centre.
Sixth Formers are taught in smaller groups and teaching strategies include field trips and outings, and study periods encourage more mature and more independent approaches to learning. They enjoy privileges too including their own common room and social area.
Mount St Mary's places a great importance on extra-curricular activities and the school enjoys a strong reputation for music, drama and sport.
There is an option to board from age 11 – full-time, weekly or flexi – helping busy parents. Pupils have en-suite facilities and enjoy the chance to have no commute, develop greater independence, focus on their studies and enjoy socialising with other teenagers. There are also plenty of organised activities and outings after school and during the weekends to make sure boarders have the opportunity to try new activities and experiences.
The Mount also has a fleet of buses to help local parents out with the school run.
Parents are welcome to phone and arrange an individual tour at both schools.
Mount St Mary's College, Spinkhill, Derbyshire Tel: 01246 432872 (Sat Nav: S21 3YH)
www.msmcollege.com
Download Prospectus for Mount St Mary's College
News from Mount St Mary's College
Forthcoming Open Days
Sorry. No Open Day dates have been provided by the school.
Spinkhill, Sheffield, S21 3YL
marketingmailacc@msmcollege.com
www.msmcollege.co.uk
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In the second year of Pay to Participate fees, both boys and girls cross country teams have seen reduced roster sizes.
UPDATED AT 3:05 p.m. on 10/5/12.
On September 29th, the boy's frosh/soph cross country team made their way to Andrew Invite with victory in mind. After all, last year the team finished 5th out of 30 teams. This year though, they were not even able to score points.
Why? This year, the Bulldogs only have two sophomores on their entire roster.
What changed between last year and this one?
After a failed operating fund referendum in 2010, in order to keep extracurriculars and athletics up and running, the RBHS school board adopted Pay to Participate fees that would help fund both sports and clubs. In 2011-12, all athletes were required to pay a $75 to participate on their respective sport.
The increase did not stop there. Last Spring, following a recommendation from Assistant Principal of Athletics Art Ostrow, the school board decided not to cut any sports entirely, most notably Water Polo, but instead to raise the athletic Pay to Participate fee to $200. A new set of fees were also instituted for performance-based or competitive clubs, either $75 or $100 depending on the nature of the club.
Once concern raised was that the increased fees might lead to declining enrollment on teams and clubs. Has this been the case? Have sports like cross country been affected by Pay to Participate?
According to early data collected by the Athletic Department, enrollment on the the boys and girls cross country teams have been significantly reduced due to increased fees. In the 2010 season, before Pay to Participate was incorporated, the boys had 42 runners while the girls fielded a team of 43 girls. After a small decrease in the number of participants last year, both teams have seen their numbers drop much more quickly this year. The girls' roster has shrunk from 43 to 25, almost a 42% decrease. The boy's' roster, in a similar fashion, essentially been cut in half.
Of the nine Fall sports at RB, six of them have lost enrollment two years running.
Has the reduction in athlete turnout been a direct result of the increase in Pay to Participate fees?
"It is absolutely the direct result of Pay to Participate," said boy's cross country coach Larry Forberg.
Forberg noted that cross country is a sport that has historically been used by swimmers and basketball players to get in shape for their sport. However, from time to time, athletes who started out running for training purposes turn out to be very good runners. With the incorporation of Pay to Participate, this has been less and less common.
"Now, we don't get those athletes turned runners because they are already paying for their primary sport. They aren't going to pay $200 to get in shape," said Forberg.
It's tough to say though if the reduced size has affected the performance of the team. At the varsity level, they are still running at a very high level and have been placing very well at just about every meet this season. If the team continues to perform, what's the big deal? Have the fee's really been affecting the team at all?
"It's hard to say how good we could have been because there are a lot of good athletes who aren't on the team. Who knows how good they could be as individuals and we could be as a team?" said Forberg.


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Wendy M. Purcell
Dr. Wendy Purcell PhD FRSA, a Research Scholar with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University leads research on global leadership and governance for sustainable transformation in higher education and in various business sectors, including:
• Travel & Tourism, supported by the World Travel and Tourism Council
• Auto Industry, under the Culture of Health program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Airlines and Airports, supported by the Airlines for America
• Higher Education and Sustainability
• SDG Solutions Group https://sdgsolutionsgroup.com/
• Leaders on Purpose https://www.leadersonpurpose.com/
Wendy was President Vice-Chancellor of a UK university (2007-2015), taking it to the top 1% of world universities and number one 'green' UK university. She is Emeritus Professor of Biomedicine at Plymouth University, UK and life scientist with experience in knowledge exchange and innovation, having worked with the pharma/biotech sector. Council Member of the United Nations University, Member of the Association of American Universities and Colleges, she is Visiting Professor at McGill University.
Wendy was a Non-Executive Director with the UK Government's cabinet-level office the Government's Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and Chair of its Nominations (Talent) Committee. She was Expert Adviser to Sir Andrew Witty's Review of Universities and Economic Growth and Sir Adrian Smith's Postgraduate Review. She continues to advise the UK Government, working with the Cabinet Office on Talent and Diversity for the Civil Service (equivalent to all US Cabinet Secretaries and Congressional leadership) and the Government Office for Science on Foresight programs. She was The Wellcome Trust Media Fellow, spending time as a Science Journalist with the BBC World Service.
Wendy is an experienced Director/Trustee with current roles in Charities/Not-for-Profits and was Founder/Chair of the UK Council for Healthcare Scientists. She has secured competitive research funding from UK, EU and USA sources and is highly effective in raising philanthropic funds. She is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, a member of the RSA Sustainability Board, elected Member of the International Women's Forum (UK and USA) and a Member of the Harvard-affiliated Institute of Coaching.
Wendy's purpose lies in transforming lives through education and research in pursuit of social equity, the knowledge economy and sustainable development. She seeks to connect universities with business and society. A transformational leader, she is able to deliver excellence in mission-driven organizations in executive and non-executive roles and through leadership coaching and consultancy; she is a coach and mentor to senior executives in business and higher education. Comfortable with complexity and scale, she is analytical as well as enterprising in her approach and takes a keen interest in equity, diversity and inclusion, leadership and governance and sustainability. Wendy consults on global trends and change leadership resulting from disruptive forces and in pursuit of sustainable development.
Wendy has authored over 100 academic publications, as well as book chapters, books and patent filings. I have published over 100 research articles, as well as delivering expert reports, talks and advising. She is currently editor of the lead journal Sustainability for a special issue on 'Sustainable Higher Education and Leadership' and lead author of a textbook for Bloomsbury entitled 'Handbook on Sustainability in Higher Education: an Agenda for Transformational Change' and Series Editor for Emerald for 17 books on ' Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals'.
← John Graham Kristen Siemen →


Firestarter is a complete firewalling tool for Linux. Features include a firewall wizard, on the fly firewall shaping, a real time hit monitor and IP Masquerade support. Firestarter is made for the GNOME desktop. Firestarter is a complete firewalling tool for Linux. Features include a firewall wizard, on the fly firewall shaping, a real time hit monitor and IP Masquerade support. Firestarter is made for the GNOME desktop.


My heart panteth, my strength faileth me.
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.
He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. . . . For when I am weak, then am I strong.
When [Peter] saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?–[If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.–He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.–The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms.–Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.


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3 Tips for Naming Your Novel - Advice From Authors
To some writers, the title is the first thing that they think about--before writing a word, they know what the name of their book is. The title of their novel is what sparks the beginning of their book. However for other writers, the title is the last thing they figure out. They write their novel, type those two beautiful words, The End, only to realize that they don't yet have a name for their masterpiece. This fact usually becomes most prevalent when the age-old question, "What's the name of your book?" is asked. Typically, if a title isn't yet chosen, that question is answered with something like: "I'm working on it. Deciding between a few right now," when in reality you're really thinking, I have no freaking idea. I wrote a book. That's good enough, right?
I've been in both situations. I've written six novels, and am currently working on my seventh while in the final editing stages of my sixth. On my first novel, I knew the title before I wrote the first sentence. On my sixth novel, I had to force myself to come up with a title, because I was printing it, and needed to put something other than Novel 2013 on the front page. I kid you not. The document title on my book was Novel 2013 until the day I printed the first draft. That to say, I've been on both ends of the novel naming spectrum. I'll tell you that I'm no title master, nor do I poses a magic wand for naming your novel. I do, however, have some tips that may help you come to that aha! moment when you find the perfect title for your baby--I mean novel. Here are 3 tips for naming your novel. Stay until the end, because some great authors pitched in their two-cents on how they name their novels!
Outlining & Brainstorming - Start with a Strong Foundation
The goal is for your title to be as true to your novel as possible. I believe that a big mistake some writers make is generalizing, or not writing a title to stand out. They write a mystery, so they title it something like Ashley's Clues. They write a horror novel, and name it Trail of Blood. What's wrong with these titles? There isn't anything inherently wrong with the, however I just typed the latter title into Amazon, and the search resulted in over 24,000 results in its Books section. What about Ashley's Clues? Again, there isn't anything exactly wrong with the title, however it's typical. It's moderately generic. It looks like a title that could fade into a bookshelf without being noticed. Though some good cover art can help with this, why not start with a strong foundation, like a standout title?
Outlining and Brainstorming can help with this. When deciding on a title, write down distinct, short points from your manuscript. Does your main character have an interesting name? Is there a key element that conveys the heart of your novel? Is there an object that is a main theme throughout the book? Play on that. Play on the uniqueness that makes your book your book. I would suggest getting a nice pen--because we all know that nice pens make writing SO much more fun--and some paper, and taking a whole page or two to write down key words that remind you of your manuscript. Write down things that make you smile about your book, and words or sentences that you use when someone asks you that question every writer is asked--what's your book about?
Get in Your Reader's Shoes - Know Your Genre
When I'm giving my novel a name, I try to think about myself in a bookstore. What books am I drawn to? Which ones catch my eye, and which ones make me turn away?
How do you answer these questions? Know your reader. Someone that reads Young Adult fiction will be drawn to a completely different title than someone who reads comic books or nonfiction. Young Adult fiction tends to have short, catchy titles. Take for example Divergent, The Hunger Games, Beautiful Creatures, Delirium, and the Looking Glass Wars. What do all of those titles have in common? First of all, they all have less than 5 words in their titles. Also, all of the titles are fairly intense. Young Adult literature is a massive genre--growing more and more every day--so to stand out is everything. To stand out, and to be attractive, is even more. These titles master that object. Though short, the titles brew intrigue in adventure and action, or are serious and potent.
What about other genres? Let's look at the romance genre. Take for example some bestselling romance novels, like The Notebook, Gone With the Wind, and The Next Always. There's a decidedly different flavor in these titles. Though they're also strong titles, they're different in a sense. They don't necessarily spell out the action or adventure that is so strong in the Young Adult genre. Instead, they shadow love, a story wound around a relationship (typically), and a distinct focus on the character, whereas Young Adult a lot of times will focus on the story as a whole, or a strong main focus in a novel, not just a phrase.
I would suggest for you to make a list of titles that are best sellers in the genre you're writing in, and write down common themes throughout them. What tends to draw the readers you're writing for in? Write to your readers, because in the end, who do you care about the most when crafting your title? Most likely, your answer will be the people reading it.
Don't Sweat it
Don't stress yourself out too much about the title. Of course it's important, but remember that in the end, sometimes the publisher/editor/agent will help guide you to an even better title. As an example, did you know that Stephenie Meyer's best selling novel Twilight was originally titled Forks? She says that she still has a soft spot for it: "The first thing we worked on [Stephenie and her literary agent, Jodi Reamer] was the title, which started out as Forks (and I still have a teeny soft spot for that name)..." In the end, TRUST YOUR PUBLISHER, or you may end up with a book about vampires that sounds like an all-you-can-eat buffet cookbook.
Lastly...Advice From Writers!
As promised, here are some quick thoughts from writers about naming your novel (Thanks to them for sending me their tips to post!)
Lindsay Cummings, HarperCollins author:
"I love to pick titles that shock people, ones that tell an entire story in just a few words!"
Hope Johnson, up-and-coming writer:
"When choosing a title, I find it important to be descriptive, concise, and to avoid cliches. One or two well-chosen words go a long way!"
Jessie Mae Hodsdon, author, publisher, and speaker:
"Because book titles are a symbol of a story's inner being, it's best to let them come to you on their own time table."
Blake Johnson, up-and-coming writer:
"Short and sweet is the way to go. From my experience, books with quick and punchy titles are usually the ones that get pulled off the shelves.
Brian Rathbone, fantasy author:
"It is good strategy to use words in your title that prospective readers are likely to search for. My most popular titles include "dragon."
Also, a shout out to Matt Keenan, whose tweet led me to write this blog post!
Best of luck to all of you writers out there crafting your titles and your manuscripts, and remember that with hard work, patience, and the ambition to make it happen, your novel's name will one day be on store shelves.
Connect with the awesome writers who gave their advice:
Lindsay Cummings:
Instagram: @authorlindsaycummings
Twitter: @authorlindsayc
Facebook: Lindsay.Cummings
Website: lindsaycummingsbooks.com
Jessie Mae Hodsdon:
Facebook: Jessie Mae Hodsdon
Website: Jessiemaehodsdon.com
Hope Johnson:
Blog: Missadventuresrussia.wordpress.com
Brian Rathbone:
Website: Brianrathbone.com
Twitter: @BrianRathbone
Also, catch up with me on social media!
Instagram: @Elysia_Regina
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkim1/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/andymangold/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/suckamc/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/anieto2k/
Quote from Stephenie Meyer:
http://stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html


My almost obscenely long-winded review of SubRosa's magnificent new album for Profound Lore is up now over at Metal Review. Truth be told, I probably could have kept going with it, but didn't want to be found by the fire department, slumped over my desk, dead from having forgotten to eat. In other news, since this is the first perfect 10 review I've ever given out, I kinda felt the need to wallow around in the words a bit, just to make sure the numbers seemed to fit the overwrought emotion.
Anyway, maybe you won't love this album like I love this album, but you really ought to hear it, at least. The power of James Joyce commands you!