Rating: 
Summary: A disheartening view into finding love in the FSU
Review: "Love Letters..." provides a perverted view of finding a wife from the former Soviet Union (FSU). Judging from what's been reported in the media, you'll probably wonder if any other side exists in the Russian dating game. Unfortunately, stories like this one only help to establish an undeserved stereotype for most of the men who are seriously looking for love in the FSU.I met my wife in Kharkov, Ukraine over two years ago and we are now happily married, approaching our second anniversary. Although I consider myself extremely lucky for having been introduced to my wife and (for some reason) winning her heart, I believe that a man can successfully meet his Russian soulmate just by exercising good common sense and some patience, especially when meeting so many beautiful women from a different culture. After reading Rogers' story, we can understand that this is exactly what did *not* occur and which undoubtedly led to his subsequent marital disasters. The only redeeming value of this book is to show what not to do when undertaking the quest to find a wife from the FSU. I do have to admit, however, that I thought Rogers' introductory letter that he used for correspondence was very nice, and it is easy for me to imagine a man having a high "response ratio" in using such a letter. Many of the characterizations of FSU women in this story are inaccurate and can only serve to reinforce the "Ugly American" stereotype that many Russians hold of American men. As a result, I would definitely discourage anybody from using "Love Letters..." as a guide to meeting Russian women. Besides, there are many reputable resources available on the internet to guide one through this process and to serve as good examples for men seeking marriage. Bottom Line: Avoid this book!
Rating:
Summary: Outdated...Unsophisticated...Overpriced
Review: ... The information contained in this book is poorly researched, even more poorly wrtitten, and delivered in a virtually illegible format - CD/website. The Author seems to be suffering from a defective personality, and his way to cure this is a never-ending foray into Russia in search of sex. There appears no motivation for marriage, or a real home life. That he goes from one extreme, Natasha (his first wife), to the opposite personality (from Ukraine), is certainly predictable. Furthermore, the information in this book is nearly ten years old. Russia is a vastly different place, in many ways. If you attempt to find your Russian soul-mate using the information and experiences in this book, you will be sadly disappointed. Especially now, post 11 September 2001, the rules of the visa game have changed dramatically - both for Russians coming here, and for foreigners visting Russia. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Must reading for those interested in the foreign dating game
Review: Based on the description provided here, I expected this CD-ROM book to be long on letters received and sent, and short on actual experience. Was I ever glad to be wrong. The text is rich in lessons Mr. Rogers has learned over the years - and a few, apparently, he has yet to learn. He's not afraid to tell things as they are - however good, bad, or ugly they seem to be. Chapter 1, "Timing of Commitment", he briefly sketches why he decided to head to Russia to find his wife, and described his one true American love. This was not his ex-wife, but a woman from Indiana (Rogers is from Dallas, Texas) that didn't seem to be quite all there. Chapter 2, "Russian Correspondence", is the first large chapter, and it deals with some of the women he wrote to, and how he cut them down to a manageable number for his planned visit. Some of the names and places blended in together here, but the most important ones became crystal clear in the next chapter. Of note is the fact that the agency (Scanna) and lawyer (Lawrence Holmes) he used are still around after 7 years - an eternity in the international introduction business. Chapter 3, "The Meeting in Moscow", describes the key people and places of his visit to Moscow. The key people included his translator, his driver, and of course the women he met. He scheduled visits from six women from various parts of Russia, but it was the third - Natasha - that touched him most deeply. There were a few warning signs but I was not shocked that he proposed to her then and there. If I were in his shoes, I probably would have done the same thing. Chapter 4, "Waiting For Fiancee Visa", is what it says it is. This section had a surprising amount of drama, since Natasha seemed to get into trouble at all the wrong times. Part of it had to do with her ex-husband (boo, hiss), the closest thing this book has to a true villain (besides Natasha herself, but I'm getting ahead of myself). Finally Westin and Natasha were reunited. Chapter 5, "Acclimation to America", describes the (mis)adventures of Natasha's first month in this country. Getting used to the country was harder than anyone expected, and the language barrier proved to be the hardest barrier of all. The chapter ends with them getting married, which hopefully was the beginning of happier times. Chapter 6, "Conditional Permanent Residency", made me seasick. Up, down, up, down, their relationship went. Communication continued to be awful, though not exclusively because of language (Natasha was an introvert and had a lot of skeletons hidden away). The rest would satisfy fans of "Melrose Place" - jealousy, deceit, betrayal, harsh words, even the odd blow or two. Though Westin was not entirely blameless, this marriage would have been tough for anyone to save. It endured for over 4 years before coming to an end. Chapter 7, "My Kiev Dilemma", describes Mr. Rogers' second trip, this time to the Ukraine. He tried to avoid the mistakes of his trip to Moscow six years earlier, but he couldn't quite do it, and ended up making some new ones in the process. I was, quite frankly, appalled by his choice this time around. I thought he passed over at least three more suitable ladies in order to pursue the one that is *guaranteed* to break his heart. Read the book and see if you agree with me. In conclusion, I thought this was a fantastic primer on what to beware of in relationships with foreign ladies. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Bottom Line
Review: By far the large majority of these so called, "Finding my soul mate, compatible, caring, stay-at-home, cook, clean, love me," Russian-American, marriages are made up of two factors.
The American: A middle-aged unatractive male looking for a "soul mate". Someone who understands him and is in love with him instantly.
The Russian: A YOUNG BEAUTIFUL female looking to get out of Russia any way she can. Even if it means she will have to marry the lout.
They both get what they want. The fact it never works out, Gee, who knew!
Rating:
Summary: Bottom Line
Review: By far the large majority of these so called, "Finding my soul mate, compatible, caring, stay-at-home, cook, clean, love me," Russian-American, marriages are made up of two factors.
The American: A middle-aged unatractive male looking for a "soul mate". Someone who understands him and is in love with him instantly.
The Russian: A YOUNG BEAUTIFUL female looking to get out of Russia any way she can. Even if it means she will have to marry the lout.
They both get what they want. The fact it never works out, Gee, who knew!
Rating:
Summary: A must read for any man considering Russian marriage
Review: First of all I applaud the fact that you put yourself out for others to examine...I'd refer to that has a healthy (and helpful) vulnerability. I also applaud and honor your courage and determination as, in essence, an early pioneer, and at a relatively young age. Of course your youngness, and limited financial circumstance at that stage, possibly played in to the
challenges you ultimately experienced. As they did for me in a similar situation. I also acknowledge your accomplishments with the book, and with Weston Productions! Both are truly awesome. Congradulations!!! I very much appreciated the book, and read it with great attention. I think the hook for me is that since I'm embarking on a similar adventure, and am preparing myself in every way possible, your autobiography completely held my attention, because it offered crucial details, considerations, and sobering
reality. Thank you. I've read another book titled "Wedded Strangers" that discusses this same Russian/American phenomena from the standpoints of a variety of people who have experienced it. Tho a bit outdated, it also was exceptional in preparing me for the challenges ahead. All of this serves to counterbalance both the marketing material and the hope which springs eternal
in each of us.
Rating: 
Summary: Read it with care
Review: Having been married to a Ukrainian lady for almost 3 years and having been to Ukraine several times, I would recommend caution when reading Mr. Rogers' account. There is information that is not correct, and believing every word he says can cause you a world of grief later, if you decide to pursue a Russian/Ukrainian wife. If you are really interested in learning about Russian Wives, then you are better off reading informational boards, like Brama, or Planet-Love. You'll get a wider and better balanced perspective of what it's really all about. Plus, the cost to read up to date information there is free, versus paying for out of date and sometimes incorrect information on his cd/website.
Rating:
Summary: Read it with care
Review: Having been married to a Ukrainian lady for almost 3 years and having been to Ukraine several times, I would recommend caution when reading Mr. Rogers' account. There is information that is not correct, and believing every word he says can cause you a world of grief later, if you decide to pursue a Russian/Ukrainian wife. If you are really interested in learning about Russian Wives, then you are better off reading informational boards, like Brama, or Planet-Love. You'll get a wider and better balanced perspective of what it's really all about. Plus, the cost to read up to date information there is free, versus paying for out of date and sometimes incorrect information on his cd/website.
Rating:
Summary: Please pass!
Review: Having lived in Russia,I am married to a 38 year old Russian and can say that this man is pathetic,poorly informed and not very intelligent. He has no understanding of women , Russian or American. This is an amateurish CD-Rom , short and poorly written and presented. Everything he writes is incorrect or so personal that hopefully it will be of no use to anyone. Russian women love a clever man ; no wonder he is having so much trouble. This book will not help you. If you are interested in marrying a Russian , learn the language and the culture and be prepared to spend a lot of time and money...
Rating: 
Summary: Weston Rogers is my Evil Twin
Review: I am married to a Russian woman from Kiev, Ukraine,(Yes, they are Russian there) at this time, and in doing research on an article related to travelling there again, I encountered Mr. Weston's book. I set out in some respects as Mr. Rogers did, searching through a very large pile of women for the ultimate woman, and discovered there is no perfect woman for anyone. He is too deluded about romance to give any good advice, and I found the notions expressed by the reviewers to be all accurate ones, from each of their viewpoints. Rogers wanted to exploit women more than to find real love, and it is obvious, since he is predatorily back in Kiev....
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