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Review Date: 8/30/2006
"Be the girl you wanna be - There's nothing like a true friend, but being buds isn't always easy. Every girl needs friendship survival skills - you know, hints on how to make and keep friends who will be with you through thick and thin. To have a great bud, you have to be a great bud. Leave it to 2 grrrls to dish out advice on fun and friendship. Find out how to be a real girl's girl and keep your friends forever."
Review Date: 8/30/2006
"Here is a book especially for hte woman who wants to rekindle the flame of romance in her marriage. It's not just a "theroy" book, but is loaded with creative, practical, useful ideas to show the man in your life that you care. Author Alice Chapin these gathered these ideas from the many marriage enrichment seminars she has led as a pastor's wife. Each has been actually used by a true marriage expert - a married woman - to tell her man "I love you" in a new, creative way. Perhaps the flame of love has almost died in your marriage. Maybe you have a good marriage that just needs a little "spark" in either case, 400 creative ways will provide the tinder to nurture that spark of love into a warming blaze."
Review Date: 5/20/2006
"I am thankful for...
being surprised by a rainbow
running through the sprinkler on the way to the ice cream truck
walking in puddles after the rain.
Fifty sweet reminders of the blessings God pours out will help guide your little one along the pathway to a thankful heart. This celebreation of thankfulness also includes many delightful ideas for showing others gratitude and easy-to-make, simple gifts to say "I appreciate you." Learning to be thankful was never so much fun!"
being surprised by a rainbow
running through the sprinkler on the way to the ice cream truck
walking in puddles after the rain.
Fifty sweet reminders of the blessings God pours out will help guide your little one along the pathway to a thankful heart. This celebreation of thankfulness also includes many delightful ideas for showing others gratitude and easy-to-make, simple gifts to say "I appreciate you." Learning to be thankful was never so much fun!"
Review Date: 1/4/2007
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Can you find last year's tax return? Do you know where your keys are?
No? Then 500 terrific Ideas for Organizing Everything will make your lif eand everything in it a lot easier.
Offering ingenious advice on everything from organizing your address book to finding extra storage space, this book will tell you how to.
Eliminate mismatched socks and gloves forever
Use your answering machine as a private secretary
Create a home or office filing system that really works.
Find and use wasted space in your bedroom, bath room, and kitchen
Make the most of your computer
Create simple strategies to manage your paperwork.
Loaded with time-saving tips and savvy solutions to everyday problems."
No? Then 500 terrific Ideas for Organizing Everything will make your lif eand everything in it a lot easier.
Offering ingenious advice on everything from organizing your address book to finding extra storage space, this book will tell you how to.
Eliminate mismatched socks and gloves forever
Use your answering machine as a private secretary
Create a home or office filing system that really works.
Find and use wasted space in your bedroom, bath room, and kitchen
Make the most of your computer
Create simple strategies to manage your paperwork.
Loaded with time-saving tips and savvy solutions to everyday problems."
Review Date: 4/30/2006
"On the way home from a conference, Don Piper's car was crushed by a semi that crossed into his lane. Medical personnel said he died instantly. While his body lay lifeless inside the ruins of his car. Piper experience the glories of heaven, awed by its beauty and music.
Ninety minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper miraculously returned to life on earth with only the memory of inexpressible heavely bliss. His faith in God was severely tested as he faced an uncertain and grueling recovery. now he shares his life-changing story with you.
90 minutes in Heaven offeres a glimpse into a very real dimension of God's reality. It encourages those recovering from serious injuries and those dealing with the los of a loved one. The experience dramatically changed Piper's life, and it will change yours too."
Ninety minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper miraculously returned to life on earth with only the memory of inexpressible heavely bliss. His faith in God was severely tested as he faced an uncertain and grueling recovery. now he shares his life-changing story with you.
90 minutes in Heaven offeres a glimpse into a very real dimension of God's reality. It encourages those recovering from serious injuries and those dealing with the los of a loved one. The experience dramatically changed Piper's life, and it will change yours too."
Review Date: 4/12/2010
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Once again Jill Eileen Smith whisked me into bible times while introducing us to a tender, young Abigail who loves the Lord and anxiously awaits her arranged marriage with Nabal. This author's illustration of Abigail's loss of innocence, heartbreak, agony and struggle, is so powerful I could feel her pain, her sorrow. Nabal is a brash, deceitful, selfish man who will do whatever it takes to satisfy his flesh.
Abigail would not let Nabal break her spirit nor turn her back on God. Instead, she sought Adonai (God) for comfort. Abigail lets God mold her and give her strength. Adonai gives Abigail the courage to seek out David in order to avoid blood shed in her household because of Nabals foolish behavior.
David seeks to marry Abigail when he learns of her husband's death. I was intrigued by this union and how it might have taken place. Jill paints an exciting picture of how these two beautiful people get together. She also describes their inner turmoil and the desire David and Abigail had to do God's will in the middle of uncertain times. I hadn't realized how long David lived in the forest as a fugitive, and how many men, women and children were with him; it made it hard to hide, especially since David had crazy King Saul trying to kill him most of that time. I found it amazing how David refused to kill God's annointed Saul, no matter how frustrating things got.
I liked how Jill broke the book into five parts, and before each part, she had the complete verse and reference for you to read before she described the new part. I found it most helpful and handy for me to go back to the bible and read the complete account later.
This author has a keen insight into the hearts and minds of two strong, passionate people. David and Abigail, continue to show their love for Adonai, each other, and shhared a struggle they had to do the right thing in the eyes of God, not people. It was an eye opener to read what demands there were for a King and the life Abigail might have had as his wife. It was quite different than living with him as a fugitive. I now have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the culture, times back then and why they called David, a man after God's own heart. I think Abigail felt the same way about Adonai. I could see how they received comfort, wisdom and strength from each other. There was a unity they had that David didn't share with his other wives. I was encourage as I read about David and Abigail and their life's struggle, how they sought peace in the middle of their trials and a love so pure. I enjoyed how they humbled themselves before Adonai (God) and sought him with all their heart, soul and strength. It's a love story you'll want to read and experience for yourself.
Nora St.Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Abigail would not let Nabal break her spirit nor turn her back on God. Instead, she sought Adonai (God) for comfort. Abigail lets God mold her and give her strength. Adonai gives Abigail the courage to seek out David in order to avoid blood shed in her household because of Nabals foolish behavior.
David seeks to marry Abigail when he learns of her husband's death. I was intrigued by this union and how it might have taken place. Jill paints an exciting picture of how these two beautiful people get together. She also describes their inner turmoil and the desire David and Abigail had to do God's will in the middle of uncertain times. I hadn't realized how long David lived in the forest as a fugitive, and how many men, women and children were with him; it made it hard to hide, especially since David had crazy King Saul trying to kill him most of that time. I found it amazing how David refused to kill God's annointed Saul, no matter how frustrating things got.
I liked how Jill broke the book into five parts, and before each part, she had the complete verse and reference for you to read before she described the new part. I found it most helpful and handy for me to go back to the bible and read the complete account later.
This author has a keen insight into the hearts and minds of two strong, passionate people. David and Abigail, continue to show their love for Adonai, each other, and shhared a struggle they had to do the right thing in the eyes of God, not people. It was an eye opener to read what demands there were for a King and the life Abigail might have had as his wife. It was quite different than living with him as a fugitive. I now have a deeper appreciation and understanding of the culture, times back then and why they called David, a man after God's own heart. I think Abigail felt the same way about Adonai. I could see how they received comfort, wisdom and strength from each other. There was a unity they had that David didn't share with his other wives. I was encourage as I read about David and Abigail and their life's struggle, how they sought peace in the middle of their trials and a love so pure. I enjoyed how they humbled themselves before Adonai (God) and sought him with all their heart, soul and strength. It's a love story you'll want to read and experience for yourself.
Nora St.Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 6/12/2007
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This was an interesting story. I was aware of the underground church in China and have read "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn; but this was nothing like that book. It was interesting to know that this is based on a true story and something that happened as recently at 2002. It is always amazing what the Christians go through over in China. It makes me appreciate America even with all of its flaws. It was a good book.
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 4/30/2006
"Actual Factuals for Kids 1 is the devotional book for kids will want to read! Short, interesting stories tell about fun facts, amusing anecdotes, and terrific trivia tidbits. Each one is tied in to a timeless truth from scripture.
And about those questions on the cover!...."
And about those questions on the cover!...."
Review Date: 9/5/2006
"Laura's best friend, Jack!
Laura and her bulldog, Jack, shared one exciting adventure after another growing up together on the wild frontier!
Gentle adaptations of Laura Ingalls Wilder's original Little House books invite beginning chapter-book readers into the magical world of little house."
Laura and her bulldog, Jack, shared one exciting adventure after another growing up together on the wild frontier!
Gentle adaptations of Laura Ingalls Wilder's original Little House books invite beginning chapter-book readers into the magical world of little house."
Review Date: 8/30/2006
"Using Gold Leaf and jewelike colors, Isabelle Brent illuminates ten lighhearted verses about some of children's most adored animals and pets. Included are such classics as "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" by Edward Lear, "Diary of a Church Mouse" by Sir John Betjeman, and two short pieces by A.A. Milne and Lewis Carroll. The timeless appeal of such notable poets and the beauty of Ms. Brent's intricate gold designs make this a gift book treasure."
Review Date: 6/22/2007
9 member(s) found this review helpful.
"This is the last book written by Jane Orcutt. She passed away March 2007 after a long battle with Leukemia.
The main character of this story is named Isabella. She is a well-bread, fasionable and educated woman; who would rather be practicing her skills at the sword and discussing philosophy than making painful small talk at rediculous parties.
Then she meets Phineas Snowe and Isabella becomes convinced she is meant to follow him to the mission field in China. As a woman with an independent nature she fights against society and its rules to sneak away to do God's will.
Isabella goes on this adventure and discovers many things on the boat to China. She discovers some shocking things about the voyage as Phineas also teaches her about the Chineese culture and its language. It is definately a lighthearted tale of adventure, romance, and te pursuit of impossible dreams.
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
The main character of this story is named Isabella. She is a well-bread, fasionable and educated woman; who would rather be practicing her skills at the sword and discussing philosophy than making painful small talk at rediculous parties.
Then she meets Phineas Snowe and Isabella becomes convinced she is meant to follow him to the mission field in China. As a woman with an independent nature she fights against society and its rules to sneak away to do God's will.
Isabella goes on this adventure and discovers many things on the boat to China. She discovers some shocking things about the voyage as Phineas also teaches her about the Chineese culture and its language. It is definately a lighthearted tale of adventure, romance, and te pursuit of impossible dreams.
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 9/14/2008
"All Through the Night
By Davis Bunn
Published by Bethany House
ISBN#978-0-7642-0542-2
360 pages
Back Cover: Broken relationship and unfulfilled promises scar Wayne's past like burned-out craters. Though he possesses both a soldier's brawn and a financial wizard's brain, he lives a life that challenges neither. But when he gets sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and quick thinking. Breach a con man's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of a community? Love again? Not on your life.
A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case. Tatyana's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by..an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstriped suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatyana is willing to trust Wayne to protect her boss' life, but she's reluctant to open her still-wounded heart.
Drawing on both his physical strength and analytical skill, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate facade. But he will need to marshal all his resources – and then some – against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life ...and love.
REVIEW: Wayne Grusza is a Special Forces trained military man, who just so happens to be a CPA. Weird combination, but Wayne has the best of both worlds. He'd seen enough action in the war to last him a lifetime when his sister, woman pastor, Eilene Belote, wants him to help solve a case for Hattie Blount Community - a place she calls home. Wayne really has no place to go or any place to call home, so he checks out their financial books. It's the least he could do for the sister who had always been there for him.
In this investigation, Wayne uncovers a scam and reports to the board that the community is about to lose everything. This was a retirement home and no one could afford to lose a dime. After all, these people were on fixed incomes. Wayne hated this kind of thing, and had little patience for a man that would prey on the innocent and abuse people's trust. He would get their money back the best way he knew how. He wasn't going to lose this community to a con man; not on his watch. This was now personal.
As Wayne plots to save the community, he is asked to check out another similar case. He is brought in as a consultant to check out what has happened. He's seen this before. He thinks it's strange to have two similar scams take place so close together. This was a small town...there had to be a connection. Wayne soon discovers that Mr. Easton, the President of this big corporation, has been visited by an angel. He isn't sure he wants to get involved in this one. He wasn't much on religion. His father was a pastor and so was his sister – he'd heard more than enough about religion. Wayne lived life on his own terms - thank you very much. "I don't want to talk to talk to angels or a man who has talked to angels."
Wayne meets an older woman named Victoria, who lives in Hattie Blount Community, tells him that she is praying for him. He knows his sister and father had been praying for him for years. A lot of good that has done him. But this woman seems to look into his soul and says "Worst kinds of addiction, the very worst, are those of the heart. Anger and bitterness don't wound the body like a drug. They gnaw down deep, where the lie can be hidden from almost everyone. The truth is this: the addiction hollows out your soul. No matter what you carry with you, no matter what dark night brought you to where you are, the Lord can make something good of this, if you let Him." Great! That's the last thing he wanted to hear. But deep down to the core of his being he knew she was right. What was he supposed to do with this information?
Wayne has battles raging on all fronts; on the outside with these scams, murders and bad guys trying to kill him and on the inside of his soul. He is facing things he thought he never would - thought they were gone but their back and in living color. He wasn't a man that would run and hide. Now what to do? He needed a strength beyond what he had to survive.
This story takes place in Florida, where I lived for many years. It was fun to hear about all the places that I had been and all the things I remembered about Florida living. I love how Davis Bunn tells a story that gets to the heart of the matter. In the middle of the fighting, drama and action, Bunn deals with heart issues. Wayne is one lean-mean-fighting-machine. This story is filled with adventure, love and second chances, but not just for Wayne. If you love Davis Bunn, you will totally enjoy this story. If you are new to this author, this is the book to jump into and be totally engaged in his exciting story style.
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
By Davis Bunn
Published by Bethany House
ISBN#978-0-7642-0542-2
360 pages
Back Cover: Broken relationship and unfulfilled promises scar Wayne's past like burned-out craters. Though he possesses both a soldier's brawn and a financial wizard's brain, he lives a life that challenges neither. But when he gets sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and quick thinking. Breach a con man's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of a community? Love again? Not on your life.
A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case. Tatyana's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by..an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstriped suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatyana is willing to trust Wayne to protect her boss' life, but she's reluctant to open her still-wounded heart.
Drawing on both his physical strength and analytical skill, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate facade. But he will need to marshal all his resources – and then some – against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life ...and love.
REVIEW: Wayne Grusza is a Special Forces trained military man, who just so happens to be a CPA. Weird combination, but Wayne has the best of both worlds. He'd seen enough action in the war to last him a lifetime when his sister, woman pastor, Eilene Belote, wants him to help solve a case for Hattie Blount Community - a place she calls home. Wayne really has no place to go or any place to call home, so he checks out their financial books. It's the least he could do for the sister who had always been there for him.
In this investigation, Wayne uncovers a scam and reports to the board that the community is about to lose everything. This was a retirement home and no one could afford to lose a dime. After all, these people were on fixed incomes. Wayne hated this kind of thing, and had little patience for a man that would prey on the innocent and abuse people's trust. He would get their money back the best way he knew how. He wasn't going to lose this community to a con man; not on his watch. This was now personal.
As Wayne plots to save the community, he is asked to check out another similar case. He is brought in as a consultant to check out what has happened. He's seen this before. He thinks it's strange to have two similar scams take place so close together. This was a small town...there had to be a connection. Wayne soon discovers that Mr. Easton, the President of this big corporation, has been visited by an angel. He isn't sure he wants to get involved in this one. He wasn't much on religion. His father was a pastor and so was his sister – he'd heard more than enough about religion. Wayne lived life on his own terms - thank you very much. "I don't want to talk to talk to angels or a man who has talked to angels."
Wayne meets an older woman named Victoria, who lives in Hattie Blount Community, tells him that she is praying for him. He knows his sister and father had been praying for him for years. A lot of good that has done him. But this woman seems to look into his soul and says "Worst kinds of addiction, the very worst, are those of the heart. Anger and bitterness don't wound the body like a drug. They gnaw down deep, where the lie can be hidden from almost everyone. The truth is this: the addiction hollows out your soul. No matter what you carry with you, no matter what dark night brought you to where you are, the Lord can make something good of this, if you let Him." Great! That's the last thing he wanted to hear. But deep down to the core of his being he knew she was right. What was he supposed to do with this information?
Wayne has battles raging on all fronts; on the outside with these scams, murders and bad guys trying to kill him and on the inside of his soul. He is facing things he thought he never would - thought they were gone but their back and in living color. He wasn't a man that would run and hide. Now what to do? He needed a strength beyond what he had to survive.
This story takes place in Florida, where I lived for many years. It was fun to hear about all the places that I had been and all the things I remembered about Florida living. I love how Davis Bunn tells a story that gets to the heart of the matter. In the middle of the fighting, drama and action, Bunn deals with heart issues. Wayne is one lean-mean-fighting-machine. This story is filled with adventure, love and second chances, but not just for Wayne. If you love Davis Bunn, you will totally enjoy this story. If you are new to this author, this is the book to jump into and be totally engaged in his exciting story style.
Nora St. Laurent - Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 4/30/2006
"I've decided to run for student body president, and I'm going to need people to help me with my campaign-"
I didn't get any further before Logan's smile turned into coughs of laughter. I glared at him while I waited for him to stop. "You could have just said no."
"It's not that I don't want to help you," he said, after more coughing. "It's just the idea of you campaigning is so funny."
"You don't think I can campaign?"
I folded my arms tightly across my chest. "I know how to be friendly"
Logan leaned toward me, using his height to make a point of looking down at me. "Samanatha, you can't walk into a room of six people without insulting five of them.""
I didn't get any further before Logan's smile turned into coughs of laughter. I glared at him while I waited for him to stop. "You could have just said no."
"It's not that I don't want to help you," he said, after more coughing. "It's just the idea of you campaigning is so funny."
"You don't think I can campaign?"
I folded my arms tightly across my chest. "I know how to be friendly"
Logan leaned toward me, using his height to make a point of looking down at me. "Samanatha, you can't walk into a room of six people without insulting five of them.""
Review Date: 11/21/2010
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
"I'd read and loved, June Bug by Chris Fabry. So, I anxiously awaited my review copy of Almost Heaven. Chris Fabry is a deep thinker that can explain spiritual matters simply, it touched the core of my being. He reveals things about tough times and pain that can only come from experience and how Chris connected with our heavenly Father during those times.
Chris says this about Almost Heaven, "Good stories come from real people and real life...This story was inspired by the life of James William "Billy" Allman, who died in 2009...there are only shadows from Billy's life in this novel..but I hope to have captured a little of his heart in the story as well."
From the start, Billy and his family face title wave type waters as a dam breaks and starts wiping out homes and people in its path. Billy describes the houses spinning like the house in the Wizard of Oz. I imagined many of the Katrina victims went through something similar after the hurricane hit and the levy broke. Heart breaking.
This book is written in two points of view. That of Billy, and his guardian angel named Malachi (which means messenger). I loved the angel aspect of the narrative; it brought a whole different dimension and energy to the story. It kind of reminded me of the angel in the movie It's a Wonderful Life, where the guardian angel is getting his assignment and learns about George Bailey's life. Malachi learns about Billy Allman's life as a boy and when he's grown up. The angelic battle scenes were not as intense as those of Frank Peretti, but they are very intriguing and powerful. Malachi says this, "Time hinders the human condition, but it does not touch me...we feel the onslaught of time only as it is experienced by those in charge. To us it is only a discipline. Time holds no sway, has no bearing on our resolve to achieve our assigned duties."
I loved that this author showed how God uses ordinary broken people to carry out his plans here on earth. He doesn't need us, but chooses to use the most unlikely people - like those that society had given up on, for a bigger purpose. Billy was one of those misfits. No matter what storm hit Billy and tried to take him out, he chose to praise God with his entire being! Music was very special to Billy. He said, "Music has a way of filling in the missing places. It is a gift from God above, who didn't have to provide it, but he did anyway and I half think he decided life just wouldn't be as good without it...(he prayed) May God help you sing whatever song he has put on your heart to sing."
This novel even brought in characters from Chris's other books, like my favorite, June Bug. She plays a minor part in this book, but I was thrilled to read more about her in this story.
Chris pens a compelling, emotionally charged drama that gives the reader glimpse of hope in the darkness and will make them think outside the box we call the "normal" Christian life. He also defines the triumphant life differently too, "Success is not seen in the circumstances or in the pain or the good feelings. Success is sometimes just loving somebody with a love that doesn't come back the way you want it to."
Despite Billy's sorrows and challenges, he remains steady on a single course. Through the struggles and triumphs, Billy Allman chose to pursue God and walk in what God said about him. I loved what Billy said to Callie about her struggles and later applied it to himself, "...what happened to you doesn't define who you are...what happened does not have to follow you...you don't have to live in its shadow."
Thanks Chris, Almost Heaven is a compelling, thought provoking novel that gives the reader hope in what seemed like hopeless situations. Thanks also for your reminder, "you don't need your circumstances to change in order to praise God. In fact, the best place to live the Christian life and participate with God in the plan for you is right were you are!" I appreciate these words and so many others that encouraged my soul, gave me hope and touched my heart deeply.
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Chris says this about Almost Heaven, "Good stories come from real people and real life...This story was inspired by the life of James William "Billy" Allman, who died in 2009...there are only shadows from Billy's life in this novel..but I hope to have captured a little of his heart in the story as well."
From the start, Billy and his family face title wave type waters as a dam breaks and starts wiping out homes and people in its path. Billy describes the houses spinning like the house in the Wizard of Oz. I imagined many of the Katrina victims went through something similar after the hurricane hit and the levy broke. Heart breaking.
This book is written in two points of view. That of Billy, and his guardian angel named Malachi (which means messenger). I loved the angel aspect of the narrative; it brought a whole different dimension and energy to the story. It kind of reminded me of the angel in the movie It's a Wonderful Life, where the guardian angel is getting his assignment and learns about George Bailey's life. Malachi learns about Billy Allman's life as a boy and when he's grown up. The angelic battle scenes were not as intense as those of Frank Peretti, but they are very intriguing and powerful. Malachi says this, "Time hinders the human condition, but it does not touch me...we feel the onslaught of time only as it is experienced by those in charge. To us it is only a discipline. Time holds no sway, has no bearing on our resolve to achieve our assigned duties."
I loved that this author showed how God uses ordinary broken people to carry out his plans here on earth. He doesn't need us, but chooses to use the most unlikely people - like those that society had given up on, for a bigger purpose. Billy was one of those misfits. No matter what storm hit Billy and tried to take him out, he chose to praise God with his entire being! Music was very special to Billy. He said, "Music has a way of filling in the missing places. It is a gift from God above, who didn't have to provide it, but he did anyway and I half think he decided life just wouldn't be as good without it...(he prayed) May God help you sing whatever song he has put on your heart to sing."
This novel even brought in characters from Chris's other books, like my favorite, June Bug. She plays a minor part in this book, but I was thrilled to read more about her in this story.
Chris pens a compelling, emotionally charged drama that gives the reader glimpse of hope in the darkness and will make them think outside the box we call the "normal" Christian life. He also defines the triumphant life differently too, "Success is not seen in the circumstances or in the pain or the good feelings. Success is sometimes just loving somebody with a love that doesn't come back the way you want it to."
Despite Billy's sorrows and challenges, he remains steady on a single course. Through the struggles and triumphs, Billy Allman chose to pursue God and walk in what God said about him. I loved what Billy said to Callie about her struggles and later applied it to himself, "...what happened to you doesn't define who you are...what happened does not have to follow you...you don't have to live in its shadow."
Thanks Chris, Almost Heaven is a compelling, thought provoking novel that gives the reader hope in what seemed like hopeless situations. Thanks also for your reminder, "you don't need your circumstances to change in order to praise God. In fact, the best place to live the Christian life and participate with God in the plan for you is right were you are!" I appreciate these words and so many others that encouraged my soul, gave me hope and touched my heart deeply.
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 4/25/2008
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"ALONG CAME A COWBOY
By Christine Lynxwiler
Published by: Barbour Publisher
303 pages
ISBN# 978-1-59789-896-6
Back Cover:
From the outside looking in, local Chiropractor Dr. Rachel Donovan seems to have it together. She's returned to her hometown of Shady Grove and runs a thriving Chiropractic practice. She's been nominated as Shady Grove's Citizen of the Year, and appointed to the committee planning the town's major centennial celebration and rodeo. Unfortunately, on the inside everything is not as it appears.
The committee duties come with baggage â€" cute, cowboy baggage to be precise. Jack Westwood is the epitome of the stereotypical cowboy; rugged, handsome and bull-headed. While he makes everyone else swoon, Rachel is determined to not get involved any more than necessary. She knows his type â€" T- R-O-U-B-L-E.
Unfortunately, the fallout from a mistake that Rachel made fifteen years ago still echoes today threatening to ruin her sterling reputation and bring the whole façade tumbling around her. She thought she had buried it deep in her past, but while she'd moved on she never really moved past that summer. Even though she knows that God has forgiven her, she's having a harder time forgiving herself.
Review:
Dr. Rachel Donovan has worked real hard to build a name for herself in Shady Grove's a town where she grew up. The people of this town voted her Citizen of the Year because she loves them and they know it. She wants to make people proud of her but how can she do that when the past is not far behind. Always overshadowing her achievements. She was the responsible child growing up, always easy going and someone you could rely on until that one summer when her world was turned upside down. One bad choice, that's all it took to be out cast and all alone. She thought she would never recover from that one decision.
Rachel cries out to God one night when she can't juggle the past and the present any longer. She asks God to listen to her just like the other times over the years. Her pain was great! ” How many times I've asked You to take this whole thing away. What am I doing wrong?” She searches her heart; it's willing but what was it? Realization hits her hard; she had to forgive herself. Sometimes that's the hardest person to forgive. She had to Stop punishing herself for what happened but how?
One of Rachel's close friends says to her one day …”Your past made you the amazing woman you are today. But you still need to embrace the future, free of shame and guilt.” Rachel wasn't fooling anyone but herself. She asked the Lord again for help she couldn't do this on her own.
Jack Westwood cowboy rodeo star the one person she has been avoiding since he has come to town. She wasn't going to get tangled up with another cowboy; it wasn't so great the last time. Rachel was determined to not let anyone close to her again but Jack Westwood is turning up every where she goes. She knows his kind but the more she runs into him she is finding out he is not like the cowboys she knows. He's real and he's not playing. “Sometimes the most amazing things are right in front of us, but we never see them.” Rachel's heart starts to feel again but her head and pride say “ No.” Can Rachel allow God to mend her broken heart? Will she continue to punish herself and be left alone and miss the opportunity to love and be loved?
Will Rachel stop hiding and embrace the love many want to give her. Can she embrace the redeeming love that will change her from the inside out. God wants all of her past and present.
This was definitely a feel good book. I totally enjoyed Rachel and her friends lives. This is a story of healing, love and restoration. Treat yourself to a good time cowboy style!
Nora St.Laurent
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
By Christine Lynxwiler
Published by: Barbour Publisher
303 pages
ISBN# 978-1-59789-896-6
Back Cover:
From the outside looking in, local Chiropractor Dr. Rachel Donovan seems to have it together. She's returned to her hometown of Shady Grove and runs a thriving Chiropractic practice. She's been nominated as Shady Grove's Citizen of the Year, and appointed to the committee planning the town's major centennial celebration and rodeo. Unfortunately, on the inside everything is not as it appears.
The committee duties come with baggage â€" cute, cowboy baggage to be precise. Jack Westwood is the epitome of the stereotypical cowboy; rugged, handsome and bull-headed. While he makes everyone else swoon, Rachel is determined to not get involved any more than necessary. She knows his type â€" T- R-O-U-B-L-E.
Unfortunately, the fallout from a mistake that Rachel made fifteen years ago still echoes today threatening to ruin her sterling reputation and bring the whole façade tumbling around her. She thought she had buried it deep in her past, but while she'd moved on she never really moved past that summer. Even though she knows that God has forgiven her, she's having a harder time forgiving herself.
Review:
Dr. Rachel Donovan has worked real hard to build a name for herself in Shady Grove's a town where she grew up. The people of this town voted her Citizen of the Year because she loves them and they know it. She wants to make people proud of her but how can she do that when the past is not far behind. Always overshadowing her achievements. She was the responsible child growing up, always easy going and someone you could rely on until that one summer when her world was turned upside down. One bad choice, that's all it took to be out cast and all alone. She thought she would never recover from that one decision.
Rachel cries out to God one night when she can't juggle the past and the present any longer. She asks God to listen to her just like the other times over the years. Her pain was great! ” How many times I've asked You to take this whole thing away. What am I doing wrong?” She searches her heart; it's willing but what was it? Realization hits her hard; she had to forgive herself. Sometimes that's the hardest person to forgive. She had to Stop punishing herself for what happened but how?
One of Rachel's close friends says to her one day …”Your past made you the amazing woman you are today. But you still need to embrace the future, free of shame and guilt.” Rachel wasn't fooling anyone but herself. She asked the Lord again for help she couldn't do this on her own.
Jack Westwood cowboy rodeo star the one person she has been avoiding since he has come to town. She wasn't going to get tangled up with another cowboy; it wasn't so great the last time. Rachel was determined to not let anyone close to her again but Jack Westwood is turning up every where she goes. She knows his kind but the more she runs into him she is finding out he is not like the cowboys she knows. He's real and he's not playing. “Sometimes the most amazing things are right in front of us, but we never see them.” Rachel's heart starts to feel again but her head and pride say “ No.” Can Rachel allow God to mend her broken heart? Will she continue to punish herself and be left alone and miss the opportunity to love and be loved?
Will Rachel stop hiding and embrace the love many want to give her. Can she embrace the redeeming love that will change her from the inside out. God wants all of her past and present.
This was definitely a feel good book. I totally enjoyed Rachel and her friends lives. This is a story of healing, love and restoration. Treat yourself to a good time cowboy style!
Nora St.Laurent
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church and What You Can do to Stop It
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
11
Author:
Book Type: Paperback
11
Review Date: 10/15/2009
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
"In the front of this book are pictures of beautiful churches in England that have been transformed. They show a church in the United Kingdom turned into a rock climbing center, one in England turned into a night club, one a restaurant and still another a theater.
The authors talk about a shift in society, “The decline of the Church has followed the plummeting spirituality of a nation that has lost its rootsâ€"its foundation. England, the country that was once a cornerstone of western Christianity, is now, by and large, a wasteland of lost souls, where the word “God” has many different definitions, with so few these days who would even think of “God” as the Creator God of the bible….Few people are aware that the same epidemic that has hit England has reach our own shores, spreading like an unstoppable virus.”
Got your attention? It did mine. Definition of “Epidemicâ€"
1. A disease or anything resembling a disease; attacking or affecting many individuals in a community or a population simultaneously.
2. Anything which takes possession of the minds of people as an epidemic does of their bodies; as, an epidemic of terror.
The authors describe this “Epidemic” and show the results of surveys done that brought them to this conclusion. It's an eye opener. There wasn't ONE major thing that was happening that would point to something they could fix but it did give areas to concentrate on.
At the end of this book is a resource you can use to help spread the love and joy of Christ and get people back in relationship with God or start in that directions anyway. Welcome to the Revolution, is the hope. What does it look like? The authors give resources to Parents and what they can do to help their children have a relationship with god and keep it. There is also a guide to help Christian Educators, Youth Pastor, and finally the Pastor,
At the end are pictures of churches throughout American that have been abandoned and being used as something else just like in England. One church used as a Historical Society, a business office, a Musical Instrument store, a Martial Arts College, and a Town Hall. The virus has hit American shores. This book gives hope, areas we can work on, and practical ways we can stop this epidemic. We are all the body of Christ called to define the word and life it. I'm glad I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
The authors talk about a shift in society, “The decline of the Church has followed the plummeting spirituality of a nation that has lost its rootsâ€"its foundation. England, the country that was once a cornerstone of western Christianity, is now, by and large, a wasteland of lost souls, where the word “God” has many different definitions, with so few these days who would even think of “God” as the Creator God of the bible….Few people are aware that the same epidemic that has hit England has reach our own shores, spreading like an unstoppable virus.”
Got your attention? It did mine. Definition of “Epidemicâ€"
1. A disease or anything resembling a disease; attacking or affecting many individuals in a community or a population simultaneously.
2. Anything which takes possession of the minds of people as an epidemic does of their bodies; as, an epidemic of terror.
The authors describe this “Epidemic” and show the results of surveys done that brought them to this conclusion. It's an eye opener. There wasn't ONE major thing that was happening that would point to something they could fix but it did give areas to concentrate on.
At the end of this book is a resource you can use to help spread the love and joy of Christ and get people back in relationship with God or start in that directions anyway. Welcome to the Revolution, is the hope. What does it look like? The authors give resources to Parents and what they can do to help their children have a relationship with god and keep it. There is also a guide to help Christian Educators, Youth Pastor, and finally the Pastor,
At the end are pictures of churches throughout American that have been abandoned and being used as something else just like in England. One church used as a Historical Society, a business office, a Musical Instrument store, a Martial Arts College, and a Town Hall. The virus has hit American shores. This book gives hope, areas we can work on, and practical ways we can stop this epidemic. We are all the body of Christ called to define the word and life it. I'm glad I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 1/18/2007
"What evangelical leaders are saying about Amazing Grace by Timothy George.
Timothy George's study is a timely presentation of God's abounding grace for sinners. The book, which is certain to be beneficial for many, is faithful to scripture, lucid in its style, and God-honoring in its treatment of the majestic doctrine of Amazing Grace."
Timothy George's study is a timely presentation of God's abounding grace for sinners. The book, which is certain to be beneficial for many, is faithful to scripture, lucid in its style, and God-honoring in its treatment of the majestic doctrine of Amazing Grace."
Review Date: 4/30/2006
"Amber Brown and Justin Daniels are best friends. They sit next to each other in school, help each other with fractions, and spelling, and always stick up for one another. But when Justin finds out that he is moving away, everything begins to change.
Danziger reaches out to a younger audience in this funny, touching slice of third-grade life, told in the voice of a feisty, lovable heronine."
Danziger reaches out to a younger audience in this funny, touching slice of third-grade life, told in the voice of a feisty, lovable heronine."
Review Date: 4/22/2008
"AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
By Laura Hayden
Published by: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN#978-1-4143-1939-1
Pages 284
Back Cover: The First Woman President?
Emily Benton wants to be the first woman president of the United States of America. She has the pedigree, the talent, and the will to succeed as a candidate. And she'll stop at nothing â€" absolutely nothing â€" to achieve her goal.
It's Kate Rosen's job to make Emily's dream a reality. Besides being Emilly's best friend, her chief of staff, and her campaign manager, Kate's most important role is as Emily's conscience. Both women entered politics to change the world, but Kate never anticipated how politics would change them. Now she's faced with the ultimate clash between her beliefs and Emily's drive to become president.
Lives are at stake, and Kate Rosen is a woman torn between her duty to God, her duty to country, and her duty to friendship. The fate of the nation, and perhaps the world, rests on what she does next…
REVIEW: I loved this quote from the book “GOLDEN RULE OF POLITICS “Do unto others as they would do unto you, but do it FIRST.” Isn't that the truth. Ha! The author states that “If Christians don't venture out into the world and work to lift it above its troubles, what good are we???” I felt the urgency of this message as I read each page.
Laura Hayden spins a heartfelt tale of a president in the making as she describes Emily Benton's race to the white house. The political race takes so many twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat reading every word. I felt like I was watching the best teams in the Super Bowl battle it out for the grand prize. Who was going to win?? It was anyone's guess. At a Super Bowl game I don't want to leave the TV for fear I would miss the excitement. I didn't want to put the book down because things changed all the time. Just when I thought a team was winning the other side would make an unexpected move!! It was intriguing.
Laura Hayden definitely made me think that America is experiencing this very issue as Hillary Clinton tries her best to seek to be the First Woman President. I felt as if I were in the middle of a virtual reality tour on the campaign trail , inside power meetings and tucked away behind closed doors. Had it not been for the Clintons first and now second time running for this high office and all its drama; I wouldn't have believed the events in this book were possible.
Emily Benton is a strong, beautiful, brilliant, calculating woman driven to win the most powerful position in the land almost any way she can. Kate; Emily's campaign manager, conscious; best friend, Christian who lives her faith in front of this presidential hopeful who doesn't share her deep convictions but respects and desires to do the right thing in the end; or does she?
I was not only cheering for Emily Benton to be elected because the author made me “feel” thru Kates' eyes; but I too felt that Emily was the BEST person for the job; it had nothing to do with her gender. As the details unfolded in the this exciting story of the political process. I saw how democracy is an amazing thing. I felt like I was watching this very operation in action and cherished its function even more as I read ”America the Beautiful” and saw the good; the bad; and the ugly.
I sympathized with Kate's agony as her faith was put to the test daily, sometimes minute by minute. Could she continue being a Christian with all this bombardment to her faith, and the way she lived her life? Running for that kind of office is tough and grueling. The closer everyone got to the actual power of the White House things began to change and the stakes became higher. Kate was learning (and so was I) that there always was legal, moral, and ethical consequences to every action we take.
Nora St Laurent
Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm.516.blogspot.com"
By Laura Hayden
Published by: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN#978-1-4143-1939-1
Pages 284
Back Cover: The First Woman President?
Emily Benton wants to be the first woman president of the United States of America. She has the pedigree, the talent, and the will to succeed as a candidate. And she'll stop at nothing â€" absolutely nothing â€" to achieve her goal.
It's Kate Rosen's job to make Emily's dream a reality. Besides being Emilly's best friend, her chief of staff, and her campaign manager, Kate's most important role is as Emily's conscience. Both women entered politics to change the world, but Kate never anticipated how politics would change them. Now she's faced with the ultimate clash between her beliefs and Emily's drive to become president.
Lives are at stake, and Kate Rosen is a woman torn between her duty to God, her duty to country, and her duty to friendship. The fate of the nation, and perhaps the world, rests on what she does next…
REVIEW: I loved this quote from the book “GOLDEN RULE OF POLITICS “Do unto others as they would do unto you, but do it FIRST.” Isn't that the truth. Ha! The author states that “If Christians don't venture out into the world and work to lift it above its troubles, what good are we???” I felt the urgency of this message as I read each page.
Laura Hayden spins a heartfelt tale of a president in the making as she describes Emily Benton's race to the white house. The political race takes so many twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat reading every word. I felt like I was watching the best teams in the Super Bowl battle it out for the grand prize. Who was going to win?? It was anyone's guess. At a Super Bowl game I don't want to leave the TV for fear I would miss the excitement. I didn't want to put the book down because things changed all the time. Just when I thought a team was winning the other side would make an unexpected move!! It was intriguing.
Laura Hayden definitely made me think that America is experiencing this very issue as Hillary Clinton tries her best to seek to be the First Woman President. I felt as if I were in the middle of a virtual reality tour on the campaign trail , inside power meetings and tucked away behind closed doors. Had it not been for the Clintons first and now second time running for this high office and all its drama; I wouldn't have believed the events in this book were possible.
Emily Benton is a strong, beautiful, brilliant, calculating woman driven to win the most powerful position in the land almost any way she can. Kate; Emily's campaign manager, conscious; best friend, Christian who lives her faith in front of this presidential hopeful who doesn't share her deep convictions but respects and desires to do the right thing in the end; or does she?
I was not only cheering for Emily Benton to be elected because the author made me “feel” thru Kates' eyes; but I too felt that Emily was the BEST person for the job; it had nothing to do with her gender. As the details unfolded in the this exciting story of the political process. I saw how democracy is an amazing thing. I felt like I was watching this very operation in action and cherished its function even more as I read ”America the Beautiful” and saw the good; the bad; and the ugly.
I sympathized with Kate's agony as her faith was put to the test daily, sometimes minute by minute. Could she continue being a Christian with all this bombardment to her faith, and the way she lived her life? Running for that kind of office is tough and grueling. The closer everyone got to the actual power of the White House things began to change and the stakes became higher. Kate was learning (and so was I) that there always was legal, moral, and ethical consequences to every action we take.
Nora St Laurent
Book Club Servant Leader
www.psalm.516.blogspot.com"
Review Date: 1/1/2007
"This is a pattern for a collar that can be worn on top of any dress or shirt. The applique angels can be put on anything. You can make a pillow out of them or applique them on a wall hanging. Use your creativity. This patter is really cute. It has the angels facing each other in a flying position. They are holding hands and smiling."
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