Audio Books

This book seemed so realistic to me at times while reading it, I almost thought I was reading a true story.

It depicts the events that occurred during the UN/US intervention in Somalia in the early '90s, some that really happened, others fictional. The writer, himself a former Marine, clearly infuses his characters with the spirit of Marines he must have known. Our involvement in Somalia was relatively short lived, and marred by mishandling of the situation by the highest levels of the US government, but the heroism of the American warriors involved is without reproach. After almost two decades of military campaigns not producing a Medal of Honor recipient, two were awarded during the battle of Mogadishu.

A surprising amount of excellent literature has emerged from what was really a minor conflict in the history of our country. If you are interested in the Somalia campaign (and even if you are not) I suggest that you read the book "Blackhawk Down" to get a picture of what happened. It is an extremely well written piece. I have also heard the book "In the Company of Heroes" highly recommended although I have not read it yet myself.

Sharkman Six, while fiction, realistically portrays the political climate, and the conditions of the Somalia action. It is a riveting read, and one of the best pieces of military fiction I have ever read. The atmosphere, dialogue, and descriptions are quite authentic. The book is exciting, funny, and sad all at once.

As an avid reader, especially interested military books, fiction and non-fiction, I reserve the five star rating, and award it sparingly, because I think the ratings should mean something. A five star award should be reserved for only the most exceptional of books. This is one of them, so do yourself a favor and check it out.

I am looking forward to more similar work by this promising author.

Having served in Somalia during Restore Hope I was immediately intrigued after reading the dust cover. Fortunately, the rest of the book exceeded my expectations. West did a fine job of developing the characters while not drudging on too much about it. The plot twists dealing with the main characters family history was almost as suspenseful as the rest of the book. I also enjoyed the way West shows the reader the psyche of the Marine Corps. West's writing style makes the book a very easy read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who either served in the Corps or is interested in books about the Corps.

Semper Fi!!

I must say I was very surprised by this book. It's actually an action book, but it's wrapped in fast realistic dialogue and it's pretty smart. I really got into the fact that the LT has doubts and relies on the SgtMaj for advice. Also that there were no real heroes except one Sgt who was flawed. I never served in Somalia but was in Afghanistan and Iraq. I have to say this nails an infantry (West's is recon) platoon right on. Semper Fi Marine!

I was very impressed by West's Four Days to Veracruz but this one may be even better. Subtle yet cutting account of modern war. Wow! This is so different from other military fiction my hat (cover) is off to Mr. West

I never served over in Somalia so I will not even try to comment on the accuracy in that respect. Being a fiction novel however, not everything is going to be as it REALLY was. I can tell you this though. I read this book while I was stationed on Schwab with 3rd Recon Battalion and this book is right on in the Marine Corps aspect. The way they talk and interact and everything is great and very accurate. Everyone has their own life and issues and all the mannerisms are there. Owen West tells a good story here, so sit back, K-bar clutched tightly in your hand and enjoy the read. Semper Fi.

My children love these books and never tire of Skippyjon and his imagination. The stories are light-hearted and fun to read in a sing-song style. My husband likes to make the accent and the kids think that is so great! I would have given the book a 5, but I don't think it is as good as the first two books in the series. However, I can say that my children enjoy the book. I would suggest buying the first book and reading it to them before reading this one.

My child and I love to read the book and listen to the CD. The author is so creative and brings to life amazing characters. We are enjoying our reading experience as well learning Spanish phrases.

My five year old is obsessed with Egypt, mummies, pharoahs, etc. It is SO HARD to find good books directed towards a child on these topics and this one fit the bill wonderfully! Even if your child is not knowledgeable on these subjects, I think this book is a GREAT way to spark their interest. Not only do children get the fun of reading a fabulous book, but a mini, age-appropriate lesson in history, as well.

All the Skippyjon Jones books are adorable. As a school librarian I recommend them all for story time! They are funny and wonderfully illustrated. The funniest little Siamese kitten you will ever meet!

I have two other skippyjon jones books, and this one doesn't disappoint! My daughter just turned 3 a month ago, and she absolutely loves these books! Sure she doesn't get the humor the way we adults do, but she finds it just as funny and enjoyable in her own way nonetheless. We sometimes read these every day, if not every other, and find that we miss them if we don't. The illustrations are just as good as the writing too! I highly recommend these, you will laugh your head off every time!

It's not often I get a chance to read a book for pleasure these days however I was sent a book a few months ago which I have only just picked up at the beginning of the month.

The book is entitled "Sound health, Sound wealth; The biology of hope and manifestation" by Dr. Luanne Oakes, PH.D. this was written for the personal development blog www.stevenaitchison.co.uk/blog

Frequency treatment CD

The book comes with a frequency treatment CD which I have pretty much played every day since I received the book. I would say the CD alone is worth the price of the book. I play it in the car, every day, on the way to meeting my clients. I have found it keeps me centered and focused on my job. I also play it when I am picking my boys up from the scouts. My eldest son has asked me to play it on the way to school as it helps him to relax, which is a huge accolade, as he is currently listening to the `Nickelback' and `Guns and Roses'CD all the time and doesn't like any of my CDs.

The book

The book resonated with me from the introduction as Luanne speaks about the power of changing your thoughts to change your life, which is of course the title of my blog. So I was grabbed straight away as I firmly believe in the power of thoughts to change your life.

The book itself is split up into eight chapters, each with a principle:

Chapter 1: The principle of resonance
Chapter 2: The principle of future memories
Chapter 3: The principle of Your Magical Diving Experiment
Chapter 4: The principle of Energetic Boundaries; The power of `No'
Chapter 5: The principle of transforming time
Chapter 6: The principle of Sound and Light, Part One; The biology of hope
Chapter 7: The principle of Sound and Light, Part Two; How to enhance your life force
Chapter 8: The principle of True wealth; Sound wealth is true wealth.

I don't want to go through all the principle above. Instead I have chosen the two that resonated with me the most and the ones which I could use in my daily life.

The principle of future memories

Luanne has introduced a new phrase `Quantum Hologram' which, as I understand it, is your own personal belief on the being, or the force which is helping you in your life. She takes great care not to bring religion into the book but it is clear that she is speaking to people form all beliefs and faiths and the Quantum Hologram is your belief in what controls the world around you including synchronicity. The Quantum Hologram sounds like something from Star Trek (The Next generation) but it is a good way to visualise the life force which helps us in life.

Your thoughts are part of that life force and ultimately you are controlling the life force which in turn helps you to create the life you want.

Luanne describes a system using `Feeling based faith' to create your future memories and is quite powerful. It is a way of connecting your feelings and mind to the Quantum Hologram to get what you most desire in life. The analogy she uses for this is `like sending an e-mail'. Luanne advises keeping a feeling based journal, describing the different feelings you have experienced throughout the day. By writing these down you are releasing the energy of them from yourself out into the open, which leaves you feeling lighter, more energetic and less burdened in order to send your own wishes out into the universe. Or

Although I didn't use a journal for the feeling based writing I tried it for a few days in my head and it does help. It's like putting a label on your feelings and then releasing them out into the open, quite powerful.

Luanne litters this chapter with stories about science and personal experiences which I found very interesting.

The principle of true wealth

I am deeply interested in prosperity and wealth and am forever clearing my thoughts and actions for the attainment of wealth and prosperity. Every day I am coming to an understanding of true wealth and what it really means and the more I understand the more I am receiving.

That's what this chapter is all about. Luanne tells a story of a homeless person by the name of Simon who taught her about true wealth through the friendship they struck up over the years.

I am slowly beginning to realise about wealth being an inner game and this book and this chapter reinforced this for me.

Luanne advises that there are certain principles to true wealth which are:

* Being in the present moment
* Being in divine flow
* Frequent experience of Compassion, Reverence, Love Peace and Joy
* The ability to forgive
* Giving without attachment
* Certainty that we are all one
* Certainty in a power greater than yourself
* Certainty that there are enough resources for all of us
* The ability to accurately assess your own and others strengths and weaknesses
* The ability to be grateful for something
* The ability to reduce the intensity for negative thoughts.

Belief is also an important part of attracting wealth into your life. If you believe you can't make money or don't deserve it you will never receive it.


Conclusion

I found the book a great read and I particularly liked the stories in the book. Although it said it is a scientific look at health and wealth there is not much science in the book that explains manifestation. I also found that Luanne was using new phrases to describe old concepts but you will recognise these straight away as trying to bring the old concepts into the minds of a newer generation.

I enjoyed the book and particularly the CD and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the `law of attraction', `Manifestation' and becoming healthy and wealthy.

This is a book for those who are searching for answers. Sound Health Sound Wealth is packed full of higher wisdom with a quantum leap into future changes we can all live with. I have bought several copies and given them to friends. Thank you to the author, Dr. Luanne Oakes.

This is a good read and more. The text sets the stage and atmosphere for understanding and give the tools to change for the better. The CD enclosed is beyond wonderful. I have used this both for humans and animals to calm and center them. I often work with TNR of feral cats, wild creatures, whether getting them ready for surgery or calming them post-op, the tones and natural sounds calm them into 'Buddha cats.' Luanne has done a fine job. I use this resource almost daily.

One of THE BEST books I've read on sound and energetic healing.... and I have a HUGE library of integrative healing books! I enjoy the CD often... especially in the evening.

This book and also the cd in the back of the book by Luanne Oakes have been a huge gift in my life.

I literally started downloading information from Source while listening to the cd . The guidance coming through to me now is Clear and Divinely Inspired. I can feel myself opening through blockages that have been in my way for years.

Thank you for sharing yourself and work with the world. We are ready and grateful to receive it.
Sanandra Black
Creator of Sea Chi Organics skin and haircare products

STAR WARS VAULT BY STEPHEN J. SANSWEET AND PETER VILMUR: Celebrating it's thirtieth anniversary this year, the Star Wars franchise is in a similar predicament to the time after the release of Return of the Jedi: no plans for future movies, apart from a continuing animated series of the Clone Wars. By the same token, fans are in the same state with little to nothing to look forward to. Thankfully, to commemorate the third decade of the blockbuster, internationally bestselling movie series, there's the Star Wars Vault: "thirty years of treasures from the Lucasfilm archives with removable memorabilia and two audio CDs.

This is not just a nicely decorated picture book in a sturdy slipcase; it's an experience, a journey that one is immediately taken one when they open up the cover. Star Wars Vault is part of the new style of picture being published, like that of 1776: The Illustrated Edition, where the book goes beyond glossy, colorful pictures and photos, but incorporates all types of media, and with the rich heritage of the Star Wars franchise which literally revolutionized the world with merchandising, Star Wars Vault is a gift that would make any fan of the series, no matter how old or how much of a fan, respect you greatly in your choice of gift.

Sansweet keeps his story short, taking up little room on the page, and leaving the evidence reproduced here in various forms to speak for itself. He begins with the fascinating tale of how the first movie, Star Wars Episode IV, barely made it to release, and with little support, until the enormous numbers of audience members proved that the studio executives were very wrong. While Sansweet spends less time on the development and release of the rest of the movies, the experience as one turns the pages and relives the history of the Star Wars empire is unlike that of any other. With unique photos, movie posters, and a plethora of pictures from around the world, there are innumerable insets and handouts of unique items like patches, stickers, collectible postcards, film cells, and even two audio CDs with a variety of different pieces ranging from the mid-eighties radio ads, to special interviews, to a recording of the song sung by Carrie Fisher for the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.

While the price for Star Wars Vault is considerable, no one will regret it when they turn the page and discover the world within. It is a book that will immediately be quickly read, the stickers and patches possibly used, and added to the shelf to be rediscovered over and over.

[...]

I bought this book for my husband. He really loves it. Its like a scrapbook collection of 30 years of Star Wars. Very neat! I was disappointed because the shipping caused the book to be dented in the corners. I know its a heavy item, but Amazon should make sure to accomodate.

My 8-year-old, who is a huge Star Wars fan, loves this book. Unfortunately, because it's so cheaply made, it fell apart shortly after he got it. The pages have completely separated from the hard cover, probably because the materials/methods used in the binding are too flimsy. For a more-than-$50 "collector's edition," the publisher should have made the book to last more than two weeks. It will cost me $85 to have it repaired.

This book is a must for every star wars fan, the presentation, the wealth of the material, and the incredible Memorabilia, plus 2 audio cd's. make this a must Own.

I highly recommend this book. It's a collector's must have. It comes with several pull out items and pictures of some things you might not see too many other places. I'm just a little concerned with how well the pockets that hold some of the pull out items will hold up over time. I feel that I have to be extra careful pulling the items out. If it wasn't for that, then I'd be giving it the full 5 stars.

I purchased this book when I began to explore Buddhism and mindfulness practices three few months ago. It was difficult reading, one chapter at a sitting, but it has taught me so much and inspired me to practice meditation almost every day since. This weekend I attended a stage-one Shambhala training on mindfulness. I credit this book for much of that. If you're looking to learn more about the application of Buddhist principles to life through meditation practice, this is excellent. If you want to learn about mindfulness/meditation but not as it relates to Buddhism, check out one of John Kabat Zinn's books.

I loved this book. A friend recommended it to me when I said i was interested in meditation. Pema Chodron has a wonderfully practical down-to-Earth way of putting things, and she has a delightful sense of humor. If interested in Buddhism, meditation, or simply learning to live more fully in the present, with all of life's trials and beauty, you will find much to inspire you in this lovely book.

My girlfriend bought me this book over the holidays, and I blew it off but finally had a chance read it from start to finish in a matter of 2 days. Pema Chodron wrote this book with clarity for everyone to understand her beliefs. I've read numerous other books pertaining to Buddhism and this one is by the far the easiest one to understand and comprehend. This book is based around the idea of being compassionate to yourself which in turn will penetrate others around you to develop some level of compassion. Chodron does an excellent job of motivating oneself to clear their mind and avoid unnecessary feelings of anger, aggression, pleasure, etc. Not only does Chodron explain the necessary steps to clear your mind, but she compliments this explanation with examples from her personal experience with students and teachers. The verbage outlined in this book is very easy to comprehend versus other Buddhist books I picked up and read. I've noticed in the past I've had to re-read certain passages quite a few times to fully understand it's meaning, but not with this book. This book motivates me to "start" working on myself, and in doing so it will encourage me to open my eyes to everyone and everything in this world.

I truly enjoyed this book as it awakened a sense of compassion for myself and others, with insight and humor Pema Chodron guided me to a state of joy, and well being. I also discovered the 59 traditional Tibetan Buddhist maxims and was able to relate them to every day life. This book reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Ariel and Shya Kane and their book Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment their short stories are inspiring and fun, and I felt a sense of ease and grace that lasted well after reading their book.

Compassion is born of the heart and served by a disciplined mind. What heals our dense energies and emotions is the capacity to embrace in our cells a sense of the seven virtues ... such as compassion. Now compassion is not allowing someone to hurt us constantly but rather it is seeing the pain in the other that provokes them to act out. And by that one can see and perceive beyond our ego's filter and into what really is going on. Often when someone hurts us it is because of their own hurt and corresponding vindictiveness to extend the pain. The Buddha once said that hate never begets hate ...only love begets hate. Detached love is still love in the agape sense ... and compassion is the key to opening the heart once more to allow this remedy to flow. It is a gift to yourself ... when you release yourself from the attachment of what you want a situation to result in. Self-love is your birthright and it is in self-love that you can experience compassion along side strong boundaries.

One of the most disreputable of Heyer's heroes but also one of the most engaging. Not much plot but the usual wonderful dialogue and eye for detail. The developing relationship between Venetia and Damerel is totally believable. Although nothing explicit as usual with Heyer their relationship is one of the most sensual and emotionally moving of any of her protagonists. One of my favourite Heyer books along with Frederica and Sylvester.

One of the most romantic Heyer novels. The hero is a man who made a mistake earlier in life which led to his expulsion from polite society. How will a respectable, intelligent, loving and kind woman respond to him? Can he move beyond bitterness and a lonely, ugly life to find love?

You know the answer! You'll love Venetia, a book which features Heyer's least respectable hero and a heroine with a huge heart.

I have'nt finish it but it's beautifully written so far. very sweet story. hate her two suitors, lol.

Though I've heard nothing but praise for Georgette Heyer, I was very reluctant to read her novels, foolishly thinking that they would be old-fashioned and/or boring. How wrong I was! As far as romance goes, one will be hard-pressed to find a more perfect book than this one, well written and researched, and full of interesting, likeable characters. The sizzling chemistry between rakish Lord Damerel and the innocent, yet smart Venetia puts to shame any modern romance writer, without resorting to cheap tricks like using sex to 'spice up' or 'enliven' their relationship. Damerel and Venetia's love goes far beyond mere attraction, and is both believable and charmingly romantic. Unlike some modern 'romances' in which you are left wondering what the hero saw in the heroine (or vice-versa), there's no doubt here that these two people are perfectly well-suited for each other and will be very happy together. A definite must read for Jane Austen fans, and any person who enjoys historical fiction, regardless of the genre!

Wonderful Regency England romance novel.

What sets a Heyer book apart from more modern romances, is Heyer is able to craft a romance story without even resorting "into the bedroom". She is able to create incredible sexual tension between the characters, with nothing more than a kiss being exchanged between the hero and heroine.

In Venetia, we come across a lively and very likeable heroine named, what else, Venetia! She is engaging and cheerful, never one to complain about one's circumstances. In this case, she is confirmed "on the shelf" at the age of 25, looking after a younger brother while her other brother has his adventures in the Army in Europe. She has spent her entire life in the countryside of York on her family's estate, content to overseeing her home and finding adventures only in the books she reads.

When one day, Venetia encounters the hero Lord Damerel, a libertine and notorious rake, at his estate and her life is never the same. Damerel is cynical and hardened at 38, a confirmed bachelor who's lifestyle of decadence and extravagence has made him a social outcast among the ton. After his encounter with innocent Venetia, he decides to stay for a time in the country to seduce her (what else would a rake do?lol), but in turn becomes seduced himself by Venetia's wit, charm, and intelligence and inevitably falls in love with her.

If this is your first foray into Heyer territory, I would definitely recommend Venetia to start your journey.=)

This book has been a blessing to me. Andy has skillfully used the life of Nehemiah and has interwoven his own leadership experiences, while staying through to the Scriptures.

Every visionary needs to read this book. Every pastor needs to read this book. Everyone who is involved in ministry at some level needs to read this book. Buy and eat this volume, for you will find it sweet to the taste and satisfying to the stomach.

Most leadership books focus on a specific portion of leadership (i.e. competency or character, method or motive, personal or public, etc.) In so doing these books almost guarantee enthusiastic support from like minded persons and criticism from others.

VISIONEERING is more balanced than most. The book's subtitle is very accurate. "God's blueprint for developing and maintaining personal vision." This book is based on Scripture and attempts to follow God's definition of leadership. This book is extremely practical in offering advice on developing and maintaining vision. This book delves deeply into the personal character of the leader. This book offers concrete guides for a vision that yields public impact. In short, this book may not go as deeply as any one person may like, but everyone should accept it. More importantly, every Christian leader should be stretched by it.

SUGGESTION: Because of its balance and ability to stretch people this is the probably the next book I will take our entire church leadership team through. If you are looking for a book to offer to your leaders, this is a good one. I suggest that each pastor buy a copy of this book for board members and take them through it as a small group discussion guide. It will help the board members understand the pastor, support the pastor better, and will also make the board members better leaders in their own ministries.

If you have ever had a dream, a vision that God has placed in front of you and did not know what to do with it, you need this book. As I started reading, it felt that Andy Stanley was writing to me personally. God has place within my heart a vision but I was at a loss as to how to put steel and concrete on it. Andy took the story of Jeremiah and applied it so that it would fit whoever and whatever God has placed within you.
Fantastic book I refer to almost weekly.
I have to be honest and admit that I thought to myself, "What has this young preacher got to say that will help me, a veteran of 43 years of preaching?" I was blessed, he had much to say and kept it all Biblical!

In contrast to many books on leadership, even those written by Christian leaders, Andy Stanley manages to draw out over a dozen key principles from the story of Nehemiah's journey in leading the people of Israel to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. I have appreciated some of those more secular leadership books, including Stanley's "Next Generation Leader," as I have tried to development my own skills, but I found his biblical approach here to be refreshing.

I used the audiocassette version of this book, which was read by Andy Stanley and presumably significantly abridged. So, I cannot attest to the entire text of the book. However, even in bulleted form with the key points highlighted in the audio version, there was much wisdom to glean from Stanley's analysis of Nehemiah.

I highly recommend this leadership book, particularly for leaders within the church, and I look forward to listening to it again!!

Few authors have the skill of presenting biblical truth in such practical dress! Andy Stanley has hit a home run. I have read this book twice, a year apart, and have catalogued over 30 cross-referenced topics from its pages.

From the Old Testament Book of Nehemiah, Stanley propounds 20 building blocks for discovering, articulating, and growing vision in personal life. The book has 18 projects, one following each chapter, most of which were personally helpful.

While being a Bible based book, this work has direct practical application that will fit nearly any kind of vision in any field. It moves to that rare highest category in my library: a five star must read!

I love Max Lucado. His writings inspire me to be a better person. You can't go wrong with anything he writes be it children's books or adult books.

Lucado does it again. He takes a topic that is often deeply unsettling for many- the end. When Christ comes. And he takes all our worries and uncertanties gently, understandingly and reassures each one. Things that I've been afraid to admit as a Christian such as being worried about being disappointed when Christ comes (hard to explain until you read the book, but an example would be an expectant mother being disappointed because she wants to raise her baby) ...these things we don't want to admit, Lucado understands. He affirms our feelings. However, he also has a way of turning them around and reminding us of Christ's love. Trust Him.

A fantastic read.

Max helps prepare the soul for the coming of Jesus Christ. Not deep theologically, but it is still worth the reading. Very encouraging!

Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors. As a fairly young Christian, I find his books easy to read and understand. His books are written in my language.

"When Christ Comes" is a book every Christian with questions about heaven should read. I read it with my husband as a devotional...it's that good. Somehow it seems that when we think of the end times, we always think of all the bad things that are going to happen and forget about the wonders of heaven. After reading this book, I am VERY excited for heaven...even more than I was before! The content in this book is suitable for new and mature Christians alike! I gave this book to my friend after she first accepted Christ and she LOVED it!

I highly recommend this book to anyone!

I fight monstrous spiritual battles with fear in my daily life with perpetually unanswered questions and unsatisfying answers to them. It is fear of death and the end of the world that puts my heart, mind and spirit into this tailspin. I have searched high and low in all places I dared to approach for musings and discussion about the end of the world, including the Mayan (read: pagan) calendar, controversial prophecies involving the papacy, the fictitious Bible code...you name it, I explored it, and came up with few answers to many of my worries.

Whether I stumbled upon Lucado's book or God led me to the one copy of it in my local bookstore, I don't know. All I know is that, through all that apocalyptic hype and static noise, Lucado drew me to the POINT, that Christ is returning to reclaim His church, to rescue us from the increasing entropy and chaos in this world around us. The POINT is not the pain and suffering we may go through to get there - that's not for us, His chosen ones. It's revenge. It's justice. Whether we live through it (the Tribulation) or not, is not the point. The point is what we do with the time we are given NOW, and searching through non-believers' theories and could-be, half-true prophecies is a huge WASTE of that time. We must keep our eyes on Him through the storms that are to come, and wait patiently for the calm, sweeping as many souls along with us as possible, so they can know His glory and rewards as well.

The only helpful and comforting piece of the truth (aside from the Bible itself) I've come across, and I've looked almost everywhere.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I finished it in 2 evenings and was eager to get the next book in the series. I'm looking forward to reading all of her books. It's nice to find good Christian reading.

This second book of Abram's Daughter series is another excellent continuation of the first book The Covenant, where Sadie birthed a child telling no one.

In this book, Sadie is still extremely depressed and does not want to be one of the Amish people. Leah her younger sister, as well as Lizzie, their aunt, have kept her secret.

Leah is in love with Jonas, much more than she ever could be with Gideon, the Smithy's son. With Jonas having a job in Ohio as an apprentice, they are far apart and Leah looks forward to his letters every day. Jonas wants Leah to come up there with him for the last of his time before they marry, but knowing Sadie needs to get away, she sends her instead to help the Amish people there. Leah helps Sadie get away in secret, and once her parents find out, they are very upset of course. It is then that Leah knows she must unburden her heart, and not keep Sadie's secret any longer before her own baptism vows before the People. Once she tells the bishop and her parents what really went on with Sadie, there is the threat of the shunning for Sadie if she doesn't return home to make her own confessions. Sadie does not want to do this. And once Sadie knows that her sister spilled the beans, she is very very angry with her for awhile.

There is a secret of Lizzie's that applies to Leah as well from a long time ago. Her parents have kept it all this time and have never ever told Leah knowing it would hurt her deeply. Abram tells Jonas what it is, and says he plans to tell Leah soon and that she needs to know now. But he can't bring himself to tell even after he says he will, knowing the terrible pain it would cause Leah and that she might not accept it.

Mary Ruth and Hannah are quickly growing up and coming of age. Mary Ruth is in love with books, and she goes to the library and hides them away until she is found out. Reading books other than the bible in the Amish community is a big wordly sin, and therefore absolutely not allowed. Mary Ruth has ambitions of becoming a teacher though, and I look for her to pursue her dreams. Hannah is always afraid that Mary Ruth will go off and leave her alone. Since the two are twins, they are so very close to one another.

These books are hard to lay down, and I look forward to the next one, The Sacrifice.

It was a very fascinating read. The plot revolves around the Abram's family; a close Amish family living in the Amish community with the primary focus being on the second daughter Leah but hardly neglecting the other characters.

Most of the contemporary fiction out there based on Amish life portray them as simplistic and idyllic. While I somewhat do accept the former, the latter didnt always strike me as sincere and this book does a fantastic job of seeming as near to human truth as possible.

Life is far from perfect; sunshine, fertile gardens, bonnets, buggy carts are great on a postcard or in a Thomas Kincade painting.

Instead, people make mistakes, families get hurt, relationships are broken, forgiveness, healing and redemption are needed as badly as the next breath.

The writer who is very popular in this genre explores sin and it's far reaching effects and she does so with a graceful boldness.

I love how it ends when Leah comes to the most important realization of all. Aint that the Truth?

I hope to read the other books in this series.

All of her books are good ,no matter which one you start with.This one was up to par and gave a good read.I wont tell the story but you be sure to read it ok.Nadia Rehmani

The secret eats her!

Can the silent be baptized?

Jonah's jealousy!

The Bible. It can be confusing, and hard to read because the language. I just cannot read a King James version with ease, it is like reading Shakespeare. This is a very easy to read version. I like the simplicity. I am sure Bible scholars will find points they don't agree with, but for this guy I like this book. It even uses the word stupid in Proverbs.

The hardcover is great, I wore out my last "The Book" with the softcover, and this one is very nice. It opened fully even brand new.

I highly recommend "The Book" to any serious or casual student of the Bible. "The Book" IS the Bible. I have used my copy for years, often giving copies of it as gifts. "The Book" uses modern expressions, patterns, and speech idioms that make the books of the Old and New Testaments more easily understood. Particularly helpful are the introductions to each book of the Testaments, where the author, date, content, and theme of each is provided. Additionally, it references parts of the Bible that deal with specific life concerns, such as fear, anger, frustration, pain, guilt, patience, and healing. Also, I would recommend the hard-cover edition which is much more durable than the soft-cover option.

Broken down to simple terms that anyone can understand. If you have a hard time understanding the King James version, "The Book" is the one for you. I bought 2 of them and so glad I did!

This is a great book to have to understand your Bible more clearly as it speaks in terms we all can understand. The Book came to me in great shape and was very timely! Thanks!

I have been attempting to read the Bible straight through for the last year (Christmas 06' to Christmas 07'). Though I already have what I precieve to be a very well translated version a friend has been encouraging me to read this version... Well as a Christmas gift, he decided to buy me "The Book", and when I started reading it I could not put it down! There are no reasons to second guess whether or not you clearly understand what is supposed to be learned, it's there plain and simple! Get this as an "easy to read" companion to your traditional Bible... then as my friend did, pass it on. In fact I'm buying one for a co worker today! Spread the Good News!!!!