Rebecca Books

In our quest for a deeper and more personal relationship with God, others' writings can often trigger just the connection that helps us grow in understanding and devotion. Rebecca Jordan has gleaned gems of wisdom from profound writers of the faith in this sensitive, beautifully written devotional. Like her other books, it's a lovely gift--perfect for a friend. I highly recommend it!

In 40 DAYS IN GOD'S BLESSING, a stand-alone follow-up to Rebecca Barlow Jordan's 40 DAYS IN GOD'S PRESENCE, readers will find accessible devotions suitable for weekly or daily quiet times.

Barlow Jordan mines the work of bestselling evangelical writers such as Max Lucado, Rick Warren, John Eldredge, Oswald Chambers and A.W. Tozer (with some surprise quotes by writers such as Eugenia Price) as she creates her devotions. Most readings include several personal and in-the-news type anecdotes, a retelling of a biblical story, and a take-away for the reader. Barlow Jordan's warm, personal style gives her devotions the feel of a short motivational pep talk.

Those familiar with Barlow Jordan's previous book, 40 DAYS IN GOD'S PRESENCE, will find the format comfortably familiar. At the end of each four- to five-page devotion is a "Personal Truth" that wraps up the point of the devotion, usually summed up in a single sentence ("Prayer changes the pray-er"). This is followed by a "Personal Prayer" that the reader is invited to pray to apply the devotional truth. ("Lord, I want to get to know you better. May I never stop depending on you. Change my prayer --- and my heart --- that it might reflect yours." ) Jordan follows this with a "Personal Question" for reflection, which lends itself to a time of self-examination or journaling a response. ("What has God taught you about himself through prayer?")

One of the best devotional essays explores what it means to give unselfishly. "This principle applies not just to financial blessings but to any way that God has blessed us. Blessings are to be shared, not hoarded." Barlow Jordan ends the devotion with a deeply moving story about Mother Teresa. The nun takes rice to a needy mother and her eight children, and the destitute mother promptly divides the rice into two portions to share with her hungry neighbors. "Those who are truly generous see the needs of others," writes Barlow Jordan. In another devotional essay, a motivational story about a couple's love for a severely disabled boy and his subsequent musical talent will leave readers reaching for the Kleenex.

Barlow Jordan makes many good points. One devotion titled "Intentional Kindness" reminds us that good works come about from our faith --- we shouldn't do them as a condition of earning God's favor. Another, "It's All About Him," is seemingly intentionally Lucado-esque in its emphasis on the leadership of God, and a reminder of who we should look to as we strive to do our best. Another devotion, "Breathing Lessons," offers a terrific quote from author Madeleine L'Engle in which she says that creativity requires "being time," or listening to the voice of God for inspiration.

The author laudably tackles some lesser-known biblical characters in her essays, such as Nehemiah, Jehosaphat, Uzziah, Barak and Jael. But, as in the previous book, Barlow Jordan still can't resist the occasional cutesy rhyming phrase ("His inspiration often brings us perspiration;" "Simplicity is not a fad-i-tude, but an attitude") that will appeal to some readers and turn off others. It is also unclear whether some of the anecdotes are fictional or true-to-life (Reverend Smith, the missionary who lost his son).

This is a nice devotional for Christians who enjoy short, scripture-based devotions with personal applications, presented in an invitational format.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

ÿBy unlocking a treasure chest of Scriptural truths, gifted author Rebecca Barlow Jordan proves that life overflows with blessings too numerous to count. But you'll want to count them, savor them, and thank God for His lavish gifts. Though 40 Days in God's Blessings is an exciting start, Jordan equips you to discover blessings for a lifetime, even in unexpected places!
--Lynn D. Morrissey, CLASS/AWSA speaker and author of Love Letters to God: Deeper Intimacy through Written Prayer

Rebecca has a knack for leading us into scripture and discovering its everyday lessons. By structuring her book around a forty-day spiritual emphasis, she honors the Biblical number of a significant journey as she helps nudge readers closer to the heart of God. I found several chapters worth re-reading, including that for Day 11 on my favorite topic, encouragement, as demonstrated by the life of Barnabas and the loving persistence of a foster mother to a disabled child. The book abounds with encouraging, challenging examples of people who drew nearer to God. Each chapter takes about five minutes to read, but provides thought to reflect on through the whole day. This is not a "quickie" devotional book, but one for those who truly want to be changed "from glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18).

This beautiful devotional book is perfect as a study during the Lenten period, when those who love God seek to know and love Him better. I highly recommend it--for any time of year!

Need to jumpstart your New Year's resolution to spend more devotional time with God? Although it's designed to be picked up anytime (not just the New Year), Rebecca Barlow Jordan's 40 DAYS IN GOD'S PRESENCE: A Devotional Encounter might be a good place to begin.

If you're a reader who likes structure, these devotions will be your cup of tea. Each devotional reading follows the same format. First, Jordan chooses a biblical character or event to center the devotion on. In "The God of Visual Lessons," the reader learns about God's control and design for the world and his ability to speak through object lessons as she tells the story of the prophet Jeremiah watching a potter and his wheel. Sometimes, she weaves in a contemporary story, as when she writes of Caleb urging the Israelites to face the giants, and then tells of a young woman overcoming the "giants" of multiple physical handicaps. Jordan sometimes adds personal anecdotes, although they can be a little vague (she alludes to a rocky time in her marriage, but doesn't get more specific than this). Her tone is consistently conversational, warm and friendly.

One of the most heartfelt devotions centers on the term of endearment "Abba," with which we are invited to address our heavenly father. Jordan deftly weaves both biblical context for the usage and contemporary story together to give the reader a new appreciation of the love God has for his children.

Another, centered on Job, may inspire some discussion over her final conclusion that "Sometimes in the presence of God, silence may well be the best policy," which is a little confusing and perhaps debatable. It might be argued that there's nothing wrong with asking God hard questions (as David did in the Psalms) as long as we recognize we may never have answers in this life that we understand. (God knows our questions anyway!) Perhaps the key point she makes is that we can always approach God and find grace for our circumstances. A good reminder.

At the end of each four to five page devotion is a "Personal Truth" that neatly summarizes the point of the devotion, followed by a "Personal Prayer" that the reader is invited to pray to apply the devotional truth. Then Jordan asks a "Personal Question" designed for reflection. "When was the last time you had a true God encounter? Is there someone God wants you to speak to, or something for which you need to take a stand? When do you most enjoy God?"

New Christians or those unfamiliar with the Bible will find that Jordan usually does a good job giving background on her characters or events, although sometimes the reader will need to do some additional reading for context (in one devotion, for example, the Sermon on the Mount is referenced but not explained).

Unfortunately, the temptation to use cute sayings crops up, which may put off more serious readers ("When it rains, it pours. But when he reigns, the Son shines" or about Bathsheba: "her pregnancy test turned up pink. But David suddenly didn't feel in the pink.") She also cites some examples that need endnotes (such as the woman who left her toddler in the car, or the twin volleyball players). However, many of the writers quoted and referenced by Jordan are well-chosen (Brother Lawrence, Richard Foster, Oswald Chambers) and many readers will appreciate her cheerful, upbeat tone.

Christians looking for short, scripture-based devotions with personal applications will enjoy this volume. Those who find it helpful will be able to follow it in July 2006 with Jordan's 40 DAYS IN GOD'S BLESSING.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby.

Sometimes in reading the Bible, we forget that its real stories of real people stretch across the centuries to our daily lives. The stresses and growing-places of Bible-time people are also ours and show how we should live before God today. As Rebecca Barlow Jordan re-creates each Bible story, she invites us to seek more of God's presence in our own lives. Don't be misled by the brevity (four pages) of each devotional guide. Taken a day at a time, thought-through and prayed-over, this book can be a life-changer.

I had to stop on the second day of my 40 journey with Rebecca Barlow Jordan to praise this beautiful book. I must confess I've become so entrenched that I've continued reading well past day two. She has an easy style that draws you with a desire to know more. With this insightful perspective of God's presence in my life, I have been reminded that He is as close as the air I breathe.
Thank you for a fresh encounter with our living Lord.

Arrived on time in great condition (older edition, but couldn't find any wear!) Almost identical to 10th Edition so worked perfectly for my health class. Great low price. Thanks!

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the Dantes Health exam. It's well worth its cost, if you want/need a high passing score.

I just completed a health class and this was the textbook we used. I learned so much from using this book. This book is precise and to the point. It provides you with colorful pictures, charts, and definitions that's superb. It provides great information on Weight Management, Cancer, Heart Disease, Illicit Drugs, and Alchohol.

No health class should go with out this book. This is defintely a great teaching tool for those that are taking a health class, or simply a great reference guide. I give this book five stars.

The 1999 Edition of Access to Health by Donatelle and Davis is excellent! User friendly writing style, colors, charts, references, and a comprehensive collection of chapters that cover all the key personal health related topics. From human sexuality to societal violence, the text covers all the bases. The authors have worked hard to bring this Edition up to date with the most current health research references/topics. I strongly recommend considering adoption for any introductory personal health course.

Arrived on time in great condition (older edition, but couldn't find any wear!) Almost identical to 10th Edition so worked perfectly for my health class. Great low price. Thanks!

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the Dantes Health exam. It's well worth its cost, if you want/need a high passing score.

I just completed a health class and this was the textbook we used. I learned so much from using this book. This book is precise and to the point. It provides you with colorful pictures, charts, and definitions that's superb. It provides great information on Weight Management, Cancer, Heart Disease, Illicit Drugs, and Alchohol.

No health class should go with out this book. This is defintely a great teaching tool for those that are taking a health class, or simply a great reference guide. I give this book five stars.

The 1999 Edition of Access to Health by Donatelle and Davis is excellent! User friendly writing style, colors, charts, references, and a comprehensive collection of chapters that cover all the key personal health related topics. From human sexuality to societal violence, the text covers all the bases. The authors have worked hard to bring this Edition up to date with the most current health research references/topics. I strongly recommend considering adoption for any introductory personal health course.

Arrived on time in great condition (older edition, but couldn't find any wear!) Almost identical to 10th Edition so worked perfectly for my health class. Great low price. Thanks!

This book covers everything you need to know to pass the Dantes Health exam. It's well worth its cost, if you want/need a high passing score.

I just completed a health class and this was the textbook we used. I learned so much from using this book. This book is precise and to the point. It provides you with colorful pictures, charts, and definitions that's superb. It provides great information on Weight Management, Cancer, Heart Disease, Illicit Drugs, and Alchohol.

No health class should go with out this book. This is defintely a great teaching tool for those that are taking a health class, or simply a great reference guide. I give this book five stars.

The 1999 Edition of Access to Health by Donatelle and Davis is excellent! User friendly writing style, colors, charts, references, and a comprehensive collection of chapters that cover all the key personal health related topics. From human sexuality to societal violence, the text covers all the bases. The authors have worked hard to bring this Edition up to date with the most current health research references/topics. I strongly recommend considering adoption for any introductory personal health course.

This gorgeous novel reflects many of the ideas found in "A Room Of One's Own" by Virginia Woolf, with whom Vita had a famous affair. After the death of her husband, the Earl of Slane, Lady Slane shocks her staid family by asserting her own will, leaving the house she kept with her husband, and settling into a small house in the countryside. Finally after seventy years, Lady Slane is determined to live as she chooses, with a life full of contemplation, dreams, and memories. She reflects on her lost ambition to be a painter, but knows that the life she lived was not without merit or value. She finds passion in the freedom to choose, and this gift she bequeaths to the one member of her family who understands its importance.

This curiously overlooked novel was revived by a Masterpiece Theater production starring Dame Wendy Hiller, which like this novel was superb. The gentle story of an elderly woman's retirement while her forceful children squabble over unimportant matters is at once comic and poignant. The author has peppered the tale with curious, memorable characters, among them the eccentric art collector who is allowed to eat in portrait galleries because museums hope he will donate to them when he dies; the benign landlord Bucktrout, who sees Lady Slain's desire for peace at home; and the coffin maker who pictures people dead to reveal their true characters. This fine little masterpiece deserves to be read today.

I meandered my way to this book through Sarah Ban Breathnach's treasure of self-excavation, Simple Abundance. I had read Anne Morrow Lindbergh because of her recommendation too. AML & Charles Lindbergh were good friends with Vita Sackville-West & her husband, Nigel Nicholson. So I finally got around to Vita Sackville-West & this book. It was so moving, wonderful, unforgettable, that I will reread it. I laughed & cried. I will try to find older copies of this to give away to dear friends, old & new. It's one of those books. I'm 41 & have sacrificed much for the men & children in my life that I nonetheless love so dearly. This book helped me bring those feelings of ambivalence into focus. It also helped me realize I'm relatively young & still have time to live the life I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. Maybe this "child-bearing years" thing was just a detour.

How effortlessly Ms. Sackville-West spins her surprisingly moving story of an aging aristocrat who, near the end of her life, decides to do those things she could never do before as she sublimated herself to her strong, successful and controlling husband. This classic British diplomat, who expected to be obeyed because such were the times, was, after all, so much more important than she was and what an interesting life she had in his shadow, didn't she - so conscientious and such a good wife and mother. What she does when he dies, how she perceives her existence and her place in her family - and how they respond - will catch you up in its wake and carry you to the ending, which is perfect and thus bittersweet. I found this a memorable novella.

I wish I had found this book sooner. My two year old
will sit and look at this one by himself for much longer
than he does any other book. All about transportation and all the ways we can get around from a taxi to a trolley. The illustrations are so good! Chunky and bold and kid-friendly. There are few words on the pages, which is nice for this age, and the language is simple fun:
"Ready to go? Let's go by golly! On a taxi. On a trolley."
My son giggles when I read that part.

Can't go wrong with this one.

Each time we read this book with a 2 year old girl who visits our library in a wheelchair she smiles. She points. Smiles again. She sees herself among, and in between subways, planes and trains. Finally, a simple, bright, colorful book that includes a wheelchair so easily as part of the text simply because it is the way many children must move to get from place to place.

This has to be one of the best, most colorful books about cars
and other forms of transportation for toddlers. I have two boys, ages 18 mos and 3 yrs. I can read this over and over and over again. At night when a sleepy dad is tired, it's also an easy, quick read before bed. I bought one for my nephew's 2nd birthday, and they say it's become a favorite of his too.
We especially like the cable car page. Go, go, go! My youngest one says. A great addition to our collection of books.

This book is fun to read and leaves lots of opportunity for discussion while reading. The illustrations are great. Best of all, even with a toddler's propensity to request that I read the book over and over and over again, I don't tire of this one.

Baby Boot Camp is a great daily devotional for moms of newborns. It is full of humor, godly wisdom and encouragement for new and experienced moms. This book is a must for every lady as she begins the journey of motherhood. Rebecca Powell is a gifted writer!

I encourage every new mother to read this book. The daily devotions are filled with encouragement, humor and wisdom. Having a baby is a wonderful yet exhausting experience. The first six weeks of motherhood is literally Boot Camp! What a wonderful concept. I was amazed to see how each day related to exactly what I was going through. Some days I laughed, some days I cried, but every day I was thankful to know that someone had completed Boot Camp before me and that yes, it can be done.

If you are a new or soon to be new mom, this is for YOU. If I had only had "Baby Boot Camp" when we brought home our little bundle of joy, things would have been simpler. Reading this inspired book will not only give you information you need, but it will also lift your spirit.

Baby Boot Camp had such encouraging words for me physically, mentally, and spiritually. With Rebecca's personal testimonies I felt like I was laughing and crying right along with her. She also reminded me every day of the first six weeks with my newborn baby who I should depend on to help me get through each day, Jesus Christ. I feel so blessed to have had Baby Boot Camp for the beginning of my journey into motherhood. I have also enjoyed reading back through it as my newborn turns into a toddler. Very Inspiring!

A most enjoyable read. You slip rignt into the heroine's shoes for the whole book. She's non-traditional--a vet and motorcycle enthusiast. I had to look on Danelli on the web to see if the company really existed; it was so believable and beautifully done.

TWIN BRIDES - Here come the ... grooms! (Book One of Two)

Description from the book back cover:

High society bride ... Nicco Tescotti is drop-dead gorgeous, but this eligible prince needs to marry for duty, and he still hasn't found a suitable wife. So he decides to buy a bride - only his wedding ultimatum unexpectedly produces two potential candidates - and they're twin sisters! Who will Nicco be marching up the aisle? Callie Lassiter has flown to Italy to meet her groom-to-be with no intention of going through with the ceremony - until she meets Nicco himself! Now there's only one question in Callie's mind: is she a bride fit for a prince?

(The sequel to this book is RUSH TO THE ALTAR by Rebecca Winters)

A most enjoyable read. I can see why it won awards. You slip rignt into the heroine's shoes for the whole book. She's non-traditional--a vet and motorcycle enthusiast. I had to look on Danelli on the web to see if the company really existed; it was so believable and beautifully done.

I'm in daily e-mail contact with all or most of the Harlequin Dreamers and we, to a girl, agree that the absolute worst kind of book is the arranged marriage romance novel. Especially the kind where the heroine is somehow forced to wed an overbearing bully of a man. We believe these are written for women in abusive relationships who fantasize about someday reforming the devil they've been enslaved to, knowing in their heart of hearts they never will. Romances are fun, enjoyable and thrilling reads when done right and thankfully they usually are. That said, I was prepared not to like this book, but Ms. Winters put a new twist on the arranged marriage bit that managed to overcome my prejudice. I'm bursting with the desire to tell you what it is, but then I'm afraid that you wouldn't seek out this really good story.

I will say, however, that it's about two twins, Callie who is responsible, Ann who is not. Ann sets herself up so she is forced to marry a handsome prince, but because she's been given a big brake in the movie biz, she talks Callie into going in her place and then this story takes off. Yes it was completely and totally unbelievable from the get go, but I loved it. Silly me, go figure. But there you have it, an arranged marriage romance that isn't trash. Five big stars from Mika for this one.

Dr. Bruno Walter (1876-1962) was born to an upper middle class home in Berlin. He was a child prodigy composing and conducting with such ensembles as the Berlin Symphony. Walter became the assistant to the genius Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) winning the admiration of the prickly man of music.
Walter's music room was all of Europe and the great concert halls and recording studios heard his majestic music making in operas, symphonies and chamber music. He composed until 1910
forsaking creative compositon to become a peerless conductor of
works by Mahler; Beethoven;Brahms; Bruckner; Wagner; Verdi and
the other gods in music's pantheon.
Walter had seen and experienced tragedy. His younger daughter
Greta was murdered by her husband; he lost his homeland as the
Nazis conquered Austria and expelled him and other Jewish geniuses from the Reich; he had extramarital affairs but was a
decent, honorable and serious man. Walter loved literature becoming friendly with Thomas Mann the great novelists; he enjoyed reading, writing on music and was a strong but understanding conductor. He and Toscanini were friends.
This is a book for those who are familiar with classical music .
The book is very detailed and one almost feels like he/she
has seen a review of every concert conducted by Walter!
While this can become tedious to the general reader the overall
effect is one of respect for Walter.
In a time when classical music is a minority taste
the co-authors have done their homework producing a well written
and researched biograpy of Dr. Walter.

To say that the book "Bruno Walter: A World Elsewhere" is both a godsend and a delight would be an understatement-I cannot say enough good about this work. "A World Elsewhere" is a detailed and concise look at the conductors' life and career from birth until death-and in English.(My definite language of choice) It offers a style that is smooth and a pleasure to read and obviously involved alot of meticulous research. I have been an admirer of Bruno Walter for many years, and this biography is the perfect companion to my collection of Walters'recordings.It is an even-handed, multi-faceted depiction of the conductors' experiences. In reading "A World Elsewhere", I have learned much about the man that has enabled me to understand his life better; although the book does not go into alot of detail about Bruno Walters' connection with Anthroposophy, it has still inspired me to investigate this movement further. "A World Elsewhere" is a definite "must read" for anyone who admired Bruno Walter- a great conductor whose involvement with music touched and enriched many people's lives, and still does today.

Doug Rea

Finally, a full-length biography of Bruno Walter in English that devotees of his work can savor. Walter was widely recognized in his time as one of the master conductors, but his lack of flashiness, and sometimes fake air of saintliness, are off-putting to our star-obsessed age, so he hasn't received the recognition he deserves. SONY is sitting on a large back-catalog of important mono recordings by him that may never see the light of digital distribution -- or perhaps the imminent changes in music distribution wrought by the internet will eventually make it all available. Meanwhile, this very well-done, comprehensive biography will have to do. My biggest complaint is the lack of a complete discography as an appendix to the book - referring people to websites won't cut it yet, as too many folks still don't have regular internet access. Apart from that failing, this is a model of what an arts biography should be, a well-researched life, a serious consideration of issues of personal performing style, and decent pictures.

I probably qualify as a representative of the tribe of general readers, being mostly an interested amateur in what this book covers. As such, I found "Bruno Walter: a World Elsewhere" a very satisfying window into an era of music (and my childhood) that I was heretofore only vaguely aware of. In other words, it helped me fit together and fill out a picture of the musical and political and social history of the twentieth century, and that alone made it worthwhile.

But aside from that, it was simply great fun to read personal vignettes about so many eminent musicians, composers, conductors, and others. I found the book entertaining reading too, I mean to say--a dandy thing, in the summer (or any other time as well)!

While I may be an amateur as far as the contents of the biography go, I am also a professor and teacher of writing, and it was gratifying to find a biography written so smoothly that reading it was a pleasure, which is by no means the rule in scholarly biographies. There are notes and indeces aplenty for the scholars, but these should not dissuade the general reader--they do not get in the way in the least.

Add to this the fact that the volume is a handsomely designed one, with splendid pictures and an attractive typeface, and you have a book truly worth owning--or giving, for that matter.