Hearts Books

This book gives you a great set of guidelines on how to get ready for and start a relationship with potential for the long term. It also helps put in perspective how to view the downsides of dating.

In addition, the example stories help bring home the lessons. It's a great guidebook for dating right.

Amy's Take Heart gives encouragement and solace to those out there who are scared and lacking self confidence because of previous relationships.
The book is an easy read and I couldn't put the book down until I read it from cover to cover.

Amy Owens cuts straight to the chase with her refreshing, no-nonsense approach to dating and relationships. The exercises in the book encourage you to delve deep into your heart and mind, resulting in honest answers to some of the most common questions facing singles today.

By completing her lessons, I was able to better define some of the difficulties encountered in past relationships, and how to avoid similar situations in future relationships. Thank you, Amy, for opening my eyes to all the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead!

This book is a MUST read for anyone newly single. I wish so much I would have known about it several years before I did. I know it would have helped me in my dating relationships - especially the chapter on pacing relationships. I didn't fully appreciate the importance of developing a relationship in the progressive manner suggested in Amy Owens' book. After reading the book, it made sense why some of my relationships were not successful. I can definitely see now why it is such a necessity to go through the various stages and the importance of communicating that to your partner. I would highly recommend this book and have, in fact, given several copies to my newly single friends as a show of support - passing on what I wish I would have known sooner. It definitely contains great, practical advice - even for those of us who had been single for awhile before they learned about the book. Definitely a good buy!

One of my goals in life is to continually improve myself as a person. Every once in a while, I find a philosophy, concept, or book that greatly enhances my improvement process. Amy's book does this for me. Unlike many self-help books that belabor a subject, Amy describes her lessons in simple but direct terms. She goes straight to the point and does not over-write the subject.

Having been in quite a few relationships over many years, I have read many books about the single life. Take Heart! is one of the best. Buy the book, read it, use it as a tool for improving your relationships, re-read the book from time to time. I think you will be amazed that Amy's lessons will change your life.

Take Heart! Stories of Encouragement for Singles, PLUS 10 Lessons You'll Need to Find Mr. or Ms. Right by Amy M. Owens has become my bible for relationships.

Just when you think it couldn't get any better than Body Bags, this second book in the BOE series keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Jenna's adventures in Thief of Hearts is one that will keep her scarred for a long time, but she uses this experience to fuel her and the other obstacles and puzzles that she faces. A must read!!!

This was an amazing book. I stumbled apon Body Bags at my local B&N and thought, "Well, this is O.K., not excellent but o.k." and I thought nothing of it and thin a few days ago I found this book and LOVED it. it was entertaining all the way through! Not a single spot of bordom.

If you liked this book and you want to try another good murder mystery, I would recommend The Kindaichi Case Files: The Opera House Murders.

After reading Body Bags, I went straight to the store and purchased this one and finished it the same day. This book was well done by Christopher Golden, with exceptional character developement in Jenna, Hunter, and Pierce. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys mystery, horror, or suspense and who also has a cast-iron stomach . . . these books tend to be a little disturbing. Even so, Golden is a wonderful author and I can't wait to read Soul Survivor.

After Jenna Blake's very eventful first week at Somerset University in Masachusetts (BODY BAGS) which included politically motivated killings and attempts on her life, it would be hard to believe that college could get even more complicated. But in THIEF OF HEARTS, it does just that, and in true style!

Jenna's been at college for a month now, getting into the rythm of classes, friendship (with her roommate Yoshiko, best friend Melody, and Melody's brother Hunter), and a renewed relationship with her father, Professor Logan, who teaches at the school. Now, her half-brother, Pierce, has shown up to spend his thirty-day leave from the Marine Corps with their father, and Jenna is thrilled. She hasn't seen her much older brother in years, and she's looking forward to renewing their relationship.

There's a problem though--more murders start happening on and around campus, just about the time Pierce shows up in Somerset. And Jenna's doubly dismayed when she assists in the first autopsy as part of her job with the Medical Examiner's office, and realizes that these murders are particularly grisly. Whoever is killing men and women around Somerset isn't just murdering them, but taking their hearts.

As the suspense builds--Pierce becomes a suspect of local detectives Audrey Gaines and Danny Mariano; Jenna and her friends just might be in danger--the book picks up speed. I read THIEF OF HEARTS in one sitting, much the same way I did with the first book in the series, Body Bags: A Body of Evidence Thriller #1).

This is a great series for readers of all ages who are interested in forensic work. Highly recommended, and I can't wait to get started on the next book in the series.

****SPOILER***** ******SPOILER****** *****SPOILER******
Christopher Golden threw me for a loop with this story, with the death of a major character. It definitely added to the sense of urgency in finding the killer, but I admit I was shocked! Just don't be surprised if you find yourself caught up in the shock, sadness, and sense of desperation that this story brings!

When Somerset University freshman, and pathology assistant, Jenna Blake, faces a new murder mystery plaguing the student population of Somerset, she realizes just how close she's being brought to the haunting crimes. Everyone has strange, yet possible theories involving the crimes, including Jenna's half-brother, Pierce Logan, the new guy in town. Meanwhile, Jenna begins having feelings towards an older man, which are abruptly interrupted, when the Thief of Hearts begins hunting on Somerset's campus, and someone very close to Jenna is his prey.

I was skeptical about THIEF OF HEARTS, as I thought that it could never outdo the previous book in the series, BODY BAGS. I was completely wrong. THIEF OF HEARTS is a fantastic, hold onto your seat, thrill ride, that brings you up close and personal with grizzly murders, and the procedures the officials use to solve the case, both in the medical examiner's office, and the police department. Fans of BODY BAGS will find that THIEF OF HEARTS, while being a sequel, is both terrifying and engrossing, and will find it hard to put it down until the very last page is turned. A must-have for everyone, except the faint of heart.

Erika Sorocco

Things Unseen is a book not about heaven itself, the author tells us, but about "heavenly-mindedness." He observes that this world is not enough for us. He writes about feelings that are both "laughter and mourning, spring and winter, homecoming and exile," longings that are really homesickness for heaven. He points out that we're all dying, and that we'd best all look up. This is not the only Mark Buchanan book I've thoroughly enjoyed, but it's probably my favorite. He really gets it.

Mark Buchanan's perspective on eternity is sound, biblical and very refreshing. I enjoyed the mixture of human-interest stories, his own life experiences, and his consistent and strong use of God's Word. I really enjoyed it and recommend it highly.

Christian or not, everyone should read it. It is such an incredibly soul stirring read.. and if you are a Christian, it will fill you with a warmth and understanding and a new appreciation for that feeling and "groaning" that Mark Buchanan refers to. This is a book I have read several times... and each time it is like a soothing balm. It clarified for me what it means to be "Heaven-bent". What an awesomely inspired book. :)

I also meant to add that I find it interesting that several people who reviewed this book, including myself, had it on the shelf for some time before reading it. God's timing perhaps? ;)

This is one of the more beautiful books I've read in the last few years. Over and again, it reminded me of favorite books from years past-- books by C.S. Lewis and Annie Dillard, for example, and St. Augustine's Confessions.

Thank you, Mr. Buchanan. This book has been a real blessing to me and made me think after reading parts of it, long into the next week and thereafter. You truly have a gift. I hope to see much more from you.

Milford-Haven is my new favorite place, and it's filled with my new best friends!

As assistant director of the Mathews Memorial Library, I have made sure the Milford-Haven novels have been entered into our collection and they are now circulating. Patrons have enjoyed reading this series and we look forward to Mara Purl's next installment!

I read Mara Purl's What The Heart Knows at one sitting, and there appears to be no end to her talent. Her verbal imagery is very effective, and she draws her readers into the story easily. Good work!

I loved Mara Purl's "What The Heart Knows"! It was engrossing and terrific! How long do we have to wait for book two?

I have just read "What The Heart Knows" with great enjoyment. All Mara Purl's characters are vivid and each one is memorable. Although there are a lot of them, there's no confusing them. She has excellent control of each one and scatters her hints and clues which I look forward to having explained/ expanded upon as the series continues. This writer is well on her way to giving Danielle Steel a run for her money!

On Aug 10, 2005 I was diagnosed with adult ADD and dyslexia. For over 55 years I did not know what my new opportunity was inside MySELF. This is the first book I read cover to cover in many many years. I took notes, read slowly but finished the book in less than a week, and tried to comprehend what Mr. Scalese had written. I even cried a few times reading this "How to help MySELF" book. The name for my guarding angel is MySELF. So today, I can be three persons in one whole.... Me, MySELF, and I
No need for me to slow down, just Calm Down.
I saw my third eye without self-hypnosis Tish (my word to relax) will help me for the rest of my life, as I am known today.

How often is it that we search for aid to improve our situations. Too frequently time and money is wasted on the quick fix. We get too busy to seek out solutions that exist within ourselves. We exhaust our efforts and agree to give up the fight. I have found more honsety and explanation from the great works of Stephen Scalese, to increase knowledge about myself. Listening to the whisper in my heart has led me to great opportunities I may have been to preoccupied to recognize. I would also like to extend thanks to Mr. Scalese.

This book has been a life changing experience. That little voice that has spoken to all of us from time to time, that may have saved our lives or helped in important decisions, is always with us. This book allows us to tap into that inner voice, and the results are astounding.

I read Stephen's book in July and have heard more than a few "whispers" over the past few months. I was involved in TM (Transendental Meditation) back in the 70's, but got out of the habit of meditating after a couple of years. The Whisper in Your Heart brought back all the positive aspects of TM without the negatives that caused me to quit before.

By tapping into that special part of my being, my inner voice, I've found answers to several questions that had been plaguing me for some time. I've also reduced my stress level and achieved a sense of calm I hadn't felt for years.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone. All can benefit from its simple road map to inner peace and better decision making.

This book is a precious gem that will guide you to discover your real power within. I am greatly interested in discovering and unleashing the powers of subconscious mind and applying it in real life. The changes in my life that are already happening are exciting and promising. I already was able to get rid of long lasting and terribly disturbing stomach indigestion problem (about 6+ yrs old). None of traditional or chinese doctors were able to help, until i read these books and healed myself! It took me about 1 month. Besides that many different good things started to happen in my life and it always making me wonder "are they just a coincidents or the results of wisdom i am applying from these books?". I already making plans and working on to improve my life in all other aspects. Another book, that i am refering to is: "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" by Joseph Murphy. Definitely get this Murphy's book. "The Whisper in your heart" takes an interesting approach to develop intuition, unleash the hidden powers you never suspected you had and explains how to talk to your subconscious mind in more "interactive" way. "The Power of Your Subconscious Mind" and "The Whisper in your heart" are nicely complement each other and are definitely classics and full of invaluable information on the subject.

DeMuth's book is a refreshing look at the parenting book. Her insight into raising children in this day's culture is a must for anybody who wants to face parenting head on instead of simply sheltering children from what they will eventually encounter anyway.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (1/08)

Raising a child, or children, in the 21st century is not going to be an easy task. What an awesome responsibility parents have! Just as the generations before us, those of us who have been blessed with children have the opportunity and challenge to "train a child in the way they should go." Our main goals are the same as they have been in the previous generations. We need to love our children with a sacrificial love and be positive role models for our children to follow.

All homes are imperfect. You will never find or achieve the perfect home and life. Just as all people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, having a perfect home is not possible. We need to understand just what postmodernity is and how to deal with it. There is help for us parents in the 21st century. Mary DeMuth has written and published a book which will help you to understand our very important roles as parents in this world of constant change. Postmodernity affects Christianity and the church itself. With many stories of Biblical people and many other people and their life experiences added, Mary DeMuth brings out her ideas and accomplishes her goal in bringing out what she feels is most important in parenting in such a time as this.

When you were younger, you probably heard that "children should be seen and not heard." Not anymore is that the way children should be raised. If we want children to someday be leaders and witness their faith to others, we as parents need to listen to our children and teach them how to share their ideas. Children will learn more from their parents by observing their modeling Christian behavior than by anything else.

Mary DeMuth uses easy-to-understand language. "Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture" is a valuable guidebook to help their children develop into the unique persons who God has created them to be. The consistent use of scripture verses adds to the spiritual walk through the pages of this book. This is an excellent book for Christian parents to learn more about themselves, what God commands, and their relationships. Parents will see how God will walk alongside them every step of the pathway to positive parenting.

My title for this review could be a good alternate title for Mary DeMuth's latest book. This book is not about teaching our kids to be postmoderns, it is about parenting in a way that is really "real" in an age where culture actively battles us. As Christians we are called to be a peculiar people, and we need to hold to our identity in Christ. However, this doesn't mean we don't use different tools in different times.

Mary's writing style is very easy to read. She writes with lots of personal experience, stories on "how not to do it", and feedback/insight from others. It doesn't take long to read, but it takes more time to digest and put into practice what she is sharing.

This is not a book of simple "how to" with easy lists to follow. It speaks more into wider issues of the heart of the parent and the child, although there are practical points of application that are encouraged through the stories. She is not out to fix certain discipline problems or give us 7 steps to the perfect child. She brings us into a conversation on how to be Jesus to our children.

For anyone confused over the idea of "what is postmodern?", she does lead in with an introduction of what that is and why it matters as a Christian parent. I would have liked a little more detail in this area, but that may be due to me being strongly interested in philosophy and worldview issues. This is not a criticism, as it is probably plenty for the average reader.

I haven't worried about reading a lot of parenting books lately, but I am really glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It has affected my parenting (3 boys, thank you very much) already. I highly recommend it.

I recently finished reading Mary DeMuth's "Authentic Parenting in a
Postmodern Culture". I found it to be a heartfelt, well written, relevant
book with great wisdom for parents. As a mom of a teen, a tween and a
kindergartner, I was encouraged to raise my children in such a way that they will be prepared to face the culture in which we live.

I have already used several of Mary's ideas in dealing with my three. This week I had a conflict with my oldest regarding the way she treated another person. I later realized that her behavior was not too different from my own in many cases, and approached her with an apology and a goal for both of us to do better. "Authentic Parenting" reminded me to be real with my children and to avoid trying to give them the impression that I am perfect. Instead, we share the joy of seeking to be more like Christ every day.

Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture by Mary DeMuth tackles the tough issue of how to parent in our changing world. How do we teach our children about truth and God in this pluralistic world? DeMuth gives lots of wonderful advice on how to bring our family back home where it belongs and support each other. She discusses different ways to worship and show your children not only to find God on their own but also to encourage others in their path. Postmodernism is such a difficult subject to define, but she handles it with grace and intelligence. She encourages parents to become more active in their children's lives and to bring thought to how we interact with them, God, and the world. DeMuth and her husband moved their three children to France, and she shares their struggles to fit in an atheistic society. She shows their efforts, warts and all, to illustrate how we and our children can thrive in this new world. It's a great, solid parenting resource.

This is a great book that gives good ideas about starting up your own business. However, it makes it sound as you need way too much money to start so a bit disappointed that is not as easy as I thought. I guess many people would be able to start a business with more than a million dollars. I believe she had to ask investors for more than four million.

As a huge fan of Build-a-Bear, I picked up the book to learn more about the company. I have a daughter who is in the target market of Build-a-Bear and I have spent many enjoyable hours in the stores. I have always found their marketing to be amazing and wanted to understand more about the company. The book does talk a lot about Build-a-Bear, but it also gives a wealth of marketing and customer service ideas that could be used by any company. The book appears to be written for entrepreneurs, but the marketing and customer service ideas could be used by any size company, that has an entrepreneurial spirit. I really enjoyed how Maxine shows how many well-known companies are using the ideas from the book.

The Bear Necessities of Business was an inspiration. It re-enforced one should always believe you are capable of success when you make the decision to go out on your own and develop your business. There was a tremendous amount of information on how to be a good boss and to inspire your employees to work for the success of your company. I will definitely use the information from Maxine Clark to make a success of my own new business.

I very much enjoyed finding this book in the bookstore a few days ago, and then reading it yesterday morning. It was an easy read, and it was jam packed full of information. It is really three books in one. The first book is the story of Maxine Clark, a short round energetic woman originally from Florida who went to the University of Georgia majoring in journalism. When she graduated she started a career in retail that she continues at today. And what a career! She now makes St. Louis her home with her husband who is also an entrepreneur. She has no children, but her business is basically kids. I think she can be a great role model for many women out there.

The second book is a PR plug for her company: Build-A-Bear Workshop. I had never heard of it before I picked up this book. But while I was at one of my local Malls yesterday (Quakerbridge in Lawrence, NJ) I noticed in the mall directory one of her franchised stores exists there. Naturally I visited the store and the book had greater meaning to me at once. The company was started in 1997 probably as an LLC. And I suspect in 2000 when it was converted to a corporation that is when it did its initial IPO. But that is just a guess. The philosophy behind the company seems to me to be a mix of Starbucks Coffee Shops and the Disney Retail Stores. Quite a combination, and it is proving to be a successful approach to entertainment retail in Mall environments.

The third book is a words-of-wisdom tome on how to vision, plan, implement, and work a business from scratch. It talks about the importance of reinventing traditional products or services from the ground up and then put your own unique spin on them. The author says she sells a brand experience, not a product. But she does move products - and lots of them. She also says that planning and self-reflection are the key to creating a business. And she says she took almost a year to research and write her masterpiece of a business plan she used to start Build-A-Bear Workshops.

The overall book is divided into seven parts:

1. Getting Started
2. Being a Great Boss
3. Connecting with Your Customers
4. Creating an Incredible Experience
5. Using Essential Marketing Strategies
6. Growing Your Business
7. Giving Back

My favorite part of the book was the first: Getting Started. Part 3 was pretty good. And I very much liked parts 5 and 6. I thought at page 64 "marketing tools and strategies" should have been included in the list there. But all in all this is a wonderful book and an important addition to what is available for entrepreneurs to read and study when thinking about getting involved in starting their own business. 5 stars!

As the Executive Producer and host of the nationally acclaimed business tv show Business Beat Live I have read hundreds of business books prior to interviewing esteemed business book authors. Maxine Clark's book, The Bear Necessities of Business, is a true "textbook" of essential information and insights for all of America's entrepreneurs and those wishing to become an entrepreneur. As it says in the book it "...is divided into seven parts, each built around the essential elements necessary to start, run, and market a thriving company." Also included in each chapter are what I call "Maxine's Maxims" - expressions of tried and true business principles that can and should be adopted by any business owner. Maxine's book is the "bible" for all entrepreneurs in any line of business. Her book is a must have/gotta read book.
If your business bookshelf had ONLY ONE BOOK this should be the one!!!!!
Amazon only lets me rate this book with 5 stars. As I consider this to be perhaps "the best business 'text' book ever
I am taking the liberty to rate it 9.6 stars!!! It is that GOOD!

Although my baby is only 8 weeks old we already have lots of baby books that have been given to us. But I liked that your books have the purpose of "bonding" with baby. The fact that some proceeds go to charity made it doubly enticing to me. Lastly the price is reasonable.

I am a certified English teacher and know the importantce of reading to young children. I read about your book in Parents magazine and thought it would make a perfect gift. I have read to all three of my own children and they absolutely love to read now...Thanks for this great opportunity.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. So I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I am an avid reader and I want to teach my child the importance of reading from the beginning. I am happy to see these perfect little board books help me spend time bonding with her, as well as to open up the world of books and reading to her at a early age.

I'm interested in early development (i.e. even for my newborn). I've had many other mothers recommend CDs and videos such as Baby Einstein, but liked the higher interaction that reading books provides. Also, I'm a first time mother, so I'm really walking into new territory. Bonding with Baby books offer the kind of guidance I'm looking for.

I am in school for Criminal Jutice and plan to start Police Academy in a few months. All I know about being a cop is that something is pushing me to do it. I am not fully aware yet of everything I am getting into, but something keeps me from giving up. This my life long dream and passion. After reading this book it gave me so much more courage and wisdom to know that I can make a difference. Most people would fear what Randy has encountered, but I pray to do the same things. I know it will not be easy, but with prayer and faith, anything can happen. This book was very educational to me, and I loved every story. Great job!! *Kerista*

The author Sgt Sutton is actually a lieutenant in my police agency and I, for one, feel priveleged we have a man that has gone through all this in this book as a head in my police dept! God bless him and officers all around this world!

This book is better than other cop memoirs because much of it is the unvarnished, unpainted skinny on real police work. Most of the stories are depressing and sad and frightening. Morons and whack-jobs and bottom-feeders are who cops deal with.

The book is well-written, the subject is interesting, and the stories are realistic and plausible. I read the book in one evening. It's THAT engrossing.

Randy Sutton compiles a collection of true cop stories that will leave you reeling. Devoid of any gooey sentiment but true to the street beat that these cops work. At times scary, depressing, uplifting and heroic these cops tell a story of sacrifice, family and the failure of society. Not an easy book to get through at times but highly recommended.

I'm a student at Eastern Kentucky University majoring in Police Studies in hopes of becoming a police officer. When walking through Wal-Mart, this book caught my eye, and although school has turned me against reading, I bought it anyways. Later that day, I sat down and began to read the book, and couldn't put it down. I felt that I was living Sgt. Sutton's life right there in my living room. This is a very powerful book!

This was a beautiful, poignant story that needed to be told. I thank Mrs. Sue and her family for allowing the public to take a glimpse at the obstacles she and her husband faced, which only made their love stronger.

The entire book was so warm and inviting. It was truly nice to be invited into the Authors life. Being in a BW/AM relationship it was nice to finally read a book with experiences that related close to my own. Thanks to the author for the courage and time spent writing this enriching memoir.

Cornbread and Dim Sum has received the INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD.

I was hooked by this book from the first words I read. Mrs. Sue uses a warm and direct style to convey scene and emotion in a way that can almost be felt viscerally by the reader. In describing her unique experience of a life built upon a love between people of different races, the author pulls few punches when describing both the pain and uncertainty of being faced with obvious discrimination as well as the joys and deeply felt passions for her husband and daughters that were a part of her journey through life. This book earns my highest recommendation.

I was fascinated and riveted by this personal love story between a Chinese man and African-American woman. The sad part is that I normally would not have picked up this type of genre of a book to read it. That would have been a shame and I would have missed a wonderfully told tale of the heart and the soul.

Cornbread and Dim Sum is more than a look at the lives of two people caught up in the racial tensions caused by their inter-racial relationship - we also get a look at marriage, love, family values and cultural differences. Being a white male, this book afforded me an insider view of their unique life together that I would not otherwise have been afforded. I came away a better person for having read this book. It opened my eyes to what love is all about. Their lives are fully exposed on the pages of this book and honestly dealt with through the easy to read emotional prose of author, Jacqueline Annette Sue. She takes you along her life journey as reflections and remembrances while preparing for her younger daughter's wedding. The writing style works to weave the past and present into a mosaic of emotional and spiritual imagery of where their life took them.

This book is not so much about racial differences that tend to separate us, but about what is means to be a human being. I found this book hard to put down once I got into the first several pages - I was hooked. I had devoured the entire book in less than 24 hours on having it in my hands. I give this book my highest rating and recommendation. This is not just a book for women or ethnic readers - this book does deal with some racial issues that divided people but their love story transcends all that. You will come away seeing these two people not just as an African-American and Chinese couple but as human beings who endured all that happened in their lives because they found a love much greater than anything that would harm that relationship. I fell in love with their story and think that other readers will as well.

Note:

Author Jacqueline Sue is now writing a screen play about Vietnam where she recently made a heartfelt journey. We look forward to reviewing it when it is completed.