Hearts Books

Nancy Stafford has written a very inspirational and theologocally correct devotional book that has enlightened my life anew. It is like she knew all about me and was writing about my own spiritual adventure in life. The book is accuratly titled, the "wonder of God's love". Thank you Nancy.

I loved Nancy Stafford's first book "Beauty By the Book" and enjoyed her second even more. "The Wonder of His Love" is so many things: a devotional, a study of scripture, a prayer book, an individual's journey, a lesson in love, all in one compact little book. Ms. Stafford paints such vivid pictures of who our Lord is - and the way she weaves scripture and personal anecdotes, it allows the reader to feel such a connection to Him and a deeper understanding of His immeasurable love. Coupled with "Beauty by the Book," Stafford has written two of my favorite inspirational books.

Someone once told me that a book reads well that reads you. In the book's Introduction, Nancy Stafford writes:
"I need to grasp the wonder of God's love because my own love is found wanting. I do not love as God loves. I fall so short. Too often my heart is slammed shut, crusty tight. Even when I feel love there, I don't always express it, don't follow through with actions that embody true love - forgiveness, long-suffering, sacrifice - the very acts of love that God has demonstrated for millennia". Nancy may have been writing her own thoughts, but for a moment, I thought she was reading my mind. Throughout the book, Nancy continues to write many thoughtful pages to which I directly relate.
At the end of each chapter (31 chapters) Nancy has included a heartfelt prayer, including the following:
"Lord, I don't want to speak empty words when I say to others, "God loves you". I want them to see Your love in action through me. Forgive me for being self-centered. Move me out of my comfort zone. Help me to be more generous and thoughtful and sacrificial in ways that will be most meaningful to others, in ways that will reflect Your incredible love for them. Help me to love as You love. Amen". For me, the intrinsic value of Nancy Stafford's heartfelt words in each prayer is a thousand times greater than book's cost.
When describing the blessings of God's love, Nancy writes: "This is a love streaming from heaven that confounds our every attempt to grasp it". I am thankful that God blessed Nancy with the wisdom to grasp His Love. And I am thankful that Nancy shared her blessings by writing this book. It has helped me to better understand God's multifaceted Love. If you have the desire to increase your ability to recognize God's love and increase your own capacity to love, then reading "The Wonder of His Love" is a great personal investment. I know that the time I have spent reading and re-reading this book will be paying valuable spiritual dividends to me for many decades.

I cannot recommend this book more highly. One week into reading this book, I was so moved that I began to give it away to others -- and the list of intended recipients is growing. I am extremely selective when it comes to devotionals. As the mother of four young children and my running own business, my time is very precious. Something that I commit to reading on a regular basis must have immense value. Add to this that I also have a Master of Divinity degree, spent a number of years in pastoral ministry, and have reflected deeply on Scripture and spiritual matters. I can't help but to read these types of books critically; my intellect demands theological soundness and Scriptural integrity, while my heart yearns for transparency, authenticity and evidence of the author's intimacy with the Lord. From the moment I opened "The Wonder of His Love" these criteria have been met. I am truly impressed. When I first sat down with this little book and a cup of coffee, I thought, wow, it's so short, I'll finish it in no time. After two chapters, I realized that this is not a book to read from cover to cover in one or even a few sittings. So much depth is packed into each short section that this book must be savored one precious, rich chapter at a time -- and I am always eager to come back for more. Yet, even though it has depth, this book is easy to read. The author manages to convey profound truths with simplicity, elegance and beauty. It is rare to find a book that says this much so powerfully, while saying it succinctly and without drowning out the "still, small voice." This is truly a work of verbal art. The author gently leads the reader on an inspired journey that delivers on the what the title promises. I can speak from personal experience: My heart is being penetrated anew and my soul is being fed with the wonderful revelation of God's lavish and amazing love. Very few books have touched me both this quickly and this deeply. For all these reasons, I truly believe that this little book has the makings of a classic. Read it with anticipation!

In The Wonder of His Love: A Journey into the Heart of God, Nancy Stafford demonstrates her Love for the Lord and her gift for writing in such a way that brings God's word to life. This book is quite extraordinary because it represnts a highly personal journey yet one which helped me learn more about my own walk with God. Each chapter begins with a scripture and deals with a different aspect of love (initiating love, resurrecting love, etc.) For me The Wonder of His Love has been like a spiritual booster shot; it has helped me come to grips with some spiritual struggles that I have been experiencing for some time. I am extremely grateful to Nancy for this book, and I have recommended it to others who I feel have to read it. I cannot recommend the book highly enough.

Gus Jones, the once successful author and writing instructor of Geoff Schmidt's WRITE YOUR HEART OUT, attempts to reestablish himself through his last manuscript. In developing this writing manual, however, he examines the decline of his life as he offers his own experiences to illustrate how one should write well. We see his yearning for understanding from those who would read his manual (his "dear readers" should feel compassion for him) and his near-tragic stature as well; he never fully understands all the contributing factors of his failure, although he unwittingly leads us readers to see them.

Schmidt has written an admirable book with accessible complexity. The novel appears to be a manuscript of a writing manual. Yet, Gus Jones habitually breaks his own rules in the manuscript. Further, we learn from the "Foreword" that a prominent, award-winning author, Andrew Shay, has decided to bring about the manuscript's publication. Shay, Jones' former student, has not only played prominent roles in Jones' life, but he also admits to some manipulation of the manuscript in preparing it for publication. It is difficult to resist offering spoilers in this review in order to demonstrate the intricacies of the relationships among characters; I'll just say that reading the novel again offers new rewards.

Of course, it's good the first time through. It's a spot-on parody of writing manuals. It offers rich character development, undercutting Jones' assertion that the "writing of the future" will rely almost solely on plot. It also conveys the challenge of facing a blank page as honestly as it depicts the desire to revise not only our work but our mistakes. I recommend this book highly, but I think writers and aspiring writers will get special pleasure from it.

And if you wonder whether the book is convincing, just notice that Amazon.com has attributed the afterword to a fictional character.

This excellent novel is also a how-to book that manages to be funny and heart-wrenching, sarcastic and sweet and playful but not offensive all in one. A clever parody that never belabors readers like other, ordinary how-to write books, this is a gem that meets your entertainment and your craft needs.

I had Geoff Schmidt as a teacher and sort of a mentor, and have waited for this book from him for quite awhile. Now that it is here, I don't really know what to say about it other than to recommend it to others.

Not just about writing, this is what writing is about. It was pure joy to read and still plays in my mind. A previous reviewer is exactly right: learn from the narrative, although the instructions are so off-beat that they made me think about writing from an altogether new direction. The narrative takes the form of an autobiography of a washed up writer and is entertaining in its own right with poignant characters and clever wording. The "authors" obviously had fun writing this book. In the process, they made the world a better place and made some money. What could be better.

Geoff Schmidt wrote an amazingly funny and sad and good and everything else I can't think to say novel. And the parody of a how-to book never became mean-spirited. I heard him read recently, and he cracked me up. And then he made me very, very sad. Read this one folks. Get your hands on it as quickly as you can.

I work with Nancy on a daily basis and have had the opportunity to get to know her personally. She is humorous and fun loving. This comes out in the way she writes and develops her characters. I hope everyone will take the opportunity to read her books. You won't be disappointed. There's a little bit of Nancy in each of her characters. I love this title because it is funny and I can't help but become involved in the twisted lives of these people. I hope all will enjoy. Keep up the good work, Nancy. Joi

Another great character from Bartholomew! My library erroneously put this is the romance section, and while it has some romantic elements to it, it's more of a mystery!

Maggie is determined to prove she didn't murder her brother-in-law. She is having a hard time doing that because of a cast of characters she is related to. Lucky for her she meets up with the hunky detective, Marshall Weathers.

Best part of the book: all of the pithy sayings of Maggie's Mama. They are pure words of southern wisdom. I'm thinking of compiling a list!

I really enjoyed this book, and would have appreciated a bit of editing: There were some subtle holes in the plot, but nothing that hurt the flow of reading.

All in all, an enjoyable read! I can't wait for more

Despite four kids, a demanding dog and a busy life I read both of Nancy Bartholomews', Maggie Reid books in less then a week. The only bad thing about them is they weren't longer. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you will loooooong to meet a man like like Marshall Weathers. Excellent fun Nancy - thanks for a great week!I do so hope you are writing more!

I am so glad the recommendations section at Amazon brought this book to my attention!! I haven't had this much fun in a long time. Maggie and Sheila and Marshall and the rest of the cast kept me grinning!!

I jumped right into the next book--Stand by Your Man--and am enjoying it as well. I hope this series continues for a long time to come!!

OK, I picked this book up on a fluke, and the plot isn't some deep psychological thriller, but I found myself reading this book and not being able to put it down. It was just a lot of fun. The characters were great and believable, and I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations Maggie got herself into. If you want to be entertained, this is it. I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Nancy Bartholomew's Sierra Lavotini books and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. If I can't put the book down, it gets 5 stars. Looking forward to the next one.

40 Day Journey to the Heart of God: An Adventure in Prayer, is an excellent resource for those wanting to deepen their prayer experience and know more about Biblical principles and prayer.
Tammy Price writes with a spiritual depth that relates to the believer on every level and the book delivers exactly what it's title indicates.
I bought one copy for myself in the Summer of 2007, and since have purchased two more copies for friends because I will not part with my own copy. I still refer to it on a regular basis and find each unit useful and applicable to my spiritual growth and every day life. "40 Day Journey to the Heart of God" is a powerful tool and work for Christian believers!

40 Day Journey to the Heart of God

I just bought the book about 1 week ago and I received it today. I am on the first chaper because you have to do 1 chapter a day....and all I have to say is AWSOME!!!!!! I feel my heart and soul connecting with the Lord as I read the Holy Spririt of the lord connects in me and my body feels warm thats just from the 1st chapter I can't wait for the next to come. I feel the change I sooo recommend this book. 5 stars all the way !!!! I pray God touches you and speaks to you through this book because he has already to me. God Bless !!

This book is a treasure that deepened my awareness of God's Holy Spirit blessing my life each day. It's one of those books you don't want to end. So, I'm going to begin another 40 day journey and read it again. An inspiration to my morning Bible and prayer time!

I got his book for my wife, she is a big Beth Moore fan and it looked like the same people that bought Beth Moore also bought this book. She is just starting the book, but she said she really enjoys it so far. She showed me some verses that she read as part of the study, and they really hit home.

I'll update after the 40 days is up, but so far this really looks like it's going to help her daily walk.

When I first started reading the introduction to Tammy's book, I knew I was headed for a deeper understanding of Prayer and of God. To say I was hesitant at first would be an understatement. I had no idea if I was ready for what God had for me in this "40-Day Journey to the Heart of God". It has been exactly what I needed for this time in my life. Tammy is an Esther to me and being used "for such a time as this". Thank you, Tammy! I will NEVER BE THE SAME after going through this "An Adventure in Prayer".

This is the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book that I have read, having recently lost my job this past year to the economy. I can't say enough how these stories able me to keep a positive outlook and attitude on my life and career. Broken into eight convenient chapters: Love, kindness, parent and parenting, teaching and learning, death and dying, personal perspective, overcoming obstacles and eclectic wisdom. I even shared several of the Holiday stories with my family this year since Christmas was a little bare. Needless, to say that this past Christmas will stick with us more than the more past prosperous years, due largely I think to these stories that I shared. A sheer joy to read, I look forward to more books in the series!

I would sit down to read these books, I couldn't help but to read the stories, and share them with who ever was around...they are inspirational, and uplifting. I have read them all and wait anxiously for more to come.

were can i buy this book at other than you store as you see I am having hard times because my wife has cancer, and not to much left to work with, I understand that it is a very good tape to listen to, as that is what she like to listen to are tapes, they seem to have arelaxing efect on her. thanks for taking the time to read this, and answer this. J Boot

I thought it was a really good book. All the stories about people forgeting their problems and helping others with theirs. My favorite story was "Snowed In", it was about a three year old girl who needed a liver transplant. The day a liver was available to her ended up in the middle of winter. The snow was over two feet deep. She needed to get to Omaha within the next twelve hours. All the people in the community (tired from shoveling their own driveways) pitched in to clear a parking lot so a plane could take off to get her there. I liked this story because it was about people helping others, even when they were tired or cold. All the stories show some kind of hope, love, inspiration, compassion, or understanding to show the best in who we (the people of the world) really are.

This is a wonderful book with uplifting stories that often left me with wet eyes. I learnt a great deal about life, love, kindness, parenting, death and dying, perspective, overcoming obstacles and wisdom. The book really warmed my heart, strengthened my spirit and improved my outlook on life.

The stories in the book are short and crisp and very powerful. After reading a story, I would spend some time pondering and reflecting on the enormity of the lessons I would have just learnt and how I can use the lessons to be a much better person.

The book is well written, well laid out and is a pleasure to read. This is recommended for all people that are seeking wisdom so that they can live more meaningful lives.

With family issues of need for lower fat/lower sugar diet, this cookbook offers easy and interesting recipes. I have tried several of the main dish recipes already and they have all been hits. Plus, one can figure out how to apply ideas in these recipes to others to modify them to be healthier. Excellent value!

This is a very good book on foods that are good for a healthy heart. I have added the book to my cooking library.

I am 52 years old my husband recently had a triple by-pass thus forcing us to change many bad food habits. Since the name Betty Crocker is enough to tell the consumer that it is a tried and true product I was very excited to see a healthy style cook book. Without hesitation I ordered it. I liked it so well I took it to my neighbor to look at. She then also purchased one. I have tried many recipes and love them all so far. This cookbook will be in my household for years to come and will someday look like my grandmother's old Betty Crocker cookbook.

Easy to understand, beautiful pictures, nutritional values for each recipe.

I got this book about a year and a half ago, and although it's not always the one I'm cooking from, a lot of my favorite and healthy recipies have come from it. Some of the ingredients can be a little tough to find, and there are a few recipes that need a little extra spicing up, but overall I've been extremely happy with everything I've made from it! The healthy eating and tips in the front of the book are also very helpful when trying to know what to feed your family to keep them eating right. It's like a mini class in nutrition :)

As a health conscious person, always interested in calorie count, etc, this book has all the information you need for each receipe. A lot of other cookbooks don't have that.

THE BOOK CAME FAST AND IN PERFECT CONDITION TOTALLY RECOMMEND THE SENDER. THANKS

I love to cook. But, I was looking for a book to keep the flavor without a lot of fat, sugar, and salt. This book covers it all. You don't have to buy a lot of expensive and hard to find items and most of them, you probably already have around (honey, pepper, ketchup, mustard, etc). My favorite is the Korean Barbeque Beef. I substitute it with chicken and toss it with rice. Even my picky kids love it. This is a wonderful book to have.

This is the second healthy cookbook that I've purchased and this one is far better than the first. It has a lot of really good recipes. Most all are for 4 servings and easily cut in half for two. I highly recommend this book.

This cookbook certainly does one thing well--providing over 400 recipes that are reasonably health AND tasty. Main dish recipes contain relatively few calories and have low fat levels. The type face is large and easy to read; the color photographs give a sense of what the dishes would look like.

Up front, and in keeping with the cookbook's theme, is a nice essay "All About Healthy Eating." One positive feature (on page 27) is a table of suggested healthy weights for adults.

Some of the recipes that I have tried that taste good: Chicken `n Pepper Stir-Fry, Baked Lemon Chicken, Chicken Breasts with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce, and Chicken with Orange Glaze. There are also some neat grilling recipes, such as Honey Mustard Pork Chops. One of the nice features in the grilling section is (on pages 270-271) relevant statistics regarding fat, calories, and sodium content of various condiments (such as barbeque sauce, mayo, salsa, Thai peanut sauce, etc.).

One issue that occurs to me: It is nice that the type face is large and that there are so many photos. But the consequence, to me, is not positive. This reduces the number of recipes that can be included in the volume. I'd much rather have more recipes and fewer photos and smaller print.

All in all, a good cookbook. But it would have been nice to sacrifice some glitz and give us even more recipes. . . .

This is a good romatic mystery. The characters are well written and the plot keeps you interested. However, if the recent real child abductions disturb you, don't read this book -- that is the subject.

Martha quickly involves her readers emotionally with a tense plot involving a missing child. She stokes the fire of fear slowly, until you suddenly find yourself sneaking a paragraph at stop lights, long lines and telephone conversations. I am looking forward to the next novel from this writer.

Martha Powers writes clean, powerful prose. She'll have you flicking on the lights and locking your doors as you rip through the final pages. A suspense novel is only as good as the build up, both of plot and characters, and Powers delivers.

Martha Powers's first mystery novel was titled "Sunflower" and I read it this last summer. That was a magnificent work of mystery and suspense and I was greatly awaiting the release of "Bleeding Heart." In some ways, "Bleeding Heart" is similar to "Sunflower." They both are set in a small town and both of them have strange murders occuring there. Maggie Collier and her son Jake live in a small town in Delbrook, Wisconsin. They moved there after the horrible car accident with Maggie's husband that killed him. Maggie's father in law, George, is knifed to death on a country club's golf course. Maggie later finds out through investigating that George had taken a picture of something secret and he was going to reveal it to the public. Someone killed him in order for that picture to remain a secret. Maggie sees a link between her father in law's death and a series of three kidnappings that have occured around the Wisconsin. Maggie and Grant, the nephew of one of the kidnapped girls must work together to capture this crazed killer and kidnapper, dubbed THE WARRIOR, because of the feathers he leaves at the crime scenes, before Maggie and Grant are the next victims. If you like Erica Spindler and Wendy Corsi Staub, then you'll like Martha Powers.

Brad Stonecipher

Maggie, a single mom after the death of her husband, and her son Jake relocate to her husband's home town where she buys a book store and lives above it. There is murder and lots of suspense in this story. The very young boy, Tyler, who was a kidnap victim of The Warrior made my heart cry. He was reduced to a basic survivalist at such a young, tender age. Maggie didn't know who to trust and there are no clues while reading this book to let you know who Maggie can trust. But at the end, the odd, twisted and demented kidnapper will surprise you. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. Very, very good story. The small town group of friends and poker buddies gives this story the "very real, I'm glad I met these people" feeling.

Wonderful book and author. It will keep you interested and involved til the end.

Great book for anyone involved in the adoption process or those that have already adopted. Great to read of others experiences.
Would highly recommend this book!
Nicole

Born in Our Hearts is an uplifting and informative collection of stories from the adoptive triad and family, including birthmothers, adoptive parents and grandparents, and adopted children and adults. Adoption is viewed through the lenses of a virtual rainbow of participants, in different circumstances and situations, yet overall it results in a very positve and encouraging view - with twists and turns unlike any other. While prospective adopters (both international and domestic) will enjoy the variety of adoption journeys, the viewpoints of the adoptees and birthparents are especially informative and will be of interest to parents who have adopted as well as those considering adoption.

Born In Our Hearts is a deeply honest book. A collection of adoption views written by the adopted children, the birth mother, the adoptive parents and grandparents. This book provides an insight and a true understanding into their world. It will leave you with a tear in your eye.

A MUST read for anyone dealing with children.

As an adoption professional, I found this book to be a wonderful blend of perspectives. Contrary to popular opinion, adoption doesn't speak with one voice. The wide range of issues raised in Born in Our Hearts illustrates that quite well. As an adoptive parent, I identified with so many stories and so many feelings-the over-the-top excitement, the nail-biting anxiety, the deeply-rooted fear and sadness, and the incredible, indescribable joy. I'd recommend this book to anyone whose life has been touched by adoption or anyone who hasn't but wants to know more about the life experience of an adoptive parent, an adopted person, or a birth parent.

This book is so inspiring. As part of a family touched by adoption, I totally enjoyed these stories. Each one is better than the next! This is truly a book that will evoke many emotions; joy,fear,love,disapointment, and hope. Even if you have not been touched by adoption, this book speaks to everyone's heart. This is a great book to give as a gift or to share with a book club! The most important lesson to learn from Born In Our Hearts is that families are made from love, not biology!

Very rarely do you find a "history" book that sneaks the history in before you even know it. Russ McLogan does just that in "Boy Soldier." You find yourself caught up in the wonderful narrative of the life of the young boy-turned-soldier. The humor, the violence, the hasty training, are all described within the background of WWII. The historical, social, and political accounts are dead-on accurate--being told by someone who was actually there and has the scar to prove it. This is truly one history book that you will not be able to put down...written by a boy-turned-soldier-turned-historian.

A very interesting and well presented book about the liberation of the Philippine Islands and the history of the American 6th Infantry Division. The author does a very nice job of integrating daily life a soldier's story to produce a book that covers a lot of ground easily. I really enjoyed this book as there are not many first person accounts of the Pacific Theater, particularly, from men who where in the Army rather than the Marines. Also has nice description of the events of the war that paralleled the author's experiences.

I was at the mall during Christmastime and he was sitting in front of the Border's Express. He seemed a little lonely, so I stopped by and talked to him. It was very interesting listening to him talk, especially as he looked up and noticed I was wearing a USS Enterprise Hat (CV-6, not the other) and he started to talk about the Battle of Leyte. After listening to him, I bought a copy of the book and he signed it.

When I picked it up and started to read it, I wasn't disappointed. It was a story I could relate to since he's from this area. He put stuff in comparison to stuff around Detroit and that made it seem more realistic to me. It was a very well written book and very well researched (because he put the bigger perspective with his story).

I enjoyed this book immensely, and strongly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in WWII. I'm a bit of a military history buff, and so have read a good deal on the subject. But I enjoyed Mr. McLogan's book the most, by far. Other soldiers' biographies I've read have covered simply the individuals' combat experiences. While these are always highly interesting, the author of "Boy Soldier" discusses not only his time in battle, but also the experiences he went through both before and after his time on the front lines. I found especially interesting his descriptions of his arduous infantry training, and the details he provided of the lengthy medical treatment he received after being wounding in Luzon. Of interest also were the behind-the-lines duties he had to perform when he first arrived in the Philippines. He also recounts, in detail, the sea voyage he had to endure en route to the Pacific theater and, after hostilities with Japan ended, his voyage to Korea. I learned a lot from this book. For example, I had always believed that all seriously wounded American soldiers in WWII were eventually returned back to the U.S. for hospitalization and rehabilitation. Not true, as it turns out. There are many other lessons in this book. As it is with watching a good movie, you don't want this story to end. It's one of the most entertaining and informative works I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. McLogan at a book signing where his reading honestly convinced me to buy this book. I now cherish the signed copy I own. This book is exceptionally well written which honestly surprised me, Mr. McLogan is an engineer by trade (so am I). The writing is dynamic, captivating, vivid and sensory. This is an exceptional autobiography combining memories and official documents. This is a phenomenally written book about the life of a young man caught up in the turbulent 40's. That being said, this is not a war book, this is a book about a man's life. Mr. McLogan does not dwell on the time he spent in combat, but does cover that period as well. This book details his life before he was drafted, what training and traveling with the army was like, his wounding, recovery, and as an occupational soldier in Korea after the war and finally going home again. Mr. McLogan does not try to make himself a hero, and in my opinion, he doesn't have to, he simply is.
I have found no better written personal account of a young American's life during the war. This book took my breath away literally; especially the parts where the author reminisces about walking hand in hand with a high school sweetheart while sitting in a foxhole in the Philippines. Mr. McLogan was lucky enough to survive the ordeal and went on to be truly one of the heroes I have always looked up to. Not a war monger or a violent person, but simply a young man who answered his countries call, did his duty, stood his ground and came back and built a life for himself. I only wish my grandfather had written this book!