Hearts Books

I was so very touched by Fern Stewart Welch's story - and inspired by the book as a whole. She is an amazing seeker and a very good writer. The Heart Knows the Way! is easy to read, poignant, and highly relevant to many dimensions of living. It is certain to help countless people navigate through the challenges that come with loving someone through difficult times.

I was initially drawn to "The Heart Knows the Way" by the beautiful cover illustration and the title. When I picked up the book and noted its size, I was instantly reminded of the half-dozen pocket-size books -- now dog-eared, time-worn and held together by masking tape -- that are my "go to" books when I need an attitude adjustment and to be reminded of and inspired by the goodness in life and in people. "The Heart Knows the Way" is a little book with mighty messages, and it now graces my collection of timeless treasures.

As I read The Heart Knows the Way, I was moved by the author's ability to write with such soul-baring honesty of the experience with her dying husband. Her struggle to find a more loving and enlightened way in which to share her beloved's final journey was intriguing. After years of facing feelings of helplessness and watching her mate lose awareness of their wonderful life, she finally turned within in desperation to seek communion with God. There was something universally familiar not only in her own concept of God, which she said was formed in childhood and ranged "from the ridiculous to the sublime," but in her very human reaction to actually making contact with God. It didn't surprise me that I came to care about these two people, the husband with an irreverent sense of humor, and the woman who was determined to continue their bond of love even when to all appearances it seemed impossible. It wasn't. This is a great read about real people living inspirational lives.

The Incredible Power of Love

In addition to being a tender love story, The Heart Knows the Way is a fascinating example of an individual's ability to successfully merge two powerful concepts to achieve a desired goal. In this instance the author wanted to help her husband through his lengthy death process in a way she had never heard of or read about. We are all, at some time, faced with such deep challenges. She intentionally chose to conscoiusly and thoughtfully be aware of the guidance she (we all) are constantly receivingt, to receive such guidance with harmony and partnership; and reports how she was guided in this process by a personal connection with God. No matter how challenging the "apparent" outside appearances, the author was determined to realize her heart desires in this highly emotional situation. Serving her husband's situation also served as tools for her personal awakening; the situation became the Teacher. On some levels unconsciously, and most apparently fueled by an inner urging, she hooked into a laser-like mental focus that was grounded in such desperate daily need that she was forced to live in the moment. For me, this was but another of the numerous reasons why the lessons in this book are important for each and every one of us. The author's "connection" to Divine Presence being no different from anyone else's. She permitted the situation to be a tool for her fully opening and receiving tht connection, which exists at all times, no matter what our mental state might be. As she said, "There was nothing else." Too often most of us hide in self-pity and feelings of desparation and aloneness - the author helps us understand how to "step-out" of this mindset and accept true and inspired guidance.

Shades of Eckhart Tolle and every spiritual teacher, the author, proponent of the incredible power of love in partnership with the mind and living in the NOW. Here is a present-time, first-person account of how one person pulled it all together, lived it, was transformed by it and now shares the journey. A wonderful and important read, and a great, uplifting confirmation of love, life and the mysterious and incredible eternal and sublime something in which we ALL live, move and have our being. Another tool for our awakening.

Rev. Jerome Allan Landau

In her book, The Heart Knows the Way! Fern Stewart Welch allows us to follow her journey through the passing of her husband. The piercing love and compassion, so eveident on every page, gives us deep understanding of this jounrey. I highly recommend this work for others. Laura Alden Kamm, author Intuitive Wellness; using your body's inner wisdom to heal.

God But I Loved This Book! I have no idea why it affected me so powerfully but I was nearly in tears in the first thirty pages. Maybe the book tapped into my deepest memories of rituals from my childhood. Maybe it was a lack of rituals I was lamenting. Perhaps it's the new rituals my wife and I are creating in our new home and in our new marriage. Regardless, I found myself reliving moments from my past and I was very moved. There were so many beautiful stories and thoughtful ideas in the book. I wanted to meet many of the people who contributed their rituals. The way the author weaves herself and her own story into the book made it so much more accessible than it would have been otherwise. It gave the book a soft but strong spine. Well-written, well-designed, and rich with practical ideas, this book can help any family to deepen the bonds between its members and infuse the mundane events of everyday life with special, long-lasting meaning.

Meg Cox's Book, "The Heart of a Family," is among my all-time favorites in my collection of family life books. Many of our family's traditions are accounted in "The Heart of a Family" but in reading it I discovered the power and significance of keeping traditions all over again. I couldn't put it down.

I appreciated the diversity represented as traditions are never "one size fits all." Meg's approach is merely to paint a picture of what other families are doing, not to promote specific ways of doing things and that is very effective. I enjoyed the mix of special occasion and holiday traditions as well as day-to-day rituals and also was inspired to try some new ideas with our family of four teens.

I wish this book had been available when our children were young as many of the ideas of the other families seem so meaningful as well as a lot of fun. It is hard to start TOO many new ways of doing thing with teenagers! I highly recommend it to all families, especially those with young children as a powerful tool to help shape the identity of a family. L'Tishia Suk

The Heart of the Family is a delightful read--and the perfect book for anyone who celebrates any and every kind of event and builds tradition around such celebrations. It is the perfect holiday gift and a great tension reliever for those you know who devote time and energy to entertaining others and making special days and events even more special. As an added bonus, family has all sorts of meaning for Cox and she portrays all sorts of families and their particular traditions, many of which they have created for themselves. A feel good book with depth and insight.

When I divorced my husband, I was looking for ways to heal my family and to provide additional support for the challenges children of divorce face. This is a wonderful book and has ideas for every type of family. The ideas cover every day activities as well as holidays, and includes great ideas for extraordinary days to be recognized as children grow up and face their own trials. The "how to" do your own traditions is effective and powerful. I have been divorced two years now and feel happy and confident that my family will be okay. The rituals and traditions we are building have healed and strengthened our bonds as a family. By the way, during the divorce I went to a child psychologist for advice on my children's welfare. All of her suggestions sounded so familiar, I asked if she had read this book. She had and uses it as a key reference for counselling families.

Ms. Cox has provided a solid foundation to describe what makes families special and why rituals are the bedrock of our greatest moments of closeness within the family circle. As a single mother, I was thrilled to discover so many easy and practical ways to create meaningful moments in the lives of my children while still giving them the opportunity to create and influence the process of family unity in a sometimes hostile world. This book is a must for all parents who feel strongly about keeping their children involved in family life because it reminds us of the basics: you can not create a perfect world for your children but you can give them a loving family to support them throughout their lives. This book provides ways to achieve a united and joyful family without being preachy or making you feel that you must follow some prescribed list of activities.

If you have a father, step-father, or grandfather in your life, or are about to be a father, you'll want to buy this book. Wayne Holmes has assembled a fine collection of inspirational stories on fatherhood that will serve as a model for all men. From the famous, such as Max Lucado, to the soon-to-be-famous, like Linda Knight, each writer has captured an attribute of our Father in Heaven's character in a unique way. This books will make a great present for any man.

Appreciating the varied roles of earthly fathers helps us understand our Heavenly Father. Through engaging stories and vignettes, The Heart of a Father nudges us toward that understanding. A good read -- and a valuable one.

"The Heart of a Father is a unique collection of heartwarming stories that inspire and encourage readers to draw closer to the heart of God. Written by many favorite authors and other gifted writers, these stories demonstrate the nature of God through earthly fathers who emulate the character of our Heavenly Father and enable us to know the depths of His love. Certain to bring a smile and an occasional tear, Holmes' book is a celebration of fatherhood to be enjoyed by sons and daughters of all ages."

In The Heart of a Father, Wayne Holmes has compiled an excellent collection of stories-some inspiring, some humorous, some touching-that gently shows readers how our earthly fathers reflect the Heavenly Father. Writers like Max Lucado, Bob Hostetler, Josh McDowell and Joni Eareckson Tada write honestly and movingly about the ways God revealed Himself in their daddy's actions. As a daughter and a mom, I was challenged to emulate God in my daily interactions with my son. And as a Christian, I was reminded that God loves me even more than my earthly father does.

The Heart of a Father, compiled by Wayne Holmes, is a book that can be quickly read and enjoyed, then set aside for a while and re-read and enjoyed all over again. With each reading, the reader will discover new insights, new ways to connect with God. The stories are told in short bitesize morsels that can be consumed by the eager reader in less time than it would take to inhale a candy bar. And though some of the stories are sprinkled with sugar that's where the similarities between this book and a candy bar and its quickly disappearing sugar-high end. The stories are filled with God's wisdom and tend to remain with the reader throughout the day, helping the reader to discover similarities between the way they teach their own children and the way God teaches us. Mr. Holmes has done a thorough job of making sure the reader puts on a thinking cap, and in doing so has managed to bring God and His ways more fully into their lives.

This book is a gem! It is wonderful, touching, and really easy to read. I have already recommend the book to folks I just know will love it.

Deborah, I read the entire book. It fits my situation with my family really close. It was like you were looking into our living room the morning of November 10. Your book has given me insight into some of what is coming next in our life. As hard as it will be, at least I can prepare myself for the next few months. The book let us into your home, your sorrow, hurt, anger, grief. It puts your whole life in print. I hope others gain as much as I did.

Amazing healing powers. I lost my nephew in July,2006. It was comforting to know how other people greve the loss of our brave soldiers. I too have seen a Red tailed hawk in the garden behind my sister's house. I, too hope it was Tom telling us he was near us. This book is a powerful story of one family search for healing. I recommend this book to any one who has lost a child, or to anyone who wants to read about the power of love in healing our hearts.

I haven't received it yet. I just realized that this is the book that I ordered in October and I have not gotten it yet. I have been billed and paid for it but did not get it. The five star rating is an anticipated rating if and when I get it.

I bought this book for my husband. He said it is the best book he ever read.

Anastacia Webber is content. She has a good job, a stray cat named Ivan, and a year left in college before she earns her degree in history. So what if she's a little lonely? After her last disastrous attempt at a relationship, Ivan is plenty to snuggle with. After all, it's 2006 and she is an independent woman.

Boarding a plane to Germany to attend her best friend's wedding, Stacy ignores her misgivings about flying and falls asleep soon after take-off. She wakes up misplaced, confused, and in 1963!

Military Police Sergeant Douglas Bradley, III, is going to re-enlist in the U.S. Army and hopefully attend Officer Candidate School. With less than a month to go in his current enlistment, he chokes down his dreams of attending college, and follows the family military tradition. His domineering father has made it quite clear that this is what is expected from him.

Brad is assigned to pick up a possible Russian spy at the airport. With no passport or identification, the woman's odd clothes and speech make her a prime suspect. When she starts spouting outlandish tales about being from the future, Brad figures she is either delusional or a very badly trained spy. The more he talks to her, the more he wants to believe her.

Torn between his duty to the Army, and his growing feelings for Stacy, Brad soon faces the choice of whether to do as his father wants and lose Stacy for good, or take the chance to follow his heart and possibly win the woman of his dreams.

Heart Of A Soldier has heart, body and soul. When all that Stacy has ever known is suddenly gone, she is placed in a time and situation where everything she says and does is analyzed, and suspect. To take the chance for a love of a lifetime and risk losing, or take the safe way and guard your heart from hurt, but never experience your full potential, either in life or love, is an age-old question that the author answers in a unique way. The choices that Brad and Stacy make are unforgettable and poignantly relevant, both in the 1960's and today.

Grab this book with both hands quickly--before time runs away from you. I loved it!

Cassidy
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Stacy Webber should be working on her college research paper. Instead, she's taking time out from her part-time job and her full-time studies to head to Europe. Stacy really can't say no since her best friend, Cari, is getting married to Art, who's stationed in Germany, and she wants Stacy to be her maid of honor. Not only is Stacy's elderly neighbor, Dorothy, taking care of her apartment (including feeding her beloved cat) while she's gone, but she also gives Stacy her own special good luck charm to help with panic attacks during the flight. Stacy needs that charm more that she ever imagined when she wakes up after taking off from Jacksonville in 2006 and realizes that she's landed in West Germany in 1963!

Not certain if Anastasia Webber is a mental case or a spy, the US Army assigns MP Sergeant Douglas Lee Bradley III ("Brad") to what amounts to babysitting duty while they figure out what to do with her. Despite the fact that Stacy is the ultimate weird girl (according to Brad) and Brad looks like a handsome dork (according to Stacy), there's some definite chemistry happening between the two of them. Brad, who wants to be a writer, is also intrigued by Stacy's tales of the future and finds it increasingly difficult to dismiss them. On her part, Stacy realizes that Dorothy may be the key to everything that has happened and that she didn't meet Brad by accident.

What can I say about this book? There were so many aspects I enjoyed that it's hard to know where to start. Stacy and Brad were terrific characters both individually and together. In addition to a genuine budding relationship, there were really hot sex scenes between the two of them that were well done and integral parts of the story. Secondary characters weren't given short shrift, either--they were equally well-drawn and interesting.

There are so many medieval time travel books out these days that it was very refreshing to come across one that takes place in 1963 West Germany. Having lived on a US Army base in West Germany not too many years after this period (even though I was *very* young, naturally), I found little to fault with Ms. Hart's research and attention to detail. I also liked the fact that she didn't ignore or gloss over all of the time travel dilemmas. She may not have had answers or explanations for all of them, but she addressed them.

I enjoyed Ms. Hart's first book, LOVE LESSONS, with the only small caveat that I thought there were a lot of similar stories like it out at the time. The same can't be said about HEART OF A SOLDIER--it's enjoyable, well-written, and unique. I highly recommend it to readers looking for something entertaining and different.

* * * * *
As a total digression, I tend to pay a lot of attention to things like artwork and paper quality, but I guess I'm entitled to given the price of books these days. That said, this is another great cover for Ms. Hart.

Ms.Hart has penned a Time Travel that grabs you from the very beginning. Heart of A Soldier shows us that love can find a way even through time. The passion is done just right to grab the reader's attention and wanting to keep turning those pages. I wouldn't think twice about recommending Heart of A Soldier to all who enjoy happily-ever-afters.

Judy Leigh Peters

I like science fiction and time travel--when it's well done. Because I've come to trust Vanessa Hart's work, I willingly took a chance on Heart of a Soldier. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading, but it didn't take long to find out--or to be swept away by the story of a contemporary woman being transported to the center of the Cold War.

Ms. Hart's grasp of the issues and tensions of the 1960s is amazing, and she used the setting of an army base in a divided Germany to full effect. Beyond the sensitive political situation, Ms. Hart proves once again that she knows how to write believable, likeable characters. Brad's conflict as he tried to determine whether Stacy is a clever spy or a crazy woman (because she absolutely CAN'T be from the future) is so well-written we feel and understand his frustration. The same is true with Stacy's terror in finding herself under guard in a decade about which she knows little.

With such deep emotion, how can Stacy and Brad's physical relationship be anything less than explosive? It is, in a way only Ms. Hart can accomplish.

I love reading Ms. Hart's books, and Heart of a Soldier is one I'll keep!

This is the best time-travel story, ever. It rings true in both eras - today and in 1963. You will wonder how it can ever be resolved. However, all loose ends `happen to' get tied up in a logical manner. Heart of a Soldier is saucy and magical. Vanessa Hart's characters linger with you for a long time and you miss them, but you feel satisfied when you leave them.

I'm not normally a big fan of Christian business books, but this one was has had a profound impact on me. It was truly effective in relating to real life management situations while not over "spiritualizing" the historical stories.

I think this is a marvelous book for anyone (whether in business or not), but especially for the manager who has been criticized for being to demanding or authoritative with his staff, spouse or friends.

This is a very enjoyable read. The author has a good command of both worlds - management and the Bible - and molds them together well. Especially valuable is the admonition for leaders to trust in a creed, a guiding set of principles, a high calling and purpose for their existence and effort. Troubling however, but did not totally negate the gems of this book, is the author's enthusisam for listening to the sheep and making them the thrust and not the Good Shepherd. Biblically, this is non-existant, but is read into Scripture from a marketing oriented culture.

If you only buy one book on leadership, buy this one

This book gives tons and tons real usable advice from the best place in the world to get it. Well researched and written. I am buying copies to send to other leaders. A Must Read.

If you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a high school teacher, the President or the Prime Minister, a parent, a middle executive, the owner of a small business or a section head for small band of workers, this book is for you!

Richad Phillips beautifully and poingnantly highlights the true essence of leadership--leadership built not upon its own successes, but is bound up in the loyalty to, and successes of the people who make the leader who he or she is.

He balances the personal qualities which distinguish a great leader with the realities of the dark side of the comforts, accolades and power accompanying leadership....dark recesses of David's heart that came to fruition in David's career: Potential self-created Goliaths in our own careers and lives ultimately crushing ourselves and those who follow.

Phillip's resolve to faithfully and colorfully portrays David's outstanding model for leadership while allowing David's flaws to be examined, actually gives us two models: What we can do to become greater leaders; what we can proactively do to maintain our integrity and honor.

If you seek to investigate how your own heart influences your leadership style and effectiveness, read this book.

With this fine, thought-provoking book, Chittister steps firmly into the gap in the area of spirituality. Her excellent explanation of feminist spirituality with its gifts for the world of today makes clear that hers is not an anti-male position (an accusation leveled against much secular feminist writing), but rather one which invites both men & women into an awareness of the wholeness of the experience of God which has been lacking in the patriarchal expression of faith and life. Joan Chittister moves feminism out of the arena of power struggles into an awareness of the possibilities it offers for human survival and accomplishment in today's world. The text of the book is dramatically enhanced by the wonderfully creative artwork by Nancy Earle which marks the beginning of each chapter.
A beautiful, well-written, hopeful, honest book. A must-read for women and men alike.

In Heart of Flesh, Joan Chittister grapples with feminism as a matter of ultimate importance. She writes in a flowing, authoritative style with minimal critical apparatus and the accompanying witness of bold artwork by Nancy Earle. Her observations are grounded in extensive engagement with theology and social science research and a lifetime of committed yet critical involvement in the Catholic Church. A Benedictine leader known for her social activism, Sister Joan gives a ringing call to feminists to embrace spirituality and Christian women and men to embrace feminism, for the sake of our relationships with each other, the well-being of the planet, and faithfulness to God.

Chittister employs the 6th-century Rule of Benedict to elaborate dimensions of feminist spirituality. Benedict formulated his counter-cultural rule for "Roman men, who had been formed in a totally patriarchal society, a society that institutionalized power, hierarchy, and dominance" (97). The Benedictine approach with its emphasis on humility and non-hierarchical decision-making challenges the patriarchal church as well as the will to power that fuels secular society. The call to humility carries an inherent danger for women, however, since women have heard through the ages a destructive call to subservience; hence, Chittister must carefully differentiate between the perversions of patriarchy and a liberating humility that leads to both inner and public peace.

Throughout the book, Chittister references the damage done to both women and men by patriarchy. She does a fine job of showing connections to structural injustices and advocating for nonviolence and empowerment of the oppressed. Feminism is presented as a worldview that "makes humans of us all" (4). God speaks in Scripture about removing our hearts of stone and giving us hearts of flesh so that our humanity will be restored (175). Without attempting a full Christology, Chittister refers to Jesus as the model feminist. At points, she describes feminism in terms that most would reserve for Christ: "Feminism comes to bring both men and women to the fullness of life, the wholeness of soul, for which we were all made in the image and likeness of God" (37).

Heart of Flesh offers a helpful corrective to feminist arguments that ignore male health, on the one hand, and domesticate God, on the other hand. Joan Chittister holds reverence for God and God's revelation together with an ecofeminist vision of creation in which power, responsibility, and vulnerability are shared. Each aspect of her analysis is illustrated by a story from her own journey of learning to name patriarchal distortions and voice feminist correctives. In its breadth and mature wisdom, this volume offers a compelling challenge to see feminism at the heart of the Gospel message.

As a native woman and former Christian, I found this book very helpful in naming the "thing" that we as a society has agreed upon but were unconcious about this agreement. We as woman are taught to be less than men, double that for native women for we go with the myth that we are oppressed as natives also.There are so many myths about being native, so many agreements we make to keep "peace" in the home. The terrorist act on the WTC is just a big big wake up call to see what we are allowing - violence - in our home, allowing our children to be abused and allowing ourselves as women to be less than everyone. If you want to understand women and our gift of spirituality, this is the book.

Concise, wise, poignant and honest, Joan Chittister gives us direct perspective on the true compassion we can find in God and nurture in ourselves. She backs up her points with scripture and history and her words cut like a knife through the tough cultural gender roles we're forced into. As others may tell us how feminists are homosexual home-wreckers, Chittister reminds us that the neglect, confinement and restraining of women hurts men just as much, and that neither men nor women can grow in God's Love under such intolerant conditions. Chittister is unwaivering with Jesus' message clearly detailed in The Holy Bible. I applaud her for her strength of character and faith in writing her books in the honest and direct manner that she does.

This book is one of the best, well-balanced, thoroughly-discussed commentaries on Christianity, feminism, and liberation theology that I have ever read. Although she makes no secret of her political or spiritual views, Dr. Chittister places them in context, sharing anecdotes and stories as a means for getting her point across. She also manages to detoxify such "buzz words" as "feminism" and clarify why "Westernization" meets with such strong resistance in other cultures

In additioning to covering the "same old ground" (as I've heard it described) of why traditional hurts women, Dr. Chittister also illustrates how it harms men, society, and the earth; and points out how it differs from the way Jesus related to people - inclusive, peaceful, healing and compassionate. This book points to a more respectful and open theology. A brilliant, balanced, and compassionate work.

A refreshing book that focuses its energy on the qualities of leadership beyond "book smarts." This was a real eye opener!

This approach to leadership is comprehensive and easy to understand. The wholehearted leading approach embraces the four chambers of competency, intimacy, integrity and passion, and illustrates how they work together in a synergistic manner to provide the foundation for effective leadership. Each chamber of the heart model is critical for success. Informative with practical applications!

Few books on leadership provide as clear, dynamic and strategic guidance and insight as The Seven Acts of Courage and The Heart of Leadership. They provide the reader with a sound and useful foundation upon which and rom which to grow. In my experience as a Personal and Professional Development Coach, I have had the pleasure of working with many individuals who have read and studied these books and find these individuals not only motivated, but inspired by the principles they have gleaned. Perhaps the greatest benefit of these books is that the principles they present are readily teachable to those being led. Dusty's insights and intimacy are powerful and penetrating. Dusty sets the leadership bar, both higher and deeper!

The FOUR Chambers of the Heart model makes this approach easy to visualize, grasp and learn. It teaches a balanced approach to leadership -- all parts of the chambers are equally important. I recommend this book to everyone. It's a GREAT book!

In Robert Staub's The Heart Of Leadership: 12 Practices Of Courageous Leaders, lays out an articulate inquiry into, and explanation of, critically essential aspects of effective business leadership including competency, intimacy, integrity, and passion. Articulate, educative, ardent, and inspiring Staub offers a thoroughly "reader friendly" and practical presentation that is very highly recommended for anyone charged with an entrepreneurial or business management responsibility, from the smallest company to the largest international corporation.

I bought this book many years ago. I greatly enjoyed it, as it had a veracity to its description of lower-deck life. I re-read it recently, and still enjoyed it.

I suppose I should have realized that it was fiction, as I don't think there ever was an E-class destroyer "HMS Eclectic", and no destroyer of that name sailed with HMS Hood and Prince of Wales to intercept the Bismarck (HMS Electra was in that group and picked up the 3 survivors from HMS Hood), as Jones claims. Nor was there a destroyer of that name that sailed with HMS King George V from Scapa Flow, nor did one join the action later from convoys. Some of the details of the action are also inaccurate, but not badly so for a supposed personal narrative (e.g., 6" secondary armament on KGV, when they were 5.25")

Similarly, while there were four O-class destroyers involved in the sinking of the Scharnhorst, there was no "HMS Obstinate" (Jones' ship), nor was one of that name ever commissioned.

Anthony Dalton's biography of Jones seems to paint him as a very interesting, but less-than-pleasant person. It certainly seems to have nailed any notion of Jones' books being other than substantially fiction. The history of the author does seem to add an extra level of interest to the stories. But that said, the stories are good, the feel for characters is strong, and they are very readable.

I needed information re- life on board a British ship during WWII. I found many fascinating details and much accurate information in this book. I found that some of the humor was less funny that announced, but on the whole, I found this book
very interesting. It was in great part a tale based on personal experience, and
it held my interest throughout. I'm going to read more by this author...

It is a terrific book - and I have enjoyed it for many years. However I recently discovered it is - as Anthony Dalton's new biography of Jones shows - complete fiction - in the sense that Jones was never at any of the events he described. In fact he didn't join the Royal Navy till AFTER World War II.

But that is not to diminish the writing of the tale - Jones imaginings make for a "real" perspective of life in the lower decks of the WWII Royal Navy - and I imagne that in his immediate post-was career in the navy he learned enough to set the scene accurately.

But remember - it is a work of fiction - set on a real historical timeline - but still a good read.

A welshman's soulful and realistic retelling of a matelot's live in Her Majesty's Navy during the dark days of World War II. Tristan Jones recounts his experiences with all the colour and song of a poet; a sea poet - and that he is. The lives of these men carry with you long after reading this book. Put Tristan Jones near the top of my favorite author's list.

Heart of Oak is one the finest war books and sea stories that I have read. I found it hard to put down. Although the intensity of the war and its effects on the men was depressing, I was compelled to keep reading.

Jones' gives the reader a different and personal perspective--that of the lowly, poor, and teenage sailor; looked down upon by everyone else and facing death, boredom, and discomfort constantly.

I agree with another reviewer that it is unlikely that Jones witnessed as much as he claimed, and I cannot attest to the accuracy of his descriptions of life aboard His Majesty's Navy, but there is a truthfullness and sincerity in Jones' narative that I find totally convincing.

I just discovered Debbie Macomber as an author when I read her more recent book, "Twenty Wishes". After reading it, I found the earlier books of her'Blossom Street'series and then couldnt find enough of her work to read. I have thoroughly enjoyed all her series and her Heart of Texas series is no exception. The men and women of Promise, Texas are all ordinary people, in the best sense of the word. It is a study in what happens when bad things happen to good people. The running mystery in the series is the 'ghost town', Bitter End. It seems to strike fear in all their hearts, even though the truth of its desolation is buried with their grandparents. The mystery of the deserted town even begins to intrigue the new residents to the town and for all the 'oppressive' feelings of grief and sadness it seems to eminate, the town seems to bring a number of people to a deeper understanding of each other, as well. This is a good book from a very good series.

Another wonderful story by Debbie Macomber. She is such a talented author and always has a great story to tell. I thought the first two volumes were just a little better than this one.

I really enjoy the Heart of Texas books. Finally in Vol. 3, the mystery of the ghost town, Bitter End, is solved. All through Vol. 1 and 2 the mystery of Bitter End continued so it was great to find out what the problem was.

This series is wonderful. I can't wait until her next one comes out in September. NICE CLEAN READING!!!!

I love Macomber's stories about real people with individual attitudes and personalities--people we would like as friends. She never disappoints with her themes of friendship, hope, personal growth, and always happy endings. Thankfully, her stories and characters are so engrossing she has no need to "spice up" her books with unwelcome intimate details. I recommend this book along with a non-fiction one -- THE 3:00 PM SECRET: Live Slim and Strong, Live Your Dreams, which has motivated me to get in shape and reclaim my life so I can be like one of Debbie's heroines.