Hearts Books

Trickster, by Laurie Halse Anderson, is one of the best books that I have ever read. It's about a boy named David whose parents get a divorce. He has to go and live with his mom. To help David take his mind off of things, she takes him to the farm where he used to ride horses. One day, David rides away from his group. David gets a chance to work at a vet clinic and David and the rest of the kids and Dr. Mac are going on a trip to the same farm. Find out what happens next in Trickster.
I like the book because the book is interesting, funny, exciting and sometimes you can't even put the book down. It's one of my favorites in the whole world.
I think that the author (Laurie Halse Anderson) could have put a little more past times in the book, maybe a little more exclamatory events too.
The message to this book is to help others when they are in trouble. Also, be responsible and don't always play around.

I liked Trickster a lot and I want to read a lot more wild at heart books!

I absolutely LOVE any Wild at Heart Books, and I can never put them down. I would strongly suggest that you buy this book for you, friend, or a family member. Anyone could find something that they enjoy in these books!!!

If you want to read this book go for it. This book is one of my favorit books. If you like books about horses this is a book for you. this is an exiting book. once you read this book and you love it look for other wild at heart books such as Masks, fight for life, teachers pet,homeless and lots more! if you think you might like it I say go for it!

David, and avid horse lover and one of the five kids volunteering at Wild At Heart Animal Clinic finds a new opportunity to get into Quinn's Stables after a past mishap that left him out for good--or so he thought. David meets up with a horse named Trickster and the two of them instantly get along. Trickster has an injured leg, and David wants to help out--provided he gets to ride Trickster when the horse gets better. But David's plan backfires when he gets Trickster hurt worse and almost causes Brenna to fall off a horse. Mr. Quinn has banned David from coming back, that is until Mr. Quinn's own horse, Starfire gets sick with an unknown disease. When Trickster and three other horses get the same disease--cantharidin--David knows he must help at all costs. But will Trickster survive? I liked this book a lot--this series just seems to keep building up and getting better. The book also has a section in the back on the history of horses and how to behave around a horse.

An Unlikely Journey is an adventure you do not want to miss. The characters & story draw you into the world of Secramore until the last word is read. Best I've read since Stephen Kings Dark Tower Series!
Dont miss out on a superb story!
Melissa Adkins

Excellent! I can't wait for the second book. Do you Know when it will be available.

I usually keep my fantasy reading in the realm of ideas sprung from the minds of George Lucas or Chuck Palahniuk, but made an exception for An Unlikely Journey. I'm glad I did. The novel, while intimidating in size for a first effort, is a quick read while not lacking in scope or detail. The narrative is easily absorbed and you truly feel as though you are along for the ride. Despite the otherworldly nature of the setting and characters, I found the book to be believable, true-to-life, and earnest in its simple, yet detailed, tale of what can happen when you set out to accomplish your goals. I found the characters to be more than accommodating to my own experiences as an amateur traveler, and found the book's team of adventurers sharing many of my own thoughts and trials in their attempts to discover who they are and where they belong. I absolutely loved the use of vernacular in the dialogue and cannot wait to finish the tale in what I wish will be a rapidly released part two. I hope to see this adventure someday on the big screen and pray Hollywood will do justice to the work these authors have set forth.

This is a great book! Well written and thought out.
The variety of characters and interaction between them left me with a sense of wonder and I found myself daydreaming about being in the land of Secramore.
Although at first it seems like another Lord of the Rings type book it quickly sets itself apart and builds its own world.
The only down side is that I'm now anxiously awaiting part 2

An Unlikely Journey is the first novel in the Raven's Heart duology. The second book is titled An Unlikely Reunion: Book Two of Raven's Heart. The novel is written by Mathew and Stephanie Verish, which also marks their first published work. Being that this is a print on demand novel, some readers may shy away from it because of the stigma attached to print on demand novels. To me, that's an unfair statement. One should not judge a book by who the publisher is, just like it should not be judged on what the cover looks like. It should be judged based only on the contents between the covers. Here is my opinion of that very thing.

The plot of this book is somewhat in the traditional, clichéd, vein. In that the main character takes up a quest and along the way joins up with a couple other interesting characters that assist in the quest. We have all read that story, and variations of it. What marks a good author, or authors in this case, is the ability to take that cliché and spin it so that it does not feel completely recycled. While I recognized that theme right away, at no time did I feel that it was a simple reproduction. Rather, I was more interested in just what the authors would do to that plot line. There are few sub plots scattered in to add more interest. Things such as the mysterious White Demon, a book and its contents, a stone that has immense power, as well as several internal conflicts. The authors are able to weave all these elements, and a few others, together to create an interesting story that does not overpower the characters. The plot has a gentle flow to it that never left me asking myself what was going on or having to reread sections.

The characters are much like the plot, in that some are archetype style characters. Much like the plot though, they are packaged in such a way that it is relatively easy to put that aside and enjoy them for what they are. There are a few memorable characters in this book, my favorite among them is a young thief named Jinx. He is written with a certain naivety that makes him instantly endearing. Other characters such as Hawkwing, Kariayla, and Arcturus round out the main group of adventures. While it is a small group, it seemed to work well as the characters never `got away' from the authors. They each had their own unique voices and motivations; as well as character flaws that make them much more real and easy to relate to. For the most part it was easy to connect with the characters as they progressed throughout the novel. In terms of character development, this was more of a hit and miss for me. Jinx, and not just because he is my favorite character, seemed to have much more progression than any of the other characters. Kariayla had some decent progression as did Hawkwing. I felt Arcturus character remained pretty much the same throughout the novel. Since this is a two part story he could very likely have more progression in the next novel though. In the end scheme of things, these are solid characters that add to the story in several ways.

Some minor criticisms of this novel:

1 - The authors try to stress certain words, phrases, by italicizing them. However, after awhile that loses its effectiveness. Once and awhile is okay, but I felt it was a little over used. I found myself no longer picking up the italics after awhile. That old adage too much of a good things ruins the bunch would apply here.

2 - There are a couple times in the book where I felt the authors were a little too wordy. What I mean is that there were well written descriptions of things in a sentence or two and I got the perfect mental image. Then the next two or three sentences expounded on it. There is a fine line between under-describing and over-describing and I think a couple times in the book were too much. I like it when authors give me just enough information to allow my imagination to fill in the gaps, but when an author over-describes something my imagination is stunted into only seeing one thing.

3 - Lastly, and this seems to be a common new author trap. The over use of the word suddenly. To me the word suddenly should be used rarely for impact. One sentence in the book says something like "Suddenly they noticed a man staring at them from across the room." Also, the use of modern terms. One that really stuck out to me was ponytail instead of braid. Using modern terms in a fantasy setting can pull the reader away from the story. This is something I have noticed with newer authors, but I think it still needs to be pointed out.

Now, the things I enjoyed about the novel:

1 - The prose and pacing of the novel. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it flowed and that the pace of the book rarely faulted. It had a nice even flow that quickly drew me in and dared me to stop reading. This speaks of the author's talent to do this with their first novel, they will certainly only get better the more they write. I am looking forward to reading that growth.

2 - Rarely do new authors write both a solid plot and solid characters in the same book. Yet, that is exactly what the authors do in this book. Equal attention is paid to both and the book is clearly better off for that. It is quite evident that they spent a great deal of time in the creation of this book and did not rush anything.

3 - The world. World building is so misunderstood with some authors. However, in this novel we are greeted with a rich, detailed world that has a history. It doesn't feel like something that was just created. It feels like it has been around for a long time.

It is really a shame that some readers will look at a book from a small publisher, or print on demand and not give it a second look. This novel shows that theory to be incorrect. While there is room for growth in this novel, by and large it is a well written interesting novel that adds to the fantasy genre. It has many elements that fans of larger house fantasy novels will enjoy if they give it a chance. I for one am happy to have had the opportunity to read this book and I am looking forward to the next novel. This will certainly be a book I recommend to others looking for a solid fantasy novel.

I am 51 years old, recently divorced after a 3 yr separation, with 2 young adult children (21 & 18), and certainly would like to have read this book years ago. 'Though divorced, I absolutely did not want a divorce, never believed in divorce; but had no idea whatsoever how 'not' to go there. Two years ago when I'd realized how things had gotten, I told my then husband that I'd do whatever it took to keep our marriage, within reason of course; but after having been 'out there,' he decided that a life of no responsibilites, a'care-free' and frivolous life was what he wanted. Our 'children' at the time were 14 & 17 'he' decided he wanted the break, and he'd said that the kids would be okay, knowing full well that this was their ultimate fear - DIVORCE. However, since that time, I'd been reading everything, listening to Christian counseling programs and had learned much, but this book ULTIMATELY made me see for the very first time ever what 'my' mistakes were. Honestly, even at my age I had no idea how very ignorant I was! Now I understand some of the things that 'though they were 'small' so to speak, they were huge to him. We have had to have contact on account of our 18 yr. developing lung cancer, which we were told was there from birth, but is only now revealing itself. (Neither of us were smokers, for the record). I thought that this would unite us, but apparently not; still, I am so very happy that I've discovered this book, and besides, who knows what God has in store for each us? I'm passing it along to my friends. I do think for people that truly want to stay married, this book can't help but have a monumental impact! It truly is a treasure!

Although I am a Christian, I have not come across many outstanding Christian books on marriage. I tend to find their views unrealistic, sugarcoated, or stereotypical, and their advice either biased or impossible to follow. (Is everything really going to get better if you just decide to submit to your husband more?!) This book exceeded my expectations. First, it has a correct, realistic view on humanity - us Christians are not exempt from sinning or immune to temptations, we also face disappointments, and struggle in our married lives. Read the excellent chapter "The Fantasy of Something Better": it shows you how anyone can start having secret yearnings about that kind, gentle man in the next pew, but also how flawed and dangerous those fantasies can be, and how to redirect your thoughts and actions.

Second, the book is compassionate and helpful without enabling victim mentality. It keeps you accountable for what you and your husband have or have not done for your marriage, but without judgment and guilt-tripping. If this is not a true expression of God's grace, I don't know what is! Third, the advice offered in the book is both plentiful, realistic and applicable. I can't overemphasize the word "realistic". The authors don't promise a magical overnight solution to your problems but the insights and encouragement offered will help you see what is wrong with your marriage and how you can start working on it.

If you are feeling restless and disappointed in your marriage, I highly recommend this book. Even if you don't have any major problems, this book is worth reading and learning from.

Although this book was primarily written for women who are thinking of leaving their marriage, it is also a book that will help keep your marriage strong and vibrant whether you are newlyweds or a couple celebrating your fortieth anniversary. There are suggestions for activities and conversation at the end of each chapter. Read it alone or even better, read it as a couple. Both men and women have written commenting on how much the book has helped their marriage. Chapter 4, "What Happened to the Good Times," Chapter 10, "Different Walls," Chapter 14, "The Fantasy of Something Better," and Chapter 17, "Dreaming New Dreams" are especially important if your marriage is hurting.
Neil Clark Warren, founder of eharmony.com, has endorsed the book with this comment: For any man who wants to love his wife more deeply--and for any woman who is dying to be loved that way.
The book offers wise and gentle advice to restore hope to your marriage. You'll discover proven methods for how you can move toward each other rather than away, build up instead of tear down, and find love rather than lose it. God's blessings for you as your read it.

I am in my mid 50's and on my 3rd marriage. I want to be married - I just didn't know how to stay married. I have finally learned.

My husband enjoyed and appreciated the assignments. We learned more about each other - and our marriage grew much stronger.
I highly recommend this for married couples - and especially every woman who wants to 'WALK OUT'.

The book is easy to read - layed out in simple-down to earth chapters!! The book may cost $5.00 but the result is priceless.

I was thinking of walking out on my 25 plus years of marriage. This book helped me see all the good reasons to stay. It doesn't tell you not to leave, but helps you think through all the consequences of your choices.

Delivery was in perfect condition and fast

I thoroughly enjoy this book and would recommend this to anyone who likes to paint in watermedia. Barbara Nechis provides an approach to creativity in painting that is both thought provoking and pragmatic--a very difficult combination. I particularly like the humor in her tips about the "don't" myths of watercolor painting. There is also frankness in how she takes advantage of "mistakes" that actually illustrates her approach to creativity. She is generous with the techniques that she shares--I have tried them and they really work!
So far what she has proposed as approaches to painting background are the most helpful to me--and other budding artists who are struggling with the balance of painting the subject and the background. Other books talk about planning the whole painting and working on the background first, Barbara gives you enough approaches and techniques for you to try with some confidence for success. I paid full price from a bookstore--still think it is worth every penny. Buy it.

I have read and re-reread this book many times, and each time I learn something new.

I marvel at how Barbara Nechis lets the watercolor itself do the painting, and how we, the artist can aid in its completion, from our hearts and subconscious. I enjoy reading books like this which encourage departing from the 'rules' and letting the imagination take over.

This is not a step by step, how to book. But, it is the best watercolor book I have, (and I have many). Watercolor from the Heart will show you the true nature of the media. You gain understanding in what can bloom from this media, and how truely beautiful it can be. If I had only one watercolor book, this would be it.

I'm new to watercolor. Although this book is not intended for beginners, being about more advanced techniques, I found it inspirational to read. The author shares her ideas about how to approach the creative process, as well as her methods and images of her beautiful paintings. I enjoyed it and found it helpful in thinking about my own painting.

Award-winning writers Nina Salley Hepburn and Beverly Williams pool their considerable literary talents in Way Down South: Stories From The Heart Of Dixie, a short story anthology with a distinctively Southern flavor. Nina Hepburn's contributions include: Daisy's Lament; A time For Sharing; Mea Culpa For Manny Roy; For The Love Of Oz; and How I Got Into Show Business. Beverly Williams contributions include: Old Maid; Crasher; Backslider; Hotsy Totsy; Rose-Colored Glasses; and Grandmothers On The Bach. Fully fleshed characters inhabit skillfully rendered settings of the South with the writing so vivid and reader engaging that one can fairly feel the sunshine's heat. Way Down South is a expertly crafted, delightfully entertaining, and impressive collection showcasing two outstanding and distinctive literary talents.

Having been raised in the South, I can truly relate to these stories first hand. They were delightful, believable, and thought provoking. I finished this book quicker than most. It definitely kept my attention, and I congratulate these fine southern ladies on a job well done.

This compilation of short stories written by two accomplished Southern writers is truly the spirit of the heart of the South. As a Westerner who has spent time visiting through the South and making Southern friends while doing so, and listening to their stories, too, this book is thoroughly engrossing, both with the sadnesses and humor that characterize the South. For me, these "Stories from the Heart of Dixie" reflect my experiences with the wonderful people that are true Southerners. And the writers easily evoque those experiences.

"Stories from the Heart of Dixie" gives the reader a chance to step into the lives of multiple personalities and experience life in the South like so few writers are able to depict. You can almost smell the honeysuckle wafting thru the trees as you read the antics of some of the characters.

The writers of this book have truly done a great job of letting the reader know just how life in the South is different than life in any other part of the country. You get the feeling that you've actually been there.

If you want to enjoy being Southern, whether you are Southern or not, you need to read "Way Down South". It will let you pretend for a short time that you have been "down South".

If it is true that all good writing may be said to be regional writing, then Way Down South is a regional book that will speak to a wide audience. Nina Hepburn and Beverly Williams manage to capture a Southern voice that is warm and complex and centered in the chest. At their best, their characters will hold their kinky and complicated shapes in the presence of such immortals as Big Daddy and Blanche DuBois. "Mama's Elvis Story," wickedly funny and heartfelt at the same time, has already assumed a near-mythic stature for me. Southern readers will recognize their own in this book, and yankees such as myself will be touched by a soulfulness that can cross the Mason-Dixon line most effortlessly; for Way Down South captures a local truth that casts a wide net.

Many in our "free" country are not free from emotional pain from the past. They are not free to act and react in ways they choose, as if an unseen grip kept them locked in patterns of behavior that are self-defeating.

Such a person is the main character of "When the Heart Soars Free." Jerry truly wants to live responsibly but unseen forces smother his best intentions. How he finds help and what he discovers about his self-defeating actions makes this book a must read. I'm ready for the sequel!

I read Kay Moore's book about a month ago and I couldn't put it down. I'm 16 and I'm a pretty big reader but When the heart Soars Free is on my top ten list. It takes so many twists and turns it is completley unpredictable! If you read When the Heart Soars Free you will not regret it. I don't want to give the whole thing away but this book is amazing!

Being an ardent reader of Christian fiction, I am continuously searching for books that are more than a "love story". "WHEN THE HEART SOARS FREE" balances the romance of young love with practical Bibical principles that must be applied to strengthen relationships. I recommend "WHEN THE HEART SOARS FREE" to anyone who has ever struggled with loss, lack of self-worth, or wondering if God cares about the events in our lives. Thank you, Kay Moore, for showing human conflicts that can be resolved through the power of God's forgiveness and love.

WHEN THE HEART SOARS FREE is an insightful book with a powerful message that can almost be read in a single sitting--it is virtually impossible to put it down until the last page is read. Kay Moore's writing style is so definitive and given to such detail that it is almost like watching a movie in your mind as you read--the rich descriptions make visualization so easy. The story is so "today" as there are people everywhere hurting in much the same way as the book's main characters, Jerry and Carol. This book is such a source of hope in the way it reveals the beauty of God's forgiveness, and His desire to "wipe the slate clean" and offer the hurting a new, fresh start. It offers hope not only to those lost and in search of meaning in life, but also to those needing to grow and mature in their spiritual walk and earthly relationships. The story is so touching and so beautifully revealed that I often found myself reaching for a tissue to dry my eyes so that I could read on. I can't wait to share my copy of WHEN THE HEART SOARS FREE with friends and family!

I am an avid reader of Christian fiction. I found "When the Heart Soars Free" refreshingly different as it deals with heart issues that are common to many of us. The salvation message is clearly presented as are ways of breaking free from emotional issues which can keep us defeated. I highly recommend "When the Heart Soars Free".

Dr. Lesser is head and shoulders above the rest of the medical crowd and this book is another manifestation of this fact. It can be a bit dry at times, but the message is huge and was powerfuly important to me: my sporadic chest tightness/pains were NOT the onset of cardiac trouble though my idiot local quack thought so and the cardio guy he sent me to practically told me I'd die of a heart attack if I DIDN'T get an angiogram in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. IDIOTS, well actually not idiots, if they don't induce a stroke and kill you then, then they will likely find a bit of plaque, enough to justify a stent and then WHAM you are in the system for life, baby, and you can pay, pay, pay.

My chest tightness/pains: it was emotional and sometimes delayed muscular after yoga -- well after, like the next day. Dang, the medical industrial complex lost a good customer, they coulda milked me for 30+ years. What dicks! Dr. Lesser gives the facts so you can help heal yourself.

I read this book in the public library this past week and I was fascinated by the knowledge that I learned. It is a wonderful book. I suggest that everyone read this book. It's well written and very informative.

Geet this book! It is well written, to the point, very informative and written by a medical expert known worldwide.

What can I say -- but it's GOOD. It's informative, informational, well written, and presented in such a way thatanyone can understand the information. Read it, enjoy it, keep it, treasure it. It's worth it.

Dr. Lesser is just a special kind of author! He's not just a doctor who can write. And he's not a writer who happens to be an M.D. He is a thoroughly competent writer, physician, and broadcaster.All libraries ought to consider themselves fortunate to be able to include Dr. Gershon Lesser's books GROWING YONGER and WHEN YOU HAVE CHEST PAIN in their collection. This is a must read for anyone who is health conscious.

Thankyou to Susan. I have never liked to cook. But, I have now found a new love. Your recipe book has given me some confidence. Everything I've made from your book turns out great! My favorite is the sour cream pork chops. I give thanks to God for these recipes that I intend to pass down to my daughter.
thanks!

This is my favorite cookbook. Everything I have made from it is easy to make and tastes delicious! If you are going to buy one cookbook, I recommend you choose this one!

I don't know what I cooked before I had this cookbook. I have used it for a number of years and so many of the recipes have become standbys at my house. The recipes are great! My mother, mother-in-law, sisters and all of my friends have made this book our "Go To" cookbook. Whatever your need from an easy meal for the family to a great dessert for a party, you will find it in "Where Hearts Gather". Thanks for taking the time to compile your family recipes in this wonderful collection.

"Where Hearts Gather" is a work from the heart. It made me miss all the delicious home cooked food many of us have made in years past, but most of all Susan touched my heart with notations with each recipe and from whom in her circle of family and friends the recipe originated. The recipes in the book are basic to prepare and are a wonderfully nostalgic treat. This is an excellent gift book. Pork Chops and Applesauce: A Collection of Recipes and Reflections

This cookbook is one of my favorites in my collection! It is filled will wonderfully delicious, easy-to-make recipes, most of which are a perfect introduction to the American southwest. The stories told about each recipe are so heartwarming and make you want to continue the traditions with your own family and the helpful hints/tips are great for any kitchen. There are many recipes that I make on a very regular basis and often have requests for the recipes from family and friends. This cookbook makes a wonderful addition to anyone's collection!

This book is the best kept secret regarding Dr. Howard Thurman, a little known household name. If you ever wondered who inspired great leaders such as Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., Jesse Jackson, and the list goes on...read With Head and Heart. It is truly a story worth reading; one of sacrifice, perseverance, and success.

In becoming better acquainted, through reading, with a man some of my friends have encouraged me to become familiar with, I have found an incredible gift in the form of Hward Thurman, whose message is not only inspiring, but timely, interfaith, intercultural and, most of all one, thatif taken to heart and put into practice, could change the world. I often wonder why such messages are read, spoken from various platforms and then passed over and and remembered only as inspirational words as we forge ahead in the world doing things the same way over and over again.

I recommend the message in this book to everyone who will care enough to not only learn about an incredible human being who was with us for a while, left us with a vision, and challenged us to see things in a new light. I invite us to see the wisdom he shared and put it into action.

It is an autobiography and so we must accept it as written, staying free f rom judgement as to style, etc. It is a man's heart, gifted to those who will read and those whom he has influenced and those who could gain so much from sharing in the vision.

I recently returned to Thurman's autobiography after 15 years. I am developing a course in Composition/African-American Literature. Thurman's words will be the springboard. His prose is elegant and concise; his sensitivity to nature, a poetic model; his expansive spirit, inspirational. Many chapters will serve as exercises for writing; e.g.: his instruction for the preparation of sermons. In fine, his response to life is a guidline for good writing and holy living.

Thurman stands on his own as a giant. The only weakness of the book is that often the compilers feel the need to tell us what Thurman is going to say.

Not sure so much from Disciplines of the Spirit needed to be reprinted.

I read much of the book during a 12 hour Prayer Vigil and found it very enriching and satisfying.

Howard Thurman's autobiography is a defining, powerful collection of one man's life-stories that inspire family, schools, churches, nations and gives timely revelations into the transforming power of God's grace that spans the many gulfs that we call racial, economic, religious, political lines. This is a must read text.

I receieved these books whenever I was in middle school. I am now 22 years old, and from time to time I will go back and re-read them. Robin Jones Gunn really has done something wonderful in writing these books. They are sweet, innocent reads that bring the reader closer to their Heavenly Father. I recommend them from the bottom of my heart.

Christy Miller will forever be my favorite book character. I can relate to her and the situations she encounters. At the end of the last book, I cried my eyes out, feeling as though i had lost my best friend. Serria Jensen is no different. These are characters you can truly connect with, who will ultimatley lead you closer to the Lord. I recommend these books to all christian teens!!

I love the Christy Miller Series and I have just started the Sierra Jensen Series! They can keep me hooked for hours! I am begging for 5-12 of the Sierra Jensen series. It is a continual of the Christy Miller and like they help you with your relationship with God and his Amazing Grace and love and they help you realize how truly amazing God is! I recommend these books to anyone! Read all of them!

The Sierra Jensen series is great. It is inspiring especially to all those new Christians out there. It is light reading especially good for a busy lifestyle but also made me think that maybe my relationship with God is not good enough.
I can really understand Sierra's life as it is very much the same as mine. Then again, my life isn't that bad so maybe now i'll be able t thank God more for how he is working in me.
These books and the Christy Millar series are an awsome read and believe me, your missing out if you don't read them. Thannx amazon as i got me sierra series here a few weeks ago!!!!!

These books are a must have! Everyone will enjoy them! They're perfect for gifts to share and spread the faith! If you read these then the Christy Miller Series is also a must!