Authors Books

I really think that the author of this book trully out done herself a great book. I can not wait to read more from this auhor.

Looking at the cover of this book, I wasn't eager to read this book. Once I started to read it, it was soo good! I read this book in one day! Please go out and get this book, you will not be disappointed!

For starters lemme start out by saying that i slept on this book for 2 yrs b/c honestly if that is supposed to be a picture of Milton, the main characters boyfriend, 1 he aint cute and 2 he look like a dyke not even a man. And too me the cover is just cheezy looking, however this book was excellent. At first i couldn't see how this book could have so many twists and so much evil could happen to the main character but i must say all in all she overcame everything and good things come to those who wait. I understand Milton was abused but what he did to Myra was unforgivable and it was sad but things like this really happen. If you sleeping on the cover like i was don't immediately pick this up and read now. It kind of reminds me of "Harlem girl lost" by Treasure E. Blue just the way the turn of events took place. Go buy and read!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such hardknock lives but I always like happy endings....this was my firs AG McCall read...she went back and forth but she kept it all under control...seems like everything got a little rushed in the end... it will keep you company because you won't want to put it down...all in all I gave it 3 stars.....plus there's room for a sequel....I think....

I do not know what to say about this book. I don't think words would do it justice. This book is one of the best well put storys. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT, YOU ARE SURELY MISSING SOMETHIN!!!

I didn't like this at all. Very poorly written. Many better books out there.

On March 28, 2003 Writer's Digest announced that A Christmas Dozen won the Honorable Mention in Best Inspirational Book category of its Self-Published Book Awards. (author note)

Steve Burt's stories are perfect reading especially at Christmas but heart warming the whole year. We will include each of these with the traditional "Twas the Night Before Christmas" reading during family gatherings. Great writing and touching themes to each of the stories for all ages.

I find that my reaction to Steve Burt's stories in A Christmas Dozen, is always the same - a smile and a tear. A smile because my heart has been warmed and a tear because of the sublime beauty of the human spirit expressed in simple words. These stories are a delight and should be read by anyone, young and old, seeking a peaceful respite from the chaos of a hectic holiday season or from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. The few minutes you spend reading one of these gems can alter your mood for the rest of the day. Steve Burt has truly given us a gift to treasure!

Playing these tapes in my car gives me the feeling of having my own personal counseling session. The Story-telling and stories are supberb. While listening - you smile, giggle,laugh and cry. They are fantastic. I recognize areas, names and characteristics of many of the locals on the east end. Thank you Steve.

Pick up any book Brandon has a part of. This guy is remarkable at what he does. I started reading him because i wanted to read a "supernatural" book. When reading the "unreal" it is just that....unreal. But his way of writing will have you wanting more.

This is another great book he has put together. Left me on the edge of my seat expecting more and actually receiving it. Good read. Pick it up

I thought this book was a little over the top. This was the first book I read of Mr. Massey and it didn't really sell me. I will probably try another book of his before I make a final judgement. I love to write and Mr. Massey is inspirational. He is very passionate about his writing and I admire him for making his dream come true. I think the best is still to come with Mr. Massey.

Although the plot was mildly interesting, it was a little too 'far out there' to be truly captivating. I wasn't especially impressed by the author's writing style; I found his repeated inferences to the black culture interupted the material's flow. I most likely won't seek out other works by this author.

Drew (short for Andrew) is a successful novelist who appears to have everything. He has a hit thriller series, a nice large home in Atlanta, several wonderful friends, and is eagerly awaiting his new book deal (which promises to make him hundreds of thousands). The only thing missing is the love of a good woman, or to finally admit that he is in love with his best friend, Carmen. A slave to habit, his life, which is clearly outlined and followed, is disrupted when he meets the "woman of his dreams" (Mika) in Starbucks. She seems, initially, to be everything he wanted....beautiful, smart, rich, sexy and seemingly independent. However, after a night of passion, Mika turns into something he doesn't want and can't handle. As the novel unfolds, Massey introduces an element of the supernatural that promises to hold the attention of the reader until the very end. With a stormy parental relationship with his father, and his mother's psychic dreams, Drew realizes that he is in trouble, but is unsure of how to escape the one he thought that he desired. Filled with psycho cats, a sweet ghost named Sammie, and a scary groundskeeper (Walter), this novel has it all.....a little romance, some mystery, some deaths and a great story. I won't tell you what or who Mika is, reading this novel will tell you that, but I will say that Massey is among the few today who can create a story to be rivaled by Tanarive Due or Octavia Butler. Read this novel and you will not regret it.

So I had to take a break from the romance novels and hit up one of Brandon Massey's new thrillers titled "Within The Shadows".

If you love a good thriller, then this is the book for you! It started off with a bang! It ended with a bang! This book shows you that you should be open for the possiblity of anything happening in your life! The good, the bad and the UGLY!

Brandon's main character Andrew realized all that. He was a creature of habit until the one fatal day he did something he didn't normally do! Yep, it costed him a lot when he stepped out of his normal habit and didn't FOLLOW his CONSCIENCE!!!! True enough some good came out of it. BUT a whole lot of bad and ugly came out of it ti! It was a great tale of friends, family, and lust!

Take a ride with Andrew as he deals with writing a book, selling his 4th novel, sex, love, and the ghostly adventures!!!!!

Philip Gulley gets it. He understands so much of what has gone from our lives, where society has fallen off the path. And though he is a Quaker Preacher, he doesn't force feed it down your throat. This book doesn't come off as preaching, but rather as Gulley allowing you a glimpse into his life.

He shows us by examples rather than telling us. His stories of neighbors and family are as heartwarming as the front cover of a porch with rocking chairs promises. He references Bible passages but not in every story, and in a manner that is easy to relate to. His humor and wit are evident throughout and gives the reader the feeling that Gulley would be just the person to sit next to in those rockers and listen to for hours on a summer night.

If you are in the need for a pick-me-up, quick and easy read, I highly recommend this book.

This book's title gives an excellent description of the book. It is a book that I will keep and read over and over. I recently gave a copy to my pastor and have also given copies to a couple of friends. The stories help me to be a better person.

I purchase this book for my elderly parents and listened to them read every night until completed. They thoroughly enjoyed the book and the large-print edition is a bonus.

Book arrived as advertised BUT shipping via USPS very slow, took almost a month for book to arrive.

Philip Gulley serves as the pastor of a small Quaker church. He was asked to write something for the church newsletter which he did, little suspecting that some of his writing would end up in the hands of Paul Harvey who read it on his radio show. This book is a compilation of the essays that Gulley wrote for his church newsletter. They contain his observations of life summed up in chapters such as "My Cup Runneth Over, and So Does My Toilet" which I'm sure many readers can identify with. His wry humor is evident throughout the book as is the genuine compassion he has for other people.

Author offers support in his forum, that is wonderful. I still have many questions after reading the book, I joined his forum, and he is able to offer support. For example: I could never see my own looks in astral, author told me a way on his forum. It is like a personal teacher right next to me. Great author. And every buyer kept this book, I am the same, whenever I forget something, I can always refer to the book. WONDERFUL.

This is most useful astral projection book, I have used the methods myself. These books from Sapphire are actully very good, I am keeping all the books.

(There is a 'group attack' organized by another astral projection writer on Sapphire's book reviews. I am sorry for Sapphire. Please be aware, don't be fooled by these evil human beings.)

I had a car accident, I was sitting at the backseat. However, due to the accident, I got my first OBEE experience, I was floating in the air near the car and saw my body was rescued by the ambulance workers. And later, in the hospital I had a near death experience. I could not quite comprehend all of these, then was referred by a friend about this book.

I have no idea astral projection could be so easy. My mother was curious about astral projection also. According to the author, this is one of the skills to find relatives who passed away. I share this book with my mother, one day, she told me...she found my father in astral who passed away ten years ago. Thanks to this book.

No one re-sell this book, it is the proof. And self explanatory about... why this book is a keeper and will last generations.

What I like about the author is: Author is straight forward, will not waste your time reading million worthless words, I mean who has the time. This book is certainly my style. Astral projection opened my visions, found many wonders that cannot be explained by human nor scientists. Like this book and recommend it.

This is a great compendium of short stories from the mind of the man who dreamed up Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda, all renowned stories for children. The book pulls together some of the best from several of his collections.

Dahl, who was married for a long time to actress Patricia Neal (The Day the Earth Stood Still), hosted a British television show in 1961 called "Way Out," an anthology show whose episodes are hard to find today. He later hosted another anthology show called "Tales of the Unexpected" (1979-88). Both shows featured a number of Dahl's own stories. Some of Dahl's work has also been adapted to other television programs, notably "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

The hallmark of Dahl's stories is a good dose of irony, coupled with a macabre sense of humor. Dahl's stories work fantastically well on this level, bringing the reader to laughter in a horrified kind of way. His dialogue is sharp and characters are well drawn and very human, even at their worst. In "Lamb to the Slaughter," for example, a woman kills her cheating husband, then disposes of the murder weapon in a singularly unique way. The reader will feel for her and root for her to get away with it, and she does. Another frequently adapted work, "Man from the South," tells the story of a man who likes to wager with other people's fingers.

For readers who fondly remember Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka from childhood, and who also appreciate poking fun at the dark side of human nature, The Best of Roald Dahl is highly recommended.

Very often the writer's skill can be appreciated after reading their short stories. The short form requires discipline and has to catch the reader's attention in a short time. Roald Dahl managed to do this in his short stories (the shorter ones from this collection are the best!). The stories are truly timeless - although written between 1945 and 1965, they have not aged at all. They still keep the readers holding their breath and having goose bumps. There are horrors, great insights into human soul, relationships, perversions, addictions...
I knew only "James and the Giant Peach" before I was recommended this collection by a (British) friend, who I am very grateful to. I have been returning to the stories over and over again. My favorites are probably the most morbid ones, starting with "Man from the South" through "Skin", "Royal Jelly" to "Pig". I like also "Taste" which is more focused on psychology. Anyway, Dahl knew how to find an original subject, how to twist the plot leading to the unexpected and very satisfying finale, and how to use the English language.

Roald Dahl is best known for his children's books, namely CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. This book collects some of his best adult short stories from his long career. The dark humor and morality that guides his children's books are amplified here. Outlandish, often unlikable characters often personify one or more of the seven deadly sins and usually pay for it. Dahl's dark sense of humor is fantastic and almost every story ends with a delightfully surprising and ironic twist. Dahl's macabre sensibility might draw comparisons to Poe, but his style is not nearly as laborious. Gems from this collection include: "The Man From the South," (a story that Quentin Tarantino, among others, has paid homage to); "Skin" about a million dollar tattoo; "Pig," in which a vegetarian boy discovers the joys and horrors of meat; a story about a hair-brained wife-swapping scheme; and "The Sound Machine," which allows one to hear the screams of plants. My only complaint about the collection is that the order is chronological and some of the more absurd stories fall in the middle, which makes some of the later, less absurd stories a bit of a letdown. But overall, a fantastic collection.

As a child, I loved Roald Dahl's books from James and the Giant Peach to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Now that I am a little older, I started to read his mature works. I never go so enthusiastic about reading a book. You get it all with Roald Dahl, humor, suspence, brutality, and horrific stories all end with a surprising twist that you will never suspect. The best reading in years. Highly Recommended. My favorite is The Great Switcheroo. He is definatly one of the greatest writers of our time.

Have loved his kids' books ever since I was a child and am now reading them with my daughter. This one is for grownups only, though! I described this collection to friends by saying "Roald Dahl is the British Flannery O'Connor." If you like dark, funny (sometimes truly twisted) short stories where, in surprise endings, those who scheme and plot always get theirs, you will truly enjoy this book.

Ocean's apart while well worth reading left me not loving the story or feeling the raw emotions of most of Karen Kingsbury's books. Conner and Michele Evans have the perfect marriage and the perfect daughters but what causes Connor to have the affair and the whole affair just does't seem real to me. The only parts of the book I loved were the parts with Max the son that Connor fathered. I loved the little boy and could not understand how Michelle could not fall in love with that little boy. This is an easy read just not up to par with some of her other work.

He only slipped up once in his marriage vows and his commitment to living the Christian way, but it only took one night of giving into loneliness and temptation to give Connor Evans a son that he does not know about until the boy's mother is killed in a plane crash. When lawyers contact him to inform him of the sad news and the decision he now faces, Connor must confess to cheating to his wife, Michele. Though she attempts to cope, Michele is rocked and believes her entire marriage to be stained by lies. Even as Conner and his son, Max grow closer and their daughters begin to accept him as a friend, even though they do not know the whole truth, Michele struggles with the entire situation. Has Conner gained a son to lose a marriage? What is the path God would have them take?

***** This is a book that will shake you up; Ms. Kingsbury, as usual, pulls you into the narrative and wires you into the characters' emotions. Max's simple faith, Michele's hurt reaction to being betrayed, and Conner having to face the results of his sin will all feel as real as the nose on your face. Once again, a strong Christian message is presented, but not in a wimpy way, like so many "inspirational" novels tend to do. The characters are beautifully realized with all their flaws and heartaches. Even more clear though, is God's ability to make miracles out of messes. *****

Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews

This was a
very heart warming story,I cried though a lot of it for the little boys heartache and his love for his dog,the best book I have read in a long time,

This book made me laugh and cry. What a wonderful book about forgiveness and not giving up! Karen Kingsbury is an amazing writer!

Just when we think we have our past all neatly bundled in a forgotten little knot, and just when we think we can handle things on our own without the help of God, things start to unravel and the cost of poor judgement and past sins come to find us. Thus is the case with Conner Evans. But just when you have come to the end of yourself and your shame and guilt are ready to consume you, then comes the second chance and God's mercy and loving kindness to turn the situation around.
Ocean's Apart is a gripping story of not only forgiveness and second chances, but the consequences of our decisions on our lives and the lives of those involved. It shows the depth of God's love for each individual that is affected by the situation and gives a glimpse of His mercy in ways we cannot fathom. It also reveals how much we need to center our lives around our Savior, putting Him first place in our lives, keeping Him and His word before us every day; and being able to let the love of God shine through us.

If you are thinking of self-publishing a book, this is a valuable resource in explaining the do-it-yourself or print-on-demand option.

The book was published in 2004 and provides a good foundation for those just entering of the field.

If you are looking at publishing as a business, then is especially valuable in that the author shows you the economics of pod publishing versus a traditional press.

You also get a case-study of the authors experience with one of his books over the course of the year.

Keep in mind that the marketplace is driven by technology and constantly changing, so the book is beginning to show a little bit of age.

Although Morris Rosenthal's book is entitled PRINT-ON-DEMAND BOOK PUBLISHING, this title does not completely describe the book's contents. The book includes much, much more than an illumination of POD publishing. In a chapter entitled "Trade Publishing," for example, Morris takes you through the ordeals you will face should you choose to publish with a traditional publisher. In chapters entitled "Publisher Basics" and "Author Basics," he writes about copyrights and the pros and cons of registering them. He describes the roles of agents and lawyers and tells you how to decide whether or not you need them. And, he discusses what you need to know about publishing contracts.

In chapters entitled "Print-On-Demand" and "Self-Publishing," Morris finally gives a cursory review of essentials related to his book's title. But he's not yet finished. Chapters on numerous methods of marketing books and advice on how to do market research offer valuable insights. Then a chapter on "Book Design" offers a number of tips that are useful for overall book design, but these tips do not cover the actual layout and formatting of pages and book covers on a computer. The author then concludes his book with chapters on "Internet Marketing" and "Website Design."

Although this book offers an amazingly broad survey of the entire publishing industry, some readers may find less content than expected on the actual nuts and bolts of getting their manuscripts into a form acceptable by POD presses. I believe that the only thing wrong with this book is that its title does not suggest its true content. With a title such as "A Survey of the Book-Publishing Industry" or "An Introduction to Book Publishing," the book would likely attract fewer buyers, but they would know more about what they were getting.

Even so, I am giving this book a five-star rating for its very useful content.

Edwin Scroggins is author of How to Self-Publish Your Book with BookSurge for Less $$$: A Step-by-Step Guide for Designing & Formatting Your Microsoft Word Book to PDF & POD Press Specifications (To be released on Amazon in mid-July)

The author speaks from experience as he steps you through the choices you must make and the hurdles you must clear if you want to publish your own book. One point of emphasis is on the economics of self publishing, and he uses actual data from his own self-published books to make his case. At the same time, the discussion is presented in a down-to-earth, easy-to-digest manner. Because he had previously been published "professionally", that is, by a trade publisher, he is able to speak definitively about contract issues and royalty issues - and compare them to the self-published alternatives. A great introductory book on the subject.

I have one book out on CD rom...and am an artist that teachers painting. Someone suggested I look into POD options...but I knew so little I went with the first good book recommendation. The book is okay, but so no one commits my error....if you are looking to write a how-to which would include good images, printing with POD is a toner method and images are not good. Save yourself time and money...

In these days of saving the environment, we must all do our bit. I have done mine by saving several trees' worth of stamps thanks to Morris Rosenthal's 'Print on Demand Book Publishing'.

Print on Demand (POD); only print a book if someone demands it.
POD means no more posting hundreds of copies of your manuscript to hard-boiled agents, no more giving your long-suffering postie a sore back and laying waste to acres of forest only for the jaded publishers to drop it into their wastepaper bins because they did not see a bestseller after two pages. With POD you can bypass the industry, produce and publish your book, show it to the world and let the public decide for themselves. As Shakespeare nearly soliliquised, to buy or not to buy.
Print on Demand. What an idea! How simple, how obvious, how come?

This is where Morris Rosenthal comes in. 'POD Book Publishing' tells you not only that it can be done, but that it can be done by you. And how to go about it.

In straightforward approachable English, Morris demonstrates that POD is the future of publishing. Soon people will marvel that publishers once spent a fortune producing thousands of books to clutter up their warehouses while rejecting most of their potential clients.
This is a practical manual and Morris shows you how to turn your writing dreams into reality. Starting with nothing but your work and ambition, you can make it real.

Before I discovered Morris's book I was just another author wannaby, hoping that if I sacrificed enough trees to make stamps and manuscripts, a publisher might recognise my genius and make with the contract. Me and a million others. Maybe, I thought, if I rework the opening chapters a few more times It will persuade a drowning agent to clutch at it. Maybe I should compromise my work.

Today? I have published three books of my own with more in the pipeline, and am about to publish books for others (but only because I think they are good enough - I make the decisions now). Do I compromise my work? Why should I? Why should you?

If you want to metamorphose from being an author wannaby into a successful published writer with a bank manager who opens the door for you, check out this book.

And save those trees!

A Letter to My Sisters: The Way Out
I am indeed invigorated and ready to proceed into the future. This book helped me to break away from the bondage of things that had been sitting in my way for a while. Thank you Lady Beth for sharing you revelation.
A Letter to My Sisters: The Way Out

This was one of those really excellent experiences. Shipping was done within the days specified. The shipper sent notification the book had been shipped and the book arrived within a week. Above and beyond expectations!!

Great Amazon Seller! Would buy from again. Received book exactly as described in great timing.

Don't you just love Beth Moore?!? What an inspiration Beth is to ALL Christian women across this world. God has used Beth in such an awesome manner - don't you wonder what it's costing her? To whom much is given, much is required. This book flows just like her Bible study with the same title. This book will help you to find areas in your life where you are being held back and weren't even aware you were being held back! There are so many things that we as humans accept as just a part of normal life. Beth shows us in biblical terms why that is just not true! Just because it's a common 'side effect' of living in this sinful world DOES NOT mean that we have to accept it in our lives! I strongly urge you to find a church in your area that offers Beth Moore Bible studies. Read this book - it will set you free!!!

Several of my friends and I are using this book for an e-mail small group Bible study. It is well suited for that with its short chapters and review questions.
I ordered 3 items at exactly the same time and had to pay 3 separate shipping charges. I probably would not do that kind of shopping again.

This is a wonderful and touching story. It is a good read, and I recommend it to anyone who has ever had a pet. I especially like that it has a jack russell in the story.

This book is the story of Willie Morris' childhood companion, a dog named Skip. Willie recounts his adolescent years and all the fond memories of his dog and friends as they grew up together in small town Mississippi. The story is heartwarming and the author paints a very clear picture of all the shenanigans, good times and bad that he and his dog had together over the years. I liked this book; but I think a male reader would appreciate the bond between a boy and his dog more than I can.

This was a great book! It was so touching and heartfelt. I love dogs and this book is an example of someone who loves dogs like me so I can connect! Greatly recomended!

Willie Morris was a truly great author! This story of his childhood with his dog was really heartwarming. It is so simple and warm and humorous, you will just love it. Warning: you will cry your eyes out at the end, but it's worth the pain. One of the best animal stories ever, I hope many kids read this in school. If you loved the movie "A Christmas Story" you will love this book. The movie version of "My Dog Skip" is also quite good, though it is kind of upsetting that in order to create drama the wonderful father of the book is kind of nasty in the movie. Willie Morris was a great author who also wrote a cat book entitled "My Cat Spit McGee" and several books about his life that remind me a little of Russel Baker's memoirs. One is entitled "North Toward Home", another "Good Old Boy" and one is about life in New York City.

Willie Morris has recounted the life of not just a boyhood pet, but a dear and close friend.
The Story of Skip's life as told by his owner is full of mythic adventures of childhood. Where every new day was full of joy and wonder. Morris' storytelling brings the dog, his family and the lush southern landscape into full and brilliant view.
When you read My Dog Skip you can just feel how much this young man loved and revered his dog.
Any of us who have had a much loved pet know that the bond between animal and human can reach so much further than just "pet and owner". Willie Morris makes the statement that Skip wasn't just his dog, but his brother... that is a beautiful thing. Morris grew up an only child but did not feel alone by any stretch of the imagination. He was loved deeply by and deeply loved his dog Skip.
Another great point made in this book is how Willie Morris learned so much from his dog Skip. He clearly states that the most lasting lessons he has learned about love and loyalty came from knowing his dog.
This book captures so well the love a boy or any human being can have for a pet... I loved the story and highly recommend it!