Father's Day Books

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

I think this book is really beautiful. It's simple, but the story and illustrations are so sweet. I bought it for my new for my grand daughter. My daughter in law read it to her, and she just loved looking at the pictures. The price was very good for a hard cover book.

This is a GREAT book. I bought this for my kids as a fathers day present to their dad on fathers day this past year. My daughter is 2 and my son is one and they both LOVE this book. Almost everyday they ask one of us to read it to them. They love the book so much in fact, I'm jealous now, and am thinking of getting the I love my Mommy version. You wont regret buying this book. Its wonderful

This is a cute book. It's short and simple, which is easy to read to little ones. The illistrations are very pretty, also. Good gift to give as a baby shower gift or to a grown-up "from a child". (There is a page inside that says 'This book is to ______ with love".) I gave this book to my Brother-in-law but wrote inside that it was from his son.

This book is very nice. It was part of a gift to my husband when we found out I was pregnant.

Then, check out this captivating look at the bond between father and son told in the simplistic dialog of a little bear. With poignant pictures by author/illustrator Sebastien Braun (perfect last name), little "readers" can relate to the love that is shared by the family duo.

This is a perfect "primer" for both the child and the dad that needs to know his role.

everyone loves to hear those three special words, "i love you," but when you tell them to a child, do they truly understand the depth of your love for them? this book gives children a deeper understanding of those words in a fun and wonderful way. the rhymes are melodious, the illustrations are fabulous and once you see and read it, you'll want to pass a copy on to your friends and special little ones in your life.

Great book with illustrations to match the words that pop on the page. Great for any preschooler. Colors wonderful. Way to go Susan.

I love this book. The words and illustrations are beautiful; I love reading it to my daughter!

Imagine what you love most, and then imagine that someone loves you more than that! This book is a great conversation starter for children to explore what love means and how it feels. Whether the book is for a child that needs to know you love them more than the thing that they love most, or for a library at school, this book communicates a freedom to love and to express that love!

What a wonderful book!! I have purchased several for gifts aftering purchasing one for my grandson. I never get tired of reading the book and enjoying the illustrations.

I look forward to more books from Sue.

Carolyn Harris

Highly recommended! The audio format is a great idea! It makes learning very easy and the information is all relevant. This is one lesson that is interesting and easily finished.

This was my first wine book, and it is still the best beginner's reference. It covers everything you need to get started. The real benefit, however, is the audio format. You actually get to hear the narrator (who is fantastic!) pronounce the names of the various grape varieties, wines and terms. This is a huge benefit and something that cannot be replicated in the written word.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was average at best: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember. And the next time you go out to a nice restaurant, some Myles from Sideways type guy won't make you feel like an idiot.

Although drinking good wine isn't difficult, learning about wine can be. Once on a winery tour a vintner explained that there are 15,000 different choices that can be made from grape to bottle. Sometimes picking out a wine can seem daunting. Food Scholar's Wine Selection & Etiquette does a superior job of teaching those of us who would like to learn more without the information being overkill.

While there are more comprehensive books out there on Wine, I really like this book because it excels at being written for the average person. The book is divided into logical sections. I also like that the effect of climates in a region on the grape are covered. This is an easy way to tell what kind of wine you are getting just by looking at where the grape was grown.

This book will enhance your knowledge as well as your ability to pick out wines that you and your guests may enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about wine, as this book does an excellent job of giving a basic education about many of the wines of the world.

This book is inspiration to all who has the priviledge of reading it. You will realize that you, too, have the power to get through any struggle, if you believe! A must read for who more out of life!!

Henry Skaggs draws the reader into a world of fasting and prayer that few Westerners ever experience! The insights he gains and the spiritual power that he receives to complete the fast are nothing shy of miraculous. A poetic and transcendental work of the highest caliber!

This is a MUST read!! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have a relationship with GOD, then read this book! Henry truly expessed how wonderful a relationship with the Lord can be if you step out on faith and BELIEVE. Thanks so much Henry for your obedience to be a vessel for GOD and ultimately change the lives of others..for the better.

If anyone has ever longed to be in the presence of God -- literally-- and to have his power in you, this man, Henry Skaggs is someone to study. He writes about it in this book. His life and his family's life exemplifies God's grace and power, and this book gives a glimse into why he has this. The book is packed with spiritual truths and Biblical references. I have a much greater understanding of God's tremendous love for me and his desire and ability to do great things in me and through me. I thank God for this book.

This is a MUST read!! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to have a relationship with GOD, then read this book! Henry truly expessed how wonderful a relationship with the Lord can be if you step out on faith and BELIEVE. Thanks so much Henry for your obedience to be a vessel for GOD and ultimately change the lives of others..for the better.

This is a very easy book to read. A personal account of the author's father and lessons he taught in his lifetime. I particularly enjoyed the quote at each chapter head - providing poignant direction.

The book is extremely well written with a clear heart, positive tone, and outlook on events that contribute to the author. Interpreting life events in this way can do nothing but add to one's life. Perhaps that is the greatest message of all here.

Slip behind the walls of a sons' reflection to reconcile the heart felt dissonance he feels between himself and his deceased father. A journey so well crafted that it is impossable to put down until his final words finish in a resolution of peace and love. Kenny Kemp leads us across the monumetal gulf that separates every child from his parental counter part and illuminates each step with insight and understanding. Can we know who our parents really are? Can we understand the world they passed through. Perhaps it's impossible. But Kemp gives us hope that just maybe we have a chance to get out of our own skin for a moment and look back to find that so much of what we must discover in ourselves is really uncovered in someone who came before us. If you have a sence for songs of the heart...then this is a journey worth taking.

Kenny Kemp and I have been friends since we were 13 years old. I read Dad Was a Carpenter just after it's first printing in 1999 and I was touched, but not surprised, by Kenny's ability to grab hold of my heart with his words. Dad Was a Carpenter is the most wonderful little story you'll ever read.

DAD WAS A CARPENTER is a small, quiet treasure. It's a true story written from a adult son's perspective as he looks back upon his father's life while raising a large family. We are privy to remembrances of a humble man who lived a modest, holy life without fanfare. If you really want to feel what a life lived by authentic faith and true moral belief is all about, take this in hand and read each chapter slowly, then stop and listen. The book's wisdom will reveal itself to you. If you don't find yourself sobbing in utter humility from the lessons of quiet love, patience and goodness learned, I will be very surprised. "Be a carpenter. Build something worthwhile. Start with yourself."

I have tears running down my face after reading the end, but this book also made me laugh. I'll be ordering an extra copy for my son-in-law as he and my daughter await the birth of their first child. This moving story would make a perfect Christmas or Father's Day gift.

This book is spectacular. It has changed my life in so many different ways. If you are looking to really KNOW who the Lord is in your life it is absolutely necessary that you read this book. It is a book that can be read over and over. If you want Daddy God to move at absolute potential in your life pick up this book. It is not just a "good read." It is a book full of Apostolic Declarations that destroy yokes and release prophetic blessings. You can not just keep this secret to yourself. Buy one for someone that you love. Buy one for a teen who is struggling to trust in Jesus as Abba Father. Do not pass up this opportunity to get closer to our God!

BLESSINGS OF A FATHER highlights the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Not only that, author Randy Brown emphasizes the critical influence of spiritual fathers, such as pastors, on the lives of those under their care. As he shares his view about what he believes are unique blessings intended to be imparted from father to child, he uses various scripture references to illustrate his points. Though the primary focus is on the significance of the various types of blessings, which include birthright blessings, marriage blessings, and restoration blessings, Randy Brown also emphasizes that children should be obedient to the insight and wisdom of their father(s).

BLESSINGS OF A FATHER is a book meant for more than just fathers. Any spiritual leader can come away from reading this book with a renewed sense of the importance of the role they play in the lives of others. In addition, anyone who has a father, whether biological or spiritual, can glean an appreciation for the love ,discipline, and wisdom they receive, and deeper respect for the role God intends these fathers to play in their lives. Randy Brown offers an interesting perspective, but I would have liked to seen many of the subjects covered in greater depth. He also sells the importance of strong spiritual fathers, but barely touches on how one can cope when such a person isn't present in their lives. All in all, BLESSINGS OF A FATHER is a good, but brief examination of fatherhood.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

For all believers.It get's right to the point in each chapter without losing or boring the reader. This is something that is rarely preached but should be because of the importance of spiritual fatherhood and motherhood whether you are married or single.

This book isn't just for men or fathers! This is an awesome gift for Mother's Day and single women. As a single woman,Blessings of a Father, had a tremendous impact on my life. It showed me how to position myself in relation to my own natural father to allow him the ability to speak into my life, how to position myself with my spiritual father and how to align myself to my heavenly father. I also know what I need to look for in a husband so that he understands how to release these blessings over our children!

I must say that the "Blessings of a Father" book has been truly inspirational and thought provoking. I have the privilege of being a member of Apostle Randy Browns' ministry and I must say that it is a honor to watch the principles of this book come to life in application form weekly in the teaching and study that comes from the Apostle. I must recommend this book for all fathers and potential fathers to grasp the "thoughts of God" readarding fatherhood!

I don't golf but many of the men in my life do...and some are pretty good at it. That aside, I loved this book! Hillarious, touching, colorful and intelligent, it is a thoughtful novel about life...on the golf course and off. This is an author who gets the whole notion of wanting to really amount to something in the grand scheme of things. Buckle up for this one! It's a great ride!

I enjoyed this book! As a Californian who once lived in suburban Chicago, I remember the...often challenging climatic events, shall we say, and how rare it is being on any Chicagoland golf course in the middle of July without having to tread humidity in 90-degree heat. Joe Redden Tigan employs rich humor, skillful character development and energetic dialogue to create an engaging tale that takes place during a round of golf on one of those rare July days. He delivers a powerful message involving true friendship, self-reckoning and civic responsibility that will resonate with golfers and non-golfers alike. A superb first novel from an important new American literary voice.

In reading Waggle, the first challenge the reader has is actually believing that Social Change could be used as a bet on a golf course. But considering the age of these four golfers, and the use of the word "Catharsis" to explain the changes these men are going through, makes the plot not only plausible, but indeed real.

I liked Tigan's use of humour throughout the book. He's really a gifted writer. His setup of the characters and the golf course gives you all you need to paint a perfect picture of the 18 hole game.

Highly recommended reading.

Ok, I'm not much of a golfer and I'm a girl, so I was not sure if I was going to like "Waggle". But, within the first chapter I knew I was going to love it! The author's use of language totally "drives" the book. This is not your typical book you pick-up off the shelf with the same old drone, page, after page, after page. With each new chapter you never know what you are going to get next. I found the variety of techniques employed to relay the story extremely clever and refreshing. It's a fun read and a book I will definitely be reading again. That is, unless, Mr. Tigan gets us that sequel first!

Waggle is a novel written by golf lover Joe Redden Tigan, for fellow golf lovers and suburbanites everywhere. One ordinary day in the summer of 2003, real estate appraiser Conny Bromenn decides to inject some change and meaning into the self-absorbed life he shares with his community. He decides to motivate his Saturday morning golf foursome by replacing their usual wager per hole with certain "pacts" that the loser pledges to adhere to. Hole by hole, the group of 40-year-olds is forced to reexamine their place in the world, and what they need to do. An involving novel about an awakening sense of social responsibility, highly recommended.

Jesus (Jay) Maymi's groundbreaking work has truly enriched my life: Jay has captured the essence of today's man's trials and tribulations. His work has allowed me to address the battle between living a good Christian life and being successful in business. You truly can follow Jesus Christ and through Jay's insights be motivated to follow the "Living Word." I appreciate Jay both as a Christian, successful businessman and a true friend. I recommend this book to any individual who has ever struggled to find their way in this world of ours!

Jay Maymi, in A Common Man's Devotional, really encourages and motivates believers to seek more of God as well as acting out your faith daily. The devotions help to keep believers focused each day on what is important and they serve to bring the person's mind and heart back to God no matter how busy our day may be. I enjoyed the rich simplicity of the devotions and I know that this book will bring hope and encouragement to the person in need. It is indeed a work of God.

This has truly been not only an inspirational guide, but one filled with the structure to have a very solid and intimate relationship with God. Jesus Maymi does a phenomenal job laying the foundation and then giving the reader the tools and motivation to build their lives around it. It makes the struggle of spiritual discipline a conquerable giant and provides strength along the way. Great source for any man wanting a structured relationship with God.

As a Christian woman, I can truly say that I was inspired by the words and bible passages in this book. It is easy to see that both the author and the book have been blessed by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This book is a perfect companion to reading the Bible, especially for a beginner who is starting to study The Word. Enjoy this book and be blessed.

This book is a perfect down to earth devotional. Not complicated but each day's message really makes you stop and think. Every thought and idea is backed up by scripture. A great addition to anyone's daily walk.

Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys Review

The characters Ms. Jensen has so intricately and skillfully drawn simply leap off the page and into the mental eye of the reader. There were many of them whom I would dearly like to know in actuality and be judged a friend by those people.

The story-telling is clear and fully rounded, with subtle hints but no revelation of what's to come in pages ahead until the resolution. We see the situations from the viewpoints of multiple people and can even, as readers, get our own selves in an emotional conundrum as to how things might or should be handled and resolved. The issues and emotions are delicately interwoven tissue papers of humanity and the consequences of beliefs and actions are far-reaching and of vital import.

The history of the Mormon church and the issue of polygamy has obviously been painstakingly researched (the history I have read regarding polygamy bears this out); and while a major thread of the novel, it only adds to and enriches the tension and the questions the reader has as to what will happen to the protagonists and all those around them also to be deeply affected by events.

I purchased seven copies of this novel; one for me and the others for friends and public libraries as gifts. One of these friends called to express her excitement and enjoyment saying, "I was hooked by page one and could not put the book down. I laughed tears and cried tears." She summed up my own feelings exactly and her day was made when I explained that hopefully, there is to be a sequel.

D.T. Enloe
Wisconsin, USA
2/25/08

Genre: Fiction

Title: Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys

Author: Janet Kay Jensen

Louisa Martin knew she was very privileged to be in medical school. Being from a lifestyle of polygamy, few girls had ever had the chance to do anything like this, but her clan needed medical people who understood and would follow their belief system. Medical school had been incredible and Louisa did very well, but there was Andy, a young Mormon man whose family was mainstream and didn't follow the same lifestyle. -Two different cultures that neither could accept; a love that was doomed to fail.

Andy went to Kentucky to develop a practice and learned to love the country and its inhabitants. Louisa returned to her community to begin her practice but there she found abuse, illness and deformity. How could she have not seen these before? Try as she might, she could not change the way of things and had to decide to accept or reject her old way of life. Throughout their trials, neither could forget the other. Then circumstance pulls them together, while family and culture force them apart.

Throughout this beautifully written book, winds the thread of acceptance; acceptance of differing cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. Author, Janet Kay Jensen brings her characters to life and makes them feel like our neighbors. We can feel their uncertainties, fears and joys. We travel through their days like a friend. Mother, wife, member of the Author's Guild and winner of several awards for her writing, Janet Kay Jensen has given the readership of America an exceptionally well written, charming story of adventure, love and acceptance. I look forward to her future endeavors.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

Janet's debut novel proves to be a brilliant piece of work with all its characters well depicted and its story masterfully crafted. One word of caution: Do not expect to be bored!

"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is not your typical LDS/Christian romance; it is a piece of fiction that not only focuses on a wonderful plot and convincing characters, it is also a novel that finds victory in its use of words. Janet beautifully-composed sentences read poetically and are measured with intricate details and care. Although the relationship between the two lead characters is the driving force of the story, the real core of the novel lies in the underlying theme that continues to play masterfully between the lines--the true meaning of family, love, redemption and fogiveness. It is not a story about a group of Mormons; on the contrary, it is about a group of ordinary people who happen to be of the Mormon faith. Janet plays with her theme wittily, teasing the reader with traditional tales and urban myths about Mormons and polygamistsm. I will not expose the plot here for everyone; it will only take away the pleasure of your reading. Instead, I will tell you this: if this novel were to be a movie, it will definitely be Oscar-worthy. A literary fiction at its best, perhaps the best contemporary LDS fiction in years. I would read and reread a certain passage just to savor it before moving on to the next best passage. Janet is a promising writer who will undoubtedly break into the general market in no time. And this is a promise.

Nominated in 2007 as a finalist in USA Book News in the Religious Fiction category, Janet Kay Jensen's Don't You Marry The Mormon Boys narrates the story of two medical students who meet and fall in love while both are attending the University of Utah.
However, there is one big problem, Andy McBride is of the Mormon faith while Louisa Martin was born and brought up in a strict polygamous community.
After graduation and a painful break-up caused by their seemingly irreconcilable differences, the couple pursue different paths.

Andy, after several years of medical training, winds up with his dog, Eliza R. Snow, in the rural town of Hawthorn Valley, Kentucky where he is received with open arms, as the town is in dire need of a family doctor. Louisa, on the other hand, follows her idealistic dreams and returns to her hometown of Gabriel's Landing, Utah.

Although the two continue to experience strong feelings towards each other, it would appear that there is little hope that they will ever again reunite and marry.
In order to accomplish this feat, Louisa would have to abandon her dream of bringing modern medical practices to Gabriel's Landing and leave her polygamous community.

Further complicating matters is that Andy's father Cole is an Assistant Attorney General in Utah who has been assigned to prosecute several polygamy cases, and he is not too thrilled with Andy's choice of a girlfriend and possible future wife.

As Louisa settles into her new position of family doctor in Gabriel's Landing, her idealism is soon shattered when she discovers the community's dark side where women and children have been abused by their husbands and fathers and that there is an unusual number of stillbirths and birth defects. As she states, "Gabriel's Landing was not the peaceful, harmonious community she had always imagined, though members of her family continued to be, as far as she could tell, kind and loving to each other."

Thrown into the saga is the Council of Brothers decision obliging Louise to marry John Olsen who already has five wives and thirty children. Furthermore, Olsen is only a few years younger than Louisa's father Joshua. Upon being notified of the Council's decision, Joshua is unyielding in his refusal to permit the marriage and openly challenges their decision by informing the brothers that she cannot marry a man whom she does not love.

Louisa also finds herself in a great deal of hot water when she is summoned before the same Council and questioned if she counselled her patients about contraception, birth defects and depression. Her reply was that to answer the question would be to defy doctor-patient confidentiality, something she was not prepared to do. When she tries to explain the problem of marrying close relatives, she is rebuked and informed that the community does not need outsiders to meddle into their affairs for it is only the will of God that they must obey and no one else. Louisa, who causes quite a media stir, is forced to leave the community she loved and moves to Salt Lake City.

Andy discovers that practicing medicine in a small town is not exactly something he had envisaged particularly when he is called upon to treat an unwed pregnant teenager, who was badly beaten by her drunken father, Bo Rawlins. As Andy is soon to learn, his kindness towards the teenager and her brother will eventually result in some very harrowing experiences between himself and Bo, someone who doesn't appreciate outsiders intruding in his family affairs.

Janet Kay Jensen is a writer of enormous talent, skill, and quite knowledgeable as she sheds light on Mormonism and polygamous communities which she skilfully interweaves into her story.

She also has a gift of descriptive prose, stirring up a sense of presence and emotion.
Particularly striking is the small slice of life of a country doctor that rings so true, and when reading about Andy, it brought back my own childhood memories when my father would tell me how he began his medical practice in 1925 in a small village in Quebec.

Moreover, all of the supporting characters carry out important plot functions and it is here where Jensen is at her best, capturing wisps of their thoughts and emotions.
Louisa's father Joshua effectively playing the "fight role" when he stands up to the Council of Brothers with his fiery reactions to their dictatorial behavior. The mean Bo Rawlins seeking revenge, and Miss. Carolina with her herbal remedies and down-to-earth advice that startles Andy and even perhaps makes him a believer in alternative medicine.

This is one compelling novel you won't want to miss.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

Having read an advance copy, I can honestly say this is great read. The characters are ones to fall in love with. The action takes place all over the world, Utah, Kentucky, Finland and Las Vegas. And the humor is priceless. Don't be disuaded by the synopsis, just grab it and enjoy it.
Anne Cloward
Woodbury, MN