Publishers Books

EXPECT THE SUNRISE is the third book in the TEAM HOPE series by Susan May Warren. Each book follows the lives of search and rescue members that make up Team Hope. EXPECT THE SUNRISE takes place in the Alaskan wilderness after the plane piloted by Andee MacLoad, a mountain rescuer, crash lands during a storm. Sterling "Mac" MacLeod, an FBI agent, is one of seven survivors and immediately suspects there is a saboteur on the flight, with the Alaskan Pipeline as its target. Andee and Mac clash when decisions have to be made regarding the safety of the passengers. With Andee's best friend injured, she decides to hike out on her own in search of help. Mac fears she is the saboteur and insists they stay together, not wanting her to get the opportunity to accomplish her plan for disaster. What results is an intriguing story as Andee and Mac struggle with trust, survival, and secrets that could shatter their growing interest in each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed the TEAM HOPE series. With adventurous stories set in the great outdoors, Susan May Warren captivates her audience with deep characters, rich plots, and enough suspense to keep you guessing.

A terrorist is going to blow up the Alaska pipeline. Mac and his partner are there to stop the violence. But Mac's partner is critically wounded in the fire-fight. Mac frantically tries to save him, waving maniacally to a helicopter flying overhead. He attributes his partner's death to the fact that the pilot didn't stop.

Mac is living with a chip on his shoulder after the death of his partner, still blaming the helicopter pilot for his loss. Andee, a member of Jim Micah's SAR team, is spending her summer flying in Alaska. She meets Mac on one of her flights. They share a Scottish heritage, but as they grow closer they learn that they share so much more. Can they overcome the past? Or will they miss out on what promises to be a beautiful future?

Susan May Warren is a master of romantic suspense storytelling! Her characters are authentic role models of Christian behavior in extreme circumstances. The way she records their thought processes makes me sit back and examine my own reactions to less stressful experiences. Not only have her novels afforded me many hours of wonderful entertainment, but they have also helped me to deepen my relationship with God and others.

In Expect the Sunrise, the third book in the series Team Hope, Susan May Warren delivers. The book opens with the heartbreaking scene where FBI agent Stirling "Mac" McRae's brother is dying in his arms, and he believe's it's his fault. All of a sudden a bush plane passes overhead and he signals that he's got an emergency, but the plane ignores him. He vows to find out who the pilot was who left his brother to die. After healing some from his brother's death, he must take a plane trip in a small craft. Andee MacLeod is the bush pilot and this is her last flight before winter sets in, as she tries to climb above a storm front, the plane crashes. Some of the passengers are injured, including Andee's best friend. To make matters worse, Mac discovers there is a terrorist in the group, but he doesn't know who. In fact, he suspects Andee. The same group of terrorists have also taken Andee's father captive, a bush pilot to taught his daughter to fly and a former star FBI agent. Throughout the book, the author demonstrates God's love, forgiveness, and grace. This is an exciting read and is well written.

Susan May Warren is a terrific author. This is her best series yet, and this book may be the best in the series as well. I love how her characters always seem so real. I had trouble putting this book down. I'm still eagerly awaiting the fourth book in this series!

This is the third book in the Team Hope series and hopefully not the last! This was another wonderful addition to this series. The characters are such a joy to get to know.

Mac and Andee end up stranded in the Alaskan mountains after Andee's plane crash with several other passengers. The tale of their harrowing journey out is definitely worth the read. Add in terrorists and you have a great suspense novel.

ONE OF THE BEST COMBINATION DAILY DEVOTION, BIBLE STUDY AND JOURNALS I HAVE EVER USED. IT GOES BEYOND SURFACE STUFF BUT GIVES YOU ENOUGH DEPTH FOR A DAILY TIME WITH GOD. IT'S WELL WRITTEN AND CHALLENGES YOU TO TAKE ACTION EVERYDAY TO LIVE AS A JEWEL IN GOD'S CROWN. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!

A JEWEL IN HIS CROWN is a delightful study into a woman's life and her place in the royal court of God. Both the book and workbook provide an in-depth exploration of issues relevant to a woman's life at all stages and her relationships with all people.

Shirer points out that women are Royalty, and they need to look for their place in God's Court. As daughters of the King, women should put on their own crown and at once take upon the qualities of one in a royal court.

It is vital for women to claim their inheritance. If they don't' they block God's purpose for their life and insult Him by trying to be someone they are not.

Though the book or workbook can easily be used separately, together they provide a more complete tool.

The book(s) are filled with topics, which encourage women to be women, to glory in their likeness to God, and to embrace the fact they were specially fashioned by Him.

The book version includes in each chapter: a study, a prayer and a list of things to consider.

The Journal is unique. Chapter by chapter, it accompanies A JEWEL IN HIS CROWN perfectly. Questions, quotes and scriptures are designed to bring a woman's gem-like qualities to the surface, where they belong.

Shirer relates her own difficulties in relationships and then later, candidly shares the important lessons she learned from overcoming the trials.

Both books are rich with tools to bring all women into the glory of their womanhood.

Audience: A JEWELL IN HIS CROWN, the book and journal, is suitable for teens and young adult women. Older women will benefit as well, as the knowledge extracted from these books will teach women about their value as a woman, and prepare their spirits, mind and bodies for the man God has chosen for them. By doing so, and applying the principles in the book and journal, unmarried women can then enter into a married union with the fullness of grace God has provided, with the man God has selected to be their groom.

Either book, or both as a set, would be an appropriate gift to a young woman in her teens and can aid all women in their journey as God's woman.

Married and older women as well will enjoy the set and be able to deepen their understanding of their place in God's Kingdom, their place on the earth, and their place in other people's lives.

Let's face it most women have issues that often stem from a lack of self-esteem. In her first book, Priscilla Evans Shirer, does a wonderful job of reminding women they are "precious jewels" in the eyes of God. She shares stories of well-known Christian women as well as her own personal experiences. Priscilla's personal stories really touch you. While she is the daughter of noted author and speaker, Dr. Tony Evans, she lets the reader know she has a style of her own and she too has been where they have been.

There is no psychology mumbo-jumbo - just straight talk! At the end of each chapter, Priscilla provides questions to consider and a prayer that addresses the subject matter of that particular chapter. This is a must-read for women of all ages, whether married or single.

Reviewed by The GOOD GIRL Reviewers for www.goodgirlbookclubonline.com

Let's face it most women have issues that often stem from a lack of self-esteem. In her first book, Priscilla Evans Shirer, does a wonderful job of reminding women they are "precious jewels" in the eyes of God. She shares stories of well-known Christian women as well as her own personal experiences. Priscilla's personal stories really touch you. While she is the daughter of noted author and speaker, Dr. Tony Evans, she lets the reader know she has a style of her own and she too has been where they have been.

There is no psychology mumbo-jumbo - just straight talk! At the end of each chapter, Priscilla provides questions to consider and a prayer that addresses the subject matter of that particular chapter. This is a must-read for women of all ages, whether married or single.

I am at an age to have the privilege of mentoring many young women. Almost every woman I've met has dealt with low self image (very few exceptions). Shirer's book is THE BOOK I recommend. Priscilla speaks to ALL women, not to only a select group. This book challenges women to see themselves as their heavenly Father sees them. The book offers insight, hope, challenge, and makes one rethink the lie believed about SELF. If I had the power, I'd place "A Jewel in His Crown" into the hands of every woman. It's THAT life changing!

This book was written in 1959 by a young French Jewish man who fought with the French resistance, was himself imprisoned, and somehow survived the holocaust. Mythical and artistic and touched with a bit of magic realism, it is the story of the persecution of the Jews in Europe in the context of history dating back to the eleventh century. The basic premise is a fictional Jewish myth of 36 just men, one from each generation, who absorb the burden of humanity's suffering so that mankind can survive.

The first third of the book relates one gruesome story after another, all the in the context of Jewish persecution as it moves through different historical periods, with some of the stories even including a bit of humor. It gave me the feeling of the inevitability of Jewish suffering and how long it has been going on. Once this concept is firmly established we are soon in the beginning of the twentieth century and are introduced to a family in the Polish ghetto. Each one becomes an individual and I was drawn into the personalities, especially the courtship and marriage of a young couple who later figure prominently in the story. We watch them move from Poland to Germany and then to France, each time hoping for a better life. We meet their grandchild, Ernie Levy, as a child in Germany, suffering the mental and physical violence of his schoolmates. Later, we see him as a young man in France, as the Nazi war machine moves in. Always, we are aware of the realities of history and the horrors that still await him as he gradually realizes his fate as the "last of the just men". Eventually he and the woman he loves await death in a concentration camp surrounded by Jewish children who have all lost their parents. I shuddered throughout at the awfulness of it all. But I just couldn't stop reading.

This book is a small masterpiece and a literary gem. Yes, it is sad. It is very sad. And yet, there is beauty in it too, and love and courage. I will never forget the impact it had on me. I give it my highest recommendation. It is a true work of art.

An immensely illuminating and personal history of the Jewish people. It educates and elicits emotional response. Brilliantly written. Essential for anyone interested in Jewish history.

The Last of the Just
THis novel ,in my opinionis the greatest,most moving and most unllifting book about the holocaust ever written; about a jewish boy ,a just man ,in the midst of NAzi Germany and finally the concentration camps.The belief that there a a finite number of Just men ,who keep the balance of goodness in the world, in any given generation and the holocaust ,by killing them tipped a cosmic balance is a powerful . I first read it over 20years ago and I have never forgotten it .It is one of the world's great books .
I have just replaced my copy { my old one stolen by book lover]because it bears a re read often to remind us all of us may be "just men/womenTHe world can then will be a better place . Read this book to remind yourself of your humanity and that of others who suffer .

My father got me this book and it took me a few years to get around to reading it. After I did, I found "The Last of the Just" to be quite a memorable story, to say the least. Once you get a couple of chapters into the story, it becomes emotionally gripping as you begin to get to know the characters. The story weaves together fiction and legend against a historical backdrop. The writing is poetic, haunting and beautiful. To me, the spiritual and emotional depth of this novel is unmatched. I plan to read this again some time, after taking some time to digest the entirety of this story. This book is definately a first-class work of art in my opinion.

This book is a deeply personal account of a Jewish family in the 19th and 20th centuries. Part of it's power comes from following the lives of the family well before the holocaust began... thus showing that anti-semitism was not only a Nazi trait and making the continually worsening conditions even harder to bear in contrast to their lives before. Ernie Levy, our main anti-hero, is so real. Every moment of his roller coaster of life is so charged with real emotions and desires that you cannot help but be 100% invested in what happens to him. The paragraph on the final page is possibly one of the most powerful in all of literature. I finished this book two days ago, and am already ready to read it again. It is a cleansing, miraculous experience.

The part that most struck me was when he wrote "Before the war would end, little Austria would supply nearly half of the staff of all Nazi concentration camps and death camps." and the story he tells of being a boy in Vienna in March 1938 "when Hitler entered the city and found a quarter of a million people rapturously cheering him". He says his cousin Sonja still lives in Vienna "where the citizens now call themselves victims....hoping to keep their secret from the rest of the world". Hitler was an Austrian and so was the head of the Gestapo Kaltenbrunner and many many other Nazi's.

I just finished this book, I coulnt beleive the outcome of it.It was so shocking to hear all of this. I couldn't put it down. Im very interested in the Holocaust, even though im not a surviver, but it is so interesting on how people were back in WWII, it amazes me that people had to go through all of this..I would diffently reccommend this. Thanks to Leo and Michael, to share such a tragic story and a big and unhumian peice of your life, a peice of history..Best Wishes

an incredible story about the human spirit and the will to live against all odds.

I've read several books about the holocaust,whether their authors were survivors of the death camps, survivors on the run, or even non-Jews who helped others survive by hiding them. This book was an incredible story. His escapes were brave and amazing. I'm always looking for more stories such as this, it is amazing to me, there are so many stories, I want to know them all. If you have any other recommendations, e-mail me at Stacy1212@aol.com. Great book, must read.

Well, the writer is my Grandpa. I am 10 years old so I read it early. My mom helped me out a lot. But thats not exactly a bad thing! Everytime I came to a word I didn't know she would tell me. My mom really could help because my mom was even the one who read it and edited it so she was one of the first, and that really helped because she knew the whole story. I first thought it wasn't such a bad tradgedy of what he did, but after I accually read it, I really changed my mind! If you have not read it, you really got to. Even if you are ten like me, try and you will really like it! Expeccially read it if you like biographies and autobiographies, cause this is an autobiography! Even if you don't like non-fiction, read it anyway! This is so cool that it sounds impossible, and im it sounds impossible it's as fiction as any other book!

Is it ever a wonder that Max Lucado is truly anointed by the Lord to touch your heart? In 'No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Chronicles from the Cross', Lucado gets to the heart of the matter. Even to his Irish friend, Ian who had been there and done that. Tired of religion and theology. When everything else seems empty. What really mattered? He wanted treasure. The answer: The Cross.

As it is written, from Paul in I Corithians, chapter 15.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures....

From the Cross comes Words spoken in the Lord's final acts. The words come from Luke, chapter 23. He spoke to all of us through time. He saw each one of us. From His suffering, His pain and His shame to our sickness, our sin and our doubt. His cry, "Father, forgive them." [Luke 23:34] was enough. To all the Bernhard Goetz's who lash out in anger for injustice. There is justice. To the criminal who died on the Cross next to the Savior there is hope. For those finding a way out there is pardon and forgiveness. To the solider or missionary who leaves loved ones behind. For Love is built NOT on passion and romance but on mission and sacrifice. That eternity is closer than any Good-bye, but in reality 'see you soon.' To all the Judith Bucknell's who cry in loneliness. He reached out from the Cross to your lonely heart. It was Jesus in his hour of abandonment, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' [Matthew 27:46]. When no one else loves you. He is going to love you. He always has. He was fulfilling prophecy. When you're tired and thrist. He knows that, too. God became flesh and dwelt with us to know everything we have ever done with compassion He carried it with Him to the Cross.

The witnesses who were there and saw the miracle of salvation. Even those who ran away. There was a great price paid. He sacrified His life. We all know what had happened that day. The message is in our tears. No education, maturity or religion can separate us from His passion. From the Cross' wisdom comes the open arms of undying Love and a place to come home to. Only that wisdom lies NOT as men sees it, but in Faith in the Power of God. The evidence in an empty tomb. So what does really matter to you? I'd say a living God in the flesh, making the most important decision in your life, to spread the news 'in an information age, NOT regeneration.' In Jesus' words, 'Will you tell them?' 'Will you tell them I came back and that I'm coming back again.' Will you?

NOTE: Contains a Study Guide at the end for each chapter for further study plus added notes. To Max, May God continually Bless you as you Bless us with your gift. In the Love of Jesus.

Anything Max Lucado write is an understanding of the Bible that helps a person to find it easily understandable. He makes it easy for people to read and under Jesus a lot better and plus his bible study at the end of the book makes it easier to share the knowledge with a friend

Is it ever a wonder that Max Lucado is truly anointed by the Lord to touch your heart? In 'No Wonder They Call Him the Savior: Chronicles from the Cross', Lucado gets to the heart of the matter. Even to his Irish friend, Ian who had been there and done that. Tired of religion and theology. When everything else seems empty. What really mattered? He wanted treasure. The answer: The Cross.

As it is written, from Paul in I Corithians, chapter 15.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures....

From the Cross comes Words spoken in the Lord's final acts. The words come from Luke, chapter 23. He spoke to all of us through time. He saw each one of us. From His suffering, His pain and His shame to our sickness, our sin and our doubt. His cry, "Father, forgive them." [Luke 23:34] was enough. To all the Bernhard Goetz's who lash out in anger for injustice. There is justice. To the criminal who died on the Cross next to the Savior there is hope. For those finding a way out there is pardon and forgiveness. To the solider or missionary who leaves loved ones behind. For Love is built NOT on passion and romance but on mission and sacrifice. That eternity is closer than any Good-bye, but in reality 'see you soon.' To all the Judith Bucknell's who cry in loneliness. He reached out from the Cross to your lonely heart. It was Jesus in his hour of abandonment, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' [Matthew 27:46]. When no one else loves you. He is going to love you. He always has. He was fulfilling prophecy. When you're tired and thrist. He knows that, too. God became flesh and dwelt with us to know everything we have ever done with compassion He carried it with Him to the Cross.

The witnesses who were there and saw the miracle of salvation. Even those who ran away. There was a great price paid. He sacrified His life. We all know what had happened that day. The message is in our tears. No education, maturity or religion can separate us from His passion. From the Cross' wisdom comes the open arms of undying Love and a place to come home to. Only that wisdom lies NOT as men sees it, but in Faith in the Power of God. The evidence in an empty tomb. So what does really matter to you? I'd say a living God in the flesh, making the most important decision in your life, to spread the news 'in an information age, NOT regeneration.' In Jesus' words, 'Will you tell them?' 'Will you tell them I came back and that I'm coming back again.' Will you?

NOTE: Contains a Study Guide at the end for each chapter for further study plus added notes. To Max, May God continually Bless you as you Bless us with your gift. In the Love of Jesus.

"Any serious study of the Christian claim is, at its essence, a study of the cross. To accept or reject Christ without careful examination of Calvary is like deciding on a car without looking at the engine."

As "pain pervades the dusty planet," we can at times wonder how our suffering can better us as human beings. We feel alone roaming down here while God seems far above, safe in his heavenly paradise.

This is where Jesus Christ appears. In his suffering, we can see God at his most human. When the consistency of life IS inconsistency, there is someone who understands.

Jesus died for people instead of taking revenge. He didn't retaliate even when he was facing death. He takes our sin on his shoulders and becomes the "death slayer."

Max Lucado is really writing to people who have broken hearts and who can find a lonely person simply by looking in the mirror. The land of promise is for those who endure the pain and suffering and are reborn.

I loved the story he tells about the puppy and how he explains guilt and forgiveness. He brings a human element to spiritual concepts. He also explains how we can't get rid of guilt ourselves, we really do need a savior.

A beautiful look at Christ, the Cross and why we need God.

~The Rebecca Review

Max Lucado has done a marvelous thing by blessing humanity with his portrayal of the Cross of Jesus Christ. In his own unique style of writing, the author takes you on a vivid journey of discovery as you see the Cross, and the characters who "surround" it, from a new light. Max Lucado has such a powerful ability to express himself in words. Tears filled my eyes as I was touched, transformed, and impacted by my Saviour through this book. You will be truly blessed!

I very nearly bought this book for its cover, which is beautiful in its simplicity. But instead, I read the reviews, all the reviews. THEN I bought the book. And, when it arrived, I discovered that I had bought one of the most thorough books ever written, about any exercise, ever. I'm going to try to avoid talking about what other reviewers have already written.

First, this book is thorough. Very thorough. There are generally two types of exercise books: those that provide lots of pretty (or, manly) pictures but little explanation and those the provide endless explanation but few illustrations. This book, like those by Sue Luby (no, we don't know why Amazon doesn't carry her yoga and fitness books; they're excellent) falls neatly into the center: just enough photographs and just enough discussion. Even more critical is that, unlike almost every Pilates book I've seen, the author provides photos from various levels, including those from above, to show, for example, how far apart your feet should be in various positions and explains what and where you should direct your concentration.

The book is divided into twelve chapters. The first three, which are ABOUT Pilates (Enhancing the Mind and Body; Alignment, Posture, and Movement; and Powerful Pilates Practices) are not only informative but also deeply inspirational. If you don't feel like hitting the empty spot on the floor (assuming you have one; we're certainly running low on emptiness) and opening up every joint and muscle in your body, send the book back because you won't be happy with the rest. Chapters 4 through 11 detail exercises on various bit of equipment. Chapters 4 and 5 cover mat (chapter 4) and Reformer (chapter 5) routines. The next six chapters cover other pieces of equipment, ranging from the most expensive (chapter 6: Cadillac) through the Wunda Chair (chapter 7), Barrels (chapter 8), Ped-a-Pul (chapter 9), Arm Chair (chapter 10), and the magic circle (chapter 11). This division by equipment is quite useful. If you don't happen to have the Cadillac (or the several thousand dollars it's takes to buy one), just skip that chapter. I have found, however, that many exercises usually performed on more elaborate equipment can be modified using simpler equipment. For example, I am daily impressed with the extraordinary range of exercises you can do using a simple resistance ball.

Finally, Chapter 12, provides an excellent set of "Sample Exercise Routines" for mat, reformer, and cadillac, further organized by time and skill level. In this chapter, the photographs from various angles are used to greatest effect.

In sum, I think this is a perfect Pilates book. And I say this as a long-time addict of Moira Stott's various books and videos. I think just about everyone can get something out of it. It's certainly worth giving it a try.

Wow. This is one thorough treatment of Pilates. Whether you're a beginner who needs to start out with the basics, or an experienced practitioner who needs some of the more advanced moves, it's all here for you. You can use this book for mat work or for the various types of apparatus work. You get a basic idea of which muscle groups get worked by the various exercises, and the proper visualizations to get you where you need to be. A very well-written, easy to understand, easy to follow guide. I highly recommend this book.

The book is well written, comprehensive and very informative. The philosophy behind the work of Joe Pilates and repertoire is first explained in detail. the vast Pilates system of exercises from mat to Reformer and all the other basic apparatus, is then broken down and presented in logical chunks that really make sense. I am both a student of Pilates and a trainer. I loved the organization of the work presented by an author whose authoritative knowledge and love of the Pilates Method is infectious. Rael I. explains the context within which each exercise works, in relationship to the whole body, and then explains how to incorporate it in a Pilates session. I love the book, and I carry it around with me for inspiration.

No other book this comprehensive can beat the price of Rael's Pilates book. This is a good book for people who practises pilates in various ways including the cadillac. It is a step-by-step guide to the pilates exercises. But honestly how many people who do pilates on the reformer goes back to the mat? I just bought a reformer and it's worked out for me better than the mat exercises. It's nice that it offers everything within the book but if you want to focus, Ellie's book is better. I use this book for reference but in terms of reformer exercises Ellie's book cover pretty much everything including the box and stick. That's just my experience.

This is a real pilates book for those serious about the study. Beautifully written and illustrated. I'd also recommend the author's videos.

Years ago, I was assigned this book in one of my university classes. I number it in my most memorable and personally influential works that I have ever read. At the time, I had just begun to study archaeology and had very little understanding of the concept of ethnocentricism. My personal way of thinking was very black and white. The only real experience that I had with the dichotomies of the sacred versus the profane at that point was my own experiences.

The Sacred and the Profane gave me an entirely different perspective. I began seeing how others saw religion, spirituality, ritual, and symbolism in slightly different ways. How certain experiences could be interpreted in a variety of ways to become personal and cultural beliefs. I also noticed how these beliefs permeated into everyday life. So began my interests in spirituality, symbolic dichotomies, and the varied beliefs of others.

Yes, the sacred and the profane is discussed here. And guess what? They make sense. It's no secret, just sociology. Good sociology, too, none of your Discovery-Channel, sixth-tier, make every middle class viewer look down on those that are different from a Durkheim-style-deviance-arrogance and pray that they can forget just how screwed up they are kind of stuff. The good stuff. The meat, the bone and the marrow. Unapologetic, yet refined and in no way obscene. Great read. Well written, and, I can only assume, well-translated.

Be warned: The cover image on Amazon is not the one that comes on the book!!! The book you get from Amazon is a new-age style cover photograph of some half-photographed "natives" playing with a circle of candles. The nifty little negative portrait of the Triune God should have stayed. It was much more appropriate to the content.

I read this book with a great excitement. It tells people about essence of our religion. In my opinion, this book is quite good companion for religious comparison study.

Eliade's book is by nature limited to making general statements without extensive illustration and qualification. But the general statements he makes are fascinating. He makes the birth of the "world" and the birth of religion identical, since the "world" is by definition a meaningful and ordered space, and only a divine "hierophany" can establish a reference point for meaningful (& chaotic) space. Pre-religious man lives in a meaningless, homogeneous space, and therefore has no concept of the world.

This view sheds light on the association between religion and violence. The collision of two religions also represents the collision of two worlds, and the nothing is more terrifying that the destruction of the world. Of course religion is only the first source (on Eliade's account) of the "world"; today we have many non-religion sources of value from which a world-sense can emerge. Or perhaps "religion" has just taken on many new guises, even "non-religious" ones.

Eliade also discusses the recurrence of sacred time vs. the linear movement of profane time.

There are valuable reflections in the book on the hidden religiosity of modern, profane man. For all human beings without exception, meaningful existence is only possible when we respect some version of sacred space and sacred time.

Rich ideas for such a short book. Highly recommended, even if it does get a little repetitive.

I decided to read this book for a religion-course I'm taking, and I must say I'm happy I did! Mircea Eliade was a Rumanian historian of religions, philosopher and author, in addition to being a vaguely religious man himself. This book was written to serve as an introduction to the study of religion for new students and the interested layman, and it does so excellently. Eliade was interestingly enough a member of the Legion of the Archangel Michael, back home in Rumania, the organization of Corneliu Codreanu. In addition to this wonderful fact, he was also acquainted with Baron Julius Evola, so this is certainly one of "our own boys".

The book itself is, as the title implies, an attempt to show the difference between the archaic mans sacred conception of the cosmos, and the profane view of the world of today's "modern man". The first part of the book details the sacred space and the sacralisation of the world. What he means by this is the fact that so-to-speak all religions and the various races have traditions of themselves living near the centre of the world, axis mundi. This world pillar, known as Irminsûl to my own Germanic ancestors, was the place (mountain, tree, building, pillar etc.) where the world traditionally was highest and hence the underworld, the human world and the higher realm of heaven was connected the closest. The various races and peoples then thought that this was where Creation had begun, where the cosmos has flowed out from, and hence the most sacred space on Earth. Eliade then delves into some depth about this subject.

The second chapter is about holy time and myths. He shows how the archaic peoples thought of time as always recurring, going in cycles. The first break with this line of thought was with Judaism and later Christianity, who thought of history as a unique happening, centred on Christ and his coming. The archaic peoples did their rites and their religious cultism so that they could transform themselves back into the sacred eternal present time when the Gods performed the actions the myths mirror today.

The third chapter is about the holiness of nature and the comical view of ancient religion. He shows how ancient man conceived of their own role in the cosmos, and how their actions were supposed to mirror the actions of the creation of the cosmos. It's a very wide chapter that is difficult to summarize, but as everywhere else in the book he fills it up with example upon example from all over the world.

The final chapter is about the existence of humans and the holiness of life. He tells us how many traditions thought of the human body as its own cosmos. The opening at the top of the scull was the place where the soul would leap from at death, and hence some Indians have the tradition of crushing the scull of a recently deceased priest to ensure his soul's easy transcendence. He also mentions männerbunde and various initiations that served to give birth to man anew, after the initiation was complete, and the new sacred man arose. This chapter is also very wide and difficult to summarize, but the richness of the examples is splendid.

All in all, a book that is hard to characterize, but I've read it twice in two weeks now, so I guess that says it all. An excellent book that nearly is enough to make the most profane person catch a glimpse of the holy. Highly recommended!

(I read a different edition)

Robin Jones Gunn is such a talented writer! She takes you to places you've dreamed of going and after reading you feel like you have been there. Every chacter experiences feelings that almost every woman can relate to. She is my favorite christian fiction writer. I hope she continues writing. I love the whole Glenbrooke Series. The series takes you to Hawaii, TN, CA, OR, WA....but each one is linked to Glenbrooke...a town you kind of wish you could visit or even live there...of course its seems like you do when you are reading the series. I just finished book 7 of the 8. I almost hate to finish the last one....I want there to be a number 9 and continue on. The Glenbrooke series has romance and friendships that intertwine in each book. Gardinias for Breakfast is awesome too as well as the Sisterchicks books.

Want a book that holds your interest? I recommend this entire series. I discovered Gunn on accident; really it was a blessing! I liked this entire series. Good wholesome values and interesting plots that intertwine with the other books.

I love Mrs. Gunns books. hen I found this one I was really happy. I loved the story. I cant wait to read the reas of the series.

This was the type of book I could not put down until I knew what happened next. Everything from the characters to the town where the story takes place makes you fall in love with the story. You actually want to live in Glennbrooke! As soon as I finished this first in the Glennbrooke series, I began ordering the remainder of the series. They are all delightful but this was my favorite!

After a spontanious idea of picking up this random book at the library, I sat in my mother's car heading to an out-of-city thanksgiving dinner. Stationed in the back of the car, the overhead light provided the ability to read on this adventure. At 5 o'clock, I picked up this book called Secrets. I began the cutest love story. Meet Jessica, a single, stranger to the town of Glenbrooke, Oregon. She ends up in a wreck right outside the town. She is rescued by handsome volunteer fire-fighter Kyle Buchanan. After series of events, she finds herself wrapped up in her new school as a High School English Teacher. When Kyle comes to falling head over heels with her, she turns him away and is criticized of her assumed relationship with him by a jealous principal, Charlotte. They end up on a mission trip together in Mexico and she finds her way back to Christ. After her truck breaking down, she is robbed without the robbers knowing she's in the car, hiding in the floorboard. When Kyle finds her, all her emotions let loose and she ends up spilling almost the whole story that has been hidden since she left California to Glennbrooke. All she had been hiding, gone in a matter of minutes. They fall in love, and of course, almost every novel ends with: The promise of an upcoming wedding. But, don't worry, the ending will either have you in tears, or reliving your own love story.
So, five stars Mrs. Gunn! Your masterpiece is a keeper.

Reviewed by Melissa LaMunyon for RebeccasReads (6/08)

Christian George's provocative title and the stylish cover of his latest book, "Sex, Sushi and Salvation" is a perfect example of the new movement in the Christian faith. Young Christians of all creeds and from every part of the country are seeking far more from their faith and their churches: more depth, more philosophy, more intimacy and more practicality. Apparently, theology and spiritual thought are not just for pastors anymore.

Reflecting on his childhood, mission work, the courtship of his wife, Rebecca, and his world travels, George draws a multicolored, many hued picture of his life experiences for the reader. Using an intense, poetic and descriptive style, George takes the reader on a rambling journey through his life as he demonstrates the universal human needs of intimacy, community and hope for eternal life through the eyes of his faith. Combined within the stories from his life, George waxes theological; drawing on many scriptural passages until he gradually intertwines the bite-sized chapters together at the end.

I appreciated George's fresh and frank approach to this book and to life. A few of the stories stood out to me in particular; one was an encounter with a young Russian girl during a mission trip. When George gently refuses the teenage girl's offer of sex (not without pause, he admits) he finds out that he is the first man who has ever turned this young girl away. After a brief period of awkwardness, the two are able to have real conversations about life and God.

George has a passion for pilgrimages and a thorough knowledge of Christian history. During one of the vignettes, George describes his exploration of the country side around a European monastery and musing over the early monastic life; what it would mean to completely have the focus of ones life being in the pursuit of knowing God. Using his vivid style, George tries to imagine what it would be like to live in one of the caves around the monastery during all kinds of weather and without any modern conveniences. These kind of rambling stories make up the bulk of "Sex, Sushi and Salvation."

My only issue with the book was the occasional over use of descriptive language. While George's style is certainly unique and appealing, it felt as though he was trying too hard to be clever, and a little shocking, in the first few chapters. Another important note; this is directed towards those of the Christian faith. Seekers or spiritualists would be better off looking elsewhere for reading material. Christians, however, of all walks will enjoy this book, and George's fresh approach to theological writing is surely to be well received.

George provides a thick Christianity for a watered down culture. As a prophet, he boldly states what the Bible demands of people. Many times, this seems to take you by surprise forcing you to examine your own life and admit your own shortcomings before you even realize you are agreeing with him. Throughout the book, George's abilities as a wordsmith created memorable quotes that cemented his ideas in my mind. I would recommend this book to everyone, regardless of age or spiritual maturity.

Christian George is a theologian disguised as a story teller. His writing is colorful and vivid, and each vignette contributes to a timeless picture of God for a new generation.

Parents and grandparents, take note. Christian George's book is not JUST
for the younger generation. It is a wonderfully honest book that is full of insights about God and how he is working in the life of an incredible
young man. I could not put it down, and I have shocked my grandchildren
and nephews by giving them a book with "sex" in the title.This is a great gift for birthdays and upcoming graduations, and you will learn a thing or two yourself. I expect to hear great things from this very "real" writer with such compelling writing skills.

This book tackles the tough questions and comes face to face with life's real issues. It leaves no room for fluffy, hollow theology. Where does our deepest pain and our deepest need meet the truth's of Christ and the promises of God? The Author dives in deep, leaving all false sense of security and Christian one-liners behind to make the real connections between the confusing, painful, poverty-stricken lives we live with the risen, redemptive and glorious life of the Savior. In a unique mix of poetic and yet common-place language we find ourselves following Jesus through the twists and turns of a life that in my mind, reflects the beautiful dance that God has orchestrated for the display of His glorious splendor.

I connected right away with Gwen and Hal and their children. One of the things I enjoyed was the fact that some of the story centered around Iowa City, Iowa and the university there. A place where we spent six wonderful years visiting our kids. But that aside, I could easily identify in some way with many of the characters. Every family has the dysfunctional Joyce, the overachieving Holly, the trying to prove herself Amy etc.

On those long summer nights in Minnesota, the reader could become a part of the Legend famiy. From getting the feel of sleeping there during a summer storm, sitting around the campfire, and the simple decor of the cabins, we in some way long to be a part of that simple no frills kind of vacation.

Jack and Amy, our two lovers, connected instantly, but for the sake of the family, put their emotions on hold. Their relationship is sweet and brief, but on that, they build a strong and sure love. While a fair amount of time is spent dealing with the problems of the other characters, the attraction of Jack and Amy is the main thrust of the book. I only wish that we had been let to experience more than their one brief, intimate encounter at the lake. Still though, maybe that innocence is what makes the book so special. In that one aspect, much is left to our recommendation.

I would for sure keep this book to read again, as well and look for other Seidel titles.

Seidel writes skillfully and her books are always absorbing. However, her characters always sound like they're psychoanalyzing themselves and this gets quite exhausting to the reader. Too many points of view are represented, and I always feel like I need to escape from all their problems! Yet I am always eager to read each new book despite my conviction that Ms. Seidel takes her characters a bit too seriously.

Summer's End was all I could have wished of a book. Not only because it took place largely in wonderful northern Minnesota, but because every character was so real, so "touchable." I'm sure Ms Seidel doesn't recall meeting me in Washington, D.C. in the early 1980's at a Romance Writer's convention in the Mayflower Hotel, but I never forgot her. She's not only a terrific writer. She's a really neat person. Thanks for Summer's End, Kathleen.

I have been a heavy-duty Kathleen fan since the first book of hers I picked up. Imagine my excitement at finding a new one... and my chagrin at finding it had been out for months! I believe that Kathleen is one of the most satisfying authors currently writing. I find her characters to be interesting and consistant, and I find the growth the main characters always experience to be reasonable and believable. I just can't figure out why her publisher doesn't apparently make any push to sell her books to people who have never heard of her! Everyone I have ever lent her books to loved them, and this one is no exception.

There are already 20 reviews, and I don't want to bore anyone, but I've loved KGS for years now. She writes romances with depth and feeling, and with lovely sentences. I don't know why she remains so underrated, and that's why I decided to add my review to the list - to convince the dabblers that this is a book worth investing in - I've kept all my KGS books, but this one, Summer's End, is especially light drenched. It's got wonderful side characters, with lots of interesting and real conflict between sisters and coping with family pain.

My only criticism is that we don't really get enough interaction between the lovers, we could have had a few more pages on them, but that is a minor quibble. You meet a whole host of characters that feel like friends and you don't want the book to end. Indeed I sincerely hope that she uses some of the other characters here in a new book or three - that's how close you felt to them.