M Books

I have a few books on my shelf on this topic, but this one was the most impact-full to me in terms of its intensity.
This was due to how extensive the examples of abuse are.
Like Fox's book of martyrs, I had to read it in bites, and put it down occasionally.
I guess I'm not very thick skinned :~/

If you are a serious leader in the church, you should be familiar with this material.
Some will say that these events prove that Christians can find safety from abuse within the institutional walls.
But so didn't the children of Israel find safety within the well protected walls of Egypt.
Every institution of man has its pros and cons.
And if you know what to look for, you can always identify the servants and the masters there.

This is why I found this particular book so important.
As I observed the characteristics of one abusive Christian system after another, I started to see the necessary building blocks which lead to the abuse.

For me, the bottom line is, that there are large numbers of people in the world who are very happy being followers. And out of these, are a large number of vulnerable souls.
Vulnerable people are easy to take advantage of.
And it takes a very high level of Christ-character not to be drawn into doing so.
The seed of abuse is inherent within our first Adamic nature.
When the environment is conducive, the seed germinates, and if the new-man does not cast it off, (Hebrews 12:1) we soon have a very large tree.

To be the CEO of Enron requires a high level of academic achievement, business acumen, and charisma.
And so, when an instructionalized clergy-laity system, based on the template of the world exists, the fruit is inevitable.

Men who are put into positions of leadership within a church, which following the template of the world, selects them solely by academic achievement and charisma.
Men, in authority with very little Christ-character worked into their lives are seed beds of abuse ready to germinate.
Place that seed into the ground of vulnerable and submissive followers, and you have today's Christian version of Enron.

This book will help you to see the signs.
100% thumbs up.

I believe we all know of people who have been in abusive relationships and even abusive job situations but it is sometimes hard to imagine people getting involved in abusive churches. That is why this book is a must read for every disciple.

This book exposes abusive churches. Dr. Enroth even names names. Every chapter opens with an abusive story. Each person is real. Each person has been hurt by abusive churches. The irony is that the leaders discussed in the book fail to see their abuses. Many try to cover them up or simply ignore the pain they have dealt to others.

In the end, I appreciated Dr. Enroth showing the reader that Jesus is not the abuser. While most of these religious groups claim to be speaking in His name or even quote Scripture, they have twisted the teachings and practices of Jesus to be something He never intended (1 John 5:1-4). Truly, Jesus is not like men (Hebrews 13:8) and He will not cause us the pain that is found in this book (Matthew 11:28-30).

There are extreme forms of church abuse and subtle forms. As we grow as individuals we need to learn how to use our wisdom to prevent us from getting involved in abusive situations like church cults. I really didn't need to read much of this book to know the author's motivation for writing it. I was a member the church that ultimately inspired Mr. Enroth to write this book. Fortunately for me, I was not easily controlled, but there were still things that I went along with simply to appease people I assumed were my friends. Unfortunately, there were members who were not a strong willed and this led to broken homes, severed relationships, and suicide attempts among many other things that left me questioning my own sanity for being involved in something that so obviously had nothing at all to do with God. Read this book if you or someone you know is involved in a religious cult because it might very well save a life or at the very least save someone's sanity.

This book is helpful and encouraging. Find the life in it and you'll be glad you read it.

In a world of "mega-churches" and cults of personality, it more important to arm oneself with the truth, and not someone else's version of it. While the examples in the book are taken from the late 1980's, and back about a century, there are many examples everyday of the devastating consequenses of spiritual abuse. Whether it is David Koresh and the Branch-Davidians, Jim Jones and Jonestown, or even Andrea Yates (who's mental illness was only worsened by her husband's minister) the results are tragic. Bad churches happen when good people don't step up and say anything. Read this book and recognise the patterns.

Susan Neider's Guide to the Colorado Plateau gets it exactly right. Read this book - or even just look at it - and you are itching to get on the road! The stunning pictures tell you where you'd love to go and the logical and readable maps and the clever photo icons show you just how to do it. After you make your travel reservations, go back and really read the book. The pictures will reward much careful looking and the literate, informative text is filled with useful and unusual details on the history and geology of the region. This book informs without clutter or preachy wordiness. And when you are finished with your trip, you'll have an unbeatable souvenir - though it is likely to be worn out! No matter, you will likely, like me, log on and buy another! The price is right, too, it won't break the bank. This book is an excellent value. Great job, Ms. Neider, thanks!

The best book of its kind and it delivers a remarkable balance of informative text, readable maps, and wonderful photos. This is much more than your normal guide book - it is a portfolio of why I love this place. There is a great deal of information that I haven't found anywhere else - or at least not from the same reference. I now have a copy to carry with me, and a copy to keep displayed in the house.

I took Susan Neider's wonderful Color Country on our family's recent trip out west. We had never been there before, and traveling with Ms. Neider's book was like having our own personal tour guide. She tells you where all the "not to be missed" spots are in each park, and even the best time to see them. Then she provides great maps that make it foolproof to get there. We were never lost even once. We particularly appreciated the scenic route she recommends for approaching Monument Valley, and the detour to Goosenecks State Park, a wonderful spot our other guidebooks didn't even mention. And there was just the right amount of information about the geology of each area to keep us informed, and so well explained that we were still interested. She gives each site a Child Rating for its interest to children, and we found these to be spot-on. For example, she rates Mesa Verde a "5" (the highest child rating), and we all loved it. And now that we're home, Color Country has become our favorite souvenir. The photos are just plain amazing. This book is worth the price just for the portfolio of photographs alone.

[...] Color Country provides travelers to the Colorado Plateau of Utah with essential information to get the lay of the land, a concise explanation of the geology of each park, a list of highlights, and gorgeous, honest photographs of the places covered. Dirt and gravel roads are not the focus of this touring guide; those who want more detail about backcountry travel would be advised to read an expert such as Michael Kelsey. However, even remote places like Kolob and Needles are, in fact, mentioned in the copy I bought. For the traveler looking for a superb overview, this book cuts to the quick and captures the essence of each park with finely-conceived text and images. Rating this book with one star is like buying a Brooks Brothers suit and then complaining because it didn't hold up when you went rock climbing in it.

The photography is art and I am looking forward to our trip. I feel as if I've already been there.

This story was so difficult to put down. Such a fast read and so many twists and turns in it. The characters were so real that I found myself trying to advise them. I also enjoyed the wonderful attention to the details of the time period. It is a story of family and of love, and ambition. But it is also a story of racism and involves some ugly truths about a time long ago.

The time is 1961. Miranda Lane, childhood movie star, is still a box office hit even at the age of 20. The book begins with a press conference in which Miranda announces her plans for early retirement. Shock consumes reporters, movie lovers are devastated, and the rumors begin to fly. But it is not the rumors that quickly bring Miranda back to the screen, it's her past. There are secrets...deep dark secrets that are out to destroy her and everything around her that she cares so deeply about.

Syble Lane is Miranda's mother. At an early age she began grooming Miranda, molding her to take the spotlight in the television industry at all costs.

She's a controlling, devious, cruel and smothering woman who takes all credit for her daughters success. The news of Miranda's plans for retirement infuriate her bring her to a state of revenge. It is with Syble that the dark secrets lie and the power to continue her control over Miranda.

THE COLOR OF BLOOD by M. K. Fottrell dabbles in a bit of several genres from thriller, mainstream, and mystery to even a bit of romance. The characters have been well created, each with their own unique personalities and views, allowing the reader to feel as though they are seeing the story through the eyes of each character. The plot often jumps to memories of the past as the story of the present continues on bringing to light a deeper side to the characters and allowing the reader to discover even more about each one as an individual.

Ms. Fottrell has done a wonderful job of creating a story line that will grab you and keep you in it's grasp until the very end.

A wonderful and sensitive story about racism. A quick and insightful read. Deals with a childhood actress and her overdominating mother who has many secrets of her own. When Miranda discovers her mother's damaging past, she needs to deal with the implications of the past on her life. Just a wonderful story and highly recommended.

This book is wonderful because it is so unexpected. The plot goes along nicely and then boomerangs into a new journey. Just when I thought I had figured things out--up popped a new element that took my breath away. This is a welcome change from the predicatable "safe" novels that publishers adore to churn out these days. I recommend this book!

Hollywood in the early sixties is a carefully segregated place, but races unite in outrage at a news conference of Miranda Lane. Once a revered child star, Miranda still retains her sparkling presence even as her glittering reputation lies tarnished. One reporter asks, "how does it feel to be called 'nigger lover' by whites and 'racist' by radical Negroes?" Yet even lurid tabloids headlines and outrageous accusations fall short of the outrageous truths that governs Miranda's life.

Sybil, "the blue-eyed tyrant" carefully controlled her daughter's career from the moment she was discovered. Miranda's announcement of retirement is her first independent decision, and it infuriates her mother. When Miranda moves out, Sybil threatens to destroy the fabric of her life. Sybil begins her retaliation by spending over 35 million dollars, the sum of Miranda's wealth, thereby forcing her daughter out of retirement. Then she reveals the ultimate secrets that undermine the very fabric of Miranada's identity.

Miranda begins a new life by moving to New York. Her mother's careful grooming has taught her to trust no one else. But in her fantasies she strolls storefronts without being recognized, and falls in love without a lack of trust. New York affords her the opportunity, at least, to begin her first romantic affair with Peter Brooks, a reporter she met during her retirement announcement. Her opportunity for self-discovery abruptly halts, however, when Sybil reveals a secret that thrusts Miranda into social, political and ethical turmoil.

Secrets and scandal emerge against the glitter of a Hollywood background in THE COLOR OF BLOOD. Author MK Fottrell moves seamlessly between past and present, locations and characters in this richly woven tale. Fottrell likewise fluidly blends a number of genres, including suspense, mainstream and romance. The psychotic Sybil provides the perfect anti-heroine, as she undercuts her daughter's success in retaliation for hurts both real and imagined. Indeed, the love/hate relationship between mother and daughter is beautifully portrayed. Miranda learned early to trust her mother because there never was anyone else, and that is the key her personality, her motivations, and many of her ultimate decisions. Such complexity gives THE COLOR OF BLOOD an extraordinary tone and remarkable depth. This cross-genre novel comes very highly recommended.

Comstock Lode is classic Louis L'amour. This book is extremely enjoyable and fast-paced. If you are just starting out on Louis, this book will not steer you wrong, it is a perfect example of his genius.

I just finished reading Comstock last week, when I happened to be up in the California gold country myself. I'm a garden writer, author of 5 published books, and I was in Placer County, speaking to the Auburn Garden Club. The town of Auburn, which sits in the middle of the gold rush's richest territory, is a neat place, one to visit if you get the chance. I noticed too that there is still a very busy mining supply store right on one of Auburn's main streets. There's still gold and silver being found up there!
But I digress: All of us who read Louis L'Amour's Westerns have probably noticed that while all of them are fun to read, some are certainly better than others. I thought that Comstock was darn good, and certainly one of the best of his books set in California. If you enjoy a fast-paced, action packed Western, I expect you'll like Comstock. I recommend it!

"Comstock Lode" is just fantastic! This book was written by the famous Western writer, Louis L'Amour. Louis L'Amour has written over a hundred books, including the famous Sackett novels. The setting of this story is in the mid-1800's, during the gold rush in America. The story is told in Virginia City, Nevada.

The main character is Val Trevallion, a young man of twenty-four with a harsh past. Both of his parents were killed when he was young and he has taken it upon himself to have revenge on the killers. He is a quiet man but very strong because of his work in mines. Though he has not had the best education, he is very smart. Grita Redaway is Val's friend from his past. Her parents were also killed by the same people who killed Val's parents. She is a very beautiful and an intelligent actress. She is independent though with a streak of stubbornness in her. Al Hesketh is the villain of the story. He is a cruel and wicked man, only thinking of himself and how he can become rich.

The story begins in Cornwall, England in the year 1859. Val is fourteen-years-old when his father and mother decide to move to America. His father wants to work his own mine in California. He saves enough money so they go to America by boat. When they reached Gunwalloe, the Trevallions decide to travel to California with another family, the Redaways. The Redaways have only one daughter, Grita, who is eight-years-old. A few days before they leave, Val's father goes to buy supplies a few miles away. Suddenly, drunken rustlers attack the wagons in which Val and Grita's mothers are in. The drifters kill the mothers then beat up Mr. Redaway. During the whole time, Val and Grita are hidden nearby; Val protecting Grita and shielding her from the sight. After they leave, killing Mr. Redaway, Val and Grita go find Mr. Trevallion. After the dead are buried, Mr. Trevallion, though heartbroken, decides to carry on to California with Val while Grita goes to live with her aunt. But on the way to California, Val's father is killed by the same men who had killed his mother. Val swears to have revenge on the murderers. Ten years go by, during which Val shoots two of the people who were involved in the murders. Val then realizes that he has wasted his life and decides to settle down and have his own mine in Virginia City, Nevada, where the Comstock Lode is. He gets good land and finds some silver in his mines. But trouble seems to follow him everywhere. He finds out that Grita is in big trouble, in which the remaining men who murdered his parents are involved.

Love this book, and is one of my favorite L'Amour books. Louis L'Amour is the type of writer that, whatever he writes, you'll know before-hand that you'll love them. "Comstock Lode" is no exception. Some other of my favorite L'Amour books are:

*North to the Rails*
*Sackett Series*
*Matagorda*
*Crossfire Trail*

...and this list can go on and on and on!

Louis L'Amour's Comstock Lode is a brilliant, fictional novel based on real events that will suck you in as soon as you start reading. I'm not one for westerns at ALL, but I was recommended this book and told myself, Why not? It sounds alright, nothing really better to read as of right now. I'll admit, the first few chapters started off a little dull, but then, you get deeper and deeper into the story and you can't put the book down. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure novels or Louis L'Amour in general.
Val Trevallion was a son of Tom Trevallion and his wife Mary, who lived in England until finding a large amount of gold and, moves to the States. While in Louisiana, Val's mother and the mother of another girl named Grita Redaway are brutally murdered by a group of shadowy characters, one of which Val will never forget the eyes of. Val and his father set out for the Wild West, but on the way there, his father gets murdered as well. A name on a gun gives Val a clue as to the identity of one man from the group of men that murdered his father and possibly his mother. Val goes to the Comstock where he is known as the toughest, most feared man around. While there, he will remeet Grita, a beautiful, budding actress and the memories come rushing back. His main mission: to kill those who killed his parents. But not everyone seems to be who they are, and Val has to come face-to-face with the man whose eyes haunted him years earlier in this edge-of-your-seat thriller.

This is my all-time favorite L'Amour book. I read it for the first time several years ago and have since read it many times over. Each time I have read it, I find something new that only adds to the story.

I have read many L'Amour novels and this one stands out because of its detail of the charactures. L'Amour explains why his charactures act as they do while still containing all of the typical content of most of his novels. If you read one L'Amour novel, read this one!!

Dr. Attig's book is an important part of a paradigm shift in our thinking about grief. He has thrown open a door to new thinking about how we can continue to be in relationship to loved ones who are no longer alive. This book is eloguently written with the ring of truth from the lives of real people. An excellent addition to our knowlege and understanding of grief.

This is such an important book that it is required reading in my Introduction to Death and Dying course. It has valuable information, yet it is verty readable. It is presented as a very human book.

Dr. Thomas Attig's book, "The Heart of Grief: Death and the Search for Lasting Love," is an exceptional follow-up to his first book about grieving, "How We Grieve: Relearning the World." Each chapter of "Heart of Grief" begins with a real life situation involving the death of a person and the consequences of that death on those who are still living. His premise is that people who have passed away can still be an important and essential part of one's life. You don't have to get on with your life without them; you can get on with your life with them. Although there is an element of `advice' giving in "Heart of Grief," the book is much more story-telling. It's like a good novel-you can read it for the dramatization of some essential human truths. I recommend it highly.

I'm willing to bet that whoever wrote the editorial review for Publisher's Weekly (above) has never known the crushing agony of losing someone to death that s/he truly loved; or suffered the kind of pain that still drops you to your knees, years, even decades later, begging for mercy. The kind of anguish where you'd gladly give your own life just to make it stop. The kind you bear when you know they are never coming back and there is nothing you can do. I'm very happy for that reviewer. I hope he or she will never know it. But Heart of Grief must be read by those who understand all too well the overwhelming tidal wave of hopelessness that accompanies the loss of a loved one. Where Publisher's Weekly found this book simplistic, I found beauty in its quiet simplicity.

Being of a metaphysical sort, I've read just about all the reincarnation / life after death / love never dies / hypnotic regression / soul mates for eternity / communicating with the dead / type books. I've been spellbound by all of them and will probably continue to read them as they are published because it's a fascinating subject. Besides helping us to understand the process of dying and what comes after, these books pledge that we will someday be reunited. They all assure us that the deceased are still very much alive and well and with us daily, so there is no need to grieve. But they also often come with the stipulation that we must let go so that our loved ones can move forward, and because we want what is best for those we love, we attempt to suppress our grief, no matter how much it hurts us. While the theory seems reasonable, by trying to ignore our suffering, we compound it. We cannot stop the hurt just because we want to. It's not an electrical switch. It's not a water faucet. And it's just not that easy. Grief is complex, binding us with ropes so twisted we cannot seem to find the end that will untangle us.

Heart of Grief shows us that we do not have to let go, and in fact, encourages us not to. With compassion and a comforting voice, Thomas Attig sets forth practical ways to keep and strengthen the bonds of love with those who have died. I found it to be a very spiritually healing and uplifting book that has made a dent in my grief and a difference in my life.

On September 11, 2001, many sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters died. I lost my own son 10 years ago and since that time I have wondered what can really be of help to parents, or other grievers in learning to live with such loss. Now, more than ever, life seems so fragile in this world and the need for understanding grief as important as ever. It is so hard when grief is so great. Our fears of our own mortality spring to the front stage of our emotins nakedly exposed to others. I recently found Tom Attig's The Heart of Grief and it met me right where I was. Using his personal experiences of grieving people, Attig describes a process of learning to love in a new way. He recounts the stories of people's losses and provides a myriad of ways that grievers have found to continue loving the ones they have lost.
Of course, we do not stop loving or forget our loved one. Death does not end our relationshipwith the deceased, but it is different. They are forever gone from this life. Attig suggests that sometimes people fear that when they accept the loss it means they have stopped loving the deceased person. Many people, who are unable to let themselves feel the full impact of their loss, find themselves stuck in wishing for the past and the return of a loved one. Consequently, there can be no real acceptance of the loss. Attig emphaasizes the need to BE SAD because what has happened IS SO SAD. Feeling intense sadness scares many people, so Attig encourages us to find someone to accompany us on this journey, a spouse, a friend, or a professional.
Most importantly, Attig writes that if we do not fully accept and greive our loss, we may have difficulty ever loving again. It is only through acceptance of our losses that we can continue to love those who have died in a new way and to love those who are still with us and love us. The use of real peoples' stories of loss are inspirational and give hope. Attig provides numerous examples and possiblities of ways to learn to love anew. Whether you are grieving a loss yourself or know someone who is, this book is very readable, relateable, informative and comforting. We all will be grievers some day. I highly recommend this book. I has a permenant place of importance on my bookshelf.

I used UpToDate before I bought this book. UpToDate costs $195 per year if you are a student. This book costs under $60. If you don't need a large amount of detail, you can get away with using this book instead of UpToDate. You will save money (especially if you are a poor student) without sacrificing much quality. Buy the book new so you can get the online access. I bought the book and went straight to the online access and gave the book to one of my friends. It's definitely worth it since you don't want to lug around a book this big. The book has excellent content and has good internal med coverage. Some of the specialties are a little weak (UpToDate has the same problem), but this book was meant for the generalist. The images in the online version are very informative.

This book provids most updated information in such area as htn dx, tumor screen and immunization recommendation. I can find 95% of materials that I need. You can not get Pap smear guidline though, which is also primary medical care.

Absolutely essential. Excellent coverage of topics. Easy to use format. A can't live without it book. I use it daily.

I am currently a second year PA student. This has been an amazing help on my rotations, all of them. I recommended it several of my classmates; they also love it. We have a test at the end of each rotation, and this is a perfect way to review. Just the facts without much fluff. It is also a handy reference in the clinic.

Reading this book makes one feel "updated and great". It stands out prominently amongst the other standard voluminous texts in Medicine and a notable feature is that it is brought out every year. A student of Medicine and a Physician ought to have this manual in their desks for day to day reference. This book also helps immensely in the last minute revision prior to examinations.Evidence based medicine, Updates and Clinical trials are part and parcel of this friendly manual.As a Professor of Medicine , I feel that topics not essential to Internal Medicine may be left out in the subsequent editions to make the book lighter.I recommend this text for all postgraduates in Internal Medicine and students wishing to undertake MD , MRCP or AB course in Internal Medicine.
Professor K.N.Viswanathan, AVMC, Pondicherry, India

This book made me want to buy a boat and go on this trip. Its just amazing that Muriel could make the kids behave and yet keep her sanity and have a great time. The thought of buying a 25 ft boat letting each kid bring one set of clothes and kicking off for a summer of adventures seems like a recipe to pick up an oar and start walking inland. Yet from her log it seems like the kids had fun, she kept the boat off the rocks and everyone lived to tell about it. I loved it!

I loved this book, not because of the writing so much as for the experience this author had with her children, for the strong evocative sense of place and time, and for the metaphoric way in which she seemed in her random travels to be searching for her lost husband. It's like taking a trip to the west coast (for this east coaster) and back in time. I'm very glad Seal Press chose to make this available!

This is clearly my favorite book on cruising the Inside Passage and about women. Capi was an inspiration not only as an adventurer but as a mother, accomplished mariner and author. I only wish she had written more or that more had been written about this amazing woman. Her literary style was wonderfully understated. She tells an exciting story of cruising the Inside Passage alone with five small children as though she were taking an inconsequential stroll around the block. Only those that have experienced these waters can fully appreciate the courage and self confidence of this remarkable woman. This book should be mandatory reading for all young girls.

The book is wonderful both for the things that it does and does not say.

The book is full of charming episodes that made me envy them and the certainty and beauty of their life: the rare pleasures this little family sees in their boat; the way that they read Maeterlinck together; the other pioneering people they meet on their way.

But just as the beauty is very real, so too are the things that she barely touches on: the loss of her husband; the fear for her children; the decision to turn her back on the world of the cities. I admired her tremendously for the hard things as well as the easy. The lyricism of the book was deepened by the clear difficulty of her choices.

Highly recommended.

I read this book while cruising on a boat in the same waters Ms. Blanchet writes about. In many ways and places, only the years have changed and the landscapes and history remain relatively untouched by today's rapid change.

Not only are the stories of her travels with her children on her late husband's boat interesting, but her writing and her perspective for the times are as fresh and current as if written just recently.

I have gifted this book many times. It was gifted to me. This is a volume which sticks with you from the day you read it. When you gift it, you need to go back and read all or part again, just to take you back.

As a woman filled with wanderlust and independence, Muriel Wylie Blanchet is one of my heros.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who not only loves the outdoors, the waters of Vancouver and BC, but to any person who loves the spirit of adventure based on real life experience--not a made for TV event.

Great book to help someone who is grieving whether over divorce or death!

Kari totally shares her heart and soul in this book, and does so with complete honesty. Her own personal experiences are chronicled, and we see all her doubts, fears, and bitterness, as she passes through each phase of her marriage breaking up. More importantly, we see her hope, determination, faith, and yes, wit, as she comes out an even stronger person than before. There are scriptural references and each chapter ends with a little prayer that addresses the situations in that chapter. This book is a must for those going through a divorce and for those of us who have friends and family that it has touched. I laughed and cried as I read, and felt renewed in my spirit.

This book is like having an encouraging friend by your side. Kari's insightful parbables reach far beneath the surface of pain and offer a healing balm of reassuarance that we are never alone--even in our grief. Her poignant words offer hope, comfort, and light for anyone struggling through the valley of loss. Kari's beautiful and inpirational writing will bless and inspire readers to hang on to faith and allow God to work in the midst of crisis.

I opened Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again with high expectations-and I was not disappointed. The subtitle intrigued me, "Living with Losses of the Heart." Released in September 2001, this book by Kari West helps fill the void in our hearts after the events of 9-11 and puts loss in perspective. It is a must read for anyone wanting to move out of dark despair and into the daylight of hope.

Not all of us have been personally affected by catastrophic loss, yet if not us, we all know someone whose life has been touched by the dark side of loss and the out-of-control spiral that usually follows. West has written this book to focus on "... losses for which you were not responsible and over which you had little or no control."

The book is assembled into 12 sections of seven chapters, each two to three page in length. Every chapter begins and ends with a thought provoking verse or quote and each ends with a personalized prayer pause. Woven into its 256 pages are stories of real people who have struggled with life's lessons. The focus in on moments in our lives when we have the opportunity to reflect on pivotal, emotional, soul-searching, unavoidable, spirited, decisive, daring, elastic, courageous, glorious, nurturing, and mind-boggling moments that challenge us. Although we cannot change the challenges life throws at us, we can choose our direction and our response. By reading how others have dealt with loss, the reader is invited to reflect on how they would respond.

My only criticism of this book is it's labeled as a "women's" book on grief. Many men will overlook it and so most men will miss its healing power. I read the book and was touched by how it applied to me. I want to wave it in front of men and shout, "Read this! We deal with loss too."

Whether you buy Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again for yourself or for a friend, this book will inspire us with hope. If you or someone you know has been touched by loss or your heart is heavy with the pangs of despair or loneliness, the question becomes, "Do you dare to trust and hope again?

When my identical twin sister found herself facing an unwanted divorce after 20 years of marriage, it devastated both of us. For hours I sat and listened to her talk about her fears of the future, the struggle of just getting through a single day, the deep sadness surrounding herself and her teenaged daughter, knowing that what had always symbolized "home" to them would soon be only a memory. We cried together, praying for a miracle.

One of the miracles came in the form of Kari West's book, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again." As a writer, I had a casual acquaintance with Kari and she was kind enough to send me a copy of both of her books to share with my sister the next time we visited.

It so happened that I picked up "Dare to Trust" one morning, just to thumb through it. What I discovered was a treasure chest of HOPE. I couldn't put the book down. It was as if Kari had been a silent listener to all of my sister's conversations, understanding her every fear and concern. She had been in my sister's shoes and reading this book was almost like a glimpse into the future. It offered much-needed relief. Yes, life would be good again.

In a word, "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again" is wonderful. It addresses every issue that the divorced woman faces. Written from personal experiences, not only does Kari's writing shine, she did a masterful job of putting together a book that is actually useful. There are short chapters, relevant quotes, inspirational Scripture, along with the experiences and advice of others. The book's format is perfect for the woman who has little time to read, yet needs a major pick-me-up.

I cannot recommend this book enough. No matter what your loss is, you will find solace in "Dare to Trust, Dare to Hope Again."

If there was going to be a Charmed movie, this is the story they should use.

I guess I'm just a huge fan no matter what, because I love ALL the Charmed books, and own them all! Each one has a great and unique story, I'm addicted to collecting AND reading them!

I watch the show every day, sometimes twice a day, every episode, haven't missed one yet, and don't plan on it, ever. I would love to get all the books on the series, especially shadow of the sphinx. That sounds so good. I give the series books 5 stars, cause its the best show on tv except for wwe raw and smackdown.

This book circles around the 3 new strangers who are close to each of the sisters, and each time they meet, something strange happens. Piper's emotions are unruly, Paige seems to be exhausted for nothing and Phoebe has short-term memory loss, and all 3 of their powers are getting weaker and weaker. Just like that. And the more times the sisters meet these "strangers", their sudden-weaknesses seem to be worsening (both magical and non-magical). At last, they discover that there is something sinister going on, and they have to pit against these strangers to defeat them AND get their powers back, as all the Ks (strangers) want in revenge, to what happened to their ancestors nearly 3000 years ago. Dark Vengeance indeed.

Find out what happens to this awesome story penned by Diana G. Gallagher. Definitely worth your money and your time to read it. Happy reading!!

this is my favourite charmed book!!! this is mainly because it gives each of the sisters an equal part bringing them all together at the end to kick but. although there are parts in this book that mirror the crimson spell this book has more levels plus a good twist at the end plus the charmed ones get a few good one liner jokes in. although the bad guys are pretty see through the ending is pretty solid.

overall this is a great book even if your not a mjor charmed fan and if you are it's better

I'm incredibly impressed with the quality of this book and this author. Picture something between John Jakes and Diana Gabaldon, and you have Daughter of Liberty - a sweeping story of the beginning of the American Revolution AND the satisfying growth of a relationship that is fraught with impossibilities...and danger.

Rushing ahead to act without thought to God's will has consequences. Most often, negative, painful, and life-scarring. Yet we've all done it.

This is what connects a reader's heart to Elizabeth Howard, the main character in Daughter of Liberty, the first in The American Patriot Series, masterfully written by J. M. Hochstetler.

Elizabeth portrays the essence of innocent and faithful daughter to an established Boston family stalwartly supporting the Whig party. All the while, she is passionate for the patriot cause and dons the role of Oriole-elusive rebel spy.

Life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Captain Jonathan Carleton. He's magnetic, handsome, and a Redcoat. Elizabeth's traitorous heart is completely captured... a complication she hadn't counted on, especially when the first shots ring out in Lexington and Concord.

More than just her heart is at stake during the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War. The lives of many depend on Elizabeth. But has she truly learned to wait on God's will, or rush ahead in her own power to save the day?

J. M. Hochstetler's story delivers to the reader not only a page turner, but a wealth of education about the beginnings of the War for Independence.

For someone like me who is not a fan of historic fiction and who honestly believed I had already read more than enough accounts of our country's revolutionary period, I was pleasantly surprised to discover The American Patriot Series by J. M. Hochstetler. The first book in this excellent series, Daughter of Liberty, was also the first book I had read by this particular author, but I knew right away it would not be the last. Within moments of turning to the opening page, I was captivated by this story of the brave and daring Oriole, a spy for the American Revolutionaries with a secret that could change the course of a nation, and Patriot, another spy with a most amazing secret of his own.

Hochstetler not only weaves a suspenseful tale of courage, intrigue, and romance, but also decorates the pages of this exquisite novel with some of the best writing I've come across in years. This book was well worth the read, and served to push me on to the second book in the series.

"The crack of the pistol's report came from directly behind the courier. Sizzling past so close to his ear he could feel the heat of it."

With these words, and the impact of a rebel fieldpiece, J. M. Hochstetler's Daughter of Liberty bursts onto the historical fiction scene.

Twenty-year-old Bostonian Elizabeth Howard sympathizes with the patriots' struggle for freedom from English oppression. Her convictions set her at odds with her parents' pro-British sympathies, and force her to live a life of lies and deception. By day she is a debutante, by night she is a spy.

Ruggedly handsome Jonathan Carleton was born in England, but is now a wealthy Virginian landowner. He's committed to serving his country, but to which does he owe his allegiance? As a member of the British regulars he stands for everything Elizabeth despises.

From the moment these two meet, their attraction is fiery and dangerous, and neither Jonathan nor Elizabeth suspects the other's true allegiance. Are they destined to remain enemies forever?

Add to this conflict a villain out to get both the hero and heroine, and a final plot twist that will delight fans of the Jane Seymore version of The Scarlet Pimpernel, and you've got a truly interesting read.

The Revolutionary War makes a great setting for the realistic plot and action Hochstetler incorporates. Fans of American history will appreciate this novel as a painless way to learn more about the lives of such famous historical figures as General Thomas Gage, General John Pitcairn, Paul Revere, and Dr. Joseph Warren.

Although I am a fan of historical fiction, I was a little overwhelmed with the depth of history included in this book. The emotion of "disgust" was also used too frequently in the prose for my taste. However, the plot, the lively dialogue, and the character interaction-especially the romantic development-are fabulous, so don't let the historical details stop you.

J. M. Hochstetler's historical novel based on the American Revolution, Daughter of Liberty, thoroughly captures the tension which hung over New England in the days immediately preceding the outbreak of hostilities. Plagued by constant information leaks and unable to apprehend the slippery American courier known only as Oriole, the British prepare to march on Concord.

Elizabeth Howard, young patriot daughter to one of Boston's most respected Tory families, is caught in a deadly game of wits when she meets a dashing captain of the Seventeenth Light Dragoons, Jonathan Carleton. Although it is obvious the captain is attracted to her, and she to him, Elizabeth is painfully aware of her secret, that she is the hated Oriole.
From the "shot heard round the world," to the Battle of Bunker Hill, J. M. Hochstetler weaves a story accurate in historical detail, while simultaneously drawing the reader into the tumultuous lives of her characters. Filled with quick action, the battle scenes are so absorbing you can feel the smooth, rounded wood of a Brown Bess musket nestled against your cheek.

CraigHart.net highly recommends Daughter of Liberty for fans of American History, or simply those who enjoy stories in which the stakes are life and death.

Craig Hart - CraigHart.net/ChristianLit Magazine