Nelson Books

I PURCHASED THIS BOOK TO READ WHILE WAITING IN A DOCTORS OFFICE . IT WAS A GREAT READ . I SHARED IT WITH ALL THE GIRLS AT WORK AND THEY HAD TO HAVE ONE.IT IS A GREAT BOOK TO SHARE WITH CLOSE FRIENDS WHEN THEY NEED COMFORTING OR JUST HAVING DAILY LIFE STRUGGLES. I CARRY MINE IN MY PURSE AND ONE IN MY CAR.

Very comforting message, beautifully illustrated. A nice gift book.

This book has so many comforting and inspirational comments by Mr. Lucado. I highly recommend it for anyone.

Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23What a great book. Read also "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller [available at AMAZON]. You will be amazed to learn how much more God loves and takes care of you than you have realized. Both books are great as gifts. There is more to being a Shepherd than one would think.

This easy-to-read book is excellent for people who find themselves in survival mode. The book is very portable, small enough to slip into a handbag. The illustrations display hope, safety, and love, and the words speak comfort and solace. I gave this book as a gift, and I am thoroughly impressed with it. Author, With Great Mercy.

As I read this real life story of how God used Andy to bless Betty and her husband I found myself going through all the emotions that Andy and Betty experienced. Andy has a real love for Betty that shined in her eyes as we talked about the book and the song by the same title at a Christian Women's Retreat. A must read for every woman struggling to maintain God's will in her marriage.

This is a true and wonderful story that shows the miracles that God can deliver if we are patient to let Him do His work in His own time. We can see, first hand, the power of prayer at work!

I started this book and could not put it down. Since I am going through much the same thing with my husband and have seen the changes that prayer can make in a relationship, I can attest to the truth that you will find in this book.

This book is a must read for anyone having difficult times in their marriage. It will give you hope and a model to follow as you pray for God to bring you together, closer, and more united than you have ever been.

Thank you Bettye and Andy.

Once I began reading this book I could hardly stop. The Lord used her testamony to minister to me. I have been called by God to go through the same thing. I had to stop and cry several times because my prayers were her prayers and God has led me to do the very same thing in that I am to be still and trust the Lord with the outcome.

This book is partly autobiography and parly inspirational, depending on what you get out of it. It was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, a Christian firm in Nashville, TN.

While country singer/songwriter Ricky Van Shelton was pursuing his dreams, the dutiful wife waited at home on their 150-acre ranch outside Nashville, in Davidson County. He'd collected fifties model cars, Coca-Cola signs, cowboy memorabilia, and a life-size cigar store Indian, but his absence hurt.

Bettye had earned a degree in music business from Belmont University, (called Ward Belmont College for Young Ladies initially) in a beautiful setting where a strange-looking metal statue of a phoenix has its home hid behind some magnolia trees there (almost unnoticed now) on campus. When my son Zach was a student of creative writing at Belmont, he introduced me to this mythological character which had arisen out of its own ashes and it was fairly new at that location. Perhaps Bettye thought of this statue as she tried to rescue her marriage from ashes (almost).

Before he became a star, they'd enjoyed happy, fun-filled, but simple, life. Afterwards, it became a struggle and turmoil in her personal life which threatened to destroy their marriage. She had the courage to endure and fight for what she knew was worth keeping.

She confided to a woman she scarcely knew who was engaged to her husband's producer. They became close friends and Andy Landis wrote: It was a privilege to have been called to your side; "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." I wrote those same words to a person I met three years ago, quite by chance, and value enough to try to tame some of my innate impulsiveness and enthusiasm. James Van Praagh wrote in his book TALKING TO HEAVEN: "So often in life it is our desire to be loved that we tend to fall victim to our own making. Because we believe it is what is expected in order to have the love of someone else, we compromise who we truly are. We create an image. We have given our power and a piece of ourselves to the beloved. We have left our centeredness and given away a part of our self-wholeness. We can never be truly happy until we live our own lives."

With the help of her new friend, Andy, Bettye discovered this and worked hard to salvage what she could from the ashes of a slightly-chipped (not broken) marriage to the person she truly loved. This intimate story shows that there is a way to 'heal an unmended hurt.'

It portrays a woman (two women, really) who have intelligence, compassion, integrity, and enough grit for 'tough love.' It takes a strong person to endure and perservere. Bettye's 'angel in the flesh' confesses to being a 'late bloomer.' So was I. It is as much her story as the Sheltons, as we follow her own personal demons and triumphs.

'She Stays' is a featured song on the 'Common Ground' CD (a duet sung by Andy Landis and Ricky Van Shelton), as they pay tribute to Bettye's courage and commitment to her marriage -- which she saved through the pain of forgiveness. The song was written by Allen Shamblin in collaboration with Andy Landis. It was included in this CD of 'Songs of Faith, Love and Inspiration,' a compilation including other country music singers.

I just finished Mrs. Shelton's book, "She Stays" this past month. Like my Mom, I read it all at once. I loved it. It is the greatest book I have ever read! I am so happy for Mr. and Mrs. Shelton. I am so pleased that they were able to find God like that. Also to Andy, I hope I can have a friend like her, through the miracle of God. I feel like Mrs. Shelton is my Aunt, and I am so happy for her. It is so great that she can have a happy marriage with Ricky Van Shelton, and share their awesome story with the world! I am 16 yrs. old, and plan to have my own daughter read "She Stays" some day.

This book is so amazing! Sometimes I read it to my 3-year-old son just so that I can be reminded of its message...He loves it, too, of course. This is one of his favorite books. The illustrations are fabulous and the writing is top-notch. I think everyone should read this book. It's definitely one of those books that's suitable for ALL audiences.

I'm an atheist, but the "God" part of this doesn't bother me enough to make me feel it deserves to lose a star. It's still a very good story about not being self-absorbed, and not having to be outwardly perfect. (I'm a Sidney. Sometimes we need to know we're OK, too, even if we're rumpled and running late.)

This ended up on my wish list after reading "Me, Myself, and Bob" and my mother sent it to me as a gift. I received it this week and I'm using it for my sermon tomorrow!

A great message for everyone couched in a simple children's tale - fantastic for Sunday morning use and perfect for every day!

May you always remember that God loves you!

I was babysitting my 3-year-old cousin when he brought this book for me to read to him. upon looking at it, I thought it was, well, a story about a two pigs named Norman and Sidney. As I was reading it, the word "God" appeared. So, to myself, I was like "I guess this is going to be a religious book" and kept reading. What I read was not a book teaching God's ways, but a book acting as a reminder that you are loved no matter what.
The story was about two pigs named Norman and Sidney who were neighbors, but had never met. They were complete opposites. Norman was the "good" pig who had the straightest tie of the crowd and arrived early to everything. Sidney was the "bad" pig who was always ten minutes late and always had toothpaste on his tie. They both recieve a letter from God asking to meet with him. God tells them both that he loves them equally, no matter who they are or how they live their life. Norman learns that he has nobody to impress because he's loved just as much as the next pig. Sidney is surprised that someone could love such a failure, but learns that God will always love him no matter what.
It is such a wonderful book with such a great message. I am not a very religious person and do not have a specific religious affiliation, but I strongly believe that it is so, so important to know that you are loved by someone. This book is beautiful and I want a copy for myself because everyone needs to know that they're beautiful when they are not feeling so good.
I recommend it for everyone of all ages, girl or boy. :)

This is a beautiful message for everyone about God's grace that adults and kids need to hear. God's love for us has nothing to do with how good we are or how hard we try. He just loves us. Isn't that great?!?!?!

pretty good book. i think it kinda started to drag out. but has a good concept

I've read all of Kathryn Mackel's books to date and _The Surrogate_ is my favorite. Great writing, great storytelling, great characterization, great dialogue. It all makes for a great read. After reading the book, I found myself inspired to seek after God at a deeper level. Something I don't experience much after reading fiction. Mackel's writing style is fast-paced but intriguing. She writes with passion, and no where is that more seen than in _The Surrogate_.

The Surrogate is a very engrossing novel with intriguing characters and a strong plot. Unlike most suspense novels, this one actually kept me guessing and I loved the twists and turns along the way. This story was not predictable and sometimes it raised the hair on the back of my neck. So if you are looking for a story that will give you the willies and keep you on the edge of your seat praying for the safety of the characters, then you must read this book.

The Surrogate is a thrilling book that will captivate you from beginning to end. The writing is superb! The writing style allows the reader to feel the emotions right along with the characters. There were moments in the book when the actions of one of the characters frustrated and angered me like crazy! However, Ms. Mackel does an excellent job of fully developing the characters, giving the reader enough information to sympathize with even the meanest and most irresponsible character. There wasn't a dull moment in the entire book. It was a fast paced book full of awesome twists.

The book had several wonderful themes. It illustrated how God always works for the good of those who love Him. Good can come out of even the worst situations. Also, the ending of the book is an excellent example of the impact being loving and compassionate could have on others, even when it's undeserved.

If you're looking for a suspenseful, well-written, page-turner with an excellent message, this book is perfect!

Kathryn Mackel's Surrogate is like a delicious onion. As I read, I kept peeling it back, layer by layer. It was a gripping read and very timely. And I like onions! So don't knock my metaphor!!!

Pastor Rudy's account of his ministry style reminds readers of the hands-on approach that I believe Christ intended. He provokes one to think twice about judging those who don't look, smell or behave the way "church folks" should. "Touch" is the answer to WWJD!

Have you ever thought to yourself "how can I help someone?" Touch is a practical guide assessing a persons ability to understand that "you really have the LOVE factor to affect and infect another persons life." By simply not being afraid to embrace and "touch" a person, this book embodies spiritual, as well as scientific proof (read the testimonies in the book) that the greatest single emotion that humans experience is to touch one another. It was proven long ago that children thrive by a physical "touch" (i.e. hugs and kisses), but Pastor Rudy expresses that this "touching" does something else for a persons soul as an adult. IT GIVES THEM HOPE!

My husband and I were members at Pastor Rudy's church for three years. What you read about in the book is just what you experience at St. John's. We experienced a wonderful healing in our lives as we were accepted into the faith community and loved unconditionally. This book will make you think about how you deal with others, as well as validate your own desires for unconditional love and acceptance. God truly is in the business of transforming lives. Pastor Rudy is certainly part on staff in God's workshop!

Rudy has done an outstanding job of bringing to life the ministry of Christ in the hard places. His approach is authentic and inspiring with visions of hope for the world. It's definitely not only worthwhile reading, but offers transformation for all those willing to do the gospel of Jesus Christ in a hurting world.
Rev. Dr. W. Earl Bledsoe

This warm, wonderful, down-to-earth book has something for everyone. Pastor Rasmus is not just a born storyteller but a true philosopher who will make you think differently about every aspect of your life. Reading his words is like sitting down with an old friend and having a deep, enlightening conversation.

A friend of mine recommended that I read this novel by J. Nelson-Owens. As some of the other reviewers have mentioned, I normally do not read books that are set in the future. However, based on the style of writing by the author, that did not create an issue with me reading the book. Some of the other aspects of the book like romance, family struggles, commerce, etc. pulled me away from the future setting and drew me into the characters and the never ending twist in the plot. It is amazing how the authors style of writing can draw in so many different types of readers. The authors attention to detail was amazing. The reader can definitely envision the characters and the actions that are being described. For her first published novel, I believe that J. Nelson-Owens has written a masterpiece. I'm hoping there are many more to come.

To the reader who wants to be entertained by a world of love, hatred and a very, very controlling family member.

I was given the book "The Van Laven OATH" to read by a co-worker. I started the book during my lunch breaks at work and found myself not wanting to put it down. It's filled with a compelling commitment to "LOVE / RELATIONSHIP" between a man, woman and father.

It took getting through a few chapters before I could remember each character since their names are very different causing me to go back to a previous chapter to refresh my memory. I found myself yearning for a love like the one between Vaush & Comron and despising the father who is out to destroy it.

Let me sum it all up by saying, it moved my emotions in many ways as I read each chapter waiting patiently to see if a love for two people can conquer all .... Oh well we'll see .................

J. Nelson-Owens ......let me know when the next book is ready for publication .... I'm anxiously waiting! I could also envision this on the big screen.

Thanks for your love of writing.

I loved it! It has everything you could want, romance, action, adventure. The book was very well written and captured my attention at once. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the second book to see how it ends!!

I love to read, and thoroughly enjoyed this book! At first I thought, oh a book set in the future, I am not so good with those. But it was really wonderful! It was so good - I read it twice! Enjoyed it both times! It was easy to keep up with the characters, you got a good mental image of how the characters might look! The story really kept my interest throughout, not once did I find myself turning to the end pages to see how it turned out! What a twist! I loved the twist in the story - was really surprising! I can't WAIT for the next book to come out - I have to see how it turns out! Thanks for writing such a wonderful book!

Action, Adventure, Romance, absolutely everything you are looking for in excellent reading. The book was well written. I can't wait for the sequel, I couldn't stand to put it down until finished. Patiently waiting on continuation of book two.

I read this book in public places (on the Metro, in cafes), and some of the passages had me laughing OUT LOUD! People gave me funny looks, but I don't care. Mariah Burton Nelson is so FUNNY and inspirational! Reading this book just makes me feel like I want to be better...and that all of my goals are within reach. I agree with Ms. Burton Nelson that thinking of oneself as an athlete will change your life. I like the confidence being athletic brings, and I'm appreciative that this author brought the concept of being an athlete and personal success together in this book. I'm huge fan of all of Ms. Burton Nelson's work; finding her early books in the library helped ease the pain of some lonely, confusing summers while I was in college. I just like the concepts that she comes up with and the way she writes. All of her sports books are fabulous of course, but I also recommend her book about forgiveness, The Unburdened Heart (an important book for anyone, I believe). Read We Are All Athletes! You'll love it, and it might just change your life for the better.

This thoughtful, straightforward, fast read took me back to all the lessons sports taught me. This would make a terrific companion to any sports program, and is great for adults who want to continue to improve their game--in sports, life, or business. Useful, thought-provoking, fun. As a student of John Wooden, I think Mariah takes coaching to a new level. Thanks, Mariah!

This is a terrific book --- direct and right to the point. It is a short read, but long on food for thought. My "sport" is Duplicate Bridge and this book is just as relevant for that as it is for tennis, basketball or curling. Or even the sport of LIFE, as Ms. Nelson points out.

This is a terrific book --- direct and right to the point. It is a short read, but long on food for thought. My "sport" is Duplicate Bridge and this book is just as relevant for that as it is for tennis, basketball or curling. Or even the sport of LIFE, as Ms. Nelson points out.

Mariah is the real thing and it shows up in this book. This book is warm, thoughtful, full of good advice, friendly, and funny. You don't even have to be or like jocks to find little gems of how to live a good life in these pages.
As a spoken word performer who cannot have an inspired "A game" every night, I especially enjoyed the chapter "B Is for B-Game", "prepare to win on an off-day." Mariah understands the nuances of excellence--no matter how hard you train, you have off nights or off games, but you can still win, or in my case win the audience over, with your B or C game--with the fall back on skill, training, hard-work, focus, AND, the surrender to what is, not what you'd like things to be. There are many moments of such wisdom throughout this book. Yes, Mariah, thanks.

We liked this book so much, we bought it for my father-in-law who just started his business. If you have a burden to approach your business with Christ at the center, read this book!

I handed this book to my project managers and am already experiencing a ground swell of blessing. The late great Larry Burkett lays the prinicles out in an easy to understand and thoughtful way. I would highly, highly recommend this book if you are interested in doing Business the way God intended.

THE AUTHOR COVERS BUSINESS PRINCIPLES IN A MANNER THAT YOU DONT COVER IN ANY BA OR MBA PROGRAM THAT I EVER HEARD. DEFINETELY WORTH THE READ!

This book is not for someone wanting to get rich quick! If you are a Christian business owner wanting to run your business according to God's word, this book explains God's word and gives helpful tips to follow through with His word.

In a world where the current business ideology seems to be about maximizing short term profits, climbing over others, and getting the maximum return possible with the minimal effort or investment Larry Burkett draws a sharp contrast.

Using referenced Biblical principles throughout the book Mr. Burkett outlines what it means to run a business by God's standards. This does not mean becoming a non-profit or lossing money - but it does mean completely changing the way we view the business, our employees and customers, and our role as business leaders. The principles laid out are challenging and often contrary to the advice you are used to hearing.

I found it to be an extremely useful and informative resource that helped me to see how I could not only run a business successfully, but also not sacrifice my concience or ideals. One of the primary tenents of this book is that we are stewards of the resources God gave us, meaning that the money we have and the business we may own ultimately belong to God, not us, and he has entrusted us with them to use in a manner he would approve of. If you are comfortable with this premise I believe you will enjoy the book and find it challenging. If you are not comfortable with this premise you will probably have difficulty accepting the concepts he has outlined.

Christy Award-winning author and attorney Robert Whitlow combines his professional expertise, Bible knowledge and strong faith to deliver DEEPER WATER, a legal drama set in the South. Like his character's aluminum johnboat, the storyline drifts slowly along for the first half as the scene is set and characters and complex relationships develop. Though this portion of the book lacks any page-turning action, it serves to bring us into the sharp mind and faithful heart of Tammy Lynn Taylor, a law student whose family ties and convictions will navigate her through the challenges of a summer internship at a prominent Savannah law firm.

In the prologue, we meet Moses Jones, a southern black man whose home is a piecemeal wooden shack on the Little Ogeechee River. His life is little more than a routine of collecting cans from town during the day and fishing by night. For all the world, Moses anonymously leads his simple life without a care. Below the surface, however, he conceals a secret that weighs heavy on his heart --- a secret that sometimes brings "faces" to the surface of the river's black water. When Moses is arrested for tying his johnboat to private docks at night, his case is put in the hands of a sweet, intelligent legal intern.

Tammy seeks the Lord's guidance in everything and follows through by opening her heart to His responses. As she traverses the murky waters of her profession, Tammy glides into Moses Jones and quickly uncovers a scenario far more sinister than a poor old man illegally tying his battered boat to people's docks. She wonders about his "faces in the water" and questions whether or not he may have put them there.

Further research leads Tammy to an unexpected source: the elderly woman with whom she is living for the summer. As more and more clues are revealed, Tammy is sure that the senior partners of her law firm are tied to her client in a cold case involving the murder of a young girl. Her friendships with three co-workers are complex, and doubts arise as to whom she can trust. Answered prayers and an interesting twist set the record straight as Whitlow ties it up in a neat little bundle, still leaving the readers to ponder a relational question.

Tammy's deep-rooted conviction is evident in every move and conversation, whether or not it leads to stares, persecution or simply awkward moments. Unwavering in her faith and as obedient to her parents as she is to God's laws, Tammy is almost unbelievable as a character. That said, I have to add that she is inspirational as well, and may lead readers to pause now and then for some self-reflection of society's influence on their own spiritual journeys.

--- Reviewed by Susan Miura

This is Whitlow's best writing yet. It's another "can't put it down" book that will appeal to both men and women, and should make another excellent film (be sure to catch The List, which is now out on DVD)!
I look forward to the second and third novels in this series, to see how Tami will develop her own faith and character.

Robert Whitlow is one of my favorite authors. I can't wait until the "next" book comes out. I have all of Mr. Whitlow's books (most of them signed) and have enjoyed everyone. I have met him several times in person and found him to be a very gracious person. It is uplifting to read his caliber of books. I could not put Deeper Water down until I finished it in the second afternoon.

Excellent book. I could not put it down until I finished. I have read all of Robert's books and they are all great. Keep it going.

If I'm honest, I was a little bit disappointed with this novel. it seemed to me, that the conspiracy aspect was built up to such an extent, that when we actually got to the crux of the situation, it was over with before it really started. BUT, the saving grace for me is that this is the first in a series of novels from Mr. Whitlow concerning the truth, with respect to his main character in this novel, her family, and how her particular Christian upbringing has helped to shape her attitude concerning her conduct, and views concerning the outside world. So, taken as an introduction to this upcoming series, it has left me wanting more, which, no doubt is evidence of a good author, of which Mr. Whitlow certainly is. I await the next novel in this series.

My mom bought this book for my son several years ago at a small bookshop. It has been one of our favorites ever since. My son has enjoyed it from 4 years old to 11 and now his 3 and 4 year old brother and sister are enjoying it. This is one of the best. It is geology with a slight spritual undertone - I think anyway! I wish this book was available new to give as gifts.

This is a very colorful and educational book for kids. It's a fun way for children to learn about geology!

as someone working with geologists and geology as a career, i found earthsteps to be a fun way to introduce this subject to children. most children are not exposed to earth science, so a book of this calibur should be a part of all elementary school libraries.

*Earthsteps: A Rock's Journey Through Time* is one of those rare children's books that an adult can also enjoy reading over and over. The illustrations complement the thoughtful and intelligent text, making it a journey to enjoy and to learn from at the same time. My 14 year old read it eagerly, as did my 11 year old. I expected that because they are both voracious readers who have a geologist father, but what I was delighted by was the excited interest of the 5 through 9 year olds to whom I read it at the school where I substitute teach regularly. I highly recommend this fine work to everyone.

I enthusiastically recommend this book! Who knew that the journey of a rock through time was dramatic AND fascinating? When was the last time you considered how a simple rock came to be? This story is as educational as it is entertaining to the children who have read it in my home. I had a five-year-old guest for the weekend, and THIS is the book she wanted out of all the books in my library. She was drawn to this rock and cared what happened to it. It was fun for her to "find" the rock in every beautiful illustration. Every time I read it to the younger children, I learn a little more, too!