Thomas Books

I've always been happy with Amazon and this experience was no exception. I had been looking for the wonderful book by Helene Hanff for some time. I found it (and others) on Amazon. I was delighted with the price, so I ordered it. It arrived promptly, in perfect condition. So, I remain a satisfied Amazon customer.

Yes, I'm one of the cult-followers of Helene Hanff's mighty Charing Cross Road books. They are charming, indeed. Q'S LEGACY, however, is the book that tells why. It is the perfect culmination to the story of Helene's trans-atlantic love affair with Marks & Co, the antiquarian booksellers.

If you've loved 84 et al., you must read Q. It's as simple as that.

Every book lover who has read the 97 pages of "84, Charing Cross Road" about Helene Hanff's wonderful correspondence with a London bookseller, ended with a tear in their eye and a longing for more. "Q's Legacy" is the more. It tells how "84" came to be published and how, after years of yearning, she finally gets to visit England. "Q's Legacy" has little meaning without reading "84" first. I've given many copies of both to friends over the years and they treasure them both. You will, too.

Recently, I saw a movie based on a Helene Hanff book. I enjoyed the movie so much I bought "Q's Legacy". I love it and was sorry to reach the end. So few writers can express life as Miss Hanff does, and what a wit!!! I am sending the book to my granddaughter to read with instructions to return it so I may re-read it.

The author's account of her life in fiction, particularly related to her writing 84 Charing Cross Road and the Dutchess of Bloomsbury Street. An absolute must for Helene Hanff fans.

I tried to get into this book, but found it hard. The overall concepts of this book are excellent but I didn't feel like it taught me anything new or specific.

Dr. Kimmel's book is a fantastic mirror for parents to view their goals/ambitions for themselves and their child/children. Despite my personal belief that I was not aiming our daughter at wealth, beauty, money... it's inherent inside the human heart to go that way. This book challenged me to seek character change in order to line myself up with Christ.
The book would work great for group study as there is study questions in the back for each chapter.
I have purchased this book for all my expecting friends.

I have nothing to add except to give five stars and say that I found this book truly inspirational. It's filled with the sort of advice you wish you could share with everyone, parent or no. Kimmel's style is clear, profound and fun, and especially exciting were the lists of easy applications found at the end of every chapter (i.e. "Ten Ways to Help you Kids Get the Best out of Organized Sports"). Book is a life-changer!

I am a mother of 4 (including a newborn) with very little time to read. Yet, I finished this book in less than a week. I could not put it down because it is so convicting. I can't wait to see the fruits that will most definitely come as a result of the life changes our family is making after reading this book. The world would be a much better place to live if we all strived to raise our children for "True Greatness."

This book is excellent. It is the big picture of how Christian parents can raise their children for greatness. It is great from God's point of view and most likely will also result in success for your children in this world as a bonus. I higly recommend this book along with the companion book,Grace-based parenting.

I've never had the privilege of physically visiting the Holy Land, but after reading this book, I feel as though I've really been there.

The two authors have different specialties. Miriam Vamosh is a Jew passionate about Jewish history. But instead of writing long, boring essays, she writes as a gifted story-teller, and invites you to see and hear fascinating details and sometimes humorous tidbits about the significance of each place they visit. Like the symbolism behind the feeding of the 5,000, the mysteriously blackened stones on Mount Carmel - reminders of the Holy Fire of Heaven coming down to consume Elijah's offering, and the fact that Pelicans are an ancient symbol of the Eucharist.

Contrasting this, you have Eva Everson's "Reflections" sharing how God speaks to her through Miriam's stories and through her physical surroundings. You hear how God seems to take delight in revealing His heart to her, warming her heart towards Him, and she shares those revelations with us, drawing us in.

All in all, this has been a fascinating walk through the Holy Land, led by two amazing and delightful writers.

A definite "must savour" for all for whom the Holy Land holds a special place.


Darlene Hull
PraiseWalker.com

REFLECTIONS OF GOD'HOLY LAND: A JOURNEY THROUGH ISRAEL...I received my copy in the mail yesterday and started my tour last night... Could not stop travelling. Just a wonderful experience...the combination of knowledge and emotion is exactly right. I will be back with more about my trip in a few days, but just had to make a comment today.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book; although I am a very avid reader, non-fiction about the Bible, or really any of the Middle East is not normally something I would choose. However, I could not put this book down. The combination of full-color photographs from modern-day Israel alongside the Biblical passages talking about them, as well as the commentary from the authors, one Christian & one Jewish, was, surprisingly, captivating. I really almost felt like I had visited Israel after skimming through the book. I plan on leaving it out for display, it is a very high-quality book with fantastic pictures, and to really study more in-depth as time allows. I can't wait to share it in our homeschooling our children also. Highly recommend.

One of the desires of my heart is to journey to the Holy Land. The land where Jesus walked, taught, died, and rose again. There is just something about going there that my heart longs for.

Reflections of God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel by Eva Marie Everson and Miriam Feinberg Vamosh is an amazing look at Israel. It is a very personal book for the authors. Eva Marie Everson is a Christian, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh is a Jew. They are friends and both share a love of God's Holy Land and the result of that love is this beautiful book. The book has some of the most beautiful photographs that I have ever seen. I kept looking through the book and soaking in the beautiful scenes of Beersheba, to Rachel's tomb, to Nazareth, to Jerusalem. Each chapter includes stunning photographs, and scripture. Also in each chapter is a section called "Did You Know?" written by Miriam Fienberg Vamosh that explores the stories of the places as well as her love of the landscape of each place. The chapter also includes a section called "Reflections" written by Eva Marie Everson that invokes the emotions of each place.

If you have ever wanted to travel the Holy Land and not had the chance then I suggest this book. It is a beautiful way to experience Israel through a book.

When I ordered a copy of Reflections on God's Holy Land: A Personal Journey Through Israel, I didn't imagine the treasure I would receive.

I've never been blessed by a trip to Israel, of walking where Jesus walked, of seeing places spoken of in the Bible with my own eyes. But here is a book that has given me glimpses into the holy land. Written by a Jew and a Christian, each location covered by the book has a related Scripture followed by two pages of "landscape and lore" which are authored by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and called "Did You Know?" and then two pages of a a more personal nature authored by Eva Marie Everson and called "Reflections."

In truth, the entire book is one you will want to reflect upon. It is filled with beautiful writing and wonderful photographs. I recommend making it part of your daily devotions and allowing God to speak to you through its pages.

The two best aspecst of Dr. Schreiner's books are his conversational style of writing, and the fact that he always acknowledges other views and explains why he differs. The many references and foot notes make for slow reading, but in depth and clear understanding of the material and his interpretation. It is a learning expericence that is like a great expedition of exploration and discovery. And because it is the Word of God being explored, the discoveries are life changing. This is truly a great book.

Along with Moo, get this commentary! Schreiner is so solid and scholarly. I also have his work on 1,2Peter and Jude in the NAC. This NT scholar is so good.

His approach to scholarship reminds me of Dr. Moo. Both are really good. Schreiner does his own translation, and for me that is what makes this commentary so outstanding. If you appreciate adeptness in NT Greek, you'll appreciate this volume. But at the same time, Schreiner makes this simple enough for the person who doesn't understand NT Greek to get by.

This should be in every pastor's and anyone who's looking for the best work on Romans collection. Get this one!

This is a very good commentary on Romans. It is very well written and is clear and easy to understand. Great Reference material that can be used for years to come.

This commentary on the book of Romans by T. R. Schreiner is one of the best commentaries I have ever read. Better than N. T. Wright and Everett F. Harrison. The author is faithful to the text and respects the text as the Word of God.
It is a big blessing to have this commentary in post-soviet countries (I am from Lithuania) where theology is not popular and people are lacking commentaries, books about the Bible even in the libraries.
It is worthy to get this book because the author opens the deep meanings of the text.

As someone who has done extensive work in Romans and is NOT a Calvinist, I have found Schreiner's volume to be the best all around commentary on Romans (not the best commentary on any book, however, as that would go to Schnackenberg's 3 volumes on John). He covers what you need to teach and to preach through the book.

While knowing Greek will certainly help one follow the author's arguments, he makes it easy enough to move past difficult material and get to the heart of the matter. Moo has a tendency to list multiple options and then pick one when it is unnecessary to list all the options due to a choice being obvious or else he does not list options at all when the choice is difficult. Schreiner avoids that problem by correctly majoring on the majors and minoring on the minors (with the exception of some issues at the end of Romans 8).

For Schreiner, this is certainly a step above his previous work and is much more readable than his book on Paul. The only Romans commentary I would rank ahead of this one is the incredible two volumes in the ICC by Cranfield, which is certainly not a series for those who do not know their languages.

I agree with most of the other reviewers that this was probably the best of the Savannah series, however, even though I know that there is a Christian element woven through the story line, I was appalled at Savannah's "reason" for pushing Joshua away. I can certainly deal with her chastity, but since this is the 21st Century, I had a hard time dealing with her attitude about Joshua and his life before he met Savannah. This plot element felt totally contrived and so unnecessary to this cute story of family and love.

LOVED IT!!!! I can not wait to pass this book down to my niece when she is a little older! Savannah's character is truly inspiring (along with all the other wonderful characters in this book)! This is one of those books that leave you feeling inspired with courage, spirit and hope for weeks after you read it. I hope that Denise continues to write more books in this series. She has done a beautiful job!!!!!

Having enjoyed Savannah From Savannah and been disappointed by Savannah Comes Undone I was intrigued to see if Denise Hildreth could return to the flare and spark that she showed in the first book... well she didn't... she got even better!!

Savannah by the Sea takes us from her beloved Savannah and into Seaside on a 'working vacation' with Savannah's family, Phoebe and of course what would a Savannah book be without Amber? Then of course, as in all chick lit, there always has to be the love interest...

This book is brilliant - it is laugh out loud funny, it is real, it is well written and it has made me desperate for another Savannah sequel to find out what happens next!

Each character seems to come into their own in this book - Victoria, Phoebe, Jake and even Amber all step into their own and become more realistic. The only character who seems to remain slightly one dimensional is Thomas.

Book Three also seems to be able to stand alone much more completely than Book Two did. Though it does help if you've managed to soldier your way through Book Two it isn't entirely necessary to have done so.

From a girl who hardly ever gives a book five stars - this is a fanstastic book and when it comes to Christian Chick Lit is up there with my other all time favourites - Consider Lily and Dreaming in Black and White/Technicolour.

Once again Denise Hildreth gives us a laugh out loud, can't put it down, moving book. I love how she always has to mention her real-life hubby, Jonathan Pierce, in her books. In this book, she actually makes an appearance herself. My one and only complaint with the Savannah books is that they are fiction and not real-life----I want Savannah as my buddy, I want her daddy, I want her best-frined, I DON'T want her mother-but I do want the wardrobe she gets her--LOL!!
Highly recommended series for all the Christian book addicts out there!

Considering that Denise Hildreth had never written a book and published it since this series, I have basically watched her grow. As her main character, Savannah, develops, I see Hildreth develop as well. Her writing has definitely changed since the first sentence of "Savannah From Savannah". I am so amazed at the effort and laugh-out-loud scenes that Hildreth brings to the table that I am writing this review with every single recommendation. That is extremely rare for a young woman who usually stays with known Christian authors or series. But, here it is.

In the third grand adventure of Savannah Philips, it occurs at a place far different then her tourist town. Placed in Seaside, FLA (where my family has vacationed since I was a child!!), the only place in the world you really feel at home, Savannah encounters the one thing that hasn't been chained to a monument or bought a lapdog. As the first two books really focused on Savannah and Victoria, this one zooms in one a new topic: TRUE LOVE. Now, I'm not going to spill the beans, but let's just say these scenes where Savannah is faced with a passion for the opposite sex are incredible. If anyone has objections, you should read something more, slow. Savannah by the Sea is a fast paced installment to a quirky, easy-going series.
Definitely what I would proudly call a 'must-read' or a 'summer read'. Buy it before the beach blankets find their way to the closet again and the bikinis officially go off the racks!!

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?!?!?!

I have about 5-10 books teetering on my bed at any one time, each one clamoring for attention, and I have to say this is the one I reached for in that precious half an hour of chill time before sleep every night. It was so refreshing to read a genuinely funny book that is NOT SNARKY (it's so easy to be a snark, harder to be funny and human). I really look forward to Mitchell's next book!

Kudos to Mary Mitchell for sharing Starting Out Sideways with all of us! Her first novel is both funny and heartwarming! Ms. Mitchell does a great job capturing the audience's attention by giving life to some wonderfully likeable characters. Her Long Island descriptions and characterizations were right on the mark and I loved the opportunity to see glimpses of many real life people that I've known in her characters. She weaves a delightful tale that is bound to make you smile!
Best of luck to you Ms. Mitchell! I look forward to what you might have in store for us next!

Mary e. Mitchell's novel `Starting out Sideways' is not just a fun book to read but a book that makes you think and wonder why things happen in your life. I could relate to this story, of love, anger, anxiety, confusion and humor. I read of towns I know and have lived in. Rosie Plow reminded me of me, even when it came to her weight problem. Her character development happens so easy that you don't know it's happening, until you say, "Well, son of a gun I didn't know that was going to happen." She has twists and turns with every chapter keeping the reader wondering and asking questions in their mind, then she ties those loose ends up toward the last quarter of the story.
Her way of handling the mentally challenged person is done with grace, comedy and deep down emotion. Thank you for reminding me what it's like to be in a `real' family. Kudos' to you Mary e. Mitchell. Hurry up, I want to read your next novel.
Rose Marie /rm Lamatt

How to describe this book?.....The characters are so diverse and all of their experiences so easy to relate to....as someone said, you feel that they are, or have been, a part of your life/neighborhood at some point in time.

Rosanna's "chosen" surname (Plow) was appropos, for she seemed to be "plowing" through her life, with all it's twists and turns, and yet, learned invaluable lessons along the way. Mary Mitchell dealt with common life issues (death, the mentally challenged, infidelity, divorce, conflicting family personalities, etc.) with UNcommon insight. The issues were deeply moving, but handled with the ability to see the humor in even the most difficult situation.

An easy, enjoyable read.

Roseanna Plow is one of the wittiest, wisest, most enjoyable characters I have read in ages. With humor she tells her tale of her cheating husband leaving her for Inga, her best friend. Roseanna's Ma vexes her with the most hilarious antics that are to "aid" Rosie. Her clients, mentally disabled people being acclimated to life in the main stream, all provide hilarity as well as warmth. She discovers a very hidden secret that totally unnerves her and yet the book never bogs with "woe is me" ideology. The cast of characters that support Rosanna are truly just that....eccentrically funny characters.

This is such a wonderful read; if you need your attitude adjusted, need a good laugh and a solid lesson in accepting life, or if you just want to have a breezy time putting your life on the back burner, then this book is tailor-made to fit.

Wonderful story that you should treat yourself too.

The Stormholder by Boone & Thomas is a wonderfully enchanting tale. The children, particularly Katie, will draw you into the story and keep you there until the final page is read. My recommendation is: take the trip to August. Learn with the kids about magic. Just don't ask what's in Madame Helonia's teas.

If you've ever read a book about magic and liked it, this is the book for you. Not only does the magical atmosphere and simple wonder of this book draw every young and old reader inside it's pages, its original and exciting storyline holds them there. There's a character in there somewhere that everyone can relate to and they wide variety of magical-life can put a smile on anyone's face! Most people's minds will immediately go to Harry Potter if they hear about a book about magic, but don't be detered by that! This book is completely orignal and it's ideas are refreshingly new. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and I only wish I could've given this reveiw sooner!

This book is excellent for Young Adult readers...and the parents who might want to read it to them. The world and creatures are imaginative without being silly, which is a fine line to walk. As an adult, I would have hoped that the characters were developed more, and that a *few* of the interactions were a bit less stereotypical, but I honestly enjoyed the book anyway. I'm admittedly finnicky about my fantasy, and I would recommend this book to any young adult without reservation. It has the same charm of Harry Potter without remotely resembling it, and for that I applaud the author(s).

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I bought a copy for my sister and told my friends about it. I believe that young people could easily get lost in the story and wish they were right there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to everyone. Keep up the good work.

The Stormholder, by Tricia Boone and Melissa Thomas:

Reviewed by C.S. Marks

Katie and Jack seem to be fairly typical eleven and thirteen year old kids; they play soccer, they argue with their parents about having to learn herb lore, and they tease and play and poke fun at one another. But there is one thing that separates them from most `ordinary' children: they are learning magic. It seems that Katie and Jack have a destiny awaiting them...one that leads them into the richly-imagined world of August in search of their missing parents.

August is peopled with strange and intriguing creatures, and it would be both difficult and undesirable to describe them here, as part of the joy of the book is in the discovery. Every page introduces a new and fascinating life-form (to my delight); it was as though I was opening up a new and exciting doorway with each successive chapter.

I would prefer to not reveal much of the story here, only to state that this is a tale of exploration and discovery, both of the new and magical world, and of Katie and Jack's abilities, history, and destiny. All is not as it has appeared, nor as they would have ever imagined.

This book is suitable for nearly any age reader...provided one enjoys tales of wizardry and magic. It flows well, and moves along at a smart pace. There is, at times, a distinctly Hogwarts ambiance, but not to the point of obscuring the book's own unique flavor. I enjoyed the exploration of wizardry in August, and found myself turning the pages to ask: `What's next?'

As to the actual execution of the book, I noted several points of interest. It was written by two authors, and at times I thought I could detect slight differences in style and word usage between them. The writing is generally solid and is an easy read. The use of words is colorful and rich.

The principal characters are interesting and well developed. One can tell that the authors understand young people; the dialogue and mannerisms of Katie, Jack, (and their friends, including my favorite character, Abby) is realistic and appropriate.

I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to the library of young people (as well as adults who enjoy YA fantasy), particularly if they are into magic (with a little bit of whimsy), wizardry (with a hefty dose of intrigue), and the enchantment that comes with a good, light-hearted story. Recommended.

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!!!

THIS BOOK IS GREAT!! I CAN READ TH BOOK FOREVER AND NOT GAT TIRED OF IT!! WELL MAYBE BUT AFTER ALL IT WAS A GOOD BOOK YOU SHOULD BUY IT RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! OK THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY BYE!

For anybody considering to buy "Totally JTT", this book is excellent. It goes through with you everything in great detail, including how his work got started, up until Tom and huck. The book was published in 1996, so obviously you will not get all of his credits, because he has done such a lot more since then, but it does have a fabulous chapter on "girls". You can compare how matchable you are with him, and also a very interesting chapter on his character, Simba in the Lion King. The best part about this book is the eight pages of exclusive pictures included, and pages and pages about his T.V. series Home Improvemnt, which began in 1991, and ended in 1999. All in all, you get a great package of his achievements, and a fact file at the end to finish it off. There is a second book to this one after you have read this, but I cannot find it anywhere. It is called "Just when you knew everything about JTT". Anway, i've rambled on way too long, Happy Reading!

this book includes gobs of intresting information that can catch any readers attention even if you hate jtt it has articles on other stars such as tim allen and pitricha richerdson

Whether it's his adorable hair styles, or his puppy dog smile -- what's not to love about Jonathan Taylor Thomas ("JTT" to his fans, like me)?

"Totally JTT" does a wonderful job of covering every aspect of JTT's personal life and career. From "Home Improvement" to "The Adventures of Pinocchio", you'll learn a number of exciting facts (he secretly resented "Home Improvement" co-star Zachery Ty Bryan), and some shocking revelations (he likes musical theater and interior decorating).

If you've ever wanted to know what it's like to be JTT, "Jonathan Taylor Thomas: Totally JTT!: An Unauthorized Biography" is the book for you.

This book has everything on Jonathan Taylor Thomas from birth to age 14! It even tells you his daily schedule from when he wakes up until he goes to sleep! A must-have for JTT fans! Now if only the author would write up-date book on Jonathan!!