Thomas Books

I really enjoyed this book. The book started off a little slow for me, but after two chapters I found it very engaging. The second section was particularly practical. It helped me to reconsider how I look at spiritual growth. To often my Christian life has been more talk than walk. This book encouraged me to live a more compelling life.

An inspiring, challenging book that reminds us not to take our faith for granted. It offers new perspectives on some of the ruts we tend to fall into, yet keeps to the truth of the Word of God. It challenges us to be completely abandoned to the will of God and to fulfill his calling on our life. One of the best lines from the beginning of the book was that people don't remember you for what you don't do, they remember you for what you do. Christians we are called to action. Let this book encourage you on your journey of being used by God in the way that he created you for. See what God will do!

This is the greatest book I have ever read. I love all of Gary Thomas's book. I highly recommend it.

"Beautiful" and "fight," they're two words you don't see together often. Yet in Gary Thomas' latest book The Beautiful Fight they are strung together most excellently. Thomas, adjunct professor at Western Seminary and award winning author, is drawing his title from the Orthodox Fathers' reading of 2nd Timothy 4:7-8. This text, more commonly translated as "the good fight," is aptly illustrated by Thomas as something of furious beauty.

The Christian spiritual life is the common denominator throughout the three sections and16 chapters. Thomas does this by fusing together the genius and wisdom of biblical passages, church fathers (such as Clement of Alexandria and Athanasius), medieval mystics (Julian of Norwich), Puritan divines (John Flavel), along with contemporary voices like J.I. Packer, N.T. Wright, and John Piper. One thing, that's evident even at a glance, is that Thomas' thoughts on the Christian spiritual life aren't monochrome. He doesn't confine himself to the contemporary--a common error in American evangelicalism--neither does he stick to a particular theological tradition, nor one aspect of the Christian spiritual life. Instead Thomas, with a discerning ecumenism, shows that the essential witness of Christian spirituality is one of harmony. With this in mind, he writes, "Christian Spirituality is all about [...] our Creator and Lord taking ordinary people and making them potent instruments of God."

In Beautiful Fight Thomas answers the call which many Christians are longing for. That is, what does it mean to have an embodied and active faith. He does this by weaving in life-stories from his time at Regent College to his life as a husband and father. Because of his integration of life and thought the reader feels that the book is at least in part an invitation into a dialogue on, about and over the Christian spiritual life. And it's a conversation that is of the utmost importance; every where we turn, it seems, there is another front page article on `spirituality' or another book on the `spirituality of (fill in the blank).' In a world where everyone from Oprah to your local barista is a `spirituality' expert it is refreshing to hear a voice which articulates a Holy Spirit-uality. But if The Beautiful Fight is a cultural critique, it's also a critique of a lifeless orthodoxy; that's one thing that permeates every page--and it's one of the many things that will stick with you.

This newest book from one of Evangelicalism's finest authors on spiritual formation, Gary Thomas, is excellent - one of the best books I've read this year. Thomas takes a fresh look at living a God-empowered life that is grounded in the doctrine of Christ's bodily ascension. Drawing on insights from Evangelical, Reformed, Orthodox, and Catholic traditions, Thomas shows how God's presence can change the way we use our eyes and ears, hands and feet, minds and hearts. The Beautiful Fight is a beautiful book about a beautiful spirituality of "full-bodied faith." I could barely put this book down and walked away freshly convicted, challenged, and encouraged. Having now read several of Thomas's books, I think this is my favorite to date. Treat yourself to a banquet of spiritual delights and get this book!

What a wonderful tapestry of relationship stories set against the backdrop of New York City in the mid-1800's. The vivid details and realistic characterizations make the reader feel as if these stories must surely have taken place. Each of the characters faces a challenge in his or her relationship to another person or persons, and the resolution of each dilemma is both satisfying and delightful.

I was once again drawn into the lives of each intricate character. I didn't want to put it down, but had to at times. (You have to eat and sleep at least a little, right?)

Susanna, haunted with fears of failure, refuses to play for Michael's orchestra when he asks her to.

Dr. Andrew Carmichael tries to find a way to tell Dr. Bethany Cole his feelings for her-and his secret past.

The MacGovern family finds that America (so it seems) is not so glorious as they had thought it would be. Will Mr. MacGovern ever find a job to keep his family afloat?

There are also other intriguing and entertaining characters such as police officer Frank Donovan, young Renny MacGee, and Paul Santi, Michael's gentle cousin.

The ending was so glorious and beautiful that I was actually weeping with joy, hearing the music Mrs. Hoff spoke of.

It was ALL wonderful-I loved it so much and want to read it again (many times, perhaps) in the future! I would recommend reading the equally good Book 1 first, of course, but this book stands on its own, too. Masterfully written! Bravo!

Love LOVE LOVE these characters!! Just as in Prelude, I jumped in this book with both feet and didn't emerge until the last page was turned. If possible, this book was even stronger than Prelude...the characters more defined and even more rich and colorful. The ending left me breathless...I almost stood up and cheered along with the audience in the scene! I cannot wait until the next one... hurry!!

"Fiction can illuminate Truth beautifully. There are few adornments more lovely and compelling than good fiction artfully woven around the neck of Truth to bring out the eternal beauty of the face of Truth."--Christian author Jeri Massi

Nowhere is that quote more aptly illustrated than in the fiction writing of B. J. Hoff, and her latest book, Cadence, is no exception.

In this second book in Hoff's American Anthem series, we become further acquainted with the appealing cast of characters we met in Cadence. There's the handsome and brooding composer, Michael Emmanuel, and Susanna, the sister of his deceased wife, who acts as a governess for his young daughter. In Cadence, Michael and Susanna deal with the growing awareness of their feelings for each other...and Susanna must face her fear of failure in regard to her own musical talent.

We get to know more about the altruistic Scottish doctor, Andrew Carmichael, and his medical partner, Dr. Bethany Cole, and discover that there is something significant in the good doctor's past. Meantime, Andrew and Bethany are another couple that realize their dawning love for one another.

The Irish immigrant, Conn MacGovern, continues to be one of the most engaging characters in the series. Proud and strongwilled, he embodies the strong immigrant spirit, and you can't help but like him and his equally strong wife, Vangie.

I suspect --and hope--we'll be learning more about a few of the characters in the next book, including the intriguing Irish police officer, Frank Donovan, as well as Renny McGee, the former busker girl taken under the wing of the MacGovern family.

I really enjoyed this book's predecessor, Prelude, but I do believe I liked Cadence even more! Maybe it's because the characters now feel like old friends, and I'm even more involved in their individual stories. As always, I relished B.J. Hoff's lovely and evocative writing and the smooth flow connecting the characters' scenes.

Most of all, this book touched me on a spiritual level, causing me to look inward and challenging me to face my own fears with the help of God's Word. An entertaining, absorbing read that points you to spiritual truth...can you ask for more?

Just one problem, though. Now I can't wait until the next book in the series!

In her true story-telling fashion, B.J. Hoff brings us the next mesmerizing instalment in her American Anthem series. Revisit the characters first introduced in PRELUDE, and be swept away in the saga that unfolds, where love grows amidst heartbreak and misconception, and hope is restored despite grievous loss. The colourful setting of late 1800's New York is punctuated with the music of the era, presenting trials and triumphs that will resonate with the reader. Old and new fans of B.J.'s historical fiction will love this story. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

This is a wonderful and very moving book that would be a wonderful gift for anyone in your family or friends. I bought one for each of my children and their families to have for Christmas and for anytime they need to be thankful for their family.

This gorgeous little book presents a rich and heart-wracking story about a man in search of his past and identity. Jack Davenport is a successful journalist and struggling husband, trying to fulfill a holiday assignment while effectively fleeing a fight with his wife. After receiving a mysterious photograph in the mail, he heads to Texas for his work assignment and pays a visit to Clearwater, the little town from which the photograph was sent. In the midst of his trip, he finds the heart-breaking tale of two family tragedies, a Christian man rent by his past mistakes, the truth of redeeming love..and the revelation of his lost past.

In just 48 pages, amazing storyteller Max Lucado pens a beautifully haunting tale that left me marveling at its truth and power. This book is wonderfully made: not only is the story awesome, but it's accompanied with gorgeous photographs of the characters and envelopes with tokens of the tale hidden inside. I found myself sorry that the tale was over when I finished it! Buy this book; it's a treasure and you will never forget it.

This book is so great and sad. I'm not very emotional and I almost cried. It shows how any sin no matter how great it is can be forgiven by God because He loves us so much. I also recommend other Max Lucado books like Cosmic Christmas.

I started this book in the evening of Christmas Eve and finished it the minute I woke on the next morning. Never did I think a book could change my whole attitude. And on top of it all, my husband was listening to a Christian radio station and Max Lucado was reading this book on Christmas morning. My family huddled around the book and "read" along with the author. Now every year, I will be reading this book on Christmas Eve--hopefully out loud to anyone that will listen.

I got this book for Christmas last year from my Aunt and I read it that night... it was such and wonderful story it made me cry. This book really makes you think about how important it is to have family and friends around for Christmas and all through the year. The way the book is desinged and the little truesures that it holds makes you want to dive right in the story and it leaves you with a deep feeling of saddness and happiness. And when i have children i am planning on giving this book to them and to have it out every Christmas so that others can read is heart-warming story. Merry Christmas!

In light of the recent tragedy of this family I felt compelled to purchase this book. It's a beautifully written and illustrated book that would be an awesome gift from "Daddy" to his "Princess" on her wedding day or even when her engagement is announced. I would recommend this book to everyone who is a daddy.

This is a wonder book & CD. I would recommend it to anyone.
It is great for that busy Dad.

Shortly after hearing that the composer's five year old daughter died, I heard this song on the radio. It touched my heart in a very special way. This book/CD was purchased as a gift to my son on his 1st Father's Day. My son had tears in his eyes when he danced around the room with his 5 month old baby girl. Everyone else loved it too!

Bought this for my husband and father of 3 kids for Father's Day 2008. He told me it made him cry and that he looks at things differently with the kids. Great Book & Song. So Sorry for the loss of Little Maria Chapman.

I awoke on May 22nd to hear the terrible news that little 5 year old Maria Chapman (youngest daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman) was struck and killed in the driveway of the Chapman home. They were gathered to celebrate the engagement of their eldest daughter Emily, and preparing to go to their youngest sons graduation from high school when the accident happened.

I went online to read what I could about the accident and heard for the first time the song Cinderella that Steven wrote for his daughters. I cried when I heard the line "the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone." I thought of the irony that he wrote that song thinking she would one day walk out of his life to begin one with her future husband...her prince...yet she left all too soon, in a tragic way for Steven and his family.

I thought of my own son with his own three year daughter Malia, and when I found out about the book I rushed to buy it to present to him on Fathers Day, so that he can dance with his own Cinderella and never take for granted one minute of their relationship. Because we are not promised tomorrow with our loved ones, we can only hope and pray for them to be safe and for time to share precious memories in the various stages of their lives.

God bless the Chapman family...little Maria now dances with Jesus!

By the way, this book comes with the CD Cindrella, so daddies can dance to it with their little girls.

Darlene

At first I was worried that I would not be able to get through Thomas' early life to get to his Supreme Court years, by about 75 pages in, I wondered how the Supreme Court years could be as good as the first part of the book was turning out to be. This book is great and, amazingly, a quick read, not to mention well researched and very unbiased. The author takes Thomas to task for his occational self-indulgence, and yet paints a picture of Thomas that leaves me hoping I just read a biography of the next Chief Justice.

From page 1 to the last you won't be able to put down this book. If you are interested in reading something that will lift your spirits and give you back some faith in individual honesty you need to read this.

It should be a genre of its own. I mean, it's the ages-old odyssey of a person who makes it through all the obstacles of his environment to the top of that society. Not without scars. It's the story of a modern hero, the only kind that subsists today: the ignored one. A person who fought for his ideals, his beliefs, against all odds (economic, social, whatever).

Mr. Thomas is a living monument to faith in a Divine Author against the tendency to idolize social and liberal causes.

This is also a worthy reading for growing Christians.

Shame for those who want to use God for their political persuasions, like those who blame the Pope for not being liberal. They can't admit being atheists, they prefer to destroy His Kingdom from inside.

Thanks Clarence.

It is quite simply a masterpiece. Justice Thomas is portrayed as a real human being who has survived the castigation of the far Left... with a dignity that speaks loud and clear above the wailing of the extreme left Liberals who cannot believe a man of color exists who they cannot control. Read how this man of incredible intellect and courage overcomes all odds to become the first black intellectual to occupy the bench. Unlike Thurgood Marshall who knew political correctness before it became the defacto "law of the land", this biography portrays a true independent thinker and voice for judicial freedom that will not be silenced. The depths to which the Left will sink in its outrage when anyone escapes from the plantation is well documented. The viciousness of the Left and NOW during the Hill debacle is nicely contrasted with their mute impotent silence during the Clinton impeachment proceedings. It is well written and well researched, and most importantly unbiased unlike other competing biographies. Somehow this bio was allowed to be published. Do not forgo the opportunity to read and own your own copy.

Finding a good biography is hard to begin with. This is even more true if the subject is the human lightning rod of Clarence Thomas, quite possibly the most polarizing figure out there. Indeed, Thomas Sowell once wrote something to the effect that one can tell a white liberal's level of commitment to his beliefs by how much he despises the man. I am therefore happy to say that CLARENCE THOMAS: A BIOGRAPHY is a true joy to read.

A major reason for this book being so good is because the author Andrew Peyton Thomas (no relation to the Justice) is so balanced. Other writers would either disparage Justice Thomas or act as little more than a literary cheerleader for the man based on ideological disposition. While the author A.P. Thomas obviously is an admirer of Justice Thomas, he nonetheless portrays the Justice warts and all. In fact, one of my friends, a white liberal who cannot discuss anything related to race without wallowing in white guilt and who simply cannot grasp the fact that blacks are responsible for their own lives, upon hearing that I was reading this book, asked me, his voice dripping with condescension and even hostility, whether the author goes over Justice Thomas having benefitted from affirmative action only to try to end such policies now. I was able to respond that, yes, indeed the author does cover this. In fact, quite extensively, while placing Justice Thomas' change of direction in the proper context and discussing the man's turmoil that others would focus on him rather than on the issues themselves (if my friend caught the irony, he did not let on).

CLARENCE THOMAS covers the Justices' early life extensively. I was initially hesitant that so many pages were devoted to what I considered to be basically an introduction. I was wrong. Thomas' early life and the influences upon him by his relatives, nuns and others with whom he came into contact is absolutely captivating.

As the book enters Thomas' adult years, the book loses none of its steam. Again, it is not just the facts of Thomas' life that are so captivating (though that is true), but that the author presents a vivid portrait of a man determined to stay true to himself in a context in which others want to use him for their own purposes and in the face of often seemingly insurmountable odds. We also get a focused picture of really just what kind of man Thomas is, as we read about his determination in the face of frustration after frustration. The author is not so much a fan of the Justice as to fail to acknowledge that Clarence Thomas, like many of us, has not always been able to live up to his ideals and that in some circumstances, subtle truths gave way to expediency.

The reader also understands how Thomas was able to rise so high so fast. This is a man, after all, who came to the helm of the EEOC when it was the worst run administrative agency of the federal government only to turn it into the crown jewel by the time he left, all the while laughing, having a good time and without the heads-will-roll attitude others would have brought to the task. And while others voiced the opinion that the cloistered life of a federal judge would not suit Thomas' personality, Thomas proved them wrong as well.

But again, CLARENCE THOMAS is not just a brightly colored paint job. The author also writes powerfully not only of Thomas' rough spots, but of the effect these had on the man and his approach to others. Justice Thomas was, not surprisingly, deeply seared by the attacks upon him during his confirmation hearing and with the insight that others would destroy every scrap of his good name simply for ideological purposes. Given the controversy surrounding the man, this book is probably the best source a reader could ask for to gain a good insight into Clarence Thomas, one of the more interesting figures to grace the American public stage.

Okay, there are several books on Thomas out there. This is my first. That said, the author is a gifted writer. This book is as accessible as a novel. Really. Non-lawyers don't have to beware.

Liberals need not beware, either. Is the author sympathetic toward his subject? Well, I suppose so. This book is MOSTLY free of editorializing, though. Mostly, the author just relates what happened in a pretty impartial manner. Most of the editorializing is done when the author is criticizing his subject.

The author recognizes that his subject has a strain of bathos, self-pity and exagerration. He includes several anectodes that portray Thomas as socially awkward, constantly seeking love and approval from EVERYONE, but unexpectedly lashing out at co-workers with cruel and unwarranted comments or intentionally setting subordinates against each other.

All in all, he portrays a hardworking, reasonably smart politician who acended to the Supreme Court through an odd combination of luck, affirmative action, political connections, gladhanding, politicking, genuine administrative ability, and a Puritan work ethic. I don't think anyone will walk away from this being impressed by Thomas as a genius, a trendsetter, or a role model in particular. For those liberals that are predisposed to hating him, however, just by virtue of his politics, this book will likely engender a feeling of understanding and compassion for Thomas. After all, how can you hate someone for being socially awkward. How can you ridicule someone for being competent, hardworking, and able, even if that person isn't a genius? How can you blame a guy for coming from literally nothing and rising so highly even if he's not one of the 9 best legal minds in the country? So he's just "a man." That's okay, right?

The book does make a case against Anita Hill.... I'm not the type to assume I know "what happened" in cases like that. Suffice it to say that the case against Hill is pretty convincing and it rings true.

Despite the length of the book (like 600 pages!), it's a quick and enjoyable read.

My one huge criticism is that you don't get to the court years until like page 450. I'd rather the background constitute a 1/3 of the book than 3/4s. I bought it to read about JUSTICE Thomas, you know?

This is one of the most helpful texts that I have purchased in the past year. It is easy to read and gives lots of examples as well as many points to ponder. HOWEVER, (if it matters to you)- make sure that you do not get the BOOK ALONE version. There is an online component that you need an access code to, which doesn't come with the book unless you buy the other version (I believe it said "with myeducationlab" in the item description). As a matter of fact, it's cheaper that way by about $8.00 believe it or not. I had to buy access separately because I waited too long to return the one that I bought which was book alone. I guess you have to live and learn... I hope someone benefits from my mistake!

I got this book for a class. It worked great. The book was clean and brand new. Thanks!

Very good reference on how to handle an elementary classroom. Children's environment and temperament were considered. Sample lay-outs included.

Smooth and speedy transaction. Updated emails on the tracking of my purchase were much appreciated. Great buy. Recommended.

"Classroom Management..." is THE book for those who are looking for the proverbial Teacher's Manual. Apart from covering all the basics in a lot of detail, it offers checklists and (so-called) case studies. The downside of this is that the book starts out a bit dry and too straightforward, with instructions so clear-cut you would think they are for operating some sort of machinery. The "case-studies" are examples rather than studies, so the objection here lies with the misnomer. These are clearly minor drawbacks to a great book that only gets better as you read on. With a fabulous Further Reading section after every chapter, and delectable cartoons sprinkled throughout the book, it is an essential text for every teacher's personal library.

This is a great gift book for your Republican/conservative friends. It's title tells all--it is a charming little quote book of ideas from our fortieth president. Biographies by family members are always superior to biographies written by distant observers, and this non-exception proves the rule.

It is a great gift book, meaning that it has dainty fonts and stunning pictures. It is organized topically, but is not indexed so you may have to hunt a little for your favorite quote. The cover is a nice balance of a thoughtful black and an autumn rust, reminding us that Reagan is in the autumn of his life and slowly heading to black. However, the cover has a border of gold remind us of the gold ofg life after death.

We need politicians with wit--Kennedy and Reagan both had the Irish blarney, but the silver-tounge seems to be scarce among the current chain-gang in Congress. This book should be a manditory study gude. We need to eradicate the superficial smashmouth so common on the Sunday shows!

Favorite Quotes:

"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." (p. 111)

"What American needs is a spiritual renewal and reconciliation-firt man with God, and then man with man." (p. 75)

"Since I came to the White House, I've gotten two hearing aids, had a colon operation, a prostate operation, skin cancer, and I've been shot. Funny thing is, I never felt better." (p. 22)

Pros: (1) Michael Reagan has gathered an admirable collection of Reagan's utterances. (2) He has packaged the volume in an appealing design with useful topics and short, bulleted style.

Cons: (1) I hoped to find more of Reagan's humor in the book. (2) I guess you expect a collection of quotations to come from a devoted fan, but for me, the overall presentation would have been better received if some of Michael Reagan's gushing had been curbed.

I've been doing my own little research project on Ronald Reagan, and this book was great. It describes some things about him that only a family memeber could describe. You can definitely tell it was written by an adoring son, but it gives insight that no one else has, and reminds us of what a patriot, team player, and forward thinker Ronald Reagan was.

@In this book I have underlined or marked 115 partsAall of which can help me stay optimistic and start afresh in any difficult situation. The best feature of this book is the author's (President's son) brief comment in each chapter before President's quoted remarks. Through each bit of the author's episodic description of Ronald Reagan, I believe we can take a glimpse of Ronald Reagan's sincerity, honesty, dedication for the good of the United States and after all for democracy. The author's friend, a White House speechwriter for Reagan, personally told the author how Reagan, disapproving of his national security adviser's frantic opposition, had come to give a famous speech before the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Reagan told the author himself on the occasion of the Reagan family gathering what he really wanted to whisper to the Russian Secretary General at the side of a negotiation table. The author's description on personal exchange with President, in coordination with well-selected quotes, successfully can show me who Ronald Reagan is and bring me to further reading on Reagan. @

There are times when words alone do not do justice. This is one of those times. I have never read a book so uplifting and righteous. Simply put; if you did not appreciate Ronald Reagan when he was the leader of the free world, you now have an opportunity to look back at the wit and truthfulness of the greatest president to grace the oval office. This is a fast read; excerps from speeches, etc. If you read only one passage, let it be the chapter on Leadership. You will truly understand the greatness of this American hero.

This was purchased as a birthday gift, and it was a big hit! My daughter liked it very much. She has done a lot of work looking into our family's history, and so this was very helpful to her.

A great resource to not only learn about the history and mechanics of heraldry, but also for inspiration for creating one's own coats of arms. I mainly picked this up to create heraldry for my strategy table top war game, but the historian in me enjoys it as well for scholarly purposes.

A.C.Fox-Davies:HERALDRY
I already had a great respect for Mr.Fox-Davies, having two of his great books:THE ART of HERALDRY and HERALDRY-the magnificent pictorial archive for artists and designers. And I expected to learn quite a lot from the HERALDRY book.Guess,I was right.
.The texts are very,very good,BUT,there are just too many unnecessary and detailed descriptions of British and Scotch Armory.Was it because Mr.Fox-Davies wanted to show off( with his long description of many personal Arms,which I doubt had any great interest for the general reader-mentioning only a few Im sure he could have got his point) or maybe,he was just carried away by his wish too make a good(fat)book?Nevertheless,Mr.Fox-Davies is among the VERY FEW experts who dared mention the painstakingly long and slow development of Armory,from Moses and the Scriptures onwards,explaining that it were first the personal signs and symbols which existed long before the Heraldry proper.And are still going strong,not as Arms,but LOGOTYPES of more or less famous brands.
There is no" Deus-ex-Machina "Heraldry for Mr.Fox-Davies .It was a slow and painful process influenced by both the traditions and technology,development of society , classes and unfortunately.warfare..And I guess,Mr.Fox-Davies leans too much on the Crusades Myth,closed HELMETS etc..
By the way,closed helmets existed long,long before the iron clad warriors ! Many of the drawings and other examples are very good,so that the small percentage of superfluous ones,do not play a significant role.All in all,for anyone willing to learn more,and think while reading the book,the number of lines and pages should not be tiring.It is satisfying to know that even in the days when the book first appeared,there was somebody who was NOT a stereotype,somebody who really loved the job and loved the knowledge he so willingly transferred to his readers.

Good book - just wish it explained more simply and clearly - in a concise way - the symbols.

I can not possibly imagine a more complete guide to Heraldry. This engaging book really brings you into the world of crests, family honor, and ancestry. It gives a comprehensive guide to all the symbols used, and their various meanings. If you are even remotely interested in Heraldry, pick this up today.

Dear Ms. Maltby,

My name is Jen and I live in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. I have been married to my husband for a little over six years, and we are not able to conceive children. The last year has been the most difficult year of my life, and frankly I'm in a battle like I never thought possible. This past fall a variety of issues in my life came to a head, and I crashed. As a survivor as child sexual abuse, I have struggled with depression on and off for about twenty years. My marriage is falling apart, and the issue of infertility continues to haunt me. I have been involved with a wonderful Christian counselor who is guiding me with God's help toward healing, but there are still a great many battles to be fought before my world will be sitting upright again.

I stumbled across your book in the local Lifeway store, and the provocative title led me to pick it up. I decided to purchase it, and from the last page of Chapter One I was in tears. It seemed that every chapter held something to say about some profound truth that was affecting my life, and I have never been so blessed by someone else's words. I am a follower of Christ, and as such I know what the Word says about truth. But my life experiences have twisted many of my beliefs and I struggle every day to remember who I am in Christ and what that means about how this journey through life trials will ultimately work out. Your work addressed many of the pitfalls I find myself struggling with, and your gentle, loving delivery was like a salve to this battered heart. Thank you, dear woman of God, for the insights and reminders. I know that as I re-read your book I will glean something new from it each time, but for now know that your inspired work has changed me. Thank you for allowing God to use you...a. perfect stranger...in such a powerful way in my life.

May God continue to bless your ministry...you are making a difference for His kingdom, and I'm so happy to have found your book.

Much love in Christ,
Jen

Tammy is awake to what others have buried their heads in the sand to: we're all broken inside, and our journey to wholeness comes in sharing our stories with one another. Why is it that we struggle so with this?

Why does it seem like Christians are the last ones in on the joke: we claim to love others, yet are known to our neighbors as hypocrites? Motivated more by guilt and shame than by love, we hide our hurts from everyone including ourselves. It's a broken way to live and it certainly isn't Jesus' way.

And that's why we need more books like "Confessions" as an invitation to others that says not only is it safe to be vulnerable, but that is the only way to health, and in fact, is the only way to be a true disciple of Jesus. In "Confessions" you'll recognize parts of yourself and you'll see where perhaps you still need healing and how that healing can begin.

If you're like the great thundering herd of Christians that, lost in the dust and the noise of others around you, struggle to voice the broken parts of your story, you need this book as a catalyst to your healing and growth. The paradox is that by confessing your humanity to others, Christ, the God-man, is formed in you. Read "Confessions" and weep - with joy and recognition.

I would highly recommend this book. The author Tammy Maltby lays out her life on paper so candidly and honestly. She gives so much inspiration to women out there who are facing the same issues. Trying to be the perfect christian girl and yet faced with depression, abuse, addictions and suicide. Tammy shares what most of us good christian girls would be too ashamed to ever talk about. Those of us who hide in shame on church pews, being paralyzed emotionally because of sin and past regrets. Tammy lays out steps in order to overcome and be victorious. This book is scriptural and guided by bible truths and the promises of God. She writes about how we should step out in faith, pray, and and know that God wants more for us than what we want for ourselves. This book is for any women who may be living in emotional or physical bondage or in some situation that prevents you from living a peaceful life due to circumstances. This book will bless your life with all the tools you need to find peace and understanding. You will learn how to not suffer in silence and get out of the personal prison you've been living in. Most importantly, Tammy Maltby will give you the help you need through her own personal circumstances and how we can move forward to the life that Christ so lovingly wants us to have. This book will bring you the freedom you've been searching for.

Confessions of a Good Christian Girl: the Secrets Women Keep and the Grace That Saves Them is powerful...and seasoned with grace. It's filled with wonderful quotes and more importantly, points to the one who can heal all of our brokenness. Many times throughout reading, I thought...Oh that is powerful...Oh that ministers healing...It's the kindness of God that leads us to repentance and it's the brave woman of God, willing to be transparent, that ministers to the broken. I know the darkest hours of my life exposed the tenderness of God the most. Though I never would wish a divorce on anyone...for me it proved to be the time God revealed His grace most powerfully. I felt as though I committed the ultimate sin. It broke my self-will and my belief that somehow I might earn God's love...As I read your book I realized you learned the same thing and it encouraged me. No matter how "good" we are we can never merit God's love or our salvation. That's the beauty of Christianity. We don't need to have all the answers or be perfect because God loves us no matter what. His grace is for every area of our life...not just our salvation. He equips and empowers us to "be" for Him. Each of my dark seasons produced more of Christ character and caused me to love others more unconditionally. He loves us...because He chose to...and nothing can change that.

When I first became a Christian at age 22, I devoured every possible Christian book, I needed all the direction and information I could get! After a while, I got burned out, so I took a break from them ~ for years.... However, this book has brought me back in a big way. It is refreshing, honest, edgy, real, hopeful and different. If you are a women who doesn't feel she fits in to the classic mold, but one who feels she has to put on a smiley face and hide her real pain and confusion, then be encouraged with this book - you will find women just like you, who aren't perfect, but find the hope and love of Jesus. Tammy, thanks for writing a book that's filled a much needed void....Bravo

A poigniant first-person memoire of life in the mining camps at the turn of the 20th Century. Excellent prose. Very clear, descriptive, and engrossing writing. The theme is a surprising brush with the notable politically, socially, and historically famous folks in a most unexpected place: an isolated, mostly poverty ridden mining camp at very high elevation in one of the richest gold mining areas. The author's father played an important role in the exploration and development of the gold and silver discoveries there. Chronicles her childhood and flowering as a woman of distinction who knew tradgedy and trauma, yet grew into a very wholesome adult.

A candid look into the hardships of life in a mining camp, through the eyes of a young girl growing up there. This book was an eye opening account of what it was really like in a rugged mining camp and how families coped with hardships. I also found this book extremely entertaining and full of historical accounts that I was unaware of. It definitely paints a vivid picture of Cripple Creek's hay day and makes it a place that is not to be forgotten.

What I Liked: The author's love of her adopted hometown comes through very well. Her descriptions of people and places are vivid enough that one can almost see them when they close their eyes while reading, between passages. I also liked how a lot of clichés and stereotypes about the Colorado Gold Rush era are avoided. Yes, some characters do talk and act the way we've seen them act in Western films since many actually did, but this book doesn't act as though they made up the entirety of the region. We meet people in this book who are articulate, people who are more cynical and jaded than "frontiersman" like, who are religious, but don't proselytize. Another aspect of this book is the period correct dialogue. The languages and attitudes of the people of the day isn't toned down or made politically correct to avoid offending anyone. Yes, some of the people in the story, even the likeable ones, use words and phrases we of 21st century Colorado recognize as racist and/or stereotypical, but that is simply how people talked in that time. Overall, reading this book reminds me in some ways of how I enjoyed the film Little Big Man, another period piece set in roughly in the same timeframe.

What I Didn't Like: The author doesn't always do a good job of conveying time in the book. More than once, I actually got lost and couldn't figure out what year an event was occurring in, or how old she was. Transitions aren't always smooth, such as when her brother goes from newborn to whiny toddler in a matter of a few pages. It can be jarring, but is not uncommon for first time authors. Granted, I don't actually know if this was Mabel Barbee Lee's first book, but if it was, it shows. Another negative aspect is the description on the back of my copy of the book, which spoils the book somewhat by listing nearly every major event from the first half of the story except for the death of the author's younger sister, the incident involving bandits where she tried to hide a silver dollar in her mouth, and the boxing match described by her father as "the fight of the century."

This is a brilliant novel which engages the reader fully. The plot twists and turns as if this were a work of fiction rather than a biography. The characters are vivid, unique and unforgettable ... and they were real people. Ms. Barbee Lee was a keen observer and her descriptions are fascinating. Most of all, I liked how she tells us interesting gossip about some of the powerful people involved in the Cripple Creek gold rush and then, explains how things turned out and why. Some of these explanations needed enough time to pass in order to be told. While reading this page-turner, I felt like I was watching the events unfold through a window. I have recommended it to friends just because it is a really good book. The fact that it is true and will give the reader more insight into the past and into Colorado's mining history is just a bonus.

This book captivates a sense of innocence and honesty that is palpable on each page. Mable Lee Barby wrote the book I always wanted to read about the district that as a child I wandered and wondered endlessly. Mable is buried between "Jonce" and "Kate" overlooking the town. Cripple Creek has mostly disappeared from what I knew. There are no more "old timers" sitting on chairs in front of screen doors of dusty old shops holding so many individual memories of the characters that made Cripple Creek such an special place. The wheel house is almost gone from the surrounding hills but there is a spiritual core of a history that will never die.

Frank Waters did a wonderful job with his two books and there have been others but when I see Bennett St. or even pass the front steps of the old stone building of Colorado College I think of Mable Lee Barbee. In this book she left a record of her and others lives that will never be equaled. There is a sweet fragrance!