Thomas Books

A Cross Estate was a book that I decided to read against my better judgement. I suspected that it would not be my cup of tea. But there was something about the idea that appealed to me-- something honest and fresh. I really appreciate that Mr. Kinsella gave me an opportunity to read the book. I rarely accept reading copies these days, since my work commitments make it difficult for me to promise to respond in a timely fashion.

A Cross Estate is, indeed, not my cup of tea. It is a kind of fable about human nature told against the backdrop of 9-11. I actually give him quite a few points for attempting the subject at all. It is such a hard topic that just about the only writer who hasn't given me hives when he/she tried to approach it is Paul Auster in The Brooklyn Follies: A Novel. It is really difficult to do the material justice. The book struggles against the weight of that image, and I am not sure that it ever really recovers from that fight. The base story (a young man torn between several sets of goals) is one that could have been written without the twin towers falling behind the characters.

This said, there are a lot of really nice moments in this book-- writing where the image flashes, and stands out from the rest of the pages around it. There are times when I found that he told too much-- using the narrative voice, conversations, etc. I wish that he had let his images do more speaking-- trust them a little bit more. To some degree this is the nature of a fable. And then we are back to my original problem. I do not really like fables.

I guess that it says something about the strength of the book and the writer that in the end, I almost liked this. The characters of Jack and his parents are naggingly human, and I found myself thinking about the issues raised after I closed the pages of the book.

This was Kinsella's first novel, and there is (for me) enough here to hope that he continues to write more work. Like I said, I would hope to see a whole lot more showing and a whole lot less telling-- but, again, that may just be a matter of personal taste.

Three stars with an extra star for several kinds of bravery.

I found the book, " A Cross Estate" a very poignant, moving novel. Much of the story is centered around the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and the resulting emotional aftermath, the families of lost ones faced. I found myself "feeling" those same feelings of sadness, anger, sorrow, and loss that touched so many Americans on that tragic day.
The novel tells the story of "Jack", who, upon graduating from a prestigious college, must make a choice of either following his own dreams, or his parents wishes and heading to Wall Street to follow in his fathers footsteps. He chooses his parents wishes, leaving them, his girlfriend Veronica, and his dreams behind. His new job moves their offices to one of the twin towers. From there the story tells of how each of his loved ones dealt with his death.It is a story of heartbreaking loss, the healing that eventually comes, hope for the future,and love that never dies.

In A Cross Estate, William Thomas Kinsella weaves together a cast of characters whose internal and external struggles are complex and quite sad in its rendering. It is a world that straddles two eras in the lives of a young college graduate Jack Conroy, his girlfriend Veronica and his parents, Catherine and Alexander.

Book I revolves around Jack's quandary concerning his career choices. Should he follow in his father's footsteps and join a financial company on Wall Street or accept an offer from a nursery as a landscape designer? In the first few pages we learn that during Jack's college summer vacations he had worked at the Durham Nursery and prepared a few landscape design sketches-something he had enjoyed immensely.

Kinsella portrays Jack as a kind, competitive and energetic young twenty-two year old, graduating Magna cum Laude in the Class of 2001 from Duke University, majoring in finance with a minor in landscape design. He was captain of his university's swim team and above all, he deeply respected his parents as well as their choices pertaining to his future, particularly his father's desire that he emulate him and find his fortune on Wall Street.

However, matters become a little dicey when Jack tears up a letter he received from a Wall Street investment firm extending an invitation to him to be interviewed. He now finds himself torn between staying in Durham, North Carolina near his girlfriend Veronica or pursuing a career on Wall Street following the hopes and aspirations of his parents. What complicates matters is that Jack omitted to tell Veronica or his parents about the interview invitation he received.

Weighing his options, Jack feels that Wall Street is more attractive, as he feels it presents more opportunity to make a difference in the world and as he mentions to his uncle Browne, "I am my father's son," to which his uncle retorts, "Indeed. And from the time you were young, you've been made into his image."As for Veronica, she only wants what will make Jack happy, although deep down she would be terribly sad if he left for Wall Street.

Jack's dilemma begins to unravel when he and Veronica spend a week-end with his parents. It is here where Jack learns that his parents had received a copy of the interview invitation and they are quite perturbed as to why he has not followed up and arranged for his meeting. Moreover, they blame Veronica for his actions.

Jack defends his girlfriend, although she in turn is confused and angered by Jack's mother Catherine; she also feels betrayed in that Jack had excluded her from his confidence.

Book II picks up where Jack decides to accept the Wall Street offer; however, unfortunately within a very short space of time he becomes one of the tragic casualties of 9/11. The ramifications are far reaching as Kinsella depicts the extreme sorrow and fragility of Veronica and Jack's parents as they try to come to terms with Jack's death. Ultimately, some important event in the lives of Jack and Veronica is revealed and the souring relationship that existed between Veronica and Jack's parents is resolved.

There are hints in the novel that Kinsella would like to see his readers examine broader connotations to such concerns as parental guidance pertaining to counseling children as to their career choices. When dishing out career advice to our children, at what stage do we fall into the trap of becoming overbearing? There is also the issue of guilt and the blame we sometimes attribute to ourselves if our children's lives don't pan out as a result of our influence in their choice of careers. Most parents try to do what is best for their children however at what point must we stand aside and permit them to decide for themselves.

How often have we encountered individuals who are in the wrong job or profession and are miserable, often leading to health and family problems, all due to the wrong occupational choices. In the case of A Cross Estate, the result was tragic, as it resulted in Jack's death, for he happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. As so often happens, the "what if" syndrome looms in the back of our minds even when the ramifications may not be as shocking as the one depicted in this novel.

While A Cross Estate is inarguably a thought-provoking novel of issues, the entire novel doesn't completely hang together. For one, it would have been much better if the players had been more vividly and richly constructed, as I failed to become emotionally attached to them-something that generally is expected from a story of this nature. I also felt that there was not enough of a psychological charge illustrating how Jack was struggling against contradictory visions and indecision. And in the case of Veronica, in Book I she seems to be peripheral at best and only towards the end of the second book do we have some idea as to what she is all about. There was also an overwriting of chapters considerably slowing down the pace of the story particularly when Kinsella describes the property Jack's parents purchase after his death. I also found it odd that a prologue was included that serves little purpose.

In the end, however, A Cross Estate is a good yarn worthy of reading as it is a poignant and touching story depicting the experience of the human condition in moments of bleakest sadness to future hope.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

Jack Conroy is living life on his terms. Being the only child of Alexander and Catherine is a challenge at times, but the mutual love is always there. Jack is competitive in everything he tries and he loves to succeed. His Wall Street job after graduating from Duke University has him conflicted.

Jack is torn between following in his father's footsteps and his own passion for landscape design. Moving away from Veronica is difficult, but the couple agrees their relationship can work while Veronica finishes college and Jack pursues Wall Street knowing that once he succeeds there, he can pursue the life he truly wants. After all, they have all the time in the world.

William Kinsella uses his personal experience of losing some of his fellow commuters on 9/11 to create an intense story of true love, compassion, and the struggle to go on after the loss of a loved one. He brings the reader into the hearts of people directly effected by the tragedy. Compelled to write this novel for "everyone who never made it home," Kinsella has produced an emotional and historical work of fiction filled with hope.

Kinsella, a husband and father of two, commuted daily into the city to his offices in Lower Manhattan. He was there when the towers fell. He hopes 'A Cross Estate' keeps the spirits of those who died, alive. He lives in Basking Ridge, NJ and is currently working on a personal memoir.

William Thomas Kinsella has written an amazing first novel. The strength of each character's voice keeps the reader turning the pages. It is a thoughtful and powerful highly recommended read. Reviewer: Lisa Haselton, Allbooks Reviews.

This is not another 9/11 account, but rather an story of a family's journey through pain and grief, using the event as the catalyst. The characters are richly drawn and wholly believable, and almost everyone will find someone here to whom they can relate. Kinsella is a beautiful writer. There are many passages of pure poetry as he tells of feelings, places and moments of simple observation. The depiction of Catherine's emotional ride through her grief are particularly moving and dead-on. In the end, this is not a book of sadness, but one that is uplifting and affirming of the resilient nature of the human spirit.

a beautifully detailed book with amazing reproductions of these important paintings. highly recommended to anyone one interested in tibetan buddhism, art, tantra, or history.

This book is a valuable asset to anyone desiring an illustrated view of tantic Buddhism. With gorgeous pictures of the walls of the Lukhang Palace, and plenty of supporting documentation, the reader can truly appreciate the spiritual value of this book.

In addition to being a meticulously executed illustrated art book, The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet by Ian A. Baker, et al. guides the reader through some lesser known biographical details of Tibet's greatest Dalai Lamas and of the history of Tibetan Buddhist culture as a whole. The amazing drawings, many of which painted in an almost feverish surrealistic style, are accompanied by insights into the lore of the Dalai Lamas, with thoughtful excerpts from their writings. I am also much obliged as a book shopper to show my appreciation to the book's publisher, Thames & Hudson, for the excellent printing quality and overall layout and binding of this book, details which for me always work to enhance the message of a book and to demonstrate the seriousness and loving care with which the authors themselves have treated their creation.

A really beautiful book: pictures are magnificents, thanks to the anonymous ancient painter and to the modern photographer, with many pictures of the details of the paintings. But the book is worthy not only to see. The first chapter tells a short but interesting history of the temple and of the Dalai Lamas, and at the beginning of each of the three main sections (as there are three walls painted in the temple, corresponding to the three pillars of Dzogchen teaching: base, path and fruit) a short but careful explanation of the principles of Dzogchen, in connection with the painted teachings of the secret temple. I do loved this book, and reccomend it to anyone interested in Dzogchen and Tibetan culture and Buddhism.

The Dala Lama's Secret Temple is a wonderful and insightful look into one of the most spectacular temples in Lhasa. Having just visited the Lukhang, I had the pleasure to personally view the murals. Many of which are unique to Tibetan paintings. And still very preserved. Better than I could have photographed myself, this book presents each of the walls paintings in the highest quality plates. Descriptions of the historical significance of the temple mirror the detail works of the painting. A nice addition to a library of Tibetan Art and Buddhism.

Maybe it's because I'm not into antiques and can't understand why someone would want to spend all their time going through and buying other peoples' junk, but I found the whole premise of a "picker" to be silly and boring.

As for the story, I did find the whole thing somewhat confusing with all the saloonkeepers and various characters. It was an easy late-summer read...although I really don't think I'll be continuing with the series.

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a Six Pack to go! o/~
Jane Wheel, Kankakee saloon owners' daughter, former ad exec, Charley's estranged wife and Nick's momma, now antique "picker," sentimental "junquer," and ameuteur sleuth, bought a whole room full of old bar Stuff at a going-to-the-assisted-living-home sale. Included in the Dead Guy's (former Chicago tavern owner Oscar Bateman's) Stuff was a grusome discovery which gives new meaning to the phrase "giving one the finger." Jane has bought herself another bushel of trouble in this second installment of Sharon Fiffer's fun and witty "Stuff" series. The gang from her first foray into the cozy colorful world of collectors and collectables is all here, as well as the, er, "mature" ladies from the old Shagri-La Lounge. Is it true, what she says, that "the jadite is always greener on the other side?" It's MIB: mint in book!
TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer, former patron, Peg's Tavern, Hinckley, IL.

This episode of "...stuff" was better than the first book. The main character and her cast become more developed and the story flows more smoothly. Jane Wheel is unlike any character I have come across. I look forward to more adventures.

Dead Guy's Stuff continues the story of Jane Wheel (Killer Stuff), an antique "picker" who has made a career of going through old stuff and finding treasures to sell to dealers. However, Jane is not that successful yet because she has a hard time letting go of her finds and she has a tendency to buy memories instead of valuable items, such as Elmira's old schoolwork. Needless to say, Jane is ecstatic when she finds a whole room of 1950s saloon ephemera - just what she needs to redecorate her mother and father's tavern in Kankakee. She loves the Bakelite darts and dice, advertisements from long-defunct liquor suppliers, old bar games, bowling trophies, old photographs and a severed finger in a jar? Jane immediately calls her friend Detective Oh and asks him what she should do. Oh graciously comes over and takes a look, but, while a little macabre, it isn't as if Jane found a dead body or anything. So Jane tucks the finger away in the glove compartment of her car and heads for home to redecorate. There she finds the dead body of her parents' former landlord - with a finger that is almost completely cut off. Jane is positive that there is a link between her finger and the dead guy. Now she just has to find it while dealing with her parent's attempts to keep their past secret, decorating her friend Tim's kitchen for a house show, rooting through the dead guy's three houses of stuff, her mother's kidnapping, her friend's suicide and a fascinating group of little old ladies...

Once again, Sharon Fiffer has presented readers with an absolutely fabulous book. Those who were captivated by her attention to detail and great characters in Killer Stuff will not be disappointed with this follow up. Again, there are great details about antiques and collectibles, as well as fascinating glimpses into small town life in Kankakee. Jane Wheel's associations with her fellow characters are always entertaining and her mother is a real kick. Don't wait for this one to come out in paperback - it is well worth the cost of the hardbound price!

...so I could run off to garage sales and flea markets like Jane Wheel does! That's the hazard of reading Sharon Fiffer's series during the dead of winter. If you've ever been even temporarily addicted to sifting through other people's wretched refuse, you know what Jane's weekends are like, and you know what her house looks like. You might even know the touch of Bakelite, or feel your heart a-poundin' as you thumb through a box of old discarded photos and papers. It may sound awful or silly to the unexperienced picker, but the sights and sounds and smells of this diversion are wonderfully portrayed in these mysteries. In most instances in real life, you don't find EXACTLY the same things Jane does. (Thank goodness!) Read the books; they're almost like being there.

Excellent book.

Thanks to the writers of the short letters/notes in the book.

Thanks especially to all our Troops around the world, keeping the U.S. free.

"I pray for you every night before I go to bed."

While volunteering to assemble care packages for our troops serving in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, Barbara Warfield Baldwin and her daughters came across heartfelt and compelling letters to the troops from local children that served to brighten the Baldwins' days. Dear Soldier is the compilation of many of these letters and pictures.

Meant to uplift the troops' spirits as well as boost the morale of the general public, Dear Soldier will have you reading out loud to whomever is in the room. The honesty and sincerity of kids is great. With phrases like "I hope that yall find that Osama Bin ladin," and "My brother says that he wants to be in the war. I'm thinking I might join him," you can see why these letters mean so much to our troops. And with lines like, "you might think I'm stupid but I made it to forth grade so I make A's and B's, so there," you can't help but laugh and share.

These letters and drawings are photocopied so you don't only get to read them, but see the handwriting and erase marks. Seeing what is important to the children as they were writing is precious. My primary criticism is that for some reason a couple of letters were repeated in the compilation. But don't let that sway you.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a great book to give as a gift, especially to our serving troops.

This collection of letters was both colorful in its words and in its pictures. Whether children are asking our soldiers to please come home safe, what guns they use in Iraq, or telling them about the pets they have in their homes, these children are all very aware of what is going on in Iraq; they know they are there fighting for our freedom and risking their necks to do it.

As you turn the pages, taking a look into each child's perception of the war, and learning what questions they desire to ask of our soldiers, you'll notice you have an array of emotions. Laughter is not a stranger as you read through these letters, especially when you read something like "how do you take a bath?" or "I have lots of friends here. Some are tall like a house, and some are short, but I like them anyways." Other times you feel your heart wrench at how considerate some of the letters are; "Try not to get hurt, ok? One thing the earth doesn't need is more hurt people." Or "You make me confident in everything. You make me feel safe in what I do." Statements like these are raw and real emotions that children are pouring out in their letters to these men and women in Iraq.

It is so inspiring in reading about the concerns children can possess for people they don't even know, as well as the innocence of a child when they ask the most simple of questions because they are truly interested in what type of food these men and women like to eat, and where they live, and what they do in their spare time when they are not being soldiers.

I found myself laughing on one letter, and crying on the next. Not only is this book a compilation of letters to our soldiers, I believe it is also a small piece of the positive side of life; an inside scoop into a child's creative mind as it spills over onto the letters with which they write; "I hope this letter from me will make you feel at home. I hope this letter will make you feel a little less scared. ...Whoever gets this letter, please don't die. If you do die with my letter so that will let the world know that I care for each and every one of you out there in the war."

I think Tim, says it best in his letter when he says "if you get hurt, make sure you get to a doctor!"

I saw this book in the store, read part of it...and cried..lol. This is one of the most precious things I have ever seen! As an Army wife, and a soon to be teacher, I got this book to use at home and in the classroom. AMAZING!

I bought five copies to hand out to several military units. They are morale boosters. Those kids are awesome and so endearing. Thanks doesn't do justice the range of emotion their letters caused.

I read this book in the hardback edition when it was called FACING DEATH (AND THE LIFE AFTER), and all these years later, I still myself talking about it.

Around that time, I attended a wedding where a member of the bride's family died of a heart attack at the reception (it was as bad as it sounds, believe me). But he didn't die right away. And he spoke before he was gone. It was obvious by what he said and how he said it that he was telling us what he could see: what lies ahead.
Billy Graham, a man who has presided over many deathbeds in his long career as a preacher, writes of his experiences at such moments. And it was stunning to me to read of the similarities.

I've read several of Dr. Graham's book and I've been struck at the depth and complexity of his writings. As an evangelist, he keeps his messages simple and straightforward, but as a writer, he can delve into his subjects more deeply and more thoughtfully.

It's a great book that gives you so much to think about.
And find comfort in.

Death and grief are difficult to understand and to deal with.
I lost my father and knowing that we will see him again in Heaven is what gives me comfort. We have lost many in the family to heart attacks and cancer. We do wonder why? We also know that God is taking care of us. He doesn't take our trials away he is with us through our trials. Once again Billy Graham has penned a book full of wisdom. I also found that a Christian grief journal, Write from Your Heart, A Healing Grief Journal, is helping me to get all of my thoughts and feelings organized and I am reaching the point of acceptence and making moves to grow spiritually, mentally and physically.

This book is not about the hereafter in the sense that it doesn't go into extreme detail as to what life will be like in the hereafter and then from there, to the New Heavens and the New Earth. For that sort of details account and examination, always within a literal Biblical point of view, I would suggest Alcorn's Heaven. This book, another masterfully explored book by Billy Graham, focuses on the here and now in such a way as to examining out outlook toward that day when we die (or even better, thank the Lord, when He comes and Raptures the church). What does it mean in this, now, 21st century to live and to die? What are we to make of the culture of death that we see in the media and across the United States--from the tragedy of the late Ms. Shiavo to abortion on demand and on to euthanasia for our elderly for any old cause or reason? Basically such deaths come about because they are convenient, not based on literal Christian point of view toward the meaning of life and the dignity of dying and death. Graham asks and uses the Bible to answer questions such as "what does it mean to die as a Christian" verses "what does it mean to die without hope" (i.e. without Jesus Christ in your life as your Savior and King). For those who are dying with Jesus as the Savior, as examined by Graham, there is peace even if the death is in the face of persecution by those who do not see the light. For those who are dying without, well, there is only a slow decline into darkness, as Graham explains using the truth of the Bible. Thus, Mr. Graham is not afraid to ask questions nor is he afraid to look for answers through the written words of the Lord and through those He has touched through the ages to be His messengers, great and small. I would suggest anyone to take this book and seriously read it, examine what it has to say about death, dying, and eternity...work it into reading such books as Deadline and Heaven by Randy Alcorn...and really then falling on your hands and knees for a true talk with the Lord. Here and now you need to understand the eternal truths of living and dying and eternity. Graham points the way for the reader to go on and to use the Bible so that it shows the reader the foundations of truth and of forever.

Billy Graham takes a gentle yet uplifting look at death, loss and the afterlife, offering biblical advice and insight into this process we all must face at one point. Sadly I have had to face it sooner than I ever ever thought I would have to when I lost my wife of twelve years to liver failure in September of 2003. Reading this book after the fact offers little help or solace with my grief and one should really read it before facing the supposed Great Unknown. This is an ounce of prevention, what I am in need of is a few pounds of cure. Perhaps a re-reading of A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis is in order. Nonetheless, I recommend it.

I was blessed to be with my mother during the last 3 weeks of her life this past October. She loved the Lord with all of her heart. During those weeks, I saw so many awesome things happen. The biggest one was the peace of God that was in my mother's room on the morning of October 5th (the day she went home to be with the Lord).
I had so many thougths running through my mind during those 3 weeks and this book answered all of them.

I could go on and on with all the many things that I learned about my mother during this time, but what got to me the most was how Mr. Graham describe his mother's "home going".
Now I understand why my mother was reaching toward heaven on that great morning.

I thank God for the journey, for being there with my mother to share and see the power of God move and very peacefully call my mother from Labor to Rest.

God Bless You Mr. Graham.

Kathryn Mackel's novel The Departed is described as a Christian Chiller. At first glance it seems like these two words are an oxymoron. What could be scary about a Christian novel? This novel will change your mind! This book will definitely make you aware playing around in the spiritual realm can result in some scary results. With a contemporary storyline set in Raven, Massachusetts, Kathryn draws readers into the lives of a couple and the evil that threatens to destroy them.

Due to recent experiences with the spiritual world, Joshua Lazarus has become a well-known medium with a popular television program. While his show is popular among the masses, Joshua's methods are quite fake and misleading. In the midst of Joshua's success, his wife Maggie lingers out of the spotlight in order to give her handsome husband the appearance of being single for an adoring audience. Maggie eventually finds her own niche at Safe Haven, a day care center. Through Safe Haven's owner, Amy Howland, Maggie discovers and accepts the Christian faith. Unfortunately, the new believer is caught between her husband's success and the destructive forces that Joshua has unknowingly unleashed.

Not only does Maggie have to contend with her husband's bizarre experiences with hearing voices, she also comes in contact with the occult where the ringleader wants to take over Safe Haven. Meanwhile, Joshua's lack of understanding for Maggie's new faith causes a larger strain in their already fragile marriage. Joshua becomes increasingly involved with what he deems to be the spirit world actually trying to communicate with him.

Mackel has written a very believable plot that introduces subjects that are prevalent right now. Their currently is a popular TV show on ABC called the "Medium." Being an entertainer in Hollywood pits people in unrealistic situations. Readers can easily see how Maggie would be pushed to the side as a spouse and later how her faith would crash with her husband's career. There are a lot more aspect to this book such as the tale of a father's revenge and the real existence of occults that make this novel an eye opening, but entertaining read.

Now if you are new to this genre, it actually has been around a while. I think any avid Christian reader who likes to read books that are not considered your normal pat and nice Christian fiction will agree Frank Peretti is the "king" of this genre. After reading The Departed, I have to say Kathryn Mackel is the "queen." After reading The Departed, don't miss Mackel's The Surrogate, an equally entertaining Christian Chiller.
--Tyora Moody

Kathryn Mackel's _The Departed_ offers fast-paced suspense and well-rounded characters' loves and losses--and death. A teenager misunderstands a message from the departed. A father seeks revenge on the medium. As Marshall McCluhan said long ago in another context, "The medium is the message." In this case, the message is: Don't! Exciting.

Usually it takes me a week or two to get through a novel. I had this one finished in a few days. It was well written, fast paced, and exciting. The biblical theme was woven in seamlessly and you won't find any pollyanna Christianity here.

The antagonists are truly frightening and believable.

Absolutely wonderful! This author is now one of my favorites.
The Departed was a thriller that lived up to its genre.

From the opening line where Maggie clutches a note from her husband that declares, "It's finished..." until the final page, this book grips the reader's emotions. Labeled on the cover as "A Christian Chiller," Kathryn Mackel plunges her characters into desperation followed by deeper desperation. It makes for page-turning fiction.

Magician Joshua Lazarus, his young wife Maggie, and his sister Geneva have been struggling to make a living and travel in an old camper. The trio is nearly on their last dollar. Out on the beach late at night, Lazarus rescues a wealthy and depressed former actress, Julia Madsen, from committing suicide, through listening to the "spirits."

The magic show is transformed into a new television program called "The Other Side," where Joshua listens to the spirits and speaks for them. The show becomes an instant hit and a magazine called StarField interviews Lazarus and writes about the program. "StarField called 'The Other Side' a cultural phenomenon, another quest to answer what happens after death. What will happen to me after death? Joshua supplied a user-friendly answer. The departed forget the pain but not the love..." During the pilot program, Lazarus speaks to a young girl, Tanya Roper, wrestling with her recent abortion and the pressure from her mother. The generic "prophetic"-like speech propels Tayna to kill her mother and then herself the next day. Penn Roper, the father, vows revenge and takes up a secret identity as Ben Cord, a security expert working for Lazarus. Roper/Cord uses his security expertise to trap Lazarus. It's only one of several plot strands in this novel.

The well-crafted characters, intriguing plot and dialogue kept me turning the pages toward a chilling ending that rivals many secular fiction books in this genre. Reading a Mackel book is like riding a roller coaster blindfolded. You believe the ride is leveling off and almost finished, just as the characters are relatively safe. Then the plot plunges around another twist and the reader hangs on tight for another jolt.

In a realistic way, Maggie meets Jesus through the lifestyle evangelism of Amy Howland, who runs a ministry for children called Safe Haven in a poor neighborhood. The spiritual battle is full-blown between the spiritualists and the Christians, and the plot reminds us of our necessity to follow truth from the Bible --- not the false truth from mankind. Woven into the fabric of this book is solid biblical teaching about the occult and the necessity for each of us to cling in faith to Jesus. But the Bible teaching doesn't come in a contrived manner. For example, when Maggie, the new Christian, talks with her husband Joshua about his work in the spirit world, the worlds collide and he says, "So it's come down to this. Me against you, Maggie?"

"'She grabbed him, 'Not you against me. I'm so afraid that you're setting yourself up so it's you against God.'"

"He closed his eyes. When he spoke, his voice was faint. 'Maggie, can't you just be a good wife and let me get about my business?'"

"She leaned into him. The body that had minutes ago molded so perfectly to hers was not rigid, unyielding. 'I don't know what a good wife is supposed to do when her husband is talking to dead people. I have to pray and find out.'"

"So your God is the final authority now, huh? Not me?"

I recommend THE DEPARTED as a page-turner --- but probably something you want to read in the daylight.

--- Reviewed by W. Terry Whalin, writer and editor in Scottsdale, Arizona. (...)

Kathryn Mackel continues to breathe new life into an old form. Back in my days at Boy Scout summer camp, we'd often entertain (and scare) ourselves with campfire tales, spooky stories we called chillers. I'd forgotten the term until I picked up "The Departed". As I read, turning the pages with growing speed, I felt that old familiar tingle along my spine. I love the concept--a TV medium con-man, who begins to discover there are forces at work in this world that one shouldn't mess with. Ghosts, witchcraft, plain old human evil, and a full range of emotions--you've got it all in this smoothly crafted work of Christian fiction. I await Mackel's next!

Although it's still hard to get the proper balance, I found this book very useful for thinking through how to desire things in life, yet let go of those desires and release them to God's will and His timing. It doesn't give you the magical solution, but it helps think through these things.

Whew! That God created me with deep desires that are signpost to guide me to become the man He wants me to be..... that is freeing. So many of us have been taught that all our desires are "of the flesh" and fall short
of true holiness. This book released me from all that into the joy of
walking in God's approval as His beloved.

John Eldridge at his best. This book reads like "Purpose Driven Life", but with more emphasis on the heart, instead of the mind. Excellent reminder of God's love, instead of His plan.

Eldredge always touches me with his writing, he has a way of presenting what's in scripture and using it as a backdrop to anecdotal stories thus making stuff I kind of know already become more alive. I feel closer to God and I feel more like wanting to serve God when I read his works.

In Desire, Eldredge presents us with the fact that we all desire things, relationships, sex, food, etc., in life. We all live with desire and if desire is stuffed, shoved away, then usually we'll end up seeking out illegitimate ways to meet our needs for pleasure and pain avoidance.

By allowing our God given desires to drive us to the places God has for us, in other words, for living in such a ways as to allow the desires of our hearts (what God has built into us) to guide us with the hand of the Spirit to those places God intended us to go, then we will live lives filled with both joy and fulfillment even in the midst of hard times and pain.

This isn't some cheer leading rah-rah book, nor is it some kind of "name it and claim" type of instruction. This book is about what we already know (that we want stuff out of life) and that Jesus said he came to give us life, and to give it to us in the fullest sense of what that means. That life eludes most of us, even the best of Christians.

I strongly recommend this book.

I love all the books by John Eldredge. This one is no exception. The things that he talks about are real in a practical sense, things that matter to our hearts and things that we struggle with. It doesn't read like a big theology book but very hands on. It talks about what to do with your desires and how to handle them.

John Eldredge says in the book that we live in the life of desires - who we are are identified by our desires. Our desires are inherently good. But our desires also need to be checked against by the truth because there are false desires too, that are not from God.

Our desires reside in our soul - they live in a place "where our souls are flourished in an atmosphere rich in love and meaning, security and significance, intimacy and adventure."(p.72) We desire these things.

John spends a lot of chapters speaking about the agony of desires - desires that are not met and yet to be fulfilled. One thing I like about him saying this is that in waiting our soul will be extended. As agonizing as it is to wait, it really feels like a good dose of medicine to take.

What are our desires? It varies. You have your heart desires and I have mine. But John gave plenty of examples: a single person wanting to get married. A married person wanting to save his marriage. While reach your heart desire may not be easy, he encourages us not to be disheartened by this prolonged waiting. But he did warn against dropping out of the journey of desire and carrying on your life while leaving your heart desires behind. Then what road will you take?

He also warns against substituting false desires with your true desires. Pleasure is the word for false desire. TV, shopping, advertisers, food, etc. These things anesthetize our pain. "If the evil one cannot get us to kill our hearts and bury our desire, then he is delighted to seduce our desire into a trap." (p. 84) Don't give in. Stay with the pain!

John has talked about a lot other stuff that I can't include them all in here. Read the book. But what I get the most out of the book is this: if you think you have found your heart desire on earth, don't set up camp and call it home because we will never be home until we go to heaven. Life is a journey and a battle. Guard your desires! Keep them alive!

I could not put this book down. Once I began reading it, I had to finish it. It was full of mystery and suspense. I can not wait until the sequeal comes out. I have told alot of friends about this book. If you like suspense, mystery and a all around good book, Buy this. I recommend it to everyone.

Mr.Davis book kept me on my toes. I never knew what to expect next. It made me think,and explore the way the human mind can find a faucet to place the blame on someone eles. I cant tell you how often when asked if I like a book my respones is that it was just okay. This time I can truly say that this book is AONE. you wont be able to put this one down!!!

It was one of the most execiting books that i have ever read. i could not put it down, had to finish it. it was GREAT !!!!!!

I really enjoyed your book, I don't normally read books. Your brother Steve gave the book that you signed to my husband and he gave it to me to read. I was recovering from an illness so I had time to read it. It really kept me wanting to keep reading it. I want to read the next book you have comig out. Keep up the good work. Teresa Tanner

This by far is one of the best novels I have read, in a long time. The suspence in the plot keep me reading. The book was a roller coaster ride and made you want to come back for more. I am definintly looking forward to the sequeal.

Practical and resumed book on banking terms. A lot (I think all of them) of terms, nicely explained. When a few figures are needed, ther author writes them down in the easy way.

To say a thing to improving, I think it lacks from drawings, charts and so forth, trying to make the reading smoother...

I've been in banking for nearly 13 years and have sometimes struggled with much of the terminology used during corporate functions, meetings, or just watching CNBC. Whether a novice or a veteran, it's something that should be in your briefcase, pocket book, or in your desk for quick reference. This is a "NO BS" assessment!

Paid for by me. ;O)

Working in an IT company catering to bankers I bought this book to help understand their lingo. I have to say it hasn't disappointed yet. It is also very up to date the latest IT/banking terms. If you were to read all the definitions in this book you would probably know more than you banker. A great reference. Buy it!

This can almost be considered an inexpensive textbook. It not only defines, but explains the terms in a simple, easy to understand format. Although in dictionary form, it consistently relates the terms to one another so the reader will understand how the concepts interwind. Includes financial and banking terms.

I use this in a training class about bank documentation. It is very helpful and comprehensive. It defines terms in concise and easy to understand words. Even a seasoned banker can learn something from this dictionary.

So far, this has been a challenging study. Great for a small group of women!

This study is a work of God's desire to bring a woman into a full relationship with Him. The lay out is especially rich in scripture and real life stories. Thomas' ability to be transparent with you and her gift of bringing the Word into a living relationship is so satisfying. I was filled - moved to tears; of joy, of freedom, in a richer, fuller relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father God. Thank you Angela for sharing your life in this printed work. It made a huge difference in my life.

This book sat around my house for at least 3 years. I never expected to read it, but never gave it away. One evening I was digging through my pile of books looking for anything to read while I took my evening bath. By the second chapter it was clear God had put this book in my house for a reason. I was craving for an awakening in my spirit but having a hard time getting off the bench. This was just what I needed. What a great surprise. I love the ideas presented in this book. If you are a burned out wife and Mom like me looking for a shake up in your spiritual life, read this one.

I go back and do this book every couple of months. I bought it for three younger teen cousins and my 11 year old sister. They will get as much out of it as I do at age 25. Can't say enough about this fantastic journal.

This book was wonderful. I saw myself over and over again. Angela has a wonderful way of saying what most feel.