Authors Books

If you are a guy or gal who was born before 1950 and enjoy the game of baseball then Phillip Hoose's "Perfect, Once Removed" should be right up your alley. Author Phil Hoose had just moved to Speedway, Indiana with his mom and dad in late 1955. He was eight years old and having an awfully hard time adjusting to his new school and making friends. To make matters worse, no one had ever taught young Phil how to play baseball. He had never swung a bat or even had an opportunity to play catch! Kids being kids, they jumped all over Phil in gym class and at the playground after school. Phil was completely miserable until one day his mom casually mentioned that his dad's cousin pitched for the New York Yankees. And so Phil Hoose took it upon himself to write to his dad's cousin Don Larsen and ask for some advice. A short time later Phil received a postcard from Don Larsen that would literally change his life forever.
It is always wonderful to read a story like the one portrayed in "Perfect, Once Removed". Sometimes we never realize how such a simple act of kindness can impact someone so much. But Don Larsen not only sent that postcard but he also arranged for Phil and his parents to attend a Yankees--White Sox game at Commiskey Park. While in Chicago Phil had an opportunity to meet several of the Yankee players at the hotel where they were staying. It was an experience that would make him a baseball addict for life. It turns out that as usual the New York Yankees under legendary manager Casey Stengel would win the 1956 American League pennant. This time their opponents in the World Series would be their crosstown rivals the Brooklyn Dodgers. And in Game Five on a Monday afternoon in October Don Larsen would make World Series history! Due to the heroics of his cousin, once removed, Phil Hoose was suddenly the BMOC (big man on campus) at school. Quite a turnaround in just 6 or 7 months!
If I had to pick one adjective to describe "Perfect, Once Removed" it would have to be "charming". That may sound odd for a book about sports but I think the term fits here perfectly. For this book is so much more than a book about a perfect game. It is also a real period piece. For those old enough to recall those days it will bring back a flood of fond memories. I found "Perfect, Once Removed" to be a great change of pace from the much more serious fare that I ordinarily read. A great book to read while lounging at the beach or relaxing by the pool. This is an extremely well written and thoroughly enjoyable book that is am very pleased to recommend.

Anyone who grew up loving baseball needs to read this book. It perfectly captures the romance of the game from the perspective of a 9-year-old, back when 9-year-olds lived and breathed baseball. Five stars!

Served well by its brevity and the honesty of its recollections, Hoose's memoir is a perfect accompaniment as you follow your team through another spring training, because it's not so much about the team or the players as it is about your own hopes.

A great book really hitting the emotions of one's childhood growing up around baseball. A wonderfully written book and a very easy read. It is so much more than just the history of baseball's greatest pitched game. A very special book!

With ease and skill, Phillip Hoose recalls his childhood days when baseball ruled his world, consuming his thoughts during the school day, and consuming his play time at night. Hoose chronicles his childhood, from his family's move to the center of the racing world, Speedway, Indiana to his discovery of the great game of baseball, to his relationship with distant cousin Don Larsen, a Yankee great.

The book is an exceptional tale of baseball, and the effect it truly has on so many of our nation's youth. From his intense, yet usually fruitless baseball practice sessions to his late night attempts at finding a signal for a baseball game, Hoose adds a personal touch to the greatest game in the world. His personal touch, then, is what makes this book so special. In an age where baseball is struggling to keep a clean image, amidst steroid use and huge salary contracts, Hoose takes the reader back to the magic of the game. Hoose accomplishes what all good books should do, he transports us into another time, and another place: our youth, and our neighborhood. He reminds us, the kid in us, the joy it felt to first pick up a ball and bat, and the disappointment we felt when we lost our neighborhood pick-up game.

A refreshing and inspirational tale, Hoose's book should not be missed by even the casual baseball fan. Hoose's writing establishes a deep connection between baseball and life, and lessons which each can learn from the other. His tale is one of up's and downs, triumphs and heartaches. Through it all, however, Hoose maintains a sense of hope for life and a sense of love for the game. This hope is what propelled so many of our own baseball dreams, and it is what helps make Hoose's book a truly wonderful read.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tonya writes with a gentle rawness that comes from her heart. Her honesty and passion make Seasons of Her a worthwhile read. You'll find her writing an inspiration, something you'll find yourself coming back to.

Tonya Marie Evans is a talented and spirited writer who has captured the reality and beauty of being a woman. Every season of a woman's life should be celebrated. Tonya's books is just that, a celebration of life. "SHINE ON" my poetic sister.

Tonya is a powerful poet! Must read for those who love poetry!

Tonya's poetry touches the soul. Life and poetry in seasons...definitely real and in line with the moods brought on by daily living, season after season. Summer is my favorite "season"! This is a great bedside book...for all reading pleasures! Continued literary success, Tonya!

In reading Seasons of Her (as well as seeing the Diva perform LIVE in Atlanta), Tonya Marie Evans' ability to touch my inner spirit through her God given GIFT eased many of my fears and doubts about my own gifts as a WOMAN and as a writer. Tonya relates to the woman, striver, achiever, nurturer and lover in all of us.

Although a complex species... (WOMAN) Tonya simplifies it all by proving through emotional and reverrant poety, that love of self, finding that place within YOU and creating that 'space' of love, peace and creativity in this world is what we are meant and were created to do.

Whether I wanted to Find My Own Shine or not, the fire that her poetry starts within, and her ability to paint pictures of her soul as well as the readers, will illuminate a light so brightly that even YOU won't be able to stop or stand it!!!

BUY this book, read it... and FIND YOUR OWN SHINE!

This simple book is anything but simple, You get God's word and a wonderful story that can be applied to anyone. the recipe's were a nice bonus. My son even thought what a nice devotional book this was. May God bless everyone who reads it.

I just received this book yesterday but have already looked all the way thru it glancing at the recipes...Which look very good. There is also little stories and bible verses..A good collection to my cookbooks.

I find this book to be such a great help to me in my daily life, I recently lost my 18 year old grandson in a car wreck, it's a great lost to our whole family, but Wanda's devotional has really helped me in many ways. I recommend this book to anyone, it can only inprove their spititual life.

I love this devotional! It helps me to slow down and enjoy life and all God has given to me. I have gone through the book once already, and now I am reading it again, but this time I'm sharing it with my husband. He is also enjoying it. The recipes at the end of each devotional are a nice addition. I have even tried a few!

This is a delightful book that helps me to start my day "simply" every day. The stories are a gentle reminder to appreciate God's gifts in every moment. And the recipes are just wonderful. I have made the melt in your mouth biscuits so often that my book is permanently creased in that spot! And my kids love the haystacks and double treat cookies. This books is really jam packed with recipes and inspiration. Thank you Wanda Brunstetter! :)

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

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.

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.

Open this book and enter a world of symphonies, mysteries, cheerleaders, romance, laughter, faith and love. Sharon Hinck managed to compose a story as entertaining as the symphonic music her main characters perform.

Amy Johnson has dreamt of playing flute professionally instead of for weddings. Her dreams are realized when she earns a place in the Minneapolis Symphony. But, what is she to do when her daughter becomes more interested in cheerleading than music, her attraction to the conductor leads to distraction and the mysterious disasters and near-misses threaten to close the symphony for good? She turns on her amateur sleuth skills to investigate and solve the crimes. Then she will be back in control of her life, her daughter, her destiny.

Amy's daughter starts attending church with her best friend and talking about God. Amy is certain God has no place in His heart for her. While playing in an ensemble between masses one Sunday, the creator of music touches a spot in her heart.

Will Amy solve the mystery before her beloved orchestra, her one chance at the profession, closes? Will she and her daughter find a way to reconnect? Will the attraction between Amy and Peter, the maestro, bud into something bigger before they drive each other crazy?

Read the book. You will laugh out loud. You will love the story and if you listen carefully, I believe you can hear the symphony playing. Sharon has done it again, creating great story and endearing characters. You'll want to revisit them and see how their lives turn out.

Amy is a single mom who has two passions in her life: her daughter and her flute. When she hears that tryouts are open to join the local symphony she jumps at the chance for what could finally be her big break. But it's not all happy melodies and cheery tunes. Amy has to put up with a jealous flutist and a daughter who can't seem to understand her passion for music. Then there's her symphony master who seems to have more than just a musical interest in Amy. To top it off someone seems bent on destroying the symphony's reputation and closing it down for good. Will Amy be able to use her amateur sleuthing skills to track the culprit?

I used to play an instrument. I played trumpet in the middle school band for three years. I got as high as first chair. So I could definitely related with Amy and her quest in the classical music world. Even if you're completely tone deaf, you won't get lost amid all the musical terms in this book. Everything is explained precisely so even the those who don't know a timpani from a tuba will be able to follow along. To be honest I didn't really like Clara that much. Usually it's because I bond with the protagonists that makes me dislike other characters who don't get along with them. I felt at times that Clara was selfish towards her mother's own wants and needs. Yes, Amy should have told her daughter the true story about her birth father from the beginning and not kept it a secret. But at the same time, I felt like it wasn't fair that Clara would place guilt trips on Amy for not being like the other moms. Obviously Amy was not a cheerleader type mom and I felt that Clara didn't seem to realize that being a single mom is not an easy task. I'm glad that for the most part they have a wonderful mother-daughter relationship but it just irked me a bit at the unreasonable demands placed on Amy at times. I loved the growing relationship between Amy and Peter. It wasn't your typical love story, fused instead with lots of humor and realistic feelings. The mystery part was great as well. Love seeing Amy's skills being put to use. This book was like several different stories combined into one - music, romance, relationship, mystery. Just like a medley of different songs, the author meshes them together to form a wonderful melody to the eyes. Another winner for Sharon Hinck!

I just finished reading Symphony of Secrets and loved it! I enjoyed how she wrote about a non-Christian and her journey towards faith which is unique in Christian fiction. Hinck made flutist Amy Johnson seem real as a musician with music affecting her whole life. I enjoyed all the music references. The dialogue was snappy and fun. The mother-teen daughter relationship was very real as well. I really appreciated how Amy was moved by the more classical piece she had to perform at the Basilica rather than through the contemporary music at the church her best friend attended. Of course all the Minnesota references were fun to visualize. Amy's sleuthing sometimes got a little over-the-top.

It is obvious the author is planning a sequel--I just hope it is sooner than later! I am anxious to see the church Amy chooses and her continued spiritual growth, Clara finding her father, and of course how her relationship with Peter, the conductor, develops. He is very endearing.

This is the first book I have read of Hinck's because I do not like sci-fi and the books about the young mom didn't interest this grandmother. But she nailed it with this one for me. I am seriously considering having our book club read it next year. I will certainly
recommended it to them as an interesting, fun, and good read.

Symphony of Secrets is the story of Amy Johnson who is a music teacher and single parent to Clara, her fifteen-year-old daughter. When a position for a flutist in the Minneapolis Symphony becomes available, Amy has the chance to fulfill the dream she gave up when she became pregnant. However, due to mysterious events that keep happening, the symphony is in danger of being closed and Amy's dream will once again be lost.

Adding to Amy's stress is the fact that Clara, who is also musically talented, is much more interested in being a cheerleader at her school than in studying music. Amy dreads having to socialize with "cheerleader moms" and participating in fundraisers. When the situation arises where she must choose between attending Clara's cheerleading competition or playing a solo at a symphony-sponsored event, Amy relives the guilt she feels at having let Clara down in the past.

Amy is a very dynamic character. Watching her agonize over the decision to be honest with Clara about her father's identity was moving. The guilt she felt about secrets from her past initially prevented her from trying to build a relationship with God. Her gradual change from disbelief to being open to the possibility of the existence of a higher power was well chronicled. I thought it was great that she did not have a revelation and instantly become religious because that is not how faith occurs. It grows over time.

My only difficulty with the story was the way Amy constantly put herself in dangerous situations while trying to find out who was sabotaging the symphony. She seemed obsessed with keeping her dream alive, regardless of the consequences. As a parent, she should acted more responsibly and let the authorities investigate.

Symphony of Secrets is a good story with great characters that contains two important messages. The first is that God seeks us out because He wants to help us. The second is not to make quick judgments about other people because first impressions are often misleading.

Armchair Interviews says: Unique look at parental love--and human guilt.

Single mother/music teacher Amy Johnson finally gets the break she has longed for--a place in the Minneapolis Symphony. It's a much needed boost after her daughter Clara announces that, instead of devoting more time to music, she is joining the cheerleading squad. Amy is quickly swept into a thrilling world of ego-driven musicians and concert sabotage. Wait, what? Concert sabotage? Yes, Amy's taste for mystery is challenged as well when strange "disasters" put the history of the Minneapolis Symphony in jeopordy. When Clara begins asking questions about her father, Amy has a much more intense problem than a mystery to sort out.

I have loved every one of Sharon Hinck's books and this story was no exception. Many moms will relate to Amy's parenting insecurities, her struggles over past mistakes, and her desire to follow life-long dreams. Symphony of Secrets is a fun yet heart-touching story of dreams and secrets . . . and yes, a little bit of mystery.

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

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

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

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

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

Walking in Victory is a must read for any believer at any level of maturity. This book lays out some amazing truths from God's Word in a clear and easy to understand way. Mr. McCallum does an excellent job explaining how we can have victory day to day because as you will see in the book, Christ has already accomplished what we were never able to do. We have a new identity and learning about this new identity will change your life! This is also a great book to go through in a small group and study guides are available at [..].

Books like Walking in Victory are invaluable because they directly use and teach the Bible. This book is a guide to the crucial concepts in Romans 5-8, concepts that every Christian needs. The interpretation is accurate and the application contemporary. McCallum writes in an easy to follow, to-the-point style that is, as other reviewers have mentioned, very useful when trying to help a new Christian. On the other hand, because these concepts are straight from the Bible, long-time followers of Christ will be consistently challenged.

Years ago, studying this book clarified key areas of the Christian life, helping me to finally get my own walk with God and ministry going. Victory lies in a believer's full acceptance before God based on Christ's atoning work on the cross. It's by understanding and focusing on this truth that Christians are able to develop lives of zeal, ministry effectiveness, and slow growth toward true holiness. Aside from the Gospel message itself, this concept, my identity in Christ, has been the most important lesson I've ever learned, and I haven't found a more sound explanation of it than in Walking in Victory. Now, I rely heavily on this book in mentoring students, and I'm able to see in them the fruit that is born from an informed and enthusiastic grace-focus.
The content matter, perfect for the scholar or new convert, is masterfully presented and extremely useful. McCallum skillfully mixes careful Biblical exposition and interpretation with down-to-earth application and insightful observations of human nature to create a work that is both provocative and practical.
I highly recommend this book to all believers who want to begin their walks with God on the right foot, who wish to deepen their appreciation of their identity in Christ, and who seek to help ground others in the firm foundation of grace.

I really like this author's body of work. I've read all his non-fiction. He's very objective and can sound a little bit like notes from a lecture. But it is also emotionally productive, without the bells and whistles, unlike many Christian authors, and has genuine feeling and vulerability to appeal to anyone's subjective sensibilities. This book is my favorite from this author. He wrote that walking with God is about tranformation by the Spirit, not a change of behavior. The author makes points about principles and leaves the reader in charge of how to purpose God based on teachings from the Bible. This message is biblical and encouraging to anyone who has accepted Christ but doesn't know what to do next. This book is not a self-help book. It's not a method plan. Many Christians love the book of Romans and should really take a look at this book as extracurricular. This book is not a substitute for reading the Bible but a companion, conversation piece, the result of the word of God in the author's live - which the author states could happen to anyone who wants a personal relationship with God through Christ.

If you've never understood God's acceptance and grace fully, this is a book you would definitely benefit from! McCallum obviously put a lot of thought into how he could make these deep truths easier to understand and apply. Personally, I love the tables sprinkled throughout this book. They do so much to make things clearer, and are a great resource for group bible studies!!

Some of the many tables found in this book:
<> Comparing Biblical and Modern Love
<> How the Means of Growth (Prayer, Word, Fellowship, Ministry) work together and affect one another.
<> Our Old Self (in Adam) vs. Our New Self (in Christ)
<> Living under the Law vs. Living in Grace

I really enjoy the way Chenowth writes. He has a distinctive voice which carries his stories along. All nine revolve around various members of the Goodpasture family, starting in the mid sixties, and moving along through to present-day.

Each story focuses on a different member, although some are more represented than others. Most of the stories have a different location, ranging from Cape Cod to Jacksonville, FL. In each we read of the inner hopes and fears of a character, and explore their lives as they live these out.

If you enjoy books with wit and humor, depth and exploration of the relationships between family members, you'll be pleased with this collection.

These stories gently drew me in: to a world of dwindling privilege; to a family losing its way as a family yet still finding something to love in one another; through writing that is charming, heartfelt, and evocative. These stories profoundly affected me.

It's a treat to feel a story is shared rather than told and a credit to the author who can bring you fully into his world. Old world charm, contemporary prose, patience for detail and a candid, genuine voice make this collection well worth owning.

I was pretty sure that I liked this book when I finished it a few weeks ago. I realized the other morning that I've continued to think about the characters during my morning commute, considering the main character's situation closely. Most books leave my head the moment that I close them; this has held on for many days.

The main character in this collection is believable and bold in revealing himself, even when his behavior and motives are less than admirable. The style reminded me of Peter Taylor. The stories are humorous ones, about a dysfunctional and divided family, with love and pain which show through the humour.

I can't say more than I love Jessica! I was first introduced to her back in 1998 at my step mother's college graduation. I was only 16 and fell in love with her style, her words inspired me in so many ways and she has been my idol ever since. I recently met her at a barbecue and I was for the first time in my life star struck. My admiration for Jessica is limitless and I am patiently waiting for her to write another book. Good Job Jess...

Jessica Care Moore is the best, I am a huge fan. Not only are both of her books awesome, but she is unbelievably down to earth person. I met her a few years back when she made one of her very few visits to SF. Both of her books are great buys, I have tremendous respect for her DIY spirit. The closed-minded mainstream was not publishing her so she started her own publishing company. Go Jessica!!:)

Thanks to everyone who supported this book and other work from jessica Care moore. The new book is coming soon, The Alphabet Verses The Ghetto!
The Words Don't Fit In My Mouth saved my life. If you enjoyed this read, I would suggest reading Fast Cities and Objects That Burn By Sharrif Simmons. Peace.

Moore blows up the spot with her poetry! She speaks her mind and speaks it well. Her nonchalant attitude towards political correctness makes her thoughts more outrageous and vivid. The next Sanchez is on her way, so move!!!

Pure Passion and Perfection. Jessica has her own
Poetic Perfection. As a fellow writer from the
midwest, I applaud Jessica's passion, perseverance,
reverence for her art and love for her people. She's
a ball of fire, and God made her that way! Her words
jump out at you, they fill your ears, they dance around
you, dare you to question them. Sounds like truth, her
truth and the truth of so many of us: Black folks, women
folks, women artists, passionate people, visionaries and love makers. From one poetess from the midwest to another, Jessica, may your life be long, fruitful and ever
exploding from your creative vision! One love