Women Books

Serita Jakes has a way with communicating every woman's honorable place/ service to/ with the Lord.

Her words humbled me, and yet lifted me up to recog nize my place in the Kingdom of God. I am not just the daughter of the King, I am a Princess and I belong at the forefront of the Kingdom. I can describe how much this book has made me realize my worth in Christ.

This is a book that every Christian woman should read! It would be especially helpful for new Christians or Christians that struggle with feeling worthy to accept the wonderful things that God has for us.

The book is very affirming. It is a blessing that Mrs. Jakes choose to be transparent in writing it. I believe that most Christian women go through the same things she describes but they feel all alone.

Very Good Book!

Serita Ann Jakes found healing by writing letters to the Lord. And since
that deliverance, her heart has been overflowing with the desire to
reveal how He has been her Secret Keeper. It is her hope that women
who read her story will also learn to trust their secrets to Him.

Mrs. Jakes gloriously parallels her message with the famed fairy tale
Cinderella. Every woman was born to be a princess, our Creator designed
His daughters to be the glory of men and the mothers of all living things.
We were the final touch of creation and the solution to loneliness in
mankind. So, she asks, "why have so many women have fallen from that place
of honor and esteem?" In her comparison to the fairy tale, she urges women
to take control of their lives. To not wait for someone to give them a ride
to the celebration, but find their own way to the dance as Cinderella did.

There are critics who say that life is not like fairy tales with happy
endings, but Mrs. Jakes responds, "just as a prince awaited Cinderella, a
Prince of Peace awaits you." It is time for women to be restored to the
place of honor that God intended for them to have. THE PRINCESS WITHIN
confirms and restores with scripture and reverence.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

God desires His daughter's to know that Restoration is possible in our lives. As with her husband, T.D. Jakes, Serita Jakes is a powerful writer and hits home with her vulnerable writing.

In this book she compares today's hurting woman with the story of Cinderella and how through God's healing love, "we can make it to the ball". She touches on the subject that God longs to be our secret keeper, and that He wants us to be honest with Him about our doubts, fears, and insecurities.

I highly suggest this book to every woman--whether she has been abused or abandoned, this book can show you how to lift up your head and walk without shame!

If you are interested in having an influence in any field, this book is THE book to read. Each chapter is packed with useful information about how to minister people. I promise you will not be dissapointed with this book.

An excellent book that should be "required" for everyone involved in ministering to youth. Practical, challenging wisdom from men and women who have been there. Addresses the essentials of a successful, God honoring youth ministry.

As I grow my ministry, I am constantly exhorted and encouraged to read books and listen to speakers. This book has been a pivitol fork in the road for me. This book not only has changed me but prayerfully my ministry as well. It challenged me in how I look at ministry, how I do ministry, and what are the core principles or foundations that make my ministry. I want a ministry that disciples teens and makes a difference for all eternity. One that reaches beyond my area and touches the world for Christ. This book has given me key practical insights into making that a reality.If you are involved with youth, children, or college ministry, this book is a must!

A great book with a lot of incredible insight. Very useable, very insightful and it stuck to the stuff (God's Word) for it's source and foundation. A must read for everyone in youth ministry.

good books are those that cause us to make changes in our lives...this book will get under your skin and cause you to make changes that will inspire you to higher ground and deeper ministry in the lives of your students and those you are leading.
I wish I had this 15 years ago!

The entire redemption series is amazing. It touches a woman's heart and soul. I cried and rejoiced along with the Baxter family. I recommend this to all Christian fiction readers.

I really enjoyed Karen Kingsbury. I happened upon her by mistake. I first read the Firstborn series which I found out later was the next series after the Redemption series. I was so intrigued by the "Baxters" that I had to find the "beginning". Karen has a way to make you cry, laugh, and cheer for everyone. She has brought me peace in my life and I thank God for her ability to write with such emotion. I will cry the day her series with the Baxters comes to and end. I feel that they are a part of my family. Thank you Karen and keep up the good work.

I'm 50 years old and have never been interested in reading fiction until I was introduced to Karen Kingsbury's books. I just finished the Redemption series and am looking forward to starting the "F" series!
Katie
Tennessee

I had to reorder this for I thought it was on CD, but it was on tape which I couldn't listen to. I ended up buying it on CD so that I could listen to it. I enjoyed the CD for it was in a series about the Baxter's and their family. In this one a granddaughter almost drowns but is saved by the grace of God. There are family problems but they are worked through and weddings take place which could ony happen because of God.

I cannot begin to tell you how it has enriched my life by reading these books in series order. I have had some of the ups and downs mentioned in normal lives of her characters and not only read them for entertainment. I find myself praying over scripture references about situations close to my own realm of life. She will touch and gladden you heart but remember start at the beginning and know the Baxter family!

What delicious writing. Profound in its simplicity, it rises from the page as naturally as wildflowers, never calling attention to itself, yet it cannot be overlooked. The opening chapter is gripping, but it was chapter two, which changes POV characters and begins with the lovely line; "Those whom God wishes to punish for the sin of selfishness, he first makes lonely then curses with long life," where I fell into the rhythm. I wanted more, and happily, I got it, in prose of such smoothness I felt the very talented - and very modest - hand of a remarkable writer. I heard about The Secret Ever Keeps from a friend who said it was special. I couldn't agree more. My recommendation: read this book.

An exhilarating experience from the word go, The Secret Ever Keeps is partly an adventure and partly romance. Whatever its genre, this novel worked me like magic. Very luscious. Loved it, well worth the five stars.

A friend told me about this one, but Art Tirrell's The Secret Ever Keeps still surprised me. Keeping things simple, it's too darn good to be a first novel. There is a sureness to the writing, and even though the complex plot shifts between the modern and Prohibition eras, there's never a false note. The supporting characters are wonderful, particularly Char, Sheik, and Estelle. All this is delivered in a way that never allows the narrative tension to lapse for an instant. Before, I'd never heard of him. Now, if you ask me, Art Tirrell is the best new writer of adventure fiction to come along in years.

This romantic adventure has it all: shady characters, star-crossed lovers, and a well-described, interesting setting. It's protagonist, Jake Eastland, is a fascinating character unlike the stereotypes that inhabit most novels these days.

What really sets the book apart, though, is Tirrell's use of his knowledge of Lake Ontario to put it someplace besides New York, L.A., or Hong Kong. He obviously knows the water and it's mysteries and draws on that to make the story come alive.

Add in the cross-generational relationship with Jake's granddaughter and some treasure hunters, and you have a unique, fun read.

In The Secret Ever Keeps, Art Tirrell weaves a rich story of bitter family rivalry, Depression Era wheeling and dealing, and thrilling underwater treasure hunt. Set on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the novel shifts effortlessly between the present and the 1930s. Jake Eastland, a hard-nosed billionaire nearing the end of his life, attempts to make amends for his unscrupulous dealings in the past by reaching out to his sole living relative, a young woman who is unaware she even has a living grandfather. As they get to know each other, their disparate pasts arise to haunt them.

Tirrell's depiction of their slow-growing relationship is delicate and moving, but it is the suspenseful plot that keeps one flipping the pages. Tirrell quite simply writes the best underwater scenes I have ever read. He takes the reader down into the depths, and no matter how unfamiliar one is with this eerie, potentially deadly setting, one feels one knows exactly what it would be like to dive into the bowels of a sunken ship, to get one's line snagged or air cut off, to be caught and whipped away by a sudden current. Suffice it to say, you'll be breathless, until the secrets and ancient treasures are revealed.

The Secret Ever Keeps is a terrific debut novel for Tirrell. I know he has another in the works and can't wait till it hits the shelves.

Author Terrell T. Garren's dramatic story of war crimes in Western North Carolina is a captivating, dynamic true story of what happened to his own family members during the American Civil War. What an adventure! This book will capture the reader as if the reader is there, in person, living in the community, experiencing the events as they are happening. How intriguing to have the photos of the leading characters! The secret kept by the author's great-grandmother for one hundred forty years is now known and the historical facts leading up to the event are told in this epic story of war, war crimes and, romance on the homefront. This story left me with deeper empathy for the suffering of not only the troops but, of the women left alone to suffer on the homefront the crimes of the Civil War. I will never forget this moving story of "The Secret of War".

I found it difficult to put this book down. I've read a number of histories and historical novels about the civil war. This one was more personal as it followed members of a family through their war experiences and tragedies.

War is ugly. Up close and personal it is an abomination. Observing its impact on the Russell and Youngblood families and how the war brought out the best in some and the absolute worst in others, was a sad reminder of the horrors and atrocities being commited in wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Sudan.

At least at the end of the Civil War for these two families, honor was restored to some degree and healing could occur.

I don't know when a first chapter (can be read on Amazon website) has "grabbed" me like this one. As a lady who normally avoids war stories, I found this one extremely interesting, and very relevant to our current war in the Middle East. This book will keep you thinking about the situations involved long after you've finished reading it.

The Secret of War is an indelible and pivotal contribution to our understanding ot this most disturbing passage in American History. Against a backdrop of beautiful Western North Carolina mountains, we learn of a grim and silent history that has often been ignored.

Without taking either Union or Confederate side, Garren lays before us a spread of heart-touching and terrifying events. He shines a bright light on the fact that war begins and continues with power-hungry men on both sides who do not realize the full ramifications of their actions.

Through the story of Delia Youngblood, Garren gives a voice to women everywhere who have for too long fallen silent victims of the senselessness of war. That voice says: "Look at this. It will destroy us, even as we are destroying ourselves."

I read the book about a week ago, and I am still thinking of Delia. For the spirit of women and men, past and present, I am glad that her story has finally been told.

The Secret of War
Terrell T. Garren

I once believed historical fiction was a corrupted form of non-fiction. Thanks to Terrell Garren, "The Secret of War" has changed my mind. Mr. Garren has written an absorbing, completely engaging book, from start to finish. As Mr. Garren said, when he graciously visited our book club to discuss his book, "fiction can be used to tell a greater truth." Amen to that.
In July, 1861, Joseph Youngblood, a reserved, yet love-struck young man from a German immigrant family, left his beautiful western North Carolina farm and the woman he loved, to fight for states' rights against Mr. Lincoln's invading Union Army.
What this cost Joseph, his family, his fianc?, Delia Russell, and that region of western North Carolina, is the subject of Mr. Garren's book. Based on a true story, this is a magnificent and poignant study of Mr. Garren's family history. "The Secret of War" is an apt title; not only because of the "dirty little secret" that we rarely hear about - the brutality that faces the families who are left behind in war, but also his own family's secret that was kept for generations. The story was told, finally, to Mr. Garren by an 85-year-old great aunt three days before she died. This quest to unearth his family's history was an obvious labor of love and an exploration that consumed Mr. Garren's life for 15 years. The more he dug, the more he found.
Mr. Garren delivers us to this time in our young nation's history, carefully relating the struggle of his family, and tries to make sense of Delia Russell Youngblood's (Mr. Garren's great, great grandmother) daemons caused by a disastrous, ludicrous set of steps that led to her mental and physical breakdown. I won't give it away here, but the anger one feels for uncaring, unsympathetic, and violent characters while Delia is left, with the help of two very old, loyal slaves, to manage the homestead without safe, secure help, is just one of the ways Mr. Garren's story consumes you.
Western North Carolina's economy was, like most of the South's at that time, agrarian and rural. Yes, slavery was entrenched in this part of America. Some small farmers may have owned one or two slaves, yet it was the large, "corporate" farmers, who owned and contracted the most slaves. This was big business for these select few, mostly leading Southern politicians who were the slave owners.
The 19th century was also a time when honor and dueling among men were not only an integral part of upper class society, but also encouraged. Fight or light were the only options. This historical detail was, according to the author, one area usually not covered by historians as to one of the reasons for the War Between the States. When Mr. Lincoln's troops invaded the South, it was an act of dishonor to all Southern men. There was no choice but to fight the North's obvious disrespect. States' rights were a convenient excuse to protect the economic machine known as slavery.
Fort Sumter, and its aftermath, were just means to an end for the wealthy Southern slave and largest landowners used to protect their wealth and position. Thus, honor was the South's talisman for the Civil War. The Fort Sumter bombing and the Union Army invasion became a rallying cry for the Southern elite, who often bought their way into commissions and jobs away from the actual fighting or could afford to pay someone else to fight for them.
The young men like Joseph Youngblood and his brothers, who did not own slaves, were caught up in that rallying cry for states' rights, and ultimately went to fight the Union Army bravely and without reservation.
"The Secret of War" cuts back and forth between Joseph's constant struggle to survive and return to his beloved Delia; and Delia and the events surrounding the Union's Army advance on Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding area. However, the most crucial detail is the horrific loss of the Southern men. An entire generation was lost. Mr. Garren has meticulously set forth the numbers of soldiers lost in Western North Carolina - 25% or 27,486 of the men died in service. The number of soldiers who were permanently maimed, who lost limbs, etc. is staggering. The young, independent farmers - an entire generation -were either killed or maimed and unable to support their families.
Mr. Garren has delivered a stellar work of historical fiction. He helps us relive this awful time in our history and to understand the despair and ultimate loss. We live in the hearts and minds of his characters soaking up the descriptions of the land and the tragedies. We are forced to acknowledge the criminal element, (a historical reference often forgotten) and the men, like Delia's father, who pushed for war to support their own economic means; not necessarily for the good of their community.
There is no question that Mr. Garren gets it. War is hell and our country lost more men in the Civil War, than all of our other wars combined. The nation lost a part of its soul that was tied to the land. It was the beginning of the end of the family farm and homestead. We will never fully comprehend the result of the exodus from this part of the country to find ways to support families devastated by the war.
"The Secret of War" folds us into all the secrets of war and we are better informed. Unfortunately, this information has not taught us anything because of our obvious inability as a nation to learn from our mistakes.

Seeing Through the Lies is a treasure trove of insights and resources for women of all ages. Written with the wisdom of a grandmother and wit reminiscent of Erma Bombeck, Vonda Skelton invites the reader to explore the many lies that tempt and entrap women over a lifetime; and skillfully unmasks the greatest Masquerader for who he is. This enlightening guidebook with Bible study prompts inspires us to lower our masks and walk in the light of Christ with new vision.

I thought my masks were secure, after all I'd carried them with me for years. When I sat down to read Vonda's book, I thought I knew my masks well enough and had no intention of removing these comfortable friends. Well, Vonda's honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom and wit got behind my hidden self. Little by little she pried them loose. I learned a lot in reading this book and will recommend it to my girlfriends because I'm more convinced than ever we are more beautiful (without our masks) than we allow ourselves to believe.

This book was very helpful and enjoyable. I liked her format of talking about a different Lie for each chapter and then did the section on Unmasking with truth backed up with Bible references. Her stories were touching and funny and she came across as very, very real. I feel like I could just go up and strike up a conversation with her. I still think of the story where she jumps off of a tree or something with a rope tied around her waist as a youngster. I was super glad to hear she's not the ultimate housekeeper and doesn't have "it all together." I struggle with this area of my life and realized that we don't have to be the jack of all trades as women in our households. If she can accomplish all she has without too much guilt over letting her husband do most of the housekeeping, then I guess I can forgive myself a bit too. Her book gave great insight into the woman's mind with tendencies to believe perceptions put out there by the world and let me know that I am not alone not as a woman and certainly not as a beloved child of God.

Vonda writes beautifully an in such a way that you can see the story unfold! She makes the pratical applicable and helps the reader understand how they can apply her truths to their lives! loved it!
Tamra Nashman, author, 'Shoes For The Spirit, Encouragements'

This book had an immediate impact on me! The author truly makes us aware of how effective Satan's lies are in our daily walk. Loved her humorious, nitty-gritty realities. So refreshing and so inspiring!
Could hardly put it down!
Annetta Dellinger, Plain City, OH

An entertaining and cute astrology book for teens. Easy to understand and has fun facts about each of the signs. It also has some info about each rising sign, which if you don't know it, you can't figure it out from the book (it comes out wrong), but it is easy to find out on the internet. It even has a little about Chinese astrology and numerology. A great starter for teens and pre-teens who are interested in astrology.

If you're into the stars, you've gotta read this book! I don't know if the author's a witch or something, but she really knows what I'm like, inside and out! I lent this book to my g-friend who knew absolutely zero about astrology and now she doesn't want to give it back to me! Help!!! Lots of books are kind of a drag...like a school assignment. But this one's fun to read. And the writer said that Libra and Leo are a match made in heaven. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

If you're into the stars, you've gotta read this book! I don't know if the author's a witch or something, but she really knows what I'm like, inside and out! I lent this book to my g-friend who knew absolutely zero about astrology and now she doesn't want to give it back to me! Help!!! Lots of books are kind of a drag...like a school assignment. But this one's fun to read. And the writer said that Libra and Leo are a match made in heaven. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

My friend bought this book and I love it! She and I spend HOURS looking at it and stand amazed that our signs, in some ways, match us perfectly! We have a great time!

I got this book for my birthday and think it is totally great! I'm learning about astrology & it's cool! My friends and me read it at lunch & use it to figure out which boys we're good with. I really recommend this book and think it's great.

After reading books like Heart of Darkness, and Benito Cereno, Shadow Patriots was happily read. I loved the character Lizzie, her strength and personality was humerous. I also enjoyed how this book was fictional, yet didn't stretch the truth very far.

After being able to hear Robson speak at my school, I was overjoyed to be given the opprotunity to read her novel. Not long after reading the book I became enthralled and unable to put the book down. Every second of the book was fascinating. The way Robson wraps the historical figures in with her fictional plot is remarkable. As far as I know the book is historically accurate and has all the great names in American history such as George Washington, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamiliton, and much much more. The main character Kate Darby is truely unique and sensational. She tears down the stereotype of a damsel in distress and proves that women can do whatever they put their minds do. Incredible Novel and quick read.

I read this book in my 11th grade English class not too long ago and it was so much more than I expected. The way the historical figures are mixed in with fictional characters makes it so interesting, and the mixing is so well done, you find yourself wondering who is made-up and who is not. On more than one occasion, I found myself unable to put the book down late at night. When I finished reading, I looked into some of the historical figures in the book, and Ms. Robson was very accurate with her information. All in all, this book makes history come alive!

This book was absolutely incredible for its detail. I loved reading the description of how life was in the time period. Robson's little tidbits-perfectly placed throughout the story- were so fascinating and knowing they were true added to the story. Robson made me feel as though I were there in the war and knew all the characters. It was not a typical book about the Revolution. It was captivating; I could not put it down. Its plot kept getting better and better with each page, and the ending, although sad, was perfect. The book was suprising and entertaing from the first to the last word.

Kate and Lizzie were characters I adored. Kate's bravery to help her brother, and Lizzie's devotion to Seth were fantastic attributions to each character and helped me identify with them. While reading, I didn't feel as though I was learning about history, which is a perfect way for historical fiction book to be written.

If you have interest in revolutionary times in USA this is a must read. The role that Quakers played in the war was very interesting to me. You will not be sorry you bought it.

Another delightful outing with vineyard manager Nikki Sands. Nikki has her hands full juggling two dashing suitors, but when a big-time chef is shot at the winery and spa, she takes on a new challenge: find the killer before she becomes the next victim. Lovable characters, steady pacing, and secretive suspects will keep you guessing until the end.

I absolutely adore this series, but this is my favorite of the three. Once again Ms. Scott blends up a delicious concoction of mystery, romance and culinary delights. There are two big questions in this who dunnit. Who dunnit and who will Nikki pick to be her man.

The chef of the new restaurant on the vineyard, Georges Debussey meets his demise while bathing at the new Malveaux spa. Instead of r&r, he winds up DEAD with a bullet to the head. Nikki Sands once again goes to work solving the crime. She's also got her plate full when it comes to the men in her life. Nikki has some love life decisions to make with two eligible bachelors. Filled with good looking men, plenty of murderous mystery and one charming heroine made a night out of it for me. A little Syrah and Ms. Scott's third installent and I was completely content.

I loved this book and I love the series. But this was the best book so far. I did not want to put it down. I did not want it to end. The author had me from beginning to end. I am not a wine drinker but I think I might pour myself a glass of wine and put my feet up and read the next one that comes out. I hope the next one comes out soon, for I am dying to see if Nikki ends up with Derek or Andres. My vote is for Derek. Nikki will never be happy with anyone until she gets her feet wet with Derek first!

The new restaurant, Georges on the Vineyard, is about to open in the new boutique hotel and spa at Malveaux Estates. It features star chef Georges Debussey. He is well-known for his cuisine as well as his lack of couth.

Georges goes for a Syrah bath splash at the spa to relax before the restaurant grand opening. When he doesn't return, Simon and Marco get Nikki to find out what's wrong. She finds him dead from a gunshot.

Detective Robinson rubs Nikki the wrong way when he tells her to not play Nancy Drew. She sets out to investigate on the sly.

During all this, Andres asks her to go to Spain with him. Nikki is upset most with the way he asks. And she isn't sure what she should do. And then there's Derek.

Nikki finds herself in danger along the way. Can she figure out who the killer is before someone else dies?

I really like this series. Nikki is such a fun character. The sexual tension created between Nikki, Andres, and Derek really adds to the storyline, but I do hope she makes a decision soon. When I first met Simon and Marco, I found them to be obnoxious, but now I really enjoy them. They add to the story and help Nikki along the way.

The Napa Valley setting really adds to the story as well. It seems so serene in the midst of the murder investigation. I would love to spend a week at the new hotel at Malveaux Estates.

Whether you like wine or not, give this series a try. I recommend reading them in order, but you don't have to. I highly recommend this book and the complete series.

Sensual bath treatments, facials, massages . . . mouth-watering Italian food. The atmosphere is fabulous. The book takes place in California grape-growing country, with a winery, an elegant hotel, an Italian restaurant, and a spa. The book also has recipes for that wonderful Italian food.

Nikki finds a body and she is determined to find out who the killer is. The adventures she goes on in order to solve the mystery are fun and interesting, but also tense and edgy. Once she starts going on these adventures, the book was hard to put down.

Nikki is the main character, and I love her. I also love the character of Alyssa, even though she is not a main character. I think she adds a lot to the book.

The solving of the mystery was clever. It had a nice twist.

I can't wait to make the Margherita Pizza. It sounds like the most scrumptous thing ever.

Don't you just hate that term? Well, I do too, but it applies to this book, in the sense that that is what you find yourself saying over and over again as you read. A non stop, can't put it down great read! I warn you, don't start this book unless you have the time to devote to doing just that. If you don't set the time aside, you will go crazy with suspense!

Very suspenseful, exciting, and thoroughly enjoyable. And the pacing...wow, eight pages into the book the main character has lost her husband and unborn child, and then watched a little girl get kidnapped...and that kind of tension is sustained until the end! You've got a vicious villain, a sympathetic heroine, and plenty of genuine thrills...don't miss it!

Once you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down until you've read it cover to cover. Ms. Delisi maintains the suspense from first page to last. Excellent!

I finished this book in 2 sittings; I found it riveting and touching without being the least bit maudlin or far-fetched. The heroine, Marie, still subjected to the torturous memories of her past, has the chance to make a difference in the life of a young child; her determined actions force the plot to move as rapid and dangerously as whitewater and simultaneously flood hope into her own life and that of an interested young police officer. Quite good!

Reserve this one for an otherwise quiet evening!

If you're looking for a fast-paced read that will engage your heart as much as your mind, then Elizabeth Delisi's Since All Is Passing is the book for you! Marie is a heroine to cry for, cheer for, and bite your nails to the quick for. Rebecca, the little girl whose kidnapping hurtles the story into overdrive, seizes your heart and won't let go. As for the kidnapper, he is terrible in the very banality of his villainy. Unlike so many of the overblown and poorly motivated bad guys that appear in thrillers today, this monster is both understandable and all too human. And that makes him all the more terrifying.

Since All Is Passing is an exciting and emotionally-satisfying read.