Women Books

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!

This book (along with the total series) are fantastic. Very incouraging reading, helps with renewing your own faith in life, love and God. I would recommend this book (and series, along with any Kingsbury series) to anyone, male or female. Its an AAA+++ in my book!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

This book is by far the best book I have ever read for wives! Gary Thomas has an amazing ability to see marriage through the eyes of a woman. Whether you are single or married this book will have an intense impact on how you view your mate. Every woman should read this book!

Thomas delivers lessons about marriage that are simple but not easy. His writing is crisp and fluid. Throughout the book, he provides a message that is simple to understand but not easy to live by. And, ultimately, it is a message that married women of God are required to obey. It isn't easy but it is possible to live as a godly woman, the woman Thomas describes in his book, when we surrender to the will of God.

This book is a great tool! It helps one identify the ways they might be plowing their field upside down. Developing charity is tough. It takes incredible humility and Gary Thomas has some motivating methods for stirring up our resolve. So, 4.5 stars?

The book has one major controversy. Midway through the book Thomas admits this change in direction by bringing up Madame de Pompadour as a chief model of how to influence one's husband. Only Pompadour uses that influence on the king INSTEAD of her husband. Madame de Pompadour is actually a character one might want to avoid modeling their life after. She, a married woman with 2 children, chose to go and seduce the king of France and crush her husband rather than hold to the principles that would have kept her less famous, yet building her marriage. She became a master of intrigue who won for herself pompous titles and honors of land and a royal burial, but she was just the main course in a continuous buffet of infidelity, never mind what happened to her broken family. She did little more than what any power hungry, spiritually undeveloped woman, fearful to maintain illegitimate ties, might do.

So read that section with blinders off. His point for bringing her up is weak, but it does come across. Treat your husband (except in the case of Madame de Pompedour, conquest) like a king and you will, more likely than not, be blessed for it. Thankfully, Thomas mentions that model within marriage is still a position of subservience if used as a tool of manipulation. Submissiveness is an entirely different thing. It is done with confidence in Christ's love while subservience is not.

If you can get through that pot hole, the rest of the book does stay on track regarding submissiveness and its role in the salvation of one's family. This is mainly in regards to attitude.

Besides this there are some excellent points in Mr. Thomas' book regarding the role of hormones, such as oxytocin, and how they are used in a man's body to bond him to his wife.

This is a good read. The section on Madame de Pompadour is awkward, but Gary does use other righteous examples of women who secured for themselves splendid honor in their marriages. There is just less of a prominent focus on them because their racy side is left veiled to the public as it should be. Through them he makes a good point: it is an exceptional woman who comprehends her potential in the role that God outlines for her AND, after reading his book, you do come out flipped back over properly and plowing right side up.

Rather than me attempting to express the depth of insight and wisdom in this book, I decided that Gary Thomas speaking for himself would serve the purpose. The rest of this review comes straight from "Sacred Influence" to your screen :)

Quoted from "Sacred Influence" by Gary Thomas:

"How is God using your marriage to teach you how to love?

When you find yourself in a difficult marriage, or in a basically good marriage with one particular issue that grates on you, you can be sure that God wants to mature you as you face this problem with strength, courage, dignity, and biblical wisdom. God could of course speak the word and your problem would be solved- voila! But that's not how God usually works. He allows us to face issues that may terrify us and make us feel completely inadequate- he may even walk us through our deepest fears- so that we can grow in him.

The Bible is adamant about this. Spiritual growth takes place by persevering through difficult times

...

The good news is that you and God are in this together. He knew, even before he created you, who you'd marry. And he will continue to give you the tools you need to become the person he's called you to be and to do the work he's created you to do within your current relationship. God would never leave you alone in any situation: "He will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut 31:6). Even if you married a non-Christian, God's grace is sufficient for you. You cannot dig a hole so deep that it cuts you off from God's provision, care, and life-giving strength....

That's the message I want to communicate: you and God are in this together, and he's beginning your marriage makeover with you. Let him transform you as you seek to move your husband. While you may never achieve the results you have in mind, you can- without question- change the equation of your marriage by remodeling yourself. It begins with understanding, perhaps for the first time, the glory of being a godly woman and acting with the strength of a godly woman who understands she was created in the image of God, forgiven of her sins through the work of Jesus Christ, and gifted and empowered by God's Holy Spirit to live the life God has called her to live...

By courageously facing up to the challenges that every marriage faces, and by letting God change you in the process, something wonderful takes place- the formation of a new woman, fully alive to God, who can take the lessons she learns at home and apply them everywhere else.

'We can't guarantee success in this war, but we can do something better. We can deserve it.'"

Gary Thomas is brave to write a book for wives from a male perspective and he does a fairly good job, in my opinion. There are spots where he makes generalizations and the examples of couples he uses are on the sweet and simple side, but he makes some good points. We are either making a good marriage by degrees or tearing one down by degrees. Our identity is in Christ, not our marital status.
I preferred "Sacred Marriage" over "Sacred Influence" by Thomas, but this one did make a good book for a discussion group of wives in my church.

Tracey's program is easy to follow once you master it. I spent the weekend reading and studying and then started on Monday morning. I noticed a difference in my abs by the next Saturday. I have been a life long runner, so I dismissed the 6 minute thing as for novices only. It's a [...] kicker, as a matter of fact. She writes like she's your confidante and friend, and I really enjoyed it. If you're committed, then I suggest you buy her DVD's and do the work outs along with them. The time flies and in 6 minute segments, you'll be dripping sweat. This is a great change in work out regimins.

Tracey Mallett's 6 Minute Quick Blast Method is the perfect answer to the fitness needs of a busy person. With 3 kids under the age of 6 (including 3 year old twins) and a full-time work schedule, I have very limited time for exercise, but with the minimal time required for this program I been able to fit regular exercise back into my life and have seen dramatic results in just a few short weeks.

The 6 Minute Quick Blast Method is fantastic. With a lot of variety in the exercises and options to customize the workout based on what you feel like doing that day (e.g., focus on upper body, more on abs, more on lower body, or more total body), you never get bored with it. I would even venture to say...it is fun! The best part is you can break it up and just do 6 minutes at a time, so there's no excuse for why you can't fit it into a hectic day. The exercises are tough enough that you feel like you are really accomplishing results, but they don't leave you exhausted and sore - things that would make you not want to do it again the next day.

Following Tracey's guidelines in her book and the two videos have helped me accomplish great results in less than 30 minutes each day. Before this, I thought I had to work out for an hour a day to get results, and always ended up quitting any program I started as I just couldn't commit to that kind of time each day. Thanks to Tracey's program, I now have a solution to an exercise routine that I can commit to for the long term, as I know I can find the short amount of time to stick with it day after day.

Tracey's book brilliantly shares her years of expertise and experience in health, nutrition, and fitness. This is clearly a program written by a woman for woman. Tracey understands all those bulges and jiggles that many woman are self conscious about and has designed exercises to target those areas. The exercises are designed to work out several muscle groups at a time, so you get more bang for your buck! A very quick and efficient way to work out and GET results.
The 6 minute segments can be broken up throughout the day. No excuse not to squeeze in a quick blast here and there!
The food program is very easy to follow. It doesn't require unusual ingredients, just simple shopping and prep. It is easy to stick to because it doesn't eliminate any food groups. It is all about portion control and timing.
I participated in Team Mallet and Tracey's Sexy in 6 worked for me! In just six weeks I lost 4% body fat and several inches which means I replaced fat with muscle! Once you see the results, you'll be motivated to adopt this healthy life style forever! Let's face it, who doesn't want to look like Tracey!

Tracey Mallett has created a program that is outstanding. It is easy to follow, fun and somthing that is lasting. Her book is full of inspiring stories as well as practical how to exercises that are fun but also help you get great results. I like that Tracey also focuses on nutrition too as it is an important part of staying healthy.
Bravo Tracey!

I was part of Tracey's "Team Mallett" and like EVERYONE else, I gained some happy holiday weight.. Back on the program, and BACK to where I was in just 10 days!!! It's so rewarding!! It was easy to get back and I saw instant results again just after a few days!!

It's not like those other diet plans or feels like you're dragging yourself to the gym... Even when I did the Fad quick diets and lost weight, it was always hard to start all over again after the holidays and get back to where I was. The DVDs make it so easy and now that I've finished all the possible fatty leftovers from the holidays, I'm gladly back on the food plan (and can't even eat fast food after 5 days.. my system won't take it!!).

I loved the Ashley Stockingdale series and was anxious to read more by Billerbeck.
This book is fun! Lilly is a mess, bad luck seems to follow her around but when she's not busy swooning over any guy with a Brit accent she's busy taking a hold of her out-of-control life.
Lilly's forgiveness is only that of a true Christian, now if she could just get a date rather than another "friend".
It's great to read books where *sex* isn't the only plot, putting love and God first. I just wish there was a little more references to our faith but otherwise this is great read with a few surprises and some laughs.

I was anxious to read Ms. Billerbeck's new series after having enjoyed Ashley Stockingdale. I was not disappointed. The first Spa Girls book had me wishing I was a fashion designer myself. This was a fun, lighthearted book with a great Christian perspective. Thoroughly enjoyable-a great read for the beach or any day!

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Kristin Billerbeck's books. They are such an easy read as she makes you feel as though you are right in the story. I am just waiting for the newest Spa Girls book to be delivered. I am sure it will be every bit as good as the others. You will enjoy all of Kristin's books.

I was very disapointed with this book. The cover looked and sounded so entertaining, but I found it dull. Their wasn't much plot, and the three women were so worldly and superficial, even though they claimed to be born again Christians. I got so tired of all the references to money and power. I think the idea of three young ladies who have their own "therapy sessions" at the spa every couple mo. is a cute idea for a book, but the author just didn't write enough action scenes. I quit the book halfway through. I may finish it one of these days since it wasn't horrible, but right now I'd rather spend my time reading quality fiction. There is quality Christian fiction out there-check out my other reviews and lists.

Having been somewhat disappointed with the third instalment of the Ashleigh Stockingdale series I have to admit that I didn't approach this book with great expectations.

They were well and truly exceeded.

In this new series Ms Billerbeck has created a set of characters who are real, relatable and believable. She has also come up with some classic one liners that I enjoyed so much I started quoting them to my friends!

Spritually wise it certainly isn't deep and meaningful book that will change your world but I certainly felt that Lilly's relationship with God and the way it was portrayed was refreshing and engaging.

I loved Lilly, loved She's All That and all very much looking forward to catching up with Morgan in the next instalment of the series.

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.

The best so far ! As I read each one , the mystery is weaved and weaved thru the pages and I am enthraled !! Cannot wait for the next one -get busy writing Michele !!Love the themes !!

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!

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.

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.

Totally beyond belief! I too am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse living in Australia and Rhonnie's story still shocked me! An unbelievable survivor, Rhonnie shares her raw emotions with the world to put forward the TRUTH behind child molestation. She lived through the nightmare, suffered the after effects, gained strength and now has stepped aside from what could have been a soul destroying future.

Rhonnie is a woman of pure strength, which also shines through in the success of her non-for-profit organization, Leaps and Bounds, dedicated to survivors of child molestation. Child abuse is a global problem and the torment it leaves in its survivors is unparalleled to none. Rhonnie is here to help... not just survivors, but all those who either directly or indirectly come into some contact with this unforgiving crime... or may be yet to realise that they are already unknowingly linked to it. Are you hearing what I am saying? If not, read the last three lines again...

Her ongoing dedication to this devastating, shocking act is a tremendous achievement and deserves unparalleled credit. I have nothing more than respect and admiration for this wonderful woman. Rhonnie is here today for many purposes, to be a survivor, a teacher, a leader, a mum, a wife, a family member, a friend... but I think the most important purpose is to share this book with YOU. You definitely don't have to be a victim yourself, it is written to all of society, not just aimed at your town, state or country, but globally!

Life is too short to let chances pass by. Rhonnie's book will change your views and understanding, if not your life! It may just open your eyes enough to help save just one victim... or many. What would you give to know that you made a difference in someone's world? Don't let that chance pass by...

An amazing "MUST READ"!!!!! Whether you have lived through abuse, know someone who has or only heard about it, this book tells it all, through the eyes of a child and on into adult years. The struggles are many and I applaud this author for her tremendous strength and ability to get it all out in words and share this with all of us. She is an inspiration to all who read this book.
Deb Ontario Canada

In my work with the abused ( I am a lay counselor) I have recommended Rhonnie's book time and again. Rhonnie's book is difficult to read. Those not prepared or ready to confront the truth about abuse, will not be able to read this book easily. Some won't be able to read it at all. If you live in denial of these issues and don't want to be a part of the solution, you will want to put it down. I urge all of you to press through the hard stuff and READ THIS BOOK. You will end this book proactive towards child abuse, rather than choosing to ignore it. This is part of the answer to stopping the epidemic of child abuse that is rampant in our society today! We must be OUTRAGED with adults abusing children, and get involved, report it, and seek help for the children, as well as the abusers. Get this book in the hands of everyone you can! It will change your perspective and change your life!
I am so impressed that Rhonnie had the courage to write her story and open her life for all to read about. That couldn't have been easy. It put her in a position with famiy to be targeted for her refusal to stay in denial of the family secrets. Thank you, Rhonnie, for caring so much for America's abused children, that you subjected yourself to persecution, ridicule and facing your own pain and agony.
Rhonnie's book has been instrumental in my husband and I considering opening a "HOUSE OF HOPE" for troubled teenagers in our area. When I finished her book, I wanted to make a difference, as she has. The Lord willing, we will open a House of Hope in the near future where abused and hurting teens and their families can come to find healing and grace. Thank you, Rhonnie for inspiring us into action!!

Valerie & John Norton
Living Waters House of Hope (To be opened)
Healing for America's Teens

America has a secret hidden epidemic lurking, protected and secure, in the American family home. It is child sexual abuse. The strength and courage of one woman to tell her brutal story will give everyone who reads it an understanding of child molestation necessary to change this cycle of abuse carried through generations and generations. Comprehension of this unspeakable crime will get people speaking. Rhonnie speaks about her own abuse and I could not stop reading. Through the tears and the anger, I kept reading. After reading her story, I wanted to cup my hands around all the abused and neglected children of the world. Thank you Rhonnie for this eye-opening, riveting book.

First of all I want to say that I am proud to call Rhonnie my friend and kindred spirit. What she has done in this book is spectacular, in putting you in the head, heart and body of an abused child. I found myself caught in her skin and feeling everything she felt...as well as those of her siblings. I wish someone would be brave enough to make a movie from her book and make it a must see. Child abuse in any form is devastating and destructive. Rhonnie reaches out with her pure portrayal of her life and lets the world share her pain and the pain of every other individual who ever suffers this horror. The chain is seeminging endless, but Rhonnie is going to make a difference in this world...because she is a survivor and one of the bravest and kindest people I have ever known. If each victim of child abuse and molestation would join hands and start standing up for this cause...the voices would be heard around the world. Rhonnie,you are the greatest and I truly feel you are worthy of Oprah and every other talk show on the planet that will help you and all of us in this fight. Your book is precious and I would not take anything for it. God speed dear one.
Jane in North Carolina

My wife read it from cover to cover in two days, what more can I say. Too bad I'm not a murder mystery fan...

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood covering 24th of April 1907 to May 1st, is the third of the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. Miss Felicia Frummety is not keeping the rat population down at Hill Top Farm and the village cats have issued an ultimatum. Ridley Rattail has had it with the rowdy rats that have moved into the attic so he posts an ad for cats to rid himself of these undesirables. Of course the humans have their share of problems, Major Kittridge has returned to Sawrey with a wife, dashing the hope of Dimity Woodcock. The village is invited to meet the new lady of the manor but rumors are rampant when it's learned she was an actress. There's also the rumor that the Major is planning to develop his shoreline property. The Vicar's cousin and his wife have moved in and the Vicar is far too kind to toss them even after they've outstayed his patience. Jeremy Crosfield, who is an excellent student, has to leave school and start his apprenticeship since he can't afford to continue his schooling -- the animals and humans are concerned about this event. And Beatrice arrives once again to spend some time at her farm.

Okay, up front I have to say I'm really enjoying these books. The interweaving of the various threads balancing the point of view of the humans and the animals is seamless. With each book, I gain more respect for Albert's ability to slip her stories into the undocumented bits of the Beatrix Potter timeline. She also maintains that playful seriousness that I also found in the Potter's little books. The characters are fully developed and while the mysteries are light they are ones that would have serious impact on the people of the story and their environment.

In this story, the small folk of the woods, fairies play a part. Are they real? Well I think that's for each of us to decide, and the author plays the story with a light hand to give us all a chance to believe as we will. After all if you can accept talking animals then are fairies that much of a stretch?

These are perfect books for when you are feeling a bit down. They are just the thing to help restore your believe in the inherent goodness of humankind and to help you see the world around in a different light. No, I don't think the author has a message to hit us with; she just tells a good story with a light touch that leaves us feeling more upbeat and in this summer's heat that's a wonder in itself.

These are just wonderful stories - for children, for fans of Beatix Potter, for anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy. I picked up these books quite by accident, and found them reminiscent of my old favorite classics like "A Secret Garden." Very interesting stories - both as stand alone books and as part of the series.

This third book in the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter is just as much fun and as charming as the first two. It makes you want to find the Potter illustrations from her "little books," so that the faces and personalities of the people involved in the stories become even more familiar.
With the world as it is now, it's a joy (and a relief) to immerse oneself in the world of a century ago with the friends one met in childhood.

If the village of Near Sawrey put out its weekly newspaper about the fortnight during which this story takes place, some of the headlines would read: "Major Christopher Kittredge returns to Raven Hall with his Lovely New Bride" and "Rat Explosion at Hill Top Farm Threatens Village" and "Village Plans May Day Celebration" and perhaps "Stay Clear of the Cuckoo Brow Wood on May Eve." The society column might feature: "Miss Beatrix Potter Returns to Hill Top Farm" and "Local Society Attends Grand Reception at Raven Hall." As salacious as these headlines might be, the devil is in the details.

The third in Susan Wittig Albert's Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series continues to enchant both grownups and young women edging toward adulthood. How lovely it is to curl up with a book about an old-fashioned, out-of-the-way English Lake Country village, complete with sheep birthing lambs and delectable smells coming from the village bakery, with dogs, cats, rats, and other four-legged animals conversing so sensibly. With just that, however, the tale could become dull in no time. So throw in a few wicked, scheming adults, some rowdy, shameless rats, a few mercenary cats, a bit of romance, some children who need a bit of help, and, of course, Miss Potter, and you have a rousing tale.

Albert builds the tale and weaves multiple plots with skill and charm. And all is resolved satisfactorily, except for the question of whether or not there are really fairies in Cuckoo Brow Wood. To find out what the story is behind each headline, you must read and revel in The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood.

by Judith Helburn
for Story Circle Book Reviews
www.storycirclebookreviews.org
reviewing books by, for, and about women

MUJER QUE AMA Y SU VERDUGO..
Su marido
Su páreja, que la va destruyendo día por día, desmembrando su dignididad como persona, su amor propio...
Ella misma no cpomptendebque estanpasando, donde quedo aquel hombre extraordinario con el que se caso y que se ha convertido en un individuo agresivo, duro, golpeador física y / o emocionalmente.
Este libro LA HACE COMPRENDER Y LUCHAR.

este libro que me prestó una amiga poniéndolo por las nubes, YO SENTIA UN GRAN DESPRECIO Y UN RECHAZO TOTAL POR LA MUJER QUE PERMANECE AL LADO DEL HOMBRE QUE LA GOLPEA UNA VEZ...

Ahora comprendo y me retracto, porque lo que aqui leí me hizo visualizar las casi irrompibles cadenas FÍSICAS Y EMOCIONALES que apresan a esta VÍCTIMA...

Si sientes lo mismo...lee esta obra y juzga despues.

Y LE DA A LA ESPOSA QUE SUFRE LAS ARMAS PARA LIBERARSE O DEFENDERSE !

si me volvía a golpear... Ya me había mandado cinco veces al hospital y estaba desesperada!
Siempre era lo mismo!
Se arrepentia, pedia perdon, juaraba... Y VOLVIA A LASTIMARME !
Mi terapeuta me regaló este libro, que me dio la fuerza pare DETENERLO !

manual muy interesante, que COINCIDE CON ESTE LIBRO Y EXPLICA EL CICLO DEL HOMBRE GOLPEADOR:
Primero, empieza con empujones.
Sigue con bofetadas
ACABA EN GOLPIZAS...
Luego, pide perdón, hace promesas, "CORTEJA !" todo, para que su victima no se le vaya..
y vuelven A COMENZAR LAS GOLPIZAS...Y EL CORTEJO..EN UN CÍRCULO INTERMINABLE...ESTE LIBRO. ES TU LIBERACIÓN, AMIGA !

I just finished reading this book and it had me hooked until the very end. The characters were true to life and the situations they found themselves in were very plausible.

This, in my opinion, is one of the better police procedural books as it was set in a time period when DNA was not yet discovered. Thus, murders were solved by honest to God police work. Clues were followed instead of just matching DNA to a person.

A very well written book.

First thing first it astounds me that A: one of these books haven't been made into a movie yet. And B: that these books aren't published in hardcover.

Back to back I read Micheal Connelly's Echo Park and then P.J. Parrish's A Thousand Bones. And I be honest with you A Thousand Bones was every bit just as good if not better.
Every novel these two author's write get nominated for a Thousand awards in the mystery field and every year. And every year I sit there in disbelief when they don't win at least one.
And yet every novel they write is better then the last.
Possibly the best mystery novel of 2007.
I give it a 10 out of 10.

I have only recently discovered this author, but I'm loving everything I've read so far and this is no exception. Compelling story well told.

If you were hoping that the new P.J. Parrish book would be another installment in the Louis Kincaid series, you only get half your wish. Kincaid takes a minor role in this tale that stars his girlfriend, Miami homicide detective Joette Frye. Joe has grown significantly from the young rookie who worked for the Echo Bay Police Department, where even most of the veteran cops had never drawn their weapons in the line of duty. As the story of her rookie year unfolds, so does the character of this determined, capable and unique woman --- a welcome addition to this popular series.

Most of the book takes place as Joe recalls the horrific events that shattered the serenity of Echo Bay and left a town devastated. The woods around this quiet little village held not only the bones of countless victims but also the dark secrets of the monsters who buried them. It was in these woods that two boys found a human bone and triggered an investigation that would still haunt Joe 13 years later.

As we have come to expect from skilled writers, their characters draw us into the story and create a sense of urgency so vital to good police work. While Joe tends to be impulsive, her mentor seems to be overly cautious and the relationship between Joe and Detective Rafsky develops in a most satisfying way as they form a solid bond and strong partnership.

The poignancy with which Parrish (sisters Kristy Montee and Kelly Nichols) deal with the parents of the girls who have gone missing over the years is another example of how the authors blend poetry with prose. On the other hand, one is overwhelmed when the mind of the perpetrator is revealed and victims are seen through the eyes of evil. Delving into the psyches of predators can be disturbing, but it definitely adds to the texture of the story. And, regardless of their disappointments and rejections, I want to see them pay for what they have done! And so do the cops who cannot rest until justice is done.

A THOUSAND BONES will hold your attention and run you through a gamut of emotions as the small-town cops work to solve the crimes and bring some resolution to those who have suffered. We look forward to more of Joe Frye and Louis Kincaid as they work through their own histories to bring new freedom into their relationship.

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding, a substance abuse counselor in Phoenix, AZ who wanted to be Brenda Starr before life intervened. She reviews for www.bookreporter.com and www.faithfulreader.com To contact Maggie, e-mail Magster2@cox.net.

A Thousand Bones
This book hooked me from the beginning. A first time reader of PJ Parrish this novel has hooked me and I have since ordered all the previous novels of this author. Murder, mystery and the workings of an investigative team.
Set in northern MI you can feel the cold with the descriptions. The story is told in flashback so there is the need to finish so you can see what happens with Joe and her lover in current times.
This story has a resolution that that makes sense and leaves the opening for more adventures.

I read reviews like crazy before buying anything, but selfishly I've never taken the time to write one until now. Let me just say, buy this bible. I absolutely love it to the point that I have been reading it way past my dedicated "new" devotional time because it is so interesting to read. It has heartfelt letters written by women that lay out on paper exactly what I feel in my heart but am too embarrassed to admit most of the time and includes responses to those emotions that help you understand how you "should" feel as a Christian with verses to back it up and examples of people in the bible who maybe experienced the same thing. Spend the money...it's not too much...you will love it..if I'm wrong...you can always resell it on Amazon and get your money back I promise!

I think this edition - best Bible for women. I present it for my girlfriend

I bought this bible for my sister and as I was flipping through it on last Sunday I realized I had to have my own. It has wonderful devotional components and TNIV is an easy to understand read. It is also very beautiful. I love it.

Current
Real life examples help to make topics & guideance applicable
Nice layout of pages

THIS IS TRULY A BLESSING TO ALL WOMEN TODAY!!! I AM 27 & HAVE TRIED TO RECCOMEND IT TO ALL OF MY FRIENDS! THE BIBLE OF COURSE IS TREMENDOUS BECAUSE IT IS THE WORD OF GOD. BUT THE EXTRAS & PERKS ARE REALLY STELLAR. THE CONVERSATIONS AS WELL AS WORDLY MYTHS REALLY PUT A LOT INTO PERSPECTIVE. IT IS NOT OPINION BASED, BUT SCRIPTURE & BIBLICAL BASED WHICH IS WHAT WE NEED AS WOMEN OF GOD. GOD BLESS YOU!