Clubs Books

EDIT 8Feb08

I have to concur with the others, if I had only two books with me on a desert island, one would be my Bible, and the other would be this book (hedging out my other stand-by: The Institutes of the Christian Religion). I am awe-struck by the gifts of wisdom, insight and understanding that the Lord worked in the heart and mind of this saint, William Gurnall! I can't wait to get home to pick up where I left off, it is that dear to me.

It's loaded to the gunwales with insights; the author has an understanding of spiritual warfare and of the human heart that is simply astounding. One might sit down and study Owen, or Edwards, et al, to great profit (I have), but I believe there's probably nothing better for the final fifteen minutes of the day than a read from Gurnall to pierce beneath the Old Man's fifth rib, to set the tempter on his heels, and to drive one to repentance. A better devotional work to leave a soul begging forgiveness for his 'till-that-moment hidden sin I have never found. That's William Gurnall. He not only trains for war, he reveals sin and generates prayer.

I looked at the abridgement online, the one separated into daily readings, and I believe that this unabridged edition is definitely better.

If only every Christian would read this pearl of great price, this treasure trove of godly wisdom...

Read this manual of obedience and spiritual warfighting and you will inevitably draw closer to your Lord! Read it prayerfully and you will advance noticeably in your discipleship.

Many Christians, such as myself, can divide the days of their Christian experience into pre-Reformed and Reformed. I can safely say that my devotional life can now be divided into pre- and post-Gurnall.

As you read this review, wondering whether to purchase this book, your unseen foes tremble with a trepidation that is most justified indeed. Christ owns His enemies, and He raised up a Field Marshal in William Gurnall to help His sheep do likewise.

William Gurnall is a writer for all seasons. His work, specially the modern abridgment, speaks so clearly and so directly to this generation. You can read a few sentences and pause because you have been amazed at the relevancy of His comments. This is a work that you will cherish reading. You will never be tempted to rush through reading it. Few writers have been able to hold my attention as William Gurnall. C.S Lewis would be the other one. But of course no book holds a candle to The Bible God's written revelation. Don't leave this century without reading this book.

The content of this book is excellent; however, the old style in which it is written made it difficult to read. The revised version in modern english is "an essntial addition to any Christians library.

I can't put this book down, William Gurnall was truly a man inspired by the Word of God. How has this book be overlooked by our modern church? The this book should be a requirement for graduation from seminary. This book is a must for all Christians who feel something lacking, or for those who do not.
Besides the Bible, I have not read a book so powerful.

Compared to this great Puritan work, most modern books dealing with spiritual warfare appear dwarfed, and even trivial. Gurnall's massive exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20 is the product of a series of sermons preached in his church over many years. The book is at once profoundly biblical and at the same time always relevant.

William Gurnall lived during a time of great spiritual conflict in England, and this conflict directly led to the great civil war and the revolt against the king and his Church of England. Just as in the book of Revelation, where one's spiritual loyalties place him in deadly conflict, so in England, loyalty to Scripture placed Christians in the center of that nation's wars. Yet, while many followed the army's progress with great interest, Gurnall realized that an even greater conflict was being waged in their souls. As the pastor of the parish church at Lavenham, where he served all his active life in the ministry, Gurnall was more concerned with his people's souls than with the external progress of the conflicting parties in England. His long ministry encompassed the rise and fall of the Puritan cause. Because he remained in the Church of England after the Act of Uniformity, while thousands of strong Puritans withdrew and suffered as Nonconformists, Gurnall often was not respected by subsequent writers on both sides. His only lasting contribution to the struggle was his massive book, The Christian in Complete Armour.

Yet what a contribution that was! It was so popular with the people of England that it had passed through six editions by the year of his death. This book was a great blessing to John Newton, and was highly praised by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. It has continued over three hundred years inspiring Christians to stand against the devil. Gurnall begins with a call to realize that we are in a death-struggle with Satan and to take our stand and be prepared to fight. He then describes our armor and weapons, and the weapons employed by our great adversary. Each part of the armor is described at length, along with the means by which Christians can employ it in defense and offense against Satan. The book is full of spiritual insight, practical application, and inspiring word-pictures. We cannot read it without new determination to stand for the Lord and engage in true spiritual warfare--not the superficial warfare so often seen in the modern Charismatic movement, but the true and vital warfare of the Christian heart and life.

Gurnall's great book belongs in the library of every church and every Christian family. It makes wonderful devotional reading and produces spiritual fruit. Let Gurnall help you "fight the good fight of faith"!

Cathy does an outstanding job of seeing God working in the everyday. Whether it is family, friends, or fun, God can be found at work. Cathy is like a skilled examiner who puts the day-to-day under a microscope to help us see what may not be visible to the untrained eye. Buy a copy, get some coffee, and enjoy.

After reading The Stained Glass Pickup myself, I gave several copies for Christmas gifts. Each recipient shared with me what I already knew--that this book touches the heart and inspires Christ-followers to seek Him. My hands-down favorite devotional was "A Whole Bunch of Nothing," which reminded me to return to the simplicity of my relationship with Christ and to slow down an overly hectic life. As a busy mother of three teens, I need that reminder constantly!

When a book grabs your attention and touches your heart, it makes a lasting impression on your life.

This is exactly what Cathy Messecar's book, The Stained Glass Pickup_ does. The author has an incredible talent of showing how God touches everyday people in the most remarkable ways.

In one of my personal favorites, titled, "Ya'll Come," this short devotional recounts a day when the author's best-laid plans went slightly awry. The author had invited a group of women and their children to come to her farm and pick blueberries and then to enjoy a nice homemade lunch afterward. However, one by one, each of the families called and cancelled. But when her daughter called to see how the preparations were coming along, the author recounted her predicament: too much food and no one to enjoy it. Her daughter immediately suggested that the secretaries in her office come over for lunch. Open to the idea, the author soon found her home filled with her daughter's office staff. Everyone enjoyed the delicious impromptu luncheon as well as the new friendships being formed.

What originally looked like a wasted effort turned out to be a true blessing. In fact, she recounts, "One woman eventually began a Bible study with us and later became a Christian." Wow! What an opportunity God had given her to show hospitality and His love. Sure the first group cancelled but because the author was willing to host others whom she did not know, the blessings expounded.

With every devotional I read, The Stained Glass Pickup reminded me that God isn't found only in Sunday school or in a church social, God is everywhere, waiting to pour His love out into my life and yours, in the most unsuspecting moments.

Armchair Interviews says: Nice message in this special book.

Cathy Messecar catches a stained glass view of every day life in God's creations. Her insight is shown in short, two-page stories, which enlighten us to look at the world with
awe and wonderment. I had planned to read this 127-page book in one evening yet the stories capture your heart, soul, and mind. They make you think using parts of your brain never tapped until now. You must take time to ponder about the cowboy in his stained glass pickup and his prayer for his daughter, or the grandpa's worn and frayed work coat, or the trust of a four year old and her parents. Cathy Messecar ties these every day happenings, which most of us take for granted, with the passages of the Bible with such ease. Each story ends with a prayer to remind us He is our provider, our strength, and our creator. Thanks Cathy for writing a book that inspires us to be His in every way every day a blessing in His Name.

Newspaper columnist Cathy Messecar shares a collection of stories that will deepen the faith of every woman. The title comes from the first devotional in the book, about a rancher who prays aloud for his high school age daughter while he drives her to school in his truck. I can certainly relate to praying in extremely humble places.

The book contains an eclectic mix of uncommon wisdom gleaned from the Bible and the author's daily life as a grandmother in Texas. Each devotional begins with a short scripture and concludes with a heart-felt prayer.

This would make a wonderful gift to help someone start the new year with an inspiring mentor to lead the way.

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

Byron Barton's Trains has become an unlikely favorite for our 2-year old. I say unlikely because it's so different from what most of his favorites (which are heavy on Sandra Boynton, Jez Alborogh, and the Spot series) are like. The art is extremely simple, using lots of bold colors, and the story doesn't rhyme or feature any noticeable repetition. It's not really even a story at all, but rather a descriptive sentence on each page highlighting the kind of train or activity shown.

I don't know whether it's the bold colors or just the subject matter (my son is absolutely fascinated by all kinds of vehicles), but this little board book went straight into his bedtime "top 5" and shows no sign of leaving! I may not get it, but I'm confident enough after seeing my son's reaction to this book to recommend Trains to the parents of any toddler interested in trains.

My son loved this book from the time he was about 15 months old. The words and the illustrations are simple and catchy. I'm not sure if this one comes in paperback but I highly suggest getting all of the Barton books in the board book style. They are sure to be read over and over!!

This story was kind of boring, not as melodic as some of the other books (Cars is our favorite) but kind of cute. Graphics are somewhat boring too (compared to the others)

My kids love this very cute little book.. They want me to read it to them over and over again. A great book for your little one. Must have!!

I was a teacher in early childhood and I love to find new books for my grandson, who is almost 3. At the early level they need simple books both in text and pictures. The Barton books have a very simple text and great pictures and my grandson loves all of them. I always let him choose what books to read and Barton is his favorite since he was 1 1/2. I would recommend all of his books for young children ages 1 to 4. We have read Trucks, Trains, Men at Work, Planes, Airport & Dinosaurs.

While the read was enjoyable and well paced, I'm confused as to the abundance of 5-star ratings for this book. I felt the plot and identity of the Falcon was far too easy to pick out from very early on. Had I been younger and less apt to figure it out, I might have enjoyed it better. I give it a four-star rating though because Stefano was pure deliciousness. I do agree that this book would be excellent as a movie, and will nurse an unlikely hope that a talented filmaker will take it up as his next project.

This book is fantastic. I bought it about a year ago, and I have read it a million times. I loved the mystery behind the "falcon", and the touch of romance all around. The characters are fascinating and keep you hooked. READ THIS BOOK! YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Oh yesss! Dreams of handsome, heroic, brave, strong, romantic, dashing, yummy, etc. etc. guys! I think I'd better reread it right now; maybe I'll get some more nice dreams. Ladies, you need this book even if you have to put up with a cruddy used copy from Amazon resales. (I'll bet someone's stolen the copy from your local library!)

I have collected and read many of Barbara Michaels' Books and this one is My favorite. Set during the Italian Revolution, it gives you a different perspective of Italian History, through English eyes. It was very well written, so much so, that you feel as if the excitement in the book, is very real!! The main characters are intelligent, witty, and daring. You cheer for them throughout the book. I wish this were made into a movie, so visual people, like myself, could indulge in it further. Whether you're a closet romantic, history student, or mystery buff --- you'll want to read it twice....like I did!!!

This historical romance by 'Barbara Michaels' aka Elizabeth Peters, is set during the Italian Risorgimento of the mid nineteenth century. Francesca Fairbourn is the daughter of an impoverished English father and an aristocratic Italian mother. Her parents had eloped to England in a most romantic fashion, causing her to be disowned by her family. In true romance fashion the young woman died in childbirth leaving Francesca to be raised by her most impractical father. Shortly after leaving school at 18 Francesca's father dies leaving her totally alone in the world. At that dire moment a dashing young man comes to rescue her from a 'fate worst than death'. He turns out to be her half-cousin and has come to take her back to the family home in Italy. Once there Francesca finds herself embroiled in the Italian revolution, surrounded by anarchists, mercenary soldiers, spies, traitors and dashing romantic hero.

The novel has all the standard cliches of historical fiction and could have easily been just one of the numerous trashy examples of the genre well deserving the title of 'bodice ripper', but for the skillful hand of Michaels. The characters transcend the usual two dimensional character found in romances, the twists and turns of the plot are clever even though the reader will quite possibly solve at least some of the mysteries before the last few pages. The historical background is well researched and presented in an entertaining manner. It is, however, lacking the wry humor found in other works by this author (the Amelia Peabody and Vicky Bliss series).

For even an occasional reader of this type of fiction this one is a great find.

Trina Muller loves animals, and wants to be a veterinarin, but that would mean going way to college. Her parents and her church would never approve such a move. And she knows for sure Graham Ortman, the man she loves and wants to marry would never understand. She is working with Dr. Groening, the local vet, which only fans the flames of her desire to work with animals. Graham is furious with her. Doesn't she know that a woman's highest calling is to be a wife and a mother? How can she go against the teachings of the Old Order Mennonite? A strong story of love and commitment, of two young people trying to live their faith and still follow what they believe is God's plan for their lives.

BlessingsTrina wants to be a vet. She is Mennonite and does not have even a high school education. Her dreams threaten to break up her relationship with her boyfriend/future husband, her immediate family, and her fellowship (congregation). Can she convince them that becoming a vet will help the community?
Coincidently, I read this after reading Dear to Me by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Both deal with young women who want to be vets. Brunstetter writes of the Amish. Sawyer writes of the Mennonites. Besides that point, the books are completely different, especially the endings. If you have read one, go ahead and read the other.
I have read all of Sawyer's other books: Blessings, Bygones, and Beginnings. This is by far her best. I used to think of her as second to Brunstetter, the obvious benchmark in this niche. Sawyer has come into her own place. All of her books stand alone, but go buy them all. Sawyer is an author to watch!

I really enjoyed all 3 books in this series. They really keep you interested.

Beth and her husband are married and settled down, two year old twins light up Marie's home, and now Trina has an overpowering desire to become a veterinarian. Of course, this is frowned upon in the Mennonite community to which she belongs. Even the man she loves and plans to marry is against her decision. Can she succeed without them, or does she even want to?

She has to fight and claw her way each time she tries to advance her dream. Beth allows her to use her computer to begin, but when her family finds out, the dream is cut off--again.

Trina's father is so dyed in the wool Mennonite, he refuses to accept change, and certainly not having his daughter go away to college.

In spite of her fiance coming over to her side and the support of her mother and the religious leaders, Trina's dream is again shattered as an automobile accident seriously injures her husband to be.

Will she ever find her dream, or should she be content just to count her many blessings? A beautiful ending of this series. Thank you Kim.

A return to Sommerfield is like visiting old friends. And, if this is your first trip there, you will find yourself longing to stay.

Trina Miller loves her Old Order Mennonite heritage and her small hometown. She also has a deep love for animals and has always had an affinity for caring for them. After sitting up all night with an ailing horse and the local veterinarian affirming her expert care of the animal, Trina wonders if a career in veterinary medicine could be possible.

Her community has never allowed women to work or anyone to attend college. As she struggles with the rules of the community and the desires she is convinced God placed within her heart, she also faces heartbreak.

Graham Ortmann and Trina love each other and desire to be married. However, Graham cannot support her desire to have a career. After all, shouldn't a woman's only desire be that of wife and mother? Is there room in his faith for a change in his tradition?

Join Graham and Trina in their journey of faith and love and discernment of the plan of God. When tragedy strikes will it work to bring them together or tear them apart?

Kim Vogel Sawyer closes the Sommerfield Trilogy with a powerful story of faith and true love. You will love the characters and a part of you will long for the simple life and faith of the townspeople. You may, like me, wish to visit Sommerfield again. And, if you haven't read the other two books, read this one and go out and get the others.

Audrey Grant's books - like Introduction to Bridge are exceptional. They are best used in a bridge class/training session where an instructor can lead and help the student through the the basics of bridge learning. The value of Audrey Grant's books are that they present a system of bridge which has revolutionized modern bridge.

This is a great book for those interested in learning about Bridge. We are using it along with an instructor and it is great. Highly recommend it.

It makes sense. No cryptic assumptions by the author. Discussion of every possibility, how to react, AND WHY. One of the best "tutorials" i have read in my life.
I started to learn bridge with one friend teaching a group of three. Made no sense. I bought this book, got pulled into the chapters, and at our next practice, i was leading half the session and teaching everyone.

I've been considering returning to contract bridge after a 10 year hiatus and wanted to brush up on my bidding. I was looking for an intermediate/advanced overview of American Standard. This is a basic textbook obviously designed to be used in a classroom with a teacher. You will get basic bidding techniques and some recommendations on play. You won't get any conventions past Blackwood, Gerber or Stayman. Transfers, Unusual Notrump and the like aren't covered. If you're a beginner, this is a good starting point, though it would be best to use it with an instructor. If you're an intermediate or advanced player. Look elsewhere.

If you are new to bridge I highly recommend purchasing all four of Audrey Grant books in the ACBL Series... CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART AND SPADE. She is unquestionably the best bridge teacher for a novice. In layman's terms she is able to explain and unravel the mysteries of bridge. If you begin with the club book and progress through the series as they increase in difficulty... club, diamond, heart and spade you will be able to teach yourself how to become proficient in bridge painlessly. Her books are written in lesson formats... and they are used by many people who instruct bridge classes i.e. adult ed. Buy one... I'm sure you'll add the other three to your library. I also highly recommend her "Bridge at A Glance" pocket guide which is a quick synopsis of bidding and the appropriate respones thereof. I bought many bridge books before I stumbled upon Audrey Grant and wish I had found her books first! Good luck!

I met Lolly Anderson when she opened her home to law students of her alma mater to share the passion for life she expresses in this book. Single, 20 something and in law school can be overwhelming for a woman. Inspiration is much needed in my life, and this book gave me what I needed. Lolly's refuse to give up spirit that led her through most people's worst nightmares (cancer, divorce, bankruptcy)allowed me to appreciate each day. My friends and I even went and got the Statue of David on our fridge in hopes of finding a prince charming.

I am very impressed w/Lolly's book and plan to purchase many copies of it for my friends and family for Christmas! Her words are music to my ears and I want to tell everyone of her wonderful wisdom. I carry her book in my purse and take it out and re-read it b/c it is full of positive affirmations I can always use in my everyday life. I can relate to the heartaches life hands out (divorce, death, etc.) and still do my very best to maintain a healthy and happy attitude. Everyone needs to know they deserve to be happy in life and this book will do it! Well done Lolly! Please write another book b/c your viewpoint feels like home! Laurie R. Gillespie

Lolly's example is one of triumph beyond what our natural vision can bring and the reliance on the unseen goodness that awaits anyone who's willing to venture to that place of audacious wonderment. She had many "reasons" not to believe things would come to her or work out, but she held on to the dream and was not averted by fear, which can derail many dreams. This book will show you how to move through any situation and to create dreams that will allow you to live to your fullest potential. Thank you, Lolly! - Gina Rowsam

Lolly's zest for life, refusal to stay down when the hard times come, and her desire to go for what she wants until she gets it - or something better comes along! - entertained, inspired and left me reassessing my own aspirations and taking a look at what I needed to do besides just "sit and wish."

Charlotte Lankard, Oklahoma City

Lolly Anderson writes as she is, positive, uplifting, and always with an eye on the future. To most of us, the difficult times in her life would have been crippling, but Lolly always expects good to come from challenges. This is a book that gives you hope, and is a romping good read.

A very comprehensive book for those who are interested in using literature circles to boost their students' interest in reading and speaking skills. It can surely help you to gain a very good understanding of what literature circles are and the "tips" provided after the description of every lesson are quite helpful. However, the lessons described in the book are for first language learners and you will need make adaptations if you want to use the ideas with your EFL students.

If you are a teacher like me, or if you are forming a literature group, this book is an excellent resource. It will help you work with students to ensure that they have organized and productive literature cirlce discussions.

Excellent resource. Lots of great ideas, easily adaptable to various grade levels and abilities.

This book is a useful tool if you plan to introduce literature circles into your classroom. It is an easy read, something that one can use as a reference as well as a lesson-planning tool. The way the book is written and organized allows me to use the individual lesson plans with my own literature, whether using novels, short stories or poetry. Having never used literature circles before and being a little skeptical, I am very pleased with this book's ability to explain the benefit and realistic purpose of using them in a high school classroom. The authors have definitely done their research and answer all the questions teachers have regarding the reality of using these circles. I am convinced and am looking forward to implementing them in my own classroom.

The premise behind this book is great. I was hoping to have some instant lessons to use with my fourth grade students. While some of the lessons are adaptable to that age, the activities are really designed for high school classes.

The Rag Coat


The Rag Coat is a story about a young girl with hope who has always helped others and needs the favor returned. This story will have you counting your blessings. And the young girl is full of hope, and when you are done reading you will be too.

Detailed and colorful pictures are on every page you turn. For example, the cover with the coat shows how much details are in each fragment. This is a great story to read a loud in groups or just at home on the couch. It's especially on a cold winter night! The story makes you feel like someone is actually telling you. This book proves how hard times can bring people and families together. All of the quilting moms take time to help after the death of a loved person.
The Rag Coat is a great story to read aloud; as you flip through the pages, you see detailed and colorful pictures. This book proves how hard times bring people together. The main character Minna really brings the story to life!

I bought copies of this book for my two granddaughters and one for me too. That way we can read together over the phone. This story is so very special, well written with beautiful pictures. Both girls, ages 11 and 7 loved it, and so did grandma. This one is a keeper for sure!

I bought this book for my 6 year old son. We absolutely love this book. It is such a sweet story. It teaches an important lesson as well. If you want to teach your child to be compassionate towards others, then this story is a great way to begin.

Like some other reviewers, I cried as I read this book to my children. It is a touching tale of an 8 year old girl Minna who is coping with her father's death, trying to help her mom to overcome their poverty and dealing with humiliation of poverty. My daughter (8) said it is sad story with a happy ending - and it is true. The simple message "people only need people" stays in every heart long after you have finished reading the book.

Every library must have a copy of this book. It teaches children what is really important in life. People only need people and nothing else.

We purchased this book in addition to another one on the same subject.

Though both books were excellent and similar in content, this particular book had some different perspectives.

In fact, there are first hand accounts of many different scenarios that have happened to people in the "Lifestyle".

The book answers many of those doubts you have about whether this way of life is cut out for you and your spouse...the author pulls no punches and speaks from first hand experiences as well.

I highly recommend this book for those nagging questions in the back of your mind.

Although this book has been around a while, it is still a great book for beginners and those just curious about the Lifestyle. For those who are trying to determine whether they want to take the plunge and test the waters of swinging, it gives information about many of the important things to consider. This book is highly recommended for beginners, along with two more recent offerings, Swinging: Shared Pleasures Between the Covers and Doin One for the Team: Years in the Swinging Lifestyle. These three books will provide newbies with everything they need to know to decide whether swinging is right for them and if so, how to take the right approach that best suits their individual situation.

Learned alot of information on the Lifestyle. I thought I knew alot, but I only knew a small part of it. Even if you aren't thinking about actually getting into the liefstyle, it has a lot of information to open your mind to new things.

Excellent book, well put together and very informative. Covered all aspects of swinging that a beginner would need to make an informaed decision about the lifestyle. I personally enjoyed the personal stories touch. Thanks, Fred

This is a great book if you are considering entering the swinger lifestyle. Answers lots of questions and gives great advice. Gave me and my wife a different outlook. Very easy and quick to read. Very glad we bought.