Passion and Hope for the Future
924484
The Portable Private Banker (PPB) by Dr. David Costa was shipped to me in Kazakhstan where I live and work. I was initially reluctant reading it but once I made up my mind to spend some time to go through the book, it became very difficult to stop.

I was not previously exposed to actively managed funds and exchange traded funds, but Dr. Costa made it so easy and simple to comprehend. He has included practical examples and several references to follow-up on personal asset allocation and portfolio management.

I appreciate the passion and hope for the future presented by Dr. Costa. It is evident that Dr. Costa wants to see people make the best financial decisions and be financially free.

This book is a must-read and I strongly recommend it both to those who already have good knowledge of investments and those who are struggling with managing their money.

Dr. Costa through the PPB has put in my hands the key to unlocking great financial treasures. I can only wish that this book would soon be marketed in Nigeria to help several people who have their monies under 'mattresses and pillows' for fear of losing their hard-earned funds.

Very well done Dr. Costa.

Otonye Daka
1450436
A refreshing and quick read that left me wanting more! Phillips offers a unique perspective of a carefully crafted and hopeful future. Diving into the metropolis of Paris in 2050, Phillips shares the internal struggles of a young American women, Ruby, as she finds her way in this new cultural landscape. Highlighting Rubys journey, I found a connection with her struggles, passions, and love despite our dramatically different worlds. I quickly devoured this 90 page novella and cant wait to read more from Jordan Phillips!
1540862
I was delighted to read the deep thoughts and awesome imagination of Chase Gielda---I read it from page to page....from beginning to end.  We want more!  Congratulations to THE PATH for bringing it to your readers.  It is encouraging and hopeful as we look to the future of our English creative writers and poets!
3163979
A beautiful story of inspiration and hope!  This book is such a great triumph on the human spirit and the Will to carry on!  John's story will help parents, friends, coaches, and teachers work together and find the little everyday triumphs are those that matter most.
2850928
Wanting is a heartwarming story of hope and love. It's a tale of two very different people from opposite sides of the tracks who fall in love and attempt to build a bridge between their worlds.

Mac is a noble hero intent on protecting and helping Mandy even when it means setting his own needs aside. Mandy with her scars makes an interesting heroine, one who grows throughout the story. Her commitment to her siblings is admirable. She's a hard worker with a tough background who doubts Mac's intentions at first. With time and patience, Mac slowly breaks down her walls and learns about her troubled past. While helping her to cope with the scars of her childhood, he eases his way into Mandy's world while introducing her to his.

Although it deals with a difficult subject in terms of Mandy's past, Wanting is a touching novel about the good in people and what they can accomplish in spite of pain and hardship. If you are looking for a quick, engaging read with a good story, I highly recommend this book.
3533484
This book shows us that what could have been can possibly be again. It gave me hope that America can move forward, and provide a voice for ALL its citizens. Benjamin is an amazing writer. Page one brought emotion and some amount of tears ... not too many authors can do that before you turn the first page.

The book is an easy read ... it flows nicely.

At a time when so many feel hopeless in America, this book helps us hold up our heads, raise our fists in solidarity, and say "hell, yes ... we can overcome ... we can persevere ... we can survive!"

Thank you, Benjamin, for giving one reader a bit of hope in what often feels like a hopeless time.
2941312
Love this book with visions and dreams of heaven and Jesus life, plus trials we will face in the near future.
1505578
Hope.

Such a wonderful and fragile thing.  When we are young, we hope for a bike for Christmas, or a puppy for our birthday.  That that cute boy or girl will notice us.  We hope to get into a good school.  That we get a great great job and a hot car.

We hope for love.  For that special someone to be ours.

And sometimes, we just hope that this time it will be real.  That we don't get our heart broken.  That we have one more try in us...

James is a forty something year old professor at a community college in California.  Betrayed by his partner on the East Coast, he has moved out West for a new start.  Three years later, he and Marlowe, his Boston Terrier, have each other, and that's enough.

Raphael is a late twenties blue collar Hispanic guy who looks like an underwear model.  Unlucky in love, he stays one foot in the closet to make his Catholic family happy.  He plays tough guy, but his heart is a tender one.

When Raphael's friend, who just happens to be in James' class, sets them up, will sparks fly or will the past hurts and the age difference keep these two apart?

This book is, at heart, all about hope.  James' hope that life hasn't passed him by.  That forty doesn't mean the end.  That his lying cheating ex didn't kill that spark in him, that fragile hopeful heartbeat of romance and love.  And Raphael's hope that someone will take a chance on him and not make him choose love over his family.  That being Hispanic working class doesn't mean unlovable.  That his fragile painful hope that James will put his heart on the line with him and not leave him hanging out there alone isn't in vain.

"Well, sometimes small dreams had grandeur, he thought with dignity.  Sometimes, the small dreams were all a person needed to live."

God, Amy Lane gets it so right.

These two men dare to dream small, but hope bigger.  And, thank God, sometimes dreams come true and hopes are answered.

Because when I read this fine, fine book, my hopes were given given wings.  Hopes that romance can conquer fear, that love doesn't quit being possible at 40 (or even 50), that there are still men out there who have the balls to say things like "I get laid plenty, baby.  I don't remember ever being asked to sleep.  There's different kinds of loneliness, Jimmy." and mean it.

So, thank you, Ms. Lane, for writing a beautiful love song to hope.

Tom
4964196
Pearl Purino takes us on a journey that gives hope to the fact that if we follow our goals and dreams that love and happiness comes to those who are patient.  She does a great job of describing the Philippines and the culture there.  I am excited to see how this story continues in her sequels.
512326
I just loved it! I wish we as loving humans had the passion and time to do the things that the people in the book do. Education is the key. We all must try to get the point across to adopt. It then would be a wonderful world. Kodoos to the ones who spend their life to speak for the ones who can't. This is  must read
2839484
Fierce: "Showing a heartfelt and powerful intensity." (Oxford online Dictionary). This sums up the emotions and feelings that are Hope Sinclair and Hemi Te Mana, with Rosalind James, author of this book, telling their story in her wonderful and unique writing style.

I must admit, I first thought oh no, not another billionaire book, but as is her way, Ms James draws you in, leaving you eager to discover these characters, their interactions, their lives, their past and what makes them tick.

Hope Sinclair is a struggling photographer's assistant when she meets Hemi Te Mana, CEO of his own very, very successful business and all kiwi alpha male! Sounds good in theory, but of course Mr Te Mana has his own issues in life, and his own agenda, as does Hope. Sole provider and caregiver of her 15 year old sister, Karen, Hope struggles to give Karen the best upbringing she can while living in the busy world that is New York City. Sparks fly between the two at this first meeting ( the photo shoot of Te Mana menswear line) but the real chemistry is evident when Hope lands a job at Te Mana, which is of course Hemi's company!

Hemi is a complex man, full of a desire to succeed, but as we get to know him, layer upon layer is revealed and we discover the real Hemi. It is here that Ms James writes about New Zealand, the old legends, the laid back lifestyle, the importance of love and family and this is the Hemi we all fall a bit in love with!

Hope, we learn, is a strong woman, who has a strong sense of loyalty and is very passionate. Her life is her sister, and all she does she does it for Karen, to give her love, education and a caring home. I enjoyed getting to know Hope, seeing her flirty and fun side and her strong desire to also make a success of her life.

Fierce is a well-written story, it made me laugh, made me smile and pulled on the heartstrings once or twice too! If you like steamy romance, Fierce is the book for you and I look forward to discovering more of this series as the books are released. thanks Rosalind James for another fantastic book!
3560973
This is a great story of faith and courage.  It will be enjoyed by middle school children experiencing the exhilaration and angst of pre-adolescence and adults, still young at heart, who appreciate the endless possibilities and wonder that a life filled with imagination can bring.  It is an inspiring story of faith, tenacity and the enduring quest we each experience to discover our true selves.

We follow the story of Michael Henry, a young man who sets out on a journey of self-discovery.  He is an adopted child who learns that his birth parents are royalty from a magic land.  It is a universal fantasy shared by many children.  Which one of us, as children, hasn't entertained the notion that the adults we live with are wasting our time with homework and chores while our "real" parents await us in a land far away filled with a life of wonder, adventure and endless fun?

Michael Henry discovers much about this world of fantasy but he learns much more about himself and that the power of love, faith, honor and an indomitable spirit can heal and transform the body and hearts of all who are willing to believe and can imagine the impossible.

I highly recommend this book; it teaches the young that they already possess the unique abilities and extraordinary powers within to accomplish their goals.  It reminds adults that our greatest power lies in our ability to imagine a better world and our willingness to achieve it. I look forward to many more adventures in "The Land of Whoo".
1537097
Inspiringly optimistic. The world is becoming a better place.
678509
I really enjoyed the author's passion and commitment to achieve his dreams. I really appreciate his willingness to share his personal struggles and challenging childhood.  It was raw and honest, and it drew me in right away.  I recommend reading this book, especially if you love musicians.
2225284
I read this book during the end of my Mother's life and could relate to much of the what the author was going through. Wanting to find my way in the world as a creative adult who no longer felt that the choices I had made where done to please my parents was one of them. It's a good story filled with passion, self-questioning and bold leaps of faith that she hopes will lead to happiness and fulfillment. When the universe deals us a blow we are challenged in ways we may not have been otherwise and those incidents may push us towards what we are longing for.
577812
Although I'm an avid reader of various genre I rarely write reviews. I have decided to write a review of this book because I enjoyed it on so many levels that others could benefit from knowing about. Especially in light of our political circumstances we find ourselves in. This book has much to enjoy, learn from and to think about. It demonstrates the contribution of the immigrant population to the growth, prosperity and opportunities found in this country. Along with that the determination, persistence and love of this country the individuals that came to this country brought with them. I enjoyed the development of the characters in this book. The author speaks to their youth, dreams and hopes, and you get to know them as they mature and accomplish their goals. I loved how realistic the circumstances were and learned so much about the struggles of those that came before us. I would have enjoyed learning more about the fire at the shirtwaist factory, (how and why) but I think that is another topic about the growth of the labor unions in early NY. Likely more information would have distracted from the story as a whole.
This is a book about love, determination, loss, forgiveness, hopes and dreams. It speaks to what it takes for individuals to overcome obstacles, but also of joining forces and working toward a brighter future for the country.
An easy read that kept me interested and eager to return to reading the book.
1503546
A gripping adventure, that I couldn't wait to get back to. The theme is extremely uplifting, and will leave you with amazing sense of hope that speaks in to the depths of your soul. Be prepared to have an unequalled desire to want to explore deeper the meaning of life and being in a closer relationship with our maker.