Another gem from Marianne Williamson
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I always look forward to Marianne's latest book. This one does not disappoint.
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this is a well-written, and poetic book . Marianne truly inspires us to believe that the best is yet to come.  She highlights the value of aging and wisdom.  something that is lacking in the American culture, but present in other cultures.  I found this book captivating and charming.
Dr. JB
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Roz Warren's books are always a hoot. I follow her on Facebook and read her essays on Purple Clover and in the Chestnut Hill Local. She is a  treasure of wisdom and laughs. Perfect Sunday morning: her book with coffee--far more appealing than the newspaper these days.
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Once again Susan May Warren has proven to me why she remains in the top five of my favorite authors list  and those five authors are actually probably all tied for first place. I just cant choose one over the others. That being said, Always On My Mind may have been one of the most difficult yet inspiring plots I have encountered in quite some time.

Casper Christiansen ran to Honduras after learning the woman he loved had also been involved with his brother. Hoping to unearth buried treasure and make a name for himself, Casper not only failed at that but also failed to forget the lovely Raina. Realizing that he still loved her, Casper returned home to tell Raina how he felt but found her pregnant with another mans child. When Raina refuses to consider Caspars help, he retreats to the family resort where he attempts to help his brother with the upkeep while working at a job in town that bores him. Raina wants to do the right thing but is confused about what is really best for her. As they frequently find themselves in each others company, she and Casper begin to rebuild their friendship but can it ever develop into what Casper dreams?

Always On My Mind is an emotional and sometimes convoluted story that made me want to talk some sense into Raina more than once. It was so easy to see that the other guy she dated was not a good person and all wrong for her. I loved reading more about Darek and his family as his own struggles also formed an integral part of this story. A central theme of the book was how Casper, Darek, and Raina each felt they had something to prove yet all they really needed was to find their worth from the Lord.

I know my review is probably superficial but I am finding it difficult to fully express my feelings as I read it. It is a story that really delves into the inner conflicts of several characters and encourages the reader to look at herself in the same manner. Contemplating the valuable lessons hidden within a wonderful novel could very well lead to a bit of our own restoration. I highly recommend this novel as well as anything and everything Susan May Warren has written.

This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
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Jane Carrolls Bertha is a wonderful, outrageous character with her wild outfits and shoes and wisdom. Ive read a few personal enrichment books, but what a great way to express the concepts of gratitude and the law of attractiona bite at a time, an anecdote at a time. I really loved this book and Im looking forward to more Bertha, more flouncy boas, and more joy!
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Elizabeth Craig writes her stories with such descriptive process that makes you, the reader, feel as if you are actually there in every scene.
Myrtle Clover, the main character, can be easily described by many of us "retired folk" in so many mannerisms.
As a senior citizen myself, I can easily relate to her insomnia. She allows you to get to know Myrtle and her family and her neighbors and this is a wonderful technique carried out by this talented author.
Elizabeth Craig's books are constantly amusing with light humor while she continues to allow the reader the opportunity
in letting you know all of Myrtle Clover's suspects' personal characteristics before hand and throughout
her story line. You think you know "who done it" but Ms. Craig surprises you in the end.  As a christian artist, I recommend you, the public, in reading this cozy book and so many more of hers.  Elizabeth Craig' books are written in a respectful manner and in good taste.
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SOMETHING ABOUT NOTHING is a delightful and thought provoking book based on author Julie Seedorfs column by the same name.

I love her idea that underneath all the nothings we talk about  there is something much deeper needing to be said. Its so very true. We automatically answer fine or pretty good, or we expect others to answer the same. But what are we really thing? Feeling?

With chapters titled Wrinkly Crinkly, Ugly Shoes, Im A Shorty, and Me? A Whimp?, just to name a few, I found myself lost in her words over and over again. It was as though author Seedorf had written this book (her column) based on my life. Im sure youll find yourself on these wonderful pages too.

Treat yourself to this fun, thoughtful, and insightful book today. And pick up a copy or two for loved ones. Buy A Friend A Book Day is August 31. SOMETHING ABOUT NOTHING will make a perfect gift for that or any day!

Julie Seedorf is also the author of the hysterically funny, Fuchsia Minnesota Mystery series, and the Granny Is In Trouble Childrens Mystery series. She is also part of the We Go On: Charity Anthology for Veterans.

I have no doubt youll adore her books. I sure do!
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Marilynne Robinson is well known as a beautiful and spare writer of prose and she does not disappoint with Lila.  Having read her other novels (Housekeeping, Gilead, Home) she continues her themes of serial abandonment, loneliness, and our complicated interior worlds with this novel, which predates the others in her timeline.  Her exploration, or return to, what she considers the original protestant teachings is thought-provoking (particularly for this atheist reviewer) as she imparts gentleness, clarity of vision, and dignity to her characters.  Lila is a haunting novel: how do we survive in this world? How do we treat others? How do we form lasting relationships? Communicate our true thoughts? Lastly, I think it is important to read about women who are not generally the main characters of first rate novels: poor, uneducated, with little advantage in life other than their own wits.
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This book does not disappoint. Having had the privilege of sitting in on one of Angela Hunt's classes at Mount Hermon, there's no question she has an amazing gift for teaching. After reading Track Down the Weasel Words, I intend to purchase the rest of her books as well.
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i look forward with delight to each new book by McCall Smith  i actually brew a pot of red bush tea and visit with Mma Ramotswe, who is a most delightful friend.  i am inspired by her wisdom, good humor and loving nature. The experience always seems too brief and I am left hoping for a quick return visit.  I often feel a sense of longing for the world she inhabits, but realize that I can recreate much of what she represents just by trying to incorporate her example into my own space and time.  My gratitude to the author who offers such insightful commentary on modern life and its disappointments but leaves you with a model for living an  ethical, satisfying life in spite of them.
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This is the story about Rebecca Davitch who at 53 wonders if her life has all been in error. The narrative revloves around the large Davitch family with all the jealousy,quarrels that make up families. From the onset you are drawn into the heart of this family and will either love them or find them quite tedious. Initially you are certain you will never keep the girls seperate with their peculiar names of Biddy,Patch,NoNo and Min-Foo. They are given such depth and dimension that you quickly know them as individuals with distinct and quirky personalities. Beck's thoughts about her present and her past make her so alive that we can almost feel at one with her. The other characters: Great Uncle Poppy, Beck's small town mother,Aunt Ida and her old beau Will Allenby are so well-developed you feel you also know them personally. The various assorted children also contribute greatly to this story. The plot revolves greatly around the family gatherings and food seems to play a large part in the book. Anne Tyler has captured all the factors at play in a large family so well. It is a thoroughly delightful, enjoyable book.
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I found Rowena Williamson's MacGregor's Odyssey (Castle Caorann's People) intriguing based on its historical setting (18th century Scotland) so I took a chance on a Kindle download. I was not disappointed. Williamson's deep knowledge of her period and mastery of storytelling and character development remind me of the masters of YA historical fiction of earlier generations, such as Rosemary Sutcliffe and Henry Treece. Highly recommended!
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Connie Brockway delivers once again! "No Place For a Dame" is another one of her well-researched, well-written and delightfully charming novels where the heroine (possibly a long-ago relation to the amazing Mrs. Brockway) matches wits and guile with men who are hopelessly out-classed and under-armed (although they don't know it at the time). The historical setting is meticulously detailed; the period-specific drama is brought to life wonderfully; and the characters shine brightly throughout this book. I could not put it down, and had a smile on my face for most of the read. Connie Brockway does not disappoint!
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TRUTH/LOVE is ALWAYS recognizable and real,  Marianne Williamson presents Truth/LOVE in all her works. In an all to ready world, work place, school, home, or church, etc. that is ready to pounce on our every mistake, Iluminata, A Return to Prayer brings us back to the reality of TRUTH/LOVE. Marianne is truly a visionary, teacher and leader. Iluminata is a book that will refresh and renew you at any point in your day. Thank you Marianne for this blessed gift.
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Hysterical Love is the second work I've read from Lorraine Devon Wilke and there was no fall/off from the splendid quality of her earlier novel.  Wilke's forte is presenting contemporary life and relationships, particularly family relationships, with a sure and knowing touch.  Families hold secrets and that is what simmers beneath the surface of this narrative, told briskly and skillfully.  In the traditional sense, Hysterical Love is in the genre of romantic comedy.  Such work is difficult to present and maintain but Wilke does so by engaging the reader with the immediate concerns and motivations of the characters while servicing a back story that provides dramatic tension and intrigue.  Also, the particular world and setting ring true and are delivered with the unfaltering sense that Wilke is thoroughly grounded in her subject matter.  Both works I've read of hers stand strongly as novels but would also easily lend themselves to screen adaptations.  All of the elements of Hysterical Love are vivid and colorful.  Congratulations to Wilke for pulling off a challenging work with a deceptive sense of ease.
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This book is nothing short of delightful, insightful and occasionally wrenching.  Featuring characters who range from nuns to diabetic designers to IRA terrorists, Tracy's stories opens up worlds as mundane as your kitchen and as exotic as the eponymous nursing home in a way that makes you want to travel with her everywhere she goes.  Nothing escapes her eye, her wit or her unique way with words.  Her effervescence is infectious (a sentence she is way too grounded ever to write).  Her musicality makes the images leap off the page, into your ears and your heart.  You will eat this book up and want more!!
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It is my opinion that Marianne Williamson has again very masterfully used the teachings of the Divine Christ mind to serve her very corrupt monetary driven human oriented goals.  Yes, the teachings of A Course in Miracles can be distorted, denied and used to serve any human earth bound directed convoluted denial of the Christ teaching of Love and total forgiveness but this is the antithesis of its intention and true direction.  Marianne Williamson Wake up!  Use this Christmas season to change your mind, to literally be Born Again and recognize the Christ in your brother and in yourself.  The Christ that recognizes that there is no pain sickness or death because there is no world.  The Christ mind that is judgement free.  Let the miracle, the true miracle that the A Course in Miracles can reveal to you through your mind and then write something that is worthy of the perfection of your soul heart and mind..