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May 2006

This contest period's winner was jharden@aol.com, who received a copy of WHERE MERCY FLOWS by Karen Harter.

Donna
A Unique Bunny by D'Maria Scaglione
Rating: 5 Stars
A UNIQUE BUNNY is a children's book that takes the reader on a journey with Beautiful Dreamer, who is a disabled bunny. She is different than the other bunnies and learns about love, forgiveness, and random acts of kindness by finding some other misfists in a forbidden forest. The author does her own illustrations. The book is about 65 pages. It can be a read to or from the ages 8 and up. Adults love this book as well. It makes one feel as though they are not alone in the world and can rise above their circumstances.

Linda
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Rating: 5 Stars
John Grogan's MARLEY & ME is a must for any dog lover. It traces the first days of the life of golden lab Marley, throughout his entire life. The dog is quite a handful, chewing through an assortment of leashes, furniture, and various other household items, in addition to having a great fear of thunderstorms. Marley, though, could be surprising and behave in his best manner if he sensed a situation that warranted him doing so. As a dog lover, I picked this book up with high hopes, and finished it within 24 hours. I highly recommend this book to any person who loves dogs, and be expected to laugh and cry throughout it.

Ruth
5-Minute Retreats for Women by Sue Augustine
Rating: 4 Stars
It's important for a woman to take some time for herself in order to be available for everyone else in her life.

Ruth
Attitude 101 by John C. Maxwell
Rating: 3 Stars
This is a good book for young people to read because attitude is an important part of all aspects of life.

Ruth
Success One Day at a Time by John C. Maxwell
Rating: 3 Stars
This collection of inspiration and wisdom would make a good graduation gift.

Ruth
Heart Earth: A Memoir by Ivan Doig
Rating: 2 Stars
This memoir covers the author's childhood years before his mother dies. He paints a vivid picture of the rugged conditions in which they lived.

Ruth
The Spiral Staircase by Karen Armstrong
Rating: 3 Stars
The author covers the years following her departure from the convent as she struggles with health issues, her pursuit of a scholarly life and her changing feelings about religion and faith.

MLS
Always Green by Patti Hill
Rating: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book! Mibby, the heroine of the story, is a gal after my heart. Patti Hill is excellent at character development and her description of the landscape and gardening. I actually felt the hot sun on my head as Mibby worked hard weeding and landscaping for her clients. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series (The Garden Gates Series).

Becky Speer
Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston
Rating: 5 Stars
Mr. Blackston's "Forrest Gump" approach to the Gospel presentation was most appealing. So many times Christians are viewed as hell, fire and brimstone Bible thumping, holier than thou, snobs. It was refeashing to see real, whacky people who loved Jesus and exhibited his love in a simple straightforward way. What a FUN book to read!

Debbie (Love2shoppp@hotmail.com)
Passenger's Side - Putting Jesus Christ in Charge by John Michael Forosisky
Rating: 5 Stars
After seeing a "Word of mouth" review of Passenger's Side last month, I decided to read it. This book is just amazing. It's an eye opener, to say the least. I didn't even realize that I have been managing my own life, when Christ is available to be in charge of everything for me. This book showed me how to give it all to the Lord, and now I am feeling better than I have felt in years! I am so happy I found this book on. You must read this one.

Betty in Oregon (mlapp@aracnet.com)
The Virginian by Owen Wister and Max Evans
Rating: 5 Stars
First published in 1902, I chose to read this historical fiction book because we are planning a trip to Buffalo, Wyoming in May of this year. Part of this book was writen while the author was staying at The Occidental Hotel in Buffalo. We will be staying in Buffalo for 7 days and plan to tour The Occidental, which has been restored. I enjoy reading fiction that has to do with the places we visit. It kind of gives me a new perspective on the history and geography of the area.

Linda.H.
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Rating: 5 Stars
One of the most touching and entertaining books I've read in a while. I couldn't put the book down. John Grogan details and describes his pet's behavior so well and in such a descriptive and funny manner that you can literally envision Marley doing this and doing that, as if he were running around or playing right by you. I will no doubt read this book again. I finished the book feeling that Marley was indeed the greatest dog ever, and that he had personally touched me in so many ways. Even if you don't own a dog, you're gauranteed a fanatastic read.

Linda.H.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Rating: 5 Stars
My first thought upon finishing this book was that it should be required reading. This is the most honest, detailed, thoughtful and wise book on death, grief and mourning that I have ever read. In fact, it is probably the only book on death, grief and mourning that I have ever read. Didion's magical writing style enhances the inherently compelling story. This book will stick with you long after you finish reading it.

LInda.H.
On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, David Kessler
Rating: 5 Stars
I found this book to be the best on this subject. I think it would help anyone who has suffered a loss. It spoke to my loss very keenly, but I felt it spoke to the concept of grief quite articulately and gave much-needed permission for grief on one's own terms. I am going to get a copy for my sister and I recommend it as a condolence offering or for anyone who has lost a loved one.

Jessie (jharden@aol.com)
On A Wing and A Prayer by Katherine Valentine
Rating: 5 Stars
If you're looking for a gentle read that takes you to a place where good neighbors and miracles still abound, you'll love this fourth installment of the "Dorsetville" series. Katherine Valentine possesses the unique gift of making her characters and setting reflect the homespun warmth of small town living. I never put down one of her books without wishing I could pack my bags and go live there.

Lauretta Huff
The Amen Sisters by Angela Benson
Rating: 5 Stars
An excellent story of failure, judgement, redemption, and release from shame. Other books by Angela Benson are ABIDING HOPE and AWAKENING MERCY.

Deena Peterson (thedeena63@hotmail.com)
The "Chronicles of the King" series by Lynn N. Austin
Rating: 5 Stars
You will never read I or II Kings the same way ever again!!

Mary J. Yerkes
Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Rating: 5 Stars
Outstanding book! One of the top five marriage books of all time, in my opinion.

Susanne Potter (sue.potter@hotmail.com)
Love Comes Softly series by Janette Oke
Rating: 5 Stars
I truly love these books because they are all such feel-good stories. I feel like every time I start a new one of the series, it's like visiting an old friend. I would love to own these so that I could reread them again. Oke's a wonderful author and I plan on reading more of her work.

Dorothy
The Sound of Us by Sarah Willis
Rating: 4 Stars
THE SOUND OF US has a couple of engaging characters, a realistic storyline, and good writing about foster parenting. Read this book about a middle-aged woman who answers the phone in the middle of the night, hears the voice of a small child left alone, and then becomes part of the life of this child and her mother.

Toni H.
The Zion Chronicles by Bodie Thoene
Rating: 4 Stars
A very interesting and historically correct series. It brings you to a clear understanding of the Muslim/Jewish/Christian similarities and animosities.