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jolinsdell's reviews
400 reviews
The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances by Andy Andrews
5.0
When author Andy Andrews unearthed a rusted metal container filled with Nazi artefacts he began an investigation into the past that lead to a moving story about the power of forgiveness and being able to let go.
Josef Landermann’s uniform leaves Helen Mason with no doubt that his near lifeless body is that of a German sailor. Given that the country is in full scale commitment to WWII and as a recent widow of the war, Helen’s first instinct is to leave him there to die until something changes her mind.
A true story filled with many emotions including; depression, anger, fear, friendship and love. They must both deal with their pasts in order to create a future.
The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is simply excellence in word form. A wonderful blend of storytelling combined with real historical facts this book will appeal to many and would also make a great additional tool for history students studying WWII. It even includes a great readers guide divided into specific topics of interest with lots of ideas to spark discussions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Josef Landermann’s uniform leaves Helen Mason with no doubt that his near lifeless body is that of a German sailor. Given that the country is in full scale commitment to WWII and as a recent widow of the war, Helen’s first instinct is to leave him there to die until something changes her mind.
A true story filled with many emotions including; depression, anger, fear, friendship and love. They must both deal with their pasts in order to create a future.
The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews is simply excellence in word form. A wonderful blend of storytelling combined with real historical facts this book will appeal to many and would also make a great additional tool for history students studying WWII. It even includes a great readers guide divided into specific topics of interest with lots of ideas to spark discussions.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John C. Maxwell
2.0
In Everyone Communicates Few Connect, Internationally respected leadership expert and speaker, John C. Maxwell discusses how to communicate and connect with others in order to reach your potential.
In this book Maxwell offers his method of Five Principles and Five Practices, you can learn to connect one-on-one, in a group or with an audience.
Although Maxwell highlights the importance of concentrating on others and not just promoting or talking about yourself as being one of the major aspects of good communicating, the author almost constantly talks about his personal achievements through out the book and although in some cases these personal tales add to his argument, for the most part it just left me thinking how much he loves himself. Even to the extent that when he writes about his failures, it seemed that he was instead giving some kind of sales pitch to get more speaking engagements.
I also felt that the points raised in the book could each have been covered in much less pages. The quotes and examples given to back up each point were too many and quickly bored me.
That being said, the book did offer a few insights into more effective communicating that I hadn’t previously considered. The tips for preparing for talking to groups were particularly useful.
This book may be of interest of people studying communication or for those looking to improve their presenting skills.
In this book Maxwell offers his method of Five Principles and Five Practices, you can learn to connect one-on-one, in a group or with an audience.
Although Maxwell highlights the importance of concentrating on others and not just promoting or talking about yourself as being one of the major aspects of good communicating, the author almost constantly talks about his personal achievements through out the book and although in some cases these personal tales add to his argument, for the most part it just left me thinking how much he loves himself. Even to the extent that when he writes about his failures, it seemed that he was instead giving some kind of sales pitch to get more speaking engagements.
I also felt that the points raised in the book could each have been covered in much less pages. The quotes and examples given to back up each point were too many and quickly bored me.
That being said, the book did offer a few insights into more effective communicating that I hadn’t previously considered. The tips for preparing for talking to groups were particularly useful.
This book may be of interest of people studying communication or for those looking to improve their presenting skills.
Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall, Denver Moore
5.0
Same Kind of Different as Me is an inspirational, emotional and eye-opener of a read. An amazing story of a modern-day slave, an international art dealer and the women that bound them together and changed their lives.
The book is so well written I really felt I knew both men as I turned the pages. Their characters strong and moving as the tale unfolds. In several places I found myself with a lump in my throat and more than once was close to tears as events and feelings were described.
The photo’s included at the end really bring home the fact that what you’ve just read is in fact a true story and it’s message hits all the harder.
A real revelation of problems and prejudices that still exist today. It touches on prejudice, homelessness, sickness and suffering, forgiveness and faith. After reading this book you will no doubt question what you’re doing to help others and make the world a better place. You will probably also have questions related to faith and religion in general. The book includes an excellent readers guide to aid group discussions.
Although there is a strong religious presence in this book, I think that it’s other messages are just as strong and thought provoking, making it a worth while read for everyone, not just the Christian market. Same Kind of Different as Me is a truly noteworthy and significant book. I highly recommend.
The book is so well written I really felt I knew both men as I turned the pages. Their characters strong and moving as the tale unfolds. In several places I found myself with a lump in my throat and more than once was close to tears as events and feelings were described.
The photo’s included at the end really bring home the fact that what you’ve just read is in fact a true story and it’s message hits all the harder.
A real revelation of problems and prejudices that still exist today. It touches on prejudice, homelessness, sickness and suffering, forgiveness and faith. After reading this book you will no doubt question what you’re doing to help others and make the world a better place. You will probably also have questions related to faith and religion in general. The book includes an excellent readers guide to aid group discussions.
Although there is a strong religious presence in this book, I think that it’s other messages are just as strong and thought provoking, making it a worth while read for everyone, not just the Christian market. Same Kind of Different as Me is a truly noteworthy and significant book. I highly recommend.
The King's Christmas List by Eldon Johnson
4.0
The King’s Christmas List is a wonderful tale of a little girl called Emma and her dog shu-shu who enter into a magical world where they receive an invitation to attend the Kings birthday party on Christmas.
They take the King a cake they baked themselves but on the way meet a lady and her child and give it to them to stop them being hungry. As they continue their journey they meet a poor family with a small daughter who has lost her toy and Emma gives the girl her own teddy bear.
They arrive at the party and Emma is curious as to why everyone gives presents to each other but none to the King considering it’s his birthday. When she asks the King to explain the people she met on her journey appear at his side as angels and he explains to Emma that the greatest gift is one that comes from the heart. By giving gifts to those in need Emma had in fact given him the best present of all.
An excellent story for teaching children the real meaning of Christmas and a delight to read. Beautiful illustrations by Bonnie Leick accompany the story and really add to the feel of the book.
A wonderful Christmas book that all families can enjoy.
They take the King a cake they baked themselves but on the way meet a lady and her child and give it to them to stop them being hungry. As they continue their journey they meet a poor family with a small daughter who has lost her toy and Emma gives the girl her own teddy bear.
They arrive at the party and Emma is curious as to why everyone gives presents to each other but none to the King considering it’s his birthday. When she asks the King to explain the people she met on her journey appear at his side as angels and he explains to Emma that the greatest gift is one that comes from the heart. By giving gifts to those in need Emma had in fact given him the best present of all.
An excellent story for teaching children the real meaning of Christmas and a delight to read. Beautiful illustrations by Bonnie Leick accompany the story and really add to the feel of the book.
A wonderful Christmas book that all families can enjoy.
Little Shepherd by Cheryl C. Malandrinos
3.0
Little Shepherd is a short children’s book offering a new perspective on what happened the night Jesus Christ was born.
Cheryl Malandrinos tells the tale from the point of view of a five year old shepherd boy who whilst tending his first flock of sheep is visited by angels announcing the birth of Jesus. The boy, his father and the other shepherds following the angels instructions, go to see the baby.
Although hesitant at first to follow the others and leave his sheep unattended, the boy soon agrees that it is a night of miracles.
A nice story to teach this passage of scripture to young children.
The colourful pictures give children plenty to look at as they read the story. My only negative comment is that sometimes the pictures are so busy it makes it hard to read the type on top of them. For this reason maybe better as a ‘read to’ than a ‘read by themselves’.
Cheryl Malandrinos tells the tale from the point of view of a five year old shepherd boy who whilst tending his first flock of sheep is visited by angels announcing the birth of Jesus. The boy, his father and the other shepherds following the angels instructions, go to see the baby.
Although hesitant at first to follow the others and leave his sheep unattended, the boy soon agrees that it is a night of miracles.
A nice story to teach this passage of scripture to young children.
The colourful pictures give children plenty to look at as they read the story. My only negative comment is that sometimes the pictures are so busy it makes it hard to read the type on top of them. For this reason maybe better as a ‘read to’ than a ‘read by themselves’.
Sensitivity 101...The Search for Acceptance by Philip Nork
3.0
Philip Nork offers a diary into his adolescent life chronicling the lessons he learnt during his friendships and relationships through out the years. He creates a list of rules to follow regarding females and how to get them to like him.
As you read about his various experiences it’s hard to imagine him as being just a teenager at times. However it does underline how quickly adolescents begin their sexual lives and how many start for the wrong reasons.
Although as a women I have to agree with most points on his list, I find it hard to see many teenage boys wanting to be like him as he is described as being outcast and a bit of a nerd for the most part.
The book does give good advice and teaches tolerance for those who are different, be it because of sexual preference or physical appearance.
An excellent example of how children from broken families are affected by their parents divorce and the consequences it can have on their lives.
I think this book would be better for the parents to read than the children as I can’t see a teenager connecting with it, but can see it being of great aid to the parents both to help them realise how hard a break up can be on the children and to open their eyes about the sort of things their children may be experimenting with.
As you read about his various experiences it’s hard to imagine him as being just a teenager at times. However it does underline how quickly adolescents begin their sexual lives and how many start for the wrong reasons.
Although as a women I have to agree with most points on his list, I find it hard to see many teenage boys wanting to be like him as he is described as being outcast and a bit of a nerd for the most part.
The book does give good advice and teaches tolerance for those who are different, be it because of sexual preference or physical appearance.
An excellent example of how children from broken families are affected by their parents divorce and the consequences it can have on their lives.
I think this book would be better for the parents to read than the children as I can’t see a teenager connecting with it, but can see it being of great aid to the parents both to help them realise how hard a break up can be on the children and to open their eyes about the sort of things their children may be experimenting with.
On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes by Robert J. Morgan
3.0
On this day in Christian History is a collection of 365 short stories about Saints, Martyrs and Heroes. The author, Robert J. Morgan, describes it as "an armchair tour of the chronicles of Christianity in a devotional format".
Each story is told in bite size form covering just one page and includes a quote from a relevant passage of the Bible at the bottom for easy reference.
The stories, told on the date they occurred, are interesting and in some cases inspiring, in others amusing. A nice way to learn about Christian history without getting overwhelmed or preached at.
I particularly liked the story of Gregory the Great on September 3rd. A famous Roman who became the father of the medieval papacy, with all the good and bad that entailed.
There is an index of selected topics at the back of the book making it easy to find a story to match your topic of interest. To name a few; aging, friendship, loneliness, parenting, suffering and time management.
On this day in Christian History is ideal for people teaching about the church but also those interested in history as all the stories included contain verified facts. If you have an interest in religion but aren't quite sure where to start this is the ideal book for you.
Each story is told in bite size form covering just one page and includes a quote from a relevant passage of the Bible at the bottom for easy reference.
The stories, told on the date they occurred, are interesting and in some cases inspiring, in others amusing. A nice way to learn about Christian history without getting overwhelmed or preached at.
I particularly liked the story of Gregory the Great on September 3rd. A famous Roman who became the father of the medieval papacy, with all the good and bad that entailed.
There is an index of selected topics at the back of the book making it easy to find a story to match your topic of interest. To name a few; aging, friendship, loneliness, parenting, suffering and time management.
On this day in Christian History is ideal for people teaching about the church but also those interested in history as all the stories included contain verified facts. If you have an interest in religion but aren't quite sure where to start this is the ideal book for you.
Ellen's Tale being the first part of the Sefuty Chronicles by Alberta Ross
4.0
Title: Ellen's Tale
Author: Alberta Ross
Publisher: Eilio Books
ISBN: 978-1844-26726-2
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
In Ellen's Tale, Alberta Ross gives us an historical romance set in the future. She alternates between two main love stories occurring in different time periods.
Ellen's Tale makes for almost scary reading as the descriptions of climate change, child soldiers, landmines and genetic engineering that lead to mass death, disasters and despair, ring all to true to current events seen in the news.
Alberta Ross creates her own vision of how the world will become and the steps that will be needed to be taken to save humanity over the years showing a real ease in world building and scene setting. This is one book that will leave you thinking about where our world is heading.
The main love story is between Ellen, a girl from the cities and Bix, a rider who was genetically modified as a child to fight. Their story has many twists and turns and the road to their happily ever after effects all mankind.
The other love story that grows through out the book is that between Maia, a young researcher and Ris, an expert on Ellen (who lived 50 years previously).
A thought provoking and entertaining read that will have you cheering for the characters right from the beginning. In my opinion, a book well worth reading.
Author: Alberta Ross
Publisher: Eilio Books
ISBN: 978-1844-26726-2
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
In Ellen's Tale, Alberta Ross gives us an historical romance set in the future. She alternates between two main love stories occurring in different time periods.
Ellen's Tale makes for almost scary reading as the descriptions of climate change, child soldiers, landmines and genetic engineering that lead to mass death, disasters and despair, ring all to true to current events seen in the news.
Alberta Ross creates her own vision of how the world will become and the steps that will be needed to be taken to save humanity over the years showing a real ease in world building and scene setting. This is one book that will leave you thinking about where our world is heading.
The main love story is between Ellen, a girl from the cities and Bix, a rider who was genetically modified as a child to fight. Their story has many twists and turns and the road to their happily ever after effects all mankind.
The other love story that grows through out the book is that between Maia, a young researcher and Ris, an expert on Ellen (who lived 50 years previously).
A thought provoking and entertaining read that will have you cheering for the characters right from the beginning. In my opinion, a book well worth reading.
An Amish Love: Three Amish Novellas by Kathleen Fuller, Beth Wiseman, Kelly Long
4.0
Title: An Amish Love
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-59554-875-7
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
An Amish Love is a collection of three Amish novellas. Each story is well written and clearly shows the Amish way of life and beliefs.
In the first tale, A marriage of the heart, author Kelly Long takes us into the lives of Abigail Kauffman and Joesph Lambert. Abigail is a young woman trying to escape from living with her father. Joesph is a newcomer to the community wanting to be accepted. The two suddenly find themselves married to each other and start a journey to discover life-long love.
The second tale, What the heart sees by Kathleen Fuller tells the story of Ellie Chupp, a girl who loses her sight in an accident and is shortly after left by her boyfriend. Strong and independent, Ellie is making the best of things but is haunted by the past. Christopher Miller has returned home five years after the tragedy that broke his heart and struggles to forgive and make peace. Sparks fly between the two allowing them both to see things with new eyes.
The final tale is Healing hearts by Beth Wiseman. Naumann Lapp left his home and family to find himself. Levina, his wife, managed without him but now Naumann has come home and must regain the trust and respect of his wife and rebuild family ties. It would seem that all things happen for a reason.
All three novella are good reads that will keep you turning the pages. My personal favourite was 'What the heart sees' by Kathleen Fuller but I enjoyed the others too.
Each one teaches about a different aspect of relationships and making love work. Be it trust or nurturing your relationship.
At the back of the book you'll find a reading group guide and some of the Amish recipes used in the stories. It's worth getting the book just to know how to make the syrupy pancake bake ;)
Authors: Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-59554-875-7
Reviewed by Jo Linsdell
An Amish Love is a collection of three Amish novellas. Each story is well written and clearly shows the Amish way of life and beliefs.
In the first tale, A marriage of the heart, author Kelly Long takes us into the lives of Abigail Kauffman and Joesph Lambert. Abigail is a young woman trying to escape from living with her father. Joesph is a newcomer to the community wanting to be accepted. The two suddenly find themselves married to each other and start a journey to discover life-long love.
The second tale, What the heart sees by Kathleen Fuller tells the story of Ellie Chupp, a girl who loses her sight in an accident and is shortly after left by her boyfriend. Strong and independent, Ellie is making the best of things but is haunted by the past. Christopher Miller has returned home five years after the tragedy that broke his heart and struggles to forgive and make peace. Sparks fly between the two allowing them both to see things with new eyes.
The final tale is Healing hearts by Beth Wiseman. Naumann Lapp left his home and family to find himself. Levina, his wife, managed without him but now Naumann has come home and must regain the trust and respect of his wife and rebuild family ties. It would seem that all things happen for a reason.
All three novella are good reads that will keep you turning the pages. My personal favourite was 'What the heart sees' by Kathleen Fuller but I enjoyed the others too.
Each one teaches about a different aspect of relationships and making love work. Be it trust or nurturing your relationship.
At the back of the book you'll find a reading group guide and some of the Amish recipes used in the stories. It's worth getting the book just to know how to make the syrupy pancake bake ;)
Secrets by Freya North
5.0
Secrets by Freya North is a page turning romance set in Saltburn-by-the-sea in the UK. If you like chick-lit, you'll love this.
Joe has a great house, great job and no committments and he likes it like that. Tess is a troubled young mum that falls into the life of Joe and changes it forever. Each has a secret past but sparks fly every time they meet.
Life as a single mum is hard but Tess does a great job raising her daughter and manages to create a new life for them. Joe trys to ignore his growing feelings and continue with his life of easy sex and no ties but as Tess and he send more time together their feelings for each other grow.
Secrets is a great read. I just couldn't put it down! Although this is the first book I've read by Freya North it won't be the last. She has me hooked!
Joe has a great house, great job and no committments and he likes it like that. Tess is a troubled young mum that falls into the life of Joe and changes it forever. Each has a secret past but sparks fly every time they meet.
Life as a single mum is hard but Tess does a great job raising her daughter and manages to create a new life for them. Joe trys to ignore his growing feelings and continue with his life of easy sex and no ties but as Tess and he send more time together their feelings for each other grow.
Secrets is a great read. I just couldn't put it down! Although this is the first book I've read by Freya North it won't be the last. She has me hooked!