Christmas Books

I am on my second reading of this book. I have recommended this book to all my Electrical Flat Rate Service Contractors that I consult for. Regardless if you are in business or not, you must read this book. You too will pass it on, to all those that you care about!

Jim Kavallines
The Absolute Best Marketing Company LLC
jim@abscousa.com

Please make sure to have read Part I before or it would be like watching the Godfather part II before the Godfather.

Mr. Mandino is a very easy read, and the story is simple so you breeze through it in no time. Then the hard part now begins, because your mind can't ignore the priceless lessons shared by the author. You know he has been through the road before and you will find many of the examples apply to you in the now or in the past; the question is what you will do for your future. I like to read his books two or three times and then give it to a person who has not had a chance to read any of Mandino's books. In time, I will buy another copy and do the process again, we all get different messages but so far they have all been positive and enjoyable which is why I highly recommend not just this book but all of Og Mandino's marvelous novels.

I didn't think it was possible to outdo Part I... but it did... Parts I & II together is probably the greatest story ever told!!!

I never cease to be amazed at how simple this author makes it easy to improve a persons life.

Pray it Forward: Daily Meditations

What a special person! This is someone who changed peoples lives by what he wrote! He was a brilliant author and person. I believe Og Mandino will live forever in our hearts, minds and spirits! This book as well as anything he wrote would be very much worth your time to own in your library.

I absolutely love "The James Bond Lifestyle Seminar," but this audiobook fell short. The plot was decent, but nothing better than you'd expect based on the synopsis. The main character is supposed to be 33 years old, yet his voice sounds like an old man. He sounds very unsure of himself. Also, a lot more could have been done with the sound effects. They did not immerse me in the scenes, as another reviewer claimed.

Wow! My sister pointed me to this audio book and I couldn't believe my ears. I just relaxed on my bed to listen and was absolutely delighted with the movie-quality of the sound effects. Not only is this a masterful, well-written plot, it's also a quality production. The best I've heard.

And those stars that the magnificent author/director Paul Kyriazi lined up for this special version of his book!!! Well, all I can say is that I remember swooning each time I saw any of them on the big screen. (I hope my hubby doesn't read this.) But when I saw Rod Taylor--who narrates this story, with such a come-hither voice--starring in The Birds with that gorgeous Tippi Hedren, I almost fainted. Yes, he was that much of a hunk ... and still is, according to my sister!

Incidentally, people used to say I looked like Tippi. Ah-hhh, memories ... But getting back to this audio book, I loved it to pieces.

Keep up the excellent work, Mr. K. You're terrific, and almost as handsome as the great Rod! Ciao, baby ...

Mr Kyriazi's production of Hard Rock Lovers was just fantastic! I was on the edge of my seat on a daily basis! I put the audio book on my iPod and listened while I jogged. I gotta say it motivated me to get out there and I am so sad it is over! I cannot wait for his next Audio production!

The story is fantastic, gripping and sexy. I absolutely loved it!

Bravo!!!!

The "Hard Rock Lovers" audio book was not at all what I expected, but what a wonderful surprise! It's a twisted, tangled web of events played out by a handful of multi-leveled, intertwined characters. The story is well written, beautifully told and convincingly enacted centering on the heights of a successful rock star and the terrible costs that are paid when that success is abused. People and events are manipulated by all the characters to satisfy their own needs and agenda.


"Good" and "evil" are blurred. "Life" and "death" are blurred. Relationships are blurred, but the irony of fate is boldly presented and it's made abundantly clear that our "next" existence offers another chance to hopefully do better. The inevitability of change, the subtle and sometimes dramatic interrelationships between cause and effect as well as the ever-present, ever-looming scales of divine and poetic justice are persistent threads. A beautiful blending of drama and melodrama are used to develop both the story and the characters. The audio presentation is top-notch entertainment, particularly when you consider that all acting is accomplished solely through vocal artistry. The actors do a fantastic job of inviting the listener into their world and moving you effortlessly through the story.


I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. It is wonderful from start to finish and my congratulations go out to all involved. It's a winner on all levels.

From the moment Hard Rock Lovers comes on ... it takes you by the hand and mind, and immediately draws you into this intriquing story, narrated by the imcomparable Rod Taylor, of revenge, love, lust, cold reality and spiritual enlightenment.

Robert Culp kept me laughing with his perfect low-life agent performance, always the best! James Darren was the perfect rock star, mean, talented but sad, his performance was # 1. Ishtar Uhvana was great as Medusa, she added the sweetness to keep some reality in the rock world and her ending dialoque brought tears to my eyes. Loved Russ Tamblyn, George Chakiris was brilliant as the evil Reynaldo, and Nefta Perry as Connie played the perfect Rosie Perez.

The ending gives you hope and leaves you with happy feelings. You will want to play it again and again; it only gets better each time you listen.

Paul Kyriazi is my hero. I am his BIGGEST fan.

Thank you Paul for the fun and exciting adventure!

Kevin Sheehan has simplified the great qualities of important leaders and placed them in an entertaining text. A gift which I have passed on to my dearest friends, this book is both inspirational and educational. My highest recommendation.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

Recently, I went to pick up my 3.5 year old daughter at preschool. As I helped her pack up her lunch, she pulled me to the carpet and begged me to read her this book. I was intrigued by the triangular shape and as I began reading, 5 of her schoolmates sat down on top of or next to me to listen. They remained silent through the entire book (despite the melee of parents and kids bustling around us). I loved both the illustrations and the message. A week later, as I was kissing my daughter goodnight, she suddenly asked, "Mommy? Could you get me that book? The triangle one about the pine tree? I'd like to have it in my room to read." So here I am ordering it--and spreading the word about what a special book it is.

I read the book The Lonesome Pine by Jane West. This book is about a pine tree that wants to become a christmas tree but instead grows to be something greater. I enjoyed this book because the pictures were beautiful and the author brought the story to life..
The illustrations by Monique Luijan Bakerink were outstanding. She used light fluffy colors when the part of the book was happy. However, when a part of the book was intense, the illustrater would use dark and bold colors. The lush colors swirled through my head as I read the interesting text from this book.
The authors bitter and sweet text from this book brought the book to life. The verbs and adjectives really "spiced this book up."
I think that kids over four should have this book read to them even though this book has some words that are challenging. So remember, if you want to read a great book, read Jane West's The Lonesome Pine.

While the shape and beautiful illustrations immediately catch a child's eye, the theme of this book is just as much for adults --a la the more sophisticated of Dr. Seuss books. The life lesson of losing out on what you've trained for, worked for, and wanted so badly , but in the end finding where you really belong is lovingly presented by a Lonesome Pine quite literally put through the mill. How nice to say to a disappointed child who doesn't get picked for a team, audition, etc. "Remember the Lonesome Pine". What a gift to remember it myself. Our whole family enjoys this book and the CD as well.

I purchased The Lonesome Pine over the internet as it was recommended to me by a friend in the USA. My little daughter has many books but I have never seen anything as original or as inventive as The Lonesome Pine. What Disney did to cartoon fairytales, Ms West has done for children's books. It's the first time I have read a book to Jessie with such excitement in her (and my!) eyes. She was enthralled. It could be read on any level. We couldn't wait to turn the next page! This entertaining story would twist and turn and I had no idea how it was going to end. I have never written a review before, but I was so impressed I felt I had to. I only have one thing to say - Please bring the book to England!

My thanks to a thinking, feeling author who can take her little (and not so little )readers on a safe but emotional journey that lasts a lifetime. As one little reader said to me 'I can never give this book away because it really is my tree.'
I think I know how she felt.
It's a wonderful book, but where are the rest? I can't believe this is a one book only,(for children) author.

This is a fabulous, UNabridged version of A Christmas Carol. Jim Dale does fabulous voice characterizations, and really captures the mood of each scene. Just love it.

This was a great way to share the beauty of Dickens with students that are not quite ready to read it on their own.

The quintessential Christmas story read by Jim Dale with all the skill (and voices) with which he read the Harry Potter novels. Wonderful to listen to as you do your Christmas decorating or baking. I bought copies to give as gifts for several people this year.

Fabulous from beginning to end. Jim Dale's performance makes the characters in the book come to life. I highly recommend it.

Wonderful! In this busy time of year it's hard to find time to sit down long enough to read through the printed Dickens. Having an unabridged copy of A Christmas Carol in an audio format is a great treat. I managed to listen to it twice, once on my own while wrapping gifts and baking, and once with my kids.
Jim Dale, as usual reads it beautifully, embuing each character with it's own personality.

If you enjoy Anne Perry, you will love this little novella for
Christmas as I did. It is about hope and change. I think we
all want to see redemption and this little book delivers.

A Christmas Guest was a quick, engaging, and fun Christmas mystery. I found Grandmama to be somewhat of a prude, but endearing still the same. In addition to uncovering the mystery of Maude Barrington's death the story also provides some light humor and a good message. Although it is not your typical Christmas read, if you're alright with Victorian-type novels this is one worth checking out during the Christmas season.

Anne Perry presents readers with a neat puzzle in this holiday mystery in the classic tradition. Like the rest of Perry's books, this a a page turner, and it will hold your attention right up to the last page!

Also recommended:
Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices

A Christmas Beginning: A Novel

Item was sent very quickley and in excellent condition.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but this Anne Perry gem truly SHINES. No, it's not your average Christmas story with predictable, shopworn plot devices. But being atypical is what makes it so great. Anne always delivers a great story and this is NO expection!!!

I love her historical mysteries...she puts you right THERE...you're always cheering for the hero or heroine, and her villians are really despicable...And if you're looking for a complex character, you'll be fanscinated with "A Christmas Guest's" Grandma Ellison...

Another atypical holiday story I thoroughly enjoyed was : "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices" by John Allen. It's heartbreaking, it's inspiring...and if you hang till the astonishing climax, it's comforting...

This is a charming book that lends itself to anyone who has a love for Christmas. It is a lyrical narrative that sings, and dances! It's exciting and gentle. It's narration on CD furthers the enchantment of the movement and feelings of the characters (who can be any of us). The blend of beautiful emotions touched the very souls of my husband and children as we read the book, and listened to the narration on Christmas morning. It was enchanting, holy, lovely. The children read and listened to this story over and over. Actually, it brought tears of happiness to my husband and me. It will be a Christmas tradition in our home each year.

You are in for a real treat when you read this Christmas book. I, personally, love traditional celebrations of the holiday seasons. Just reading this book brought back wonderful memories of our family's annual observances in relation to Christmas and winter. Family is also important to me and this book's author related to the reader how important family is to her. To be living in a world so wrapped up in material things to have fun, it was refreshing to read how there are more really fun things in life other than "nintendo".

Bless this piece of work. This book will go down in history! The narration on the CD reveals the tone of the author's great love for her family, and the wintry Christmas Season. It was a gift to our family. We could "feel" the wonder within the author's heart and mind. The packaged book and CD is going to be cherished in the family lives of those who appreciate the simple, hand in hand with imagination, and fun. Its truthful allusions display warm sweetness, and grabs at the child in each "grown-up". The illustrations display such charm. It bypasses the flashiness that Christmas has become. It delves into the heart of the season. Truth, love, and action reverberate from its pages. It is a portrait of smiles, playfulness, laughter, and holiness! Ms. Hamilton, "Thank you." We want to read more from you. In the meantime, your book is part of our family Christmas each year, and I have no doubt that it will pass on from generation to generation. The children loved it! We (the parents) cried with the same cherished memories. We remember. Lovely!

This is exactly the way Christmas is supposed to be!
I want to bring back the magic of Christmas in our home and this book will be my inspiration.
Ms. Hamilton's wonderful storytelling on the CD is indeed a bonus.

Oh how this book should float from home to home. The faith-filled family life is endearing. Families who still have this endurance and playfulness are certainly blessed. It's dressed with simplicity, trimmed with love, and dances with dignity! Bravo!

A Christmas Tale is a wonderful book to start your childs collection off with,And to help those who's sight is slipping away silently from them to help with research. It is written with such love and compassion for humans and animals alike and truly gives you a beautiful meaning of loving each other and caring for another all year long, Thanks for taking the time to spread your wisdom and love for people in this book. God Bless You,
Lois Holbrook

This book is a winner on many levels. For animal lovers, its about rescuing homeless cats, which is a wonderful thing to do. But, it also speaks to family values (both human and feline) and the special magic of Christmas that draws the creatures of the earth together. I love the story, and the drawings are spontaneous and lively and capture the spirit of the book perfectly. Maybe reading this book will inspire the rescue of a homeless animal or a whole family!

A wonderful children's book with a cheerful Christmas message. Any good children's book must have good illustration, and this one does. Add it to your child's library and they'll go back to it every year.

A well written, well illustrated, heart warming story of the true meaning of Christmas! A story that is sure to touch the hearts of all that read it, especially cat lovers.

This book is cute and festive for the holidays! It makes a great gift.

Special baking is high on my list at this time of year as it is for many others. Just discovered a wonderful find in Cargas' "Gingerbread Houses"book. May others be so fortunate to obtain or be given this delightful, easy-to-follow, friendly "how to bake and build memories" as the sub-title so warmly suggests.

Want to create Christmas Magic? Want magical memories your family will treasure for a lifetime? Then remind yourself of what it felt like to be a child - to believe in your heart in the wonder and magic of Santa Claus! Nothing can rekindle that spirit like creating a fun, festive and yummy-licious Gingerbread House with the whole family pitching in! You'll have so much fun and so many laughs it's sure to become a great Christmas tradition in your home - just like it is in ours! And this great little book has everything you need to have a ginger-iffic time! Pick up a copy - you'll be happy you did!

This is an excellent book for beginners and experienced alike. It has a colorful layout with great photos. There are many original houses which I have not seen elsewhere. Cargas includes many wonderful tips and shortcuts and has a fun children's section including advice on how to throw a gingerbread making party which proved a huge success with my children. It makes a great gift!

This Gingerbread book is the best I've seen. If you are a beginner you will have no problems succeeding with your first gingerbread houses. If you are a master, you will find that the detail and suggestions for expanding your craft are all in one book. As an "experienced gingerbread" architect, I am pleased to have all the photos of good ideas. That way I can take someone else's idea and add my own personal touch. As a family, we are at the point now where it doesn't feel like Christmas until we've built our houses. The new ideas are a must! One night last year when my house was all constructed, I got so in to it that I stayed up until 2:00am to finish it. You need a book like this which is long on ideas...have fun!

Words can't describe how helpful I have found this book. It is both full of tips and tricks that really work, and has lots of pictures for ideas. Its a great book for someone who doesn't know alot about gingerbread houses, it gives clear information, and its one of the best values I've seen as well.

Ashleigh found Lightning and she was thin and sick,but now she is a beautiful and healthy mare.Ashleigh starts riding Lightning with her friend Mona and each day she starts to grow a stronger bond with the horse.Then one day her parents take her to a children's hospital and Ashleigh has to make the biggest decision of her life....keep Lightning or give her to the sick children in need of a friend.

The Thoroughbred Series is the best series of books for any young girl who is in love with horses just as I am. I am a teenager and I still love these books. Read them! They are exciting as well as dramatic!

Ligthning, the white mare that Ashleigh rescued is doing a lot better and is even ready to be ridden, but the Humane Society found another home for Lightning. The Hopewell Center that treats kids with cancer wants Lightning, but tells Ashleigh that she doesn't have to give her up. It was sad that Ashleigh had to make such a decision. When the kids from Hopewell visit Edgardale, Ashleigh makes up her mind. What will she do? Read it and find out. The book was great!

Ashleigh Griffen found an incredibly starved and abused horse when she got lost in the woods on a trail ride with her friend, mona gardner. They decided to call her lightning, for her brillant white coat. Now, almost 5 months later, lightning is a beautiful and healthy horse. Ashleigh assumes that Lightning will live at Edgardale, her family's breeding farm in Kentucky. After all, it was her hard work and loving care that saved lightning from a terrible death. But the humane society has other plans. They picked a home for lightning to live at. Ashleigh wants to say no, but when she sees what type of home they picked for lightning, she starts to wonder if Lightning really needs her. Ash has a big decision to make! Will she give up her first horse to someone else or will she and mona both have their horses for christmas? read to find out. (By the way this book was very good! its worth every penny).

This book is just so great! I loved it from the start to the end! I got it for Christmas and I thought that title was very fitting, "A Horse for Christmas". :)

Lightning, the poor abused horse Ashleigh and her friend Mona had rescued, had gradually become back to normal again. She's beautiful and Ashleigh took it for granted that Lightning was hers. After all, she was the one who took care of it and rescued it from "Mr. Nasty". Naturally, she is shocked when she hears that the Humane Society had found another home for Lightning. She also finds out that that home was a cancer treatment center for children who were recovering from cancer. When Ashleigh goes to Hopewell(The hospital), she meets a girl same as her age who was still recovering from cancer and loved horses. Ashleigh then has to choose whether she will give Lightning for Christmas to the sick children at Hopewells as a healing treatment...or keep Lightning.

Very interesting! I liked it alot! You have to read the next book after you're done with this one!