Keeping Christmas Book Review

SUMMARY:  Nothing is more beautiful than family.
     For the first time since their children were born, empty-nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same.  Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers.  Sure, the ornaments were strange-looking - some were downright ugly - but they were tradition.
     With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan's only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments . . .

REVIEW:  Judith's life is wrapped up around her kids.  Even though they all are married and living on their own, having family together to celebrate was what made the holidays.  Now that all three and their families have moved out of state, the first holiday without them sent Judith into a depression tailspin.  I love how Stan does what he can to help pull Judith out of her despair.  He encourages her and enlists friends to do the same.  He doesn't give up when she doesn't respond at first.  My favorite part was the end when Stan makes a HUGE sacrifice that not only affected him but his best friend, too, to help his wife. 
     This story encouraged me to find ways to make the holidays special with my kids as they grow up before they leave the nest. It also reminded me that time with our families at home is going by very quickly and to take advantage of having them close.
     This is an AWESOME book that I highly recommend everyone read.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift and The Restoration Series with Gary Smalley.  He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year.  A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for twenty-five years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.  Learn more at www.danwalshbooks.com.

The Legacy Book Review

The Restoration Series

Book Four

SUMMARY:  One young man is about to discover the true cost of independence.

     For years, Doug Anderson has been drifting slowly but steadily away from both his family and his faith.  His parents have been trying to reach him before he falls too far.  His friend Christina hopes what she is seeing online isn't true.  But sometimes you have to hit bottom before you're ready to grow up. 

     Just as things begin to settle down a bit, Doug's life begins to take a turn that requires every bit of faith and patience for both his family and Christina - whose growing feelings for Doug, a man who writes her off as not worth his time, keep her off balance.  Will Doug's crisis finally clear his vision and help him focus on what he has right in front of him?

REVIEW:  Dan Walsh is one of my favorite authors.  The series he has written with Gary Smalley has been a good one with some interesting story lines that, unfortunately, are common place in today's society.  That said, I had some difficulties with the last book in this series.  It was a good book and a nice finish to the series but just didn't grab my attention like the first ones.  The whole story was anti-climatic.  To me, it felt like Doug's problems at school (drinking, sleeping with his girlfriend) were minor compared to his best friend Jason's (drugs, alcohol, fighting, skipping class, low grades).  I did find it admirable that Doug still has a conscience that he sometimes listens to in regards to the choices Jason makes. He also puts everything aside to finish a project (not school related) AND studies for his finals.  But, he does put the cart before the horse in regards to cutting ties off with his family and not having an income readily available.  The route Jason takes to get back to his family is difficult and heart wrenching but makes the story more realistic.

     While it wasn't completely my cup of tea, this novel is a good book and a sound read.  The series is excellent and very enjoyable.

    

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance, The Promise, and The Desire with Gary Smalley.  He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs.  He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury.  Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.

The Desire Book Review

The Restoration Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  CAN FAITH BUILD A BRIDGE BETWEEN THEIR DREAMS?

     For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby.  The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts - and their relationship.  Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments while Allan seems content to spend his time - and their money - on supporting displaced children in Africa.  Something's got to give.  But they both hope it's not their marriage.

     Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they could never have imagined. And all it takes to set it in motion is a change of heart.

REVIEW:  I had a little harder time relating to this book than the others in this series due to Michele's obsession with getting pregnant.  Never having this problem, I don't fully understand why it has to consume her thoughts and actions all the time.  Since the majority of the book shows how this affects Michele's everyday life, I found myself getting distracted easily and, to be honest, wishing she would just get over it and move on.  Now, I did like the sections on Allan's mission trip to Ethiopia and Marilyn and Christina, a young pregnant woman who Marilyn is counseling.  The descriptions of the sights, smells and sounds where the children were forced to find food outside Addis Ababa made my heart ache.  I wanted to grab all the children up and take them away from there.  I liked how Marilyn took Christina under her wing, found her a safe place to stay and supported her as Christina decided if she wanted to raise the baby on her own or give her up for adoption.  All in all, this is a good book.  I look forward to reading the final one about Doug.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of many books, including The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley, The Discovery and What Follows After.  He has won three Carol Awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year.  A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan serves as a pastor for 25 years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs.   He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance and The Promise with Dan Walsh.  Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 50 years and live in Missouri.

What Follows After Book Review

SUMMARY:  In 1962, life was simple, the world made sense, and all families were happy.  And when they weren't, everyone knew you were supposed to pretend.
     For the past year, Scott and Gina Harrison have been living a lie.  While they show up at family get-togethers in the same car, they've actually been separated for over a year.  To keep up the charade, they've even instructed their sons, Colt and Timmy, to lie - to their grandparents, their teachers, and their friends.
     Colt, for one, has had enough, so he hatches a plan.  He and his little brother will run away from their Florida home, head for their aunt's house in Georgia, and refuse to come home until their parents get back together.  But when things go terribly, terribly wrong, Scott and Gina must come to grips with years of neglect and mistrust in order to recover their beloved sons, their love for one another, and their marriage.
     In this emotional story, bestselling author Dan Walsh takes you on a journey to rediscover the things that matter most in life - love, truth, and family.  With profound insight into the heart of a hurting child, he reminds us that a time will come to look back on hard times and smile, because we'll know that what follows after . . . is not what we expected at all.

REVIEW:  OH! MY! GOODNESS!!!  I'm going to be really honest here.  After reading the first eight chapters, I had to put the book down because I didn't think I could read any farther.  My two boys are about the ages of the boys in the book and my heart started breaking when I read the part where things start to go "terribly, terribly wrong."  After praying over it and giving it a day or so, I resolved to finish the book.  I am SO GLAD I did!!  Dan Walsh is an amazing author and made me feel like I was there in the background watching everything play out.  While I was still saddened about what had happened, I was encouraged to see how Gina and Scott were working together to find their boys and not blame each other.  The ending is also one to stick around for because, even though I had some idea of how the events would play out, I was not expecting the rest of the story.  This is an awesome book, one everyone needs to check out.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Discovery, and The Reunion, as well as The Dance and The Promise with Gary Smalley.  He has won three Carol awards, and three of his novels were finalists for RT Book Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year (2011-2013).  Dan lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.  Visit www.danwalshbooks.com for more.

The Promise Book Review

The Restoration Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  One home, two hearts, and the power of a promise kept . . .

     For the last five months, Tom Anderson has been without a job, a fact he's been hiding from his wife Jean  - and everyone else.  He leaves each morning, pretending nothing has changed, and spends his disheartening day rotating through coffee shops and the library, using their WiFi to search job listings online.  The stress of keeping this secret is beginning to put serious strain on his marriage.

     But Tom's not the only one hiding something.  Jean Anderson has a secret of her own - one that will seriously complicate their situation.  Will the promises they made on their wedding day hold firm?

REVIEW:  This book shows what can happen when pride comes before family and how lies can destroy everything you hold dear.  Only when the truth finally comes out can healing take place. 
     This is the second book of The Restoration Series.  While reading the first book, The Dance, is helpful to completely understand everything going on, this book does a good job briefly explaining what has happened beforehand.  I like how the changes made in Marilyn and Jim's marriage are continued throughout this book as a beacon to Tom and Jean during their turmoil.  While Jean struggles with the lies Tom told and the changes in their life because of them, she is willing to forgive and work on repairing their marriage and life together. 
      This is a good book, reminding readers that marriage takes work from both husband and wife but that the rewards are endless. 

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Dance with Gary Smalley, The Discovery, and The Reunion.  He has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews Inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012.  A member of American Christian Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers on family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah,  Larry King Live and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs.  He is the bestselling and award-winning author or coauthor of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury and The Dance with Dan Walsh.  Gary and his wife Norma have been married for 49 years and live in Missouri.

The Dance Book Review

The Restoration Series

Book One

SUMMARY:  Love's recovery starts with a single step ...

     After 27 years of marriage, Marilyn Anderson is tired of playing the role of perfect wife.  Her husband Jim is a successful businessman who gives her everything she needs - a beautiful home in an upscale neighborhood, the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mom, an enviable collection of stuff.  Everything that is, except what really matters: love.
     After years of trying to connect with Jim, Marilyn has had enough.  She longs to experience some measure of happiness before she's too old to enjoy it.  Needing some time to herself to sort things out, Marilyn leaves to start a new job and take dancing lessons - something she has wanted to do for as long as she can remember.

     Shocked to find his wife gone, Jim Anderson must sort through the past to save his marriage.  With a little help from an unexpected ally, he begins a campaign to win Marilyn back.  What he doesn't anticipate is how his actions will affect everyone around him - starting with himself.

REVIEW:  I was excited to hear Dan Walsh had a new book out that he had written with Gary Smalley.  Dan has become on of my favorite authors.  This book is the first in a four-book series on relationships and learning to be dependent on God.  Jim and Marilyn look like they have a perfect marriage (even Jim thinks so).  But, in reality, their marriage is falling apart from the inside out affecting every part of their lives.  Marilyn's courage to step-out and to make changes makes Jim finally realize he has a part in the break-up and, hopefully, their reconciliation.  Jim steps WAY OUT of his comfort zone by taking dance lessons and, in the process, draws closer to God and starts proving it to his wife. 

    This is a book all married couples should read. We all need to evaluate what we want out of our marriage but we must not be afraid to voice our concerns and to step out and make any necessary changes.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

 Available April 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling author of several books, including The Discovery and The Reunion.  he has won three Carol Awards, and two of his novels were finalists for RT Reviews inspirational Book of the Year for 2011 and 2012.  A member of American Christian Fiction Writers.  Dan served as a pastor for 25 years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.  

Gary Smalley is one of the country's best-known authors and speakers of family relationships and has appeared on national television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, and TODAY, as well as numerous national radio programs.  He is the bestselling and award-winning author or co-author of many books, including the Baxter Family Redemption series with Karen Kingsbury.  Gary and his wife, Norma, have been married for 40 years and live in Missouri. 

An Addition to The Reunion Book Review

For the for the next week, starting today and running till next Monday, September 17^th, Dan Walsh is celebrating the release of his new novel, The Reunion, with a 10-book giveaway contest! Five winners will each receive a signed copy of The Reunion, as well as his third novel, The Deepest Waters. (He’s  including this book because it was named a finalist for an ACFW Carol Award for book-of-the-year). Click on the link below to see how easily you can enter the contest!

 

http://danwalshbooks.com/the-reunion-book-giveaway-contest/

 

The Reunion Book Review

SUMMARY:  Everything lost can be found.
     Aaron Miller knows a thing or two about loss.  He's lost love.  Dignity.  Second, and even third, chances.  Once honored for his heroism, he now lives in near obscurity, working as a handyman in a humble trailer park.
     But God is a master at finding and redeeming the lost things of life.  Unbeknownst to Aaron, someone is searching for him.
     With deep insight into the human heart, consummate storyteller Dan Walsh gently weaves a tale of a life spent in the shadows but meant for the light.  Through tense scenes of war and tender moments of romance, The Reunion will make you believe that everyone can get a second chance at life and love.

REVIEW:  Second chances is the theme of this book and flows through every character involved.  War buddies getting a second chance at living.  War heroes getting a second chance after royally messing up life.  A second chance at love, in personal romance and with a long-lost family. 
     This is an awesome book!!  Dan Walsh did not disappoint but just raised the bar even higher for his next project.  BE WARNED - Aaron's story will touch you deep inside so you will need to read this book with a big box of tissues close by and preferably alone.  I was bawling my eyes out during the last few chapters of this book and was SO GLAD I was home alone because my crying was so bad.  This is a great book and would HIGHLY recommend this and any other Dan Walsh book.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dan Walsh is the award-winning author of several books, including The Unfinished Gift, The Deepest Waters, and The Discovery.  A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

The Discovery Book Review

SUMMARY:  An engrossing story of family secrets and a love for the ages.
     When aspiring writer Michael Warner inherits his grandfather's venerable Charleston estate, he settles in to write his first novel.  But within the confines of the stately home, he discovers an unpublished manuscript that his grandfather, a literary giant whose novels sold in the millions, had kept hidden from everyone - but which he clearly intended Michael to find.  As he delves deep into the exciting tale about spies and sabotage, Michael discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.
     Laced with suspense and intrigue, The Discovery is a richly woven novel that explores the incredible sacrifices that must be made to forge the love of a lifetime.  Author Dan Walsh delivers yet another unique and heartfelt story that will stick with you long after you've turned the last page.

REVIEW:  As mentioned above, this story will stick with you after you finish it.  Set in modern day Charleston and World War II Daytona Beach, the characters come alive.  Michael and family didn't know anything about his grandfather's past.  When asked, Gerard Warner (Gramps) would just avoid the question or change the subject.  After Gerard's death, any hope of finding out where he was born, who his parents were and other information wanted about the times before his marriage to Mary (Nan) seemed impossible.  All that changes when Michael finds a yellowing manuscript Gramps had hidden for him to find.  The document not only contained information about his meeting his wife but how he was involved in espionage and his arrival to America on a German U-boat.
     This is a wonderful and spell-binding story.  It is reminiscent of Andy Andrew's book The Heart Mender.  Anyone who loves suspense, history, especially World War II, and a good love story will love this book.  The characters are well thought out and developed.  The story kept you reading to see if you could figure out what would happen to the characters and what Michael would do with his grandfather's story.  Check it out for yourself.  I don't think you will be disappointed.  If you like Nicholas Spark's writing, you will love Dan Walsh.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Available April 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dan Walsh is the bestselling and award winning author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, The Deepest Waters and Remembering Christmas.  A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan serves as a pastor for 24 years.  He lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel.

Remembering Christmas Book Review

SUMMARY:  Can one Christmas change a life forever?
     Rick Denton lives his life on his terms.  He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one.  So when his mother calls begging him to come home after his stepfather has an aneurysm, Rick is more than a little reluctant.  What was suppose to be just a couple of days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and dealing with the homeless guy who keeps hanging around the store.  The one bright spot is the lovely and intriguing young woman who works at his side each day.
     As Christmas nears, Rick's old life beckons, the hurts from his past loom large, and the decisions he makes will determine more than just where he spends Christmas Eve.
     With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story that will have you remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

REVIEW:  Rick does not want to be in Florida helping his mom with the family bookstore while his step-dad is in the hospital. He would rather be skiing with his friends.  Rick doesn't like Art, his step-dad, and doesn't want anything to do with his religion.  But, with the help of Andrea, the woman helping him in the store, he gradually begins to see that Art isn't such a bad person after all and Art's religion is more of a relationship with Christ.  I love the way the author wraps up the book, tying up all the loose ends, and giving us some surprises along the way.  This is a great book that is perfect any time of the year.
     Set in November/December 1980, the author reminds us of "a time not so long ago in 1980 when IBM had not yet launched the personal computer; the Boombox was hot; Reality TV was unheard of; MTV was just launching; Ronald Reagan was president; the Winter Olympics witnessed the USA team defeat the favored Soviet team and win the gold." 

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Dan Walsh is the award-wining author of The Unfinished Gift, The Homecoming, and The Deepest Waters.  A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Dan serves as a pastor for 25 years.  He lives with his wife in the Daytona Beach area, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. For more information on Dan and his books, check out his website at www.DanWalshBooks.com.