Sir Gibbie is an exquisitely written children's classic, depicting in poetic,vivid detail a country of lush beauty as viewed from the eyes of a small city waif, whose father has perished, leaving his young son with nothing more than a full, loving heart; a gracious, generous nature; and a warm, open personality bent on doing good for others by every means in his power. The adventures of the ill-clad child begin as he travels the open road, in response to his father's constant words "Up Daurside!", where he befriends the herdboy Donal, is taken in by his parents, Robert and Janet Grant, and rescues the young lady Ginevra from a natural catastrophe. Sweet, tender Gibbie automatically floats into one's heart as one follows him from town vagrant to benevolent gentleman, and remains there long after the book's pages are closed. His growing awareness of the world in both materialistic and spiritual matters holds the reader captivated. Geroge Macdonald has compos! ed a nineteenth century story in true Scottish style, where one may observe everything in the universe from the grace of the mountaintops to the wonder of human beings through innocence, peace, and love. Written in an almost angelic manner, Sir Gibbie transports one to the realm where nature and piety and loveliness are intertwined, and produces a magical air which no one can fail but love, and desire to experience over and over again.

The author, George MacDonald, was a prolific Scottish writer who lived from 1824 to 1905. He knew Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Lewis Carroll. He was the favorite author of C.S. Lewis (author of the Narnia books). This book is thought by many to have provided inspiration and several plot elements for Twain's "Huckleberry Finn". It is an excellent story and is especially good as a read-aloud. The adventures of this ragged, barefoot street urchin as he finds his destiny are truly compelling. Little Gibbie is mute (unable to speak) but has a heart of gold and his greatest joy lies in helping others. After the tragic death of his titled but penniless father, Gibbie is the horror-stricken witness to a violent murder. His faith in humanity shaken, he flees the city in hopes of discovering a new life in the highlands.

The book does an excellent job of interweaving the stories of ancient Scotland with a modern day story. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book, but was stunned when the last part became hard-hitting Christian propaganda. Sharing a Christian message is one thing, but slamming the reader with a self-righteous tone as well as ignorantly referring to druidism as a satanic practice is too much. I felt betrayed when the previously enjoyable book took a severe right turn. Having said that, would I go on to read the second book in the series? Probably. The story itself was engrossing, but next time I'll be better prepared.

On the historical novel scale, this one is pretty good for its information although it is no Michener in its historical accuracy. It is somewhat disconcerting to read detailed stories of ancient people who are completely made up, but the spirit of the ancient Celts who settled present day Scotland permeates the novel. Another fault is the perspective that all Druid practices were evil and satanic which smacks of fundamental Christian prejudice and intolerance, when in fact, the Roman Catholic Church was successful in such places by incorporating the good in pagan religions with Christian beliefs.
The modern story of a North England MP entranced with his Scottish roots is well done even though the theft of the Stone of Scone by Irish Druids is a bit far fetched and barely resolved thematically. Characterization is strong and empathy is developed for the characters.
There is much beautiful description of the Scottish landscape, especially in the historic chapters which flip from various ancient periods in non-chronological order; however, at least a third is repetitious and should have been left out. Despite the negative comments, the book as a whole gives a good if not totally historical account of Scotland's beginnings and what causes the modern Scot to have such fierce pride in his heritage.

This book was a rich taspitry of history told through the eyes of a troubled young man searching for self and where he fit in whole picture. I was hesitant to read this book knowing it came from a Christian publisher but the story premise was too compelling to pass up. I was mesmerized at the different albiet fictional accounts of the history of the Celts across history. I couldn't put it down, the top layer story was what held the whole concept together inviting the reader to quickly return to see what had happened next. The only draw back I had with the story was the heavy hand,at times, to make the Druids the bad guys implying now anyone who practises this is somehow evil. I am not sure why I expected something different from the author and his choice of publisher on this element, but all and all it didn't take much away from the story and I eagerly await the next installment in this uniquely plotted saga. I sure am glad to see that there are still publishers willing to publish the saga historicals of the past. This book is not to be missed by any serious readers who are looking for richly detailed Celtic stories. Jody Allen, Charter Member of RIO- Reviewers International Organization

Rift in Time is a novel about an archeologist who starts off by discovering/exploring Noah's Ark. Then he sets off to find the garden of Eden, but there are evil forces at work that don't want him (or anyone else) to find it. It's written in the present day and the author seems to have a pretty good working knowledge of archeology (to a layman). I not only really enjoyed reading it, but I learned a lot too. I should say that it is a Christian novel and discusses creation, one continent theory, and just a lot of spiritual content. Staunch atheists beware. It's a cross between Peretti's This Present Darkness, a Tom Clancy novel and Indiana Jones. The one fault I will mention is the author tries too hard to explain Christianity through the conversations of the characters. All in all, it's a really good read with unexpected twists and turns.

Don't read this book, unless you have time to devote to it. It will put a huge rift in your personal time ... because it is one of those books that you simply can not put down! You find yourself lost in its characters ... and its theories and ideas. From its central characters to the new-age villains, you are entrapped in a world of discovery, suspense, and even a touch of romance. I loved it, and can't wait to read more of Michael Phillips works!

So far I've read this book twice. The second time I was able to catch even more of the intrigue and mystery of the storyline. I've enjoyed Mr. Phillips work since I read the Stonewycke trilogies fifteen years ago, but this is his best yet. His theories about the connection between the Garden of Eden and Mt. Sinai were very thought provoking. If you have enjoyed reading the Left Behind series, you won't want to miss this one.

I firmly believe in the principles of courtship. Having read widely on the topic, I am convinced that many well-written, logical, thought-provoking materials are available for those interested in pursuing romance creatively -- without dating. Unfortunately, this book is not one of them. Not only was it boring and insipid, but frequently, the authors contradicted themselves and made radical claims that they could not reinforce with any solid evidence. If I had not already believed that alternatives to dating were the way to go, this book would have driven me as far as possible from the "not dating" route. Probably most disappointing to me was the lack of any quality to the writing style; someone with Michael Phillips' experience should have produced a far better product. If you are interested in alternatives to dating, check out books by Elisabeth Elliott, Joshua Harris, or Eric & Leslie Ludy -- all of which are far superior to this one.

I loved this book because it gave valuable insights to what a successful marriage looks like. Truly the key is having a marriage based on friendship and honesty; add to that Christ-centered and committment and you have the "secret" to a productive marriage. I enjoyed following the stories of various couples and how their relationships developed. I had my teenage daughter read the book as well; she gained insight on choices people make, the consequence of compromise and the value of developing friendship. I also recomend Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot.

Well I read this book about a year ago and I am still using the lessons I learned from it. If you are looking for a book about courting and insight into character, read this one. I did not find this book to be dull in the least. It's an informative book and its purpose is not to "entertain". I found the ideas very interesting and went through the book rather quickly. I love this book and would recommend it to just about anyone(and I have).

When did you last have a very strong feeling of the present moment, and a simultaneous, visceral understanding of how that moment fits into the context of life? Writing or reading Haiku poetry has a way of stimulating that feeling. The form is so condensed that it can feel sharp and sudden, like the sound of a balloon popping. This little book is a wonderful introduction to Haiku and also inspires the reader to experience the powerful effect of creating Haiku; after all, the folks who wrote the Haiku's collected here are ordinary Joe's like you or me who all decided to just start writing one Haiku each day.

The Haiku Year is much more than a delightful collection of interesting poems. It's also a very interesting window into the lives of seven friends. It's a bit like seven personal photo albums all mixed together, which gives it an enticing, voyeuristic feel for the reader. It's also a bit like a puzzle; did the person who wrote the Haiku about the cold pain of an ending relationship also write the one about the exhiliration of new love found?

I highly recommend this book as a gift to yourself. Do you know someone who would be very surprised to receive from you a fresh, red rose? Give them this book instead (or along with).

One of the hardest things to do - as a writer - is to keep things succinct. It is so amazing that the group of writers who had 'a haiku year' all manage to beautifully express moments of their lives in a few lines.

Though the poems vary in perspective and subject, they convey equally strong emotions. This book is enough to make you want to gather your own circle. And it's small size makes it easy to bring with you wherever you may travel - whenever you are in need of 18 words of affirmation, frustration or love. It's one of the few books I make sure is near my desk at all times.

sometimes i think of my father as an aging hippie- a rusty van plastered with bumper stickers, a very liberal viewpoint, and long hair.

the haiku year doesn't conform to haiku norms, but it isn't about aging hippies. it's a simple approach to the lives they lead.

i have much respect for my dad, and this book is everything about him and and his friends that i love.

This book picks up where "A Rift In Time" leaves off. The story is action packed, particularly towards the end. As others have said, there is a definite element of "Indiana Jones" in the book's protagonist Adam Livingstone. He seems to be on a never-ending adventure throughout Europe, Northern Africa and Southwest Asia. In many places, these adventures seem far-fetched. Livingstone is kidnapped at one point. He escapes from his captors in Croatia and makes his way back to England mostly on foot. Presumably several weeks elapse, but the author only spends a little more than one chapter on this.

Many of the scenes take place in short vignettes. The reader hardly has a chance to get comfortable with one setting before Phillips moves us on to another scene.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book. I only give it three stars because of the problems with the writing.

I've just finished "Hidden In Time" and I enjoyed it. I'm an avid follower of documentaries and other news stories on the search for the Ark of the Covenant and Noah's Ark, as well as other archaeological news, especially pertaining to the Bible. (He also has some characters from the Oak Ridge and Knoxville, TN area -- where I'm located.)
Phillips paints likeable characters. The archaeology aspect of the book holds true to much of what is being discussed about where certain items may be.

Phillips also made a few simple truths understandable for me.
My gripes -- at times the book's key scenes are anti-climatic. I would have liked a good vs. evil fight in the end. And, also it was difficult to keep up with the Knights of the Templars aspect of the book, since it was spread over the course of the whole book. Having that story told all at once would have been good.

This book is even greater than its prequel! I could not put it down (just like "A Rift...")! What makes "Hidden" better is the revival of interest in the Bible being stirred up by the recovery of the arks and the subsequent spiritual revival of the world. I honestly believe that if Noah's Ark and the Ark of the Covenant were found that people would be forced to believe in what the Bible says. The Bible has been proven true by historians time and time again, but if actual artifacts were to be found! WOW! Anyways, I was also touched by the numerous conversions depicted in the book. I have been "drifting" as of late, and "Hidden" really got me thinking about things. I can also identify with Juliet Halsay. We have a similar nature, and I often feel uncertain of myself, much as she did. It was nice having fallible heroines and heroes for a change! (This book also made me cry, which is a sign of a truly great piece of literature-I never cry!) Anyways, if you like Indiana Jones and Biblical Archaeology, this book (and its predecessor, "A Rift In Time") is definitely for you! I'm only hoping there will be a 3rd book to close out a trilogy!

Body for Life provides a well structured and balanced program that is great for both beginners and experienced trainers. The nutrition plan involves eating relatively small, balanced meals throughout the day, but does not require calorie counting or other "tracking" techniques that can become frustrating and feel controlling. The exercise side of the program involves regular weight training and cardio exercise. Again, nothing that requires a ridiculous time commitment and can be pretty easily integrated into your daily routine.

I have been lifting for years and found the planning recommendations (plan your meals and exercise ahead of time) a great addition to my routine. Writing everything down ahead of time forces me to think about how to structure my day and still integrate good nutrition and exercise.

As I said, this book also has a lot to offer experienced trainiers. In particular I was referring to the planning mentioned above, but it also provides another training split that is worth trying if you are looking for some variety in your program. In just a few weeks of doing this I have already seen my bodyfat drop -- mainly because cardio is now planned into my routine. However, I should also say that for experienced trainers, much of the key information in this book can be obtained from the Body for Life website and some of the articles that appeared in Muscle Media.

Several other reviews have suggested this book is nothing more than a supplement ad and is heavily dependent on supplements. This is just not true. The book does suggest the use of supplements on a couple pages, but does not say they are required for the program and doesn't try to push them throughout the book. This is something you can complete eating standard foods -- no shakes, powders or pills required.

If there is a downside it is that the book lacks direction on where to go after the initial 12 weeks. Sure, you can continue on the program and perhaps modify it a little to keep things interesting, but it doesn't address what do you if you are really interested in building muscle (or whatever your goal is). It is fair to say this book isn't the proper place for such things, but it would be nice if it provided some initial information and guidance in these areas.

If you're looking for a book to both Psyche You Up and Pump You Up, this is the book for you!

Bill Phillips' candid writing style, real-life success stories and pictures make up the motivation aspect of this book. You'll learn about the HIV patient who had given up on life and came back after committing to the 12 week program and the couple who improved their lives and their relationship by inspiring and motivating each other to stick with the program.

Bill gives simple exercise routines, nothing complicated or even new. The beauty of this book is the emphasis of committing to just 12 weeks. The book includes a chart for tracking food consumption and exercise schedules. These two simple steps are profound in their approach.

I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to get into the gym or feeling overwhelmed by the idea of weight loss and exercise. I personally found the tracking sheets to be invaluable and worth the price of the book alone.

Patrick Rodriguez, Life Coach

I thought this book was so life altering, I've given a copy to each member of my family and to my close friends! This book unlocks your mind as well as your physical self. It teaches you to be true to yourself and to avoid nay-sayers like bradley1100@hotmail.com (see his review. God help us that he is teaching our kids as it is obvious he didn't really read the book before spewing forth his own uninformed and fact-twisting babble). I bought this book as a tool to lose weight and get in shape. What I received was a life changing experience. While I do not claim to have achieved the body of an Adonis, this book certainly dispells the fitness and weight loss myths we, as a society, have been fed for decades. I am stronger and look better, but what is most exciting is the improvement in the mental and emotional outlook I've developed. READ this book with an open mind. Bill Phillips attacks "information" we've grown to trust but if you use your own head and do some research, you'll see that the man has found the key despite the mounds of misinformation and negativity.

Having been a Michael Phillips' fan since reading his ESCAPE TO FREEDOM, I looked forward to an idyllic country setting and the unraveling of a mystery in turn-of-the-century England as promised on the book jacket of WILD GROWS THE HEATHER IN DEVON. But the book only half satisfies. While Phillips' picturesque prose does capture the serene beauty of the Devon countryside and the manners of the period, the mystery of the hidden missive set forth in the prologue remains concealed through to the 447th and final page. The book is too long, too tedious, and the plot at times unconvincing. Charles Rutherford's conversion turns on a single encounter in London. Jocelyn accepts her birth defect as given deliberately at the hand of God, rather than as something God allowed to happen for the growth of her character. Amanda we sense from the beginning to be the prodigal. Better were the plot if she became the prodigal early on in the book with the resolution to her story coming at the end. Alas, we must await the next book in the series (or perhaps the one after that) to find out what happens to her. The build-up and lack of resolution are unfair to the reader. Despite the book's didactic tone superimposed on lengthy conversations, the author does deal with the intellectual ferment of the times: questions of Darwinism, communism, and a woman's right to vote. He also probes emotional and spiritual dilemmas as well, for he recounts Jocelyn's journey through the pain and rejection of a dysfunctional childhood to her wholehearted faith, and the burning questions and open rebellion a teenager Amanda who does not adopt her parents' faith and sees God as remote and unreal. He does not skirt these issues. When the secrets of Heathersleigh Hall will be revealed remains just that--a secret. If the reader has the patience, perhaps he will discover how Amanda's future and the hidden note will come together in a later volume. Perhaps at that time the discovery of that missive will somehow begin to pierce the cloak of independence Amanda has drawn about her. As a reader, I am not sure I have that kind of patience.

I just finished this book, and was a little disappointed. The paperback version of this book is a whopping 447 pages, and the description of the characters takes about that long. I believe the author may have been setting the stage to read the rest of the series; however there was little substance to this book. The author puts in "teasers" of a secret that exists in heathersleigh hall from two generations before its main characters. There are glimpses of subplots for books yet to come and/or read; however, I was greatly disappointed when none of these sub-plots were revealed in all 447 pages.

The opening chapters of this book descibe an event concerning the first generation of Rutherfords. In this "hush-hush" event, it appears that possibly a birth was concealed (as a midwife is present, along with a vicar), and the senior Rutherford exclaims that he wants only a son to inherit his estate.

Suddenly, the reader is thrown into two generations later, when the senior Rutherford's grandson now runs Heathersleigh Hall and is loving things of the world, and reveling in the early 1900s when "change and thoughts" are prevalent and exciting. Charles Rutherford (the grandson) experiences a spiritual awakening when he is introduced to Christianity and embraces it fully, leaving his political/worldly ways behind. Charles' wife, Jocelyn, also embraces the Christian lifestyle, as do their two younger children. However, the oldest daughter, Amanda, has nothing to do with their new life, and rebels. The novel climaxes with a "prodigal daughter" theme which leaves the reader wondering what happens to turn Amanda (presumably) back to the Christian way of life. However, the author assumes you will want to read another of his novels before you find out.

Also, the title of this series "the secrets of Heathersleigh hall" is not revealed one iota. There are teasers where the secret may be revealed; however, I was disappointed to not receive any more "! ;clues" to the secret in all 447 pages.

The author does a beautiful job of portraying the lifestyle and scenery of the privileged Rutherfords; however, the character development could have been done in half of the time. Overall, I do not believe that I will want to read the rest of the series.

I have just finished this book two days ago,and as I did like it greatly,it had nothing to do with the synopsis Amazon has put on......I believe what they have put on is the second book in the series......is there a second book? If so,I would love to read it. Phillips ended the book as if there was......sort of just hanging. I did enjoy the book.....would recomend it to anyone!!!!!

The first seven books about Corrie Belle Hollister I absolutely loved!!! I would read a whole book at one sitting.
2 of the books I read in one day. But book #8 and this book I had to force myself to finish; especially this book.
I have a real problem with Christopher Braxton. He has alot of
emotional baggage. Even though I believe it was a good idea to wait until Corrie and Christopher knew each for 2 years before they got married and I do not believe working for your future father-in law is the answer. He should have been out there looking for a way to support his future wife and family. But the author never really dealt with Christopher's jealousy over the fact that Corrie could command an audience when Christopher did not have that talent. I have not read the next book and I do not plan to, but I can not help but believe the real reason he wants to move east is so he will not have to compete with the Hollister's well-respected reputation in Miracle Springs.

I have read the paperback editions of the complete set, to include The Braxtons,1 & 2. I found them to be very inspirational and good character building items. Teenages would greatly benefit. I've noticed some reviews make a point of indicating that they have read the hardcover editions. Is there a difference in the content of the paperback vs hardcover?

I have read all the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister and found them to be very inspiring, the kind of books you get involved with and can't put down. I really liked the way family is portrayed and "seeing" the growth of her character and her family. I have read the first 2 of the "Braxtons of Miracle Springs" now and wonder if there is a Book 3-4-5 and I sure hope so, let me know.

Long live Scotland! Phillips has stirred my heart for this great land. His storytelling and research are superb, particularly when he lets them walk stride for stride.

In his first Caledonia book, Phillips swept me away...in this sequel, the research gets ahead of the story and I felt brushed along. In "Legend of the Celtic Stone," Phillips drew strong and memorable characters from Scotland's past and invited me to be a part of that history. In "An Ancient Strife," he took me to fascinating places, but the facts overwhelmed the fiction at times.

I enjoyed this sequel. And I'll look for the follow up. I'm sure that Phillips has exhaustively delved into Scottish history, with laudable results--but it seems he felt bound to communicate more history than I bargained for. Some of you historical fiction fans might desire this very thing, but I still hoped for a story to get lost in. Instead, I felt that the book was driving itself forward on a rigid timeline, omitting scenes that the story had been building to, breaking into characters' interaction with chapters that were, more accurately, long footnotes.

In the notes at the back of the book, Phillips hints at scenes that the editor had him omit, and they were scenes I would've infinitely enjoyed. Whether editor or author continued to cut out anticipated elements, I don't know, but I did feel cheated a few times.

If you're looking for well-researched and fascinating storytelling, Phillips still has that ability. If you felt his first book raised the bar for the genre (as I did), don't let this one disappoint you. I'm sure that the third will continue this great series, only this time I hope Phillips lets his fiction have room to run--it's in this capacity that he rises above the pack.

Michael Phillips has provided readers with a wonderful continuation to his first book THE LEGEND OF THE CELTIC STONE. Yes all the elements are there, the rich history both past and present, the same characters and a continuation of the mysterious journey our protagonist is making. However,there are some interesting suprises for the readers of the first book with a twist in the contemporary story with the introduction of some new characters and a sub plot with one character in particular.

However, the story is as compelling as the first as our hero continues his journey toward understanding his Scottish past and what importance it has for his future. The back stories featuring Scottish history are wonderfully crafted and will delight the reader but might not have as much importance to the contemporary plot as the first book, still all in all good reading. For those who haven't read the first book, this one really can't stand alone as there is a need to know much of the background and the impact of the story will be lost. However, I would highly recommend both books for the reader who wants a lush historical journey but needs the anchor of a contemporary story right from today's headlines. These two books will appeal not only to the historical reader but those who like a bit of romance as well and of course as this is book is from a Christian publisher there are elements of strong faith but they never overpower the story. A wonderfully delicious addition to a body of work that has much to offer the discerning reader.

I moved to USA 3 years ago, having always considered myself a realitically patriotic Scot. Scottish Nationalism, however, was not my preferred political outlook and I remain unconvinced of its longterm benefit to either Scotland or Britain as a whole. However, that in no way hindered me from becoming completely absorbed in this tale of modern political intrigue mixed with raw historical drama. Mr Phillips is indeed a storyteller of rare quality who can, with little persuasion, encourage a reader to readily set aside his/her own preconceptions and political preferences and wholeheartedly swing behind his hero. I was completely invested in the outcome of this tale. Hats off to you, Mr Phillips. You may make a nationalist of me yet!!