Product Description
Hailed by The New York Times as “a master of the British mystery,” award-winning author Elizabeth George is one of our most distinguished writers, cherished by readers on both sides of the Atlantic. Her first collection of short stories is an extraordinary offering that deftly explores the dark side of everyday people—and the lengths to which they will go to get what they want most....

In these five tantalizing and original tales, George plumbs the depths of human nature—and human weakness—as only she can. From the chilling tale of a marriage built on an appalling set of lies that only death can reveal, to the final, title story about a penniless schoolteacher whose ambition turns murderous, I, Richard is filled with page-turning drama, danger, and unmatched suspense.

Whether the setting is urban or suburban, affluent or middle class, no one is safe from menace. Thanks to Inspector Thomas Lynley, a squabbling group of Anglophiles discovers a killer in its midst…But little help is on hand when a picture-perfect town is shattered by an eccentric new resident’s horrifying pet project.... And when a wealthy husband is haunted by suspicions about his much-younger wife, it becomes clear that a man’s imagination can be his own worst enemy...

Ironic, revealing, and undeniably entertaining, this imaginative collection proves once again why Elizabeth George is one of today’s best-loved authors. I, Richard belongs in the library of each and every mystery devotee. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

I LIKE it...
I seldom read short stories but I do love Elizabeth George's writing.So I picked this book up at a community sale.I thought the stories were very interesting to read and they all surprised me.The writing is really good, of course, and her sense of adventure and mystery held my attention throughout all the stories.Don't give up on E.G. just because you or someone else didn't care for this collection.She is a great author.:)

Very Disappointing
I should have known better, I really should.Hardly any writer whose full-length books I have enjoyed write good short stories, they always feel like the outlines of long stories without any of the detail or good writing.And one of the stories, Good Fences are Not Always Enough, the entire plot, down to the chicken coops, is lifted from a short story by HP Lovecraft, The Rats in the Walls, I believe it's called.

I borrowed this book from the library - I'm so glad I didn't spend any actual money on it - because it was the only one of Elizabeth George's I hadn't read.Should have left it on the shelf.

Plot holes and reader disrespect
Although I have never read anything by Elizabeth George before, she had come highly recommended to me by my sister when I picked up a copy of this short story collection on my local library's sale shelf. So I gave it a try. Two caveats: I only read two of these stories ("Exposure" and "Remember I'll Always Love You"), because they were so disappointing that I didn't feel like wasting any more of my life on these stories. Also, the following review contains minor and major spoilers, so read no further if that bothers you. (You will be further warned when major spoilers are imminent.) I am sorry for the spoilers, but I feel like misusing spoilers is one of the main faults of these stories. This author seems to revel in keeping back major information from readers for no discernible reason. This information would have come out in any realistic exposition of the story being told, but the author keeps it back. It almost seems she is doing it out of a perverse disrespect for her readers. Therefore, I felt the structure of the stories that I read was weak, as representative of the short-story mystery form.

The above comments refer mainly to the "Remember I'll Always Love You" story, comments on which I will get to below, but with regard to the other one I read, "Exposure," all I could think while reading this tale was, Do I care about these characters? No. So why am I reading this story? Perhaps for those who've read the Thomas Lynley novels, it's enough that he swoops in at the end and solves the pathetic so-called "mystery" that occurs in this story. Like many others have said here, even after the "mystery" is supposedly solved, it makes no sense. Why would anyone murder someone for a couple thousand dollars in hot merchandise that she could probably not even sell? Also (plot hole alert), the murderer eats the poison along with the dead man! How does she escape death? It's all very confusing and would not have even reached the standards of a Nancy Drew story in my childhood. Carolyn Keene would've explained things better.

With regard to the other story I read, "Remember I'll Always Love You," it seemed more promising at first. It had two somewhat likable characters: a young widow and her young friend. Of course, the initial red herring, that the young friend was having an affair with the dead husband, went by the wayside, as an initial red herring should. Perhaps a clever author, however, would have brought that back at the end, as a reverse-reverse to the cliche. Be that as it may, the remainder of the story is one long and winding road of expose after expose of lies that the husband had told, often for no discernible reason essential to the plot, and secrets the husband had kept, from his friends, co-workers and wife, not to mention his ex-wife. It was quite a three-ring circus this guy was apparently running, and none of it really quite makes sense. It's said that liars must be careful to pick and choose their lies; this guy apparently lied about everything.

(From here on forward, major spoilers from this story are revealed.)

Not to mention that the style of exposition is mean-spirited and unfair to the reader. Although we are allowed into the inner thoughts of the protagonist, as she thinks about her husband's death, the only thing she seems to remember are his last words, not the fact that he blew his head off in front of her! It's ludicrous and totally unbelievable that someone who witnessed that would be more curious about why he said what he said than why he did what he did. Not until the 55th page of this 58-page story do we even find out that the husband killed himself, much less the brutal and horrific way in which he did it, right in front of his wife. Only in *that* context are the words he spoke a bit bizarre (although not unheard-of; many suicides think they are doing their family a favor by removing their sorry selves from their lives). The tone is all wrong; the feelings of the protagonist are unbelievable; and the presentation is unfair to the reader, and frankly, just plain silly. No one reacts like this or thinks like this, not in the world I live in. Just think about it; if someone you loved shot their head off in front of you, would you go calmly driving around (with the flu, no less) to antique sops to investigate their background? Heck no! I'd be a basket case for at least three months! (At least!)

Like I say, I haven't read any other books of hers, but apparently most of her novels take place in England. It seems like she tried (at least in this story) to put the soul of a bloodless detective into the body of a young, traumatized widow, investigating the secret life of her deceased husband. It just doesn't work.

I also was also offended by the stupidity of this story's ending. First off, the woman takes one person's word for the fact that there is no cure for the virus that infects her, and immediately decides to off herself, and in the most brutal, messy way imaginable, a way that will be a nightmare for the biological police to clean up. Well, I can accept that she might be suicidal, but it's not presented realistically by the author. Maybe we are supposed to take her as an unreliable narrator at this point. OK, if that's all there was to object to, I could accept that.

However, then she is accosted by one of the representatives of the terrorist criminal network that purchased the biological agent, and who now wants what they paid for. She goes meekly along with him and says, "I'm only too happy to give it to [him]" because he "could do no more to her" than the virus already had. Excuse me? So apparently, she's no better or more moral than her husband's secrets have revealed him to be. She doesn't care if this thug takes a blood sample from her, or whatever, and unleashes the virus on unsuspecting, innocent civilians? (How he was going to take the virus from her body is not made at all clear either; another of the many plot holes in this story.)

Amazingly, she also seems to think that this thug will "be willing to give her the time that writing the letter required" - the "letter" being an expose and warning to the police about handling her body. How ridiculous! (Are we again in the territory of the "unreliable narrator"? That would be an easy out!) I'm pretty sure the criminals would not allow their own exposure, and even if they played along and let her write such a "letter," they would destroy it after they killed her. I get that she was ready to die. But her approach to death takes away any sympathy I might have developed toward the character during the rest of the story. It was a totally unbelievable ending that made me wonder why I even bothered reading the story.

It must be very difficult to write a mystery story. I have never tried. It must be hard to reveal some things while keeping other things hidden. Ms. George's technique in this story seems to be to reveal nothing that a character would normally reveal in their inner thoughts, just to tantalize the reader and make it more confusing and difficult for the reader to discover the answer to the mystery, as well as to allow maximum leeway to the author to "shock" the reader at the end. That's not a fair way to treat the reader. Yes, telling us the husband had committed suicide would reveal a key to the mystery, but not the final key. I think Ms. George could've found a way to reveal that sooner. It seems merely perverse, to this reader at least, that she didn't reveal that major part of the story in the first few pages.

I must add, too, that I am amazed at how blandly positive the reviews by the Library Journal and Publishers Weekly were. PW says that "the brooding, gloomy dust jacket suggests gothic themes, but the tales are thoroughly modern in setting and subject." What a cop-out! The tales are modern in setting, yes, but how hard is that to achieve? Just set them in modern-day England or LA. But compared to the gothic tales I've read, they are more convoluted and unbelievable, and with much worse character development. My sister says George's novels are great. Apparently, the "MYSTERY!" series agrees, so perhaps someday I'll try reading one of them, but these stories were not good advertising.

Ignore stars...Not yet read but I do have something to say...................
There is nothing convuluded or long winded about Elizabeth George. What a wonderful writer/story teller. I love reading her books. I know I won't have it finished in 3 hours. Ms. George you have kept me sane and very much entertainedsince I first read Traitor to Memory and proceeded to search Amazon and every other book club for all your Lynley/Havers novels so that I could start at the beginning. Didn't succeed but almost did! I think I read #5 before #4. I now only have What came before he shot her left to read and I dread reading it..........I find myself not wanting to come to the end. Thank you for your wonderful gift and sharing it with the world. Your books are awesome.

Not today
Five crime stories. I read the first. Damn, ain't no way to solve the thing until you read the last page, and I waded through all kinds of cardboard cutouts and cliches to get there. I quit reading. ... Read more

Product Description

A kind and well-loved woman was brutally and inexplicably murdered—the pregnant wife of a respected police inspector—and her death has left Scotland Yard shocked and searching for answers. Perhaps most horrifying of all, the trigger of the weapon that killed her was apparently pulled by a stranger . . . a twelve-year-old boy.

Customer Reviews (278)

Yeeks
Truly horrible.Insanely repetitive situations and very little progress of plot-- I did not finish the book. After the fifth time-- eighth time-- nineteenth time?-- the kid gets beat up by the neighborhood psychopath-- OK, I get it!

Forsyte.

Excellent book!
Apparently quite a few people did not care for this book but I thought it was fabulous!It's very psychologically intense and I couldn't put it down.I'm not a huge fan of the Detective Lynley and Havers characters so I really enjoyed this departure.I wish Elizabeth George would write more of this kind of novel.

What came before he shot her. This is where I came in.
I had never read an Elizabeth George mystery before I picked this one up for what I thought would be some entertaining airline travel fare. And it wasn't long before I decided it would be rough going. The further I read, the more it tore at me, the more it shamed me for having ignored so much of the society I live in. Yes, you can fault the author for elitism, stepping out of her sphere, tearing the words and thoughts of others from their world into hers however imperfectly. But how often does a writer of George's caliber ever even bother to step outsider her sphere to tackle such a subject? This book shook me deeply. It is great to me not for its technique, but for its effect. Absolutely amazing.

disappointing
This is the only Elizabeth George novel that I abandoned after struggling through three quarters of incomprehensible dialogue. I feel the author must have known she lost her way. The vernacular might have been well researched but detracted significantly from the storyline. aluckily the books that followed restored my faith in Elizabeth George as one of a small handful of superlative crime writers.

What Came Before he Shot Her
I have just finished EG's book "What Came Before He Shot Her" and the title says it all.I thought it would be a "mystery" in the series and have the usual "star" characters.It did not.But what it did have was a deep look into what drives people to do what they think will help them survive.It was a psychological look at people and I, for one, think EG did a wonderful job.It was a challenge to write this book as the fans will expect her main characters to be in lead roles.

This was a different book but well written, well though out and still had a twist, albeit one I knew might be coming, to keep one's interest.Yes, people who expect to see their favorite characters may be disappointed in the book, but all in all it was another look into the circumstances that can develop a person's outlook and actions in life.

Hooray and thank you Ms. George for a though provoking book. ... Read more

Product Description
Award-winning author Elizabeth George gives us an early glimpse into the lives of Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, forensic scientist Simon Allcourt-St. James, and Lady Helen Clyde in a superlative mystery that is also a fascinating inquiry into the crimes of the heart.Lynley, the eighth earl of Asherton, has brought to Howenstow, his family home, the young woman he has asked to be his bride.But the savage murder of a local journalist is the catalyst for a lethal series of events that shatters the calm of a picturesque Cornwall village and embroils Lynley and St. James in a case far outside their jurisdiction—and a little too close to home.When a second death follows closely on the heels of the first, Lynley finds he can't help taking the investigation personally—because the evidence points to a killer within his own family.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Backstory
Havers stops by for a moment, but Elizabeth George's A SUITABLE VENGEANCE is pure backstory for the complex relationship of Linley, St. James and Deborah. The mystery is insignificant and secondary to the story.
The time frame is set a few years prior to the story line of THE GREAT DELIVERANCE where we first met these extraordinary characters and well worth the read.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS.

Rated PG13 For Foul Language and Sexual Situations
I don't recommend. But I enjoyed reading it. I love the characters and the mystery. I don't like the attitude towards sex outside of marriage. I also don't like the foul language.

Very Slow Start, But a Good Book Overall
"A Suitable Vengeance" starts out extremely slowly, so slowly in fact, that I put the book down after 75 pages of inaction and did not pick it up again for two weeks, having read two books in between. The first third of the book is concerned mostly with personal matters between Deborah, Lynley, and St. James, as well as introducing several characters we will get to know later. It's really quite boring to read, and I think George would have done well to have edited this first section down considerably.

Once the murder actually occurs (around 120 pages in), the story picks up speed and becomes rather enjoyable. I personally have very little interest in George's love triangle, but at least in the last thirds of the novel it takes a backseat to the mystery for the most part, only to reappear again to take the spotlight in the last 20 pages or so. The mystery itself is fairly convoluted and at one point, I stopped trying to figure out who did it and just went along for the ride.

Despite the tedious beginning, "A Suitable Vengeance" is a nice addition to the Lynley series, although I would only read it after having read at least one of the first three books in the series, as events in this book are mentioned in the earlier books.

Twists and Turns
I gave a rating of three because I had figured out the culprit after a third of the story was read. Though I knew the probable culprit, James continued to add twists and turns to thicken the plot. I liked the way James led the reader through a maze of reasoning behind the murder of Mick Cambrey, a journalist -- from a drug deal that soured to the discovery of a plot to run guns. Aside from the 'why' of the murder, the oddity of Cambray as a character (the reader has to read it for him/herself) and the circumstances of the rest of the characters provided a diversion that tried to draw the reader away from the obvious.

Back Story
This is the fourth in the "Inspector Lynley Mystery" series, but it does not pick up where the previous novel left off.It is set a few years earlier in time, and gives us some of the back story of Thomas Lynley, Earl of Asherton, and some of the people closest to him:Simon St. James, Deborah Cotter, and Lady Helen Clyde.All of them--and some important relatives--are together at Lynley's Cornwall estate when a local man is found murdered, and soon thereafter one of Lynley's house guests is found dead under ambiguous circumstances.Although the local police have jurisdiction, Lynley and St. James become involved, not in their official capacities but in effect as private detectives, as people close to both of them become prime suspects. Although the crimes are eventually solved, the main emphasis in this book is on the emotional lives of the principal characters.As Lynley and St. James try to exonerate their loved ones, they must cope with conflicts that arise from the discovery of damaging evidence.Of course the reader expects both of them to "do the right thing"--but the issues are interwoven with the conflicting loyalties arising from their shared history. Both men must ultimately uncover painful truths about themselves that will have implications for the rest of the series.

In structure and emphasis, then, this book is quite different from the three published before it.The sharply-drawn class conflict that is so well done in Elizabeth George's other novels is also mostly absent from this one, except for a masterful depiction of the country life of British aristocrats.An elaborate dinner party at Howenstowis described in such perfect detail that we can almost taste the salmon pastry and smell the post-prandial brandy.In many ways, the scene might have come from a 1930's movie--and that, I think, is the author's point.

With a wink to her existing readers, George brings on Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers for a cameo appearance.The circumstances are unpleasant and there is no hint of her future importance.For that, the reader must hurry to the next book in the series. ... Read more

Product Description

Brand new from bestselling author Elizabeth George! Tackling the growing problem of anxiety, Elizabeth George draws on the Bible and her personal experiences to help readers develop their trust in the Lord and take steps to keep worry and runaway fear in check.

Going beyond the simple “just pray and give your troubles to the Lord,” Elizabeth acknowledges how hard it can be to “let go and let God.” She offers practical step–by–step advice to help readers...

• change their focus
• find the positive in negative situations
• understand what they can and can’t change
• know what to do when feeling overwhelmed
• develop proactive skills to head off anxiety
• understand that Christ is with them always

Insightful discussion questions for each chapter will help readers apply the biblical principles and insights to their lives...and break their worry habit forever.

Customer Reviews (3)

I'm worried that I spent $ on this book!
Why did this author decide to write on worry?She obviously hasn't got a clue as to what goes on in the head of a worrier.I found nothing helpful in this book except that now I'm worried that I so easily waste my money. Although I bought it only 2 days ago, and hoped to pass it along to a friend after I read it, I now find I have to toss a book in perfect condition in the garbage.....worry, worry, worry.......

Worry
This is an outstanding book that is very informatative and useful! Definitely would recommend it!!!

A worthy read for Christians weighed down with worry
Worrying has been proven to carry negative health issues. "Breaking the Worry Habit... Forever: God's Plan for Lasting Peace of Mind" is a Christian inspirational guide that encourages readers to stop worrying and lay their faith more with God. Encouraging people to focus on other things that are more prevalent and to always remember God is with you, Elizabeth George provides a very inspiring manual. "Breaking the Worry Habit..." is a worthy read for Christians weighed down with worry. ... Read more

Product Description
The bestselling author of A Woman After God’s Own Heart® (more than 700,000 copies sold) has a brand-new release! Elizabeth George’s A Mother After God’s Own Heart offers 10 principles to help moms make God an everyday part of their children’s lives. Readers will explore how to…

* teach their children God’s Word

* train them in God’s ways

* talk to children about Jesus

* pray with and for them Elizabeth, who has two grown children and six grandchildren, gives practical advice and real-life suggestions for helping children—no matter what their ages—incorporate God into daily life. Elizabeth’s husband, Jim, also provides biblical advice from a dad’s perspective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Similar to her other books
This is a great book for Moms at any stage.It's even better for someone who is pregnant.It goes into the principals that God has laid out for a mother.His ultimate plan for us as mothers.We are to teach our children to pray even before they can speak!She goes into really great craft ideas to incorperate into your daily routine with your kids or grandkids.It really is a great book.

beautiful, down to earth, scriptural book
As a Mum of (almost) four under four and a half, I don't have time for airy theories.I need something that will help me at the coal face!This book is it.It has a strong scriptural basis and inspires me to be a better Mum in practical ways without drowning me in guilt about the dishes still in the sink or the tiredness I sometimes feel.Mrs George is a real Titus 2 woman!

Meaningful and worthwhile
I got a lot out of this book, BUT...

This was not even close to Elizabeth George's book, A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART.Not even close.

After "Woman", my husband was telling me I was different -- he said he thought the book had made me a better woman.

I consider that pretty good feedback!

This book, while very meaningful, just was not as ... life-enhancing.

I would HIGHLY recommend A Woman After God's Own Heart by the same author.

Having dsaid that, there were a lot of great scripture and applications in this book.

I give it a four, and I would recommend it for all women, moms already or moms-to-be.

I do have one nit-picking complaint about the book -- Mrs. George uses "purpose" as a verb throughout the book, and it is jarring every time.As in, "purpose today to pray for your children."I think "commit" or "plan" or "prayerfully consider" would have been a more normal word usage, instead of "purpose".It bugged me so much that it became an inside joke for my husband and me.As in "Purpose today to go to the store and get me some orange juice."...or "Purpose today to cut the grass."... or "Did you purpose to turn out the lights upstairs?"

Love it!
I love this book.It gives you great ideas on how to truly love and teach your children as the Lord instructs.Elizabeth George is a great author who is not afraid to say what moms need to hear!

Great Book!
I think this book has great advice for parents who want to instill God's word in their children's life. ... Read more

Product Description

ElizabethGeorge—speaker, teacher, and bestselling author of A Woman After God’s Own Heart^®—admits to being a disorganized, goal–less woman when she was inher 20s. Over the decades, the love and patience of God and the transformingpower of his Word and Spirit have taught her the life–changing principles sheshares here, including how to...

• live each day God’s way  
• take charge of busyness and find a balanced life
• be a better steward of resources

"Just for Today" and "Just forThis Week" sections help readers apply and solidify transforming newhabits.

This unique sourcebook will strike a chord withwomen hungering to live orderly lives that are a testimony to their faith.

Customer Reviews (9)

This book is VERY helpful!Loved it!
Need help managing your time for the things in life that are truly important?This is the book for you!I found this book to be very helpful!

If you a not a Christian, you can still learn from her advice and tips.They are very practical.Ms. George has adapted these things in her own life after trial and error.She has been through what we all have been through such as having kids, marriage, cooking and cleaning, working and having a social life, and all of the interruptions and challenges in between.

I like that a problem is identified, then a solution is given. She gives the steps to correct the problem/challenge in a way that is very do-able! Ms. George is so encouraging.

As for the reviews about feeling guilty after reading this book, there must be unresolved issues!I didn't feel guilty, but relieved and ready to tackle my challenges.I can, and did make time for all of the things that are important such as spending time with the Lord, exercising, ministering to my family and keeping my house orderly.I felt I was able to cultivate good habits and conquer some bad habits with the advice from this book.It doesn't happen easily overnight, but it can happen when you set your mind to it and ask God to help you.

I can't recommend this book enough!

Busy Women!
I have enjoyed this book!!It is very easy to read and has a lot of practical tips for living...

Feels outdated & a Too Perfectionistic for me
First off, I loved the author's use of Scripture and the idea of letting God manage your day.That is advice we all know, but it's so important to be reminded.She pulled out excellent Scripture to make her point.

My issues came a little later when the author discusses priorities and how husbands come first and a night with the girls, last.Why I can appreciate being my husband's friend, it doesn't take the place of girls night, and I'm not going to feel guilty for that being the way it is.This part of the book felt very judgmental to me because life is not the same for us all.In a perfect world, yes, life would be that way and we'd honor our parents and work hard to have relationship with them, all in the correct order.But the fact is, people have imperfect parents and there are many out there who shouldn't be in contact with unsafe relatives.(I'm not one of them, just know people who are.)

I didn't feel this book did enough to qualify some of the "right way" thinking in terms of the individual.I'm all for putting people first.In fact, that's why I'm behind all the time, but I really didn't appreciate the "one size fits all" views.

Encouraging handbook with concencrete ideas
This is by far my favorite book by Elizabeth George.LIfe management for Busy Women provides not only biblical inspiration but HANDS ON CONCRETE WAYS to apply to your daily life. It has made a tremendous difference in the way I (view) and run my home and life as a mother of 3 under 4, a homeschooling parent, a wife, and a christian woman.I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking to find balance in their busy life and to align their priorities with God's.

Elizabeth George = Religious Martha Stewart
I am very sure that Elizabeth George is a well-meaning person. However, she is a person who mis-uses scripture and is quite legalistic in her tone. She uses guilt, but in lace-laden terms (so it's harder to pick up on). These chapters are no more than "to do" lists, that'll leave you feeling more inadequate than you did before you started the book. She has quotes in Busy Women like, "...a sloppy place or home speaks of a sloppy faith." That is wrong and quite judgemental. I can't even imagine Jesus speaking to someone like this. And to top it all off, she has this whole book devoted to various facets of a busy woman's life, and she doesn't give any advice on working outside the home. In fact, she implies you're not doing what's right if you're not at home as much as possible: "Pinpoint and count exactly how many hours you are scheduled out of the house. Then reduce them drastically so that you can "be there." "

I'm glad some women have been inspired by her, but I've met just as many who have walked away from Elizabeth George's books feeling guilty and destined for failure.

Jesus complimented Mary. Elizabeth George wants every woman to be another Martha. ... Read more

Product Description

Beloved Bible teacher and bestselling author ElizabethGeorge explores the book of Ephesians in this engaging addition to her popular A Woman After God’s Own Heart® Bible study series (nearly 400,000 copies sold).

What spiritual riches does every believer possess as a childof God? And how can women make use of those resources in their lives? Elizabeth leads women to adeeper appreciation and understanding of what they possess in Christ by sharing...

• the spiritual blessings God has given each of us
• the keys to becoming spiritually strong
• the divine design for a fulfilling relationships
• the spiritual armor that protects us in life’s battles

This Bible study makes the quest for spiritual maturity anexciting, practical, and inspirational journey.

Customer Reviews (3)

A great book for women's Bible classes
Ms. George's Bible studies are the best ones I have used for shorter classes. This book, which covers Ephesians in some detail, helps readers to grasp the concepts that Paul the apostle wanted his readers to appreciate. Understanding Your Blessings in Christ is a welcome addition to Ms. George's series of Bible studies.

Understanding Your Blessings In Christ
Elizabeth George does a fantastic job breaking down each chapter and verse in the Bible's book of Ephesians.You will certainly be "steeped in the word". This book is great for ladies' bible study groups

A must for new converts
'Understanding Your Blessings in Christ' is certainly a must read and examination for new converts.Establishes foundational principals of the christian life.Letting you see exactly where you stand in the whole scheme of Christianity--that you are joining the church of Jesus Christ and not some denomination.
As one who ministers to those who come for salvation; I certainly recommend giving this book or some faction, to let new believers know what they have committed to (that the world may know ...).Praise God. ... Read more

Product Description

In this thoughtful and easy–to–follow growth and study guide, noted Bible teacher Elizabeth George explores the principles found in her book Following God with All Your Heart. Through insightful questions, additional commentary, Scripture, and personal examples, she guides readers to a deeper understanding of how they can grow spiritually and experience a fulfilling, satisfying life. Readers will be encouraged as they realize God is with them and provides the tools they need to live for Him, serve Him, and help others. Perfect for individual or group study.

Customer Reviews (1)

Believing and Living GOD's Plan for you
Following God with All Your Heart Growth and Study Guide: Believing and Living God's Plan for You ... Read more

Product Description

An exciting new book filled with inspiring encouragement andpractical guidance from bestselling author Elizabeth George!

One of the greatest challenges women face is dealing with somany demands and expectations. What are a woman’s greatest priorities? How canshe make sure she focuses on what really counts? Drawing on Titus 2:3–5,Elizabeth shares the simple steps a woman can take to make these essentials ajoyous reality—

• Growing in godliness
• Developing personal discipline
• Loving her husband and family
• Deepening in wisdom
• Managing her home
• Building up others

Above all, this book affirms how special each and everywoman is. Women will become excited as they see that God’s calling is apowerful privilege filled with meaning and purpose.

Customer Reviews (5)

A Woman's High Calling
This is an amazing spiritual book on A Woman's High Calling: 10 Essentials for Godly Living. This is an inspiring book that opened my eyes to the essentials of Godly living from Elizabeth George's perspective.My eyes have been opened to so many facets/areas of my life with regard to becoming a better person, wife and mother the way God would have me to be.My relationships with family and friends has gone to another level as I allow myself to be tranformed by God. Her practical/true stories about her life and dealings with other Christians is very rewarding to read.

One of the best books on Titus 2 mandate for women!
I have used this book in mentoring a younger woman & am currently using is as a basis for a Sunday School class.It is, I believe, the most thorough & practical handling of this passage that I have come across. Our women are thoroughly enjoying the group discussion prompted by Elizabeth George's topics coming from Titus 2:3-5.

Must Read for Every Christian Woman
This is one of the best books I have ever read! It's a must read for all Christian women.

Investing in the Next Generation of Women
I have an older girlfriend who invested an incredible three years of her life mentoring me. She was a firm believer in passing the legacy of faith onto the next generation of women. In her book "A Woman's High Calling" Elizabeth George covers the topic of mentoring women. The book is beautifully written in Elizabeth's one on one style of conversation. She guides the reader through the "10 Essentials for Godly Living." There is a study guide which you can purchase separately to use for individual or group study. This is an excellant resource for those women who feel led to mentor the next generation of women.

A Titus 2 study
This book is based on what Elizabeth George calls "10 essentials for Godly living" taken from the list of things the older women are to teach the younger women in Titus 2.She reminds us that Titus 2 tells us we are to be doing things - if we are older women, we are to be practicing these things and teaching them to younger women.If we are younger women, we are to be learning and practicing these things.She points out that we will always be in both categories.There will always be older women to learn from, and there will always be younger women we can help and teach.Two chapters are devoted to each "essential."The first is about the what and why, and also the who and where.What is this goodness, for example, that we are called to?Why are we called to this?To whom should we show goodness?The second chapter is the application of the first - the how.Mrs. George is full of suggestions and lists and Scripture verses to help implement each "essential."The book is really an older woman's effort to teach younger women the things listed in Titus 2, which is exactly what is commanded inthe passage! ... Read more

Product Description
Elena Weaver was a surprise to anyone meeting her for the first time.In her clingy dresses and dangling earrings she exuded a sexuality at odds with the innocence projected by the unicorn posters on her walls.While herembittered mother fretted about her welfare from her home in London, inCambridge—where Elena was a student at St. Stephen's College—her father and his second wife each had their own very different image of the girl.As for Elena, she lived a life of casual and intense physical and emotionalrelationships, with scores to settle and goals to achieve--until someone, lying in wait along the route she ran every morning, bludgeoned her to death.

Unwilling to turn the killing over to the local police, the university calls in New Scotland Yard.Thus, Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and hispartner, Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, enter the rarefied world ofCambridge University, where academic gowns often hide murderous intentions.

For both officers, the true identity of Elena Weaver proves elusive. Each relationship the girl left behind casts new light both on Elena and on those people who appeared to know her best—from an unsavory Swedish-bornShakespearean professor to the brooding head of the Deaf Students Union.

What's more, Elena's father, a Cambridge professor under consideration for a prestigious post, is a man with his own dark secrets.While his past sins make him neurotically dedicated to Elena and blind to her blacker side,present demons drive him toward betrayal.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Guilt Ridden Loves
Elizabeth George's FOR THE SAKE OF ELENA is a heavy guilt ridden noir that delves into the dark side of the human heart. Ordinary people carry grave burdens as too wit the parents of the victim who have spent 20 years trying to make their deaf daughter Elana as normal as possible, but have never thought they had accomplished their goals.
Havers is facing the hard decision of putting her mother who is no longer able to manage her own affairs in a home.
Lynley has changed courses and recognized that Lady Helen is the one woman for him despite the load he has carried after the motorcar accident that crippled Simon St. James and the loss of Deborah to St. James.
The fifth step in this American written British style seriesthat provides some extraordinary characters and plot development.
Nash Black, author of SINS OF THE FATHERS.

Huh?
George writes that the artist is at the island, in the fog, and steps on an arm, first chapter. It isn't a dream, it is written that way. George doesn't stick with this, and that is troublesome. Also, the canvas was returned to the artist, but then somehow, without explanation, found at Elena's fathers house by his ex-wife. Again, not consistant, and yet very vital details to the story and to solving the murder. I have never read such inconsistancies in EG's books. Left me frustrated.

An Excellent Novelist with Likable Characters
I was hooked on Elizabeth George & her writing style from the first novel of hers I read. She's does so well with her two main characters of Lynley/Havers. They couldn't be more opposite, yet gel so well. Lynley being stoic, with Havers the sarcastic smoking humorist.
This book has the typical very descriptive dialogue Ms. George uses. It becomes a bit long at certain points, but the long description serves a definitive purpose in the story.
The author has the ability to weave her tale very intricately without losing sight of any part of her story. She incorporates detail, both dealing with the crime as well as personal struggles. Not many authors can go off on the tangents she does & still pull the story completely together. Lynley & Havers. Two hardened Brit detectives who also bare their very vulnerable personal lives. It's a masterful effort

The bonds that people make and break
Elizabeth George is a serious writer with serious ambitions.This book, centering around a mystery located in a college town and tackles no fewer than 5 complex issues involving interpersonal relationships.Ms. George spends time exploring the bonds between aging men and both their spouses and mistresses.George examines the bond between an artist and her finished product.She also tackles the bond between a mother and daughter.All this is accomplished while she centers the action of the book around a thorough exploration into the dynamic between daughters and fathers and step mothers.
There is passion and sex and murder and guilt.
I advise readers to start from the beginning of this series and read the books sequentially.This is a well written series and while she may fall a bit short of P D James she is well worth reading and enjoying.

Town and Gown
The 5thin the Inspector Lynley mystery series.A Cambridge undergraduateis murdered, and the University wants New Scotland Yard to investigate because of town-and-gown conflicts that might affect the impartiality ofthe local police.Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers are soon on the scene, which looks at first well-suited tothe kind of class conflict that Elizabeth George has developed so well in this series.Surprisingly,the plot goes in a completely different direction, involving the victim's dysfunctional family, at least three men who may or may not have been her lovers, competition for a prestigious academic appointment and a troubling picture of how universities-and families-deal with the disabled.While unraveling these various plot strands, Inspector Lynley pursues his complex relationship withLady Helen Clyde, and Sgt. Havers must make a painful decision about how tocare for her aging mother.The crime is of course solved, but the stories of the two detectives go on. ... Read more

Product Description

Women eager tobring simplicity to their busy lives will embrace the principles presented inthis exciting study guide based on Elizabeth George’s new Life Management for Busy Women.

With clear and inspiredsteps for women eager to become better stewards of their time and their lives,this study guide complements all the major sections of the book, including:

• Spiritual Life: first things first
• Home Life: minding the stewardship of place
• Mental Life: minding your mind

Easilyadaptable to individual or group study, LifeManagement for Busy Women Growth and Study Guide will help women of allages, in all stages of life, learn to see and follow God’s blueprint for theirlives.

Customer Reviews (4)

Life Management For Busy Women
I am leading this study with the ladies at my church.We are growing together as friends, and learning some very important principles for life.I'd highly recommend this study..

Elizabeth George = Religious Martha Stewart
I am very sure that Elizabeth George is a well-meaning person.However, she is a person who mis-uses scripture and is quite legalistic in her tone.She uses guilt, but in lace-laden terms (so it's harder to pick up on).These chapters are no more than "to do" lists, that'll leave you feeling more inadequate than you did before you started the book.She has quotes in Busy Women like, "...a sloppy place or home speaks of a sloppy faith."That is wrong and quite judgemental.I can't even imagine Jesus speaking to someone like this.And to top it all off, she has this whole book devoted to various facets of a busy woman's life, and she doesn't give any advice on working outside the home. In fact, she implies you're not doing what's right if you're not at home as much as possible: "Pinpoint and count exactly how many hours you are scheduled out of the house. Then reduce them drastically so that you can "be there." "

I'm glad some women have been inspired by her, but I've met just as many who have walked away from Elizabeth George's books feeling guilty and destined for failure.

Jesus complimented Mary.Elizabeth George wants every woman to be another Martha.

Life Management for Busy Women
This book is truly an inspiring book. It really gives us focus as a busy women.It gives great principle and disciplines to live by. It sure change my life.

A must have to go along with book!
Excellent study guide to go along with book of same title- filled with scripture and application- It is fresh and something you want to share with all your friends! I highly recommend it and wouldn't recommend the book without it, you would miss half of the scripture/application. Easy reading and great for group or personal study- I am doing it by myself first and then wish to do it in a group study- it would have great discussion and sharing of ideas! ... Read more

Product Description

An exciting new resource for use with Elizabeth George’s best-selling book Loving God with All Your Mind (more than 250,000 copies sold)—this interactive workbook is designed for use with the dynamic DVD presentation!

The more a Christian woman loves and knows God, the more she will experience hope, confidence, and peace. As women study alongside Elizabeth George using the Loving God with All Your Mind DVD, they will discover the Bible has much to say that will help them…

• grow toward God’s purpose for their life
• trust God at all times no matter what
• place their anxieties in His hands
• live one day at a time
• find peace in every circumstance
  

Includes six sessions that will equip women to turn scriptural principles into practical applications.  It all starts by changing the way they think. As their thought patterns change, their lives will change.

Product Description

Elizabeth George’s A Woman After God’s Own Heart^®(morethan 750,000 copies sold) has a fresh, lovely cover and features new materialfrom Elizabeth, and is perfect for gift–giving and personal use.

In her gracious style, Elizabethoffers practical, Scripture–based principles to readers who want to becomeGod’s women of excellence. Refreshing ideas, illustrations, and insights will inspire every woman to:

• develop a stronger partnership with her husband
• improve her relationships
• make her home a spiritual oasis
• develop a growing, vital relationship with God
• provide care and encouragement to other

As women find direction for achieving balance in theirschedules, they’ll discover the love and leading of Jesus Christ.

Customer Reviews (52)

never received correct book!
I ordered this workbook and was sent another book instead. I mailed it back and they are saying they never received it so I can't review this book because I never received it and didn't get a refund!

book
Companion to book of same name. A must have to go along with the book. Arrived in perfect condition. Thank you!

It has been over 10 years and I still go to this book
Some books are timeless and A Woman After God's Own Heart is one of them. I purchased this book over 10 years ago and I still go to it frequently for Godly wisdom and encouragement. It has taken me 10 years to write a review, but since I am currently reading through it again, I thought it was time. This book really helps me understand my role as a Godly mom and wife and what God expects of me. Each chapter is filled with Scripture to back up the author's intent, and sound advice and practical items to act on.

One thing that really struck me was the advice to be "predictably happy" as the woman of the house sets the tone for the family. Elizabeth George is so right on with this advice. When I am not happy or in a grouchy mood, it permeates the entire household.

Overall, this book is a wonderful go-to book time and time again for encouragement, practical advice, and biblical wisdom for fulfilling our role as Godly women.

A Woman After God's Own Heart
This is an excellent book to show me how to grow closer to my Lord.

Life changing
I read A Woman After God's Own Heart with a group of women at church and we met weekly to discuss four chapters at a time.It was an amazing experience, but I felt that it went by too quickly and there was so much to learn from the book that I bought her accompanying study guide.So now I am going back and re-reading and highlighting and trying to absorb as much information as I possibly can from this book.It is already changing my life and my marriage.I think that every Christian woman should read this book - especially before you get married.I have been married for three years and I wish I understood these principles before I embarked on the marriage journey - it would have saved numerous bumps along the way.I now understand about how to order my life in a godly way.The prioritization of God first, your husband second (and he is your highest human priority!), your children, your home, your spiritual growth, your ministry, and THEN everything else in that order will radically change your life for the better.The study guide helped me to slow down and really engage my mind and think about how these principles could be implemented in my every day life.I highly encourage you to read it!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Inspirational chapters and bible study citations present a pathway to a closer relationship with God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Fabulous!
Great book! Perfect for Teen girl Bible studies. Seems like theauthor is actually talking to you. In each section the author tells about something that happened in her life and then tells you what she learned. Great Bible refernces! I totally recommend it to any girl looking for a closer relationship in Christ.

GREAT BOOK
It's a very good book for young women. I got it when I really became a teen and I loved it. Great book, not to overdone but simple and sweet and some great ideas in it too. Great book!

Brilliant book for young women
This book has lots of insight to help young adults develop their own personal walk with God.George writes in a warm engaging manner which is what I love about her books - she offers so much tenderness that inspires and encourages the reader to be pro-active in their pursuit of a being a young women after God's own heart.Each chapter has easy and helpful suggestions for the young heart.Jessica V. Psalidas Author - Everlasting Purity

Great book for daughters
I gave this book to my 13 (soon to be 14 yro) daughter and she loved it.I read through it before giving it to her and really liked the issues addressed.We are working so hard on helping her to realize that, although the world is looking on outward looks, her real beauty is from within.She used this a devotional and has written in it - notes from her studies and notes to herself - those little lightbulbs that have gone off.We've seen her changing and growing and the beauty we see on the inside is seeping through to the outside.This was able to convey our thoughts as parents, but as it is coming from someone else she absorbs it better.Love it and have recommended it to friends who have pre-teen and teenage daughters.

Great Book
I really enjoy this book because it really influences every part of a girl's life.You see, if you are ready for a book that challenges you in godly character in every part of your life, this is for you!I prefer books that cover a lot of ground!--and this is one of them.It is definitely an "All in One" book.I also appreciate how George wrote in many of the scriptures so you don't have to search around for a bible--makes it much more versatile--and you can feel like you can pick it up and start reading at any time. Very good.Blessings! ... Read more

Product Description

What is God’s best for a woman’s life, andhow can she live it out? These questions are answered in this uplifting book bybestselling author Elizabeth George. Readers will discover easy–to–dosuggestions for success in all they do that will—

• maximize productivity in a busy schedule
• cultivate good habits and conquer bad ones
• strengthen relationships
• further God’s purposes
• encourage closeness to God

Women will find dozens of highly practicaltips for every area of daily life—in their marriages, families, homes, and placesof work and in their friendships, health, finances, and personal growth.

Formerly titled God’s Wisdom for a Woman’s Life.

Product Description

Brand–new from bestselling author Elizabeth George! In her upbeat, practical style, Elizabeth encourages women to embrace radical faith as they serve God by helping people and accomplishing His projects. Readers will discover key biblical truths to...

• grow in courage—knowing God is with them and will give them the courage to do what He asks
• grow in devotion—taking risks to follow God’s plan and purpose
• grow in contentment—grasping five provisions from God that produce contentment
• grow in humility—remaining steadfast no matter what, knowing God blesses those who serve Him
• grow in confidence—facing, enduring, and overcoming everything through Christ
• grow in obedience—realizing God wants them to succeed

Elizabeth encourages readers to leave fear behind as they dedicate their lives to following the God who loves them. He will direct them and provide what they need to do His will...if they’ll turn to Him and trust Him.

Customer Reviews (2)

On Course for Following God With ALL Your Heart
The author calls it an invitation.You'll call it a life-line.Anchored in the six scripture verses that have kept Elizabeth George steadily on course for becoming a successful woman (Joshua 1:8), a courageous woman (Joshua 1:9), an exceptional woman (Romans 12:2), a humble woman (1 Peter 5:5-6), a contented woman (Psalm 84:11) and a confident woman (Philippians 4:13), Following God with All Your Heart will steer you forward toward fulfilling God's will and purpose for your life.

Funneled through the Word of God and cemented in a mixture of wisdom and concrete examples, this book traces practical steps to following God wholeheartedly and hot-heartedly - without reservation.You will become better acquainted with biblical role models who displayed courage in the midst of pain and adversity, pick up the seven habits for gaining strength and courage, learn to bring your thoughts under control and focus them between the rock-solid walls of God's will and God's presence, be struck by mind-catching sidebars and quotes, grasp the meaning of submission, pare down your desires, feel comfortable clothed in humility, zero-in on Gods will... and more.

A solid bible study, the focus verse for each section echoes at the top of each corresponding chapter, and the biblical truths and practical applications are synthesized in the Moving Forward segment of every chapter. Engaging and forthright, Following God with All Your Heart is rich in insight and "how-to" navigation.It is a reliable compass that accurately points the way to "believing and living God's plan for you." This is definitely a "bring out the highlighters and take plenty of notes" type of book. I recommend it highly - with all my heart.

One of Elizabeth George's Best!
Following God with All Your Heart is a breath of fresh air. This is a serious call to holiness, in Ms.George's typical gracious, conversational, mother-to-daughter, sister-to-sister tone. I have read many of her books. My favorites include Loving God with All Your Mind and A Woman After God's Own Heart. If I were to be truthful, some of the others, although good, seemed to lack the passion that those first two had. Not so with this one. As if sensing the urgency of the times we live in, Ms. George encourages Christian women to seriously read their Bibles,giving a plan for doing just that. Reading 7 chapters a day brings you through the Bible 2X a year...15 chapters, four times a year. She also has a lot to say about the grace of humility in a believers life. The opposite is pride of course, and one of my favorite quotes from the book is "If you let pride enter into your heart, you cannot expect Gods blessing: for His promised grace goes only to "the humble." She also gives practical examples of what humility looks like and what it does not look like. "All of you be submissive to one another" does not exclude anyone. If you have ever been guilty of lording over other saints, trying to establish yourself as the authority over others in the church, manipulating to get your own way behind the scenes, having to have the last word, or be the one who calls the shots, look out! God will resist, or actually war against you. Scary stuff.
Also, her chapter on contentment was such a blessing. Wherever we are, whatever our physical situation, whatever our hardships or heartaches, God knows, sees and cares! It is all good to those who walk uprightly. This is a wonderfully encouraging book, and a challenge to serious minded christians to read God's word, then trust and obey it, and God will make our way successful. ... Read more

Product Description
New York Times bestselling author Margaret George captures history's most enthralling queen-as she confronts rivals to her throne and to her heart.

One of today's premier historical novelists, Margaret George dazzles here as she tackles her most difficult subject yet: the legendary Elizabeth Tudor, queen of enigma-the Virgin Queen who had many suitors, the victor of the Armada who hated war; the gorgeously attired, jewel- bedecked woman who pinched pennies. England's greatest monarch has baffled and intrigued the world for centuries. But what was she really like?

In this novel, her flame-haired, lookalike cousin, Lettice Knollys, thinks she knows all too well. Elizabeth's rival for the love of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and mother to the Earl of Essex, the mercurial nobleman who challenged Elizabeth's throne, Lettice had been intertwined with Elizabeth since childhood. This is a story of two women of fierce intellect and desire, one trying to protect her country, and throne, the other trying to regain power and position for her family and each vying to convince the reader of her own private vision of the truth about Elizabeth's character. Their gripping drama is acted out at the height of the flowering of the Elizabethan age. Shakespeare, Marlowe, Dudley, Raleigh, Drake-all of them swirl through these pages as they swirled through the court and on the high seas.

This is a magnificent, stay-up-all-night page-turner that is George's finest and most compelling novel and one that is sure to please readers of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Hilary Mantel. ... Read more

Product Description
Set in Galilee in the time of Jesus, this is the story of a young Jewish rebel who is won over to the gentle teachings of Jesus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (109)

A good book for young readers, with a solid message about forgiveness that is only moderately preachy
I think I read this for a class in junior high, before I was a Christian, and I didn't really catch that it was about Jesus.When I found it for almost nothing in a used book store almost twenty years later, I bought it for nostalgia, and I have been pleasantly surprised.This is not exactly classic literature.The book, a story of a young man desperate for Israel's freedom at the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, is aimed at a young adult audience, and the dialogue is awkward and direct as a result.The main character, Daniel, has a deep hatred of the Romans with an understandable origin but somewhat.. conveniently timed expressions.Also, the physically imposing and sympathetic but internally blank slave reflects more about the author's perspective before the Civil Rights Movement had really blossomed than about the carefully chosen details of the historical setting of the action in this book.Still, this book has a surprising amount of subtlety, as characters go about their daily lives interacting with images that a Christian will recognize from Jesus' parables, like a casual mention that a farmer is separating wheat from chaff, and I didn't find them obnoxious when I was a non-Christian.I recommend this book for young readers.The story is compelling enough, and while I think it's a little preachy now, I didn't complain as a kid, so both Christians and non-Christians should be able to get something out of the action scenes and the powerful message of forgiveness and peace.

Can't put it down
My daughter is reading this book for school.We've been reading it together and I seriously can't put it down.The story line is beautiful.It is profoundly written and engage its readers not in just in the mind, but to the heart. There is something one can identify with each character. It is hard to find great literature that goes beyond the mind, especially for boys.This one captures the essence of humility and humanity.

Shipping Disappointment
Book shipped promptly and received in good condition as advertised. Limited shipping options offered only 1-2 day air freight method vrs. a "No Rush" option. Was told standard dlvy. could take up to 2 weeks- and via the USPS it really did. Plus, no tracking avail.Shipper should have offered a "regular UPS" option; whereby dlvy. would have been in 2-3 business days, and tracking avail. Don't count on the USPS unless it really doesn't matter how long it takes.

If you liked this one . . .
This was basically a good, gentle book, suitable for kids.I was a little bugged by the portrayal of Jesus but then I think it is close to impossible for humans to do Him justice.I got a little irked by the main character holding onto his anger for some 250 pages!It got a little tiresome.I really liked the portrayal of Simon the Zealot and I have a much better idea of what and why a Zealot was back then because of this book.

If you liked this you should not miss the historical fiction by Louis deWohl, although he writes from a Catholic point of view.Bronze Bow can be appreciated by any Christian.

11 yo avid reader
Purchased this for my 11yo. He said it is his new favorite book and he has read a ton of books! ... Read more

Product Description

Bestselling author Elizabeth George has spent years teaching writing, and in Write Away she shares her knowledge of the creative process. George combines clear, intelligent, and functional advice on fiction writing with anecdotes from her own life, the story of her journey to publication, and inside information on how she meticulously researches and writes her novels. George's solid understanding of craft is conveyed in the enticing manner of a true storyteller, making Write Away not only a marvelous, interesting, and informative book but also a glimpse inside the world of a beloved writer.

Customer Reviews (31)

A Basic Teach-Yourself Book on the Novel-Writing Craft
Elizabeth George is the "New York Times" bestselling author of sixteen mystery novels, with her latest, "This Body of Death," published in 2010.

In 2005, she published WRITE AWAY, a basic teach-yourself book on the craft of novel-writing. Its subtitle, "One Novelist's Approach to Fiction and the Writing Life," aptly sets the tone of her book. In the preface, she notes: "I find it both fascinating and disconcerting when I discover yet another person who believes that writing can't be taught....I've discovered in my book-related travels over the past fifteen years entire countries where people honestly believe that writing is a mysterious process that you either understand intuitively or do not....We're lucky in the United States. Our tradition is that writers have long passed their craft to other writers.... Craft is the point. Not art, which cannot be taught. Nor passion, which cannot be taught. Nor discipline, which is essential, but which, alas, also cannot be taught....As a teacher of writing for a number of years, I believe in the mastery of craft."

She opens each of the 22 chapters with a quote from her private "Journal of a Novel." These quotes are endearingly self-disclosing. The first chapter, "Story Is Character," opens: "Am I kidding myself about being a `creative artist'? Can I possibly be a creative artist if I approach this effort in so methodical and left-brained a fashion?"

WRITE AWAY's major strength is the author's frequent citations from both her journals and her novels, citations that enhance the reader's understanding of the writing process as well as thecraft elements.Authors are uniquely qualified to show the readers what they were trying to achieve by providing excerpts fromtheir published fictions.Yet, the authors of three leading college textbooks on creative writing fail to include such examples from their publications: Janet Burroway's "Writing Fiction," Alice Laplante's "The Making of a Story," and Sarah Stone's "Deepening Fiction."

Her concluding chapter, "The Process in a Nutshell," opens: "So much of writing is showing up.... It's the consistency of being at the computer desk every working day, of not waiting for inspiration...." Agreed.This two-paged chapter's content admirably summarizes the book and also shows the overall organization of chapters: She outlines fourteen steps: The idea, The expanded idea, The primary event; People the world of the expanded idea and the primary event, List the characters specifically; Research; Create characers; Create settings; Write step outline; Write plot outline; Write the rough draft; The fast reading; The editorial letter; The second draft; The cold reader; The third draft; Celebrate. Most of these steps refer the reader to several chapters; for example: "Step One: The idea (Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 15); The Expanded idea (Chapter 5, Chapter 15); The primary event (Chapter 4)."Some readers might find this not methodical enough, preferring chapters organized step-by-step.

If your preference is for a more methodical exposition of the novel-writing craft, I suggest supplementing WRITE AWAY with Robert J Ray's The Weekend Novelist Rewrites the Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Work or with James N. Frey's How to Write a Damn Good Thriller: A Step-by-Step Guide for Novelists and Screenwriters.Elizabeth George quotes approvingly from Frey's earlier craft books. James Frey, Robert Ray, and Elizabeth George are writers of the mystery-novel genre. For a craft book by an acclaimed literary novelist, I suggest John Dufresne's Is Life Like This?: A Guide to Writing Your First Novel in Six Months" (See my reviews of these three new fiction-craft books -- all published in 2010 --on the amazon.com website.)

In a nutshell, I recommend Elizabeth George's WRITE AWAY for teaching yourself the basics of the novel-writing craft.

The author's fans will like this book; the rest should look elsewhere
OVERALL: George's fans will certainly love having some insight into her work. However, the rest of us will do better looking at Frey's book or Ben Bova's book on writing science fiction.

CONS:

- She takes the "show, don't tell" mantra a bit too far by having VERY long excerpts. Sometimes it goes for 2-3 pages. This felt excessively long. Be brief.

- About 25-33% of the examples were from her own work. I couldn't stay awake reading her excerpts. Just too slow and long winded. She admits that her editor says that "nobody will accuse you of being fast-paced." It's true. It's S-L-O-W. So even a few paragraphs is too much. She should have used more classic examples from Tier A writers. Most of her books on Amazon hover around 3 stars - that's not good. Her highest rated book is this one!

- Her organization is confusing. She has a chapter (or two) on Character and Setting near the beginning. Then, mysteriously, she addresses the issue again at the end in a few extra chapters. Sloppy organization.

- Most of her lessons and tips were obvious and have been said before. It might have been better to write a "how to write a mystery book".

PROS:

- She rarely says anything that's wrong. The only thing I definitely disagreed with is her emphasis of going to the location. This is good, but not essential. And it's impossible (often) when you're writing Scifi. Thanks to the Net, you can do virtual tours of Mecca without going there.

Finally, I'll share my key takeaways from Write Away by Elizabeth George:

-Characters learn something from the events (and does the reader).
-Characters are interesting in their conflict, misery, unhappiness, and confusion.
-Give them flaws and let them doubt something, make them grow and change, and put them in conflict.
-The words, syntax of the characters show their education, economics, attitude, beliefs, superstitions, pathology.
-Create a core need: we strive for this and if we dont get it, we show our psychopathlogy. --Examples are the need to be competent, to do your duty to belong, for excitement, to be authentic, to be right.
-The pathlogical manoeuvre is the flip side of the core need and is what comes out when the character is under stress. Examples: delusions, obsessions, compulsions, addictions, denial, hysterical ailments, hypochndria, illness, harming the self, harming others, phobias.
-Whats the characters sexual history? Whats his attitude toward it?
-Whats the characters past?
-What do the characters want? In each scene and in the book?
-Put them in a crucible: theyre stuck together for some reason and cant escape from being in conflict with each other.
-We understand people who have background like ours, who live in situations like ours, we admire characters who face and prevail in tough situations that we have experienced, who examine themselves honestly and their motives, who learn from their mistakes, who meet challenges with courage. This will help us care about the character.
-Place a clue and red herring together. Mention the clue, but draw all the attention to the red herring.

7 step story line (she got this from someone else)
1.The hook
2.Plot point #1: about 25% into the book. Ongoing events change: unexpected info, new facts, new character, personal discovering. Story pivots.
3.Midpoint: Increase the dramasomeone arrives, finds threat, divorce, natural disaster.
4.Plot Point #2: nothing new is added, but tension reaches its apex.
5.Narrative Climax: The protagonist DECIDES. Wife decides to leave husband, detective decides on how to get the killer, the victim decides to get revenge. The decision involves risk: mental, physical, emotional, psychological.
6.Dramatic Climax: The big fight, the courtroom verdict. The emotional release. Reader is looking for satisfaction.
7.Denouement: Tie up loose ends.

Heros Journey (she got this from someone else, who got it from Joseph Campbell)

1.Call to adventure.
2.Refuse the call.
3.Mentor prepares the hero.
4.Crosses the first threshold and embarks on the adventure.
5.Hero understands the nature and identity of his enemies and friends.
6.Approach the inmost cave: a place of fear and danger.
7.Endures the ordeal.
8.Receives reward.
9.The road back.
10.Resurrection of the evil to test hero one more time.
11.Returns with the elixir.

Create a Character prompt sheet, with things like:

Physical peculiarities:
Sexuality:
Best friend:
Enemies:
Family:
Core need:
Pathological manoeuvre:
Ambition in life:

Summary of George's steps:
1.The Idea and primary event
2.List of characters
3.Research
4.Create characters
5.Create settings
6.Step outline
7.Plot ouline
8.Write rough draft
9.Fast reading
10.Editorial letter to self
11.2nd draft
12.Cold reader
13.Third draft
14.Submit

CONCLUSION: As you can see, I got some things out of the book, but I didn't feel anything was new or original. The examples were too long and too often from her work, which I didn't find entertaining. I gave it 3 stars because it's so-so overall. I recommend another book, like James Frey, which she quotes from a few times.

Write Away by Elizabeth George
I have read many books about writing fiction and they have been good, but this is way beyond good.She doesn't give you the same answer I have heard parroted both in books as well as at conferences that you write each day.She talks about the importance of research-When she gets into the writing tools. She doesn't just show you how-she gives examples of what this type of writing will present to the reader. The other thing is that it is also a very good read and I have found myself enjoying every page of this "textbook"If someone is teaching a creative writing course in school I would suggest this as a good read, but teaching at the same time.

Elizabeth George pulls off the perfect balance of practical and inspiring
I should probably start by admitting that I have an entire bookshelf full of writing books. Some are inspiring, some offer step-by-step guidelines, and some, sadly, seem like little more than fluff (and should probably be disposed of).

I was thrilled to find that Write Away by Elizabeth George offers it all -- inspiration, an authentic look at the writing life, and practical advice readers can begin implementing today.

George gives readers a glimpse into what it means to be a writer -- the hard work, the insecurity, the commitment required. But she also offers her own, very practical plan for writing a novel. Certainly, her system won't be the perfect system for everyone, but it's doable and provides an excellent starting place for anyone who longs to write a novel but has no clue where to start.

Write Away will, without a doubt, be given a prominent spot on my bookshelf.

A wonderful resource.
Elizabeth George is highly successful with her own novels, and truly helps other writers evaluate their work. Each section brings her knowledge and encouragement to the belabored novelist, whether novice or not. I came away from reading this with new eyes to see my own writing, and insights to bring to my critique group. A wonderful read, and a great resource. ... Read more

Product Description

From bestselling author Elizabeth George (nearly 4 million books sold) comes a book born of her desireto help others through difficult times. Finding God’s Path Through Your Trials acknowledges the hard times we allface and reveals how people can “count it all joy,” including:

• understanding trials are not punishment
• realizing God’s grace is sufficient to get them through trials
• knowing the benefits brought by trials—patience, endurance, empathy
• experiencing deeper faith as they depend on God through trials
• trusting God to use everything for His glory

Emphasizing God is always with them and will help them every step of the way, Elizabethreminds readers they will not be given trials they cannot bear without including a way of escape. She encouragespeople to turn to Jesus, where they will find hope, joy, and meaning in the journey, no matter how bumpy it seems.

Customer Reviews (4)

Trials and dificulties
This book "Finding God's Path through your Trials:His Help for Every Difficulty you Face" is a very helpful encouraging book.It really helps to see how God helps us through our problems.It is very easy to read and understand.

Finding God's Path Through Your Trials
A must read for anyone who has gone through, going through and will go through any trials.They are a part of life and this book gave great insights backing everything up with Scripture.

Healing book
I have recently lost one of the people I loved most in this world. This book shows you just how to keep your eye on God and his faithfulness. God never leaves us. He cries when we cry. And He holds us when no one is there to hold you. He answers our prayers, but denies some of our requests because He has a better plan. You must trust Him in all things.

Using faith to get through the tough spots
Finding God's Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth George is not an easy book to read. George asks the reader to take the words of James "count your trials as joys" to heart, and that's a tough one. It's far easier to complain about our troubles and look for a way out from them. But George explains through Scripture that God brings each trial into our life for a specific reason. There is something to learn, something to be gained from it. There are many ways we try to get out of these trials, but unless we embrace them, we will have to experience them again and again until the lesson is learned. Suffering from the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis, this book came just at the right time in my life, and it spoke to my heart. Looking for the joy in this trial, I've found several lessons I've been taught and blessings that have come from it. George writes in a conversational manner that's easy to read and incredibly thoughtful. I can tell that she prayed over her words before she shared them. Going through a difficult time in your life? This book will help you find the joy in it, even if that seems impossible. ... Read more