It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1)

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Meet the characters that live, work, dream, and love in the community of Deepwater Cove. Best-selling authors Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer team up to show how four married couples, all in different stages in life, experience the joys and hardships of marriage as examined in Gary Chapman's The Four Seasons of Marriage. In book one, Steve and Brenda face a common problem among middle-age couples: empty nest syndrome. Steve works too much, and with their two children out of the house, Brenda feels lonely and unfulfilled. In order to save their marriage, the two must learn to reconnect. Readers are also introduced to many charming characters, like Cody, the mentally challenged homeless man that shows up on Steve and Brenda's porch; Pete, who owns the Rods ‘N' Ends tackle shop; and Patsy Pringle, who owns the Just As I Am beauty parlor, where much of the action takes place.
The series is based on the marriage principles found in Gary Chapman's non-fiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. Similar in tone and light-hearted, quirky humor as Jan Karon's Mitford series, Fannie Flagg's books or Steel Magnolias. Each book has a study guide that talks about the four seasons of marriage and the healing strategies depicted in that volume's story.
Readmore

Technical Details

- ISBN13: 9781594151941
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
See more technical details

 "Heavy Handed but Nice" 2009-07-10
By Serena
I was pleasantly surprised by "It Happens Every Spring". I picked up the audio book on a long car trip with the in-laws, and it looked like a book that we would enjoy together (fairly PG rated, no profanity). The characters are intriguing, reminding me of Steel Magnolias, with their quirks and strong wills. The marriages are also very real, and I like the idea of the seasons of marriage. It seems to fit most people I know. The plot outcomes were predictable, no surprises here, but that's ok since the characters were fun.



What I found heavy handed were the long "marriage counseling" descriptions and conversations. Where feelings were stated and re-stated to hammer the "seasons of marriage" into your brain, and the arguments border on textbook training for counselors. But that aside, it's a nice read. I may get the other 3 books in the series.

 "Entertaining!" 2009-05-16
By R. Thomas (Oklahoma)
I read this book in 2 days, and will be reading the 2nd in the series as soon as it arrives (and know Amazon it will be Monday!)

 "Seasons of Love - Cary Chapman" 2009-02-16
By Cheryl M. Miller (somewhere land, CA)
OMW!! I have this whole series and I just adore it! The characters are so great! You are guaranteed to find someone to relate to in this 4 book series located in a small lake community in Arkansas and I would be surprised if you don't just fall in love with Cody and his passion for chocolate cake cut into squares.

 "Uneven portraits " 2008-05-05
By kellytwo (cleveland hts, ohio)
I've read and enjoyed many Inspirational/Christian novels that fall into the romance category. But this one is not the most enjoyable I've ever read. I did read it all, to see where it was going, but found it to be very repetitious and preachy.



On the other hand, there were several important life lessons to be learned here, some of which the characters never did seem to get a really firm grasp. Cody is treated well by the authors and the characters, as is Patsy Pringle. Brenda, however, gets lambasted no matter what she does. She wasn't the only one who contributed to the bad and good of her marriage, but her husband Steven is whitewashed to the point of thinking he's the poor, put-upon long-suffering man who just wants a good wife. He doesn't seem to realize he can't expect that without reciprocating, and spending time with his wife.



Depression comes in many guises, and Brenda was fortunate to have good friends and neighbors to help her out of hers; Steve's friends weren't given the opportunity to help him see the errors of his ways. I suspect men who read this book will agree with Steve, while women will tend to see Brenda's side of things more clearly.



I think this is an interesting concept--pairing a non-fiction author with one more well-known for fiction--and using the former's self-help books as a basis for this series. Having not read any of the others--yet--I can't speak to how well they succeed in future volumes. I suspect I'll try at least one more of the series, as the characters and the setting are very appealing. I can't help but hope the women develop a bit more backbone, however. Women are not subservient, and I think it's harmful when they're presented as such. Equal partnerships are much better, and way more fun, especially in a loving relationship.

 "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" 2008-02-10
By Grateful Gramma (Southwest Virginia)
First in a series of four novels, It Happens Every Spring by Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer does a great job at illustrating the two sides of a marriage in trouble.



Brenda feels lost, now that the children are gone and Steve has immersed himself in his new job. She needs to feel a part of something and she needs attention and support from Steve.



Steve needs physical affection and attention from Brenda, to believe that she appreciates his efforts as breadwinner.



But somehow their timing is all off, their needs no longer mesh, and the longer things go, the farther apart they grow. There was an old magazine series called "Can This Marriage Be Saved?"; we find ourselves wondering the same thing.



A little preachy in a place or two but altogether a good story. Bits and pieces of other marriages in Tranquility peek through and we hope they'll be further developed in the other volumes.


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It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1)

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The first in a new series, "Four Seasons," takes us to Deepwater Cove, a small community on the shore of the Lake of the Ozarks, where we're introduced to four couples in different stages of life.  It Happens Every Spring centers on Brenda, a lonely wife, and Steve, a go-getter real estate agent, in the mid-winter of their relationship.  When a stranger appears at their door one night, change blows through their house and their marriage.

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 "Heavy Handed but Nice" 2009-07-10
By Serena
I was pleasantly surprised by "It Happens Every Spring". I picked up the audio book on a long car trip with the in-laws, and it looked like a book that we would enjoy together (fairly PG rated, no profanity). The characters are intriguing, reminding me of Steel Magnolias, with their quirks and strong wills. The marriages are also very real, and I like the idea of the seasons of marriage. It seems to fit most people I know. The plot outcomes were predictable, no surprises here, but that's ok since the characters were fun.



What I found heavy handed were the long "marriage counseling" descriptions and conversations. Where feelings were stated and re-stated to hammer the "seasons of marriage" into your brain, and the arguments border on textbook training for counselors. But that aside, it's a nice read. I may get the other 3 books in the series.

 "Entertaining!" 2009-05-16
By R. Thomas (Oklahoma)
I read this book in 2 days, and will be reading the 2nd in the series as soon as it arrives (and know Amazon it will be Monday!)

 "Seasons of Love - Cary Chapman" 2009-02-16
By Cheryl M. Miller (somewhere land, CA)
OMW!! I have this whole series and I just adore it! The characters are so great! You are guaranteed to find someone to relate to in this 4 book series located in a small lake community in Arkansas and I would be surprised if you don't just fall in love with Cody and his passion for chocolate cake cut into squares.

 "Uneven portraits " 2008-05-05
By kellytwo (cleveland hts, ohio)
I've read and enjoyed many Inspirational/Christian novels that fall into the romance category. But this one is not the most enjoyable I've ever read. I did read it all, to see where it was going, but found it to be very repetitious and preachy.



On the other hand, there were several important life lessons to be learned here, some of which the characters never did seem to get a really firm grasp. Cody is treated well by the authors and the characters, as is Patsy Pringle. Brenda, however, gets lambasted no matter what she does. She wasn't the only one who contributed to the bad and good of her marriage, but her husband Steven is whitewashed to the point of thinking he's the poor, put-upon long-suffering man who just wants a good wife. He doesn't seem to realize he can't expect that without reciprocating, and spending time with his wife.



Depression comes in many guises, and Brenda was fortunate to have good friends and neighbors to help her out of hers; Steve's friends weren't given the opportunity to help him see the errors of his ways. I suspect men who read this book will agree with Steve, while women will tend to see Brenda's side of things more clearly.



I think this is an interesting concept--pairing a non-fiction author with one more well-known for fiction--and using the former's self-help books as a basis for this series. Having not read any of the others--yet--I can't speak to how well they succeed in future volumes. I suspect I'll try at least one more of the series, as the characters and the setting are very appealing. I can't help but hope the women develop a bit more backbone, however. Women are not subservient, and I think it's harmful when they're presented as such. Equal partnerships are much better, and way more fun, especially in a loving relationship.

 "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" 2008-02-10
By Grateful Gramma (Southwest Virginia)
First in a series of four novels, It Happens Every Spring by Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer does a great job at illustrating the two sides of a marriage in trouble.



Brenda feels lost, now that the children are gone and Steve has immersed himself in his new job. She needs to feel a part of something and she needs attention and support from Steve.



Steve needs physical affection and attention from Brenda, to believe that she appreciates his efforts as breadwinner.



But somehow their timing is all off, their needs no longer mesh, and the longer things go, the farther apart they grow. There was an old magazine series called "Can This Marriage Be Saved?"; we find ourselves wondering the same thing.



A little preachy in a place or two but altogether a good story. Bits and pieces of other marriages in Tranquility peek through and we hope they'll be further developed in the other volumes.


Images Product

Buy It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1) Now

It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1)

Buy Cheap It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1)

Buy Low Price From Here Now
Meet the characters that live, work, dream, and love in the community of Deepwater Cove. Best-selling authors Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer team up to show how four married couples, all in different stages in life, experience the joys and hardships of marriage as examined in Gary Chapman's The Four Seasons of Marriage. In book one, Steve and Brenda face a common problem among middle-age couples: empty nest syndrome. Steve works too much, and with their two children out of the house, Brenda feels lonely and unfulfilled. In order to save their marriage, the two must learn to reconnect. Readers are also introduced to many charming characters, like Cody, the mentally challenged homeless man that shows up on Steve and Brenda's porch; Pete, who owns the Rods ‘N' Ends tackle shop; and Patsy Pringle, who owns the Just As I Am beauty parlor, where much of the action takes place.
The series is based on the marriage principles found in Gary Chapman's non-fiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. Similar in tone and light-hearted, quirky humor as Jan Karon's Mitford series, Fannie Flagg's books or Steel Magnolias. Each book has a study guide that talks about the four seasons of marriage and the healing strategies depicted in that volume's story.
Readmore

Technical Details

- ISBN13: 9781414311654
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
See more technical details

 "Heavy Handed but Nice" 2009-07-10
By Serena
I was pleasantly surprised by "It Happens Every Spring". I picked up the audio book on a long car trip with the in-laws, and it looked like a book that we would enjoy together (fairly PG rated, no profanity). The characters are intriguing, reminding me of Steel Magnolias, with their quirks and strong wills. The marriages are also very real, and I like the idea of the seasons of marriage. It seems to fit most people I know. The plot outcomes were predictable, no surprises here, but that's ok since the characters were fun.



What I found heavy handed were the long "marriage counseling" descriptions and conversations. Where feelings were stated and re-stated to hammer the "seasons of marriage" into your brain, and the arguments border on textbook training for counselors. But that aside, it's a nice read. I may get the other 3 books in the series.

 "Entertaining!" 2009-05-16
By R. Thomas (Oklahoma)
I read this book in 2 days, and will be reading the 2nd in the series as soon as it arrives (and know Amazon it will be Monday!)

 "Seasons of Love - Cary Chapman" 2009-02-16
By Cheryl M. Miller (somewhere land, CA)
OMW!! I have this whole series and I just adore it! The characters are so great! You are guaranteed to find someone to relate to in this 4 book series located in a small lake community in Arkansas and I would be surprised if you don't just fall in love with Cody and his passion for chocolate cake cut into squares.

 "Uneven portraits " 2008-05-05
By kellytwo (cleveland hts, ohio)
I've read and enjoyed many Inspirational/Christian novels that fall into the romance category. But this one is not the most enjoyable I've ever read. I did read it all, to see where it was going, but found it to be very repetitious and preachy.



On the other hand, there were several important life lessons to be learned here, some of which the characters never did seem to get a really firm grasp. Cody is treated well by the authors and the characters, as is Patsy Pringle. Brenda, however, gets lambasted no matter what she does. She wasn't the only one who contributed to the bad and good of her marriage, but her husband Steven is whitewashed to the point of thinking he's the poor, put-upon long-suffering man who just wants a good wife. He doesn't seem to realize he can't expect that without reciprocating, and spending time with his wife.



Depression comes in many guises, and Brenda was fortunate to have good friends and neighbors to help her out of hers; Steve's friends weren't given the opportunity to help him see the errors of his ways. I suspect men who read this book will agree with Steve, while women will tend to see Brenda's side of things more clearly.



I think this is an interesting concept--pairing a non-fiction author with one more well-known for fiction--and using the former's self-help books as a basis for this series. Having not read any of the others--yet--I can't speak to how well they succeed in future volumes. I suspect I'll try at least one more of the series, as the characters and the setting are very appealing. I can't help but hope the women develop a bit more backbone, however. Women are not subservient, and I think it's harmful when they're presented as such. Equal partnerships are much better, and way more fun, especially in a loving relationship.

 "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" 2008-02-10
By Grateful Gramma (Southwest Virginia)
First in a series of four novels, It Happens Every Spring by Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer does a great job at illustrating the two sides of a marriage in trouble.



Brenda feels lost, now that the children are gone and Steve has immersed himself in his new job. She needs to feel a part of something and she needs attention and support from Steve.



Steve needs physical affection and attention from Brenda, to believe that she appreciates his efforts as breadwinner.



But somehow their timing is all off, their needs no longer mesh, and the longer things go, the farther apart they grow. There was an old magazine series called "Can This Marriage Be Saved?"; we find ourselves wondering the same thing.



A little preachy in a place or two but altogether a good story. Bits and pieces of other marriages in Tranquility peek through and we hope they'll be further developed in the other volumes.


Images Product

Buy It Happens Every Spring (The Four Seasons of a Marriage Series #1) Now

One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom

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Moms get a lot of advice from TV shows, magazines, friends, their own mothers, and more. But all of this well-meaning counsel tends to paralyze moms. They worry about their children's self-esteem, their health, and whether or not their children like them. They even agonize over scrapbooking every moment of development. Julie Barnhill says, "Enough already!" Unapologetically raucous, slightly irreverent, and refreshingly relevant, One Tough Mother exposes the mind-numbing, brain-draining, confidence-depleting minutia moms get stuck in. With humor and a sharp wit, Julie offers moms a dose of reality and a way to calm their fears about raising children. She encourages moms to straighten up, take back the control from their children, and stand firm on the nonnegotiables. With her help, any mom can become one tough mother.
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 "Kind of a letdown after reading She's Gonna Blow" 2008-08-22
By luvmylilgirl (Eastern Washington)
I'm the mother of an extremely spirited four year old. I have read alot of parenting books, and One Tough Mother kind of came across as a much weaker version of them Raising Your Spirited Child Rev Ed: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and EnergeticThe New Strong-Willed ChildTeach Them Diligently: How To Use The Scriptures In Child Training. This book is good for a laugh and you definitely feel like you've got good company in mothering difficult children, but it just didn't do much for me. It's a bit too general compared to other reads. To her credit though, She's Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger was life changing, and I owe my patient, loving yet firm style of motherhood mostly to her.

 "Thank you for permission...." 2008-07-14
By Sassy Sadie
I loved this book because it finally gave me permission to question some of the things that clearly weren't working for me, but I didn't have the nerve to question them myself. I just kept growing more and more frustrated and ended up thinking that I wasn't cut out to be a parent, until I read this book and got some helpful way's of saying NO ... decided to get off of the vicious cycle of 'advice' seeking and feeling guilty because I didn't feel right about making life all about my kids. I feel a lot freer as a parent and less stressed out, better able to make decisions that I'm comfortable with. I really believe that God is using her experience to minister to other mom's like me. (by the way, I am the "ambivalent mom" :)

 "Every word is helpful and centered in REALITY - it's a hilarious book, too!" 2008-06-21
By HollyLooya! (Illinois)
Just finished ordering a copy of this for my sister. This is One Tough Book to Put Down (there's your sequel, Julie!)



I know Julie - she goes to my church. Therefore, I can't possibly be impartial, right? Wrong. You think I agree with every word that's uttered in that building? Only doofuses do that. But, before I go on with my review, I thought I should let y'all know, in fairness, that I know Julie.



I would write a long review, but I'm busy parenting. So let me just say this: If you love your kids, and you love the Lord, and you want what's best for your kids, and you seek to do God's will, this is the book for you. Way to go, Julie.



Plus, the book is hilarious. I love Julie's candor, honesty (do those two words mean the same thing? I'm an English teacher and ya got ME!), and the conversationality of the words. I can hear Julie's voice as I read.



BUY THIS for yourself and for all, yes, ALL of your MOM FRIENDS. NO, not your MOM'S friends, your MOM friends. DO IT NOW. Good girl.



Holly (Tucker) White

Galesburg, IL

 "Hidden agenda" 2008-01-27
By alexxcz (Baltimore, MD USA)
I was surprised to find this parenting book was heavily Christian. Bible verses, Christian theology, and prayers you and your kids can do are sprinkled throughout the text. I have no problem with Christians writing Christian parenting guides, but I would like something on the cover that identifies them.



The book gives some good common sense advice like being firm with your kids, letting the small things go, and holding on to your own identity and interests in the midst of parenting.



I disagree with the suggestion to find medical advice on the internet, but moms trusting their intuition and questioning doctors is of course good sense.



In summary, it's not a bad potpourri of parenting tips, but I found the omission of any reference to this being a Christian guide on the cover strange.

 "Every day is Mother's Day!" 2007-12-06
By armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota)
Reviewed by Nicole M. Boals



Being a mother can make you a little bit crazy. Listening to all the advice from friends, family, and the nearly endless self-help books, can take that crazy to a whole new level. This book will help calm this craziness with intelligent and sensible advice with a huge dose of humor. It is a quick read that is hard to put down and is one parenting book that you will be very glad you read.



One Tough Mother gives no nonsense advice on how to be a strong woman who is a strong mother. Broken down into ten "non-negotiables," this book is packed full of great ideas on how to take back your sanity and build love, trust, and respect in your household. Smattered throughout the advice are real stories that give life and context to these ideas.



Seemingly common sense areas of parenting are sometimes so hard to remember or even feel comfortable with, and this book helps bring them into focus. With chapters like how to say no (I know can comfortably say no in several languages to video game playing) to how to start praying for your children, this book offers tips that every parent can use.



Throughout the book sidebars present great outside resources and concepts. These little quips and links offer some great ideas for additional research and topics. The book concludes with a great appendix that reminds you that you are a woman and as such, you deserve some self-care time and expense. It offers great tips on hair, skin, makeup and general upkeep that a lot of moms mistakenly put on the backburner.



Armchair Interviews says: Great advice, interesting stories, and laugh-out-loud humor, make One Tough Mother one awesome book.


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Buy One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom Now

One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom

Buy Cheap One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom

Buy Low Price From Here Now
Moms get a lot of advice from TV shows, magazines, friends, their own mothers, and more. But all of this well-meaning counsel tends to paralyze moms. They worry about their children's self-esteem, their health, and whether or not their children like them. They even agonize over scrapbooking every moment of development. Julie Barnhill says, "Enough already!" Unapologetically raucous, slightly irreverent, and refreshingly relevant, One Tough Mother exposes the mind-numbing, brain-draining, confidence-depleting minutia moms get stuck in. With humor and a sharp wit, Julie offers moms a dose of reality and a way to calm their fears about raising children. She encourages moms to straighten up, take back the control from their children, and stand firm on the nonnegotiables. With her help, any mom can become one tough mother.
Readmore

Technical Details

- ISBN13: 9780800732301
- Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
- Notes:
- Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices
See more technical details

 "Kind of a letdown after reading She's Gonna Blow" 2008-08-22
By luvmylilgirl (Eastern Washington)
I'm the mother of an extremely spirited four year old. I have read alot of parenting books, and One Tough Mother kind of came across as a much weaker version of them Raising Your Spirited Child Rev Ed: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and EnergeticThe New Strong-Willed ChildTeach Them Diligently: How To Use The Scriptures In Child Training. This book is good for a laugh and you definitely feel like you've got good company in mothering difficult children, but it just didn't do much for me. It's a bit too general compared to other reads. To her credit though, She's Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger was life changing, and I owe my patient, loving yet firm style of motherhood mostly to her.

 "Thank you for permission...." 2008-07-14
By Sassy Sadie
I loved this book because it finally gave me permission to question some of the things that clearly weren't working for me, but I didn't have the nerve to question them myself. I just kept growing more and more frustrated and ended up thinking that I wasn't cut out to be a parent, until I read this book and got some helpful way's of saying NO ... decided to get off of the vicious cycle of 'advice' seeking and feeling guilty because I didn't feel right about making life all about my kids. I feel a lot freer as a parent and less stressed out, better able to make decisions that I'm comfortable with. I really believe that God is using her experience to minister to other mom's like me. (by the way, I am the "ambivalent mom" :)

 "Every word is helpful and centered in REALITY - it's a hilarious book, too!" 2008-06-21
By HollyLooya! (Illinois)
Just finished ordering a copy of this for my sister. This is One Tough Book to Put Down (there's your sequel, Julie!)



I know Julie - she goes to my church. Therefore, I can't possibly be impartial, right? Wrong. You think I agree with every word that's uttered in that building? Only doofuses do that. But, before I go on with my review, I thought I should let y'all know, in fairness, that I know Julie.



I would write a long review, but I'm busy parenting. So let me just say this: If you love your kids, and you love the Lord, and you want what's best for your kids, and you seek to do God's will, this is the book for you. Way to go, Julie.



Plus, the book is hilarious. I love Julie's candor, honesty (do those two words mean the same thing? I'm an English teacher and ya got ME!), and the conversationality of the words. I can hear Julie's voice as I read.



BUY THIS for yourself and for all, yes, ALL of your MOM FRIENDS. NO, not your MOM'S friends, your MOM friends. DO IT NOW. Good girl.



Holly (Tucker) White

Galesburg, IL

 "Hidden agenda" 2008-01-27
By alexxcz (Baltimore, MD USA)
I was surprised to find this parenting book was heavily Christian. Bible verses, Christian theology, and prayers you and your kids can do are sprinkled throughout the text. I have no problem with Christians writing Christian parenting guides, but I would like something on the cover that identifies them.



The book gives some good common sense advice like being firm with your kids, letting the small things go, and holding on to your own identity and interests in the midst of parenting.



I disagree with the suggestion to find medical advice on the internet, but moms trusting their intuition and questioning doctors is of course good sense.



In summary, it's not a bad potpourri of parenting tips, but I found the omission of any reference to this being a Christian guide on the cover strange.

 "Every day is Mother's Day!" 2007-12-06
By armchairinterviews.com (Minnesota)
Reviewed by Nicole M. Boals



Being a mother can make you a little bit crazy. Listening to all the advice from friends, family, and the nearly endless self-help books, can take that crazy to a whole new level. This book will help calm this craziness with intelligent and sensible advice with a huge dose of humor. It is a quick read that is hard to put down and is one parenting book that you will be very glad you read.



One Tough Mother gives no nonsense advice on how to be a strong woman who is a strong mother. Broken down into ten "non-negotiables," this book is packed full of great ideas on how to take back your sanity and build love, trust, and respect in your household. Smattered throughout the advice are real stories that give life and context to these ideas.



Seemingly common sense areas of parenting are sometimes so hard to remember or even feel comfortable with, and this book helps bring them into focus. With chapters like how to say no (I know can comfortably say no in several languages to video game playing) to how to start praying for your children, this book offers tips that every parent can use.



Throughout the book sidebars present great outside resources and concepts. These little quips and links offer some great ideas for additional research and topics. The book concludes with a great appendix that reminds you that you are a woman and as such, you deserve some self-care time and expense. It offers great tips on hair, skin, makeup and general upkeep that a lot of moms mistakenly put on the backburner.



Armchair Interviews says: Great advice, interesting stories, and laugh-out-loud humor, make One Tough Mother one awesome book.


Images Product

Buy One Tough Mother: It's Time to Step Up and Be the Mom Now

It's Your Move: Dealing Yourself the Best Cards in Life and Work

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Life is like a card game... and you have the power to deal yourself the winning hand! In It's Your Move, image and self-improvement specialists Cyndi Maxey and Jill Bremer use the analogy of life as a card game to introduce you to powerful strategies for improving both your business and personal life... no matter what cards you are dealt.

As in any good game, life offers you multiple options for achieving greatness: listening, learning, attitude, style, balance, flexibility and many more. Maxey and Bremer deliver simple, proven techniques for taking control of your life--presented in the form of a card game. You will follow sample players as they discover their "perfect hands," while learning how to maximize your own strengths and play the game of life with wisdom, courage, strategy, timing and teamwork. Learn the rules of today's game of life--and when to break them. Empower yourself to master dozens of simple techniques to maximize effectiveness and achieve your dreams--without elaborate plans or expensive programs. The authors offer guidance to help you track your progress with practical, easy worksheets.

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 "Useful ideas for improving your life..." 2005-03-06
By Thomas Duff (Portland, OR United States)
Regardless of how old you are and how long you've worked, you can always learn new tools to make you more effective in life. A book that can add to your learning is It's Your Move - Dealing Yourself the Best Cards in Life and Work by Cyndi Maxey and Jill Bremer (Prentice Hall).



The general design of the book and plan is a series of 52 techniques, or "cards", that you can play in your life in order to improve your effectiveness in life. The techniques are grouped into a number of sets: preparation, attitude, visibility, style, presentation, listening, learning, balance, and flexibility. At the end of each chapter, you are instructed to "draw" one of the cards and start to apply it to your life. By not being able to pick and choose what you want to do, you are forced to examine possibilities that you may shy away from if given your choice.



If you've read books of this genre before, you'll recognize a number of the techniques... take risks, set goals, etc. But regardless of how many you've heard before, all it takes is one new idea to propel you forward. Maxey and Bremer have an easy style of writing that makes it simple to understand and incorporate the idea into your life. They also use actual personal stories to help the reader relate to the technique. All good stuff...



Worth reading if you're looking to make a change in your life...

 "Good Messages in a Confusing Flow" 2004-04-12
By Roger E. Herman (Greensboro, NC USA)
Although classified as a Business book, this title is really a self-help book. It was confusing for me as a reader, possibly based on my expectations.

Based on the subtitle of the book, I expected that I might see a card deck kind of format clearly presented. I imagined perhaps 52 great ideas that I could use to build my effectiveness. The fan of playing cards on the book cover reinforced that expectation. When I finally got past the pages of the publisher's advertising to reach the table of contents, I found that there were nine "hands," an introduction, a preparatory chapter, and a conclusion. Each hand (examples: attitude, visibility, style, listening, learning) in the table of contents has categories that highlight information and advice that would be helpful for anyone looking for some self-improvement help. There are graphics of success cards at the end of each chapter, but the graphics were not emphasized as well as they could be in the chapters. This is a design issue, rather than content, but the design affects the readability of the book.

Some "players" are introduced in the first chapter, representing composites of readers. The idea here, I believe, is that readers would be able to identify with these characters as they move through the book. These characters do stay with us through the book, but an army of other people pop in and out as examples in various vignettes. This parallel theme confused me as I was trying to follow the players and all the valuable advice being offered by the authors. The result of all these themes, a large number of call-out boxes, and a sans serif typeface made this book seem overly complicated.

Unquestionably, there is a lot of valuable advice in these pages, but be prepared to separate the book you'd like to read from the others that seem to be interwoven with it. The index, which appears just before the closing advertisements from the Financial Times, is helpful. The conclusion includes a survey with check-boxes that will enable the reader to focus on next-steps.

 "Make Your Move" 2003-12-01
By Sheila F. Edens (Chicago, IL United States)
I loved everything about this book. I particularly enjoyed the card deck. I was unable to put the book down once I got into it. I spent a weekend in a hotel room with this book and a notebook charting my next move in all areas of my life.

It's Your Move inspired me and got me up and moving. This book is a roadmap for anyone that is serious about going to the next level in their life.

 "Not just another self-help book" 2003-11-25
By Rebecca Ellis (Glen Carbon, IL USA)
I've read quite a few self-help and business how-to books, and usually they are good for an idea or two. This one goes way beyond that, however. It has more helpful concrete information per square inch than any other business book I've read. I assumed I'd read this, then pass it along or resell it -- but no way! I'm keepin' this puppy. (Buy your own!)

If you want a reality check about the image you project at work, or some ideas about how to break the ice with the boss, or you need to figure out why your ideas just never seem to get the response you'd like at meetings, this book is definitely for you. It doesn't just tell you what to do; it describes a few ways to go about it, describes how each way might be perceived, and then walks you through some practical examples of how to go about trying something new.

I was surprised at how much information the authors included on topics that I hadn't considered much but that, by gosh, really do matter. A lot. This book comes at a topic from all different angles, and gives you quick fixes, easy things to do that are very effective, and also things you can (if you choose) build on if it's something that matters a lot to you. It is extremely thorough, in an easy-to-read way. For example, I've never really paid serious attention to clothes. I have the requisite business attire and know the "rules" -- nothing flashy, good tailoring. But I was fascinated by the discussion of color, different levels of business dress from formal to casual and what really differentiates each level (the unspoken rules that, yes, really do matter), a detailed and intimate talk about details you thought you could only count on a close friend for (bad breath and what really works and what doesn't, taking basic care of your fingernails), and a marvelously sensible talk about how to take care of different fabrics ("Between cleanings, wool garments should be hung out overnight before being put back in a closet. Wool is a resilient fabric and will return to its natural shape if allowed to breathe."). I found myself approaching my closet with new respect.

This is one of only a very few self-help/business books I've ever read that actually resulted in my changing something. And it was easy. I can count at least 4 things I changed immediately, with little effort, after reading this the first time. The chapters on increasing your visibility (hard for us shy types) and attitude and style are worth their weight in gold. The book is very useful as a reference you can go back to for ideas, and for ways to rethink a situation.

This one's a keeper.

 "Learning how life REALLY is.." 2003-11-23
By Debra Monserrate (Rio Piedras, PR United States)
This book was a real eye opener for me in many ways. It's down-to-earth format makes it easy and interesting to read. Within the 253 pages you learn how to enrich your personal,professional,financial and emotional strengths and how to vastly improve your weaknesses. It puts into words and organizes how to deal with almost any challenge one can confront in life and how to succeed and win at the same time. It makes sense! It's a blueprint to becoming or remaining proactive,powerful and self confident.


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 "20th century man." 2006-10-27
By An admirer of Saul (uk)
Saul Bellow has limitless intellect,although he would deny he is an intellectual. To him,intellectuals get bogged down in the cul de sac of ideologies;attempting to sort out societies problems and the meaning of life via philosophies infected by the mood of the times;philosohies that ignore mans endless desires of individualism,curiosity and the need to be free.Ideologies that just add further to the mess. Bellow looks for what is human through art and literature,which is a refuge for our soul. All of this beams through Bellows essays.He transcends mere intellectualism and operates on a higher plain.He has no desire to 'do the good thing' or appear 'liberal' if it means having to lie to achieve it.His clash with Gunter Grass-who unbeknown to Bellow and the World at the time had a rather nasty skeleton in his closet-comes to mind. Grass in his politics and self righteous ranting is given the moral high ground by using deception-by doing the right thing;appearing liberal.But as people like Richard Wright found of the 'liberal' North,the attitude was all hot air.The blacks were no more accepted there than the South.They were 'accepted' as long as they stuck to the black belt areas.That truth would have destroyed many a liberal;many a do gooder,as it was a reality they knew of but hid from view.Bellow lives in this area of revelation.

His recollections of Roosevelt,the war,Yom Kippur,Paris....all wonderful. This is a wonderful insight into the greatest mind of the 20th century.

 "A vitality of ideas" 2005-01-10
By Shalom Freedman (Jerusalem,Israel)
Everything that Bellow writes has vitality. His fictional works are energized by ideas. His faith in literature and his devotion to his craft are unquestioning and are much evidenced in these essays. So are his great learning and committment to the world and life of the mind. I have always had trouble however understanding where Bellow 's overall view of the world really centers. My guess it is in the devotion to the writing life and not in any formal system of philosophical or religious thought, though I know he has been in some way connected with Rudolf Steiner's thought. In any case there is a richness of mind at work much insight in this work.

 "A very valuable collection of essays" 1999-11-30
By Frank-Tommy Olsen (New Zealand)
It All Adds Up, a collection of essays, written with Saul Bellow's great human insight, literary qualities and dry wit. Of course for everybody whom have read Herzog, Humboldt's Gift, The Adventures of Augie March and Henderson the Rain King should just run and get hold of a copy of this book, but honestly: anyone enjoying quality literature and are curious on life, art, politics and about how one of America's greatest authors share of his reflections and anecdotes, will probably enjoy this book. The only collection of essays I can think of, that come near this, is Hermann Hesse's My Belief. It is just such a pleasure to know, that in addition to Bellow's novels, there exist a book like It All Adds Up.


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A collection of nonfiction pieces that is a journey through forty years in literary America features articles, essays, travel writing, and an ""Autobiography of Ideas."" 35,000 first printing. $30,000 ad/promo.
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 "20th century man." 2006-10-27
By An admirer of Saul (uk)
Saul Bellow has limitless intellect,although he would deny he is an intellectual. To him,intellectuals get bogged down in the cul de sac of ideologies;attempting to sort out societies problems and the meaning of life via philosophies infected by the mood of the times;philosohies that ignore mans endless desires of individualism,curiosity and the need to be free.Ideologies that just add further to the mess. Bellow looks for what is human through art and literature,which is a refuge for our soul. All of this beams through Bellows essays.He transcends mere intellectualism and operates on a higher plain.He has no desire to 'do the good thing' or appear 'liberal' if it means having to lie to achieve it.His clash with Gunter Grass-who unbeknown to Bellow and the World at the time had a rather nasty skeleton in his closet-comes to mind. Grass in his politics and self righteous ranting is given the moral high ground by using deception-by doing the right thing;appearing liberal.But as people like Richard Wright found of the 'liberal' North,the attitude was all hot air.The blacks were no more accepted there than the South.They were 'accepted' as long as they stuck to the black belt areas.That truth would have destroyed many a liberal;many a do gooder,as it was a reality they knew of but hid from view.Bellow lives in this area of revelation.

His recollections of Roosevelt,the war,Yom Kippur,Paris....all wonderful. This is a wonderful insight into the greatest mind of the 20th century.

 "A vitality of ideas" 2005-01-10
By Shalom Freedman (Jerusalem,Israel)
Everything that Bellow writes has vitality. His fictional works are energized by ideas. His faith in literature and his devotion to his craft are unquestioning and are much evidenced in these essays. So are his great learning and committment to the world and life of the mind. I have always had trouble however understanding where Bellow 's overall view of the world really centers. My guess it is in the devotion to the writing life and not in any formal system of philosophical or religious thought, though I know he has been in some way connected with Rudolf Steiner's thought. In any case there is a richness of mind at work much insight in this work.

 "A very valuable collection of essays" 1999-11-30
By Frank-Tommy Olsen (New Zealand)
It All Adds Up, a collection of essays, written with Saul Bellow's great human insight, literary qualities and dry wit. Of course for everybody whom have read Herzog, Humboldt's Gift, The Adventures of Augie March and Henderson the Rain King should just run and get hold of a copy of this book, but honestly: anyone enjoying quality literature and are curious on life, art, politics and about how one of America's greatest authors share of his reflections and anecdotes, will probably enjoy this book. The only collection of essays I can think of, that come near this, is Hermann Hesse's My Belief. It is just such a pleasure to know, that in addition to Bellow's novels, there exist a book like It All Adds Up.


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Buy It all Adds Up: From the Dim Past to the Uncertain Future (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) Now