Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering
Average customer rating:

A Perfect Book

A wonderful book..

kateinkalifornia

Reads like a religious brochure

Profoundly entertaining.
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger: An Invitation Worth Considering
David Gregory
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1578569052
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Amazon.com

In Dinner With a Perfect Stranger, David Gregory relates the story of two men sharing a meal. The point of interest is knowing that one man believes he is Jesus. What will the other man think by the time the evening is through? The conversation begins, as one could imagine, scratching the dry hard surface of skepticism and doubt, but gently and persistently goes deeper and deeper, spiraling in from that starting point until they are eventually talking about the true stuff of life; the career drifting off-track, the marriage experiencing its own kind of strain, the life being lived where the philosophical questions of youth have given way to simply coping with modern day-to-day living.

Gregory's book is a refreshing reminder of what evangelical Christianity is at its very best -- a faith enlivened by the personal relationship between the Creator and the created. In the end, evangelical Christians are focused on who Jesus Christ is, and more specifically, who He is to them. Doctrinal stances, theological conundrums, questions about literal or non-literal Biblical interpretation, these are all beside the point for the certain type of Christian whose central focus is the life and person of Jesus.

In the Narnia series, C.S. Lewis touched on some of the core questions of religion, from the Christian viewpoint (is there a hell? What is heaven like, really? How can other religions be wrong, and just one be right?) Taking his cue from Lewis, Gregory does the same, realizing that questions like these come alive when they're in the context of a story, and we can be the third party, watching with interest while they are put on the table and considered. In the end, Gregory's book succeeds because of his willingness to approach interesting, hard questions like these. He is always, undoubtedly, aiming for the heart, but he realizes that to win the heart one must never forget that the mind has to come along for the ride. --Ed Dobeas

Book Description

You are Invited to a Dinner with Jesus of Nazareth

The mysterious envelope arrives on Nick Cominsky’s desk amid a stack of credit card applications and business-related junk mail. Although his seventy-hour workweek has already eaten into his limited family time, Nick can’t pass up the opportunity to see what kind of plot his colleagues have hatched.

The normally confident, cynical Nick soon finds himself thrown off-balance, drawn into an intriguing conversation with a baffling man who appears to be more than comfortable discussing everything from world religions to the existence of heaven and hell. And this man who calls himself Jesus also seems to know a disturbing amount about Nick’s personal life.

…………..

"You’re bored, Nick. You were made for more than this. You’re worried about God stealing your fun, but you’ve got it backwards.… There’s no adventure like being joined to the Creator of the universe." He leaned back off the table. "And your first mission would be to let him guide you out of the mess you’re in at work."
………….

As the evening progresses, their conversation touches on life, God, meaning, pain, faith, and doubt–and it seems that having Dinner with a Perfect Stranger may change Nick’s life forever.

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Book.......2007-09-17

I received this book as a gift and enjoyed it so much that I bought it to give to my daughter-in-law. What would it be like to have dinner with Jesus? This book answers that question in a way that includes humor and an inside look at witnessing as Jesus might do it if he invited an unbeliever struggling with life's problems to dinner. A thought-provoking book beautifully written.

A wonderful book.........2007-09-07

An excellent book. Perfect for the whole family to listen to. It is funny at times and then brings the right amount of drama at the right time. It makes you think things through and to a higher level.

kateinkalifornia.......2007-08-29

A quick read, I actually read it twice. I will keep it and lend it out, but I want it back. It's one for my permanent collection.

Reads like a religious brochure.......2007-08-24

My mom gave me this book to read as, one would guess, a last minute ditch effort to get me back into religion. Flipping through the book and seeing that it was only around 100 pages, and was printed in nice big "kid's book" letters, I figured, hey, what's a couple hours? I'm certainly willing to hear other viewpoints, and weigh them accordingly.

My first complaint is that if this is how religious people think that non-religious people think, feel, and act, then they are sorely mistaken. It's as if everyone that isn't Christian is empty, sad, and just sort of generally depressed. I guess using logic and consistency in your life makes you depressed? I guess not accepting whim-based rules about how to live life because "this book said so" and instead working rigorously to come up with a consistent set of morals and values makes you feel empty?

Anyways, the author attempts to make logical proofs, and in doing so, shows that he has no clue what a logical proof is. His undeniable, irrefutable proof that god exists is that an earlier part of the bible predicts a later part of the bible. Seriously. Nevermind that the later part of the bible was written a couple centuries after the fact, and by monks who were fully aware of the prophecies in Daniel, etc.

He also makes the claim that either Buddhism, or Hinduism, (i forget which, and i don't have the book in front of me) can't be true because it says that the universe is eternal. "How does that stack up against what your scientists have recently discovered?" alluding to the idea that we now *think* that the universe had a starting point. Regardless of the fact that we don't KNOW that it had a starting point, using science to dethrone one religion after another but not applying it to your own is a methodology only useful to those completely wrapped up in their own beliefs. One wishes the guy having dinner with Jesus would have responded with "well... that's funny... what does our science say about the idea of consciousness without matter? Or simultaneously being all-knowing and all-powerful? Or energy without any means to measure it? I guess that means your dad doesn't exist... which in turn means you don't exist, because you're one with your dad or whatever... so I guess I'm talking to myself... which would explain why the waiter has been looking at me strangely all night."

There was also a fantastic bit at the end about how if Jesus was in this guy's heart, he (Jesus) could love the guy's wife when he (the guy) couldn't anymore. Or something to that effect. I'd talk more about that, but I don't want to misquote it and have someone negate the whole review based on it, so I'll let it go.

I could go on for pages about the rediculous assumptions this book makes about how life should be lived, and the causes of evil in the world, etc. But I won't. Suffice it to say that this book is patently ridiculous, and actually rather offensive to truly free-thinking, open and honest people.

Then again, the author believes in a god that said "Thou Shall Not Kill" and then went on to murder millions and millions of people, as well as an entire planet's worth of animals that are completely amoral. So I guess anything goes, and he's as capable as anyone else to cherry-pick the parts that he does and doesn't support out of the bible.

Profoundly entertaining........2007-08-04

This little book is captivating. It answered many questions that often come up about who God is. It was so interesting I couldn't put it down. I found it profoundly entertaining and historically accurate.

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Excellent follow-up
A good book
God at work in every way
Day With a Perfect Stranger

A Day with a Perfect Stranger
David Gregory
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1400072425
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Book Description

What if a fascinating stranger knew you better than you know yourself?

When her husband comes home with a farfetched story about eating dinner with someone he believes to be Jesus, Mattie Cominsky thinks this may signal the end of her shaky marriage. Convinced that Nick is, at best, turning into a religious nut, the self-described agnostic hopes that a quick business trip will give her time to think things through.

On board the plane, Mattie strikes up a conversation with a fellow passenger. When she discovers their shared scorn for religion, she confides her frustration over her husband’s recent conversion. The stranger suggests that perhaps her husband isn’t seeking religion but true spiritual connection, an idea that prompts her to reflect on her own search for fulfillment.

As their conversation turns to issues of spiritual longing and deeper questions about the nature of God, Mattie finds herself increasingly drawn to this insightful stranger. But when the discussion unexpectedly turns personal, touching on things she’s never told anyone, Mattie is startled and disturbed. Who is this man who seems to peer straight into her soul?

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-09-17

This book is the sequel to "Dinner with a Perfect Stranger." Whereas the first book involves Jesus speaking with a man, this one is Jesus' witnessing to the man's wife. Like him, she's not a Christian. Jesus slowly leads her where he wants her to go, always dealing with her in love. Jesus meets the woman on an airplane, where he also entertains the child ahead of him by making faces. Yes, I think Jesus would do that! Another wonderful book that shows witnessing done God's way. It's a book you'll want to keep.

Excellent follow-up.......2007-09-10

I thought this book was an excellent follow-up/sequel to Dinner with a Perfect Stranger. As in the original...it is easy to read, thought-provoking, not bogged down or time consuming. Really, if you've read the first one...THIS is a MUST read as well!

A good book.......2007-07-14

I enjoyed this book but not as much as Dinner With a Perfect Stranger. I wished God would have revealed Himself sooner.
They're both books I will suggest to others.

God at work in every way.......2007-05-24

My wife and I read this after reading _Dinner with a Perfect stranger_ and they both compliment each other. These books give some terrific insight into life's 'workings' and provide another viewpoint about love, life, religion that can be intimately identified with for each of us, although in a different manner for each.
It was a thouroughy enjoyable read.

Day With a Perfect Stranger.......2007-05-13

I found this book to be so very awesome in it's presentation, purpose and perspective. I got lost in the book and when I was finished it I felt a sense of loss; I would not have this literary "friend" to read each night before retiring.
David Gregory presented some very thought provoking ideas.
I passed it on to a friend who also gives this book a rave review.

Average customer rating:

Exciting plot, less than perfect characters
Different from the others, but still GREAT!
And the Series Continues...
exciting romantic suspense
Another "perfect" book from Alison Kent!

The Perfect Stranger
Alison Kent
Manufacturer: Brava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Exciting plot, less than perfect characters.......2007-08-27

As a follower of the SG-5 Saga, I really expected more of this book. Although the plot is excellent, the characters lack punch. There is too much baggage in both Jillian and Jack, and although the length of the book gives the author time to work the nicks between them, the plot focuses more on the trek than on their relationship.
All in all, it left me with a weird feeling of unfinish.

Different from the others, but still GREAT!.......2007-05-21

Most of the SG-5 books have the male operative at the advantage, but in this book with helicopter pilot Jackson Briggs, HE is the one who is taken advantage OF. Jillian Endicott is in terrible danger and has taken him hostage and is using his skills as a pilot to get herself and a mystery package out of the country of San Torisco before they can be captured.

Of course, since this is a romance and he is a man, he does take control now and then, but for the main part, Jillian is the one who knows the country, has the connections, knows the full implications of the situation, and knows what the secret package is that must leave the country. So, he has to do what men don't do well....follow her and let her tell him what to do! Pretty fun to see in an alpha male romance.

Since I'm a recovering mystery/detective/espionage reader, I enjoy the merging of the romance and military/thriller angle with Alison Kent's books. I've enjoyed all the Smithson group books and since I've finished her latest in that series, I'll have to go to her Blaze books! Ms Kent does not write a bad book! Thanks Lady! :)

And the Series Continues..........2007-04-10

American, Jackson Briggs has done a lot in his life and can claim a lot of experiences some good, some bad. What has never happened to him before was waking up in a South American prison with allegations that he is now a married man and soon to be a proud daddy. With a local girl no less. Quite a feat since he has not done anything even remotely personal with any of the local girls. But the police comandante doesn't care and has issued the order that Jack will go into the mountains with his "wife" and make things right. Whatever "right" is. This only begins his adventure alongside a fellow American named Jillian who has more secrets then a magician and is as tight lipped as on as well. Who is she and why is she fighting against the political situation in this backwater country...and more importantly, why does he have to be a part of things? To compound matters the attraction between them is instant and hotter then the jungle heat. Will Jack help Jillian and will he manage to get back to the states in one piece or will his heart be captured by the one woman who could get him killed?

As always Ms. Kent has penned another great SG-5 thriller that will engage the reader from the first word. One thing I found entertaining is although Jack is a man's man...he's rather endearing as a man who doesn't totally know his way around the jungle and has to rely on Jillian. The heat and attraction between them sizzles and we are given enough details throughout the book to keep us interested why still maintaining an air of secrecy. Who is Jillian why is she there and what on earth is going to happen to everyone? The imperfection of both characters is what makes this read so perfect.

exciting romantic suspense .......2007-04-01

Smithson Group former pilot J. Jackson Briggs awakens to the thought that early last night he was the sober best man at his friend Brad's bachelor party and this morning he has a four poster hangover that proves never to mix tequila with a Mickey Finn. Adding to his aches is San Torsico Comandante Mosquera who shows him his marriage certificate and demands he escort his wife to her mountain village where her family will decide whether he is worthy of his eight month pregnant bride.

Suddenly Jack has a wife, a kid coming, and no options except to escort the woman who looks American to him into the mountains. Jillian Endicott of the Boston Endicotts would move that mountain if it means saving the lives of her missing son Joshua and his best friend Gabriel. In the jungle, Jack and Jillian fall in love, but first a rescue from some nasty people must occur.

THE PERFECT STRANGER is an exciting romantic suspense that starts with a horrific headache and climaxes with a cigar. The story line is fast-paced but driven by the needs of the lead couple as Jack vows to uncover the truth about his "wife" and how his signature ended up on a marriage certificate while Jillian swears nothing will stop her rescuing her son. Although the prime suspense subplot comes much later than usual for a SG-5 thriller, fans will enjoy the skirmishes between Jack and Jill as they go up the hill to fetch her son.

Harriet Klausner

Another "perfect" book from Alison Kent! .......2007-03-25

When pilot Jack Briggs awakens with the worst hangover of his life, despite the minimal amount he had to drink at his friend Brad's bachelor party the night before, he is somewhat confused. His confusion is exacerbated when he awakens to a gun in his face, a marriage certificate bearing his signature, a new bride who is very pregnant, and an order from the Comandante Mosquero to take his new wife to her village. With the San Torisco sun beating down upon them, the two set off in a donkey cart. Jack is extremely suspicious of his new bride, especially when the baby she is carrying turns out to be extra clothing for him, and even more so when she dons a nun's habit. It turns out that Jack's "wife" is Jillian Endicott of the elite Endicott family of Boston, who has turned her back on wealth and privilege to help the people of San Torisco. When Jack learns the reason behind his kidnapping and just what it is that Jillian wants him to fly out of the country, memories of a horrific tragedy invade him right down to his soul and despite an intense attraction to Jillian, he refuses to help her.

Jillian would never have taken such drastic measures to get Jack's help if she wasn't consumed by desperation. She has helped the people of San Torisco for years, selflessly giving of herself, often until there was nothing left to give. But now she is the one who needs help and there simply isn't time for finesse or persuasion in getting Jack where she needs him. Jillian is unprepared for the feelings that Jack stirs in her; she hasn't felt the spark of desire in a very long time. Jack is Jillian's only hope. Life as she knows it, not to mention her sanity, depend on his skills at the stick of a helicopter, but she fears that she won't be able to convince him to use those skills before time runs out.

This latest installment in Alison Kent's SG-5 series is an excellent offering for readers. Jack and Jillian are both strong characters, but neither is perfect, and it's those imperfections that make their relationship believable. The characters in this series are unfailingly larger than life, and Jack and Jillian are no exception, fighting enemies and situations that, I feel safe to say, most of us will never find ourselves in. Alison Kent never fails to successfully make her characters and their fearless determination come to life on the pages. If you like your suspense intensely dangerous, and your romance gritty and sharp, you will love THE PERFECT STRANGER.

The Perfect Stranger (Berkley Sensation)

Average customer rating:

An enjoyable romance with a different setting
boldly endearing characters with larger than life personalities
A good read
What Happened???
Poignant and bittersweet

The Perfect Stranger (Berkley Sensation)
Anne Gracie
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425210529

Book Description

Faith Merridew and a hardened soldier marry in haste-and for convenience. They vow to love, honor, cherish-and then get to know each other.

Customer Reviews:

An enjoyable romance with a different setting.......2007-05-07

Anne Gracie's Regency romances are definitely a notch above the average. Her "Perfect" series follows five sisters, all named after virtues (Prudence, Hope, Faith etc) as they find love. Although a series it's not necessary to read the books in order to enjoy any of the individual stories - they work fine as standalone books, this one particularly.

"The Perfect Stranger" focuses on Faith Merridew, twin sister of Hope, whose life at the outset of the book is a complete disaster. She has been tricked by a violinist into a sham marriage and has escaped him, only to find herself a social outcast, sleeping on the beach and in danger from various men. When chased by some men bent on rape she finds herself rescued by Nicholas Blacklock, a former soldier. All this happens right at the beginning of the book and it's a great and lively start to what becomes an engaging tale. Nick looks after Faith and soon offers her marriage to help her socially and to quieten his mother who has been trying to get him to marry for years. However Faith, once she feels a little more in control of her life, isn't willing to just wave goodbye to Nicholas as he journeys to Spain and Portugal on a mystery personal mission - she decides to travel along with him, hoping to turn their marriage into one more than name only.

Faith is a feisty heroine, a woman who is able to overcome incredible challenges - perhaps she's even too good to be true. Nicholas is the traditional tall dark and handsome but troubled hero that Faith wants to understand and help. The reader knows all along that there's something more going on in Nick's life - although most of the point of view of the story is Faith's we also occasionally dip into Nick's view. We also learn a little more about Nick's two companions, including the misogynistic Scotsman Mac, and there is even a side romance involving one of these characters.

The enjoyment in this story is that of the way in which Nick and Faith come to know each other and particularly in the way Faith manages to overcome her past (not particularly dwelt on in the story, we learn more of this in Prudence's story, "The Perfect Rake") and learn to be a suitable wife for a soldier. Of course there's a shock in this story which is trailed from fairly early on, and its resolution in some ways was slightly unsatisfying for me, but overall it was a very enjoyable story with a very different setting than usual - no balls, country houses and duels in this story, instead we read of travelling by foot and horse through France to Portugal with our characters sleeping on beaches and in open ground, suffering injuries and getting sunburned.

This is a very different story than Anne Gracie's other "Perfect" series to date, mainly in terms of the setting. The love story is sweet and not beset by the usually obligatory Big Misunderstanding or mutual hatred - our characters have other things going on to take their attention and that makes for a slightly different, but nonetheless enjoyable, read.

[...].

boldly endearing characters with larger than life personalities.......2007-02-18

Faith Merridew left everything she's ever known to elope with a man whom she believed truly loved her. A full month after their supposed wedding Faith learns that her marriage is a fake. Not only is he already married, has five children, he's even lied about his nationality. With her reputation and heart in tatters, Faith sets out to return to England from Paris on foot with very few provisions. Faith crosses paths with her unlikely savior, Nick while evading her would-be rapists.

Nicholas Blacklock and his companions are traveling to the various battle sights where they'd lost friends. His years as a soldier have hardened him. He prefers sleeping outdoors to the comfort of a bed, which is the only reason that he was on the beach the night Faith was attacked. Nick harbors a secret that has him determined to keep Faith at a distance.

Faith's own parents had eloped and they'd been so happy. When Felix swept her off her feet and suggested eloping, Faith believed she was following in her parents footsteps. After learning of his deception returning to her home and siblings is her only acceptable option but as a woman traveling alone she's accosted by unsavory men and treated poorly by everyone else she's encountered. Her would-be rapists would have caught her eventually if Nick hadn't come to her rescue when she stumbled into his campsite. He fought them off and then took care of Faith's injuries and needs. He would have liked to delve more into the reason she's in such horrid condition and alone but one of his debilitating headaches strikes and it's morning before he hears the whole sordid tale. Aware of her precarious position Nick offers her a marriage of convenience. She'll have the protection of his name and he'll send her to stay with his mother while he and his companions continue with their mission. It seems like a simple plan until after the vows are exchanged. Faith takes them to heart - especially the "until death do us part" and thwarts Alex's efforts to send her away.

Readers are going to fall in love with Anne Gracie's THE PERFECT STRANGER. The characters are boldly endearing with larger than life personalities that kept me reading far into the night. I loved how Faith interacts with all the characters mentioned throughout this book but especially admire how she handles Nick's companions, Mac and Stevens. I had a truly wonderful time reading this story and fully intend to read the other books in this series as soon as I get the chance.

Even though THE PERFECT STRANGER is part of a series, it can be read alone. This book is the third one in Ms. Gracie's PERFECT series. Each book depicts the story of one of the Merridew girls, who are all named after virtues. THE PERFECT RAKE,THE PERFECT WALTZ, and THE PERFECT KISS are the other books that make up this series.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

A good read.......2007-02-02

While the reader will have to take a leap of faith in reading this book, it is a very good read. I don't usually enjoy mystical type stories, this was well written and not corny at all. The story touched my heart and I hope you will try it.

What Happened???.......2007-01-23

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books about the Merridew sisters and was very excited to get my hands on the third one. However, by about a third of the way through I simply could not believe I was reading a book by the same woman who wrote "The Perfect Rake". The story was dull, contrived, and -- I thought -- beyond unbelievable. I felt no connection with the characters, especially Faith. I did grit my teeth and finish "The Perfect Stranger", but sold it to 1/2 Price Books as soon as I could. The first two Merridew books were, to me, quite wonderful. This one simply did not measure up.

Poignant and bittersweet.......2006-11-19

Faith Merridew was fleeing for her life when she stumbles into Nicholas Blacklock's camp. He rescues Faith from the men who are after her and invites her to stay with him and his friends. Nicholas is drawn to Faith but Faith is at first hesitant to trust him. Gradually, Nicholas draws the story of Faith's elopement with a certain musician and what led to her living homeless on the beach. Nicholas, being a practical man, decides the only way out of this predicament is for Faith to marry him. His plan is for them to marry and then he'll ship her off to London to live with his mother.

Faith is reluctant but eventually agrees to the marriage. But when they reach Calais, where Faith is supposed to board a ship for England, she has a change of mind and decides to stay with her husband and travel with him. Nicholas is furious, but what can he do. He's stuck with her. Faith believes that Nicholas and his friends are on a secret mission for the English army and she's excited about being on an adventure with them. They do have some adventures together; some of them hilarious, but what worries Faith most is Nicholas' debilitating headaches. They're increasing in magnitude and nothing she can do will help soothe the pain. Nicholas and Faith fall deeply in love but as they get closer to their destination, Nicholas becomes even more desperate to send Faith away.

The Perfect Stranger is a witty, poignant and bittersweet tale of two lonely people who find love in each other. It pulled at me and made me weep. It was absolutely a wonderful story to read. I think, of Anne Gracie's perfect series, this is my favorite.

Average customer rating:

A perfect way to show loyalty.
One of my absolute favorites
Swept Away
A Perfect Stranger
Danielle does it again

A Perfect Stranger
Danielle Steel
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0440168724
Release Date: 1985-07-01

Amazon.com

Raphaella de Mornay-Malle grew up in the sheltered world of the Mediterranean aristocracy under the careful tutelage of her stern father and her dutiful duennas. Married at age 18 to a much older American, John Henry Phillips, Raphaella fills her life with his wishes and desires. But when John is incapacitated by a series of strokes, she finds her world shrinking to the size of a sickbed.

Though Raphaella has an uncommonly strong sense of her duty in marriage, she can not ignore her attraction for Alexander Hale, a handsome acquaintance. As John's condition worsens and Alex grows insistent that she acknowledge what lies between them, Raphaella faces a classic duty-versus-love dilemma.

Though readers may see the plot twist coming a mile away, Danielle Steel's got her grasp on the pulse of romance fiction, and she's not going to let go without a fight. Groan and giggle, ignore the laundry and make excuses, but make no mistake--you'll enjoy getting swept away by this one.--Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Book Description

The only daughter of a European banking dynasty, Raphaella had always been sheltered from the world. Married to a much older American, she was kept in the privacy of great luxury, tended to by servants, watched over by bodyguards. She was the beautiful dark-eyed woman the young lawyer from San Francisco, Alexander Hale, saw sitting alone one misty evening. Before he could approach her, she rushed away into the garden. She was the "perfect stranger" he couldn't forget. When they met again their lives would change forever.

Customer Reviews:

A perfect way to show loyalty........2006-12-29

This is a beautiful story, a smooth read as well as being a very relaxing book. Danielle's art of depicting romance shines through in this story of an much older man being married to a much younger woman. As with real life, in this relationship Raphaella's husband was old and sick as well as dying. She met a man and even though she developed feeling for him, remained loyal to her sick husband and stayed by his side, genuinely loved him. Danielle masters her pen with the relationship between Raphaella and Alex and as usual ends brings her book to a great climax. Great, Great story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of my absolute favorites.......2006-11-23

I remember reading this books as a teenager and though years have gone on, it still remains one of my favorite books. It deals with a dillemma; If you love someone but they are ill, what would you do if love shows it's face once more? I find that it's not easy to find love in this world, and definitely not a second time when a relationship ends. My heart went out to Raphaella and Mr Hale as well as John Henry; but I feel that John Henry was an honorable man above all.

Swept Away.......2003-12-30

This is a book that really sweeps you away. Danielle Steel is such a talented writer, this book displays that talent at it's best. If you're looking for a love story, a story about marriage, a story about struggles & survival...this book has all of that. This is a classic Steel book, go pick it up & read it!!

A Perfect Stranger.......2003-12-11

Book Review

Title: A Perfect Stranger
Author: Danielle Steel
Pages: 400
Available in paperback
Publisher: Dell 1985

Book Description:

Her rich father had always sheltered Raphaella de Mornay- Malle. Coming from Spain she had always had duennas to look after her. At the age of 18 she becomes married to a business partner of her fathers by the name of John Henry Phillips. John is much older then Raphaella and although the marriage is not arranged the father allows it because John Henry is one of this business partners and a great man. John Henry Phillips is her life, he treats her wonderfully and she in turn loves him unconditionally.

Her love for John Henry does not die when he becomes incapacitated. She keeps her bounds to marriage very well until meeting a complete stranger. Alexander Hale becomes infatuated with Raphaella. Alex wants nothing more then to make Raphaella happy. As she tries to hold on to her husband she finds herself drifting into the arms of the perfect stranger.

While John gets worse Alex becomes more persistent in pursuing Raphaella. She eventually gives in, not forgetting her love for her husband but needing love from another who can interact with her to keep going on. She is struggling for what's right and wrong, to define the line between living and dying.

Personal Book Review:

This book gets 4 stars from me. It's one of Danielle Steels better books. It's not as pearly as some of her work, but it's not as devastating as others she's written. At the same time it's the same as her classics. It's the perfect balance, something that could really happen.

She describes the love a woman for a man that is so strong it can't be broken. The thing's Raphaella denies herself because she is married is amazing. She doesn't attempt to give into temptation until Alex starts pursuing her hard. Even after he tries his best Raphaella can't let go of her husband until he is gone. She is strong but becoming weak with all the loneliness she is facing.

The characters and the plot are both very realistic. It would be something awful to go through, but there may be people out there who have seen it happen. I think this is a wonderful book to inspire someone who may be down and out. It makes you think things have a good outcome sometime down the road, even if you have to bend to get there.

Other Novels by Danielle Steel:
Malice
Leap of Faith
Diamonds
Johnny Angel
House on Hope Street
Now and Forever
Dating Game
Loving

Other novels relating to the theme of:
Passion's Promise by Danielle Steel
Once In a Lifetime by Danielle Steel
To Love Again by Danielle Steel

Danielle does it again.......2003-06-18

i absolutly loved this book. I felt so bad for Raphaella, because she thought that she owed john henry her whole life, and then she finally got to meet the man of her dreams, its a wonderful book, with a great story line. I love Danielle Steel's books, and i cant wait to get to the rest of them

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, Fourth Edition (Perfect Stranger)

Average customer rating:

Etiquette for the way we need to be in the 21st century
GREAT REFERENCE
An outstanding compendium and documentation of what is ultimately the religions of the world
A 'How-To' Guide For Visiting Services Among The World's Religions
The essentials of religious etiquette for most faiths

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, Fourth Edition (Perfect Stranger)

Manufacturer: Skylight Paths Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Etiquette | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Funerals and Grieving Practices: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
Multicultural Manners: Essential Rules of Etiquette for the 21st Century
How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Weddings: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
The Sacred Art of Dying: How the World Religions Understand Death

ASIN: 1594731403

Book Description

We North Americans live in a remarkably diverse society, and it's increasingly common to be invited to a wedding, funeral or other religious service of a friend, relative or coworker whose faith is different from our own. These can be awkward situations....

What will happen?
What do I do?
What do I wear?
What do I say?
What should I avoid doing, wearing, saying?
Is it okay to use a video camera?
How long will it last?
What are their basic beliefs?
Will there be a reception?
Will there be food?
Should I bring a gift?
When is it okay to leave?

These are just a few of the basic questions answered in How to Be a Perfect Stranger. This easy-to-read guidebook, now with an "Everything You Need to Know Before You Go" checklist, helps the well-meaning guest to feel comfortable, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles--while enriching their own spiritual understanding.

Customer Reviews:

Etiquette for the way we need to be in the 21st century.......2007-03-29

Very useful reference to be used over and over as our world becomes smaller. It just isn't sensitive to assume that other people's religious practices are the same as your own. This book helps you to understand what to do when you come into contact with the diversity of religions and cultures that mark postmodern society.

GREAT REFERENCE.......2007-02-13

Excellent reference. I use it often. It is not religious. It is about learning to respect customs & etiquette for multi-ethnic understanding in social situations. I have referred to it for community fund raising, business meetings, scheduling meetings, how to do what when and what to wear to funerals, batisms, weddings, etc.

An outstanding compendium and documentation of what is ultimately the religions of the world.......2006-04-06

Deftly edited by Stuart M. Matlins and Arthur J. Magida, How To Be A Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook is an outstanding compendium and documentation of what is ultimately the religions of the world. Inclusive of a great detailing of the African American Methodist Churches, Assemblies of God, Bahai, Baptist, Buddhist, Christian Church, Christian Science, Churches of Christ, Episcopalian and Anglican, Hindu, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jewish, Lutheran, Mennonite/Amish, Methodist, Mormon, Native American/First Nations, Orthodox Churches, Penticostal Church of God, Presbyterian, Quaker, Reformed Church in America/Canada, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Canada, and the United Church of Christ, How To Be A Perfect Stranger acts as a reference and well researched guide to a significant understanding of many of today's religions and their progression from historical backgrounds. How To Be A Perfect Stranger is very strongly recommended to all students of religion, those searching for a religion which may righteously favor their beliefs, or those merely seeking a greater understanding of societal religious perspectives.

A 'How-To' Guide For Visiting Services Among The World's Religions.......2005-10-05

Not only is this an invaluable reference book that provides reassuring guidance on how to act, what to wear, what to expect from the liturgical services of virtually all world religions, it also gives a concise, handy detailing of exactly what each of the religions believes in, teaches, and how and when it got its start. Handy for when you're about to attend a wedding or other life-cycle event within a faith with which you're unfamiliar, or if you're simply going to be a guest at a religion's worship service. A well-written, informative study done in plain, everyday language.

The essentials of religious etiquette for most faiths.......2003-05-07

"How to Be a Perfect Stranger" is the ultimate reference on how to act and what to expect when attending a religious service at any of the most common religions in America. Would you know what to do if a Hindu invited you to their infant's naming ceremony? What if a Christian Scientist family had a death in the family and you were invited to the funeral? Or what if you were invited to a Latter Day Saint, African American Methodist Episcopal, Lutheran, or Mennonite service, would you know the appropriate dress and order of service? All these questions and more are answered in this book.

The section on each faith has a short history of the faith, appropriate dress for service, ritual objects used in the service, parts of the sanctuary, appropriate conduct during the service, what to expect after the service, a section on dogma and ideology, celebrated holy days and festivals, various ceremonies related to the life cycle (births, marriage, initiation, funerals, mourning) and what to expect at those ceremonies. If you are seeking understanding of others of a different faith then this is an important place to start.

Faiths examined include African American Methodist Churches, Assemblies of God, Baha'i, Baptist, Buddhist, Christian Church, Christian Science, Churches of Christ, Episcopalian and Anglican, Hindu, Islam, Jehovah's Witness, Jewish, Lutheran, Mennonite/Amish, Methodist, Mormon (Latter Day Saints), Native American/First Nations, Orthodox Churches, Pentecostal Church of God, Presbyterian, Quaker (Religious Society of Friends), Reformed Church in America/Canada, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, United Church of Canada, and United Church of Christ.

Filled with clear information that will allow anyone to feel perfectly comfortable visiting any one of these faiths whether for curiosity, courtesy, or whatever reason, it is a very highly recommended read that should be on the shelf of anyone sensitive to the faiths of others.

The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Funerals and Grieving Practices: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
Average customer rating:

Help to navigate the cultural and religious maze at death
The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Funerals and Grieving Practices: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

Manufacturer: Skylight Paths Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Ethics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Death | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Etiquette | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Ritual | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, Fourth Edition (Perfect Stranger)

The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Weddings: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

Forever Remembered

A Hospital Handbook on Multiculturalism and Religion

ASIN: 1893361209

Book Description

The help you need to do the right thing in a difficult situation

Grieving the loss of a loved one, friend or colleague is an important process--one that can be made unnecessarily awkward if you're not familiar with the religious tradition in which the grieving takes place, and end up feeling uncertain about how to behave. You want to be sure that you know what to do and what to expect. There's no need to enter an unfamiliar atmosphere unprepared, wondering:

Are flowers appropriate? Is there anything I need to avoid doing or saying? What does this faith believe about death? What should I wear? What is the appropriate behavior if viewing the body?

The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Funerals and Grieving Practices helps to solve these mysteries and many more, telling you everything you need to know to avoid embarrassment, express your condolences in an appropriate way, and do the right thing in a difficult situation.

Customer Reviews:

Help to navigate the cultural and religious maze at death.......2001-04-11

In 38 brief chapters, the editor profiles major (and minor) religious groups across North America. He includes the biggies like Baptists, Catholics, and Jews, of course, but he also includes the lesser-known groups like Hindu, Christian Science, Jehovah's Witness, and Bahai.

Each chapter introduces the reader to the history and belief system of the group and then details funeral ceremony practices, burial or cremation rites, ideas about appropriate dress, gifts, and flowers, and suggestions for caring for the bereaved family during and after the funeral. I've seen most of the books on funeral customs in different religious groups. This is a real gem--and the best book like it on the market!

Invincible Vol. 3: Perfect Strangers
Average customer rating:

Invincible? Try IMPECCABLE!

Kirkman Never Misses
Invincible Vol. 3: Perfect Strangers
Robert Kirkman , and Ryan Ottley
Manufacturer: Image Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Image Comics | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Invincible Vol. 2: Eight is Enough

Invincible Vol. 4: Head of the Class

Invincible Volume 5: The Facts Of Life (Invincible)

Invincible Volume 6: A Different World

Invincible Volume 1: Family Matters New Printing (Invincible)

ASIN: 1582403910

Book Description

Mark Grayson is just like everyone else his age, except that his father is the most powerful super-hero on the planet. And now he's begun to inherit his father's powers. It all sounds okay at first, but how do you follow in your father's footsteps when you know you will never live up to his standards? Now the Guardians of the Globe are dead. The super-hero community is abuzz with the who, what, when, where, why, and how. Unbeknownst to him, Invincible is at the center of the most dramatic event to hit the super-hero community in decades.

Customer Reviews:

Invincible? Try IMPECCABLE!.......2005-01-02

I think what I find most enjoyable about Robert Kirkman's work on Invincible is that he doesn't really serve up anything we haven't seen before-in some way or the other, it's all familiar fare-but he manages to take the all-too familiar and make it vibrant all over again. His characters feel like real people, with real emotions and real responses to the events that go on around them, taking "classic" events to heights we've never seen them taken before. In a nutshell, reading a Robert Kirkman super-hero book is like re-reading the stories of our youth with the exception that this time the stories actually HAVE the "punch" we only remember those old stories having.

Kirkman Never Misses.......2004-11-27

Ever since i first picked up Invincible Vol. 1, i've been hooked on Robert Kirkman's new series. It has gone on to become my favorite comic of late. The characters are great and Robert's first story arc comes to a head in this latest volume. And it's a doozy. i won't spoil anything but let's just say Kirkman finshes it off with his usual touch of greatness. Pick this book up. In fact pick all of his Invincible books up if you haven't! Now i'm going to go order Tech Jacket and try to pass the time until Invincible Vol. 4 comes out:)

Average customer rating:

Perfect story

Perfect Strangers
Robyn Sisman
Manufacturer: Penguin Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Just Friends
Special Relationship
Weekend in Paris
Summer in the City
When in Rome...: A Novel of Piazzas and Passion

ASIN: 0140274405

Customer Reviews:

Perfect story.......2006-04-01

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book.

Two people working for the same advertising company, one in London and one in New York, swap positions for a month. Lloyd's pushy girlfriend Betsy insists on coming along for the ride and they stay in London, in Susannah's (just call me Suze) flat. Betsy can't believe the mess and disorderliness of it and at once sets to cleaning it up.

Meanwhile Suze is staying in Lloyd and Betsy's flat and loving it. She is the boss's pet, despite setting off a fire alarm on the first day when she has a cigarette in the library, thence learning smoking at work in the States is completely unacceptable.

When Lloyd loses his job, there's a strong smell of fish in the air -but no-one seems to notice except him. Suze by accident overhears a conversation and a bonk on the boardroom table after hours and things start clicking into place. She is the only one who can help Lloyd. Their phone conversations start to increase, and they both wonder -can you fall for someone who is a complete stranger?

The ending is perfect -highly recommended

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

Average customer rating:

A great book on religious and cultural etiquette
A great book on religious and cultural etiquette
This book should be on the desk. . .
trying to be a respectful stranger
A Welcome Gift for Our Times

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies

Manufacturer: Skylight Paths Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Consciousness & Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Ritual | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Comparative Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook, Fourth Edition (Perfect Stranger)
The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Funerals and Grieving Practices: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
The Perfect Stranger's Guide to Weddings: A Guide to Etiquette in Other People's Religious Ceremonies
A World Religions Reader
Love's Alchemy: Poems from the Sufi Tradition

ASIN: 1893361012

Book Description

A straightforward guide to the rituals and celebrations of the major religions and denominations in the United States and Canada from the perspective of an interested guest of any other faith. The first in a two-volume set, the book is based on information obtained from authorities of each religion. It is not a guide to theology, nor is it presented from the perspective of any particular faith. These easy-to-use guidebooks help the well-meaning guest of any other faith to feel at ease, participate to the fullest extent possible, and avoid violating anyone's religious principles or hurting their feelings.

Customer Reviews:

A great book on religious and cultural etiquette.......2001-07-18

As someone who has majored in religion, and a long time seeker, this book has been sooo incedibly wonderful. This book, as well as Volume 1, explains what you can and can not do, what you should and should not do. For example, when it is respectful leave a ceremony, what you should wear, is photograghing permitted. It even briefly explains the ceremony. I found a few errors, however. The Hindu customs for an infant are a little mixed up, but 98% of the book is fabulous!

A great book on religious and cultural etiquette.......2001-07-18

As someone who has majored in religion, and a long time seeker, this book has been sooo incedibly wonderful. This book, as well as Volume 2, explains what you can and can not do, what you should and should not do. For example, when it is respectful leave a ceremony, what you should wear, is photography permitted. It even briefly explains the ceremony. I found a few errors, however. The Hindu customs for an infant are a little mixed up, but 98% of the book is fabulous!

This book should be on the desk. . ........2001-05-03

. . .of every member of the clergy in America. (As well as on a lot of other desks and bookshelves).

In the America of the 21st century, all of us have friends, relatives, etc. who practice their faith in different manners. Most of us will have occasion to attend services in houses of worship other than our own. This book is a guide on proper behavior under these circumstances.

As a Christian clergyman, I have personally have had occasion to attend service in almost every major American Christian denomination, as well as Jewish temple services. Most members of the clergy that I know are in similar positions. All of us are passionate about our own faith -- but none of us want to be accidentally offensive to others.

Some might ask, "Why should I be concerned about how to behave at someone else's religious service? I never expect to go. They don't worship the way I do. They don't believe in the same God that I believe in, etc." For persons with these attitudes, here are some points to consider:

1) You may be surprised at the type of service you find yourself. A wedding. A funeral. A christening. A Bar-Mitzpah. The list goes on.

2) There are certain situations in which NOT attending can cause MORE offense.

3) Put yourself in the shoes of another. Would you want your Jewish or Muslim co-worker to support YOU if YOU lost a loved one?

4) Showing respect to another, WITHOUT compromising your own beliefs is an excellent way to share your own faith.

The list goes on.

This book does not suggest in any way that anyone compromise their own beliefs. It does not attempt to convert or sway anyone to a different way of thinking. What it DOES do, and does very well, is provide, to an increasingly discourteous society, the minimal rules of courtesy that persons today are no longer routinely taught.

Courtesy is the oil that lubricates all social interactions. This book helps provide this service.

trying to be a respectful stranger.......2000-06-16

I am purchasing this book after making use of it first as a library choice.It is a book I would suggest srongly to all age groups (8 to 80) for information which makes it possible to be respectful of relgious services other than the ones we ourselves know best and to do so in a relaxed and comfortable manner.

A Welcome Gift for Our Times.......1998-08-24

Children of my generation were taught to be polite but not to attend a church or temple outside our denomination. What a tragedy. For all our assumed good manners we missed opportunities to broaden our understanding and thus, our appreciation, of others. In a true exercise of good manners, this book is an open door, a welcome gift, to come and appreciate the variety of worship there is today.

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