Pure Joy

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In this moving memoir, Danielle Steel tells the story of how she met a dog the size of a mouse with a personality that could light up an entire room. From Minnie’s arrival at home in San Francisco to clothes-shopping jaunts in Paris, her adventures provide the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt look at the magic that dogs bring to our lives, and how they become part of the family, making indelible memories. We meet Steel’s childhood pug, James; and Elmer, the basset hound who was steadfastly at her side in her struggling days as a young writer; Sweet Pea—unveiled in a Tiffany box for a dog-loving husband—and all those lucky dogs who shared a household of nine children, other canines, and one potbellied pig. As she reflects on the beloved pets who have brought joy, and sometimes chaos, to her home through the years, Steel also shares her thoughts on the trials and tribulations of bringing a new dog into a household, the challenges of housebreaking and compatibility, the losses we feel forever. Filled with colorful characters (human and otherwise), delightful photographs, practical wisdom drawn from long experience, and brimming with warmth and insight on every page, Pure Joy is a love letter to this special relationship—and one of the most charming books yet from the incomparable Danielle Steel. Praise for Pure Joy “The mega-selling [Danielle Steel] shares happy memories of her numerous dogs. . . . Steel brings readers into her life, recounting delightful moments with her many dogs, the dogs her children have owned, and her newest friend, Minnie, her tiny Chihuahua. . . . Plainly told with honesty and affection, these stories are an affirmation of the timeless connection between humans and their canine companions.”—Kirkus Reviews “Steel doesn’t just love to write blockbusters; she loves dogs. Here’s her valentine to all the dogs she’s raised (looking to be mostly of the small sort), with lots of black-and-white photos throughout. A heady commercial combo.”—Library Journal

'The Christian faith and message promise joy - pure joy. Not what people call happiness, but joy. Not health or wealth, but joy. Not an easy ride and fun, but joy. We are filled with "an inexpressible and glorious joy".' In the familiar, down-to-earth and thoroughly biblical style for which he is so loved, R. T. Kendall unpacks the joy which is a gift of God for all Christians. Joy in the face of extreme trial, the joy which comes in time, the joy of God's esteem, and rejoicing in the Lord are just some of the themes explored in this wonderful book of encouragement and inspiration.

This book is a collection of reflections on raw life and a real God. I have attempted to use words as a paintbrush to create vivid truth portraits you can touch with your soul. This book is filled with echoes of Jesus' tender love, bouquets of the hope and ecouragement that He is present in both the pleasant and painful moments of real life ...

This is a special book about special people. People who have loved me, and whom I have loved. People who have brought me joy beyond measure, and sometimes incredible pain. People I have hurt, sometimes more than I can bear to think about. People who have hurt me, sometimes more than they know. Yet each of their gifts has been precious, each moment treasured, each face, each smile, each victory, each defeat woven into the fiber of my being. In retrospect, all of it is beautiful, because we cared so much. In essence, this book covers fifteen years of my life, and a handful of precious people who mean, and have meant everything to me. This book is written for them. With much love, d.s.

It's time to talk back. The generation born into evangelical purity culture has grown up, and many have started families of their own. But as time goes on, it's becoming more evident that many still struggle with purity culture's complicated legacy—its idolization of virginity, its mixed messages about modesty and lust, and its promise of a healthy marriage and great sex for those who follow the rules. In Talking Back to Purity Culture, Rachel Joy Welcher reviews the movement carefully, examining its teachings through the lens of Scripture. Compassionate, faithful, and wise, she charts a path forward for Christians in the ongoing debates about sexuality—one that rejects legalism and license alike, steering us back instead to the good news of Jesus. It's time to talk back to purity culture—and this book is ready to jump-start the conversation.

Joy is a sustaining force in the Christian life, giving us strength to endure the most difficult of circumstances. Grieving the death of her husband by suicide, and facing other life tragedies, Lorna Hanishewski discovered that great joy can be experienced in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Founded on the truths of the Word of God, this practical book identifies seven keys to accessing true Christian joy. The pages are filled with biblical and personal examples of how to live a joy-filled life, challenging and inspiring readers to take hold of this fruit of the Spirit available to all who believe.