A fantastic Christian read with the combination of incredible food, faith, and friends… what more could you want out of Bo’s cafe?
~ Sheila
High-powered executive Steven Kerner is living the dream in southern California. But when his bottled pain ignites in anger one night, his wife kicks him out. Then an eccentric mystery man named Andy Monroe befriends Steven and begins unraveling his tightly wound world. Andy leads Steven through a series of frustrating and revealing encounters to repair his life through genuine friendship and the grace and love of a God who has been waiting for him to accept it. A story to challenge and encourage, BO’S CAFE is a model for all who struggle with unresolved problems and a performance-based life. Those who desire a fuller, more authentic way of living will find this journey of healing a restorative exploration of God’s unbridled grace.
My Thoughts: Bo’s Cafe was a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the story line between Steve and Lindsey. In today’s world I am believing that this is all to often the circumstances and I found this book believable. Bo’s Cafe is a captivating read… from the great cover picture of a warm inviting cafe filled to the brim with friends, even within the pages you find people like Andy – a little mysterious, but there is something more to that guy that you cant quite put your finger on… and he drive’s an old car and live life with a sense of joy.
On page 228 I found a quote that I think may need to go on the sidebar of this blog somewhere… “Integrity is proven when you admit what you cannot do and honor what you say you can.”
I found the book refreshing. As a Christian read, the book covers well that no one needs another list of do’s and don’ts. I loved that in this book we are reminded that God loves us for who we are. He created us out of His love. Personally, I know how long it took me just to learn that it was ok to be real – it is ok to be flawed and fail and get back up again. God is first in line to hold out a helping hand. Andy’s character is a fine example and I enjoyed getting to know him and the rest of the gang at Bo’s Cafe.
And how fun is it that this book is written by three authors who are friends?
Meet the Authors
John Lynch
As a great communicator and writer, John Lynch is a vital staff member of the Truefaced team. In addition to speaking nationally with the Truefaced team since 1997, John has co-authored a number of books and resources with Truefaced, including the bestseller TrueFaced and the popular TrueFaced audio-video message.
John also serves as teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona, a position that he has held since 1985. The authenticity, longevity, and playfulness of these two flawed communities, Open Door and the Truefaced group, brings real-world reality and potency to this Truefaced message of Bo’s Cafe.
John used his love for writing and performing as the co-founder and playwright for Sharkey Productions, a theater troupe focused on Gospel-anchored theater productions for those still seeking Jesus. John and his wife Stacey are passionate parents to their three children Caleb, Amy and Carly.
Bill Thrall
As a leader of leaders, and a co-author for the TrueFaced team since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire is to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach TrueFaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and TrueFaced Experience books.
Prior to joining the TrueFaced group, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program, which has influenced thousands.
In his spare time, Bill can be found fishing, golfing, crafting furniture for his family in his wood shop or cultivating fruits, vegetables and herbs in his beautiful backyard garden. Bill and his wife, Grace have three grown children Wende, Bill, and Joy and nine grandchildren.
Bruce McNicol
Bruce is a master at helping people experience the freedom of grace through metaphors and stories, which fill the best-selling Truefaced resources he and his friends have co-authored. These include TrueFaced, The Ascent of a Leader, Behind The Mask, Beyond Your Best, The High Trust Cultures, and others.
Bruce’s degrees in finance law, theology, leadership, and organizational development help hone his gift to speak into the lives of others, which continues to draw international audiences.
As co-founder and president of Truefaced team, Bruce’s passion is to see tens of thousands of safe places like Bo’s Café growing around the world, whether they be families, businesses, schools, hospitals, churches, organizations, sports teams, military or governments.
Bruce enjoys the beach, sports, and observing cultures through history-makers, emerging leaders, mass media, and comedians. His constant interest is his wife Janet, who is a homemaker, nurse and mentor. Together, they absolutely enjoy their three children, Nicole, Chad and Ryan.
Mirian from Hchette Book Group has graciously offered me copies of this book to give away here. I can have up to 5 copies – I will give away one book per every 10 entries….

I have an award for you:
http://wordsmithonia.blogspot.com/2009/10/awards-time-part-4.html
Ryan you are too good to me. 🙂
I really enjoyed this read. My favorite character is Andy. While I feel there was a lot that I didn’t know about him, the suppositions of who (or even what!) he is made the story more interesting. I have an Andy in my life and while I hate having family with cancer, that Andy has caused me to make some significant changes in my relationship with others.
It’s great to read your review and see your perspective! 🙂
Thanks Julie – I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read and had a great message.
YES! Me too. I just went and read your review of this and was so thankful for your comments. I felt the same way… a little too close to hime (*gulp!*)…. I too had to look at how I treat others.
I’m not sure if I’ve told you this, but I really, really enjoy those one-liner quotes at the top of your page!
Thank you J Kaye! I enjoy doing them! 🙂
P.S. I also tweeted about this one too.
I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I enjoyed the first podcast on the Bo’s Cafe link.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow via the Google Reader RSS feed.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for this great giveaway. I am interested in this book.
i am really looking forward to reading this book!
This book looks great. Please include me in the drawing.
I’m a follower.
+2 I loved Out with Andy How cool are the pictures on this site…this one was in the car I just loved it!!!
Shawna
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Thanks for this chance to win this amazing book!!!
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Shawna
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Shawna
+1 I have been a follower of your blog for quiet sometime now ;o.)
I’d love to read this book. Please accept this as my entry. Thank you!
Aliya D.
aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca
I really enjoyed the Podcasts at the Bo’s Cafe website.
Aliya D.
aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca
Loved “Bo’s Cafe”…. wrote a book review on it for John, Bruce & Bill…. My favorite part of the website, right now is the podcasts. I’ve learned more listening to them… especially the 3rd one. I would love to win a copy of the book to give away to another….
I’d love to read this book! Great integrity quote on the sidebar…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
And we posted about this at Winning Readings:
http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/10/bos-cafe_16.html
I’m a follower, too…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Hello!
This book sounds really interesting! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! Lauraleighanderson(at)hotmail(dot)com.
Thanks, Laura
Hello again!
I liked being in the car listening to their conversation because it made me want to eat at Carl’s Jr!
Lauraleighanderson(at)hotmail(com).
Thanks, laura
I would love to read this book. Please enter me.
This sounds very good! I liked the integrity quote!
I visited the cafe, Week 3 and 4. But I liked best my visit out to the Electra – that was fun (except I may have knocked the ashtray out!)
I am a follower through google reader.
[BTW- Hachette has you down for a contest for Tall Dark and Fangsome which links here and your own giveaway link takes you to a June giveaway of Any Minute by Joyce Meyer. Just thought you might want to know.]
Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks MarthaE. I corrected the link and checked out the giveaway link on Hachette…. I will have to email them. I would do the giveway if they wanted me too but the end date for the giveaway according to them is tomorrow. 🙂
Please count me in.
This book looks good. Please enter me
Please add my name to your giveaway for Bo’s Cafe, it looks like a really good read. I’m new to your blog and enjoying it all. Loved the review. Thank you!
Blessings,
Sandee
Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com
HI Sandy, welcome! I love new readers! 🙂
Hi Book journey – I’ve been checking but not sure – Did I miss the announcement of winners for your giveaways that ended 10/20? Thanks. I couldn’t find an e-mail to send this Q to although I’m sure its on your site somewhere. 🙂
Hi Martha – yo are correct and I have not ended that giveaway yet. I am hoping to do so tonight. I have a couple that have run long and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
I would be forever greatfull if I received a free book of Bo’s Cafe. I have heard so much about it. I am disabled and on a strict budget. It is seldom that I can afford a book, unless I save for it for several months. If I don’t receive a book, please know that I am thankfull just getting to try one.
Blessings
Jane Burgee
oops.. I can’t even spell my last name. Such sadness. LOL
Jane Burgess
I have a copy of this on my tbr shelf. Thanks for the review!