The Secret Blend: A Modern Parable of Personal Success

by Stan Toler

Is your life as rich, meaningful, and enjoyable as you want it to be? Is there something missing–an emptiness that gnaws away at your heart even in the midst of success and achievement?

In The Secret Blend, best-selling author Stan Toler tells a parable you’ll identify with. It’s the story of a man who discovers some surprising truths in a most unexpected place: a coffee shop. Fascinating insights about the dark, aromatic brew begin to hit home, and he gets a taste of the true definition of wealth and abundance.

Like the man in the parable of The Secret Blend, you too will experience fresh insights regarding the real measure of wealth. You’ll come to realize it’s found not just in material possessions and personal achievement, but more so in the quality of your relationships.

You can learn a lot about life from a cup of coffee. Taste The Secret Blend for yourself, and start experiencing truly rich relationships.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Leadership, Fiction, Self Help

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 20, 2004

About the author

Stan Toler is senior pastor of Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and hosts the television program, "Leadership Today." He conducts seminars throughout the U.S. as the Model Church Instructor for INJOY Ministries, a leadership development institute for pastors. He has written over 30 books and is co-author of The Year Round Church Event Book.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book teaches seven principles to building great relationships. I liked that it was easy to read and very applicable to where we are right now in our lives.

[Kristi Drillien · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband recommended this book to me after reading it for one of his pastoral training classes. Though it is a fictional story, it is one meant to teach, specifically seven lessons about acquiring true wealth in the form of fulfilling relationships. As one who has always struggled with friendships, I appreciated not only the lessons but also the starting point of the main character. I can see real merit in what is presented in this book. What the book doesn't really account for, though, is people who are super awkward in social situations. The main character just didn't really take the time or effort to make friends before starting to learn these lessons, but it comes fairly easy to him once he tries. It would not be so smooth for me. Also, I don't actually encounter a whole lot of people on a daily basis. All of that being said though, the story is touching and biblically grounded, so not just an empty self-help book.

I have to say, though, that as a fiction writer and reader, Toler's writing style grated on me. This may not be his normal genre, and maybe any editors or publishers involved are also used to non-fiction more than fiction, but someone really need to read this out loud before publishing it. The main thing that bothered me was the way that the characters constantly said each others' names as they were talking. And entire conversation would occur where the characters would say each others' names when they started speaking back and forth, and no one talks like that in real life. My husband didn't notice this when he read it though, so it's clearly personal preference (and probably has something to do with me being a much heavier reader than him). Those annoyances aside though, I do recommend this book for anyone who struggles with making or keeping friendships or feels that their life could be richer in this area.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a friend or a boost on building good friendships? This a great, simple read on how to perfect the relationships we have with the people God places in our lives. In this book, Stan Toler explains how there are seven basic principles on how we can improve our relationships or on how we can simply start having relationships with people. God doesn't call us to live this life alone; we are meant to have other people who we can pour into and who in turn can pour into us.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, I found this Toler parable much better than the Relationship Leader, which I read second in his trilogy. The story was more straightforward, without the silly plot twists of the second. I found the principles he shared much more helpful and true. Maybe it was just the mood I was in while reading, or because it used "coffee" as part of his parable, but this one I would recommend for all who seek to build friendships.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that teaches you a lot about how you should treat friends and neighbors. I think that everyone should read this book at least once in their life.

[Monique Olivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and easy read!

[Jackie Wandersee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book !! Easy read that adds good to your life :)

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, makes you appreciate all the interactions you have with any people around you.

[Tamra Crabtree]

I'm reading this for a book study with the other teachers. It is a great book!!