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Counting Candles
James leaned slightly against the double door to steady himself. Troy really was a success. He was everything that James wasn’t. Everything that James wished he could be. “What’s wrong with me?” he asked. James Smith is an ordinary man, with an ordinary name, leading a very ordinary life. Little does he know his seemingly insignificant acts of kindness—from saying hello to the doorman every day to leaving a generous tip for a waitress—make a difference. All James can see is others’ successes compared to his failings as a husband, father, and friend. So when his wife decides to throw him a birthday party, James has no idea that one special gift is going to change his perspective—and his life. Counting Candles invites us all to take a step back and gain a unique perspective on the value of our lives.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2014
3 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Dustin W. Bradshaw
2 books14 followersBeing raised in a small farming community, Dustin Bradshaw thrives on adventure and challenge. Dustin lives by the theme, “If you want to accomplish something, do it!” It was with this attitude that Dustin penned his first book in third grade and, as a senior in high school, entered and won a literary scholarship that he was told no male had ever won. This same adventurous nature has helped Dustin achieve many of his life's goals, including forming that country boy into a accomplished leader. Dustin is now a Foreign Service Officer for the United States Department of State. He and his wife, Hiva, are now posted in Manila, Philippines.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 25, 2014
Anyone that reads my blog knows that I read A LOT of books! I read books that entertain me, books that enrich me and then there are books that are life-changing. Counting Candles is life changing. The message that readers will gain from reading this book, I can ensure you, will change the way that you view your own life. There is NO way that this book won't change your heart.
I know I needed to read this book right now. I have been going through some of what the main character, James Smith, has. James is turning 40 and wondering if his life has been meaningful. Has anything he's done made a difference at all? I think all of us wonder this at some point, regardless of what we have done with our life's work. This novel looks into the people that James loves, knows, doesn't know well and with whom he associates with. James is a good man, very average, married and a good father. As he looks around him,it seems like everyone else has been more successful and productive than him in life. This novel has an "It's a Wonderful Life" flavor to it; not exactly the same storyline, but the same idea. I don't want to give too much of the story away, because this is a book that you must experience on your own. Here are the best reasons why I think everyone should read this book:
-It will change your mind and heart.
-It will give you an attitude adjustment.
-It will bring you to tears several times as you read.
-There are fabulous characters in this story. This is one of the best things in the story...great characterization!!
- You will see how the small things in life, a smile, a thank you, a small deed of service, can mean the world to someone else.
I know that there is some controversy about how many books are getting 5 star reviews these days. But honestly, with all my heart, this books deserves 6 stars!! This book needs to be nominated for a Whitney Award and that is exactly what I'll be doing. I highly recommend Counting Candles for everyone!! Thank you Dustin for writing a book that I will read again and again. I needed this mind and attitude adjustment and I'll forever be grateful for this gift.
I know I needed to read this book right now. I have been going through some of what the main character, James Smith, has. James is turning 40 and wondering if his life has been meaningful. Has anything he's done made a difference at all? I think all of us wonder this at some point, regardless of what we have done with our life's work. This novel looks into the people that James loves, knows, doesn't know well and with whom he associates with. James is a good man, very average, married and a good father. As he looks around him,it seems like everyone else has been more successful and productive than him in life. This novel has an "It's a Wonderful Life" flavor to it; not exactly the same storyline, but the same idea. I don't want to give too much of the story away, because this is a book that you must experience on your own. Here are the best reasons why I think everyone should read this book:
-It will change your mind and heart.
-It will give you an attitude adjustment.
-It will bring you to tears several times as you read.
-There are fabulous characters in this story. This is one of the best things in the story...great characterization!!
- You will see how the small things in life, a smile, a thank you, a small deed of service, can mean the world to someone else.
I know that there is some controversy about how many books are getting 5 star reviews these days. But honestly, with all my heart, this books deserves 6 stars!! This book needs to be nominated for a Whitney Award and that is exactly what I'll be doing. I highly recommend Counting Candles for everyone!! Thank you Dustin for writing a book that I will read again and again. I needed this mind and attitude adjustment and I'll forever be grateful for this gift.
June 25, 2014
I absolutely love the plot of this novel. It's my kind of book, one that hints a tug at the heartstrings of humanity and sure enough it did. How could it not? I certainly felt just as run-of-the-mill as James did that it ached me to read his thoughts. They were my thoughts as well! But as I continued to read, I found comfort that there was something amazing that would happen to his seemingly ordinary life and so perhaps my mundane can turn out that way too. And so that is the appeal of this book; you and me can be remarkable! Our humdrum kindness is someone's rescue.
James's outlook on turning forty years old was one of not being as accomplished as his good friend Troy but James forgot that genuine kindness goes a long way. It was natural for James to call on Troy's misguided ways, to take time to chit chat with the doorman, to sense a troubled waitress or sister, to uplift a boy, to hand his ornery elderly neighbor his newspaper every morning, to find solution to save others from being laid off, or to show chivalry. James didn't realize that his compassionate nature made an impact on people. His gentle gestures moved mountains. What an awesome message I got from this book!
The way this story was told, there was no surprise to the reader of what was coming to James. I was getting the behind the scene first hand look from the people that James touched and it was truly heartwarming to read the influence that he made on their lives. This added depth to the story and made for easy turning of the pages. By book's end, my heart was full. :)
Jinky is Reading
James's outlook on turning forty years old was one of not being as accomplished as his good friend Troy but James forgot that genuine kindness goes a long way. It was natural for James to call on Troy's misguided ways, to take time to chit chat with the doorman, to sense a troubled waitress or sister, to uplift a boy, to hand his ornery elderly neighbor his newspaper every morning, to find solution to save others from being laid off, or to show chivalry. James didn't realize that his compassionate nature made an impact on people. His gentle gestures moved mountains. What an awesome message I got from this book!
The way this story was told, there was no surprise to the reader of what was coming to James. I was getting the behind the scene first hand look from the people that James touched and it was truly heartwarming to read the influence that he made on their lives. This added depth to the story and made for easy turning of the pages. By book's end, my heart was full. :)
Jinky is Reading
October 31, 2014
I've often wondered if I make a difference in life. Do the little things I do really matter? I loved the way this story unfolded. It reminded me a little of a modern day "It's a Wonderful Life." What's a really fun bonus is this is pretty much my husband right now (turning 40 soon and wondering feeling those same types of feelings). I should have him read this. :)
James is dreaded that big 4-0. Who doesn't dread that one? It causes him to really ponder his life and his importance. There were several stories told in a couple of chapters each, that told a way that James impacted those around him. I loved the way his little, every day actions were really important to others--things that he never even thought twice about. Those few chapters really gave the reader a glimpse into someone else's life--their worries, concerns, pleasures, and more. I think we all have more of an influence on those around us than we think and I loved the outcome of this story--the way it spurred James on to continue to be better and try harder. There were some great thoughts and quotes, such as, "You make a difference." There were some great messages for everyone.
Content: Clean.
James is dreaded that big 4-0. Who doesn't dread that one? It causes him to really ponder his life and his importance. There were several stories told in a couple of chapters each, that told a way that James impacted those around him. I loved the way his little, every day actions were really important to others--things that he never even thought twice about. Those few chapters really gave the reader a glimpse into someone else's life--their worries, concerns, pleasures, and more. I think we all have more of an influence on those around us than we think and I loved the outcome of this story--the way it spurred James on to continue to be better and try harder. There were some great thoughts and quotes, such as, "You make a difference." There were some great messages for everyone.
Content: Clean.
December 14, 2023
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one day!
The main character is a man named James Smith. How generic is that. He is turning 40 soon and feels that he has done nothing in his life that is outstanding or noteworthy. Is he suffering a midlife crisis? Do others see him in the same way that he sees himself?
Read this book and see what is true.
The main character is a man named James Smith. How generic is that. He is turning 40 soon and feels that he has done nothing in his life that is outstanding or noteworthy. Is he suffering a midlife crisis? Do others see him in the same way that he sees himself?
Read this book and see what is true.
June 20, 2014
When I read the summary, I knew this was a book I would enjoy reading, but I had no idea how much I would absolutely LOVE it by the end! James Smith considers himself to be an average guy. He's coming up on his 40th birthday and feels like he doesn't have much to show for it. His wife, Molly, decides to throw him a surprise party and she rounds up his friends and others whose lives he has impacted. Throughout the book, we learn who those people are and what his large or small decisions meant in their lives.
First of all, I felt that I could relate to James and how he was feeling. Then, as we were introduced to other characters, I could relate to some of their stories, too. A few of the experiences left me teary eyed and I outright bawled at the end. It was interesting to read James's perspective on what was happening and then to later read the point of view of a different character and how they perceived the same event and what it meant to them. The story of their next-door neighbor, Gerald, was especially touching to me. He seemed like a grumpy old man that didn't like them and when I read his story, I was touched by how he really felt and why he behaved the way he did.
This book really made me think about how I treat others and ways that I can be more thoughtful as I go about living my own ordinary life. And also to let others know the positive impact they have had on my life. This book is life changing and is high on my list for best books I've read so far this year! A must read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
To learn more about this author, read my interview with him on my blog: Mel's Shelves
First of all, I felt that I could relate to James and how he was feeling. Then, as we were introduced to other characters, I could relate to some of their stories, too. A few of the experiences left me teary eyed and I outright bawled at the end. It was interesting to read James's perspective on what was happening and then to later read the point of view of a different character and how they perceived the same event and what it meant to them. The story of their next-door neighbor, Gerald, was especially touching to me. He seemed like a grumpy old man that didn't like them and when I read his story, I was touched by how he really felt and why he behaved the way he did.
This book really made me think about how I treat others and ways that I can be more thoughtful as I go about living my own ordinary life. And also to let others know the positive impact they have had on my life. This book is life changing and is high on my list for best books I've read so far this year! A must read!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
To learn more about this author, read my interview with him on my blog: Mel's Shelves
June 16, 2014
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading Counting Candles. It was a great change of pace for me, something unlike the other books I've been reading and such a breath of fresh air.
This is the story of a man. A husband, a father. He goes to work every day to provide for his family. He coaches his son's little league team. He goes out to lunch with his friends occasionally. He's a normal, every day guy. But James's story is so much bigger than it seems and not because he has super powers or celebrity status, but just because of the kind of guy he is.
James Smith is kind. He is considerate. He works hard at the things that are most important to him. He cares about other people. When you are kind, you touch other people. It is a story as simple as that.
The opening chapters follow James around a few typical days in his life. Then, in the chapters that follow, we read about how a few moments of James life changed or helped other people from their points of view. James doesn't even realize the impact of his choices and words at the time but it all comes together at the end of the book.
What I love about this book is the overall message that the little things do matter. Kindness matters. You just never know when a small gesture of kindness will change the world for someone else. Every person has the opportunity for greatness through integrity and kindness.
This book made me feel good. It was a good reminder that even I, in my ordinary and maybe even mediocre life can bring about good by small and simple things. Every choice matters. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.
This is the story of a man. A husband, a father. He goes to work every day to provide for his family. He coaches his son's little league team. He goes out to lunch with his friends occasionally. He's a normal, every day guy. But James's story is so much bigger than it seems and not because he has super powers or celebrity status, but just because of the kind of guy he is.
James Smith is kind. He is considerate. He works hard at the things that are most important to him. He cares about other people. When you are kind, you touch other people. It is a story as simple as that.
The opening chapters follow James around a few typical days in his life. Then, in the chapters that follow, we read about how a few moments of James life changed or helped other people from their points of view. James doesn't even realize the impact of his choices and words at the time but it all comes together at the end of the book.
What I love about this book is the overall message that the little things do matter. Kindness matters. You just never know when a small gesture of kindness will change the world for someone else. Every person has the opportunity for greatness through integrity and kindness.
This book made me feel good. It was a good reminder that even I, in my ordinary and maybe even mediocre life can bring about good by small and simple things. Every choice matters. I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book.
June 14, 2014
Counting Candles by Dustin Bradshaw
5 STARS
I was not sure what to except from Counting Candles. It is a well told story. I loved the different characters and wanted to know more about them. I even shed tears with them and laughter. I want to be like James Smith who was such a good example to everyone around him. He truly made a difference. So many people have helped me in my daily life and I don't always take the time to say thanks you.
It made me want to try and reach out to people more. Too smile and learn to thank those around me. We never know what good or bad we do with simple things in our lives. We are making a difference I want to be positively like James.
James looked around him and thought he was wasting his life not making a difference in the world. He was about to turn 40 he saw what he was not doing. It was hard for him to see all the simple things to him that were making a big difference in his lives. In Counting Candles we see how James is making a difference in the people around him daily. By respecting others, seeing he could help someone day go better just by smiling and remembering their name.
I definitely would read another book by Dustin Bradshaw in the future based on Counting Candles. It touched me, entertained me and made me grateful for all the James Smith's in my life.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of the book.
5 STARS
I was not sure what to except from Counting Candles. It is a well told story. I loved the different characters and wanted to know more about them. I even shed tears with them and laughter. I want to be like James Smith who was such a good example to everyone around him. He truly made a difference. So many people have helped me in my daily life and I don't always take the time to say thanks you.
It made me want to try and reach out to people more. Too smile and learn to thank those around me. We never know what good or bad we do with simple things in our lives. We are making a difference I want to be positively like James.
James looked around him and thought he was wasting his life not making a difference in the world. He was about to turn 40 he saw what he was not doing. It was hard for him to see all the simple things to him that were making a big difference in his lives. In Counting Candles we see how James is making a difference in the people around him daily. By respecting others, seeing he could help someone day go better just by smiling and remembering their name.
I definitely would read another book by Dustin Bradshaw in the future based on Counting Candles. It touched me, entertained me and made me grateful for all the James Smith's in my life.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of the book.
July 9, 2014
This was an amazing story about how one person's simple acts of kindness can mean so much more to someone else. I loved following the chain of events that were caused by the simple kind acts of James Smith. I loved being a part of the story and watching the plot unfold before me. Seeing each person's point of view and seeing how much it really meant to them was such an amazing thing. The characters were so easy to connect with and to feel for and to understand.
As I read each new chapter I was telling anyone around me, that would listen, about how amazing it was that one small act could mean so much to someone. And as soon as I was finished with the book I was offering it to my mother and sister for them to share this amazing story, and recomending it to friends.
This is a great story to have in your mind as you go along in your daily lives and a great reminder about how no matter how bad your day is, you always have the chance to make someone else's better.
I also want to add that in this day and age it is hard to find great books that don't have anything questionable in it suuch as profanity or sexuality. So I was thrilled that this book was clean but held such an amazing story, and that I could share this book to anyone no matter their age and not have to worry about anything in it.
This is a book that I would read over and over again :)
As I read each new chapter I was telling anyone around me, that would listen, about how amazing it was that one small act could mean so much to someone. And as soon as I was finished with the book I was offering it to my mother and sister for them to share this amazing story, and recomending it to friends.
This is a great story to have in your mind as you go along in your daily lives and a great reminder about how no matter how bad your day is, you always have the chance to make someone else's better.
I also want to add that in this day and age it is hard to find great books that don't have anything questionable in it suuch as profanity or sexuality. So I was thrilled that this book was clean but held such an amazing story, and that I could share this book to anyone no matter their age and not have to worry about anything in it.
This is a book that I would read over and over again :)
June 11, 2014
I LOVE books that make you really think about life and where you are at in it.
This book does just that in such an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL way!
James Smith feels ordinary...
Ordinary name~
Ordinary life~
Ordinary person~
He looks up one day just before his 40th birthday and reads the quote above his mirror:
"YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE"
Does he?
He doesn't think so...
But as the story progresses you will see how James touches multiple people each day that he is fully unaware of...for you see he is just going about his ordinary day~
~ Told in such a way that you will start to wonder if YOU touch anyone ~
You will ponder ways you can be there for even more people and in a more conscientious way.
I LOVE the 'discussion questions' at the end of the book!
THIS IS A BOOK TO BE READ AND THEN TALKED ABOUT!
A TERRIFIC READ!
COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
This book does just that in such an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL way!
James Smith feels ordinary...
Ordinary name~
Ordinary life~
Ordinary person~
He looks up one day just before his 40th birthday and reads the quote above his mirror:
"YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE"
Does he?
He doesn't think so...
But as the story progresses you will see how James touches multiple people each day that he is fully unaware of...for you see he is just going about his ordinary day~
~ Told in such a way that you will start to wonder if YOU touch anyone ~
You will ponder ways you can be there for even more people and in a more conscientious way.
I LOVE the 'discussion questions' at the end of the book!
THIS IS A BOOK TO BE READ AND THEN TALKED ABOUT!
A TERRIFIC READ!
COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
September 14, 2014
A "feel good" book about a man name James Smith who is going through a bit of an turning-40 crisis. He compares his life to others and is having a hard time being happy with his less-than-satisfactory accomplishments (in his mind). Of course as a reader, you think "you have no problems, buddy," but James is wrapped up in his own woe-is-me. Yet he is a decent guy and thoughtful of others regardless of his self-incriminations as he nears his 40th birthday. The small acts of kindness he does on a daily basis add up to a pretty large sum, and as we read through each of the lives that he affects, the result is that James Smith is remarkable. Overall, an inspirational book that's has some good reminder messages.
January 4, 2015
A "feel good" book about a man name James Smith who is going through a bit of an turning-40 crisis. He compares his life to others and is having a hard time being happy with his less-than-satisfactory accomplishments (in his mind). Of course as a reader, you think "you have no problems, buddy," but James is wrapped up in his own woe-is-me. Yet he is a decent guy and thoughtful of others regardless of his self-incriminations as he nears his 40th birthday. The small acts of kindness he does on a daily basis add up to a pretty large sum, and as we read through each of the lives that he affects, the result is that James Smith is remarkable. Overall, an inspirational book that's has some good reminder messages.
July 4, 2014
A review is up on my blog. Excerpt:
I recommend you read the book to know what I am talking about. And I challenge you to say neither you nor anyone you know was mirrored in any of the story, and I bet you can’t. This book is the kind that will make you feel good when you reach the last page. I had a great time reading it.
I recommend you read the book to know what I am talking about. And I challenge you to say neither you nor anyone you know was mirrored in any of the story, and I bet you can’t. This book is the kind that will make you feel good when you reach the last page. I had a great time reading it.
July 17, 2022
Absolutely LOVED this! A relatively quick read with such an important message about how the simple, ordinary things we do every day can make an extraordinary difference in other people's lives. Fabulous!
(My only complaint is that as the book switches to other character's perspectives it can be a bit confusing to figure out how far back in time you've jumped in order to get their full story.)
(My only complaint is that as the book switches to other character's perspectives it can be a bit confusing to figure out how far back in time you've jumped in order to get their full story.)
June 16, 2014
This is one of the better "feel good" books I've read in a long time.
September 21, 2014
Sweet story! Recommend it to remind you we all can make a difference in our every day lives!
stopped-reading
April 25, 2015I was attracted to the premise, but I just couldn't get into this one. There were too many characters' viewpoints with too much overlap in the storylines.
April 5, 2017
I love the idea of the book and recommend it for that reason alone. The writing drags a little though and is hard to get through. Still you should find time to read this especially if you think your life doesn't make a difference.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews