One Rainy Afternoon

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

2011-06-01T12:20:00.002-04:00

How Huge the Night
by: Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

Back of the Book:
For fifteen-year-old Julien Losier, life will never be the same. His family has relocated to souther France to outrun Hitler's menace. But Julien doesn't want to run. He doesn't want to huddle around the radio at night, waiting to hear news through buzzing static. Julien doesn't want to wait.

Angry, frustrated, and itching to do something, Julien finds a battle everywhere he turns.

Soon after his family opens their house to a Jewish boy needing refuge, Julien meets Nina, a young Austrian who has fled her home by her father's dying command. Nina's situation is grave and Julien suddenly realizes the enormity of having someone's life or death depend on . . . him.

Thrown together by a conflict that's too big for them to understand, each one struggles to know what to do, even if it is not enough. Is there a greater purpose in the shadows of this terrible war? Or will their choices put them in greater danger?

My Thoughts:
I think the authors did a great job showing us what a teenage boy might have been thinking during the war. I have always had a fascination with WWII and think reading historical fictions really gives us some insight into what people went through during that time - a living history. In one of the most horrible times in history we see what some teenagers truly may have faced. Julien's family flees to southern France hoping to avoid Hitler's army. Niko (aka Nina) flees her country looking for safety for her and her brother due to their Jewish heritage. Benjamin has to live with a family he does not know because of his Jewish heritage. In addition to the war going on all around them, they are also facing the troubles of a typical teenager: a new home, making new friends, losing family or being far from them. . . so many hardships. They do a great job with the characters in this novel - they truly come alive. This book is a page-turner and I highly recommend it!

Thanks for stopping by!

This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Lazarus Awakening by Joanna Weaver

2011-04-13T06:07:00.001-04:00

Lazarus Awakening
by: Joanna Weaver

About the Book:

Getting God’s Love from Our Heads to Our Hearts

You believe that God loves the world…but sometimes you wonder if He truly loves you.

For many of us, moving the truth of God’s love from our heads to our hearts is a lifelong process. As we consider our inadequacies or grieve our shattered dreams, we find it difficult to believe that God cares for us personally.

In this life-giving book, Joanna Weaver shows you how to embrace the truth that Jesus loves you apart from anything you accomplish, apart from anything you bring. Just as He called Lazarus forth to new life, Jesus wants to free you to live fully in the light of His love, unbound from the graveclothes of fear, regret, and self-condemnation.

Love is calling your name.

Combining unforgettable real-life illustrations with unexpected biblical insights, Joanna Weaver invites you to experience a spiritual resurrection that will forever change your understanding of what it means to be the one Jesus loves. Bible study and Leader’s Guide available here. http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/books/lazarus-awakening

My Thoughts:
Joanna Weaver is one of my favorite authors. Once again she has brought together inspiring truths from God's Word, her incredible imagination, and those convicting gray boxes. What an amazing concept that God would love a sinner like me! Me?! But He does and Joanna does such a great job of reminding us of that message that is written all over the pages of Scripture. Too often its the simplest concepts that we seem to know but have so much trouble getting it from our heads to our hearts. With the stories and wonderful word-pictures in Lazarus Awakening, Joanna is helping many women do just that. Living like God loves you takes change and in order to accomplish that you need a lot of prayer. This book is a great guide to help you in your spiritual journey and I highly recommend it!

About the Author:
Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. These two books have sold over a million copies and have been translated into several languages including Spanish, French, Dutch, Chinese, German, Korean and more. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. Past appearances include: The Harvest Show, At Home Live With Chuck & Jenni, Midday Connection, HomeWord, and Janet Parschall’s America. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna's greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife. For more information about Joanna, please visit her website. www.joannaweaverbooks.com.

To buy the book click HERE

Giveaway Time!!!

Joanna is celebrating the release of Lazarus Awakening with the Heart of God KINDLE Giveaway!

In Lazarus Awakening Joanna writes about getting God’s love from our heads to our hearts. We all know Jesus loved Mary – look how she worshiped. And we can understand why He loved Martha – after all, look how she served. But what about those of us who don’t know where we fit in the heart of God? Lazarus Awakening explores the tale of the third follower – Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. We never hear him speak, we never see him serve. The only thing of any significance that Lazarus did was to die. And yet, the Bible is clear. Jesus loved Lazarus. And He loves you and me as well. Lazarus Awakening looks at different aspects of the story we find in John 11. We learn what it means to be a friend of God and begin recognizing the tombs we spend far too much time in. Find out more here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

* A Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi
* Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World
* Having A Mary Spirit
* Lazarus Awakening

Joanna will also select two additional contest entrants to receive copies of her trilogy. Enter soon by clicking the icons below and then tell your friends. Hurry the contest ends April 16th. The winner will be announced on Joanna's blog on April 18th.

To view other reviews in the blog tour click HERE

The Mountains Bow Down by Sibella Giorello

2011-03-22T06:33:00.001-04:00

The Mountains Bow Down
by: Sibella Giorello

My Thoughts:
It was refreshing to read another book where the love story was not the main emphasis. I personally love to watch Police/FBI dramas and this was no exception. With the complication of having to solve the murder in just 5 days, FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon has her work cut out for her. There are, of course, plenty of other complications such as convincing everyone else that there even was a murder and taking care of her mother who is in a very fragile state of mind. With plenty of plot twists to throw you off-course, Sibella definitely keeps your interest.

Again, a lot of great characters are introduced in this book. My favorite would have to be the head of security on the cruise ship, Geert. In the first couple of chapters you have a great mental picture of Geert: shiny, bald head, white handlebar mustache, and his Netherandish accent. Geert is doing everything he can to protect the cruise line, but even he can't ignore the obvious signs pointing to murder.

Raleigh learns many hard lessons on this cruise. She needs humility and patience to deal with the cruise ship security, fellow FBI agents, and the cast/crew of the movie. And most important she learns that she can't protect everyone all of the time through a situation with her mom. We are all tempted to lie to protect the ones we love, but does that make it right? Raleigh begins to struggle with this as it becomes harder and harder to keep her secret.

Overall this is a great book that I highly recommend.

About the Book:

Everything's going to work out. Time away always makes things better . . ..

That's what FBI Special Agent Raleigh Harmon believes as she boards a cruise to Alaska. A land of mountains and gems and minerals, The Last Frontier is a dream destination for this forensic geologist who's hoping to leave behind a hectic work schedule and an engagement drained of romance.

But when a passenger goes missing and winds up dead, Raleigh's vacation suddenly gets lost at sea. The ship's security chief tries to rule the death a suicide, but Raleigh's forensics background points to a much darker conclusion: Somewhere onboard, a ruthless murderer walks free.

Engulfed by one of her toughest cases yet, Raleigh requests assistance from the FBI and receives her nemesis-perpetual ladies man Special Agent Jack Stephanson. As the cruise ship sails through the Inside Passage, Raleigh has five days to solve a high-profile murder, provide consultation for a movie filming onboard, and figure out her increasingly complicated feelings for Jack-who might not be such a jerk after all.

And that's only her work life. Family offers even more challenges. Joined on the cruise by her mother and aunt, Raleigh watches helplessly as disturbing rifts splinter her family.

Like the scenery that surrounds the cruise ship, Raleigh discovers a situation so steep and so complex that even the mountains might bow down.

About the Author:

Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons. Find out more about Sibella and her other books at her website. www.sibellagiorello.com

Great Offer!
Start the series fresh with this great deal! Pick up a copy of Book 1 for your Kindle or Nook for only $2.99! The Stones Roll Away is the critically acclaimed award winner that kicked off the Raleigh Harmon series. http://www.amazon.com/Stones-Raleigh-Harmon-Novel-ebook/dp/B004QGYURS/ref=sprightly-20

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Mountains
Bow Down with a blog tour, a Cruise prize pack worth over $500 and a
Facebook Party! Don't miss a minute of the fun.

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

A $500 gift certificate toward the cruise of their choice from Vacations To Go.

The entire set of the Raleigh Harmon series.

To enter click one of the icons below. Then tell your friends. And enter soon -
the giveaway ends on 4/1! The winner will be announced at Sibella’s Raleigh Harmon Book Club
Party on FB April 5th, 2011! Don’t miss the fun – prizes, books and gab!

About the Facebook Party: Join Sibella and fans of the Raleigh Harmon series
on April 5th at 5:00 pm PST (6 MST, 7 CST & 8 EST) for a Facebook Book Club
Party. Sibella will be giving away some fun prizes, testing your trivia skills and
hosting a book chat about the Raleigh Harmon books. Have questions you'd like
to chat about - leave them on the Event page.

To Purchase 'The Mountains Bow Down' click HERE.

To view the blog tour schedule click HERE.

A Trail of Ink by Mel Starr

2011-03-11T08:06:00.004-05:00

A Trail of Ink
by: Mel Starr

My Thoughts:
I do have to start out by saying that I think I started the book 3 times before I could really get used to the language. Once I did, though, it was like getting lost in another time. I loved it! This was a great mystery. He keeps you guessing the whole time. While you have your suspicions he adds plenty of rabbit trails to throw you off. I really enjoyed the story of Hugh and Kate, as well. It wasn't mushy-gushy so I believe that man or woman would greatly enjoy this book.

The characters are very dynamic and he adds so much color to them. You can really picture the story taking place right before your eyes. I particularly enjoyed finding out more about the 'feud' between scholars and monks. That was such an interesting concept with them living in the same place, but disagreeing so heartily on issues.

He also includes some interesting historical facts at the end regarding the place he wrote about as well as the first chapter from his next book.

About the Book:

An excellent medieval whodunit by the author of The Unquiet Bones and A Corpse at St Andrew's Chapel

Some valuable books have been stolen from Master John Wyclif, the well known scholar and Bible translator. He calls upon his friend and former pupil, Hugh de Singleton, to investigate. Hugh's investigation leads him to Oxford where he again encounters Kate, the only woman who has tempted him to leave bachelor life behind, but Kate has another serious suitor. As Hugh's pursuit of Kate becomes more successful, mysterious accidents begin to occur. Are these accidents tied to the missing books, or to his pursuit of Kate?

One of the stolen books turns up alongside the drowned body of a poor Oxford scholar. Another accident? Hugh certainly doesn't think so, but it will take all of his surgeon s skills to prove.

So begins another delightful and intriguing tale from the life of Hugh de Singleton, surgeon in the medieval village of Bampton. Masterfully researched by medieval scholar Mel Starr, the setting of the novel can be visited and recognized in modern-day England. Enjoy more of Hugh s dry wit, romantic interests, evolving faith, and dogged determination as he pursues his third case as bailiff of Bampton.

About the Author:
Mel Starr was born and grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After graduating with a MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970, he taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. Mel and his wife, Susan, have two daughters and seven grandchildren. www.melstarr.org

Contest Info:
Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift card for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!) All you have to do to enter is either tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.amazon.com/Trail-Ink-Chronicle-Singleton-Surgeon/dp/1854249746/ref=sprightly-20

TWEET THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. RT for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k #litfuse

(and be sure to use the hashtag #litfuse to be entered into Amazon.com gift certificate drawing and no need to email that you tweeted - we'll be able to track it via the hashtag.)

FACEBOOK THIS: A Trail of Ink by Mel Star. An excellent medieval whodunit. Share on your wall for a chance to win a $50 GC to @amazon! http://ow.ly/45c2k

(email info@litfusegroup.com to let us know you 'shared'.)

To view other reviews on the Blog Tour click HERE.

The Thorn

2011-02-10T07:19:00.000-05:00

I accidentally read this one out of turn, so my next review will be of The Telling.

The Thorn
By: Beverly Lewis

Back of the Book:
Two Amish sisters divided by one sister's impulsive marriage to an outsider.

Hen longs for the Old Ways she left behind. . .

Rose is unsure of her own heart - devoted to the bishop's rebellious foster son, yet courted by another.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I hope I don't sound morbid in saying this, but I like reading books where everything doesn't work out into a perfect happy ending. Real life happens. That is this book.

The Thorn has an intriguing plot that keeps you reading - I couldn't put it down. One point that sticks out to me is that very rarely do you see anyone leaving the Amish community and then desiring to go back. It is a very interesting perspective on a sparsely traveled road. Kudos to Beverly for traveling it.

Another point that sticks out to me is the dynamics of Amish families. They fascinate me. The way they take care of each other, respect one another, and trust one another is amazing to those of us growing up in the 21st century. The most intriguing family in this book would be the bishops. You don't typically hear of the Amish 'fostering' Englishers. She presents a very realistic view of the bishop and very much humanizes him. So often in Amish literature the church leadership is condescending and harsh, but this book definitely shows a different angle.

I highly recommend the first book in The Rose Trilogy and can't wait to read the second, The Judgement.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Miracle of Mercy Land

2011-02-08T19:50:00.003-05:00

The Miracle of Mercy Land
by: River Jordan

Back of the Book:
Mercy Land has made some unexpected choices for a young woman in the 1930s. The sheltered daughter of a traveling preacher, she chooses to leave her rural community to move to nearby Bay City on the warm, gulf-waters of southern Alabama. There she finds a job at the local paper and spends seven years making herself indispensable to old Doc Philips, the publisher and editor. Then she gets a frantic call at dawn -- it's the biggest news story of her life, and she can't print a word of it.

Doc has come into possession of a curious book that maps the lives of everyone in Bay City -- decisions they've made in the past, and how those choices affect the future. Mercy and Doc are consumed by the mystery locked between the pages -- Doc because he hopes to right a very old wrong, and Mercy because she wants to fulfill the book's strange purpose. but when a mystery from Mercy's past arrives by train, she begins to understand she will have to make choices that will deeply affect everyone she loves -- forever.

My Thoughts:
Overall this was a very entertaining book to read. Once I got past the first couple of chapters and adjusted to the way the book was laid out - very choppy transitions between characters - I was able to enjoy it. The premise of the book is very thought-provoking. What if you could see how every decision you've made has affected you and others? It would certainly change the way you thought about everything.

The characters in this book were very personable - people you could really picture seeing in real life. I've always had a fascination with small-town living and this book certainly fed into that. Doc is the character that stood out to me the most. I could just picture him in every scene as the 1930s newsman that he was.

As far as lessons to learn in reading this book the most obvious is definitely to live 'other's first'. Every decision we make not only affects us, but those around us, as well. Would they thank you for the decisions that you have made? Or carry regret and bitterness?

Thanks for stopping by!

This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

An Unlikely Blessing by Judy Baer

2011-02-08T07:18:00.004-05:00

An Unlikely Blessing
by: Judy Baer

My Thoughts:
An Unlikely Blessing was a refreshing book aside from my usual genre of romance. This piece of Christian fiction follows a new pastor entering his new parish. With a new 'career' in a new town, quite different from what he is used to, Pastor Alex Armstrong is not quite sure what he got himself into, but is sure God has a plan for him here.

I love the colorful group of characters Judy has introduced in this book - All of them full of small town, country charm. My favorite would be the part-time church secretary, Gandy. I love characters that add flavor while contributing to the main story. The mixture of Gandy's hair and clothes along with her sweet spirit make for a very colorful character.

There are many lessons to be learned while reading this book, however, I believe the main theme would be trust. Learning to trust God no matter the circumstance and trusting one another.

I definitely recommend reading An Unlikely Blessing to see how Pastor Alex is used to solve some local problems, including uniting two parishes that have been at odds for years.

About the Book:

New pastor and lifelong city dweller Alex Armstrong is reluctant about his first assignment: a small parish in the wide plains of North Dakota. The farming community of Hilltop Township, his new home, blooms from the prairie like a wild pink rose -- lovely and prickly all at one, much like the people who live there.

As Alex settles in, he quickly finds that this place is in quiet peril. Jonas Owens, a faithful member of Hilltop parish, is on the brink of losing his farm. Ben and Nancy Jenkins are planning to raze their historic farmhouse and build a home that's easier to heat. The Packard children need more help than Alex can imagine. His two churches are divided over a feud that goes back decades. Alex believes that God called him to Hilltop to help turn things around, but how can he save this rural community?

Grace abounds in unexpected ways in Hilltop, and it's not long before Alex starts to see evidence of God's hand in his new home -- from the unending supply of casseroles delivered to his door to the miracle of a new litter of kittens. And when his faith is tested in ways he never expected, Alex starts to see that the people of Hilltop have as much to teach him as he does them about trust in God's mysterious ways.

About the Author:
Judy Baer is the author of over seventy-five books for adults and teens. She has won the Romance Writer of America Bronze Medallion and has been a RITA finalist twice. She lives in Elk River, Minnesota with her husband. Follow the Hilltop characters on Judy’s blog and find out more about Judy and her books at http://www.judykbaer.com

To purchase this book click HERE.

CONTEST!!

Prolific author of over 75 novels, Judy Baer, is launching her new Guideposts
series, Forever Hilltop, with a KINDLE giveaway! The first book in the
series, An Unlikely Blessing is available now wherever fine books are sold.

Read the reviews here.

In celebration of the release of An Unlikely
Blessing, Judy is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.

One lucky winner will receive:

Brand New KINDLE with Wi-Fi

A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter just click on one the icons below and then tell your friends! Winner will be announced on February 21st on Judy's blog, http://www.judykbaer.com/wordpress

For more information please visit the Litfuse website, www.litfusegroup.com and click {HERE}!

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2011-01-19T06:36:00.003-05:00

The Search
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

My Thoughts:
Never a disappointment with Suzanne's books. The Search is such a great mixture of humor and family drama with some romance woven through the pages, as well.

The Search has some very dynamic characters that certainly keep you on your toes. The one that stuck out the most to me is Bertha Reihl (a.k.a. Mammi). Bertha is a woman of few words, but definitely someone you listen to. She is a woman of simple faith who trusts that God will take care of everything. However there are times when she thinks it necessary to give her assistance to make something happen. To be perfectly honest, I kept thinking that this woman is the Amish version of Madea - for those of you who may be familiar with Tyler Perry's movies (definitely some differences, but similar). There were a few times I was literally laughing out loud while reading through her scenes.

There are also some great lessons to be learned while reading this book. Number one is forgiveness. Many secrets have been kept from people in this family for 15 years and as they are revealed some of the characters have to search deep into their heart and God's to find that forgiveness. Another lesson that stood out to me is the need to face reality and accept what God has for your life. We don't always know what is best, but God does and He uses people and circumstances to shape us into who He wants us to be. It is our responsibility to know Him and be willing to be changed. Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

About the book:

Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many.

Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.

Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.

Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.

"Beautifully written, 'The Search' is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past."

About Suzanne:

In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.

Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.

After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decide

d to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.

Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple awards). With help from an agent, she now has numerous books under contract with Revell. Also look for Suzanne's Amish non-fiction, Amis

h Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, as well as Amish Proverbs, and coming in Spring of 2011, look for Amish Values for Your Family. The Choice and The Waiting are the previous books in the Lancaster County Secrets Collection.

Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

Click here to purchase your copy today!

Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest installment of the Lancaster
County Secrets, The Search, is just out and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Search iPad
Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad Prize Package worth over $500 and
includes:

A brand new iPad (16KB with Wi-Fi)

Signed copies of all three Lancaster Country Secrets books (The Choice, The Waiting, & The Search)

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more
friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February
3rd at Suzanne's Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party. (Did you know The Search takes place on a rose farm?)

Facebook Party:

Join Suzanne for the Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party on February 3rd! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Search iPad Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Search, giving away copies of all three books and HEAPS of other readerly prizes! Including roses delivered to your door for three months for you AND
a friend! Be sure to join us on Thursday, February 3rd at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

To read some other great reviews of The Search click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball

2010-12-29T16:11:00.002-05:00

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball: a Novella
By: Donita K. Paul

Back of the Book:
In a sleepy , snow-covered city, Cora Crowder is busy preparing for the holiday season. As she searches for a perfect gift, a fortuitous trip to Warner, Werner, and Wizbotterdad's (a most unusual bookshop) leads to an unexpected encounter with co-worker Simon Derrick. And the surprise discovery of a ticket for a truly one-of-a-kind Christmas Ball.

Every year, the matchmaking booksellers of the Sage Street bookshop host an enchanting, old-fashioned Christmas Ball for the romantic matches they've decided to bring together.

This year, will Simon and Cora discover a perfect chemistry in their opposite personalities and shared faith? Or will the matchmakers' best laid plans end up ruining everything this holiday?

My Thoughts:
To start, I must admit that I was a little unsure of how a book could logically include a Wizard's Ball and a Christian theme all at the same time, but Ms. Paul has done a wonderful job of mixing the fanciful with reality. This little book is a wonderfully written, modern-day fairy tale. To top it off it has a beautiful cover!

The two main characters that are brought together to attend the ball have many personal obstacles to overcome. Simon is the main caretaker of his family and is very much an introvert. Not to mention he is Cora's boss. Cora has been hurt deeply by her family making it hard for her to let someone get close. Situations keep happening that bring Simon and Cora together in unusual ways - especially since they had had such little contact with each other in the 5 years they have worked together. The Sage Street matchmakers definitely have their work cut out for them and even end up with a little help from Simon's sister Sandy.

This book is absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it!

Thanks for stopping by!

This book was sent to me by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Surrender the Heart

2010-12-28T09:26:00.003-05:00

Surrender the Heart
by: Mary Lu Tyndall

Back of the Book:
On the brink of the War of 1812, Marianne Denton must marry to unlock her inheritance. Without the money, her mother can't receive medical care and her sister will be destitute. But Noah Brenin needs to sail his cargo to England before the war commences in order to prove his worth to his father and make enough money so he won't have to marry at all.

When Noah walks out on their engagement party, Marianne chases him down and ends up on his merchantman out at sea. The situation worsens when Noah's ship encounters a British man-of-war and the couple is impressed into the British navy.

While a young lad's prophecy of destiny looms over them both, Marianne and Noah are forced to face their darkest fears as they desperately try to escape and fulfill their destinies -- destinies that could change the course of the war and history forever.

My Thoughts:
As always, I thoroughly enjoyed another journey with MaryLu. Her characters always become so real to me. While I must admit I was disappointed that this was not to be another pirate book (surprising I'm sure to those who know me - that I enjoy pirate books - but I do!), I also love historical fiction based in war times and this is no exception. MaryLu does an excellent job depicting real life hardships that people face - material, physical and especially spiritual. This book really focuses on the need to trust God. Trust that He will take care of you when an unwanted marriage is in your future. Trust Him when an accident happens. Trust Him to take care of those you love when you can't be there with them. Trust Him to be with you when you face your deepest, darkest fear. I definitely recommend for anyone to take the journey across the sea with Noah and Marianne and learn a few lessons along side them about keeping your faith planted firmly in God.

Thanks for stopping by!

Maggie Rose

2010-11-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

Maggie Rose
by: Sharlene MacLaren

Back of the Book:
Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old middle daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God's plans for her life -- in New York City.

Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families. Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion.

When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face -- and concerned by his lack of faith. She can't deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

My Thoughts:
This book was very well written. Being the second in the series, she gives you just enough information about the people in the first book, while making it a book of its own. Something that was refreshing to me was that while there was definitely a great love-story woven through the pages, the focus is on following God's call for your life. Maggie Rose left the comforts of home in the early 1900's for New York City to work in an orphanage, something considered rather surprising to many people in that day. Her heart was very tender to what God had for her life and she put that above all else. Sharlene also places a large focus on faith. Saving faith and sustaining faith. We all face difficult situations in our life and we all have a choice to make when we do. We either trust God to take care of us or turn our back to Him and try to take care of things on our own. This book gives a good lesson in the necessity of trusting God.

Thanks for stopping by!!

The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-10-13T06:38:00.002-04:00

The Waiting
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book:

Book 2 in The Lancaster Secrets collection and hot on the heals of the best-selling The Choice, The Waiting, a stand alone story, is a compelling page turner. Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

About the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

My Thoughts:

Another great book by Suzanne!! This one will definitely pull at your heartstrings. So much loss and sorrow, but surrounded with so much love and compassion. She has an eye-opening portrayal of how one 'event' can change the lives of so many people. We so often selfishly go through life only considering our little bubble, but she shows over and over again in this book how to 'love thy neighbor as thyself' by putting others needs first. Her characters are so realistic that you really feel like you know them personally. I found myself talking to the book a couple of times. I highly recommend this book.

To purchase the book click here.

AND. . . A Great Giveaway!!

Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught be two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.

A must read!

Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!

Learn more about Suzanne and her books at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com!

The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.

Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

2010-10-04T15:09:00.001-04:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

By Mary M. Byers

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who don't know why they are working. Most assume that they are working for money. But when I talk to people about the topic, I hear a lot of different reasons for work. Some work for the mental stimulation. Some to keep their skills up to date. Other work to support their scrapbooking habit or to be able to purchase cosmetics
at a discount.

There's a big difference between working to put food on the table vs.working for the "extras" such as summer camp or a vacation. Both are legitimate but it's essential to be honest about
your motivation. Knowing what drives you will help you keep your priorities in order. When my children were young, I worked for the extras. However, instead of stopping when I earned enough to help with vacation costs I kept right on going, becoming a workaholic in
the process. It didn't serve me or my family. When I recognized my error, I was able to cut back on work in order to create a healthier balance. Now that my children are school-age and I'm working to help cover orthodontia, tuition and retirement, I've increased my hours accordingly.

Understanding why you are working makes it easier to make tough work-related decisions. Will you work on the weekends? Stay up late to get it all done? If you're working to put food on the table, the answer will more likely be yes. But if you're working for the fun of it, you may choose not to compromise family time by late night or weekend work. When you know why you are working, it gets easier to decide what kind of boundaries you'll adhere to.

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at http://www.makingworkathomework.com/.

Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.

Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-08-21T06:47:00.001-04:00

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

This is a wonderful collection of Amish Proverbs. What I liked best about it was the story at the beginning of each section - something to help you apply to real life what you're reading about. My favorite proverb in the book is "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." Another great feature of the book is the beautiful pictures - so vibrant and brilliant. I have always had a fascination with the Amish, having grown up less than 2 hours from Lancaster County, PA. It was great to have another window into their simple lives. Suzanne is an excellent author. If you haven't already, be sure to read my review of her 1st book in the Lancaster County Secrets Series, The Choice.

About the Book:
Simplify your life with Amish wisdom

Through firsthand research and personal relationships, Suzanne Woods Fisher has collected more than 200 proverbs that uncover the rich heritage, folklore, faith, values, history, and essence of the Plain People. These proverbs serve as teaching tools and maxims for practical living--but they're not just for the Amish. They're for anyone who seeks God's wisdom and truth for everyday circumstances.

Ranging from the simple to the profound, from the serious to the humorous, these sayings will stick with you through life's joys and sorrows. With beautiful full-color photos throughout, Amish Proverbs is the perfect gift for any occasion.

About the Author:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the CBA bestselling author of The Choice, The Waiting, Amish Peace, and Amish Proverbs. Her interest in the Anabaptist cultures can be directly traced to her grandfather, W. D. Benedict, who was raised in the Old Order German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Benedict eventually became publisher of Christianity Today magazine. Suzanne is the host of a radio show called Amish Wisdom and her work has appeared in many magazines. She lives in California. Find out more about Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

To Order the Book Click Here

Contest:

Suzanne's Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she's giving away a
KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin. See below for info and links.

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here.

Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher's Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher
titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or
more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!

She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs
and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM
EST at Suzanne’s Author Page

Be sure to check out the blog tour here
or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!

Giveaway:
You can also leave a comment here telling me about your favorite family tradition or words of wisdom to win your own copy of Amish Proverbs. Good Luck!

Thank you for stopping by,

This book was sent to my by the publisher for the purpose of review. I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

A Distant Melody

2010-04-19T13:22:00.001-04:00

A Distant Melody
by: Sarah Sundin

My Thoughts:
I want to start out by saying that I cannot wait for her write more! I enjoyed this book so much, I just couldn't put it down. I love how she tied in some musical descriptions and her characters were great! The way she described the characters and the way she wrote for each of them was amazing. I love war stories and this was no exception. She did a good job of showing the realities of a relationship in that time frame and not just romanticizing it. Sarah Sundin has very much become one of my all time favorite authors. I highly recommend this book!

About the Book:

Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval--even marry a man she doesn't love.

Lt. Walter Novak--fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women--takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas. Walt and Allie meet at a wedding and their love of music draws them together, prompting them to begin a correspondence that will change their lives.

As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?

A Distant Melody is the first book in the WINGS OF GLORY series, which follows the three Novak brothers, B-17 bomber pilots with the US Eighth Air Force stationed in England during World War II.

About the Author:
Sarah Sundin is an on-call hospital pharmacist and holds a BS in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. Her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England during WWII. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. This is her first novel.

For more info please visit her website at www.sarahsundin.com!

For some other great reviews of A Distant Melody click here.

AND There's a CONTEST!!!

THE CONTEST:

A Distant Melody, Book 1 in Sarah Sundin’s exciting Wings of Glory series, is in stores now! To celebrate the release, we’re offering one Grand Prize winner the chance to get NOSTALGIC!

THE PRIZE:

The Winner of the ‘NETFLIX® & Nostalgia’ giveaway will receive a vintage prize package, including:

*A 6 month NETFLIX® subscription

*$25 Starbucks® gift card

*A box of See’s Famous Old Time Chocolates®

*A jar of homemade strawberry jam

*A Big Band music CD

*A Mini B-17 Model airplane

*Vintage stationery and pen

*British specialty tea

*WWII style playing cards

To enter just click on the icon above! Contest will be live April 5th and run through April 25th!

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Kentucky Chances

2010-04-08T15:26:00.003-04:00

Kentucky Chances
By: Cathy Marie Hake and Kelly Eileen Hake

My Thoughts:
I love the style of Cathy Marie Hake and it looks like her daughter, Kelly, is doing a fine job following in her mother's footsteps. This book will keep you turning pages as quick as you can say Salt Lick Holler. The characters have internal struggles that we can all relate to, making it easy to fall in love with them all. You find yourself wishing there were more brothers so you could be a part of the Chance clan. So, pick up a copy for yourself and find out what makes them such a great bunch of characters! I highly recommend this book to all.

Back of the Book:
All Love Need Is A Chance

In Salt Lick Holler, Kentucky, three young women healing from past hurts aren't looking for love. . . but love comes looking for them.

Lovejoy Spencer, widowed and wounded by the worst that marriage can offer, is trying to protect her sister from making the same mistakes. But will her determination to shelter others - and to return home to Salt Lick Holler - keep her from embracing her own Chance?

Young, widowed, and content with her role as Salt Lick's healer, Hattie Thales thinks there's nothing more to add to her life. But in Reliable, California, Logan Chance feels life has barely begun. When he and his youngest brother, Bryce, leave to search for the Lord's plans, will two lives come together in an adventure they hadn't dreamed?

Daisy Thales doesn't need any help. She'd prefer to heal from her losses and raise her palsied child on her own - without help or pity. But Bryce Chance, the last Chance bachelor, has a quiet way with her son - and with her heart. Will Daisy open her heart in time for all three of them to find their chance at love?

Will faith in God's healing comfort take root? And will love have a chance to grow?

Thanks for stopping by!!

Texas Brides

2010-03-26T22:53:00.002-04:00

Texas Brides
by: Cathy Marie Hake

My Thoughts:
This was a very good book, but I must say I was a little bothered with how it began. Be prepared for a pretty large dose of reality on an uncomfortable subject. Once you get past that, the book is excellent! The Gregor brothers are characters that you fall in love with from the start. They meet some pretty hard-headed women, but they are able to break through the shells and discover the true beauties within. Cathy has a wonderful way of writing that draws you in and keeps your attention from page one to the end.

Back of the Book:
Equipped with their father's blessing and meager gifts of inheritance, three brothers from the hills of Scotland enter the land of possibilities and settle on the plains of Texas.

Dr. Robert Gregor opens an office in town. Mere days before Mercy Stein is to be wed, her world falls apart. The doctor can tend her, but only God can heal a battered soul. Will Rob risk everything and place his mother's wedding bank on Mercy's hand?

Duncan Gregor's quiet counsel and practical views draws people to the unassuming cobbler. Carmen Rodriquez wallows in loneliness, believing no one wants a crippled wife, so she resolves to be content serving others. The two neighbors ought to get along, but Duncan nettles her. Will the Bible his father bequeathed him bring the neighbors together. . . or drive them apart?

The pocket watch his father left to him ticks off time for Christopher Gregor. Driven to capture the man who killed his friend, Chris becomes a Texas Ranger. The last thing he needs is to be sidetracked by a helpless woman. Kathryn regent finds almost everything she ever dreamed of with Christopher - but will her secret tear them apart?

Can their father's gifts help these brothers lead the three hurting women to healing with faith and love?

Thanks for stopping by!

2010-03-25T10:21:00.003-04:00

Songbird Under A German Moon
by: Tricia Goyer

Loved this book! Part of it may because of how much I love to sing. I was immediately drawn into the world of the USO singers. Also, WWII is one of my favorite era's to learn about and the history in the book was educational. I love how Tricia portrayed the romance between Betty and Frank and that you were able to actually see them falling in love throughout the book, not just a quick -"Oh, by the way I just realized I love you" at the end of the book. The conflict in the book is very evident and mysterious. I couldn't wait to see how she pulled it all together. I highly recommend this book!

ABOUT THE BOOK:
The year is 1945. The war is over and 21-year-old Betty Lake has been invited to Europe to sing in a USO tour for American soldiers who now occupy Hitler's Germany. The first nights performance is a hit. Betty becomes enthralled with the applause, the former Nazi-held mansion they're housed in and the attention of Frank Witt, the US Army Signal Corp Photographer. Yet the next night this songbird is ready to fly the coop when Betty's dear friend, Kat, turns up missing. Betty soon realizes Franks photographs could be the key to finding Kat. Betty and Frank team up against post-war Nazi influences and the two lovebirds' hearts may find the answers...in each other.
But will they have a chance for their romance to sing? The truth will be revealed under a German moon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Find out more about her and her books at www.TriciaGoyer.com

Check out the other blogs on the tour by clicking here.

CONTEST!!!

Leave a comment on Tricia’s blog or send an email through her website CONNECT page and answer this question: What era in history do you wish you'd lived in and why?

Earn extra entries by signing up for Tricia's newsletter here, becoming a Fan on Facebook or Tweeting about the contest on Twitter (use hashtag #songbird)!

You’ll be entered to win one of three signed copies of Songbird Under a German Moon.

Thanks for stopping by!!

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity group in exchange for an honest review.
I was not influenced on how to write my review.

Making Work at Home Work - March

2010-03-23T14:47:00.001-04:00

As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

Find the Right Coach

By Mary M. Byers

In my last post I talked about working with a coach. This time, we'll address how to find the right coach for you. I suggest the following:

Referrals. Ask friends and colleagues if they can recommend anyone to you. Listen to conversations. If you hear someone mention that they work with a coach, ask if they'd be willing to share the name and contact information. Referrals are by far the best way to find a coach.

Identify specifically what you need help with. Do you need help increasing your income? Decreasing your expenses? Someone to brainstorm marketing ideas with? Or, do you have plenty of ideas but lack the follow through to do them? In this latter case, you'll want someone who can use a little tough love to hold you accountable for getting things done. The more specific you are regarding where you need help, the more likely you'll be to find a coach that's a good fit for you.

Search online. Do a search for coaches online. You'll find plenty! Pick a few sites to go to, read about each coach and his or her philosophy, and watch the videos. You'll get a sense of who you might feel comfortable working with. Narrow the list to these possibilities.

Request a complimentary introductory session. This is THE most important step. I "met" by phone with several coaches before finding mine. One coach spent the whole conversation talking about herself. Another spent the entire time saying, "If you decide to work with me, then..." And a third was not at all focused during our conversation, which led me to believe our coaching sessions would be the same way--frustrating for me.

Make the decision. Know that your coaching relationship won't last forever. This makes it easier to decide who you will work with. Pick the coach you are most interested in. Then, ask if you can sign up for a limited number of sessions (a minimum of three). You'll have a good sense of how the relationship is working after several sessions.

Be willing to do the work. When you enter a coaching relationship, you're making a commitment to help your coach help you. And you're making a commitment to doing homework between sessions as well as to do the heavy thinking required to help take your business to the next level. Coaches see lots of people who are willing to pay for help, but fewer who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work. Your work with a coach only pays off if you're invested and willing to sweat along with your coach.

Good luck!

Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. You can learn more about making
work at home work by subscribing to Mary’s free blog at www.makingworkathomework.com.

Interested in more articles like this? Join the blog ring here.

Making Work at Home Work

2010-03-22T14:40:00.001-04:00

I have decided to join a blog ring called 'Making Work at Home Work'. Once a month I will be posting a shared post from Mary M. Byers. Keep an eye out. . .

2010-03-10T02:58:00.005-05:00

Sons of Thunder
by: Susan May Warren

About the Book:

Sophie Frangos is torn between the love of two men and the promise that binds them all together. Markos Stavros loves Sophie from afar while battling his thirst for vengeance and his hunger for honor. Dino, his quiet and intelligent brother, simply wants to forget the horror that drove them from their Greek island home to start a new life in America. One of these sons of thunder offers a future she longs for, the other the past she lost. From the sultry Chicago jazz clubs of the roaring twenties to the World War II battlefields of Europe to a final showdown in a Greek island village, they'll discover betrayal, sacrifice and finally redemption. Most of all, when Sophie is forced to make her choice, she'll learn that God honors the promises made by the Sons of Thunder.   

About the Author:
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. Learn more about Susan here: www.susanmaywarren.com

A CONTEST!!!
Be sure to check out Susan's fun contest for the book's release: Each one of us has a wealth of stories from the past – while they might not all be as sweeping and dramatic as that of Sons of Thunder’s Sofia and the Stravos brothers (swoon), your family history is a treasure nonetheless.

Well – let’s hear them! Were your great-grandparents ‘fresh off the boat’? Was your great uncle a war hero? Did your grandmother make unbelievable sacrifices to help or protect the family? Did your father harbor a family secret until his death? Are you related to someone famous? Do you have a family treasure? Whatever it is that is unique in your family history – share your story HERE! (click on the SHARE button) One grand prize winner will receive:

• Memory Prize package containing a gift certificate to create your own hard cover photo book
• 6 month membership to Netflix (to satisfy that flick fix!)
• Signed copy of Sons of Thunder!

5 runners up will also win signed copies of Sons of Thunder!

You can also be entered to win a copy of Sons of Thunder by helping us Spread the Word during the blog tour!
TWEET THIS:(must use hashtag #SonsofThunder to be entered - no limit on entries! Tweet away!)
Please RT! @susanmaywarren launches new Romantic Suspense #SonsofThunder. Share your story 2 win a fab prize pack! http://ow.ly/1digM

My Thoughts:
Sons of Thunder is very well written and keeps you interested through the entire book. Markos and Dino's lives are full of tragedy and heartbreak as they both love the same woman. Susan keeps you guessing as to how the book will end, so much so that you just can't put it down. I love how she told different parts of the story through different characters lives, almost making it a collection of novellas.

I love historical novels because you always seem to learn something new. This story gives you a great perspective from the streets of Chicago to WWII in Greece, a place affected by the war that you don't hear about too often.

I definitely recommend reading Sons of Thunder. Pick it up for yourself and find out who Sofia ends up with.

Thanks for stopping by!!

This book was sent to me by Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas, Illustrated by Abigail Marble

2010-02-25T07:48:00.004-05:00

Love Your Heart
by: Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas
Illustrated by: Abigail Marble

Love Your Heart is a children's book written for, I would say, 3-7 year olds. This is a great book of a father's affirmation. Katie is trying to decide what to do for the talent show. There are some very funny moments involving the family dog. In the end, Dad is so proud of his little girl for making a very selfless choice to help a friend at the talent show.

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially with my daughter. Katie is such a fun character for kids to relate to. She's carefree, imaginative and puts others first. Also, I love books that highlight the daddy/daughter relationship. That is such a special relationship that is very well illustrated in this book. The message of the book is clearly depicted through Katie's selfless act during the talent show where she put her friend, Sophie, first and helped her with her talent. The illustrations are fun and whimsical with bright colors to attract kids. I would definitely recommend this book.

This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of reviewing the book.
I was not influenced by them regarding how to write this review.

2010-02-09T14:06:00.001-05:00

Forgiving Sean

by Jessica Adriel

This month, CFRB presents Forgiving Sean by Jessica Adriel.

About the Book:

Marissa Gladstone has already buried her father and had one man walk out on her, so when her boyfriend Hawke Davies suddenly proposes, Marissa’s unsure things will last. Hoping that her quiet summer at home will give her time to think, Marissa forgets that her first love may be home for the summer. Before she can give Hawke an answer, she needs to find out why Sean disserted her. But when the competition heats up between the boys, Sean tries to win her back by making a staggering confession that links his former life to Hawke. Forgiving Sean may be the answer she has needed all along and allow her to choose the man she’s always loved.

About the Author:

Jessica Adriel is a licensed minister, author, mother and speaker. She spends her days penning books, preparing talks and delving into the world of teenagers. Her gifts of communication and compassion were noticed early on when she composed over 800 poems during high school and yet spent a great deal of time with volunteer efforts. A native to New England, it was Jessica’s tragic stint of car accidents, assaults and a four year career in modeling, that inspired her to write ‘real life’ novels that impact teenagers. Today Jessica inspires and ignites teens to find their God given purpose through her books and challenging seminars. Her stories provide a bridge between today's generation and the pressures of media and peer pressure which lead teens in the wrong direction. Armed with a plethora of stories and a deep love for God, Jesus introduces her audience to Christ in unconventional, yet very powerful ways.

Visit the author's website and

check out the Free Chapter Downloads.

Purchase Forgiving Sean at

Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

2010-02-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

The Choice
by: Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book:

One moment, Carrie Weaver is planning to elope with Lancaster Barnstormer Solomon Riehl, leaving their Amish community behind. The next, she is staring into a future as broken as her heart. Now Carrie faces a choice. An opportunity. But will this decision, this moment in time, change her life forever?

"Fisher kicks off a refreshing new series, Lancaster County Secrets, with characters that are strong, both in body and spirit. They also have weaknesses that develop into strengths with the
4 stars, choices they make." Romantic Times

About the Author:

Suzanne is a wife and mom, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and an author of Christian books, both non-fiction and fiction.

Her relatives on my mother's side are Old Order German Baptist Brethren, also known as Dunkards. That's where her interest in Anabaptist traditions began. Suzanne's grandfather was born into a family of 13 children, started his career as a teacher in a one-room school house in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and ended it as one of the very first publishers of Christianity Today. "We called him "Deardad" even though he was a very stern fellow. Still, Deardad's life inspired me to write."

After college, Suzanne was a freelance writer for magazines and became a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today. Her work has been featured in Today's Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Worldwide Challenge, among others. She took the plunge into books a few years ago and now she's hooked. To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com.

My Thoughts:
I must admit, my first thought was along the lines of 'another Amish book. Hmm.' But Ms. Fisher does a great job of making it like no other Amish book you've read before. With many twists and turns and more tragedy than one heart should have to bear, Suzanne takes you on a journey with Carrie to the depths of her soul. Is it ever too late to turn to God? Of course not. Read this book and see how this family discovers that wonderful truth. Ms. Fisher has a wonderful writing style and you won't want to put this book down. I look forward to reading more books from this series.

Click here to see more reviews of The Choice.

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This book was sent to my by the publisher for the purpose of review. I was not influenced on how to write my review of this book.

Healing Sands by Nancy rue & Stephen Arterburn

2010-01-22T15:56:00.004-05:00

Healing Sands
by: Nancy Rue & Stephen Arterburn

Summary of the Book:
Ryan Coe's world just fell apart. While out on assignment for the local newspaper she sees through her camera lens that her son appears to have committed a horrible hate crime. In trying to deal with the stress of the situation and her anger she turns to Healing Choice Clinic and the famous Dr. Sullivan Crisp. While helping her work through her anger, Sully is dealing with his own skeletons in the closet. Sully is trying to find the woman that encouraged his wife to take her own life. Both situations come to a head at the same time. Two people convicted of crimes they didn't commit ~ how will they convince the justice-seeking Detective Baranovic that both are innocent?

My Thoughts:
To be honest, at first I wasn't sure what I thought about the book especially starting book #3 in a series without reading 1 & 2. However, this book can easily stand on its own. The authors have a great writing style that grips you within the first couple of pages. You feel like you are the one looking through the camera and finding your own child in the driver's seat. The only problem I had with the book was that the spiritual talk is a little bit too emotion-based in my opinion. However it is a great mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Overall I think it is a really good book.

Thanks for stopping by!

This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for the purpose of reviewing the book.
I was not influenced by them regarding how to write this review.

The Raven Saint

2010-01-20T11:44:00.003-05:00

The Raven Saint
by: M.L. Tyndall

I just want to start off by saying that I love the writing style of Ms. Tyndall. She captures your attention right away and keeps it throughout the book so that you really don't want to put it down even though your eyelids are drooping and your body is saying "Sleep!!" I found myself in this situation the couple of nights that it took me to read this book.

The Raven Saint is a wonderful story showing that 'our ways are not His ways'. We are not always meant to know what God is doing. The main character, Grace Westcott, does a lot of work for the Lord and doesn't understand why the Lord would allow her to be captured. She quickly starts to look for who the Lord has for her to lead to Him. She doesn't understand why He seems to keep making the situation worse. Attempting to do everything she can, nothing seems to work to bring anyone closer to the Lord.

Grace has to face a lot of hard situations and the reality of who she is falling in love with to learn this very hard lesson. Sometimes the strongest of Christians can have the hardest time learning a new lesson that God has for them. We can all relate to Grace. There are many times when we are doing good things that God will be pleased with, but He has something better for us. We may lose children, houses, jobs, etc. before we truly open our eyes to what He has planned for us.

I highly recommend this book. It is a great story of a damsel in distress on the sea with seemingly no hope, but God triumphs over all.

Back of the Book:
What has she done to deserve a fate worse than death?

Grace Westcott has spent her entire life serving God and helping the poor -- not to mention trying to save the souls of her two wayward sisters. But while on an errand of mercy, she is kidnapped by a French mercenary and told she will be sold to a Spanish Don in Columbia.

Determined to hold on to her faith and see God in every situation, she believes she must have been sent to help someone find God's love. But no one will listen to her peas, warning, and prayers.

When Grace's situation grows far worse than she could imagine, she is forced to face her own human weaknesses. But she isn't prepared to face her biggest weakness of all -- falling in love with the nefarious captain, Rafe Dubois.

Will Grace discover God's purpose for this harrowing journey? And what will she do when she realizes His purpose for her is not to redeem the captain and his crew, but herself?

Visit M.L. Tyndall at her website: www.mltyndall.com

Thanks for stopping by!!

This book was sent to me by the publisher for the purpose of reviewing the book.
I was not influenced by them regarding how to write this review.

Teaser Tuesdays (Jan 5)

2010-01-05T12:32:00.003-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

"Her cheeks reddened, and she glared at the man as if she would shoot him where he sat. But then her features softened like the settling of waves upon the sea, and she game him a sweet smile."

The Raven Saint, by M.L. Tyndall

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your 2 ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

Cowboy Christmas

2010-01-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Cowboy Christmas
by: Mary Connealy

This was my first read by Mary Connealy and I must agree with everything I've heard about her. She is a wonderful author with a terrific knack to hook you on the first page. I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. It had your typical western cowboy saving the girl in trouble, but not in the most typical scenarios. This is a wonderful story of God's forgiveness and finding that all of our strength comes in and through Him. I especially enjoyed the singing aspect of this book. I really enjoy singing myself and found myself singing the hymn parts that were written out.

This book has Christmas in the title and takes place at Christmastime, but you could easily enjoy this book at any time of the year. I can't wait to read Mary's other books!

Back of the Book:
A secretive singer reawakens a cowboy's wounded heart at Christmastime.

Singer Annette Talbot used her voice to spread the gospel with a traveling missionary troupe. When the Leveques take over and want Annie to dress provocatively and give up singing her beloved hymns, Annie flees to Ranger Bluff, Wyoming, dreaming of reuniting with her father for Christmas. But trouble chases her - right off the edge of a cliff!

Elijah Walker's heart turned as cold and barren as the high plains in December after his ex-fiancee betrayed him and caused his father's death. But when he rescues Annie out of a freezing river, Walker's insticts tell him he must help a stranger in need.

With her hermit father retreating to the high country and the Leveques intent on kidnapping her to make money off her singing, Annie may have no way out.

Has Annie hidden the truth about wanted posters bearing her face too long for anyone to believe her now?

Can Elijah overcome the painful past and learn to love again?

Will there ever be peace in their hearts in time for Christmas?

I hope you pick up this book and enjoy!!

Christmas Dreams

2010-01-01T22:11:00.003-05:00

Christmas Dreams
by: Rebecca Germany, Mary Hawkins, Veda Boyd Jones, and Melanie Panagiotopoulos

This is a great, easy read for the Christmas season. What I liked most about the novellas was that there wasn't a lot of conflict. I like a good story with a lot of conflict between the main characters, but it was really nice to sit back and watch the dating process for these four women. Also, to be able to watch their stories unfold from beginning to end was a nice change. Each novella was very well written and captured my attention. I recommend getting a nice hot cup of tea and sitting down to meet Nora, Jean, Jennifer, and Christina.

Back of the Book:
Evergreen by Rebecca Germany. To fill the void of her first holiday alone, Nora, a string reporter fro the local paper, agrees to do a story on the homeless shelters - accompanied by a certain rakishly handsome photographer. Is Rick Thompson too good to be true, or is he the man of her dreams?

Search for the Star by Mary Hawkins. To Jean Drew, Christmas is a time to work, not spend with family. Until this year, that is when she's invited to spend the holidays with her niece - and then to witness her wedding. Also on the guest list is Dr. Jonathan Howard, a man who once embodied all of Jean's Dreams. Could they have another chance at love?

The Christmas Wreath by Veda Boyd Jones. Jennifer Faucett is dwelling in the past, not dreaming of the future, as she prepares to spend one last Christmas in the home of her recently deceased grandmother. Next door, Mike Shannon, now a successful novelist, has come seeking peace and quiet - and finding neither when he encounters the woman of his dreams.

Christmas Baby by Melanie Panagiotopoulos. Christmas amid the ruins in Athens, Greece, on the arm of a modern-day Adonis, sounds like a dream vacation. But there's a much more poignant reason for Christina Rallis's visit: She's come to meet her birth mother. Christina's Christmas dreams seem destined to come true. . . until she realizes she may have to make an unthinkable sacrifice.

Thanks for stopping by!

12 Pearls of Christmas: Celebrate

2009-12-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

What Really Matters
by Dawn Meehan

In the hustle and bustle and commercialism of Christmas, take time to remember the real reason why we celebrate - the birth of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. May you all have a blessed Christmas!

I had a VERY long day with the kids doing little but fighting. By the time we left for church, we were all short tempered, snapping at each other, and not at all in the Christmas spirit. Thankfully, once at church, we calmed down. Things were put in perspective for us. We sang Christmas songs and began to smile at one another again. The kids didn't fight once while we were there. Well, they did use their battery operated candles as light sabers for a minute, but we'll forget about that part.

I never sent out cards (sorry to all my family and friends). It just didn't happen this year. I don't think I ever completely finished my shopping, but it's a little late now. Several items I ordered online have been back ordered. I just realized that the kids have eaten all the cookies I've made and there are none to put out for Santa now. I encouraged them to leave him a glass of wine instead. And I failed to read the Christmas story to the kids before they went to bed.

But you know what? None of that matters. It really doesn't. Christmas is here! Christ is born! And He doesn't care if we sent out Christmas cards. He doesn't care if we ate all the cookies we baked. He doesn't even care if we never got around to baking a single cookie at all! He loves us no matter how much we screw up.

Now that's worth celebrating!

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Dawn Meehan (aka mom2my6pack) grew up in Chicagoland where she began her writing career at the age of 5 with her widely praised, The Lucky Leprechaun, an epic tale of a leprechaun who is- yes, you guessed it, lucky.

Dawn has six children, basically because she didn't want seven. She is the author of Because I Said So and spends her days blogging at BecauseISaidSo.com, changing diapers, cleaning pudding off her ceiling, tackling insurmountable piles of laundry, and explaining to her kids why they can't have a pet squirrel or an indoor slip-n-slide.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Slow Down, Pray & Give Thanks

2009-12-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

All Decked Out For Christmas
by Maureen Lang

One of the reasons so many of us love the holiday season is that it's just so...pretty! Twinkling lights, shiny ornaments, packages that glisten with bows and fancy wrapping. Our houses are trimmed with wreaths and glowing trees, and the neighborhood lights up the night with strands of icicles and glimmering reindeer.

Even we get decked out for the holidays! Chances are most of us will attend at least one party this season, and if we don't usually don clothing or jewelry with a bit of sparkle, now's the time to take a chance with something that reflects the holiday.

Smiles are another reason this season is such a popular one. They accompany that familiar greeting-Merry Christmas! Smiles go with the gifts we give and with the gifts we receive. Smiles go with the old Christmas carols and classic movies we watch every year.

The holiday season is a time when everything can seem amplified. But what if we're all decked out on the outside, from the sparkling clothing to our best effort at a smile, and on the inside we're anything but happy? If life isn't what we expected it to be, the gap between reality and our happy, hopeful expectations seem wider when everyone around us is laughing through the season.

I know there are as many reasons to be unhappy as there are to be happy, and I wouldn't begin to have the answer to make this season bearable for everyone. But I do know a few things that have worked for me:

Slow down. What? During the busiest time of the year? Yep. I know when I feel completely overwhelmed it's because I'm pressuring myself to do too much. So I try to plan ahead, settle for less than perfection, do my best without driving myself and everyone around me crazy. Choose what's really important and let go of the other things. And I've adopted my aunt's favorite saying: "However it turns out, that's how we like it." Works wonders on attitude!

Pray. As my pastor reminded me this weekend from Psalm 34:18: the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God may not deliver us from our troubles, but He promises to stay beside us-in fact, closer than when everything seems hunky-dory.

Find a moment to give thanks for what you do have (without looking around at those who have more).

This last point deserves a moment of reflection, and is something I'm still learning to do. I have a child severely handicapped by Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic form of mental retardation. For years I thought I'd accepted his condition. I obediently said to God, "thank you even for this," since it taught me many things about adjusting to the life I've been given rather than the one I might have chosen.

But as my son gets older, I see new forms of acceptance making that feeling of gratitude more genuine. I think I'm finally letting go of some of the hopes and dreams I had for him, my oldest son. I can no longer imagine him any other way than the way he is, even though I'd be first in line if a cure is ever found.

I still think it's a good thing to give thanks in all things, even if it begins out of obedience rather than tender gratitude for whatever thorn we live with. But realizing it's okay to grow into that gratitude was a blessing to me.

Maybe some of the bruises on our spirit seem tender during the holiday season, a reminder that all the glitter on the outside might not light us up on the inside. My prayer is trust Psalm 34:18. Let's lean on Him this season-He's right here beside us!

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Maureen Lang grew up loving to tell stories, and God has blessed her immeasurably to be able to tell them to a wider audience these days. For the latest goings-on, please check her blog!

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Wondrous Mystery

2009-12-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Magnificat
by Anna Joujan

Holy. Holy. Holy is the Lord. The familiar catch of breath. The sting in the eyes. And the tears begin to flow with the falling rain. Or do the tears fall with the flowing rain. What is it in these words that I whisper that wrenches at my heart so? Why does Mary's prayer touch the core of my being, so many centuries after it was spoken?

I think it must be because I know that she was just a girl, just a human being, with a woman's heart like my own. And so, when I hear her wondering words, I can feel with her the emotion she must have felt. To bear the son of God-what wondrous mystery, what glorious honour! And she was, like me, just a young woman-much younger, in fact, than I am now. And so, no matter how often I hear the story and read her words, it still has the power to bring abrupt and unsought tears.

What a gracious God, to work wonders with such frail and faulty creatures as us!

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Anna G. Joujan was born in South Dakota, as a Canadian citizen, and was raised in Zambia, the child of missionary teachers. Since her family's move to the U.S., Anna spent her childhood and early adulthood traveling throughout the world thanks to various educational and work opportunities . . . France, China, Peru, and Jamaica being some of the stops in her journeys. Her undergraduate degree in French Literature led to a Masters in Information Sciences, and to work as a college and high school librarian, and a cross country coach. She has also returned to Zambia multiple times to teach for individual families and for local schools. All the while continuing pursuing her passions of writing, artwork, photography . . . and running to a fault. She blogs at Full of Grace.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Perspective

2009-12-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Soggy, Jolly, Holly Christmas
by Melody Carlson

One of my most memorable Christmases started out as a natural disaster. But isn't that a bit how a pearl is formed? An oyster's soft easy life is disrupted by the invasion of sand, but something good comes out of it. When I was eight, we experienced the worst flood in recorded Oregon history. It was only a few days before Christmas when our streets became shallow rivers and the governor proclaimed a state of emergency. My sister and I assumed the flood was simply our new water-world playground and didn't understand the seriousness of washed out bridges and downed power lines and submerged homes. But when we realized this flood was about to nix our usual three-hour trek to our grandparents' home near the coast, we were not happy.

Naturally, our mom, a single parent, protested the sensibility of holiday travel (most of Oregon's rivers were involved in the flood). But Christmas at Grandma's house was our favorite event of the year. And thanks to our persistence, Mom finally gave in. We piled into the car and headed out. Flood waters climbed higher the closer we got to the coast. And at one point the road behind us was closed and the one ahead was flooded and about to be closed as well. The state policeman told us we could cross "at our own risk." We followed a Volkswagen Bug into the water-then we actually watched the bug floating away! Of course, there was nothing to do besides plow on through the water, which appeared to be nearly two feet deep! Fortunately we had an old heavy Chevy that did not float away, but the water seeped in and pooled on the floors.

Fortunately, we made it safely to the grandparents. But once we arrived, we learned there would be no Christmas tree because the road to the woods was closed. Then my grandpa picked up his ax and led us outside where he chopped down his prize holly tree planted in the parking strip. I stared in horror, thinking Grandma was going to have a fit. But then he explained the city had told him to remove the tree for traffic visibility. So we had a twelve foot holly tree for Christmas. It was a little prickly decorating it, but with its shiny green leaves and red berries, it was the most beautiful tree ever! So what started out as a disaster turned out to be a soggy, holly, jolly Christmas after all.

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Melody Carlson, author of Limelight, Love Finds You in Sisters, The Christmas Dog, 86 Bloomberg Place, Diary of a Teenage Girl, The Carter House Girls, and much more... http://www.melodycarlson.com

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas: Help & Support

2009-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Calling Elizabeth ... HELP!
by Tricia Goyer

Mary, the mother of Jesus is one of the most well-known women of all time. She was also a teen mom facing an unplanned pregnancy. This Christmas we will see evidence of Mary's story all around us. And as you hear it through Christmas songs and Christmas shows think of three things:

1. Mary was signed up for a big task she wasn't prepared for.
2. Mary no doubt faced criticism from people around her.
3. Mary found someone to turn to - a friend who could help Mary to succeed in her new role. It was Mary's older cousin Elizabeth.

Elizabeth played an important part in Mary's life. We know this because the book of Luke begins by telling us Elizabeth's story first. Elizabeth was the wife of a priest. She was very old and had no children, but God blessed her in her old age by allowing her to get pregnant. After Elizabeth's story comes Mary's story ... another surprise pregnancy. Can you imagine what a shock that was to everyone who knew both women? (Yes! I'm sure you can!)

The cool thing is that the angel Gabriel told Mary about Elizabeth's surprise pregnancy. It's as if he was saying, "Look, there's someone in your same situation. Turn to her. She can help you."

Mary did go to Elizabeth. In fact she lived with her older cousin for three months. Elizabeth was the first one who rejoiced over the child Mary held within her womb, and I imagine Elizabeth was there to encourage Mary as she coped with the idea of becoming a teen mom.

Like Mary, each of us should have people in our lives who we turn to for help, support and encouragement. Being a mom isn't an easy thing, and facing an unplanned pregnancy is even tougher.

When I had my son Cory I was 17-years-old, and there were a group of women from my grandma's church who supported me. They were the first ones who showed me that the child that was growing inside me was a gift. They gave me a baby shower, and they fought over holding my son after he was born.

As my son grew, there were other women I looked to ... and most of the time they didn't even know I was watching. One of them was Cheryl. Cheryl was patient with her children, she gave them big hugs, she laughed with them and played with them and I modeled myself after her. The thing about finding mentors is sometimes we can observe them without them even knowing. And if we're really lucky they enjoy their role of giving us advice.

Later, when I had two kids, I met a friend named Cindy. She and I were the same age and we became quick friends. Cindy was a support to me because we traded babysitting, talked about parenting problems, and we encouraged each other. She was someone who was walking the same road as me, and her advice helped more times than I can count.

No matter who we are, or where we live, each of us can look around and see the people we have in our lives. Some may cheer us on, some may guide our parenting, and others may just be there to walk along side us. If the mother of Jesus needed someone to look to for support ... shouldn't we? Everyone needs someone to provide a little help and support.

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Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-one books including From Dust and Ashes, My Life UnScripted, and the children's book, 10 Minutes to Showtime. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like Today's Christian Woman and Focus on the Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in the mountains of Montana. Connect with Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: God Intervenes

2009-12-20T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Answer
by Susan May Warren

Whos, Here, we are Whos here, smaller than the eye can see. Whos here, we are Whos here, I'm a Who and so is she...

I've always wanted to live in a musical. When I was a kid, I loved Oklahoma, Sound of Music, West Side Story. I seriously thought that, if the moment was right, maybe the stars aligned, people would break out into song and dance.

I was sorta right. Because in my house, one needs to be able to talk in movie lines and song lyrics to effectively communicate. At any moment, someone might break out with a quip from the Princess Bride, or Finding Nemo. They might sing Tomorrow from Annie, or My Favorite Things like Julie Andrews.

But, most recently we've found ourselves speaking in "Suess"...

It's suppertime, son, and the time is near To call far and wide the sneetches who hear Just the sound of their bellies, the whir of their gear The Gurgles and Burbles that give them great fear Tell them all, tell them loud, tell them clear Their hands they should wash, check their face in the mirror Because the food is now ready and it's time to steer Close to the table, where they'll find hot gribbles here.

Why, you ask? Because David and Sarah are performing in the community theater's production of Suessical the Musical, a hilarious conglomeration of Dr. Suess' fun work, from Horton hears a Who to Horton Hatches an Egg.

As the Christmas season draws close (and the songs from the play linger in my head), one line has stood out to me... "We are here, we are here!" You know the story - that part where, after everyone has called Horton names and they're about ready to boil the speck that contains Who-ville, Horton calls out to the Whos to send up a cry to prove themselves as real. "We are here, we are here!"

It strikes me that sometimes we can feel like Whos...smaller than the eye can see. Tossed hither and yon by the wind, helpless and facing being boiled. Tired, perhaps, or alone. Wishing someone might find us and pay attention.

Someone has, and that's the good news about Christmas. Because we don't have to "make ourselves heard," like the Whos. In fact, even before we realized we were headed for the cauldron, God intervened. God demonstrated his own love for us in this - while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8). That's what Jesus is all about - he's the answer to even the unspoken cry of our hearts, saying, "I am here, I am here." Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

So as this season approaches with its whistles and bells I hope you hear the voice where the Mighty One dwells -- down deep in your hearts, so nothing can shake the knowledge of his love, given all for your sake.

Merry Christmas from Susie May Warren

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Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of twenty-one novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep's Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota. www.susanmaywarren.com Check out her Christmas Novella, The Great Christmas Bowl.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: He is Always Enough

2009-12-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas in a Barn
by Mary DeMuth

The Christmas of 2006 we were homeless. We didn't have keys. Not to a car, not to a home. We'd flown halfway around the world, leaving behind a ministry we toiled over. Much, particularly in our hearts, lay in ruins.

Some friends had a camp, and on that camp stood a barn. In the corner of the barn was a tiny apartment, flanked by this caboose and hundreds of acres of Texas pasture. We'd never been there before, so we followed directions at night, making plenty of wrong turns.

When we found the place, we drove a borrowed car over the cattle guard toward what would be our home for a month. String lights illuminated a small porch, a window and a door in the corner of an aluminum-sided barn. We hefted large pieces of luggage to the apartment.

And when we opened the door, Love welcomed us.

The place, usually completely unfurnished in the winter, was decked out with just the right amount of beds, couches and tables. The pantry was full. We had dishes and garbage cans, and cups and forks and food. But even more, we had a Christmas tree. Friends had hijacked the place, decorating it for Christmas. Cookies preened on the table.

I will never, ever forget that Christmas. We had so little. We felt the painful burden of failure. But we were loved, so terribly and wonderfully loved.

Christmas felt right there, in a barn. We heard the nickering of horses, the meowing of kittens, the clop of hooves against the barn floor. Chickens and goats and cows served as a holy object lesson of the incarnation. Although we were warm and clothed, we understood more keenly the Savior's homelessness, how He left the splendor of heaven for the sodden earth. We experienced barnyard life alongside him, without much to call our own except our Heavenly Father and our sweet family.

He was enough, that Christmas. And He will always will be.

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Mary DeMuth writes fiction and nonfiction. Her latest book, A Slow Burn released in October and she has a memoir entitled Thin Places coming out in February of 2010. You can meet her: http://www.marydemuth.com, http://www.thewritingspa.com, on Facebook and Twitter!

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Faith, Hope & Love

2009-12-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Pearls We Pass Down
by Holley Gerth

Ten years ago my Grandma Frances went home to heaven in her sleep just before Christmas.

My Grandpa carefully handed me a brightly-wrapped box on Christmas morning and said, "This is her gift. Now I want you to have it."

I opened the lid slowly and tears came to my eyes as I saw a lovely string of pearls.

My Mom gently helped me fasten them around my neck. As I ran my fingers over each one, I thought of my Grandmother and all she taught me through her life...

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

FAITH

At age twenty-nine, my Grandma contracted polio and learned she would never walk again. She had a husband, two little girls, and a future suddenly very different than she imagined.

A pastor came to visit her in the hospital. He said, "Frances, this can make you bitter or better." She often told that story with a sparkle in her eyes as she said, "I chose better." I learned through her example that faith is a choice and with God we can thrive through anything.

HOPE

My grandparents took a leap of faith and started the first Christian bookstore in their city with a small kiosk in the center of a mall. Over the next few decades that little kiosk grew into a large and successful store that touched countless lives.

Many of my favorite childhood memories are of curling up in the back room with a stack of books. My Grandma taught me hope is like a small seed and, watered with prayer, it can grow into a huge blessing for many.

LOVE

For fifty-six years my grandparents shared a life together. I adore these two pictures because one is taken when they were dating and the other just a few weeks before she died. The twinkle in their eyes is still the same-and that's not easy in this world. They faced their share of challenges, like my Grandma's disability, but always got through them together.

My Nana also loved her family deeply. When I went to college, she often wrote notes to me and signed each one, SCTH (Stay Close to Him). She showed me love is a commitment that begins with Christ and then overflows to everyone else in our lives.

I still miss my Grandma Frances, especially this time of year. Sometimes I pull out her string of pearls and hold them in my hands. Then I think about how we're all creating our legacy as we live. And while the difficulties we face may seem hard to understand now, God can turn each one into beauty that blesses our family for generations.

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Holley Gerth - Cofounder of (in)courage, editorial director for DaySpring, author of Rain on Me, wife of Mark, lover of Jesus, friend to YOU.

Visit Holley at Heart to Heart with Holley or follow her on twitter as @HolleyGerth.

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12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: God Provides a Way

2009-12-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Long Ago Christmas Memory
by Patricia Crisafulli

The old farm on a dirt road in the backwoods of northern New York State was described to me so many times, I can imagine the place, even though I never saw it: the big frame house with the wide porch, the pair of maple trees out front, and the barn in the back where my grandparents kept a cow or two, pigs and chickens, and a team of work horses.

That old house came alive for me in dozens of stories that my mother told, of how she and her sisters grew up there during the Depression. The stories had that long-ago feel not only because of the years that had passed, but also because of the era: tales of riding in a horse and buggy in the summer and a horse and sleigh in the winter. My grandfather owned an old Model A Ford, but the tires were patched beyond repair and there was no money for gasoline.

One story that has always stayed with me was of a particular Christmas in the early 1930s, a time my mother remember as the "depths of the Depression," and there was no money. In order to pay the interest on the mortgage, to keep the bank from foreclosing on the farm, my grandfather needed a relatively small sum. The amount I remember being told was $13, but for the little they had in those days it might as well have been $13,000.

Tested by trouble and sorrows, my grandparents relied on their deep and abiding faith. As Psalm 34 tells us, I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. The answer to their prayers was to be found right in their own backyard with gifts of the earth. My grandmother went into the woods to gather bushel baskets full of ground pine, with green sprouts like miniature boughs that spread in great patches along the earth. From willow branches she made hoops, around which she bound the ground pine to make wreathes.

She sat up all night making wreaths, enough to fill a large hamper basket, which my grandfather strapped to his back. At four in the morning, he hopped a ride on the milk train into Syracuse, where he went door-to-door selling wreathes. Night after night, my grandmother made wreaths, and day after day my grandfather sold them.

As Christmas approached, my grandmother had saved coupons that came in tins of coffee to get a Kewpie doll for her daughters. The only other things she gave them were mittens she knit herself.

Then on Christmas Eve, my grandfather came home from the last day of selling wreaths, exhausted but relieved. The farm was safe for another year. From what he had earned, he had a dime left over, which he spent on his beloved wife to buy her a powder puff. That night, my grandmother gave him her surprise: enough money from selling butter and eggs all year to buy four new tires for the Model A Ford.

Hearing this story as a child, my head was too full of the Sears & Roebuck "Wish Book" catalog to really comprehend it. As an adult, I try to fathom living with no money at all. What lingers in my heart, however, is the love of my grandparents for each other: the dashing young American soldier in World War I and the beautiful French girl he met overseas and then returned to her country to marry.

Many years, thousands of miles, and untold hardships later, that love continued. During a very dark December, they found a way together to keep the farm and the family together. And so it would always be for them.

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Patricia Crisafulli is a writer, published author, and founder of www.FaithHopeandFiction.com, a monthly e-literary magazine with stories, essays, and poetry to inspire and entertain.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Jesus Comforts

2009-12-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

How to Cope with Christmas
by Stacie Ruth Stoelting

Last night, I dreamed that God resurrected my beautiful adopted aunt, Mary Jo Hoffman. But morning renewed my mourning for her: Christmas trees, snow globes, and music greeted my grieving heart. Relate?

In previous years, my maternal grandpa (a.k.a. "Papa Ray") died near Thanksgiving and my adopted "Grandpa Morley" died near Christmas. Now, people cannot compare grief. But I believe we all know that the holidays challenge the grieving.

Christmas arrives like a pretty package full of grief triggers: Empty chairs, missing faces, and silent voices seem to haunt the holidays. Here are "12 Ways of Christmas" for the Grief-Stricken that have worked for me:

12 Ways of Christmas for the Grieving

1. Don't put excessive expectations on yourself. Don't expect the holidays to be the same.

2. Rest. Cut down the Christmas clutter and just get away from the typical, if possible.

3. Rearrange furniture to reduce "absence" reminders.

4. Avoid sugar highs and lows because they naturally induce emotional lows. Also steer clear of over-eating and under-sleeping. Eat well-balanced diets. Some mood enhancing natural foods include yogurt, kefir, green tea, omega-3 rich foods (i.e. salmon, cod liver oil, etc.), and lower sugar dark chocolate. One excellent resource for healthier lifestyles is First Place 4 Health, founded by the knowledgeable and kind Carole Lewis: http://www.firstplace4health.com/.

5. Admit grief. Trying to move forward while denying the reality of grief causes one to fall face forward. Does your face smile while your heart weeps? Give yourself permission to cry. Jesus wept. Weeping releases excessive tension. Address depression. Don't deny it. Pretending the nonexistence of depression only promotes its growth. (I include a list of counseling centers on my page for hurting hearts: http://prayingpals.org/linksforhurtinghearts.html.)

6. Forgive and receive forgiveness through Jesus. Release everything to the Lord -including any so-called regrets about your departed loved one. In Loved by Rebecca St. James (FaithWords, 2009), the point of God's abiding love encourages us: "He [Jesus] is ready to...stand in the gap between you and the pain, and to be your constant companion in the dark hours. He loves you."

7. Reach out to the more burdened and hang around kids this Christmas. It may not feel easy. It may even feel impossible. Ask Jesus to love thru you and get your eyes off problems and on to Him and others.

8. Understand the concept of new normalcy. The onset of new traditions and expectations may seem daunting, but God gave you your previous normal. Ask Him to give grace/hope in the face of the new normal. Let Him lead you to a place where you can relax and let Him beam His light on you.

9. Take a "hands off and hands folded" approach to the holidays. Reduce activity and increase connectivity through prayer and Christian companionship. If you're isolated, feel free to join my weekly online prayer group (www.prayingpals.org). And stay in touch with your local church.

10. Face and treat chronic health issues. If you feel sick, everything feels worse. (One excellent resource for those with chronic health conditions is Rest Ministries.)

11. Reclaim your Heavenly purpose on earth. Ask Jesus to grant supernaturally His grace, hope, love, peace, and comfort this holiday season. Then don't fight His help. Be open to His opening of doors to cope and hope this holiday season. Just receive Jesus. Ask Jesus to give you a Heavenly perspective on earth. God holds good things for you! He grants you great purpose for your life hereafter...and here, too. Embrace His grace and seek His face. He's there. I know. In the face of grief, I'm with Him right now.

12. Remember: Trials don't indicate a reduction in God's love for you. He loves you and promises to make things right in the end. Spend time focusing on His unchanging love for you. "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)

Holidays include lots of grief for relationships/loved ones that left, forsook, or died. But let's focus on the essence of Christmas: the present of Jesus' presence in our lives! Wow, may a relationship with Jesus be our miracle and encouragement this Christmas! "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15)

Could you think of anything greater than receiving God for Christmas?

While my dream didn't come true today, I know it will: Mary Jo will be resurrected and we will be reunited. This year, focus on a different angle of Christmas: Let Christmas remind you of Jesus' birth to banish death.

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After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose! Life's blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself. To find out more about her ministry visit www.brightlightministries.com.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Just God

2009-12-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Tangible Reminder
by Mary Byers

Last year I read Me, Myself, & Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables by Phil Vischer, creator of the Veggie Tales video series. I was interested because my children grew up on Veggie Tales. But I was also interested because somewhere along the way I noticed Phil Vischer was no longer with Big Idea, the company he founded. I knew there must be a story there, so I picked up the book.

Though millions of children can sing the Veggie Tales theme song, Big Idea no longer exists. After expanding too quickly, the company was forced into bankruptcy. Vischer writes about the experience in his book, which is part memoir and part business tutorial. And it's a touching example of how one man encountered grit and allowed it to be turned into grace.

At the end of the book, Vischer outlines the lessons he learned from the rise and fall of Big Idea. In part, he shares, "I was ready to be done, if that's what God wanted. To just rest in him and let everything else fall away. At long last, after a lifetime of striving, God was enough. Not God and impact or God and ministry. Just God."

His words convicted me. As an author and speaker, I realized that I'm often more focused on my deadlines or my next speaking engagement than I am on God. I have it backwards. God first, then everything else will fall into place.

It's a powerful message for us as women, too. When we focus on God first, we'll have everything we need to handle whatever is happening in our families and our lives. As Vischer reminds us, God is enough. As we approach Christmas, I'm reminded that this is the time when God shared his Son with us-a tangible reminder of his love for us. And a reminder that when we have him, we have everything we need.

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Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. She offers advice and encouragement for moms work from home for profit at www.makingworkathomework.com.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Home

2009-12-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
by Virelle Kidder

My mother had remarkable zeal for Christmas. Weeks in advance, she would come home from teaching school and bake late into the night. I helped clean the house and decorate the tree while my older brother Roger wired the house with Christmas lights, transforming our humble red house into a place of magical beauty. Following the church candlelight service, a crowd of happy people crunched through the snow to our house for cocoa and cookies.

We were, like many, quite alone in the years after my father left. Our Christmas open house was my mother's supreme effort to make us feel complete. It almost worked.

Despite years in church and Sunday school, God was more a distant relative I wished I knew. I grew up with a gnawing sense of incompleteness, and longed to find meaning and purpose in life. Strangely, it was shortly before Christmas years later that it found me.

My husband Steve was fully absorbed with his new job at Johns Hopkins University, and I was home with a two year old. We wanted friends, but were both hesitant when Steve's officemate his wife invited us to attend their church. We had nothing in common with "religious types," but Steve said, "Let's be nice and go just once."

Sitting in church that Sunday, my temples pounded. Hymns and Scripture verses long ago ignored called to me from my childhood. Could others tell I didn't belong here? Oddly, I felt jealous of their peace. They looked happy.

First thing Monday morning I began tearing through the unpacked boxes in our basement. At last, I found my mildewed Bible from fifth grade. I resolved to read it cover to cover. I opened to Genesis, chapter 1. Same old story; I've heard this a hundred times, and quickly slammed it shut.

No one told me God could hear my thoughts. A soft Voice whispered, Why not read as if it were true? I opened my Bible again. Suddenly I was listening to the most interesting person I had ever heard. By afternoon I was still reading in my pajamas. I couldn't stop.

I read for weeks until one day, a picture popped in my mind of a beautiful old house with wide porches, brightly lit at night. Music, laughter and lively conversation carried onto the porch where I stood in the dark, peeking in. I saw a feast and a fire on the hearth, much like the Christmas open houses from my childhood, with one important difference. There was a Father here whose face mirrored love and warmth at His children's presence. This was God's family, and I desperately wanted to be inside. But how?

A voice taunted, Why would God want you? You don't fit in this crowd! It was true. I considered giving up. Instead, I marched upstairs to our bedroom, knelt down and prayed out loud, "Lord, help me find the way! Please don't let me go!"

Verses I'd read made sense. Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Our friends explained that God already knew I was a hopeless mess and loved me anyway. Opening the door to Heaven was a gift that cost God everything. It was on the cross Jesus died to pay for my sins. He rose again to prove forever that He is the Truth. Weeping at such love, I knelt and gave Christ my life. I found that, with or without a happy family, no one is ever complete without Jesus.

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Virelle Kidder is a conference speaker and the author of six books and numerous articles whose passion is sharing the love of God with women around the world. For her latest books, please visit her at www.virellekidder.com and www.meetmeatthewell.fm

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: God With Us

2009-12-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

LISTENING FOR CHRISTMAS
by Deb Kalmbach

I used to be the queen of over-commitment, and December brought out the worst in this malady. It was as if I were poised at an imaginary starting line, and when I flipped the calendar page, I was off and running--the December dash!

You could hardly see any white space on my daily planner it was so jammed with events. Kids' Christmas programs, church programs, and endless lists of things-to-do obscured my calendar and my vision to see what really mattered. Each day when we hung another ornament on our Advent tree, I felt my chest tighten, and my breathing get shallower. Only single-digit shopping days left...Panic mode was about to set in.

Of course I was singing in the Christmas choir. I love music, and the heavenly Christmas anthems we sang. The neighborhood cookie exchange was an annual tradition. Forget about the old standards, chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies. Let's talk about jam-filled tea cookies, chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls, or iced sugar cookies with colored sprinkles. My kitchen looked like a Martha Stewart test kitchen gone awry.

My head spins just thinking about it. I usually felt so frustrated and exhausted by Christmas Day, I barely enjoyed the celebration. I repeated this drill for many Christmas seasons, before I finally decided to step back and think about why I was trying to accomplish the impossible. I learned to take a deep breath and accept the fact that I can't do it all-and I'm much better off if I don't try.

That's probably why I'm writing this. The tendency to revert to this frenzied pace by mid-December is still a challenge. I need to be reminded of the quiet simplicity of this season, so I can hear the age-old message once again.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

Immanuel! Our God is with us. If we can stop long enough to listen-we will hear the invitation that beckons us to come, to wait, to get ready for our coming King.

No doubt, December will be as busy as ever with gifts to purchase, trees to decorate and carols to sing. But this Advent season, I pray that in the midst of everything contending for our time and attention, our hearts will be moved and our senses sharpened to rejoice in God's greatest gift.

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Deb Kalmbach is the co-author of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So-Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey's Dad Drinks Too Much. Deb and her husband, Randy, make their home in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at her website or blog.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Life Beautiful

2009-12-13T06:00:00.001-05:00

Life Beautiful
by Margaret McSweeney

During a quiet moment after Thanksgiving, I started reading my parents' stack of love letters that I recently found in a storage box. As a Christmas gift to you, I would like to share my father's words to my mother written to her during Christmas 1949. This incredible "hug from heaven" has been a tangible affirmation that Pearl Girls has true meaning and great worth for women throughout the world. I pray that God will continue to bless this ministry and outreach. May we all realize that the grit in our lives can be transformed into grace through the love of God.

This is what I found written on a tiny folded card inscribed with "Christmas Greetings" on the front:

Christmas 1949

My Dearest Carolyn,

Truly a jewel is a thing of beauty, but a life that is lived to serve others and to glorify our Christ, such as yours, is my dearest, a far surpassing gem in radiance and beauty.

Pearls to me, symbolize this "Life Beautiful" that you have achieved, Carolyn. Each pearl is a result of a great hurt to the oyster's life. But the little mollusk builds an iridescent coat around this source of hurt, and as a result, the precious pearl comes into being. Life is like that too.

If we, like the pearl, can make of our hurts the basis of a thing of beauty, then we can bear witness to an on-looking world how Christians can overcome through Christ, blows that are seemingly insurmountable.

At this happiest season of the year, I give thanks to God for you, Carolyn - my Pearl of Great Price.

Your Claude

Isn't this an amazing Christmas Pearl? I hope this message has touched your heart, too. Another Christmas gift I would like to share with you: My father's lessons on leadership. These can be found on my guest blog post at Michael Hyatt's website.

During this holiday season, decorate your life with Christmas Pearls --- strands of God's grace-reminders that nothing can separate us from his love, not even the grittiest of circumstances.

And please celebrate the "Pearls of Great Price" in your life through Post a Pearl. It's a fun and free gift that you can share with special people who have been a blessing to you over the years.

Merry Christmas!

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Margaret McSweeney lives with her husband David and two teenage daughters in the Chicago suburbs. She's the founder of Pearl Girls and a published author. Please visit www.pearlgirls.info for more info. You can also find Margaret at her writing blog, From Finance to Fiction or on Facebook and twitter.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: Gift of Purpose

2009-12-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Too Precious to Wear
by Sarah Sundin

One Christmas when my mother was a girl, she received a string of pearls from her father. Since her parents were divorced-an unusual situation in the 1950s-she treasured the pearls as a sign of her father's love. When he passed away her senior year in high school, the pearls took on even greater significance.

When I was growing up, my mother talked often about the pearls, but my sister and I never saw them. Mom kept them safe in their silk-lined velvet box tucked in her jewelry box. For dressy occasions, she wore other nice jewelry, but never the pearls.

The pearls were too precious to wear.

What if the strand broke and even a single pearl was lost? What if the clasp broke and she lost them forever? She couldn't risk it. Better to keep them cocooned in silky security.

When my mother offered to let me wear her pearls on my wedding day, I was deeply touched. This was more than "something old" or "something borrowed," but a sign that she trusted me and loved me.

A few days before the wedding, my mother pulled the box from seclusion. My sister and I watched with curiosity and awe.

The pearls had turned a deep grayish-yellow, they were flaking, and some had fallen apart.

They were fake.

For over thirty years, my mother nurtured a piece of costume jewelry. All that time she could have worn them and enjoyed them without worry. Her father gave them to her for a purpose-to wear them and feel lovely and ladylike and special. He didn't mean for her to hide them away.

On our wedding day, my husband gave me a strand of real pearls. They symbolize my husband's sacrificial love for me-they were expensive for a graduate student with half-Scottish blood.

I vowed never to tuck them away but to wear them often. Yes, I'm careful. I inspect the cord and knots and clasp, and I plan to have them restrung when necessary. But I wear them and enjoy them. That's why my husband gave them to me.

Our heavenly Father gives us gifts too-brilliant and costly. We should cherish them, but we should use them. Whether our individual gifts involve serving, teaching, encouragement, evangelism, or even money-they have a purpose. The Lord wants us to use our gifts to bless others and to spread the message of His love.

While pearls make women look lovely, using our God-given gifts for His kingdom makes us even lovelier. And just as pearls grow more lustrous with frequent wear, our gifts from God grow in beauty and strength the more we use them.

This Christmas I plan to wear my string of pearls, a sign of my husband's love-and to display my pearls from heaven, a sign of my Father's love.

Have a lustrous Christmas!

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Sarah Sundin lives in northern California with her husband and three children. She works on-call as a hospital pharmacist. Her first novel, A Distant Melody, historical fiction set during World War II, will be published by Revell in March 2010. Please visit her at http://www.sarahsundin.com or her blog or find her on Facebook.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is leave a comment here. Come back on New Year's Day to see if you won!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas

2009-12-11T22:55:00.002-05:00

Beginning tomorrow I will posting the 12 Pearls of Christmas posts provided by Litfuse Publicity Group. If you comment on the stories you will be entered to win a 2 strand string of pearls. I hope that you will come back and participate!!!

See you soon!

The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again

2009-12-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Cat that Made Nothing Something Again
by James D. Maxon
This month, CFRB presents The Cat that Made Nothing Something Again by James D. Maxon.

About the Book:
A nameless cat lives in a town of dry, unhappy people devoid of moisture, joy and creativity. How did the townspeople get this way? Who stole the moisture? And how can one crafty cat return moisture -- and life -- to his town? The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again tells the tale of how a feline hero discovers these answers. On his journey he overcomes obstacles with wit and determination, finds new friends in unexpected places and learns the simple joy -- and transcendent power -- of helping others.

About the Author:
James was born in Anchorage, Alaska, and now lives with his wife, Cindy, in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A writer of stories, poetry, expository, narrative and persuasive genres, James targets children and teens with messages of faith, hope and insight. Current work in progress is A Wizard Tale, which is a story about a fifteen-year-old boy who is involuntarily forced to walk in his father's footsteps-after his death-and finds himself fighting against a powerful and opposing force.

Visit the author's website.

View the book trailer.

Purchase The Cat That Made Nothing Something Again at
Amazon or download for FREE from the Author's Website.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Texas Christmas Grooms

2009-12-10T18:05:00.003-05:00

Texas Christmas Grooms
by: Pamela Griffen and Vickie McDonough

As the sequel to Texas Christmas Brides this collection continues in Cut Corners, TX. I fell in love with that small town in the 1st book and it only grew in the second. These are two great conceptual stories written in very easy to read styles. I really liked the adventuresome spirits in the second novella. I love how they weaved information about the characters in the first two stories into their own so that you could still keep up with them. Although, now I want to know how things turn out for the couple in the last story. That is the only problem I have with books - you don't find out the rest of the story. Anyway, this is a nice book to read with a little bit of Christmas thrown in. I would love to have heard more of the Christmas traditions each family held to each year instead of just the bachelor dinner on Christmas Eve. However it is enough Christmas to make this a good, easy read for this time of year. Enjoy!

Back of the Book:
Can two grooms be lassoed in time for Christmas?

Hearts are forever changed when retired Texas Rangers try their hands at matchmaking in bygone days. Will any of their absurd schemes work out as planned?

Erik Olson is shocked when Anna Campbell arrives in town with two small orphans in tow and declares they are his brother's children. Will Erik prove her claims false and see her gone by Christmas?

Travis McCoy is a nomadic photographer with no time to put down roots, find a wife, and raise a family. But when he enters Cut Corners, the temptations to change are strong, and he has to keep reminding himself of his goal to leave by Christmas.

How far will the schemers of Cut Corners go to make sure four wild hearts are corralled by love and tamed by faith in time for Christmas?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Christmas Book Giveaway

2009-12-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

Colletta at Colletta's Kitchen Sink is giving away a copy of Currier & Ives Christmas.

Here are her rules for entry:
1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas Song (1 entry)

2. Be a follower and mention it in your comment (1 entry)

3. Blog about this giveway and let me know that you did (2 entries)

That makes a total of 4 entries possible for this drawing.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday, December 8 @ 12pm(est).

I look forward to hearing your favoriate Christmas Songs.

Got to Colletta's Kitchen Sink to enter today!!

Good luck!

DiAnn Mills Book Giveaway

2009-12-01T13:51:00.003-05:00

Stormi Johnson is having a giveaway for DiAnn Mills book A Texas Legacy Christmas. If you are interested in winning a copy of this book here are her contest rules:

-US and Canada only

-must be a follower (its easy to follow just click on the follow button)

ways to enter:

-comment on this post and leave a email address +1

-visit DiAnn Mills website and tell me something interesting you found (whether book or info)+3

-new follower +2

-old follower +4

-Post about my contest on your blog (actual post) +6

-Post on sidebar, twitter, etc. +4

-rate my blog (at blogged) +1

So, visit Stormi Johnson at Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My! to win your copy of A Texas Legacy Christmas.

Good Luck!!

Texas Christmas Brides

2009-12-01T12:39:00.001-05:00

Texas Christmas Brides
by: Cathy Marie Hake and Kathleen Y'Barbo

Anther great collection of novellas. These authors are quickly becoming two of my favorites. These 2 stories were very easy and quick to read. I love just about anything Christmas and this book was no exception. It was very interesting to have 4 grown men play matchmaking, but they did a great job! I love reading of pioneer days and this little town is one that you can fall in love with in the short time that you are there. I highly recommend visiting Cut Corners and finding out how the daughter of a less than reputable woman makes a new start and a refined woman from the big town of Boston falls in love with this small town in Texas.

Back of the Book:
Can two brides be lassoed in time for Christmas?

When four retired Texas Rangers try their hands at matchmaking, their efforts cause more fires than they can put out.

Peony Potter, a pretty girl with a mysterious past, has swept into town with a heap of trouble following close on her heels. When she come head-to-head with the local sheriff and his suspicions, their relationship seems forever splintered before its even begun.

Lacy Mather has come to Cut corners to help out at Millie's Diner until her great-aunt's broken arm mends. While she's in town, Lacey's delicious cooking is warming many hearts and stomachs - especially those of a iron-willed blacksmith.

As Christmas draws near, clandestine meetings are held and plans are afoot to foil plots to leave town. Will the town of Cut corners learn that no matter what plans they hold, God is the greatest planner of them all?

Letter Perfect

2009-12-01T12:24:00.002-05:00

Letter Perfect
by: Cathy Marie Hake

I loved this book!!! I was gripped from the very beginning by Ruth. She is such a great character that you can relate to. I love how real she is. The way that she speaks her mind is absolutely refreshing! Cathy did a great job in creating this character! This book is very well written and the pace is very good. She does a great job of introducing the twist toward the end to where it is completely unexpected (I don't want to spoil it by saying more). She also does a great job showing the internal struggle that Josh has regarding Ruth. To like her or not to like her - that is his dilemma. Pick up the book to find out what he decides.

I highly recommend this book. I kept thinking in different scenes how I would love to see this book made into a movie so I could actually see the conversation and how the people were standing just so.

Back of the Book:
If her own two feet don't end up tripping her, Ruth cladwell's mouth is likely to get her into equal trouble. But Ruth has the best of intentions. Truly. It's just that her attempts to live up to her mother's expectations of how a lady should act have often yielded . . . well, less than impressive results.

Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage in Folsom, California. Sure, it looks like she's been sleeping in her gown for the past week, but with a crown of riotous curls and those deep green eyes, she's certainly the most beautiful woman he's ever met.

But attraction is not all that causes sparks between Ruth and Josh. With Ruth's legitimate claim to an inheritance, the Broken P Ranch's future is suddenly precarious. And when Ruth's "accidents" -going beyond even her normal bumbling ways - seem to take a sinister turn, Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.

Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Giveaway

2009-11-24T14:54:00.003-05:00

I am trying to finish 'Letter Perfect' by Cathy Marie Hake and get a review up soon, but while I'm reading (and learning new skills, like smocking) I'm having fun finding these giveaways to share with you. I know it reduces my chances, by offering more entries, but its just so much fun. So, I found another one ~

Colletta at Colletta's Kitchen Sink is doing a Christmas book giveaway for 2 books:

Forever Christmas by Christine Lynxwiler

Christmas Dreams by Rebecca Germany, Mary Hawkins, Veda Boyd Jones and Melanie Panagiotopoulos

Her rules for entering are as follows:
1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas cookie (1 entry)

2. Be a follower and mention it in your comment (1 entry)

3. Blog about this giveway and let me know that you did (2 entries)

So, go to Colletta's Kitchen Sink and enter today!

You Guessed It - I Found Another Giveaway!!!

2009-11-21T23:57:00.002-05:00

Lori at Some of My Favorite Things is having a giveaway! The best part about this one is you get to choose your book! Here is a picture of the books she is offering and her 'contest rules'.

* You must leave a valid email address in your comment, so I can
contact you if you're the winner.
(Example: sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com)
This way spammers will be less likely to grab it.

* You must have a valid U.S. mailing address.

* At this time, the giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

* The giveaway will start today, Nov.20th, and end on
Nov. 24th at 11:59 p.m.(EST)
(Any/all entries entered after this time will not be eligible.)

* I will announce the winner here on Nov. 25th ~ you will also be contacted via email. You will then have 48 hours in which to respond with your snail mail address, or another winner will be chosen.

Now ~ on to the fun stuff ~ chances for extra entries!!
Please include all of your extra entries in ONE comment...this
will make it a lot easier for me to keep up with them!!
Thanks! =)

+1 = By becoming a new follower thru
Google Friend Connect, on the right sidebar

+2 = Let me know that you're already a follower

+3 = Tell me which book you're interested in.
(you can even tell me why...if you want to,
but that's not required!)

+5 = Post about my giveaway on your blog, or in your sidebar
(you can use my image above, just be sure to link back to me!)

So, hop on over to Some of My Favorite Things and post your entry!

Another Giveaway!

2009-11-21T23:28:00.002-05:00

Lee at Butterfly Blessings is having a giveaway at her site. The books included in the giveaway are:

Saturdays with Stella by Allison Pittman
A Leap of Faith by Lenora Worth
A Texas Legacy Christmas by DiAnn Mills
A Carol for Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher (hardcover)

Here are her rules to enter:
If you want to enter, please leave a valid email address, but disguise it so the spammers don't bug you. If you become a follower, you get two entries, my existing followers get three, and extra one if you share about the contest on your blog and link back to me. Tell me all of this in your entry. I will announce the winners on the 30th of November.

So, stop by Butterfly Blessings for a chance to win these books!

Children's Book Giveaway

2009-11-20T23:52:00.005-05:00

Visit Colleen at The Princess & The Monkey to win a copy of Bella Basset Ballerina and The Scritchy Little Twitchell Sisters.

Here are the rules for the giveaway:

To enter: Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me who this would be for.

Extra entries:

~follow my blog
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
~blog about this giveaway
~enter any of my other giveaways and leave a comment telling me you did(1 entry for each contest entered).

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. Please leave your email so I can contact the winner. The giveaway will end on Nov. 22 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck!

The Missing

2009-11-19T19:36:00.002-05:00

The Missing
by: Beverly Lewis

Another great book by Beverly Lewis! This book is the sequel to The Secret. I must admit I kind of wished that a little more would be revealed to her family about Lettie's disappearance. But, I guess that's how she gets you coming back for more - which I will definitely be doing. I enjoyed getting to know the people that she is meeting while she away and the intrigue of the path that she is following. I can't imagine what it would be like to be forced to give up a child at birth and then feel the guilt of that decision your whole life. I understand her desire to search, but am a little leery like some of her new friends about how her child will react.

I like how Beverly introduced more information about Heather and her father and the struggle to decide which treatment option would be best. I have my own suspicions regarding that family. And I like the ironies that occur with the beau's to make the story that much more interesting. I look forward to finding out how Beverly brings about the climax with Lettie revealing what she has been doing to her husband.

This is definitely a great book to read. I love the writing style of Beverly Lewis and how she makes the characters come alive. If you haven't read any of her books, I recommend starting with The Heritage of Lancaster County series. Enjoy!

Back of the Book:

A painful absence, a desperate heart. . . Is it too late to find Lettie Byler?

Grace Byler longs to uncover the secret that drove her mother to leave the family weeks ago. When all hopes are dashed for such a search, an unlikely friendship leads to a suprising invitation. Meanwhile the young Amishman Grace thought was courting her best friend takes a sudden interest in her, and Grace's decision to remain single is challenged even as her determination to find her mother grows.

Thanks for stopping by! Come back again soon.

Win a Kindle!

2009-11-19T19:30:00.001-05:00

I just entered a contest to win a free Kindle from Noobie (worth $259!) and I wanted you to have a chance to win one too!

All you need to do to enter is to click the link below or copy and paste it into your favorite Internet browser:

http://www.noobie.com/kindle-giveaway?ref=1992166077

Be sure to read the email you get from Noobie after you register. You'll get your own unique link that you can use to earn even more entries in the drawing!

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-11-19T17:44:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to Lee Smith at Butterfly Blessings for passing along this award. My thank you is a little bit delayed due to some things that have been happening here at home, but I'm back and very grateful.

Here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award": Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'm not as seasoned as some in the blogging world, so it will be hard to come up with 15, but here are some blogs I enjoy:

Caffeine and Romance

What You Reading Now?

Great Christian Fiction and other tales

Just A Little Something On My Mind

A Sequence of Continual Delights

Redefining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado

2009-11-19T17:14:00.004-05:00

Redefining Beautiful
by: Jenna Lucado with Max Lucado

Summary of the Book:

In this book Jenna Lucado uses real life issues to help teenage girls realize they are beautiful because God made them and God loves them. Through studying the relationship of a girl and her father Jenna is able to pinpoint specific areas why girls feel they are not beautiful and counteract that with biblical reasons that prove that they are.

My Thoughts:

This book is a great read for every teenage girl. Jenna has a wonderful writing style that makes it easy for anyone to read. Her real life examples help you to realize that you are not alone in your insecurities and awkwardness and that there is hope. I was a little bit concerned with how much she focused on a good relationship with your earthly father, but about half-way through my concerns faded. She does a great job of pointing out that we all have a Perfect Heavenly Father. Her advice for teens on relationships is wonderful. I also really like the way that she has personalized the book for every reader to get involved and explore their motives and relationships. This would be a great book for family discussions. I think that anyone who reads this book will certainly redefine their definition of the word beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sugar and Grits

2009-11-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sugar and Grits
by: DiAnn Mills, Martha Rogers, Janice Thompson, Kathleen Y'Barbo

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am at a point in my life where I have a wonderful group of friends that are similar to the group in this book and I just fell in love with all of them and was able to relate to them really well. Each novella was written well and did a great job of portraying the uniqueness of each character. Each woman learns how God needs to be at the center of every relationship and that sometimes you find love in the oddest of places. We all need to keep our eyes open to God's plans that are happening all around us.

Back of the Book:

Strong women with a dash of sweetness. . .

Berta is a young woman in her twenties who owns and operates Bert's Dirts, a bulldozer and backhoe business. She's putting away her money to attend a school in Biloxi to fulfill her dream of singing opera. But God has other plans, and romance is on the way.

Dottie Jean is heading toward her fifty-fifth birthday. A widow, she makes her living by owning and operating Calista's Catfish house and making the best pecan pies in the county. But love is standing in the background when Dottie Jean encounters an old high school flame.

Sassy, a widow in her fifties, is known for her quick tongue and peculiar temperament. As the proprietor of Sassy's Bait Shop and an avid fisherwoman, Sassy thinks she has life all figured out until God reels in something unexpected.

Sue Ellen is a young woman in her twenties who is living out her dream as a hairdresser at the RhondaVous Beauty Shop. She and bud Briggs, deputy sheriff of Calista, have been friends since their school days, but does God have something else in mind for them?

Will these Mississippi women learn to balance their tendencies toward gritty strength and independence with feminine sweetness and godly joy?

Thanks for stopping by!!

Talking to the Dead

2009-11-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Talking to the Dead
by: Bonnie Grove

This book has had me kinda torn. The book is very well written. Ms. Grove keeps your curiosity peeked throughout the book. She is very descriptive, helping you put yourself right in the house, office, church, etc. You really do feel like you know the characters and can picture them in your mind very easily. She is also very knowledgeable and you can tell that the book was very well researched.

However, I do have a few concerns. The book wasn't exactly what I expected from the description on the back of the book. I do not like how much the book focuses on psychological practices and medicine for mental healing. I personally believe in biblical counseling. In 2 Peter 1:3 Peter tells us that "His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." I also do not like the feelings-based 'God-experience' that is thrown in at the end. Nowhere does anyone encourage her to, neither does she call upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:9-10).

*Please note that these are my personal preferences and beliefs and I understand that those reading this may feel different*

About the Book:
Twenty-something Kate Davis can't seem to get this grieving widow thing right. She's supposed to put on a brave face and get on with her life, right? Instead she's camped out on her living room floor, unwashed, unkempt, and unable to sleep-because her husband Kevin keeps talking to her.

Is she losing her mind?

Kate's attempts to find the source of the voice she hears are both humorous and humiliating, as she turns first to an "eclectically spiritual" counselor, then a shrink with a bad toupee, a mean-spirited exorcist, and finally group therapy. There she meets Jack, the warmhearted, unconventional pastor of a ramshackle church, and at last the voice subsides. But when she stumbles upon a secret Kevin was keeping, Kate's fragile hold on the present threatens to implode under the weight of the past. And Kevin begins to shout.

Will the voice ever stop? Kate must confront her grief to find the grace to go on, in this tender, quirky story about second chances.

About the Author:
Bonnie Grove started writing when her parents bought a typewriter, and she hasn't stopped since. Trained in Christian Counseling (Emmanuel Bible College, Kitchener, ON), and secular psychology (University of Alberta), she developed and wrote social programs for families at risk while landing articles and stories in anthologies. She is the author of Working Your Best You: Discovering and Developing the Strengths God Gave You; Talking to the Dead is her first novel. Grove and her pastor husband, Steve, have two children; they live in Saskatchewan.

Purchase Talking to the Dead at
Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Teaser Tuesdays Oct. 27

2009-10-27T15:34:00.006-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading
Anyone can participate just follow these steps:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my teaser for the week:
"Dad never gave up. Having immediately fallen in love, he pursued my mom until she walked down the aisle at the same small Miami church where their relationship began."

This week's teaser is from:

Redefining Beautiful
by: Jenna Lucado

Come back in a couple of days for a review of 'Redefining Beautiful'.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Teaser Tuesdays Oct. 13

2009-10-13T12:48:00.005-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading
Anyone can participate just follow these steps:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers for this week:

"I heard rustling and the fridge door close. He was putting my groceries away for me. I turned and saw *****'s eyes filled with tears.

This week's Teaser is from:

Talking to the Dead
by Bonnie Grove

Thanks for stopping by! Come back the first week of November for the CFRB tour and my review of this book.

Mailbox Monday

2009-10-13T11:56:00.013-04:00

Mailbox Monday

Thanks to Marcia @ The Printed Page, we get a chance to share
with others any books we've received the previous week,
via our mailbox.
Be sure to comment and leave a link to your Mailbox Monday post,
or just post your list in your comment.

This is my first time participating and I'm already late, but here is what I received in the mail last week:

Redifining Beautiful by Jenna Lucado

Cowboy Christmas by Mary Connealy

The Missionary by William Carmichael and David Lambert

Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson

Since that doesn't seem like a whole lot, here are some books I bought at Lifeway on Saturday for their National Fiction Event:

The Measure of a Lady by Deanne Gist

Courting Trouble by Deanne Gist

Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deanne Gist

Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake

The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

What a Girl Wants by Kristin Billerbeck

Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock

As you can see, I will have plenty of books to be reviewing in the near future. Be sure to come back!!

My First Blog Award!!!

2009-10-06T17:00:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to announce that I have received my first blog award!

I absolutely love the OVER THE TOP award
that I just received from
Lori at Some of My Favorite Things

Thank you so much!!!

Okay ~ here are the rules for this award...

USE ONLY ONE WORD! It’s not as easy as you might think.
Copy and change the answers to suit yourself and pass it on.
It’s really hard to use only one-word answers so try your best.

1. Where is your cell phone? Desk

2.Your hair? Brown

3. Your mother? Compassionate

4. Your father? Handy

5. Your favorite food? Mac-n-cheese

6. Your dream last night? Nope

7. Your favorite drink? Cheerwine

8. Your dream/goal? Mommy

9. What room are you in? Office

10. Your hobby? Reading

11. Your fear? Loss

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home

13. Where were you last night? Micki's

14. Something that you aren’t? Imaginative

15. Muffins? Strawberry

16. Wish list item? Books

17. Where did you grow up? Pennsylvania

18. Last thing you did? Paperwork

19. What are you wearing? Sweatshirt

20. Your TV? Old

21. Your pets? None

22. Friends? Blessings

23. Your life? Amazing

24. Your mood? Sleepy

25. Missing someone? Grandma

26. Vehicle? Windstar

27. Something you’re not wearing? Dress

28. Your favorite store? christianbook.com

29. Your favorite color? Red

30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday

31. Last time you cried? 28th

32. Your best friend? Denise

33. One place that I go to over and over? Kroger

34. One person who emails me regularly? Carrie

35. Favorite place to eat? Mimi's

Now I would love to pass this awesome award on to:

Carrie
Jennifer
Pepper

If Only You Knew

2009-10-06T15:02:00.005-04:00

If Only You Knew
by Mags Storey

This month, CFRB presents If Only You Knew by Mags Storey.
Mags does a great job of giving you just enough information about her characters to keep you wondering. At one point or another you question the true character of just about everyone.

Jo's summer begins with no job, no friends, and some memories of a terrible accident she witnessed last year. Sounds depressing, huh? Not for long. She soon meets her new best friend and a gorgeous guy all in one day. Things start looking up, but the memory of what happened and the fact that no one is willing to talk about it or even seems to know about it keeps bothering her. I recommend reading this book to find out just how Mags keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know the answer yourself.

What I like best about this book is that it is from the perspective of someone who finds Christ. Seeing the struggle to give over everything to Christ refreshed my own experience in my mind as I'm sure it will for you, as well. I found myself not wanting to put it down waiting for that moment to happen. It also addresses some real issues for today's Christian teen such as dating and friendship and worship. I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did!

About the Book:
Jo's summer is off to a good start when she meets Kevin, an amazingly attractive guy, and Sam, her soon- to-be best friend, on the same day. Now she only needs a job, future plans, and a few goals for her life. No big deal, right?

As if that’s not enough, Jo would like to know why no talks about the horrible accident she witnessed last summer. But as much as she wants to know the truth, someone else wants to keep it a secret. Can she handle creepy stalkers, death threats, and her crazy love life without losing control?

For Jo, unravelling the mystery and piecing her life together will mean discovering if God really listens – and if he cares enough to answer.

About the Author:
Mags Storey is a writer, editor, and journalist. Born in Canada, she spent her childhood living as a missionary in the Middle East before studying journalism at Ryerson in Toronto. She has written for various publications in the UK, USA and Canada, and is currently a correspondent with ChristianWeek. She now lives in Canada with her husband Mike and their two daughters. If Only You Knew is her debut novel.

Purchase If Only You Knew at
Barnes and Noble, Christianbook and Amazon.

Visit Mags's Website.

Check out these other member blogs this week for more info.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope to see you again soon!

Teaser Tuesdays Oct. 6

2009-10-06T14:09:00.004-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading
Anyone can participate just follow these steps:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers for this week:

"The older woman yanked her arm, trying to loosen the hold, and glared at Sassy, but Sassy's strong fingers merely tightened around the flesh.
Berta rose from her seat and followed Jenny to the office, and Sassy leaned over to whisper something into Fanny's ear."

This week's Teaser is from:

Sugar and Grits
by: DiAnn Mills, Martha Rogers, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y'Barbo.

I will hopefully have a review of this book up next week.

The Blue Enchantress

2009-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Blue Enchantress
By: M.L. Tyndall

Once again M.L. Tyndall has produced a book that you just can't put down. This book is so relevant for the issues that many people face today, but in a much better time period (in my opinion). Hope Westcott really struggles with her identity; with feeling truly loved; with trusting the right people. Any of those things sound familiar to you? It is wonderful to see the transformation of Hope throughout the book. She has the desire to do what is right and to make right the things she has done wrong in the past, but she quickly learns that it is a much harder and longer road than she ever imagined it could be.

Captain Nathaniel Mason is also a very relevant character. Not many people are willing to give up all they have to help someone else or to follow Christ with all your heart, soul, and mind. That is the struggle that Nathaniel faces. He is thrown into numerous situations where he has to give up things that are very important to him. Things he has worked for his whole life. He truly loves the Lord and wants to serve Him, but really struggles with the thought that he may have to give all he has in order to do that.

Pick up this book to see how they each learn to overcome their struggles in some unexpected ways. M.L. Tyndall has an amazing talent in writing fiction books that are so convicting! May God continue to bless her ministry through her writing.

Back of the Book:
AN ADVENTURE-SEEKING WOMAN AND A SECURITY MINDED SHIP BUILDER ARE SHIPWRECKED TOGETHER.

Still grieving the loss of her mother--and private tragedies of her own--Hope Westcott plays the part of a dutiful admiral's daughter. But longing for the love and acceptance she never felt at home, Hope plunges into Charles Towne society. . . and an illicit affair with Lord Faulkland.

For Captain Nathaniel Mason, wealth means security, so he is determined to build up his shipping business--ignoring God's call on his life to become and impoverished pastor. He also ignores his attraction to the frivolous, vain Hope Westcott.

Hope's adventure seeking lands her in the hands of an unscrupulous ship captain who wants to sell her to the highest bidder. When Nathaniel sees Hope on the auction block, will he listen to God and sacrifice his ship, cargo, and security to save her?

From the Carolina Coast to the Caribbean, through stormy seas and shipwreck, can Hope and Nathaniel put aside their painful pasts, listen to God's voice, and find true love and acceptance?

Thank you for stopping by!

A Gift of Grace

2009-09-29T14:37:00.006-04:00

A Gift of Grace
By: Amy Clipston

Oops - I just realized I started this post a couple of weeks ago and never finished.

I'm going to be honest - I am always hesitant to read a book about the Amish that is not by Beverly Lewis. Thankfully, this one was REALLY good! It is similar to Beverly Lewis' Saving Sarah Cain, but the opposite situation. It was really neat to see just how teenagers today would react to being put into an Amish community. Many of us are 'wowed' by the way they live and the things they make, but this really shows what it would take for one of us to live in an Amish home. She also does a wonderful job portraying the battle women face between following their own desires while trying to submit to their husbands. Rebecca thinks her dreams have come true, but her husband is very hesitant to accept to 'Englischers' into his home. You'll have to read the book to find out how they resolve their differences.

Back of the Book:

Rebecca always dreamed of being a mother, and now she is--of two teenage girls. Somehow, it just wasn't the scenario she had planned. . .

Rebecca Kauffman longs to fulfill her quiet Old Order Amish life by giving her husband, Daniel, a child, but for years she has been unable to conceive. When her older sister, Grace, who left hte Amish community for the modern world, dies in an automobile accident, Rebecca is left custody of her two teenage nieces, Jessica and Lindsey. Now Rebecca wonders how she is going to take on this daunting task of being an Amish woman raising two English teenagers.

Rebecca struggles to give the girls the guidance they need as she tries to fulfill her duties as an Amish wife. The strain between Rebecca and Daniel mounts as the girls search for their identity in this new home. Caught between her husband's disapproval and her niece's unhappiness, Rebecca begins to question her place in the Amish community, her marriage, and her faith in God. Will she be able to reconcile differences in her home--or will the clash of cultures tear her world apart?

Thanks for stopping by!

Teaser Tuesdays Sept. 29

2009-09-29T14:00:00.004-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading
Anyone can participate just follow these steps:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) teaser sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others.)
Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers for this week:

On the other hand, Rebecca had no one else in whom to confide. She needed a friend, and Elizabeth had been all that and more ever since she'd joined the Kauffman family.

A Gift of Grace
by: Amy Clipston

Come back later this week for a review of this book. Hope to see you then!