The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

I was so excited to walk through Advent with some daily readings from John Piper. He is challenging to read and his love and passion for Christ flow off the pages. I knew that I would get a lot from his reminders of what Christmas is truly about and what it's not about.

As I expected, it was challenging. It was challenging in a different way than I expected. It made me want to keep my focus on Christ instead of on material things. With the loss of my grandfather right before Christmas, the cancer journey took over much of our life since June, as well as grieving my grandmother's death at Thanksgiving. With that said, I wasn't really in the "Christmas mood." This reminded me that it was okay to not feel all into the lights and traditions like I usually do. What did matter was my love for Christ and the joy Christ gives.


I read this book in about a week (could have been a lot faster), but since I was catching up front the first part of December I wanted to be sure to end by Christmas. Each day is very short and takes just a couple of minutes to read. I found that I wanted to sit and meditate on the Scripture and journal, so it took it a little longer.

This is a great book for the Christmas season, but I honestly think it's great for even those times when you just need to be reminded of the purpose of Christmas and the joy God gives.

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher

As I finished the first couple of chapters in this book, I could tell already that I was not going to be happy if things kept on the path they were headed. I so wanted Bess to be with the one she loved,  Billy, and not the man she kept trying to love, Amos. Amos was a good man and treated her wonderfully, but I had a soft spot for Billy.

I liked the facts on the roses, but there were a few times where I felt that the story was a little bogged down because of those facts. It seemed to stall for a few sentences and then pick back up once it moved past the facts. That was just my opinion, though, as I was reading it. To real rose lovers, they probably loved those parts of the book the most.

I liked how the mysterious rose brought two people together and caused them to have to patiently wait as it prepared to bloom. It was sort of similar to the relationship Bess desired to have with a certain man. The story of reconciliation was a beautiful part of this Christmas story.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, & Sarah Sundin

As soon as I saw these three authors together in the same book, I knew this was going to be an enjoyable book. These are some of my top authors and they did not disappoint me at all. Each author titled the name of their section by a name of a well-known Christmas carol. Of course, that had me singing those songs for while!

This is a Christmas book, but it's thoroughly enjoyable any time of the year. There are three stories that focus on Christmas during World War II. The Turner family has seen a lot of tragedy, but thanks to their grandma, she insists on doing what she can to still celebrate Christmas.

Each author focuses their story on a different member of the Turner family. Cara Putman tells Abigail's story of letting loss go and moving forward with life. Fear of having her heart broken again sends fear throughout her life and she has to make the decision to face her fear.

Sarah Sundin focuses on Pete. Pete hasn't always made the best choices. He has learned that despite a changed life, his sin still has consequences. He has to prove to people that he's not the same man he once was. As a side note, his relationship with sweet, little Linnie and his patience with her "handful" personality is so sweet. I wanted him to be Linnie's new dad!

Tricia Goyer wraps up the story of the Turner family by following Meredith, better known as "Merry." She's a nurse and has been placed in the frontline of the war. She will see and experience much sadness, but God prepares her to help her go forward in life. It isn't easy, but you get to see the beautiful story of God's redemption played out.

In the busyness of the holiday season, grab this book and settle up on the couch for some quiet moments spent with a wonderful book!

Read more opinions on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/glisten.

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About the book: 

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America's involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In Cara Putman's White Christmas, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements---until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail's brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theater in Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete's friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he's no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer's Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, "Merry" to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that's precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God's providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ's birth and His plan for a future?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BwVP9

 

About the authors: 

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

Website, Facebook, Twitter

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Waterbrook Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey

So this book intrigued me for three reasons. 1) I can relate to the title because I have a quilt to finish for Christmas. 2) The book is about Christmas. 3) I have read most of the books in the series and have enjoyed them all.

I always have to comment on the covers that are so beautifully done and this is no exception. The book cover matches the whole Christmas theme perfectly and I think it catches the book buyers eye. Who can turn down a Christmas tree on the cover during the upcoming season?

The story inside is just as beautiful as the cover. Forgiveness and second chances and having the courage to share a deep secret is theme of this book. Taryn and Justin had loved each other until a choice Justin makes tears them apart. Somehow Taryn has to come to grips with unconditional love. She has to understand God's unconditional love and even Justin's unconditional love. That glimpse of unconditional love just might be realized through a quilt.

It's always so interesting to see the role a quilt plays in each book. No two books in this series are the same.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A note from the Author: Well, I’m a regular ol’ person. Who just happens to write. A lot. Probably more than I should. I firmly believe that God created me to be a writer. From the time I learned how to string letters together into words I’ve been making up stories. Believe me… I have a very rich imagination. I used to think I was weird; now I know God just put me together that way. I can’t even watch commercials without expanding them into stories in my head. I am humbled and honored all at the same time that God looked down from heaven on me and said, “Jodie, do what you love.” Wow… how awesome is that?

I have always loved to write. I have stories that I wrote when I was in first grade. I used to sit at my grandmother’s yellow electric typewriter for hours, banging out my own little stories. When I was eleven, she bought me a typewriter of my own (It was 1984, okay?) and I would write and write on it. I wrote stories out by hand, and they ran to hundreds of pages. I got my first computer when I was eighteen, and the first thing I did was write a story on it. I wrote for school. I wrote for fun. I wrote for my friends. I’d get them on the phone and make up stories for them. (I earned the nickname “Dreamweaver” for that one. Nobody calls me that anymore, but it still stands as the coolest nickname I ever had.)

ABOUT THE BOOK

Taryn McKenna believes she’s easy to forget. Abandoned by her parents and left behind when her high school sweetheart joined the army, she vows to never love again and throws herself into her love for the outdoors and the pursuit of a college degree—something no one else in her family has ever accomplished. Her goal, as a young teacher in the hills of North Carolina, is to leave a legacy in the lives of the middle-schoolers she teaches. When Taryn’s grandmother Jemma, the only other person who ever held her close, has a heart attack that reveals a fatal medical condition, Taryn is corralled into helping Grandma work on a final project—an Irish chain quilt that tells the story of her history and the love Jemma knows is out there for Taryn. As the pieces of the quilt come together, Taryn begins to see her value. Can she learn to believe that God will never leave her behind even though others have?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Quilted by Christmas, go
HERE.

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 I received this book free from CFBA and Abingdon Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The War on Christmas by Bodie Hodge

I really like the look and feel of this book.  The inside pages are filled with beautiful pictures.  The chapters are laid out in an order that makes sense and that easily flows.  The titles of each chapter are beautifully written and beautifully titled.  I liked the creativity in each of the titles of the chapters.

Nothing in this book is new for Christians.  If you are a true follower of Christ, then you know these things that have been written.  I see this book as being good for those who may be a little confused about Christmas or those who are new to Christianity or are seeking.  As a Christian, I believe in Christmas and the true reason for Christmas.  I don't expect those who aren't Christians to celebrate it with the same reason because they don't believe in God.  However, the political correctness does get bothersome at times.  There were a few times where I didn't agree with the author, Santa being one of them.  I agree our focus needs to be on Christ, but I also think you can incorporate Santa or the elf or the Jesse tree or whatever other traditions, to still have a focus on God. In fact, our elf never cares about behavior.... he simply likes to play with toys and make the kids laugh.  He is a goofy elf.  But we also teach constantly about why we celebrate Christmas and they are very clear in who Jesus is and why He came and my son chose to accept Christ right before Christmas... even with Santa and the elf.  I think it all depends on what you say about them and how you incorporate it into your Christmas season.  When my children ask me if they are real, my answer is "what do you think?". I'm not lying and I'm letting them enjoy that childlike fun I enjoyed as a child.

With that said, I did enjoy reading this book at Christmas.  It was a good book to seamy mindset on Christ and to really keep my focus on God and Jesus.

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I received this book free from MasterBooks Publishers in exchange or my honest opinion this book.



Merry Humbug Christmas by Sandra D. Bricker

I love Christmas novels this time of year.  It helps get me in the holiday spirit and ready to decorate my house!  After reading my first book by Sandra D. Bricker, I couldn't pass this one up. 

This book is full of humor and leaves you feeling good after reading it.  It was a great book for me to escape in during the craziness of Thanksgiving.  I couldn't help but laugh all throughout this book because I can picture me and my husband throughout the book.  Granted, he's not he biggest humbug, but he definitely doesn't appreciate all things Christmas like I do (like the lights and decorations).

The cruise was probably the funniest story, in my opinion.  Being part Irish, I was quite fond of Patrick.  It was fun to go back to the beginning of a relationship and remember the awkwardness and the hilarious things that tended to happen while getting to know each other. 

The other story, following Dr. Reese, didn't lack in humor either.  The adventures that she found herself taking part in as she was trying to impress her fiancé was funny, too!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For more than a decade, Sandra D. Bricker lived in Los Angeles. While honing her chosen craft of screenwriting in every spare moment, she worked as a personal assistant and publicist to some of daytime television's hottest stars. When her mother became ill in Florida, she walked away from that segment of her life and moved across the country to take on a new role: Caregiver.

The author says that it was her 8th novel that opened the door to finding her way as a writer. "I'm a Christian woman, first and foremost," she says. "So it was a bit of a dream-come-true when Summerside Press chose me as one of two authors to launch the Love Finds You line."

Sandie's real-life role as cancer survivor has parlayed into her steadfast commitment to raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. Spearheading a series of devotionals for Summerside Press (such as the popular His Grace is Sufficient...Decaf is Not), the author has stipulated that a portion of each contributor's proceeds will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.


"Being allowed to combine my faith and my humor with raising funds for my pet projects ... and still pursue my writing dream," says Bricker, "well, that's the best of all worlds, as far as I'm concerned!"

And one of the author's pet projects is animal rescue, evidenced by the special bond she has created with one particular formerly-abandoned puppy -- a red-haired collie with "killer brown eyes and the heart of the class clown."

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Merry Humbug Christmas features two holiday romance novellas from hilarious and heartwarming author Sandra D. Bricker. -- the perfect gift to yourself or someone else at this most wonderfully stressful time of year.

 In "Once Upon a Jingle Bell," A Bah! Humbug cruise to the Mexican Riviera is Joss Snow’s answer to this year’s quest to avoid the holidays completely; at least until she’s rebooked on a different kind of cruise altogether. Candy canes, holly wreaths, reindeer and ornaments seem to be stalking her on the 12 Days of Christmas holiday cruise extravaganza. An escape back to land is her only goal . . . until she meets a kindred spirit in rugged Irishman Patrick Brenneman, and then the game is on! Avoid Christmas festivities at all costs . . . except maybe for that one stop under the mistletoe.

In "It Came Upon a Midnight Deer," Reese’s guilt over abandoning best friend Joss on their holiday tradition of avoiding all things Christmas is trumped by the joy of her recent engagement. Meeting Damian’s family for the first time on idyllic Sugarloaf Mountain is about as far from that Bah! Humbug cruise as she can get, and Reese can hardly wait to get there. But from the moment they hit that deer in the road just two miles from the cabin, everything seems to go wrong. There are no drummers drumming or pipers piping this particular year! And once she sets her future in-laws’ family cabin ablaze, she’s pretty sure there won’t be even ONE golden ring in her future.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Merry Humbug Christmas, go HERE.

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I received this book free from B & H Publishing and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Christmas Quilt by Vannetta Chapman

This was a beautiful Christmas story!  I think it was different than several of the books I've read in this Quilts of Love series.  Perhaps I really liked it because it was the Amish fiction that I love to read.

Vannetta Chapman tells a beautiful story of a quilt that resembles growth and discovery.  It represents hard times, good times, and trying times.  It represents both family and friendships.  When this quilt is looked upon, you know that it has a story.  The book didn't have a lot of drama, except it did as far as a much anticipated birth.  I liked the close friendship between Leah and Annie and how they walked this road together.

Both Annie and Leah are expecting babies.  Leah is expecting twins after Christmas and Annie is expecting one later in the year.  Things were going well, minus the poor relationship that had developed between Leah and Adam.  A trying time involving Adam and Leah and their babies brings the two closer together and helps them to grow closer.  Each have things that they need to work on in their relationship and God uses this time to develop some fruits of the Spirit in them.  It's not easy, but they have a relationship to be desired by the end of the book.  The quilt represents this time in their life as it was a product of all that they had went through.  Meant as a gift from Annie, it becomes something that Leah and Annie look forward to working on and brings many discussions and lots of growth from the two.

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This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Christmas Quilt Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013) by Vannetta Chapman

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word From The Author:

I hold a BA and MA degree in English, and I am proud to be represented by Mary Sue Seymour, AAR. I have published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and have received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. I am honored to be a member of Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Faith Hope and Love.

I live and teach in the Texas hill country with my husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. Our four children have flown the nest; however, we are fortunate that they all live close enough to visit.

I have always felt that my faith was at the very center of who and what I am, and I am thrilled beyond words to be able to now write about something that is so near to my heart. At various times I have served as a pianist, teacher, church secretary, and worship team member. While living in the Dallas area, I served as an adjunct professor of English Literature at Dallas Baptist University. When we moved to a small town in Central Texas, I continued teaching for a few years, but I now write full-time and I play the keyboard in our church’s praise band.

My grandfather was born in Albion, Pennsylvania, and I am currently researching whether I might have Amish roots.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Christmas Quilt, go HERE.

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I received this book free from Abingdon Press and CFBA in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Christmas Rose by Tricia Goyer

This was a beautiful Christmas story of redemption and adoption and how God takes care of our needs even when we don't understand the full story.  It's also a wonderful love story about how God wants us to follow Him and not follow rules.  Of course, these things are specifically mentioned, since it's not a preachy book!  That's just the messages I gleamed from this book.

Rose loved a boy who had decided to enlist in World War II.  He stuck to his Amish beliefs as far as no taking a life goes because he enlisted and served as a medic, thus saving lives.  The Amish community thought that he was stepping too far into the English world and wouldn't be back.  Jonathan always had the intention of coming back to the Amish community though.  But the Amish community doesn't forgive easily when it comes to serving in the war.  Rose struggles with forgiving Jonathan for leaving her and then she comes to learn a shocking secret about herself.  The reunion at the end is precious and I love the gifts she received for Christmas.  It was the perfect ending to the story!

This is a short Christmas read, but so much fun to read.  Tricia Goyer has a wonderful writing ability.  I've yet to be disappointed by any of her books.  This book definitely got me in the mood to read more Christmas books...which is a problem since it's only October!

 

To read more opinions about this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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Book Info

About the book: Rose turned her back on the man she loves after he assisted the Englisch during World War II---only to discover she's an Englischer herself. Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But she is overwhelmed by self-doubt when she learns that she was born Englisch and abandoned when her family moved West in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? When the man she loves leaves her behind, Rose is certain he left for good. Yet Rose discovers sometimes our greatest gifts are the ones we fear. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/pfhBl  About Tricia: USA Today best-selling author Tricia Goyer is the author of over 35 books, including the three-book Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and "Lead Your Family Like Jesus," (co-written with Ken Blanchard). She has written over 500 articles for national publications and blogs for high traffic sites like TheBetterMom.com and MomLifeToday.com. She is the host of Living Inspired, a weekly radio show. Tricia and family live in Little Rock, Arkansas. They have six children. You can find out more about Tricia at www.TriciaGoyer.com.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Debt-Proof Your Christmas by Mary Hunt

Every Christmas, I vow for my Christmas present buying to be different.  Less stuff, less money, less spending.  However, come Black Friday and that tends to go out the window as sales are posted of things that are nice to have, but not really necessary.

I was really thankful that this book came out just in time for the Christmas season.  I love how she tells her readers to leave the credit card at home and just take the cash.  We do that and it makes it so much easier knowing that it is paid for already and won't have after-Christmas bills to pay.

The chapter of the "The Gentle Art of Gift Giving" was extremely helpful because I seem to never know how to give a gift to people like babysitters, mail carriers, garbage men, etc.  Another helpful chapter was the "Finding the Bargains" chapter that listed great sites for cheaper shoes, merchandise, electronics, books, clothes, etc.  Since I tend to do more shopping online, I found these sites very helpful.  I hadn't heard of some of them so I glad to learn of new sites.

This book is not only full of advice on not going in debt for Christmas presents and remembering why we are celebrating Christmas, but it also has present ideas for people in your workplace, family, and general ideas that would work for neighbors or anyone else you'd like to give a present to.  She includes recipes if you want to do a kitchen gifts as well as gifts that you can fit in a jar.  It has ways to dress your tree, hang your lights, entertaining, and how to spend time just enjoying your family.

With the rush of Christmas upon me, I found this book not only a help that I will be bringing out yearly, but also one that filled me with ideas and encouragement to know that yes, it's true...Christmas isn't about any present.  It's not quantity.  It's the thought.  Thanks for another very helpful book and am looking forward to more of your advice that you are willing to share with us, your readers!
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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Paper Angels by Jimmy Wayne and Travis Thrasher

This book needs to be noted as a life-changing fiction book  that everyone should read before Christmas.  The principles of this book obviously reach far beyond Christmas time, but the setting is Christmas which is perfect for this time of year.  It's not often that I read a fiction book that challenges me.  Several times I would set the book aside to go finish cleaning or something and I would find myself thinking about how much I lack in giving.  I wasn't prepeared for this book to challenge me.

Written from experience, Jimmy Wayne knows what it means to be a recipient of the Angel Tree program from the Salvation Army.  I imagine that Thomas is a character patterned after Wayne in some ways.  I had never heard of Jimmy Wayne or Travis Thrasher but now I want to read more about them.  The writing of this book was excellent and was a story that was beautifully told in a challenging way.

My heart broke reading about the challenges that both Kevin, the one who chose to take Thomas' name off the tree, and Thomas' families faced.  I hated to hear of the conditions that Thomas lived in, but loved seeing the generosity and answered prayers that each family received.  Thomas had such a sweet spirit and was able to turn seemingly bad things, like bullying, into a blessing for someone else.  I couldn't believe the ending when I read about Thomas' presents.  I was amazed and kept wondering if I would have done that.  In my selfishness, I'm sure I wouldn't have. 

I'm really glad that I read this book.  I tend to be a bit on the stubborn side and like it when messages are subtle in a story not directly telling me how I need to change.  It made me see for myself that I still have a long way to go to be what I really want to be.  In all honesty, I thought I was a giving person.  I know now that materialism has seeped it's way into our families without us really knowing it.  I'm very appreciative for this eye-opening fact and this thought-provoking, hopefully life-changing book.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers, a division of SimonandSchuster Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

A beautiful Christmas novel from the perspective of a little girl is the perfect way to begin any Christmas season.  I always anticipate the sweet Christmas novels that come out because they are shorter and easy to read during a busy holiday season.

Set in 1937, Lucy is the main character from which this story is told.  She longs for a pony for Christmas, but her mother says that only rich people have ponies.  Her father died and her mother is left struggling and relies on boarders in order to feed her family.  The last thing Lucy ever expected to get for Christmas is the very thing that she and her mother receives.

I definitely had a hard time liking Veronica.  She was an annoying character to me because of her attitude.  I was very glad when she left the pages of the book and I didn't have to hear from her again!  However, George was a man that I instantly liked and hoped that he would be smart and not fall for the wrong woman.  I wish that I knew more about Lucy's mom, but I think that helped to make the book more special as I only know about her through Lucy's eyes.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Prayers of a Stranger by Davis Bunn

I really enjoy the stories written by Davis Bunn.  He is such a beautiful storyteller and knows just how to tug at the heart of the readers.  He paints vivid pictures with his stories and makes you feel as if your own heart is on the same journey that his characters are on. 

Amanda and Chris have suffered the most difficult loss that a parent could ever experience.  Their firstborn baby was born stillborn last Christmas and they have spent the past year figuring out how to heal.  Amanda's neighbor, Emily, has asked Amanda to go to Israel with her since her husband, Frank, can't go because of an impending surgery.  The both have their own reasons for wanting to go, but they are both seeking a miracle.  Amanda wants to be healed in her marriage, in her life, and in her heart.  She wants to be able to risk loving and being loved again. 

I was very fond of the story taking place in Israel and how much of an importance it played in the healing process.  I also liked the friendships that formed between Frank and Chris and how Chris held himself in the world of business.  I also liked watching the healing process play out over the pages of the book.  It was so real and yet so beautiful to see them learning to love again and to take risks. 

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I received this book free from Booksneeze Program and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman

This book was such a delight to read.  It was fun and definitely had unexpected plots throughout the book.  I absolutely disliked Mr. Landau but did find a soft spot for him at the end of the book.  I enjoyed Franny and how she was a simple lady...no frills, so special impressions...just herself.  I think that endeared her to me and made me easily connect with her.  Had Charlie Landau's ex-girlfriend been one of the main characters of the book, I think I would have disliked it a lot!

Being a music therapist, I like it when any book emphasizes the arts and music.  Since these two fell in love over music and planned to add music to their lives, I could easily relate to them.  It was interesting to read about Willie and how he had a turn around with himself and with his father.  You don't learn too much about him, but you learn enough to make you want to know more.  He definitely has a story to tell!

Franny and Charlie meet when Charlie wants to purchase Franny's farm.  Franny wants to pursue her dream in the city but she soon finds out that not all dreams are meant to be followed.  She returns to the farm as "hired help," but not before she's made a difference in the life of a friend who rescued her on the most horrible day of her life in the city.  Both know they love each other from the first time they met and danced together, but neither are from the same social class.  Franny has no money and no fame.  Charlie has lots of money and is from a well-known family.  What is it about Christmas that seems to bring people together despite so many differences?

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For more opinions on this book, go to: http://litfusegroup.com/author/AHigman

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Meet Anita:

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She's been a Barnes & Noble "Author of the Month" for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Find out more about Anita at http://www.anitahigman.com.

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About A Merry Little Christmas:

Fall in love with this cozy story about two people from different worlds.

Franny Martin is an Oklahoma farm girl who's preparing to spend the holidays alone...again. Then Charlie Landau shows up one day, all wealth and polish, and offers to buy Franny's farm. Franny has no money to speak of, but she is clever and spirited, and she's more than happy to sell the farm and move to the city.

As Sinatra croons from the radio and Christmas descends upon her charming farm, Franny teaches Charlie the curious and sometimes comical ways of country life. In the process, they unearth some discoveries of the heart-that sometimes love comes when you're least ready for it. Will the holidays bring their most impossible dreams within reach?

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/eyLJH  

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and Summerside Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

What book lover would hate the setting of this book?!  The Bridge is a bookstore that is in financial distress, but it is a bookstore that is a landmark in Franklin, Tennessee.  All of the locals know about it and go there.  Well, they used to until the 100-year flood destroyed the store and all of the items inside of it. 

The Bridge is much more though.  It also happens to be the one place that Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly could go to share their passions about books.  It was the place where Molly could be free and know that her father didn't have someone watching her and her movements 24/7.  It was the place where they could fall in love and dream and hope could grow.  But when their dreams get squelched and the beloved owners of the Bridge fall on hard times, will either find hope again?  Will the Bridge once again offer treasured books to customers and will it bridge a relationship that may not be meant to happen?

I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan and this book was as great as all of her other books.  She writes in such a way that makes you feel like you are walking along on a journey with the characters.  She knows how to tug at the heart and get you so absorbed in her books that you just can't put it down.

The book itself is a short book, which I found to be a nice change.  I actually could read the book in a few hours with distractions from kids!  I was delighted by that fact alone.  It may be a short book, but it packs a lot of content.  As Kingsbury does in many of her books, she loves to show the redemption of people and that God is a God of second chances. 

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I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Christmas Singing by Cindy Woodsmall

If you're looking for a heart-warming romance to read during this time of year, then this is the perfect book for you!  It's short, which is great at this time of the year when you have so much to do.  In fact, I think I finished it in 2 hours with a few interruptions from kids.  I even teared up at the very end because of the emotion and situations that are played out through the whole story.

Mattie was in love with Gideon until he cheated on her.  Gideon let Mattie go with a lie.  Mattie moves to her brother's house and starts her own cake business and begins seeing Sol.  The problem is that Mattie feels different about Sol than she did with Gideon.  When Mattie and Gideon see each other again, that whole romance feeling starts again.  Suddenly, Gideon realizes that he wants Mattie to know the truth, but he just can't seem to tell her.  When Mattie does find out, does it change her opinon of Gideon?

I loved how this book had a plot that I didn't expect.  It packed so much story within it's few pages.  Cindy Woodsmall is a great writer and this book is no exception to her wonderful work.

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I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest opinon of this book.

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson

This was my first introduction to Melody Carlson. I must say that I really enjoy her style of writing, if her books are all written like this one. When I first started this book, I thought this would be a cute little store that sold Christmas items and that had a happy feel inside of it. I was surprised when it wasn't what I thought it was! (The picture on the front of the book also helped me form my opinion about a cute little shop!)

The Christmas Shoppe is a store that looks like a place no one would want to visit. However, when people went in there, they came out with something far more important than they could ever imagine. Matilda has a way about her that seems to teach those who enter into her shop what the meaning of Christmas really is.

This book is a short little book, but it's a great Christmas read. I would definitely recommend this book as a stocking stuffer or a book for that friend of yours who loves to read!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.