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.

An Amish Wedding by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long

Three different stories in one book but they all tie together with one theme: three young Amish women want to have a wedding that was absolutely perfect.  What is perfect in their eyes?  Well, Priscilla could have done without all of the pre-wedding disasters, such as the one with her wedding dress, her house, and a sick friend.  Naomi wonders where her perfect husband is.  She seems to find perfect matches for all of her friends, but can't seem to locate her own true love.  Rose is engaged but isn't for sure if she's in love with her fiancee.  She doesn't have all of those feelings that she thinks a woman should have for her soon-to-be husband.  So, with that said, will these three women find their way to the wedding of their dreams?  Will their definition of "perfect" change?  Which one of the three girls finds a secret about their fiancee?

I love to read anything about the Amish and Amish fiction, so it was no suprise to me that I loved this book.  If you are a fellow Amish fiction lover, pick up this book.  It's a quick read and you won't want to set it down.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The House of Hope by Elisabeth Gifford

This book got me hooked from the name of the book and the picture on the cover to the book's description. The Hope Foster Home is a foster home that Robyn and Joyce Hill started so that they could take care of the abandoned orphans in China. Many of them were medically fragile babies that were abandoned because the child would most likely die without treatment. In fact, some were left to die and they would have had it not been for Robyn and Joyce following the Lord's leading and taking in these children and doing everything within their power to see that the children lived and even went to their forever homes.

Throughout the book, they share stories about different children. They share where they came from, how they came to the Hope Foster Home, what surgeries they needed, how the Lord provided, and in many cases, where they are today. It was a book that I couldn't put down because of many reasons. Adoption and taking care of orphans is very biblical and you can't help but see the love of Christ being played out in the lives of everyone at the Hope Foster Home and the love they have for these children that have been left with no one to care for them.

It hasn't all been easy for Robyn and Joyce. They've had to sacrifice and fight for where they are now. They've overcome losses and trials, as well. But one thing they never doubted: God had a purpose for them in China and He was going to use them to carry it out.

This is a book to be enjoyed by everyone. It will make you fall in love with the children at Hope Foster Home and you will hop online to join their foundation and to become active with their mission. I'm sure of it! Oh, and 100% OF THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK GO TO FUND THE WORK AT HOPE FOSTER HOME. HERE IS THE LINK TO THEIR SITE: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/

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

Welcome!

I am a book reader.  The idea of a perfect day to me would be to curl up on the couch with my books and read the day away.  Not very often does that ever happen since I am a mother of 2 small children, but I do find the time to slip in some reading time as often as I can.  I'm usually not caught without a book on me...whether in my hand, car, or my purse.  You never know when you'll get a free moment!  This blog will be devoted to my love of books, so it will consist of book reviews of books that I am reading/have read/want to read!  I'd love for you to share your favorite books with me, as well.