Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy+A Review

ABOUT RECLAIMING LILY
When an insidious genetic disease strikes her family, Harvard graduate Dr. Kai Chang must alert Lily, the sister Kai left on orphanage steps years earlier. Standing in her way are the Powells, Lily's adoptive parents. Gloria Powell distrusts Kai and thinks her presence will send their troubled seventeen-year-old over the precipice of teenaged angst. Can Kai and Gloria, separated by culture and faith but devoted to Lily, reconcile their differences and trust their dreams to God?

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764209418
ISBN-13: 978-0764209413
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patti Lacy, a graduate of Baylor University and a Southerner who's found happiness in the Midwest, taught community college humanities. In 2005, God called Patti to write novels exploring the secrets women keep and why they keep them.

An Irishwoman's Tale, Patti's first book, draws on the real-life memories of a brave Irishwoman, who was banished from her beloved Cliffs of County Clare and plopped into a dysfunctional Midwest home.

Both An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw, Patti's second novel, were Foreword Magazine Book of the Year finalists.

Patti spans seas and secrets to gather material for her projects. 2010 found her hiking China's majestic Great Wall and mysterious Mount Tai in search of stories. Music weaves its way into her text, especially her third novel, The Rhythm of Secrets, which inspired a listening guide, The Music, found on Patti's website, www.pattilacy.com.

2011 brings two new Patti Lacy novels to bookstore shelves; The Rhythm of Secrets, published by Kregel, and Reclaiming Lily, published by Bethany House. Here's what award-winning, best-selling author Gina Holmes says: Reclaiming Lily is a moving story of loss, healing, and above all, love."

Patti has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. Visit Patti's website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites. Patti LOVES to hear from her readers and thanks every one of y'all for supporting books!




MY REVIEW
  I really liked Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy. This story is full of love and compassion between sisters, parents and children and fellow Christians.
  Reclaiming Lily shows even when we make mistakes we can be forgiven, even when we feel alone we aren’t alone, God is always there for us.
  The story is also about adoption and PKD-Polycystic Kidney disease and explains both very well. It shows how things can change in a blink of an eye.
 The characters are very real and likable and Patti Lacy has a way with words that really tell a story to keep you glued to your seat and your eyes on the page. I couldn’t wait to see how the story turned out. I was surprised at the ending, but not disappointed.
  If you like books that are about real life problems this book is for you. It is full of problems, love and compassion with loss and plenty of excitement to keep you reading and wanting more.
 I recommend this book and really enjoyed reading it.


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Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. 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

Mary's First Christmas by Walter Wangerin Jr. A Review

ABOUT MARY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS
On the night you were born the whole sky exploded with love, and the angels shouted, and more than a thousand hearts were in love with my baby Jesus on his birthday! Gather near and listen to the wondrous bedtime story, told long ago by a special mother to her very special son. Listen as Mary tells five-year-old Jesus of the first Christmas -- of his own birth and the remarkable events that surrounded it. Award-winning author Walter Wangerin tells this moving story in four parts, to be read in one sitting or over the course of four nights. And artist Timothy Ladwig brings to glowing life the people and places of Jesus' young life. Listen. Look. And you too will experience the wonder and glory of Mary's First Christmas.

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310222168
ISBN-13: 978-0310222163
Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.7 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Walter Wangerin Jr. is widely recognized as one of the most gifted writers writing today on the issues of faith and spirituality. Starting with the renowned Book of the Dun Cow, Wangerin's writing career has encompassed most every genre: fiction, essay, short story, children's story, meditation, and biblical exposition. His writing voice is immediately recognizable, and his fans number in the millions. The author of over forty books, Wangerin has won the National Book Award, New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year Award, and several Gold Medallions, including best-fiction awards for both The Book of God and Paul: A Novel. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he is Senior Research Professor at Valparaiso University.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Timothy Ladwig is an illustrator whose recent books include Saying Grace, Jubilee, and Tonight You are My Baby. He lives in Wichita, Kansas, with his wife, Leah, and three children.



MY REVIEW
Mary’s First Christmas by Walter Wangerin Jr. is a very good children’s book.
   It is told from Mary’s viewpoint as she tells Jesus about how she found out she was going to have him and the love she had for him. About how Joseph loves him and how he found out about Jesus. About how God loved him and provided for him. Then about how much Jesus himself loves the world and would give himself for everyone.
  The pictures are just magnificent and the people in the pictures are so loveable and precious. This book is for children four and older and has 48 pages, put into 4 chapters.
  I really like this book and would recommend it for you and your child/children.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

Journey to Christmas DVD*A Review

ABOUT JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS
Journey to Christmas is a fascinating new reality DVD series that invites you to explore Jesus’ birth through five modern-day explorers. Shot on ultra-high-definition film and packaged as a four-part DVD church curriculum, this unique study series chronicles the experiences of five very different people—a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer—as they journey through the Holy Land to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Guided by a local historian (Nizar Shaheen) with on-camera commentary from a team of Bible experts (astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross, ancient history expert Dr. Paul Maier, archeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans, Biblical times culture expert Claire Pfann, and others), viewers will see the Christmas story unfold though the eyes of each member on this unique pilgrimage. Journey to Christmas lets you immerse yourself in the culture, places, and people surrounding the Nativity. Stunning photography, a reality show format, exotic locations, and fascinating commentary from a team of Bible experts make this an unforgettable Bible learning experience!

List Price:
19.99
ISBN:
978-1-4143-6508-4
Trim Size:

Binding:
2 DVDs
Release:
December 2011

MY REVIEW
  These two DVDs are 180 minutes long. I really enjoyed all of the scenery and information of the Holy Land.
Five different people from five different backgrounds got to go. They were a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer. All of them were either raised in a Christian home or had the opportunity to go to church. They all knew about the Christian faith.
The three women to me seemed to get more out of their trip than the two men. I can’t believe someone who has been raised in a Christian home or know about Christ gets to go to the Holy Land and they still don’t believe. To me it seemed like the trip for the two men Drew and Rory was just a waste of time. They wanted some kind of sign or a big miracle.
  So would I recommend this DVD? Yes, for the three girls and they faith and love of the Lord and all of the beautiful places they visited. Below you will read who was there and where they went.
I enjoyed the DVDs, but probably won’t watch them again.

Here is one of the experts and the names of the others.


Nizar Shaheen
Biblical Scholar and Guide

Dr. Paul L. Maier
Prof., Ancient History
Western Michigan University

Dr. Stephen J. Pfann
President
University of the Holy Land

Claire Ruth Pfann
Academic Dean/Instructor
University of the Holy Land

Dr. Craig L. Evans
Prof., New Testament
Acadia University

Dr. Hugh Ross
Physics & Astronomy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are the five travelers and a little about them. The first part is the words of the traveler.


“Although I’m not religious, I can offer some benefit to those that are, by opening a more spiritual side to their religiosity.”

An expert in international affairs, Rory Nisan will bring a unique geo-political perspective to the group. He grew up in an environment where religion was perceived to be a divider. His father was disowned by his strict conservative Jewish family as a result of his marriage to a gentile. Now an agnostic, Rory relishes the opportunity to interact with the other Journey to Christmas participants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“My culture is very close to Judaism. I would be interested to go and re-connect with what could possibly be my heritage.”

Nazreth Mebrahtu is a Toronto-based visual artist who works with fibre and paint. For the last five years she has explored issues of identity, freedom of expression, and spirituality.

Nazreth’s vast influences include primarily, inspiration from her Eritrean indigenous heritage, and from Western art, with her work often revealing conflicting values of the philosophy of her mixed heritage. Nazreth's work is informed by her deep passion and knowledge of materials, color, and texture.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"I intentionally wanted to put my life into the hands of God and make a personal investment in this thing called 'faith.' Trusting anyone was tough, let alone God. The next thing I knew I was an Associate Pastor at a church wondering how I ever got the job!”

Drew Marshall grew up in a funeral home, was kicked out of four schools, and finally dropped out after completing grade nine. Not wanting to wait around for life to give him a shot, he ran away to California at the age of seventeen and became a wrangler at a ranch-camp in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After returning to Canada four years later, having never played a game of football in his life, he became a punter at the semi-pro level, which eventually led to NFL & CFL tryouts. After leaving his football dreams behind, Drew then began training for a career as a Fire Fighter. Had he decided to settle into any one of these ambitious pursuits, this wandering autodidactic iconoclast would never have ended up taking an unbelievable step of faith. In 1997, he moved his family to Australia with nine bags of clothes, two children, no place to live, and no job!

Then, after five years in Australia, he moved his family back to Canada and in 2003 and with absolutely zero broadcasting experience, walked into the studios of JOY 1250 and pitched the idea of hosting a talk show that was different.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



“I will be of good cheer in the most adverse of circumstances… I will bring harmony to the group without placating people… I might sing Christmas songs!!! Is that allowed?”

Dusty May is a young and vivacious writer, singer, and painter from Hamilton, Ontario. Born into a dysfunctional single parent home, her childhood was filled with pain and difficult trials. Her amazing story involves a radical life change from involvement in the occult, dealing with mental illness, and eating disorders, to a life where family and balance have been restored. Her goal is to live a life of radical joy and faith, and to inspire those around her to do the same. Dusty May’s enthusiasm to be part of the Journey to Christmas is infectious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Kim Kakakaway is an adventurous, compassionate, First Nations young woman, from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Saskatchewn. Kim grew up in Calgary, AB, where she lived with her mother and 3 sisters. A deep love for her people inspired the creation of Anchored Warriors – a non-profit organization dedicated to; mentoring, leadership development, and bringing Hope to today’s Native youth who are in search of truth, identity and a sense of belonging. Recognizing the cultural similarities of first century Judaism and her own Native heritage, Kim’s quest on this Journey to Christmas is to discover the tribal aspect of the Nativity story.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here are the places they traveled to.
Advat
Ancient ruins of a city overlooking the Spice Route

Bet Sh'ean
Where no less than 18 cities were built

Bethlehem
The birthplace of Jesus

Caesarea
One of the great cities of antiquity

Capernaum
Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry

Ein Kerem
Home of Mary's cousin Elizabeth

Jerusalem
Holy city to the three major world religions

Masada
Herod The Great's fortress above the Dead Sea

Nazareth
The hometown of Mary, Joseph and Jesus

Qumran
Where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found



DVD website
http://www.journeytochristmas.com/

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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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

DVD and Book winners announced!

Go to 

Raettigfamily!
 They won the DVD Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge
and
CSThankful 
for winning Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper
More giveaways coming soon.
Thanks for visiting my blog and being my follower!

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble*A Review

ABOUT Lonestar Angel By Colleen Coble 

Eden’s hope is rekindled when Clay delivers astounding news: their baby girl has been found.

Five years ago Eden and Clay Larson’s baby was stolen. When they went to pay the ransom, what happened changed their lives forever—the kidnapper’s car with Baby Brianna inside sunk deep into the river. Eden blamed herself, Clay lost himself in work. Their young and rocky marriage ended. Or so Eden thought.

Now Eden’s moved to a new town. She’s found faith and is trying to rebuild her life. She’s even dating again—a sweet guy named Kent who plans to marry her. But then Clay arrives out of the blue and delivers shocking news: he never signed their divorce papers, so they’re still married. What’s more, Clay has been searching for Brianna all this time. And he believes he’s found her: their daughter is in Bluebird, Texas, at a youth ranch. All five little girls there are the right age—he’s just not sure which one is Brianna. Or how she survived.

To uncover the truth, Eden and Clay sign on as counselors at Bluebird Ranch. They move into small quarters in the bunkhouse and oversee the kids as they try to find out more. Working together, they rediscover their love for each other. But danger is closing in—Eden, Clay, and all their young charges are in jeopardy. As they fight to save their family, Eden realizes that God has been fighting for them all along. And His plans are for a more abundant life than they’d ever hoped.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Original edition (November 8, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595542698
ISBN-13: 978-1595542694
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Colleen Coble’s thirty-five novels and novellas have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA, the Holt Medallion, the ACFW Book of the Year, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, the Booksellers Best, and the 2009 Best Books of Indiana-Fiction award. She writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail and love begin with a happy ending.

BOOK REVIEW
  I just love, love, love this book. Colleen Coble is one of my favorite authors and this book didn’t disappoint. I was taken in by the very first paragraph.
  The characters are very realistic and loveable, but the action and adventure outweighed all of the other parts of the book. What was even more wonderful was the special love story.
  Eden and Clay had a baby and she was kidnapped and believed to be dead. So Eden left Clay and didn’t want anything to do with him.
  Then the wonderful happens Clay came back and said that their  daughter wasn’t dead. So they set off on an adventure to find their daughter. Bad things start happening to Eden, but why?
  You will be on the edge of your seat as they have fun, get into more danger than you could believe, how they find out who did it and why.
  Both Clay and Eden have many secrets in their past and how they put walls up to keep everyone out. The most wonderful part is how they both came to the Lord and are now letting Him direct their paths. This book answers the questions, will they try to make their marriage work, will they find their kidnapped daughter, will they let the Lord lead them in every way, will they find out who did the kidnapping and who keeps causing Eden trouble.
  I really love this book. Lonestar Angel is a 5-star book for sure.
I love books by Colleen Coble and I highly recommend this book. Buy it today and you’ll be very glad you did.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program/BookSneeze. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. This is true of any book I review for any publisher or author; I will not review books where a positive review is required and I will always express my own opinions of each book received and read.

Hailee by Penny Zeller*A Review

ABOUT HAILEE
For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?



Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742182
ISBN-13: 978-1603742184
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author."
Penny is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women's Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women's prayer group. She devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom.
The touching and heartwarming Montana Skies Series is Penny's first series with Whitaker House and includes "McKenzie," "Kaydie," and "Hailee." Penny says she hopes after reading her novels, readers will be reminded of "the power of God's love, redemption, hope, and forgiveness. I want them to catch a glimpse inside my characters' lives and see that God can and does change hearts. In addition, I hope my readers will take away from my books the importance of depending on God and putting our full faith and trust in Him. As Psalm 46:1 tells us 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' What a reassuring promise!"
When she's not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers through her website and on her Penny A. Zeller Facebook Author Page.
http://www.pennyzeller.com/

MY REVIEW
 This third book in the Montana Skies series is just delightful. Hailee and Nate are very different with different backgrounds. She an orphan, he brought up in high-society, how will they every get together?
 Hailee becomes a teacher, Nate becomes a preacher. Both have pasts that make them think they are unworthy to be loved, but know God has forgiven and forgotten.
  I love the way Hailee has such love for her young brothers and tries everything to keep them all together.
  This is a very sweet read and sweet romance. You will see the way the Lord works in both of their lives and works out things in their families lives.
 If you haven’t read the first two books in the series you can still read Hailee and follow along, but the first two books are exceptional as well. Highly recommended.


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Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. 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

The Berenstain Bears Get Ready for Christmas*A Review

ABOUT THE BOOK
Help Brother, Sister, and Honey search the Bear family tree house to find their 'bearloom' manger scene in this memorable and fun lift-the-flap Christmas story.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Paperback: 12 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310720826
ISBN-13: 978-0310720829
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Stan and Jan Berenstain introduced the first Berenstain Bear books in 1962. Mike Berenstain grew up watching his parents work together to write about and draw these lovable bears. Eventually he started drawing and writing about them too. Though Stan died in 2005, Jan and Mike continue to create the delightful Bear adventures from their family home in Pennsylvania, in an area that looks much like the sunny dirt road deep in Bear Country.

MY REVIEW
  Another delightful book about the Berenstain Bears. I really love this book because it is a lift-the-flap book with a Christian message of finding the manger. The bear children search high and low for the missing pieces of the figures of the manger. They look behind pictures, under toys, in closets and each time they find another piece.
  I love how colorful each page is and having the Berenstain Bears and their lovable faces makes this book sweet. Every child will just cherish being read to or reading it themselves.
 I love how the Berenstain Bears give glory to God and tell what the real meaning of Christmas is. Not the gifts, food or going everywhere. Love the Berenstain Bears and you and your children will also. Highly recommended

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

As Good As She Imagined by Roxanna Green with Jerry B. Jenkins~ A Review~

ABOUT AS GOOD AS SHE IMAGINED
The story of the little girl whose shooting death at a political rally in Tucson in January 2011 shook our nation—and whose life and legacy continue to be an inspiration.
Christina-Taylor Green was beautiful, precocious, and popular, a member of her elementary school’s student council and the only girl on her Little League team. Born on 9/11/2001, it was perhaps no surprise that she harbored aspirations of becoming a politician—thus her presence at the political rally that fateful day in Tucson last January. Congressman Gabrielle Giffords was severely wounded in the gunman’s splay of bullets; six others were killed, including Christina, the youngest of the victims.
But this inspirational book recounts far more than the events of “the tragedy of Tucson.” Written by Christina’s mother (with New York Times best-selling biographer Jerry Jenkins), As Good as She Imagined celebrates this little girl’s life, along with the hope that has been born out of a nation’s loss and a family’s grief.

ISBN 978-1-61795-012-4
Jacketed Hardcover
List Price: $24.99
Carton Quantity: 24
Trim Size: 6" x 9"
256 pages
In-Store Date:
January 3, 2012

ABOUT ROXANNA GREEN
Roxanna Green has been a practicing home health-care nurse, now serving as CEO of the Christina-Taylor Green Foundation. Her husband, John, is National Crosschecker in the scouting department of the Los Angeles Dodgers. They have a son, Dallas, 12, and their daughter, Christina-Taylor, would have been 10 on the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
http://worthypublishing.com/books/As-Good-as-She-Imagined/


ABOUT JERRY B. JENKINS
Dr. Jerry B. Jenkins, former vice president for publishing and currently writer-at-large for the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, is the author of more than 160 books, including the 63,000,000-selling Left Behind series.
Also the former editor of Moody Magazine, Dr. Jenkins's writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Parade, Guideposts, and dozens of Christian periodicals. Jerry and Dr. Tim LaHaye were profiled in a May 24, 2004 cover story in Newsweek magazine entitled "The New Prophets of Revelation."
Jerry's non-fiction books include as-told-to biographies with Hank Aaron, Orel Hershiser, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, and many others.
Jenkins also assisted Dr. Billy Graham with his memoirs, Just As I Am, also a New York Times bestseller.
Jerry owns Jenkins Entertainment, a filmmaking company in Los Angeles, and also the Christian Writers Guild, which aims to train tomorrow's professional Christian writers and has nearly 2,000 members worldwide.

www.JerryJenkins.com
www.Jenkins-Entertainment.com
www.ChristianWritersGuild.com


MY REVIEW
  This is an amazing book. The true story of the 9 year old girl who was killed in the Tucson tragedy last January. I was pulled in from the very first and was enthralled throughout.
  The book tells of how Christina-Taylor’s parents met, fell in love and their life before Christina was born. There is a lot of back story in this book, but it really is necessary.
   I found it quite interesting to hear of Roxanna and John’s story, also of the birth of their first child Dallas. The way they moved to different places and also the many trips they took.
  Roxanna does most of the telling of this story, but John also shares many things. You would think a book about the death of a child would be only sad and morose, but this one is full of hope and about continuing on when you just don’t feel like it.
  Roxanna tells the many different things her daughter was interested in. She loved so many people and helped those unfortunate. She was always looking for people to help and causes to support. She loved politics and was always learning.
  I love to read books of life stories and this one is so excellent. I highly recommend this book. It is one that will really inspire you.

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Thank you to the author for providing this book for review. 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

Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh~A Review~

ABOUT REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS
Rick Denton lives his life on his terms. He works hard, plays hard, and answers to no one. So when his mother calls on Thanksgiving weekend begging him to come home after his stepfather has a stroke, Rick is more than a little reluctant. He's never liked Art and resents the man's presence in his life, despite the fact that his own father abandoned the family when Rick was just twelve. When what was supposed to be just a couple days helping out at the family bookstore turns into weeks of cashing out old ladies and running off the homeless man who keep hanging about, Rick's attitude sours even more.

Still, slowly but surely, the little bookstore and its quirky patrons--as well as the lovely young woman who works at his side each day--work their magic on him, revealing to Rick the truth about his family, his own life, and the true meaning of Christmas. With skillful storytelling, Dan Walsh creates a Christmas story will have readers remembering every good and perfect gift of Christmas.

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719794
ISBN-13: 978-0800719791
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

ABOUT DAN WALSH
I was born in Philadelphia in 1957 (guys don't care if you know) to a mostly
blue-collar, hard-working Irish family. My Dad was the first person on either side of the family to earn a college degree. It took him nine years, working during the day, going to college at night, using the GI Bill from his war days in Korea. In the mid-sixties, General Electric hired him as an engineer for the Apollo space program. We packed up and moved to Florida, which is really where I grew up.
I spent my childhood years playing basketball and surfing. In the spring of my senior year in high school I met the woman who would become my wife, Cindi. We dated for a brief period. I asked her to marry me and, to my great surprise, she said yes. We were married near the end of 1976. We have two children, now grown.
The desire to write novels first began in high school. But I didn't have the time to pursue this passion until 2007. To find out more, visit my website at www.danwalshbooks.com

MY REVIEW
  Remembering Christmas by Dan Walsh is the best Christmas book I’ve read this year. In this book you really find out what Christmas is really about.
  Remembering Christmas doesn’t have one, but two wonderful, tender love stories and also talks a lot about the love of family, but the most important love is the love Rick’s mom and stepfather, Leanne and Art have for other people, especially those who aren’t Christians. It shows how Rick learns what is really important in life, not your job, money or fancy vacations.
  The most tender part of the story is when Rick finds out he was the one who made life difficult, not his mother and stepfather, not anyone, but himself.
  What brings Rick home? His stepfather has a stroke and his mother needs him to help run their store. She can’t leave her husbands bedside and she finds out her husband is worse than expected.
  I like the days and weeks and how they change Rick from being a self centered, egotistical person. I also like the homeless man and how he works into the picture. It was a shock to me the way the whole story turned out.
  A very beautiful, tender story full of love, forgiveness and hope. I highly recommend this for a fantastic book to add to your Christmas shelf. Five stars for sure!

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. 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

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson * A Review

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.



Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719263
ISBN-13: 978-0800719265
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
http://www.melodycarlson.com/index.shtml

MY REVIEW
  The Christmas Shoppe is a uniquely different kind of Christmas story. It is what should really happen at Christmas.
  Matilda comes into town to open a shop and it seems everyone turns against her because she is strange and different until they each one by one come into her shop.
  I think Matilda is a very loveable character and full of vim and vigor. She doesn’t back down when people get mean or cross to her, she just shows them love.
 I really like this book because it shows us that no matter what happens in life we can come out victorious and change our lives.
  This is an excellent book for the Christmas season and every day of the year. This book is only 168 pages, but I got a lot out of those few pages and it tells us just because a book is long doesn’t mean its better.
  The Christmas Shoppe is a must read and a keeper. You will be transported to this sweet little town with their many problems and difficulties, but come out much happier and full of hope. I highly recommend this book for one and all. Five star plus.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. 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

Are your comments gone?

Hi Friends,

 I made a mistake and deleted some comments from the two giveaways-Christmas Lodge DVD and Shadows on the Sand by Gayle Roper. If this has happened to your comment, don't be concerned because I always keep a record of every comment and you will be counted in the giveaways.

I'm very sorry for this, it won't happen again.

Blessings,

Gayle Roper-Shadows on the Sand-author interview and BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today we welcome Gayle Roper author of Shadows on the Sand. I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it. Here is my review link if you would like to look at it again. 
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/10/shadows-on-sand-by-gayle-roper-review.html 






Tell us about Shadows on the Sand the featured book.
Shadows is the fifth book set in my fictional Jersey Shore community of Seaside. Carrie, my heroine, operates a cafe in the heart of town. She's had a hard life and struggles to put the pain and hurt behind her.  Greg is an ex-cop with his own tragic past that he's finally rising above. They, of course, provide the romantic thread of this romantic suspense.

Andi works for Carrie and lives with her Uncle Clooney. She's hiding both a personal secret and a highly dangerous one. When Carrie's dishwasher is killed and Andi disappears, Carrie and Greg team up to solve the various mysteries.

As Carrie and Greg fight for their lives, they learn there's a time for every purpose under heaven.
Can you tell us how many books you have in print in the Christian market?
Counting ebooks, there are currently fifteen of my titles in print.

Is there a particular book among those you've written that you would especially recommend to our readers?  If so, why?
Of course I recommend Shadows on the Sand. It says some important things about cults, forgiveness, and God's timing in our lives, all wrapped in a great story. I also recommend Allah's Fire, a military intrigue that considers Islam and the Palestinian situation. And there's Spring Rain that speaks to the issue of a gay family member. But even when I talk about controversial topics in my books, I'm primarily a story teller. Action, adventure, conflict and emotion are uppermost in all these books.

The Christian fiction field has rapidly expanded over the past few years.  What would you like to see happen in this field in the years to come?
I'm delighted with the expansion of Christian fiction into so many genres and styles of story telling. I've been writing for over 40 years, and it's been exciting to be along for this wonderful ride. I would like to see the quality of our writing and the breadth of our audience continue to increase while we stay true to the eternal message of Christ.

How can readers and fans encourage you as you pursue what is sometimes a challenging and solitary job?
I'm always encouraged by brief notes from those who have read one of my books. And of course I'd love prayers that my writing touches hearts both as good story telling and as a vehicle that turns hearts to God.

If you could only take five books with you on a journey of ten years, which ones would you take?
Obviously the Bible. Knowing God, JI Packer. The One Year Christian History, Rusten and Rusten. Dream a Little Dream, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Ferocious Sudoku, Will Shortz.

If you had 48 hours to hang out with any TWO people (besides Jesus), alive or dead in the history of the world who would you hang out with and what would you do?
Carolyn Custis James and Anne Boleyn.

What three things are you most thankful for in your life?
My family, both my birth one and the ones I married into and raised.
My freedom as a woman born in this time and country.
My salvation.

What is the most fun thing you have ever done?
Too hard to name only one thing. There's the family cruise taken before my husband's health failed. There's the white water rafting adventure last summer. There's the week at Sanibel Island with my husband. And the list goes on.

What are you writing now?
I'm working on two projects. The first is a trio of novellas set in Seaside. The second is preparing to launch a blog called Widow's Journey based on my experiences and emotions for the first two years of being widowed..

How can readers find you on the Internet?
I can be found at www.gayleroper.com.

Gayle Roper has graciously donated her book Shadows on the Sand to one of you
Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.

Here are the ways to get extra entries:
~Be or become a follower  +1
~Be or become an email subscriber +1
~Be or become a networked blog follower +1
~NEW Comment on one of my other posts +1  for each comment {so if you comment on 10 of my posts you will get 10 extra entries}

Contest is only open in the U.S. and void where prohibited. Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.  ENTRY DEADLINE November 20, 2011

For the Rest of my Life by Harry Kraus, MD * A Review

ABOUT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE
The riveting, emotional sequel to the best-selling Could I Have This Dance? Claire McCall, M.D., is haunted by the question: Does she have the gene for Huntington’s Disease, the disease that disabled her father? This exciting sequel picks up with Claire moving back to Stoney Creek to work as a family physician and help her mother care for her disabled father. She rekindles her relationship with John Serelli and—just before she’s going to find out if she carries the HD gene—discovers an engagement ring hidden in his car. When John fails to “pop the question” before learning the results of the test, Claire believes he is only interested in marrying her if she does not have the HD gene. She runs away from him without learning the results of the test, or the strength of his love. Claire copes with her romantic disappointment by plunging into her work. But a brutal rapist attacks three of Claire’s patients, just as each young woman is recovering from a recent accident or surgery. When Claire has surgery for appendicitis, she herself is attacked. Only her trust in God can keep Claire safe.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; 1ST edition (December 16, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310249783
ISBN-13: 978-0310249788
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harry Lee Kraus, MD, (www.cuttingedgefiction.com) is the bestselling author of ten books, including Could I Have This Dance? For the Rest of My Life, and All I’ll Ever Need. He draws from his career as a board-certified general surgeon to flavor his writing with exceptional authenticity and technical knowledge. He and his wife, Kris, are missionaries serving in East Africa.


MY REVIEW
  For the Rest of my Life is the sequel to the bestselling novel Could I Have This Dance  by Harry Lee Kraus, MD is a fantastic read. It didn’t disappoint me and often second books do.
I really wanted to find out if Claire had the gene for the Huntington’s Disease that was passed down from generation to generation and got to find that out.
 Also I loved all of the new cases Claire had in her doctors office that she is now working as a LMD-local medical doctor. This book has the same major characters, but has many new and interesting characters.
 We see in this book how Claire grows closer to the Lord and how she and John get reacquainted again. Claire has many problems and they just seem to grow and grow.
 The author really did a good job with hiding the rapist from everyone. He had me believing two others could fit in the category to be the likely person, but I actually did choose the right one.
 I love how this story was put together and really look forward to the next book. Harry Kraus, MD is an excellent author and one of my new favorites.

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Thank you to Zondervan for providing this book for review. 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

My Thanksgiving Prayer by Crystal Bowman*Children's Book Review

ABOUT MY THANKSGIVING PRAYER
This book is focused around the tradition of thanksgiving, and features a young child offering praise and thanks for small and big things in her life.

Description:
Oversized die-cut format with a great value price. My Thanksgiving Prayer—This book features a child thanking and praising God for the big and small joys of life. Children will delight in the colorful pictures and catchy rhyme. And they’ll love the oversized board book.


Suggested Uses: Spiritual Growth
Perfect for: Thanksgiving
Ages: 2-5



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Crystal Bowman loves writing books for kids. Her books come in all shapes and sizes and many of them have become best sellers. Whether her stories are written in playful rhythm and rhyme, or short sentences for beginning readers, she tries to make them so enjoyable that kids will want to read them over and over again. "But the most important part," she says, "is to teach children that God loves them and cares about them very much."





ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Claudine Gévry
You can find Claudine diving the oceans with Technicolor fish, camel riding in the Sahara, trekking in a jungle populated with wild monkeys, or exploring the African savanna in search of huge elephants. Although adventurous, she sometimes gets scared when coming upon a giant spider or other scary beasts. At that time she heads back to the comfort of her studio, where she draws all the wonderful things she saw and dreams of her next visit to faraway lands.




MY REVIEW
  This twelve page book is a priceless treasure and a book to keep for a special child.
  The pages are big as the board book is. It is 11 by 8 inches and has such bright, bold colors.
  This book is full of family and being thankful for all we have as families. To be thankful for Thanksgiving Day, food, families, birds, mountains, rivers, trees, bumblebees, summer, winter, rain, snow and everything.
  Your child/grandchild will love the size, colors, words and sweet and beautiful characters in this book.
 I’m giving this book to my grandson for Thanksgiving and know he will love it. I most look forward to reading it to him and talking about the pictures. He loves bees, butterflies and birds so he will be thrilled.
  I like this book because it won’t be lost because of the size and can’t be ripped, because it is a board book.
 Just a precious book. The author and Illustrator did a fantastic job and look forward to more of their work.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. 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

Bound for Glory by Timothy R. Botts with reflections by Patricia Raybon*A Review

ABOUT BOUND FOR GLORY
 Bound for Glory is a powerful gift book inspired by a collection of calligraphic paintings by world-renowned calligrapher Timothy R. Botts. The book features 52 paintings that are visual interpretations—in words and pictures—of African American spiritual songs. These amazing songs are an important part of our American heritage, and they continue to give us hope in the face of life’s many challenges. The book also includes 52 reflective readings from Botts and African-American writer and speaker Patricia Raybon. It also includes lyrics from the spirituals along with inspirational Scripture verses from the New Living Translation.

Binding:Hardcover
ISBN:978-1-4143-5453-8
List Price:$16.99
Release Date:November 2011
Page Count:128
Trim Size:9 x 9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Timothy R. Botts has a BFA in graphic design from Carnegie–Mellon University, where he also studied calligraphy with Arnold Bank. After graduation, he and his wife taught conversational English with Brethren in Christ Missions in Japan for three years. He has designed more than 600 books at Tyndale House Publishers since 1972, where he is currently senior art director. In addition to teaching calligraphy part-time at College of DuPage, he has held workshops throughout the United States and internationally.

His work has been widely exhibited in such places as the Washington National Cathedral and in Obernai, France, and one of his originals is part of the Newberry Library's permanent collection. He was curator of "Scribes of Hope"—a traveling calligraphy exhibit for Christians in the Visual Arts, a national organization that explores the relationship between art and faith.

His own books include Doorposts, Windsongs, Messiah, The Holy Bible: Botts Illustrated Edition, and Portraits of the Word. Most recently he helped begin Masterpiece Ministries, an arts outreach to high school students, for which he is program director. Tim and his wife, Nancy, who live in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, have three grown children and eleven grandchildren.
www.timbotts.com

MY REVIEW
  This is just an amazing book.  It has so much in it. It has 52 calligraphic paintings, which are beautiful.
52 African American spiritual songs, some of those include We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder, Wade in Water, There is a Balm in Gilead, I Shall Not be Moved, He’s God the Whole World in His Hands, Down By the Riverside, The Gospel Train’s aComin’. When the Saints Go Marchin’ In just to name a few.
52 reflective readings, here is one from the page that has the song on it called
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen
* Why hide
When God knows everything about you
Anyway?
So He understands
Deep hurt
And a bruised body
And the pain of hunger and the sting of sorrow when
Folks betray you and leave you
Alone in the world to die.
And here’s the reason He knows:
He’s been there, too.*

and Inspirational Scripture verses, the verses are from Genesis to Revelation.
This book is big, bright, colorful and full of history of the African American songs.  It is a hardcover with 128 pages.


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Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing this book for review. 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