A Short Story of Forgiveness -- A Christmas Homecoming

About the Book

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody’s departure, Sonia’s world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister’s destructive actions, has become rebellious.

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter?

Jody Pettit O’Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her departure, her world has been turned upside down. She’s been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago.

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God?

Purchase a copy here.

My Thoughts

This short ebook is a quick Christmas read with a great message of forgiveness and how hard finding that forgiveness can be.  It provides a strong reminder of how much can be lost in families when hurts and regrets get in the way of relationships and what a change can come with love and reconciliation at this special time of year.

About the Author

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio loves God, people, children, and dogs, in that order. She also is passionate about story and its power to transform the human heart. Dr. MaryAnn, as she is affectionately called, writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. She is Adjunct Online Professor of Fiction Writing for Regent University and coaches writers on their journey to publication. MaryAnn and her husband Dominic are the blessed parents of two wonderful daughters and a fantastic son-in-law.







Grab a copy of MaryAnn Diorio's "A Christmas Homecoming" for JUST .99! MaryAnn is celebrating by giving away a Paperwhite Kindle! Details below!





One "merry" winner will receive:

• A Paperwhite Kindle


• A Christmas Homecoming by MaryAnn Diorio

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 22nd. Winner will be announced on 12/23/12 at MaryAnn's Blog.








Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

Historical Intrigue -- No Safe Harbor

About the Book

She came to America searching for her brother. Instead all she’s found is a web of danger.

Cara Hamilton had thought her brother to be dead. Now, clutching his letter, she leaves Ireland for America, desperate to find him. Her search leads her to a houseful of curious strangers, and one man who claims to be a friend–Rourke Walsh. Despite her brother’s warning, Cara trusts Rourke, revealing her purpose in coming to New York.

She’s then thrust into a world of subterfuge, veiled threats, and attempted murder, including political revolutionaries from the homeland out for revenge. Her questions guide her ever nearer to locating her brother–but they also bring her closer to destruction as those who want to kill him track her footsteps.

With her faith in tatters, all hope flees. Will her brother finally surface? Can he save Cara from the truth about Rourke… a man she’s grown to love?

My Thoughts

No Safe Harbor has all the elements of a great novel -- mystery, danger, intrigue, history, romance.  The characters, though, are what truly make the story great.  The author does a fantastic job of developing them gradually, providing details on a "need-to-know" basis, as she builds tension and keeps you turning the pages.  

From the beginning, it is obvious there is more to Cara's story and to Rourke's than appears on the surface.  How their destinies are intertwined, as well as those of other people in their lives, provides an exciting story with lots of twists and turns -- and an ending full of surprises. As an added bonus, I learned a little history about New York City and Ellis Island. 

I give No Safe Harbor five stars and recommend it to fans of historical fiction, intrigue, and romance.  I look forward to what Elizabeth Ludwig has to offer as she continues her Edge of Freedom series.

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

See what other readers think of No Safe Harbor here.

About the Author

Elizabeth Ludwig is an award-winning author and an accomplished speaker and teacher. Her historical novel Love Finds You in Calico, California earned four stars from Romantic Times. She is the owner and editor of the popular literary blog The Borrowed Book. Along with her husband and two children, Elizabeth makes her home in Orange, Texas. Learn more at  www.elizabethludwig.com.




Elizabeth Ludwig is celebrating her new book with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at a Facebook Author Chat party on 12/6.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• No Safe Harbor by Elizabeth Ludwig

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on December 5th. Winner will be announced at the "No Safe Harbor" Author Chat Facebook Party on 12/6. Connect with Elizabeth, get a sneak peek of the next book in the Edge of Freedom series, try your hand at the trivia contest, and win some great prizes—gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of No Safe Harbor and join Elizabeth on the evening of the December 6th for a chance to connect with her and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 6th!

A Heart-Tugging Love Story -- A Home in Drayton Valley

A dream of a better life...
A tragedy aboard a wagon train...
A tentative agreement...
Will it lead to love for two seeking hearts?

Hoping to escape the poor conditions of 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines and her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher and their two children set off for Kansas aboard an unusual wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into a partnership with Joss that leaves them both questioning God and their plans for the future.

As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will they give up and go their separate ways? Or will God use their time in Drayton Valley in a way they never expected?

My Thoughts

Another reviewer has said, "Sawyer treats readers to love stories that speak to the heart."  I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment . . . and it perfectly describes A Home in Drayton Valley!

From the very beginning of the story, I fell in love with Mary and with Tarsie, but not so much with Joss.  In fact, there were times I even hoped the fates of the individual characters would turn out differently than they did.  But as the story progressed, Kim carefully crafted the plot in such an engaging way that I was caught up in longing for the best for each person as they learned lessons about life and love and God's directions.

The harsh realities of life sometimes brought a tear to my eyes, and the sweet pleasures brought a smile to my lips.  Whatever turns the story took, my heart was touched, and I wasn't really ready to end this journey with the new friends I made along the way.

The last few times I've read a book by Kim Vogel Sawyer, I've thought, "but she still hasn't topped In Every Heartbeat."  Now . . . well, I'm not sure I'm ready to make a call on that one.  Something I am sure of is that I highly recommend A Home in Drayton Valley.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.


Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of nineteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.

A Christmas Trio -- Christmas in Apple Ridge

The Amish community of Apple Ridge is a place to discover anew that even though life doesn’t always look the way you might expect and pain can’t help but color our actions…love may just be around the corner, just in time for Christmas!

Experience the holidays with the Plain folk of Apple Ridge, Pennsylvania, in these touching novellas centered around love, romance, heartache, and restoration from best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall.
 

Christmas in Apple Ridge is a three-in-one collection that includes The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing, and an all-new story, The Dawn of Christmas.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells
Beth Hertzler is unable to let go of a past tragedy, but when she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds. Determined that her niece meet the gifted artist, her aunt tracks him down, but it’s not that simple – will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love?

The Christmas Singing
Mattie thought her childhood sweetheart adored her until he abruptly ended their engagement on Christmas Eve. Brokenhearted, Mattie moves away and pursues her longtime dream of becoming a cake decorator, and even finds a new beau. But when Mattie is forced to return home three years later, will learning the truth behind Gideon’s rejection restore her Christmas joy – or open the door to even deeper heartbreak?

The Dawn of Christmas
Sadie enjoys her freedom away from home and her mission trips to Peru, but after four years, her Old Order Amish family insists it’s time to come home and settle down. Levi, a bachelor who distrusts women after a family heartbreak, also has no desire for romance. To keep their families from meddling in their lives, Sadie and Levi devise a plan—but soon discover that the walls around their hearts are breaking down. Can they let go of their prejudices, learn to trust each other, and embrace a future together?

My Thoughts:

What could be better than an Amish Christmas story by Cindy Woodsmall?  How about three Amish Christmas stories by Cindy Woodsmall?

As always, Cindy quickly draws you into touching stories in the lives of Old Order Amish characters.  In each of these stories there are struggles related to some kind of heartache from the past mixed with the chance for romance and joy in the present and future.  Obstacles often appear too big to be overcome, but special things always seem to come together at Christmas time.  Although these novellas do not have to be read as a series, it is fun to see characters carry over from one story to the next.

Cindy has such a heart for authenticity in her stories, and her love for the Plain people shines through in this trio of stories as it does in everything she writes.  I would highly recommend this collection for anyone who is a fan of Amish fiction or of feel-good Christmas stories in general.

If you have read the first two stories as previously published books, you will find The Dawn of Christmas only in this three-in-one edition.  The publisher is, however, offering the collection in a very affordable paperback.

Thank you to the Blogging for Books program which provided me this book for free in exchange for my honest review.



View the book trailer below:





Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author of ten works of fiction and one work of nonfiction, whose connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media and throughout Christian news outlets. She lives outside Atlanta with her family.

Amish Shakespeare? -- Courting Cate

About the Book

When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!

In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!

But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor–until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series.

My Thoughts

I admit that I'm a fan of almost every type of Amish fiction book I've read, even though there is a lot of similarity and predictability in many of the stories.  It is always fun and refreshing, though, to read a story with a different twist or flair to it -- while still remaining true to the genre -- and Leslie Gould certainly hit that mark with Courting Cate. 

Cate is a much "sassier" young Amish woman than the characters of many Amish stories, and her spunk draws you in right away.  Having the story told from Cate's point of view adds fun to the presentation.

Has this Amish story made me want to read Shakespeare?  I have to admit I've never read The Taming of the Shrew, but Cate's story makes me wonder if it just might be worth my time.

I would definitely recommend Courting Cate as being worth your time.

(Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.)

About the Author

Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, including Garden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon.

Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.


A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!

One lucky winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!

Christmas Dreams -- The Christmas Pony

The queen of the Christmas novella, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.

Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all.


The Christmas Pony is a sweet, quick-to-read Christmas story.  The characters are fun, and their interactions make for a delightful Christmas story.  Lucy's youthful perspective keeps the story fun, in spite of the struggles the adults around her experience.  Her story reminds readers to never give up on hopes and dreams -- especially at Christmas time!

I recommend The Christmas Pony to help you get into the Christmas spirit!

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

This book was provided free of charge by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, The Jerk Magnet, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and won the award in 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.

Back Home to Hickory Hollow -- The Bridesmaid

Twenty-seven-year-old Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride. The single young Amishwoman is a closet writer with a longing to be published something practically unheard of in her Lancaster County community. Yet Joanna's stories aren't her only secret. She also has a beau who is courting her from afar, unbeknownst even to her sister, Cora, who, though younger, seems to have suitors to spare.

Eben Troyer is a responsible young Amishman who hopes to make Joanna Kurtz his bride--if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana, Indiana. Yet with his only brother off in the English world, intent on a military career, Eben's hopes for building a life with his dear Joanna are dimming, and patience is wearing thin. Will Joanna ever be more than a bridesmaid?

Beverly Lewis has been called the queen of Amish fiction and credited with giving birth to the genre.  The Bridesmaid is a perfect example of how deserving she is of that title!

In the late 1990s I read my first Amish novel by Beverly; I think it was The Shunning.  After this one book, also set in Hickory Hollow, I was hooked and wanted to go to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Over a decade later -- in 2010 -- my husband and I finally got to make that trip, and now the stories come even more alive as I read them.

During those years, I have read a lot of great Amish books by a variety of authors.  I couldn't begin to choose my favorite book or favorite author -- but Beverly Lewis still ranks with the best, and The Bridesmaid is an example of her high quality writing.  I felt like I was in the familiar company of good friends as I followed Joanna's and Eben's story.  The many uncertainties throughout the book kept me interested and wanting to keep reading to see how things would work out.

I didn't read The Fiddler, the first book in this series, before reading The Bridesmaid.  Although I was able to immediately engage in the story without the benefit of book one, I definitely plan to go back and see what I missed.

I would highly recommend The Bridesmaid to anyone who enjoys great Amish fiction.

This book was provided free of charge by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.



Beverly's first venture into adult fiction is the best-selling trilogy, The Heritage of Lancaster County, including The Shunning, a suspenseful saga of Katie Lapp, a young Amish woman drawn to the modern world by secrets from her past. The book is loosely based on the author's maternal grandmother, Ada Ranck Buchwalter, who left her Old Order Mennonite upbringing to marry a Bible College student. One Amish-country newspaper claimed Beverly's work to be "a primer on Lancaster County folklore" and offers "an insider's view of Amish life."

A member of the National League of American Pen Women, as well as a Distinguished Alumnus of Evangel University, Lewis has written over 80 books for children, youth, and adults, many of them award-winning. She and her husband, David, make their home in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, and spending time with their family. They are also avid musicians and fiction "book worms."
 

A Nostalgic Christmas Story -- A Merry Little Christmas

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 sh
e'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? 

My Thoughts:

A Merry Little Christmas is an enjoyable story to read during the holiday season.  The characters are fun and entertaining, and the interaction between Franny and Charlie grabs you from their very first dance.  

Besides the expected love story in your typical Christmas novel, there are several other stories that play out in the book.  Cultural issues from the 1960s and complicated family dynamics add depth to the story and provide some interesting twists.  Several musical references can make you feel nostalgic for traditional Christmas songs.

Some of the details of the story seem a little disjointed, and one of the major conflicts is resolved a little too quickly to be realistic.  All in all, though, this is a fun and quick Christmas read.

(This book was provided free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.)


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

Read what other reviewers think about A Merry Little Christmas here. 

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.

Author Anita Higman invites readers to kick off the season with a spirited holiday tale. Anita is spreading the Christmas cheer by giving away FIFTEEN COPIES of the book. To enter to win A Merry Little Christmas, just head over to THE CONTEST PAGE at Anita's website and fill out the short form. Be sure to put BLOG CONTEST in the Subject Line. That's it. Winners will be announced on the Litfuse blog (and notified by email) on 11/9.

Sweet (and Painful) Memories -- The Memory Jar

Sarah Shelter works as a baker at the West Kootenai Kraft and Grocery and watches the young Amish bachelors who come each year to live a few months in Montana for the chance to gain resident status and hunt wild game.  Many of the bachelors also leave West Kootenai with brides.

For years, Sarah has saved little items in her memory jar, something that is even more special to her since the death of her best friend Patty a few years earlier. Sarah's painful memories threaten to hold her back from finding love and from pursuing her dreams of someday running her own bakery.

Then she meets Jathan Schrock.  Will this young bachelor from Holmes County, Ohio, help her use the memories from her jar to move out of her past and into the future she has long dreamed of?

Tricia Goyer has written a heartwarming story in The Memory Jar, with characters experiencing a variety of life's joys and hurts.  Following Sarah and Jathan through the ups and downs of their relationship is a touching journey filled with both disappointment and fulfillment.  This is a great read for fans of Amish fiction -- or anyone who enjoys a well-written story of hope and love.

Thanks to Tricia Goyer for providing me a copy of The Memory Jar.  I am happy to give this book a five-star recommendation.

View the book trailer below.

 

About Tricia Goyer:

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

Welcome to Amish Vines and Orchards -- A Season for Tending

If you are wanting a book where all the loose ends get tied up in a neat, story-book ending and everyone lives happily ever after . . . well, you might want to try something else.  But, if you're looking for an engaging story filled with complex characters trying to find their way through joys and struggles to follow their dreams and God's direction . . . Cindy Woodsmall's A Season for Tending could be just the one!

Rhoda Byler is a young woman with a "gift" that causes her problems with others in her Old Order Amish community and with her Englisch neighbors.  And she struggles with guilt over the death of her younger sister.  Her only source of real joy is in the fruits and herbs she grows for her canning business, and she runs the risk of losing those.

Samuel King -- along with his brothers Jacob and Eli -- is running his family's apple orchard, and keeping it profitable has become a formidable challenge.  Irresponsible actions, family secrets, and natural tragedies make the job grow more and more difficult.

Samuel's younger sister Leah is pushing all limits during her rumschpringe and trying the patience of her family members.  When she wakes up in Rhoda's garden after a night of bad partying, one thing leads to another in forming a connection between Kings' Orchard and Rhode Side Stands.

As always, Cindy Woodsmall has written a great story.  Taking her husband's family history with apple orchards as a setting for an intriguing Amish story was a perfect way to blend two things in which you can feel her passion.  Her characters and plot keep you moving at a pace that is unpredictable and exciting.  And there are many unanswered questions that make the wait well worthwhile for the next installment in the Amish Vines and Orchards series.  I definitely give A Season for Tending a five star rating!

As a special bonus, there are a couple of recipes in the back of the book, courtesy of Sherry Gore, an author, editor and member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite church in Sarasota, Florida.

(This book was provided free of charge by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.)

Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times  and CBA best-selling author of numerous works of fiction and one work of nonfiction whose connection with the Amish community has been featured widely in national media and throughout Christian news outlets.  She lives outside Atlanta with her family.

Learn more about Cindy here.






Please rank my review below.

 

Spend Time with the Lord -- At the Feet of Jesus

Like Mary, Jesus' friend from Bethany, do you long to find the "better thing"?  In At the Feet of Jesus Joanna Weaver offers a way to help you do just that.  In short, manageable daily readings, she shares simple, yet thought-provoking, devotional ideas and leads you to scripture for further reflection.

In addition to a year's worth of daily devotionals, bonus features in the book include "Going Deeper" segments and a yearly Bible reading plan.  Each "Going Deeper" section gives practical suggestions for improving your time with God.  The Bible reading plan alternates between Old and New Testament passages, listing two passages per day which would easily conform to morning and evening readings.

Much of the material in these devotional readings comes from other books by Joanna Weaver -- Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit, and Lazarus Awakening.  I have not yet had the opportunity to read those books but look forward to doing so after reading At the Feet of Jesus.

(This book was provided free of charge by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.) 

Find out what other readers think of At the Feet of Jesus here.

About At the Feet of Jesus

You were made for more than serving God; you were made to "know" Him. Intimacy with God--to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted. For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, "At the Feet of Jesus" extends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver's beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and "Going Deeper" sidebars are also woven throughout. Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus--where true life begins Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide. Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erC31

About Joanna Weaver

With more than one million books in print, Joanna Weaver is the best-selling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit, Lazarus Awakening, and the award-winning gift book With This Ring. Her books have been translated into several languages around the world. Weaver's articles have appeared in such publications as Focus on the Family, Guideposts, and In Touch. She has also appeared on a number of national TV and radio broadcasts such as The Harvest Show, Midday Connection, HomeWord and others. She is also a highly sought-after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high-profile events each year. As much as she loves writing and speaking, her greatest joy is found in being a pastor's wife and a mother. The parents of three, Joanna and her pastor husband, John, live in Montana.  Learn more about Joanna Weaver and her books at www.JoannaWeaverBooks.com. Readers can also keep up with her via Facebook and Twitter.

Celebrate the release of At the Feet of Jesus with Joanna Weaver by entering to win an iPad and RSVPing for the "True Life" Webcast Event on 11/8!

One blessed winner will receive:

• An iPad
• The Year in Bethany Trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit and Lazarus Awakening 
• At the Feet of Jesus for YOU and Five of your friends.

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 7th. Winner will be announced at the "True Life" Live Webcast Event on November 8th. Connect with author Joanna Weaver and her special guest for an evening of encouragement, laughter and a Q&A! There will also be gift certificates and books given away to participants.

So grab your copy of At the Feet of Jesus (or one of Joanna's other books) and join Joanna on evening of November 8th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the books - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 8th!

Bible Stories for Little Ones -- My First Handy Bible

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Cecilie Olesen

and illustrated by:

Gustavo Mazali

and the book:

My First Handy Bible

Hendrickson Publishers (January 31, 2012)

***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

My First Handy Bible aims to communicate God's character and His love to the youngest of children, ages one to three. Beautifully illustrated in bright full color, My First Handy Bible has a cheerful padded hardcover with 61 child-friendly hardback pages and a handle and clasp that make it easy for small hands to tote and manipulate. The timeless stories are retold in simple sentences by author and artist Cecilie Olesen, illustrated by author and illustrator Gustavo Mazali and designed by Ben Alex, a C. S. Lewis Gold Medal winner author and designer.

Website for Book

Product Details:

List Price: $12.95
Hardcover: 61 pages
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers (January 31, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 8772473045
ISBN-13: 978-8772473048

AND NOW...SOME SAMPLE PAGES (Click on images to enlarge):

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a nice little Bible story book for toddlers.  The bright, colorful illustrations should catch the attention of children, and the stories are short enough for their brief attention spans.  The "board" format makes the book sturdy enough for the expected rough handling by little ones.

There are a couple of concerns I have about the book.  The plastic handle and latch are good ideas, but I am concerned that the latch might not hold up to much opening and closing without breaking.  Also, in the story of David as a shepherd boy, there is an awkward sentence:  "He took well care of his sheep."  I'm not sure if the story was written in some language other than English and then suffered a mistake in translation, or if this was the result of some other type of editing error.

Neither of these problems, though, is serious, and I look forward to sharing My First Handy Bible with my young grandson.

Good Eating -- The Amish Family Cookbook

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card authors are:

Jerry and Tina Eicher

and the book:

The Amish Family Cookbook

Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)

***Special thanks to Ginger Chen for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Jerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.

Tina Eicher was born and married in the Amish faith, surrounded by a mother and sisters who were great Amish cooks. At fellowship meals and family gatherings, Tina’s dishes receive high praise and usually return empty. She and her husband, Jerry Eicher, author of several bestselling Amish fiction titles, are the parents of four children and live in Virginia.


Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

From bestselling author Jerry Eicher (more than 350,000 books sold) and his wife, Tina, comes this warm and inviting peek into an Amish kitchen, complete with recipes, Amish proverbs, and a dash of Amish humor. Readers will laugh, pray, and eat robustly with The Amish Family Cookbook at their side.

Product Details:
List Price: $ 14.99
Spiral-bound: 272 pages

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers; Spi edition (October 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736943773
ISBN-13: 978-0736943772

AND NOW...A FEW RECIPES FOR YOU TO TRY (CLICK ON PICTURES TO SEE THEM LARGER):

MY THOUGHTS:

 
This is a great collection of recipes with some Amish wisdom and humor thrown in for good measure!  It would make a nice addition to anyone's recipe collection, especially to those with an interest in the Amish way of life.