IT'S BLOG TOUR TIME! 

for

The Topkapi Secret

by

Terry Kelhawk

• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Pub. Date: 09/01/2010
• ISBN-13: 9781616142131

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About the story... taken from American professor Angela Hall's world is falling apart. Left with two things: her money and her job, she sets out to research women's issues in The Middle East. Until she crosses paths with Mohammed Atareek... Mohammed is a man on a mission. Raised in the Muslim faith, he has learned something no Muslim is supposed to know: the Koran of today is not the original. Could it be true? Mohammed will risk his life to find out. When Angela's and Mohammed's worlds collide, sparks fly--both from their hearts and the tempers of the terrorists following them.

***PLEASE NOTE: This novel has some language (an abusive man uses abusive language early in the book) and an intimate scene (necessary to the plot development late in the novel).

My thoughts:

When Professor Angela Hall's life crumbles in California she take off to Ramallah on the West Bank and starts to do research on women's issues in this area. She meets Mohammed Atareek and he provides her a with a  theory on the Koran; in which he believes that the modern day version is  different from what was written down centuries ago. He has tried to obtain permission to visit the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul to access the Topkapi Codex, but has been denied approval. He can not understand why they will not let him do this research.  Exploring a fourteen hundred year old secret of the Koran that the two of them seek,  the Topkapi Codex, an early version of the Koran is kept off limits within the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey.  As other Koranic scholars start finding out more about it, there are more people killed.

This novel is a based on a real research and Terry Kelhawk seems to have done a lot of research to be able to write this novel.
To me I had a hard time following it as I have no knowledge of the Koren as I only believe in God Holy Word the Bible.  But it is a good read if you want to learn more about this part of the world and about the Koran.


This book was sent to me for review by Rebeca from Glass Roads Public Relations.

 

Possession

by

Rene Gutteridge

Tyndale Publisher

ISBN: 9781414324340

381 pages

My Review:

This book is a mystery and a Christian fiction, it really is a great read.

Vance and Lindy Graegan with their son Conner lived in D.C, and Vance was a detective and was retiring from the Montgomery County police, he had been through a terrible sniper case and so many people including children were killed, and he had spent so many hours away from home, he decided to retire and move to California so that his wife could open up a Deli that she had always wanted.  He needed to get away from the memories of that terrible time.  Little Conner had learned to pray but the parents did not trust in God, will they turn their hearts to our Savior?  Will they learn to pray as their little child?

But along with the move more trouble was coming their way, their furniture was being held for ransom, Lindy had went on ahead and found a place to live but with no furniture they were having a hard time, even Conner's toys and even their clothes were in that truck. 

Not only that but they were receiving phone calls that they could not identify.  Vance was having a terrible time with his mental health as he saw and heard things there were not there, but was at the scene of the sniper case.  There were more deaths of people they knew and this  had followed them to California.  No one was supposed to know them there, this was a new start!  A murdered man, then a woman in their house, Lindy and Conner kid napped, Vance jailed for the murder he didn't commit.  So much going on in this book it will make your head spin.

If you like a good clean mystery then this is the book for you.  I enjoyed it very much.

This book was provided free to me by Tyndale Publishing for my honest review.

 

TANDEM

by

Tracey Bateman

My Review:

I have read a lot of books by Tracey Bateman but this is the first from any author I have read about vampires.  The book was a good read but different, it was hard for me to get through the "Hunting" parts of the book, but other than that it was an interesting book.  It has romance, mystery and about anything you could want from a book.  The main character was Lauryn McBride who is dealing with her father that has Alzheimer's and trying to run the auction business that her dad had started in Abbey Hills, Mo.  She was working on an old mansion that had belonged to Markus Chisom who had perished in a fire.  She was having to go through everything and catalogue it for the estate sale that was to be held.  She really needed the money but was having trouble as there were so many killings lately in the small town, people and animals.

In comes Amede Dastillion from New Orleans that had received a package from Lauryn that held some letters that had belonged to one of her long ago relatives, or maybe not?  She came to town and would not leave, then  along with her was her assistance Juliette that meet a man there in town that said he was a reporter going from small town to town, but he wouldn't leave either.  

Then there was this reporter Miranda that had a blog and worked part time at the diner.  I am telling you folks that this book will blow your mind, I am a Christian and this is a Christian based book that does refer to the Bible with Billy, a missionary and his father who is the pastor of the church.  You really just need to read this for yourselves, it is a different book.

My Thought:

As I said before I am a Christian and I only read Christian fiction books and I really didn't know this one was about vampires, but it was different.  I got the impression at the last of the book that the author may have thrown in a part that you are born in a certain life style, but in the Bible it says we are may in the image of God, so we know the type of man HE is if we read out Bibles.  I may be wrong in assuming that she meant this but as I said that is the impression that I got.  I don't believe in vampires either, not ghost and so on.

This book was sent to me by Blogging for Books a division of WaterBrook Press free just for my review.

 

A PATH LESS TRAVELED

Book Two in the Miller's Creek novels

 Read my Interview with 

Cathy Bryant 

and

enter my Book Giveaway Dec 20-27  
CLOSED winner notified
Winner Is Wilma

USA only
your choice of an e-book or a paperback book

of

Instructions for the give away, You must be a follow of this blog and leave a comment with you email address, without your email address you will not be entered.

Thanks to Cathy Bryant for the give away copy.

Interview with Cathy:   Why do you write the kind of books you do? I want my writing to glorify God, to encourage believers, and to possibly lead an unbeliever to faith in Him. So everything I write--novels or blog posts--I hope achieves those purposes. If you could work with any author who would it be? I really don't know how to answer this question. An author's job is pretty solitary, and I think most writers prefer it that way. I'm not closed off to the idea of working with another writer; it's just that so far in my writing venture the opportunity hasn't presented itself. Now, having said that, I have so much respect for so many writers--both ABA and CBA, some living and some dead--and I believe there's something to learn from every other person. Do you think about your audience as you're writing? My goal is to write the best story possible in a way that glorifies God. At the same time, I want the reader to enjoy my story and to be touched by it. While I'm writing I'm basically focused on making it as good as possible. How has being published changed your life? I now work longer hours. What's your favorite part of a book?  I'm guessing you mean what is my favorite part of writing a book. For me, the brainstorming and plotting is my favorite part--what I call my pre-writing. When naming your characters, do you give any thought to the actual meaning? Definitely. For example, in my first novel, Texas Roads, I originally had Steve's sister named Susie. When I realized she would be the heroine in my second novel, A Path Less Traveled, I re-named her Trish, which means "noble woman." My heroine in the third Miller's Creek novel, The Way of Grace, is Grace Soldano. The story deals with the subject of grace, so I thought it was a great name for the character as well. Do you have any rituals that help you get in the mood to sit down and write? No. I've always been a fairly disciplined person and a keeper of lists. I try to prioritize what needs to be done and work until I'm finished. (Judging by my to-do list, I should be finished in about a hundred years...) What type of book do you like to read?                 All different kinds. I like romance, suspense, mystery, classics, children's books, biographies, and non-fiction. What are you reading right now? I'm reading a review book called Taking Out Your Emotional Trash by Georgia Shaffer and a writing book, Stein on Writing by Sol Stein. How do your hobbies/interests influence your writing? I tend to use my hobbies and interests in books as careers for my heroines. I'm a teacher by profession, and my heroine in Texas Roads, Dani, is a teacher. I've always enjoyed interior design and art. Trish, in A Path Less Traveled, is an interior designer and artist. I can't say the same for The Way of Grace, since the heroine is a lawyer-in-training, something I have no desire to do. However, the hero in the story is Matt, and he's a musician. Music has been, and will always be, a big part of my life. My Review:

This is the second book in this series and I have read and reviewed Texas Roads also.  Even if you have not read Texas Roads you can still follow this book as it explains itself.  Just a small town of Miller's Creek Texas.

Trish finds herself in financial trouble after her husband died as she has a five year old son (Little Bo) to be mother and father too.  She is trying her hand at being a wedding designer or home designer anything to make a little money, she is determined not to let her family help her.  As the book starts she is is in the church setting up everything for her brother Steve and her friend Dani's wedding the next day and in walks Andy Tyler a friend of Dani's but had left and now works in Dallas as a lawyer.  Andy starts to help Trish but finds he is more trouble than he helped.

Andy is offered a job in Miller's Creek but will he take it, he makes really good money where he is, and has a brother he keeps up in college. Andy brings into the story his own secrets and he has fallen for Trish and her little boy.

Will Trish have to move away from her home to find a job where she can support herself and her son?  Will Andy move to Miller's Creek?  There are so many questions that you really must read the book yourself to find out all the answers.  As I have read both books I can't wait to read read the next one coming out in 2011.

This book was sent to me free from Cathy Bryant for my honest review,

 

Day 8: Tricia Goyer (12/20)

Title: Gift List

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Gift List

by Tricia Goyer

I've been thinking lately how hard it must be for Oprah to Christmas shop. I mean if you were on her "gift list" wouldn't you expect something really, really good? The woman gives away cars and trips to Australia on her television show for goodness sake! It seems by the end of Christmas Day her friends and family would look at the pile of presents and think, "Is that it?" I mean if you knew there was billions of dollars she could spend on you, would you ever feel satisfied?

Sometimes I think we approach God the same way. We look around at our home, our family, our job, our free time and we still aren't satisfied. We wish our body looked better, our clothes were more in style, our husband was more considerate and our kids were more ... well, like the perfect little people we picture in our mind. Our careers don't excel as quickly as we think they should and people don't give us the attention we feel we deserve. We're tired and anxious and the to-do list seems to be tacked to our hearts for all the pain it causes.

Often, we look around and don't speak the words out loud, but think them just the same. "Is that it?" I mean, You're the God of the universe and You have all things in Your hands and under Your control. Couldn't you provide a little more money to help those bills disappear or make me a bit more content with the man I've chosen to spend my life with? And I thought Oprah had it tough.

Is there ever a time when God doesn't hear the murmurs? Again, not with our mouths but in our heart.

I've been guilty of this--of not being satisfied with the gifts I've been given. Yes, there will always be more to want, but today--at this moment--I'm satisfied. And I look to Him with a grateful heart and whisper, "Thank you, it is enough. More than enough."

 ~~~

About Tricia: Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six 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. For more information, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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

 

Day 7: Stacie Ruth Stoelting (12/19)

Title: Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

by Stacie Ruth Stoelting

Feel sad this Christmas? Hey, I know the feeling. In fact, many programs have interviewed me to share about it! Last year, I tried particularly hard to share stories and tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays: I wrote a feature for CBN.com, Coping with Grief at Christmas, visited and counseled grieving people, etc.

Then irony hit: Near Christmas, two people I loved died within two days (December 15-16, 2009).

Are you or a loved one hurting during the holidays? I relate. But let me encourage you: Jesus remains faithful! As real as my pain, He met my needs and comforted me with peace unexplainable. I’m serious. He’s real.

Before I continue with tips, let me share this: If you feel suicidal, contact an emergency counseling service like the New Life Call Center at 1-800-NEW-LIFE(639-5433).

10 Tips for Hurting Hearts to Hope and Cope at Christmastime

1.    Realize and internalize it: God still loves you and wants to hear from you. He wants you to know that there is a Way out of your pit of despair. The Way is Jesus.

2.    Sometimes, our suffering causes us to forget His. Understand He understands you. He suffered more than any of us when we bore the weight of every sin and pain on the cross! In fact, Is. 53:3 describes Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Think of it: He took your punishment and pain on the cross. He was your capital punishment Substitute! And your Deliverer -your Rescuer- wants to hear from you. His heart hurts with yours. Will you pour your heart out to Him now? He’ll pour His love in where the fear previously resided. Let Jesus inside. Do you know Jesus on a personal, one-to-One basis?  Visit here to learn why Jesus was born to die and how to be born again. (Hey, Jesus said it: "You must be born again.")

3.    Rather than mere gifts, make a Christmas prayer list of other hurting people. Then pray for them and request prayer for yourself, too. Contact your church. Tap into ministries (including CBN.com) that offer extra prayer support. And feel free to join my prayer e-group at www.PrayingPals.org or on Facebook by clicking here.

4.    End the Christmas comparison game. Don't compare your Christmas to your neighbor's. Don't compare your Christmas to past celebrations.

5.    Center on the Savior! This year, trade a superficial Christmas for a real one. Deepen your appreciation for the true Christmas: the arrival of Jesus Christ to banish the effects of sin and death!

6.    Whatever your loss or pain, open up and let God be your Gain. Maybe your pain comes from another cause: a divorce, a devastating diagnosis, a job loss...the list extends. God offers to be your Counselor, your Father, your Healer, your Provider. Let Him answer your heart’s cry.

7.    Love on people. Even if you don’t “feel” like it, prayerfully do something for someone else who is hurting.

8.    Remember: Feelings change. God doesn't. Loved ones' deaths never kill His love for you. God's immeasurable, unconditional love still flows to you! When you know Jesus, you know eternal love and security. Nothing separates you from His love! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).

9.    Realize the reality of the sudden reunion. Holidays exacerbate the feeling of long separation from our loved ones in Heaven. Does it feel like it will take forever for you to see your loved one in Heaven? Be encouraged: Jesus IS coming again and it will be a time you don't expect! So the fact that you feel like it won't happen soon is a good thing!  Once reunited, it will feel like no time transpired. All sadness will be entirely removed!

10.    When Jesus comes back to earth, it will be a celebration greater than any previous Christmas you've ever experienced!

For believers, losses hurt but never win. We will celebrate Jesus together -and it will be glorious "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4, NIV). In that Day, all believers will be able to jubilantly say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all the true Light!”

Additional Help: Ready for some practical tips for coping with grief at Christmastime? Here’s one: Rearrange furniture to reduce absence reminders. To read this tip and others found in another of my CBN.com’s articles: “Coping with Grief at Christmas", visit www.CBN.com.

Going thru a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.PrayingPals.org.

 ~~~

About Stacie: Stacie Ruth knows pain, but she also knows Jesus! After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose. Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself.  Discover why she's written a book at age 15, sung/spoken for the 43rd President, been pictured in major media (i.e. The New York Times, USA Today), and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. To watch video clips, worship Jesus with music from her album, or get in touch with her ministry for women, visit www.brightlightministries.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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

 

Day 6: Rebecca Ondov (12/18)

Title: Wrapped in His Love

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Wrapped in His Love

by Rebecca Ondov

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories.  I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight.  After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?”  Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

 ~~~

About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov is the author of Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections along the Trail with God and Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition. She was a contributing author in several books including Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She lives in Western Montana with her family, horses, mules, barn cat, and golden retriever. By day she works for Fox Lumber, brokering lumber throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By night she forges ahead with her mission, writing stories which equip Christians to lead extraordinary lives. Join her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn by going to her Website: www.RebeccaOndov.com 

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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

 

One Lane Bridge 

by

Don Reid

Copy: Paperback 

ISBN: 9781434765086 

Publisher: David C. Cook

About Don Reid

Don Reid, author of Heroes and Outlaws of the Bible and Sunday Morning Memories, is a Staunton, Virginia resident best known as a member of the Statler Brothers. Among his more than 200 published and recorded songs, many have been number one and top 10 hits.

About the Book

A sweet-yet-sincere portrayal of one man's search for answers to a puzzling riddle.

J.D. and his wife Karlie have enjoyed a long, good life in the small town of Hanson, NC. But problems with the family business, conflict with their college-age daughter, and ripples in their otherwise happy marriage have threatened the idyll. Then things get even more challenging when J.D. meets a needy family just across a one land bridge - only to discover things aren't at all what they seem. Is J.D. losing his mind? Or is he just where God wants him to be?

My Review:

Don Reid is well known as one of the founding members of The Statler Brothers, This was my very favorite of the singing groups and I still love to hear their music but that is enough about his music and now to his book.  This is the first one that I have read and believe me when I say I could not put it down, I read the complete book in one sitting four and one-half hours, I just had to see what was on the next page.

The novel is about a man and his wife J. D. and Karlie Wickman that owned two restaurants  and they were having trouble with one of their employees as they had money missing. Then J. D,'s mother was in an assisted living home, they had a daughter at college and she was home sick, so they were going through a lot.  One night J.D. decided to get in his old car and just drive, this always helped him with the top down and no where really to go, just ride and enjoy the night air.  He was on this road that he had not been on before and he came upon a one lane bridge, an old bridge, he looked to be sure no other car was coming they he just went across real slow and looked at the bridge and the water.  When he got on the other side his old car started to run hot, he had to turn it off, he looked at his cell phone and had no bars but so what he could not tell anyone where he was.  He then saw a house up an old dirt lane and he walked up there, he found a man and was asked in.  When he got inside a woman asked who was there, she was really sick and they had a fourteen year old daughter that was doing the cooking.  The man helped him carry water back to his car so he made it back home.  He was telling his wife about the family that he believed were really poor and the next day they both went and bought some groceries to carry to them.  When they got back to the place he knew was where he was the night before, there was no one lane bridge but a cement two lane one, and there was a store at the spot where the house was.  This just made no sense to J. D. and Karlie knew he was in a lot of stress so she wanted him to go to see the doctor, but he would not.

Well I could go on and one but that would leave no reason for you too buy the book, so I will stop here, but this went on for a while, things were finally settled but it took a while and a lot of trouble.  You must read this, it really is a touching and memorial novel.  It just kept me turning page after page, so now I know Don can write as well as he can sing.

This book was sent to me by the author and  Jeane at Wynnwynnmedia for my honest review.

 

Day 5: Melody Carlson  (12/17)

Title: Home

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

There’s No Place Like….

by Melody Carlson

I grew up spending Christmases at my grandparents’ quaint Victorian home, surrounded by lots of relatives, laughter and love and really good food. For a little girl growing up in a single parent home, harried working mother, no church family, and TV dinners, these extended family holidays spent at my grandparents were like a real gift from God. But as a young adult, my grandfather passed on, the old house was sold, I grew up and eventually had a small family of my own.

   

Still I longed for those familiar kinds of “big” Christmases—I wanted that house full of relatives and fun times to go home to—I think the “child” in me thought I deserved it somehow. But my grandmother had gotten older and lived in a tiny apartment, and my mother and my husband’s parents were not comfortable hosting Christmas in their homes. For a while we went to my cousin’s, but I soon had to come to grips with reality. The days of going to Grandma’s for the perfect Christmas were a thing of the past.

In other words, it was time for me to grow up—time for me to start hosting our own Christmas celebrations. So biting the holiday bullet, I decided to just do it. With two very small children underfoot, I cooked my first turkey, made my first stuffing, invited some family, neighbors, and friends over, and we all crammed ourselves into our little house, balanced our plates on our knees, and had a very good time. Oh, I’m sure the turkey was dry and the gravy lumpy, but what I remember most is that everyone seemed truly happy to be there. And I realized that I wasn’t the only one longing for that sense of warmth and community—that longing to “go home again”—and I finally grasped that I could (with God’s grace) help to provide that for my family and others.

   

So for the next three decades we continued to host Christmas in our home. I got better at decorating, cooking, gifting…the works. Some years the place would be packed and crazy. A few years were thinner and quieter. But family, friends and neighbors could always count on the fact that the Carlson’s would be “doing something for Christmas.” It was a no-brainer.

   

Until this year. This year, for the first time in more than thirty years, my husband and I decided we’re going to take a pass on hosting Christmas—we are going to the beach. At first I felt terribly guilty, and even right now I’m a bit unsure—and wonder if I’ll end up changing my mind at the last minute. And yet, I believe it’s the right thing for us to do—for a lot of reasons. One being that my husband’s birthday is Christmas and he never gets to do what he wants on his birthday—this year will be different. But more than that, I hope that our stepping aside will encourage the younger members of our family to find and embrace some of their own traditions—to grow up and look for opportunities to stretch themselves a bit. Because, similar to how and oyster creates a pearl—or how a young mom learns to be a hostess—with some discomfort and distress a burnt turkeys, the end results are truly valuable.

 ~~~

About Melody: Melody Carlson lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Labrador Retriever. She’s the author of around 200 books including this year’s Christmas novella, Christmas at Harrington’s.Visit her website for more information, www.melodycarlson.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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

 

An Amish Love

By Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Kelly Long
Published by Thomas Nelson

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 400

ISBN: 595548750

Book Description

Two of today's most popular genres--Romance and Amish fiction--together in one volume.
"Healing Hearts" by Beth Wiseman: Levina Lapp and her husband Naaman are alone for the first time in 30 years. When Naaman left to visit cousins in Ohio, Levina wasn't expecting him to be gone a year. Now that he's back, will they be able to move beyond this estrangement and fall in love again?
"What the Heart Sees" by Kathleen Fuller: A tragic accident rocks a peaceful Amish community, leaving Ellie Chupp blinded and Christopher Bender's future shattered. But they find love and forgiveness in a place they least expect.
"A Marriage of the Heart" by Kelly Long: Rachel Yoder is tired of her Amish lifestyle and her domineering father's ways. When handsome Joseph Lambert comes back from the Englisch, she lies to force a marriage of convenience, providing the perfect means to escape her father's rule. But Rachel never imagined she'd fall in love with Joseph so quickly or irrevocably.

My Review:
This is a new twist on the Amish stories, in this book the people are coming back home after that have left the community asking for forgiveness.  The book is made up of three wonderful stories, each by a different author with all of them interacting, the first one is "A Marriage of The Heart by Kelly Long" and in this one is about Abigail Kauffman who finds her husband by telling lies, Joseph Lambert didn't know what hit him, he was asleep and the next thing he knew he was married, really in the middle of the night.  What some young ladies want do....but there are hidden things in Joseph past that comes to surface after they are married awhile.

The second story is "What The Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller" and it finds Ellie Chupp at her father's house when she lives alone with him since her mama passed away, She wakes up in  the very early morning from another one of her night mares, she prays that God will take those away after five years.  Then in comes Christopher Miller who had left the Amish community and had a good job, a nice apartment but something was missing in his life, he decided that he needed to go back home and pray that the people would take him back. A lot of these stories takes place in and around "Yoder's Pantry" a place where everyone comes for a good meal. Ellie is blind from an accident but she has been taught how to do things even with her blindness, she cooks and makes Ellie's Jellies to see at Yoder's Pantry.  Will Christopher be taken back into the Amish community? 

The third story in the book is "Healing Water by Beth Wiseman" and it is about a couple after they have raised their five children and all of them are gone.  It is what we call "Empty Nest" and my husband and I have been through this.  Naaman and Levina Lapp had come to a part in their lives that they had nothing in common anymore and didn't know how to handle just those two in the house, so Naaman decides he will leave and goes to his cousin's home in Middlefield and stays gone for eleven months.  Levina had a very hard time accepting this so did the children.  When he returns on his heels in come a sheriff from Middlefield looking for Naaman, now what had Naaman done while he was away to have a sheriff looking for him, this had the whole town whispering trying to keep it away from everyone else, so funny, everyone knew except Naaman and if they had let him in on it things may have turned out better.  The couple has to start their relationship over and learn about each other again.  Very moving and touching story as I know what they were going through.

I rate this book with 5 stars.
The book was sent to me free from Book Sneeze a department of Thomas Nelson Publishers for my honest review.

 

Day 4: Lori Kasbeer (12/16)

Title The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

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The Joy of Unexpected Circumstances

by Lori Kasbeer

The Christmas season is upon us again. Starbucks is selling their Christmas blend; stores are posting their holiday hours; and moms everywhere are making a list and checking it twice, planning for a special Christmas day. It has been our family’s tradition to spend Christmas with relatives.  Last year money was tight and we were unable to travel, this is not how we had planned to spend Christmas day but circumstances were beyond our control. Realizing my three boys--who are now teenagers--will not be under our roof for much longer, I wanted to have a special Christmas with just the five of us.  

Leading up to Christmas morning we all made mouth-watering, cinnamon cut-out cookies, spent time together sticking tape everywhere while trying to wrap presents, and enjoyed spending time together.  We did not have much money, but were having fun making memories.  When Christmas morning arrived and we sat around to open gifts my eyes welled up with overwhelming joy.  This mother was trying to absorb all the activity that was going on all around her: the smiles from each of my teenage boys, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of cinnamon rolls cooking in the oven.  If I could freeze a moment in time, this would be it.  I don’t know what the future holds for each of my boys, but that Christmas morning I wanted to soak it all in so I could recall this special day for years to come.  Despite struggling financially, unexpected circumstances turned into immense joy and a lifetime of memories.

Mothers treasuring special moments is not something new.  Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, was one who tried to soak in everything that first Christmas morning.  Even after Christ’s birth she was still trying to absorb what the angel had said to her when he delivered the news that she was going to be the mother of the coming Savior.  She reflected on the time she had with her cousin Elizabeth while they were both pregnant.  Along with comprehending the unusual way her son came into this world. 

While very pregnant with child, Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register Mary for the census.  Never did she image she would deliver her baby in a barn with a manger being the only thing to lay him down in.  These were not the circumstances she had envisioned.  Before she had time to catch her breath, suddenly all around her there was excitement when shepherds showed up reporting what they had seen and heard.  There were angels—a multitude of angels—who were singing and declaring the Savior was born and a bright star led them to her and Joseph.    So much has happened in a short amount of time and Mary did not want to forget any of it.  Instead she stepped back and “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Mary did not exactly know what the plans were for her son, but she knew it was going to change the lives of everyone on earth.  She was preparing her heart to obey God concerning her son Jesus, without the full knowledge of what was going to come while at the same time quietly reflecting and capturing this one special moment in time.

May this Christmas be filled with joy and a lifetime of memories, even if you find yourself in unexpected circumstances.  Merry Christmas!

 ~~~

About Lori: Lori Kasbeer lives with her husband Tadd and three teenage sons in Florida. She's a contributor for Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace and a Christian book reviewer. Please visit Lori’s Book Reviews for more info. You can also find Lori on Facebook and Twitter.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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

 

  

17 Christmases

by

Dani Mackall

Illustrated by Michele Noiset

Page Count: 32

Paper Edge Description: Plain

Size: 9.3 wide x 11.1 high x 0.4 deep in. | 236 wide x 282 high x deep 10 mm

Available: September 2010

World Publisher: Zonderkidz  

Author:

Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 400 books and still can’t believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. She and her husband, Joe, both write from rural Ohio, where they’re blessed with three children and a variety of horses, dogs, and cats.

Author Website:

http://www.dandibooks.com

Illustrator:
Michele Noiset was born with a crayon in hand and spent her childhood years learning to use it. Attending the Rhode Island School of Design helped her refine her skills. Since then, her illustrations have graced a wide array of products including games, puzzles, and books. At Christmas, she bounces around the country visiting her mom, six siblings, and countless in-laws


Synopsis: 
Journey all over America in this delightful full-color Christmas picture book written by award-winning author, Dandi Daley Mackall. 17 Christmases is a wonderful story about a young child’s Christmas road trip to see family and friends from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between.

Description: 
I thank God for Jesus and family galore, For seventeen Christmases—never a chore.

Christmas is full of adventure when the family decides to go on a holiday road trip. They start in California and travel to North Carolina and then to Colorado. And that’s only the beginning! New sights and ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus abound. All this plus the special visits with family and friends turn the holidays into seventeen wonderful Christmases.


My Review:
This is such a colorful book that I just love it,  the front cover is sparkly and with raised letters. All the pages are a joy to read about a child going to all his relatives for Christmas and they all live in different states.  He has a good time but is glad when he gets home.  They find their tree dried with the needles brown and their stocking are down, but he can see that Christmas has come to his home town (taken from book page 32).  As the child goes to bed he thinks about the Savior and thanks God for him getting to see all his family and  he only eight years old he got to have 17 Christmases in the same year.  What more could a child want?

I have grandchildren this age and this book will be in my home a long time so that they may enjoy it at Granny's house.


This book was sent to me free from Zonderkidz to review in my own words.

 

Day 3: Pat Ennis (12/15)

Title: The First Christmas

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as Melody Carlson, Lauraine Snelling, Rachel Hauck, Tricia Goyer, Maureen Lang, and more share their heartfelt stories of how God has touched their life during this most wonderful time of the year.

AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS! You may enter once a day. The winner will be announced on New Year's Day at the Pearl Girls Blog! Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

The First Christmas

by Pat Ennis

It was October of my eighteenth year of life when my Dad stepped into eternity. As a college freshman I not only had to deal with my own grief, I also was faced with the responsibility of helping my mother adjust to a new lifestyle. You see, when Dad died, she not only lost her husband of thirty years, she also lost her circle of friends. Suddenly the married couples (my Dad was the first of their group to die) didn’t know what to do about Mother—so they did nothing. Her grieving process was actually extended because of the withdrawal of her friends, many with whom she and Dad had enjoyed fellowship for years. 

Our plight was magnified by the reality that we did not have extended family and I was an only child. Quite frankly, the outlook for the holiday season appeared pretty dismal!

As the holidays approached our neighbors, who embraced a different faith than we, graciously invited us to share their Christmas celebration with them. The sincere invitation, their effort to fold us into their family, inclusion in the gift exchange, and intentional conversation that focused on recounting the blessings of the year as well as looking forward to the next turned what could have been a miserable day into one of joy. Of course we missed our husband and Dad but the focus on the Lord’s provision for us through the hospitality of our neighbors (Philippians 4:8-9, 19) soothed our grieving spirits.

I have a happy ending to my Mother’s loss of her circle of friends that I described at the beginning of this story! Ever the gracious southern hostess, she did not cease to extend hospitality because of the change in her marital status—in the five years that she lived beyond Dad’s death, we entertained frequently, and eventually our guest list included widows from the group that had earlier excluded my Mother. Though her arthritic condition precluded her engaging in as much of the food preparation as she was accustomed to doing, she continued to help me hone the skills that were second nature to her. 

The loving hospitality extended to us on that first lonely Christmas served as a catalyst for Mom and me to open our home throughout the year—especially during the holiday season! Will you consider displaying biblical compassion by including some of the “others”—singles, widows, and the grieving in your holiday celebrations? Who, knows, you might be entertaining an angel incognito (Hebrews 13:2)!

 ~~~

About Pat: Dr. Patricia Ennis, author of Precious in His Sight, the Fine Art of Becoming a Godly Woman, co-author of Practicing Hospitality, the Joy of Serving Others,  and contributor to Pearl Girls, Experiencing Grit, Experiencing Grace as well as professor and establishing chairperson of the Department of Home Economics at The Master’s College. Visit Pat's blog, Unfading Beauty for more information.

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A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

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