A Christmas Gift for Rose Gathering and Giving

 

Back in October I reviewed Tricia Goyer's book, A Christmas Gift for Rose.  Last week I got a package from Tricia Goyer with some great Christmas ideas that I just had to share.  Christmas can be a hard season for those who are alone, who have lost loved ones, who are in hospitals.  The Gathering and Giving List gave 10 ideas of things you can do as an individual or as a group.  My church chose to do a couple of them and you know....it really makes the season bright.
1.  Host a food drive and invite local businesses to take part, too. (We did this one and gathered a good bit of food.  We also did this one at school with one of the service clubs and they collected 80,000 pounds of food.)
2.  Host a sock, blanket, or coat drive.
3.  Host a luncheon, brunch, or dinner, and invite those in your neighborhood who might feel lonely during the holidays. (The circuit I serve did this on Saturday.)
4.  Adopt a family for the holidays, and buy each family member a gift.
5.  Organize a fundraiser with your small group or book club for a local charity.
6.  Deliver a meal - or five!- to some families who might be struggling to make ends meet.  Bonus points if the meals are home-cooked!
7.  Visit a nursing home and bring along your church choir to go caroling among the residents. (Our children/youth/and church are doing this next week.  We will be visiting shut ins in the area).
8.  Spend a Saturday serving the homeless at a local shelter. (Our county does it in two areas on Thursday nights).
9.  Gather your family on a chilly morning, and make it your mission to shovel all your neighbors' sidewalks. (I hope we don't have this much snow here in the South.)
10.  Get your church's youth group or Sunday school classes together and put together care packages for soldiers who won't get to be home for the holidays.
**11.  Have a recipe swap with some newlyweds who find themselves having to cook the "big" meal for their family.  This is my own and it happened to me this year.  You will never know how appreciative they will be.
You know if every one did just one what a brighter Christmas this would be for many.  Think about it and I hope you will decide to take on one of these projects.

Amish Peace

 

 

About The Book:  In our instantly connected world, it’s surprisingly easy to lose our connection to God. This devotional taps Amish wisdom in order to help us draw closer to God and hear his voice. In The One Year Book of Amish Peace, you’ll get a daily taste of Amish values and wisdom. Tricia Goyer shares her fascination with the Amish in a way that will inspire and encourage believers to carve out more time in each day to listen to God and experience his presence. This daily devotional contains interesting facts about the Amish, recipes, and information about the way the Amish handle money, rear their children, and center their lives on faith in God. You’ll be inspired to slow down and find ways to simplify so that you, too, can experience God in the ordinary.

About The Author:  Tricia Goyer is the author of over 30 books and has been published in many national publications such as Focus on the Family, Today's Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She has won numerous awards and has been nominated for both the Gold Medallion Book Award and Christy Award. Tricia is a highly sought after speaker at workshops and conferences and is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana. Tricia is married to the love of her life, John, and they have four great kids. They live in Little Rock, Arkansas where John works for FamilyLife.

My Thoughts On The Book: I am a huge fan of daily devotionals and Amish fiction.  I have one I keep at work, one I keep near my favorite chair, and one I keep by my bed.  I use them all daily.  Amish Peace is a book full of daily devotions, each one dated so you never lose track of what day you are on. Each day has an  Amish proverb, a Bible verse, an Amish related devotion, and end with a short prayer. Each devotion is short and to the point and it is just the perfect size for a quick moment with God, Amish style.  If you are looking for something light and easy that you can do in just a few minutes during your busy day then this is your book.  It is not a deep study, yet it is a powerful devotional.  Amish Peace is one of those you want to go to for some one-on-oe with God.  I found each devotional to be almost like a hug from God.  This book would be a great one for personal use, or a special gift. 

Statement of Disclosure: I received an paperback copy of this title from Tyndale House  Publishers, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest reviw. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!

An Amish Christmas

About The Book:  A collection of four Christmas Amish novellas by four awesome Amish romance writers.
"Christmas Cradles" by Kelly Long -- When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.
“A Miracle for Miriam” by Kathleen Fuller: This Christmas, Miriam must decide whether to guard herself or accept the love of a man who once broke her heart.
“A Choice to Forgive” by Beth Wiseman: Lydia, a widow who has given up on love, is shocked when Daniel-- a past love-- returns to the Order, and her life.
“One Child” by Barbara Cameron: This snowy Lancaster Christmas Eve will see two couples’ lives changed by the birth of one child.

About The Authors: 
Kelly Long: Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.
Beth Wiseman:  When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.
Kathleen Fuller:  Kathleen Fuller was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and now makes her home in beautiful Geneva, Ohio. She has been married to husband James for 19 years. They have three terrific children, three dogs, and an overwhelmed cat. They also have raised cattle, pigs, and chickens at various times over the years. The Fuller family would have gone into the goat business, but Kathllen had to draw the line somewhere. She started writing in 2000, and published her first short story a year later. Since then she has authored several short stories, novellas, novels, and has done a lot of freelance non-fiction work. I\She has also worked as an editor. She has a Masters degree in Special Education, emphasis on teaching the blind and visually impaired, and a Bachelors in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She has taught all age groups ranging from age 4 to age 21. A few of her favorite things are: her relationship with Christ, chocolate (of course!), autumn, a satisfying book, good friends, a sense of humor, people who don’t take themselves seriously, haunting melodies, NFL football, and did she mention chocolate?
Barbara Cameron:  Barbara Cameron is the author of fifteen novels and three nationally televised movies (HBO), as well as a recipient of the first Romance Writers of America Golden Heart.

My Thoughts On The Book:  This is the perfect book to snuggle up on the couch with on a nasty day.  Once you begin the first novella it is impossible to put the book down until you have read the last word of the last novella.  These are some of my favorite Amish authors and these stories are filled with Christmas tales, love, faith, romance, and the Amish way of life.  If you are a fan of Amish stories then this book is a must for your library.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

An Amish Kitchen

About The Book:  The Amish Kitchen is the Heart of the Home – and the Ideal Setting for Stories of Love and Hope.

Fall in Paradise, Pennsylvania, always brings a brisk change in the weather. This season also ushers in unexpected visitors, new love, and renewed hope for three women.

Fern has a green thumb for growing healing herbs, but longs for love to bloom in her life. Then the next-door neighbor’s oldest son, Abram, comes running into Fern’s kitchen seeking help for his little sister. The crisis soon leads to a promise of romance—until mistrust threatens to end the growing attraction.

Nearby, Hannah runs her parents’ bed and breakfast, Paradise Inn—but her life feels nothing like Paradise. She longs for a man of integrity to enter her life, but never expected him to knock on the front door looking for a room. Will she be able trust Stephen with her future once she discovers his mysterious past?

When a storm blows a tree onto Eve’s farmhouse, she has little choice but to temporarily move her family into her parents’ home. Outside of cooking together in the kitchen, Eve and her mother can’t agree on anything. But this may be just the recipe for hope in healing old wounds.

Three Amish stories—each celebrating love, family, and faith—all taking place in a tight-knit community where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home.

The book also includes a Reading Group Guide and 45 Old Order Amish Recipes.

About The Authors: 
Amy Clipston:  Amy is a native of New Jersey who began her writing career unofficially when she was a child.  She loves writing about the Amish, and has an Amish friend in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who reads her  manuscripts for accuracy. She has always been fascinated with the Amish. Clipston remembers visiting Lancaster County, and her father, who was a German immigrant, told her that the Amish speak the same dialect of German as her relatives. She was drawn to their simplicity and faith. Due to her German heritage, she felt a loose connection to the Amish and their culture.  Her plots come straight from the  heart and all involve family issues intertwined with faith.

Kelly Long:  Kelly Long is the author of Sarah's Garden, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly 25 years and has five children.

Beth Wiseman: When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.

My Thoughts On The Book:  All three of the authors are some of my favorites.  Their take on the life of the Amish is amazing.  All three novelas are filled with faith, love, and the culture of the Amish.  Having grown up in a family where the kitchen is the heart of the home and women bonded within its walls I was delighted to see that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book and a reading guide if you would like to do a book study on the book.  It is the kind of read that makes you want to shut the world out and just submerge yourself into a world of simplicity.  A great read and would be a wonderful gift.  I plan to add it to my Amish library of keepers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing Booksneeze Program for bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Love Comes To Paradise

 

About The Book:  Love Comes to Paradise is the second book in bestselling author Mary Ellis’s New Beginnings series. It’s about fresh starts…and how faith in God and His perfect plans provide the peace and joy all long for.Nora King believes she is a woman in love. When Elam Detweiler leaves the ultraconservative Amish district of Harmony, Maine, and moves to Paradise, Missouri, Nora follows soon after. But does she love the man or the independence and freethinking he represents? Although she finds good work in her new town, Nora can’t seem to capture Elam’s Englisch-leaning heart, no matter how hard she tries. And then, unexpectedly, Lewis Miller comes from Harmony to offer Nora what every woman needs—a lifetime of unconditional love. As Lewis attempts to claim her heart, Elam’s interest piques. Will Nora come to her senses before Elam’s thoughtless choices ruin her reputation beyond repair?

About The Author: Mary Ellis grew up close to the eastern Ohio Amish Community, Geauga County, where her parents often took her to farmers’ markets and woodworking fairs. She and her husband now live in Medina County, close to the largest population of Amish in the country. They often take weekend trips to purchase produce, meet Amish families, and enjoy a simple way of life.
Favorite Verse: Colossians 3:13 (NLT) : Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

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My Thoughts On The Book:  This book was a different portrayal of Amish life for me.  I have read many books yet never seen it told quite this way.  When I met the character of Elam Detweiler after he left the ultraconservative district of Harmony, Maine, and moved to Paradise, Missouri I knew I would not and did not like him. Nora King, a sad little waif followed him soon after and I could not understand the draw at first.  she can  herself to Elam in comes Lewis Miller, wishing to court Nora.  Which way will she lean?.  As the story unfolds it all makes perfect sense.  This is a great book.

 

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the NetGalley Publishing Group and Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

Courting Cate

About The Book:  When Amish farmer Pete Treger moves to Paradise Township, Pennsylvania, seeking a better life, he meets sisters Cate and Betsy Miller. Both are beautiful, but older sister Cate is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet and flirty--and seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
However, the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard and fast rule: elder sister must marry first, before the younger can even start courting. Unfortunately for poor Betsy, and for the men who want to court her, her older sister, Cate, doesn't have any suitors--until Pete comes to town, that is. Though he finds both sisters attractive, something about Cate's feisty demeanor appeals to him. Soon the other bachelors in the district convince Pete to court Cate. She hardly seems receptive to his overtures, though. Instead, she's immediately suspicious of his interest.

About The Author: According to Leslie, "Some of my strongest memories from childhood include stories—and how those stories connected me to my family and friends. As a preschooler, I remember playing Island of the Blue Dolphin with my three siblings and the neighbor kids, my father reading A Street of Flower Boxes to us before bed, and my mother reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn on long car trips. I also soaked up Bible stories and accounts of grace and redemption during Sunday school and Good News Club. Along with my love of stories, my love of writing began in those early years with my very first written word—S-K-Y. Even though I knew I wanted to write fiction by the time I was in the sixth grade, as I grew older I pursued other things instead, such as majoring in history and communications, and then working as a museum curator, then a public relations specialist, and finally as a magazine editor. Once I finally started writing fiction, it was another ten years until I sold my first novel. By that time I’d been married for nearly 20 years and had four children of my own to read to.  In the decade since my first contract I’ve written fifteen books, from Beyond the Blue, a story about international adoption set in Vietnam, to Courting Cate, a retelling of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” set in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. No matter what I write, I aim to reveal truths about God’s love, beauty, and redemptive work in our lives. My goal is to connect more deeply to God, family, and friends through my writing. My hope is that my stories encourage readers to deepen their own connections too."

My Thoughts On The Book:  This book was amazing.  The story of Cate and Pete just warmed my heart.  I felt as if I knew every character personally.  Gould is definitely a wonderful wordsmith.  Her characters came to life off the pages.  From beginning to end it was the kind of book you did not want to part with.  Courting Cate will be released on November 1st.  You need to head over to Amazon and reserve your copy now.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from the NetGalley Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All they asked for was an honest 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.

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The Bridge of Peace

Price: $13.99

Format: Trade Paperback

ISBN: 9781400073979

Release: 8.31.2010

Fiction - Christian - Romance

About the Book: The Bridge of Peace is the second book in the Ada’s House trilogy by Cindy Woodsmall but is a stand alone. This book is the first one I have read and I am looking forward to reading more. I am especially looking forward to her third book that should be in bookstores in early Fall 2011.


Summary: Lena Kauffman is an Amish schoolteacher whose outspoken and independent ways surprise and upset members of the Amish community in which she lives. Lena has a birthmark on her face and believes that this makes her flawed and unlovable. Her life as a teacher is not easy….and a series of events threatens all she holds dear.

Click Here to read an excerpt from chapter one

About the Author: Cindy Woodsmall is an excellent storyteller as she unravels the tale through her characters’ everyday relationships. The plot of this book is very engaging and I just could not put it down. The author obviously knows the ins and outs of the Amish world so well that it makes the reader feel as if they are right there observing life in a peaceful Amish town of Dry Lake.  If you want to know more about the author then visit her site.

My Thoughts: There several good Amish fiction writers, but I’d have to say that this one would be my number one pick. This is a must read and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of her books.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”