The Angel of Forest Hill

Words.

They can cut to the core of who you are, even if they aren't true. We tend to focus on the negative ones instead of the positive things people say about us. If we don't stop it, it will force us to put up a wall between ourselves and the people we love in an effort to not be hurt by those who love us the most.

At least that was what Rose Kurtz believed. When the offer to leave her home and tend to an Amish family in a small community who needed someone to care for their children, Rose was offered up. Her community and family never dreamed it would be forever, but for Rose it was a chance to make a name for herself against what her mother and father said to her. That she never was good enough for anything including finding love. She was better off tending to her parents farm and household, caring for her 11 brothers than finding love anywhere else.

So when the opportunity came, Rose went. She never imagined she would walk into a home on the night the wife and mother died after childbirth. Even after a few weeks she imagined going home to a life she didn't want to be a part of. Here at least in the Dienner home, caring for Joel, and his three children, she felt she had a sense of purpose. However when Joel and his father came up with a plan for Rose to remain in the home, she never imagined marriage as a contractual agreement to care for his children would be the one she dreamed of. At least it prevented her from having to go home to a life she hated, and here she could raise and care for Joel's children as if she was their mother.

But when another widow shows us and garners Joel's attention, Rose believes that the feelings she had been developing for him is just another sign she isn't supposed to have a future. She wonders if there is hope for her at all and if love is just something for others but not for her. After 4 years of marriage with Joel, what did she expect? That he would honestly develop feelings for her?

I received The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers. This is such a wonderful feel good Christmasy novel that reminds us all what it means to feel loved by those in our lives. I could relate to Rose's character the most because I dealt with the same self esteem issues growing up, wondering if anyone could love me. The best part is how Joel and Rose work on building their ability to communicate around the walls they put up to protect themselves and realize while they were keeping people from hurting them, they were also keeping themselves from the love they needed and deserved. There are also some amazing recipes tucked in the conclusion of this wonderful novel and well worth a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about The Angel of Forest Hill, Cindy Woodsmall or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Angel of Forest Hill, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The Great Christmas Knit-Off

Have a hankering for a great knitted adventure? Looking for a bit of Christmas romance? Or simply looking for a great novel to pass the time during the Christmas holidays? Then you might want to pick up The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown. Set in a charming English village of Tindledale, our stories main character, Sybil has left her old life in an effort to take a much needed escape from reality in hopes of finding herself and perhaps her sanity along the way.

After her twin sister and her potential groom, left her standing alone at the altar at their Star Wars themed wedding set on May 4th, (as in May the Forth (or Force) be with you), wearing a Princess Leia costume complete with matching hair buns and cloak, she is still coming to terms with what has happened. I mean how does one get over having her sister steal her future husband? How do you handle family get togethers from that point on? Taking a break from life to head across the pond to visit her bestie Cher, she hopes for a reality check. I mean sometimes you just need your best friend to give you the advice no one else will. Talking to her parents doesn't help since they are stuck in the middle of the sibling wars.

Armed with her small dog Basil and hoping to surprise Cher, she flies to London in the middle of the night, only to find that the town of Tindledale is so small they close at 4pm with the exception of the local Pub which Cher and her husband Clive own. Which means Sybil must hike it two miles in the dark on a winter's night in the snow, unsure of where she is going. She soon finds herself adopted by the entire town, from the mysterious man she meets on the train, the Lawrence, the owner of not only the local B and B but also the hair salon and head of the theater department. Being an avid knitter, she finds solace with Hettie, the owner of Hettie's House of Haberdashery where they strike up more than just a friendship. Is it possible to find a fresh start miles from where one started?

I received The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. The believability factor that this could happen to anyone is what makes this one work in my mind. I absolutely love Lawrence, who is a bit of a fairy god-father to Sybil as she completely comes undone when she learns the bottle of wine she has packed has saturated all her clothes, left her make up bag and sleeping pills at home, she is a bit of a mess. It is no wonder she finds a sense of peace, when she is befriended by those in the town she meets. This one does contain some profanity that might offend some readers, but over all makes for an exceptional fun comedy to pass away the winter nights. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the fourth book in the Tindledale Series.

For more information about The Great Christmas Knit-Off, Alexandra Brown or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Great Christmas Knit-Off by Alexandra Brown

You can find Alexandra Brown on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Great Christmas Knit-Off, please visit William Morrow's website. 

  

Seeking the Star

As a book lover, almost any time of the year is exceptional when you find a great novel, but by far for me, Christmas books are my favorite, especially if they contain a great message behind them just perfect as we begin to roll into the holiday season. Traci Borum has written a truly inspirational and heartwarming book, Seeking the Star and one I can honestly highly recommend if you love Christmas books half as much as I do.

Late one winter's night a drifter collapses just outside the door of an elderly couple, George and Mary Cartwright, in the English Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse. They immediately take him in and nurse him back to health, not knowing why he's been out in the weather or what his story is. They fell that when he is ready he will open up, and for now set about making him feel welcome. They invite him to stay through the holidays as a winter storm approaches and soon learn that Ben has a past that he isn't ready to share just yet. He finds solace in working among the people in Chilton Crosse as a way of staying busy enough until it is time to move on, a journey of no destination and one he wishes he could find a sense of peace with.

As the days move forward, Ben soon begins to make small changes, first shaving his overgrown beard, then his hair and finds a confident in Mac MacDonald, a man of many talents. Ben begins to let down his guard with Mac and is able to share a few things with him while the two working on the nativity set for the town. He is that wise old sage that offers advice without needing to know the full story and can see that Ben is still working something out from his past.

As more time unfolds, Mary is able to get Ben to open up more as George shares the story of the death of their son Sheldon and how they are able to find peace without him being with them any longer. Mary tries to talk to Ben about God, but Ben has simply given up on the God he used to know. She explains that only through her faith in God have they found that peace to keep going in spite of their difficulties, but she knows she can't push him to reveal what he is trying so hard to forget. The only clue is a silver angel that Ben keeps close to him at all times.

I received Seeking the Star by Traci Borum compliments of Red Adept Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I can't imagine dealing with the things that Mary and Ben have had to face and still hold onto their faith, but I also know that without it, you are truly locked in a prison of your own making. My only hope after finishing this book is that Traci will create a sequel to tell us what the outcome of Ben's life will be. If not, I guess we can all dream up our own outcome to what happens next, but I believe that is what all readers want when they read such an exceptional and heartwarming story like this one. I've truly been blessed to read this one and now it's my turn to share it with you in hopes you'll pick this one up and add it to your Christmas collection. It has now found a permanent home in mine and thus a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This is the third book in the Chilton Crosse series.

For more information about Seeking the Star, Traci Borum or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Seeking the Star by Traci Borum 

You can find Traci Borum on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

You can pick up a copy of this book at Amazon in paperback or for your Kindle. 

Home for Christmas

If you simply don't have time for a full length novel but instead are looking for something you can read a little bit at a time, you might want to pick up Home for Christmas: Stories for the Young and Old which is a collaboration by a variety of authors like Pearl Buck, Rebecca Caudill, Ruth Sawyer, Elizabeth Goudge, Henry van Dyke and others. Each centers around the joyous blessing of Christmas and contains the true message of hope and goodwill towards men in each of these heartwarming stories. There is truly something for everyone tucked away inside. I would find this such a blessing to read one during each day as the Christmas Day approaches to truly get into the Spirit of the Season.

There are twenty short stories tucked away like beautiful presents each awaiting to be read, savored and enjoyed by you or your entire family. "Several are by world-famous children's authors; others are little-known European tales not available in English anywhere else. Selected for their literary quality and their spiritual integrity, they will resonate with readers of all ages, year after year." (excerpt from back cover). This would make a wonderful gift to any book lover or for those looking for another addition to add to their Christmas Advent celebrations.

My favorite was Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck and what it means to one young boy who wants to really give his father something he'll remember for Christmas. Life on the family farm is hard and work begins well before first light, but in this case what this one boy offers as his unconditional gift of love affects his father not only this Christmas but for many more to follow. It is a simple reminder that money doesn't need to be something we have to have to give someone a wonderful Christmas present. I received this wonderful collection of Christmas stories compliments of Plough Publishing House and Handlebar Central in exchange for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own unless otherwise notated. This one has found a permanent place in my personal library and is worthy of all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Home for Christmas:Stories for Young and Old, or where to pick up a copy of this book for your family, please click on the links below:

Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old

Thursday Night Club

Looking for an exceptional Christmas novel that surpasses your expectations of being more than just a story you read but one that might just change your life? You might want to snuggle up to Steven Manchester's latest novella, Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit. At just around 152 pages, this one can only be found at this time as an eBook, but is one you certainly don't want to miss.

The Thursday Night Club is a group of five college students who get together every Thursday Night for dinner, games and just being with one another. It has evolved over time to a betting challenge between the guys, Randy, Kevin and Jesse to see who could out prank the others for a simple wager of .25 each. The winner would take all! Something you could see a group of college guys doing.

Only when the challenge takes an unexpected turn with the sudden loss of Jesse, the group can't seem to find a way to deal with the grief that they are experiencing and that fact that Thursday nights will never be the same without him. Jesse it turns out found better uses for his time than arranging pranks on his friends, he found that simple acts of random kindness went a whole lot further than people believe, even outlasting their own life.

The group of four friends decide to honor Jesse's memory and each of them antes up for the standard bet of .25 each in an effort to see who could do the most charitable act without being recognized for their efforts. The winner would be selected by one of their college teacher's who would be the only one privy to what they were up to. Randy, Kevin, Izzy and Ava all spend the next few weeks coming up with charitable ways to honor Jesse's memory. What they don't realize in all of their efforts is that there will be no real loser, even though someone would eventually win the $1 pot they all contributed to. In fact, they're changed so much that each of them decides to keep the efforts going, not just for the bet, but for the sake of leaving a real legacy behind that will outlast their own lives.

I received Thusday Night Club by Steven Manchester compliments of the author and The Story Plant Publishers for my honest review. Besides receiving a downloaded copy of the book, I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is one you really want to pick up to add to your digital library and one that I could see being incorporated into your own version of a Thursday Night Club much like the characters in Steven's novella did. This one is heart-warming, charming and gives you so much more than a short and sweet story, it is the real meaning behind the Christmas spirit, to love one another in ways that people could never repay, but in hopes that they will pay it forward in their own way. For me, this one easily garners a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Thursday Night Club, Steven Manchester or where you can pick up a copy of this eBook today, please click on the links below:

Thursday Night Club by Steven Manchester

You can find Steven Manchester on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

You can download a copy of this book on Amazon by clicking here. 

Hannah's Hope

I can't imagine a more challenging Christmas than the one 15-year-old Hannah Robertson is finding herself facing. Managing a full schedule as a freshman in high school would be difficult enough, but her parents are beyond busy serving as the ambassadors in Sweden. The one thing Hannah has been able to count on is that her parents have always managed to be home for Christmas. Even though most of the time, they are busy with political meetings and dinner plans, it was still nice to be able to spend time with them. But this is not what is going to happen this year. The email response from her mother was simply that they could not find the time to make it home this year. They hope she understands. Hannah's response? "Fine, Mother. How completely understandable that my parents would choose parties in Sweden over Christmas with me. Love you, too."

When her mother received Hannah's email response she found herself feeling a bit guilty believing that Hannah had come to accept the busyness of how involved they were in Sweden and had hoped she might be relived not to have to attend all those parties and gathering if her parents had come home. Guess not after all. The one thing her mother believed might just help was if she finally came clean with the truth about Hannah's real father. That her biological father was not the man she married, but the man she left when Hannah was four. She had hoped to tell her when she turned eighteen, but now might be the perfect time to tell her. So she packaged up a few photos of Mike Connor, Hannah's real father, a pair of pilot wings and shipped off a letter she had hoped would explain her decision to walk away from him 11 years ago.

To Hannah, realizing that Jack was not her real father explained how he acted around her and filled in all the missing holes in Hannah's heart. She dreamed of the man who had read to her, played with her and one she fondly loved and now she had to find a way to find him against all odds based on what little information she had. The man she was looking for was serving in Iraq and had been searching for her all his life. Now all they needed was the perfect Christmas miracle.

I received Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury as a free copy for my honest review compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. I've been a huge fan of Karen Kingsbury's novels since my very first one. She gets right to the heart of the reader's emotions and inspires such a feeling of hope and love, you find yourself smiling as you finish each book. It makes you want to be a better person and inside changes your heart. Included in this book at the conclusion are a list of projects you can involve yourself with to help our service men and women serving our country this Christmas which evokes the meaning behind this series of books. This is the fourth book in the Red Glove Series and can be read in any order or as a stand alone. What a perfect gift to give someone this year for Christmas and one I rate a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Hannah's Hope, Karen Kingsbury,  or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Hannah's Hope by Karen Kingsbury

You can find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on Hannah's Hope, please visit Faith Words website. 

Gideon's Gift

Karen Kingsbury's inspiration for writing The Red Glove Series was based on what she saw modeled by her father, how on one Thanksgiving, he loaded up a plate of leftovers and headed out to find the first person in need and pass the plate of food on to them. It would create such a lasting impression of the very nature of what God implied when He asked us to care for those in need, those that are hurting and ones we can lessen the burden for in unremarkable ways. Gideon's Gift begins the series and shares with us the store of how one little eight-year-old girl named Gideon who was struggling with finding a Christmas miracle in light of hoping her leukemia this year might go into remission.

She truly believes in the message she has heard that Christmas miracles come to those who believe. As she and her father, Brian Mercer made their way to the hospital, they stopped like they always did while waiting for the blood tests and shared in a rare conversation, "What is their own idea of the perfect Christmas?" Little did Gideon know how God was listening to one girl's request to have the perfect Christmas just once, one that would blow the doors off any ordinary miracle and one that would change not only her life, but the lives of the people she would touch this year.

Earl Badgett had hoped that all his years of living on the streets might one day take his life, but it looks like this is not going to be that day. As he makes his way into the local mission to get a hot meal, he holds on to the only hope that keeps his heart from growing cold. A single pair of red gloves hand-knitted by his wife Anne, two years ago for his Christmas present. It was almost two years to the date when he would once again find himself remembering that fateful night that claimed the life of his wife and daughter and would also claim any remnant of the Earl that once loved them. Now he spends his days and nights hoping this will be the night that he will join them in heaven, but one encounter with Gideon at the mission will change them both forever and show how powerful prayer can truly be to those who believe in God.

I received Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such an amazing inspirational novel that would make a great Christmas gift that you can read together as a family, a chapter each night, to gain a true meaning of God's power and that of prayer. How God can change a hardened heart and show the amazing power of sacrificial love for another. There is even a section at the conclusion of the book that shares ways you can extend the gift of service to others this Christmas. I can highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something to stir the real reason behind Christmas and put you in the perfect Christmas Spirit and easily give it a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Gideon's Gift, Karen Kingsbury or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Gideon's Gift by Karen Kingsbury

You can also find Karen Kingsbury on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Gideon's Gift, please visit Faith Word's website. 

Where Treetops Glisten

I really hated this novel this end, but no matter how long I took to read it, the end was inevitable. After I finished each story, I wanted so desperately to see a screenwriter take this to some big production company and make this one into a movie that I could only compare to It's A Wonderful Life if it were to make it on the big screen. Oh how I wish I had the money because I firmly believe we all need something like the stories tucked between the pages of the novel Where Treetops Glisten, a collaboration of three of the finest World War II authors I've ever read. Each of them as a stand alone author is truly a best selling author in their own right, but when you couple such talent, you are bound to capture something that truly transcends the ability to capture it all in words. I only hope I can do it justice as a book reviewer.

For anyone who loves WWII and romance set amid the backdrop of Christmas, then you will LOVE this collection. Each of the authors have agreed to take the children of the Turner family, one that lives in the small town of Lafayette, Indiana each set to one of three Christmas songs that were written or became popular during the war. They are each uniquely different but connected so that you can transition from one family members lives as they each share their story.

In White Christmas, Cara Putman showcases her talent with Abigail Turner, who is a recent widow trying to move forward in her life without her husband working for Glantz Candies, famous for their candy canes. She isn't looking for love and is trying to figure out where God is in her life. She meets a stranger on a bus one night and can see he is carrying some great burden on his shoulders even though he meets her eyes with a smile. She knows that helping others is the perfect way to get rid of the loneliness during Christmas and takes your mind off your own troubles. Is he the answer to her prayer?

I'll Be Home For Christmas by Sarah Sundin, was my favorite of the three because it felt like A Miracle on 34th Street with a WWII setting. Pete Turner, Abigail's brother, is on furlough for a month to celebrate Christmas with his family before heading back into service flight planes. He finds a lonely little girl, Linnie, standing outside a store window without her mother, and offers to help her find her way home after she explains she has wandered off, yet again. He wasn't planning on her mother being Grace Kessler, the little girl he used to bully when he was younger and by the look on Grace's face when she sees him, she has no plans on forgiving him even though he managed to bring her daughter home.

Finally Tricia Goyer takes a spin at Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Meredith or Merry Turner who has taken up training as a combat nurse in the Netherlands. She had hoped that she can find a way to mend her broken heart while patching up the wounded servicemen instead. But she can't help but wonder how she missed all the signs that pointed to the man she loved was a German spy. How can God redeem her broken heart while trying to mend the soldiers injured in war to send them home for the holidays?

I received Where Treetops Glisten by Cara Putman, Tricia Goyer and Sarah Sundin compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I know I will be rereading this one again as I sit back during the Christmas holiday and reminisce about WWII where so many men and women gave their lives as they continue to do so currently for the freedom and peace we all enjoy in countries far from home. The messages that can be found in each of these stories is about hope and love in the midst of adversity and I think Tricia Goyer summed it up the best with these words, "The thing about love is that it's slow to fade. It's not a bad thing. Love is meant to last." (pg 289). You can definitely tell the authors worked hard to keep their stories separate but connected in a way that truly defines who Abigail, Pete and Merry Turner are and the love they share with not only their family but with others around them. That is the true meaning behind Christmas is that love is meant to last just like Christ's love for us is eternal. Hands down a true 5 out of 5 stars and the perfect gift for the romantic or service men or women in your life for Christmas!

For more information about Where Treetops Glisten, Sarah Sundin, Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman or Sarah Sundin

You can find Tricia Goyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Sarah Sundin on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

You can find Cara Putman on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Where Treetops Glisten, please visit Litfuse Publicity's book tour page. 

Blame It On Mistletoe

The elderly residents of Greenbrier's Nursing Home are simply up to no good! No good in the eyes of the residents of Bright Pond that is. Now that Hattie Grace who is almost ninety years old is now riding a tricyle like a three year old, and another couple is kissing like teenagers under the newly built gazebo on the property. Just what is really going on?

As Police Chief Mildred Blessing attempts to investigate all the angles on this strange dilemma, along with the nursing home doctor, they believe that someone is putting something in the food or water that the nursing home residents are drinking. Ever since Leon Fontaine has come to town and begin building things around Bright Pond, the residents here, are now acting a whole lot stranger than normal.

In the novel, Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin, the reader is introduced to some of the quirky residents living in Bright Pond. From a beloved woman named Ruth who is prepared to out do all the previous Thanksgiving festivities that have been hosted at others homes, by offering a Thanksgiving Tropical Luau and making it definitely one that will be talked about for years to come.

Griselda is at her wit's end trying to decide if she is in love with Zeb, the diner's chief cook extraordinaire or her new aviation teacher, Cliff. Now if only she could discover what love really means while both are doing their very best to try and impress her.

I received Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin compliments Abingdon Press for my honest review and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.  This novel  is just perfect for not just Christmas but anytime. You can't help but fall in love with the amusing characters of Joyce Magnin's Bright Pond series, and this one is no exception! I rate this one a classical 5 out of 5 Christmas stars! This is the 4th book in the Bright Pond Series!For more information on this book, the author, a first chapter sneak peek and where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the link below:

Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin

You can find also find Joyce Magnin on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels. 

To read more reviews on Blame It On Mistletoe, please visit Abingdon Press' website. 

One Imperfect Christmas

Belinda and Bram Morgan have been married for almost 50 years and have set the example for all their children to follow in what makes love work in a marriage. They celebrate Christmas the same way now that their children have grown beginning with the celebration of Natalie's birthday and then trimming the tree. But for Natalie, those are high expectations to have even within your own home. She is far from the perfectionist her mother is and often procrastinates more than she should. That's why her husband Daniel asked her to take down the decorations before his own parents arrived later that afternoon. So when Natalie's mom called enlisting her help to take down their decorations she had the perfect excuse. Her mother wanted to help since Bram and their oldest son were on a trip leaving her alone to begin the task if she didn't want to wait.

So when Natalie told her she couldn't help today due to the visit from Daniel's parents she told her mom to simply leave all the boxes in the guest room downstairs and she would over later this week to put them in storage for her. She often worried that her mom did too much now that she was older and suffering from the effects of arthritis. What Natalie didn't expect when she hung up with her mother, was to receive a phone call later that evening that would forever change her life. Her mother had suffered from a massive stroke and since she had been alone at the time, the damage was far too great for her mother to return to her former self.

Now plagued with guilt for simply being glad that she didn't have to join her mother that afternoon and instead had a day for herself, Natalie pours herself into her free lance job trying to earn money she knows her father will need to pay for her mom's medical expenses. This drives a wedge between her and Daniel as he tries to fix things between them, and Natalie avoids dealing with their own marriage issues trying to make up for not being there for her mother. She feels if she had only been there, this would have never happened. Will Natalie find a way to restore her own marriage or will this be the first imperfect Christmas to rock her family?

I received One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson compliments of Abingdon Press as part of the Christmas Blog Tour for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. I absolutely LOVED this novel based in part to being able to relate to Natalie's character so much. Often times when the holidays are upon us, we feel like we are expected to do our best and meet all family obligations despite having to manage our own. I could relate to the guilt that Natalie felt upon hearing of her mother's stroke and understood the need to do everything to make amends to her what she felt was her mistake. The resolution that evidently comes is believable and everything doesn't come wrapped up in a pretty bow like you would expect. This is real in my opinion and thus why I would rate this a 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about One Imperfect Christmas, Myra Johnson or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson

You can find Myra Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on One Imperfect Christmas, stop by Abingdon Press' website. 

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426700709
• ISBN-13: 978-1426700705
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 5.4 x 8.3 inches

Christmas in Apple Ridge

What a surprise I got when I asked to review Christmas in Apple Ridge from best selling author Cindy Woodsmall, a collection of three novels all rolled into one beautiful book!!! This novel combines three beautiful Amish novels in one beginning with The Sound of Sleigh Bells, The Christmas Singing and wrapping up with the newest The Dawn of Christmas. For those of you looking for a great collection all in one book, then this is it for fans of Amish Christian fiction. Cindy Woodsmall is known for writing amazing Amish fiction and couple this with the celebration of Christmas and you know you have a true winner.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells begins this collection when Beth Hetzler heads off on her yearly journey out of town to find new items to carry in Hertzler's Dry Goods among the Amish and English. What she doesn't expect to find is an item carved in wood that truly speaks to her heart and soul. It is one she simply must have and it true is one-of-a-kind. One that just might make this Christmas more memorable when she discovers through writing letters to a wood carver that she just might have found her soul mate.

The Christmas Singing is must like the first novel in this collection involving heart ache and moving on in life. This time Mattie is struggling to find that new purpose in life after losing her heart to her childhood sweetheart. She finds that she must leave her past behind her and start over beginning with a new town and a new business that will keep her mind off her past making cakes.  But can Mattie really forget all about the past including the man who still has a piece of her heart?

The Dawn of Christmas wraps up this collection with Sadie dealing with the loss of the man she once loved, whom she believes has lied to her. Not only is she finding it hard to come to terms with, but the whole town believes him as well. Sadie vows that she will never find love again until it quite literally falls into her lap. When Levi is thrown from his horse, she stays with him to make sure help arrives. They have more in common than they are willing to meet and when they both come up with a plan to prevent people for meddling in their love life, soon they will discover it may not be an act after all!

I received Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall compliments of WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. The Christmas season tends to always bring about healing, forgiveness and restoration and these three stories demonstrate that in their own ways. Each of them is dealing with the pain of heartbreak in some way and each vows to accept the hand of fate they have been given until faith in God reveals a much greater plan instead. Each of these stories will make you fall in love with the sense that during Christmas love can be found in the unlikeliest of places. I rate this collection a true 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Christmas in Apple Ridge, Cindy Woodsmall, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall

You can find Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Christmas in Apple Ridge visit WaterBrook Multnomah's website.

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; d edition (October 9, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307730999
• ISBN-13: 978-0307730992
• Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 5.2 x 8 inches

12 Days of Christmas Book Tour

The best part about fall besides the changing of the leaves on the trees and the cold crisp air is great Christmas Fiction. I was so honored to be given the opportunity to review four exceptional Christmas novels from best selling authors Colleen Coble, Beth Wiseman and Tricia Goyer as part of Litfuse Publicity's 12 Days of Christmas Book Tour.

Silent Night from Colleen Coble is a Rock Harbor Christmas Novella that takes place in the Lake Superior, Michigan. Once again the readers who remember Bree Matthews, a Search and Rescue handler now finds herself sharing their lighthouse home with her sister-in-law Lauri who has arrived home from college earlier than expected. Not only that but Lauri has brought home more than Bree and Kade bargained for. While they assume she has once again fallen short of their expectations for her attending college, Lauri has other plans that involve a case Bree had long thought was solved. Will there be a Christmas miracle after all?

Holy Night from Colleen Coble is an Aloha Reef Christmas Novella that takes place on the tropical island of Kauai. The wedding plans for Leia Kahale, a dolphin trainer and Bana Oana, her fiancè and oceanographer and sea salvager are about to be placed on hold. When Eva, Leia's sister with Down Syndrome is kidnapped while Leia is attempting an ocean rescue it will put their love to the ultimate test. Will they have what it takes to weather this unpredictable storm?

A Christmas Gift for Rose from Tricia Goyer takes us back to the Amish community located in Berlin, Ohio during 1945, where we see the struggle that is working in the life of Rose Yoder when Jonathan left the Amish to join in the war efforts as a medic. It goes against everything they both were brought up to believe. Now that he has returned home, she has assured herself that their relationship is over but why do these feelings for him continue to linger? What will happen when Rose discovers that she too was born English? What will happen to the feelings she still has for Jonathan or will the faith she was brought up on as an Amish woman be too hard to let go of?

Finally Plain Peace from author Beth Wiseman takes us back to Paradise Pennsylvania and we meet Anna Byler who is the granddaughter of the town's newest and harshest Bishop. Now faced with the prospects of learning the only reason she hasn't had a date isn't because she isn't pretty enough, but because everyone is afraid to date the Bishop's granddaughter. Seems most of the towns residents fear that the only way they will find relief from his strict rules is when he dies. That is all except Jacob Hostetler who has just moved here after losing his sister in a farming accident. The family is looking for a fresh start, but will Jacob be able to find a way to reach Anna's heart without dividing a family and a town against one another?

All four of these amazing novels are guaranteed to spark the warmth and love that each of them brings in unique ways through the characters that have to endure challenges beyond what any of them ever imagined. Forgiveness and hope are the keys to unlock the roadblock to love and faith that will found whenever anyone is courageous enough to take the leap of faith. Love is truly the greatest gift and that is just what you'll find in each of these heartwarming novels. I received these four novels compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. There is truly something for everyone in this Christmas Book Tour and I rate these a 5 out of 5 stars. They all have a predominate place in my Christmas library collection.

For more information about Holy Night, Silent Night, Plain Peace, A Christmas Gift for Rose or any of the amazing authors, please click on the links below:

Holy Night by Colleen Coble

Silent Night by Colleen Coble

Plain Peace by Beth Wiseman

A Christmas Gift for Rose by Tricia Goyer

To read the reviews from the 12 Days of Christmas Book Tour from Litfuse reviewer's please click here. 

You can find more information about Colleen Coble's novels by visiting her website. 

To learn more about Beth Wiseman's novels please visit her website. 

You can find more information about Tricia Goyer's novels by stopping by her website. 

Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction are hosting the 12 Days of Christmas! They've teamed up with three of their authors for a Merry Facebook Party on November 12th {5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern}. Colleen, Tricia, and Beth will host an evening of book chat, Christmas traditions, and of course plenty of presents!



But wait! There's more! Each day between now and November 12th a different book (10 copies of each book) will be given away on the Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Fiction Facebook Page. Ring in the holiday season and warm your heart with some great reads from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan!








 

Click here to ENTER each day's giveaway here.

RSVP for the Christmas Party here!


Good luck and hope to see you on the evening of the 12th!

A Christmas Carol 2

I've often wondered what ever happened after Ebenezer Scrooge discovered the true meaning of Christmas. Did he remain grateful and continue to keep Christmas in his heart every day instead of once a year? What ever happened to his faithful employee Bob Cratchit or his family that he was reunited with before he died? What if hidden somewhere for more than 170 years was a copy of the sequel to A Christmas Carol that provided those answers of just what happened to our beloved characters years later? Well that is just what you'll find with a dose of comedy in the novel, A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg.

The story is written in a Charles Dickens manner in which all of the characters from Dicken's novels make an appearance in this delightful tale of Scrooge's return now as the ghost appearing to Bob Cratchit, whose generosity has now brought the company of Scrooge and Marley on the verge of bankruptcy. Scrooge returns as Marley did to remind Bob of the implications of his generosity without consideration and he is back to teach Bob the value of money. You will find such delightful characters interwoven in this Christmas tale like Oliver Twist, Samuel Pickwick, Uriah Heep, David Cooperfield and many many more.

 There are some play on words and phrases from Dicken's classic works, Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, David Cooperfield and more as the characters remain in their respective stories and utter the now famous sayings. For example when Oliver Twist arrives in Bob Cratchit's office while men are there to solicit their annual holiday donations from him, Oliver Twist arrives to discuss his salary, "Please sir, I want some more." Bob isn't sure what he means in which Oliver replies, "I've been at Scrooge and Marley's for over two years now," the young man said with resolve. "I arrive at dawn and am here 14 hours later. I've saved many an account, Mr. Cratchit, sir. And sir, I'm 23 years old now, and am paid almost nothing, apprentice wages. Please sir."

Cratchit replies, "Done, as the cook said to the roast after taking it from the oven. You shall have it." He put out his hand to seal the agreement. "I'll triple your salary next week. A new start for the New Year. How's that?" It is Oliver that seems to understand common sense when it comes to money but Cratchit doesn't seem to be overly concerned.

Since the novel is based loosely around the concept that this is the actual lost manuscript from Charles Dickens, the author incorporates the use of footnotes throughout this book to guide the reader through unfamiliar characters, names and events of the period he believes are what Charles Dickens would have added if he did in fact write this book. It is an amusing look at what might have become of poor Bob Cratchit and a truly must have for fans of Charles Dicken's literary works.

I received A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg compliments of Third Road Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This would make a great Christmas gift to anyone who loves to add to their Christmas fiction collection. I would rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars. I found the footnotes a bit confusing and opted to skip those initially on my first read through to keep the continuity of the storyline moving forward and went back and reviewed those during my second pass through the book. I love the authors use of cynical humor throughout this book and those quirky famous lines that interlace the conversations in the story.

For more information about A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge, Robert J. Elisberg or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

A Christmas Carol 2: The Return of Scrooge by Robert J. Elisberg

To read more reviews on A Christmas Carol 2 from the Pump Up Your Book Tour, please click here. 

 You can find Robert J. Elisberg on his website by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Third Road Press (November 28, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615727573
• ISBN-13: 978-0615727578
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches

Gift of A Servant

From Author Tamara Amos comes a dream come and the fulfillment of a birthday wish to her father. Gift of A Servant was written to show readers how people can come to know God through Santa Claus. Children, especially, relate to this loving saint who knows them each personally and dedicates his entire life to making and giving them gifts. How like our heavenly Father he is! And how ell he imitates Christ. Parents sometimes worry that children will misinterpret the emphasis that is placed on Santa Claus at Christmas time, but Tamara never had that problem. She understood that he is a servant of God. Years later, she was inspired to write Gift of A Servant. She hopes through this book, that the reader will experience the unfathomable love of God that comes to us disguised as ordinary people and shines through us when we live lives of extraordinary love.

I received Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos compliments of Book Crash and Mystical Rose Publishing for my honest review. This is such a beautifully illustrated children's book that is written as a poem, much like the Night Before Christmas. I love all the pictures and could see this being incorporated into your favorite Christmas traditions to convey the depth of the love that Christ has for each of us. It show cases how the spirit of St. Nick has been commercialized over the years and the spirit of love and generosity is now being placed by the hustle and bustle of buying presents. The father in the story is dismayed by how the sense of what was intended to be something to convey the love of others during the holiday has now been replaced by the objective of buying, buying, buying and he devises a plan to rid let Santa know it's time for his resignation, and that gift of God's son has been replaced.

"Santa Claus, what have you wrought?

Anxiety is our Christmas lot. 

Christmas spirit?

We cannot feel it!

Our peace is gone and it's all your fault!"

Without giving away the ending, this is such a beautiful book to share with your children each Christmas. It reminds us what the true reason for celebrating Christmas truly is! The illustrations reminded me of the ones found in the book, The Polar Express. I just know that any child would love to read this book or better yet, to spend the nights leading up to Christmas, sitting on their parents lap and have the story read. It creates an opportunity to share with our children what Christmas really means and how we can all play our part in keeping the spirit alive not only at Christmas but through the whole year long. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to share this with my own children this Christmas. Finally a great Christian Christmas Children's book!!!

For more information about Gift of A Servant, Tamara Amos, or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful hardcover book today, please click on the links below:

Gift of A Servant by Tamara Amos

You can also follow Gift of A Servant on Facebook to see what others are saying about this remarkable book.

You can see the beautiful illustrations from Gift of A Servant by illustrator David W. Luebbert by clicking here.

The Christmas Star

The hardest thing to deal with during the holidays is the death of a family member. Yet despite the fact the war is over and people are finding reasons to celebrate with the depression in the back and soldiers returning home, it's not the same for Jimmy Reed. While it's been a couple years since him and  his mom received a telegram informing them that Robert Reed was killed while defending his country, he hasn't been able to deal with the loss of his father.

His mom, Marge works long hours at Miller's Store in hopes she might make enough money to get Jimmy something he needs for Christmas, but she knows the one thing he wants most in the world will be something that no amount of money can buy. She struggles with finding a way to help him deal with his grief and lately he's been getting into more trouble at school. She fears it's only a matter of time before he gets into trouble that will have a lasting effect and will only get worse.

Now that Christmas is almost here, Jimmy learns of a way to make some extra money but simply providing a couple of guys with the key to Miller's Store that his mom has. If he does that, they will offer to split the take once they rob the safe the weekend before Christmas. Jimmy wonders if being able to have enough money will be able to turn his life around, but once he commits to following through with this plan, he can not go back or they will threaten to kill his mom.

In the novel, A Christmas Star by Ace Collins, the reader is taken back to December 21, 1945 where the story begins. The country is beginning to celebrate once again except for Jimmy. Despite the people he encounters in town, he can't help but feel he will never live up the image of his dad who won the Congressional Medal of Honor, which has now replaced the traditional Christmas star on the top of their tree since they received it. To Jimmy, it's just another reminder that his dad is gone and will never come home. This is such a classic story of seeing different sides to a situation and how Jimmy deals with coming to terms with a solution is strictly brilliant by this author. I know this novel has found a permanent home in my library and will be one I read each year just before Christmas.

I received A Christmas Star compliments of Pump Up Your Book Tours and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I'm such a huge fan of any Christmas Fiction books and when Ace Collins coupled this one with a background of World War II, I was completely interested. It truly has a timeless message of hope and light in the darkest of places, especially during the Christmas season that will last long after you finish the book. Truly this is a book that can be read at any time during the year and I have to rate this one a 5 of of 5 Christmas Stars!!!

For more information about The Christmas Star, Ace Collins, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Star by Ace Collins

You can also find Ace Collins on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews from the Pump Up Your Book Tour for The Christmas Star, click here. 

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (October 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426714688
• ISBN-13: 978-1426714689
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

The Ghost of Christmas Present

I am always so thankful for the fall because it always brings such great Christmas stories to print and The Ghost of Christmas Present by Scott Abbott and Amy Maude Swinton is a perfect novel to read to bring about the sense of hope, love and peace just in time for Christmas. This is a combination of Mrs. Doubtfire mixing with the right amount of Miracle on 34th Street. We are immediately introduced to Patrick Gutherie, a single father to his young son Braden, who has recently been diagnosed with similar heart condition that has taken the life of his mother and Patrick's wife, Linda. How is it possible that he is about to lose the only other person in the world after trying to move forward after the death of his wife and soulmate. It's only a matter of time before Braden will join his mother and Patrick will be left all alone.

When Patrick receives an emergency phone call from the hospital while teaching his drama class in college, he fears the worst. He arrives at the hospital and immediately learns that Braden might have a chance at a new life and possibly reverse his heart condition. Finally the break he's been searching for. As he prepares for Braden's upcoming surgery, he learns that he has been laid off from his teaching position due to cutbacks and worse yet, his father-in-law Tom Cake, has filed a custody hearing to assume responsibility for the care of raising young Braden. Tom has long since held Patrick responsible for the death of his daughter and wants to ensure that the same doesn't happen to Braden. Now facing the scrutiny of a Child Protective Services worker, Rebecca Brody , Patrick must find a job and be able to get current on his rent, utilities and have money in the bank otherwise he will lose custody of his son. 

Faced with losing his son just when a Christmas miracle has presented itself, Patrick must find a way to make money and fast. His only options seem to be his love of Shakespeare and theater and his ability to act. Is it possible to find a way to make enough money to save his son. Will there be a Christmas miracle after all on 34th street? Or will Patrick lose the only thing keeping him alive in this world and watch his scrooge of a father-in-law gain custody of his son forever?

I received The Ghost of Christmas Present compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review and was hooked from the first page. I couldn't wait to see how this one would work out and finished it in a matter of a couple of hours. It was that good. I love the creativity that Patrick used to step outside the box and utilize his acting talents to find a way to bring money in to keep the lights on, and a roof over his head. He did what I believe most parents would, and that's whatever it takes to make sure your kids are well cared for and loved. Braden truly admires his father and despite all the stress in his own life with his heart operation, Braden can see his dad's true feelings and knows something is wrong even though Patrick won't share everything. He attempts to find a way to keep a positive spin on everything that is going on and in the midst of it all, changes the lives of every single person he encounters. This one rates a perfect 5 out of 5 Christmas stars and HIGHLY recommend this one to anyone looking for a feel-great Christmas novel!

For more information about The Ghost of Christmas Present, Scott Abbott, Amy Maude Swinton or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful novel, please click on the link below:

The Ghost of Christmas Present by Scott Abbott and Amy Maude Swinton

The Walnut Tree - Giveaway and Review

I believe it's official. I am a complete Charles Todd fan now. I believe I've read at least 5 of his books and his writing style is incomparable to any other author I've read. Each time I read a Bess Crawford book, I truly believe I am seeing and hearing things from the characters own point of view and that's why I believe his books are so addicting. You begin to care about the characters, in this case Lady Elspeth Douglas, who is struggling the social binds that require her to marry into her social status while being care for by her Cousin Kenneth since her parents have both passed away. Now at the height of World War 1, in 1914, Elspeth finds herself in France caring for her dear friend Madeline, who has just learned her husband is being called up for duty and must leave just as she is about to deliver her first child.

During her stay with Madeline, Elspeth becomes enchanted with Madeline's brother, Alain who she also learns is about to leave to join the war. On their last night together, Alain asks Elspeth for permission to court her when he returns from the war, and offers her his mother's ring as a token of their promise, which she accepts. Alain begs her to return to England fearing that the Germans will overtake the city of Paris soon and he won't be able to protect her. She promises she'll return once Madeline has the baby.

As Elspeth begins her journey home to England, she encounters some of the horrors of war, too many wounded dying men in desperate need of care and very limited resources. She offers what care she can as she comes upon the victims trying to find a way back across the English Channel but soon finds herself in danger and an unlikely hero in a childhood friend, Peter Gilchrist who saves her from being shelled while caring for the men. He helps secure her a way back to England but not without their being a spark of feelings between the two. Elspeth feels she can't commit to Peter even though she possess a different more strong sense of affection for Peter, because she has promised herself to Alain.

However with the war continuing Lady Elspeth feels she can't simply return to her life of luxury while so many are in need, so she attempts to find a way to join the nursing corps but without securing the permission of her Cousin Kenneth she won't be able to based solely on her social status. But Elspeth is determined to find a way to help those that she deeply cares for that are serving in the war, and nursing seems to be the only open door for her to learn the fate of the men she is torn between.

In the novel, The Walnut Tree by Charles Todd is a poignant, compelling tale brimming with adventure, danger and love. This is a enchanting holiday gift and a wonderful companion to Charles Todd's acclaimed Bess Crawford series. Charles Todd is the New York Times bestselling author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries, the Bess Crawford mysteries, and two stand-alone novels. I received The Walnut Tree compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and I can honest say this one was a heartwarming 5 out of 5 stars. I love historical romance novels with the World Wars as a perfect backdrop and this is no exception!

For more information on The Walnut Tree, Charles Todd, or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful novel today, please click on the links below:

The Walnut Tree by Charles Todd

You can also find Charles Todd on Facebook by clicking here.  

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition edition (October 30, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062236997
• ISBN-13: 978-0062236999

Thanks to the generous folks at William Morrow, they are offering a giveaway copy of this Holiday novel to one lucky winner of my blog, Reviews From The Heart. Here's your guidelines to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

3. Leave a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy of this book along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols.

I will notify the winner when the giveaway ends on November 9th by email and post this to my Facebook page, Reviews From The Heart as well. 

Lola's Secret

There is an old saying that misery loves company and that is no more true for the residents of The Valley View Motel run by the Quinlan family under the wise old adage of 84-year-old Lola. Her goal is to help find a way to help restore hurting souls during the Christmas season. While strife remains between her own family members, Lola also opens up the hotel to strangers during Christmas and with that comes a host of other issues. I always say that sometimes it's easier to deal with other people's issues rather than your own because you are too close to see a clear solution and that seems to be the wisdom that Lola applies to those staying at the hotel. Each one has their own issues that they are struggling to overcome whether it's addictions, or simple relationship issues, Lola is hoping that simply being together can help them get past their problems and into solutions.

In the novel, Lola's Secret by Monica McInerney, it seems as though Lola's straight shooting and forward advice is often times what is needed instead of merely candy-coating a sympathy with her guest or family members. I love how well written and diverse the different characters are and how each of them thinks each situation that they are in, are generally worse than what anyone else is experiencing. Sometimes it takes working together to get to the heart of the problem and I think that through this fictional account of the Quinlan family, Lola is able to help each person in sometimes very unexpected ways.

I am always looking for a great Christmas book to read and while I have read similar books with storylines much like this one where a group of people are gathered together during unfortunate circumstances in the end, it all works out, this one has a bit more going for it. I love Lola's gumption and sometimes find that the older we get the wiser we become. It's often hard however to get younger people to follow such sage wisdom until they have exhausted all other attempts.

I received Lola's Secret by Monica McInerney compliments of TLC Book Tours and Ballantine Books for my honest review and think everyone will find something that they can relate to in this beautiful written novel. My only regret was that I wish the book was longer because you truly come to care about each and every single one of her characters she introduces in this novel. In my opinion, this one justly deserves a 5 out of 5 stars and I'll be looking for more from Monica McInerney in the future.

For more information about Lola's Secret, Monica McInerney, or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Lola's Secret by Monica McInerney

For more review from the TLC Book Tour for Lola's Secret please click here. 

You can also find Monica McInerney on Facebook by clicking here. 

The Bridge

If you have never read a book by Karen Kingsbury and you love books, you are seriously missing out on a true treasure and a book lover's blessing. This is my third Karen Kingsbury novel and they are all amazing and I don't believe there isn't a great one out there she has written that won't touch your heart and your soul and bring out your emotions.

Her latest book, The Bridge, is no exception. In fact, before you begin this one, grab a box of tissues because you will need it. The story begins with two unique sets of characters, the first, Charlie Barton, owner of the bookstore named the Bridge along with his wife, Donna.

"He called it The Bridge because that was how he felt about books. They connected the past and the present, the present and the future. Books brought people together and gave them a path to worlds they wouldn't otherwise experience. There was another reason too. The bookstore wasn't only Charlie's dream. It was the way to move from the pain of the past to the promise of tomorrow. Forever there would be the tragic and disappointing life before opening the store and the hopeful, fulfilling life after. The store wasn't only called The Bridge. It was the bridge."

For thirty years, they have managed to share their love for books and uniting owners with just the perfect book. In fact, they have a scrapbook filled with such loving and warm sentiments from customers expressing what they found besides a great book at The Bridge. Now due to a recent flood and the economic downturn in people purchasing eBooks over the paper kinds, Charlie isn't sure he can find the money to reopen the store. His wife, Donna feels perhaps God isn't in this one and it's time for Charlie to close up shop and move on. Did God abandon Charlie after all?

Molly Allen and Ryan Kelly both attended college together and became the very best of friends. Working together to encourage one another to pursue their personal dreams in music despite the pressures from family and friends, they spend hours finding solitude, friendship and more in at their time in The Bridge bookstore. It's the one place they can truly be themselves and the love they have for Donna and Charlie is heartfelt and truly one-of-a-kind. In fact, most people who knew Molly and Ryan thought they would get together and be married, but Molly's prestigious family had other pre-arranged plans for her future and that included a marriage to a man named Preston who would run her father's company when he retired. Ryan had a girlfriend waiting on him and a future as well once he finished college, so it seemed like life was preplanned for them both and those plans didn't include one another. Does God have other plans for them after all?

You'll have to read The Bridge which comes out in October this year and trust me, you WON'T want to miss this one. I received The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster Publishers for my honest opinion and LOVED this one. For those of you that love beautiful stories of restoration and hope like It's a Wonderful Life or You've Got Mail, then this will be the perfect book to read! In fact, it would make a wonderful Christmas gift to those those looking for a message of faith and renewal along with a timeless story. This will be a classic and one that will FOREVER be a part of my permanent library! I personally rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars!!!

For more information about The Bridge, Karen Kingsbury and where to preorder a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

You can also find Karen on Facebook by clicking here.

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Howard Books (October 23, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1451647018
• ISBN-13: 978-1451647013

Blame It On Mistletoe

The elderly residents of Greenbrier's Nursing Home are simply up to no good! No good in the eyes of the residents of Bright Pond that is. Now that Hattie Grace who is almost ninety years old is now riding a tricyle like a three year old, and another couple is kissing like teenagers under the newly built gazebo on the property. Just what is really going on?

As Police Chief Mildred Blessing attempts to investigate all the angles on this strange dilemma, along with the nursing home doctor, they believe that someone is putting something in the food or water that the nursing home residents are drinking. Ever since Leon Fontaine has come to town and begin building things around Bright Pond, the residents here, are now acting a whole lot stranger than normal.

In the novel, Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin, the reader is introduced to some of the quirky residents living in Bright Pond. From a beloved woman named Ruth who is prepared to out do all the previous Thanksgiving festivities that have been hosted at others homes, by offering a Thanksgiving Tropical Luau and making it definitely one that will be talked about for years to come.

Griselda is at her wit's end trying to decide if she is in love with Zeb, the diner's chief cook extraordinaire or her new aviation teacher, Cliff. Now if only she could discover what love really means while both are doing their very best to try and impress her.

I received this book on my Kindle compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review and this one is just perfect for not just Christmas but anytime. You can't help but fall in love with the amusing characters of Joyce Magnin's Bright Pond series, and this one is no exception! I rate this one a classical 5 out of 5 Christmas stars! For more information on this book, the author, a first chapter sneak peek and where to purchase a copy of this book, click on the link below:

Blame It On Mistletoe by Joyce Magnin