Thursday, December 11, 2008

Have You Heard This Song?!

Heard a song by Sara Groves on KLOVE this morning that Cracked.Me.Up. And, of course, someone's put it on YouTube with a great video. Fortunately, we're beyond thia stage at our house. But I could totally sing this song about CDs!



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CFBA Tour - Engaging Father Christmas


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Engaging Father Christmas

FaithWords (October 30, 2008)

by

Robin Jones Gunn



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Robin grew up in Orange County, California and has lived in all kinds of interesting places, including Reno and Hawai’i.

She and her husband currently live near Portland, Oregon and have been married for 30 years. They spent their first 22 years of marriage working together in youth ministry, and enjoying life with their son and daughter who are now both grown.

As a frequent speaker at local and international events, one of Robin’s favorite topics is how God is the Relentless Lover and we are His first love. She delights in telling stories of how God uses fiction to change lives.

Robin is the recipient of the Christy Award, the Mt. Hermon Pacesetter Award, the Sherwood E. Wirt Award and is a Gold Medallion Finalist. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Media Associates International and the Board of Directors for Jerry Jenkins’ Christian Writers’ Guild.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Engaging Father Christmas, go HERE



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When the Soul Mends Winners

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
6
11
Timestamp: 2008-12-11 19:08:17 UTC


Congrats to Melody and Puddin and Mary! Email me your addresses, ladies, and I'll send the books your way.

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Winners of 5 Conversations

Congratulations to Becoming Me and Leah! Send me your addresses, ladies, and I'll send the book your way.

And let's all be diligent about having those important conversations with our daughters!

Don't forget that you have until tomorrow (Thursday) at noon to register for this week's giveaway of When the Soul Mends. And Monday will be the Booked for the Holidays finale!

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Blink and You'll Miss It

The age-old saying is if you don't like the weather in Texas, wait 10 minutes and it will change.

Yesterday's high here in the capital city of Texas was 81.


Midnight at the Capitol


Yet another reason to Keep Austin Weird. Unfortunately for the kids, but fortunately for those of us with casts, it lasted about 30 minutes. Some ice on roofs and cars is all that can be seen this morning.

Photo: Austin American-Statesman

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Blog Tour - Another Double Giveaway!

Ooh, I've got another great giveaway for two of you this week! I missed the CFBA tour for this because it was shortly after my mom passed away, and I was so disappointed because I love this book and series. So I was thrilled to have a chance to jump on board the publisher's blog tour and let you know about it.

I discovered Cindy Woodsmall and her Secrets of the Quilt series two years ago when the first book, When the Heart Cries, came out. That was her debut novel, and I was hooked. I remember being frustrated that I would have to wait a whole year for the second book, When the Morning Comes, to appear!

Now the third one is out. When the Soul Mends is a beautiful story. A couple of weeks ago a friend dropped by my house, saw it on my table, and said she doesn't read romances because they are too predictable and not meaty enough. Well, this is far more than a mindless romance. This is the story of fractured families, misunderstandings, guilt, forgiveness, acceptance, and hope, among other themes! And I loved the title. I daresay we all have souls that need mending from some hidden hurts. Maybe they aren't as obvious as Hannah's, but the Source of our healing is the same as hers!

SUMMARY
After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace two years earlier, she finally has found a satisfying role in the Englischer world, as well as love with Martin Palmer, a man with whom she can safely entrust her heart. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her reopens old wounds.

As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancĂ© Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, unexpected truths surface about the events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life—and perhaps to her first love?

This intriguing final novel in the Sisters of the Quilt series is richly textured with authentic details drawn from the author’s real-life connections with Amish Mennonite and Old Order Amish families.

AUTHOR BIO:
Cindy Woodsmall is a best-selling author, who has garnered strong praise for the first two novels in the Sisters of the Quilt series. When the Heart Cries was a finalist for the ECPA Novel of the Year in 2007 and received the Reviewer’s Choice Award from the Road to Romance website. When the Morning Comes was named among the Best Books of 2007 for Crossings Book Club. Cindy lives in Georgia with her husband of thirty years.


The publisher has provided TWO copies for me to give away! So leave a comment on this blog by Thursday (12/11) at noon CST and I'll draw 2 names later that day. (Continental US residents only)

Happy Reading!

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CFBA Tour - Quills and Promises


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Quills And Promises

Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 28, 2008)

by

Amber Miller



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I'm Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30's, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber's very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It's a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.


ABOUT THE BOOK

-- Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison's integrity is questioned. --

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. When a local news reporter questions the major's credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you'd like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.


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Monday, December 8, 2008

Booked for the Holidays - Talking Tips


If you are a mom of a daughter who falls in the age range of birth to 18, or if you are looking for a gift for such a mom, I have a great book for you. My girl and I have both been so impacted by Vicki Courtney's ministry, Virtuous Reality. I'm sure many of you are familiar with her ministry, her blog, and her events. My girl loves her magabooks and the events she's attended. Vicki has made it fun to be modest and pure. I know there are no guarantees for the future, but right now, my girl is not even drawn to inappropriate clothing or music. In fact, she'll usually comment to me when we're out and about and she sees someone showing too much skin!

For me, Vicki's ministry is an encouragement and lets me know that I'm not alone out there in the quest to raise a daughter with godly character. She also provides information on current hot topics which have helped me be a more alert and aware parent. (Recently my girl encountered a situation and I was able to use information Vicki had shared on her blog for a teachable moment.) And her latest book is a must-have resource for us moms. It is excellent.

Be prepared to have your eyes opened as you read 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter. Vicki has done her homework and the book has many statistics regarding the culture our girls are facing. Yet it's not a dull listing of numbers and percentages or a doomsday prediction of dire warnings. And unless you live under a rock, your girl will not avoid being exposed to the "stuff that's out there." But just as we protect our children physically from diseases by immunizing them, this book provides information on how we can innoculate our daughters with the serum of God's truth so that they can recognize the lies the world feeds them.

The 5 conversations, which have several chapters devoted to each of them, are:
1. You are more than the sum of your parts
2. Sex is great . . . and worth the wait
3. It’s OK to dream about marriage and motherhood
4. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up
5. Girls gone wild are a dime a dozen—dare to be different
And the book also gives guidelines on how to have these conversations according to your daughter's stage of development: ages 5 and under, 6-11, and 12 and up.
5 conversations in 5 weeks with Vicki Courtney
add to your blog

And here's more exciting news! Beginning January 5, Vicki will be hosting a 5 week online book club! You can find out more information here at the 5 Conversations blog. Grab the button and share the news on your own blog, and prepare to join the "gigantic mothers-of-daughters' support group" as we encourage each other along this road.

ABOUT VICKI: Vicki is the founder of Virtuous Reality Ministries, which reaches over 150,000 girls and moms each year. She is the best-selling author of some wonderful books, including the 2006 and 2008 ECPA Christian Book Award winners. She loves being a mom and has recently experienced the second of her three children (and her only girl) heading off to college. She is somewhat addicted to Starbucks Grande Vanilla Lattes and also loves Diet Dr. Pepper! Vicki has two beloved Yorkies that make occasional appearances on her blog and in her writings.

I have the privilege of knowing Vicki personally as we go to the same church and her husband teaches the Sunday morning Bible Study class I attend. They are great folks! And no, she didn’t ask me to promote her book on my blog. But I know how much her ministry has meant to me and my girl, and I want to share it with you!

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

I have TWO copies of this book that I would like to give away. Furthermore, Vicki has signed these copies specifically for this giveaway! Just leave a comment on this post by Wednesday (12/10) at noon CST, and I will draw two names. (Continental US residents only.) And don't forget to increase your chances by linking to this giveaway in a post this week and/or posting my button!

Happy Reading & Talking!


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Saturday, December 6, 2008

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - A Timeless Christmas Hymn

After studying the Old Testament a year or two ago and following the Israelites from their very beginnings when God called Abram to a new land, to their bondage in Egypt, wandering through the desert, to the Promised Land, into exile and back, through their many trials and triumphs, times of disobedience and failure as well as times of faith and victory, and then grasping what 400 years of silence must have been like after hearing God's voice & His word through His prophets, Christmas took on such a fresh new meaning for me.

I began to get just a small taste of how desperately they longed for their promised Messiah's arrival. We've never known what it was like to live in the days before Christ's birth. To wait. And watch. And long. It gives fresh meaning to the beautiful promise found in the prophecy from Isaiah:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
I have come to love an ancient Christmas song from the 12th century. And as we sing it to commemorate and celebrate the Messiah's birth 2000 years ago, many of the words are also relevant to today as we long for Christ's return. I especially love the last verse.

My girl loves the music of Barlow Girl, and these sisters have a beautiful arrangement of this wonderful hymn on their brand-new CD, Home for Christmas.



O COME O COME EMMANUEL

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Latin Text (12th Century)
Translated in 19th century

Find more songs to bless your weekend at Amy's!


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Friday, December 5, 2008

Another Chance to Win Plain Perfect!!

Hey, bloggy friends & book lovers! My new author BFF and fellow high school alum Beth Wiseman posted some exciting news on her blog, and to celebrate she's giving away an autographed copy of Plain Perfect! Go leave a comment here for a chance to win!





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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Blog Tour - Dark Pursuit


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

Dark Pursuit

Zondervan (December 1, 2008)

by

Brandilyn Collins




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®. She is currently working on her 20th book. For chances to win free copies of her work, join her Fan Club on Facebook. Here’s what Brandilyn has to say about why she wrote Dark Pursuit:

In John Milton’s Paradise Lost Satan’s followers, kicked out of heaven, boast about storming the gates and reclaiming their territory. Beelzebub scoffs at their boasting as merely “hatching vain empires” and suggests a different revengeful scheme: seduce mankind away from God. So Satan visits the Garden of Eden to teach humans the very thing he and his cohorts have learned to be futile—the dark pursuit of hatching their own vain empires instead of following God. He presented man with this “gift” of death, disguised as life. And man fell for it.

Upon this theme of man’s fall and spiritual blindness, I created the characters and events in Dark Pursuit. The story clips along at a fast pace, with much symbolism running underneath.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Dark Pursuit—A twisting story of murder, betrayal, and eternal choices

Novelist Darell Brooke lived for his title as King of Suspense—until an auto accident left him unable to concentrate. Two years later, reclusive and bitter, he wants one thing: to plot a new novel and regain his reputation.

Kaitlan Sering, his twenty-two-year-old granddaughter, once lived for drugs. After she stole from Darell, he cut her off. Now she’s rebuilding her life. But in Kaitlan’s town two women have been murdered, and she’s about to discover a third. She’s even more shocked to realize the culprit—her boyfriend, Craig, the police chief’s son.

Desperate, Kaitlan flees to her estranged grandfather. For over forty years, Darell Brooke has lived suspense. Surely he’ll devise a plan to trap the cunning Craig.

But can Darell’s muddled mind do it? And—if he tries—with what motivation? For Kaitlan’s plight may be the stunning answer to the elusive plot he seeks...

Read the first chapter of Dark Pursuit, HERE.

MY COMMENTS:
I am a big scaredy-cat when it comes to the thriller genre of books. Growing up I loved mysteries, and I still do somewhat, but it has to be fairly unrealistic. . . .or at least unlikely to happen to me! But this is the second Brandilyn Collins book I have read, and I have been gripped by both of them. And I was definitely gripping the book as tightly as I could! Her motto is "Don't forget to b r e a t h e. . . ." and that is absolutely accurate. This was a captivating tale of suspense and intrigue. And the ending? I'd tell you, but then, I'd have to you-know-what!

Happy Heartstopping Reading!

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Winners of Stephen Baldwin's Book

Here are your random numbers:
5
2
4
Timestamp: 2008-12-04 18:18:06 UTC


Congrats to Melody, Sara, & lmerie! Email me your addresses ladies, and I'll send them to the publisher who will mail you your books!

Thanks to everyone for your great comments and for participating!

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A New Experience

This should be interesting. I have my annual doctor's appointment today.

Yes, that one.

Now I am probably one of the few women who actually doesn't hate this appointment as a general rule. Since I'm a nurse, I get the whole "it's just clinical to the doctor" aspect, and since this doctor delivered both my kids and performed major surgery on me, there's really not much that could embarrass me. Plus he's a great doctor and really nice and I always enjoy seeing him.

And I know we need to discuss some things, especially the condition of my bones. I suspect he will send me immediately for a bone density test - as in "do not pass Go, do not collect $200." And I'm good with that. Because the other thing about being a nurse is that the imagination can run rampant. Sometimes you just know too much. A few of you who read my blog and are also nurses may relate and understand how my mind has already run the gamut from mere osteoporosis to bone cancer!

But what really has me a little nervous about my visit?

Those lovely and oh-so-dainty "foot rests."

With my cast.

And no, I will not be taking my camera. None of you need any help smirking at that visual!


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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Plain Perfect Winner


And the winner is. . . . . . Gayle! Congrats! Please email me your address and indicate if you want the book autographed to you or to someone else for a gift.

Next week I'll be giving away two of the featured books!

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Ditto What She Said

This year I have discovered an author I really enjoy. Nancy Moser has written a number of books, among them are Just Jane, Washington's Lady, John 3:16, and one I just read over the holidays, Solemnly Swear.

I just read her December column in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. It's honest (a few bah-humbugs!) and real and full of thankfulness and joy for the reason we celebrate. Click here to read it and let me know what you think!

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Review Revisited - with Giveaways!

A couple of weeks ago I reviewed Stephen Baldwin's new novel The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips. This is a compelling, can't-put-it-down book about a tough police officer's obsession with a case. . .and with the father of the boy who died, whose response and beliefs completely flummox and puzzle Officer Andy Meyers. Convinced that the father's "peace" really stems from a lack of guilt over murdering his son, Officer Myers will stop at nothing to prove that guilt. Stark, raw emotional pain radiates as Myers tries to assuage his own lack of peace and guilt over his choices in life.

The book received mixed reviews within the Christian community because of the strong language utilized within the story. You can read my comments regarding the language and the ministry focus of Stephen Baldwin, as well as see a video clip of his testimony, here on my original post.

I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to give away THREE copies of this book on my blog. I encourage you to read it, think about it, and then share it with someone who isn't likely to be reached through conventional "come to Bible Study" methods. To enter, please leave a comment on this post by Thursday (12/4) at noon CST, and I will draw 3 names.



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Book Tour - One Perfect Day


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

One Perfect Day

FaithWords (October 22, 2008)

by

Lauraine Snelling


ABOUT THE BOOK
Two mothers end up more closely connected that they could dream...and yet they are strangers to one another.

The first has two children--twins, a boy and girl, who are seniors in high school. She wants their last Christmas as a family living in the same home to be perfect, but her husband is delayed returning from a business trip abroad. And then there's an accident--a fatal one involving a drunk driver.

Meanwhile, the other mother has a daughter who needs a new heart, and so the loss of one woman becomes the miracle the other has desperately prayed for. While one mother grieves, and pulls away from her family, the other finds that even miracles aren't always easy to receive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of One Perfect Day, go HERE


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Today, Lauraine Snelling is a member of the more than Two Million Books In Print club, but when she first began, she was a mother of three teenagers with a simple dream to write “horse books for kids.”

All told, she has over 50 books published. She thinks. She’s not sure. She’d rather write them than count them. Lauraine’s work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish and German as well as produced as books on tape.

Awards have followed her dedication to “telling a good story”: the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

Helping others reach their writing dream is the reason Lauraine teaches at writer’s conferences across the country. She mentors others through book doctoring and with her humorous and playful Writing Great Fiction tape set. Lauraine also produces material on query letters and other aspects of the writing process.

Her readers clamor for more books more often and Lauraine would like to comply, if only her ever-growing flower gardens didn’t call quite so loudly over the soothing rush of the water fountains in her back yard and if the hummingbirds weren’t quite so entertaining. Lauraine and husband, Wayne, have two grown sons and a cockatiel named Bidley, who loves to tease their Basset Hound named Chewy.


MY COMMENTS:
This was such a good book. I breathed a tiny sigh of relief once I got past the I-know-something-awful-is-going-to-happen-and-I-wish-it-would-hurry-up-so-I-can-quit-dreading-it part! But it was a heartrending book to read as a mom. Lauraine Snelling takes you back and forth between the two families, grieving with one and rejoicing with the other. It was indeed a beautiful story of the gift of hope and the new lease on life that organ donation can provide. And having an 18-year-old niece who underwent a liver transplant at the age of 7 months, I am thankful for those who make this difficult decision in the midst of such heartbreaking sorrow. I'm also grateful that the author did not leave the family in their sorrow, however, but portrayed them walking through the dark days of grief- each member of the family in his or her own way - and finally beginning to find healing. My only mild frustration with the book was that it seemed to end a tad abruptly, as if the author had reached her maximum word limit and had to quickly bring both families to their concluding resolutions. But that is just a minor detail and does not attract from the overall appeal of the book. I recommend this book, and I recommend keeping a tissue box nearby!

Happy Reading!


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Monday, December 1, 2008

Giving Thanks

http://southbreezefarm.blogspot.com/2008/10/thankful-month.html


It was great to be a part of the Giving Thanks Challenge this year. To wrap it up, I wanted to put all of my answers in one post so I'd have them to remember in days to come. Of course, this doesn't even scratch the surface of the many blessings for which I am grateful!

1. Blogging
2. My church family
3. My faithful husband
4. Migraine medicines
5. God's Sovereignty
6. Grace
7. Sunshine
8. Music
9. Bar-B-Q
10. Automatic transmission
11. Friends
12. Disability Parking
13. Good books
14. Fridays!
15. A snug house on a windy night
16. Fellowship & Laughter
17. Our bodies' intricacies
18. Motorized grocery scooter-carts
19. Sweet tea
20. "Chance" encounters
21. New Tires
22. Memories
23. Harmony
24. Hope
25. Answered prayer
26. Safe travel
27. My in-laws
28. Internet connection
29. Times of rest
30. Dr. Pepper



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Booked for the Holidays - A Plain Perfect Day!



I've been so excited and eager to feature this book for a giveaway, but I've made myself wait until after Thanksgiving because I knew I was going to get to meet the author while I was in Houston over the long weekend. And what a delightful experience that was!

Some of you may remember a few weeks back that I posted about being surprised to discover the name of my high school in the book Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman. I emailed Beth to ask if she had a connection to that high school or if it had just been a random choice, only to discover that Beth had indeed graduated from that same high school - the year after I did!

So when I saw that she had a book signing at the Lifeway near my in-laws' house the day after Thanksgiving, I knew that was the one and only store that I would hobble to on Black Friday!

What fun we had! I got there a little before the official book-signing started so we could have a few minutes to chat. And the "small world-ness" got even weirder when I asked her which neighborhood she had lived in "way back when". Yep. Same one as me, one street apart.

And here we are, lo so many years later! (Please note that my purple sweater matches my purple cast!)


If you missed my original comments about the book, you can read them here. It's a great book, and I enjoyed it even before knowing my connection with the author. (And it has already spent some time on both the CBA and CBD Bestseller Lists!) One of the things I especially loved about how Beth portrayed Lillian was this: In her struggle and quest for peace, she kept trying to "do" the Amish lifestyle without understanding the inner change that must come first. How easy it is for all of us to focus on the externals of our Christian walk and not take care of the internal heart issue from which those externals flow. (And believe me, as a "recovering Pharisee," as I call myself, I am a pro at that!)

Beth's second novel in this Daughters of the Promise series, Plain Pursuit, is due out in April, and she is finishing up the third one, Plain Promise, right now.

Take a peek at her website and her blog and enjoy learning more about this new author!

Now for the giveaway: Beth wouldn't even let me buy a book at the book-signing; she wants to send the book directly to the winner so she can sign it personally to you! How sweet is that?! So leave a comment on this post by Wednesday (12/3) at noon CST, and I'll draw a winner. (Continental US residents only) Remember, those who have the button in their sidebar or post about the giveaway this week get extra chances to win!

And be sure to come back tomorrow for a bonus giveaway I've been given the opportunity to do this week!

Hope your week and your reading are just Plain Perfect!

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Then Sings My Soul - A Christmas Reminder

It's the most wonderful time of the year. And for us moms, it can also be the most hectic, stressful, frantic, aggravating, busy, and grumpy time if we aren't careful.

I don't know about you but I can find myself getting so focused on the end result that I forget to enjoy the process. Tasks and to-do lists can consume me until I forget to just soak in the wonder and beauty of the season.

One sweet tradition that we started when the kids were younger is sitting by the Christmas tree in a darkened room with only the lights of the tree illuminated as we sing Christmas carols. Even that simple tradition is getting harder to keep as the kids have become teenagers with evening activities, homework, and other demands on their time.

What a great reminder this beautiful song by Avalon is: Don't Save It All For Christmas Day. The beginning of the song is something I want to remember throughout this next month. . . .and in the months to come.

Don't get so busy that you miss
Giving just a little kiss
To the ones you love
Don't even wait a little while
To give them a little smile
A little is enough. . . .

Take a few moments to listen to this song and commit with me not to save it all for Christmas Day!


Find more songs to bless your weekend at Amy's!


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