Monday, December 31, 2012

"Happy New Year! 2013 GIVEAWAY HOP!" Jan 1st to Jan 7th!


Thank you to our Sponsors, I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Babs Book Bistro! Thank you!

Happy New Year to EVERYONE AROUND THE WORLD! Many of you already have experienced the coming of the New Year, as I talked with some women from India, which is SO NEAT about Twitter! I just LOVE it!

To enter this giveaway, please click on this LINK: http://www.lauriehere.com/p/giveaways.html OR on the GIVEAWAYS TAB up above!

Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate you ALL, and wish you a GREAT NEW YEAR!
Laurie

"Hadassah: One Night with the King" by Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen


Goodreads Synopsis:
Bestselling author Tommy Tenney expands the extraordinary story of Esther like no novelist has done before. Both a thriller and a Jewish woman's memoir, Hadassah takes readers to ancient Persia (now known as Iran), into the inner sanctum of the palace and back out into the war zones of battle and political intrigue. This gripping drama of a simple peasant girl chosen over many more qualified candidates to become Esther, Queen of Persia, captures the imagination and fires the emotions of men and women alike.

My Take:
5 Stars!

This was a wonderful retelling of the story of Esther from the Bible, one I finally could really understand. This fictional book was not cheapened, not changed, not altered in any way, but included additional of the details so that we can understand them in today's terms. I felt this book was written very well, and the story truly is very amazing and I could really related to Esther, finally!
I enjoyed this story immensely, as I often enjoy reading fictional Bible stories. They are brought to life for me much better this way, written into a (fictional yet accurate) novel, than when reading them from the Bible. In the Bible, you are not going to get the everyday details like cooking dinner, preparing for a festival, going to market everyday, etc., etc. From the Bible, it's pretty cut and dry, and yes, I hate to say this, but boring!
I guess a better way to explain it, for myself, is like watching a play of the Bible scene acted out. I just truly enjoy it, and I understand it much better. There are props, people are speaking in today's terms, etc. I really do wish there were more books written like this, but with the addition of Independent Authors, I have noticed more have being written, which I will be reading.
I had talked to an author once who had written a fictional Bible story, and she had about 50/50 acceptance, yet the book was a best seller. She explained some people were appalled that a person would take a story from the Bible and turn it into a work of fiction. (Defaming the Bible stories.) What people don't understand is are the facts remain the same, it's just the details of everyday life from that time are added, as we know them, as I explained above, which are much more relatable to today's times.
Esther is not Jewish, but her Uncle has plans for her, right down to changing her name at a young age to a Jewish name. He feels she will be the type of woman (Jewish or not) who can change things for all people in the future in a fair way, if she is chosen as queen, or at least he can only help but to hope she will be the one chosen as the queen for the king. The huge thing is they must NOT allow anyone to know she is not Jewish. (It sure seems that Jewish and Christian people ALL throughout history at different times have had to hide their religion, or so it sure seems like. It is either hide it, join it, or be killed. I am truly grateful to be alive at this point in time!)
This book is written is such detail. It's the little things that make all the difference in the retelling of this story. Things such as dishes, pots and pans, the laundry. It was really neat to read about these minor details and how they were done back then. You could really put yourself into this era.
The really neat part, I thought, was the grooming and preparation of Esther to meet with the King. This part is not gone into detail in the Bible, yet it did happen.
Once Esther does meet the king, it truly IS love that binds them together.
After the King passes, Esther is able to run the country in favor for the Jews and the regular people as well, while not favoring either, yet being 'a fair queen', all the while, still no one knows she is not Jewish, nor does it matter.
This truly is an amazing story, which I don't think we can truly understand all of it from the Bible story.
This was a book I had chosen to read on my own.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Under the Mistletoe - A Lucky Harbor 6.5 - A Short Story by Jill Shalvis - REVIEW


Goodreads Synopsis:
JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.


My Take:
3 Stars
This is a very short story, and the character development just was not there for me in this novella. It can be hard for an author to develop characters in a short story, or it can be easy. This short story, as a stand-alone, to me felt rushed, with a lot in it that could have been an entire novel, which I feel if it had been done as a complete novel, would have had great potential as a stand-alone book! It would have been great, but this is why I believe the development was definitely lacking as it was done in such a short amount of time. Too much, but too little, in a short story.  
I really wanted to enjoy a Christmas story, but I believe for the people who have read and love this series of books, this book would be a nice little extra Christmas addition for them, but not for those like myself who have not read this series. Believe me when I say this story was short as it ended somewhere around 45 to 50%, as the rest were ads for her other books, yet I had the Advanced Reader Copy, which could have been different from the published version.
There is a sex scene in this book, and I started to feel a little association with Mia and her excitement when she presents Nick with a plane ticket to go to Lucky Harbor with her, but when he turns her down. (Again, I don't know the story behind Nick), this is where the story loses my interest, even though Nick does unexpectedly comes to Lucky Harbor. After that, I could no longer develop a liking either way for the characters. 
Again, for the Lucky Harbor readers, this may be a treat for you, but for me who has not read the series, as a stand-alone story, this was not the ticket for me. I felt let down for what I was expecting, which was a nice, complete  Christmas story that would be fulfilling. 
I did receive this book for FREE from Hachette Book Group through NetGalley in exchange to read and then write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012


Faith - 4 Week Mini Bible Study

In this four week mini Bible Study you will examine your faith and what it means to have faith in God. He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20 Our faith begins with what we know and believe about God. Our faith will carry us how far we are willing to let it take us. Faith is a choice and we need to begin by choosing to believe in Jesus and His power to move mountains, heal the sick, and save us from all our sins through His sacrifice on the cross. When we believe in God we then learn to walk in faith and trust God. But first we must believe, and it's up to us, we can either choose to believe in Him or not. But faith will mean nothing until we believe with all our heart that God is who He says He is.


Praise for Faith

Don't have time to read a long book on faith? This study will give you simple tools to understand faith and help you to develop a closer relationship with God. ~Lorilyn Roberts


This is a great book that allows you to start looking deeper into faith. I love the fact that there is a lot of scripture reference so one can look into the Bible and further study the word. ~Shraon


This study was a wonderful lift to my faith. I encourage others to take this short journey to an increased faith. ~Shirley Strait


Purchase


Author Heather Bixler



Heather is a Christian Stay at home homeschooling mom of three, married to a firefighter, and a writer. She is founder of www.CSAHM.com among other websites for Christian mothers, and women. Heather is passionate about sharing God's word in a practical and loving way.






BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/3/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

"MERRY CHRISTMAS"!
To ALL the Readers of my Blog!
I wish you many happy times with your family and friends throughout this holiday season! Remember your cameras to keep these special times saved forever! God Bless You All!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

"Fall Into Reading 2012" Wrap-Up Post!


The "Fall Into Reading, 2012" started on September 22nd, and ran through December 21st, 2012 this year. This has been sponsored by Callapidder Days! Thank you!

Today, I am to doing this (and watching Jeff Dunham's Christmas Special, so please don't mind the laughing as I do this! (He's the Ventriloquist! Isn't he GREAT!):

Write a post about your challenge experience in December, telling us all about whether you reached your goals and how Fall Into Reading went for you. But remember: this is a low-pressure challenge that should be fun.

So this is what I am doing! Next you will find the list I originally posted, and what and where I am today! Again, this started on September 22nd to December 21st, 2012, which is Fall. Now that the Fall is over, and Winter has settled in, it is time to do this wrap-up post and see how we did! I 'have' come back and edited the original post as I have read some of the books, added new ones, and more. Here is a copy of the original list with edits. 

The next set of MORE Christmas books I have read, except the last 2! (I made a stop at NetGalley, and WOW! A LOT more! I could NOT resist! Hey, you know! For one, I joined a "2012 Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge" (YES! ANOTHER CHALLENGE!! LOLOL!!! IF you take the to go to my blog, you'll see I HAVE ADMITTED "I AM A READING CHALLENGE ADDICT!" I admit this truly and whole-heartedly! LOL!) This one is hosted by The True Book Addict and also by her at her Christmas Blgo! You can go there here: Christmas Spirit True Book Addict! This one runs from Nov 19th to Jan 6th, which is truly "Little Christmas" or, the "12th Day of Christmas!" If you don't believe me, then go here for the explanation: http://bit.ly/ZtWOz3 
I really got into reading Christmas books, and enjoying others' celebrations, as my own life's celebrations are ever changing, and this was a GREAT way of dealing with all of my personal challenges/changes. Although, it still hurts to not have what we once had, as each Chapter of our lives change, and as many of you who are older and have experienced more life than others truly know this all too well. Good and bad. I should rephrase that: enjoyable and the not-so-enjoyable. How's that?! I have read a LOT of Christmas books! 
Here are the other Christmas books I have read (and I'll pick up with #5):

5.  *DONE!!*  An Amish Gift by Cynthia Keller (also qualifies for an Amish book, so it will be listed again down below under Amish)
6.  *DONE!!*  A Christmas Homecoming (Christmas Holiday Extravaganza) by Marianne DioRio
7.  *DONE!!*  A Christmas Feral by Mary Matthews
8.  *DONE!!*  Under the Mistletoe by Jill Shavis
9.  *DONE!!*  No Mistletoe Required by Jeanette Murray
10. *DONE!!* The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
11. *DONE!!* The Christmas Star by Ace Collins
12. *DONE!!* Debt-Proof Your Christmas - Celebrating the Holidays Without Breaking the Bank - by Mary Hunt (THIS, was a GREAT BOOK! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!)

Wow! I have read a LOT of Christmas books on my Kindle! Can you believe, (yes, you can!), I have MORE! Oh, yeah! We'll just see how many I CAN get read! Watch my blog!

Amish Reading:
5.    *DONE!!* The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

7.    The Struggle (A Kentucky Brothers) Wanda E Brumstetter
8.    The Mercy by Beverly Lewis
9.    *DONE!!*  Life with Lilly by Mary Anne Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
10.  The Haven, (A Stoney Ridge Seasons) by Suzanne Woods Fisher 
11.  Material Witness by Vanessa Chapman
12.  A Home for Lydia by Vanetta Chapman - I needed to buy this one, BUT, I also got it from NetGalley! LOL! So I have 2 copies! I look at it this way - I'm helping to INCREASE the Authors' salaries! LOL! 

(I am in an Amish Challenge, and I think this will take care of ALL my Amish books I am supposed to read! I think that Challenge has 15 Amish Books to read for it. I alwahs LOVE to read about the Amish! I have some books by some of my favorite authors, too! However, Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors, too, and I saw she has an Amish Christmas books, too. I should grab that book while I can!
Thanks for reading this LONG list! Here are the rest:

Other:

14.  *DONE!!*  Deception in Paradise by Deborah Brown -  I'm not ready to write the review YET, so I have NOT marked it as READ yet on Goodreads.
15.  *DONE!!*  The Color of Tea by Hanah Tunnicliffe
16.  South by Southeast by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due
17.  *DONE!!*  The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Renee Anderson
22.  *DONE!!*  Sister Wives by Cody Brown and his Wives (The Fundamentalist Mormon Polygamist family that I've watch on TV - a Reality TV show - on TLC - The Learning Channel (or is this becoming "The Looney Channel"? LOLOl!!!) and although I struggle to understand it, I did buy this book because I am curious as to HOW the wives can 'share' a husband? Not to mention, they have 17 children, and with the purchase of the book, it would help to buy their book and to help in that way.
NOW THERE'S ANOTHER POLYGAMY SHOW ON TLC, TOO! I can't remember the name, but . . . what is this? Everyone move on over to Polygamy? Okay, so that's MEN with MORE than '1' wife - What about WOMEN WITH MORE THAN '1' HUSBAND? COME ON!!! Okay - Hubby said something! Here it is: MALEGAMY!!!!! GREAT ONE!!!!! I LOVE MY HUSBAND!!!!! No! I REFUSE TO SHARE HIM!!!!! LOLOLOL!!!!!!!
But really? What is this? Any WOMEN AGREE WITH ME??? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IF YOU DO!!! In a way, I feel like us women are 

I LOVE some of the other shows on that station, too, such as 19 Kids and Counting, and others. Others, I dislike very much. 
Whatever happened to United Bates of America, AND The Little Couple? Where did these shows go?? And my MOST favorite, Little People, Big World WAS back! I guess it will be back every now and then. 
Every family on this earth has struggles, but these people embrace life, and the ones with disabilities (I have one, so perhaps that is what attracts me to some of the shows?) really make a wonderful life with what they have been given! Oh! Plus the NEW show, Abby and Britney - the conjoined twins! LOVE it!  It's super neat to watch how they work together!

EDIT - As of November 22nd, 2012 - These are additional books I have read due to Book Tours, or books I've received from authors, or even from NetGalley and other sources which I have obtained over the course of this Challenge that I had to read, in addition too these that are listed above. I was not planning on reading these, but am VERY grateful I did have the opportunity to! I'll have to come back with ALL my books and post the review links to ALL of the books! So these books ARE READ! *DONE!!*

1.  *DONE!*  Courting Cate by Tricia Goyer
2.  *DONE!*  A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman
3.  *DONE!*  Song for Papa Crow by Marit Menzin
4.  *DONE!*  After the Snow Falls by Carey Jane Clark
5.  *DONE!*  Midnight Cravings - Book One of The Eternal Dead Series by Joelle Sterling - I WAS "NOT" HAPPY WITH RECEIVING THIS BOOK FROM THE PUBLISER! This book is WAY OUT of the genres I read! The Publisher did NOT make clear what this book was about, just that is was Young Adult, and in MY OPINION, EROTICA IS "NOT" Young Adult! I was VERY upset, to say the least!
6.  *DONE!*  Don't Let Me Go by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Author of Pay It Forward)

As of December 20th, I got this one from the Publisher
The Thieves of Legend by Richard Doetsch - From the Publisher - Atria Books - Honestly, I will NOT get to this book until AFTER the 1st of the year.

CURRENTLY READING!
Oh, this next book is SOOO funny! It's a HOOT for those who 'might be' middle age! LOL!
1.  "I'm Too Young to Be This Old by Poppy Smith (Patricia Smith)
2.  The Unwords by The Unauthor (This is some pretty heavy poetry that you have to think about. I'm taking several days at a time to think about what this author has to say. Check this book out. I'm serious about this. He is a SUPER NICE GUY to talk to, and has some SUPER GREAT things to say in his poetry. I don't want to just blow through this book, but take my time and really let what he says sink in.
3.  The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini  - This is SO neat! A group of 'Campers', but FAR from the word, 
4.  Accidentally Amish by Olivia Newport
  

TO READ "OR" FOR ANOTHER CHALLENGE!
1.  Naomi's Quilt by Amy Clipston
2.  Christmas in Apple Ridge by Cindy Woodsmall
3.  Longing by Karen Kingsbury

4.  Suzy's Case by Andy Siegel
5.  1222 by Anne Holt



TOTAL BOOKS READ FOR THIS CHALLENGE - "20"! Woo-hoo!
CURRENTLY READING - 4

Books NOT read for this Challenge - 5

What does this mean?
I need another Challenge!!!
Katrina??? Up for it??? LOL! Spring, right? 




Saturday, December 22, 2012

The NYT Top 15 Best sellers for the week ending December 22nd, 2012

Welcome! To this week's edition of The New York Times Top 15 Best Sellers for the week ending December 22nd, 2012! First, I want to wish you all a
"Merry Christmas!"
There are a few things I would like to address before I start with the list. Thank you for allowing me to take a moment of your time before I get to the books!

I would like to first introduce a NEW RELEASE,  by one of my favorite authors, then I will get to the Top 15 Best Sellers! This book is by @ColleenHoover! Her new book, "Hopeless"! Isn't the cover GORGEOUS! Wow! Congratulations, Colleen!


Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
Ebook ONLY at this time: $3.99



Goodreads Synopsis:
541 Reviews
ALL 5-Stars Reviews!
Wow! She has done it AGAIN!
Genre: New Adult

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.


According to Amazon, this book IS suggested for ages 18+ due to some of the content of the book.

A GREAT article to read on this NEW Genre: http://nyti.ms/Vd4VvN

Fiction: Combined Print and Ebook
(The LINKS to these books are the PRINT books, but if you scroll down a little, you will see the link to the ebook and can click on that if you are interested in purchasing the book.)

1. Gone Girl: A Novel by Gillian Flynn
Print Book: $13.93
Ebook: $12.99

 


2.The Racketeer by John Grisham
Print Book: $15.84
Ebook:       $12.99




3.. Two Graves by Douglas Preston
Print Book: $14.38
Ebook:       $  0.00 - Double check this price! It might ONLY be for the first few chapters? Or, it might be entirely free? I'm not sure.



4.The Forgotten by David Baldacci
Print Book: $15.65
Ebook:       $11.04

 



5. Fifty Shades of Grey: Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

6.Threat Vector by Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney
Print Book: $15.98
Ebook:       $12.99

 

7. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson
Print Book: $16.35
Ebook:       $11.04

 

8. Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich
Print Book: $15.04
Ebook:      $12.99

 

9. The Black Box (A Harry Bosch Novel) by Michael Connelly
Print Book: $15.55
Ebook:       $12.74

 

10. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Print Book: $9.57
Ebook:       $8.40

 

11. The Last Man: A Novel by Vince Flynn
Print Book: $15.99
Ebook:       $11.99

 

12. The Edge of Never by J A Redmerski
Print Book: $14.90
Ebook:       $  3.99

 

13. Fifty Shades Freed: Book Three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

14.Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E L James
Print Book: $9.00
Ebook:       $9.99

 

15.The Twelve Tribes of Hattie (Oprah's Book Club 2.0) by Ayana Mathis
Print Book: $14.82
Ebook:       $12..99

 

For those of you who waited, THANK YOU! I tried to get this up by 10:00pm tonight, but Amazon took FOREVER! WOW! Today was the LAST day with some type of shipping, so . . . the server was over-something! Nothing would load! It would get hung-up, and more! I did NOT give up! I waited it out, just for YOU! LOL! I figured it would load eventually! It did! So HERE WE HAVE IT!
Merry Christmas to you and yours! ENJOY your visitors OR visiting, whatever it is you do! Hey, how about the very few people who sneak out of EVERYTHING! They don't have to go anywhere, don't have to have anyone over! Wow! He, he!!! That's all I'll say!
Hey - my husband has the WEEK OFF! A WEEK! I don't know WHAT I'm going to do with him! NO! He has NOT taken his vacation days! It's use them OR LOSE THEM! They 'made him' USE them! He, he!
He's the type of guy who HAS to have something to do! He will NOT sit around! He is going to be pacing the floors in this house by Christmas day, and I'm going to have a worn carpet!! I'm NOT kidding! He loves to work! Yes!
Have you ever watched that TV show, "Pawn Stars"? The Old Man says he'll NEVER retire? That's my husband!
I know! I should be happy he LOVES to work, but . . . it's times like this when I don't know WHAT I'm going to do with him! And no, visiting family is OUT of the question! LOL!
So I'll see you next weekend! (Maybe???? LOL!!!) IF I'm still sane! H E L P ME!!! SOS!!!
Love you all!
Laurie

"An Amish Gift" by Cynthia Keller - REVIEW


Goodreads Synopsis:

From the author of An Amish Christmas and A Plain & Fancy Christmas comes a heartwarming novel of marriage and family, new beginnings and poignant homecomings—just in time for the holidays.
 
After her husband, Shep, loses his latest job, Jennie Davis is grateful to be in a car en route to beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Shep has inherited a house from a distant cousin, along with the cousin’s long-established bicycle shop. The move gives Jennie, Shep, and their two children a welcome chance for a fresh start.
 
While Shep dives into his new venture at the bike shop, Jennie carefully restores their broken-down house. She loves being a stay-at-home mom but yearns to find some fulfillment outside of her family—particularly as they struggle financially. On morning walks, she forges a friendship with her Amish neighbor, Mattie Fisher, who opens up about her modest way of life. Mattie’s unswerving good character in the face of adversity encourages Jennie to seek practical solutions to her own difficulties. A passing remark by Jennie’s son transforms desperation about their finances into inspiration, leading her to embark upon a candy-making enterprise.
 
Soon, Jennie’s newfound purpose collides with Shep’s growing stress at work and long-simmering tensions between husband and wife rise to the surface. As the holiday season approaches, their family is challenged as never before—until an unexpected visitor arrives to give Jennie the greatest gift of all.


My Take:
3 Stars

Jennie, her husband Shep, and her two children are in the car, on their way to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to live in a house they have just inherited from a distant relative, Lucky thing, too, as their own house was headed towards foreclosure. 
Her husband, Shep, had just been fired from his former job just prior to inheriting this home, and also inheriting a NEW job, too. A bicycle store from this same relative. 
Shep is against his wife, Jennie, working because he wants her to stay home and raise the children, (and this is repeated several times through the story which was a little irritating to me), and this really bothered Jennie. Sure, it's nice to be home with the children, but when it is clearly evident that a second income is needed to help the family out, Shep is still against it.
When the family arrives at the house, it is not what they expect. In fact, it is in much worse condition than they could ever have imagined, and being in such financial straights, they could not even afford to paint the inside rooms of the house. Jennie makes due with what they have and tries to make the house as comfortable as she can.
At Shep's new job, he ends up coming home from work and turning to drinking beer. 
Another thing is Shep does not want Jennie to see inside the bicycle shop, and this bothers her. She feels as if he is hiding something.
Jennie takes their dog on a daily walk. During this time, she meets her friendly Amish neighbor. Sometimes they even get to talking. This Amish woman is not stand-off'ish like some Amish people can be towards the English. Jennie is quite happy with this. This Amish woman really impresses her because of all the children she has and all of the cooking as well.
Through the story, these two women and their families become closer and closer, and form a close friendship. and each family helps each other out in many ways. Jennie even starts to make candy - peanut brittle, the first of her candies she makes to sell at a local Farmer's Market. She does this as a way to earn extra money for her family, and becomes very good at it and successful. Her candy business is growing by leaps and bounds, all the way to having someone in the family being able to build a website to sell the candy on the internet.
Shep eventually starts to come around, especially as he learns how much of a success his wife has made her candy business into a success. Jennie ends up getting the entire family to go to the bicycle shop and they work at getting  the bicycle shop up and looking a lot better, even painting it.
Jennie does learn a lot about the amish, and that less is more, and she tries to incorporate this into her own family life. 
This story was enjoyable, but it felt too rushed, almost like something was missing from it. Perhaps it was too rushed given the time span it covered, about a year and a half, or two Christmas' worth, and so much happened in such a short amount of time. This is a nice, feel-good type of book.
Everything in this story worked out so well, despite some of the family's problems. All the problems turned out to have a happy ending. Maybe if this book did had the chance to go a little deeper into the story line, it would have lived up more of what I expected it to. Not all stories have every part of it turn out to have such a happy ending to all of their problems like this one did, too.
Another part of the difficulty I had with this story and why it felt so rushed to me, as I've already said, was all of this was fit into 256 pages, and that was not enough to get very deep or more into the details of the story. We did get to learn how she felt at times, her deep concerns about money and making ends meet and the difficulty about her marriage, and trying to make life simpler for her family, yet at the same time it became more difficult with her new business. Making their life trying to be simpler, for me, didn't work. This author just added Amish characters who live the simple life. This is where I believe the story didn't work for me.
I never made friends with Jennie. She was only a character in a book. All of the characters in this book were just that. Characters. I never made a bond with them. All I did was read about them. 
This book is a take it or leave it for me. 
I received this book for FREE from Random House Publishing through NetGalley in exchange to read and then write a review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading it. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



An Amish Gift: A Novel by Cynthia Keller

Print Book: $10.88
Ebook:        $  9.99

 



Praise for Cynthia Keller’s heartwarming Amish novels 
 
An Amish Christmas 
 
“This little book is a holiday charmer young and old will find appealing.”—Fredericksburg Free Lance–Star
 
“[A] sweet, poignant story.”—USA Today


An Amish Christmas: A Novel by Cynthia Keller

Hardcover or Paperback not available thru Amazon unless you go through other sellers
This is a LINK to the Ebook: $9.99 - Click on the photo of the book!



 
A Plain and Fancy Christmas
 
“[This novel] does what a good holiday tale should; it invites readers to turn off the cellphone and television and wrap themselves up in a warm, compelling story.”—Lincoln Journal Star
 
“A wonderful read for the Christmas season.”—FaithfulNews


A Plain & Fancy Christmas: A Novel by Cynthia Keller

Print Book: $11.31
Ebook:       $  9.99



Friday, December 21, 2012

Day 9 of the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Also, enter to win a pearl necklace! Today is author Tricia Goyer! Enjoy!

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!


Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.


(There are a total of "12 Posts" for the 12 Pearls of Christmas! If you would like to read ALL of the posts, there are 2 ways to do this.
1. Click the HOME button and scroll down. You will come across some posts.
2. To read "ALL" the Posts, look in the LEFT side-column under Archives. Click on December. Go down the list looking for the 12 Pearls of Christmas Posts. Some of them start off with that wording, and then some of them may start off with the Day 1, or Day 2, etc. Keep looking and you will find ALL of them!
3.  Remember, there are '12' posts in total. This post happens to be #8, so as of today, we have '8' posts - yet there could also be future posts, too! Future posts  would be posts above this, such as Day 9, Day 10, etc. It may take a little looking around, but you WILL find them! Enjoy them all! We have WONDERFUL AUTHORS who have written some WONDERFUL Posts you will enjoy VERY much!! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these as I have posted them! I have some favorites that will stay with me forever! If you come across some you would like to share, feel free to do so!
4. ***URGENT*** Most of all, make SURE you ENTER for a chance to win that STRAND OF PEARLS!
5.  Next year, (hopefully Margaret McSweeney will do this again?!) if you want to come back and read these Posts again, click on 2012. ALL of the Months of the Year will pop up. Remember ALL these Posts are in the month of December, and in December ONLY! (Also, next year I will do the Posts differently. I will use '1' LINK and '1' LINK ONLY! I will have a button on the side, and instead of linking it to Margaret McSweeney's blog, I will link it to MY POSTS. Her blog is in every post already, so you can access it from each post already. I think it will be MUCH easier to do it that way than the way I did it this year. If YOU have any suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section! Thanks!

Enjoy! Good Luck, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to ALL my Readers and ALL of these Authors, too! Thank you, to ALL the Authors who have written these Posts! These have been wonderful stories to read, to reflect on, and to enjoy! GREAT job done by all! THANK "YOU" for adding to our wonderful season!
Remember: Jesus is the reason for the Season!
Laurie)


We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.


If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.


***
The ADVENTure Awaits You!

By Charissa Steyn


God loves keeping us in a place of joyful expectation for what is next. He has mastered the art of surprise. Much to my dismay, God rarely ever lays out steps 1-2-3 for me to see. Maybe you’re like me and you’re a planner. You need time to prepare yourself for what is coming, the unknown grips you with fear, and it’s hard for you to simply enjoy a surprise.


It’s difficult to understand why God doesn’t like to reveal more of His mysterious ways, but I have a feeling it has something to do with faith. I am quite sure that if I knew everything that God had planned ahead of time my response would be, “No way God!”


But maybe we need to be a little more like Mary when it comes to faith. The angel reassured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you…” (Luke 1:30)


Did you get that? You have nothing to fear _________ (fill in the blank with your name) God has a surprise for you!


God invited Mary into the ultimate season of joyful expectation. He took her on the most miraculous adventure of birthing His son!


Instead of hesitation, Mary stepped forward, “Yes . . . let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38)


Instead of cowering in fear, Mary celebrated in faith, “I'm bursting with God-news; I'm dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened—I'm the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten. . . .” {Luke 1:46-48)


As the Christmas season is upon us, I can’t help but wonder what surprises God has wrapped up for us under His tree of life? What gifts does He want to reveal to us this year?


Like Mary, let’s face the unknown, the mystery, the surprises of God with a quiet, yet confident YES!


God wants to show you the impossible can become possible, the supernatural can become natural. We don’t need special qualifications, just joyful expectation.


May you accept the invitation of Jesus in this truly ADVENTurous season and embrace all the marvelous, mysterious surprises He has for you along the way!


***
Charissa Steyn is a God-adventurer. She believes everyday holds exciting undertakings that usually involve risk, but always draw us closer to the Father’s heart. Originally from Seattle, she now lives in Cape Town with her South African hubby, Michal and their son David. Together they are doing their best to lead a simple, yet dangerous life of love. Learn more about Charissa at her blog.

Day 8 of the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Also, ENTER TO WIN A PEARL NECKLACE! Author Cara Putnam!

Welcome to the12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!


(There are a total of "12 Posts" for the 12 Pearls of Christmas! If you would like to read ALL of the posts, there are 2 ways to do this.
1. Click the HOME button and scroll down. You will come across some posts.
2. To read "ALL" the Posts, look in the LEFT side-column under Archives. Click on December. Go down the list looking for the 12 Pearls of Christmas Posts. Some of them start off with that wording, and then some of them may start off with the Day 1, or Day 2, etc. Keep looking and you will find ALL of them!
3.  Remember, there are '12' posts in total. This post happens to be #8, so as of today, we have '8' posts - yet there could also be future posts, too! Future posts  would be posts above this, such as Day 9, Day 10, etc. It may take a little looking around, but you WILL find them! Enjoy them all! We have WONDERFUL AUTHORS who have written some WONDERFUL Posts you will enjoy VERY much!! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these as I have posted them! I have some favorites that will stay with me forever! If you come across some you would like to share, feel free to do so!
4. ***URGENT*** Most of all, make SURE you ENTER for a chance to win that STRAND OF PEARLS!
5.  Next year, (hopefully Margaret McSweeney will do this again?!) if you want to come back and read these Posts again, click on 2012. ALL of the Months of the Year will pop up. Remember ALL these Posts are in the month of December, and in December ONLY! (Also, next year I will do the Posts differently. I will use '1' LINK and '1' LINK ONLY! I will have a button on the side, and instead of linking it to Margaret McSweeney's blog, I will link it to MY POSTS. Her blog is in every post already, so you can access it from each post already. I think it will be MUCH easier to do it that way than the way I did it this year. If YOU have any suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments section! Thanks!

Enjoy! Good Luck, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year to ALL my Readers and ALL of these Authors, too! Thank you, to ALL the Authors who have written these Posts! These have been wonderful stories to read, to reflect on, and to enjoy! GREAT job done by all! THANK "YOU" for adding to our wonderful season!
Remember: Jesus is the reason for the Season!
Laurie)


Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.


We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.


If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

***
Quieted in His Presence

By Cara Putman


It's the week after Thanksgiving. We're racing toward Christmas. Even with Thanksgiving occurring a week early, it feels like a race. When did we decide this organized (or not so organized) chaos was restful, relaxing, conducive to a joyful season?


When did the joy of gifting something to one we love become replaced by the pressure to find the perfect gift? When did the amount of the gift matter more than spirit it is gifted in? At times like these I need a reason to remember that God can calm my heart when I feel like I'm spilling in a bazillion different directions.


Grab a mug of tea or cup of coffee. I'll share my peppermint mocha creamer. It's low-sugar. And let's sit together and soak in this truth.


The Lord is with us. With us. Emmanual. The God with us. Savor that. He's with us. Not watching us. With us.


He is mighty to save. He doesn't barely save. He is mightily prepared to save.


He will take great delight in you. Think about a child. Yours or someone else's. Think about the joy that child brings to his parents. That is a pale shadow of the depth of delight God takes in you. Humbled? Thrilled? I am!


He quiets us with His love. He will, if we'll let Him. It is His will to quiet us with love. Like a child who is content and secure in the knowledge of her parents' love. That's how He wants us to rest. To be quiet. In His presence. At His feet.


He will rejoice over us with singing. Think of your favorite artist, group, chorus. Think of how their voices resonate and harmonize. Remember how you are swept away by the beauty of a voice raised in song. Then imagine God singing a special song over you. Then consider that it's a song of rejoicing. Just because you are. A song to you.


Now that you've quieted in His presence, are you ready to go back to preparations. Ready to focus on Him? To find Him in the midst of the Christmas chaos? Because He is the baby in the manager. He is the reason we celebrate. And He's celebrating you!


***
Cara Putman is an author of fourteen novels and one nonfiction work—plus all the characters and stories still begging to be told. Look for more in the future. She is also a licensed attorney, contract lecturer at a Big Ten University, adjunct faculty at a community college, and active in her church and community. She lives with her family in Indiana.