Friday, November 30, 2018

Christmas At the Red Door Inn



Christmas at the Red Door Inn: A Prince Edward Island Dreams Novella 

Kindle Edition

by Liz Johnson


  • Print Length: 69 pages
  • Publication Date: November 18, 2018
  • ASIN: B07KPNCMN6

One blizzard. Two friends. Three days to fall in love.

Lifelong islander Brooke Kane doesn’t know what to do with her college degree, her dreams, or her future, but she knows better than to venture far from home when there’s a storm brewing. But a promise to check on Rose’s Red Door Inn prompts Brooke to venture out. By the time she arrives at the inn, the snow is knee-deep and visibility almost non-existent. She settles in to spend a few days alone at the inn until a familiar figure appears at the door.

Father Chuck O’Flannigan has never felt like a bigger fool. So focused on his recent decision to leave Prince Edward Island, he’s caught unaware by the blizzard while on a walk. He can only see the inn’s red door, a promise of safety. But when he discovers that Brooke—the only woman who could tempt him to stay on the island—is also taking refuge there, he knows he’s in trouble.

With Christmas only three days away, Brooke is determined that they’ll celebrate—even if it’s just the two of them. Happy to play Scrooge to her Tiny Tim, Chuck wiles away his hours dreaming of a return to Ireland—praying that God may have plans for him there. After all, God seems to have forgotten him in North Rustico. But as Brooke brings Christmas to life, her joy makes him wonder if God may not have forgotten him. In fact, God may have big plans for both of them—if they can only survive Christmas at the Red Door Inn.



My thoughts:  CHRISTMAS AT THE RED DOOR INN was like a surprise Christmas present from one of my favorite contemporary romance novelists, Liz Johnson. Readers get to take a short, three day Christmas Vacation back to Prince Edward Island to visit the Red Door Inn while the owners are on a Christmas vacation of their own to sunny California. 

Brooke is asked to check in on the inn during the holidays to make sure the pipes don't freeze, but she picked a bad day to do so. Or maybe the best day, as a blizzard causes white-out conditions and the local preacher gets caught out in it.

Both have been secretly in love with the other, but now he's resigned the church to go to Ireland. What bad timing! 

I absolutely loved this short, surprise visit, and hope Ms. Johnson plans another for next year. 

I am a verified buyer, no review required. All opinions are my own. 




Thursday, November 29, 2018

My Christmas Story Tree / Christmas Cookie Day



My Christmas Story Tree

by 
ebook, board book
  • Grade Level: Preschool - 2
  • Board book: 20 pages
  • Publisher: Zonderkidz; Brdbk edition 
  • (October 9, 2018)
  • ISBN-13: 978-0310761259
really
My Christmas Story Tree, written by bestselling author Mary Manz Simon and illustrated by Gavin Scott, is a board book that sparkles with glitter and foil and leads little ones through the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree. Follow along to add the angel, ornaments, candy canes, lights, and finally place the star on the top of the tree while learning the story of the very first Christmas.

Come help me make a story tree with decorations bright. We’ll tell what happened long ago on that first Christmas night.
My thoughts: MY CHRISTMAS STORY TREE is a cute story about a boy decorating the tree and why he puts an angel on the tree first, followed by the nativity, candy canes, shiny, glittery ornaments, and a star on top--not to mention the twinkly lights.  
The story is fiction, but a nice alternative to Santa Clause. Ultra-conservatives who don't celebrate Christmas because it has it's roots in pagan practices will of course not want to read this.  However if you want a very light, friendly, not-preachy approach to why we decorate a Christmas tree with angels and stars and candy canes (etc) this is a good book.
Also good for preschools, nurseries, and children's libraries. 
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own 

*******************************************************


Christmas Cookie Day!

by 
Christmas Cookie Day! celebrates the beloved tradition of making Christmas treats and even features a special Christmas cookie recipe for you and your child to create. The bright illustrations by Pauline Siewert and sweet, rhyming text by Tara Knudson are sure to capture the wonder of young readers and parents alike. Perfect for building new memories, this board book has a beautiful, glittery cover.

Excerpt from Christmas Cookie Day!:

Cookie day,

Time to bake,

Aprons on,

Lots to make!

My thoughts: CHRISTMAS COOKIE DAY! is a fun, rhymey book about baking cookies and decorating cookies, and sharing cookies - fun activities I used to do with my kids when they were little. Including delivering cookies to neighbors and friends. 
This includes beautiful illustrations, and a recipe for cut-out-cookies on the back of the book. 
This book is destined to be a favorite with the  younger crowd, especially at Christmas time when cookie making is a must.  
So cute. 
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.




Wednesday, November 28, 2018

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Youth Book Giveaway



Last week, I shared about books from New Growth Press for the youngest members of the family. Maybe your kids have outgrown that stage and are now preteens or teens.

Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!

Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.

This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).



Each gift box includes the following titles for youth: 
Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure series teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference. The latest release is A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World, a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the Rwendigo Tales Series, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil. 
An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!  
The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider's look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God's Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing.  See your youth athletes' faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions. 
Between Us Girls was written for mothers with daughters between the ages of seven and fourteen. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship.

(Between Us Guys for dads and sons will be available in May 2019!)

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season: 
facebook.com/ngpbooks
twitter.com/newgrowthpress
instagram.com/newgrowthpress




Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas 

(Jesus Calling®)

by 
  • Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  • Grade Level: Preschool - 3
  • Series: Jesus Calling®
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
  • (October 2, 2018)
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400210299
Jesus Calling ® : The Story of Christmas  uniquely teaches the Christmas story to your children by starting at creation and sharing that Jesus has always been present and that God has always had a plan for Christmas. Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions are on every spread of this beautifully illustrated book with foil and glitter on the cover.
Teach your children the story of Christmas . . . starting from creation! In Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas, children will discover that God always had a plan for Christmas.

Christ was chosen before the world was made.
—1 Peter 1:20
The Christmas story began long, long ago. Before the angel Gabriel told Mary she would have God's Son. Before the shepherds saw the angels and before the wise men saw the star.
Even before the sun and the moon shone for the first time, before the first cows ever moooed and the first monkeys ever climbed! Before Adam and Even took their first walk in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan for Christmas.
From the beginning of time, God had a plan to save his children. That plan was Jesus!

Curl up with your little ones around the Christmas tree with Jesus Calling®: The Story of Christmas.

My thoughts: JESUS CALLING: The Story of Christmas is the latest in the series, and especially designed for children. This would be a great gift - story - for your favorite preschooler or early elementary student. The illustrations are lovely, and will hold the children's attention.
I really like how Bible verses are quoted in the story. It starts at when the angel appears to Mary and talks about her cousin Elizabeth, and Joseph, and talks about the small family fleeing to Egypt and then their return to Israel and what His ministry was like on earth.
There is also a lovely takeaway and a "letter from Jesus." 
I highly recommend this book for a great addition to your Christmas. 
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.


Monday, November 26, 2018

His Promise: An Amish Christmas in Hart County

His Promise: An Amish Christmas in Hart County 

(Amish of Hart County #6) 

Mass Market Paperback – ebook - hardcover - audio

October 23, 2018

by Shelley Shepard Gray (Author)

  • Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Avon Inspire
  • ISBN-13: 978-0062469199
  • ASIN: 0062469193

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s latest Christmas novel in her Amish of Hart County series.
It’s set to be a white Christmas in Hart County, and Grace King is pet-sitting in a beautiful home with only a difficult dachshund for company. Just as she starts to miss the bustle of her large Amish family, Grace runs into a familiar face. Living right next door is John Michael Miller. He’s a fireman now, but five years ago, he had courted her older sister, then broke her heart. Seeing him again stirs Grace’s anger, but also reminds her of deeper feelings she’s done her best to deny.
The infatuation John Michael once saw in Grace’s eyes is long gone, though his complicated attraction to her remains. He had walked away all those years ago when he realized he was falling in love with the wrong sister. Now, as suspicious fires are set in their community, that’s not an option. Grace dismisses his warnings, and John Michael vows to keep an eye on her. But he can’t help wondering if he’s reconnected with Grace, only to risk losing her again.
Now all John Michael wants for Christmas is to keep Grace safe, in the hopes that they can one day have a future together.

My thoughts:  HIS PROMISE is book six in Ms. Gray's Amish of Hart County series but it easily stands alone. There are some previously mentioned characters, but they are nonintrusive and you don't need to read their story to understand this one. 

Grace is pet-sitting a grumpy dog and at first I think she is  not the brightest crayon in the box. She puts the leash on the dog, carries him outside, unhooks the leash and puts him down and the dog promptly runs away. Well, duh. I guess she learns her lesson though, the dog is walked on the leash from then on. 

The suspense is really low key. There is an arsonist working with a robber and that is keeping the police and fire department busy. Grace sees footprints around the pet owners residence and the door opened, but no one believes her until after Grace invites a lady with beginning dementia to stay with her.

There is a stronger than usual, for Ms. Gray's books, faith message, which is really nice. The romance is, of course, pure and wholesomely sweet. 

Fans of Amish romance, low-grade romantic suspense, and Ms. Gray will love this book.  It will make a great gift for the reader on your Christmas list. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own. 




Sunday, November 25, 2018

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women 

Hardcover, ebook

October 2, 2018


  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Zondervan 
  • ISBN-13: 978-0310762775

Beloved: 365 Devotions for Young Women is a topical devotional that uses the inspiring stories of girls and women in the Bible—such as Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Abigail—to encourage faith and confidence as well as provide insight into topics like relationships, inner beauty, and chasing your dreams.

Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse about a biblical girl or woman, as well as journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives. Perfect for everyday use, Beloved will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, two-color interior pages, and a ribbon marker.
 


My thoughts: BELOVED is a collection of 365 devotions geared toward young women to remind them that they are important in the eyes of God, regardless of culture, history, or circumstances. 

This would be a lovely giftbook for a young lady in your life for either her birthday, Christmas, or a just because I love you gift. I would like this available in KJV for that crowd, but it does have the NIV for verses which is widely accepted.  

The devotional does include the women mentioned above but also includes Dinah, Haggar, and others. There is a verse, the devotion, and lines to write your thoughts, a prayer, or whatever comes to  mind. 

I like this beautifully done devotional - one for each day of the year. Pick up  a copy for your favorite young lady today. 

Available now. 

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.


Saturday, November 24, 2018

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway


Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? (If you don’t, we may need to have a talk!)

Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories.

You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church.

New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based!

From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes.

 
Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press’ new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:
This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.
These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.
God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.
God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at http://www.newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season:

(
facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).









Friday, November 23, 2018

Crossfire

Crossfire: a Montana rescue novella 

ebook, audio book

by Susan May Warren (Author)



  • Print Length: 139 pages
  • Publisher: SDG Publishing 
  • Publication Date: September 12, 2017
  • ASIN: B075LMM94V

The woman he loves is caught in the crossfire of revenge…but he’ll have to face his crimes to save her. 

A Montana Rescue novella by acclaimed, RITA award-winning, USA Today best-selling author Susan May Warren

Seven years have passed since ranch foreman Kade Logan walked away from small town Dawson, Montana and the woman he loved, Haddie Brown. He had his reasons, including a dark secret that made him swear never to return to eastern Montana oil country. Since then, he’s thrown himself into his job as foreman of billionaire rancher Ian Shaw’s spread in western Montana. He’s built a new life far from the mistakes—and broken heart—he left behind.

Trauma nurse Haddie Brown has fought to forget Kade and her broken dreams. Sure, she’s back in Dawson, but not for long—she’s on her way to Minneapolis to start a new chapter of her life.

When family problems bring Kade back to Dawson, his past comes due—and Haddie is caught in the crossfire. Kade must face his mistakes to rescue the woman he loves. And Haddie must trust the man who broke her heart if she hopes save them all.

My thoughts:  How did I miss this book? I love Ms Warren's books and heard a interview with her about her new series and she mentioned this novella between books 3 and 4. I, of course, went and bought it. Of course. 

At first I wasn't sure what to think of Haddie and Kade.  But since Susan May Warren wrote it, I knew I'd like it  - and I did. It was an exciting page turner and I couldn't put it down. I was at the edge of my seat with the desperate search for Nash's wife and child and even more so as the situation went from bad to worse. And then from worse to beyond terrible. And from terrible to ..... well, you have to read the book.   Will they save Nash's wife? Will they save themselves? 

Oh and the faith message, She is my favorite author for that reason alone. So strong, so poignant. So challenging. Grab a copy of your own today. 

I am a verified buyer. No review was required. All opinions are my own.



A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter

  A Vast and Gracious Tide  June 12, 2018 by  Lisa Carter   (Author) A wounded veteran and the police chief's daughter must work togethe...