Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce

Amy Gallagher is approaching 30 years of age – the time of life when she expected to have a decent start on a chosen career, a spouse, and possibly children. Amy has none of those things. She's an aspiring author who works as an adjunct professor. Her writing has hit a slump and the publishers' rejection letters are steadily increasing. Adding insult to injury, her roommate, Zoe, has managed to have some publishing success. When Eli, boyfriend of one of Zoe's prior roommates, moves in temporarily, things become even more complicated for Amy. Eli is attractive, but definitely unavailable. When tragedy occurs, Amy must examine her life, her dreams, and her faith.

Amy Inspired is more fiction than romance, but still fun to read. I appreciated the engaging and witty tone that the author gave to the narrator. The characters were wonderfully unique and authentic. What stood out to me most about this book was the honest perspective it gave on writing. Some writers (like Zoe) have a flow of creativity and can write constantly. Other writers (like Amy) take longer because they need some sort of inspiration. As someone who loves to read, but only writes when inspired, I could identify with the characters' experiences and passions.

I should warn that there is some ambiguity regarding the moral message of this book. Supposedly, it is targeted for the Christian market. While various characters express their perspectives on situations, there doesn't appear to be a particular message that the author is trying to convey. Only the author knows whether this is intentional or not. Perhaps it is intended to make the reader think? Or perhaps it is simply that the author doesn't want to offend anyone. As someone who comes from a conservative viewpoint, I was still able to enjoy the book and I will keep it for my permanent library.

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

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater

Emily Rose Denny grew up searching for her parents' approval. As a college graduate attempting to build her resume, she recognizes that she's still seeking to measure up to her parents' standards. Success, no matter the cost, is her goal. She's not ruthless, just very determined. She takes joy in her temporary job in Callahan Crossing as she works to set up the town's new museum. She also enjoys the people of the city, especially one handsome cowboy, Chance Callahan, maybe a little too much. Chance appreciates spending time with Emily too. In fact, within a few times of meeting her, he knows he's going to marry her. Unfortunately for him, Emily plans to leave for the big city in a few months and really isn't interested in having a pointless relationship. Will Chance be able to convince Emily to stay? Will Emily learn that true contentment is found in love rather than in a misplaced obsession with success?

Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater is a sweet love story. There are a lot of feel good moments in this book. However, the story didn't captivate me. I think it would have benefited the story if the main characters had not been quite so perfect and if there had been more tension. If you like romance novels with predictable and fairly perfect characters, you will probably like this book. However, I recommend renting it from the library before buying.

12 Pearls of Christmas: An Unforgettable Gift

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

An Unforgettable Gift

by Karen O'Connor

On Christmas morning, 1912, in Paducah, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Charlie Flowers and his three brothers and two sisters huddled in their beds, fully dressed, trying to keep warm as the wind howled outside their small frame house.

       

It was a desperate time for the family. Earlier that year the children's father had died. And their mother had not found work. The coal had run out and there was little money––none for gifts. Their scrawny tree with decorations made from scraps of colored paper had been given to them the night before by a local merchant.

"Can't sell this one," the man said with a nod of his head before handing it over to the eager children.

   

To pass the time, the siblings joked and shouted stories from their bedrooms across the hallway from one another. Then suddenly a racket from the alley at the rear of the house broke into their games.

       

"Charlie," his mother called, "would you see what's going on out there?"

      

Charlie pulled on his shoes, grabbed a thick overcoat from the hook by the door, and ran out back.

There stood a man in a wagon bent over a load of coal, shoveling it into the shed as fast as he could.

       

"Hey Mister, we didn't order any coal," Charlie shouted. "You're delivering it to the wrong house."

       

"Your name's Flowers, isn't it?" the man asked, still shoveling. 

       

Charlie nodded yes.

      

"Well then, there's no mistake.  I've been asked to deliver this to your family on Christmas morning." He looked the awe-struck boy square in the eye. "And I'm under strict orders not to tell who sent it," he teased.

       

Charlie ran into the house, his coattail flapping in the cold morning wind.  He could hardly wait to tell his mother and brothers and sisters. God had provided––just as he had on that first Christmas morning so long ago when He sent his only son to a needy world.

       

Charlie Flowers died in 1994 at age 96. And right up to the last year of his life, not a Christmas went by that he didn't tell the story of that sub-zero Christmas morning of his boyhood when two men gave his family an unforgettable gift.

       

It wasn't the coal that was remembered or cherished, Charlie often said––welcome as it was––but rather what two men brought to his desperate family. One, for his gift of recognizing their great need and taking the time to do something about it. And the other, for being willing to give up part of his own Christmas morning to deliver it.

       

That gift of so long ago has continued to warm the Flowers family from one generation to another, as Charlie's son––my husband, Charles––calls to mind these two unknown men each Christmas morning and whispers a prayer of thanks.

 ~~~

About Karen: Karen O'Connor is an award-winning author and writing mentor living in Watsonville, California with her husband, Charles Flowers. Karen’s latest book is 365 Reasons Why Gettin’ Old Ain’t So Bad (Harvest House 2010).

For more information, please visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Possession by Rene Gutteridge

Vance and Lindy Graegan are ready for a new start. Raising a child, living with terror induced by a past sniper case, and working as a detective has taken a toll on Vance. Lindy has always dreamed of her own deli and the prospect of a new life lures them to California. Entrusting all their possessions to furniture movers in a bright, yellow truck, Lindy and their son, Connor, start out for California with Vance planning to follow quickly. When they expect the furniture and possessions to be delivered, they instead receive a bill for eight thousand dollars. The bill increases daily as do the stakes. The mover has discovered Vance's most-guarded secret and is holding it for ransom. Vance has many secrets from his time on the force, but this secret threatens to shatter his reputation, devastate his family, and hurt numerous others. In the midst of the turmoil, Connor clings to a faith that can move mountains. Vance and Lindy find their son's faith embarrassing, but when their lives are endangered, they realize that faith is the only thing that can save them.

Possession by Rene Gutteridge is filled with mystery and suspense. The content of the prologue keeps the reader slightly confused until the end when everything is exposed. Kudos to the author for creating unique situations and keeping things unpredictable. I also appreciated the way the author approached the topic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Gutteridge did not ignore the effects that traumatic events can have on people and made everything seem believable. This book was almost addictive. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen! I also enjoyed the Q&A with the author at the end of the book.

To read the first chapter of Possession, Click Here.

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

12 Pearls of Christmas: Just Give Me Christmas This Year

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

All I Want for Christmas…

Is to be able to have Christmas this Year

by Melissa Mashburn

This is a simple request, isn’t it? In the previous years, we had great big bountiful Christmases with our family. Gifts, goodies and general Christmas cheer but this year it was different. The year before has been chock full of disappointments, failing businesses and severe cutbacks for our family. 

Sitting with my husband one night we hammered out the bare minimum that we could spend that year for Christmas and even still the total was four hundred dollars. It does not sound like a whole lot compared to what we’ve spent on Christmas before, but this year it could have been four thousand dollars because we just did not have it.

We prayed, I cried, we prayed some more and decided that we would cut back anything else that we could that year so we could have Christmas for our kids. We did not know how we would make this happen, but we knew that we needed to step forward in faith that it would happen.

Answer this question: Does the God who lavishly provides you with his own presence, his Holy Spirit, working things in your lives you could never do for yourselves, does he do these things because of your strenuous moral striving or because you trust him to do them in you? Don't these things happen among you just as they happened with Abraham? He believed God, and that act of belief was turned into a life that was right with God. Galatians 3:5 the Message

Not even two days later, we hear a knock on our front door. We open the door to see some friends of ours from church. With tears in their eyes, they handed us an envelope and said that the felt they needed to give us this. We opened the envelope and inside there was four hundred dollars cash.

Shocked, stunned and with tears flowing down our face we just sat there in a state of crying and laughing at what God had done. We never shared with anyone that year what we needed, how bad it was, what was going on or what that number was for us to have Christmas for the kids, but God knew.

“And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”  2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

He took a willing servant, led them to our front door and changed Christmas for us that year. After many years of being in full time ministry we knew that God would provide, but when He shows up just at the right moment, you know that it was all a part of His plan to show how much He loves, provides and cares for His people.

Father God, thank you that after all the years of serving and loving you in ministry that you continue to teach, guide, love, shepherd and care for us.  You, Father, are abundantly gracious and kind, thank you for showing up for us at just the right moment every time, forgive us when we forget that.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 ~~~

About Melissa: Melissa is the founder of the blog Mel’s World Ministry, co-founder of the Praise and Coffee Nights Ministry with Sue Cramer, Kids Ministry Director at her church.  Just last year she launched a new weekly series called Godly Gals ~ Real Women, Real Life, Real Faith where we meet new women each week who are “Taking their everyday, ordinary lives and placing it as their offering to God.” Romans 12:1 the Message. You can find her on twitter and at her blog. She loves encouraging women to live with an authentic faith by being transparent, renewed and transformed. ~ Romans 12:2.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

12 Pearls of Christmas: What's the best thing about Christmas?

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

What’s the best thing about Christmas?
by Maureen Lang

The answer to that question will undoubtedly be different depending on the age and the faith of the person being asked. Most children will say it’s all about the gifts. Adults, even if they secretly still enjoy the gifts, will probably strive to sound more mature and say the holiday is all about friends and family. Still others might say it’s about tradition, or memories or the music or even the special food we connect to this time of year. The scrooges among us might say this season is just another marketing gimmick, or materialism gone awry. The faithful will say it’s all about Jesus, a reminder of why He shed the glory of Heaven to step into human skin and frailty.

I’m not here to defend or attack any answer to this question, but rather to ponder those possible answers.

Gifts: They touch us in personal ways, as tangible evidence of someone else’s thought and affection. Even if we don’t get exactly what we hoped, there’s something to be said about the thought behind a gift being the important part. Why wouldn’t gifts be an important and valid part of this holiday in which we celebrate God’s gift of salvation?

Holiday Gatherings: Parties might be a lot of work, forcing some out of their comfort zone, but at the core they’re all about human connection. Isn’t that what most people want?

Traditions and memories: They remind us of the past, of who we are, with the hope that even as we look forward to an unknown future we still hold some things worthy enough to repeat every year. We might find ourselves letting go of some traditions, or we might want to start some new ones.

The music: This is the only time of the year when even secular radio stations welcome songs about a baby born in Bethlehem. As a nation we may be getting stringent about separation of church as state, but the lines blur just a bit with old favorites that reflect this season.

Scrooges: The holiday season is probably a time to endure rather than enjoy, but even the scroogiest-scrooge might admit the lights of the season are pretty to behold. They’re free to look at, after all.

As for the food, the busyness, the expense and all the other things that make up this season: keep in mind that it’s all temporary. This, too, shall pass. Until next year, of course.

I’ll leave you with this thought: we are all made in God’s image, whether we believe that or not. Part of that image is the ability to give—and to receive. So here’s my thought for the day: stop a moment and dwell on all the gifts of the season. From the little mementos that say we haven’t forgotten someone or been forgotten by others, to the costliest gift of all: what God did for us in the form of Christ. As you enjoy the sounds, the sights, the scents and the tastes of this season, may your only trouble be in choosing just one thing among so many best things about Christmas.

 ~~~

About Maureen: Maureen Lang is the author of ten books, her most recent from Tyndale House is The Great War Series which are full of romance, adventure and spiritual journeys. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, two sons and their lovable Labrador Retriever.

For more information please visit Maureen at her website, http://www.maureenlang.com/.

 

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com/) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit http://www.pearlgirls.info/

A New Contest - Enjoy!

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Clouds Roll Away by giving away a KINDLE prize pack worth over $150.00!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com

To enter simply click on one of the icons below! Then tell your friends! Winner will be announced January 3, 2011 on Sibella's blog: http://sibellagiorello.blogspot.com/. 

About The Clouds Roll Away - "Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello's mystery also features well-developed characters..."
—Booklist, starred review  Find out more here!

12 Pearls of Christmas: Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas! Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Hurting Near Christmas? 10 Tips to Hope Again
by Stacie Ruth Stoelting

Feel sad this Christmas? Hey, I know the feeling. In fact, many programs have interviewed me to share about it! Last year, I tried particularly hard to share stories and tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays: I wrote a feature for CBN.com, Coping with Grief at Christmas, visited and counseled grieving people, etc.

Then irony hit: Near Christmas, two people I loved died within two days (December 15-16, 2009).

Are you or a loved one hurting during the holidays? I relate. But let me encourage you: Jesus remains faithful! As real as my pain, He met my needs and comforted me with peace unexplainable. I’m serious. He’s real.

Before I continue with tips, let me share this: If you feel suicidal, contact an emergency counseling service like the New Life Call Center at 1-800-NEW-LIFE(639-5433).

10 Tips for Hurting Hearts to Hope and Cope at Christmastime

1.    Realize and internalize it: God still loves you and wants to hear from you. He wants you to know that there is a Way out of your pit of despair. The Way is Jesus.

2.    Sometimes, our suffering causes us to forget His. Understand He understands you. He suffered more than any of us when we bore the weight of every sin and pain on the cross! In fact, Is. 53:3 describes Jesus: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Think of it: He took your punishment and pain on the cross. He was your capital punishment Substitute! And your Deliverer -your Rescuer- wants to hear from you. His heart hurts with yours. Will you pour your heart out to Him now? He’ll pour His love in where the fear previously resided. Let Jesus inside.

3.    Rather than mere gifts, make a Christmas prayer list of other hurting people. Then pray for them and request prayer for yourself, too. Contact your church. Tap into ministries (including CBN.com) that offer extra prayer support. And feel free to join my prayer e-group at www.PrayingPals.org.

4.    End the Christmas comparison game. Don't compare your Christmas to your neighbor's. Don't compare your Christmas to past celebrations.

5.    Center on the Savior! This year, trade a superficial Christmas for a real one. Deepen your appreciation for the true Christmas: the arrival of Jesus Christ to banish the effects of sin and death!

6.    Whatever your loss or pain, open up and let God be your Gain. Maybe your pain comes from another cause: a divorce, a devastating diagnosis, a job loss...the list extends. God offers to be your Counselor, your Father, your Healer, your Provider. Let Him answer your heart’s cry.

7.    Love on people. Even if you don’t “feel” like it, prayerfully do something for someone else who is hurting.

8.    Remember: Feelings change. God doesn't. Loved ones' deaths never kill His love for you. God's immeasurable, unconditional love still flows to you! When you know Jesus, you know eternal love and security. Nothing separates you from His love! “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV).

9.    Realize the reality of the sudden reunion. Holidays exacerbate the feeling of long separation from our loved ones in Heaven. Does it feel like it will take forever for you to see your loved one in Heaven? Be encouraged: Jesus IS coming again and it will be a time you don't expect! So the fact that you feel like it won't happen soon is a good thing!  Once reunited, it will feel like no time transpired. All sadness will be entirely removed!

10.    When Jesus comes back to earth, it will be a celebration greater than any previous Christmas you've ever experienced!

For believers, losses hurt but never win. We will celebrate Jesus together -and it will be glorious "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" (I John 5:4, NIV). In that Day, all believers will be able to jubilantly say, “Merry Christmas to all and to all the true Light!”

Additional Help: Ready for some practical tips for coping with grief at Christmastime? Here’s one: Rearrange furniture to reduce absence reminders. To read this tip and others found in another of my CBN.com’s articles: “Coping with Grief at Christmas", visit www.CBN.com.

Going thru a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.PrayingPals.org.

 ~~~

About Stacie: Stacie Ruth knows pain, but she also knows Jesus! After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose. Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself.  Discover why she's written a book at age 15, sung/spoken for the 43rd President, been pictured in major media (i.e. The New York Times, USA Today), and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. To watch video clips, worship Jesus with music from her album, or get in touch with her ministry for women, visit www.brightlightministries.com.

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Book Lists

Here's a link for the New York Time's Top 100 Books:  Click here.

I'm actually surprised to say I haven't read any of them.

My Top Five Reads in 2010.

I'm sure there are lists like this all over the place right now, but I'd like to recommend the top five books I read this year.  As you will notice, two of these were not published in 2010, but I did read them all this year. 

#5: No More Christian Nice Girl by Paul Coughlin and Jennifer Degler.  Read my review here.

#4: Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck. Read my review here.

#3: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Read my review here..

#2: Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar. Read my review here.

#1: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Read my review here.

12 Pearls of Christmas: Wrapped In His Love

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas!

Enjoy these Christmas "Pearls of Wisdom"! Please follow along through Christmas day as each post shares heartfelt stories of how God has touched a life during this most wonderful time of the year. AND BEST OF ALL ... there's also a giveaway!!!! Fill out the quick form at the link located at the bottom of this post to be entered to win a PEARL NECKLACE, BRACELET AND EARRINGS!  Pearls - a tangible reminder of God's grace to us all.

~~~

Wrapped in His Love
by Rebecca Ondov

The temperature is below zero and dropping quickly—probably to -15 or lower. Old Man Winter gusted in a couple days ago, leaving cold temperatures and a foot of snow behind. Moments ago I bundled up in my long johns and Carhartts to go out and feed. Of course I had a warm horse blanket draped over my arm. When it’s below zero I wrap Czar in two horse blankets.

Czar nickered as soon as he saw me coming. When I buckled up the blankets, it was as if I was wrapping him in my love. He buried his head in my chest. I snuggled him and stroked his long red winter hair. I pulled a couple icicles out of his black mane as my mind drifted through memories.  I’d bought Czar when he was a month old; it was love at first sight.  After he was weaned from his mother, I brought him home.

Czar leaned into me, almost as if he was hugging me. I patted his neck, “That was thirty years ago, Czar. Can you believe it?”  Czar had been my main saddle horse when I worked in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana. I’d ridden him over 20,000 miles. Together we’d faced grizzly bears, mudslides, forest fires, and even fallen off a cliff. He’d saved my life more than once. With my finger, I traced a couple gray hairs that dotted his forehead. “You’ve earned your blankets, buddy.”

The icy breeze nipped at my cheeks and I thought how much his blankets resemble God’s love for us. God was there when we were born—and He loved us at first sight. He’s faithfully been with us through every step of our lives—through every joy and sorrow. He’s cried with us and laughed with us. He cheered when we’ve overcome. Most of all, when I’ve gone through tough times, it’s been God’s love which wrapped itself around me like a shield and pulled me through.

I glanced around me. The snowflakes glistened in the sun. His love surrounded me: the wind whispering in the pines, the chickadee that serenaded me this morning, the gurgling creek that flowed through the pasture. And His greatest love is manifested in the prize of His creation –you and me, the ones created in His image.

This Christmas season, I’m praying that you feel the God of the universe—the one who hung the stars in place—wrapping His loving arms around you and holding you tight (two horse blankets worth). And I pray that all of us experience the love He’s given us in Jesus.

 ~~~

About Rebecca: Rebecca Ondov is the author of Horse Tales from Heaven: Reflections along the Trail with God and Horse Tales from Heaven: Gift Edition. She was a contributing author in several books including Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace. She lives in Western Montana with her family, horses, mules, barn cat, and golden retriever. By day she works for Fox Lumber, brokering lumber throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. By night she forges ahead with her mission, writing stories which equip Christians to lead extraordinary lives. Join her on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn by going to her Website: www.RebeccaOndov.com 

~~~

A three strand pearl necklace will be given away on New Year's Day. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is {FILL OUT THIS QUICK ENTRY FORM}. The winner will be announced on the Pearl Girls Blog (http://margaretmcsweeney.blogspot.com) on New Years Day!

12 Pearls of Christmas Series and contest sponsored by Pearl Girls®. For more information, please visit www.pearlgirls.info

Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck

Joy Ballard didn't grow up dreaming of being on television or cooking for a living. To fulfill her father's dying wish, Joy took over his televised cooking show. The only problem is that she can't cook. Through careful editing and the help of co-workers, Joy has successfully hosted the popular cooking show for several years. However, her nemesis, Wenda Devine, knows Joy's secret and is determined to bring her down. When Luke Redmond enters the picture, Joy thinks she may have found her way out of the deception. Luke is her handsome, new co-host and best of all, he can cook! If he took over all the cooking, she could just do the hosting. Unfortunately, Joy's secret is outed on national television before she can put her plan into place. With her career in shambles and Luke gone, Joy slowly realizes that her tragedy has the potential to be a blessing.

I loved Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck. The book was filled with humor and romance, but also a spiritual lesson about trusting God and finding one's worth in Him. Joy's character was authentic, savvy, and well-written. She was a mixture of mischief, delight, and charm. The author's use of unique situations, various characters, and humor made the book irresistible. In fact, I read it in under three days. I really have nothing negative to say about this book and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inspirational, romantic read.

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

Excellent Quote

"Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear."

~Corrie ten Boom

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul

 Christmas is a time for joy, giving gifts, celebrating Christ's birth, and spending time with family. Cora Crowder is all for celebrating Christ's birth, but her Christmas cheer is lacking. She considers the fact that her dysfunctional family lives states away to be a mixed blessing; yet, at times she would enjoy companionship. A last minute trip to the book store turns out to be an interesting interaction with her distant co-worker and a strange experience with the store's unique owner. When she discovers a ticket to the mysterious Wizard's Ball inside her purchase, she is intrigued, but not interested in attending. She happily gives her ticket to her co-worker, Simon Derrick, who plans to take his younger sister. Through a chain of events, Cora ends up spending time with Simon and his sister, Sandy. The more time they spend together, the more that Cora sees her misconception of Simon. Will Simon and Sandy bring the Cora the Christmas joy she's been looking for or will everything be ruined by the sudden appearance of Cora's sister?

Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul mixes Christianity, magic, and a little bit of fairy tale story-telling. I'm not a big fan of the magic/fantasy genre, but this book had an interesting combination that worked well. While not believable, it was amusing. If I could change one thing about this novella, it would be the book mix-up. Somehow Cora's purchase gets magically mixed up with Simon's purchase. I really expected this to come up later in the story and be significant, but it never did.

Overall, the book is a cute little read for someone looking for a holiday romance.

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

To read the first chapter of this book, Click Here!

Heart of the Lonely Exile by BJ Hoff

Evan Whittaker did not anticipate that one trip to Ireland would change his life forever. An unexpected immigration to America with Nora Kavanagh and her son certainly was not on his list of expectations. As he and Nora each struggle to find their places in this new land, Evan finds himself drawn to Nora. However, the handsome Irish policeman, Michael Burke, intends to keep his promise to Morgan Fitzgerald to marry Nora. Nora's childhood friendship with Michael is strong and her young love for Morgan Fitzgerald still abides deep in her heart. Meanwhile, the growing affection she feels for Evan is unexpected, but not unwelcome. The conflict in her heart escalates with the news of tragedy in Ireland. Nora must let go of the past to reach her future, but is she willing to?

I enjoyed reading Heart of the Lonely Exile. Many of the characters from the previous book returned and Annie Delaney was a delightful new addition to the cast of characters. I found the tone of this book to be lighter than the first even though it still deals with multiple tragedies. There is so much more to the plot of this book than I can cover here, but the the twists, turns, and characters create a poignant read. This book is a keeper that I will definitely read again!

Heart of the Lonely Exile is the second book in the Emerald Ballad Series by BJ Hoff. This book could certainly stand alone, but I recommend reading, Song of the Silent Harp, the first book in the series prior to reading this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans is a story of one man's unfailing love. Although Beth Cardall's world rapidly disintegrates, an unexpected visitor brings hope to the darkness surrounding her. Beth meets Matthew at a 7-11 in a chance encounter. She's sure she's never met him before, but he seems to know so much about her. He keeps showing up and insisting on spending time with her; yet, Beth is reluctant to open her heart to him. Her daughter is plagued by an unknown sickness, she's grieving her late husband and his infidelity, and her financial problems seem to be mounting. Does she really need any more complications in her life? What she finds is that she does need Matthew – more than she could have imagined.

From the beginning of Promise Me, there is a delightful suspense due to a few carefully placed tidbits of information. As the story continues, the pieces of the puzzle begin to fit into place. However, until the final, powerful twist, the reader is kept guessing about what some of those opening statements mean. Personally, I found the suspense delightful. It cultivated interest in the story and kept me turning the pages. I also liked the character of Matthew. I wouldn't consider him a stereotype, but he definitely falls into the “ideal man” category – handsome, understanding, faithful, loving, etc. 
 
Another great read from Richard Paul Evans.