CHRISTMAS AT ANGELS LANDING by Jennifer Griffith

CHRISTMAS AT ANGELS LANDING by Jennifer Griffith. This was my favorite book in the Sugarplum Series so far. I loved the bidding wars between Sam and Tabitha. I loved how the rare book was found and the meaning behind it. I loved the twist at the end. There was just so much to love about this book. It will be a Christmas season reread for sure. Or if I need a little Christmas in July, it'll be read then too.

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A vintage Christmas novel lost. A romance found.

Personal shopper Tabitha must find a rare vintage Christmas novel for a wealthy client who demands secrecy. Sigh-worthy bookstore owner, Sam, could be key to her success.


An auction unearths a book with deep meaning for Sam, but Tabitha is desperate for it, too. Suddenly, they’re rivals—with incredible chemistry.


Things heat up even more when a matchmaking mayor pairs them at the town’s Hot Cocoa Festival.


Will their rivalry over the book pull them together or drive them apart in this holiday romance?


Christmas at Angels Landing is a bookstore romance in the tradition of Hollywood movies Notting Hill and You’ve Got Mail.


Read book 3 in the Sugarplum Falls Romance series by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith for an escape as sweet as hot cocoa by a cozy fireplace.

CHRISTMAS AT TURTLEDOVE PLACE by Jennifer Griffith

CHRISTMAS AT TURTLEDOVE PLACE by Jennifer Griffith. I was right! The minor character in the last novel became a main character in this one. I enjoyed this installment much more than the first, CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE. The forbidden love felt more real this time around. Sophie is such a wonderful aunt that I wished she was mine. Beau is a perfect match for her in every way. Part of me wanted to smack him for making his stupid decision earlier in life. Turtledove Place is beautiful and I felt right at home. Again, I wished it was my Christmas getaway. I highly recommend this lovely Christmas story.

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Lights on a frozen waterfall. A cozy fireplace. A nanny carrying a torch for the single-dad.

Captain Beau Cabot can’t keep a nanny. It isn’t that his kids are bad, it’s that the helpers he hires can’t seem to believe him when he says the only needs they should take care of are the children’s. Forced to fire his lustful childcare worker at the worst moment, Beau can’t leave for his weekend military assignment. His aunt suggests finding a wife, but that won’t save this moment.

With just weeks to go until Christmas, Sophie Hawkins gets some terrible news. Her sister has up and abandoned her family—to become a rock star’s groupie. Worse, Beau is rumored to have lost a few nannies. Who will care for the two cutest kids in the world this holiday? Kids whose lives have been upended?

Despite Sophie’s unwise but unstoppable lifelong crush on her ex-brother-in-law, Beau, Sophie races to Sugarplum Falls. She plans to stay just for one weekend, especially considering the still-smoldering torch she carries for Beau, who is now divorced and finally fair game. Beau knows, however, you don’t fall for the nanny. Especially when she’s your ex-sister-in-law.

Come to Sugarplum Falls for love, Christmas traditions, home, family, and hearth. Nanny romance Christmas at Turtledove Place is book 2 in the Sugarplum Falls Romance series by award-winning clean romance author Jennifer Griffith. Other books in the series includeChristmas at Holly Berry Cottage, and Christmas at Angels Landing. Read all three for a sweet holiday romance treat.

CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE by Jennifer Griffith

CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY BERRY COTTAGE by Jennifer Griffith. What a fun Christmas romance. I had a hard time falling for Chelsea, but once I did the story flowed more smoothly for me. Wyatt was a fun character to get to know also. The forbidden romance really pulled everything together, and the unknown family animosity was the icing on the cake. This will be a delight to anyone who picks it up. And, there was a moment when I thought, "There's a story behind this other minor character." It will be fun to see if I'm correct. 

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A dreaded holiday wedding, Christmas duets, and dating the off-limits crush.

Chelsea Sutherland is a wreck this Christmas. Not only is she reeling from the world’s cruelest breakup, now her ex-boyfriend is marrying her meanest cousin. At Chelsea’s childhood home. And there’s no way Chelsea can skip it. No matter how deep she buries herself into the number-crunching at work, this wedding will not go away.
Wyatt North has been handed a career-making opportunity. If he gets it right, he’ll be able to steer his banking firm toward its roots of helping the local community again. If not, he’s a blot on the family name—which he already jeopardizes by spending all his time with the Sutherland family, singing with Chelsea and her brother in Christmas Tree-O.
When Wyatt learns of Chelsea’s dreaded wedding problem, the solution is clear—take Wyatt as her significant other. Since the trio has become a duet, long-suppressed feelings between them are heating up. But a romance could endanger the friendship and their singing group’s dynamic—not to mention risk both families’ disapproval.

LADYBUG'S CHRISTMAS by Anabella Schofield and Sofia Schofield

LADYBUG'S CHRISTMAS by Anabella Schofield and Sofia Schofield. New Christmas stories are always fun. This cute ladybug reminds me that holidays don't always turn out the way we want them to, and that's okay. I could see myself in the ladybug and took it as a reminder of what I need to focus on this Christmas season. I would recommend this to everyone.

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It’s Christmastime in the garden, and Ladybug is excited to celebrate with her loved ones! When Ladybug invites her friends and family to a Christmas feast, she prepares to make sure everything runs smoothly. Despite Ladybug’s best efforts, the feast doesn’t go as planned. With the help of her friends, Ladybug learns that the sweetest part of the season is togetherness!

MING'S CHRISTMAS WISHES by Susan L Gong

MING'S CHRISTMAS WISHES by Susan L Gong. This is a beautiful story that gives a very good insight as to what it would be like as a child of an immigrant. It talks about melting two cultures beautifully. I will admit that it is a story I had to think about because of the different culture. I didn't know the details of how the Chinese culture celebrates Christmas. It is a very heartwarming, informative read.

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Ming wishes for three things at Christmas. First, to sing in the school Christmas choir. Second, to have a Christmas tree like the one in the department store window. And third, to feel she belongs somewhere.

As a daughter of immigrants in 1930s California, Ming is often treated differently than other children at school. She's pointedly not invited to sing in the Christmas choir. At home, when Ming lobbies her parents for a Christmas tree, her mother scolds her for trying to be American. Ming doesn't seem to fit in anywhere: she's not quite American enough at school, not quite Chinese enough at home.

Seeing his daughter's unhappiness, Pop takes her into the mountains to visit a wise old friend. Always happy for an adventure with her kind father, Ming hopes to persuade Pop to bring home a mountain pine to be their Christmas tree. But he has something else in mind, something that will help Ming draw strength from nature, from their Chinese heritage, and from deep and enduring family ties.

Inspired by family stories.

JOINING HEARTS FOR CHRISTMAS by Rebecca Lange

JOINING HEARTS FOR CHRISTMAS by Rebecca Lange. This was a quick Christmas novella to read. I enjoyed Lady Charlotte's character and Hendrick and their banter back and forth. It did feel like Hendrick's character was a bit more developed than Charlotte's. All the minor characters were easy to love and the situation was a perfect set up for a Christmas love story. However, I had a hard time telling who's point of view the sections were in at times. It is a delightful story for anyone who loves a good romance at Christmas time.

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“I give you until the end of this month to find love and accept a proposal. If you can’t find what you are looking for, I will announce your engagement to Lord Kenworthy.”“You can’t be serious, Father! A month? How am I supposed to find love in a month? It is December already.”Lady Charlotte Woodridge always had a mind of her own. Being the daughter of a duke comes with obligations and expectations, something she disapproves of wholeheartedly. She strongly detests how society works and that she is supposed to treat people differently because of their rank and standing. When a man over twenty years her senior asks for her hand in marriage and her father agrees to it, she fights back with all the stubbornness she can summon. She wants to marry for love, not because she is told to marry. When her father agrees to a compromise, it leaves her upset. Lady Charlotte has one month to find her true love and receive and accept a proposal. Was that even possible?

LUCY SHIMMERS AND THE PRINCE OF PEACE

LUCY SHIMMERS AND THE PRINCE OF PEACE. 

Well, this movie was hard, beautiful, incredible, and brought tears to my eyes. My children really enjoyed it. Lucy was adorable, and I loved how she just worked her way into everyone's hearts. I figured out what was going to happen long before my kids did. It was fun to listen to them try to figure things out. I will put in that this could trigger for those who have lost loved ones, but at the same time it can be healing in a way. This is a great movie to add to your Christmas season.

Second chances start when a hardened criminal crosses paths with a precocious little girl who is helped by an angel to change hearts during the holiday season. 

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CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING

CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING: AWAKENING THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS by Pearl S Buck, adapted by David T Warner. What a beautiful reminder of what Christmas is about. The back cover blurb says it all, "The true joy of Christmas is to love and to awaken love." The story of the little boy surprising his father is heartwarming. Then to have the same boy, now a man, do something similar for his wife just completes the circle beautifully. May we all do something to show our love to those around us.

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In this adaptation of "Christmas Day in the Morning," Rob looks back on his boyhood and remembers giving an unusual gift of self—a gift that filled him with Christmas joy. Now, fifty years later, Rob realizes he can still give a gift from his heart.

The original Pearl S. Buck story, published in Collier's magazine in 1955, concludes with the older Rob writing a letter of gratitude and love to his wife. As he does, Christmas joy is awakened in him once again. The final pages of this book provide a place for you to write your own letter of gratitude and love—a letter that will naturally be included when you give this book to a family member, neighbor, or friend. As you do, you may experience what Rob learned as a boy, and then again as a man: the gifts most likely to rekindle Christmas joy are not just the presents we give with our hands, but the gratitude we express from our hearts.

Richard Thomas, Emmy Award-winning actor of stage, television, and motions pictures, first presented this story in the annual live Christmas concert of The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. As a young man, Mr. Thomas came to international acclaim portraying the eldest son in The Waltons, a television series about a large family struggling to support itself on a farm during the Great Depression.

The Walton family was much like the family in "Christmas Day in the Morning," and the character played by young Mr. Thomas was not unlike the boy Rob himself. As Mr. Thomas joined the Choir and Orchestra on stage, he entered a re-created farmhouse kitchen. In that setting, his warm, familiar presence reminded many of their past family Christmases. Audience members young and old were also reminded of their own childlike desires to be good, and to find their hearts bursting with Christmas joy.

THE SANTA BOX MOVIE

THE SANTA BOX 

What a great way to begin the Christmas season. I watched this with my family, and all but my two-year-old (he lasted about 15 minutes which for him is a LONG time) sat through the entire thing. Afterward, my oldest admitted that it almost made him cry in a couple of parts. The story did a great job at showing what the giving side of Christmas is like and how a person can grow by looking for ways to help others. It also gives a good glimpse into bullies and how to possible get along with them, as well as what can happen when people don't take the time to get to know someone before making judgements. I love that we have this movie to add to our Christmas movie collection.

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For 12-year-old Kallie Watts, Christmas is anything but merry. For the last five years, the tinsel-strewn holiday has spelled disaster for her family, so when an apartment fire leaves Kallie and her widowed mother homeless just in time for the holidays, it comes as no surprise. There’s only one logical conclusion: Kallie is cursed by Christmas.

When her mother finds a new job in a small California town, Kallie steps out of the moving van and into her worst nightmare: a real-life version of “Whoville,” overflowing with holiday decorations and brimming with Christmas cheer. Forced to navigate the complicated ins and outs of her jolly new surroundings, Kallie is shaken out of her gloom one day when she discovers an ornately carved wooden Santa box on the porch, addressed to her. The moment she lifts the lid, Kallie’s life is changed forever as she rediscovers the true magic and meaning of Christmas ...

TRAILER:

https://youtu.be/J1Kh_idg3ug

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MIRACLE CREEK CHRISTMAS by Krista Jensen

MIRACLE CREEK CHRISTMAS by Krista Jensen. What a great way to start out the Christmas season. I loved Mark and Riley. I loved how we see the side of those heroes who not only live, but are wounded. It is not a side that is written about very often, and it was refreshing to have it shown so well in Miracle Creek. Everyone has some type of scars, whether on the inside or the outside. This is a wonderful story of healing, persistence, love, and changing our view point. I would highly recommend it to everyone.

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Riley Madigan escapes to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek after her relationship with an A-list actor ends badly. At least for a time, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will bring her the peace and quiet she is looking for. The last thing on her mind is love.

Mark Rivers was a firefighter until he got trapped in a wildfire and suffered third-degree burns on his face and body. After a year of recovering, Mark is trying to piece his life back together but struggles both emotionally and psychologically. He's been a recluse until he forces himself to attend his niece's school play and sees Riley, the school's art teacher. Immediately, Mark feels a connection to her. Maybe it's the kind way she greets his niece or the way the art she created for the school play is reminiscent of his late mom's artwork. Either way, Mark feels driven to get to know her, but first he'll need to build up the courage to talk to her.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity, he finds himself falling for her, particularly because Riley doesn't seem bothered by his scars. Is her affection for him real or is she simply overcompensating, pretending he's not different. One thing's for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it's hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she really ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

THE LAST MAN AT THE INN by R William Bennett

THE LAST MAN AT THE INN by R William Bennett. For some reason, I had it in my head that this was more of a contemporary version of a man's journey to Christ. So I was surprised and intrigued when I realized I was mistaken and the story was set in the time of Christ. I thought Simon's journey could be and is similar to many of our own personal journeys in coming to Christ. The close connection his family had to the Messiah was beautiful. It really took me, as a reader, to that time and I could imagine myself there, learning along side Simon and his family. It is worth reading and will stregthen a testimony of Christ as well as bring thought to those who are unsure of what to believe. It is a wonderful story I would recommend to everyone. 

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Simon considers himself fortunate after securing the final room at the inn in Bethlehem. While eating his supper, he sees a younger man and his pregnant wife denied lodging at the door of the inn. Simon momentarily considers giving up his space, but he is weary from his travels as a spice merchant and turns away from the thought.

Over the ensuing years, Simon traverses the popular trade routes, and each time he passes Bethlehem, he is reminded of that evening and plagued by guilt.

In time, the Savior begins his ministry, and Simon begins the life-changing process of trying to understand and believe the teachings and miracles of this man called Jesus—said to be the promised Messiah.

The Last Man at the Inn is the story of a journey of conversion we all take in one form or another, told through the eyes and heart of a common man. It is written to affirm the believer, to lovingly beckon to the undecided, and to call out to those who may not even know they are looking for something—only that there is a space in their soul that somehow needs to be filled.

THE CHRISTMAS APRON

THE CHRISTMAS APRON. I really enjoyed this movie. It brought up a lot of good questions from my older children. It shows service and love at it's highest, as well as the blessings that can come from that service. It is short, but packed with lots of great teaching opportunities. I would highly recommend it.

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It’s nearly Christmas, and the seven children in Millie’s family can’t wait for Grandma to arrive with her special Christmas apron, newly pressed and filled with generations of holiday memories. According to tradition, each grandchild will carefully write down the gift he or she wants most in the world, and then slip that wish into the apron’s frilled pocket. Then, on Christmas morning, those wished-for gifts will be waiting under the tree—like magic. Little Will wants Lincoln Logs; nine-year-old Grace wants a horse of her very own. Even eleven-year-old Millie, who’s too old to believe in magic, has a precious wish in mind—a pair of silky pink toe shoes. 

But one dark evening, Millie overhears a worrisome conversation between her parents: due to wartime shortages, the family can’t afford gifts for all the little ones. She pictures the terrible disappointment on her siblings’ faces: no toys or games or art supplies to open on Christmas morning (and certainly no horse for Grace!) From that point on, she wrestles with a terrible question: Is she willing to sacrifice her own whole-soul wish so that someone else’s can come true? Full of tender emotion and delightful surprise, this story reminds us of the miracles that unfold when we think of others before ourselves.

CHRISTMAS BREAK-IN

CHRISTMAS BREAK-IN. My kids have been asking to see this movie since they saw it in the store. They were very excited. This was a very cute, family-friendly movie. There were a couple of parts I had to remind my kids that it was pretend (over-active imaginations make even the simpliest things that are obviously pretend seem real), but the rest of it was fun. I think our favorite part, or at least the part we laughed the most in, was the takeouts at the end. It is a movie I would recommend to anyone who loves a fun, Christmas movie.

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Today was supposed to be one of the best days ever for nine-year-old Izzy Rush. But now, on the last day of class before Christmas break, she has been left alone at school. To make matters worse, the biggest blizzard this town has ever seen is hitting full force. Which is why three bumbling crooks on the lam decide to take shelter in the seemingly empty school. When Izzy discovers that the criminals are holding her friend and school custodian, Ray, hostage, she decides it's up to her to save the day. But what can a nine-year-old girl do? You'd be surprised!

Starring Danny Glove, Denise Richards, and Cameron Seely.

A CHRISTMAS COURTING by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball

A CHRISTMAS COURTING by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball. I really enjoyed this collection of Christmas stories. I have read things from all but one of the authors and found that these stories we equal to their other books. Each couple was fun to follow through their journey. I didn't feel like I missed out on anything, although it's always nice to have more with characters you enjoy being with. I loved how some of the others referenced characters from other novels. It felt like an addition to that particular novel. It was a delightful addition to Christmas love stories and a great way to begin the crazy holiday season. I would highly recommend it.

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Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore
Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit.

A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton
When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christoper will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted—but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love. 

Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson
From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour of the world, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will be be too late to claim her heart?

Second-Chance Christmas bry Heidi Kimball
Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever.

Tour Schedule

Oct. 22^nd

http://mybookaday.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/
https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
http://www.kindleandme.com/

Oct. 23^rd

https://www.wishfulendings.com/
https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/
http://empowermoms.net/
http://thethingsilovemost.com/

Oct. 24^th

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/
http://fireandicereads.com/

Oct. 25^th

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Oct. 26^th

https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

Oct. 29^th

http://www.iamareader.com/

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CHRISTMAS BY ACCIDENT by Camron Wright

CHRISTMAS BY ACCIDENT by Camron Wright. This was a very cute Christmas read. It's more light-hearted than the backcover blurb makes it sound. I enjoyed the little references to miracles that Uncle Mannie slides in as he's talking to Carter, as well as the self discoveries he makes along the way. It's fun to see Carter's attitude toward Christmas change, as well as his realization about writing. Abby is a steady influence throughout the story. It is a great way to get your Christmas season started. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Carter is an insurance adjuster whose longing for creative expression spills over sometimes into his accident reports.

Abby works for her adoptive father, Uncle Mannie, in the family bookstore, the ReadMore Cafe.

Carter can barely tolerate Christmas; Abby loves it. She can't wait past October to build her favorite display, the annual Christmas book tree stack, which Carter despises.

When an automobile accident throws Carter and Abby together, Uncle Mannie, who is harboring secrets of his own, sees a chance for lasting happiness for his little girl. But there are so many hurdles, and not much time left. Will this Christmas deliver the miracles everyone is hoping for?

THE CHRISTMAS DRESS

THE CHRISTMAS DRESS. This was a cute, short video that shows the power of faith and a Christmas miracle. If you need a last minute Christmas gift this would be a good addition to any video library.

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It’s Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson’s hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they’ll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons’ packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blind Postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year’s Eve dance. Now it’s up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.

https://vimeo.com/192160253

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENTS

CHRSITMAS GREETINGS FROM THE 

PRESIDENTS. This looks like an interesting readespecially with the time of year. Take a look.

In the early days of Calvin Coolidge's presidency, a new White House tradition was born with the decorating of a "National Community Christmas Tree" in 1923. Since 1927, the annual lighting of the tree has also been accompanied by a presidential message. Those addresses, many of which are collected here, have provided an intriguing snapshot into the soul of two enduring institutions: The Christmas holiday and the American nation.

From the initial, decidedly brief messages that "Silent Cal" Coolidge presented at the end of the 1920s to those given by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the midst of World War II as well as Ronald Reagan's message expressing solidarity with the people of Poland, which charted the beginning of the end of the Cold Car, the Presidents of the United States have marked the time through these inspiring messages of hope and goodwill.

This collection of Christmas messages consists of at least one address from each president since 

Calvin Coolidge. Reading them, we can trace the history of the United States from the Roaring 

Twenties through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold Wa, the brief eras of Camelot and 

Watergate, the oil crisis and the fall of Communism, eras of economic book and recession, and the 

aftereffects of terrorism. Through all of these historic events, the lasting message of Christmas shines bright: We look to Christmas to remind us of what we can be—what is possible when we unite in 

hope, faith, and forgiveness.

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT

THE CHRISTMAS PROJECT by Covenant Communications. This was a darling movie. I watched it with my kids and they loved it. The story was well done and I feel like it touched on some good social topics that kids should be aware of. I had a great conversation with my five-year-old after this movie about how we should treat people in general as well as those who don't treat us very well. The change of heart that Matthew has throughout the movie is very touching. This is a great movie for not only the Christmas Spirit but all year long. I highly recommend it.

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Even with Christmas around the corner, for the Buckley boys, payback almost always wins out over brotherly love. That is until the four brothers join forces against a common adversary—the Hagbarts—the meanest bullies at their middle school. But now Mom has decided that the Buckley family is going to Elve the Hagbarts this year for Christmas. Eleven-year-old Matthew can hardly stand it. By day the Hagbarts torture the Buckley brothers into submission, and by night the Buckleys secretly deliver Christmas treats and gifts to their sworn enemies. Soon the war of wits escalates to an incredible scheme designed to get the ultimate revenge on the Hagbarts. But now that Matthew has been learning that he's supposed to do good to those who hate him, what will he do when a little push becomes a great big shove? The Christmas Project is a heartwarming comedy the whole family will love.





Tour Schedule: 

Oct. 24th

http://thethingsilovemost.com/
http://iamareader.com/

Oct. 25th

http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/
http://rockinbookreviews.com/
http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

Oct. 26th

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

Oct. 27th

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com
http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://fireandicereads.com/

Oct. 28th

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
http://iamareader.com/
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

Oct. 29th

http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
http://www.wishfulendings.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

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A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Beeson — #amreading #reviews #christmas #books

A RARE NATIVITY by Sam Beeson. This book had me curious from the get go. Just the title alone caught my attention, although I had my doubts about it. Then, when I opened it and began to read, my doubts rose. I couldn't see how this book would pull together all the "gifts" that were given to an enemy into something beautiful. It surprised me and I was touched at the end and ashamed at my judgements. This book has a very poignant, sweet message on forgiveness. It is a great book that is for everyone of all ages, especially those have been or who have hurt someone. It is a beautiful way to look at forgiveness.

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We've all heard the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and we've all seen the traditional Christmas creche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity.

Upon reading the first lines of the book, it's clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts:

On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree.

On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two broken eggs.

Night after night the "gifts" pile up - shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator's enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

Forgiveness is something we all need to give and receive, and A Rare Nativity opens our eyes to the act of forgiveness and the true meaning of Christmas. It's a universal message to be shared with readers of all ages. Christmas is a season for giving. Make it a forgiving season.

MIRACLE MAKER — #MiracleMakerFilm

MIRACLE MAKER. I cannot say enough good about this delightful movie. It shares the message of kindness, love, and forgiveness in a way that is attainable to everyone. It's a message that everyone needs to hear. The acting is wonderful and it's easy to get swept up in the movie. I have loved this story for the first time I had the privilege of reading. They did a fantastic job of turning Ann's short story into a wonderful movie. My kids loved watching it with me and have asked questions about it since. I highly recommend this movie to everyone.

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"The Miracle Maker is coming!" If any town is in need of a miracle, it’s Woodhaven, a tiny town hanging on the edge of the American frontier. It’s nearly Christmas, but it’s hardly a season of celebration. Work is scarce, money is tight, love is lagging, and spirits are down. Maybe the Miracle Maker can turn things around. The town anxiously waits for someone magnificent who can change their lives. But the ragged traveller who appears isn’t what anyone expects—except for one small silent boy and a precocious little girl. It seems this man can barely take care of himself, let alone fulfill the dreams of others. But miracles can come in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes from unexpected places. Your entire family will love this Christmas tale of hope, love, and miracles.

Questions answered by... John Lyde - Director of Miracle Maker

How long did it take to pull the entire film together? 

The film was only a 12 day shoot during the summer. But the process of putting the film together took a few years. The executive producer, Ron Brough, has been tyring to make this film for almost 2 years. He loved the short story it is based on and was looking for the right script to make it come to life. After a few writers and several drafts, everyone fell in love with the script by Sally Meyer. Casting and locations were all set in the month of May and filming began the end of June. The edit was relatively quick and the film was finished the end of September.

What was your personal favorite scene?

I love all the scenes with Agnes and Bessie. They cracked me up while filming and even more while editing the project. I always enjoy their scenes each viewing. I really love the scene with Cooper Johnson and Jasen Wade towards the end. I can't go into too much detail because I don't want to give anything away :)

Visually my favorite scene is one of the flashbacks with Thomas and Lily on the carriage. I love the natural lighting and the colorist really brought out the beauty of the scene.

There are always those scenes that don't make it into the final edit or outtakes. Is there a scene you wish would have been kept? Is there an outtake you're glad didn't make it?

99% of the time I am really happy that scenes get cut or trimmed and left out of the final edit. I am a big fan of cutting it out if it doesn't belong. Sometimes scenes work really well on their own, but in context of the whole film, they don't fit. In this film, there were no scenes edited out, just small trims here and there.

What did you learn from this story?

I personally learned that filming with mice is almost impossible. There are 2 really short shots of a mouse in the movie. It was by far, the hardest shot of the movie. I tried two different mice I bought from the store. They were crazy, would not hold still, not even for mice treats or cheese. After a hour of just rolling a camera on them, I finally was able to get a small snippit to use in the film.

What do you hope the audience will take away from this film?

I hope they can see that we can create our own miracles. That we shouldn't wait around for them, but we can solve our own problems and help bring miracles to others.