A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS by Emily Belle Freeman—#BookReview #amreading #ChristCenteredChristmasn

A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS by Emily Belle Freeman. With Christmas around the corner (and really having begun in September which is when I found Christmas decorations popping up in stores) I find it a good reminder to take a look at the true meaning of Christmas. The hustle of the shopping, the craziness with parties, family, gifts, and the list goes on. It's very easy to forget the humble beginnings of the holiday. This book shows different ways to keep Christ in the center of Christmas. It talks about seven of the people involved in that first Christmas, what they represent and how we can utilize their examples to help us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Emily shared experiences as well as what her family has done to shift their focus. I found several things that I could easily add to our family traditions as well as those that we are already doing. It is a great, easy read that will help you shift your focus back on Christ during this Christmas season.

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Deepen the spirit that fills your heart and home this holiday season when you discover the meaning behind seven gifts of Christmas, each celebrated with an invitation from the scriptures and a simple tradition.

Each gift is based on a figure in a Nativity set, and the traditions can easily be combined with things you already do. This year as you prepare your home for the season, resolve to prepare your heart in a way that will lead you closer to Christ.

THE MATCH MAKER by Karey White—Book Review #amreading #bookreview #books

The Match Maker by Karey White (The Husband Maker #2) I loved the first book in this series. Check out my review of that one, here. This is the first book I have ever wanted to skip to the end to make sure it wrapped up the way I wanted it to. I didn't do that and enjoyed the book but it was harder to get through because I know what I wanted to have happen. The characters are still wonderful and I got a good taste of Scottland, which I loved. I can't wait for the next book to make sure Charlotte ends up with who I think she should. This is a series I would recommend having all three books to read back to back, otherwise you are left feeling incomplete at the conclusion. It is a great read that I would recommend for anyone, though.

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(Summary contains spoilers if you have not yet read book #1 The Husband Maker)  It’s been six months since Charlotte and Kyle broke up, and the Husband Maker strikes again. Kyle is officially engaged, while Charlotte is still nursing a broken heart. In an effort to get Charlotte out of her rut, she and her best friend decide it’s time for some good old-fashioned matchmaking. While Aleena arranges for Charlotte to meet up with a handsome Scottish tourist, Charlotte gets her two best friends together. But when sparks start to fly between Aleena and Angus, Charlotte is left feeling more alone that ever--at least until the charming Scotsman becomes more than just a safe, rebound guy and teaches her that maybe, just maybe, she can dare to open her heart again.

The Match Maker releases on November 1st

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Author Karey White Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist. She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

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TWIST OF FATE by Rachael Anderson—Book Review/ #amreading #books #reviews

TWIST OF FATE by Rachael Renee Anderson. This was an adorable read. I loved the way the season played into it. I loved Ty's mom. The play on names was perfect. Any romantic at heart will love this short, fun Christmas novella.

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This was originally published as part of the All I Want holiday romance anthology.
When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty’s mailbox, Ty’s faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancé is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her – make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all?

GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE!—Book Review/ #amreading #reviews #books

GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE! This picture book was wonderful. I was fascinated by the story and loved the DVD with the reading of this story. The pictures in the book were beautiful and the DVD almost kept my three-year-old's attention through the entire thirty minutes. I loved the story. It brought a new perspective to a well loved story. I would highly recommend this to everyone this Christmas season.

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In creating stories for others, we sometimes end up revealing truths to ourselves. Such was the experience of the beloved Charles Dickens, master storyteller and honorary champion of Christmas. But Dickens was not always the purveyor of yuletide wisdom we know today—he too had to discover for himself the true spirit of Christmas and how best to keep it all the year through.

It was 1843, and winter was fast approaching. Times were tough for Charles Dickens and his family. He needed to publish something that would earn enough money to meet his many obligations. Pondering his predicament, Dickens set out to write a quick Christmas story that would be sure to sell. Little did he know that his writing—and the genial ghost he would bring to life—would take him on an incredible journey of the heart.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens's most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself—with a little help from his own literary characters. Originally presented by acclaimed British actor Joh Rhys-Davies at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2013 Christmas concert, the book also includes a DVD with footage from the event.

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS by Michael McLean—book review/ #giveaway #amreading #bookreview #books

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS—by Michael McLean. This was a fun, quick read that gives a different twist on familiar fairy tale characters. It's fun to be in the point of view of the villian. Children of all ages would love this Christmas read. I highly recommend it to any and everyone of all ages. Just thinking about the story brings a smile to my face.

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Santa Claus has been kidnapped!

Behind the plot are an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a sorceress, a beanstalk giant, and, of course, the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term "Happily Ever After" from our storybooks forever.

But it's nearly Christmas Eve, and time is running out. Can Santa and the fairy-tale heroes save the day and bring Christmas to all the children of the world? Will anyone have a "Happily Ever After" again?

Fairy Tale Christmas reminds us all that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas can soften any heart.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher, however the opinions are my own.

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CHRISTMAS IN SNOW VALLEY—Book Review/ #amreading #reviews #books

         

Christmas in Snow Valley. This group of Christmas short stories were very cute. I haven't gotten through all of them, but I've enjoyed the first three. The setting is perfect for Christmas and the love stories are wonderful. I look forward to reading the rest of the anthology. I would recommend this one to any and everyone that loves Christmas combined with a good romance.

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Christmas in Snow Valley is packed with six wonderful Christmas novellas sure to bring romance into your holiday season. Snow Valley, Montana, is a small community with the tradition of doing Christmas big. Festivities begin with tree lighting in the town square the day after Thanksgiving and continue until the culminating romantic Christmas Ball. From the Polar Express to a Winter Carnival, there’s something for every wonder-filled child—and every couple who’s in love—or about to be.

An Unexpected Kiss by Cindy Roland Anderson Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than the guy she kissed at the airport?

Feels Like Love by Jeanette Lewis Christmas in Snow Valley is the perfect way for April Winston to introduce her city slicker fiancé, Scott Mecham, to life on a farm. If only Wade Hadley, hometown boy and high school sweetheart, will cooperate! But Wade has no intention of letting April go without a fight. This Christmas, Wade is determined to overcome their painful past and show April that she already has what she’s been seeking all along.

Full Court Devotion by Cami Checketts Kazlyn is too busy with her schooling and future plans to enjoy life, let alone fall in love with a man who has heartbreak written all over him. Tyrese Hamilton, a college basketball star and major heartthrob, is intrigued when Kazlyn doesn't pursue him or even seem interested. Ty's career is in jeopardy, and he needs a miracle and Kazlyn to save him.

The Christmas Eve Kiss by Taylor Hart When Molly O’Hare gets a prediction that she will kiss her true love on Christmas Eve, she thinks it’s utterly ridiculous. But when she gets teamed up with Kevin Snow, aka her ex-boyfriend, to decorate a Christmas tree, things start to change. Too bad getting over the past is hard and seeing him kiss another girl is even harder. Now Molly is left with a choice—run away from home and heartbreak or let Christmas work out a miracle all of its own.

Risking it all for Love by Kimberley Montpetit Succumbing to family pressure, Jessica Mason reluctantly comes home for Christmas. Ever since her high school boyfriend's death from a car accident three years earlier, Jessica and religion have not been compatible. So, when she visits Michael’s grave, she's surprised to meet the handsome James Douglas, Pastor John’s nephew, who’s studying for the ministry. James can not only dish back Jessica’s finely-tuned sarcasm but understands grief all too well, turning Jessica’s world upside down. Is she ready to take another risk on love?

Blue Christmas by Lucy McConnell As head of Snow Valley hospital's fundraising effort, Paisley Hackett barely has time to organize the craft show, cookie decorating party, and the annual Christmas Ball. What she doesn't have time for is falling in love with Clay Jett, the incredibly handsome bass player who sweeps into town. She's been burned by a tourist romance before and, with everything going on, Paisley will have to work overtime to protect her heart from Clay and his swoon-worthy ballads.

 

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CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

Boy, I feel like the holiday season has been going on forever and it’s just begun. I’ve had many things running through my head this week so this post will probably be pretty scattered. Then again, I’m pretty scattered now myself. :)

I can’t believe how fast Bear is growing. It’s fun to see Tigger and Bear interact. Bear’s been talking up a storm but is still having issues sleeping at night. He’s a great baby though. I couldn’t ask for three better boys.

It feels like there are more and more people that I know who are having babies return home early on in life. It’s that or I’m becoming more aware and sensitive to that type of thing. It’s probably more the later but it’s amazing how much of that is around. My testimony of how precious life is and what a miracle we’re all here is growing on a daily basis. We are so blessed to be here with a healthy body. There are so many things that can and do go wrong. But the majority of us are completely normal. It’s truly amazing and just another testimony of the divine plan of things.

Since it was Halloween I feel like I can talk a little about this too. The closer we came to the holiday, the more people put up decorations. I was very surprised to see how gruesome the decorations have become. I think there’s a line and in my opinion a lot of people have crossed it. What happened to the cute, silly, fun decorations? There are houses I don’t want to have to drive by in my neighborhood now. Tigger loves to see decorations, but I refuse to even point some of the houses out. I won’t even look very closely. It feels like a kid holiday has turned into something else. In fact there were hardly any little kid trick-or-treaters this year. It’s a bit sad.

It’s amazing how quickly thoughts come and go these days too. In the amount of time it takes me to put my fingers on the keyboard my thought is gone. There have been many more things that fly by through my mind this week. I need to learn to write them down so I won’t have to try to remember them.

Anyway, as we head into the holiday season, try not to get so wrapped up in everything and forget the most important thing. Family. Love them. Have fun with them. Enjoy them. Life is good. :)