away in a manger

Feeling a little "Bah! Humbug!"? Wanting to refocus your heart this holiday season? Wallow in the wonder of Christ's birth. Robert J. Morgan, author and pastor, writes one short story each year to share with his church. The Nativity Collection includes six of these stories. These tales are infused with hope, humor, and heart warming moments, thankfully without the schmaltz often found in "inspirational" literature. I found myself thinking of the characters and the truths of Christ's Christmas story beyond my time spent in the pages of this book. I'd definitely recommend picking up a copy or two and passing it on.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

missing you

"You know you've read a good book 

when you turn the last page 

and feel a little as if you have lost a friend."  

-- Paul Sweeney

the best moments

and i quote by ricracretro on Polyvore.com

the quote reads. . . "and I Quote . . . The best moments in reading are when you come across something -- a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things -- that you'd thought special, particular to you. And here it is set down by someone else, a person you've never met, maybe even someone long dead. And it's as if a hand has come out and taken yours."

hug a librarian

‎"I'm of a fearsome mind to throw my arms around every living librarian who crosses my path, on behalf of the souls they never knew they saved."
-- Barbara Kingsolver, novelist

make a difference

Max Lucado speaks from the heart in his newest work "Out Live Your Life: You Were Made To Make A Difference." Lucado expertly weaves biblical and contemporary examples of peoples response to those in need. There are many tangible suggestions of how to get involved and make a difference to the desperate and despairing around us; tackling the overwhelming needs that surround us. Each chapter begins and ends with a verse, in a sense creating book ends for the words of exhortation in between. This book not only covers why we should live our lives to make a difference, but also to whom, and how. I found myself pondering the truths shared and humbled by the challenges these insights represent.  I also appreciate that 100% of the sales from this book are being donated to help those in need through organizations such as World Vision. It's a win-win situation.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

epic page-turner

"The Skin Map", a Bright Empires Novel, by Stephen R. Lawhead is a hold-your-breath beginning to a new series. This novel mixes ancient history, time travel, alternate realities, mystery, physics, and fantasy, to create a story so compelling that I find myself recommending it to any who will listen.
The unlikely Kit Livingstone finds himself in the center of a life threatening race to find the Skin Map; a map of symbols tattooed onto the abdomen of a brave explorer. These symbols hold the mystery of ley line travel, pathways to other worlds, and not merely British legend. As all good epic stories include, evil plots to destroy good and unexpected twists and turns maintain a heart-pounding pace. The only disappointment I felt was that I have to wait until the fall of 2011 for the next installment of the Bright Empires series!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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.”

sing, sing a song

I have looked for years.
Hunted about.
And then one day I found it.
I was thrilled!
So I ordered it.
And waited and waited for the post to deliver.
Today there was a little flat package.
Oh joy . . . could it be?!
It is!
My treasure.
My very own copy.
My "Song of the Highlands" by Sharon Gillenwater.
The hunt is over.
Now the re-reading can begin.
Anytime I choose.
I can wander the highlands of Scotland.
Hold my breath during the daring rescue.
Watch love unfold.
Hear of God's faithfulness.
Reach for a Kleenex (or two).
Then smile, because the book is mine.