Freda's Yearly Recommendations

1. The Cost of Dreams - Gary Stelzer
2. Ciao Italia - Mary Ann Esposito
3. Rock N' Roll Confessions - Helena Danyluk
4. The Basic Book of Digital Photography - Tom Grimm & Michelle Grimm
5. The Last Surgeon - Michael Palmer (FAVORITE)
6. Amish Friends Cookbook Vol. 2 - Wanda E. Brunstetter
7. The Paper Bag Christmas - Kevin Alan Milne
8. Egg-Larva-Pupa-Woman - Ogo Akubue Ogbata
9. Kill Dress - John Young
10. Darwin`s Nightmare - Mike Knowles
11. A Note From An Old Acquaintance - Bill Walker
12. Searching for Tina Turner - Jacqueline E. Luckett
13. The Italian Billionaire`s Ruthless Revenge - Jacqueline Baird
14. Once An Arafat Man - Tass Saada (FAVORITE)
15. The Choice - Suzanne Woods Fisher
16. Love Your Heart - Tim McGraw
17. All Things Hidden - Tricia Goyer
18. Love Song - Richard Haffey
19. Soul Catcher - Leigh Bridger
20. Life Lessons from a Horse Whisperer - Dr. Lew Sterrett
21. The Shack - William Paul Young
22. Three Cups - Mark St. Germain
23. Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure - Allan Richard Shickman
24. Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country - Allan Richard Shickman
25. Mastering the Art of French Cooking - Julia Child
26. Sons of Thunder - Susan May Warren
27. Raven Stole the Moon - Garth Stein (FAVORITE)
28. Thicker Than Blood - C.J. Darlington
29. Lemon Tart - Josi S. Kilpack (FAVORITE)
30. Sexaholics - Pynk
31. A Distant Melody - Sarah Sundin
32. Dear John - Nicholas Sparks
33. Guardian - Katie Hines
34. Asking for Trouble - Sandra Byrd
35. No Hope for Gomez - Graham Parke
36. Wonders Never Cease - Tim Downs
37. Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms - Jane Doiron
38. Starlighter - Bryan Davis
39. Life, In Spite of Me - Kristen Jane Anderson & Tricia Goyer (FAVORITE)
40. Curry Cuisine
41. Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
42. Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver (FAVORITE)
43. The Singer's Gun - Emily St. John Mandel
44. Shiva's Arms - Cheryl Snell
45. Barely A Lady - Eileen Dreyer
46. Men and Dogs - Katie Crouch
47. Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker
48. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
49. Do No Evil: An Artemis Agency Novel - Kymberley & Ashley L. Goltermann
50. Once Wicked Always Dead - t. Marie Benchley
51. A Summer Secret - Kathleen Fuller
52. The Dark Divine - Bree Despain (FAVORITE)
53. The Language of Secrets - Dianne Dixon
54. With Friends Like These - Sally Koslow
55. Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington - Tricia Goyer & Ocieanna Fleiss
56. Still Missing - Chevy Stevens (FAVORITE)
57. Last to Die - Kate Brady
58. The Haunting of Andrew Sharpai - Jerome Peterson
59. The Human Bobby - Gabe Rotter (FAVORITE)
60. Immanuel's Veins - Ted Dekker
61. The Twelfth Imam - Joel C. Rosenberg
62. Stolen - Lesley Pearse (FAVORITE)
63. Edge of Sight - Roxanne St. Clair
64. The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell (FAVORITE)
65. A Path Less Traveled - Cathy Bryant
66. The Family Dinner - Laurie David
67. Duchess of Sin - Laurel McKee
68. Dear Austin: A Letter to my Son - David M. Perkins
69. The Falling Away - T.L. Hines
70. A Shore Thing - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (FAVORITE)

December Monthly News

BOOKS:
1. My Everyday Promise Bible - Phil A. Smouse (childrens) (recommend)
2. Almost Human: The First Trilogy: Lost Reflections - Melanie Nowak
3. Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century - Dick & James Strawbridge
4. Brodie & The Yeti - Dennis Robert Komick (childrens) (recommend)
5. Cemetery of Dreams - S. Mostofi
6. Magel's Daughter - Nancy Baker
7. Dear Austin: A Letter to My Son - David M. Perkins (recommend)
8. This Side of Crazy - Kimmie Thomas
9. The Falling Away - T.L. Hines (recommend)
10. How Animals Work
11. A Shore Thing - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (HIGHLY recommend)
12. Elephant Milk - Diane Sherry Case
13. Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits and other curious things - Cate Gardner (recommend)
14. The Season of Risks - Susan Hubbard (recommend)
15. Your Astrology Guide 2010 - Rick Levine & Jeff Jawer
16. Hearing From God Each Morning - Joyce Meyer
17. The One Year Devotional for Preschoolers 2 - Carla Brunhill



TV:
1. Community (recommend)



YEARLY TOTAL: 253 Books, 12 Products, 1 CD, 6 DVDs & 1 TV Show


FAVORITE BOOK OF DECEMBER:




FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR:




Things have been great for 2010, and next year I hope it to be even better. I will be changing up the format of my reviews, just a little, and maybe the look too.

May God Bless Each and Every One of You in 2011!

My Top 12 of 2010

January

The Last Surgeon - Michael Palmer REVIEW


February

Once an Arafat Man - Tass Saada REVIEW


March

Raven Stole the Moon - Garth Stein REVIEW


April

Lemon Tart - Josi S. Kilpack REVIEW


May

Life, In Spite of Me - Kristen Jane Anderson & Tricia Goyer REVIEW


June

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver REVIEW


July

The Dark Divine - Bree Despain REVIEW


August

Still Missing - Chevy Stevens REVIEW


September

The Human Bobby - Gabe Rotter REVIEW


October

Stolen - Lesley Pearse REVIEW


November

The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell REVIEW


December

A Shore Thing - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi REVIEW

100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2011! (COMPLETED)

HOST


Rules:

* Timeline: 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011

* Rules - Read 100 or more books in 2011

* All books can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

* Only print books and ebooks count (no audiobooks).

* You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.


This is my kind of challenge!


1. The Wolf of Tebron - C.S. Lakin
2. The Potluck Club - Linda Evans Shepherd & Eva Marie Everson
3. Smithsonian Natural History
4. John Lennon: Life Is What Happens - John M. Borack
5. The Adventures of Sherlock Homes - Arthur Conan Doyle
6. THR3E - Ted Dekker
7. My Immortal Assassin - Carolyn Jewel
8. Choker - Elizabeth Woods
9. Stuck In The Middle - Virginia Smith
10. Traveler's Rest - James Enge
11. Unexpected Comfort - Kelly Ferjutz
12. Shade - Jeri Smith-Ready
13. Blue - Lou Aronica
14. Cat Calls - Cynthia Leitich Smith
15. The Swan Thieves - Elizabeth Kostova
16. India Black - Carol K. Carr
17. Miss Hildreth Wore Brown - Olivia deBelle Byrd
18. Lucas Taylor: The Time Traveler - Kelvin O'Ralph
19. Pilates Practice Companion - Alycea Ungaro
20. Reaper - Rachel Vincent
21. Me, Myself & Paris - Ruth Yunker
22. Rough Cut - Mari Carr
23. Free For All Cooking - Jules E. Dowler Shepard
24. The History Book
25. The Illustrated Step By Step Cook
26. A New Birth of Freedom - Robert G. Pielke
27. Sima's Undergarments for Women - Ilana Stanger-Ross
28. A Billion Reasons Why - Kristin Billerbeck
29. Tattoo's & Tequila - Vince Neil
30. House of Dark Shadows - Robert Liparulo
31. The Postcard Killers - James Patterson
32. A Tiny Bit Marvellous - Dawn French
33. The Year I Turned Sixteen - Dianne Schwemm
34. The Rough Guide to the Future - Jon Turney
35. Coming Back Stronger - Drew Brees
36. Ten Little Zombies: A Love Story - Andy Rash
37. Rombies - Tom Taylor
38. Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich
39. Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing - Kathy Cano-Murillo
40. Flavors - Emily Sue Harvey
41. After the Leaves Fall - Nicole Baart
42. Letters From Home - Kristina McMorris
43. Confucius Jade - Frederick Fisher
44. Welcome to Last Chance - Hope Ramsay
45. The Breath of God - Jeffrey Small
46. The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady - Elizabeth Stuckey-French
47. The Best Laid Plans - Sarah Mayberry
48. The Sweetest Thing - Jill Shalvis
49. Letters From Wheatfield - Patrick Shannon
50. An Apple A Day - Caroline Taggart
51. The Poison Eaters - Holly Black
52. The Rough Guide to the Energy Crisis - David Bachan
53. Silver Phoenix - Cindy Pon
54. Rainforest - Thomas Marent
55. The Priest's Graveyard - Ted Dekker
56. The Sandalwood Tree - Elle Newmark
57. Cake Boss - Buddy Valastro
58. It's Okay To Be A Zombie - Lambert & Evarts
59. I Am Going Where I Belong - Hans Lindor
60. The Beatles Discography Vol 1: The 60's - Stephen E. Connelly
61. Shiver of Fear - Roxanne St. Claire
62. Face of Danger - Roxanne St. Claire
63. The Chimp Who Loved Me - Annie Greer & Tim Vandehey
64. Never Knowing - Chevy Stevens
65. Butterfly - Thomas Marent
66. Beyond Beautiful - Jan Bornstein
67. Private - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
68. The Guardian - Margaret Mallory
69. The Hypnotist - M.J. Rose
70. My Wife's Affair - Nancy Woodruff
71. Shoulder Bags and Shootings - Dorothy Howell
72. Snowflake Obsidian - The Hippie
73. Look Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphs
74. Treasures from the Attic - Mirjam Pressler
75. Darkness Becomes Her - Kelly Keaton
76. Pride in a Prayer - Charles Soto
77. I Used to Know That - Caroline Taggart
78. Enclave - Ann Aguirre
79. Ideas that Changed the World
80. Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
81. Chicken Soup for the Soul: A Book of Miracles
82. The Fine Art of Insincerity - Angela Hunt
83. The Bedtime Book for Dogs - Bruce Littlefield
84. I Wore the Ocean in the Shape of a Girl - Kelle Groom
85. The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe - Sandi Gelles-Cole
86. My Foolish Heart - Susan May Warren
87. You Can Do A Graphic Novel - Barbara Slate
88. The Unsuspecting Mage - Brian S. Pratt
89. Beg for Mercy - Jami Alden
90. A Reluctant Queen - Joan Wolf
91. Tabloid City - Pete Hamill
92. The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill: Case #2 - Renee Hand
93. Men and Their Childish Head Games - Jessica V.
94. First Grave on the Right - Darynda Jones
95. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson
96. The Rough Guide to Psychology - Dr. Christian Jarrett
97. Soldier of Rome - James Mace
98. 187 Pain and Bliss - Wade J. Halverson
99. The Immortality Virus - Christine Amsden
100. Shattered - Melody Carlson

The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 - Carla Barnhill

Synopsis:
Although you’re young, just a wee beginner, God made you a one-of-a-kind winner!
The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers 2 is full of more easy-to-understand devotions for your little one, and pairs each day’s lesson with beautiful Little Blessings art. Your preschooler will join Kaitlyn, Zöe, Parker, and Jack—and together they will learn to walk with God in everything they do each day!
Little Blessings features the endearing art of Elena Kucharik, artist for Care Bears.
Do-able. Daily. Devotions. Start any day the One Year way:
Do-able. Your child can just pick up this book and start on today’s date.
Daily. Kids can learn about God and what’s really important, a little bit each day.
Devotions. Kids can experience firsthand how to connect with God.
Your child can grow with God the One Year way.


©2001


My Opinion:
This devotional is geared for parents to read to their small children. It gives them some idea of what people should act like, the things we should do for one another, and how we should strive to be good people.
There is so many wonderful illustrations to keep the kids interested, but the impact of what you are teaching them from the book, is what matters.
I would recommend a devotional such as this, to any and all parents of kids under 5 years. This is a great tool to help you in all the things we all try to instill in our kids.


5/5


~I received a copy from Tyndale. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Hearing From God Each Morning - Joyce Meyer (365 Daily Devotional)

Synopsis:
In the hustle and bustle of today's busy world, sometimes it's hard enough to hear yourself think, much less take a minute to stop and listen for the voice of God. But learning to recognize God's voice and the many ways in which He speaks is vital for following His plan. This devotional; drawing from How to Hear From God, Knowing God Intimately, and The Power Of Simple Prayer shows the reader through a daily reminder, how God speaks through their own thoughts and feelings, their dreams, and the words of other people. Joyce Meyer reveals the ways in which God delivers His word and the benefits of asking God for the sensitivity to hear His voice. Joyce asks the question, "Are you listening?" and shares how to do just that...on a daily basis.


Author Bio:
Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than eighty inspirational books, including Never Give Up!, The Secret to True Happiness, 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life, the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books, her first venture into fiction with The Penny, and many others. She has also released thousands of audio teachings, as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.



©2010



My Opinion:
This is a great book to start each day, delivering a piece of God into your life every morning. At least that's when I would read.
I start my day reading the devotional, and then my bible. It always lifts me up to talk with God each morning. The devotional helps to put things into perspective, like knowing when to turn the other cheek, or when to step in and take over, or when to just be alone and let God lead the way.
Look, I'm not a person to go to church every week, or preach gospel every time I see someone, but I do indeed have a mass amount of faith in God, and prayer. I have been through a lot in my life, that lead me to my bible, but all the while helping me everyday to live the life I long for.
This devotional book is fantastic! It gives you a snippet of faith each day. Joyce has a way of making you really sit and think, when you read a page from the devotional.
I highly recommend any devotional, to get yourself into a practice of faith. Especially if you are shied from churches, though I think someone like Joyce Meyer is a great person to help get you started.


5/5



~I received a copy from Hachette Book Group. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

The Friday 56

Welcome to Week 9 with me!
Happy 2011!


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.


The Wolf of TeBron - C.S. Lakin

Page 56:

Joran looked over at Ruyah, hoping a philosophy-spouting wolf would agree.

Colorful Reading Challenge (DID NOT FINISH)

Hosted by: http://imlostinbooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/colorful-reading-challenge-2010.html

The point of the challenge is to read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title. Books may be overlapped with other challenges (I always love that rule so I always have that rule for my challenges. :) At least 6 of the books should be new to you (doesn't matter which 6).



1. Men with RED ties - Nastya Polikarpova Review
2. GOLD Digger Nation - Hal Roback Review
3. LEMON Tart - Josi S. Kilpack Review
4. My Little RED Book - Rachel Kauder Nalebuff Review
5. Low RED Moon - Ivy Devlin Review
6.
7.
8.
9.

It doesn't matter what color, as long as there is a color in the title.

There is no need to make a list of books and if you do you may change it at any time. The challenge runs from January 1- December 31, 2010.



I couldn't get this done. Sad but true. I could try for next year but haven't seen it posted. So I guess I won't think about it.

Your Astrology Guide 2010 - Rick Levine & Jeff Jawer

Synopsis:
Rick Levine and Jeff Jawer—astrology’s fastest-rising stars—go beyond mere prediction; they offer a cosmic weather report that explains planetary events and energies in a way that anyone can understand…and use. Their big bestselling guide covers a full 17 months instead of 12, with spreads for each sign from August 2009 to December 2010 featuring a summary and mini calendar for each month. The duo looks closely at the 2010 forecast for all 12 signs, providing an enlightening perspective on every crucial aspect of your world. Every month receives easy-to-follow coverage that makes it simple to keep track of what will unfold during the year.


©2009


My Opinion:
This is a book that you have to read all year long, in order to feel the full effect of it.
It is an astrological look at your entire year, and a pretty accurate one at that.
I felt like the words I read happened every time, and not only was this book a heads up as to how I should react, but also keep reminding me what I'm going through will not last.
I honestly wish I had another book to forecast this year.
I cannot recommend a book that is for a past calendar year, but what I can recommend is the new book for 2011, I am sure it will be as good as this past book.

5/5


~I received a copy from FSB Associates. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

The Season of Risks - Susan Hubbard

Synopsis:
My name is Ariella Montero, and I know a secret. Telling it will change everything.
Half-human and half-vampire, Ari confronts the darker sides of vampirism, and herself, as the sects deploy new technologies to battle for influence and power.
But beyond these challenges lie greater risks: Ari's relationship with Neil Cameron, the first vampire to run for the U.S. presidency, must be kept under wraps from even those she trusts most. When scandal inevitably erupts, Ari is forced to face the consequences of her actions, learning the hard way that love demands delicate negotiations between memory and desire.


Book 1: The Society of S
Book 2: The Year of Disappearances


©2010


My Opinion:
I read the first two books in the series, no, devoured, before I started blogging, so I can't refer you to how this set of characters captured me.
I was really drawn into this all in the first book. The second book draws us into the world of a girl that is born from the characters in the first book. This third book brings it all to a close with the girl all grown and learning how to adjust to herself.
No romance, no fluff. Just pure storytelling.
I really liked this series.
I am also hoping the author goes with her idea of continuing this series but with the extra characters in it. I like learning more about this set of characters, even the ones that played really small parts.
I have to admit, this book was the slowest of the three.
So if you looking for vampire action that has nothing to do with Bella and Jacob, check this series out. Be sure to read in order though.


4/5



~I received my copy as a gift. Thank you Velvet! I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Teaser Tuesday

HOST


* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

He said he'd had the impression I was younger, that he'd been surprised when he checked my records and found out I was twenty-two.
I said I guessed I was a late bloomer.

~ Page 168, The Season of Risks - Susan Hubbard

ARC Challenge 2011

I didn't think I'd see another challenge that would flip my switch, and then I saw this one. We all read ARC's, it's part of why we blog, but a challenge for it... splendid!



HOST


RULES:
* To sign up, leave a direct link to your blog post about this challenge. Please leave a comment as well.

* You don't have to make a list of which ARC's you plan to read, but you can if you want.

* If you choose a lower level, you can always change it to a higher level if you like. However, you cannot go from a higher level back down to a lower level.

* Crossovers with other challenges are allowed and Audio-books and ebooks are allowed as long as they are ARC's.

* Read the books and review them on your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can post your review on sites like Powells, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

* Subscribe to host blog for monthly Linky.

* Have fun!


The Levels:
Level Bronze: .a. All of us who have or will have less than 12 ARCS must read all of the ARCS we have. Note, that if you have 11 ARC's and then receive a 12th one you will be bumped up to catagory b.
b. All of us who have or will have 12 or more than 12 ARCS must read and review at least 12.
Level Silver: Read 24 ARCS
Level Gold: Read 25 ARCS
Level Platinum: Read 30 or more ARCS


I am going big with 30+, since I read over 200 books this year, most being ARC's, I am sure I can do it.


1. My Immortal Assassin - Carolyn Jewel
2. Shade - Jeri Smith-Ready
3. A Tiny Bit Marvellous - Dawn French
4. Rock Bottom - Erin Brockovich
5. Miss Scarlet's School of Patternless Sewing - Kathy Cano-Murillo
6. Letters From Home - Kristina McMorris
7. The Breath of God - Jeffrey Small
8. The Sweetest Thing - Jill Shalvis
9. The Sandalwood Tree - Elle Newmark
10. Shiver of Fear - Roxanne St. Claire
11. Face of Danger - Roxanne St. Claire
12. Never Knowing - Chevy Stevens
13. The Guardian - Margaret Mallory
14. The Memoir of Marilyn Monroe - Sandi Gelles-Cole
15. Beg for Mercy - Jami Alden
16. The Immortality Virus - Christine Amsden
17. Desperate Souls - Gregory Lamberson
18. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making - Cathrynne M. Valente
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits and other curious things - Cate Gardner

Synopsis:
Zombies, robots, and dragons, oh my! A collection of strange, surreal, and magical short fiction from Cate Gardner.


©2010


My Opinion:
For a collection of short stories, this has to be one of the best I've read!
There were so many different stories, werewolves, zombies, and even stranger still. This book was captivating from beginning to end.
The difference in stories didn't bother me at all. Each one had a start, middle and end, so it all fell together nicely.
In the end my lasting impression is: groovy!

4.5/5


~I won my copy. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

Elephant Milk - Diane Sherry Case

Synopsis:
Sean Hayes is driving a lime green dune buggy that a friend of hers traded from Elvis Presley for angel dust. A major motion picture is about to be released with Sean's accidentally naked breasts in it and she has just watched her best girlfriend shoot heroin, while Keith Richards nodded on the couch. Sean parks the dune buggy on Coldwater Canyon, walks down the hill, and lights a joint to calm down. There she finds a pile of black clothes, wet with blood. The Tate murders? It is 1969 and things are starting to get really icky.
Meanwhile, Sean's first boyfriend has taken off to Mexico and she has no idea exactly where he is. But a girl has to follow her heart. Sean leaves Beverly Hills determined to find her lover, even if it means joining a traveling circus and getting lost in a world of drum rolls and lions and Mayan glyphs. Even it means having knives thrown at her for a living, and facing a loaded machine gun in the hands of her rival. Somehow, she will find Frank, even if means going deep into the jungle, just in time to view a total eclipse, on the back of her favorite elephant.


©2010


My Opinion:
This turned out to be one of those situations where you should not judge a book by its cover.
There's so many things going on in this cover that you get a sense of confusion. Not at all what came across the page when reading the story of Sean.
This girl came to life immediately for me, and I couldn't help wondering where would her story would lead. I really became mesmerized by her strong nature, as wild as it was.
I was baffled and disappointed in the ending. It just became too much about something the story didn't need.
Still a good solid read.


3.5/5


~I received a copy from the author. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

12 Pearls of Christmas Giveaway

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.

~~~

Love
by Lauraine Snelling

When asked to write a Christmas message, one of my first thoughts was Do I climb up on my soapbox regarding changing the words in Christmas songs, using only holiday, etc. I thought about it and decided no. After all, they’re only words and what difference does a word make---really make after all?

Then I kept on thinking. If they’re only words… But we as writers know the power of words, as do readers. When the wrong word is used, it jars, while the right word can be most powerful. Take one highly overused and under practiced word---Love. Four letters is all. We toss it around so glibly, saying love ya and luv and love. But think about the power in I love you. Three of the most precious words in our language when put together. Those of us who write romances or books with romance in them, understand the power when one of our characters tells another, I love you. As humans we can never hear that enough or too much.

Christmas is about love. The greatest love story ever told, that of God for us humans, and it never changes. Customs change, politics change, the years change but God’s love never, ever does. At Christmas we are invited to share that love, to give it away, to pass it around. To find wonder again and joy in simple acts of love. We make contact with people we might never see or talk with through the year. That says I love you. We buy and make gifts to give, we reach out to strangers in need, we try to make sure everyone has a special dinner and every child a present. By giving, we receive.

So, let’s use the power words, but more so, put feet on those words and pass the love around. Let’s look for and find the wonder, the joy and the peace, maybe in small bits and pieces and perhaps in an avalanche of blessings. Make your days brighter with the simple gift of a smile, a kind word, a touch, for every single one that you give away, will come back to you multiplied. As you give, so shall you receive. Merry Christmas my friends. May we all recognize our blessings----and let an attitude of gratitude permeate this holiday and every day. With love and joy on this day, Lauraine!

 ~~~

About Lauraine: Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than sixty books, with sales of over 2 million copies. She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the country. Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a cockatiel named Bidley, and a watchdog Basset named Chewy.

For more information please visit Lauraine's website: www.laurainesnelling.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}. One entry per person, per day. 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

Quote It: Christmas Edition

Welcome to Quote It!
Please feel free to grab the button and create your own post.
Add as many quotes as you wish, from whom ever you wish. It can even be lyrics to a song.
Just tell us who it is. Anonymous welcome too.
And please leave your link.


We Wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy new year!

~ (A popular secular sixteenth-century English carol)

12 Pearls of Christmas Giveaway

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}. One entry per person, per day. 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

The Friday 56

Welcome to Week 8 with me!
Merry CHRISTmas and Happy 2011!


Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.


Elephant Milk - Diane Sherry Case

Page 56:

The only clear vision was that dreamy goodbye kiss and the postcard from Mazatlan with my two favorite words: Love, Frank.

Happy Holidays!

I saw this video on Comedy Plus, and had to share it with you guys!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

12 Pearls of Christmas Giveaway

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}. One entry per person, per day. 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

A Shore Thing - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi

Synopsis:
It’s a summer to remember . . . at the Jersey Shore.
Giovanna “Gia” Spumanti and her cousin Isabella “Bella” Rizzoli are going to have the sexiest summer ever. While they couldn’t be more different—pint-size Gia is a carefree, outspoken party girl and Bella is a tall, slender athlete who always holds her tongue—for the next month they’re ready to pouf up their hair, put on their stilettos, and soak up all that Seaside Heights, New Jersey, has to offer: hot guidos, cool clubs, fried Oreos, and lots of tequila.
So far, Gia’s summer is on fire. Between nearly burning down their rented bungalow, inventing the popular “tan-tags” at the Tantastic Salon where she works, and rescuing a shark on the beach, she becomes a local celebrity overnight. Luckily, she meets the perfect guy to help her keep the flames under control. Firefighter Frank Rossi is exactly her type: big, tan, and Italian. But is he tough enough to handle Gia when things really heat up?
Bella is more than ready for some fun in the sun. Finally free of her bonehead ex-boyfriend, she left home in Brooklyn with one goal in mind: hooking up with a sexy gorilla for a no-strings-attached summer fling. In no time, she lands a job leading “Beat Up the Beat” dance classes at a local gym, and is scooped up by Beemer-driving, preppy Bender Newberry. Only problem: Bella can’t get her romantic and ripped boss Tony “Trouble” Troublino out of her head. He’s relationship material. Suddenly, Bella’s not sure what she wants.
The cousins soon realize that for every friend they make on the boardwalk, there are also rivals, slummers, and frenemies who will do anything to ruin their summer—and try their relationship. Before July ends, the bonds of family and friendship will be stretched to the breaking point. Will the haters prevail, or will Gia and Bella find love at the Shore?
For everyone who loves MTV’s hit reality show, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s sweet, funny, and sexy novel perfectly captures the heat, the energy, the fun, and the drama of Jersey Shore.


©2010


My Opinion:
I'm a huge fan of Jersey Shore, so when I heard about this book I immediately contacted the publisher's to see about reviewing Snooki's book. I honestly thought it would be a memoir, and I was completely wrong!
I will admit, at times while reading this book, it felt like I was watching a season of Jersey Shore, but in reality you don't have to know a thing about Jersey Shore to enjoy the book. You just have to be a fan of contemporary fiction really.
I thought it was a great read! I flew through each page, laughing along in all the right spots!
There is some sex and language in the book, so be warned.
A surprisingly huge recommendation for the reading list!


5/5


~I received a copy from Simon & Schuster Canada. I was not compensated for my opinion.~

A To Z; Starts With T

HOST


Rules:
Go to your stack of books
Find an author whose first or last name starts with the letter of the week

Post:
1~ a photo of the book
2~ title and synopsis
3~ link(amazon, barnes and noble etc.)
4~ Come back to Reading At The Beach and leave your link in the comments.
5~ If you've already reviewed the book, add the link.

Authors: First or Last name starts with "T"


Ted Dekker - THR3E

Synopsis:
By all accounts seminary student Kevin Parsins is leading a good, if not virtuous, life. But like all people, Kevin has his secrets. And someone wants them revealed.
While driving home from a day at graduate school, Kevin receives a call from a mysterious stranger who calls himself Slater. Slater demands Kevin confess his sin in the next three minutes or the vehicle he is manning will be blown to pieces.
Thus starts a harrowing chain of events. After narrowly escaping his exploding car, Kevin continues to receive phone calls from Slater, each with another riddle, another consequence, and another three minutes to confess his sin.
The problem is Kevin is unsure of what that sin might be. And Slater's cycle won't stop until he figures it out.

12 Pearls of Christmas Giveaway

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, 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}. One entry per person, per day. 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

Teaser Tuesday

HOST


* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

In frustration, she reverted to her old style and threw a massive haymaker at him. He could have seen it coming from space.

~ Page 134, A Shore Thing - Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi

12 Pearls of Christmas Giveaway

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.

~~~

Good News!
by Deb Kalmbach

The first Christmas card of the season arrived in my mailbox way back in August. How could anyone be that organized? Then I noticed my friend, Nita, had sent me a card I had written to her more than 20 years ago!
  
Memories rushed back as I read the words penned in my familiar handwriting. It was Christmas, 1991, and my world had unraveled. I could almost pretend everything was all right at this most wonderful time of the year—but not that year.
  
My husband Randy’s drinking problem had escalated to the point where his job and career were on the line. He had already been through two alcohol treatment programs and managed to stay sober for short periods of time. Then he slipped back into old, familiar patterns. His ongoing relapses were a crushing disappointment for our family.
  
I had looked forward to Christmas Eve and our family traditions; making homemade lasagna, singing carols around the piano, attending the candlelight service at church, and then coming home to open one token Christmas Eve present.     
  
“Randy, are you ready to crank out the pasta?” I called to him over the Christmas music I was playing to lift my spirits.
  
I peered into the living room to see what was keeping him. My heart froze. Randy sat on the couch, trance-like, watching a basketball game while sipping a drink.
  
No, not on Christmas Eve, I screamed inwardly. I felt like I was suffocating. Usually Randy pulled himself together but it didn’t happen that night. He drank vodka all evening while I finished holiday preparations on autopilot. None of us felt like eating lasagna or celebrating.
  
Only a few days earlier, I had written these words on the Christmas card to my friend, Nita. I don’t know God’s plans, his timing or his ways in accomplishing his purposes, but I am learning to trust him. He is faithful!
  
I suspect Nita kept my card all those years because she saw a small seed of faith and it encouraged her heart. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be eight more Christmas seasons before Randy experienced the miraculous breakthrough of finding freedom from alcoholism.
  
As I read the card I had written so long ago, I felt awed by God’s faithfulness to us—even when our situation looked completely hopeless.
  
You may be facing great difficulty as the holidays approach. The last thing you feel like is celebrating. And that’s O.K. The Good News of Christmas isn’t about picture perfect holidays where our homes are decorated a la Martha Stewart and tables are laden with holiday delicacies. Your days may not be merry and bright. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one or the loss of a relationship through divorce or estrangement. Your world has unraveled.

That’s exactly why the message of Christmas is Good News. The Savior is born! The One who came to set you free, to give you peace and hope and help beyond anything you could ever imagine is as near as your next breath. Today you might not be able to see how God’s purposes are unfolding for your future, but you can be assured that He is working all things for good in your life. A twenty year-old Christmas card came on a summer day as an unexpected gift and gentle reminder of God’s presence—especially in the worst of times.

 ~~~

About Deb: Deb Kalmbach is the coauthor of Because I Said Forever: Embracing Hope in a Not-So- Perfect Marriage and the author of a book for children, Corey’s Dad Drinks Too Much. She has contributed to The New Women’s Devotional Bible, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, and other anthologies. She is a vibrant and engaging speaker who gives hope and practical solutions to those who struggle with difficult relationships. Deb and her husband, Randy, live in a tiny town in Eastern Washington. Visit Deb at: www.debkalmbach.com, or on Facebook and Twitter.

~~~

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}. One entry per person, per day. 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