Where Treetops Glisten Book Review

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About the Book

The crunch of newly fallen snow, the weight of wartime

Three siblings forging new paths and finding love in three stories, filled with the wonder of Christmas

Turn back the clock to a different time, listen to Bing Crosby sing of sleigh bells in the snow, as the realities of America’s involvement in the Second World War change the lives of the Turner family in Lafayette, Indiana.

In White Christmas by Cara Putman, Abigail Turner is holding down the Home Front as a college student and a part-time employee at a one-of-a-kind candy shop. Loss of a beau to the war has Abigail skittish about romantic entanglements—until a hard-working young man with a serious problem needs her help.

Abigail’s brother Pete is a fighter pilot hero returned from the European Theatre in Sarah Sundin’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas, trying to recapture the hope and peace his time at war has eroded. But when he encounters a precocious little girl in need of Pete’s friendship, can he convince her widowed mother that he’s no longer the bully she once knew?

In Tricia Goyer’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meredith Turner, “Merry” to those who know her best, is using her skills as a combat nurse on the frontline in the Netherlands. Halfway around the world from home, Merry never expects to face her deepest betrayal head on, but that’s precisely what God has in mind to redeem her broken heart.

The Turner family believes in God’s providence during such a tumultuous time. Can they absorb the miracle of Christ’s birth and God’s plan for a future? (Goodreads)

My Review

 
Usually these types of books I don't enjoy because the romance is so fast with three stories in one. This book actually surprised me and I really enjoyed it!

There weren't new authors to me so I knew their writing to be good. My favorite story is I'll Be Home for Christmas. The entire story line captured my full attention and I felt drawn into the character's lives. I thought this book gave a unique perspective on the war and families left behind. I would love to read more about Pete and Grace even though the story is short. 

The other books are good as well but didn't grab me as much. These stories are short, fast romance, but I think the authors did a great job tying the family together.

Abigail I enjoyed because of her job but the romance side of things I didn't like as much. Merry takes you onto the front lines of the war and she discovers a past friend. I liked the story but it could have also used more detail in a full length book. 

 I am really impressed with this collection and it made me want to snuggle up and dream of snowflakes falling. 

For a Christmas read, I'll have to say this is a must read. 

Five stars. 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/BwVP9

About the authors: 

TRICIA GOYER is a prolific author of nearly forty books, including Chasing Mona Lisa, and a speaker and blogger. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

CARA PUTMAN is the author of twenty books including Shadowed by Grace. She is the winner of the 2008 Carol Award for historical fiction. 

Website, Facebook, Twitter

SARAH SUNDIN is the critically-acclaimed author of the Wings of the Nightingale series, the Wings of Glory series, and the forthcoming Waves of Freedom novels.

Website, Facebook, Twitter

A Christmas Gift For Rose Book Review

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 About the Book

Born in the midst of the hardships of The Great Depression, Rose grew up in Berlin, Ohio, in the arms of a loving Amish family. But as she prepares to marry, she's thrown into confusion when she learns the truth of her birth. She was born Englisch and abandoned when the family moved on in search of work. Was she meant to be Amish or would she have been better off growing up with her own kind---Englischers? And was her intended's gift of discovering her birth family given out of love or fear? 

My Review

For an Amish book this is one of my favorite. This is one of the best books that I have read by Tricia Goyer. The plot is creative and I love that it is based on a true story. Miss Rose is Amish and her love has come back from war, she is hurt that he disrespected his Amish roots and is worried they can no longer get married. Meanwhile Rose discovers a secret about her past and is unsure on how to handle her future with the new knowledge. As Rose works through her new mystery she discovers what is really important. Overall I enjoyed this book, though at times Rose was over dramatic for me. Amish readers will enjoy this cozy Christmas read! 

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

 Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novella, A Christmas Gift for Rose, with a Christmas Gift giveaway! 

Enter to win a NEW Kindle Fire HDX for you AND one for a friend!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire HDX and one to give away to a friend!
• A Christmas Gift for Rose, by Tricia Goyer for you and your friend!

Four second place winners will receive:

• A Christmas Gift for Rose Christmas pack (includes a recipe card, bookmark, a signed book plate, discussion questions, and a Gathering & Giving handout!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 19th. All winners will be announced October 21st at Tricia's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Tricia's blog on the 21st to see if you won one of the great prizes! (Or better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)

The Promise Box Book Review

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The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer is the second book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series.

Every year, young Amish men descend on the cozy little town of West Kootenai, Montana, arriving in the spring to live there for six months and receive "resident" status for the hunting season in the fall. They arrive as bachelors, but go home with brides!

In The Promise Box, the second book of bestselling author Tricia Goyer's Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, Lydia Wyse, a book editor from Seattle who grew up Amish, returns to the small community of West Kootenai, Montana to give comfort to her father after her mother's death. She is drawn back to the familiar Amish ways after finding her mother's most precious possession, a Promise Box of prayers and scripture. What her publisher sees, though, is an opportunity for a sensational "tell-all" book about the Amish.

Lydia soon finds herself falling in love with Amish bachelor Gideon Hooley. She wants nothing more than to forget her past and look forward to a future as an Amish bride. Will the pain of her childhood---and her potential betrayal of her community---keep her from committing her whole heart?(Goodreads)

Tricia Goyer is a talented author, she weaves stories in creative ways and I really do enjoy her writing. This book is not my favorite. I have not read the first book in this series but I loved the setting in Montana, not many Amish stories are set in Montana. The story line just seemed like something I have read before, while Tricia is a great author, this was just like any other Amish book that I have read. If you are an Amish fiction fan, you will love this book. I like Amish fiction, but I also like unique stories. I will say that I did like Lydia grows and the character development is fun to read.

"I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review."

   

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her lastest novel, The Promise Box (Zondervan), by hosting an Amish Baking Box giveaway and connecting with readers during her June 12th Book Chat Party!

One "promising" winner will receive:

• Apron, hot mitts, and kitchen towels
• Amish baking items (rolling pin, pie plate, etc...)
• Sherry Gore's Simply Delicious Amish Cooking
• The Memory Jar and The Promise Box by Tricia Goyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 11th. Winner will be announced at the "The Promise Box" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 12th. Connect with Tricia for an evening of Amish fun - book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Tricia will also share an exclusive look at the next book book in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Promise Box and join Tricia on the evening of June 12th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 12th!

Lead Your Family Like Jesus Book Review

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Lead Your Family Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard, Tricia Goyer, and Phil Hodges is a great book that gives perspective on parenting and the family as a whole. 

Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee? Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of "The One Minute Manager" and "Lead Like Jesus," points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders. Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light--as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book's practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference. (Goodreads)

This book actually surprised me and I really enjoyed reading it. I do not have children but the advice that these three people give made me think back to my own childhood and what I would want with my own kids. In one chapter Tricia was talking about her attitude with her kids. She states that she was always busy running them around to do so many things but being so stressed it made her grumpy. Would her kids remember the piano lessons or her attitude and anger later on down the road? Think about it. What do you remember from your childhood? The exciting pool party or the fight going on between parents on the way to and from the party? Ken, Tricia, and Phil all include personal side stories for examples on how to create a better family atmosphere and often they list things that are important with bullet points.

This is a great book and I highly recommend to anyone who has kids or who is planning to have some!

"I received this book for free from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review". 

 




Celebrate the release of Lead Your Family Like Jesus with Tricia by entering her iPad Mini Giveaway and RSVPing for the Lead, Momma Lead LIVE Webcast Event (with MomLife Today's Tracey Eyster) on April 16th.

  One winner will receive:

• An iPad Mini
• A Tricia Goyer library 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 15th. Winner will be announced at the "Lead, Momma Lead" Live Webcast Event on April 16th. Connect with authors and everyday moms, Tricia Goyer and Tracey Eyster, for an evening of sharing and perspective-changing encouragement for leading your family. Tricia and Tracey will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus and join Tricia and Tracey on the evening of April 16th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 16th!