Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from a corner of the world with no snow! But then there was no snow in Bethlehem either the night that Jesus was born and laid in a manger.

It's so amazing that the the Son of God, who is God himself, came to this wretched world as a tiny little baby and experienced all the things we do just so he could live a blameless and sinless life in order to be the perfect sacrifice die on a cross and then come back to life three days later.

Tonight I went caroling at a hospital and afterwards someone shared some thoughts about the Christmas story. Jesus knew what it was like to have a dirty diaper (sounds sacrilegious doesn't it?), what it was like to not be able to communicate, what teasing children and preteen & teenage awkwardness were like. He's been there, done that. He knows. He knows how you feel. He knows what you're going through.

Share your burdens and joys with him and rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel! (Did you know Emmanuel means 'God with us'?)

Merry Christmas!

P.S. I'd post a picture or share video of some great Christmas carols, but the internet is incredibly slow here (I'm visiting a friend). Next week I'll be back home and will get back to book blogging.

P.P.S. Guess I'll have to try posting this later, an internet connection speed of 1 to 4 kbps is not enough to publish this.

Waiting on Wednesday #21 - Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're

eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Bethany House - January 2013

About
Emma Smallwood, determined to help her widowed father regain his spirits when his academy fails, agrees to travel with him to the distant Cornwall coast, to the cliff-top manor of a baronet and his four sons. But after they arrive and begin teaching the younger boys, mysterious things begin to happen and danger mounts. Who does Emma hear playing the pianoforte, only to find the music room empty? Who sneaks into her room at night? Who rips a page from her journal, only to return it with a chilling illustration?

The baronet's older sons, Phillip and Henry, wrestle with problems--and secrets--of their own. They both remember Emma Smallwood from their days at her father's academy. She had been an awkward, studious girl. But now one of them finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her.

When the suspicious acts escalate, can the clever tutor's daughter figure out which brother to blame... and which brother to trust with her heart?

Why I want to read it

Julie Klassen is a great author. I loved Maid of Fairbourne Hall and am excited to see what new tale she has spun. Just from the description I can tell that she's woven some themes from English classics into her story. 

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks 

Book Trailer

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Waiting on Wednesday #20: Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson - January 2013
Series: Under Texas Skies, #2

About
Margaret suspects the new foreman on her father’s ranch is hiding something. Though Daniel promises she’s safe with him around, how can she be sure? Born and raised on a sprawling ranch in Texas, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. She’s convinced she can do as good a job on the ranch as her brother who died in the war. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to have children, to build a life. But she gave up hope for such dreams years ago. The ranch is her life now.

When Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Daniel swears he’s turned over a new leaf and isn’t involved with the thieves he used to run with, but Margaret is unconvinced. When she finds out he’s an undercover Texas Ranger, sparks fly. Can she help Daniel extricate his younger brother who is still involved? And can Daniel convince her he’s the safe haven he’s promised for her heart?

Why I want to read it

The first book in this series is Blue Moon Promise. I didn't particularly love it, but I'd still like to read book two. I really liked the author's Lonestar series and am hoping this series becomes as enjoyable. Besides the description makes it sound like quite the adventuresome tale.

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2012 New to Me Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is the top ten authors that were new to you in the past year. Hard to believe 2012 is almost over! The *stared* titles link to my review of the book.

Top Ten Favorite New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2012

1. Patricia C. Wrede
* Dealing with Dragons *

* Searching for Dragons*
Calling on Dragons
Talking to Dragons

2. Regina Jennings

* Sixty Acres and a Bride *

3. Becky Wade

* My Stubborn Heart *

4. Karen Kingsbury

* The Bridge *
(Yes, believe it or not, I'd never read any Kingsbury before)

5. Melanie Dobson

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island

6. Jody Hedlund

The Doctor's Lady

7. E.D. Baker

* The Wide Awake Princess *

8. Shelley Gray, also known as Shelley Shepard Gray
* Hidden *
A Texan's Promise

* A Texan's Honor *
* A Texan's Choice *


9. Shannon Hale
The Princess Academy
The Goose Girl

Enna Burning
River Secrets
Forest Born

10. Ginger Myrick

* El Rey: A Novel of Renaissance Iberia *


Which favorite new authors did you discover this year?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer. Zondervan, 2012. 352p. (9780310335108) Series: Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors, #1

I don’t often read Amish stories but when I saw this one it caught my eye. Plus the series name is very much like one of my favorite musicals. Not that the book is anything really like that movie.

Goodreads Summary:

Every year, 30--40 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.

Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love.  Since the tragic death of her best friend, she carries her memories in a jar along with the small items connected to them. For just as long, she's also been carrying around her emotions instead of allowing them to penetrate deep into her heart.

Now she's met a kind and gentle man who may be able to break down the wall. But can Sarah risk her heart to finally achieve her dreams?

Purcell Mountains in the West Kootenai Montana
Photo credit: Kinsey Barnard

My Review:

This was a fun read. Usually Amish stories take place in the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana area but this one started out in Montana and stayed there for a good portion of the story. Part way through Sarah does indeed head east to visit her aunt and be closer to Jathan but she is still from Montana and her mindset is a bit different from the Amish she meets in Ohio.

I enjoyed learning about the different Amish communities and realized that they aren’t all the same, they have their own tendencies based on where they live just like everyone else.

The friendship between Sarah and Patty is lively and the flashback memories of childhood don’t interrupt the story in my opinion. Their friendship is a good reminder of how much one person can affect and shape the life of another and that we should strive to be a positive influence on our friends.

Go read it! 

Find it at a library near you; Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley. 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.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Waiting on Wednesday #19 - Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're

eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

Zondervan - Dec '12 or Jan '13

About
A daring rescue. A difficult choice.

Sophie desperately wants to get away from her stepmother’s jealousy, and believes escape is her only chance to be happy. Then a young man named Gabe arrives from Hagenheim Castle, claiming she is betrothed to his older brother, and everything twists upside down. This could be Sophie’s one chance at freedom---but can she trust another person to keep her safe?

Gabe defied his parents Rose and Wilhelm by going to find Sophie, and now he believes they had a right to worry: the girl’s inner and outer beauty has enchanted him. Though romance is impossible---she is his brother’s future wife, and Gabe himself is betrothed to someone else---he promises himself he will see the mission through, no matter what.

When the pair flee to the Cottage of the Seven, they find help---but also find their feelings for each other have grown. Now both must not only protect each other from the dangers around them---they must also protect their hearts.

Why I want to read it

I absolutely LOVED Melanie's first two books - The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter. I love the twists she gives to classic fairy tales and the Christian perspective she adds. Can't wait to read it!

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

Book Trailer

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Books on Christmas Wishlist

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Christmas is around the corner so I think the topic creators over at Broke and the Bookish had a great idea to make this week's topic the top ten books you'd like to get for Christmas.

Top Ten Fiction Books I Wouldn't Mind Getting for Christmas

1. Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

(I already got this in mail, thank you Anne Elizabeth Stengl! But getting a package from America while in Africa is like Christmas)

2. A Promise to Love by Serena Miller

3. A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California by Keli Gwyn

4 - 6. The Healer’s Apprentice, The Merchant’s Daughter, and an ARC of Fairest Beauty all by Melanie Dickerson

7. The Princess by Lori Wick

(One of my favorite books and I don’t own it)

8. A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano


9. & 10. Hope's Promise and Faith's Reward by Tammy Barley

(I read Love's Rescue and really enjoyed it, the ebook copy I have included a preview of the next book and ended on quite the cliffhanger.)

Which books are on your Christmas wishlist?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Part 1 of Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

 Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. Bethany House, 2012. 347p. (9780764210266)

Oh. My. Goodness! This book is amazing! And I've only read through part one. Already I’m giving this book a five star plus rating, well five butterfly plus rating because that’s the clipart I chose. Which means before I post my complete review I have to go make a five plus rating.

In the beginning of part one we meet Sir Eanrin, Lady Gleamdren, Queen Bebo, and King Iubdan again. While Starflower does go way back in time before the other books in the series this is by no means the beginning of their stories. Eanrin has been a bard for so long he can’t remember not being one and Queen Bebo has had so many birthday’s that the Fairie folk of Rudiobus Mountain only celebrate it every one hundred years.

It’s very fun to see what Eanrin was like way back then compared to in the days of Una and Lionheart. I’m very excited to learn what all matured him a bit

We also meet the Black Dogs and the Midnight that surrounds them again and get to learn a bit more about them. Never would have guessed them to have the alternate shape that they do. Last night when I finished reading part one I decided to read something light and “fluffy” to keep myself from dreaming of black dogs and yellow eyes.

In the prologue we meet Hri Sora and the Dark Father. Both are dragons, but Hri Sora was not always a dragon. Over Christmas I’m going to reread Veiled Rose and Moonblood to learn more about the first dragons origins. Unless part two reveals more, which I suspect it will.

And of course we meet Starflower, whom the book is named after and who will be the heroine I suspect, is of course also introduced. I love how she tells her name and Eanrin figures it out but then calls her by the fairie word for starflower. And I can’t tell you what it is because that will spoil your “oh my goodness, that’s her! that’s so awesome! what’s the rest of her story?! how does she end up…? And…oh MY” moment.

On page 123 the Dragonwitch is first mentioned and now I can hardly wait for book five to come out next summer. I know, I’m terribly impatient and I haven’t even finished book four!

So there you have it. This book is fabulous. This series is fabulous – each book is better than the last. So what are you waiting for? Go read them!

Update: Here's part 2 of my Starflower review.

Go read it! Buy it from Amazon; Buy it from B&N; Buy it from ChristianBooks

Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author and publisher. Thank you so much Anne Elisabeth!!! 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.

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Update #2 on 2012 Reading Challenges

It's time for an update on my reading challenges:

Historical Fiction Challenge 2012

(complete 6/3/12)

See the first Reading Challenge update for list of books I read

2014 Winter Olympics Reading Challenge

(3/26/12 - )

There are three levels to this challenge: Level 1 (Gold): Read a book from every country that won a medal. (A total of 26 countries) Level 2 (Silver): Read a book from every country that won a Gold medal. (A total 19 countries) Level 3 (Bronze): Read a book from every country that won Gold, Silver AND Bronze medals - the * countries. (15 countries)

I love the Olympics and this challenge caught my eye because it is so unique plus you have four years to finish it…well if you started back in 2010 you’d have four years. I’m not sure if I’ll go back in time very far to see what I can cross off. We’ll see. And I’m definitely going to try for gold.

Here’s the list of the 26 countries that won medals at the 2010 Winter Olympics (* means the country got gold, silver and bronze medals):

• Australia - Gold & Silver (no Bronze)
• Austria *
• Belarus *
• Canada *
• China *
• Croatia - Silver & Bronze (no Gold)
• Czech Republic - Gold & Bronze (no Silver) - Mission Out of Control by Susan May Warren
• Estonia - Silver (no Gold or Bronze)
• Finland - Silver & Bronze (no Gold)
• France *
• Germany * - Goose Girl by Shannon Hale & Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
• Great Britain - Gold (no Silver or Bronze) - Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
• Italy * - The Duke's Promise by Jamie Carie
• Japan - Silver & Bronze (no Gold)
• Kazakhstan - Silver (no Gold or Bronze)
• Latvia - Silver (no Gold or Bronze)
• Netherlands *
• Norway *
• Poland *
• Russia *
• Slovakia *
• Slovenia - Silver & Bronze (no Gold)
• South Korea *
• Sweden *
• Switzerland - Gold & Bronze (no Silver)
• United States * - see the 50 State challenge below

Where are you Reading Challenge

This is simply a fun way to see where the stories take place that you read by pinpointing them on Google Maps. It’s kinda hard to figure out where a fiction story takes place.

View My book travels in a larger map

50 States Challenge

The goal of this one is simple – read a book that takes place in each of the 50 States. And I've thrown in the territories and DC. For a total of 56 places.

(12/56 - 6/3/12)

Alabama - Alabama by Kay Cornelius

Alaska

American Samoa

Arizona 

Arkansas

California - Whatever Tomorrow Brings by Lori Wick

Colorado - Morning Mountain by Peggy Darty

Connecticut

Delaware

District of Columbia

Florida

Georgia - Always a Baker Never a Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

Guam

Hawaii

Idaho - A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas - Moon over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Kentucky - A Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

Louisiana

Maine - Maine Brides by Susan Page Davis

Maryland

Massachusetts - Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Michigan

Minnesota - Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich 

Mississippi - The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Missouri - Forever After by Deborah Raney

Montana - Sabrina by Lori Wick

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico - Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergen

New York - Masquerade by Nancy Moser

North Carolina - Be Still My Soul by Joanne Bischof

North Dakota

Northern Marianas Islands

Ohio - The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer

Oklahoma

Oregon - The Doctor's Lady by Jody Helund

Pennsylvania - The Messenger by Siri Mitchell

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island - An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

South Carolina - The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall

South Dakota

Tennessee - The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury

Texas - A Texan's Honor by Shelley Gray

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Virgin Islands

Washington - The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Can you tell I like geography and traveling? To add a bit of variety here is a challenge with two parts that Abbi over at Christian Novels is doing.

A-Z Challenge 

Read a book and a author for each letter of the alphabet
(Books:12 left to go - 6/3/12)
(Authors: 12 left to go - 6/13/12)
(except I missed a few so the previous stat is a bit wrong)

Books:

A- Always the Baker Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker

B- Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble

C- The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz

D- Dancing with Max by Emily Colson

E- Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

F- Finding Our Way Home by Charlene Ann Baumbich

G- The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

H- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I- Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

J- Jessie by Lori Wick

K-

L- The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

M- The Messenger by Siri Mitchell; My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade

N- N or M? by Agatha Christie

O- Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley

P- Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Q- Quiet by Susan Cain (except I didn't quite finish it)

R- Riona by Linda Windsor

S- Sabrina by Lori Wick

T- A Texan's Honor by Shelley Gray

U- An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

V- A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

W- Word's Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

X-

Y-

Z-

Authors

A- Lynn Austin, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen

B- Charlene Ann Baumbich

C- Jamie Carie, Emily Colson, Suzanne Collins

D- Peggy Darty

E- Elizabeth Eulberg

F- Laura Frantz

G- Shelley Gray

H- Shannon Hale

I- Washington Irving

J- Reginna Jennings

K- Jane Kirkpatrick, Karen Kingsbury

L- Gail Carson Levine

M- Siri Mitchell, Catherine Gilbert Murdock

N- Lisa Norato

O- Bruce Olson

P- Mary Osborne Pope, Delia Parr

Q-

R- Deborah Raney

S- Anne Elisabeth Stengl

T- M.L. Tyndall

U-

V- Clare Vanderpool

W- Lori Wick

X-

Y- Kathleen Y'Barbo

Z- Zee-Zee

BH ebook deal 11/28: Unending Devotion

This month Bethany House Publishers has a special deal each day for a different ebook. 

Wednesday's deal is

Unending Devotion by Jodi Heldund

Regular Price: $14.99

80% off at Amazon

84% off at Christian Book Distributors
Double check the price before you buy - the sale is only good for one day (November 28th)

Goodreads Summary:

Michigan, 1883 In Her Darkest Hours, Is He the Man She Needs?

Lily Young longs to find her lost sister or will die trying. Heedless of any danger, she searches logging camps and towns, posing as a photographer's assistant. And then she arrives in Harrison, Michigan--and the sights of Connell McCormick.

Connell is determined to increase the fortune of his lumber-baron father and figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters. But when Lily arrives in town she upends his world, forcing him to confront the truth that dangerous men have gained too much power while good men turn a blind eye.

Vexing but persuasive, Lily soon secures Connell's help, drawing them ever closer to each other. Will standing for what's right cost them both everything?

I recently read The Doctor's Lady also by Jodi Hedlund and I really enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to reading this book.

UPDATE: At Every Turn by Anne Mateer is FREE today only!
Missed that when writing this post real quick earlier. See the Bethany House link below to find your favorite retailer to get it from.

Check out the rest of the Bethany House November deals

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Waiting on Wednesday #18: Ashton Park by Murray Pura

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Ashton Park by Murray Pura
Harvest House - January 2013
Series: The Danforths of Lancashire, #1

About
For fans of the hugely popular Downton Abbey series, comes this equally enthralling story of the Danforth family of Ashton Park.

Among the green hills and trees of Lancashire, only a few miles from the sea, lies the beautiful and ancient estate of Ashton Park.

The year is 1916. The First World War has engulfed Europe and Sir William’s and Lady Elizabeth’s three sons are all in uniform—and their four daughters are involved in various pursuits of the heart and soul.

As the head of a strong Church of England family for generations, Sir William insists the Danforth estate hold morning devotions that include both family and staff. However, he is also an MP and away at Westminster in London whenever Parliament is sitting. During his long absences, Lady Elizabeth discreetly spends time in the company of the head cook of the manor, Mrs. Longstaff, who is her best friend and confidante. This friendship includes visits to a small Baptist church in Liverpool that exposes Lady Elizabeth to a less formal approach to Christian worship and preaching than she is used to and which she comes to enjoy.

Readers will follow Ashton Park’s charming upstairs/downstairs characters through the perils of war and the affairs of the heart with relish—and with an eye to the sequel coming in Fall 2013.

Why I want to read it

My cousin introduced me to Downton Abbey last Christmas; my mom, sister and I watched the entire first season in the two or three days we were there. Currently I'm enjoying season three (there are benefits to living in Africa!). And since I enjoy reading more than watching TV, it's quite exciting that a new series is coming out set in that same time period. This is a new to me author but his other books have high ratings so this should be good too!

Where you can find it

Amazon and ChristianBooks

Book Trailer

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

Top Ten Tuesday: 2013's Most Anticipated Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

The year is winding down. Hard to believe Christmas is just under a month away and that soon it will be 2013! There are a number of great books coming out, but I choose my top five and then included a few books that the students at the school I work at are eagerly awaiting.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books For 2013

1. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson

Absolutely loved her first two books! The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter

2. Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

I can’t wait for summer! This series is simply fabulous (you should know that by now, I mention it every chance I get). Go read the beginning of the series so you’ll be ready for this one! (#1: Heartless, #2 Veiled Rose, #3 Moonblood, #4 Starflower)

3. The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen

I’ve enjoyed her other books, particularly her last one and am excited about this one!

4. Love in the Balance by Reginna Jennings

The first book in this series is a retelling of Ruth, Sixty Acres and a Bride and I loved it. Excited to hear Molly’s story!

5. Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

I've enjoyed a few other books by this author and the description promises an interesting story.

The books the students at my school are looking forward to the most:

6. The Third Wheel (#7) by Jeff Kinney

Yes, I know it already came out, but we won’t get it until January (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #8 is untitled as of now but will come out in 2013)

7. Ranger’s Apprentice Series #5 onward

Yes, again, all but #12 are out, but our library doesn’t have them and the kids keep asking when we’ll get them. Oh the joys of having to wait for someone to come from the States and giving them money for the extra baggage fees.

8. 39 Clues: The Cahills vs. Vespers Series Shatterproof  (#4) & Trust No One (#5)

Those are out as well, but again we don’t have them yet and number 6, Day of Doom is coming in 2013.

9. Maximum Ride Series – Nevermore (#8)

Yes, this one is out too but we don’t have it yet.

10. What book are you eagerly awaiting in 2013?

Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.

BH ebook deal Nov 23: Short-Straw Bride

This month Bethany House Publishers has a special deal each day for a different ebook. 

Friday's deal is

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Wittemeyer

Regular Price: $14.99

80% off at Amazon

84% off at Christian Book Distributors
Double check the price before you buy - the sale is only good for one day (November 23rd)

Goodreads Summary:

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.

Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.

Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?

I definitely recommend getting this book! Here's my review and rating:

Check out the rest of the Bethany House November deals

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Remember - Anytime you visit Amazon.com or BarnesAndNoble.com or ChristianBooks.com use an affiliate link to get there. Any purchase you make from a link on my site generates a small kickback. You need not purchase the item I'm featuring, any purchase counts. It costs you nothing extra and is an easy way to support this site.