"A Date With Death" by Ace Collins and a chance to win

Title: A Date With Death (Installment #1)

Author:  Ace Collins

Pages:  155 pages

Format:  Electronic

Year:  2013

Publisher:  Elk Lake Publishing 

“A Date With Death” is a  tale that will keep your attention and will make you anxious for the next installment!  Each month another episode will be sent to your electronic device once you have signed up for a subscription at http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/226017.  Subscribers sign up for a cost of $9.95, which gives one-month access to the site or for $60 subscribers get 12 full months’ access to the site that has extras available to subscribers. Leave a response with your email for an opportunity to win a year subscription for free! 

My review : A Date With Death is a five star first installment. I so want the next one, I find myself checking my email to see if It is available yet, and I believe anyone that has read any of Ace Collins's book will agree he has not let his fans down with this story. If you haven't read any of his other works, I believe you will become an instant fan.

   This  story takes place in 1941 and in the middle of the war. Helen Meeker works for Franklin Roosevelt, the President. She is a remarkable woman and wants what other women wants but mostly wants Edgar J. Hoover to realize that women can and should be able to work for the FBI. 
   In this first installment, Helen is on a mission to save an innocent man, a preacher, who has confessed to being a spy, believing he can save other innocent people from being killed from the real spy. 
  The story plot kept me turning the pages to see who the real spy really was. Helen puts her life in danger to prove that the preacher is innocent, will she save him in time, before his execution date?  The ending isn't exactly the way I wanted it to end but the fact that it ended realistically is what makes this such a good story. The ending has the reader wishing there were more pages to turn, as Helen is starting another mission to save others, this time, the stakes are more personable to her.
  

I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book from www.bookfun.org

Here is where is available:

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ace-collins/a-date-with-death-in-the-president-service-episode/6113692.html

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387699

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAKO34W

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-date-with-death-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-date-with-death-episode-1-ace-collins/1117683926?ean=2940148829102&itm=1&usri=2940148829102

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19453116-a-date-with-death-ace-collins

ALSO here on http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/

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"The Scent Of Fear" by Susan J. Reinhardt

First came The Moses Conspiracy, now comes..... The Scent of Fear.

The Zimmermans enjoy the tenuous peace in the wake of their hair-raising year battling the New Patriots. Unexpected visitors once again throw them into turmoil.

Jim Kenneman, Director of National Security, masterminded the plan to break up a hate group ravaging the Christian community. Now, his enemies are out to eliminate him. Should he make a run for it or stick by his tried-and-true negotiating skills?

Monty Addison, a topnotch operative, carried out his assignment in Bird-in-Hand. A plot to destroy his boss sends him on a mission. Without agency sanction, it may cost him everything - his career, his family, and maybe his life.

Dr. Abby Weaver strives to save infants and toddlers in Holmes County, Ohio. When she meets two strangers, she can't get the tall, handsome one out of her mind. Will their paths intersect again or will dangerous times keep them apart?

The Scent of Fear is available at:

~~~Amazon~~~

~~~Barnes and Noble~~~

The Book Series

About the Author

Susan J. Reinhardt's publishing credits include her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy, as well as devotionals, short articles, and contributions to anthologies. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

A widow, daughter, stepmom, and active church member, Susan resides in Pennsylvania. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, couponing, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

You can connect with Susan at her Blog, on Twitter, and Facebook.

Blog Tour Schedule

December 16 ~Diane Estrella, www.dianeestrella.com

~Pamela Christian, http://pamelachristianministries.com/pamelas_blog

December 17

~Sandie Czosek, http://chattycrone.blogspot.com/

~Linda O'Connell, http://lindaoconnell.blogspot.com/

December 18

~Lynn Mosher, http://lynnmosher.com/

~Jill Ivy, https://lucky4jill.wordpress.com/

December 19

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

December 20

~Cecelia Lester, http://quietspirit-followingmyking.blogspot.com/

~Lee Privette, http://faithfamilyfrugalityandme.blogspot.com/?m=1

December 21

~Patti Smith, http://gridirongrannyfootballfanatic.blogspot.com/

~Carene Havel, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6440085.Carlene_Havel/blog

December 22

~Darlene Arroyo-Lozada, http://lovebookslozada.blogspot.com/

~Karen Korb, http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com

December 23

~Maria I. Morgan, www.mariaimorgan.com

~Beckie Stoneking, www.inaminute-beckie.blogspot.com

December 26

~Leah's Good Reads, http://leahsgoodreads.blogspot.com/

~Marja Verschoor-Meijers, http://sacredsabbath.blogspot.com

December 27

~Jennifer Van Huss, http://oneheartonefamily.com

~Brittany McEuen, www.brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com

December 28

~Debbie Curto, http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com

~Lori Drake, http://www.perfectisboring.blogspot.com

December 29

~Kim Justice, http://breathoflifebookreviews.blogspot.com/

~K. Dawn Byrd, Www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com

December 30

~Ruth Schiffmann, http://outonalimbshywritergoessocial.blogspot.com/

~Janette Dolores, www.janettedolores.com

December 31

~Cindi Clubbs, http://ccclubbs.com/

~Kathleen Maher, http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com/

January 2

~Jen Cudmore, http://www.jencudmore.com/

~Karen Lange, http://karenelange.blogspot.com/

January 7

~Jeanette Levellie, http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Review
"The Scent of Fear" is a five star book! I have really enjoyed reading all three books and there is one more coming! 
  "The Scent of Fear"is my favorite of the series, So far, but they have all been good, This story was easy to follow but it is better if you have read "The Moses Conspiracy" and " The Christmas Wish" because it just makes the story flow better.
  In the "Scent of Fear" Striker is still going after Christians and we meet new characters like Dr. Abby Weaver. This book focuses on all the other characters from the other two books in this series but the Amish has a greater part in this story. This book kept me wanting to get to the end to see what was going to happen and if our two "Heroes" along with their helpers could save the two towns from striker's plans.
This story has a surprise for one of our heroes that I really didn't see coming! I know I can hear those of you that has read the other two books, asking which one, now you know I cannot tell you that, you have to read and find out yourself.
This story is fiction but I believe it will become more real in our world as our freedoms are being taken away more and more every day. This book deals with the one child rule and how Dr Abby Weaver tries to help all the innocent children and their parents. 
There is even a love story in the pages of this novel. 
“The Scent of Fear” is a book that I think readers of terror and conspiracy themes and Christian fiction and mystery with a touch of  romance will all love! 

I challenge you to start reading these books and see if you can put them down till you have read the last line.
 I think this is another story that will stay with me for a long time!
I have reviews for the other two books if you want to read them, go here
:http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-christmas-wish.html
and here: http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/2013/06/q-with-susan-j-reinhardt-author-of.html

. The Giveaway Open to US addresses only. One person will receive a $25 Amazon GC and a copy of The Scent of Fear. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered: a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be chosen from those entries and announced January 17, 2014. Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as e-mailed, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Diane at That’s What I’m Here For… and sponsored by the author, Susan J. Reinhardt. The author provided me with a free copy of The Scent of Fear to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a giveaway in return for the free book.VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

"The Christmas Wish" by Susan J.Reinhardt

“The Christmas Wish” by Susan J.Reinhardt is a five star book.

    This book starts up where “The Moses Conspiracy” leaves off. This book is about Freddie, the little boy that we met that lives in The Shelter.  The characters from “The Moses Conspiracy are all back and more trouble is brewing for the little town of Bird-in-Hand, PA.

  Striker is back in town and wants to get revenge on the ones that spoiled his plans last time. Meanwhile Freddie is being bullied and Norma, his mother, is challenged by the shelter’s 

Director to accept the fact that her husband and Tommy’s father isn’t coming back like he promised.

 There is also “Frenchy” who wants Norma to be his woman. Does she give up on Tommy and accept his offer.

Freddie has one wish on his Christmas list, He wants his daddy home!

Once again John Zimmerman comes to the rescue and tries to find Tommy. Does he find him and in time for Freddie’s wish or as Ellie points out prayers are better. 

Will we found out who Striker is and why he wants to cause all this trouble. 

I really recommend reading these stories in order. “The Christmas Wish” is a great story but since I have read “The Moses Conspiracy” it makes it a little easier to follow. If you want to read my review for “The Moses Conspiracy” go here 

http://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/2013/06/q-with-susan-j-reinhardt-author-of.html

Just remember the giveaway has already taken placed. 

I was given a pdf file of “ The Moses Conspiracy” and a pdf file for the next book “The scent of Fear”. So when I seen this was book was part of the series, I had to get it.

Yes it is a Christmas story and I loved all the surprises in it. This story has all the basis ingredients that a good Christmas story has, love, faith, forgiveness and it has one more ingredient that isn’t usually in a Christmas story, Terror!

I think anyone who likes Christmas and or mysteries/terror stories would like these.

"The Women Of Christmas" by Liz Curtis Higgs

"The Women Of Christmas" by Liz Curtis Higgs is a five star book. We used this book as a study  for our Monday night Women group at church. 

Liz Curtis Higgs helps you see “The Women Of Christmas” in a new way. She explains the life of Mary, Elizabeth and Anna in a new and insightful way. She also helps us see Joseph, (which we knew) and Zechariah and Simeon as part of the Christmas story.

The best part of this book to me is that she explained the culture and the way things were when Jesus was born and how much a sacrifice all these women and men made for all of us.

Liz Higgs points out the fact that even through Joseph is a very important of the Christmas story,  we never hear him speak.

On page 76,  Lz Higgs is explaining the verse Luke 1:48 “From now on all generations will call me blessed,….” and she writes that Mary wasn’t bragging. And Liz points out that “It’s true. We’re still talking about Mary.”  This book is full of simple statements like this one and that is what makes this book so good! It is written in a way we can understand!

The book is divided into eight chapters and has a study guide at the end of the book. These questions are designed to make you reach deep into your heart and experienced the wonder of Christmas in a whole new way.

Through out the pages are thoughts from women who shared them with Liz through her online Bible study.

This is a book that you will want to reread every Christmas. I will go ever farther than that and say you might even want to read this book any time of the year,such as when you are feeling that God doesn’t understand you or when you think God can’t use you. 

Reading “The Women Of Christmas” will help you prepare your heart for The Saviour of the World in a new and fresh way!

"The Swaddling Clothes" by Amber Schamel

"The Swaddling Clothes" by Amber Schamel gets 5 stars from me. This story is short, only 101 pages but gives a new meaning to the Christmas Story!

I have read Amber's Schamel's first book, Days of Messiah - Volume 1 - The Healer's Touch and loved it, so when I was asked if I wanted to be part of Amber's team to promote this book, I immediately said yes. I also liked the fact that it was a Christmas story.

This is a Christmas story so I was surprised when I first started reading it, because it starts in the year 980 B.C. when King David learns that God has heard his prayers for another child with Bathsheba. King David has special swaddling clothes made for his child so that when the time comes there will be no mistake made as to who will be king when he died. This story mixes Biblical fact and fiction together to make the reader want to continue reading!
  
The history in this book makes perfect sense when you get to the end of the book and Jesus is born! The beginning ties in with the ending perfectly. The fact that Jesus was born in a stable is given a new meeting also. I am going to end this review with these quote from the book 

  "I'm so sorry it happened this way, Mary. I never imagined you'd have to give birth in a barn like an animal. And this is God's son, wrapped in cloth meant for an ox. I don't understand why Yahweh would bring the Messiah this way."

 "Mary lifted an eyebrow and gave him a smile. "Perhaps, to prove that His love can reach this far"

There are footnotes at the bottom of the pages with the references to the portion of Scripture that is included in the story. There is a glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book.

This ebook costs.99 cents and so worth it! I believe this story is one that all Believers will want to have and read when they want to remember why God came down to earth, which is to prove that His love can reach this far.

I was given a pdf copy from the author for my honest opinion.

"A Wild Goose Chase Christmas" By Jennifer AlLee"

A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

By Jennifer AlLee

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

To read an excerpt go here  :http://bit.ly/1jjyPqQ

“A Wild Goose Chase Christmas” By Jennifer AlLee gets five stars from Me. This novel is Book 2 in the "Quilts of Love" series, but can be read as a stand alone. I was hooked from the

front page.

   This story is a story about the greatest treasure in life which is faith and love. This story centers around Thanksgiving and Christmas but it is a story that can be enjoyed year round!

  Izzy’s grandmother dies and then a elderly gentleman shows up at her house with a gift from her grandmother. It is a quilt. And then Max shows up looking for his grandfather. Then the mystery thickens for Max claims that Isabella, the grandmother, promised him the quilt. Mysterious notes and clues keep showing up for them to find out what is so special about this Wild Goose Quilt.

  Almost from the beginning, Max and Lizzy are attracted to each other but are afraid to let the other know. Max wants the quilt for an exhibit but Lizzy’s mother and brother are against her letting him borrow it. They are sure it is very valuable and it is but is it monetary?

  This novel is about a family that has relationships problems and misunderstanding, and Isabella wants the quilt to bring healing to the family and wants Izzy and Max to fall in love! Does her plan work?

I was given a free copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction  for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!

  Interview Questions

1   Will you tell us your favorite Christmas traditions?

      When I was young, my mom knit a Christmas stocking for me, with my name on it. I've hung it up every year, and now my son has one, too. He's twenty, but we still hang up those stockings every year.

2   What is your favorite Christmas memory?

     I was in kindergarten and I was an angel in the school Christmas program. I was so excited about my white angel robe and my shiny, gold tinsel halo!

3   What is your favorite least memory of a certain Christmas?

      One year, when I was about seven, I very carefully opened all of my presents and then I taped them closed again. That was the most depressing Christmas ever, because there were no surprises! I never did that again. 

"The Christmas Star" by Ace Collins"

The Christmas Star

By Ace Collins

Can the broken heart of a child be healed by an unexpected Christmas letter?Robert Reed gave his life for his country in the early days of World War II. His sacrifice was honored when his widow and son were presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor. At Christmas, the final decoration Marge Reed hangs on the family’s tree is that medal. Rather than being a symbol of honor for young Jimmy Reed that shining star represents loss, pain, and suffering.

Yet a message delivered by one of Robert’s fellow soldiers and a mystery letter found in a Bible put a father’s sacrifice and faith into perspective and bring new meaning to not just the star hanging on the Christmas tree but the events of the very first Christmas. Then, when least expected, a Christmas miracle turns a final bit of holiday sadness into a joy that Jimmy has never known.

To read an excerpt go here ://bit.ly/1bB6JDe

Interview Questions:  

1.      Will you tell us your favorite Christmas traditions?

We do Christmas big and decorate both the inside and outside of the house. We have 7 trees that are over 7 feet tall inside including one 14 footer in the living room. It takes a couple of weeks to finish the project. Even the 45 RPM records in our 1957 Wurlitzer jukebox are replaced with all Christmas music. This sets the table for us to have lots of friends and family come over including more than 50 kids from local universities. So, in truth, I love all the traditions and you can find everything from gifts to music to nativity scenes to a 22 foot inflatable reindeer at our house.

2.       What is your favorite Christmas memory?

I think it was when I was five and got an electric train for Christmas. It was a big Lionel. I still set it up and let it run around one of our trees each year. Someone dressed up like Santa and delivered it to my grandparents house on Christmas Eve and I was awake to see it.

3.       What is your least favorite memory of a certain Christmas?

I think my least favorite Christmas happened about fifteen years ago. When my grandparents died the home where they lived was sold and the place where Christmas had always happened for our family no longer existed. The cedar tree grandpa cut each year in the fields behind their house never made it into the house. The blue lights weren’t hung by my grandmother. All the aunts and uncles and cousins stayed home. The big meal was not cooked and fun games were no longer played. The tradition I had known all my life of being on the hill in Salem, Arkansas had ended. And, even though each of the various branches of our family have started new traditions at new places with new generations, I still miss the magic of a Christmas at my grandparents.

“The Christmas Star” by Ace Collins is most assuredly a five star book. It is a story about Christmas but about honesty and doing the right thing also. This book teaches Biblical truths along with the story. This story takes place in 1945.

The story begins when Christmas vacation starts for Jimmy Reed. While all the other students are looking forward to Christmas, Jimmy isn’t, because his father was killed in World War 2. His Medal of Honor is the final decoration on their tree. Jimmy is invited to go to church by a girl he likes, to hear her sing, but he tells her no because he has other plans! Sounds like he is up to something no good! I was intrigued from the first page of this novel.

Jimmy is befriended by the school bus driver, Calvin Jenkins, who teaches him the real meeting of “ being rich”  Calvin tells Jimmy stories about his dad and takes him along with him when he delivers Christmas presents.

Jimmy does something that he regrets and is really sorry but feels he has no way to get out of it. The way he does is like something out of “The Christmas Carol” . 

This book has Jimmy going on a scavenger hunt to find items that helps Jimmy understand his father’s sacrifice. 

This story tells the history behind some of our favorite Christmas Songs and the reason we use the mistletoe. It makes the songs so much more special when you know the story for the words.

Jimmy  does learn to valve his father’s life and death.. This story will leave the reader feeling good and with a much more appreciative for the sacrifices of our Service men and women. It will also help us realize that when you give to others, you are the richest.

The ending in this book was wonderful. It was a complete surprise but so fitting! I encourage you to read “The Christmas Star”! You won’t be disappointed.

I was given a free copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction  for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!

 To see the book trailer : http://bit.ly/17lq3Gn

"Blame It On The Mistletoe" by Joyce Magnin

Blame It On the Mistletoe

A Novel of Bright’s Pond

By Joyce Magnin

Is There Really a Fountain of Youth in Paradise?

Welcome back to Bright 's Pond, where strange happenings are afoot at the Greenbrier Nursing Home. Strange even for Bright 's Pond. The residents suddenly act like kids again riding trikes, climbing trees, and of all things falling in love. Some of the townsfolk blame it on the crooked new gazebo, or its builder, a quirky little man who quotes Don Quixote, collects water from the fountain at the Paradise trailer park, and disappears on a regular basis.

While Chief of Police Mildred Blessing investigates the mystery, Griselda and her friends deal with a luau Thanksgiving, preparations for the Christmas pageant, and maybe even an upcoming wedding. Only, in Bright 's Pond, nothing ever really goes as planned . . .

To read an excerpt go here:  http://bit.ly/18r60al 

Interview Questions:

1.       Will you tell us your favorite Christmas traditions?

I enjoy Christmas lights. Cuckoo for them. So stringing as many lights as possible is always a goal. And of course going out and driving around town to see other displays. They crack me up sometimes, especially when folks mingle the religious with the secular traditions. Frosty visits the Holy Family--those are my favorite.Of course in my home, someone always manages to sneak an elf or a giraffe into the creche. But that's okay, everyone is welcome to see the baby Jesus.

2.        What is your favorite Christmas memory?

It would have to be the Christmas my brother came home from Viet Nam. He was due home a couple days before the holiday but got detained and didn't make it home until January. We kept everything up for him and had a great celebration.

3.        What is your favorite least memory of a certain Christmas?

I think it was the first time I realized that my family was scattered across the country and we wouldn't all be together. Thank goodness for Skype now.

“Blame It On the Mistletoe” by Joyce Magnin gets 4 stars from me. This book is a long story, and it did seem to drag on at times. But with that said I did like the book! This novel is the fourth novel in the  “Bright's Pond Series”, it is a stand alone but I might have been able to give it five stars if I had read the other books in this series.

This story is about the strange happenings at Greenbrier Nursing Home. It is also about  Griselda Sparrow and how her sister’s needs and other issues keep coming between her and her boyfriend Zeb.  Add the new pilot and his airplane to the plot and Zeb’s jealously and you have a little love story in the middle of the strange happenings.

This book is written in first person’s point of view, that of Griselda Sparrow.

What is causing the nursing home residents to start acting ten years younger. They are holding hands and kissing and climbing trees and riding tricycles through the hallways ( I know I thought the same thing, why would they allow tricycles inside the nursing home). There is even a wedding among the residents.

Is this happening because the residents are being drugged or is it something more simple, like the Fountain of Youth has really been found?  Is Leon Fontaine who he says he is or is he a con artist? The police detective of the town, Mildred Blessing is determined to find out   and arrests Leon and he escaped and the evidence grows against him.

There are funny scenes in this novel, such as Ruth’s Hawaiian Tropical Thanksgiving that goes awry. There is even a chase to catch a runaway camel.

Christmas Eve was a joyous occasion and also a sad ending to the book!  I never imagining it ending that way but am glad that if the sad part had to happened, the good part happened involving a little girl named Mercy and her brother!

The ending left me wondering if there is another Bright’s Pond novel coming!

I was given a free copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction  for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!

"One Imperfect Christmas" by Myra Johnson

One Imperfect Christmas

By Myra Johnson

Only Love Makes a Christmas Perfect.

Graphic designer Natalie Pearce faces the most difficult Christmas of her life. For almost a year, her mother has lain in a nursing home, the victim of a massive stroke, and Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. Worse, she’s allowed the monstrous load of guilt to drive a wedge between her and everyone she loves—most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he’s done has been able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. As Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear. 

To read an excerpt go here   http://bit.ly/1g2WZGk

Interview Questions:

1.       Will you tell us your favorite Christmas traditions?

Every December, my husband and I choose an evening to snuggle on the double recliner and watch our DVD of White Christmas. On Christmas Eve, we’ll attend worship service, where we sing with the traditional choir. Afterward, we drive around for a while to admire the neighborhood holiday decorations. Then it’s home to cookies and eggnog, and if the grandkids are visiting, we send them to bed before we and their parents get busy filling stockings and bringing out last-minute gifts to place under the tree.

2.        What is your favorite Christmas memory?

Wow, I don’t think I can choose just one! A very special memory is the first Christmas my husband and I shared as parents. Our new baby girl was just four months old, and I made her a red velvet dress and bonnet with white lace trim. She’s all grown up now, married with three strapping sons. We look forward to having them here this Christmas, along with our other daughter and her family, missionaries coming home on furlough from Ethiopia. They also have three children, plus a baby due in February!

3.        What is your least favorite memory of a certain Christmas?

The most depressing Christmas I can remember is the first time neither of our daughters came home for the holidays. Our recently married daughter was spending Christmas with her husband’s family, and our daughter at college decided to spend Christmas with her best friend’s family near campus. At least that year we had other family members nearby to spend part of the day with, but Christmas just isn’t as joyful for me without our children and grandchildren to share it with.

Debbie, I so appreciate the chance to visit with you today. It’s been a pleasure!

   One Imperfect Christmas is a five star book times 3. This book teaches that love is the perfect gift and that sometime having everything “Perfect” isn’t always the best.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like this story, it started out being after Christmas and Natalie was not feeling the Christmas Spirit. Then she gets a call from her mother to help take down the Christmas decorations and Natalie tells her she is to busy to help! From then on the story captured me and I couldn’t put the book down till I had finished the last page.

When Natalie gets a call to go to the hospital and finds out that her mother has had a stroke, she blames herself and then the troubles starts between her and her husband and their teenage daughter.

While reading this novel I found myself  feeling the emotions of all the characters and I wanted to tell them, look at what you are doing to each other. This is a story filled with sorrow, hope and forgiveness and love. 

There are tender moments as well as funny scenes. Lissa, the teenage daughter is quite the schemer.

This book is about Christmas, a year later after the beginning of the story, which makes the title “One Imperfect Christmas” the right title for this book.

I found myself having the same wish the family did for the “star” and hoping that Natalie’s parents could keep their promise to have fifty Christmases together!

There are references to God and church attendance and you can tell this is Christian fiction but I believe anyone that has a family and has medical and financial problems and loves Christmas stories, they would love this story. “One Imperfect Christmas” leaves you feeling that even through you have troubles and every thing isn’t perfect, “It is a pretty good life”.

I was given a free ebook copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!

"The Christmas Quilt" by Vannetta Chapman

                                  The Christmas Quilt

By Vannetta Chapman

Babies have their own schedule. But so does God. 

Annie's life is deliciously full as the Christmas season approaches. She helps her husband, Samuel, attend to the community's minor medical needs. She occasionally assists Belinda, the local midwife, and most days, she finds herself delivering the buggy to her brother Adam. Annie’s sister-in-law Leah is due to deliver their first child before Christmas morning, and Annie is determined to finish a crib quilt before the boppli arrives. With six weeks to go, she should have no problem . . . but God may have a different plan. Leah is rushed to the English hospital when the infant arrives early, and Annie discovers the Christmas quilt may hold a far greater significance than she ever imagined.

To read an excerpt go here :http://bit.ly/1fZEXEF

Interview questions from Vannetta Chapman

1. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?

My in-laws have a ranch with a big old ranch house--think hunters cabin only larger. It's not unusual to have 15 adults and 7 dogs. We'll spend new year's eve with them this year, watching the Texas A&M bowl game. We're big time Texas Aggie fans. My husband graduated from there in 1972. I've spent many new year's eve nights this way, and most of the time me and maw (who is 85 now) are the only ones still awake at midnight!

2. Why did you choose to feature the nurse occupation in your books? Are you a nurse? If not, what sort of research does it take to accurately portray a medical profession?

This came from my belief that not all Amish women would be satisfied with an 8th grade education. But I also wanted my character to love her community, her church, and her faith. So how could she reconcile those things? That is the story of A Simple Amish Christmas. How God can use the desires of our heart and use them in a way that glorifies him. 

I am not a nurse, but I consulted with several nurses while writing this book. They were a wonderful help as far as correcting my phrasing, etc. I also did  a lot of research! 

3. What is your favorite quilt pattern?

You know I'm just learning to quilt myself. I'm working on my 3rd quilt, and they are simple blocks. However I do love the dutch girl and boy quilt (featured in The Christmas Quilt). It's such a sweet picture of innocence. Hopefully one day I'll be up to that level of quilting!

 The Christmas Quilt is a five star story. It is part of the Quilts Of Love Series by Abingdon Press . This story picks up where “ A Simple Amish Christmas” leaves off.

Annie is happy in her life, helping her husband Simon, The closet thing that the Amish have for a doctor, and Belinda the midwife. Her sister-in-law Leah,(married to her brother, Adam), is expecting twins. Annie wants to make a special quilt for the twins and wants it to be done before they are born! But then Leah gets really sick in the middle of the night and doesn’t get it finished before the twins are born. I had to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next! The scenes in this book were described so well I could almost believe I was there watching all of this happen! But God used the fact that the quilt wasn’t finished before Leah was admitted to an English hospital. This story tells about special people that help Leah and Annie learn about the gifts of The Holy Spirit. The time that Leah is in the hospital teaches Adam and Leah important lessons and brings them closer together. This book teaches that love is unselfish and does things for others. There are a couple of unexpected romances in this story. If you have read “A Simple Amish Christmas” you will be reunited with Annie’s brother and sisters. Even if you haven’t read “A Simple Amish Christmas” you will love this family and be able to follow along with the story perfectly. However I encourage you to read both of these wonderful stories! I want to read more about Annie and Simon, Leah and Adam, and the rest of the family. I was given a free copy of this book by Abingdon Press Fiction for my honest review to be in the 2013 Christmas Blog Tour!

Maybe we can talk Vanneta Chapman into another book about these characters!
 

"There Is a Miracle in 21: God Completes!" by Lorieen Henry

 For anyone doubting their importance in life, author Lorieen D. Henry encourages to have faith for There Is a Miracle in 21: God Completes! In this unorthodox book, she shares the spiritual therapy she went through to get over the discontentment in her life and discover a renewed sense of purpose in Jesus Christ.

There Is a Miracle in 21: God Completes! is not a ‘how-to’ book, but it is how the author got through the many challenges that life dealt her with. It is a chronicle of her seven twenty-one-day journeys over nine months, wherein she experienced the therapy over a twenty-one month period. The journey might not have been perfect, but it was necessary. God has illuminated her path and given her a better understanding of who the author is and what her role is. Her journey helped her to establish a solid foundation of faith that brought her to the next level in Jesus Christ.

Heavily laced with scripture, There Is a Miracle in 21: God Completes! is more than just Henry’s journey and therapy. It is about ensuring the delivery of the message Jesus wants shared. As readers witness the author’s therapy and use this book as a twenty-one-day devotional, she hopes that they too will realize that they can make a difference right where they are in life. 

Author BIO:Who is Lorieen D. Henry?

I am daughter of “The King” (JESUS). Therefore, I am royalty! By gift, I'm an exhorter. I love going about my day encouraging others and putting a smile on their faces. I love living, I love giving and I love loving!!!

God has bestowed upon me so many graces. As a homemaker, I serve my wonderful husband of nine years, Ronnie and my adorable four year old daughter, Reagan. In my previous season, I was a United States Army Officer. And as for my future, I am pursuing a Master’s in Education from the University of Phoenix. I look to obtain a Christian Life Coach certification within the year while I work to complete my 3rd title, Seasoned for this Season (December 2013).

Lastly, I hold a BA degree in Journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi.  My family and I currently reside in Germany.

Website: http://www.miraclein21.com/book.html

Blog: http://author-lorieen-henry.blogspot.de/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorieenhenry

Purchase on Amazon.

"“There is a Miracle in 21 God Completes” by Lorieen D. Henry is a five star book but I would give it many more if I could.

Here is a quote from the book (page 77) “We take journeys, but God has the formula because He knows the plans He has for us. He knows every aspect of our journey that’s why we have to seek Him. He’s waiting for us to connect with Him and position ourselves for what He has to reveal.

This books address real life issues and made me think. I think this book is going to be carried in my purse and read many times. I am going to read and repeat the prayers the authors included until they are part of my everyday life.  

I can honestly say don’t read this book if you don’t want to let your spirit soar, and continue to be who God has called you to be. I have read other books that has convicted me that I wasn’t being the person God wanted me to be, but not like this one. This book makes me want to change! This book makes us accept our behaviors!

This book is divided into three sections, I “The Mess”  which is about the drama in our lives and provokes a reality check . 2” How To Press” which is a 21 day devotional and encouragement. 3 “ Receiving God’s Best”  which is a universal plan to get you through any situation.

Even through this book’s title is There is a miracle in 21, the author points out, we need to thirst for Him daily and we have to reach up and grab it. We have to want God to complete us daily.

This book deals with letting go of the shovel (burying the past) and the bathroom experience (letting go of things that are weighting us down) and when to be silent.

This book will change your life if you let it, I can say this because it has started changing my mind since I started putting some of the ideals talked about into practice in my own life.

I encourage you to get this book and let God complete what He started when He created you!

I received a free  ebook copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.