Bedtime Prayers That End With A Hug 

Written by Stephen Elkins

Illustrated by Ruth Zeglin

 Beautifully illustrated!

Book Description

Turn your child’s bedtime into a calm and soothing time with God. Little children love getting—and giving—hugs. Hugs generate warmth, affection, and a feeling of acceptance. Bedtime Prayers That End with a Hug! offers a fun and heartwarming way to end your child’s day. This padded hardcover book features 52 easy-to-understand Snuggle Time moment based on Bible themes, along with sweet illustrations, simple lessons to help children apply the Bible to daily life, memory verses from the NLT, and heartwarming bedtime stories. Each story wraps up with an opportunity for parent and child to share a great big hug!

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  $10.11

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $10.79

http://www.christianbook.com  $11.99

http://www.deepershopping.com  $10.19

Biography

Stephen Elkins is a Grammy Award–nominated record producer and a multimillion-selling children's author and songwriter. He is owner and founder of Wonder Workshop, a multifaceted Christian media company specializing in the creation of juvenile books, audio products, and DVDs. Stephen has produced recordings featuring Christian personalities TobyMac, Rebecca St. James, Michael Tait of dcTalk, Steve Green, Max Lucado, Twila Paris, and many other notable musicians. He also wrote and produced the Joni Eareckson Tada song "The God I Love," which is used in conjunction with her book of the same title and is now the theme song for her nationally syndicated television show. Stephen lives in Nashville with his wife, Cindy.

My Review ~

This book of bedtime prayers was written for young children from the ages of three to five years old. It was designed to be used as loving lessons in preparing the child for the routine of bedtime prayer. Explanations are given to explain what prayer is and who the child is praying to, as well as a description regarding the importance of communication with God. Composed of 52 different bedtime prayers featuring a different topic, prayer preparations are arranged in steps. The first step is an easy to understand Bible verse. Following that is "snuggle time" which equates to a brief story pertinent to the Bible verse, a "bedtime Bible thought," and "my hug-a-bye prayer." This is followed by "Nighty Night! and the time to give the child a loving hug, communicating parental love and the love of God. 

The illustrations included in Bedtime Prayer That End With A Hug are beautifully done, colorful, age appropriate, and diverse. They are cheerful and whimsical, adding a sense of fun and happiness to a child's training in bedtime prayer. These illustrations are impressive and add an atmosphere of joy to the world of prayer.

The bedtime prayers relate to numerous topics, such as being thankful, loving others, making good choices, being joyful, friendship, etc. Other topics that are featured include, fear of the dark, fear of thunderstorms, worrying, etc. Some of these concepts could be skipped over if a child doesn't exhibit those particular fears. My personal feeling in this regard is that introducing these concepts could instill fears in a child that otherwise don't exist. "Going to the Doctor" is one example of the possibility of instilling fear where there may be none. The verse for that particular prayer entry is Isaiah 41:10, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you." If the child exhibits a fear of doctors this is a helpful and loving way to give comfort, but with a child who is comfortable with his/her doctor this could instill fear where none exists. 

It is important that the parent or caregiver use discretion with each individual child regarding what is appropriate for that given child and his or her age. Overall, I found this to be a very useful method of introducing bedtime prayer to young children. A few of the terms used are not age appropriate, but simplifying those terms would help to explain the message. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Kids in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Tempest's Course

Quilts of Love

by Lynette Sowell

4.0 out of 5 stars Restoring History

Description

Kelly Frost, a textiles conservator, is invited to the Massachusetts coastal town of Fairhaven to restore the centuries-old Mariner's Compass quilt. But there is one stipulation: she must live and work in Grey House, a former whaling captain's home, where the quilt is stored. There she meets Tom Silva, the caretaker of Grey House, whose heart seems as hard as the rocky Massachusetts coastline. Over the long-lit months as Kelly works to restore the quilt, she is buoyed by occasional afternoon visits from Tom and other Fairhaven town members, and is drawn into their lives. And each night, as she reads stories in a daily journal penned by Mary Grey, she learns details about her newfound community members that help her see that their lives are as vivid and interwoven as the quilt pieces she is working to restore. But, when Kelly discovers a truth about Tom?s heritage hidden in the journal, she must decide if keeping the past to herself is the only way to ensure the hope of a future with Tom.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com  $8.44

http://www.amazon.com  $11.43

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $11.43

http://www.christianbook.com  $ 9.99

Biography

Lynette Sowell is the award-winning author of over one dozen titles for Barbour Publishing, Harlequin, and Abingdon Press. In 2009, Lynette was voted one of the favorite new authors by Heartsong Presents book club readers. Her historical romance, All That Glitters, was a finalist in ACFW's 2010 Carol Awards. When Lynette's not writing, she divides her time between editing medical reports and chasing down news stories for the local newspaper. Lynette was born in Massachusetts, raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, but makes her home on the doorstep of the Texas hill country with her husband and a herd of cats who have them well-trained. She loves reading, cooking, watching movies, and is always up for a Texas road trip.

The author can be contacted at the following locations:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynetteSowell 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lynettesowellauthor

My Review ~

In this stand-alone novel in the Quilts of Love series, a young textile conservator was hired to restore a generations-old Mariner's Compass quilt that was nearly beyond repair. Kelly Frost was suffering hard times financially so she had bid a substantial amount for the restoration in order to improve her depleted financial status. Her bid to repair the quilt was accepted with the stipulation that while restoring the quilt she would live in the vacant old whaler's mansion where the quilt originated. Moving to the coastal community in Massachusetts had some distinct advantages. Kelly had suffered some substantial losses and pain in her young life, not to mention her professional status as the result of a poor decision on her part.

Tom Silva had been hired to take care of the grounds and outdoor maintenance at Gray House. A medically discharged veteran, Tom had recently recovered from injuries suffered while serving overseas. His presence on the grounds was somewhat comforting to Kelly after she moved into the creaky old mansion with no one else living on the grounds. His own past haunted him, but he found his strength in his relationship with God. Both Kelly and Tom were wary of any kind of attachments, but the companionship they found in each other was a distinct advantage under their respective circumstances.

In Kelly's spare time she explored various rooms in the 3-story mansion, and subsequently discovered a hidden diary that had belonged to Mary Gray, wife of the whaling captain who originally built the house. Hopeful that the diary would reveal something about the quilt and questions about why the house remained vacant for so many years Kelly began reading. The diary entries paralleled events in Kelly's own life, making her acutely aware of her mistakes and her need for change in her life and guidance from God.

Numerous plots are interwoven into the cloth of this story of intrigue, mystery, romance and the quest for balance in the lives of both Kelly and Tom. The setting for Tempest's Course is well described as the harbor of an old whaling town, and the characters throughout this book are well represented. I've read many of the Quilts of Love books and enjoyed them each for their own merits. Lynette Sowell has done a wonderful job of creating a hauntingly fascinating story of a quilt with a mysterious history and the revelation of secrets that an old whaling mansion held.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Shadowed by Grace

A Story of Monuments Men

by Cara C. Putman

5 stars

Description

Shadowed by Grace is a dramatic story inspired by the Monuments Men of World War II by acclaimed author Cara C. Putman. Desperate to save her dying mother, Rachel accepts her newspaper's assignment to travel to Italy to captures images dangerously close to the front lines of WWII. Her real motive - to find the father she never knew -- an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive. It's an unlikely situation for love and faith to flourish, but soon Rachel not only finds herself, but also her long-lost earthly father, and ultimately, the man her Heavenly father created to cherish and provide for her.

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.deepershopping.com  $10.19

http://www.amazon.com  $12.58

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $12.58

http://www.christianbook.com  $11.99

Biography

Cara Putman is an award-winning author with seven World War II homefront books in print. Her minor in history combined with her love of World War II history and the generation that fought then as heroes compel her to take the steps to get the historical details and research right. As a result, her readers have come to expect stories that sweep them back in time while illustrating a facet of the war they didn't know existed. While her prior books have focused on homefront stories, this series will broaden to reach the European theater, without the battlefield scenes one would expect. 

The author can be reached here:

http://www.caraputman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/cara.putman?fref=ts

My Review ~

Photojournalist, Rachel Justice achieved authorization to travel to Italy in the throes of World War II with the pretext of catching real-time photographs of the effects of war. Her ultimate goal, however, was to locate her father, a man she had never known. Her passion to find her biological father stemmed back to early childhood when she was looked down upon because her mother was unmarried. The ache to know her earthly father consumed her at this stage of her life, particularly because her mother's health was declining as a result of tuberculosis. Their finances had dwindled to next to nothing and Rachel was certain her father could help.

Rachel's mother had studied art in Italy as a young woman. With that information Rachel was armed with her mother's diary and a notebook of sketches done by an Italian artist whose name she didn't know. The only clues to his identity were his initials. Her mother refused to divulge her father's name, and forbade her to search for him, but Rachel believed that if she could locate him, he could offer financial assistance toward her mother's care and provide her the father figure she craved so much. 

Lieutenant Scott Lindstrom received his assignment as an officer in Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives Division, a division of the army devoted to locating and protecting priceless art and monuments. In Naples his general assigned Scott to accompany Rachel through war-torn areas as she sought newsworthy photographs for publication back in the United States. Scott's mission was to preserve the history of Western Civilization, the masterpieces and sculptures that he could locate. Having a tag-along wasn't his idea of accomplishing his job. The Monuments division followed behind the warring troops, dangerously close to the front lines, their jobs inspecting local monuments, beginning reconstruction and assisting in protecting priceless works of art.

Throughout this wartime novel Rachel observed Scott's strong faith in God even when tragedy was all around them. His prayers were simple and conversational, awakening questions in Rachel's mind about her loss of faith and a heavenly father. This underlying current is beautifully blended into this strong story of war and its casualties, unimaginable scenes of destruction and danger. An incredible amount of research has gone into the writing of this novel. 

Cara Putman has created a masterful novel of classic proportion regarding events throughout Italy during World War II. The development of the characters throughout this poignant story is natural and human, realistic and at times painful. The author has done an outstanding job at creating settings that become visible through her descriptions. I found this book very difficult to put down; however, I did not want to rush through the book. I savored every detail. This is a book that I highly recommend and will read again. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Wynn-Wynn Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Meow Mayhem by Lisa J. Lickel

4.0 out of 5 stars Who Killed The Mayor?

Description

After being left at the altar, Ivy Amanda McTeague Preston uproots herself and her cat, an Egyptian Mau named Memnet, from her boring and lonely life to start over at the urging of Mayor Conklin, a fellow pedigreed Mau owner. 

Truesdale Thompson is ready to move in a fresh direction with his life. A private man whose physical wounds are the only outward sign of a tragic accident in his past, True and his cat, Isis, open a branch of his trendy little bookstore and coffee shop in Apple Grove. 

When Ivy takes a mysterious message while the mayor is away on business, only Ivy's criminology professor mom and True believe there's something rotten in Apple Grove. Can Ivy carry on her romance with True while saving the town from further Mayhem? 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  $11.66

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $12.35

http://www.booksamillion.com  $12.95

Biography

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She has penned short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer and reader, writing mentor, freelance editor, and blogger. She loves to encourage new authors and is the editor of Creative Wisconsin magazine. Find her at:  

http://www.lisalickel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorlisalickel

My Review ~

Mayor Donald Conklin has been in the "business" of recruiting friends who own exotic Egyptian Mau cats to his small town of Apple Grove. Two of his friends have complied. Both Ivy and True are in the process of establishing their small businesses when Ivy discovers that Donald is dead! Who would kill Mayor Conklin? Ivy, formerly left at the altar by her long-time boyfriend, is happily beginning to like Apple Grove. She and True, new owner of a bookstore/coffee shop, pair up hoping to discover what dirty deeds led to the mayor's death. Donald's cat is also mysteriously missing. The search for the mayor's cat leads to more concerns, and suspicious activities begin to take place at Ivy's house! True is at the rescue, and Ivy sees him in a different light as he shows a protective side to his otherwise mysterious facade. The residents of Apple Grove don't accept change easily, much in the tradition of many small towns, and Ivy and True are looked upon with suspicion. Everyone is beginning to look like a suspect except for the cats! Told in the first person by Ivy, this story is infused with humor and wit, and effectively creates an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery.

Lisa J. Lickel has penned a cozy mystery/romance novel about cat fanciers of exotic types, and the activities that lead them on a chase to find a killer. Lisa writes with a unique and witty form, producing a very enjoyable story for readers of all types, not only those of us who are crazy cat humans. Lisa creates colorful characters of every shape and size, and there's a new adventure at the turn of nearly every page. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, unique in style and unpredictability. I'll be watching for more of Lisa's quirky, cozy mysteries! Pick up a copy for a uniquely enjoyable evening by the fire!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Starlight, Star Bright 

by JoAnn Durgin

plus: Contest!
One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy each of Meet Me Under The Mistletoe & Starlight, Star Bright!

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming!

Description

Dante Moretti, Texas-born goalie of an Italian World Cup champion team, expects Starlight, Iowa will be only a blip on the radar of his life. Grabbing a quick meal at Barney’s Diner during the holidays, Dante meets two women who capture his heart in very different ways. Then his rental car won’t start and leaves him stranded. Does the Lord have a plan for bringing him—and keeping him—in Starlight? 

Amanda Marston is excited to be home for her brother’s wedding. When she drops in for a cup of coffee at Barney’s, she’s charmed by the mysterious, Italian-spouting cowboy. Before she can blink, the handsome stranger is helping with projects all over town and working his way into her heart. Does God have a plan for Dante in her beloved little Starlight or will he take her heart with him when he returns to Italy? 

Purchase at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  Kindle $.99
http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $3.99

http://www.christianbook.com  ebook $.79

http://pelicanbookgroup.com  ebook $.99

About The Author

I like to say I've "been around" in the nicest possible sense. Meaning I've lived in several states in this great country, and I've lived long enough to have gained a certain amount of hard-earned wisdom. I've always heard to "write what you know." My debut novel, Awakening (November 2010), is the beginning of The Lewis Legacy Series, and is loosely based on my love story with my husband, Jim. Subsequent releases in The Lewis Legacy Series include Second Time Around (September 2011), Twin Hearts (April 2012) and Daydreams (December 2012). The fifth book in the series, Moonbeams, is expected to release in late winter or the early spring of 2014. Many more installments are planned for the series!

Catching Serenity, a full-length, standalone novel, released in September 2013.

All of the above-mentioned books are available in both ebook format and paperback editions. I like to call them contemporary Christian romantic adventures and are slightly longer in length and more "outside the box" of traditional "formula" romance with elements of romance, a little mystery here and there, emotion, drama and an abundance of humor along with showing how God works in the lives of my characters.

I've also written two fun, contemporary Christmas novellas set in fictional Starlight, Iowa. The first is Meet Me Under the Mistletoe (November 2012) and its sequel, Starlight, Star Bright, released in November 2013.

Get in touch with the author at the following locations:
http://joanndurgin.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin
https://www.facebook.com/joann.durgin

My Review ~

Small town Starlight, Iowa is known for its close community and quirky characters. When Dante stepped into Barney's Diner life as he knew it changed. Waitress Caroline Picasso picked up on him as soon as she spotted his World Cup ring. Goalie for the Italian Soccer League, Dante didn't expect to be recognized in the little Midwestern town. With the Stetson he sported to the subtle Texas accent, Caroline dubbed him "Italian Cowboy." 

When Amanda Marston literally "breezed" through the door to the diner that evening Caroline was on high alert. Matchmaker by nature, she spotted the perfect couple, and began to brainstorm how she could bring them together. Back in her hometown for her brother's New Year's Eve wedding, Amanda was enjoying winter once again, after having taken a teaching position and living in Florida. Christmas was in the air and Amanda's spirits were bright as she and her hometown community prepared for the coming of Christmas and the celebrations surrounding this holy day.

Later that evening Dante's rental car refused to start, making it impossible to have repairs made until morning. Dante hadn't prepared to remain in Starlight for the night. Was God trying to tell him something? Caroline offered to house the soccer star which was only the beginning of a series of events that caused Dante to reflect on the course his life was taking. Spending some time in Starlight revealed a life that he missed, family, closeness with friends, and a future with someone to love and share a family. Amanda had sparked in him feelings that he couldn't explain. Is God pointing the way to a life-changing event when Dante's career is waiting in Italy? 

This is a delightful Christmas romance, one that is colorful and filled with emotions and a variety of developments. The characters in this book are so well defined they become a part of your life. JoAnn Durgin has a way of making her characters real to the point that you feel like you know them personally. This author is also a master at creating an atmosphere of pure and ardent romance, with God at the center of her characters' hearts. Her own relationship with her husband shines through her stories so that you feel the love in the air as she describes the feelings that her characters evoke in one another. There's intensity in romance without the graphics, leaving the reader "in the moment." I read last year's Christmas romance by this author, "Meet Me Under The Mistletoe," and had the same response, Don't miss this beautiful Christian Christmas romance! 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:

Please leave me a feedback comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spammers. Share this review with your friends, and if you win this contest please leave a review at websites such as Deeper Shopping and Amazon once you have read the book. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Drawing for this giveaway is Friday, December 13, 2013.

The God Puzzle: How The Bible Fits Together to Reveal God as Your Greatest Treasure

by Valerie Ackermann

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Christian Learning Tool!

Description

The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friendly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child’s attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn’t working. Sunday School isn’t doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers.

What makes The God Puzzle unique?

- ready made discussion questions for parent to ask their child in each lesson

- can be done at any pace that works with your family…every night, once a week, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there…it fits into realistic family life

- puts the pieces together for a child to understand God, the Bible, and the Christian faith

- in each lesson the responds to the truth so they understand their relationship to God is personal and life transforming

- any parent, whether they know nothing, or a lot about God can start teaching their child today with no prep

- deep theology put into language a child can understand

- deeply Biblical, each lesson points to Christ

- put in an order that starts with creation, and teaches the Bible as one story that all points to Christ

- child stays engaged by filling in blanks, crosswords, drawing, matching and using their Bibles as they learn

This book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://leadmetogod.com/the-god-puzzle-book  $18.00

http://www.amazon.com  $14.36

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $14.36

http://www.christianbook.com  $13.99

http://www.deepershopping.com  $13.57

Biography

Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry professional, teaching and leading children of all ages. Growing up in a Christian family in the small town of Saskatchewan Canada, she has wonderful memories of knowing God from an early age. She has a passion for kids to know the deep truths of God. 

Find out more at LeadMeToGod.com.

My Review ~

The God Puzzle is a very comprehensive workbook for parents and children. This is an excellent tool for parents in a one-on-one situation with a child or children in a family situation. Each child needs a copy of this book since it is very personalized as the child works through the lessons. The use of scripture and memorization of Bible verses is relative to each lesson, and a complete picture of the Bible is presented. Numerous questions are broached and answered in an elementary, practical and understandable manner.

This book is very educational in a colorful and enjoyable format. Some activities involve crossword puzzles, word searches, fill in the blanks, etc., and are fun and add a sense of play to the study. Colorful examples are used as appropriate illustrations, visuals that a child can relate to with ease. At the end of each lesson are sections entitled (1) Read It, where Bible verses are listed, (2) Talk About It, where a discussion time and questions are listed, and (3) Talk To God About It, where the child can reflect and write his or her own prayer letter to God.

Any elementary age child, even junior high children, should be able to understand the information provided in this book, and to participate in the activities provided. I would use this with a child over a period of time so as not to overwhelm him/her with too much information too quickly. A lesson each week would be ideal, emphasizing the lessons during the week to keep the child in tune with the lesson learned for that week. I found this book helpful as an adult, having had a limited exposure to a relationship with God as a child.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the publisher and LitFuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

The Pandora Box

By Lilly Maytree

Review & GIVEAWAY!

Unprecedented Suspense!

Description

While investigating mysterious happenings at a state mental hospital, journalist D.J. Parker learns the location of a famous cache of diamonds stolen during World War II. What she doesn't know is that the federal government has secretly been following the case for years. With an old journal to lead the way, she sets out aboard a yacht that once carried the infamous Herman Goering and embarks on a thrilling treasure hunt that could prove to be the adventure of a lifetime... if the captain and his partner don't turn out to be crooks. And the FBI officers following D.J. are really working for the FBI, and if the horrendous secret Dee uncovers during the investigation has absolutely no connection to the famous jewels. But just how long can a secret remain a secret? And more importantly how can a person know whom to trust?

Purchase this book at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  $14.39

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $13.44

http://www.christianbook.com  $4.79 ebook only

http://www.deepershopping.com  $12.63

Biography

Right now, Lilly Maytree is on her 2013 Mystery Tour, traveling up the Inside Passage to Alaska aboard the sailboat GLORY B. 

She loves sharing her adventures with readers. It has even been said that she time-travels, but that is probably just a rumor.  It might take a few days if she is adventuring far away... but she always comes back sooner or later.

You can follow along by visiting: 

LillysArmchairTravelers.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/lilly.maytree?fref=ts

My Review ~

Nellie Bly was America's pioneer female journalist. Her contemporary counterpart, Dee Parker is an investigative journalist who exposes devious activities in a state mental hospital. Subsequent to the death of Dee's source, she becomes owner of an old sailing schooner, thousands of dollars in cash, and a journal leading her to a fortune in diamonds. Never having sailed, she and her friend partner with a man claiming the boat is his, and with his fisherman friend as co-pilot they set sails for the high seas. An encounter with the "FBI" coupled with encounters of the dangerous type set the pace for high adventure and unprecedented suspense. This is by far one of the most exciting books I've read in a while! 

Lilly Maytree has created an exciting, suspense-filled novel of epic proportion in The Pandora Box. The characters she has created are diverse and colorful, exceptionally well defined, and mysterious to say the least. She is detail oriented, creating pictorial visions that become a mental transportation into the pages of this highly adventurous book. There is not a dull moment in this tapestry of events. There's so much more! Be sure to pick up a copy of The Pandora Box and follow Dee and her cohorts on the cruise of a lifetime! You won't regret it!

At the end of this book Ms. Maytree gives a biography of Nellie Bly which enhances the story she weaves through the character of Dee Parker.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Book Fun For Readers Only and Pelican Book Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review. Thank you to Fred St. Laurent and The Book Club Network for providing this book review program!

CONTEST GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES:

Please leave me a feedback comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address from spammers. Share this review with your friends, and if you win this contest please leave a review at websites such as Deeper Shopping and Amazon once you have read the book. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

Optional: For additional chances to win this giveaway, share this contest through either Twitter or Facebook, and sign up to follow my blog. Please let me know what you did for extra chances to win. Drawing for this giveaway is Sunday, 12-8-13

A Walk One Winter Night...A Real Christmas Story

By Al Andrews

 Captivating!

A WALK ONE WINTER NIGHT INSPIRES DOVE-AWARD

WINNING ARTIST’S NEW CHRISTMAS SONG Two Christian music veterans unite to bring audiences a “real Christmas story”

NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 23^rd, 2013—Prominent counselor to many artists and acclaimed inspirational speaker Al Andrews recently signed on with The Worthy Publishing Group to publish his latest title, A Walk One Winter Night: A Christmas Story (Freeman Smith, September 2013) based on a poignant holiday experience. Burnt out on the hustle, bustle, and expectations the holidays can bring, Andrews took a late night stroll and wound up rediscovering his real passion and the true meaning behind the Christmas season. This simple message has spoken to the heart of audiences, and will help readers rediscover the joy of wonder and what is real in the season.

Al sent his initial draft to a few trusted friends in the music business in order to get early feedback. As the written word so often does, the book struck a major chord with Dove-award winning recording artist and GMA female vocalist of the year, Nichole Nordeman. "Every once in awhile you come across a story that helps you tell your own,” said Nordeman,“From the very first page of A Walk One Winter Night, I recognized that the characters around the manger had become distant and no longer dear. Icons, not the fragile and weary souls they were. In this beautiful story, I saw them differently, maybe for the first time ever. And they jumped off the page and right into the music of my heart. ‘Real’ is a song that's deeply personal for me. I hope it captures the same wonder of the beautiful book that inspired it."

Nordeman will be performing “Real” throughout the fall tour of The Story, alongside artists Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Matthew West, Selah, and Rawsrvnt. Tour dates and ticket information can be found at www.thestorycd.com/tour/. “Real” will also be featured on Capitol Christian Music Group’s album WOW Christmas, available nationwide in October.

http://youtu.be/aFn14IHvSGU

This hardcover book can be purchased at the following locations:

http://www.amazon.com  $10.69

http://www.barnesandnoble.com  $10.90

http://www.christianbook.com  $10.49

http://www.deepershopping.com  $8.99

Biography

Al Andrews is a counselor, author, and speaker. He is the director of Porter’s Call, a non-profit offering counsel, support, and encouragement to recording artists and their families. He is founder of Improbable Philanthropy, a charity that aids children in crisis through the sale of his children’s book, The Boy, the Kite, and the Wind. To learn more about Al Andrew’s visit http://www.itsalandrews.com; follow his daily journey on Twitter @itsalandrews.

My Review ~

The narrator of this story is overcome by the clutter and stress of Christmas, and on a cold and misty evening saunters down his street to relieve his disquieting feelings. An outdoor manger scene not unlike any other, revealed the perfect and pristine characters of Mary in blue, Joseph in brown, and the baby Jesus swaddled in white, smiling, no sign of hunger, cold, or other common infant needs. The remaining characters were arranged much like their counterparts. Stopping to linger, unsure what enticed him, he decided he disliked what he beheld, and guilt overtook him until he heard Mary speak. Voices from the past pleaded with him to take a closer look, to experience reality in what is represented in that scene.

Al Andrews has written a captivating and enthralling tale of what one man experienced as the result of something lacking in his life. This beautifully composed Christmas book is enticing, enchanting, and compelling! Penned with a simplistic introduction the story develops into a life-altering experience, one that I won't soon forget. This unique story is brief but bold, worthy of reading each Christmas for many years to come. Housed in a beautiful, gift-ready, hardcover book is the story of a lifetime. Don't miss the gift in this story this Christmas season, or any other.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.