Friday night I went to dinner with a girlfriend. We spent hours just talking about girl stuff. What fun! Do you know how long it has been since I have gone out with a girlfriend? I can't even remember - that's how long it has been. I am determined to change that. We had a great time and it made for a perfect Friday evening.
Saturday:
No alarm clock.
Three cups of coffee with my husband in front of the fireplace.
Prayer time together with my husband.
I went to my sewing room to work on a baby quilt. He went to the garage to build a workbench- a project he has wanted to do for 10 YEARS.
Coffee break together.
Back to our corners. I finished my baby quilt. He finished his workbench.
Celebrated our accomplishments over coffee with cookies this time.
Gave one of the dogs a bath and a quick hair cut.
Ran to the store to buy dinner at the deli.
Knit the rest of the evening while watching tv.
A perfect Saturday.
Sunday:
Coffee and prayer in front of the fireplace again.
Put a roast in the oven.
A great church service.
Dinner with the kids.
Played with Ava Claire.
Cut out coupons.
Played with Ava Claire.
Baked some cookies.
Played with Ava Claire.
A perfect Sunday.
Somewhere in there I also found time to finish a book. Awhile back I received an email from Waterbrook Multnomah Press wondering if I would be interested in receiving some free books. There was a small catch - I just had to review the books on my blog. Oh, and then if I wouldn't mind, would I give a free book to one of my readers.
It took all of about 10 seconds to make up my mind about that. So here we are. Oh, and excuse me a minute while I take care of a bit of legal business.
This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.
Okay, on to the business at hand.
The Sound of Sleighbells by Cindy Woodsmall Amish life, tragedy, mystery, mistaken identity and the angst of love are all a part of Cindy Woodsmall's latest novel, The Sound of Sleighbells. Beth, a young and beautiful woman who is living in grief long after what is deemed the appropriate amount of time following the death of her fiancee', has a secret. And this secret is about to do her in. At least that is what her spinster aunt believes. So she takes matters into her own hands. In another Amish community a young man, Jonah, is slowly recovering after a tragic accident in his own life. His gift of wood carving has brought much healing into his life. But he never imagined it could be used in the healing of another as well.
I have always loved Christmas books. In fact I have a collection of Christmas stories that I pack away with all my ornaments and I bring them out each year to enjoy again during each Christmas season. Cindy Woodsmall's book is the type that can be enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace while drinking a mug of cider. It is a light read with a storyline that is rather predictable, but nonetheless it leaves you with a satisfied feeling. It's Christmas-y conclusion is just right to enjoy during the holiday season. If you enjoy reading books of the Amish genre - you will enjoy this story.
If you would like to purchase this gift, perhaps for a Christmas gift or stocking stuffer, just click here, or at CBD or Amazon.
Or even better, if you would like to win a copy of The Sound of Sleighbells, how about if you leave me a comment telling me what your favorite Christmas book is. Or movie. What book or movie do you have to read or watch every December before the season feels just right to you? I will add your name to a random drawing that will take place on Friday, October 19.
Monday morning. Basking in the memory of the perfect weekend. Talking to my blog friends. Giving away a book. So far, this has all the markings of a perfect Monday!
9 comments:
What a great week-end you had! Absolutely perfect.
White Christmas is my favorite Christmas movie - next to It's a Wonderful Life.
Have a great week!
Well I would love to win this book. It sounds like just the kind of reading I need at the Christmas season.
Every year I read "Shepherds Abiding" by Jan Karon. It is a long held tradition for me. I love the way it points my focus on what is indeed important ... the anxious anticipation of Christ's birth.
I really like A Christmas Carol....predictable....but its a great classic!
Your sister,
Lisa
Nestor the Long Ear Donkey- a gospel story of redemption.As much as I love that movie I have to say the Gospel of Luke starting with chapter two is the only book I read EVERY Christmas.
My daughter lives in the Amish country and she teases me because she says that everything I know about the Amish came from a Christian novel. :)
Maybe I need to grow up because I have several books in my Christmas collection but I HAVE to read Jan Bretts Big Book of Christmas stories to make the season merry! They are childrens stories with the most facinating illustrations.
I was just looking at books in the store the other day & this one looked so very inviting!
Robyn Q
Your weekend sounds wonderful. We had a relaxing weekend as well, thanks to a bit of snow that cancelled my daughter's soccer game. It was sooo nice to be able to just enjoy being home.
My favorite Christmas movie is White Christmas. I have to watch it every year. I always read a new Christmas book, something different each year.
It's good to hear from you, Robin, sounds like things are going well!
Hmm. I don't read any particular book for Christmas besides the story of our Savior's birth on Christmas morning. Maybe it's time to start a new tradition. My one GOTTA HAVE is the music though. Does this count to be in your drawing? If I win, maybe THIS could be my favorite Christmas book. (grin)
My favorite Christmas book that I would like to borrow from you is "Jotham's Journey". I want to read it to Ava and Jayson this year for advent. It was such a good book and I have so many memories with Jess listening to that story.
And I want the book :).
I always liked "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" but I also like The Chevy Chase Christmas movie too but I can't remember the name of it. How fun that you get to review books!!!
God Bless
Suzy K
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