Christian Fiction Book Recommendations for the Book Lover on Your Christmas List...in Book Graphic Form

This is not an extensive list but a few that I thought to share with y'all that I've enjoyed reading, whether this year or in the past. Some  are part of a series so be sure and check them out on your favorite book info site.

I've also read some really fun novella compilations, especially last year's Something Borrowed with authors Teresa Tysinger, Andrea Boyd, Jaycee Weaver, Toni Shiloh and Mikal Dawn. Each of these authors has since released the novellas independently. I think they're all available on Amazon. Here are the graphics I did for those with updated book covers.

Can you recommend any books that you've enjoyed this year to give as gifts?

Leave a comment and let's chat!

Tea Time Tuesday

Black Tea (decaffeinated) with sugar and almond milk served in my Wawel tea/coffee set that was a gift from one of my dear sisters-in-law several years ago on my birthday. I don't know the pattern of the china, after much searching on the internet but it has delicate blue roses with gold leaves, embossing, and gold trim. 

The tray is one of my favorite finds that I picked up from a thrift store. Dating back to mid century, it's a handmade brass tray with a blue enameled Moire' glaze, designed by Harry Alan Kyes. 

What are you enjoying this lovely Tuesday?

My Box of Goodness From The 12th Teacup & Mug Exchange

I recently participated in the 12th Tea Cup andMug Exchange hosted by Stephanie @ The Enchanting Rose. It is always a pleasure to make new friends and through this exchange I have met some lovely ladies in years past that I am blessed to call ‘friend’.

I was delighted to receive these gifts from Jody! My box full of goodness came with a beautiful mug in my favorite color and it has Scripture on it too! 

Jody sent me a box of my favorite Plantation Mint tea and hot cocoa, along with the most awesome tasting Pretzel! Seriously, this pretzel was over-the-top good and it was made locally where Jody lives. Also, she took time to peruse my blog and saw that my husband and I had visited her town (Lititz PA) a few years ago and enjoyed a visit to Wilbur Chocolates so she graciously included a bag of scrumptious chocolate drops and a couple of chocolate coins. Mind you, I didn’t see both coins other than when I took them out of the box. One was absconded by my 21 year old ;)

This jar filled with delicious Lemon Curd is going to be perfect on scones!

Along with all of these tantalizing treats is a tote bag (boy, can I use this bag for books!), and a package of pretty napkins that I have already put to use. Just not in the ordinary way.

I have wanted to decoupage this little plant stand with a decorative paper napkin ever since I saw a lady do this on YouTube. When I opened my package and saw the napkins, I knew one of them would be perfect for this project! I had fun doing it and I'm pleased with how it turned out.

Thank you, Jody, for your sweet gifts that were so thoughtfully chosen! The card couldn't have been more perfect with the Violas in a teacup. :) I look forward to getting to know you better.

It's not what we have in life, but who we have in our life that matters. ~ Unknown

 I sent a package to Allison and had a great time filling it with things that I thought she would enjoy. Allison wrote me a lovely email and sent me the most amazingly gorgeous handmade card! 

Last but not least, I want to say Thank you, Dearest Stephanie, for your friendship and love to all of us!!! You rock, girlfriend! May God bless you!!!

If you made it this far reading, yay!!! Now tell me what your favorite tea or beverage is to relax with whilst delving into a good book or during your personal devotional time.

You know what mine is...Plantation Mint Tea or Regular Coffee. :-)

Review ~ A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Wild Gatherings: Quirky Collective Nouns of the Animal Kingdom by Matt Sewell

Published September 5th 2017 by Ten Speed Press

About the Book

A charm of goldfinches, an ascension of larks, a bask of crocodiles, a cloud of bats, a wake of vultures--all of these colorful collective nouns and more are showcased in this enchanting illustrated book by beloved artist Matt Sewell.
Accompanying each illustration is a playful description of each group of animals' personality, quirks, and habits. Sewell's uniquely witty take on the subject and delicately vivid illustrations make for a lovely new addition to his series of collectible books including Owls and Penguins and Other Seabirds. Playing on the theme of collective nouns for animals and illustrated with Matt Sewell's inimitable watercolors, this book makes a great gift for nature and art lovers everywhere.

My Review
5 STARS!!!

A Charm of Goldfinches and Other Wild Gatherings is filled with entertaining depictions of animals and lovely watercolors. I found myself chuckling at the morsels of humor the author incorporates in each rendering but also learned a few things I did not know. Anyone who loves nature or is an artist at heart will enjoy this collection of illustrations. It is truly one of the most charming little books I have had the pleasure of reading. It would make a wonderful gift to share with others and more than likely bring some extra smiles and joy to their life. 

I was given a copy of the book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program. No compensation has been received. 

~Happy Reading, Y'all~

Tea Cup Exchange

Recently, I participated in a tea cup exchange 

hosted by my sweet friend, Stephanie, 

over at The Enchanting Rose. 

I get a lot of packages in the mail since I review books 

but none was more anticipated than the surprise package 

I was going to receive from my 'tea cup pal'. 

It was abounding in goodies; delightful cupcake papers, 

a lovely selection of tea, a fragrant votive, 

decorated napkins in a cabbage rose design, 

a notepad and this whimsical mug, all in a pink theme! 

Can I just say that I love, Love, LOVE pink :) 

I'm planning on getting out this weekend and purchasing something 

yummy to bake in those cupcake papers! 

My grandchildren are going to think I am the cat's meow 

when we have a little tea party on the front porch.

Thank you, Kitty, for such a thoughtful gift. 

And Stephanie, you are a blessing. 

Your generous spirit reaches across the cyber miles 

to touch each and every one of us!

To see what the rest of the participants received, 

visit The Teacup Reveal.

Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Winners!!!

~ Debbie Lynne ~

on winning the Shirley Plantation note cards from Carrie Fancett Pagels.

Janella, and Steve Mathieson 

each won Kindle copies of Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie has notified the winners.

Thanks so much for coming by and supporting her in her work!

FIRST Wild Card Tour ~ Perfect You by Holly Skelton

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today's Wild Card author is:

Holly Skelton

and the book:

Perfect You

Tate Publishing (May 10, 2011)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Holly Skelton has had a colorful and diverse work history, from engineering to wedding planning, all in an effort to explore her different talents and personality traits. After having children, she was inspired to write a tale explaining to kids how unique and special they are, blessed with their own talents and gifts. Holly is passionate about spreading her message to all children that they are made for a purpose! She lives in Plymouth Michigan with her husband Bryndon and three young daughters and feels she has finally found God’s calling for her as an author.

Visit the author's website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Perfect You is a story for parents to share with their children to encourage them to discover their talents so that they can live a life of purpose and happiness. In this letter from God, children will discover that He has blessed them with gifts and talents that make them totally unique and able to serve the world in a very special way. Could the gift of bravery make you a police officer or firefighter, or could your compassion help you to be a great doctor or teacher? The possibilities are endless!

Product Details:

List Price: $8.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Perfect Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing (May 10, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617399183
ISBN-13: 978-1617399183

AND NOW...THE FIRST THREE PAGES (Click on images to view larger picture):