About Me

My photo
Mysteries, polka dots, California Rolls, TJ Maxx, cozy blankets, rainy days and getting the first spoonful of peanut butter out of the jar make me smile. Spiders, rude people, cold fingers and toes, baby leashes, people that don't wrap their packages before going to the Post Office, poison ivy and Math (pretty much all of it) make me want to scream. My perfect day would be spent with my wonderful husband and sweet girls- watching movies in our jammies! Of course, having the movie theater to ourselves would be great, too. Please pass the popcorn and M&M's.:) I am saved by the grace of God. He is my constant companion and hears my every prayer. What a blessing! I'd love to hear from you! Lori at toosillysisters@cox.net

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage book giveaway!

The winner is Lori!



How would I like to be married to me?  Hmm....  Lee Strobel brings up this question in The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage (Focus on the Familyand it stopped me in my tracks.  I read those words and my mouth fell open.  My wheels began turning and I was not pleased with the conclusion I came to.  Falling in love is so easy, but staying in love takes work.  Sad to say, I have been lazy when it comes to my marriage.  I adore my husband but when it comes to honoring and treasuring, well, let's just say, I would give myself about a C-.  Ouch.

After reading The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage (compiled by Jim Daly), I feel energized and encouraged!  Each chapter is written by respected and well known husbands and wives.  They've all struggled in their marriages from time to time and honestly share stories and ideas that have helped them.  I suggest taking a chapter a week and really let it sink in.  Utilize the ideas and you'll notice a difference in the way you see your marriage and relationship.  A few of the chapters really made in impression on me although I learned something from every author.  I'd like to highlight a few of the chapters below...

Paula and Terri Reiser bring up the concept of- How may I make your life easier today?  Simple but powerful.  Lightening your spouse's load is an incredible way to show your love.  My husband does it for my every day.  He helps me cook and clean, he puts gas in the car, fixes things around the house, hangs pictures on the wall, is always there when I need a hug, tucks me in before he goes to work and the list goes on.  Yes, he's pretty amazing.:)  I'm going to step up and lighten his load now.  Tonight I actually had dinner ready when he got home, I took out the trash, cleaned out the litter box, put gas in the car, etc.  You know what?  He noticed and was truly appreciative.  I feel great about making his load lighter and we are happier and closer for the extra effort.  Awesome.

Les and Leslie Parrott encourage us to be our partner's best friend.  Laugh with them!  Protect each other from harm.  See things through your spouse's eyes.  For example, my wonderful husband not only bought Justin Bieber concert ticket's for my and the girls, he also attended the concert AND had a good time!  He did that for me.  He saw that it was important and instead of just dropping us off, he joined in the evening.  Another example is when we were dating, I took scuba diving lessons because it was something my future husband enjoyed.  I was scared, but I followed through because it meant something to him.  I'm so glad I did it but it was really out of my comfort zone!  One more example was seeing my husband enjoy his race car driving experience this summer.  I had no idea how much fun he would have but I was thrilled to be there with him.  Friends want each other to be happy.

Joni Eareckson Tada's chapter is about words of affirmation.  Sounds so easy and it is!  Use encouraging words so you can be your spouse's best cheerleader and help build them up.  I'm lousy at this but that is going to change- today.  I know how good it feels when someone takes the time to say a kind word, send me an email, call me or text me.  I feel that I matter and can carry on with a smile on my face, no matter how difficult that day is.  My husband is quieter than some (he's a big thinker!) but I know that he loves words of affirmation as much as anyone.  It's time for me to speak up.;)

The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage is a wonderfully written book and I recommend that both engaged and married couples read it.  As I said before, falling in love is easy but staying in love takes work.  The ideas in this book were such a blessing to me and the techniques are easy to use.  I've only touched on a few of the chapters that really hit home for me but there are many more and the ideas are simple but so true.  This would be a great gift for Christmas.  

**Would you like to win a copy?  PR by the Book has generously offered to giveaway a copy of The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage to one of my readers!  Leave a comment on this post to be entered.  If you're a follower of my blog, leave a separate comment for one additional entry.  I'll randomly choose a winner next Wednesday, the 5th!**

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting book giveaway!

The winner is Christy!


My Thoughts:

How I wish that parenting came with a guidebook.  A list of instructions on how to accomplish this wonderful but daunting job would be wonderful!  The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting (compiled by Jim Daly) is thoughtfully written by well known Moms and Dads. Their personal stories combined with their struggles, successes and ideas are heartwarming and real.  From babies to teens, it's all here.  Below are just a few of the ideas that truly made an impression on me:   

"What's Your Beef" Nights, created by Tim and Darcy Kimmel, will soon be used in my home.  It's an evening when your child(ren) can tell you about anything that was said/done by a parent or parents that hurt/embarrassed/disappointed them.  Listening and not explaining is key here.  (I always end up talking to much and lecturing, sad to say.)  I know this will open gates of communication for all of us and invited healing.  Such a wonderful, but simple idea!

Parenting from the Inside Out by Vicki Courtney really hit home for me.  It always seem to focus on "fixing the behavior" rather than trying to discover what is causing the behavior.  It's quicker to fix negative behavior but if you don't take the time to get to the heart of the problem you'll end up dealing with it again and again.  I'm now encouraged to find out the what/why/hows of the situation.  Our children are more than worth the extra effort.:)

Creating a Family Constitution is an insightful idea by Gary Smalley.  It's a gentle way to set boundaries that will benefit all members in the household so you can work toward a common goal.  Can't wait to get started on one for my family! 

The chapter, Talking to Your Kids About Sex, by Ted Cunningham, was eye opening.  Broken down into age groups, there are tips on what to teach at what time.  The bottom line is be the first to teach your child, not the world.  Sex is a gift from God, not something to be embarrassed about. 

The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting is encouraging and realistic advice for parents.  It focuses on God and how He needs to be the center of our hearts and lives, particularly while raising children.  God wants us to parent with grace, just like He treats us.

Incredible Insights from Well-Known Moms and Dads

Every parent has moments with their kids that they wish they’d been better prepared to handle. If they’d only known. This clever book, published in conjunction with Focus on the Family, shares heartwarming and vulnerable experiences from well-known moms and dads. Readers will love the upbeat, surprising, sometimes humorous and always relatable stories of raising toddlers, grade-schoolers, tweens, and teens. Contributors include: Jerry Jenkins, Tim and Darcy Kimmel, Stormie Omartian, Dr. Kevin Leman, Gary Thomas, Michael Smalley, Vicki Courtney, Dannah Gresch, Randy Alcorn, and Shaunti Feldhahn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jim Daly, General Editor, is president of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame-honored daily broadcast, heard by more than 2.9 million listeners a week on more than 1,000 radio stations across the US. Daly has been married to Jean since 1986. They have two sons and reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
*PR by the Book has generously offered a copy of The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting for one of my readers!  If you'd like a chance to win please leave a comment on this blog post.  If you are a follower, please leave a separate comment for an additional entry.:)*  Winner will be randomly chosen next Tuesday, the 2nd.
*I was given a copy of The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Something to Smile About


It's back.:)

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Scent of Rain by Kristin Billerbeck


My Thoughts:

Imagine being left at the alter on your wedding day.  Not only that, but none of the groom's friends or family show up.  The Scent of Rain starts off with poor Daphne Sweeten at the lowest point in her life. Thankfully, her best friend is by her side and whisks her away from the heartbreaking scene.  Daphne's next problem, which she discovers soon after the wedding, is that she's lost her sense of smell.  This is quite the dilemma because Daphne is a "nose"- her career is creating perfume!  What ensues is a map cap adventure to regain her sense of smell without letting her new boss realize that she can't smell a thing.  Problems arise when she is unable to smell a gas leak, uses salt in her coffee, gets lip injections from a sketchy physician, and more!  The Scent of Rain is absolutely charming and you'll root for Daphne every step of the way.  Mark, Daphne's fiance, was absolutely despicable (I wanted to hunt him down myself!) and Jesse, Daphne's boss, is incredibly frustrating at times but the potential for a happy ending kept me reading.  Grace and faith in the Lord save the day.  Kristin Billerbeck's writing echoes the longings of the heart without being syrupy sweet.  Humor and love walk hand in hand in this engaging story!

More about The Scent of Rain:

When deprived of her most prized sense, Daphne discovers a life she never expected, right under her nose.
Daphne Sweeten has left Paris – and a career she loves – in order to marry a man she loves even more. But when he stands her up on their wedding day, Daphne’s left reeling. Trained as a professional “nose” or perfume creator, Daphne soon realizes that her sense of smell has somehow disappeared too.
In the days following she moves to Dayton, Ohio, to take on a job creating fragrances for household products. Without her sense of smell, she must rely on her chemistry skills, and hope her handsome new boss, Jesse Lightner, doesn’t notice before she can figure out how to get it back.
Despite her desire to return to Paris, she can’t deny the way Jesse makes her feel. But when Daphne approaches former contacts, she learns her missing ex-fiancĂ© has somehow snagged her old job.
As Daphne and Jesse work on a signature scent for their new line, she feels God at work in her life as never before. And the promise of what is possible is as fresh as the scent of rain.


Kristin Billerbeck is the author of more than 30 novels, including "What a Girl Wants" and the Ashley Stockingdale and Spa Girls Series. She is a fourth-generation Californian, who loves her state and the writing fodder it provides. Learn more atwww.KristinBillerbeck.com

*I was given a copy of The Scent of Rain from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Sunday, November 25, 2012

The Shadow Man by Mark Murphy


My Thoughts:

 The Shadow Man had me reading deep into the night.  I could not put the book down.  The storyline is gripping, with a razor sharp edge.  Seemingly random, brutal murders are somehow linked to surgeon, Malcolm King.  Is he a serial killer or is he being targeted in a deadly game of cat and mouse?  Malcolm King's picture perfect life is ripped to shreds as he struggles to find the answers that will save his life.  Horrifying pieces of the puzzle are revealed to the reader bit by bit and just when you think you may know what's going on, another wrinkle is discovered.  The Shadow Man does not lose momentum even for a second.  Twists and turns are delivered until the very last page!  Mark Murphy doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath and, believe me, you'll relish every second.  Great Christmas gift for the suspense lover!

More about The Shadow Man:

Savannah surgeon Malcolm King had a perfect life--a loving wife, devoted daughter, and a thriving medical practice. But when a random airport parking lot hit-and-run links him to a dead body in a Florida hotel and an acquaintance is found dismembered and stuffed into a garbage bag, Malcolm finds himself on the run as a suspected serial killer. But he's no murderer. Or is he?

Who is the mysterious Thin Man who lurks at the edges of his vision? Are the ravens that crowd the skies overhead a warning of impending doom--or do they exist at all?
With the help of Seminole tracker Billy Littlebear, Malcolm tries to untangle the web of clues left behind by a mysterious chameleon-like killer known as the Shadow Man. But will he be too late?The Shadow Man is a complex, atmospheric thriller in the tradition of Stephen King. Darkly evocative and relentless in its twists and turns, it dares the reader to put it down--even for a minute.

*I was given a copy of The Shadow Man from PR by the Book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Tyndale Rewards Program= Free Books!


You know how much I LOVE books.
Especially FREE BOOKS!

Check this out...

Join the Tyndale Rewards Program and earn points to get hard copy books and Bibles for free. If you click on the link above and sign up you’ll get 25 points (and I’ll get 10 for you signing up). You can then start earning more points right away by doing a variety of things like signing up for the birthday club, subscribing to an email devotional, taking a 2 minute survey, etc. I earned 70 points in about 6 minutes – enough to get my first free book (delivered to my home with NO shipping costs)! You can take a look at the current rewards catalog here. You don’t need a credit card or anything like that. Just sign up and start earning your freebies!:)

I'm off to choose my first free book! I picked It Happens Every Spring- similar to the Mitford series and Steel Magnolias.  Wonderful!)

Why not join me?;)



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bible Detective book review

My Thoughts:
Bible Detective is an engaging book for all ages.  The girls (ages 9 and 14) and I had a blast reading the Bible stories together and then searching for pictures in the double paged scenes.  It's appealing for all ages because, although most of the items are easy to locate, some of the pictures can a bit more challenging!  Whether you are reading the Bible stories for the first time or the 20th time, we can all learn something new.  For example, how much do you know about flax and threshing sledges?  That information, along with much, much more is in here!  Educational and fun, I'm quite sure you and your child will truly enjoy learning and puzzling together while reading Bible Detective.  My daughter is planning on bringing it with her on our Thanksgiving holiday.  I hope she invites me to join her again on her search.:)   





Young detectives will never tire of this picture-search puzzle book. Readers can pore over 17 cleverly illustrated scenes of Bible events to find the answers to the questions posed on each page. Some puzzles involve looking for details of everyday life, others highlight things that happened in the Bible stories--offering hours of fun to readers as they search for the answers.
With lots to find, this kind of picture book is particularly great for reluctant readers and visual learners, helping all children get an overview of the Bible's history and content as they super-sleuth their way through the book. Warning: may be addictive!

Hardcover $14.99
Author Peter Martin
Illustrator Peter Kent

*I was given a copy of Bible Detective from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Birthday Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunts.
Inexpensive and full of fun.
Are you ready for the challenge?

This cutie pie will be turning 10 all too soon.
Double digits already.
Sob.


We picked up the party cupcakes and then headed to the mall to meet up with her friends.
Fresh Market's cupcakes rock.
Crazy delicious!

#1- Randomly select girls for the teams. (This way no one gets hurt feelings for not being with the birthday girl.)
#2- Give out the list of things to find, do, photograph and video.
#3- Parent/Chaperone follow along as quickly as you can!

Take a picture wearing high heels- 2 points
Everyone wanted to do this one!
Easy and fun.


Hug a stranger- 3 points
This takes some nerve and discretion.
My girls had good taste and the saleslady was a good sport.:)


Picture of something with One Direction- 2 points
Why not?


Picture of something with Justin Bieber- 2 points
Sadly, we couldn't find the real thing.


Hold hands with a cute guy- 10 points!!!
This takes guts! 
I truly didn't think my team could pull it off but here is the proof!
How could you resist this darling young lady?:)


Picture with a random couple in the mall- 2 points
Fun group photo opportunity!
We wanted to know why the couple was dressed up but had no time to ask.
We were in a race!


Hold hands walking through the mall- 1 point
Not everything has to be difficult.;)


Get a military sticker- 5 points
Where can we do this?
Good thing they had their trusty parental there for guidance.
This man was quite serious but happily posed for a picture and gave the girls 2 stickers- each!


Entire group lay down on a bench- 2 points


The girls never stopped except to check their list.
"This is SO fun!"
Music to my ears.


See's candy lady.
What a sport!
Gave us all 2 pieces of candy- each!
No points involved- we just needed a burst of energy.:)


Tacky make-up application- 2 points
Just plain fun until that uptight crabby lady showed up.

You know she just wanted our candy.


I kept up!
I didn't want to miss a moment.



Wear men's boxers on your head- 5 points
They weren't sure they wanted to do this!
They did want those 5 points, though.
Such giggling!


Picture of a tiara- 2 points


Picture of a heart- 2 points


Yes, Justin Bieber was their, too.:)

One guest blurted out "I hate Justin Bieber!" and then flipped her plate over.
Really??
I was at a loss but thankfully was able to locate a substitute plate. Meanwhile
the birthday girl was (almost) in tears.

Moving on...


Ballet buddies and sweet friends.
Love.


The best of friends.
Dibs and Dee Dee.:)


Love these random moments.
Crazy, silly and wonderful!


Picture with everyone holding a different Groovy girl doll- 3 points
Another great group photo opportunity!


Other team lying down on bench.
Everyone has their own style.:)


Picture with Justin Bieber.
Loved that each team had their own ideas and chose different challenges.

The videos of them playing leap frog and singing "I'm a Little Teapot" in the middle of the mall are hilarious! (Videos are usually worth about 10 points each)


Picture of team under a table in the food court- 5 points
Love this picture- so fun!


Everyone in one bathroom stall- 4 points
Crazy fun!


Picture with a salesman- 5 points
So many people loved the idea of a scavenger hunt and wanted to help out.
Great sports and so appreciated!
Note that some malls don't allow scavenger hunts, though.:(
We were careful to not run, put things back where we found them and act polite.
We wanted everyone to have a good experience and I believe we succeeded.:)




Everyone in the same massage chair- 3 points


Whole team wearing sunglasses- 3 points


The birthday party was a blast!
I have a feeling we'll be doing another one next year.

If you're interested in a list of items for your scavenger hunt there are tons of ideas on-line.  I'm happy to share our list, too.  Feel free to email me.  There were over 50 items and after 1 1/2 hours the girls were nowhere near being done!  

Friday, November 9, 2012

Father of Lights review and giveaway



The winner of the movie is Tristan!  Congratulations!

Father of Lights is a fearless journey captured on film that seeks to share the word of God with the world.  The stories and people you will encounter include gang members, witch doctors, Muslims, and holy men.  The movie is raw and real and makes no apologies.  I was awed by the lack of fear shown by the people that traveled to the places where most of us fear to go.  They were not going alone, though.  The individuals were led- instructed by God (He told them where to go and who to look for) Himself.  They tell us that He speaks to them, often in dreams.  Awesome.   I was in tears as hearts and lives were changed all around the world.  One story that really struck home with me is the American couple that sold everything and moved to China- because God had told them that's what He wanted them to do.  They left with their 3 young children and had no idea what would happen.  How God used them is fabulous and inspiring!  The healings in Jerusalem will take your breath away.  I highly recommend this movie for believers and non-believers.  
What you will see will change your life in the most wonderful way. 



About Father of Lights
FATHER OF LIGHTS chronicles the journey of filmmaker Darren Wilson and his team as they fearlessly travel the globe, far from the daily existence of the typical evangelical believer in the West. By thoughtfully documenting the stories of extraordinary believers and candidly filming miracles, visions and other supernatural occurrences, Wilson engages viewers in modern day examples of the true nature and character of God.  

Wilson gives honest access to his own spiritual questions as he tackles the religious misconceptions he has struggled with throughout his life.  “I went into making this film by asking the simple question: who is God? I wanted to know His character, His personality, and who He truly is. To answer this question, we had to peel back the many layers of religious garbage that has been passed onto him through generations. That He is angry. Vengeful. Wrathful. And in general, that He doesn’t like you very much. The truth, as you will see vibrantly in this film, is that He is the most loving, compassionate, and wonderful Father you can imagine.”

About Wanderlust Productions
Wanderlust Productions is a video production company focusing on creating content for various media that highlights, informs, and is designed to spiritually stretch our audience.  Created by Darren Wilson, Professor at Judson University, Wanderlust’s focus is on telling stories that inspire and agitate, that are unwavering in their honesty yet are emotionally compelling.  While our content will always be Christian in nature, we are not afraid to explore themes, concepts, or areas that may be considered “risky” by the Christian establishment.  Wanderlust prides itself on its willingness to put the story above the message.  That being said, the message will never waver.

Thanks to FlyBy Promotions, I'm so excited to be able to offer a copy to one of my readers!  Father of Lights is a movie that you will watch with your family and then want to share it with all your friends.  Leave a comment on this post and I will choose a winner next Friday, the 16th.

*I received a copy of Father of Lights from FlyBy Promotions in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Monday, November 5, 2012

Courting Cate by Leslie Gould


My Thoughts:

Courting Cate, by Leslie Gould, grabbed my attention from the first page.  The story of Cate, who adores books (so much like myself!), begins with her memory of getting caught reading under a blanket at the age of 7- while holding a candle!  She's a spunky one, Cate Miller is, and nothing like her sister, Betsy, who appears to do everything right- cooking, gardening, flirting, etc.  Cate certainly has her own strengths but keeps people (particularly men) away with her "prickly" nature.   There is a story behind her behavior that involves deception but I don't want to give everything away.;)   I admired Cate's determination and fire and was intrigued by Pete Treger, the handsome stranger that has just arrived in town.  I wasn't sure what his intentions were as the rumors are whispered all around, but I raced to the end of the book to find the answer!  The relationship between Cate and her sister, Betsy, was entertaining and funny at the beginning but made my heart ache for Cate as the book went on.  The characters in this story were endearing and richly developed.  Leslie Gould knows how to touch her readers hearts and then make them giggle at just the right moment.  I'll be eagerly waiting to read more of her stories!


About Courting Cate: 
When This Couple Gets to Courting, Sparks Will Fly!
In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
But the sisters' wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate's hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?

Book 1 in The Courtships of Lancaster County series. 


Meet Leslie:  


Leslie Gould is the co-author, with Mindy Starns Clark, of the #1 bestselling The Amish Midwife and The Amish Nanny. She is also the author of numerous novels, includingGarden of Dreams, Beyond the Blue (winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice for Best Inspirational Novel, 2006), and Scrap Everything. She holds an MFA in creative writing from Portland State University and has taught fiction writing at Multnomah University as an adjunct professor. She resides with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregon. 
Learn more at www.lesliegould.com.

A retelling of the Taming of the Shrew! Leslie Gould is celebrating the release of Courting Cate with a fun Kindle Fire Giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party (11/20)!




One lucky winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire

  • Courting Cate by Leslie Gould

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 19th. Winner will be announced at the "Courting Cate" Author Chat Facebook Party on 11/20. Connect with Leslie, get a sneak peek of her next book, try your hand at an Amish trivia contest, and chat with readers just like you. There will also be gift certificates, books and a Book Club Prize Pack to be won (10 copies for your book club or small group)!

So grab your copy of Courting Cate and join Leslie on the evening of the November 20th for a chance to connect with Leslie and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)




Don't miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!


*I was given a copy of Courting Cate from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cleaning House by Kay Willis Wyma


Cleaning House was a real eye opener for me.  I truly thought that by doing most of the work (laundry, bed making, potty cleaning, cooking, etc.) around the house that I was loving my children.  I was making life easier for them.  Wow, was I wrong.  Kay Willis Wyma originally thought this, too, but then her "lightbulb" turned on.  She explains in Cleaning House that by doing everything for your children you are sending the message that they aren't capable of doing things for themselves.  Like I said before, Wow.  

Kay Willis Wyma explains the ideas she used with her family in a very entertaining (she's real and funny!) and thorough way.  I felt like she was right there with me- like a close friend.  Great book with helpful ideas- I want to buy a copy for all my friends! 

The topics in Cleaning House are covered in chapters:

Making beds and keeping clutter off the floor
Planning and cooking a meal, cleaning up kitchen afterwards
Working outdoors (planting flowers, weeding, mowing, etc.)
Making income
Cleaning the bathrooms
Laundry
Small maintenance/repair jobs around the home
Hospitality
Working as a Team
Running errands
Service to others
Good manners

I used to order for my children when we went out to eat, but no more. I used to do most of the chores around the house, but not any longer.  My girls are helping more and I believe that they are becoming more confident in their lives.  They are capable of so much and I'm letting them see this for themselves.:) 

*I was given a copy of Cleaning House from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*

The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer



My Thoughts:

I'm always excited to get my hands on a book written by Tricia Goyer.  She's one of my favorite authors and never fails to deliver a heartfelt story that will stay with you long after the last page.  In The Memory Jar, she has created a masterpiece of friendship, memories, heartache, love and "fancy" cupcakes.:)  I found Sarah's memory jar absolutely charming as we discover through the course of the book what each trinket represents.  I particularly enjoyed getting to know Patty, Sarah's best friend, through flashbacks and daydreams.  Love is presented in a deeply caring way by getting to know someone and their dreams- not just by outward appearances.  Jathan is a dear!  Your heart almost aches with the way he cares for Sarah.  Getting lost in the woods and cooking in the kitchen have never been so romantic!  



{MORE ABOUT THE MEMORY JAR}

Book One in the Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series
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?



{MORE ABOUT TRICIA GOYER}

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including Beside Still Waters, Remembering You, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
Find out more about Tricia at http://triciagoyer.com.


Celebrate with Tricia by entering her Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on November 7th. (And be sure to catch the fun video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.)

One fortunate winners will receive:
  • A brand new Kindle Fire

  • Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover

  • Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}

  • The Memory Jar {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the ”Memory Jar Author Chat Party on 11/7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!


So grab your copy of The Memory Jar and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Don’t miss a moment of the fun, RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!




*I was given a copy of The Memory Jar from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.*