Christmas Books!

***I apologize that this post is late (again...) But we got home late last night after caroling and I didn't have time to finish this post. :) 

You all knew it was coming, didn't you? You knew that sooner or later during this 12 Days a post would appear here that wasn't much more than a bunch of pictures of books. ;) I don't know what it is but I enjoy taking pictures of books. Don't ask why, but I do. It's photogenic. :) (Yeah, my mom doesn't get it either... xD) 

So anyways, on with the introduction. I went around the house collecting all our Christmas books. Wow-sie! We have a lot more than I realized! 

 All our Christmas books...and movies. However, since I took these pictures we've gotten at least one more book and movie :) (more on that at the end of this post...) 

So, I'm going to list each book and the author(s). Okay, I have to ask something first. How many of you aren't even reading this? How many just skim over all my senseless rambles? *no answer* Yeah, that's what I thought. ;)

--My Room--

Cajun Night Before Christmas by "Trosclair"

Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by Wanda E. Brunstetter (Margaret Brownley, Kelly Eileen Hake, Jane Kilpatrick, Liz Johnson, Liz Tolsma, Michelle Ule, Debra Ullrick, Erica Vetsch) 

Felicity's Surprise by Valerie Tripp

A Surprise for Caroline by Kathleen Ernst

Addy's Surprise by Connie Porter 

Molly's Surprise by Valerie Tripp

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Sarah Sundin, and Cara Putnam 

An Amish Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, and Barbara Cameron 

Christmas Tidings edited by Louise Bachelder 

White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter

Andi's Circle C Christmas by Susan K. Marlow

These five books have been part of our Christmases for as long as I can remember. They come out with the Christmas decorations and make their home on the coffee table in the living room. Then when they Christmas declarations get taken down and boxed up, these go with them. 

Let's Keep Christmas: A Sermon by Peter Marshall 

May Christ be the Center of Your Christmas by Vickie Phelps

Joy to the World by Colleen Reece and Julie Reece-DeMarco 

In Celebration of the Savior's Birth by Connie Sue Lora

Come Let Us Adore Him by Thomas Kinkade 

--Picture Books--

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect by Richard Schneider

The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne 

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergen

--From the Family Bookcase--

A Pioneer Christmas Collection by Lauraine Snelling, Margaret Brownley, Kathleen Fuller, Marcia Gruver, Cynthia Hickey, Vickie Mcdonough, Shannon McNear, Michelle Ule, Anna Urquhart

A Lancaster County Christmas by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The 12 Ways of Christmas by David Jeremiah 

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck

Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs

The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren 

The True Saint Nicholas by William J. Bennett

C is for Christmas by David and Warren Wiersbe 

While taking pictures I somehow over looked this one...

The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp 

Since the time I took these pictures, I found Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Woods Fisher, and we got The Christmas Candle movie. :) 

Have you read any of these? 

If so, did you enjoy them?

Do you want to read any of them now?

My post for tomorrow will include most of those movies from the first pictures. ;) 

"Christmas Tidings" ~ Day Six

Sadly, we have yet to have any snow this year. :-( Yeah, I'm not too happy about it...

Today's stops on the Christmas blog series!! ;) 

~ Visit Whimsical Writings for a Christmas song and the story behind it!

~ Visit Rebekah Ashleigh's blog for a Christmas book review! 

~ Visit Living in Faith and Fun and see what Amy has for us today!! 

I didn't get around to commenting on everyone's post yesterday, but I'll be sure and get caught up in that sometime this afternoon. :) Thanks you all so much! This would be nothing without y'all! :D

Sisters in Christ, 

~Faith 

A Charlie Brown Christmas

'Tis the season to be jolly, but Charlie Brown, feeling that the Christmas message is lost amid all the seasonal glitter, has the blues. Psychiatrist Lucy suggests a cure: get involved with the Christmas play! When our hapless hero sets out to find a Christmas tree to use as a stage prop, he unknowingly take a step towards discovering the holiday's true meaning. The scraggly tree that thrives on a "little love" and a timely assist from Linus make the message of the season come shining through. 

--from the back of the DVD box :) 

If you have not seen this movie, you did not have a childhood. At my house, it's a tradition. Every Christmas (though it is possible we've missed one, I suppose) we watch Charlie Brown. And I love it. :) 

And you know what? That's what Christmas really is all about. Ask Linus, he'll tell you. :) 

I should start by saying, that this cartoon is so quotable. (Is that a word? *looks it up* Yes, it is. *smiles*) I mean, seriously? It's SO funny and there's so many things from it that I will repeat! :) Listed below are some of my favorites. I found pictures to go with most of them. ;)

 Linus and Charlie Brown discussing Charlie Brown's "holiday blues"

Linus catching the first snowflakes of the season.  "Hmm... Needs sugar." 

Lucy: "I never eat December snowflakes. I always wait until January." 

 "Aa, ha!" 

 "That beautiful sound of cold hard cash. That beautiful sound of clanking nickels." 

I love when Lucy tells Charlie Brown what she wants for Christmas :) 

Lucy:  "I know how you feel, Charlie Brown. I never get what I really want. I always get toys or a bicycle or something." 

Charlie Brown: "What do you want?" 

Lucy: "Real estate." 

--The Christmas Play--

Director: Charlie Brown 

 "Am I right? I said, am I right?!" (I couldn't find a picture for this one.) 

 Lucy: "Pigpen, you're the innkeeper." 

 Pig-pen: "In spite of my outward appearance I shall try to do the part justice." 

 "All this dust. It's taking the curl out of my naturally curly hair." 

Snoopy doing his animal imitations for Lucy :) 

 Snoopy mimicking Lucy 

 Snoopy after kissing Lucy. Meanwhile she wails, "Get hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some iodine!" 

Linus: "I shouldn't be put through such agony!" 

Because he's the best! *shoots glare to a certain person who seems to think there can't be more than one 'best'* You know who you are. B-) 

 "If you really thought I was beautiful you would've spoken up right away. I know when I've been insulted! I know when I've been insulted!" 

The glares from Schroeder and Lucy...hehehe.

 "Beside I think it needs me." 

Linus: "This really brings Christmas close to a person." 

Charlie Brown: "Fantastic." 

 When everyone laughs at Charlie Brown's tree... *sniff, sniff* 

Charlie Brown: "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!" 

Linus: "I can tell you what Christmas is about, Charlie Brown." 

 "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." 

 "I've killed it! Everything I touch gets ruined!" 

 When Linus wraps the tree with his blanket. :) 

 "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love." 

  Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown! 

Have you seen "A Charlie Brown Christmas"? 

Do you like it?

Is it a tradition for your family like it is for mine? 

***All pictures borrowed from Pinterest and Google Images. 

***Some quotes may not be exact, word for word. 

"Christmas Tidings" ~ Day Five

Today's Christmas Fun! 

~ Visit Whimsical Writings for a fun lineup entitled, "The Christmas Miracle"! 

~ Visit Simply Stories for the second part of Rebekah's Christmas story, "God Will Provide"! 

~ Visit Living in Faith and Fun and check out what Amy has for us today! (I somehow over looked Amy's post yesterday, so be sure and get that one too!) 

Have a great day, everyone! I'm off the help clean house and then tonight we're going Christmas caroling with our church! :D

~Faith 

White Christmas Pie by Wanda E. Brunstetter ~ Book Review

   Will Henderson, abandoned by his father sixteen years ago and left in the care of an Amish couple, has joined the Amish church and is about to marry Karen Yoder. But as Will contemplates marriage and potential fatherhood, he wonders will he eventually destroy his family as his father did his? 

   Karen Yoder can't break through the barrier her fiancé has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will begins to see green. Is there a chance there won't be a December wedding after all? 

   Riddled with guilt and shame over abandoning his son, Frank Henderson sinks into depression. As he begins to search for Will, he wonders if there is anything he can do to make it right. 

   When Will's life is threatened, the strength of blood-ties is put to the test. Can Will find it in his heart to forgive his father and marry the woman he loves? Can an old recipe for White Christmas Pie contain the truth that sets him free? 

---description from the back cover :D 

Where do I even begin with this book? I love Christmas books, I love Wanda Brunstetter's books, and I love stories with perfect, tear-jerking, emotional, traumatic (yep, I love adjectives...), and lovely endings. Maybe I'll ramble for a little while about each of the characters and how much I love them. :) 

Will is an amazing leading character. The struggles he faces over dealing with his father abandoning him are so realistic. How he thinks that maybe he shouldn't marry Karen because of fear of destroying his family like his father did, shows that he's just the best (not that I'm biased or anything.) He's thinking of her best interest, and not for himself.

Karen is probably my favorite character. She's so kind and compassionate. She puts others ahead of herself. She's supportive of Will, her fiancé. She loves him in spite of all his troubles. And that ending... *sigh* Oh, just thinking about it makes me want to go read it again right now. (More semi-spoilers ahead. If you'd like to skip them, skip the italics :D) When Mark busts out the front glass and Karen climbs into the buggy... *sniff, sniff* and checks ___(blank)__ for a pulse... *sniff* 

Frank is not my favorite character. It's not that he's a bad character, he's just not as 'good and perfect' as Will and Karen. :) I sorta understand his struggles, but he's still not my favorite. I do live how he searches for Will though. Even if he is sixteen years late...*cough* But if Frank hadn't abandoned Will, Will never would've met Karen. ;-) 

Megan is Frank's second wife. (She's not Will's mother.) Don't ask why I'm mentioning her ahead of Mark and Regina, but I am. Megan is really sweet and extremely supportive of Frank. It's through her that Frank comes to know the Lord as his Savior, and eventually, how Frank locates Will. :)

Mark and Regina Stoltzfus are the Amish couple that Frank left Will with. They couldn't have children of their own, and they raised and loved Will as if he were biologically theirs. Although they think of Will as they're son, they don't try to keep him separated from Frank. Will calls them "Papa Mark" and "Mama Regina", which I loved. <3  :) 

Have you read this book?

Do you want to? 

Are you ready for Christmas? I'm not! :D

"Christmas Tidings" ~ Day Four

Today's stops on the Christmas tour!! ;) 

~ Visit Whimsical Writings for a Christmas recipe! 

~ Visit Rebekah Ashleigh's blog for a Christmas movie review! 

~ Visit Counting Your Blessings One by One for a Christmas recipe! 

How's everyone Christmas preparations coming? 

~Faith ;) 

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

We've all heard the old, well known Christmas poem, right? "'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there." 

Well, I am blessed to know three 'versions' of this popular poem. The other two being, "Cajun Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came". I'm going to share the latter with you all today. :D 

As I was thinking of different things to post on during 12 Days of Christmas, my mom mentioned that she had a few things I may want to use. This was one of them. I know I've read it or heard it read in years past, but I'd forgotten about it. Re-reading it and typing it up to share with y'all, the message of the poem really spoke to me. I found it to be very special and thought-provoking. 

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house 

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. 

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there. 

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, 

Not once ever kneeling or bowing their head. 

And mom in her rocker with baby on her lap 

Was watching the late show while I took a nap. 

When out of the East there arose such a clatter, 

I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. 

Away to the window I flew like a flash 

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. 

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be "The Day" ! 

The Light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said. 

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, 

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself. 

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand

Was written the name of every saved man. 

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; 

When He said, "It's not here", my head hung in shame. 

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above. 

With those who were ready He rose without a sound 

While all the rest were left standing around. 

I fell to my knees, but it was too late; 

I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate. 

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; 

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. 

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; 

The coming of Jesus is drawing near. 

There's only one life and when comes the last call 

We'll find that the Bible was true AFTER ALL! 

Note: I did not write this poem and I have no claim on it. If I knew the author's name I would give them the credit. :)

****

What do you think? 

Did you enjoy it?

Had you heard it before? 

"Christmas Tidings" ~ Day Three

Today's 12 Days of Christmas links!! :) 

~ Visit RebekahAshleigh's blog for a recipe for Christmas candy! 

~ Visit Lauren's Amazing World for the story behind on of the best-loved songs of Christmas! 

~ Visit Whimsical Writings for a Christmas book review! 

~ Visit Simply Stories for a Christmas story! 

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm off to town now! :)

~Faith 

A Christmas Peril by Diane Moody ~ Book Review

(Due to the fact that this is an ebook and I cannot simple copy down the description from the back cover of the book, I borrowed the following summary, which is in bold, from Amazon. Just to clarify it is not mine. :D) 

Lucy Alexander's Teacup Novellas were inspired by a collection of vintage teacups her Aunt Lucille bequeathed to her. She's excited about writing the next book in the series, a Christmas tale loosely based on her aunt and uncle's love story set in the 1940s. But when a hostage situation lands Lucy's boyfriend in the hospital, she sets her work aside to keep a bedside vigil with Mark. As the long hours of waiting stretch on, Lucy starts to read her beloved aunt's handwritten diary. Shocked to discover a frightening story so eerily similar to the one she's living, Lucy longs to find hope and encouragement in the pages of Lucille's diary.

December 1944 - "The most wonderful things seem to happen when you least expect them," writes Lucille Alexander after a serendipitous meeting with Gary Reynolds, a handsome lieutenant home on leave from the war in Europe. The two are inseparable in the five precious days he has left before heading back overseas just weeks before Christmas. On their last morning together, Lucille accompanies Gary to the train station, already dreading the long separation ahead. But that would be the least of her worries after her brave lieutenant rushes to help an elderly woman in distress.

Lucy finds a strange solace in her namesake's ink-stained journal. Though seventy years have passed between them, would their stories have the same ending?

 I found this delightful little read thanks to Bookbub. It was free, the cover caught my interest so I skimmed the brief summary. Hmmm...WWII Christian romance. Sounds like something I'd enjoy. I clicked to download it to my kindle library and I didn't think another thing about it for...oh, a day or two I think it was. :) 

 One Saturday night, I was exhausted. I think all the work and eventful-ness of the past month had finally caught up with me. I took a shower and went to bed. I'm not kidding - I didn't even care if I ate supper! Yep, so not me. :) 

So yeah. After a much desired shower, I crawled into bed with my iPad. After checking my emails and a few other things, I somehow ended up looking through my ebooks. After skimming a few of them and nothing catching my interest, I ended up engrossed in this one. I was in love with these characters and this unique, interesting storyline from page one. 

Lucy is so amazing and I could really relate to her. She is a writer (*fangirl squeals*) and she also has a hard time verbally expressing her emotions. 

Mark is just the best. Even though we don't get to see much of his personality (due to a reason which for spoilers sake I shall not discuss here) except through Lucy and his sister, Shelly, he was immediately a favorite as well. =) He works for UPS and is Lucy's boyfriend. 

Chad is Lucy's brother. I don't know what it is but I always, always love the older-brother/protector characters. I don't know why, but I do. :) So yeah, Chad's great. He takes great care of Lucy and Gertie (Lucy's dog). 

Shelly is Mark's older sister. She has a amazing personality and a wonderful go-get-it-done outlook on life. Her great relationship with Mark, her younger brother, is really evident through the story. The following quote is my favorite of her's but it's a semi-spoiler (if there even is such a thing...) So if you don't want the spoiler, skip the below picture and go on to the rest of my review. ;) 

Those were the four main characters, I would say. Lucy & Chad's and Mark & Shelly's parents were really great too. :) 

So you already have this amazing story, then you throw in a love story from the WWII era (which is my favorite anyways!) and it becomes serendipitous! :) I'm not kidding. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this book. There aren't many books I can say that about! :)

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone. Although it's only available in kindle format, the entire Teacup Novellas Collection (and each of the other books individually) are available in paperback. :) I'm totally treating myself to that sometime! :D

"Christmas Tidings" quote -- Day Two

I'm not sure what that has to do with Christmas, but... :) 

Contributions from other amazing blogs! Check these out! 

~ Visit Whimsical Writings for a Christmas movie review! 

~ Visit Rebekah Ashleigh's blog for a Christmas book review!

Does this book sound like something you would enjoy? 

Have you read it? Or any others by Diane Moody? 

See ya later! 

~Faith 

12 Days of Christmas ~ Introduction

Well, everyone, the time has come! It's officially time for 12 Days of Christmas to begin! Are you all as excited as I am? I hope so! We're going to have so much fun. :) 

If we all lived near each other we would have a 'real' Christmas party, but all things considering this is as good as we can do. :D 

Jesseca Dawn made this festive and Christmas-y blog 'ad' for us :) Thank you, Jesseca! For those of you participating (or even if you're not and you would just like to spread the word about this ^_^), please feel free to put it on your blog and link back here. :) 

There's going to be tons of great things going on these next (almost) two weeks! :) Christmas stories and poems, reviews of Christmas books and movies, Christmas recipes and traditions, the stories behind Christmas songs, pictures of Christmas trees and snowy scenes (hey, that rhymes!), and oodles of other Christmas-y stuff! By the way, are any of y'all counting how many times I've said "Christmas" so far? =D

I have a few other things to mention and then I'll let y'all get on to today's fun! 

Everyday on this blog, there will be a quote from the book "Christmas Tidings" at either the beginning or end of my post. :) 

Here's today's... 

List of bloggers participating. 

Jesseca Dawn ~ http://jessaswhimsicalwritings.blogspot.com/

Rebekah Eddy ~ http://4rmeddy.blogspot.com/ & http://simplystories4.blogspot.com/

Lauren Stoner ~ http://les0498.blogspot.com/

Blessing Counter ~ http://countingyourblessingsonebyone.blogspot.com/

RebekahAshleigh ~  http://rebekahashleigh.blogspot.com/

And finally...the Line-up for Today's Fun! 

~ Visit Rebekah's Remarks for a Christmas poem! 

~ Visit Counting Your Blessings One by One for the history of "Silent Night" and some fun facts! 

~ Visit Whimscial Writings for another introductory post and the story behind the song of "I'll be Home for Christmas"! 

** I apologize for not getting this posted earlier this morning. My family and I are heading off right now for a one night get-away to do so Christmas shopping, etc. It's sort of a right-before-Christmas tradition; something we've did every year for as long as I can remember. :) But no worries. I've got a couple hour car ride ahead of me, so I'll make sure tomorrow's post is scheduled ahead of time. :) 

Thank you for reading! Be sure to check out everyone else's blogs! 

Merry Christmas! 

~Faith 

The Bedtime Book Tag

Heelllloooo aaalll!!!!! *waves in slow-motion* You thought I'd drop off the edge of the earth into the land where all my characters reside, didn't you? B-) Okay, so maybe y'all really didn't miss me? I mean it has been *cringe* weeks since I've posted here. :) But, the good news is that's about to change! (Read to the end of this post for more on that! (And DON'T SKIP DOWN AND READ IT NOW!!! I'm watching you...) *ahem* 

Anyways... Recently Rebekah, from Rebekah's Remarks, did this tag and invited anyone who wanted to answer the questions to do so. I thought it looked like a lot of fun, so here they are! :D

1. A book that kept you up all night.

"A Sister's Secret" by Wanda E. Brunstetter. That's the first book I can remember ever reading under the covers. :) That was probably about five years ago. 

2. A book that made you scared to sleep.

Uh...none that I can think of although I'm sure there is one. :)

3. A book that made you go to sleep.

I'm assuming this is referring to how boring the book was? I'd have to go with "Areopagitica" by  John Milton. It is sooooo boooorrriiinnngggg!!!!!!! But it was a school requirement, so I read it. :) 

(No comments on the fact that it took me over a month to read will be accepted...) 

4. A book that left you tossing and turning all night in anticipation of it's release.

Hmm... Well, since most books I read aren't new releases, I can't really answer this question. :) But even if I was waiting for one to release, I'd still be able to sleep. ;-) 

5. A book that has your favorite boy/girlfriend relationship.

So, I could give like a zillion answers to this question...and they would all be true. :) But I'll try to narrow it down some... 

1) Merry and Jon from "Summerhill Secrets". Best couple EVER!! <3 Although aren't really a couple until the last book they're still great in my opinion. And it may've happened sooner if Ashley Hornton would've stayed out of the way. :(  (I should feel for her, I mean she is a fellow PK after all...) :D

2) Anne and Gilbert *smiles* I've only read book-1 (so this is mainly based on the movies...) but they're the bestest. <3 :) 

3) Avery and Claire from "Avery's Crossroad". I love them SO much!!! :) 

6. A book that would be your worst nightmare to live in.

"The Cat of Bubastes" by G. A. Henty. Being captured by the enemy and hauled off to be a servant? *shudders* Sounds awful... (Which may be why I never finished this book.) ;) 

7. A book that reminds you of night time.

"Under His Wings" by Liz TOLSMA. Don't ask why, because I don't really know! :) But when I saw this, that story just popped into my head. It does remind me of night time, but in a good way. Probably because there are several scenes that include walks in the snowy moonlit night. Some good, some bad. That's all I'm saying for now. :) 

"Under His Wings" is part of this collection. :) 

8. A book that had a nightmarish cliffhanger.

(Almost) every single book I read has a nightmarish cliffhanger!! But, I think this is referring to books that end with a cliffhanger. As in, you have to wait until the next book comes along to find out what happens. ;) That would definitely be "Goodbye to Yesterday" by Wanda E. Brunstetter. Not knowing if Luke was alright and...*sniff, sniff* Yeah, great series. 

9. A book you actually dreamed about.

I don't know that I've ever dreamed about 'real' (haha.) books, but I have dreamed about my own stories before. ;) 

10. A book monster you wouldn't want to find under your bed. 

Um, I can't think of an answer to this one either. Sorry, but no book monsters come to mind. Villains, yes. Oodles of creepy villains. B-) 

If anyone would like to answer this tag, either in the comments or on their own blog, please feel free to do so!! 

Now... From the news promised. ;) We (me and a few of y'all) are planning a 12 Days of Christmas blog series. That starts this Monday (the 14th). If anyone reading this (and who hadn't already heard about it) would like to participate, please contact me and let me know ASAP. :)

Thank you all so much!! :D

~Faith