12 Pearls of Christmas | Day 1 – God with Us . . . And Us with Him by Susan May Warren

DECEMBER 14, 2012 BY PEARL GIRLS 

Welcome to the 12 Pearls of Christmas blog series!

Merry Christmas from Pearl Girls™! We hope you enjoy these Christmas “Pearls of Wisdom” from the authors who were so kind to donate their time and talents! If you miss a few posts, you’ll be able go back through and read them on this blog throughout the next few days.

We’re giving away a pearl necklace in celebration of the holidays, as well as some items (books, a gift pack, music CDs) from the contributors! Enter now on Facebook or at the Pearl Girls blog. The winner will announced on January 2, 2013 at the Pearl Girls blog.

If you are unfamiliar with Pearl Girls™, please visit www.pearlgirls.info and see what we’re all about. In short, we exist to support the work of charities that help women and children in the US and around the globe. Consider purchasing a copy of Mother of Pearl, Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace or one of the Pearl Girls products (all GREAT gifts!) to help support Pearl Girls.

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God with Us . . . And Us with Him

By: Susan May Warren

Every year over labor day weekend, the Warren family has a MWE. Mandatory Warren Event. It’s a call to come home and enjoy the long weekend with our favorite people. Since my children have left for college, I relish every second of this weekend—the laughter in the kitchen, the long conversations in the family room, the frenzy of backyard football, the quietness of the morning as we drink coffee on the deck and watch the sunrise. I cherish these people, and when they are with me, I drink in their presence.

I’ve been reading the prophecies about Christ this season and came across Isaiah 7:14, Therefore the Lord himself will give you^[ a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

I am struck by the word Immanuel. God with us. The closest I get to comprehending this is reading about how Jesus’ loved his disciples. Surely they relished the time with him more profoundly after his resurrection, knowing he would soon leave.

Thankfully, he didn’t leave them for long and sent His Holy Spirit. God . . . still with them.

As I consider the magnitude of this God who would come to earth, who would abide with the disciples, and then with me, I have to wonder not only do I relish God’s presence in my life, butdoes God relish time with me? Am I committed to embracing His entrance into my life? Am I even making the effort to see Him?

Imagine that during our MWE weekend, I ignored my children, and they, me? I would lose the joy of their presence.

It is not surprising to me that the Jewish people did not recognize their Savior. After all, who would guess that the Almighty might package himself as a baby and appear among them, fragile and dependent? But today, we know the story, we know the miracles, we know the truth, and God invites us into an abundant relationship, one that He wishes to relish, one that will change us. A relationship that will slake our thirsts and satisfy our hungers. One that reminds us that we are never alone.

Because every day we are a mandatory event to our Immanuel.

This season, look for the ways that God is your Immanuel, with you, every day.

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Susan May Warren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 40 novels. With over 750,000 books in print, her stories of family, romance and adventure have earned her acclaim and reader fans from around the world. Visit her website for upcoming books and sneak peeks!

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A GREAT Christmas read for only .99 and enter to win a Paperwhite Kindle!

"A Christmas Homecoming"
            By Mary Ann Diorio         
    About A Christmas Homecoming: (taken from LitFuse)

Seven Christmases have passed since Sonia Pettit last heard from her daughter Jody. Since Jody's departure, Sonia's world has been turned upside down. Her husband has died of a broken heart, and her son, bitter over his sister's destructive actions, has become rebellious.

Her greatest desire is to have her family together at Christmas, but after what Jody has put them all through, can Sonia truly forgive her daughter?

Jody Pettit O'Dair ran away to experience a life of adventure and excitement, but since her departure, her world has been turned upside down. She's been abandoned by the man she met and married, lost her job, and is unable to care for her two children. With nowhere else to turn, this prodigal daughter begins the long journey home and prays she will be welcomed after walking away so long ago.

Will Jody find forgiveness in the arms of her family as easily as she received it from God? 

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/fKkNc   

My Opinion of this book:  This book involves a story that could be found in the Bible- it immediately reminded me of the parable of the Prodigal Son, however Mary Ann tells it in a modern setting.  Her characters appeal to all the emotions we tend to feel at Christmas, memories of those missing, disappointments , as well as of  Christmases past, when everything was joyous. A heartbroken mother, ( and many of us, as women, can feel deeply for her), a daughter who has made a terrible mistake and suffers the consequences, a son who has become embittered by circumstances. The detail used to describe all of the characters have us engrossed in the story from the first page. We feel the hurt and despair that Sonia experiences, as the Christmas season approaches and she recalls the sudden disappearance of her beloved daughter. Pain and memories that Jody feels , are intense , and she became very real to me. THEN, the reader experiences the happiness and true joy of the Season! Forgiveness  and faith in God is examined in detail , in this short book. Will Jody's whole family truly forgive her? Will her children get to know their grandma?

The plot is fast moving and keeps us glued to the pages, wanting to know what is going to happen next.  So many events and so many surprises. The ending of this novel  had me in tears, as I felt the shock and forgiveness that is  always available to those who love the Lord.  

This book is just what we need to read at Christmastime, when time is short, but feelings are intent. It is honestly a story of redemption!

Five star book!!! Well done!!

Book was provided by LitFuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Meet MaryAnn:  

Dr. MaryAnn Diorio loves God, people, children, and dogs, in that order. She also is passionate about story and its power to transform the human heart. Dr. MaryAnn, as she is affectionately called, writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of life. She is Adjunct Online Professor of Fiction Writing for Regent University and coaches writers on their journey to publication. MaryAnn and her husband Dominic are the blessed parents of two wonderful daughters and a fantastic son-in-law.
Find out more about MaryAnn at http://maryanndiorio.com/. 

To read more reviews of this book and to see the book trailer, please click on the following link:

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/achristmashomecomin

A New Mystery/ Thriller, NOT to be missed!!!

"When A Heart Stops"

    By Lynette Eason

This fabulous author of mystery and intrigue , has again come up with another winner!! Lynette is a talented suspense writer , who continues to shock me with each book. Her talent to throw in the unexpected is outstanding. I read, completely engrossed, waiting  for the next surprise in her plot. You find yourself turning those pages as quickly as you can to discover the  next event, which always surprises you even more.  This book is a `sit on the edge of your seat` kind. 
When A Heart Stops, is the second in her newest series, Deadly Reunions. It follows When The Smoke Clears. Both are equal in their ability to  keep you reading beyond your bedtime and through the night. You just can not put these books down until you have finished.

Lynette`s characters come alive in your mind. You feel their fears, confusion, pain, as well as joys when the mystery is finally solved. NEVER have I been able to predict the conclusion of one of these books. The suspense and character involvement keeps you going from beginning to end. This author is certainly one who is skilled in balancing breath taking action with complicated characters, who are unique but realistic.

Synopsis:
À KILLER`S DEADLY GAME NEEDS NEW PLAYERS.....BUT SOMEONE`S ABOUT TO CHANGE THE RULES.... (Taken from cover)
Serena , a medical examiner , is used to  dealing with death, every day in her job, however this time , it is not easy. The victim is known to her . The eerie scene before her, sets her on edge. Almost as unnerving , is the fact that she the FBI agent Dominic, a childhood crush, who becomes involved with the case. 
As evidence is gathered and the suspense mounts, it seem as if they have a serial killer on their hands. One with disturbingly familiar methods!   Serena and Dominic ,  together , must work to find the pattern and end this killing before the murderer strikes again.  Suddenly, Serena appears to be chosen to be the next victim. When her life is at stake , she must decide if the secret she has been keeping, has put her on the killer`s list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth!!! Or , will she wait too late!!

 You MUST read to find out!! Definitely a five star book to all suspense lovers!!


Book was provided by Revell in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A New Take of Taming of the Shrew- THE AMISH VERSION!!

"Courting Cate"
The Courtship of Lancaster County, book 1
           By Leslie Gould
Leslie has truly written a winner with this book. It is a totally different take on "The Taming of the Shrew", Amish style, and she does it in a unique , appealing style. The first book grabs your attention and you are unable to put this book down!!! It has to be read  AND fast!!! You are compelled to find out what happens!! Twists and turns in the plot keep you engrossed and at times, even totally confused.
The characters, although realistic , are so different from one another. They are described with such detail that you feel they become one with you. You feel the hurts, temper tantrums, as well as the joys and fears that the characters experience..Cate,  with the sharp tongue, and fiery temper , seems to be out of character, with her beauty and striking appearance. She has driven away every suitor who has come her way. Her sister, Betsy, on the other hand, is sweet, lovable and flirty. She has attracted  more bachelors in Lancaster County than you can count. 
Then, we come to the father of these two very different girls. He is a very wealthy, strong willed man who has made a rule that is upsetting and heartbreaking to his two daughters. He has said that Betsy cannot marry until Cate is settled in a permanent relationship and married. BUT untameable Cate will not cooperate . She has driven away every available suitor, UNTIL  Pete , a great , stubborn, determined man arrives on the scene. He is prodded by men in the area to take a chance and win  Cate's hand, , BUT she wonders, is his interest true or is it because of a scheme?????
You will have to read to discover the answer to this strange situation. I found this book so hard to put down, that it was completed in a day and a half.

Well done, Leslie!! A five star book!!!!!!

About Leslie Gould:
Leslie has been the coauthor of the bestselling book "The Amish Midwife, winner of  the 2012  Christy Award for Contemporary Series. She has an MFA in creative writing  and lives with her husband and four children in Portland, Oregan.

Win a Kindle Paperwhite and connect with Kristen at her 11/27 Facebook Party!

Another Number One Romantic Suspence
                By Kristen Heitzmann

Taken from book cover:

“Heitzmann weaves a many-layered tale keeping readers entertained and wondering when the next bit of drama will occur.” –Publishers Weekly

Corporate turnaround specialist Morgan Spencer, dubbed the “success guru,” has a Midas touch in business. But losing his wife sent him to the brink, and his two-year-old daughter, Livie, is all he’s living for–until they encounter a woman whose trouble just might draw him out of his own.

Four years ago Quinn Reilly did the right thing. Now the man her testimony put in jail is getting out. Though she has put up barriers to protect herself and those around her, she has come to care for the Spencer family, especially the winsome Livie and her mercurial father. Unwilling to put them at risk when the threats begin, she requests something she hopes the super-successful Morgan might be able to deliver.

Fixing problems is what Morgan does best, but his counterproposal takes them in a direction neither is equipped to handle. Determined to confront the past,

 Purchase a copy here.

Enter the contest, take part in the Facebook Party. Have some fun, read a great book and win a prize!

 ABOUT KRISTEN HEITZMANN}

Kristen Heitzmann is the bestselling author of over a dozen novels, including “Freefall”, “Halos”, “A Rush of Wings”, and the Christy Award winner “Secrets”. She and her husband, Jim, and their family live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she serves as worship leader in their church. Visit www.kristenheitzmann.com for more.

Find out more about Kristen athttp://www.kristenheitzmannbooks.com/.

My Opinion and Views of this book:

Opening this book, was like breaking into a box of specialty chocolates, knowing that it will be a great experience, but also being surprised at what is found in each individual candy, BUT, instead of a taste of chocolate , we have a DELICIOUS mystery/thriller/ romance!. This was my feeling when I started reading Kristen's book!!  You can't eat just one!! You can't read just one chapter! Once you start, you are hooked, until you have read that last page at the end of the book.  Her ability to grab your interest on the first page is outstanding. I just HAD to read to find out what happened next and next and next!!
The characters are described in such vivid detail, they become one with us, a very dear friend  or member of the family. You find yourself thinking for them and wanting to give advice or at times, a big hug. The struggles that are felt within each, becomes YOUR'S! The joys and happiness , as well as the tears and fears are also felt deeply within the reader. It is that feeling that keeps you totally engrossed in this book.
Kristen is also very talented at developing a main plot with subplots, each one, enveloping you in a sense of intrigue, mystery and love.
The twists and turns keep you guessing and wondering if the past will be confronted. Will the characters survive to build a future?

This is truly a mind boggling story- wondering what will occur next, a book of showing the importance of trusting God and using your faith to plan the future, all in God's timing. Will the main characters survive long enough to do so??

Definitely a five star book!! Keep them coming , Kristen!

To read other reviews of this book click on this link: http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/breathofdawn

Book supplied by LitFuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A New Book by Tricia Goyer- FANTASTIC!

Join in the Facebook Party on Nov. 7th to discuss, have fun and maybe even win some super prizes!!



                     "The Memory Jar"

                     By Tricia Goyer
Taken From LitFuse Info:

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?

My thoughts on this book:
This book was stupendous!!! Is this a real word?  No other way to describe this work of art! Tricia's plot was a completely different take on the normal Amish fiction. Absolutely marvellous view of an Amish girl, Sarah,  who decides she will never wed. When the young men arrive on the scene, she certainly does not even expect to fine a beau. She never expects to go home with one of them as a bride. 
Then comes the truly  intriguing part of the plot. The idea of using a memory jar in this story, was so unique. I was totally entranced by this idea. To save memories in a jar is one which ALL could do and make it meaningful. What Sarah was doing was saving her memories in the jar , INSTEAD of dealing with them and allowing them to hurt her . We don't have to use a Memory Jar in that way, but what a clever and different idea, Tricia used, and incorporated to become a very important part of her story. 
It has given me so many good ideas. For myself, my family and children .
Character development  excellent. I truly felt that Sarah was a dear friend and I wanted to give her advice at some times, a hug at others and a good push in the right direction at particular moments.
You could feel the struggles, pains, and challenges that Sarah had kept hidden from others.
When Jathan appears on the scene as such a kind , gentleman, your feel his interest in Sarah and his desire to help her overcome her hurts. He is a man you want to get to know better. But the question you have throughout the book, is , will Sarah realize what a wonderful person he is and will she let go of her hurts and deal with them. Will she allow God to work?

All in all, this book is definitely a five star book!!! I am definitely looking forward to the next in this series. Plan on late nights and nothing done in your house until you finish reading this book!! Waiting impatiently for Book Two.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/esMtx  

Meet Tricia:

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.

If you wish to see more reviews on this book , please click on this link.
http://litfusegroup.com/author/TGoyer

Book was provided by LitFuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Bestselling Author Dee Henderson comes out with another

"Full Disclosure"

By Dee Henderson

If you are a Dee Henderson follower, you will love this new book of her's. It is full of mystery, intrigue, and best of all a love story. 

A Synopsis: Ann Silver is a cop, a Homicide Investigator. She is called in to  help a local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murders.  Along with her, is Paul Falcon the FBI's top murder cop. He is also a problem and case solver with a reputation that cannot be questioned. 

These two have their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass off a case on her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death are the subject and mystery to be solved. The two of them get to know each other, Paul suspects there is more to Ann than meets the eye and he is definitely right. What secrets is she keeping from him??? He is falling in love with her, BUT who is she REALLY???? That is what he strives to discover as the crime scene unfolds and life becomes more complicated.

My Feelings:

I found it VERY hard to get into this book. It is very lengthy and full of what I felt were often unneeded details. It just seemed to go on and on, and there were pauses when actually, I couldn't figure out what was going on or why the chapter was there. Perhaps , her regular readers would appreciate these details, however to me, the book was too long and too slow moving to keep me interested. It was an effort to complete the reading of this book. I have read others by Dee, that kept me on the edge of my seat, this one did not do that. I was rather disappointed by it. Hopefully , it does appeal to others, as Dee is a superior author who generally writes with great feeling and has you living the story. I did not find that in this story. I do think it is well written and has lots of promise, it was just not a book for me.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".