CAN'T SEEM TO GET ENOUGH OF THOSE DARN COWBOYS

Title: CHRISTMAS GIFTS: SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS and HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY
Author: GAIL GAYMER MARTIN and BRENDA MINTON
Publisher: Love Inspired (October 18, 2011)
Pages: 224

CHRISTMAS GIFTS is two stories in one:

SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS by GAIL GAYMER MARTIN is a sweet romance.

When Amy Carroll is laid off from her teaching job, she opts for a temporary position near her grandmother’s home in Harrisville, Michigan. While checking in with the school, she’s introduced to Mike Russet, the father of twin girls. The twin’s antics have Amy concerned. Discovering their mother passed away some time ago gives her reason for more concern.

As Christmas nears, Amy discovers her teaching position could be permanent, but will she trust God enough to make the move from the city of Chicago, to a little town in Michigan?

HER CHRISTMAS COWBOY BY BRENDA MINTON

Elizabeth Harden had several reasons not to trust the handsome cowboy, Travis Cooper, who literally swept her off her feet during a bull-riding event.

1) Her ex fiancée abandoned her a week before their wedding.
2) She was only in town for the bull-riding event her father’s business sponsored.
3) Travis Cooped was a ladies’ man, no better than her ex fiancée.

There is no thought process needed to purchasing a book when BRENDA MINTON’s name is sprawled across it. MRS. MINTON is one author I don’t have to think twice if I’m going to enjoy the book. I could care less about the title or the blurb on back cover. I know what lies between the covers will transform me into another world. One that involves cowboy hats and boots.

From the first book I ever read of BRENDA MINTON’s, to the latest, I’ve not been disappointed. Her ability to capture my heart through the characters is amazing. It’s writing like hers that I aspire to mimic. I can’t help but fall in love with the characters, as well as the storyline.

What I found unique about HER CHRISTMAS COWOY is Travis’ ADHA. How wonderful to have such a common problem in today’s society brought out in a handsome, productive, God-fearing cowboy! MRS. MINTON was able to bring to light Travis’ “weakness”, yet hold on to his appeal as a rugged, sensitive, loving, caring, cowboy.

Not only will you fall in love with Travis and Elizabeth, but the idea of a large family brought together by adoption and love. I wait with anticipation for her next book to be released, THE COWBOY’S HOLIDAY BLESSING. I can’t wait to read about another Cooper!

BOOK GIVEAWAY - START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS

Want a chance to get a free copy of BLAKE MYCOSKIE'S book,
START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS?

First a little bit about the book.

Title: START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS
Author: BLAKE MYCOSKIE
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau (September 6, 2011)
Pages: 208



I have to be honest, I’d never heard of TOMS shoes until Blake Mycoskie spoke at my church, WILLOW CREEK COMMUNITY CHURCH. I was instantly intrigued by his story, as well as admired his morals. I’ve been serving, mainly in the prison and Jail ministers, since 2004. I know firsthand what it means for God to place in your heart a passion that blesses you as well as others.

After the service they were selling TOMS shoes, along with Blake’s book out in the lobby. I was tempted, but low on funds and needing to pick my kids up from their classes, had me opting out. I went home not purchasing anything, something I often don’t do when it comes to books, yet the story of TOMS and the book START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS was never far from my mind.

Within days I received my Amazon Vine Program picks. To my utter amazement, START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS was one of the choices I could choose from! Clearly a God thing. I didn’t hesitate. I immediately ordered the book.

Right from the first pages I was captivated. START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS is a quick and easy read. I wasn’t even twenty pages in and I was itching to write and post a review. But I held off. I wanted to make sure I captured every essence of the book from start to finish.

In my copy, that I will forever keep, it’s marked with many highlights and dog-eared pages. Before I was even finished with the book I was emailing TOMS, telling others about it, and started a new blog to START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS. http://jackscardsofhope.blogspot.com/

I certainly could have reservations on starting this endeavor, but as Blake’s book clearly states, don’t over think it. Don’t let worry and fear cancel out what you know in your heart to be true. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

I’m NOT letting this opportunity to serve the least of theses for the Lord, slip away due to fear, doubt, and lack of. I will push on and carry out what Jesus has placed in my heart to do.

I WILL START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS!

What about you?

START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS by BLAKE MYCOSKIE, is a must read for EVERYONE!

It will change your life.

A few key things I learned from START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS:

-Trust
-Simplicity
-Faith
-Give



For a chance to win a copy of START SOMETHING THAT MATTERS:

1) Leave a comment with you email address. If you don't like leaving your email, you can check back on the 23rd to see if you won.
2) Become a follower on this blog.
3) Leave a comment on my Youtube video.
4) Leave a comment on my other Youtube video.

For each one your name will be entered into the drawing. So up your odds, and have fun.

Winner will be announced Wednesday, November 23rd. If I don't hear from you in seven days, I'll pick another winner.

Can only ship in the US.

INSPIRATION FROM A WONDERFUL AUTHOR

Most writers need a lift me up, inspiration, motivation, and or encouragement at one time or another. In my eyes, Gina Holmes is an amazing writer, so this video is very inspiring to me.

Bless you Gina for sharing it with the world.

AMAZING

Ever wonder how a book is made?

FAR FROM DRY

Title: DRY AS RAIN
Author: GINA HOLMES
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (August 17, 2011)
Pages: 400

Eric Yoshida never imagined he’d be in the position he found himself in after his wife discovered an email from an attractive coworker at the car dealership he worked for. Though their marriage was far from perfect, he hadn’t done anything wrong. Eric’s wife thought differently and sent him packing.

All hope is lost, or so Eric believes. That’s until his wife, Kyra, is involved in an accident that erases part of her memory. Eric believes God has given him a second chance, but is plagued with worry that when Kyra’s memory returns, she’ll discover what he’s done? Or whether or not she’ll forgive him.

You’re taking a chance when you purchase a book by an author you’re not familiar with, especially when it’s a debut novel. GINA HOLMES first novel, CROSSING OCEANS, was recommended to me as a MUST read by a friend. I can’t say enough about how amazing it is. I’m forever grateful that I was introduced to this wonderfully talented writer.

When I received the chance to read MS. HOMLES second novel, DRY AS RAIN, I didn’t hesitate. I imaged it would be good, though I had to wonder if she could pull off another novel as amazing as CROSSING OCEANS.

As I began to read DRY AS RAIN, I soon realized I would be immersed in another fascinating story. One that I would lose track of time and feel as though I were living right in the mist of the characters lives.

Besides the exceptional writing, remarkable lines, three dimensional characters, and wonderful storyline, I’m forever changed by the uniqueness of how MRS. HOLMES plays out the plot. Most stories are predictable with a twist here and there. I have yet to be disappointed with how MRS. HOLMES carries out the story from the very first word to the very last. It will leave you fully satisfied, with no desire to change a thing.

DRY AS RAIN is a realistic, wonderfully amazing love story. One that will illustrate the reality of so many marriages, entwined with fears, trials and tribulations, as well as hope, grace, forgiveness, and second chances.

DRY AS RAIN has a special place in my heart with characters what will last a lifetime.

So impacted by this story, I plan on purchasing a Beta fish as a reminder that love is worth working for, and with God’s grace, there’s always hope.

A NOVEL EVERYONE SHOULD READ

Title: THE SHACK
Author: WM PAUL YOUNG
Publisher: Windblown Media; Reprint edition (June 1, 2011)
Pages: 304


How would you feel if your child was abducted right from under your nose? And how would it change your life and your relationship with God?

When Mackenzie Philip’s daughter is abducted, he’s forever changed for the worse…or at least until “Papa” summons him to the exact spot that has haunted him for the past three years. Reluctantly, Mack does as God calls him to do. At the shack Mack faces one of several questions plaguing him. “Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?”

For those that are mature Christians, the answer to Mack’s question may not be a new concept, but will confirm what they already know. For those that aren’t close to God, or have drifted from Him, it will give light to unanswered questions and disappointments.

When I first heard talk about a number one bestseller about a man meeting a black, female God in a shack, I was a bit put off by the premise. I really didn’t know what to make of it, though I wrestled with whether or not to read THE SHACK, by WM. PAUL YOUNG.

Over the years THE SHACK resurfaced in my life when others asked if I’d read it or I came across it on Amazon, or at the store. But still I wasn’t ready to read it.

But God has a way of not letting up when He wants us to experience something. If you would have asked me few years back, I wouldn’t have imagined I would have read THE SHACK because of an inmate. But that’s exactly how I came to being blessed to read such a magnificent book.

I’ve been serving in the prison and jail ministry since 2004, and I’m forever amazed at God’s blessings through this ministry. Because of one inmates request through my church to receive a specific faith based book, a friendship grew. Eventually he received the book he requested and in return I received THE SHACK. If not for my promise I’d made to him to read it, I may never have done so.

I don’t recall ever having dog-eared and or highlighted a fiction book in the way I have THE SHACK. The story was amazing. The characters were three dimensional. The writing superb, and the insight to the trinity outstanding.

I’m so impressed by THE SHACK and its ability to depict Christ, forgiveness, and how to live one’s life; I intend to purchase several copies to share this remarkable book with others. I highly recommend it for everyone, no matter where they are spiritually. From those that are very far from God, to those that are mature Christians.