Christmas News In The World...

More than any other time in the calendar year sad events hits us the hardest around Christmas!
Blogger Mystica tells her readers of the deadly floodings in Sri Lanka. Twenty seven people have lost their lives so far and more than 300,0000 are displaced. Read more about it (HERE).
We continue to keep them in our prayers!

But there are also good  news Folks!

Check out the lovely lady whose photo is seen here. Her name is Harriet and she is soon to be home!
It is always nice to see what happens with the crew at MorningBray Farm (my favourite has to be Patrick) and this rescue is worth mentioning in the spirit of Christmas!

Discover all about Harriet and her chance to a new life (HERE).

What a Christmas for her! Happy Holidays Sweetie and loooking forward to hear more about 'you'!

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher, Book review & Giveaway

The following is a review of BETRAYAL, Book 2 in the 'Where the Heart Lives' series by Robin Lee Hatcher and the opportunity win a copy of the book (as mentioned in yesterday's post).
Be sure to scroll down for rules about the giveaway (Book waiting on my desk for the winner!).

A heartfelt thank you to both ZONDERVAN and ROBIN LEE HATCHER for the opportunity to offer both novels as giveaways for this blessed Season!

Publisher: Zondervan

ISBN-13: 978-0310258094

Synopsis:

It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him. 
Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door? 

The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take you to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

My thoughts:

After reading 'Belonging' I did not think Robin Lee Hatcher could top it but 'Betrayal' proved me wrong! Set in the high desert of Wyoming at the turn of the century this is an engaging Western written by a lovely lady who will pull at your heart strings with the story of a drifter named Hugh Brennan. 
As we discover in this second book of the 'Where The Heart Lives' Hugh is the young boy whose Irish Mum entrusted him with his sisters' welfare long ago in the tenements of Chicago. Placed on the Orphans train, Hugh however is separated from his siblings.

Life has not been kind to Hugh in the last 18 years and he has little possessions but his horse and his Bible. On his way to find Felicia whom he believes to reside now in Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho his horse turns lame. Hugh is no cowboy but when he meets the lovely Julia Grace and she offers him room and board whilst his horse recovers, he finds himself more than willing to pitch in ranch's life.

Julia is a young widow struggling to make a life for herself on Sage Run, her late husband's ranch. She is no stranger to tragedy yet her faith is strong. In Hugh she recognizes someone who has been betrayed in the past and wills herself to trust him. 
As new challenges arise Julia and Hugh team up learning that with God healing is possible after all!
Deftly written and with just the right amount of romance, this is a great follow up to Book 1 'Belonging' yet it can be read on its own. 
I hope you will enjoy reading this novel as much as I did!

5 Stars!

About the Author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of over sixty-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

For more information visit her website (HERE)

And for those of you who enjoy finding more about the author's writings:

 Thanks Robin! Looking forward to the next novel in the series!

And now for the promised Giveaway Part 2! 'Betrayal' is waiting for you on my desk!
Just place a comment on this post and your name will be added to the drawing (winner chosen using True Random Number Generator). Voila!
Contest open to US and Canada only. Apologies!
Contest ends on 27 Decembre 2012 at midnight!
And remember to leave your email (i.e. 25christmas[at]yahoo[com]) for contact!

Thank you for entering and Blessings to all!

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher, Book review & Giveaway

BELONGING - Book 1 in The Where the Heart Lives Series

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

Note to Readers: What follows is a review of 'BELONGING', Book 1 in the series and thanks to ZONDERVAN and the featured Author the opportunity to win your own copy! (copy on my desk waiting for the winner! Scroll down for rules!)

Join me tomorrow on 21 Decembre 2012 for a review of 'BETRAYAL', Book 2 in the series and the opportunity to win your copy of the second book as well! (again a copy is waiting on my desk for the winner).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Publisher: Zondervan

ISBN-13: 978-0310258087

Synopsis:


In the high desert town of Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community's new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But, there are those who never wanted her there to begin with.

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm's inexperience doesn't sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity's heart will be broken once again.

A woman who hasn't known love. A man who lost the love he had. In the midst of the wide, sage-covered plains, each is about to discover that life's bitterest circumstances truly can work together for good. 'Tender, evocative, and beautifully written, Belonging is a journey about love after loss, and about two hearts destined to become one---despite their stubbornness!

My thoughts:

Robin Lee Hatcher is once again bringing us the sort of stories we can never have enough of!
'Belonging' is Book 1 in her series "Where The Heart Lives' and I loved reading her skillfull description of life in the West.

Our story starts in 1881 in the tenements of Chicago where an exhausted Irish lass says goodbye to her three children asking her son to promise he will always take care of his sisters. With her last breath the mother bequeath him to get in contact with a Dr. Cray who promised her orphans could be placed safely in families out West.
Sixteen years later Felicia, the oldest of the two daughters, has applied for a teacher's position in Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho and find an oasis in the little cottage loaned to her by the Mercantile shoppe owner of the town. The latter does not favour her appointment as he fears she will leave her position to be married just like every other female teacher he has dealt with in the past. More than anything else widower Colin Murphy wants stability in his daughter's life.

With her knack for rich details, Robin Lee Hatcher allows her readers to discover a beautiful love story and provides a wealth of information about the notorious orphan trains and life in a small western town. You feel the author has imbued her protagonists with solid faith making this Christian novel a wonderful book for any age (and I might add the perfect Christmas gift for someone on your list!)

Felicia remembers haltingly her life prior to being taken from the train and placed with a loveless family but she never forgot her siblings and hopes to be reunited with them someday.
Charity, her landlord's daughter wins her heart very quickly despite Felicia's wish not to favour her above her other students. It is however Colin himself in whom she finds a kindred spirit.
When confronted with unfounded rumours Felicia decides to leave Frenchman's Bluff and Colin is faced with a decision which changes their lives.

A story to enjoy on a long winter's night and guaranteed to please even the hardest of soul! 5 Stars!

Note to readers: Be sure to join me tomorrow for Betrayal's review & Giveaway!

About the Author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
For more information visit her website (HERE)

Now that you have scrolled down, here are the rules for the Giveaway!

Just place a comment on this post and I will enter your name in the drawing!
Using True Random Number Generator a giveaway winner will be chosen and a copy of 'Belonging' will soon finds its way to her! Contest open to US and Canada only. Apologies!
Remember to include your email (i.e. 1234ADA[at]yahoo[period]com) for contact. 
You have 7 days (allowing for the holiday). Contest will end on 27 Decembre 2012 at midnight!

Remember to come back for a chance to win Book 2 tomorrow, 21 Decembre 2012!
 

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Snowflakes And Smiles (Dog smiles!)

Yes it is true...We have snow falling on the island...Unusual but there you have it!

And for once, the news were truly comforting...

'Some much-needed smiles were brought to the children of Newtown, Conn., by way of seven dogs especially trained to comfort survivors in the wake of a disaster...
The dogs, mostly golden retrievers, "bring some relief" to children, and put "a smile on their face, kind of like a teddy bear, but a live one.'

 Man's best friend! Such a wonderful idea!

Source (HERE)
 

Christmas Festivities Around the World

A little about Christmas festivities in Ireland...

Traditionally the whole family used to participate in cleaning the house including whitewashing the outside to symbolize cleansing and purification before the birth of Christ. Greens are still gathered to decorate the house and mistletoe is hanged by the doorway. On Christmas morning children find a gift or two in a sack by their bed as well as at the foot of the tree.

Christmas in Ireland is celebrated with many of the same customs seen in other British Isles including Plum Pudding and Crackers!

Spiced beef and mince pies are part of a good Irish traditional meal for the Holidays!

The day after Christmas is called St Stephen's Day, better known for its most distinct Irish tradition, the Wren hunt or the Wren Boy Procession. Today a fake wren is used instead of hunting a real bird. Once hidden the children are tasked to find it.  

Like everywhere else, families get together, attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, sing carols and share the joy of the Season!

Nollaig Shona Dhuit!

Christmas Around the World...

The Gift by Richard Paul Evans, Book review

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN-13: 978-1416550013

Synopsis:

 
There is no hurt so great that love cannot heal it...


Nathan Hurst hated Christmas. For the rest of the world it was a day of joy and celebration; for Nathan it was simply a reminder of the event that destroyed his childhood until a snowstorm, a cancelled flight, and an unexpected meeting with a young mother and her very special son would show him that Christmas is indeed the season of miracles. 

My thoughts:

Best selling author Richard Paul Evans is a gifted writer with an attention to details bordering on perfection!
Grabbing the reader's attention from page one in 'The Gift', he develops each character skillfully allowing you to perceive every emotional facet imaginable. You feel their hurts, their fears and frailties and experience their problems. 
If you appreciate a romantic 'feel good' story, than grab a tissue box for this one is for you!

Nathan Hurst is something of a loner whose job keeps him traveling around the country. It is interesting to note that the author himself, like his main protagonist Nathan, suffers from Tourette's syndrome. 
Nathan is very much haunted by his past but following a single act of generosity, his life changes forever during one of these trips...
And we are reminded all over again that generous acts are rewards in themselves.

Meet the terminally ill nine year old boy who gives more than he receives. You come to realize that each of Collin's 'gifts' makes him weaker yet he continues to give simply because he loves and cares...His Mum does not want these miraculous cures to be seized upon by the media however...

You'll want to discover the rest of the story for yourself!

A most memorable Christmas tale showing love will always be the strongest force in the world if you can learn to forgive.

A great gift idea for anyone and worth every one of its 5 stars rating!
 

About the Author:

Richard Paul Evans is the #1 bestselling author of The Christmas Box. Each of his twenty novels has been a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 15 million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into more than twenty-four languages. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the American Mothers Book Award, the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, the German Audience Gold Award for Romance, two Religion Communicators Council Wilbur Awards, the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award, and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award.

Visit his website (HERE)

And as always, remember that unless stated otherwise, reviews such as this one were not requested by either Author or Publisher and reflects only my opinion!

Third Sunday of Advent...

Third Sunday of the Advent...

As the earth brings forth its plants,
and a garden makes its growth spring up,
so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise
spring up before all the nations.

(Is. 61...) Today's Reading

Rejoice!

We continue to pray for the many families shattered by the Connecticut Elementary School shooting. May God help them in their sorrow!