Anna’s mother gave Anna the box of Christmas glass for a wedding present. It was a box that her own mother had been given as a wedding present years earlier. But now, with the Nazi’s invading, and Jews in danger, Anna feels that the Christmas glass would be safer with her sister, Filomena, who lived in the southern tip of Italy, and was hoping to move to America. So, Anna ships the box of Christmas glass off to her cousin.

Years have passed. Now Filomena is old, and living in an assisted living apartment. But her family is pushing her into moving to “the dying place”, the part of the nursing home for those who need more long-term help. But Filomena is objecting. Unless her family agrees to come together one last Christmas…and bring the pieces of the Christmas glass together, which she had divided up between her daughters and friends of the family.

But Filomena’s twin daughters, Marie and Catharine haven’t spoken in years. Not since Marie’s husband died, and she got remarried to Catharine’s high school boyfriend. Catharine feels that Marie had betrayed her. But since Catharine had returned Daniel’s ring and married someone else, Marie didn’t feel she’d done anything wrong. How can Marie possibly honor her mother’s wish and return home for Christmas when Catharine would be there?  If she does go, will it be a wondrous reunion, or a disaster that would shatter them all?

THE CHRISTMAS GLASS is the first book I’ve read by this author. Beautifully published, in hard cover, this book would be excellent for gift giving this holiday season. However, the story is rather slow, and it takes some time to get into. I never did grow to care about the characters, and I couldn’t understand some of the mindsets some of the members possessed.

Filomena is a very strong willed, bitter woman, and it seemed as if her daughter, Catharine, was the same way. Marie fled as far from her family as she possibly could, going from Connecticut to California, both to be near her son, and to marry her second husband, but it also fueled the distance between the sisters.

THE CHRISTMAS GLASS is a story about a family trying to heal the fractures that occurred over time, fractures that have healed and scarred, and may not be able to ever be properly healed. Still, it is a Christmas story that will stay with the reader that stays with the book. $15.99 hardcover, 304 pages.

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES is a collection of many short stories, all of them true, that the authors consider miracles, and all of which happen around Christmas time. In this book, the authors show how miracles can happen to real people during the Christmas season, people who have overcome desperate situations through a miraculous twist of fate.

For instance …a young boy sits down to read a book and discovers that his learning disability has vanished. .. a woman stranded in a blizzard is rescued by a mysterious stranger she believes is an angel … a couple traveling during the holidays have their tire changed by strangers they believe are angels.

I could really relate to a few of the stories. We had “angels” appear and help us – when we had car trouble on a trip, people just appeared after we prayed who had everything we needed – this happened to us twice. I truly believe that God sent Angels to us these occasions, though I know many are skeptical.

CHRISTMAS MIRACLES is a book that anyone would enjoy getting for Christmas. This is a book full of hope, happiness, and holiday cheer. An excellent gift for anyone this season. $14.99. 256 pages.

Miranda Carson has just returned to England to spend Christmas with her Scottish boyfriend, Ian, and his family, who manages a tea shop in a small town in the English country-side. But Ian is running late meeting Miranda at the airport, and the first person Miranda sees is her former boyfriend, Josh. After a few minutes spent catching up, Josh goes his way, and Ian arrives, whisking Miranda off to…the hospital, where his dad had just been admitted with a heart attack.

While visiting with Ian’s mother in the tea shop, Miranda’s deceased father’s wife shows up, and Miranda spends a few minutes talking with her, hoping that the family matriarch will make her welcome. But Margaret is as cold and stand-offish as ever, making Miranda wonder if she will ever truly be welcomed as her father’s daughter, a member of the family. Still, her brother Edward does extend some effort, and Miranda loves Edward’s two children, Julia and Mark.

But, as Miranda searches for love and acceptance, a family to belong to, she finds some more in the arms of Father Christmas.

In this long awaited sequel to Finding Father Christmas we see Miranda returning to England. I enjoyed the way this novella played out, revising the charming people and country I encountered in the first book and getting to know the characters in a slightly deeper level. Miranda has changed a lot in the two books, becoming more open to love, and not as skittish. I enjoyed seeing her transformation.

Don’t miss this charming Christmas novella, and even though I read the book in July, that doesn’t mean you have to!  Christmas will be coming very soon, and this will be a book to look for when they start stocking Christmas novellas in November. If you pick up Finding Father Christmas and ENGAGING FATHER CHRISTMAS the dual will make a charming gift for someone, especially if you include a pack of their favorite English tea.

$13.99, hardcover. 159 pages.

One Perfect Day. One Perfect Christmas. And that is what Nora Peterson is aiming toward. Next year, her two twin teenagers will be off at college and she wants this holiday to be one to remember. If only her husband would cooperate. But Gordon is delayed on a business trip overseas, and all the preparations are left to Nora. Of course.

Jenna Montgomery is used to handling the fast, frantic pace of the emergency room, but she still can’t come to grasps that her daughter needs a heart transplant, or she will die. Now this possibly might be Heather’s last Christmas, unless they get a miracle. A miracle she is desperately praying for.

Christmas eve…and Jenna gets her miracle. But for the miracle to occur, then someone has to die. And when Nora gets the news that shatters her life, then somehow she must struggle on. Is there any such thing as ONE PERFECT DAY?

ONE PERFECT DAY is definitely a book to read with a box of tissues by your side. No one truly understands what it is like to lose a child until they have gone through it. And  no one can truly know what it is like to be on the waiting end for a transplant unless they have been there. Somehow, Ms. Snelling has managed to pull all the emotions from both ends of the spectrum together so the reader can identify and relate to both Nora and Jenna.

ONE PERFECT DAY is a Christmas story which I think is actually better read in June than in December. It is not a story of peace and good-will, but instead a story about depression. Grief. And miracles. Miracles that sometimes are not exactly easy to receive.

Don’t miss ONE PERFECT DAY. If you know anyone who has lost a child, or been on a waiting list for a transplant, (and who hasn’t known one or the other?) then ONE PERFECT DAY is a must read. And this is a gentle reminder that everyone needs to mark the place on their driver’s license to be an organ donator. Discussion questions are included at the end. $13.99. 303 pages.

Reviewed by Laura Hilton

Marianne Wallace has always celebrated Christmas with her family gathered around her. It was the big deal of the year with lots of family traditions and togetherness. Marianne was just as determined to make this year rival the other years. After all, her youngest child, Kevin, was a star football player, and since her family wouldn’t make it home for Thanksgiving, she would go all out for Christmas. But things have a way of changing. A heart attack leaves the school mascot grounded, and Marianne steps in to fill in the need. Then she somehow finds herself on the church hospitality committee in charge of planning the Christmas tea, a tea she doesn’t even attend! And one by one, all Marianne’s plans come unraveled, leaving a Christmas that will change the Wallace family—and the community—forever.

I couldn’t wait to read THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL. Susan May Warren is probably toward the top of my favorite author’s list, and Christmas is my absolute favorite season. I was thrilled when I heard she was writing a Christmas story, and when the chance came to review Susan’s book, I couldn’t pass it up.

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL did start out a tad slow, but I was soon hooked in the story, living Marianne’s life along with her. I could sympathize with a lot of her story as I too have five children and am facing the day when our family Christmas will be a thing of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed this story—my only complaint is that it came to an end. If you pick up one holiday book this year, make sure it is THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BOWL. This story is a winner. Plus, a yummy sounding recipe is included at the end of the book. $9.99. 156 pages.

There are different types of grandparents. Some want to have nothing to do with their grandchildren. That group wouldn’t be interested in even reading this book.

Other grandparents have to grandparent from a distance. Families are separated by miles more these days than ever before. There is a special section of the book full of ideas no matter what has caused the distance.

Then there are grandparents who live close to their grandchildren and have an active part in their lives. Some might wonder why there’s a need to even write about this. How hard can it be to be a grandparent?

But the family dynamic in the world today is much more complex. Inter-family relationships are complex. In-law relationships are complex! So the author gives a lot of advice covering many different concepts. His goal is to help grandparents know how not to cross the line between helping and interfering. He helps grandparents to learn how to strengthen their relationship with their children and their grandchildren.

At the end of the book the author has a section entitled “Five Ways to Get the Most from this Book.” These include such ideas as getting together with other grandparents who live in your area, to going through it with your spouse. He even includes a study guide at the end which covers every chapter.

I would recommend this book for those who are already grandparents. It’s never too late to learn. But I would also recommend the book for those who are getting close to being grandparents. It’s so much easier to start out on the right foot than to have to correct things later on.

Reviewed by Lynn Worley

For Couples Only Box Set
by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn

Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.

Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you.

So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard  University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

Remember to win a copy of “For Couples Only Box Set.” Leave a comment and your email address in the comment section.

Love As a Way of Life Devotional

In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.

Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty. 

The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College , Wake-Forest  University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.

Remember to win a copy of “Love As a Way of Life Devotional.” Leave a comment and your email address in the comment section. 

I Do Again
by Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs

With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.

After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.

I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the  most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas , office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas , Texas with their two college-age daughters.

Remember to win a copy of “I Do Again.” Leave a comment and your email address in the comment section.

"I wanted to bring joy to other people and decided the holidays were as much a matter of organization as they were a matter of the heart. The two work together. Organization during the holidays is an expression of the heart." –  Marcia Ramsland

Gift giving can be one of the biggest stresses of the holidays, beginning with deciding what to buy, where to buy it, followed by time spent wrapping and delivering it. Not any more! Once you have a gift list full of ideas, past lists for reference, and gift-wrapping supplies on hand, holiday shopping can begin to take shape. A pretty wrapping paper, sparkly bow, and signed card are our goal—and done long before Christmas Eve. No more back-of-the-envelope planning as you head out to the mall. Keep your list on hand and simplify the abundance of choices by sticking to one or two mall stores or online shops.

Step #1. Find your Christmas gift list from last year (What? You didn’t toss it out, did you?).   Make a similar page and keep it in a notebook you can refer to year after year. Now list the same people in the same order and that’s how you start.

Step #2. Put suggestions next to each name. List places to purchase the gifts on-line or stores to go to. Think of a "theme" to give everyone, like sweaters, CD’s, or gift certificates.

Step #3. Divide your list by the number of weeks left. Shop and wrap for that number each week. You will feel relieved to be out of the mall and crowds.

Jumpstart Your Gift Giving with These Suggestions:

1. DO buy gifts that relate to a person’s hobby and free time activities

• Men – Event ticket, a new book, or gear for their favorite sport.
• Women – Clothes, purse, or jewelry from their favorite store.
• Teens – Music CD, clothes, or tickets to their favorite music group.
• Children – Games, books, sport gear, or toys that they can play with right away.

2. DON’T give a practical person a sentimental gift and vice versa.
My Dad never lived the Christmas down when he gave my Mom a new boat motor for our lake house at Christmas. A new necklace or bracelet would have been much safer and appreciated. He agrees.

3. DO give gift certificates for something they would enjoy such as:

• Coworker – Certificate for a restaurant like Olive Garden or Marie Callendar’s.
• Teenager/Young Adults – Certificate to a Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Sport Mart or an electronics store.
• Mother-in-laws & Sisters-in-law – Certificate to a craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

4. DO buy "Nurturing" Gifts that say,  "You are loved."When you buy a gift for the interest area of a person at something they are trying to excel in or a new hobby, they feel validated. A magazine subscription and one issue wrapped for the budding gourmet cook in your house, or a new puppy for the grade schooler looking for a new friend.

5. DON’T FRET. . . Ask the hard to please person what they want. Or offer them three suggestions, and they will tell you what they would prefer instead. People love choices and getting gifts.

What’s the Purpose?

The purpose of gift giving is to bring joy from your heart to theirs in a tangible way that they will remember this year. Everyone needs some cheer at the most hectic time of year. Make it easy on yourself and cut your holiday stress in half by getting your gift shopping well under way soon.

If you lost your gift lists from the last couple of years, isn’t it time to get them organized? That means being able to find them in three minutes or less.  Check out my foolproof system that will keep you organized year after year in the attractive Simplify Your Holidays Classic Christmas Planner.

Decide when you want to finish your gift shopping and wrapping. Divide up the number of gifts into the weeks and follow your plan. If you are cramped for time, double up on the weekends so you can start each week with the last batch of shopping all wrapped.
Pretty soon you’ll be sitting by the fireplace with your feet up enjoying the season!

So don’t delay …  check out Simplify Your Holidays Classic Christmas Planner to simplify your holidays starting this year!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marcia Ramsland is well known as "The Organizing Pro" for her practical skills and tips to manage busy lives. She is a speaker, author, and media guest expert appearing on TV, radio, and in national magazines for her popular books Simplify Your Life, Simplify Your Time, and Simplify Your Holidays (Thomas Nelson). Visit her website, www.organizingpro.com for free tips.