Thomas Nelson's $10,000 Giveaway

From Thomas Nelson:

One of the highlights of our days in the Fiction department at Thomas Nelson? Receiving reader letters—either directly addressed to us or passed along from our talented authors. It’s critical to be reminded that at the end of our long days acquiring, editing, designing, selling, marketing, and publicizing books, those stories are reaching readers, striking nerves, changing lives. We want readers’ feedback. How stories have given you hope. Which authors’ series you can’t help from sharing with everyone you meet. We want to know what makes you stay up late in the night to finish a story, and conversely what turns you away.

We’re conducting a series of surveys—seeking answers from readers who love Christian fiction. Up for grabs is a free ebook for every respondent who completes the survery, as well as a $10,000 prize for one entrant. The responses we gather will help shape the future of the books we publish for years to come. As well as the data we’re collecting here, we’ll also seek more in-depth feedback from a panel we’ll develop over the next year. More details to come. The note below from one of authors gives a specific picture of how reader feedback shapes her work. In short, your opinion matters! We thank you for your time and appreciate your responding.

--Thomas Nelson Fiction

Dear Friends--

Your opinion matters. It really does. I love hearing from readers about what worked for them in a story and about what doesn’t work. Reader feedback changed the balance between romance and suspense in my novels. After the Rock Harbor trilogy, I wanted to write more suspense in my novels because that’s what I personally like. But readers really wanted more relationship and romance in the books so I moved back that direction to about the same mix of 50/50 that the Rock Harbor novels contained. I write for you even more than for myself.

I had no intention of setting a whole series of books at Bluebird, Texas. It was going to be only one book, but readers sent me requests in droves for more books. The fourth book in the Lonestar series, Lonestar Angel, will be out in October. The Rock Harbor novels were going to be complete at three. There are now five and I’m thinking about another one! All due to reader demand.

I’ve often asked for reader input on names and locations too. When I was struggling for a name for my hero in The Lightkeeper’s Ball, I turned to my readers. Harrison really fit my character, and my readers told me. Love that! When I was trying to decide on a location for the new Hope Beach series I’ve started, I asked readers. Their overwhelming response was for a series set in the Outer Banks so guess what I’m writing?!

That’s why we’re coming to you for answers. We want to give you what you really want! Don’t be afraid to let us know what you really think. We value your honesty and the time it will take to share with us. Looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Your friend,
Colleen Coble

Imagination Station Review and GIVEAWAY

See the end of this post to see how you can win a copy of each of these books.

About Voyage with the Vikings:

In the first book of the series, Voyage with the Vikings, cousins Patrick and Beth are visiting Mr. Whittaker at Whit’s Soda Shoppe when they find a mysterious letter in the Imagination Station requesting a Viking sunstone. The letter is old and says that someone named Albert will be imprisoned if the sunstone isn't found. Whit sends Patrick and Beth to Greenland circa 1000, where they meet Vikings Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson--and find the sunstone as they join Leif on his first voyage to North America . But the adventure is just beginning, for when they return to Mr. Whittaker's workshop with the sunstone, there is another note waiting for them.

About Attack at the Arena:

The adventures continue in Attack at the Arena. Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A second mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If they find the cup it could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison. At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything—even his life—to stop the killing.

I am honored to have my 10 year old daughter Miss Rose give her thoughts on this series with me. She is an avid reader...and always has a book in her hands. Take it away, Miss Rose...

Miss Rose's Thoughts:

I really enjoy books about history so I really liked these two books. My favorite character in the books is Beth. She is smart and knows what to do in any situation...although she did seem to be a bit unsure of what to do when she was kidnapped in by the Roman soldier in Attack at the Arena. My favorite part in the Attack at the Arena is when Telemachus stops the hurt man from being killed. My favorite part in Voyage with the Vikings is when Beth plays chess with Erik the Red and beats him! These books were exciting and mysterious, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Mom's Thoughts:

Mom and Dad, if you're looking for fun, engaging books to keep your child reading then look no further than these Imagination Station books from Adventures in Odyssey. They're fast paced and easy to read (with pictures, too), and have an air of mystery that will keep your child turning pages. Another bonus...they're exploring the annals of history with the element of faith! I really enjoyed seeing how the message of Christ was woven through each story. These books have everything I could ask for in a book that I would share with my kids. So grab your child and climb aboard the Imagination Station...you will not be disappointed!

Guess what? I have one set of these books to GIVE AWAY, courtesy of Side Door Communications! Just leave a comment with contact information (you at yoohoo dot com) on this post by midnight Central Time on Friday, April 15, 2011, and I'll choose a winner on Saturday.

My sincerest thanks to Debbie Lykins at Side Door Communications for providing review copies for us.

Find out more on the web:
The Imagination Station Website
Author Marianne Hering
Author Paul McCusker
Illustrator David Hohn
Behind the Minds - Author Q&A
Side Door Communications

Let's Celebrate!!

I'm playing Saint Nick...

...and today's the day!

I want to thank all the entrants into my Christmas in July contest for taking the time to stop by this month with their lists...and have I got a surprise for you all! God has just been really blessing my family this month and so I've decided to send a free book to each of you. Keep your eyes on your inboxes, as I'll be emailing each of you in request of mailing information.

Blessings...and happy reading!

Christmas in July...Day 25

I've spent the greater part of this month spotlighting upcoming books for the Christmas season. For the rest of the month I'll be looking back at some favorite Christmas books I've read or reviewed in past years. Enjoy!

Boo Humbug by Rene Gutteridge:

It’s Christmastime in Skary, Indiana, but the holiday season has been hijacked by maverick director Lois Stepaphanopolis as she attempts to bring her horror-ific vision of A Christmas Carol to life. But the holly-decked path from page to stage is a thorny one, as Lois attempts to rally her skeptical cast, including new father Wolfe Boone, and then she learns that her reluctant marketing director, Alfred Tennison, is truly a Christmas Scrooge.

Alfred’s grassroots marketing plan proves more than successful as the buzz builds that Skary should anticipate an overflowing audience for their opening night– but a crucial miscommunication leaves the visiting theatergoers expecting of a very different Christmas production. As chaos ensues, can the actors pull off an improv miracle — and can the Skary community convince their own Scrooge to embrace the true meaning of Christmas?

Published by WaterBrook Press in 2007

Find out more on the web:
Rene Gutteridge
WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers

Christmas in July...Day 24

I've spent the greater part of this month spotlighting upcoming books for the Christmas season. Starting today, I will be looking back at some favorite Christmas books I've read or reviewed in past years. Enjoy!

Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn:

Miranda Carson can't wait to return to England for Christmas and to be with her boyfriend, Ian. She has spent a lifetime yearning for a place to call home, and she's sure Carlton Heath will be it, especially when a hinted-at engagement ring slips into the conversation.

But Miranda's high hopes for a jolly Christmas with the small circle of people she has come to love are toppled when Ian's father is hospitalized and the matriarch of the Whitcombe family withholds her blessing from Miranda. Questions run rampant in Miranda's mind about whether she really belongs in this cheery corner of the world. Then, when her true identity threatens all her relationships in unanticipated ways, Miranda is certain all is lost.

And yet...maybe Father Christmas has special gifts in store for her after all.

Published by FaithWords in 2008

Find out more on the web:
Robin Jones Gunn
FaithWords Publishing

My review:

I could hardly wait to get a hold of this book ever since I finished the first book, Finding Father Christmas. You can't help but love the characters in this book, from the endearing Miranda completing her search for family and home; her new found niece and nephew, the fun-loving Julia and the insightful Mark; to Ian as a Father Christmas who is nothing if not MacDreamy! So as Christmas nears, find yourself a nice cozy spot next to the fire, with a cup of tea, and take a journey with Miranda and Ian to Carlton Heath, or as Miranda would say - home!

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Christmas in July...Day 23

A Door County Christmas by Becky Melby, Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips, and Cynthia Ruchti:

Peer behind the closed doors of a Wisconsin tourist town gone dormant for the winter season. Watch as the drama and romance start to heat up—just as Lola the florist promised her four single friends a year ago when she gifted them with her prayers and a Christmas cactus. Will each woman find love—along with cactus blooms—as promised?

Novellas included are:

Christmas Crazy by Becky Melby
My Heart Still Beats by Eileen Key
Ride with Me into Christmas by Rachael Phillips
The Heart's Harbor by Cynthia Ruchti

Published by Barbour Books with a release date of 9/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Becky Melby
Eileen Key
Rachael Phillips
Cynthia Ruchti
Barbour Books

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Christmas in July...Day 22

The Treasure of Christmas by Melody Carlson:

This 3-in-1 compilation includes:

The Christmas Bus: The people of Christmas Valley always celebrate Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa, every business is holiday themed, and there's a nativity for the kids each Christmas Eve. This town knows Christmas. But this year nothing goes according to plan. Shepherd's Inn is full of strangers, Mad Myrtle is causing problems, and a young couple with a baby due any minute rolls in to the middle of town in their Partridge Family-style bus. It's hardly the holiday Christmas Valley wanted--but it may be just what they need. This charming novella is sure to become a new Christmas tradition for readers who love a great holiday story.

Angels in the Snow: Looking for solace after losing her husband and young son, artist Claire Andrews flees to a cabin in the Cascade Mountains. Even there, she finds she is too distracted by her sorrow to continue painting. As Claire walks through the woods each day, she discovers two mysterious sets of footprints in the snow, an adult's and a child's. Is it her imagination? Where are they coming from? And how is it that the tracks are gently leading her to paint and to hope once again?

The Gift of Christmas Present: Christine grew up in an open, honest home---so she's unprepared when her mother's death is followed by a second shock: the news that she was adopted as an infant. Setting out to find her birth mother, she discovers a troubled biological family tree. Can she make peace with the past---and embrace the future?


Published by Revell with a release date of 10/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Melody Carlson
Revell Books

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Christmas in July...Day 21

Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray:

It’s Christmastime at the Brenneman Bed & Breakfast, and everyone is excited about closing down for the holiday. Anna and Henry will be celebrating their first Christmas as a married couple, and for Katie and Jonathan Lundy, it’s their first Christmas with baby Stefan. Winnie and Samuel Miller plan to stop by as well for a wonderful two weeks of family and rest.

But when two unexpected visitors show up, hoping to stay for Christmas, the family must test their commitment to hospitality. Levi is a widower who lost his wife four years ago and can’t bear the thought of another Christmas alone. And Melody is a young pregnant woman who won’t open up about how she ended up on her own at Christmas at almost nine months pregnant. Anna, who knows a thing or two about keeping secrets, doesn’t trust her, and strives to find out the truth about these two strangers who have disrupted their holiday.

But as the Christmas spirit descends on them all, along with a snow that traps them at the inn, a healing and hopefulness takes over, allowing new relationships to be built, and the boundaries of family to be extended.

Published by Avon Inspire with a release date of 10/26/2010

Find out more on the web:
Shelley Shepard Gray
Avon Inspire

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Christmas in July...Day 20

An Amish Christmas: Expanded Edition by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron, and Kelly Long:

Enjoy this Amish Christmas bestseller with an additional novella from Amish romance author Kelly Long.

A Choice To Forgive by Beth Wiseman.
After Daniel disappeared that long-ago Christmas Eve, Lydia built a life with his brother. But now she's a widow and Daniel has reappeared, asking for forgiveness. But can she go back to her normal life with her long-lost love as her neighbor?

A Miracle for Miriam by Kathleen Fuller.
Seth is no longer the arrogant young man who shattered Miriam's confidence and broke her heart. But can he convince "plain" Miriam that she is truly beautiful to him?

One Child by Barbara Cameron.
The birth of one child forever changed the world two thousand years ago. On a snowy Christmas night in Lancaster County, another child changes the world for two very different couples.

Christmas Cradles by Kelly Long.
When Anna Stolis takes over for her aunt, the local Amish midwife in Paradise, Christmas night heats up with multiple deliveries, three strangers' quilts, and the help from resourceful and strong Asa Lapp, whose job it is to get Anna through a dangerous blizzard to complete her midwifery rounds.

Published by Thomas Nelson with a release date of 8/31/2010

Find out more on the web:
Beth Wiseman
Kathleen Fuller
Barbara Cameron
Kelly Long
Thomas Nelson Publishing

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Christmas in July...Day 19

Christmas with Tucker by Greg Kincaid:

The heartwarming, tail-wagging prequel to A Dog Named Christmas! Fans of the first book---and Hallmark's Hall of Fame movie---will be touched by this "story behind the story" featuring young George, who suffers the loss of his father and finds healing and courage through the blessing of a neighbor's dog.

Published by Doubleday Religion with a release date of 11/2/2010

Find out more on the web:
Greg Kincaid
Doubleday Religion

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Christmas in July...Day 18

The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan:

Step into the wonder-filled world of Christmas with this endearing collection of original stories.

Even though he has two million copies of books in print, Robert J. Morgan writes only one short story each year-an original work to share with his church on Christmas Eve. These Christmas stories are now available in one beautiful volume for your own enjoyment. You'll meet a shy, bookish boy who finds himself center stage in the Christmas pageant, a Pennsylvania family whose car disappears on December 24th, and a mountain man trapped in a blizzard with his grandson on Christmas Eve. From six different settings, you'll meet characters you feel you've known your whole life, who'll make you laugh one minute and cry the next. So this year, and the years to follow, gather your family and experience the true spirit of love at Christmas through this timeless gift of story.


Published by Thomas Nelson with a release date of 10/5/2010

Find out more on the web:
Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson

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Christmas in July...Day 17

Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans:

Beth Cardall has a secret. For eighteen years, she has had no choice but to keep it to herself; but on Christmas Eve, 2008, all that is about to change. For Beth, 1989 was a year marked by tragedy. Her life was falling apart: her six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was suffering from an unidentifiable illness; her marriage transformed from a seemingly happy and loving relationship to one full of betrayal and pain; her job was increasingly at risk; and she had lost her ability to trust, to hope, or to believe in herself.

Then, on Christmas day, as she rushed through a blizzard to the nearest 7-Eleven, Beth encountered Matthew, a strikingly handsome, mysterious stranger, who would single-handedly change the course of her life. Who is this man, and how does he seem to know so much about her? He pursues her relentlessly, and only after she’s fallen deeply in love with him does she learn his incredible secret, changing the world as she knows it, as well as her own destiny.

Published by Simon & Schuster with a release date of 10/5/2010

Find out more on the web:
Richard Paul Evans
Simon & Schuster

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Christmas in July...Day 16

A Woodland Christmas by Tamela Hancock Murray, Ramona K. Cecil, Darlene Franklin, and Janelle Mowery:

Experience a nostalgic Christmas in the Piney Woods of East Texas where a traveling wood-carver dispenses wisdom that brings four couples to realize the gift of love.

Can Bridget show Seth how to forgive?

Will Mary see Joseph live up to his promise?

Can Seth steer Emma away from the need for vengeance?

Will R. C. help Gabriella find her grandfather?

Published by Barbour Books with a release date of 9/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Tamela Hancock Murray
Ramona K. Cecil
Darlene Franklin
Janelle Mowery
Barbour Books

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Christmas in July...Day 15

Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis:

From the bestselling author of A Widow’s Hope and Never Far from Home comes a brand-new Amish novella that will add joy to the Christmas season.

Sarah Beachy has plenty to be joyous about as autumn leaves start to fall. She loves her job at the English bed-and-breakfast where she cooks and refreshes rooms between guests. She has a serious beau, and everyone expects an engagement soon. Why, then, would she jeopardize everything by suddenly deciding to take a trip to Cleveland to track down a brother who left the Order years ago?

Her family’s faith in God is put to the test as the holiest night of the year approaches and Sarah remains far away. Sarah’s mother, Elizabeth, has been missing her son for such a long time…will she lose her daughter to the English world as well? Or will the Beachy family receive an unexpected Christmas miracle?


Published by Harvest House with a release date of 8/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Mary Ellis
Harvest House Publishers

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Christmas in July...Day 14

Mary's Son: A Tale of Christmas by Darryl Nyznyk:

Eleven-year-old Sarah Stone is lonely. She lives in a mansion amidst butlers, nannies, housekeepers, and a father who is too busy for her. She is bright, beautiful, and angry at the world. On the other side of town, in a slum called the “Sink,” teen street-tough, Jared Roberts, and his gang barely survive broken families and a hardscrabble existence. Jared, too, is angry at an unfair world, and he intends to do something about it. He has Sarah’s mansion in his sights for a pre-Christmas burglary that will show the world who he really is.

Into this mix comes a mysterious little man named Nicholas, who intrigues Sarah and Jared but scares those responsible for them. Against incredible doubt and cynicism, Nicholas tries to guide Sarah and Jared away from their anger and the destruction that will follow, only to realize he cannot move them by desire alone. Finally, fed-up, he whisks the two young people to another time and place, where a long-ago Christmas teaches them the true meaning of life in a way they never imagined.

Mary’s Son is a modern tale of the fears and passions of youth overcome by the wonder of the real Christmas story.

Published by Cross Dove Publishing with a release date of 10/15/2010

Find out more on the web:
Darryl Nyznyk
Cross Dove Publishing

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Christmas in July...Day 13

The Joy of Christmas by Melody Carlson:

This 3-in-1 compilation includes:

An Irish Christmas: For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years? Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together--to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible. An Irish Christmas is a captivating story of love, deception, and secret passions, from popular and prolific author Melody Carlson.

The Christmas Dog: Betty Kowalski isn't looking forward to the holidays. She just can't seem to find Christmas in her heart. There's church, of course. But who can she bake for these days? And who would care whether or not she pulled out the Christmas decorations? Her new neighbor just adds to the problem. He's doing home improvements that don't appear to be improving much of anything. These days when Betty looks out the window, she sees a beat-up truck, a pile of junk, lots of blue tarps, and--horror of horrors--an old pink toilet. But when a mangy dog appears at her doorstep, the stage is set for Betty to learn a very important lesson about what Christmas is all about. This contemporary Christmas story is a timely yet gentle reminder that God can work miracles through something as seemingly insignificant as a little brown dog.

All I Have to Give: Anna and Michael have been trying for years without success to have a baby. Now in her late thirties, Anna has given up on the hope of motherhood after heartbreaking miscarriages and shattered dreams. As Christmas nears, she has to consider the possibility that it might be time to empty out the nursery and convert it to a guest room. Amidst her heartache, Anna secretly struggles with strange health problems that have her very worried. But, as often happens at Christmastime, there are miracles in store for Anna and Michael. As each tries to give the other the perfect Christmas gift the magic of Christmas is working its way into their lives. And what each of them unwraps for Christmas will surprise everyone.


Published by Revell with a release date of 10/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Melody Carlson
Revell Books

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Christmas in July...Day 12

I'll Be Home for Christmas by Julie L. Cannon:

With Bing Crosby's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" playing in the background, Maggie Culpepper and William Byrd proclaim their undying love to one another. But with the U.S. at war and Maggie's personal home front under attack, the Southern belle impetuously joins the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service).

When Christmas draws near and Maggie finds herself miles and miles away from her Georgia hometown...and her beloved William...will she realize that, no matter where she spends Christmas, home is where her heart is?

Published by Summerside Press with a release date of 9/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Julie L. Cannon
Summerside Press

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Christmas in July...Day 11

Carol: A Story for Christmas by Bob Hartman:

Jack O'Malley hates shopping, snow, and even Christmas. All three at once is Jack's idea of a very bad day. Storming into a Starbucks seeking escape, Jack runs smack into a beautiful and mysterious stranger, almost knocking her over and unintentionally changing his life forever. In this one moment his entire life—who he once was, who he is, and who he has the potential to become—flashes before his eyes.

In this humorous rendering of Charles Dickens' classic tale, timeless lessons are reexamined through the lens of modern society. The result is funny, moving, and ultimately thought-provoking.

Published by Lion UK with a release date of 8/1/2010

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Bob Hartman
Lion UK

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Christmas in July...Day 10

A Prairie Christmas Collection by Tracie Peterson, Tracey V. Bateman, Pamela Griffin, JoAnn A. Grote, Maryn Langer Smith, Darlene Mindrup, Deborah Raney, Janet Spaeth, and Jill Stengl:

Experience Christmas on the historical American Great Plains as retold by nine different multi-published authors, including Tracie Peterson and Deborah Raney. Follow pioneers, immigrants, and orphans through their adventures, heartaches, challenges, victories, and romances. You are sure to find more than one favorite among the nine holiday romances in this unique collection to warm your heart and inspire your faith.

Published by Barbour Publishing with a release date of 9/1/2010

Find out more on the web:
Tracie Peterson
Tracey Bateman
Pamela Griffin
JoAnn Grote
Maryn Langer Smith
Darlene Mindrup
Deborah Raney
Janet Spaeth
Jill Stengl
Barbour Publishing

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Christmas in July...Day 9

A Plain & Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston:

In the tradition of her widely popular Kauffman Amish Bakery series, author Amy Clipston tells the tale of Anna Mae McDonough who was shunned by her family four years ago when she left her Amish community in Lancaster County, PA, to marry an 'Englisher' (non Amish) man and move with him to Baltimore. Now, eight months pregnant when her first child, she longs to return home for Christmas to reconcile with her family, especially her stern father, who is the religious leader for her former Amish church district. So Anne Mae writes a letter to Kathryn Beiler, her brother's wife, to enlist her help. Kathryn asks her husband, David, if she should arrange Anna Mae's visit. David cautions her that a visit would cause too much stress in the family and instead suggests they visit Anna Mae and her husband in the spring. However, Kathryn arranges the visit anyway, believing in her heart that it's God's will for the family to heal. When Anna Mae arrives in Lancaster for Christmas, she doesn't receive the welcome she expects and her world begins to fall apart, leaving her to question her place in her family -- and her faith in God.

A book filled with love, the pain of being separated from one's family, and the determination to follow God's will regardless of the outcome, A Plain and Simple Christmas is an inspiring page-turner that will keep you guessing what happens next...right to the very last page.


Published by Zondervan with a release date of 8/6/2010

Find out more on the web:
Amy Clipston
Zondervan Publishing

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