Monday, November 21, 2011

Book Review of The House of Hope by Elizabeth Gifford


The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China
The House of Hope by Elisabeth Gifford

The publisher is sponsoring a $50 "GET / GIVE" GIVEAWAY: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate for themselves AND $50 will be given in the winner's name to Hope Foster Home. The giveaway is open to both you and your blog readers.

To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using #HFH) about The House of Hope or share about it on Facebook!
 
If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use #HFH. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com). Easy. 
 
100% of the proceeds of this book will go to Hope Foster Home.
 
About The House of Hope: One couple’s powerful ministry to some of China’s most vulnerable children
Robin and Joyce Hill lived in a gated community in Beijing. Their family’s life was marked by luxury and the security of Robin's job as an engineer. Then one day, as members of their church, they had a chance to tour a state-run orphanage. Haunted by the needs of the children they saw there, for the next four years they tried to help the institute in meaningful ways.

In 1998 the Hills planned to leave China, but instead felt a sudden call from God on their lives. They left their gated community--reserved for only non-Chinese residents--moved their family into a small apartment miles outside of Beijing and immediately began to take in foster children.

They took in any child, but especially those that needed extra care—terminally ill children that couldn't receive care elsewhere, and those that needed complicated and expensive surgeries that the Hills soon began to coordinate and sometimes pay for out of their own savings.

What began as Hope Foster Home is now New Hope Foundation. As they continue their work, the Hills enjoy support from major corporations and high-profile philanthropists as well as the trust of the Chinese authorities. The Hills' story is an inspiring example of God's care and provision for those whom society does not value. Learn more about Hope Foster Homes here: http://www.hopefosterhome.com/.

"I strongly support Robin and Joyce Hill's New Hope Foundation which is saving so many orphan lives in China. Read this amazing story of God's grace and accept the challenge to make a difference!"
--Steven Curtis Chapman

"I had the privilege of going to China and witnessing the work that God is doing through Robin and Joyce Hill. They are wonderful servants of God who lovingly care for the 'least of these.' I hope that many will read this book and consider their example."
--Francis Chan, author of Crazy Love
 
 
About Elisabeth Gifford: Elisabeth Gifford is a journalist who has written for the London Times and the Independent Newspapers. She lives in Kingston, England, and teaches children with dyslexia.
 
 
My Take:  I have friends that just recently adopted a child from a European country so I was really interested in this book.  I found it really interesting how the events seemed to fall into place so that they could form the foundation and the foster home.  I love reading about how seeming unsurmountable odds or overcome with the help of God's intervention. The only negative thing that I have about this book is that I felt that the story was rushed. 
I received a copy for review purposes from Litfuse. 

It's Monday What are You Reading?

It's Monday What are You Reading? is Hosted by Sheila over at Book Journey.  Head over and see all the wonderful books that everyone else is reading.

Last week did not go as well as I had hoped.  I had a very bad sinus infection and was put on antibiotics.  I had a very long 20 hour day at work between trainings and my regular shift.  Hopefully this week will be better but I woke up this morning with severe back pain so we will see.

Last Week on the Blog:

Book spotlight of
The Blacksmith's Bravery (The Ladies' Shooting Club Series, #3)
The Blacksmith's Bravery by Susan Page Davis

First Chapter Peak of












A Sound Among Trees by Susan Meissner

Book Spotlight of
Marian's Christmas Wish
Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly

Book review and Kindle Giveaway
Remembering You
Remembering You by Tricia Goyer

This week on the Blog

Book Review of
The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China
The House of Hope by Elizabeth Gifford

First chapter Peaks of
Live Reflectively: Lessons from the Watershed Moments of Moses (Fresh Life Series)
Live Reflectively by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose

and

Live Abundantly: A Study in Ephesians
Live Abundantly by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Pierce Rose

Book Spotlight of
A Prairie Christmas Collection: 9 Historical Christmas Romances from America's Great Plains
A Prairie Christmas Collection

Book Review of
Wait No More: One Family's Amazing Adoption Journey
Wait Not More by Kelly and John Rosati

Audio book of the Week
Now You See Her
Now You See Her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Book Spotlight
A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Nine Romances of American Pioneer Christmases
A Log Cabin Christmas

Currently Reading

A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections On Jesus' Own Words
A Year with Jesus by R. P. Nettlehorst

House of Secrets
House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson

Kindle
The Puppy That Came for Christmas: How a Dog Brought One Family the Gift of Joy
The Puppy That Came for Christmas by Megan Rix

Audio:
Lonesome Dove
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry ( am not enjoying this audio don't like the reader, loved the book when I read it and loved the mini series)

Unwrapping Christmas
Unwrapping Christmas by Lori Copeland

Coming Up
Valley of Dreams (Wild West Wind)
Valley of Dreams by Lorraine Snelling

The Thorn (The Rose Trilogy)
The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Wicked : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years, #1)
Wicked by Gregory Maguire

What's on Your Reading Horizon?

Friday, November 18, 2011

Remembering You by Tricia Goyer and Kindle giveaway

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer! Enter 11/16 - 11/29. RSVP for Facebook Party on 11/29!

About the book:

35-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request--fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own--to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.

As if juggling these two things isn't hard enough, Ava is soon surprised again ... twice. First, Ava and Grandpa Jack arrive in Europe, only to discover the tour is cancelled. Unwilling to let down her grandfather or her boss, Ava and Grandpa Jack head out on their own. Then, while they're on their way, the pair soon meet up with Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The same Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.

Before she knows it, Ava and Dennis are swept down memory lane as they visit the sites that are discussed in the history books. And even though Ava's videotaping old soldiers, she can see their youth, their hopes and fears, and their pride in their eyes. Soon Ava learns the trip isn't just for them ... it's for her too--especially for her heart.
Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou 
About Tricia:
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia's weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com 
Link to buy the book: http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou

My Take:  I really enjoyed this book alot more than I thought I would.  At first I didn't really think that I would like the main character because I felt that her motives were a bit selfish.  But that changed as the story went on.  I did get a bit annoyed with Dennis.  I thought that he was a bit jusdgemental and was to quick to find fault.  I fell in love with the Grandpas and really enjoyed learning more about them and their experience during World War  II .  This book is for you if you find that time period interesting and alittle modern romance thrown in. 

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer! Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!

During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she'll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.

Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.


One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner's choice!) 
  • A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.
Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 15th!

 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly Book Spotlight

Marian's Christmas Wish

Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly

From Goodreads.com:

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected--- a young and handsome English lord.

Monday, November 14, 2011

It's Monday what are You Reading?

It's Monday what are You Reading?  Is hosted by Sheila over at Book Journey.  Go check out what others have planned for this week.  You never know you may just find you next favorite book.

I didn't join in last week because I became a Grandma!!! It's a girl!!



I didn't get much reading done this week because of the baby and I got a cold the last part of the week.

On the blog last week

Book review
1225 Christmas Tree Lane (Cedar Cove, #12)
1225 Christmas TreeLane by Debbie Macomber













First Chapter Peak at Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren

book review of
A Lasting Impression (Belmont Mansion, #1)
A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

Book Spotlight
The Spoils of Eden, Dawn of Hawaii Series #1   -     
        By: Linda Lee Chaikin
The Spoils of Eden by Linda Lee Chaikin

Book Spotlight
Doctor in Petticoats, Sophie's Daughters Series #1   -     
        By: Mary Connealy
Doctor In Petticoats by Mary Connealy

Book review of
Thanksgiving at the Inn
Thanksgiving at the Inn by Tim Whitney

Audio Book of The Week
Columbine
Columbine by Dave Cullen

Book Spotlight
Sarah's Choice (Brides of Lehigh Canal, #3)
Sarah's Choice by Wanda Brunstetter

On the blog this Week

Book Spotlight
The Blacksmith's Bravery (The Ladies' Shooting Club Series, #3)
The Blacksmith's Bravery by Susan Page Davis

First Chapter peak of
A Sound Among the Trees
A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner

Book review of
A Plain and Fancy Christmas
A Plain and Fancy Christmas by Cynthia Keller

Book Review of
The House of Hope: A Story of God's Love and Provision for the Abandoned Orphans of China
The House of Hope by Elisabeth Gifford

Book Spotlight
Marian's Christmas Wish
Marian's Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly

Audio Book of the Week
Now You See Her
Now You See Her by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Book Spotlight
A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Nine Romances of American Pioneer Christmases
A Log Cabin Christmas

Currently Reading

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Nearing Home by Billy Graham

Wait No More: One Family's Amazing Adoption Journey
Wait No More by Kelly and John Rosati

Kindle
The Puppy That Came for Christmas: How a Dog Brought One Family the Gift of Joy
The Puppy who Came for Christmas by Megan Rix  (isn't he just adorable)

Audio
Lonesome Dove
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

coming up

Highland Sanctuary
Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

A Year with Jesus: Daily Readings and Reflections On Jesus' Own Words
A Year with Jesus by R.P.Nettelhorst

House of Secrets
House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson


What's on Your Reading Horizon?