November 2012

Well, after we made it through the absolute craziness of Hurricane/Tropical Storm Sandy (including a period where the homes of most of our staff were cloaked in darkness or those who had power could not get to the office as mass transit was not running), the New York area received a thick blanket of snow, sending everyone scurrying for winter coats and hot chocolate. It was like we were accelerating winter in many ways, but at the same time, I know I am not alone in feeling that Thanksgiving crept up on me.

And there is a lot to give thanks for. The past few weeks have certainly given us a poignant reminder to be thankful for simple things like shelter, warmth and the kindness of our fellow citizens. This Thanksgiving will be a holiday to savor that, as well as to reach out to those who lost so much. There is so much need, more than ever before.

For you book lovers looking to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy, consider giving to First Book, a wonderful charity that has given thousands of new books to children devastated by the storm. Every $2.50 you contribute will provide a new book to a child affected by the storm, and every donation will be matched --- dollar for dollar --- by the American Federation of Teachers and the Albert Shanker Institute. Let’s help them restock school and home libraries…and put a smile on a child’s face! For more information, please click here.

We’re happy to once again share our annual Christmas Books Roundup. Every year, we have the opportunity to look through the holiday-themed titles and bring you the best of the new Christmas books. These are books that you can share with family and friends, books full of magic, comfort and warmth. We all need a little help staying focused on what matters most during the Christmas season, and we have a superb list of books to bring joy to you and your family during this frequently hectic time of year. May we suggest that these will make wonderful gifts?

One of the books included in the roundup is THE BRIDGE, Karen Kingsbury’s latest novel and a Christmas story to cherish. When a troubled little bookstore in small-town Tennessee is destroyed by a flood, there might still be a chance for a Christmas miracle --- and a beautiful love story --- to save the day. Lynda Lee Schab has our review and says, “THE BRIDGE is a short and quick read...[that] delivers what it promises: a love story about miracles and second chances. And in today’s day and age, we certainly could use more of both.... [I]f you’re looking for a feel-good, heartwarming read with which to cozy up next to the fireplace this holiday season, it just may be the perfect choice.”

We're thrilled to tell you about our giveaway for A HEARTBEAT AWAY by Harry Kraus. Tori Taylor is a cancer surgeon who finds herself dying on her own operating table. After undergoing a heart transplant, Tori has memories of a homicide that she didn't witness. With her new heart, her previously ordered life is cluttered with chaos. Threatening memories, a search for the truth, and new opportunities for love and faith await. We're awarding 20 readers a copy of the book, and one of these winners will also receive a taste-tempting Grand Prize, which you can see above: a Harry's Gift Box from Harry & David that includes Royal Riviera pears, white extra-sharp cheddar cheese, hickory-smoked summer sausage, olive oil crackers and mixed nuts. The deadline for entries is Thursday, December 13th at noon ET.

We have even more cause to celebrate, as the 20th anniversary edition of Francine Rivers’s inspirational classic, A VOICE IN THE WIND, is now available. This is the beautifully told story of Hadassah, a first-century slave girl who stands firm in her belief in the living God as the wanton Roman Empire encroaches on her from every side. If you’ve never read this wonderful book, check out an excerpt here.

We also have excerpts from two brand new novels that we’re very excited about this month. Christa Parrish’s heartfelt THE AIR WE BREATHE is the story of the friendship between the recently heartbroken Claire Rodriguez and an anxiety-ridden 17-year-old who is afraid to go outside. Together, can they give each other the strength to begin life anew? Click here to read the excerpt.

Plus, Jen Turano’s A CHANGE OF FORTUNE is a spirited and inspirational romp through 19th-century New York society. Disguised as a governess, Lady Eliza Sumner arrives in New York determined to find the man who absconded with her fortune after her father’s death; when she regains her inheritance, she will return to a life of luxury in London. But God has other plans for Eliza, and they involve the handsome young widower Hamilton Beckett. You can read the excerpt here.

Along with THE BRIDGE, we have reviews of such books as TRUSTING GOD DAY BY DAY: 365 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer, JESUS: A THEOGRAPHY by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola, and MY JOURNEY TO HEAVEN: What I Saw and How It Changed My Life by Marvin J. Besteman with Lorilee Craker.

And let’s not forget our monthly contest. Fifty readers have the opportunity to win a copy of COURTING CATE, the first installment in Leslie Gould's The Courtships of Lancaster County series. This great new series begins with a delightful Amish take on Shakespeare’s THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Betsy Miller can’t get married until her sister Cate finds a husband. Unfortunately, the sharp-tongued Cate has scared off every man in Lancaster County! The deadline for entries is Monday, December 10th at noon ET.

We give thanks every day for our readers and hope that you, too, will find something to read and be thankful for this holiday! Stay warm, folks. Until next month…

Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])

A VOICE IN THE WIND: 20th Anniversary Edition by Francine Rivers (Historical Romance)
This classic series has already inspired nearly two million readers, but both loyal fans and new readers will want this 20th anniversary edition of a Christian classic, which includes a foreword from the publisher, a letter from and Q & A with Francine Rivers, color map, an illustrated glossary, and discussion questions suitable for personal and group use.

-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Francine Rivers's bio.
-Click here to visit Francine Rivers's official website.
-Click here to connect with Francine Rivers on Facebook.

THE AIR WE BREATHE by Christa Parrish (Fiction)
Ruled by fear and deep wounds, 17-year-old Molly Fisk stays hidden away from the world. But the sudden reappearance of Claire, a woman from her past, changes everything. Can she help Molly finally begin to heal from the trauma in her childhood?

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read Christa Parrish's bio.
-Click here to visit Christa Parrish's official website.

A CHANGE OF FORTUNE by Jen Turano (Historical Romance)
Masquerading as a governess, Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission to find the man who ran off with her fortune and reclaim what’s rightfully hers. But does God have something --- or someone --- better in mind?

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read Jen Turano's bio.
-Click here to visit Jen Turano's official website.
-Click here to connect with Jen Turano on Facebook.

In our latest monthly contest, 50 readers will receive a copy of COURTING CATE, the first installment in Leslie Gould's The Courtships of Lancaster County series. The deadline for entries is Monday, December 10th at noon ET.

COURTING CATE: The Courtships of Lancaster County, Book 1 by Leslie Gould (Romance)
Betsy Miller has many would-be suitors, but she’s not allowed to marry until her older sister, Cate, does so first. Unfortunately, Cate has scared off every man in Lancaster County --- until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to read Leslie Gould's bio.
-Click here to visit Leslie Gould's official website.
-Click here to connect with Leslie Gould on Facebook.