The Christmas Scrapbook | Philip Gulley

 

 

Today I am posting my review of The Christmas Scrapbook by Philip Gulley.

Here is a brief synopsis:

It’s autumn in Harmony, and Pastor Sam Gardner has vowed to be ready for Christmas.

Determined to redeem a dreadful history of gift giving, Sam enrolls in a scrapbooking class to make a Christmas gift his wife will never forget.

However, Sam’s absence from their home every Wednesday night, coupled with his fishy alibi of attending a men’s group, raises her suspicions.

Meanwhile, Sam struggles in the class and must attempt to complete his project with only the help of his faithful secretary, Frank.

As Christmas fast approaches and rumors of Sam’s Wednesday night absences swirl along with the snow, a series of mishaps leads to a Christmas no one will soon forget.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Philip Gulley is an amazing author… funny, quirky, and sometimes almost “too” true to life! I’m crazy about his Harmony Series about a Quaker minister — Sam Gardner and how he relates to family, his church, and his life.

Gulley has written the Home to Harmony series and it is one of my favorites! I can identify many of the characters with people from my own past and present life. I usually grab a hankie — just to wipe the tears from all the laughter when reading his books.

The Christmas Scrapbook is an 89-page novella that would be a quick read, except that I laugh so much I cry and keep reaching for tissues to dry my eyes.

The trouble begins in September, when Sam tells his wife he joined a men’s group, when the truth is he joined a class to make a scrapbook for his wife’s Christmas gift.

Several clues (and help from friends) lead his wife to believe that he is either cheating on her . . . or dying!

Read about the trouble Sam has with Dale Henshaw’s progressive Nativity scene, Mrs. Gruber, plus an absolute disaster with scissors and superglue. Thankfully it all works out.

Read the story this month… you’ll be glad you did.

God bless you!

Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

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Somehow, Christmas Will Come | Peggy Blann Phifer

 

Today I’m reviewing Somehow, Christmas Will Come by Peggy Blann Phifer.

Here is a brief synopsis:

When Molly Dugan’s best friend gets married and leaves St. Paul, Minnesota, to live in Georgia, Molly feels alone and plans a visit to her brother, Patrick, in Las Vegas.

Molly had been worried about him ever since his wife died in a tragic boating accident.

Grieving she could understand, but she sensed something deeper going on. And she was concerned about Patrick’s six-year-old daughter, Bethany.

So she sets aside her life in St. Paul to spend an indeterminate time in Vegas.

When Molly gets there, she finds more than she bargained on. And in the lead-up to Christmas, the situation only gets worse…. 6 year-old Bethany loses her last anchor.

How does Molly convince her that somehow, Christmas will come.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a great Christmas story!

If you get emotional like I do, have a box of tissues nearby when you read it; the author does a great job showing how Molly and her family deal with tragedy.

I’ll be honest; I never saw the second tragedy coming…

This is very similar to the Christmas stories that have you sobbing — just before the characters begin adjusting to it all — and life goes on.

If you’re looking for a good Christmas read this month, this would be a good choice.

You can purchase this in ebook format right now… and begin reading for yourself.

I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

Christmas Lessons | Patty Smith Hall

 

Today I’m reviewing Christmas Lessons, part of the Christmas Traditions series by Patty Smith Hall.

Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:

Love isn’t always enough.

If it were, history teacher Claire Davenport would have married her childhood sweetheart Billy Warner in a heartbeat.

But Billy has big dreams of coaching college football, a plan that could be sidetracked by Claire’s disability.

Fearing he’ll resent her, Claire breaks their engagement and sets out to build a life around the children at her school.

But Christmas is the Season of Miracles!

Two years later, Billy Warner is back in Marietta, the new head coach at the school where Claire teaches, and determined to find out why she broke his heart. Working together to give Christmas to needy families in their community, they can’t deny the love they’ve always shared, but will it be enough to last a lifetime?

A sweet Christmas novella by the author of Hearts in Flight, Hearts in Hiding and Hearts Rekindled

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I absolutely LOVE this story!

No one knows why Claire broke off her engagement, except perhaps Claire.

But even when Billy shows up again, after accepting a job in the same school where she works, Claire is determined to ignore her feelings; to never forget that breaking their engagement had been for the best.

The author did a wonderful job creating characters for this story; they are well-written, believable and entertaining. The plot flows well, with a smooth, continuous unfolding story – one that carries the reader from beginning to end without any major distractions or losing interest.

Patty doesn’t try to make it more difficult, or sneak in unbelievable scenes; but instead gives it enough structure, which makes it impossible to put down!

You can purchase this in ebook format right now… and begin reading for yourself.

I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

The Christmas Scrapbook | Philip Gulley

 

Today I am posting my review of The Christmas Scrapbook by Philip Gulley.

Here is a brief synopsis:

It’s autumn in Harmony, and Pastor Sam Gardner has vowed to be ready for Christmas.

Determined to redeem a dreadful history of gift giving, Sam enrolls in a scrapbooking class to make a Christmas gift his wife will never forget.

However, Sam’s absence from their home every Wednesday night, coupled with his fishy alibi of attending a men’s group, raises her suspicions.

Meanwhile, Sam struggles in the class and must attempt to complete his project with only the help of his faithful secretary, Frank.

As Christmas fast approaches and rumors of Sam’s Wednesday night absences swirl along with the snow, a series of mishaps leads to a Christmas no one will soon forget.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Philip Gulley is an amazing author… funny, quirky, and sometimes almost “too” true to life! I’m crazy about his Harmony Series about a Quaker minister — Sam Gardner and how he relates to family, his church, and his life.

Gulley has written the Home to Harmony series and it is one of my favorites! I can identify many of the characters with people from my own past and present life. I usually grab a hankie — just to wipe the tears from all the laughter when reading his books.

The Christmas Scrapbook is an 89-page novella that would be a quick read, except that I laugh so much I cry and keep reaching for tissues to dry my eyes.

The trouble begins in September, when Sam tells his wife he joined a men’s group, when the truth is he joined a class to make a scrapbook for his wife’s Christmas gift.

Several clues (and help from friends) lead his wife to believe that he is either cheating on her . . . or dying!

Read about the trouble Sam has with Dale Henshaw’s progressive Nativity scene, Mrs. Gruber, plus an absolute disaster with scissors and superglue. Thankfully it all works out.

Read the story this month… you’ll be glad you did.

God bless you!

Merry Christmas!

 

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

NEW books for 2015-2016… | Mary Ellis Marathon

 

 
Here’s a look at what we have to look forward to from Mary Ellis:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MARY ELLIS has a NEW series coming out: Secrets of the South Mysteries

The first book in Mary’s NEW series is Midnight on the Mississippi

COMING in August 2015!

 

Midnight on the Mississippi begins the new Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These complex crime dramas follow an investigator’s quest to make the world a better place… solving one case at a time.

 

New Orleans—Hunter Galen, a stock and securities broker, suspects his business partner, James Nowak, may be involved in embezzling their clients’ money, but he’s reluctant to jeopardize their friendship based on suspicion alone. After James turns up dead, Hunter realizes his unwillingness to confront a problem may have cost James his life.

Nicki Price, a newly minted PI, intends to solve the stockbroker’s murder, recover the missing millions from the client accounts, and establish herself in the career she adores. As she ferrets out fraud and deception at Galen Investments, Hunter’s fiancée, Ashley Menard, rubs Nicki the wrong way. Nicki doesn’t trust the ostentatious woman with an agenda longer than the Mississippi River. Ashley seems to be hiding something, but is Nicki’s growing attraction to Hunter—a suspected murderer—her true reason for disliking Ashley?

As they encounter sophisticated shell games, blackmail, and murder, Nicki and Hunter’s only option is to turn to God as they search for answers, elude lethal danger, and perhaps discover love along the way.

Blackmail… Embezzling… Murder… Don’t miss this NEW Southern Mystery series from Mary Ellis! Coming August 2015. – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The second book in Mary’s NEW series is What Happened on Beale Street

COMING February 2016!

 
What Happened on Beale Street continues the new Secrets of the South Mysteries from bestselling author Mary Ellis. These complex crime dramas follow an investigator’s quest to make the world a better place… solving one case at a time.

 

WORDS – CLICK TO TWEET!

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

I know I can’t wait to read and review each new story Mary releases!

 

 

And don’t forget to click below to find out how you can enter Mary’s GIVEAWAY contest!

Mary Ellis Marathon | Giveaway!

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 DJ Mynatt

March 2015 MARATHON | Mary Ellis

 

 

I am dedicating the month of MARCH on my bookshelf blog to:

MARY ELLIS

Mary has graciously offered to sponsor five (5) special giveaways!

ONE WINNER will be selected each Saturday during the month… these 4 WINNERS will each receive a copy of Mary’s latest release, The Last Heiress  — autographed — and sent to you directly from the author!

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected (and announced) on March 31st… and will receive Mary’s three Historical Novels – The Quaker and The Rebel, The Lady and the Officer, and The Last Heiress! 

WOOHOO!

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to win a book by MARY ELLIS! – Tweet this!

 

 

For a chance to win one of Mary’s books, do the following:

1) follow this blog (if you don’t) – and…

2) leave a comment for Mary (or me)

** Please put your first name in your comment (but don’t add your email address)

 

Now go enter! And tell all your friends about this contest!

 

Want to WIN an intriguing historical romance by Mary Ellis? – Tweet this!

 

Blessings!

 

Please remember that giveaways are limited to US residents only. Visit my giveaway rules page for a complete explanation of the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

February 2015 MARATHON | Ruth Reid

 

 

I am dedicating the month of FEBRUARY on my bookshelf blog to:

RUTH REID

Ruth has graciously offered to sponsor 3 weekly giveaways
and 1 (one) GRAND PRIZE giveaway!

 

 
ONE WINNER will be selected each Saturday during the month… these 3 WINNERS will each receive one of Ruth’s inspiring books — autographed — and sent to you directly from the author!

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be selected (and announced) on the last Saturday of this month… February 28th… and will receive three of Ruth’s books!

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to win a book by RUTH REID – Tweet this!

 

 

For a chance to win one of Ruth’s books, do the following:

1) follow this blog (if you don’t) and…

2) leave a comment for Ruth (or me)

** Please put your first name in your comment (but don’t put your email address!)
 
Now go enter! And tell all your friends about this contest!
  

Want to WIN an inspiring romance novel by Ruth Reid? – Tweet this!

 

Blessings!

 

Please remember that giveaways are limited to US residents only. Visit my giveaway rules page for a complete explanation of the terms and conditions of this giveaway.

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

Happy Birthday | Aynne Cynar Marathon

 

 

AYNNE

Have a blessed birthday!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

January 2015 Week #5 WINNER | Aynne Cynar Marathon

 

 

It’s time to announce the weekly winner for an autographed copy of

Erased With Grace!

 

 

GAIL H

 

I will be contacting you via e-mail
to let you know what you need to do to collect your prize.

THANK YOU to everyone for entering!

And keep coming back to read reviews and share posts next month…

You can find more about Aynne on her WEBSITE

 

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.

Erased With Grace | Aynne Cynar Marathon

 

 

Today I’m reviewing Erased With Grace, the first book in the Cotton Springs series by a talented new author — Aynne Cynar.

Here is a brief synopsis from Goodreads:

Kathy Penchak is nurse manager at the Franklin Hospice in Cotton Springs, Kentucky.

The cherished role of wife feels erased when she discovers her husband’s newest employee in the family automotive repair business is also his mistress. Her adult children are involved in their own lives and the loss of an old faithful golden retriever, Giggles, still stings.

The newest patient at the facility has lost parts of her memory but not her faith. She possesses a vibrant witness that blesses the staff with warmth, joy, and encouragement right down to a final gift from the “Magic Bucket”.

It’s tempting for Kathy to see God defined through circumstances. The new patient, Christian colleagues, and the WeKnow Sunday school class hold her to the precipice of faith.

Kathy discovers God is able to do beyond what we ask or think and may answer prayer in most unimaginable ways. She learns an empty nest and failed marriage can become a cavern to walk through and arrive into the loving arms of her Savior. Her relationships have changed but are Erased with Grace.

 

Don’t miss the new Cotton Springs series by Aynne Cynar! – Tweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I am very excited to introduce Aynne Cynar on my book blog!

Erased With Grace is the heart-rending, stirring inspirational story of Kathy and Ron Penchak. So many things Kathy is going through really hit home with me — of course, Kathy is a fictional character, but I’m not — and life can really get to be a mess sometimes!

Aynne Cynar simply amazes me! I don’t know how she writes fiction that sounds so true. I find myself wishing I knew some of the characters, especially June and her “WeKnow” Sunday school class at church.

Honestly, I could sure use a support group of Godly ladies!

Then there’s the wonderful Anna Rose, one of the newest residents at the Franklin Hospice facility. Anna Rose seems to have a direct line with God; she’s got enough faith to move mountains, and she enjoys every moment of each day.

What a blessing it would be to have a friend like Anna Rose…

Believe me — this book will be a blessing to you, too.

This is the first book I have read by Aynne Cynar… but I assure you — it won’t be the last!

I love reading the Cotton Springs series!

 

Snuggle up with this heart-warming inspirational by Aynne Cynar! – Tweet this!

 

You can read more about the book on Goodreads HERE 

You can find more about Aynne Cynar on her website… HERE
 
Disclosure: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

God bless you!

 

Copyright © 2013-2015 donnasbookshelf.