Christmas is almost here and I have some fabulous gift ideas to share with you.
Do you enjoying getting lost in a book? Are you ready for some new recipes to try out in your kitchen? Do you know of someone that may have a struggling/failing/seems hopeless marriage? Are you ready to spice up your marriage with some creative ideas? Well, boy oh boy do I have a few suggestions for you!
I am so excited to share each of these books with you! Not only because they are GREAT, but because I personally know the authors. I love to see people succeed. Now, I must sadly inform you that I am not an avid reader. The book that I read daily is the bible. When I begin reading, I easily get distracted. I’m actually now in the process of reading three books that I have stashed in different places (car, bedside, and by my chair in the living room). Lord, help me! But, these authors have done a fabulous captivating my thoughts, attention, and taste buds.
Meet Katherine and Nick. I first met them while on a plane on my way to Costa Rica. I got so caught up in their story. My family had arrived to Costa Rica and were traveling to our hotel, and Katherine and Nick were still with me. I had to make myself stop getting distracted by their lives because I was missing out on the real life happening in front of me. Every “downtime” opportunity I had, I went straight back to Katherine and Nick. This book titled, Campaigning for Love by my church friend KD Fleming, had me laughing, crying, smiling, and turning each page with anticipation. It truly was a quick read. I just kept dragging it out with my “squirrel” mentality. One could finish this book in a day or two.

Yay! Another plane ride, this time to California, and another book by KD Fleming. Capturing the Minister’s Heart , staring Abby and Jeremey. Their relationship was one of love and hate. I often joke with the students at school when they come complaining about a boy or girl who did or said something to them. I tell them, even right in front of the other party, they may be picking on you because they like you. Well, this reminded me of Abby and Jeremy, but at a much higher level than my middle school kids. Again, I was lost in the book and had a smile on my face at the end. I’m ready for her third book now.

KD Fleming is a Christian writer who writes delightful stories. Watch out…you’ll get hooked.
The next author tells a story in different way…through food. About four years ago Whitney Miller was the winner of Fox’s United States Master Chef from season one. This adorable Mississippi doll married a handsome young man from my hometown. Whitney travels the world and shares, not just her recipes, but her testimony about “the miracle from God” that occurred that probably allowed her to win the competition. Her southern hospitality, faith, and scrumptious cuisines are ones that you will be grateful. These cookbooks are sure to add much flavor to your gift-giving experience. And Whitney is so stinkin’ cute that you want her to jump right off the page and cook it for you. Yes, that’s a great idea…Whitney? (wink*wink)


Almost two years ago to the date I included this next book in a journal entry. I mentioned that I was planning on reading it over my Christmas break. Well…I just didn’t realize it was going to be Christmas two years later. Last week an autographed copy, with two sweet handwritten notes inside the front cover was delivered to my door. I was sooo excited! Two of my sweet and godly friends have co-written a book regarding “the process one goes through on the road to healing from a spouse’s affair.” This book is not just beneficial for the person who is going through a separation, divorce, or just a rough patch right now. I believe that ALL marriages require work, so why not read this as an encouragement to keep your marriage thriving? This is an eye-opening, getting down to the nitty-gritty, honest, and loving book is a testimony to the survival of a devastating experience (that wasn’t just a ‘one time’ thing either). Through God’s grace, persistence, prayer, much forgiveness, and so much more, your/a marriage can be healed. At the end of each chapter they’ve included a prayer and bible verses to guide you through the process. Each chapter is divided into both their stories. I am happy to say that I am now half way through the book (it’s one of my three I’m currently reading). It’s a page turner for sure. The title to this book is The Rose Garden and the Ring by Lynn and Christine.

For my final book, talking about saving a marriage…this hot book will be an added bonus to your relationship. Kim married my cousin Doug over 35ish years ago. To this day I will never forget their wedding. It was the first Catholic wedding this young (maybe 11 years old) Southern Baptist girl had been to. What fun! And Kim hasn’t changed. She exudes enthusiasm for life through her voice, writing, and infectious smile. I’m taking an excerpt directly from the book on this one: “Her faith is what inspired her to keep her marriage young and vibrant. ‘It’s sad so many people have the misconception that Christians are prudes. I want people to say, I don’t know what they’ve got, but whatever it is, I want it.’” Kim recognizes the fact that not everyone is creative or has time to be. That’s why she developed the innovative new concept of putting romantic entertaining and decorating ideas into themed, organized packages. Oh, you know you want this one! Spice it up a little.

Do you know of someone that would be delighted to receive a book for Christmas? How about a little gift to yourself? Why not package them up as a sweet bundle. Ooo….what a great wedding gift for a new couple too.
Click on each title to go directly to a web address to order:  (There are other options for purchasing, these are just a simple amazon click away.)
http://www.amazon.com/Campaigning-Love-Heartsong ($4.99)
http://www.amazon.com/Capturing-Ministers-Heart ($4.99)
And for the latest KD Fleming book (that I need to purchase myself):http://www.amazon.com/Her-Hometown-Reporter ($4.99) Why not buy all three and bundle them up as a great gift?!
http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Hospitality-Simple-Recipes-Southern ($9.60)
For more info on Whitney and link to her latest cookbook, please visit http://whitneymiller.net/
http://www.amazon.com/The-Rose-Garden-Ring ($13.95)
http://www.amazon.com/Now-Thats-Romantic ($29.99)
I am so proud of each of these Christian women for sharing their talents with us. I hope that you will seek out and purchase these books. Supporting Christian professionals is important, especially when they are my family and friends.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
 

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