A Wild Goose Chase Christmas

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Abingdon Press (November 2012) by Jennifer AlLee

MY THOUGHTS:
 Even though the word Christmas shows up in the title, this isn't really just a holiday book. It's a story of the love and wisdom of a grandmother who cares intensely for her family and friends -- enough to send them on a wild goose chase to find, well, I can't tell you what or I'll give away the story!

This story includes a little of something for everyone. There is some mystery, some major relationship conflict, a bit of history, and a touch of romance. The characters are believable (however I find it hard to comprehend people like the main characters' mother and brother). My favorite character (and he IS a character) was Virgil, one of the residents at the local retirement home! He adds so much color to a good story that it ends up being great!

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from Jennifer:

As I look back on my life, it's interesting to see where God's taken me, and where I took myself that God pulled me out of. I finally got back to writing, the dream of my heart. Since 1996, I've published numerous short stories, devotions and plays. I've also been active in church drama ministries, another passion of mine. My first novel, The Love of His Brother (November 2007, Five Star Publishers), was followed by The Pastor's Wife (February 2010, Abingdon Press) and The Mother Road (April 2012). A Wild Goose Chase Christmas is book two in the new Quilts of Love series.

Besides being a writer, I am a wife and mom. Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, my family has learned how to enjoy the fabulous buffets here without severely impacting our waistlines. God is good!



ABOUT THE BOOK

Upon her grandmother's death, Izzy Fontaine finds herself in possession of a Wild Goose Chase pattern quilt that supposedly leads to a great treasure.

Of course, once the rest of the family finds out about the "treasure map," they're determined to have a go at the treasure themselves. And, if that weren't enough, Max Logan, a local museum curator, contacts Izzy and says that Grandma Isabella promised him the quilt.

What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is Izzy on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will lead her to the treasure her grandmother intended?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, go HERE.

Debt-Proof Your Christmas

Debt-Proof Your Christmas

by

Mary Hunt

 MY THOUGHTS:

Mary Hunt is known to millions as the Everyday Cheapskate. Her books and website have provided powerful advice to help people get out of debt or stay out of debt over the years. Since my husband and I have taught debt reduction/financial management classes, I've always been a follower of Mary. Her books are full of practical, easy-to-follow advice.

Debt-Proof Your Christmas is no exception. In her typical down-to-earth manner, Mary covers all the bases of holiday finances. She begins with an attitude adjustment for the reader, helping us put the holiday and its' financial ramifications in perspective. Then she provides tangible suggestions for developing a plan and a budget for the holidays. She lists a whole chapter full of ways to save and/or earn money that can be set aside for gifts and entertaining.

But this book doesn't stop with practical advice. In chapter after chapter, Mary gives real life examples of how to make it through the holidays with our wallets intact. This book includes do-it-yourself gift ideas, inexpensive recipes and decorating ideas, and ideas for memorable (and inexpensive or free) traditions that our families will remember for years.

It's not too late to use this book to help with 2012 holidays, but it will be even more valuable as a resource to prepare for 2013.

At just $10.39 on Amazon, even less expensive for the Kindle version, this book will pay for itself almost immediately. I highly recommend it for anyone who is facing the holidays with a limited budget and for those who want to have a memorable holiday without the stress and ridiculous extravagance so often associated with this time of year.

Here is a link to a great recent interview Mary did on The Today Show http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/49966293#49966293

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of year, but it’s also one of the most stressful and most expensive. Americans spend billions, crafting the perfect holiday season complete with lavish meals, new decorations and the latest, greatest gadgets and fashions for everyone on their gift list. Most don’t think about the hefty price tag until the credit card bill comes in January, and many will go thousands of dollars deeper into debt to finance the perfect holiday season.   

For anyone who wants to have a less stressful, more joyful holiday season and celebrate without breaking the bank, syndicated personal finance columnist Mary Hunt is here to help.

“Here’s my challenge for you,” writes Hunt. “This Christmas, lock up the credit cards and let me show you how to experience the best Christmas ever with no debt, less stress, and more joy!”

In Debt-Proof Your Christmas Hunt helps readers assess their financial situation, commit to no new debt and think creatively about their gift list. With her guidance, readers will identify what has caused them to overspend in the past and approach this holiday season with a plan and a new attitude toward holiday spending. This just might be the best gift you can give yourself and your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Hunt is an award-winning and bestselling author, syndicated columnist and sought-after motivational speaker who created a global platform that is making strides to help men and women battle the epidemic impact of consumer debt. She is founder and publisher of the interactive website Debt-Proof Living, which features financial tools, resources and information for her online members. Her books have sold more than a million copies and her daily newspaper column is nationally syndicated through Creators Syndicate and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of Everyday Cheapskate readers. Hunt speaks widely on personal finance and has appeared on shows such as Good Morning America, Oprah, Dr. Phil and Focus on the Family. She and her husband live in California.

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Thanks to Baker Publishing Group for providing a copy of this book for review.