white picket fences by Susan Meissner (GIVEAWAY!!!!)

What do you think of when you think of a white picket fence?

A little white house?

With 2.5 children and a dog?

Maybe the "perfect" family?

white picket fences by Susan Meissner is a story of the Janvier family, a family that seems to be living the perfect life. When the family decides to take in Tally, their niece and cousin, the threads of perfection begin to unravel. Meissner effortlessly weaves in multiple story lines that keep the reader enthralled - I literally could not put this book down!

A father that has disappeared, tragedies not forgotten, secrets uncovered, and stories of the Holocaust - will Tally's appearance bind the family closer together, or will their white picket fence protect their facade no more?

white picket fences is a clean, dramatic, and uplifting novel. Although the main characters don't seem to have strong, thriving relationships with the Lord, they learn that they can ALWAYS turn to Him - nothing we do can keep us from His love!

One of you lucky readers can win a copy! Just leave me a comment on this post telling me what your all-time favorite book is. I'll draw on Friday, November 20th sometime after noon.

If you don't win, you can purchase this book here.

These (2) books were provided for review and giveway by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

We Have a Winner!

Congratulations to Andrea, who won a copy of Cindy Woodsmall's "The Sound of Sleigh Bells"!

I know you'll enjoy it, Andrea!

Thanks to all who entered. I've got one more giveaway coming the beginning of next month!

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall (and a giveaway!!!!)

Yay! My first giveaway! I'm doing a happy dance so give yourself a laugh and imagine it! I don't really understand why this excites me so - but I love to win things and I'm finding that I love to be on the other end so one of my friends can win, too! :)

The Sound of Sleigh Bells was my first book of Cindy Woodsmall's to read - and let me tell ya - I love her!

Beth Hertzler is a young Amish lady, mourning the death of her fiance'. Unknown to her friends and family, she is also hiding a secret - one that has made her vow to never love again. She works alongside her never-before-married Aunt Lizzy in their family dry goods store and Lizzy wants nothing more than for Beth to live life again. She doesn't want her beloved niece to live a life of lonliness as Lizzy herself has.

Beth's soul is stirred by a woodcarving she sees in another store. Hope springs in Lizzy's heart as she sees little signs of life awaken in her niece once again.

Is this a new beginning, or will the artist and woodcarving just lead to more heartache and pain for Beth?

I loved this book! It's a lighthearted, relaxing read that I was unable to put down. (I think I finished it in less than 3 hours). The Amish storyline really intrigued me. I genuinely respect the spirit that Woodsmall portrayed of the Amish community. I admire their willingness to live how they are convicted to live - with no thought of what modern society may think of them.

This is a story of forgiveness, love and hope. I believe we can NEVER have too much of any of these! My heart and mood were lifted after reading it. So. . .

leave me a comment by next Friday, October 23rd and you will be entered to win a never-before-opened hardback copy of this book! :) (If you don't want it for yourself, it would make a great Christmas gift. . . I'm just sayin'. . . )

If you don't win, you can purchase this book at Waterbrook Press. I highly recommend it!

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah.