Book Review and Giveaway: The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

This is a quick read and a sweet, inspiring Christmas story based on a real life event.
The Great Christmas Bowl
by Susan May Warren

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 184
Vendor: Tyndale House
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 1414326785
ISBN-13: 9781414326788
Availability: Kindle Link
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 7, 2012
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship. Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot—the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea. When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas. As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?

Review:
Marianne loves staging her traditional holidays with her family. She and her EMT husband, Mike, are soon to be empty-nesters as four of their children have moved away to college. The youngest son, Kevin, is in high school and has finally joined the school football team, the Big Lake Trouts.

Marianne is disappointed that only a couple of the kids are coming home for Thanksgiving but she is still excited. Meanwhile she has been cheering on the Trouts who look like they have a chance to go to the state championship! Then the team lucky cheering mascot, an older gentleman who wears a large trout costume, has a heart attack. Kevin begs his mom to step in as the replacement trout. As embarrassing as that might be, Marianne can’t refuse her son.

To add to Marianne’s harassed holiday season she has been ‘drafted’ to be the new Hospitality Chairwoman at her church. That makes her responsible to handle the annual Christmas Tea. The older ladies of the church want the usual Swedish Meetballs but some of the younger ladies want a change. Marianne suggests making her famous Clam Chowder but the idea isn’t warmly received. She keeps putting off how to handle the situation even as the day creeps closer. Kevin and Mike are busy so she ends up decorating the tree by herself and dealing with more disappointing news that her children aren’t going to make it home for Christmas.

Marianne slowly, and hilariously, wiggles into her role as the Big Lake Trout. As the team continues to win the press shows up and interviews the 'Big Trout'. Someone mentions the Christmas dinner but it comes out as a Christmas Soup, and is misinterpreted as a Soup Kitchen.  Marianne is ready to give up but surprising help turns the problem into a success.

I loved the easy flow of this story and the real-life feel. I could picture Marianne’s reluctance to be the team fish and to be the hospitality chairwoman. I could also feel her frustrations and disappointments. I loved how Kevin began to stretch and grow in a great way and how his actions shine with the good things he has been taught. The circumstances surrounding the Tea hit close to home for me as we are preparing for our annual church tea to be held in January. This one is a fun story that makes you think about the true meaning of hospitality; of serving and helping others. I recommend this as a fun read with a good message.

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

Marianne's dilemma with the Church Tea:

"Did  you know that the real meaning of hospitality is 'giving comfort to strangers'?"... "If we want to have a party for ourselves, then let's just call it that."

This is a fun, quick read which I picked up as a Bargain sale at CBD for our  Ladies Book Club.

This is set in Big Lake, north of Twin Cities, Minnesota for My Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add this to my New Author Challenge list.(I thought I read this author before but looking over her titles I do not recognize any.)
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for PRINT COPY - Two Winners.

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

* This contest is open INTERNATIONALLY.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 11, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 12, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Mailbox Monday December 31, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Suko's Notebook!

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

Well - the last week of 2012 and I did add more books to my ever expanding garden! 
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Before I list the books though, I have to show this wonderful BOOKMARK I received as a RAK gift from a very sweet blogger friend! This is a homemade bookmark with a little bird pendent (I love birds!) and it is such a sweet, touching gift! It came with a lovely Christmas card and a encouraging, handwritten (rarity!) letter. Thank you Miki! I will treasure the thoughts and the gift.

Review Titles

This week I picked up four review books through NetGalley invitations:

Forever/Hachette
Immortal Craving (Dark Dynasties) 
by Kendra Leigh Castle 
(Rel 1/29/12)
 

Thomas Nelson:    

              

Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) 
by Dorothy Love 
(Rel 12/4/12)

An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection

Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Kelly Long  (Rel 12/18/12)

 

Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) 

by Margaret Brownley

(Rel 1/8/13)

Wins

None

Purchased

I purchased several Sourcebooks 12 More Days of Christmas offerings for $.99 each.

Day 1 Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony

Day 2 Embrace and Entice by Jessica Shervington

Day 3 In Rides Trouble and Rev it Up by Julie Ann Walker

Day 4 Mariana and The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley

I also purchased a set recommended by a friend:Tall, Dark, and Deadly 3 book box set $1.99

Free

From Free Book Partay 12/27:
Featured Romantic Suspense
Nights in White Satin, by Taylor Lee
His Dark Desires, by Jennifer St. Giles
Before She Dies, by Rita Herron
Walk the Right Road, by Lorhainne Eckhart
Catch Me if You Can, by Nina Bruhns

Featured Mystery, Thriller, Horror
Optical Delusions in Deadwood, by
Ann Charles
Gauntlet, by Carolyn McCray
HeartsBlood, by Carolyn McCray
Dark Lullaby, by Carolyn McCray
Targeted, by Carolyn McCray
All Hallow's Eve, by Carolyn McCray

Featured Historical Romance
The Nude, by Dorothy McFalls
Much Ado About Mavericks, by Jacquie Rogers
The Heart's Companion, by Holly Newman
Ridiculous, by D.L. Carter

More Featured Romance
Kiss of an Angel, by Janelle Denison
Provoking the Spirit, by Crista McHugh
Her Greek Romance, by Mona Risk

Featured Non-Fiction/Lighthearted/Children's
Pups in Tea Cups, by Carolyn McCray
The Creation, by Nancy Radke
Invasion of the Blue Lights, by Ruth Glick

I downloaded about 60 additional free Kindle Titles.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12/31/12

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I already miss our son, Hui and baby, but it is nice to be back home ... although we are much colder!
This week I will be working to 'catch-up' in the office.
I had a good reading week last week (flying time helped) finishing six books. I posted three reviews, one with giveaway and one with Book Blitz giveaway. I posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. (I completely forgot Saturday Snapshot Saturday morning!)

I did get to do some visiting last week which I enjoyed. 
Thanks again to all the nice people who visit me too.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 24, 2012.

• Mailbox Monday 12/24/12.

• Merry Christmas - Welcome Baby Jesus! 

• Book Review: Godspeed: A Love Story by Dan Chabot; Inspirational fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Double Danger by Dee Davis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0. Ends 1/4/13

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 28, 2012. Open Worldwide. Ends 1/3/13.

• Book Review: Perfection Unleashed by Jade Kerrion; Science Fiction; my rating 4.5.

• Blog Tour Blitz and Giveaway Link for Double Helix Series.

• Sharing Beyond Books #80 Comment Giveaway 12/29/12. Ends 1/4/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 30 2012.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle
 

Godspeed: a love story by Dan Chabot
Review linked above. Watch for Author Guest Post and Giveawy to be posted in January.

2. Print

Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel)
by Dee Davis
Review and Giveaway linked above.

3. eBook/Kindle

 Perfection Unleashed (Book 1 of the Double Helix series)
Jade Kerrion
Review and Bewitching Blog Tour Blitz with Giveaway linked above.

4. Audio
 

The Broken Token
by Chris Nickson (Author), Steven Pacey (Narrator)
I enjoyed this different audio and will post a review this week. Reviewing for Creative Content through AudioBook Jukebox.

5. Print

The Great Christmas Bowl
by Susan May Warren
This is a fun, quick read. I will post a review tomorrow.
Book Description
Publication Date: December 7, 2012
Marianne Wallace is focused on two things this holiday season: planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship. Disaster strikes when the team loses their mascot—the Trout. Is it going too far to ask her to don the costume? So what if her husband has also volunteered her to organize the church Christmas tea. When football playoffs start ramping up, the Christmas tea starts falling apart. Then, one by one her children tell her they can’t come home for Christmas. As life starts to unravel, will Marianne remember the true meaning of the holidays?

6. eBook/Kindle

Christmas Promises: The Christmas Eve Bride\A Marriage Proposal for Christmas\A Bride for Christmas
by Lynne Graham, Carole Mortimer, Marion Lennox
This is a delightful collection. 
I will post a review this week. 
Received from Harlequin through Netgalley. 

Line Edits: I am still working on more formats.

Currently reading:
I am just starting all of these.
1. Print

Last Chance Christmas
by Hope Ramsay
I just started this and like it already!
Reviewing for Forever, division of Hachette.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Dear Reader,
I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!
Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes

2. eBook/Kindle

The Reluctant Countess: A Loveswept Historical Romance
by Wendy Vella
I liked the sound of this.
Author Q&A and Review to post for 1/9.
Reviewing for Random House.
Book Description
Publication Date: January 14, 2013
From rising romance star Wendy Vella comes a Cinderella story of whirlwind passion between a dashing earl and a beautiful countess—and the secret that threatens to tear them apart.

Regal, poised, and elegant, Sophie, Countess of Monmouth, is everything that a highborn lady should be. But Sophie is hiding a past that is far from royal. When Patrick, Earl of Coulter, realizes that her story doesn’t add up, he resolves to find out the truth of what Sophie and her sister-in-law are concealing. Although Sophie has every reason to avoid him, the handsome and charismatic Patrick awakens something wicked deep within her soul . . . a powerful need that Sophie must stifle in order to protect her place in society.

Despite Sophie’s humble background, the raven-haired beauty has won Patrick’s heart. But what Sophie needs now is an ally. Viscount Myles Dumbly, the disgruntled former heir of Monmouth, is determined to expose Sophie as a fraud to recapture his lost inheritance. Soon Patrick is drawn into a fight for both their lives. Somehow he must find a way not only to rescue Sophie from poverty once and for all, but to keep her in his arms forever.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: The Escape Diaries, The Devil’s Thief, and The Magic.

3. ebook/Kindle
 

Rise of the Fire Tamer (The Wordwick Games #1) (An SAT Prep Dystopian Fiction)
by Kailin Gow
This looks interesting and fun.
My review will post on 1/10 as part of Book Blast Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word's mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia. Official Book Trailer at: youtube.com/watch?v=COc3-8c_hnM&NR=1

Book 1 of The Wordwick Games
Book 2: The Ascension - Fall 2010
Book 3: The Return - 2011

I plan to continue listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on my new MP3.] I am going back to studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: I am completing one format this week and working on conversions.

I started with 15 books for December and completed 16 but still had two carry forwards.
I have listed 16 for January with Audios to be added. 
Reviews to Post this week from December:
The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
Christmas Promises by Lynne Graham, Carole Mortimer, Marion Lennox
The Broken Token by Chris Nickson

Scheduled for January - NOTE THREE GIVEAWAY HOPS THIS MONTH!:
1/3  Book Blast: Dead Running by Cami Checketts
1/4  Clear the Shelf Giveaway Hop
1/7  Guest Post Jade Kerrion (Bewitching Blog Tour)
1/8  Book Blast: The Fire Tamer by Kalin Gow
1/9  Review and Author Q&A The Reluctant Countess by Wendy Vella (Random House)
1/10 Review: The Fire Tamer by Kalin Gow (BookBlast Tour)
1/15 No Strings Giveaway Hop
1/18 Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
1/19 Review: Dead Running by Cami Checketts (BookBlast Tour)
1/21 Book Blast: DayNight by Megan Thomason
1/23 Review: DayNight by Megan Thomason (BookBlast Tour)
1/28 Book Blast: Jack Templar: Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Unscheduled (dates after the author indicate the release date):
Sourcebooks
The Officer Breaks the Rules (Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful) by Jeanette Murray (1/8/13) (Print giveaway)

Hachette
Last Chance Christmas by Hope Ramsay (carry forward) (Print giveaway)
Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle (1/29/13)

NET GALLEY
      Random House:
           The Escape Diaries by Juliet Rosetti(12/10/12)

     Thomas Nelson (Hope to post with Giveaways)
          Every Perfect Gift (A Hickory Ridge Romance) by Dorothy Love(12/4/12)
         An Amish Kitchen Anthology/Collection (12/18/12)
         Waiting for Morning (The Brides Of Last Chance Ranch Series) by Margaret Brownley (1/8/13)

Audiobook Jukebox
I am requesting new books. 

Authors
The Blessed and the Damned (Righteous Series #4) by Michael Wallace (carry forward) (10/2/12)
The Publicist by Christina George (12/3/12)

Ladies Book Club (Will post with Giveaways)
(The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren - done)
The Perfect Match (Hometown Mysteries) by Janice Hanna

(I'm thinking I'd like to do a title with January or Winter in it for one of these)
TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords - TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 30, 2012

Although we enjoyed two wonderfully spirited services while visiting in Hawaii, I am glad to be back to our 'home' church. We had, as always, a good Sunday School lesson  - I think our teacher really meditates on God's word and is inspired when he shares with us. (Thank you GT.)

Our Pastor asked a question for the Sermon today. It is perfect to complete the arrival of Christ after the waiting and anticipating through Advent. It is also perfect for looking forward to the adventures - ups and downs- of a new year.  The question is: Is God really in control?

(These are my thoughts inspired by Pastor's message.) If you believe that God is in control, then you do not need to worry; you should not hold onto problems but ask for His help in big and little things.  You can TRUST that He loves you, He created you, He knows your needs better than you do and He has a particular plan for your life; He sees the completed tapestry while we struggle to untangle the threads. He has provided a Savior to intercede for you, to pay your sin debt, and make a way for you. He not only covers, but washes away your darkness to allow you to come before Him clean and unblemished so He can welcome you to share in His Kingdom and eternal life. There are no 'ifs, buts or excepts'...you believe and trust with assurance or you suffer the ravages of the trials of this world with no hope of something better.

I have to say that I am blessed when I go searching for songs for my Sunday posts! Today I have chosen a song that was new to me. It seems so fitting first because it recognizes that Jesus is here but also because I can relate to the precious gift of our new granddaughter, Victoria Joy.  A baby is so amazing and to think that our Savior came into the world so helpless but with the divine purpose to save us.
It is truly awe inspiring to me and I find this beautiful.

A Verse for Today:
Psalm 71:5 NIV
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.

My prayer today: Thank you Lord for all that you have done for me and how richly you have blessed me. Please be in control of my life, not only for 2013 but at all times; allow your light to shine through me, to bring glory to you.

Winner of Hunk for the Holidays

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER OF

Giveaway Ended December 28, 2012 

Giveaway: Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane

Cassandra please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I'll get the book mailed.  Please reply within 72 hours!