Book Review and Giveaway: Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson

This is a charming story and lovely for Christmas.

Christmas at Harrington's
by Melody Carlson

• Hardcover: 167 pages
• Publisher: Revell (October 1, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0800719255
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719258

Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

Review:
Lena Markham was raised by a harsh, strict man who wanted to be a minister but didn’t quite make it. A charismatic man came as the new pastor to their community and Lena’s father decided that Daniel would make a good husband for Lena. Lena was happy with the idea of marrying Daniel and the marriage seemed okay at first. Lena was helping out by doing the financial bookkeeping for the church but then she realized that monies were missing...and she suspected it was her new husband. When the congregation learns of the embezzlement, Lena is blamed and convicted as her husband betrays her in court.

Eight years later Lena is released from prison and directed to start a new life in a new town. She is fortunate to make friends on the bus with a sweet elderly woman, Moira, who will be a neighbor in New Haven. After Lena gets settled in the boarding house she visits Moira who gives her some clothes, including a red coat with white fir trim. Lena is able to secure a job as Mrs. Santa at the local department store, Harrington’s. The children love her and she is a great success until a bitter woman from her old hometown recognizes her and threatens to reveal her pas.

The townspeople become divided as some want to condemn her for her past and others feel she deserves a second chance. Lena feels she has paid enough for crimes she didn’t even commit. She decides that she will stand up for herself and face the negative people. Lena finds courage, help and strength with the support of new friends. Two young girls, Moira’s granddaughter and the daughter of the owner of Harrignton, have an important influence and input in the story. Moira’s son, Sam, changes his tune from first judging Lena without knowing her, to seeking to clear her name.

My bookclub ladies and I found this story to be delightful. The only complaint was that it was too short as several wanted to know more of how Lena faired. The writing is very easy to read and the characters had warmth and depth. There were good discussions regarding judging others, how we react to those who have served time in prison and how even Christians can tear down people they should seek to help. We were glad that our second book by Ms. Carlson proved so much more likeable than our first read. Several of us are looking forward to reading more of Ms. Carlson, especially her Christmas stories.

This was our Ladies' Book Club read for December meeting.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for Hardcover Print Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

Don't forget to fill in the form for entry! 

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest; OR tell me about another book by this author that you enjoyed; OR comment on the review.

* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on December 18, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 18, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

BookBlast Feature with Giveaway: Silver-White

Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …

Big time.

On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Praise
"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan

Purchase ~ just .99 cents

Amazon Kindle

Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday December 9, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
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.
For DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Gilion @ Rose City Reader

[Starting September, Bob of Beauty in Ruins will be the new back-up host for Mailbox Monday.]

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

I received two ebooks for review. 
I also purchased one print book and two Kindle books.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from Author for review:

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella

I also received a Christmas Novella from Ms. Vella but it is not yet available to show image or link.

Won

None this week.

Purchased

I purchased The Harbinger for my book club ladies as a Christmas gifts. We will be reading this for meeting and review in January.
I already had the book on Kindle but I purchased the study guide in print to help me lead the discussion.

The Harbinger Companion With Study Guide: Decode the Mysteries and Respond to the Call that Can Change America's Future-and Yours
by Jonathan Cahn

and

Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1)
by Shawn Underhill

I am participating in a Bookblast for this

and decided to read it.

Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by Hagee John

This is another prophetic work we have been discussing during
Sunday School and I am anxious to read it.

Free

I downloaded about 20 free Kindle Titles this week, linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Free Par-tay, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

It's Monday What are You Reading? December 9, 2013

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 had a busy week traveling to Tampa for a work conference and returning for another quick visit with my sister and brother-in-law in town for the weekend.

I only finished one longer eBook and am still reading the print and listening to the audio.  I posted three reviews, one with Tour  Giveaway. 
I also posted the regular weekly memes and posts (except the Saturday Snapshot): Mailbox Monday, Friday Pick Giveaway,  Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

Once again I got minimal visiting done being busy, having guests and being tired. Maybe I'll get some visiting in this week. 
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? December 2, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday 12/9/13.

• Book Review, Song Inspiration and Giveaway Link: Shrouded by Frances Pauli, Sci Fi Romance; my rating 5.0.  eBook giveaway Ends 12/10.

• Audible Book Review: Iron Gray Sea: Destroyermen, Book 7 by Taylor Anderson, Alternate History; my rating 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 6, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/12/13.

• Book Review: Waning Moon (The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy) by PJ Sharon, Post-Apocalyptic; my rating 4.25. 

• Sharing Beyond Books #129 Comment Giveaway 12/7/13. Open Worldwide. Ends 12/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 8, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser
I enjoyed this fantasy 
and will post a review this week.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
I have several print files to upload as soon as I get cover flats and final proofs.
Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link: Gift Cards for the Holidays!

Currently reading:
1. Audio/MP3

Title: The New Space Opera 2
Editor: Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Stahan
Author: Various
Narrator: Various
I am still listening to the 23 hours of stories but I'm a good three quarters along.
There are some great stories; some too short. :-)
I received this for review through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher/Date: Blackstone Audio, 09/01/13
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

Christmas in Lucky Harbor:
Simply Irresistible/The Sweetest Thing/
Two Bonus Short Stories
by Jill Shalvis
I'm enjoying The Sweetes Thing; about half way.
Received and reviewing for Hachette. 
Click on book title for full description

3. eBook/Kindle
 

The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus 
by Scott Roloff
I will be starting this tomorrow.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2013
A Christmas book for children, families, and anyone who has ever wondered how Santa Claus came to be. This book will permit you and your family to enjoy Santa Claus and the other secular customs of Christmas within the Christian celebration of Jesus’s birth. For little children, Santa Claus becomes a real person delivering presents to them from Jesus. Each Christmas season, reading a chapter a night will become a holiday tradition for the entire family.
[Description continues at link.]

4. eBook/Kindle

Lady In Disguise (The Langley Sisters)
by Wendy Vella
I am looking forward to enjoying this.
Reviewing for the author.
Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
Desperate and penniless, Miss Olivia Langley is out of options. To ensure her family's survival she and her sister decide to take a drastic step - they don masks and take to the road as highwaymen. Disaster strikes when, inside the first carriage they rob, they find the one man Olivia had hoped never to see again. Five years ago Lord William Ryder had broken Livvy's heart. Now he has returned and she has a bad feeling that if anyone can succeed at unmasking her deepest secrets, it will be him.
Will knew his return would be greeted with both joy and resentment, but after five years of hard living he was ready to come home and take his place in society. He had never forgotten Olivia no matter how hard he'd tried, and whilst he hadn't imagined she would welcome him with open arms, the hostility and anger she displays are at odds with the woman he once knew. It is not long before he realizes she's living a dangerous lie, and now that he’s back, Will is determined to keep her safe and finally claim her for his own.

I am really lagging but still listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I have been remiss and not keeping up with daily reading with my DH.

Line Edits: I will still be finalizing four print releases.

I want to keep enjoying adding stories from my own TBR. :-) I have added few titles to my current line up for December.
I didn't get caught up last week but my backlog for review is now four books and I hope to post four or five this week and then I'll be up to date again.

December Scheduled

12/10 (moved from 12/7) Review and Giveaway Christmas at Harringtons
12/9 $100 Book Blast Silver-White by Shawn Underhill


Hachette
CHRISTMAS IN LUCKY HARBOR by Jill Shalvis (reading)

NetGalley:
  couple requests pending

Authors
   The Wanderers by Cheryl Mahoney - blog friend author
   Christmas on Main Street Anthology  - picked up at Kindle
   The Innkeeper of Bethlehem–The Story of Santa Claus by Scott Roloff  - auhor request
    Lady in Disguise by Wendy Vella - author request
    Christmas Novella by Wendy Vella - author request

AudioBook Jukebox 
    The New Space Opera 2 (listening now)
    more to come

From TBR Collection - Angel Christmas Anthology
Won Book - Carving Angels by Diane Stringam Tolley
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 8, 2013

[As noted the first Sunday of December I am sharing e a bit of advent messages during this beautiful season along with songs from our choir program.]

ADVENT WEEK TWO is a time of Conception... a time to reflect that God left his throne on high and came to be born a man in a simple manger in a humble, little town.

The four weeks of the Discerning Advent program with podcasts are shared and available online and through email at God in All Things.

Week Two :: Annunciation
Mary’s kind of freedom, that is, not clinging, is a surrendering to God’s will. It exemplifies a true cooperation with the divine which leads to the incarnation of Jesus. By discovering this freedom within us, we can better cooperate with the divine through discernment. Putting aside our own expectations—though not dismissing our deep desires—will lead to a new incarnation in the form of a decision.

Our guest Pastor this morning also spoke of the Angel's visit to Mary. PastorB noted that, although the news to her was overwhelming, Mary accepted and submitted herself to God's plan. Then PastorB asked "What happened after the angel left?"  Once the excitement of the moment is passed, how should we respond? We can follow the example of Mary to (1) continually remember the promise and the commitment we made; (2) visit and help someone else who may have more trouble (an elderly, pregnant Elizabeth); and (3) give Thanks and Praise to God for the blessings already received (Mary's Magnificat prayer).

This song is a duet and choir piece that we shared this morning.

I looked at a dozen or so versions online.  I chose this one because of the lovely interpretive dance. 

A Verse for Today:
Luke 1:38 (NIV)
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Even when the excitement of worship is over, I will carry your word and promises, and my commitment to trust you, in my heart. Thank you, my Lord, for all the blessings you have already given to me. Help me to share with others and to maintain my TRUST that you will see me through whatever plans that you have for me.