LAST MONTH FOR 2011 CHALLENGE!!  WHO IS GLAD?  lol!

We will use this thread to discuss possible books to be used for any of the categories. 

This is the link to keep up with your Challenge List:

2011 Christian Reading Challenge - Lists Only!!!
 

I will also post the instruction here in this thread on how to keep up with the Points Bonus Categories.

When we actually start the challenge in January, I will start a new thread where we will discuss our actual books that we have read.  This way, it won't get confusing when we go to add our points for the different bonus categories.

Feel free to post any questions about books, authors, etc.

Peace to all who enter.

If anyone is interested in posting their totals to a spreadsheet that I created, here is the form to do so.

There is a place to post number of reviews, WL books posted, TBR books mailed, and number of pages.

You can post as often as you would like, doesn't have to be weekly.  Also, it is not necessary to do so.

CF 2011 Reading Challenge Recap Form

TOTALS FOR YEAR (Updated through November):

 Books Reviewed------------64 for 64 points

 Pages Read----------------18,118 pages;  ??? points

 Books Posted to WL---------13 for 13 points

 Oldest on TBR Read--------10 for 20 Points (Read the 10 oldest from my TBR)

NOVEMBER TOTALS:   # Books Reviewed- 5 ,   # WL Books Posted to PBS --  1,    # pages --  1220 pages 

1.  A Treasury of Christmas Miracles: True Stories of God's Presence Today : Karen Kingsbury     176 pages
2.  Best Christmas Ever: Phillip Barnhart     24 pages
3. The One Forever Promise: The Californias : Sean Donovan and Donovan's Daughter : Lori Wick  460 pages   WL Posted to PBS bookshelf
4. The Unfinished Gift :: Dan Walsh     256 pages
5. The Christmas Secret: Donna VanLiere    304 pages

Reviewing White Christmas Pie Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter and giving it a rating of 4.5 stars.  The story begins with a small boy and his father who have been visiting an Amish family.  The boy's Mom had died and the Dad was a truck driver.  Seeing that he didn't think being on the road in the tractor trailer was a good life for the boy, he asked the couple if he could leave the child with them temporarily while he searches for a better more stable job.  He leaves leaving a note for his son explaining why he has left and that he will return for him.

Fast forward to when the son is now 18 yrs old, has adopted the Amish way of life, and is engaged to marry.......but is very bitter towards his father.  He never saw the note, the family moved taking him with them, and he's always wondered why his Dad left.

The Dad is remarried with two daughters and has been looking for his son.  As the family moved, he has no ideal where they are.....

Eventually he finds the boy with the help of his wife.........read the book to see how it turns out.  Why did the family move and not contact the father?  Why did the father not go back for his son?  Does the son accept his father?  Does he marry his finance?  Does he leave the Amish religion or stay? 

The book includes a recipe for White Christmas Pie;  looks yummy!!!!!!!!

Open the Sky  by Mark Winheld 4 stars

This is the story of missionary pilot Dwayne King (as it says on the cover). This biography was written by his friend and fellow traveler, and is a timeline of Dwayne's life with plenty of anecdotes and memoirs from various people. Some of Dwayne's experiences in both Alaska and Russia were rather harrowing, You can see how God has worked in his life and the lives of those around him.

I borrowed this book from the public library because I am familiar with Dwayne King's story and wanted to read his biography. I live in the area he is from, and he has spoken at church many times. He is a good speaker and quite the storyteller. I also know some of the people in the book who gave testimonies about Dwayne and his ministry. This book has been an interesting read and makes you appreciate living in America (versus Russia) where we have more religious freedom.  

Reviewing  I'll Be Home for Christmas :: Julie L. Cannon that I finished reading today and I'll give it 4.9 stars.  It's the first one of the When I Fall in Love series by Summerside Press......Each book of this series is titled the name of an oldie love song...........This one takes place during WWII.  The heroine loses her mother to cancer, her friend she's know since childhood proposes to her but not wanting to realize there is love there, she enlists in the WAVES and leaves town.  Her leaving is an effort to leave behind the memories of her mother and a God she no longer trusts......

A very interesting book and a good story!!  Not posting it as of yet; it's held for a swap.

Longing by Karen Kingsbury 4 stars

This is the third and next to last book in the Bailey Flanigan series. Bailey is working on Broadway in NY and dating actor Brandon. She's still hurt by Cody keeping his distance. Cody is dealing with a few personal issues as well. I liked the book, but in typical Kingsbury style, the ending is a cliffhanger and you have to read the last book (which isn't out yet of course) to see how it all ends. I will say that I do not like the cover of this book. The cover for the PBS listing is much nicer than the cover on the actual book. This is a Christmas present for someone so I'm not posting it.

I will say that I do not like the cover of this book.

I agree Virginia.  Wonder if they changed the cover design along the way or if there are two editions.

Colorado Wings: Four Inspirational Love Stories With a Dash of Intrigue (Inspirational Romance Collections) :: Tracie Peterson 4 stars

This was an enjoyable anthology.  Since it was written by one author, it was consistant.  The characters from each novella were carried over to the other stories.  At times I had to stop and think "now who is this".  The first story started out a sweet romance with not much mystery, but plenty of excitement as the main character begins to leave her house and face her fears, including flying.  The 2nd story began the mystery & action that I enjoy in my books, and carried out through the rest of the book. 

4 short stories, instead of 478 pages was less intimdating to start, but once started I read right through.  This was one of my 10 oldest books to get read.  I had put it off because of the length  Now I'm glad I have read it.  This was the best challenge requirement!

This was the best challenge requirement!

I agree.  I thoroughly enjoyed every one of the 10 oldest I read for this challenge and was left wondering why I waited so long to read it.  Now I'm going to read the oldest book on my TBR every month.  In fact, in November I started a series I collected probably two years ago.  I read book 1 in November and will read at least book 2 in December.  Because of the busy season and "swap reading" I don't know if I'll get to book 3 in December or not, but I sure will in January.

House of Secrets by Tracie Peterson 3 stars

This is a contemporary novel about a family that deals with mental illness. The story is told by the oldest daughter, Bailee, and she has dreams that bring back what happened as a child. When the three sisters confront their father about the past, they learn some interesting things. I thought the book was good. I don't usually read books about this subject matter and this author is more known for her historical novels. Returning this to the library.

Advent of a Mystery by Marilyn Leach 2 stars

This is a cozy mystery set in England. She's a parish priest's wife and can't resist getting involved in a murder investigation. The story takes place around Christmas and involves an Advent wreath. I thought the story was dull and didn't like it much. I picked up this book because it's about Christmas, but wasn't impressed.

I don't remember ... Do we get a point for audio books if we review them?

Beyond the Gathering Storm :: Janette Oke -- audio version 3 stars

The reader's voices for the female characters irritated me.  I would have enjoyed this simple story much more in print.  I feel this story would be a good choice for young teens to learn that respect in a relationship is very important and that you can say no. 

Finished reading One Imperfect Christmas Author: Myra Johnson and giving it 4.9 stars!   the story begins with Natalie's mother suffering a stroke and continues with how Natalie's guilt and worry over her Mother tears her away from her husband and teenage daughter............A beautiful family story, Get the tissues!   A quote from the books says it all:  "I think I get it.  Family should mean we don't ever have to wonder if we're good enough or if we're forgiven.  Our family loves us no matter what."   WL book posted to bookshelf and already taken..........
 

A Christmas Promise (Cape Light) :: Thomas Kinkade, Katherine Spencer 4 stars

It wasn't long before I felt like I knew the characters and wanted to see what life would bring them next.  The bible messages were woven into the story nicely, and fit the situations well.  They also made me think -- always a good thing.

Running Around (and Such) by Linda Byler 2.5 stars

This is an Amish novel based on the experiences of the author, who is Amish. Whether they are her personal experiences or of someone she knows, I don't know. I like some Amish books, but this one annoyed me. There were too many flashbacks to earlier times. This made the storyline seem choppy. A statement in the front of the book says this book has material from 5 previously published books. The ending wasn't much either but I know there are 2 more books.

Completed God's Guest List: Discovering the Surprising Purpose of the People in Our Lives by Debbie Macomber last night.  This is one of her nonfiction books.  All of Debbie's books aren't considered christian reading but this is one that is (per christianbooks.com).  I give it 4.9 stars.

In the book she discusses the guests God sends into our lives and how they affect our lives.  They may be permanent in our lives or just passing through: from our parents to our spouse or children, friends, or just someone you pass on a street.............up to the most important guest of all: God.  This book brought a sense of meaning to me; of appreciation of everyone I meet......lets me know to pay attention and look at everyone........to see the reason God brought them to me.   I know there are several PBS friends who I want to put on my guest list; I know they were sent from God to me for a purpose.

I'm not posting this wishlisted book at this time; it is on hold for a swap.........(I almost had it posted this morning and went oops!  Saw it would go to a PBS friend of mine but have to hold out since I've revealed it......If it's not taken, maybe it'll go to someone I know  :0)
 

I Shall Not Want (Psalm 23, Bk 2) :: Debbie Viguie 5 stars

I don't like most cozies, but this one I really enjoyed.  Maybe it was the dogs involved in the plot, or maybe because it read more like a mystery than a cozy.  LOL!  Is there a difference?  To me there is.  This was my first book of the series, and I quickly grew to love the characters.  I liked that the rabi and Christian church secretary were friends and worked together solving the crimes.  There were lessons to be learned through the book, but not thrown at you in a preachy manner.  I think I'll go check on other books in the series.

Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love 3.5 stars

This is a novel about Ada, who leaves Boston to take a position as a woman's companion in TN. Some of the townspeople are rude to her due to her Northern heritage, especially since the Civil War had ended 5 years earlier. Her companion is a crabby old woman who is rather amusing at times. And of course there is a romance between Ada and her companion's nephew. I liked this book and have to return it to the library.

Finished and reviewing For One More Day :: Mitch Albom.....I'll give it 4.5 stars.   It's another touching story of Alboms......It begins with him being at his lowest........attempting suicide but not succeeding when his Mother who has been for several years appears and he's given one more day with her.  During this time, he tries to right the wrongs he's done...........One of the highlights of the book are his lists of Time My Mother Stood Up for Me and Times I Didn't Stand Up for my Mother.........
 

A Soldier's Promise (USAF Pararescue Jumper, Bk 1) (Love Inspired, No 430) (Larger Print) :: Cheryl Wyatt 5 stars

I love these short, quick romances.  This was my favorite style romance -- sweet & sassy dialogue -- a little bit of adventure -- a child to be loved -- and a cat named Physcoticat.  :) 

ETA:  One of my 10 oldest books to get read for the challenge

Nipped in the Bud by Susan Sleeman 3 stars

This is a Hometown Mystery (cozy mystery) about a landscaper who is being blamed for the city manager's murder. A handsome lawyer arrives to help her out and they start a relationship. This book has a bunch of crazy characters and is a decent read with a happy ending of sorts. I picked this book because it's been sitting on my TBR for a long time and it was a short read.

Finished reading Lost December by  Richard Paul Evans, rating it 4 stars..........It's the story of the son of the owner of multiple copy centers..........He started working at the copy centers when 12 years old, goes to college including completing his MBA.  At that time, he decides he wants something different and goes to Europe with friends, living off his trust fund.  Unbeknown to him, the trust fund is less than he thought and after visiting several countries, financing the travels for himself and his friends, he finds himself penniless.  He makes it back to the states and is now living homeless........He's picked up one night by a stranger who gives him a fresh start.  The book continues with how with the help of God, he gets his life back together............It is a wishlist book that I've posted to PBS...........
 

A Man's Heart by Lori Copeland 3.5 stars

This is the story of Jules, who breaks off her engagement with Cruz twice, then years later, returns to town when her father dies.She inherits the family potato farm and is on a quest to create the perfect potato. She struggles in relationships with Cruz, her sister and several others, finally realizing she needs to trust God. I liked the book though it was sad in parts. I would have liked to know if Jules created the perfect potato or not.  

Deep Trouble :: Mary Connealy 4 stars

Even though Mary Connealy books are in high demand, they are not my favorites.  This story didn't seem to have the humor that some of her books have.  I did enjoy the exporation of the Grand Canyon and search for the Lost City of gold. The adventure  and romance kept me interested enough to finish the book.

Finished reading The Money Answer Book: Dave Ramsey and am posting it to my bookshelf..........rated it 5 stars.  It's a great book of his for the beginner in trying to solve their financial issues.  It's simple to read and to the point.........and yes, it is listed on christianbook.com........
 

I've read my 10th oldest book on my TBR !

A Stitch in Time: No Man's Land Blossoms with Love in Four Novellas :: Cathy Marie Hake, Carol Cox, Tracey V. Bateman, Vickie McDonough 5 stars

4 easy to read stories by different authors blend well together to make one complete story about one ranching family.  The stories had a light entertaining qualty that made them fun to read.