THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE by Melody Carlson - Book Review

Melody Carlson has done it again. She has given us a Christmas novella, a quick read to warm our hearts. The Christmas Shoppe takes place in a small town, where everyone is entwined in each others' lives, and has a strong opinion about everything. The townfolk are very protective of their town, and then a stranger comes in their midst. Well, Matilda Honeycutt is beyond strange! She is eccentric. She sets up shop right in the upscale section of town, and no one knows quite what to make of it. Finally, curiosity gets the better of the citizens of Parrish Springs, and one by one, they enter the shop and their lives are changed.

Personally, I found the story line predictable, and there were so many characters that none were developed to any depth. The story seemed to come to a close quickly, and it wasn't entirely satisfying. I feel that if one or two of the characters had been developed more fully, it would have been more satisfactory. I had looked forward to reading this book, since last year's offering, Christmas At Harrington's, was a true delight. Melody is an excellent writer, but I found this particular book disappointing.

Melody Carlson is the popular author of more than 200 books, including The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's. She was recently nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market. She lives with her husband in Oregon.

Melody's website is http://www.melodycarlson.com/. Follow Melody on Facebook Melody Carlson Books.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

IMAGINE! WOMEN of FAITH EVENT - ROCHESTER

How does one put into words the impact of this Women of Faith event? It was all that we had hoped for, and more. How uplifting to be in the midst of 8,000+ women, raising our voices in praise to our awesome God!

This was our first WoF event. We loved hearing from great speakers - Sheila Walsh, Luci Swindoll, Lisa Harper, Angie Smith, and Dr. Henry Cloud. We could relate so well to Nicole Johnson's dramatic presentations, and laughed till it hurt along with Ken Davis. We joined hearts and voices with the worship team, and were blessed by the singing of Natalie Grant and Mary Mary.

I was thrilled that WoF events give an opportunity to reach out to others. 650 children were sponsored through World Vision, donations were made to a local outreach, and Liberty University was promoted.

The concourse was full of tables with books, CD's and DVD's, Bibles, t shirts, and gifts. Just wish I'd brought more money!!

Imagine the logistics involved in providing lunch for over 8,000 women. It went smoothly.

We made use of the breaks to chat with those around us. We were so happy to note that we were surrounded by other Canadians, as well as by Booksneeze bloggers.

There were a number of 'God moments' for us personally, and we can just imagine that God was doing amazing things in many lives.
Sheila's message touched me deeply. "The Shepherd knows where we are, and He won't leave us. One day, He will bring us all the way home."

Thanks, Thomas Nelson Publishers and Booksneeze for the two free tickets. My daughter and I were truly blessed.

Imagine! Women of Faith, Rochester, NY

What a day we've had at the Women of Faith Imagine! Event in Rochester! Can you imagine being together with 8,000 women, praising our amazing God? The speakers today gave messages that challenged us. We laaughed till it seemed our seams would burst, and also shed a few tears. We can't wait for another full day tomorrow.

WOMEN OF FAITH - ROCHESTER, NY

Well, here we are, my daughter and I, resting in our hotel room in Henrietta, NY. We are looking forward to our first Women of Faith event. We are expecting that the Blue Cross Arena will be filled with like-minded women, praising God through music and drama, and being challenged in our faith by some great speakers. We told the front desk clerk that we were here for a women's event, and he asked if it was Women of Faith! He said that was really a big deal. For sure, it WILL be!

I will write more tomorrow.

I received two free tickets from Thomas Nelson Publishers, sponsors of Women of Faith. I blog for them as a part of their Booksneeze program.