What are YOU Reading? Here's my two latest holiday picks.

Positively Delightful

I have a NEW favorite holiday poem.  It's called Bethlehem's Star by Bevan Olsen.  I paid only $2.99 for this 12 page story that is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.  You can read the whole poem  and see the illustrations when you click on the link. 

Google-Bethlehem's Star

I bought my copy, of all places, at my local grocery store.  And I'm so glad I just happened upon it.  You can order it on-line.  Here's a link for Google.  Again, a great price for a Christmas tale that touches your heart.

"It's time to give the gift."  That's the voice Annabelle keeps hearing, so she has to make a choice.  And it isn't easy.  Find out Annabelle's quest to give the perfect gift in the The Modern Magi.

Over Thanksgiving, I read The Modern Magi, by Carolyn Pearson, with my entire family. It's only about 60 pages, so it's an easy read to enjoy with your kids.  The story is about a woman named Annabelle who is forced to examine her willingnes to give a "true" gift, which means giving up something she wants most.  This lovely tale that teaches us about the meaning of true gift giving.  Everyone loved it!  Absolutely loved it.  I bought copies for friends and family.  Oops.  I think I just gave the surprise away.   Don't tell. 

HAPPY READING!  Amazon--Modern Magi

Holiday Picks--Suggested Reading for Christmas

During the holidays, it doesn't get any better than a steaming hot cup of cocoa and a good book.  So, if you’re like me and you love a good Christmas story check out these HOLIDAY picks.

First, may I suggest the old time classic, The Little Red Buckets. After reading it several years ago, I bought two red buckets for my family, so we could start a “red bucket” tradition of our own. At the beginning of December, my kids and I fill the red buckets with goodies and go delivering them anonymously to some of our neighbors. We love those little red buckets. We empty out the goodies on porch and ring the doorbell and run. We’ve had great memories the past couple of years carrying those red buckets from house to house. So, suggestion number one is: The Little Red Buckets-- a heart-warming story you’ll want to read again and again. Here's a blurb about it:  If you’ve ever wondered about angels, The Little Red Buckets offers an assurance. Yes, we can all serve one another and give care the way guardian angels do—but help can also come from beyond. Here’s a sweet and simple story of just such a time.

Christmas for a Dollar is an heir-loom storybook full of beautiful illustrations. It's 1931 in Bakersfield, California. America is in the midst of the Depression, and the Kamp family is struggling to get by, especially after Mrs. Kamp s untimely death. Now little Ruthie, with her mother gone and her father overwhelmed by doctor bills resulting from her brother s polio, expects another Christmas without presents or festivities. But when her father brings home one dollar in change and lets the children use it to buy special gifts for each other, the Kamps come to find that money isn't what fills Christmas with joy, love, and miracles. The Christmas Dollar can be found at Seagull, Deseret Book, and Costco as well as online at Amazon.

Santa’s Secret is a true story about a REAL Santa Claus. Phil Porter has been Santa Claus for 26 years. His true stories will touch your heart as he helps people deal with tragedy, divorce, poverty, unemployment and abuse. He spreads the true meaning of Christmas to those he serves, pointing them back to Jesus Christ. Check out this wonderful book at www.christyhardman.com/santassecret.html.

Two Stories of Faith: Eli, the Shepherd Boy and Abigail, the Innkeepers Wife are stories you’ll want to share with your family and friends. The two stories tell of the lives of two individuals who became followers of the Savior during his mortal mission and for the balance of their lives. No matter what age we may live in, the message of the Gospel is pertinent to our eternal happiness and we can and must "endure to the end." www.amazon.com/Two-Stories-Faith-Shepherd-Innkeepers/dp/1425952623/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258214653&sr=8-8

After you've had your hot chocolate rush and you just want a good book to escape with, try Missing.  It's not about Christmas, but it takes place at Christmas time.  A college choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Find out more about Missing at http://www.rondahinrichsen.com/.


The Spirit of Christmas by Jennie Hansen, Betsy Brannon Green, and Michele Ashman Bell will help you rekindle the spirit of Christmas. A timeless trio of stories told by some of the finest storytellers will bring a heartwarming message for the Season. Will Sophie really be able to get what she needs by spending the holidays alone? Will Miss Eugenia be able to give a struggling family the Christmas they want? Has five-year-old Janie's visit from Santa really been cancelled because she was bad? Find out in this perfect assortment for sharing and celebrating the holiday season. http://micheleabell.blogspot.com/

A Candle in the Window, by Michele Ashman Bell, tells about a husband and three young daughters struggling to face their first Christmas without their wife and mother. Eight-year-old Emily is convinced her mother will come and visit her at Christmas. It’s a tender story of a miracle brought about by the faith of a young girl. It will surely bring the magic and wonder of Christmas into your heart. http://micheleabell.blogspot.com/

The Santa Letters, by Stacey Gooch Anderson, will leave you with a renewed sense of hope and Aubrey Mace’s Santa Maybe will bring a little romance into your holiday season. Check them out at www.thesantaletters.org  and  www.amazon.com/Santa-Maybe-Aubrey-Mace/dp/1599553120/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258214937&sr=1-1

I hope your holidays begin with the anticipation that something wonderful is about to happen.

With love and friendship always,

Jodi