Christmas Books

What a sweet little book! Fun, accessible graphics present tips for simplifying your holidays, vintage poetry, trivia, verses, recipes and "Chicken Soup" style inspiring stories, and more, assembled in a scrapbook style. This charming book creates a beautiful harmony from the unique voices of its six authors. It would make a great "open before Christmas" gift. It's homespun look and content are a reminder that the holidays are a time to celebrate and enjoy, not to stress over!

I read this book straight through the first time I picked it up. It has wonderfully engaging stories, and some really nice recipes to boot. We tried some at our house and love them. Not to mention the fact that the style of the book is really gorgeous.

I think it'd be a great gift book for the Christmas season. I'm getting three for my mother, grandmother, and aunt. You should check it out if you're big on the Christmas scene.

Although I'm only one of six writers on this book, I'm sincerely amazed at its beauty and quality. The shiny silver snowflakes on the midnight blue background of this hardcover book and full color pages inside give it the look and feel of a high-quality Hallmark treasure. One reader emailed me that this book took her breath away.

Tasty recipes await, historical fun facts educate, and a listing of "favorites" help the reader get acquainted with each of us authors.

If you want a heart-moving short read, try my "Dad's First Diploma" on p. 153. If you're a writer, you'll especially appreciate my brief Cross Creek story. Perhaps you can tuck some tissues in your sleeve as you read this perfect holiday book.

Brenda Nixon, co-author and author of
The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing Right from the Start.

This book took my breath away. Truly beautiful, unique, heartwarming. It's one of those books I'll treasure from year to year, reading and re-reading the stories within until I know them by heart. It has a hodgepodge of everything - recipes, inspirational stories, Christmas tips, poetry, projects. I'm not sure how they packed so much into 160 pages, but it's an overflowing chest full of treasures!

In the old days - meaning pre-Internet - when someone had a question about Judaism or Jewish practice they would inquire of their rabbi either in person or in written form. Of course, sometimes the rabbi did not respond (or at least not in a timely fashion) and sometimes the rabbi did not know the answer and would have to send correspondence to another sage. Furthermore, many questions may have been too embarrassing or personal to pose to the rabbi. Many non-Jews may not have had the resources to have their questions answered. Many questions may have been too controversial to raise. All of this changed because of the Web and the anonymity of the e-mail message.

While there are several "Ask the Rabbi" sites on the Web, the most popular is hosted by a layman - just a regular guy (albeit a synagogue leader) named Gil Mann. Several years ago Mann began answering a range of queries on an America Online forum about Judaism. This led to thousands of questions pouring in via e-mail sent to Mann at his BeingJewish.org website. While not a rabbi, Mann serves as something of a cross between an advice columnist and a sage for the everyman. He defines himself as an "open-minded committed Jew" and explains that the e-mail messages he was receiving became part of a "personal evolution" in his post-business world life. Mann is also the author of How to Get More Out of Being Jewish Even If... and the publisher/editor of "Being Jewish" newsletter.

In Sex, God, Christmas & Jews, the best e-mail questions are compiled into three broad sections - ethics, spirituality, and peoplehood - serving as Mann's "trinity" of the Jewish faith. He fields questions ranging from the serious ("Can Jews donate their organs" and "Why does Judaism discriminate against woman") to the downright silly ("Do the Orthodox have sex through a hole in a sheet?"). Whether serious or silly however, these are the questions that are on people's minds and Mann has provided the forum to answer the inquisitive and the spiritually seeking. At the end of each chapter are a couple pages titled "Concluding Thoughts to Copy, Cut, Paste, and Save" serving as a summary of the discussions, as well as directions where one may turn for further information and resources.

In the introduction, Mann opens with a candid, intimate letter from a distraught woman whom he terms "a female Job." This missive serves to show that Mann is more than just posing as the Jewish Ask-Jeeves on the Web. Average people have sought him out as a patient listener although he is not a spiritual leader or psychologist. This is the magic of Cyberspace. Indeed, Mann has created a virtual community with passionate conversations taking place.

One subject in the book that raises much heated discussion is about whether it is humane for Jews to ritually circumcise their sons. While the controversy surrounding this topic is no stranger to the Web, Mann successfully contains it in a considerate, thought-provoking manner (although I'm sure some of the less respectful messages were edited out). Following his response, and that of others, to the Jewish man not willing
to circumcise his [hypothetical] son, Mann includes information from a leading Orthodox rabbi, Yitz Greenberg, for clarification and a rabbinic perspective. The author is very careful to give fair and accurate responses to his inquirers, and it is evident that he has a long list of rabbis and scholars to consult before weighing in with his responses.

This book might best be characterized as The Jewish Book of Why packaged with feedback and virtual discussions for each question raised. The topics - from theological doubt and interfaith relations to morality and anti-Semitism - serve as great fodder for book discussion groups and introduction to Judaism classes. Mann succeeds at making Judaism relevant to the masses. With this book, he has proclaimed himself to be the guy to answer those questions everyone has about Judaism and Jews but were afraid to ask.

As a Christian, this book gave me an intimate glimpse into Jewish faith and traditions. It answered questions that as a non-Jew I would not have ever dared to ask. As I read Gil's responses to the email from both Jews and non-Jews, it became clear that regardless of the faith we choose, we all grapple with some of the same difficult questions. This book is a bridge that reaffirms and connects us all.

The pages of Sex,God,Christmas & Jews are filled with honest, beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, but always encouraging discussions that demand answers. I found personal relevance in topics such as body piercing and tattoos, interfaith dating, having Christmas trees and Jews praying in Christ's name. Gil has found a way to let his readers feel safe in their questions and doubts, and is able to respond with compassion and great wisdom.

I actually read a review of this book in the Baltimore Jewish Times (a "must read" recommendation by one of the BJT staff members).

This book is humorous, poignant, controversial, thought-provoking and hard to put down. I'm amazed at the honesty of the contributors and how this book is so relevant today: to all age groups, all religions--just all of humanity.

As a former Roman Catholic, now a Jew by Choice (oh, and thank you [to the author] for your slant on that term---I too believe it is beautiful!), this book is a valuable resource to help get things back into perspective should my perspective go a little awry. This book speaks to everybody--and to me in a very personal way.

A "must read"? Yes, absolutely!

There is no better example of how the internet can bring us closer to each other through the sharing of honest, meaningful and often difficult conversations than in Gil Mann's new book "Sex, God, Christmas and Jews." For in its pages lies a broad range of questions, doubts, issues and opinions about topics that will fascinate Jews and non-Jews alike.
Questions like: "Can I be angry with God? Why does Judaism discrimate against women? Can I pray to Jesus if I am Jewish? and Will Jews burn in Hell?" are just a few of the many subjects that are openly discussed through a collection of reader emails.

This book is a wonderful opportunity for people of all faiths to get an "insider's view" about Judaism and learn about Jewish faith, culture, family, spirituality, ethics and everyday living. It is a "must read" for Jewish lay leaders and professionals as well.

Thank you, Gil Mann, for giving us such a treasure!

Amy Hirshberg Lederman, author of "To Life! Jewish Reflections on Everyday Living"

Another great Desert Rogues addition. The books have been so much fun, squirky heroines and alpha males, can hardly wait for the next.

This addition has a very serious heroine, Kayleen, who found herself first the nanny then the future bride of a Sheik with a ready made family, 3 orphan girls, the father was from El Deharia but mother was an American and the wards have been living in the US till just months ago. Being an orphan she does understand her 3 wards so well but her future husband she doesn't understand at all! As'sd's Aunt and Father are playing matchmakers it seems. Another good, fun love story follows! As'sd is Ms Mallery usual great hero too.

This a wonderful book to read to escape for a few hours from the reality of everyday life. Enjoy.

Susan Mallery has again charmed her readers with her latest edition to her Desert Rogue series. The heroine Kayleen will warm the reader's heart with her gentleness, sincerity, innocence and fierce heart.

Mallery has the ability to immediately draw the reader into the story with her first chapters when we're introduced to this lovely teacher in a orphanage who is like a lioness protecting three recently orphaned girls and goes after the leader of a tribe who has come to take the girls back to their camp.

In most of the Desert Rogue series the rulers are trying to marry off their sons and obtain heirs and in The Sheikh and the Christmas Bride, the same applies. King Makhtar has six sons and wants them married and settled. His sons have been raised without the benefit of a mother and their Aunt Lina for the most part has been the "mother figure" in their lives. She is aware that in a neighbouring Kingdom, King Hassan has been very successful in marrying off his sons and daughters. She calls upon her friendship and attraction to King Hassen to develop a plan for her nephew Prince As'ad. When there is trouble at the orphanage she calls upon As'ad to help defuse the situation. She talks him into taking the three girls himself into his protection and suggests he adopts them. Along with bringing the girls to the palace, Lina suggests he brings Kayleen as well as their nanny.

As this story develops, one is immediately drawn to the attraction both As'ad and Kayleen feel for each other. As'ad vows never to love a woman, as it would make him weak. However, he cannot fight his attraction for this lovely redhead and moves in, takes her virginity and then all hell breaks loose.

Kayleen knows what it's like to be orphaned, rejected both by her mother and grandmother, she's grown up in a convent and longs to belong, have a family and be loved. When As'ad proposes they marry because of their one night and attraction for each other plus giving the girls stability, Kayleen dares to believe she can have it all. Because of her inner strength, and her love for As'ad she is fierce to prove they can have it all and she is going to show him and claim this prince as her own.

Their journey and discovery is one you won't want to miss. It's the perfect holiday read, a wonderful love story and the continuation of the incredible Desert Rogue series. I personally can't wait for the next book!

Nobody can transport me to another world and enhance me as completely as Susan Mallery. Each of her books is a treat. The Sheik and the Christmas Bride was the perfect book to give me a break from all the pre-holiday madness. The story is emotional, the dialogue is witty, the hero is to drool after. :-)

This story feels timeless, a real feat for a children's book published this year. From the period details to the lyrical prose, I felt a sense of deja-vu throughout, as if I were reading a childhood favorite. And the last page is stunningly beautiful. I bought it for my daughter, and I'm about to go get another copy for my nephew.

"The Shine Man" is a wonderful book that will surely
become a classic Christmas story. It reminded me of
my own father's tales of life during the Depression.
It teaches an important lesson in giving as well as
a bit of history and will stimulate family discussion.
Both the artwork and the story are excellent.

This story of finding the divine in people during the Great Depression is a gentle way of helping children (and their adult loved ones)focus on what's most important about the holiday season. Illustrations are reminiscent of Dickens, but set in the 1930's in this country. I'll think of this story (especially the last two pages)when I behold the stars in a bright December sky.

The Shine Man makes the perfect Christmas present for children of all ages! In a manner consistent with her previous works, Mary Quattlebaum's use of language and imagery brings her story to life. She captures the mood of a time before I was born, and makes me believe I was there, experiencing it first-hand. The story is simple, but impactful. I can still feel the warm glow of the Christmas spirit while I search for the "Shine Man" within myself.

My son normally isn't thrilled about reading, but he takes these two books to school every day and reads them at their reading time!

Finally books to come out for kids with adventure based on some old school stories.....

i thought these books were great they have so much imagination and are jam-packed with adventures and fun!! children will love them as much as adults !! this was written by my daughter so there's you're point!!

This is the best book I ever read, it is amazing, I thruly recomend this book to all the action fans and childrens.

A wonderfully written and illustrated book about Santa and his wife Tiemma whom "with the help from the magic of children" and fairies play a central role in Christmas. The illustrations are beautiful and mystically realistic. I think Santa and Tiemma must really look like that. Just fabulous.

This story is fabulous - A little girl learns of the power of children and that magic is everywhere, all you need to do is look. A couple of Snow Fairies tell the story of Tiemma Claus, Santa's wife, and how she, with the help of children, help Santa's growing problem of getting to all the world's children in one night. Tiemma is the star, and she is a beautiful, white haired, thoughful, woman full of love, insight, and inspiration. Empowering of the female role in a traditionally male story - without downplaying the importance of Santa's role. Christmas takes on an ancient pagan element as the north polers celebrate the Winter Solstice, magic is conjured, and joy abounds. Magical illustrations... Thank you Ms. Gaffington!!

This is a magical story. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the story is both fun and meaningful. It's a traditional story of Santa's yearly gift-giving trip, but it's focus is on Tiemma Claus, Santa's wife, who finds a special and magical solution to Santa's growing problem of reaching all the children in one night. There are elves, raindeer, children and snow fairies. Compassion, clear and deep thinking, and love and joy abound. I came looking for other books by the author, and am sad to find this is the only offering so far. Definitely an author (and illustrator) going on my "Watch for new books" list.

This story is fabulous - A little girl learns of the power of children and that magic is everywhere, all you need to do is look. A couple of Snow Fairies tell the story of Tiemma Claus, Santa's wife, and how she, with the help of children, help Santa's growing problem of getting to all the world's children in one night. Tiemma is the star, and she is a beautiful, white haired, thoughful, woman full of love, insight, and inspiration. Empowering of the female role in a traditionally male story - without downplaying the importance of Santa's role. Christmas takes on an ancient pagan element as the north polers celebrate the Winter Solstice, magic is conjured, and joy abounds. Magical illustrations... Thank you Ms. Gaffington!!

"I liked how the author and the illustrator complimented each other's work to tell the story of this very magical Christmas tale that has the underlying theme of being homeless. Kids books don't usually tackle dark subjects like this. The author has done a fine job of keeping this as a charming work for children." Gary Roen, Reviewer, for THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW, MAY 2007

This is a magical little story that really reminded me of old fashion kids books from the early 20th century. The author spins a tale regarding lost homeless children who, with the help of an elder fairy, find a place in the world. I was impressed with the timely message of caring and giving at Christmas. Very cool illustrations as well that will help the younger reader follow and stay involved. I recommend this one.

I purchased this book for some children that I babysit. They are ages 6 and 9, and absolutely loved it. My mother and I read it before we gave it to them and it was such a sweet story, portrayed in a way that children will understand and appreciate. I think all children should read this book, sharing it with family and friends. The author is extremely talented and genuinly captures the spirit of Christmas!

A quick look at other children's books that address homelessness leaves one with the disheartening view that such treatises must be filled with darkness, gritty detail, and depression. Not so with Regina Lewis' treatment of the difficult subject-in 24 short pages, complete with warm, compelling illustrations, she successfully imparts the serious consequences of homelessness to the young reader, without the disturbingly grisly elements.

The Smallest Toy Store (subtitled A Christmas Story) tells the tale of Lillibeth and Jacob, two young homeless children abandoned by their father who took their expectant mother to the hospital, but returned for just one day and then disappeared. The family had been living in an old school bus, but the two children wander lost and hungry in the city after their parents' disappearance. Miraculously- and the story is infused with both magic and miracles-Lillibeth and Jacob stumble upon the tiny toy store which is only open from December 1 until the first hour of Christmas morning each year. The delightful storeowner, Ms. MerryWood, an Elder-Fairy who is only four feet tall and wears sapphire slippers and a magic apron, welcomes the children and provides them with a charming, child-friendly meal and warm blankets. She already knows their sad story, as she is naturally psychic. She and the toys, which are magically alive, give comfort to the children. After Lillibeth admires the beautiful dolls, she tells Ms. MerryWood that she longs to be one, rather than own one. She says, "Dolls are beautiful. They are loved and well-taken care of. They're always dressed in wonderful clothes and are never hungry, lost, or lonely,"

Ms. MerryWood then imparts a magical spell and turns Lillibeth into a fabulous doll and Jacob into a cuddly teddy bear. The toys are sold twice, but magically return to the little store, as Ms. MerryWood promised that if they weren't well cared for and loved, they would not have to stay in their new homes. Eventually, in a heartwarming twist of fate, their parents purchase the two toys and they come back to life under the tree on Christmas morning. They are thrilled to discover that they have a healthy little sister who recognizes them immediately. All of her life, little Maria has seen pictures of her missing siblings hanging on the walls of their home and knows that, at last, the family is reunited for good.

The story may end there, but the lesson continues. Immediately following the tale, the reader finds a list of teaching tools, which provide practical ways for parents and teachers to address the subject of homelessness and actually make a difference through simple actions.

The Smallest Toy Store: A Christmas Story comes highly recommended as a worthwhile tale to be read at any time of year; children and adults alike will enjoy this warm and fanciful tale, while learning valuable lessons about homelessness and ways they can help.

The Book on the Shelf.
This is one of the Best Book . Annie Jones just wrote about everyone's Family that has Siblings. A flock of Birds and a Gathering of the Sisters. Life in the Real World of Remember
When in a Small Town.

I had the privilege of reading an early review copy of SNOWBIRDS. It truly is one of Annie Jones's best ever. It's filled with characters who will walk straight from the pages into your heart. Annie Jones brings a unique voice and a sense of great excellence to her craft. Brava, Ms. Jones, for this warm and delightful work!

I enjoyed the relationships of the sisters and the overall feeling of this story. I found it well written and very easy reading. It is just the kind of thing I'd recommend to someone for curling up on a rainy day to read. The story about Nic and her handicapped child had some tender moments and Nic's family members provided humor. This was a nice balance. I would have liked it to go deeper into the mother and child relationship, though. At times it did seem heavy on the Christian message but since the hero, Sam, was a preacher and Nic had an out of wedlock child it did not seem out of place. Some Christian books I've read use a past sin as the reason a character can't move on. They are constantly haunted by a single mistake which becomes the lynchpin of their lives. Nic was the opposite. She refused to dwell on her past. She was an admirable character in a story I will recommend to friends.

The Snowbirds is a beautiful, touching story written in Annie Jones' unique humorous way. Nic and Sam come across as real people facing life's struggles and mistakes with God's grace and guidance. Contrary to the PW review above, the faith element is not at all heavy-handed, but expressed perfectly. I laughed at the aunts' antics, shed a few tears as Nic seeks to do the right thing for her daughter, and cheered as Nic and Sam found each other and their love once again. It's a great story. I highly recommend it!

This is a fantastic book. I have made many recipies in here and never been dissapointed. Our friends have asked for the book after I told them where it came from. Thanks so much!

Awesome cookbook! I borrowed my friend's copy after I tried her Cajun Shrimp recipe on page 56. Lots of great recipes!

This is the one cookbook in my collection (of at least 50 others) that gets the most usage! I loved it so much that I gave this cookbook as a gift to my sister (a caterer) and aunt (who entertains quite a bit)! This is by far my FAVORITE cookbook(and theirs)! The recipes are easy to follow and well laid out. They offer many different meal plan suggestions and the ingredients are easy to find. The Chocolate Mousse Au Grand Marnier is sinfully delicious! Everything that the three of us have made from this cookbook receives RAVE reviews! (i.e. Chicken Alouette, Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Holiday Banana Bread, Streusel-Topped Sweet Pototo Casserole, Mushroom Roll-ups, etc.)

Every recipe I have tried from this cookbook is wonderful. The make-ahead mashed potatoes are yummy and a time-saver. I use this cookbook exclusively for my Thanksgiving and Christmas meals.

The 20th edition of Spirit of Christmas by Leisure Arts is a good as their previous editions. Great photography and ideas and good tasting recipes. This is a very nice book.

I have a collection of this book series. I can pick up any one of them and find something new that I missed before. The new book hasn't surprised me as it's filled with a variety of Christmas projects just like all the others. Once again, new family favorites were added plus this edition included past recipes that have become top choices from previous editions. What more could you ask for in holiday readiness--recipes, decorating ideas, projects with patterns included, etc., with family and friends in mind.

Beautiful decorations and recipes accompanied by sumptuous photographs and detail. A quick trip down memory lane with selected items from previous editions, but happily only a small proportion - don't worry that it is merely a re-hash of previous books, the majority are new ideas for this year. A traditional red/gold theme, Snow New, a snow/snowman theme; Beach House for natural, coastal treasures; Whimsical christmas elf theme; a beautiful silver scheme and Glitter & Glitz, a bright glittery modern theme as well as lovely gifts and recipe gift ideas. The Black & White Cheesecake is delicious!!!

SOOO creative~!!It's worth buying just to see the section on Whimsical Christmas. The homemade gifts, complete with instructions on how to make ADORABLE giftwrap is easy and unique enough to look professionally made.

Just about every page had me saying OOOOH! AHHHH!!! And they're crafts "normal" people can do and accomplish beautiful results.

It's definately worth the price.

This year they have really made a