Monthly Gathering – December 2014
‘Tis the Christmas season, and such a wonderful time to gather together!
Gathering has a few different meanings, including “an assemblage of people” and “a collection, assemblage, or compilation of anything.” (Definitions taken from Dictionary.com.) So let’s gather together to enjoy this gathering of Amish-related posts and books! This is your chance to revisit your favorite AmishReader moments from the previous month, catch up on any features or book releases you might have missed, and share your own book reviews.
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A Gathering of Posts
NEW Social Media Page!
Author Spotlights:
Discussion:
- Grateful for Amish Fiction (what we love about this genre)
Featured Fiction:
- An Unexpected Match by Gayle Roper (includes discussion about unexpected blessings)
Recipes:
Facebook Highlights:
- Amish rider photo from Tim Irvin
- Plain Answers about the Amish Life: Why the Amish Came to America
- Discussion about current reads
- “Stories We Love” Pinterest board discussion
- Votes for the recipe of the month
- Amish girls photo from Tim Irvin (Thanksgiving post)
- Christmas ebook deals
Shared Links:
- Jennifer Beckstrand: Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions
- Amish America: 100 Amish Shovel Snow in Blizzard-hit Buffalo
- Vannetta Chapman: A Plain & Simple Thanksgiving
- Not Quite Amish: Gotta Love One Another (making friends with the Amish)
- Vannetta Chapman: Giving Thanks
- Vannetta Chapman: Thanksgiving Grace
- Not Quite Amish: Simplifying Christmas
Newsletter:
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A Gathering of Books and Reviews
Now it’s your turn! Tell us about any new Amish releases you’ve come across or reviews you’ve written this past month for Amish books. Let’s make this a true gathering of thoughts and Amish-book readers!
We’ve got some Christmas-themed fun coming this month! Will you be reading any Amish Christmas books this season?
Last 5 posts by Amber | AmishReader.com
- Thanksgiving Recipe: Roasted Rosemary Turkey - November 16th, 2018
- Recipes for a Three-Course Autumn Meal - October 23rd, 2018
- Autumn Interview with Vannetta Chapman - October 16th, 2018
- Autumn Recipe: Chili Bean Soup - September 19th, 2018
- Morning Treat Recipe: Easy Apple Fritters - August 17th, 2018
Hi Amber. Hope you are enjoying the holidays. I’m in the process of decorating. This week has been very busy. Something going on every day it seems.
Last month I did 3 book reviews on Amazon. The Amish Cradle by June Belfie. The Christmas Cat by Melonie Carlson and Snowfall by Shelley Shepard Gray.
I’m deep into my Christmas reading. I just finished Clara’s Wish by Beth Shriver.
I’m reading The westward Christmas Brides by 9 different writers. I read Christmas at Rose Hill Farm by Suzanne Fisher Woods. I’ve read so many great books last month. Love to read Christmas Stories. Not all of them have been Amish stories but most of them have been.
Have a Merry Christmas
Shirley
[Reply]
Amber Stokes Reply:
December 4th, 2014 at 11:21 am
Hello, Shirley!
I am indeed – loving the decorating, as well as the Christmas movies, music, and books. Hope you’re enjoying the season, as well, despite the busyness! Do you go all out with decorating, or do you prefer to keep it simple?
Thank you for sharing about your latest book reviews. It looks like you really enjoyed each of those titles. They sound sweet! I especially love your review for Snowfall – descriptive, clever, and nicely done.
Enjoy all your Christmas reading and the joys of the season! And be on the lookout for a very fun feature here on the blog in a couple of weeks.
[Reply]
Shirley Chapel Reply:
December 5th, 2014 at 4:19 pm
I’m wanting two start to simplify in my decorating. I’m getting older and it’s hard carrying all those boxes up and down stairs. Right now my tree is up. Not decorated and waiting for me to fluff the branches out.Oh Amber this tree is 7 ‘ tall. Not my favorite job.
Then I put up a very large collection of Santa’s. I have about 18 of them. I also have nut crackers and snowman too. I have a beautiful village but haven’t put it up in years. Not since my two cats moved in. The last time I put it up my people kept disappearing. Years later they show up from nowhere. My 4 legged little friends !
Thanks for the compliment on my review of Snowfall. I really enjoyed writing that review. I always try to be creative without giving away the story to the readers. Sometimes the less said the better.
I love your blog site Amber. Be looking forward to the special feature in a few weeks.
God Bless you
Shirley
[Reply]
Amber Stokes Reply:
December 8th, 2014 at 4:46 pm
That’s completely understandable! I’m a short person, so a 7′ tree would be quite daunting to me, as well. Not to mention all the time it would take to decorate every branch!
Sounds like you have some lovely decorations, though, even if you can’t put up the village. Cats can be troublemakers, can’t they? Cute ones, but still.
You have a great philosophy on book reviews. It’s definitely important to try not to ruin a story for someone else – and yet make your review helpful and still entertaining to read in and of itself. Keep up the good work! Reviews can make a big difference to authors and publishers – as well as fellow readers.
I’m so glad you like visiting our site! I’ve really enjoyed running it for Harvest House as part of my work; it’s great fun, and it’s always a pleasure to see your comments here. Thank you for being such an encouraging member of our community.
God bless you, as well!
What a lovely GATHERING. Blessings to each of our writers, readers, and folks like you–Amber, who help us all get together.
[Reply]
Amber Stokes Reply:
December 4th, 2014 at 11:23 am
Wonderful to see you here at our latest gathering, Vannetta! Thank you for the kind words, and blessings to you in this Christmas season.
[Reply]