Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Book Review: A Rare Nativity by Sam Beeson

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

Today I’d like to share one of the most unusual Christmas books I’ve seen. A Rare Nativity is a collection of photographs accompanying a poem on the unexpected twist of the 12 Days of Christmas.

At first read, I’ll be honest, I thought the book was a little strange with its pictures of garbage and short prose but then the twist and beautiful display at the end of the book offered a unique look at how we might forgive our enemies and serve each other this Christmas.

Here’s more about the book:

We have all heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, and we have all seen the traditional Christmas crèche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity.

Upon reading the first lines of the book, it is clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts: On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree. On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two rotten eggs.

Night after night the gifts pile up shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator s enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

Other books you may enjoy:

Laughing all the Way   

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Book Review: 12 Gifts for Christ by Merrilee Boyack

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I know I’m not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I have a soft spot for James Christensen’s artwork–lovely! I also have a soft spot for Merrilee Boyack’s wonderfully inspiring writing style. 12 Gifts for Christ is another winner with its simple format that teaches and ignites a desire to bring the meaning of Christmas closer with the ability to celebrate year-round the true meaning of the season: Jesus Christ. If you’re looking for the perfect family gift this year, pick this book up. Merrilee Boyack has included personal stories as well as creative lessons and ideas to utilize each of 12 different gifts we can give to Christ.

Here’s more about the book:

Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ and a time for giving. In the middle of this busy season, it is easy to forget the very reason why we celebrate. The first Christmas began with gifts of light and gold. This Christmas ask: What gifts can I give to Him?

In 12 Gifts for Christ, author Merrilee Boyack suggests ways we can give to the Savior, including having gratitude, sharing through service, and loving others. With examples of these gifts shared through personal stories, scriptures, activities, and family home evening lessons, she suggests presenting those gifts to Christ in letters placed in stockings or brightly wrapped boxes. Following the ideas of this book will truly add joy to the spirit in our hearts and homes during Christmas!

Other books you may enjoy:

Book of Mormon Children: A Collection of Stories Set in Book of Mormon Times   

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Monday Musings #15

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Monday Musings with Rachelle


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Christmas Books to Read

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

I wanted to share a few Christmas books that I’ve enjoyed over the years. It’s not too late to add any or all of these to your holiday reading list.

Marian’s Christmas Wish by Carla Kelly

Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected— a young and handsome English lord.

If you’re looking for a sweet Christmas romance, this book fits the bill. I liked the characters and the premise. Carla Kelly is a talented writer with quite a list of books to her name.

The Wise Man Returns by Kenny Kemp

The Wise Man ReturnsMany years after the sign of the star, Melchior, one of the three wise men, returns to Judea to receive counsel from the King of the Jews. Unexpectedly finding him in the countryside teaching rather than ruling on the throne, Melchior searches for answers and finds healing in the process. A historical fiction that address contemporary concerns, this book is a balm for the wounded soul.

I’ve read some of Kenny Kemp’s works and his writing pulls you into the stories with a unique voice and style. This promises to be a great holiday read.

I’ve also enjoyed reading tons of children’s Christmas books with my kids. Here are a few of our favorites:

Snowmen at Night         Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? (1st Scholastic Book Clubs Paperback Printing) by Jerry Pallotta   A Christmas Dress For Ellen [Read more…]

Book Review: The Santa Letters by Stacy Gooch-Anderson

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Book Thoughts by Rachelle

This is a beautiful story about life, love, and enjoying our blessings. I enjoyed the emotion of the story and the window it provided into those who struggle with grief.

Once you read the book, I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that The Santa Letters are a great idea and I think it’s neat that Stacy Gooch-Anderson put several ideas of how to give Santa Letters to others in need.

Here’s more about the book:

One year ago on Christmas Eve, William died.
For Emma, the hit-and-run driver killed more than her husband – he killed her joy in life itself.

Now, as Christmas again approaches, Emma Jensen finds herself sinking into a depression that nothing can breach; not her job, not her love for her children, and certainly not the season!

Money is tight, emotions taut, and those realities are magnified tenfold by knowing that this year Christmas will be a meager, empty, and painful experience. Only six-year-old McKenna believes in miracles and the magic of Christmas. The rest of the family knows that Christmas can never be the same.

But when a mysterious package and an ornate letter arrive on the doorstep, things begin to change.

Each day, a package and a letter signed “Santa” arrive for the family, and together they come to understand that the joy of Christmas does not have to be lost forever and that God’s love can heal any wound,…no matter how deep.
The Santa Letters will take the Jensens on a journey through a Christmas experience that will have the power to heal them all.

Other books you may enjoy:

   

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The Forgotten Carols

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It’s hard to believe, but Christmas is right around the corner! There are so many things about this holiday that I love, and one of the things that make it most special to me is the music. I’m sentimental and music brings so many good memories to the forefront of my attention. Attending The Forgotten Carols is a tradition that I love.

Here’s a special video introduction to the show:

Michael McLean Introduces the Forgotten Carols 

The Forgotten Carols stage performance tells the story of Connie Lou, a nurse whose empty life is changed when Uncle John, a new patient she is attending, recounts the story of Christ’s birth as told by little known characters in the nativity story. The accounts from the Innkeeper, the Shepherd and others help the nurse discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas, ultimately encouraging her to open her heart to the joy of this special season.
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If you’d like to see something special this Christmas season, then don’t miss your chance to attend The Forgotten Carols. Find out more about the story and where to get your tickets here: http://www.forgottencarols.com/shows/
A Message from Michael McLean:
After the Forgotten Carols tour last year Lynne and I took our annual recoup vacation where it’s sunny and warm and there’s lots of beach. However, while there, I wasn’t having a good time. I felt awful, and said to Lynne one morning after a rough night’s sleep, “I think I’m dying!” She gets me and she’s sort of right about me and the drama
thing. But, then it turns out I wouldn’t up in the hospital and stayed longer than I expected to, and we discovered that had I not arrived when I did, someone else would be playing Uncle John tonight and you all would be singing “Together Forever Someday” to ME! I share this for the obvious reasons: to get your sympathy and to possibly get
this response, “Well, for a dying guy, he did pretty well tonight.”
The whole health scare after our last tour has now changed the way I have rehearsed this part that I’ve been doing for 27 years. I’ve been wondering how someone like John, who’s lived for over two thousand years and never faced his own death, feels about those of us who do face it. And, of course, I’ve been thinking how lucky I am to be with
you tonight, for this evening’s show that will be ours alone. I love theater because it’s something we share, in the moment, and it will never be duplicated. It’s the gift of our connection through this story, and these characters, and these “forgotten carols,” that reminds us why Christmas, at its purest, brings such tidings for great joy. And through
these songs from all the different people who experienced Jesus and His message in different ways, we get to see ourselves and feel a connection that goes beyond being in the theatre tonight; we get to feel, deep down, that we are absolutely not alone. At least, that’s my hope.
Merry Christmas,
Michael McLean
I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this magnificent production and feel the spirit of Christmas. How about you? Will you take the chance to see and hear The Forgotten Carols this year?

 

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