Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Nov 122014
 

Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas.FCelebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas: Seven Traditions to Lead Us Closer to the Savior

Author: Emily Belle Freeman

Publisher: Ensign Peak (Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book)

Published: September 30, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609078997

Paperback: 94 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Summary

Discover how each figure of the nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season.  Learn the tradition of the tinkling bell, whip up a batch of French cocoa, create a tender mercy tree, and find ways to make your gift-giving more meaningful as Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas guides you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the nativity setting.  These simple experiences will give you an opportunity to escape from the frantic busyness of the Christmas season to spend time reflecting on the Savior and the miracle of His birth.

My Review

I was excited to review this book with the holiday season upon us.  Even more so, to take the time to reflect on and read a lovely book centered on Christ and Christmas.  I really appreciated the author’s introduction and what inspired her to write this book.  I loved how each chapter started with a verse of scripture, and ended with a summary of each tradition with suggestions how to incorporate it in your life.  As well as a sweet paragraph describing the tradition.  The author’s heart-felt stories and ideas make this book all the more enjoyable.  I can’t wait to start some of these and add to our own family Christmas traditions.

Author Info

Emily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwrite, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah. Simon Dewey studied at a London art college before launching his career. In 1999 he entered the world of published fine art and soon became on of the bestselling artists of LDS religious works. He is the artist of Beloved Savior; This Is the Season, Beloved of the Year; and He Lives.

Links

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

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The Romney Family Table by Ann Romney

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Oct 092013
 

RomneyTableCkbk_detailThe Romney Family Table: Sharing Home Cooked Recipes and Favorite Traditions

Author: Ann Romney

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 1st, 2013

ISBN13: 978-1-60907-676-4

Hardcover: 224 pages

FTC FYI: I received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Inside the Book Jacket

Home is where good things happen–and for the Romney family, the heart of the home is the kitchen.  Ann Romney, wife of former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, invites readers into her home and kitchen, combining some of her favorite memories of raising a family.

Part “insider look”, part cookbook, The Romney Family Table starts out with a unique blend of personal memories, homegrown traditions, and the foods that have made family events special.  Join the Romneys for family nights, summer at the lake, Christmas Eve, and many other occasions, detailed in an intimate and welcoming style.

Then, indulge yourself in scores of additional mouthwatering recipes.  From the simple (Fluffernutter Sandwiches) to the sophisticated (Peppered Pork Chops with Peach-Vinegar Glaze);  from the Honey-Wheat Bread Ann made regularly for five growing sons to the Buttermilk Pancakes she and Mitt shared with their Secret Service detail at the end of Mitt’s presidential campaign, these recipes will become treasures for you as they have been for the Romney family.

My Review

Everything about this book is beautiful.  From the heart-felt stories, to the yummy food.  I loved the inside look at the Romney family.  Through the first three sections of the book, you are able to read about Ann’s family and the traditions they share.  Family, traditions, and holidays.  My personal favorite was family.  There was one passage that I took to heart.  It is also something that I am striving for in my home.  With a hubby that is not home all the time, it is vital that we have dinners together.  It is the best way to catch up with your kids on their day without distractions.

Several years ago, the media reported a study carried out by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital found that kids who ate dinner iwth their families at least five times a week were far less likely to take drugs, become depressed, or get into trouble.  Personally, I don’t think it’s the food that does the trick, and it may be that there is more involved than just the 30 minutes or so around the table.  I think that spending time in the kitchen with Mom as she prepares those meals has a lot to do with it.  (page 5)

This book is wonderful addition to any home library.  I’m very excited to try some of the recipes, too.

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book