The Historic Christmas Tree Ship: A True Story of Faith, Hope And Love

Book Description

The legend of The Christmas Tree Ship is a true story of faith, hope and love, and is considered one of the most loved legends of the Great Lakes.

Captain Herman Schuenemann became affectionately known as "Captain Santa" for his yearly voyages from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago with a load of freshly cut Christmas trees during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Families would wait anxiously at the docks for their choice of the best trees.

Captain Schuenemann's voyage of 1912 was to be his last. Fully loaded and ready to sail, the Christmas Tree Ship set out for its final destination on the southern end of Lake Michigan. Despite the crew's best efforts, the ship was unable to withstand the gales of the Great Lakes and went down off the coast of Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Today, the Christmas Tree Ship is remembered as one of the most "storied shipwrecks" of the Great Lakes, and the legend has held its place in history for nearly a century already.

Through vintage photographs (over 50!), newspaper clippings, and interviews with persons directly connected to the story, THE HISTORIC CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP details the extraordinary events surrounding this loved legend.

Customer Reviews:

A story of the ship and family who brought Christmas trees to Chicago..........2007-07-17

This is a beautiful book that tells the story of Captain Schuenemann and his family and crew who brought trees from northern Michigan to Chicago for the people to buy at Christmas, and the disaster that took the captain and crew's life. It is a story of hope following sadness as the Schuenemann family carried on the work after the shipwreck. The pictures and historic articles are great. Nice story to read just prior and during the Christmas season.

Average customer rating:

A beautiful book!!
Winter's Gift
Wonderful art and story
A wonderful book for all ages
Great story for kids

Winter's Gift
Jane Monroe Donovan
Manufacturer: Sleeping Bear Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 158536231X

Book Description

Illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan

It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. Mother Nature has other plans, however, and a chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope. This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart indeed can recover and go on.

Jane Monroe Donovan's parents encouraged her to follow her heart and it led to her love of sketching and painting. Her affection for animals is reflected in much of her subject matter. Jane makes her home in Pinckney, Michigan, with her husband Bruce and their two sons, Ryan and Joey. Other members of their family include their two dogs, Belle and Grizzly, a Siamese cat named Maylee, and their two horses, Ameera and Cherokee Rose.

In addition to Winter's Gift, Jane has also illustrated three other titles for Sleeping Bear Press: My Teacher Likes to Say; My Momma Likes to Say; and Sunny Numbers: A Florida Counting Book.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful book!!.......2007-01-19

This is a wonderful book for young and old alike..a story of hope and love, and best of all, it involves a horse! The illustrations are beautiful.

Winter's Gift.......2007-01-13

This is a wonderful Christmas book for children. My kids have been enjoying it for 2 seasons and always look forward to it. I gave it to an adult friend of mine too who needed a little holiday spirit. It sends a great message.

Wonderful art and story.......2007-01-12

What attracted me to this book was the art work. The pictures are realistic and sensitive. When I see the mare walking through the snowstorm, I get cold! The story is very sweet, and the perfect sentiment for Christmas. Wonderful children's book that adults while enjoy.

A wonderful book for all ages.......2007-01-04

When I picked this book up, I thought it was a childrens book. After reading the first few pages, I realized that the story was timeless and for all ages. Wonderful illustrations. I had intended to buy it for my [...] daughter, and ended up purchasing a couple of copies.

Great story for kids.......2006-11-25

This is a very good story and, although some of the elements could be turned into a "cliche" in other hands, everything works like a charm. I read it to my three year old with some minor adaptations, and he loved it instantly. There is no sugar coating of what a great loss is like, and of what a great danger the mare is in, and therefore the characters are truly very engaging. The illustrations are good specially the snowstorm scenes.
There is drama, action and final joy, the perfect combination for an easy to tell bedtime story.

The Christmas Hope (Christmas Hope Series #3)

Average customer rating:

A Heart-Tugging Tale of Hope and Redemption.
Heart Warming christmas story
One of the most touching books I have ever read.
WONDERFUL
The Christmas Hope

The Christmas Hope (Christmas Hope Series #3)
Donna VanLiere
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Domestic Life | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312334508
Release Date: 2006-04-01

Book Description

Patricia and Mark Addison have long given up the hope of having a meaningful Christmas. But this year, Patricias job as a social worker will lead her to a very special five-year-old. Against her better judgment, Patricia bends the rules and takes the little girl to her own home. Through the presence of Emily in their house, and her penetrating questions about heaven, the Addisons will learn that there is no sorrow so great that faith cannot help you find your way through. And Christmas will once more be a time of joy in their home. The third book in Donna Van Lieres Christmas Hope series, The Christmas Hope is a story of love in the face of loss, joy when all seems hopeless, and how light can shine into the darkest places.

Customer Reviews:

A Heart-Tugging Tale of Hope and Redemption........2007-03-30

Patti Addison can't escape the past. After her son's tragic death four years ago, she divorced herself from emotion and began avoiding her husband. And Christmas is nothing but a reminder of her pain - until she meets Emily, a five-year-old foster child who shows Patti, a devoted social worker, what she's really missing.

Nathan, the protagonist of Van Liere's bestselling "The Christmas Shoes" and "The Christmas Blessing" makes an appearance here as well, but the story belongs to Emily. A heart-tugging tale of hope and redemption.

Heart Warming christmas story .......2007-01-02

Very well written . Christmas Hope is a story of a social worker (Patricia) and her pilot husband (mark) . They have lost their son sean when he was 18 ,and their marriage has became stale until Paricia Brings home a 5 year old girl that had just lost her mom in a car crash and its just before Christmas so Paricia couldn't take the child (Emily ) to a orphanage so she brings her home for Christmas , And of course Emily stills the heart of Patricia and Mark and they decide to become foster parents and take in Mia as well and they end up adopting both girls . Very touching , and the 3 rd book of Christmas series by this wonderful author .

One of the most touching books I have ever read........2006-12-05

This was an extremely well written book. From start to finish it tugs on your heart strings. The way the main character changes with her grief and is able to accept love again is nothing short of inspiring. I have also read The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing but in my opinion The Christmas Hope was the best of all 3. What an excellent book!!!!!

WONDERFUL.......2006-11-10

I thought this book was wonderful! It showed the true meaning of what Chistmas is all about - sharing and caring. I cannot wait to read all the other books that this author has written. I would recommend this book to anyone!

The Christmas Hope.......2006-03-15

Excellent reading. Think of others needs and not just your own.

The Christmas Shoes (Christmas Hope Series #1)

Average customer rating:

the chritmas shoes a student review by raisa b.
Christmas Shoes.
Christmas Shoes.
Chance Encounters - Walk a Mile in Another's Shoes
A quaint story

The Christmas Shoes (Christmas Hope Series #1)
Donna VanLiere
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312289510
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Book Description

Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life-and nothing at all.Focussed on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert is on the brink of losing his marriage.He has lost sight of his wife, Kate, their two daughters, and ultimately himself.Eight year old Nathan has a beloved mother, Maggie, whom he is losing to cancer.But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life, and struggling to hold onto every moment they have together.A chance meeting on Christmas Even brings Robert and Nathan together-he is shopping for a family he hardly knows and Nathan is shopping for a mother he is soon to lose.In this one encounter, their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson:sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference.The Christmas Shoes is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity, a tale of our shared humanity, and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives.AUTHORBIO: Donna VanLiere is an actress and speaker, and the author of Sheltering Trees:The Power, Promise, and Refuge of Friendship and They Walked With Him.She lives with her husband, Troy, in Nashville, TN, where they are expecting their first child any day now: Gracie, from China.

Customer Reviews:

the chritmas shoes a student review by raisa b........2007-02-20

The Christmas shoe is a really great book. You known those books that ounce u are reading it, nothing can make u put that book down.

Well what this story is about 2dfferent families who are very different from each other. One family is rich , and there marriage is falling apart and all the husband care about is being rich but to the wife she can care less if she did have money or not all she cares about is saving her marriage . Another thing that bothers her is that her husband doesn't see it they have to kids and he never ever spends time with them all he cares about is his job. But one day that will all change.
The family is your average American family the both have jobs two kids and they spend time with each other a lot. But one day this will change to. Maggie who is the wife of the average family. one day the Maggie goes to see her doctor, she has been compiling about a stomach pain so she goes and sees her doctor and she finds out that she has cancer. But the bad thing about this cancer was that she caught at a bad stage witch meant that she really didn't have much time. So she goes home and tells her husben the have there cries and she tells her son. Well as the other family are still having family problems. Well Christmas eve day and everyone known that this is Maggie's last Christmas so there oldest son who is about 8 years old diede to go out and by his mom a Christmas present. While he was looking around to fine the perfect gift for her. So he finds these perfect pair of shoes. So when its time for him to pay he finds out that he doesn't have enough so her turned around and looks at this guy and sad is to him "I Want to by these shoes for my mama please and these shoes are just her sizes and this is going to be her last Christmas tonight'' so the guy is like what do I look like to you rich but he didn't say that to his face. So guy gives him the rest of the money and the boy turns around and said Thank you. The guy was so touch by this that he hpoes everything and runs home to go talk to his wife. And he tells everything that happens and he tells her how much she loves her and that he is going to change spend more time with his kids and his family so they fix everything. So the kid runs home and they all diede to open there Christmas present a little earlier that year so the kid gives her the shoes and she was so excited. And happy. And sad at the same time.

Christmas Shoes........2007-02-20

Do you like a book thats good but sad in other times? Well if you do then this is the book for you! This book is about a young little boy who finds out that his mother has a disease, his mother gets really sick one day. His father says "its not going to be much longer before momma goes home to heaven". As the little boy thinks of what to buy his mom before she dies, he walks pass this shoe store and see's these beautiful pair of shoes.... He goes in the store and he thinks of how he cna save enough money to buy these shoes but before his mother dies. He heard on the T.V. that people can save cans and recycle them to make money. After days went by he finally got enough money for these shoes. Dingle-ling the bell rang as he walked back to the shoes he looked and looked for thethe beautiful shiny shoe's under some boxes. And then... you will have to read the book to find out what happens next!
This is a great book and you will love it if u read the book.

Christmas Shoes........2007-02-20

Do you like a book thats good but sad in other times? Well if you do then this is the book for you! This book is about a young little boy who finds out that his mother has a disease, his mother gets really sick one day. His father says "its not going to be much longer before momma goes home to heaven". As the little boy thinks of what to buy his mom before she dies, he walks pass this shoe store and see's these beautiful pair of shoes.... He goes in the store and he thinks of how he cna save enough money to buy these shoes but before his mother dies. He heard on the T.V. that people can save cans and recycle them to make money. After days went by he finally got enough money for these shoes. Dingle-ling the bell rang as he walked back to the shoes he looked and looked for the shoes and still couldnt find them, but all of a sudden he sees the beautiful shiny shoe's under some boxes. And then... you will have to read the book to find out what happens next!
This is a great book and you will love it if u read the book.

Chance Encounters - Walk a Mile in Another's Shoes.......2006-12-04

Bankruptcy attorney Robert Layton has devoted himself to his career and has left little time for his family. By chance, he meets 8-year-old Nathan whose mother is dying of cancer. Nathan's father tells the boy on Christmas Eve 1985 that his dying mother will soon be going to Heaven.

Desperate to give her one last present, Nathan shops for a gift that will make her look and feel beautiful when she goes to meet Jesus. He finds a pair of brightly colored shoes that he thinks will fit the tab. Sadly, he does not have enough money to buy them and asks the man behind him in line to help. That man, as you have already guessed is Robert Layton.

Impatient with the boy for holding up the line, Layton all but curtly dismisses him until he hears why Nathan has to buy those shoes. At that moment, Layton's life is forever transformed by this boy who has an abundance of his family's love, but a paucity of material goods.

Maudlin, yes, but well written and a good way of reminding people that hope exists, especially in the most unlikely of places and sources. The book closes with the two men some 20 years later who "just happen" to meet again. By then, Nathan is medical school, studying oncology, looking for a cure. This is a good story and an even better reminder to appreciate the people who are meaningful in one's life and to appreciate the natural joys and not taking anything for granted.

I will admit that I cannot stand the song "The Christmas Shoes" and find it maudlin and somewhat depressing. As much as I hate the song, I hate the way it makes me feel even more. Readers got the point, so the song seems like overkill. It is like being hammered over the head to prove a point that has already been well taken, so my feeling is that the book served the purpose well without that miserable song.

A quaint story.......2006-07-06

This is a nice little story suitable for reading by the fireplace on a snowy day. My 12-year old enjoyed it quite a bit. As an adult though I found it to be a bit too much like a made-for-TV-movie (which it apparently became).

The Christmas Box Miracle : My Spiritual Journey of Destiny, Healing and Hope

Average customer rating:

What?
excellent book
Powerful, yet simple message
Buy more than one!
This is the BEST book I've ever read.

The Christmas Box Miracle : My Spiritual Journey of Destiny, Healing and Hope
Richard Paul Evans
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0743219422
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Amazon.com

It began with The Christmas Box, a humble story about a caretaker and his family who befriend a lonely widow at Christmas time. In The Christmas Box Miracle, author Richard Paul Evans offers the back story, showing us how his self- published book became a runaway bestseller. We first meet the author as a young boy, learning about the family and faith that led him to become such as reliable and unpretentious narrator. As it turns out, Evans grew up in a Mormon household amongst a band of taunting brothers and a few childhood ghosts. His mother lost a stillborn daughter when Evans was a toddler. She also suffered from severe depression and suicidal tendencies. This backdrop helps us understand Evans's dedication to bring healing and hope to life. More than a publishing success story, The Christmas Box Miracle speaks about Evans's ability to change readers' lives and foster miracle after miracle. Fans of Evans already know to pull out their handkerchiefs. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

In 1994, Richard Paul Evans, then an unknown writer, self-published a short book entitled The Christmas Box. That book went on to become an international bestseller, selling more than seven million copies and touching the lives of many more people along the way.

The Christmas Box Miracle is the story behind the book that has become a Christmas classic: how a man writes and publishes a book which helps grieving people to heal and lost souls to find their way home. It is Evans's story: his own spiritual journey and stories of people he encountered along the way -- miraculous stories of healing and divinity that often defy explanation.

In sharing the story behind The Christmas Box, Richard Paul Evans has given us a story of miracles, hope and healing for all seasons.

Customer Reviews:

What?.......2007-07-01

I am a big fan of the Christmas Box books, but when I saw this book I thought UHHHHHH I guess he needs even more money. RPE must have realized that he was a flash in the pan, and was desprate to hang on to his falling fame. This book does have its moments though, but it sounds like a broken record. They were giving this book away.. a free copy with every $10 purchase. I wish RPE would get over himself he's no Charles Dickens!!!

excellent book.......2007-03-20

this book is really eye opening as to faith and where it can lead you if you let it.

Powerful, yet simple message.......2007-01-14

Unfortunately I read this after reading "The Light of Christmas" so I knew most of the story line but it was still worth the read. It is a simple story with a powerful message about the importance of our individual lives and the lives of those who love us. The Christian message of hope in life is prevalent but subtle and doesn't come across as 'preaching' while still delivering its impact.

Buy more than one!.......2005-12-05

I loved this book from the beginning to the end. It is filled with profound thought evoking experiences and letters. I always love "the story behind the story" and that is exactly what this is. I suggest buying more than one because then you will have one to keep and one that you can share with out having to worry about tracking it down later.

This is the BEST book I've ever read........2003-12-24

Even if you haven't read "The Christmas Box," and don't know what it's about you should read "The Christmas Box Miracle!" It's the most inspiring, and moving book I've ever read. I hope you take the opportunity you've been given, and read this awesome book. It will change your life for the better.

The Christmas Blessing (Christmas Hope Series #2)

Average customer rating:

The Christmas Blessing
The Christmas Blessing
The Christmas Blessing
Cried through half the book!
Tearjerker...filled with the miracles of Christmas

The Christmas Blessing (Christmas Hope Series #2)
Donna VanLiere
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0312322933
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Book Description

rom NewSong's smash-hit #1 single, to the blockbuster CBS television movie, to the New York Times bestselling novel, The Christmas Shoes has touched people's lives. Now, the story continues in The Christmas Blessing. Nathan Andrews is now a man; his greatest wish is to be a doctor. But beyond his studies of medicine, Nathan realizes there are still things to be learned about faith, blessings, giving, and sacrifice. Lessons he will learn from a young woman with a disease that seems hopeless. But hope can exist in the darkest places, and love is always the greatest gift of all.

Customer Reviews:

The Christmas Blessing.......2006-03-28

The Christmas Blessing was a fanominal bood that I enjoyed greatly! You learn so much in these books by Donna Vanliere, but this particular book stood out to me. It shows how love can go so far in the simplist things. Also, how just one little accident or change can remake your life forever. Nathan has such character, as to go as far as to fulfill his dreams because of his mothers death. In this book I learned that everything happens for a reason, and if you would like a page- turner book, buy The Christmas Blessing. You learn so much more about yourself!

The Christmas Blessing.......2006-03-16

This was one of the best books that I have ever purchased. I had read the Christmas Shoes and I was thrilled to have read both of these books. It was a book that had a real meaning. I can't say enough good about the book, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great book to read.

The Christmas Blessing.......2006-03-15

An excellent book. Easy to read and understand. There are a lot of children in the world needing to be loved.

Cried through half the book!.......2005-12-09

I loved this book. Donna VanLiere helps you feel again the magic of Christmas and opens your eyes to the gift of Christmas. I cried through the book and want to give this book to everyone I know. For the ones in my family who know the real "reason for the season" and for those who don't to get a glimpse of what Christmas IS.
Loved it.

Tearjerker...filled with the miracles of Christmas.......2005-01-01

I purchased this book along with the Christmas Shoes, thinking it would be a nice gift for one of my children. I had to read them to see if they were as good as I had hoped. I didn't think that the sequel, Christmas Blessing, could possibly be as good as the Christmas Shoes, but I think it was almost better.
I cried several different times and had to bury my face in a dishtowel. It touched me deeply because I believe in Christmas miracles too. I would recommend this book to those who are in need of an uplifting Christmas story. It's warm and fuzzy, yet so sad in some places. It makes you think seriously about the miraculous power of love and selflessness.Both books are now MINE. I can't bear to give them away as a gift.

Average customer rating:

A unique rendition of the Nativity story
Rhythmic Holiday Celebration

Cricket At The Manger
Edith Hope Fine
Manufacturer: Boyds Mills Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1563979934

Customer Reviews:

A unique rendition of the Nativity story.......2005-11-18

Fine's language is magical. She's included sensory details, universal feelings, humor, and strong characterization in the form of her cranky cricket in the stable that night. Her unique rendition of this age-old story is a "must" for holiday gifts for children; adults will love it, too. Winslow Pels's illustrations are stunning, right down to the donkey's eyelashes.

Rhythmic Holiday Celebration.......2005-10-11

A grumpy little cricket just wants to sleep but there is no peace in the stable and the bright star is shinning in his eyes. "Such light. Such Noise. Is there no peace?" Just when he thinks he has found some quiet, Mary and Joseph arrive with a noisy donkey and then visitors arrive.

A shepherd girl scoops up the cricket and holds him high above the crowd so he can see the baby in the manger. Once he has a view he becomes interested in the angels and manger scene. He is so impressed that he decides to sing a song for the baby Jesus, only he can't quite manage more than a "Gar-Reech" because that has been his tune for so long.

Finally he manages to create a "Chirrr-rup Chirrr-rup" and feels he has
become part of the celebration.

Winslow Pels' illustrations fill each page with seasonal beauty in subtle shades of blues, reds and brown with sand-tone backgrounds. Edith Hope Fine's words dance and jump from the page in cricket sounds mingling with the tale of Jesus' birth.

A memorable story with a change in perspective near the end. It shows children that things are not always as they appear and miracles can even be found in seeming chaos.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

The Red Suit Diaries: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith

Average customer rating:

This is the real Santa!!
Believe
The Best Santa Story Ever
Touching and Heartwarming story through the Season & beyond

The Red Suit Diaries: A Real-Life Santa on Hopes, Dreams, and Childlike Faith
Ed Butchart
Manufacturer: Revell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0800718143
Release Date: 2003-10-01

Book Description

Tom Brokaw said it best about the author: This Santa ''can only be described as the real thing.'' With warmth, humor, and wonder, Ed Butchart shares his stories as a professional Santa Claus in The Red Suit Diaries. Deftly combining his Santa persona with his passion for God, Butchart reveals himself as a once-hardened Marine who found Jesus and began to serve others in unusual ways. Readers who open The Red Suit Diaries will find themselves transfixed-from Santa's day job refurbishing medical equipment for the disabled, to the sweetest of secrets whispered in Santa's ear and written in letters, and the story of how he unknowingly found ''Mrs. Claus.'' Woven throughout is a faith-and a joy of giving-that energizes Butchart's mission to spread love to all kinds of children and adults. This fun-spirited, inspirational read will delight collectors of Christmas books and anyone who's a child at heart.

Customer Reviews:

This is the real Santa!!.......2006-02-05

I was told about this book right before Christmas 2004. I bought two copies and sent one to my mom. We both read and cried about this book! This is such a heart-warming book! This brings back the magic of Christmas. I really loved the end where Santa tells us grown ups why he thinks Santa helps kids have faith. It teaches them to help others, to think of others, and puts God's love and face on a very special time of year. I really liked the part when Santa is talking to a young girl that is asking him how he flies. Santa tells her that with all of God's love, her Parent's love and her love, it gives Santa the magic he needs to fly on Christmas Eve. There were several things that Mr. Butchart shared in this book that my Husband and I will use when we have kids. If you have anyone in your life that thinks telling their kids that there is a Santa is lying to their kids tell them to read this book before telling their kids that. Also if you are one of those parents that ruin the magic of Christmas for their kids please tell them to keep the information to themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had a niece, nephew, or family friends children come home crying because some kid at school told them there is no Santa. By reading this book you will understand that most of us use Santa to help us teach our kids about God. Its a very easy quick read. I bought several copies last year to give as gifts to all of our friends and family. My Husband was transferred to GA last year and my Christmas present was to go to Stone Mtn and see Santa!! I was so excited. I waited in line with all the kids and then it was finally my turn! I went and sat on Santa's lap and told him how my family really enjoyed his book. He said that he appreciated the compliments but had to share with me some sad news. On Christmas Day 2004 Santa's wife Annie Butchart passed away and this Christmas was very hard for him. His wife worked with him at Stone Mtn and was very active being Mrs. Claus. From reading his book it is very clear how much he cared for his wife even though I'm quite sure it doesn't even show the half of it. I wanted to share this news so you can appreciate the book a little more. Please buy this book and share it with everyone in your life. I have two copies so when we have guests during Christmas they can read the book and enjoy the season as much as I do.

Believe.......2004-07-20

With so many attacks on Christmas and on Santa Claus, this book is a breath of fresh air.
This man truly embodies not only the spirit of St. Nick but the true and real Christmas spirit. He relates how he got to be "Santa", stories about children and their parents, about his service to the disabled and about how children and adults do a double take when they see his real beard. Judging by the picture on the jacket of the book, I can see why. The man looks like Santa!
He also talks about the real miracle of Christmas, the birth of Jesus and how when Christmas is put in that perspective, it makes everything else about Christmas more wonderful.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry but most of all, it will make you believe!

The Best Santa Story Ever.......2003-12-11

Ed Butchart is an amazing man. The gift of love he brings to others through his ministry is amazing. The Red Suit Diaries is a wonderful heart-warming story that will surely make you laugh and cry!

Touching and Heartwarming story through the Season & beyond.......2003-11-06

This is an inspiring true account of one man's journey from Marine to real life Santa. Ed Butchart recounts moments in his life he choose to reach out to other people in need which is one of the true forms of giving. This book will move readers through laughter and tears as you meet many children (and some adults) who have shared their hopes and dreams with Santa. The similarity between Ed and Santa is uncanny from his photo in the back of the book to the fact he has been Santa for over 15 years at a park and has an organization that distributes wheelchairs to kids in need...this book is one you will give year after year to inspire and encourage those in your life.

Average customer rating:

More than just a Christmas book
Okay...So I'm Crazy
Should be REQUIRED READING
Touching Christmas Book
Could it really live up to the reviews???

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices
John Allen
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0757300537

Book Description

"It was a perfect life. And it was hard for Eric Sanders to imagine how things could be any better." So begins the novel Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices.

Eric seems to have resolved all of life's major issues, but in an instant, his world falls apart. While wrapping Christmas gifts for his wife and children, a policeman knocks on the door to tell him that his family was killed in a car accident. Consumed with grief, he knows it will take a Christmas miracle to ever find peace again, let alone enjoy the holidays. His world is in ruins.

Amazingly, Eric finds that peace through the giving of the special presents he so lovingly created for his family, and from that simple gesture learns that giving to others with joy and love has a ripple effect. He discovers the true meaning of Christmas and, in the echo of the Christmas bells, realizes that death is not an ending but a transition. Love can never be extinguished.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices is a heartfelt look at love and the fragility of life. This tiny treasure of a book will inspire readers to take pleasure in the wonders of everyday life and cherish each special moment - and it is sure to be this season's most talked-about holiday novel.

"Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices has messages of love and wisdom to make your heart sing with the recognition of the miracle of life."
- Mark Victor Hansen, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Soul series

"Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices is a beautiful illustration of why it makes a positive difference to choose to do good and reach out, even in the face of heart-numbing challenges. I know; I've been there."
- Hyrum Smith, Founder/CEO, Franklin Covey, and best-selling author, What Matters Most

Customer Reviews:

More than just a Christmas book.......2006-08-05

Why would my friend give me a Christmas book when it wasn't Christmas?

Why?

She knew that I had just suffered a devastating loss. And she explained that "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices" was more than a holiday novel...it was a parable that showed how service and thinking of others ultimately brings peace after a loss.

The other book my dear friend gave me had a less perplexing title: "I Wasn't Ready To Say Goodbye" by Brook Noel.
While Allen's book was lyrical and parable-like, Noel's book was filled with straightfoward advice.

Because my friend helped me out so very much by giving these books to me when I needed them most, I wanted, in turn, to tell others about these books. They are wonderful and comforting.

And isn't it interesting: one book that helped me was set during the holiday season, and the other book was written by someone with the name "Noel."

Okay...So I'm Crazy.......2006-07-08

So who reads Christmas books in the summer? I do. I have since I was a kid. Don't ask why...I couldn't tell you. If that makes me crazy, so...I'm crazy.

But I had to take a moment and share my thoughts about "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices." This book starts out typical enough: A man is buying Christmas gifts for his family. But a few pages later BANG/WHAM...I won't tell you what happens, but let's just say it's not what you'd expect from a Christmas story.

But it's the ending that realy gets you. And it makes you feel like there's hope for everyone, no matter what.

Allen's book isn't just a great Christmas book. It's a great book...period.

Another book I'd recommend it Richard Siddoway's "A Christmas Wish."

Should be REQUIRED READING.......2006-02-25

This book should be required reading for anyone who has suffered a loss, for anyone who is grieving.
This book eloquently shows how losing yourself in service to others not only helps "others" but helps yourself.
And if you're not a "believer"--that is someone who believes in an afterlife or a higher power,or a purpose for this earth life--you very well may be by the end of the book.
I don't want to get too personal...all I want to say is that this book changed my outlook on life and gave me hope.

I'd give this book 10 stars if I could!

--JJ Rankin

Touching Christmas Book.......2005-12-04

This book was sad, but it was a book about hope. And how to be strong and to endure to the end. You wonder if the characters are real or not. It was very inspirational and I think that everyone should read it. Katie

Could it really live up to the reviews???.......2005-12-02

YES!!!
I had to wonder if this book could live up its several favorable reviews. I read it and the answer is Yes.
This book is as fantastic as people say it is. I'm not such a good writer of reviews. Let's just say that it's true what the reviews say: "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices" is the best new holiday book out.

It's sad. It's funny. It inspiring. It's heartwarming.

Instant Christmas Pageant: The Not So Silent Night (Instant Christmas Pageant)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful and funny
Very adaptable
Great idea, fun play, but....
Easy to Use !
I Laughed Out Loud

Instant Christmas Pageant: The Not So Silent Night (Instant Christmas Pageant)
Marian Hope Moreland , and Richard Moreland
Manufacturer: Group Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious & Liturgical | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0764420704

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful and funny.......2007-09-26

We did this play last year (2006) and it was great. The teens acted out the dramatical scene and the younger kids (grades 1-6) sang the songs. The plot is very funny and a new twist on the Christmas story. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the music. For it being a children's play, the music was sang by adults and in a very complex way. It was beautiful but not very kid-friendly. So I just bought a kids' Christmas cd from the local Christian bookstore and replaced the music with kids' versions. The kids and I loved it.

Very adaptable.......2005-10-04

I coordinate our Sunday School which has around 30 - 40 kids. We ran 'electives' rather than ordinary classes for the 4 weeks prior to our play. The 'drama' elective practiced and memorised the speaking parts, the 'angels' learnt a dance, the music people learnt one of the songs from the CD and practised carols for the play. The rest did crafty things and became the nativity scene cast on the night. They only had to arrive on stage at the appropriate moment while the speaking parts described the scene. Then they remained during the rest of the play. It was a minimum of work as the bits were divided up between leaders and it all came together beautifully on the night.
The quirky story line provided a really interesting promo for the other members of the congregation who were fascinated to come see the end.
I would recommend it for any group of 15 or more kids.

Great idea, fun play, but...........2002-01-13

It's important to know it's for a cast of 24 characters. I bought it hoping it would work for a total of 6 kids, but there's no way to cut it down that far.

If you have a larger number of children as cast members, I think it would be a fun production.

Easy to Use !.......2000-03-07

"Not-So-Silent Night" is an EASY, cost effective, children's Christmas Pageant to produce. It's "easy-to-use" format allows children to part-take based on their areas of interest and abilities. Parental involvement is minimal and gives children inspiration and freedom to produce their own costumes and props.

If it wasn't for the ease that "Not-So-Silent Night" presented, down to promotional flyer ideas and caroling sheet also included, I doubt we would have been able to complete our first pageant in the time constraints we faced to the success and platitudes we received. I personally recommend this pageant for any group looking at preparing a children's production.

I Laughed Out Loud.......2000-02-01

I loved the premise of this play: Shepherds who visit baby Jesus on the night of his birth are so excited about the events of the evening that they make a great deal of noise and are arrested for disturbing the peace. The play takes place in the court room where the shepherds are on trial. I laughed out loud at the witnesses for the prosecution, especially Dr. Sigmund Fruitcake! The children performing the play loved it, too.

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