February Reading Round-Up: My Book Picks This Month

Date posted: February 28, 2013

As most of you know, I’m an avid reader. I love a good novel and I’m not ashamed to admit that I stay up late many nights to find out what happens to a favorite character. And, I also love authors and so every so often, I round up my favorite reads and share them with you. Here’s what I read this month:

Flight of the Earls by Michael K. Reynolds
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, this debut Irish Novel takes you from the great potato famine in rural Ireland to the great sea ports of the Irish coast to New York City at the heights of immigration. Michael’s strong-but-flawed characters and easy-to-read style had me not only staying up late to read, but also looking up countless historical facts online because I wanted to know more about the time period he writes about.

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow by Olivia Newport
I was chatting with the girls at my MOPS table the other day about books and one of my friends asked about our go-to authors. And Olivia Newport immediately came to my mind. In just a short time, she has broken onto the Christian historical fiction scene as one to watch– I have been absolutely amazed by each of her releases and this one is no exception. Think Downton Abbey meets turn-of-the-century Chicago all wrapped up with characters that you’d love to invite to your house for coffee. I highly recommend this series as well as any of Olivia’s other books.

My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
My friend Katie Ganshert recommended this to me when I hit one of those rare moments that I had no new novels to read on my kindle. And I’m so glad she did. Becky’s contemporary romance was funny, light, romantic and whimsical– everything I want from a great, put-the-kids-to-bed-and-grab-a-cup-of-tea read. I can’t wait for Becky’s next book, Undeniably Yours, to release in May.

Lovelier Than Daylight by Rosslyn Elliott
This is the third book in a series that I’ve been following for years now and I have to admit that I almost didn’t want to read the last page because I was sad to let the Hanby family go! I’ve become so attached. But Rosslyn Elliott is another Christian historical fiction author to watch– her carefully researched work and beautifully, descriptive prose are hard to beat– and I can’t wait to see what she turns out next.

No Easy Day by Mark Owen
I confess that this book is far from my typical book pick, but a friend recommended it and I’m always willing to try new things. And, I have to admit that I enjoyed it. I had no idea the extent of the training and preparation our Navy Seals go through and the description of these events was gory but fascinating.

3 Fun Summer Reads… and 1 Summer Project

Date posted: May 30, 2012

I admit that I probably read more books in the winter than I do in the summer… there’s just something about curling up by the fire with a good book and reading the evening away. But, I still love a good book… and since I have the privilege of knowing some amazing authors, I’ve read some great ones lately. Here are a few of my picks:

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

Think history meets culture meets a romance that will both surprise you and touch you– all wrapped up with a heroine who you will wish lived next door to you. I loved Lucy– and am anxious to read more of Olivia’s work.

Wildflowers From Winter by Katie Ganshert

Katie has been my blogging buddy for almost two years now– her blog katieganshert.com is fantastic, by the way–and so I was so excited to read her debut novel. And it didn’t disappoint. Not only did she draw me into this fun and modern romance, but the message really touched me. What a great story about redemption, faith and hope.

A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas by Erica Vetsch

I’ve been a fan of Erica Vetsch’s for awhile now… and her latest gun-slingin, wild-est romance met my expectations. The feisty heroine made me laugh, made me cry and made me want to read more.

And, last, but not least, The Get Yourself Organized Project by Kathi Lipp

If you’ve ever been inside my house, you probably think I’m fairly neat. But that’s only because you’ve never looked inside of my closets. Or drawers. Or garage. I’ve always been a huge fan of Kathi’s books and The Get Yourself Organized Project is no exception. It’s full of great tips and ideas and is written in Kathi’s easy-to-read, girlfriend-y style. Just to whet your appetite: Toy room tip: Open a toy library and make your kids check out bins of toys one at a time. When they return the old bin, they can check out another. How’s that for brilliant?

My Book: Better Than Free!

Date posted: April 10, 2012

As a big thank you to all of you… the people who have supported me on my writing journey… Guideposts has agreed to offer a FREE Kindle download of my book!

So, starting today, for one week only, my book,
“The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby”
is FREE on Kindle!

Download it now!

But the only thing better than free is BETTER THAN FREE! So, along with the free download, we’re hosting a contest… which means you could win free stuff just for downloading a free book. How’s that for awesome?

Here’s how (and what) you can win:

1. Download the book (and forward me your email confirmation to erin@christianmamasguide.com) and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a care package sent from yours truly directly to you. (Hint: It will involve something delicious to eat.)

2. Write an Amazon review of the book after you downloaded it (email me at erin@christianmamasguide.com to let me know you posted the review) and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $10 Amazon gift certificate.

3. Spread the word on your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest… tag me) or email your friends about the free download (cc. me) and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a summer fun kids care package sent directly to your house… complete with fun summer activities for your kids.

Happy Downloading and spreading the word! And THANK YOU!

Here’s how to get in contact with me so you can enter:

Email: erin@christianmamasguide.com
Twitter: @emacphe
Facebook: Christian Mama’s Guide or Erin Schuknecht MacPherson
Pinterest: Erin Schuknecht MacPherson

Bonus Day: Books I’ve Loved Recently (AND a chance to WIN!)

Date posted: February 4, 2012

Taking a break from our “29 Days of Love” to tell you about some books that I’ve read recently and loved. As a book lover, pretty much the best gift someone could get me for, say, Valentine’s Day, is a book. Or a Kindle gift card. So, I figured if any of you are married to book lovers out there, you’d maybe want some recommendations. So here you go:

1. FOR HIM (okay, AND for you): The Love & Respect Experience

I think most people have at least heard of Eggerich’s Love and Respect books by now… I’ve read most of them. But Eggerich’s latest book– a devotional that he claims is “the husband friendly book that wives truly love”– is different because it’s formatted in a way that makes it feel doable. Plus, the lessons and descriptions of Eggerich’s Love & Respect principles are really short, sweet and easily understandable. Do you see why guys love it?

2. For HER: Into the Free

My friend Julie Cantrell’s debut novel is fantastic. It’s a beautifully–almost poetically– written story that will capture your heart from the outset. Captivating, descriptive and emotional, this novel is one of those spend-a-Saturday-afternoon-curled-up-on-the-couch type of reads.

3. For HER: The What’s for Dinner Project

I love Kathi Lipp. She just gets me. She knows I’m busy. She knows it’s hard for young parents to stay connected in their marriages. She knows it feels impossible for young moms to even imagine dreaming for themselves. And, she even knows how frantic I feel at dinnertime. Anyway, this book is full of simple, fun tips to make dinner easy. My favorite? She explains how to have a freezer exchange and load your freezer up with ready-to-cook meals. I did it with my sisters last week and now I have tons of grab-and-pop-in-the-oven dishes for those frantic weeknights.

AND now, a chance to WIN: Reply to this post and tell me which of these books you’d like to read and I’ll draw one lucky winner and buy it for you.

A Fun Christmas Giveaway!

Date posted: December 2, 2011

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas… and in order to get you into the festive spirit,
I’m giving away FIVE copies of a fun, festive e-novella by my friend Camille Eide.

Her new novella, Savanna’s Gift is set in the Oregon Cascades– which I have to admit made me miss home a little bit. But, her lovely descriptions of Oregon’s pine-covered mountains and a homey lodge for Christmas put me in the mood to sip cocoa by a roaring fire…and finish her book! Anyway, it’s a short-but-fun, romantic Christmas story that will have you laughing, smiling and devouring Christmas cookies.

Anyway, Savanna’s gift is on sale for just 99 cents (yes, that’s less than a buck!) for the month of December, so if you don’t win one here, pick up your own copy on Amazon by clicking here.

Now, for the giveaway:

1. The first person to comment automatically wins a copy.

2. The first person to post this giveaway on their Facebook page automatically wins a copy. (Tag me– Erin Schuknecht MacPherson– in the post.)

3. The first person to tweet about this giveaway automatically wins a copy. (add me to the Tweet @emacphe)

4. Two random winners will be chosen on Wednesday, December 7th to get a copy.
Good Luck!

Happy Veteran’s Day!

Date posted: November 10, 2011

Okay, so I know Veteran’s Day isn’t until Friday, but I’m celebrating a little bit early on my blog because, well, Friday is a day off of school which means I’ll be busy busy busy.

That said, I want to take a moment to honor our veterans– and the current service men and women who fight so hard for our country. My prayers are with you all and I’m so grateful to the heroes who have given so much to give me and my family the peace and hope that comes with living in the US.

And, in order to spread the celebratory love, I’m giving away a book! My friend Cathy West wrote an amazing book called Yesterday’s Tomorrow. It’s set during the Vietnam War– an era I hadn’t read much about before reading this novel– and it’s a fascinating and compelling look at life in Vietnam during that time period. Even better, the book also has a great love story, believable characters and more. I LOVED the book– and I read a lot lot lot of books, and give very few the “loved it” stamp of approval. I think you’d really like it… so I’m giving away an e-copy.

To win your copy (courtesy of ME!), just reply to this post and tell me why you’d like to read more about the Vietnam War period. I’ll draw one winner on Veterans Day (at random) and email you a Kindle Copy off of Amazon.

Now, here’s a bit more about the book and the author, just in case you’re curious:

Vietnam, 1967.

Independent, career-driven journalist Kristin Taylor wants two things: to honor her father’s memory by becoming an award-winning overseas correspondent and to keep tabs on her only brother, Teddy, who signed up for the war against their mother’s wishes. Brilliant photographer Luke Maddox, silent and brooding, exudes mystery. Kristin is convinced he’s hiding something.

Willing to risk it all for what they believe in, Kristin and Luke engage in their own tumultuous battle until, in an unexpected twist, they’re forced to work together. Ambushed by love, they must decide whether or not to set aside their own private agendas for the hope of tomorrow that has captured their hearts.

Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a degree in English from the University of Toronto. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. Catherine and her husband live on the beautiful island of Bermuda, with their two college-aged children. Catherine is a member of Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers, and is a founding member of International Christian Fiction Writers. Catherine’s debut novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in March 2011 through

OakTara Publishers. Catherine’s next novel, Hidden in the Heart, will be available in the near future, also through OakTara.

Website: http://www.catherinejwest.com

OakTara Website: http://www.oaktara.com

Blog: http://www.catherinewestblog.blogspot.com

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVQUMRlYhkM

Time for Christmas Cards (And Your Chance to WIN Free Cards!)

Date posted: November 1, 2011

*WINNER* Congrats to Paige! I’ll send your $25 gift card soon. *WINNER*

Last year's family pic

1. I love sending cards.

2. I love GETTING cards (hint, hint to those of you who have adorable children and pets that you want to show off this Christmas).

3. I hate tacky, kitschy cards.

4. It took me 4 and a half hours to SELECT my Christmas cards last year because I’m picky. And I wanted cards that were cute, Christ-centered, stylish AND weren’t tacky OR kitschy. Is that too much to ask?!

Anyway, last June, I discovered The Little Card Company. It’s a Christian company run by Christian moms– and they have hundreds of really cool, artist-designed cards for all occasions that have Christian messages. AND, nothing is tacky or kitschy… so that right there tells you why I’m such a big fan. Anyway, since I now know WHERE I’m ordering my cards from, and since it took me sooo long to pick the perfect cards last year, I thought I’d have a little fun this year and let YOU help me choose. And, to make it even more fun, I thought I’d do a little giveaway to make the choosing even more fun for y’all.

So, here are my six favorite Christmas card choices for this year. Tell me your favorite one in the comments and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate for Christmas cards from The Little Card Company. Then, make sure to check back during the week of Thanksgiving to see which cards I chose and to see a picture of my final card.

Card #1: Little Angel

Card #2: Quiet Snowfall

Card #3: White Snowfall

Card #4: Peaceful Snowfall

Card #5: Red Ribbon

Card #6: Shine Brightly

So, press reply and vote! One responder will be chosen at random on Nov. 10th and will win a $25 gift card to order their own Christmas cards from The Little Card Company. I’ll post the winning card during the week of Thanksgiving.

Hook ‘Em Horns (and a chance to WIN!)

Date posted: September 1, 2011

I live in Texas. So, we’re a teensy bit football crazy here. In fact– top secret fact– I’m so crazy about my Longhorns (we won’t talk about last season) that I made it my secret goal to seamlessly fit the words “Hook ‘Em Horns” into my book. And, once I managed that (I swear, it was seamless), I managed to fit them into one of the devotionals I wrote for Daily Guideposts. Hook ‘em!

Anyway, I digress.

If you’re a Longhorn fan (and really, everyone who’s ANYONE is a Longhorn fan, right?), you’re a Colt McCoy fan. And, if you’re a Colt McCoy fan, then you’ve probably heard that he has a new book out. The book, Growing Up Colt, is an inside look at Colt’s childhood, his football career and even his faith– all intertwined with some really great behind-the-scenes Texas football stories. I loved it.

And, since I know you’ll love it, too, I am GIVING AWAY a FREE SIGNED COPY OF HIS BOOK this week on my blog. Okay, so tiny disclaimer, the book is signed by Mike Yorkey, the writer who helped Colt and Brad McCoy write the book, but it’s still signed. And, if you ask me, Mike is pretty darn awesome, too. Even if he wasn’t a Longhorn Quaterback.

So, to enter to win, tell me what you do on gameday– do you get together with your friends, do you grill, do you tailgate, you you (gasp!) go to the mall and pretend the game isn’t on. I’ll draw a winner next Wednesday. And, yes, you’re still eligible to win even if you don’t like the Longhorns. I just won’t be your friend anymore.

Good luck! And Hook ‘Em!