I began keeping a crystal angel beside a picture of our son Cole when he was in the third grade. For 16 years, that little figurine has been a comforting reminder that there are angels watching over my boy. (Yes, he's 24 now so I've got to quit calling him that!)
It warms my heart to think Divine forces can intervene when bad things happen. If you can relate, you'll thoroughly enjoy these two new, Christmas-perfect books:
· Promise Me - A first-rate fantasy focusing on love, second chances, and the value of friends and family.
· The Miracle Chase - A true story of three girlfriends whose extraordinary experiences send them on a spiritual quest.
We're giving away eight FREE copies of these two uplifting tales: Promise Me and The Miracle Chase.
Read on for details on how to enter. Contest ends Dec. 30!
Promise Me
Beth Cardall enters her own personal Pearl Harbor in the winter of 1989. When tragedy strikes not once but twice, the 28-year-old is left alone to raise a six-year-old daughter with a mysterious illness. Forced to juggle doctor visits with her job at the local dry cleaner's to stay afloat, Beth begins to lose hope of ever resuming her once-happy life.
Then on Christmas Eve, she bumps into an interesting stranger. Matthew is handsome, charming and kind--almost too good to be true. He seems to be heaven-sent, a guardian angel in the flesh who not only saves her from financial ruin but gives her daughter, Charlotte (who I understand is a beautiful little girl), a second lease on life.
Despite planning to keep her distance after the horrors of the past year, Beth finds herself falling deeply in love. But who is this man, and how does he seem to know so much about her? His incredible secret will change the world as she knows it as well as her own destiny.
This enchanting read by bestselling author Richard Paul Evans takes a cue from classics like It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street. Set in the cold climes of Utah, the magical journey comes complete with Christmas celebrations, snowy sleigh rides and toasty thoughts. Sure to speak to your romantic side, it's a treat for anyone who treasures family, friends and the power of promises.
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Penned: Oct. 5, 2010
Time Out: The intriguing twists in this touching tale should send you tearing through the 334 pages.
Beach Worthy: Sure, if you're celebrating Christmas in the islands. Otherwise, this permission-to-escape makes a better fireside companion.
Other Works: The Christmas Box, Timepiece, The Letter, The Locket, The Looking Glass, The Carosel, The Christmas Box Miracle, The Last Promise, The Christmas List, The Walk and many others
Available: $19.99 Hardcover from Amazon
The Miracle Chase
Do you believe in miracles? That question nags three baby boomers after one of them narrowly avoids a devastating tragedy. Seeking the answer sends the women on a 10-year journey of the soul that opens their minds and strengthens their friendships.
Recent polls reveal that while most Americans believe in miracles, few feel a miracle could happen to them. The authors of this compelling narrative, Joan, Katie and Meb, were no exception. Yet they each had experienced a life-altering event that defied ordinary explanations:
Like many boomer moms, the three came together to support their children's friendships only to develop their own special bond. Katie, the retired banker, was the skeptic; Meb, a psychotherapist, was the believer, and Joan, a healthcare exec, struggled to mediate faith and doubt in the trio's search for meaning and truth.
In addition to sharing their deeply personal stories (my favorite part) in The Miracle Chase, the courageous friends discuss what the voices of history have to tell us about miracles. They explore why some people are blessed with miracles and how you can believe in miracles in an age of science.
The thought-provoking text is full of touching miracle stories along the lines of Yitta Halberstam's bestselling Small Miracles and Eat Pray Love. It includes discussion questions for book clubs, a suggested miracle-related reading list and suggestions for creating your own Miracle Club. Sprinkled with anecdotes from religions around the world as well as from the authors' Catholic backgrounds, this enlightening memoire can be enjoyed by anyone who believes in a higher power.
Authors: Joan Luise Hill, Katie Mahon and Mary Beth Phillips, Ph D
Publisher: Sterling Ethos
Penned: Nov. 2, 2010
Time Out: 215 pages that will capture your interest from beginning to end.
Beach Worthy: Certainly. The authors shift from research to reflection as naturally as the water meets the sand. Just bring a tissue because you'll gravitate between tears and laughter as they face life's challenges with determination, faith and surprising humor.
Available: $17.95 Hardcover from Amazon.com
You could win a FREE copy of Promise Me, by bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, or The Miracle Chase, by Joan Luise Hill, Katie Mahon and Mary Beth Phillips, Ph D.
To enter the contest, email your name and mailing address (no PO Boxes please) to Enter@BoomerBrief.com by Dec. 30.