Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons | Christmas Book Review

Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always

Ruth Chou Simon

Christmas/Advent

If there’s one name for Jesus that captures the whole heart of God, it is Emmanuel—God with us. No other name similarly expresses the fullness of God’s eternal desire for His image-bearers. He’s always wanted us to be with Him. From the bestselling author and artist behind GraceLaced and Beholding and Becoming comes this gorgeous exploration of what it means to intimately experience God’s presence in our daily lives. Ruth Chou Simons welcomes you and your family to partake in a season of surrender as you discover the true miracle behind Christmas: that while we journey to grow in our relationships with Jesus, He has already come so He can be with us forever. Christmas Day is not the end of our celebrations, but the beginning! Emmanuel is an invitation to rejoice in the everlasting fellowship and hope God extended to us on the day of His Son’s birth, guiding us to realize that having God with us all year long is Christmas’s most incredible gift.

My Thoughts

Each year I look for a new book to go through during Advent. As one of my selections this year I've chosen Emmanuel by Ruth Chou Simons. I'm doing the audio version of it that is read by Ruth herself. It's absolutely lovely.

It's divided into 25 different daily readings and the audio version is about five minutes each. Ruth's voice has a tone that is soothing and invites the listener to slow down and ponder what is being said. It would be the perfect companion to the busy momma. Short, sweet encouragement to start the day.

I don't think I've ever bought both the audio version and the physical version of a book before but for this one I really must. As I just said I loved the audio version but I adore Ruth's artwork so I am going to have to purchase the hard copy as well.

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the season of Advent you can't go wrong with either edition.

Disclosure

I received a copy of this audiobook to facilitate my review.

 

Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray | Christmas Book Review

Christmas at the Amish Market

Shelley Shepard Gray

Amish Fiction/Christmas

Wesley is so busy running his family’s Amish market at the holidays, he barely has time for Liesl, the young woman he’s been courting for years. When she suggests her aunt Jenny could help Wesley out, he agrees to the plan. But Liesl neglected to mention her aunt is only twenty-six years old—and as charming as she is hard-working.

Jenny, still healing after a painful breakup, welcomes the distraction of working at the market. She soon realizes Wesley is everything she ever dreamed a man could be. But how can Jenny even think about romance with the man Liesl expects to marry?

But Liesl’s own feelings are more complicated than she’s willing to admit. With humor, faith, and a little help from their friends in the community, everyone might just find what their hearts are looking for this Christmas at the Amish market.

My Thoughts

Christmas at the Amish Market was the first Christmas book of the season for me to read. I had intended to go back and forth between the written book and the audio version but the audio version was such a delight to listen to that I wound up sticking with the audio version. 

The setting revolves around the Amish market that Wesley's family owns. Christmas is around the corner so the place is hopping with activity. Wesley is overwhelmed with running the market while his father is recovering from some heart problems. Added to the mix is long time girlfriend Liesl. 

Liesl is an accomplished seamstress and finds great satisfaction with making beautiful things. But she's a bit oblivious to the needs of others. In fact she's put out with Wesley's devotion to his family's business. With the guise of helping Wesley but really helping herself, Liesl brings her Aunt Jenny into the mix. Unbeknownst to everyone the arrival of Jenny will change everything. 

If you enjoy Christmas themed books you'll love this one. It's the perfect combination of interesting characters, situations and solutions. There's a good mix of conflict and sweet romance that makes this a perfect read for the season. 

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.