At this time of year, we begin trying to find the perfect way to say “thank you” to all of the women who faithfully serve in children’s ministry all year long. I wanted something that was not a “teaching” book or a “training” book. I even wanted to steer clear of the typical teacher’s gift books. I wanted to find a special book for our special volunteers.
A Door County Christmas, by Barbour Publishing is a collection of four novellas by Christian women writers Becky Melby, Eileen Key, Rachael Phillips and Cynthia Ruchti. The book describes Door County as Wisconsin’s Cape Cod. A popular vacation destination in the summer, the stories all take place in the peaceful, quiet, winter off-season and revolve around Christmas. They are the perfect way to spend a snowy winter day curled up with a cup of tea and a favorite throw and drift off into a winter wonderland of romance and spiritual refreshment.
Each story is woven together by a common premise – a quirkly old innkeeper has gifted four women with prayers and a Christmas Cactus promising it will bloom along with love in their lives. All of the young women are hurting, and this one woman takes them into her heart, giving them love and a hope for a brighter tomorrow. Her care and kindness affects each of the women who, in turn, give that same love and hope to the others in their lives! It is an exhilerating example of God’s love for us and how we should give it away and see it multiplied. What a great message to fill your cup as the advent season approaches!
I love the chivalry in each story. Men who open doors and respect women and live life by God’s plan. I love the strength and creativity in each female character. And I love the one common character in each story – God. One man, has realized his life has become about him and not God, and has taken a year off to get his life back on track.
In speaking with one of the authors, Becky Melby, I learned that these women collaborated as they wrote, comparing ideas and entwining the stories. The stories truly mesh – each with its own freshness yet similar enough in style to keep the book connected as a whole. Door County at Christmas is a magical wonderland and the spirit of this quaint and sleepy tourist area is well captured by each author. The cohesive way the authors portray Door County is a result of time spent together on location preparing to write this collection. That time certainly paid off as the book truly reads as four, yet one. For more information, visit the authors at http://doorcountychristmas.blogspot.com
This book could even be used as a mother-daughter discussion/study to spark conversations on dating, men and keeping God the center of our lives and dating relationships, trusting in Him to provide the right person at the right time for each of us.
I would love to see it published as a hard cover to give as a very special gift this season, but is affordable to give to ministy leaders in its current paperback format — as it is only $7.99 at amazon.com.
But, even if you don’t chose to give it as a gift, treat yourself to a well deserved day of relaxation after a busy year in kidmin! Thank you for all you do for His Kids!
Reviewer’s Note: I received the book with 2 packages of Cheery cherry Tea, which is featured in the book. The tea was delicious and comes from www.christiani-tea.com. Check out their website and see their wonderful products and the mission work they are doing. I do wish the sight sold the book with the tea as a gift set.