The Stained-Glass Pickup: Glimpses of God’s Uncommon Wisdom
By Cathy Messecar
(Leafwood Publishers 2006)

Newspaper columnist Cathy Messecar shares a collection of stories that will deepen the faith of every woman. The title comes from the first devotional in the book, about a rancher who prays aloud for his high school age daughter while he drives her to school in his truck. I can certainly relate to praying in extremely humble places.

The book contains an eclectic mix of uncommon wisdom gleaned from the Bible and the author’s daily life as a grandmother in Texas. Each devotional begins with a short scripture and concludes with a heart-felt prayer. This would make a wonderful gift to help someone start the new year with an inspiring mentor to lead the way.

Mozart’s Sister
By Nancy Moser
(Bethany House 2006)

For all the music or historical fiction lovers on your gift list, Nancy Moser’s exquisite novel will whisk them away to 18th-century Vienna. Did you even know Mozart had a sister? Six years his senior, Nannerl was every bit as talented as her precocious and highly acclaimed brother. Yet because she was a woman, she was overlooked by society, as well as her father.

The book is told from Nannerl’s point of view and reads like a piece of music, with sections entitled “Prelude,” “Overture,” “Interlude,” and more. The author’s beautiful writing and detailed research give readers an intimate peek into the eccentric personalities who inhabit the Mozart home. For those of us who do most of our traveling by armchair, Moser’s dramatic tale is richly satisfying.

Beyond Green Gables:
Kevin Sullivan’s Designscapes
By Kevin Sullivan
(Davenport Press 2005)

One of the most popular stories of all time, Anne of Green Gables, captured our hearts even more when we saw Anne’s beloved Prince Edward Island come to life on the silver screen. But did you ever stop to think about the artistic genius required to create the spectacular movie sets? Kevin Sullivan is a photographer extraordinaire, and in his stunning, full-color book, you’ll be taken behind the scenes of the filming of Anne of Green Gables, as well as other award-winning Sullivan productions.

Like a scrapbook, this book is a mosaic of photographs, poetry, paintings, and glorious period costumes that dance across the pages. It’s a fascinating read, one that every Anne of Green Gables fan will adore. Arranged by season, the book also includes recipes that go along with the beautifully arranged table displays. If you love entertaining, you’ll treasure this lavish excursion through Sullivan’s favorite images and locales.

Queen of the Castle: 52 weeks of Encouragement for the Uninspired, Domestically Challenged or Just Plain Tired Homemaker
By Lynn Bowen Walker
(Integrity 2006)

Author Lynn Bowen Walker begins her book with this disclaimer: “OK – so let’s get this out of the way right up front: I am not homemaker of the year.” That said, this is a book every homemaker won’t want to live without. Written with a light and humorous touch, Walker combines inspirational storytelling with an endless cache of organizing, craft, and holiday ideas – nicely gathered in one easy-to-read volume.

If you’ve got stacks of women’s magazines you keep meaning to clip articles from, throw them away and buy this book instead. It contains dozens of tried-and-true, kid-friendly recipes, along with wisdom gleaned from years of mothering. Walker’s not afraid to share her homemaking foibles, and the encouraging tone of the book makes you feel like she’s joining you for a chat over a cup of coffee. If you’re looking for homemaking inspiration for every month of the year, this book will help make your home the haven you long it to be.

The Three Wise Women: A Christmas Reflection
By Christin Ditchfield (Crossway 2005)

You’ve heard of the three wise men; they’re an integral part of every Nativity. But what about the three wise women who each played a significant role in the birth of Christ?

Three women–one single, one married, and one widowed –have much to teach us about following God’s will, even when it doesn’t make sense at first. Mary was chosen while still a teen to become mother of the Messiah. Elizabeth, ripe in middle age, gave birth to John the Baptist to prepare the way. And faithful Anna prayed night and day in the temple, announcing the Son of God’s arrival to all who would listen.

In this gorgeous red-and-gold foil gift book, author Christin Ditchfield brings these women’s stories to life and shows how God can use each of us, no matter how insignificant we feel. This makes a perfect gift for any woman longing to grow in spiritual wisdom.

Claire Knows Best,
by Tracey Bateman
(Warner Faith 2006)

Tracey Bateman’s mom-lit is a hoot, and I can’t say enough fabulous things about her Claire series: Leave it to Claire, Claire Knows Best, and I Love Claire (coming in Jan. 2007). Single mom Claire Everett’s plan for her life is tossed out the window when a tornado rips through her home, crashing her computer, and forcing her family to move. She’s dating Greg, the cute widower down the street, but there are mega-problems–her teen daughter’s rebellion, her ex-husband’s pregnant wife, and her writing career on the skids. Should she seek the help of a life coach, or does God really know what He’s doing with her life?

(Bantam Books, 2002)
By Marla Cilley, A.K. A. The FlyLady

Are you a FlyLady fan? If so, then you’re one of over 300,000 women around the world who have discovered FlyLady’s system for coping with the chaos in your home. I joined her newsletter group about a year ago and always felt like I was missing the whole story, so I finally bought and read her book.

Sink Reflections gives you a behind-the-scenes peek into how the FlyLady system came into being. Marla Cilley was once a frustrated woman living in a household filled with clutter. Her organizing systems always seemed to fail, until she decided to stick with one thing for a month–shining her kitchen sink. From there, she developed her morning, evening, and weekly routines that have transformed her life–and countless others.

Be warned: if you sign up for her free daily newsletter, you should opt for the Digest version. She sends about 15-20 email messages a day. She’s fun, motivating, and is the voice many of us need to rid our lives of clutter and make room for more joy and peace.

Fly Lady.net

This review was written by Heather Ivester. To read the latest news on other books in the Christian market, view
Heather’s monthly column–Book Buzz

RV There Yet?
WestBow Press, 2006
By Diann Hunt

I started laughing from the very first page of this book, and I didn’t stop until I finished it. What plot could offer more fun? Three middle-aged women crammed together in an RV for two weeks of non-stop adventure. Diann Hunt’s playful narrative is a hoot.

Here’s the first line, “Remind me again. I left a shop full of chocolates behind, why?” Millie, Lydia, and DeDe have been friends since childhood; they met at a Christian camp. Now, coinciding with DeDe’s 50th birthday, the three women journey back in time to help their youth camp, which is in desperate need.

Along the way, they share their past secrets, future dreams – and present-day drama via cell phone. Reading this made me want to hop in an RV and travel around the country, eating S’mores and swapping stories with fellow campers. The novel is more than pure pleasure; the word of Christ dwells richly in these ladies, and His eternal hope continues to transform and renew life, love, and friendship.