In celebration of her latest release, Cynthia has graciously offered to give away a hard copy of the book (US Only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends December 25, 2015.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!
A Word from Cynthia…
An Endless Christmas was truly a labor of love. Endless love :) I tapped into a beautifully loving extended family (my own) who showed up in a line here, a phrase there, a grace action there throughout the story. It was a joy to use a sweet tradition of giving as part of the story and a tender song that my dear friend's husband used to sing to her every night in the months before he died. As I move through life collecting ideas and snippets of conversation and head tilts and body language and heartache, I pull from that overflowing file to create a story like An Endless Christmas. It tugs at my heart with its unique approach to the holiday that's in risk of being taken for granted unless we let ourselves "land" on it and ponder.
My Review…
Katie does not know what to expect when her
boyfriend Micah invites her to spend the holidays with his family for their
Binder Family Christmas celebration. She expects it to be extremely awkward
after she declines Micah’s proposal. Katie is harboring a secret, which leads
her to believe she could never be the wife he deserves. She is shocked by how much everyone (grandparents,
children, aunts, uncles, and grandchildren) embraces her. Everything is so
different from her own dysfunctional family. Katie is determined to put her
distress aside so that Micah’s grandparents can enjoy what may be their last
Christmas together. Will the Binder family show Katie what true acceptance really
means?
While this is a quick read, it is certainly not one
to take lightly. It is a heartwarming holiday tale, full of faith, family,
flawed but realistic characters, and numerous touching scenes. I wanted to jump
into the story at times and share the holidays with this family! Some scenes
brought back fond memories of childhood Christmases spent with my own
grandparents. The reader is left wondering for a while as to what could possibly
be preventing Katie from accepting Micah’s proposal. There were a few parts I
really loved, such as:
·
Dodie’s reminder that when you are
married you are “in it for the long haul,” which this family truly demonstrates,
·
The family bonfire where they “burn the
past year’s regrets,”
·
And the importance of honoring family
traditions because, “A family without treasured traditions isn’t very
interesting.”
Ruchti, through the voice and actions of the Binder
family members, reminds the reader how important it is to make the most of
every moment while offering forgiveness and unconditional love. This is the
perfect cozy read for the holiday season.
Disclaimer:
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Amazon link for purchase…
About Cynthia...
Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope through her award-winning novels, novellas, devotionals, nonfiction, and through speaking events for women and writers. Her books have been recognized by honors such as the Selah Awards, Christian Retailings' BEST Awards, and Foreword Book Reviews Book of the Year Awards. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.
Where you can find Cynthia online…
@cynthiaruchti
Christmas Eve together :)
ReplyDeleteDeanna,
DeleteDefinitely a wonderful tradition. That's one of my favorites, too.
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
Usually a sweet time for our household as well.
DeleteSpending extra time with my husband and kids and all the baking and eating!
ReplyDeleteBeth,
DeleteThanks for stopping by! I love the extra family time,too :) I haven't done much baking this year, so I really have to get going the next few days!
Good luck!
Leslie
This is ANOTHER no-baking year for us. But I'm grateful my daughter is an expert at desserts!
DeleteMy favorite Christmas tradition is our Christmas Eve service. They tend to have it earlier in the evening to cater to families that celebrate on Christmas Eve. Our Church always as a spectacular service and no two are ever alike.
ReplyDeleteTerrill,
DeleteI agree! Our church is quite large, so they have multiple days of the Christmas service. It's always so wonderful and inspiring. As a child, some of my favorite memories are Christmas Eve services at our small community church.
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!
Leslie
Terrill, some of those Christmas Eve worship traditions are among the dearest memories.
DeleteChristmas eve in peace and quiet.
ReplyDeleteKim,
DeleteThat sounds wonderful :) Do you generally have snow to enjoy, as well?
Leslie
Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck!
DeletePeace and quiet. Once--when my youngest was four--his chattiness had worn me out. So I said, "Now let's try peace and quiet." He said, "I'll be Peace!" I remember thinking, "I guess that's good. You sure don't know how to be quiet!"
DeleteCynthia, I love it!
DeleteCandlelight Christmas Eve service and having Birthday cake for Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLucy,
DeleteChristmas Eve services seem to be quite popular :) I love the birthday cake!
Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!
Leslie
Lucy, does your church light candles and sing Silent Night in the relative darkness?
DeleteCynthia, that's what my church did when I was young. One of my FAVORITE memories!
DeleteTraditions change with the years but we manage to get the family together for food and gifts sometime during the week between Christmas and New Years. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteThis year we're celebrating on the 27th. I may not be wrapping presents until after Christmas!
DeleteJoan,
DeleteWe've altered things over the years,too,when we lived close enough to spend time with both sides of the family. What's important is the meaning behind the time together, not the date.
Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!