The winner of the signed copy of "Seasons"!

I used random.org - integer generator to choose the winner of the book "Seasons", by Elizabeth Byler Younts. I reviewed the book and talked about the giveaway here.

And the winner is - Katarina! So happy for you, friend! I think you will really enjoy reading this. :) Please email me your contact information, so I can send that on to Elizabeth and get your copy on its way.

Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway. As a reminder, click here to get right over to Amazon to order the book "Seasons" for yourself: Kindle version is also available!

"Seasons" - A book review and giveaway

 

**Updated to add - I just heard from a reader who was not able to leave a comment. If you have trouble leaving a comment, but want to be entered in to the giveaway, please email me or contact me via facebook and I can put a comment in with your name on it. :)**

I am extremely excited to share my review of this book! There are several reasons for this; first of all, the author is a personal friend of mine and I have observed her journey to getting published. This is no simple path to walk - and I am very, very proud of her!

Secondly, I have always been interested in reading about the Amish.  I have read several Christian fiction books about Amish families, and the Amish way of life. I was thrilled when I found out that Elizabeth was writing her Amish grandmother's memoirs!-First hand knowledge of this way of life; struggles and heartache, intertwined with solid family values and a simpler life.

So, without further ado - let me tell you my thoughts on the book.

I read this book in two sittings. :) Granted, one of the "sittings" was during a nice extended nap time, much longer than Kai's usual, and I did nothing besides devour the book in that time. It was an easy read, and quite engaging.

The setting of this book takes place during the great depression, and I could truly feel the hunger, the fear, and sacrifice of the Lee family as they struggled to provide for their growing family.

I enjoy books where you can enter into the plot and feel what the characters are feelings. Seasons lived up to that expectation. From the joy of a new pair of warm gloves, and an extra piece of buttered bread, to the devastation of accidents and tragedies, I was gripped by the emotion woven into this story. Knowing that everything I read was true, and even knowing some of the people directly related to the main characters, made it all the more fascinating to me.

I must admit my eyes sprung a leak a time or two while reading Seasons. :) I don't see that as a negative point though. Again, I take that as the author truly appealing to her readers; engaging them in emotions felt by the characters.

When I finished the book, I felt a renewed appreciation for all of the blessings in my life. Sometimes I need to step back from my own situation for a while, walk a mile in some one else's shoes, be an observer, and spend some time in contemplation to truly be struck with my own blessings.

The blessing of family.

The blessing of togetherness.

The blessing of more than enough food at the table for every single meal.

The blessing of love - in abundance.

As well as the choice of a good attitude despite our circumstances.

I adored the thread of a love story woven into Seasons. In some ways, it reminded me of my own and brought a big grin to my face.

And.... I have super good news. :) One of my readers, who leaves a comment on this post, will be randomly selected to win a copy of Seasons, signed by the author herself! I really think you all would enjoy this read!

For the rest of you, click here to purchase it on amazon. Besides the soft cover book, there is also a kindle edition available.

This is the trailer for the book. (Scroll down to the bottom of this page to pause my music)