The Invention of Lefse
Larry Woiwode
Hardcover, 64 pp., $12.99
Crossway Books (September 14, 2011)

Experience the simple and anxious rhythms of life for a Norwegian farm girl in the first decade of the twentieth century. Christmas Eve falls in the midst of deprivation as Mette’s family prepares to journey to her grandparents’ farm. Yet despite privation and disappointment, this extended family combines their meager resources to create an unexpected marvel of a meal that transforms the family’s Christmas. That prayers may yet be answered—that the provision may be greater even than the promise—is a truth for Christmas and always.

Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
Mike Slaughter
Paperback, 112 pp., $12
Abingdon Press (August 2011)

Every year, we say we’re going to cut back, simplify, and have a family Christmas that focuses on the real reason for the season: Jesus. But every year, advertisements beckon, the children plead, and it seems easier just to indulge our wants and whims. This Christmas, cut through the hype and experience the peace of knowing that God is truly with us. In five short, engaging chapters, Pastor Mike Slaughter inspires readers to approach Christmas differently, and be transformed in the process.

Saint Francis and the Nativity
Myrna A Strasser, illus. Fausto Bianchi
Hardcover, 40 pp., $16.99
Zonderkidz (September 14, 2010)

This beautifully illustrated premier Christmas book tells the story of St. Francis and the first Christmas pageant.

17 Christmases
Dandi Daley Mackall, illus. Michele Noiset
Hardcover, 32 pp., $16.99
Zonderkidz (September 14, 2010)

Journey all over America in this delightful full-color Christmas picture book written by award-winning author, Dandi Daley Mackall. 17 Christmases is a wonderful story about a young child’s Christmas road trip to see family and friends from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between.

Tea with a Twist
Lisa Boalt Richardson
Hardcover, 72 pp., $24.99
Harvest House Publishers (June 1, 2009)

Tea lovers craving novel ideas for their next tea party will gladly put the kettle on… and the doilies away! Specialty tea expert Lisa Boalt Richardson inspires readers to set their tables for fun with eight contemporary tea parties. Stunning photographs by one of Atlantas leading photographers Lauren Rubinstein grace each page, enticing readers to indulge their guests and serve them fine tea in a fun style!

Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas
John Blase
Hardcover, 128 pp., $12.99
David C. Cook (September 1, 2009)

This bold story invites you to experience the Nativity anew. John Blase explores the events from multiple first-person viewpoints. What emerges is the intimate story of unlikely people—a frightened teenaged girl, a worried carpenter, a collection of senior citizens, a disillusioned young shepherd—meeting up with the divine as they stumble toward the realization that the little one just born is the One. This retold story of Word made flesh invites readers to react appropriately—with eyes opened wide in wonder, jaws dropped in amazement, and hearts rejoicing.

Tea Parties With A Purpose
Bobbie Wolgemuth
Paper Over Board, 128 pp., $14.99
Howard Books (Janury 6, 2009)

Tea Parties with a Purpose gives readers everything they need to host a themed party designed to be lots of fun while teaching valuable life lessons.

Carry Me Over the Threshold
Kristina Seleshanko
Hardcover, 144 pp., $15.99
Zondervan (January 1, 2006)

Do you know where your favorite wedding traditions came from? Do you want to create a wedding that reflects your Christian faith and practice? From “something borrowed, something blue” to white veils, from orange blossoms to tossing rice, learn about the historical significance of traditions for before, during, and after the wedding. Carry Me Over the Threshold will help Christian brides create a memorable wedding that reflects their deepest spiritual values.