A Christmas by the Sea by Melody Carlson

From the publisher:
When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

_______________

Having read Melody Carlson before I was excited to read this sweet Christmas story.  The characters in the story are enjoyable.  The town too, was enchanting and made one want to go visit.  As a shorter book there wasn't as much time to develop the characters and their relationships.  That is always a bit difficult for me as a reader because I want to see the characters really work through things, and with a shorter book that just isn't always possible.  The ending seemed a bit quick but it was still a sweet read.

I received this book. All opinions are my own.

I Call You Mine: Embracing God's Gift of Adoption (A Six-Week Study) by Kim de Blecourt

From the publisher:
I Call You Mine is a six-week study focused on revealing the incredible spiritual insights available to those who embrace God's heart of adoption. Just as Jesus used stories to engage and teach, the Scripture passages and personal stories in this study uncover greater truths about adoption as God s children. Caring for the unwanted is a privilege, and the perspective gained when working with God in this way is humbling. Realize anew what it means to be chosen and redeemed.

_________________________

I was so excited when I heard about this six week study.  As an adoptive parent I have read books deciding to adopt, books on connections, and brain development.  But I have not read a book like this.  I love that it takes an adoptive parent (or anyone interested in adoption) through different weeks that really can open up the readers eyes to think about adoption differently as well as how we see God.  

There is a lot of beauty in adoption, and Kim shares about that. There is also a lot of hard and broken, and Kim also shares about that.  But the whole time each study has Bible verses to study and see what God and His Word says about these situations.  

I can see this book as a gift for those thinking about adoption, beginning adoption, or home with their child.  No matter where you are this study will open your eyes to what God says about caring for the vulnerable.  I love the last week where Kim delves into the ministry of caring for orphans.  Such a powerful study on how we are all called to do something.  

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.