• Worducopia on JUST DO IT

• The Luscious Literary Muse on THE HERETIC QUEEN

• Janel's Jumble on TETHERED
• Book Chatter and Other Stuff on TETHERED

• A Lovely Shore Breeze on THE GRIFT
• Reader for Life on THE GRIFT

• Present Tense on HOW TO SLEEP ALONE IN A KING-SIZED BED

• Ticket to Anywhere on LAST NIGHT I DREAMED OF PEACE

This is the story of how one writer and one book revived the signal holiday of the Western world. Just before Christmas in 1843, a debt-ridden and dispirited Charles Dickens wrote a small book he hoped would keep his creditors at bay. His publisher turned it down, so Dickens used what little money he had to put out A Christmas Carol himself. The book immediately caused a sensation. And it breathed new life into a holiday that had fallen into disfavor. THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS is a rich and satisfying read for Scrooges and sentimentalists alike.

Together, Roger Bennett and Josh Kun embarked on a thrilling journey, scouring the world to collect thousands of vinyl LPs from attics, garage sales, and dusty archives. Pieced together, these scratched, once-loved and now-forgotten audio gems tell a vibrant tale: the story of Jews in America. AND YOU SHALL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF OUR VINYL spans the history of Jewish recorded music from the 1940s to the 1980s, weaving an account that begins with sacred songs and ends with the holy trinity of Neil, Barbra, and Barry.

President-Elect Obama and his family are just one of many families who will bring a new dog into their home this holiday season. Cesar shows you step-by-step how to make your dog a full-fledged member of your pack. If you own a dog—or are thinking about getting one—A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY is the ultimate resource for integrating your canine companion into the life of your household.

Visit Cesar at www.CesarMillanInc.com

If cat lovers are from Venus, then cats hail from another planet altogether. Mischievous and aloof one moment, affectionate the next, the cat is a confounding creature right down to its question mark of a tail. What cat owner hasn’t wondered what goes on inside that mysterious kitty brain? Veterinary specialist Dr. Justine A. Lee answers your questions about all things feline in this entertaining and enlightening guide. Perfect for the cat lover on your list.

“Fascinating.”  —Tom Brokaw

Holidays are all about family, and Bill Griffeth’s family story is America’s story. In BY FAITH ALONE, he takes us on an amazing journey. When he made the startling discovery that his eight-times great-grandmother was convicted and executed during the Salem witch trials of 1692, he began to research the biggest story of his life: the four-hundred-year history of his family and of our country’s Protestant roots.

“By giving a voice to Mary of Nazareth, Merek Halter resurrects one of the most fascinating women in history. A story as richly imagined as it is illuminating.”  —Michelle Moran, national bestselling author of Nefertiti

Discover the ancient world through the eyes of a young Jewish woman—Mary of Nazareth—at a time of the year when many celebrate her strength and love. Did your book group love The Red Tent? Merek Halter’s novel has been called “a worthy heiress” to Anita Diamant’s book group favorite.

In Stitched in Time, Alicia Paulson shares 30 beautiful, inventive, and thoughtful projects that encourage you to take your memories down from the bookshelf, out of the closet, or off the hard drive and bring them into your daily life.

Christmas stockings are one of those things that bring back memories every time you pull them out of the box. These monogrammed beauties combine rustic wools with homey details like buttons, blanket stitches, and calicos for a hodgepodge of Dickensian charm, perfect for a traditional or whimsical Christmas mantel, and sure to be used year after year.

CLICK HERE to download the pattern for monogrammed stocking

In this irresistible companion volume to his public television show Made in Spain, José reminds us—in the most alluring and delicious way—that the food of his native Spain is as varied and inventive as any of the world’s great cuisines.

A delicious twist on a traditional holiday treat! Europe needs to thank Spain for chocolate, since it was Spanish explorers who brought the magical food back from the New World, and it was a Spanish king—Charles V—who popularized it. So try our version of hot chocolate and become a king or queen for a day.

CLICK HERE to download the recipe for Spanish hot chocolate

Has your book group ever needed a shot in the arm? Have you tried something out-of-the-ordinary to liven up a meeting? Tell us about anything that made for a really great discussion, and your book group may be profiled in an upcoming issue of READ IT FORWARD! EMAIL US HERE to share your creative book group idea.

THE PRESCHOOL MOMS BOOK CLUB
Julie started her book group six years ago after moving to central Pennsylvania from Washington, DC. “I found myself desperate for some adult companionship,” she remembers. “I quit my job, moved to a new area where I knew no one, and was now staying at home with a very demanding two-year-old -- I was going a little crazy, to put it nicely. I decided that I was going to start a book club so I could have a night out with other women. Since the only people I knew were mothers of other children that my daughter went to preschool with, I started there. As a result, we call ourselves The Preschool Moms Book Club.”

CREATIVE BOOK GROUP IDEA
The Preschool Moms Book Club suggests inviting an author chat to join your discussion (via phone or in person). “We don't ‘score’ these chats every month,” Julie says, “but when we do, we feel like our reading experience is truly enhanced! I highly recommend trying an author chat at least once -- many authors are just thrilled to take part in your meeting and talk about their books.”

“Whatever your personal beliefs, this book is a perfect way to explore and discuss your own relationship with the spiritual.” —Redbook

In God Stories, Jennifer Skiff shares the extraordinary experiences of people who have felt the power of God’s presence in their lives and been forever changed. God Stories comes at time when we all need inspiration more than ever. Reassuring, hopeful, and unforgettable, these amazing confirmations of divine intervention will lift your spirit and leave you wondering—and even remembering—when your life was touched by a miracle.

Jen is currently touring the country and is happy to meet with your book group or church group. Visit her at www.GodStories.com to arrange your visit.

“Grand and gritty, wise and wrenching, THE VIRGIN QUEEN’S DAUGHTER pulls the reader into the tumultuous world of the Tudor court….Beautifully written fiction with a fascinating hook.” —Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Boleyn

As captivating now as it was more than four centuries ago, the reign of Elizabeth I—with its scandal, intrigue, and resilience—has sparked the imaginations of generations. In her sweeping historical debut, Ella March Chase explores a thrilling possibility: that the Tudor bloodline did not end with the Virgin Queen.

Ella has long been fascinated with the Tudors – the backstory of how she came to write this novel will intrigue you! Visit her at www.EllaMarchChase.com to learn more.