The 13th Gift A True Story of a Christmas Miracle

The 13th Gift: A True Story of a Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first picked up this book, a friend was currently reading it. I didn't realize until we talked that it was based on the author's true loss of her husband several months before Christmas. The Smith family was falling apart and becoming disconnected from grief, when an anonymous donor dropped the first gift of Christmas, a poinsettia, on their front stoop. At first the author is irritated with the gift, thinking it as an intrusion, but then the next day a second gift arrives and the mystery of the gift giver is questioned - Joanne and her children begin to look forward to each day and what it brings.

A book of anguish and grief that takes a 180 turn for hope...

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The Guide to American Money Folds by Jodi Fukumoto
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great book to learn the trick of folding paper currency into all kinds of cool things - starting off with the easier, well-known crane on page 10-11 to plumeria, cats, lucky frogs, flowers, and ending with the very difficult Statue of Liberty. Full color pictures throughout plus step-by-step directions, this book is great for making gifts or gift holders!

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All I Have to Give

All I Have to Give: A Christmas Love Story by Melody Carlson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Although Carlson's book is predictable, it's nice to see the Gift of the Magi, rewritten and updated. It's centered around lovely Christmastide when we try to outdo ourselves with giving the perfect gift, especially to our spouse - and that's exactly what Anna wants for Michael, because she feels like this will be her last Christmas ever.



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