Monday, February 09, 2009

Valentine's Blog Tour & Book Giveaway

It's Valentine's and love is in the air. And what better way for a book lover to celebrate Valentine's than to be able to feature and give away 3 books that are all about love. I'm totally excited about all of these books. Read through the descriptions of each one and tell me in the comments which one (or ones) you'd like your name put in for. You can choose one or all three. I'll leave it open until 10 p.m. MST Friday the 13th and will post the winners Valentine's Day morning. Unfortunately, I can only do U.S. or Canadian postal addresses.




1. "I Do Again"


Summary:


With their professional success and adorable twin daughters, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs looked like the perfect couple. But their polished facade concealed a widening chasm between two people unable to connect on an intimate, soul-deep level.
After years of frustration, Cheryl’s desire for emotional fulfillment led to an affair and, finally, divorce. Yet, incredibly, seven years later, Jeff and Cheryl once again stood at the altar, promising to “love, honor, and cherish” one another. A new and vibrant love had risen out of the ashes of this family’s pain.
I Do Again details the fascinating real-life story of a couple whose relationship seemed shattered beyond all hope until a spiritual awakening led them to reconsider their definitions of “happily ever after.” A riveting account of the power of prayer and redemption, this remarkable book offers renewed hope for even the most troubled marriages—and reveals why the rewards of restoration are well worth the wait.
Author Bio:
Cheryl and Jeff Scruggs are the founders of Hope Matters Marriage Ministries, and for the past several years they have shared their incredible story of a marriage restored with audiences across the nation. Jeff is an account manager with OshKosh B’Gosh, and Cheryl has served as director of the Frisco, Texas, office of the Center for Christian Counseling. They live in Dallas, Texas with their two college-age daughters.

My Take: I could not put this book down. I finished it in two days. Hence my missing in action from Blogland yesterday. The author's story completely grabbed my heart. I was riveted as I kept turning the pages as they described what happened in their marriage and the dissolving of it and how God moved powerfully in their individual lives until 7 years after their divorce, God restored their love for each other and put back together a broken home. Awesome story full of hope.

2. "Love as a Way of Life Devotional"



Summary:

In his book Love As a Way of Life, best-selling author Gary Chapman shows readers how to cultivate a new lifestyle built around the seven characteristics of authentic love. Now in a companion devotional, he provides ninety inspirational readings to help Christians consistently live out the characteristics of love in every relationship.
Each devotional entry showcases biblical truths that guide a life of love, offering fresh insight and practical guidance in how to make love a lasting habit. Over the course of three months, readers will learn to follow God’s lead as they practice the characteristics of a loving person: kindness, patience, forgiveness, courtesy, humility, generosity, and honesty.
The Love As a Way of Life Devotional makes an ideal gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Couples, parents, new graduates, and anyone celebrating a milestone in life will welcome this inspiring daily guide to richer, more satisfying relationships.
Author Bio:
Dr. Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Dr. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Seminary, serves on a church staff in North Carolina.



My Take: Based on this book, which I absolutely loved, this is an easy to read everyday devotional that helps put the principles laid out in the book to practice. Short reads with scripture and thoughts, it takes God's widsom and encourages and inspires one to let love guide the way we respond to others.


3. "For Couples Only" Boxed Set

Summary:

Since their debut, these revolutionary guides have sold well over a million copies, been translated into fifteen languages, and sparked much fascinating water-cooler conversation around the country. Now together in the For Couples Only boxed set, these books provide the perfect resource to help you understand what you never knew about the woman or man in your life.
Each volume is based on input from more than a thousand members of the opposite sex—including an unprecedented nationwide survey and hundreds of personal interviews. This innovative approach yields candid and surprising answers about everything you don’t “get” about your significant other—even what that person deeply wishes you knew. It also produces simple but groundbreaking awareness of how you can best love and support the one who is most important to you. [Part of me wanted to make this paragraph past tense—yielded and produced—because of the first paragraph, but that took away some of the immediacy of what the books offer. I’ll leave that up to you.]
So whether you are newly dating or have been married fifty years, get ready to know each other in a whole new way. The adventure is just beginning!
Author Bio:
Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn hold graduate degrees from Harvard University and are popular national speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs. They are also active church members and the parents of two young children, and they enjoy every minute of living life at warp speed.

My Take: I have read every book in the "For Only" Series except the "For Men Only" (which is included in this set). And I will be reading that one too, just for fun. "For Women Only" was an absolute eye opener for me and really made me change that way I approached some things within my marriage. This is a boxed set of these two books.

AMAZON LINKS:

"I Do Again" here

"Love As A Way of Life Devotional" here

"For Couples Only" here

So there you are. All are awesome books about love. Don't forget I have to have some way to get ahold of you, either a link to a blog or an email address. If I can't reach you, you can't recieve one of them.

20 comments:

Donnetta said...

What a great giveaway this week of Valentines Day. I would be interested in #2 and #3.

I read "Love as a Way of Life" but the devotional would be a nice addition.

I've read "For Women Only" and would so curious to read as they talk about couples.

Thanks Susanne and hope you have a GREAT day!

Laura said...

I love a book you can't put down. So fun to immerse like that so definitely add my name to the list for #1. Thanks Susanne!

Islandsparrow said...

A perfect giveaway for this week. Thanks Suzanne! Our church is having a renewal of marriage vows on Valentine's day - along with a Roast Beef dinner. Should be a lovely evening.

mindy said...

very nice giveaway my preference is number one thanks

Brenda said...

I've been wanting to read "I do Again" for a long time. Pick me! Pick me!

A Reader said...

Please put me in the drawing for 1 & 3 please.
Thanks for the giveaway.
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sharon said...

What a wonderful give-away, a gift of love :)
I am interested in 3, then 2.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Blessings, Sharon

Sandra said...

They all look so good but I think #1 is definitely calling my name.

Please put my name down for that one Susanne :)

Renee G said...

I would like to read 2 or 3.

rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com

SONDRA PRICE said...

Great giveaway!

I have been reading/doing the Love Dare and #2 would be a wonderful addition.

I also, am very interested in #3.

Thanks!

Tammy said...

Wow, Susanne...I would love any of these books, since I haven't read them! But if I had to choose, I guess #3...thank you for this giveaway, dear friend! :)

gail@more than a song said...

Those look good and how sweet to do! I would like to be in for number 1 please.

Estela said...

What a generous giveaway! I'd be happy with any of the 3, but if I had to choose, it would be #2.

Thanks!

guru said...

All the books sound good. I do again would be the one I would choose. Thanks,

Anonymous said...

Super things to give away! I would love to be chosen for either Love as a Way of Life Devotional or I Do Again. My husband and I have just finished For Women/Men Only books and I loved mine. I am trying to be more mindful. Thanks for this giveaway!

sherylmgent(at)yahoo(dot)com

Messenger International said...

Love your blog!!

We'd love for you to check out John & Lisa Bevere's blog.

www.MessengerInternational.blogspot.com - the ministry sharing life-transforming truth

www.PearlAlliance.blogspot.com - the outreach fighting human trafficking

Blessings!

kathy55439 said...

Looks like a great book.... I would love to read

Anonymous said...

I would love to win #2!! Thanks, Dana

Norberto Kurrle said...

Can I just say that this giveaway is much better than chocolate or flowers! You are giving away some incredible books. I'd love to get my hands on #2 or #3. Thanks for hosting such meaningful V-day gifts, Susanne.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a great giveaway! I would be interested in either of the first two.