Something new on this blog. I am not a very good book reviewer, but I love to read. When Dorcas Smucker had an offer on her blog for a free book if I do a book review on my blog...well I'm PA Dutch if nothing else. I saw the word 'free' and 'book' and I jumped for it.
Thankfully I realized that her advertising tour was starting soon after I got home from China so I wisely asked to be one of the last reviewers. Now that gave me plenty of time to read all the other reviews and plenty of time to read the book.
Read the book- Now that was a problem. I love to read, but my time is limited. So to help with that I take my books with me. There is usually one in the bathroom (don't tell anyone), one at the lunch table (well there use to be, but I don't eat alone anymore), and then there is usually one beside the sofa. That is great, if I'm reading 3 different books, but this time I was trying to finish one book on time. I could NEVER find the book!
The rest of the family got tired of me asking "where's Tea and Trouble Brewing?"
But since it is a book that keeps calling you back, I would delay lunch, nature calls and baby's nap time so that I could find the book and read another chapter.
Now if you aren't familiar with Dorcas Smucker's books, she wrote Upstairs the Peasants are Revolting , Downstairs the Queen is Knitting, and Ordinary Days. This book is written the same way, not a long novel that you need a flow chart to keep track of the characters (out of my league these days), but concise chapters that tell a story in one sitting...umm well.
The one day I was holding Shekinah while reading her book and I got a quizzical look because I was trying hard not to laugh out loud...she has you laughing in one chapter and the next one you need to go looking for a tissue.
She was 'brought up Amish' and lived in 'the bush' in Canada, and adopted an older child. I was brought up Mennonite, went to the bush in Canada (my brother lived there for a year) and we adopted an older child...so I can sort of identify with her stories.
I'd write more, but it's time for me to get to bed, I have to deliver subs tomorrow and then get ready for the family Christmas dinner on Sunday.
So this is the deal...all you 'lurkers' (the people that read my blog, but never comment) and the commenters leave me a message telling me something about yourself that I probably didn't know. Actually just leave a comment and I'll enter your name in a drawing. If you don't have an google identity and can't leave a message...send me one at raychris@dejazzd.com I will do the drawing on December 5...that is a Wednesday.
If you want to read more about the book, go to Dorcas' blog here and read the other reviews. If you don't win Tea and Trouble Brewing is available herhere (I know it says "temporarily out of stock, but I'm sure they'll soon be in stock) or,
you can send a check for $15 to: Dorcas Smucker 31148 Substation Drive,
Harrisburg, OR 97446. And there's more! Since one book of Dorcas' writing will
probably make you wish for more, she has three more books for you to
enjoy - Ordinary Days, Upstairs the Peasants Are Revolting, Downstairs the Queen
Is Knitting - and now's the time to get them! She's offering the complete set of
4 books for $40. Just send a check to the above address and you'll have lots of
stories to enjoy :)
Hi Chris. I'm a lurker - caught in the act. I am cyber friends with Jocelyn and my daughter from Beijing knows your son from there. We live down the road from you in Maryland (near Annaplis). I'm in China rright now completing our second older child adoption. How's that for a list of things you don't know about me? Oh, and my blog is bringinghomewen.blogspot.com if your son wants to see a picture of my Beijing girl.
ReplyDeleteI grew up going to some church services in barns, unheated attics, and cheap motel rooms. Which is a somewhat unusual experience for a midwest girl in her 30's (who is not Amish, Mennonite, or Friends).
ReplyDeleteI am usually more of a "lurker".. you know, reading but not commenting! Enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeletehi Chris,I was going to send a check to Dorcas for her new book ,but decided to try my luck here first...enjoying the pictures of your new daughter! She is a cutie!....Aunt Erma
ReplyDeleteFirst visit to your blog. Would love to add this book to my collection of her books. (I hear you on "free book". lol)
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but do I know Dorcas's writings. :) Would love to read this new book!
ReplyDeleteI don't know you, but I do know Dorcas's writings. :) Would love to win (and of course read!) this book!
ReplyDeleteHi, another lurker here :) I enjoy reading your blog but never commented. Your newest little one is such a cutie. Loved your review of the book.I really enjoyed reading Ordinary Days so really would like to buy the others but first I'll try this. Gotta love free stuff!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteAm I still a lurker if I sent you an email once asking about your bread making? :) I read Dorcas's blog from time to time and have been wanting to get her books, so please put my name in.
Cheers,
Amber at www.thekwajbates.blogspot.com
Thanks for the review! I love Dorcas' books and usually end up explaining myself after I've laughed out loud reading them and got the "quizzical" looks you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteHey, it's just me, Elsa Martin :) Well something you don't know about me.... I can write cursive, backwards/inside out ;) That if you hold it in front of a mirror, you can read it. Kinda lame, I know, but hey! I would loove that book. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this!!
I love her style of writing. It's a fun read while feeding baby her bottle.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, I am a lurker,too. I read here quite often during the week, and in fact am linked to your blog. I think I found you through Erin Martin's blog somehow. Anyway, I was adopted as an infant and have 7 siblings, all adopted also from various nationalities, and two from Guatemala. I have a son not born to me, but as much a part of my heart as if he would have been! I'll look forward to the book, if I win the drawing. "-)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you in your labor of love in your home.
~Marcia Zimmerman
I have spent almost as much time sleeping in bed the past three months as I have on the floor or in a recliner. I love to read, play the piano, and sew/quilt. I have five awesome kids...but I don't always appreciate all the chaos that goes along with being their mother. We have a dairy farm. Most days there are minutes where I would sell farm and kids. :P
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, just another lurker. I can't remember how I stumbled across your blog. We are in the process of finishing our home study for another daughter in China, she is 6. We have 2 boys, one 15 and one 13 and a 7yr old daughter from China adopted 6 yrs ago. I don't have a blog of my own, but I have enjoyed reading yours. Thanks! Liz in Ohio
ReplyDeleteHi, I love Dorcas' books and I have one... I'd love to have this one too, of course if I don't win it I may just borrow my sister- in- law's copy. She's been quite generous in the past with lending out good books to read. :) Bev
ReplyDeleteI like this blog layout! I'm anxious to look around and read about the adoption experiences, but it's just too late tonight. And Dorcas, since you're checking all these comments, I have to let you know I've been asking myself all week "where did she learn about blog touring?" This is amazing fun!
ReplyDeleteFirst visit to your blog found through the Blog Tour - enjoyed reading - "Free" and "Book" draw me in every time - would love to read Doris's latest! Ruth in Delaware
ReplyDeleteI've never read your blog before, but now have, thanks to Dorcas's link. Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to have one of her books!
ReplyDeleteHi Chris!
ReplyDeleteI'm a lurker too! I grew up in the Sandhills of Nebraska and went to a 1 room country school. I have 3 kids all adopted from China - 2 were adopted older, all have a special need. My twin sister, who happens to live next door, has 2 kids from China - one at 26 months and one at 7 years old - both have special needs.
I'm a faithful reader! :) But you know that. Something you don't know. Hmmm. Let me see. Shhhh... I like to listen to the Beatles occasionally. (Can't believe I actually put that on the web!)
ReplyDeletehi, i live in China and now have our second foster son, with cleft palate. so of course my heart is with all people who adopt from China. i too am Mennonite by birth and now by choice, but its all about the Father, not about my denomination. i love Dorcas's books and would love to win a book, but don't know how i'd get it ;) i will definitely be a lurker here.....
ReplyDeleteBecki
I love reading this type of book & would love to be entered for your giveaway if it's open to international readers! I live in Australia on a beautiful farm ~ we are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day
Renata:)
Hi Chris
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm one of those readers who never comments. :/ But I have a little bit to do with you now and then in real life, don't I? 'Nuff said. You've done a good job stirring everyone's curiosities with "Tea and Trouble Brewing." My brother knew her when he taught school in Oregon and I bought him "Ordinary Days" (read it first myself and never forgot it!)Hope you like all the extra comments your carrot-on-the-stick produced.
Becky from California