Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul
I found to be a much different Christmas story than I was expecting. I found this one to be hard to get into at the beginning. The story is about 2 people (Cora and Simon) who have worked together for 5 years and have rarely if never spoken. They are drawn together through a series of "coincidents" that start while they both are at an old fashioned bookstore on a street that is out of the way and for most not even there!! As things continue they discover that they both receive tickets to a Christmas Ball that seems a bit mysterious. It is an attempt to start a romance between the two of them.
As the story progresses Cori's dysfunctional sister comes into the story line and adds another angle to this story. ....without her the story would have lost a lot of it's magical twist.
I give this a 3.5 out of 5.  The magical aspect was a twist I did not expect, but yet did not detract from the christian aspect of the story.  Was a quick read, but not one of my favorites.


* In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising;" I am disclosing that: I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah books through Blogging for Books website.  I was in no way compensated for publishing my personal review

Gray Matter is a fascinating account of Dr. David Levy’s decision to begin asking his patients if he could pray for them before surgery. Some are thrilled. Some are skeptical. Some are hostile, and some are quite literally transformed by the request.
Each chapter focuses on a specific case, opening with a detailed description of the patient’s diagnosis and the procedure that will need to be performed, followed by the prayer “request.” From there, readers get to look over Dr. Levy’s shoulder as he performs the operation, and then we wait—right alongside Dr. Levy, the patients, and their families—to see the final results.
As Dr. Levy prays for his patients, the surgical department undergoes a spiritual transformation as nurses request to join him. Praying for patients also brought forgiveness in his own life. The author explains the medical procedures with terminology the reader can easily understand.  Gray Matter can be read in one sitting or each chapter could be read separately to enhance and accompany personal daily devotions.
Gray Matter is a book that will inspire the reader in many ways.  I definitely recommend this as a "read it little by little" or "read it all at once" book.  Either way, it is a wonderful book.

 * In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising;" I am disclosing that: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers.  I was in no way compensated for publishing my personal review. 

After a wonderful Christmas holiday with family and friends, then a busy, but fun New Years weekend - I was hoping to get a little reading and reviewing time this coming week.  BUT - I still have lots to do to get ready to leave Sat for a Vacation trip.  So, I will be postponing my next reviews until after I return on the 17th of January and have time to recover and get the kids back into the grove of school and activities!

Hope you all had a wondeful Christmas and New Years!