UPDATE: And the winners are…
I really enjoyed some of the titles y’all came up with in your entries. “Chasing Still” “Dead John” and “Falling Tree” were a few of my faves.
Thanks for playing, everyone! You made that fun! ?
My sister(-in-law) Darcee and I have a constant text conversation going about life in general. But life in general also includes a lot of book talk! She decided [and I agreed] that we should let you all in on the love with a book giveaway. So she picked three books and I picked three books and then we threw in a wild card, and that means that you have SEVEN chances to win! We hope you’re half as excited as we are.
As you may gather from our life-jacket usage, we’re also two very active rule-followers. So here are the rules.
Okay. Now the fun stuff. Here are the books we’ve chosen.
On the first page of this book I scribbled the words, “Praying the magnitude of change and influence these words had on my heart and soul will never go away. Dare I say it, the best book I’ve ever read.” And so far it still is. This book left me wanting to do life differently. More out of the ordinary. Less scared. With more love. I’m not going to be able to come up with adequate words to describe the impact it had on me…but it’s a book that I could have easily read in a day, yet I was reading a chapter a day because I did not want it to end. It was funny yet serious, like an every day conversation with a friend yet life-changing. It left me hungry, for chips and salsa, and eager and hungry to love complete strangers in the same way that I love people I’ve known for years. Read this and then let’s meet for coffee, because I could talk about it all day.
This was a hard choice for me. It’s more of a devotional book, but it had a profound impact on me when I read it. I actually did some of the activities that she recommends (I’m a very non-compliant reader, so this is rare), and I’m so glad I did. I let a pitcher shatter at my feet, loud and final. And then I put it back together, piece by piece. But I couldn’t make it look the way I wanted. It would never be unbroken. “…it was hard to look at the cracks. I ran my fingers along them and told Him I wished it had been different” (Angie Smith, Mended). Yes. Don’t we all? But still He says, “I chose you, just as you are.” This book invites you to crawl up into the lap of a Good Father who is also your Healer and your Lord.
Y’all- please still be friends with me after this ok? For whatever reason, I am a tad bit embarrassed to introduce this as my favorite novel, but here I am… I tried and tried to pick another one but I couldn’t make myself lie to y’all. I LOVED THIS BOOK. It’s a book that serves as a reminder of how much I really love to read. I can vividly remember being in college with a million things to do and learn- yet still sitting in my bed not being able to put this story down. Because of this book, still today I’m reminded that there will always be a million things you should be doing, could be doing, but sometimes it really is okay to do something you enjoy, just for fun, with no expectations or highlighted life changing quotes to show for it.
Who’s surprised?! If you’re tired of hearing about it, you’ll need to read another blog. [Kidding! Kinda.] Because she’s my favorite author, and this is my favorite book by her. It’s just the right amount of historical fiction, intrigue and character development. It will keep you guessing until the last page. It’s well-written (but not boring, which is so refreshing), and it’s just fun to read!
2016 was certainly the year of some really amazing books for me. I’ve kept this book on my shelf next to where I usually read so I can often catch glimpses of it, because I don’t ever wanna forget it. I am positive I enjoyed this book because of the reality of life that I find myself in- but everyone needs this type of hope. It’s written by a pastor who lost his 5 year old daughter 5 days before Christmas. What do you do with that? This book allowed (pushed) me to look at my own grief and loss in a whole new way, to look at life with more meaning, and to look to Jesus always. I’ll leave you with this that is still giving me chills…
“Our faith works in the fire, and not just when life is fun. We can be hard-pressed and yet not crushed, struck down and yet not destroyed- not because we know general facts about the resurrection or that there is a heaven, but because we trust in the one who said that he is the resurrection and the life, who took the keys from death and hell, was dead, and lives forever. His name is Jesus.” -Levi Lusko
I made up the categories, Darcee followed all of the rules, and now I’m fudging this one. Technically, I’m reading it in 2017, but Bethany gave it to me for Christmas in 2016. Does that count? Well, folks, I make the rules so you’re stuck with me. It really is a great book though! It talks about discerning God’s will but not in a rote or magic way. The key to hearing God is having a close relationship with Him, and this book focuses on that so clearly and refreshingly. God is our Lord and Master, but He has called us friend and invited us into communion with Him. Our desires and hopes and dreams are not irrelevant to Him. He formed us and He knows us and He loves us and He communicates with us. Our futures are not fixed, and our God is not task-master extraordinaire. This book is dense (like a chapter/day at the most), but it’s clear and concise and relatable!
Neither of us have read this yet, but we’re both excited about the title. So, here’s your chance to beat us to it! Full disclosure: We may have ordered this one for ourselves too. 🙂
That’s it! May the odds be ever in your favor. We really had a lot of fun putting this together and we’re glad you stopped by! It’s a pretty lame giveaway unless you enter, so let the games begin…
50 comments
Sarah Minkus
January 25, 2017 at 1:57 amHello! I would love to win “Falling Free”, “The Forgotten Garden”, or “Chasing Slow”! My email is [email protected]. 🙂
Anna J.
January 25, 2017 at 2:09 amAnna [email protected]
1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Falling Free
3. Through the eyes of a Lion
4. Mended
5. Hearing God
6. Chasing Slow
7. Dear John
Taylor Dawson
January 25, 2017 at 2:14 amLove this. Does it count that I aspire to read everyday ?. Think one of these books will restore this long lost luxury.Through the eyes of a lion
Falling Free
The forgotten garden
Thank you for the recommendations!!
?Taylor Dawson
Cody Andras • Post Author •
January 25, 2017 at 1:06 pmTotally counts! ?
Monica Zerwas
January 25, 2017 at 2:47 amI love this ?
Monica Zerwas – [email protected]
1. Falling Free (may or may not want this the most so you have to have coffee with me and I can learn how to read and write like you ?)
2. Mended
3. Through the Eyes of a Lion
4. Hearing God
5. The Forgotten Garden
6. Chasing Slow
7. Dead John
Cody Andras • Post Author •
January 25, 2017 at 1:07 pmHaha! I think both Darcee and I would be happy to go to coffee with you anytime! Hope you’re having a good week.
Bethany Lehman
January 25, 2017 at 3:35 amSuch a great idea!1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Falling Free
3. Chasing Slow
4. Through the Eyes of a Lion
Lindsee
January 25, 2017 at 3:40 amHi. I like y’all. And I like this:
1) Falling Free
2) Mended
3) Hearing God
🙂
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 3:25 amI like you back! SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Molly Brumley
January 25, 2017 at 10:53 amThis is so fun!1. Falling Free
2. The Forgotten Garden
3. Mended
4. Chasing Slow
Debora
January 25, 2017 at 1:12 pmI want them all! Please? If no, for some reason, Falling Free and The Forgotten Garden. Fun!
Krystal Vento
January 25, 2017 at 1:51 pmYay! Love the idea.
-Mended
-Through the Eyes of a Lion
-Hearing God
-Chasing Slow
Lauren Shelly
January 25, 2017 at 1:52 pmLauren Shelly**Such a great idea – reading more has become my 2017 goal!
1. Fall Free
2. Forgotten Garden
3. Through the Eyes of a Lion
4. Chasing Slow
5. Mended
xo.
Kylie Terry
January 25, 2017 at 2:19 pmHi!! I love this! Wow I want to read Chasing Slow, Mended, or Lion. They all sounds so good.
Pepper H
January 25, 2017 at 2:53 pmPepper H.1. Hearing God
2. Chasing Slow
3. Falling Free
Read through the Eyes of a Lion and its one of my all time favorites too!
Bethany Scott
January 25, 2017 at 3:35 pmBethany Scott1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Through the Eyes of a Lion
3. Falling Free
#1 is on my reading list for this year!
Heather Kenney
January 25, 2017 at 3:59 pmHeather Kenney
This is so fun!
1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Falling Free
3. Chasing Slow
anneandras
January 25, 2017 at 4:25 pmYou two bookworms!!! Always a new angle —In an effort to keep up with y’all, I’ll go in this order:
1. Chasing Slow (bc y’all haven’t read it)
2.Falling Free and
3.Mended (bc they’re your favs)
Passing on the novels….
but put me in for 2016 books b/c you both have talked about them and I have a gazillion bookshelves now!!
4. Hearing God
5. Through the Eyes of the Lion
Hugs to you both!!
Shari Wescott
January 25, 2017 at 5:19 pmShari WescottThe Forgotten Garden
Amy Kelly
January 25, 2017 at 5:56 pmAmy Kelly
This is so fun! 🙂
1) Falling Free
2) Chasing Slow
3) Forgotten Garden
Jenny Williamson
January 25, 2017 at 7:43 pmJenny Wthanks for all the great book summaries! I love book nerds!
1) Falling Free
2) The Forgotten Garden
3) Hearing God
4) Chasing Slow
Macy Jahns
January 26, 2017 at 1:11 amWow what a fun post!!
I would love to be entered for 1) Falling Free (reading that sub-title *gulp*) or 2) Mended
What a gift!
Thank you, you two fabulous and beautiful book nerds!!
XO,
Macy Jahns
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 3:26 amMacy! So glad you stopped by to enter!!! Wishing you good luck! I’ve been missing you!
Sarah Starkey
January 26, 2017 at 3:20 amI love this!! And I love book recommendations from you, so these are definitely getting added to my list!1) Falling Free
2) The Forgotten Garden
3) Hearing God
4) Chasing Slow
Michele
January 27, 2017 at 5:21 pmMichele Bright Mended
Laura Bass
January 27, 2017 at 5:30 pmLaura Bass
These all look like wonderful books! Love the recommendations, adding them all to my Amazon wish list!
1. Falling Free
2. Chasing Slow
3. The Forgotten Garden
4. Hearing God
Susan Money
January 27, 2017 at 5:30 pmSusan M.I’ve been wanting to read The Forgotten Garden since you first wrote about it, so that’s my first choice. Free Falling is second. It sounds amazing!
Britney Rohsner
January 27, 2017 at 5:31 pmBritney Rohsner1. Falling free
2. Through the eyes of a lion
3. Forgotten Graden
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 3:26 amYay Brit! Hope you win! 🙂
Amanda Sanchez
January 27, 2017 at 5:49 pmThis is so awesome. And Bless talk for doing this. You have put ideas in my head for birthday gifts this year!
The books I’d love the chance to read are:
1. Falling Free – Shannan Martin
2. Mended – Angie Smith
3. Through the Eyes of a Lion – Levi Lusko
4. Hearing God – Dallas Willard
Thank y’all so much for this opportunity. And thank you Darcee for leading me to this blog. I’ve already enjoyed several of her previous posts, and look forward to reading more.
Amanda Sanchez
January 27, 2017 at 5:50 pmAmanda Sanchez
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 3:27 amHey Amanda!! So glad you found her blog- and I’m so glad you love her writing too!! Hope you are doing well! And hope you win some books too 🙂
Nicole
January 27, 2017 at 6:11 pmNicole D
Thanks for sharing! Even if I don’t win I’ve already added most to my Amazon wish list. 🙂
1. Mended
2. Falling Free
3. Chasing Slow
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 3:28 amNicole!! Hi stranger!! 🙂 I so hope you win Falling Free- you would love it!!!
aRingingBell
January 27, 2017 at 6:53 pmSO fun!
1) The Forgotten Garden
2) Falling Tree
3) Chasing Slow
4) Hearing God
Hugs to you! Have a great weekend!
Linda
January 27, 2017 at 11:59 pmLinda S.
What a great idea. I love to read. Anything I can get my hands on.
Would love to read :
1.The Forgotten Garden
2.Falling Tree
3.Through The Eyes OF A Lion
4. Chasing Slow
Love reading books that are recommended.
Judy Bouchard
January 29, 2017 at 3:03 amI’m so excited!!Falling Free
Mended
The Forgotten Garden
Hearing God
I’d love every single one!,
annalee
January 30, 2017 at 1:48 amI LOVE THIS!signed, annalee m.
[email protected]
1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Dear John
3. Chasing Slow
4. Through the eyes of a Lion
5. Hearing God
6. Mended
7. Falling Free
Kimberly
January 30, 2017 at 4:55 pmI love this!
1. The Forgotten Garden
2. Falling Free
xo,
Kimberly
Susan Walker
January 30, 2017 at 7:47 pmSusan Walker
1. Falling Free
2. Through the Eyes of a Lion
[email protected]
Tori
January 30, 2017 at 8:33 pmTori B.Falling Free or The Forgotten Garden
Jenna Hand
January 30, 2017 at 8:38 pmHowdy partners! I’m making sure this book giveaway makes it nation wide by entering from Nebraska! 🙂
1. Falling Free
2. Mended
Thanks, ladies!
Darcee
January 30, 2017 at 9:59 pmHowdy there lil’ lady! Sure hope ya win, YEEHAW!!!
Amanda Klehm
January 30, 2017 at 9:00 pmAmanda Klehm
“Falling Tree” or “Mended”
Lucy A Boe
January 30, 2017 at 10:28 pmLucy Boe
Falling Tree or Mended or Hearing God or Chasing Still 😉
Kelli H
January 31, 2017 at 12:33 amY’all are so fun!Kelli Harren
Falling Free
The Forgotten Garden
Hearing God
Chasing Slow
Tracy Fritzsching
January 31, 2017 at 12:55 amTracy F.
How fun! I had Chasing Sliw in my Amazon cart today. Haven’t bought it yet. 🙂
1.Falling Free
3.Through The Eyes OF A Lion
4. Chasing Slow
Sarah C
January 31, 2017 at 12:58 amSarah C
The forgotten garden
Mended
Dear john! ❤
Love this idea, and you two!
Gaynor
January 31, 2017 at 1:25 amLove this. I’m Gaynor Lubojasky, a fellow book nerd. And y’all are the cutest!
Book Wish List:
1. Falling Free
2. Hearing God
3. Forgotten Tree
This is just really great to get your book recommendations. I’m excited to start reading these!
Blessings,
Gaynor
Lisa Metzger
January 31, 2017 at 6:22 pmLove this idea! Fun!!Book hopeful list:
1. Hearing GOD- really trying to stop and hear God on somethings.
2. Falling Tree
3. Chasing SLOW… I mean who isn’t chasing this… great title!
Miss you Cody! Love your blog!
Thank you,
Lisa Metzger