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21 September 2013

Diana Flowers Reviews An Amish Family Christmas by Murray Pura

An Amish Family Christmas



Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

In An Amish Family Christmas, author Murray Pura weaves a magical Yuletide tale, set amidst a beautiful, snow covered Amish community in Paradise, Pennsylvania—where Christmas "tis not the season to be jolly" for one grieving Amish family.

Naomi Bachman has lost everyone who matters most in her life and is seemingly without hope. Her parents and sister have been recently killed in a buggy accident which has also left her brother, Luke, in a catatonic state—unable to speak or care for himself. Her husband, Micah, may as well be dead also, for the Amish elders have placed him under the meindung, or shunning, for joining the military in Afghanistan. Naomi is not allowed any fellowship with him at all and cannot speak or partake of meals with him. 

Micah feels that God called him to serve in the war as a medic—to nurse the wounded back to health and those near death's door, back to life again. No one understands, not even Naomi who seeks to shut him out of her heart and life. But will a Christmas miracle occur during this most wonderful time of the year, bringing reconciliation and changing the minds of this strict community?…and will Naomi's heart open up to love once again?

As with all of Murray Pura's books I had major trouble putting this one down! Although a wonderful Christmas story filled with romance, miracles, and a beautiful, seasonal setting—this book also causes one to think deeply about man-made rules versus the Bible. Aren't we all called to obey God rather than man...to serve others in whatever capacity He lays upon our hearts? But what if that calling removes the people we love the most…furthest from our lives? Make sure to throw another log on the fire, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and snuggle up with this tender, heartwarming story of healing and God's faithfulness! Nicely done, Murray Pura! 

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Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY! Murray Pura has graciously offered an autographed copy of An Amish Family Christmas to one blessed commenter!

 

141 comments:

  1. Love Murray Pura books. Love to read this one sounds wonderful. Loved your review Diana. Fingers crossed.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. I love all of his books, too, DIANA, but he writes them faster than I can read them all! :( I need two heads---one for Murray's books and one for all the others I need to read for reviews! But I love it! Thanks, DIANA!

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  2. I am an Amish fiction fan, but have never read Murray Pura - this would be a great opportunity! :)

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    1. TIFFANY, you have really missed out, my dear! Murray is one of THE best authors around these days! Hoping for a win for you!

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  3. Cant wait to read this book

    ruttie77@gmail.com

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  4. I HAVE NOT HAD THE PLEASURE OF READING THIS AUTHORS BOOKS YET, BUT I SEE PLENTY COMING THIS WAY STARTING NOW!!!
    THANK YOU,
    bonnieswiney@gmail.com

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    1. BONNIE, I hope you get a chance to begin reading some of Murray's books ASAP. You won't be disappointed!

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  5. Would love to win this book...thank you for the opportunity!

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  6. Lovely review DIANA!! I would love to win this book too... but since it would be against our policy for your cohort to enter, I'm going to have to add this one to my TBR pile! Sounds great!!

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    1. Thank you, NOELA! I'm sorry my dear cohort. :( You will want to add this one to your Christmas collection for sure!

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  7. I haven't read any of Murray Pura's books yet but would love a chance to!I love Amish fiction!

    Marie Ferland
    mariefluffy@yahoo.ca

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    1. MARIE, I would love for you to get a chance to read one of Murray's books! Warning: You will be hooked! lol He writes romance better than any man author I know!

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  8. It sounds like a great book! I have not read his books but I like learning and reading different authors! Angie Carroll a_stonecipher@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, ANGIE! As I told MARIE above, once you get started on Murray's books you WILL be hooked. lol

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  9. I would love to read this book! I have not tried any by this author yet, but I have great love for Amish fiction. This would be the perfect book to read for the upcoming holiday season! Tina Robison kitchenwitch04@yahoo.com

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    1. Indeed it would, TINA! Since I read the galley of this book I don't have a paperback copy either. I need to rectify that situation and also buy some for Christmas gifts!

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  10. I, too, am a great fan of amish fiction but have yet to read one of his books, This one in particular combines the two things I love to read about most; Amish life and Christmas!
    I am off tp Amazon to check out more of his books.
    God bless,
    Helen
    grammea22@gmail.com

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    1. Wonderful, HELEN! I'm thrilled my review prompted you to go to Amazon! Take your time...he has a'plenty on there. :P

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  11. Thanks for the review. I love Christmas and books about the Amish. Will look forward to reading it.

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    1. ANONYMOUS, please come back and leave your email addy if you want to be entered in the contest...otherwise you will remain sadly anonymous. :( :(

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  12. I haven't had the chance to read any books by this author, even though I have heard how wonderful his books are. Hope to have the opportunity soon. I would love to win this!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Do you mind me telling you one more time, SUSANLU? lol They are wonderful! Hoping for a win for you!

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  13. Love all the books I have read of Murray's.
    Love the Amish Christmas books. Wonderful
    review.

    seraphinangel7@aol.com

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    1. Thank you! He has alot of them to love, JUANITA! lol I really enjoy the Amish Christmas books as well. :)

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  14. Would love the opportunity to win this book...I just love the fact of so many Amish Christmas books are coming out...As I will probably be laid up this winter with both feet getting opperated on...and nothing better then reading one of Murray's Christmas Books..Thanks

    bearangel0@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh, KATHY! Will be praying for you! Not fun!...but hoping these wonderful Amish Christmas books will cheer you up while you are indisposed. Blessings~

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  15. I would love to win. angelachesnut246@gmail.com

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    1. ANGELA, how are you? Just dropped your name in my cyberhat here. ;)

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  16. I am definitely a fan and follower of Murray. He uses good research to formulate his stories. So I would love to read this one, since Amish books are so fun to read!

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    1. Email: Sonja.nishimoto (@) gmail (dot) com

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    2. Yes, I agree, SONJA! Murray's research is impeccable. Good luck in the drawing!

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  17. I have read several Amish books but have not read any of her books yet. This one sounds interesting. I just read some Amish mysteries and loved them so this could be another thing sorta like that

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    1. TONDA, welcome to OWG! Murray isn't a "her" but a male who really knows how to write romance! Please come back and leave your email for contact purposes should your name be drawn. Using {at} and {dot} will prevent spammers from stealing your addy. Thanks so much!

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    2. TMarcum at hotmail dot com And thank you. I love love the Amish series. I live in Ohio not far from Holmes county so it is even more interesting to me.

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    3. Oops it is TMarcum3 at hotmail dot com LOL always forget that 3

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  18. I have not read any books from Murray Pura, but this one sure sounds very interesting! Would love to win!!! Exciting to always find new authors.

    Linda Ortiz
    strgth4yu(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I would love for you to win, LINDA, and have a chance to get acquainted with this wonderful author. But if not, please do yourself a favor and go to Amazon. He has a vast array of books listed there! And I do mean VAST!! :)

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  19. I have plenty of time to read and this one sounds right up my alley :) When can we expect to see your name on the cover of a book, Diana?

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    1. Awww, bless your heart, ANNE. I have been praying for you. Hoping the pain has lessened and you are able to enjoy some good books while recuperating.

      Well, not on any covers for awhile, however my name is in the front of a few and that is way cool! (endorsements and acknowledgements) :)

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    2. And don't forget the dedication. ;)

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    3. Oh yes, ANNE. And a dedication. :)

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    4. And don't forget about Diana Darling in Murray's Painted Sky as well, as you and your hubby Paul Flowers in Carries book, as well. ;-)

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  20. Sounds like a book I want to read.Looking forward adding a copy to my Christmas collection.

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    1. DONITA, thank you for coming by OWG! Please leave your email addy for contact purposes. :)

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  21. This is a wonderful review, Diana! I have MANY of Murray's books but don't have this one yet. It sounds just like a great Murray Pura story! Joy Ross Davis

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    1. Thanks! It is a wonderful story, JOY! When you say MANY just how many are we talking here? Never mind...I can't count them either. :P

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  22. so excited for the christmas reading season to start. winning this would be a good start ladydipap@yahoo.com

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    1. Me, too, LADYDI! Nothing like a good Christmas book to cuddle up with next to the fireplace during freezing cold weather!

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  23. This sounds like an awesome read. I like the twist of the husband being "shunned". Never thought about that circumstance before. Look forward to reading how it all turns out.
    doretha_stroud@yahoo.com

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    1. Very interesting twist and what a sad situation, too, DORETHA. :( Good luck in the drawing!

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  24. i have not read any of this authors book would love to win!!!! Always looking for more Amish books to read.thanks for entering me!!!...............cindyba_1994@verizon.net


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    1. This author has written alot of fabulous Amish books, CINDY. I hope you get a chance to read one ASAP! Thanks for coming by!

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  25. Love my christmas book, would sure like to add this one. Thank you

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    1. LORETTA, thank you for entering! Please leave your email addy for contact purposes and thank you for visiting OWG!

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  26. I loved this book. Great review, as always!

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    1. Thank you, md cohort! :) We are so glad you are back from vacay!

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  27. Thank you for this review. I definitely want to read it. It has been added to my want to read list,

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    1. I hope all your wishes come true, WILANI! Please leave an email addy for contact purposes! Thanks!

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  28. I would so love to win this book! I love the cover and I loved the books I did read by Murray - On the Wings of Morning and Ashton Park. This book reminds me of fond memories of going to Amish country in Ohio during the Christmas holidays with my cousin, Renee and her family: places like Sugarcreek and Walnutcreek, etc. Yes, I do hope I win. Thanks for this chance! Mary Lou K
    flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com.

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    1. MARYLOU, it sounds like you may have a good story to tell within you! :) I gotcha entered!

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  29. Murray Pura is a great person, and i would love to win this book, and a review will be given, thank you
    Shirley B. jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Yes, we all think the world of the man and his books. Thank you for writing a review, SHIRLEY. That means alot to every author!

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  30. Barbara Gauthier I love and adore Murray Pura. I have had the pleasure of reading some of his books. He is an out of this world author. The more you read, the more you want. Would love to win this one. Thank you. Am heading for a full shoulder replacement. Bgauthier49@live.com

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    1. BARBARA, may God keep His hand upon you as you go into surgery. Murray is a great author and I know he will appreciate your words of encouragement!

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  31. great review, sure makes me want to read but then I already know of this author and know it will be good if he wrote it. thanks for sharing today your comments.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    1. I'm with you on that remark, PAULA! If he has written a bad one...I don't know about it! Good luck to you!

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  32. Oh, I love your books, Murray. Thanks for sharing another one. Hope I can win this one. It looks awesome and just in time for Christmas!!! yyyyaaaayyyyy Shirley bluebell5071@yahoo.com

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    1. SHIRLEY, I take it you like Murray's books just a little. lol Hopefully you will win it for Christmas right here on OWG!

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  33. Love Murray's books. Only one problem with what I was reading. I wanted more. Love how it keeps you wanting to read more n more. I would love to win one too. Thank you. LeAnn angel4gof(at)charter(dot)net

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    1. I hit the wrong button. angel4god(at)charter(dot)net

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    2. Thanks for sharing, LEANN! Yes, don't you love that when you finish the last page of a book and feel let down cuz it's the end?

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  34. I have not read any of Murray's books. Would love to win this one, it sounded very interesting from your review.

    Tina Watson
    bluehair1967(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. TINA, Murray's books are awesome and I don't often care for male authors. But Murray knows what women like in the romance dept. and he delivers! haha

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  35. Wonderful! Murray is one of my top 4 favorite authors. Would love to have this book in my collection and read it. Hard to believe the holidays are apon us already.

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    1. It is almost surreal at how quickly summer flew by, JANICE! I always say I'm going to start Christmas shopping early...we'll see if I stick to that this year! lol Hmmm...would love to know who the other 3 are! (wink)

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  36. What wonderful giveaway. Very nice review. I look forward to reading this book and would be thrilled to win it. Thank you.

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    1. Thank you for coming by, MARY ELLEN! Good luck in the drawing!

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  37. ***Please remember to leave an email address for contact purposes should your name should be drawn. Thanks all!***

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  38. Having grown up in Amish country and also loving Murray's style of prose, I will be enjoying this book whether I win it or puchase it! Gdenton1964@sanroy.com

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    1. GINA, thank you for your support of Mr. Pura's books. I am certain this one will be no exception.

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  39. I am going to buy this one irregardless.... Murray is a very good story teller and I have two of his books. This reveiw has grabbed my attention and interest. scraver60@gmail.com

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed the review, SHARON! Maybe you won't have to buy this one...we'll seeee...

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  40. Wow! I can't believe I'm finding out about your blog just now! :) I've never read Murray Pura's books, but I have been wanting to, and would love to win this one. I'm visiting via Fiction Addiction Fix which posted that you have a giveaway running. Thanks so much for the chance to win! :)

    snowflakes2hotcakes {at} gmail {dot} com

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    1. SNOWFLAKES, we welcome you to OWG! I would love to see a few snowflakes this upcoming winter, but doubtful. :P You are in for a real treat with Murray's books!

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  41. I have read two Mura's books. He is a talented author and I am looking for to reading this book.
    Dawn Crawford
    dcofohio@yahoo.com

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    1. Yes, he is a very talented author, DAWN. Have you read Whispers of a New Dawn btw? Your name is on the cover and my name is in the endorsements. lol

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  42. I am one blessed commenter

    I would love to win this print copy of Murray's An Amish Family Christmas ~ I am looking forward to this story of hope and love. I agree ~ God's Word prevails. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Yes, you are one blessed commenter who will be doubly blessed if she wins! That was cute, KATHLEEN. :)

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  43. I would love to win this copy of Murray's book - Christmas iis in the air!
    Stimmer@familylife.com

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    1. Yes, it is, SHARON, and we are still only in September. lol But these wonderful holiday books will put you in the mood for sure!

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  44. I'm an Amish fiction fan and I love Murray Pura books! He's a fantastic author! Would love to win his book! Thank you for sharing and please enter my name.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. BARBARA, I have you entered! Thank YOU for sharing, dear, and good luck!

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  45. Diana Flowers, very nice review ! and I agree, he writes faster then I can read them all...
    Love Murrays Books and Amish Fiction. Diana M. I will share if I win...smile OK kindred ?
    I love this website for all its great reviews, author interviews and giveaways !
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com
    Faithful Acres Books
    http://www.faithfulacresbooks.wordpress.com

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    1. Thank you so much, LINDA, for your kind words about Murray's books and our blog! What a sweet friend you are to share also. I do the same with my books as well. They are just too good to keep to myself!

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  46. An Amish Family Christmas sounds wonderful. Please enter me in contest. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

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    1. Emma, what a pretty name you have. Like something right out of a Jane Austen novel. ;) Please return and leave an email address for contact purposes in case you are our blessed winner. Thanks!

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  47. I would absolutely love to win an autographed copy of An Amish Family Christmas. I love reading Amish stories and very much enjoy reading Christmas stories. This one sounds like an excellent read and I'd be so very happy to win. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133ATyahooDOTcom

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    1. KATIE, it's so great to see you here on OWG! You can't get much better than Amish and Christmas combined AND written by Muray Pura to boot! Hoping for a win for you!

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  48. Another Murray Pura book I'm looking forward to reading.

    A most helpful review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. You're welcome, MARY! I know you'll enjoy this one!

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  49. Your books are always 5 stars, I would love to win your newest book.
    lora_dietrich(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, LORA, for your encouraging words for Murray Pura!

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  50. I love books about Christmas!!! And this one is set in my home state of Pennsylvania...Maybe I'll win??!!! Blessings estamaelaughner@yahoo.com

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    1. ESTAMAE, perhaps you will! Wouldn't this be a lovely early Christmas present?

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  51. Wonderful review! I love Murray's books. Ü Please enter me in the drawing to win a copy of this one. Thanks!!

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    1. Ooops, I forgot to add my email. It's cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    2. CINDI, so glad to see you made it! I got your name in my cyberhat here! ;)

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  52. Hello Diana. Good job with this Christmas book. It's hard at times to understand some of the Bishop's rules, for to me they pick and choose what they will read and use from the Bible. The Bible teaches us to help others, yet they don't believe in helping those who keep their right to their religion. They left other countries to come to America to worship as they want, but where will they go if that right here disappears. I love the cover of Murray's book, as usual. And, I would love to win the book. PLEASE put my name in. And heello to you other OWG gals and too Murray. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE, this book will make you think, that's for sure! We always enjoy your insightful comments and love it when you come by!

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  53. This is a book that I just can't live without! Hoping to win it, but either way it will be on my bookshelf : ) makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com

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  54. I would love to win this.I don't have a book by Murray yet.Thanks for the chance.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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    1. JACKIE, you've been missing out! Let's keep our fingers crossed that you will win your first "Murray" book here! ;)

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  55. Christmas + Amish = what's not to love??? kkakins at gmail dot com

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  56. I would love to win one of Murray's books!!!!! especially if he signs it....

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  57. Congrats to Juanita Cook for winning a signed copy of An Amish Family Christmas! Congrats to Juanita whose name was picked randomly out of all of these wonderful comments! Thanks so much to all of you!

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  58. I haven't read any of Murray's books, actually I don't believe I've read any Amish or Christian Romance written by a male author - perhaps it's time!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. When you are reading Murray's books, MELODY, you tend to forget it is a male that is writing it. He has the romance down pat! ;)

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  59. What a touching book! I love anything Amish, Christmas stories, & stories of healing through the Lord - so will surely love this book!

    Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  60. I like Christmas and the Amish.
    Thanks for a chance in this giveaway.

    Lisa
    korell62@Aol.com

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  61. Murray pura a great writer. He has a fabulous writing style. The only thing better than an amish book is an amish christmas book. This is a great review. Maria. Plainfancy4@yahoo.com

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  62. I love Christmas stories and am looking forward to reading as many as I can during November and December. I haven't yet read any books by Murray Pura, so am looking forward to reading An Amish Family Christmas. It sounds intriguing.
    may_dayzee@yahoo.com

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  63. How many books does Murray Pura have? I will be looking forward to reading An Amish Family Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity to win .

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  64. I love Murray's writting and I look forward to reading more of it as soon as possible!:)

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  65. I would love to be that 'blessed commenter', so PICK ME! ;-).
    Seriously though, this sounds like an interesting book & I love Christmas stories, so I guess I need to check it out--AFTER I make sure I don't win a copy! ;-)
    Vicki
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot) com

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  66. this would be a great book to read.. I loved the review.

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  67. I loved this review. I am an avid reader of Amish fiction but have never read this author. would love to start with this book.
    so plz pick me. thanks

    judy
    avon369@hotmail.com

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  68. I love Amish fiction books and authors. I am expanding my search on authors of Amish fiction and would love to add this book and author to my list. This review makes me want to read this book as soon as I can.
    Thanks and have a blessed day.
    Christie
    sweetsunnie@hotmail.com

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  69. I love to read Amish books, love the Christmas season, and love reading books by Murray Pura. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  70. I would so love to win Murray Pura' s book An Amish Family Christmas!

    I am such a book addict!

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  71. I would so love to win Murray Pura' s book An Amish Family Christmas!

    I am such a book addict!

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  72. I've read some of Murray's books and they are fantastic, I would love to win this, thank you for the chance.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  73. Loved your review Diana . Also love Murray's books . Would love to win a copy of this book .
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
    Blessings

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  74. I love your review Diana and love Murray's books . Would live to win his book .
    Blessings
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com

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  75. This really looks like a must read and would be blessed to win it.

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  76. I just finished Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura - I would love to read another one of his books!
    Stimmer@familylife.com

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  77. Haven't found any of his books so am anxious to read them

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