Blue Plate Specials: Inspirational Gift Books

THE CELTIC BOOK OF SEASONAL MEDITATIONS:
Celebrate the Traditions of the Ancient Celts
by Claire Hamilton. Celtic knot cover art by Kathryn Sky-Peck. B&W celtic know watrmarks interior illus. Condition: NEW 2003 Red Wheel/Weiser small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first edition, first printing. Content: The idea of this book is to provide the reader with points of meditation and inspiration based on the seasons of the year and Celtic sources. The book is pocket sized, making it easy to take along. And the meditation pieces mostly cover one page, sometimes two at most. This allows for brief meditations if the time is limited, say at lunch time or early morning. The mediations are mostly derived from myths and legends of the Celtic people. Some of the material may have a lead-in to the meditative passages. Shapeshifting, for example, is basically outlined, and then a poem on shapeshifting is offered for meditation. The meditations are grouped according to their content, focusing on the four seasons. As the Celts were very seasonally focused in their practices, the material presented is well placed for the associations. Each section is introduced with some background, a basic overview of the holidays associated with the season, and some facts that explain why some material is included in the section. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 8.69 + $ 3.19 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

A COUNTRY SAMPLER OF SIMPLE BLESSINGS: A collection of homespun stories and paintings celebrating the everyday moments of life
by Ellen Stouffer with Peg Carmack Short. Written by Short. Wonderful "Americana" color illustrations by Stouffer. Condition UNREAD 2001 Tyndale large hardcover (pictorial boards) and DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Light edge wear to DJ top edge. Content: Do you long for rest and peace? For even a short break in the midst of your busy day? Then put up your feet, drink some tea, and travel into Ellen Stouffer’s countryside, where gardens bloom with snowdrops in March and asters in October. Where friends gather to share good food and easy conversation. Where beautiful paintings of pastoral landscapes and colorful gardens hearken back to a simpler time--a time of quiet contentment. As you enjoy these inspirational stories, paired with lovely art that will stir your soul, you’ll be reminded of the things in life that really matter--faith, love, peace, the joy of home, family, and friends--and the many blessings we all enjoy every day. [1 copy available]
$ 6.50 + $ 3.29 media shipping.

THE DOGS WHO CAME TO STAY
by George Pitcher. B&W drawings by Tom George. Condition NEW 1995 William Abrahams small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first edition, first printing. Content: When a pregnant dog turned up in their backyard, the two middle-aged bachelors agreed that there was no place for it in their lives. Then the dog, which had dug a hole under the toolshed, gave birth to seven puppies. The author and his friend Ed, both of whom teach at Princeton, accepted responsibility temporarily, even though the mother was a feral animal, wary of humans. With infinite patience, the pair won her trust and acceptance. Meanwhile, the two men were captivated by one of the pups, Remus (they named the mother Lupa). They found homes for the other pups and settled down to a life centered on Lupa and Remus. They took the dogs with them everywhere-to France on the QEII (Queen Elizabeth II), to restaurants, to visit friends. In the end, writes the author of this irresistibly endearing memoir, Lupa taught him about love. A wonderful book for dog lovers. [1 copy available]
$ 3.50 + $ 3.09 media shipping. Priority shipping available.

DREAM TOO BIG?
by Marshall McLaury Monroe. Color illustrations by the Author. Condition UNREAD 2002 Marshall Monroe Magic (Albuquerque) small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first run, limited edition (as stated on the DJ). Light edgewear at DJ corners. Content: This is a book of encouragement for people who think their dreams are bigger than they are capable of realizing. Nice gift book. [1 copy available]
$ 7.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority shipping available.

GRACE FOR A WOMAN'S SOUL: Reflections to Renew Your Spirit
by Pat Matuszak. Beautiful color illustrations. Condition UNREAD 2001 Zondervan Gifts slim padded hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), no edition given. Gilt edges and title front cover. Content: Between the covers of this beautifully presented book is an inspiring mix of irrepressible wit, sensitive perceptions, and candid heart-stories from Luci Swindoll, Thelma Wells, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Barbara Johnson, Patsy Clairmont, and others from the Women of Faith organization. They speak straight from their hearts to women who long to discover the miracle of grace in their own lives. When a reader truly holds the reality of God's limitless grace close to her, it becomes evident in everything she says and does. It affects her relationship with others and causes her to look toward the future with hope. With full-color photography, padding and gilding, this inspirational collection will lead women to the glorious understanding that their Father in Heaven longs to enfold them in his sweet, opulent, never-ending grace! [1 copy available]
$ 3.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

THE HEIRLOOM (Kregel Inspirational Novella)
by Colleen Reece and Julie Reece-Demarco. Condition UNREAD 2002 Kregel hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), no printing given. Content: This touching novella, with shades of Catherine Marshall's "Christy" and O. Henry's "The Gift," compensates for its somewhat clumsy prose by engaging the reader's heartstrings. Rev. David Allen, a preacher in a North Carolina mountain town during the Depression, feels overwhelmed by the poverty of his parishioners. One Christmas, he sells his only valuable possession, a rare heirloom Bible to buy shoes for the children in his church. But by the following Christmas, harsh conditions remain the same, and he despairs that his sacrifice has made no lasting difference. Then a letter arrives to tell him his old Bible has begun a ministry all its own. As the Bible makes its way across the country, seven strangers write to David (whose name and address were written inside the Bible's cover) to explain how its message has transformed them. [1 copy available]
$ 2.50 + $ 3.09 media shipping.

INQUIRE WITHIN
by Patrick Regan. Beautiful color illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. Condition: NEW 2003 Small hardcover (decorated boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: Life is constantly full of challenges. Many times, we find ourselves asking questions like "Am I on the right path?" or "How can I become a better person?" Mary Engelbreit encourages us to look inside ourselves for the answers. This little gift book, with her colorful artwork and inspirational verse, will give you the strength, courage, and wisdom to get through all of life's twists and turns. [1 copy availaable]
$ 2.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

JOY BREAKS: 90 Devotions to Celebrate, Simplify, and Add Laughter to Your Life
(Women in Faith Series)
by Patsy Clairmont, Barbara Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, and Luci Swindoll. Condition: NEW 1997 Zondervan small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), 8th printing. Content: Here is a devotional with a light-hearted twist that motivates and supports women who want to renew and deepen their spiritual commitment. Developed in conjunction with the popular Women of Faith seminars, Joy Breaks will enhance your life. [1 copy availaable]
$ 3.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

THE JOY OF RESURRECTION
devotions written & edited by Beverly Courrege. B&W photos by David & Stephanie Edmonson. Condition: NEW 2000 Thomas Nelson hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Tiny edgewear to DJ top edge. Content: This Easter gift book offers a meditative journey into the meaning of the resurrection through gorgeous black-and-white photos and inspirational essays by well-known authors such as Max Lucado, Ruth Bell Graham, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, C. S. Lewis, Joni Eareckson Tada, and others. Readers will be inspired to see God's mercy every day-in a note from a friend, a phone call from the kids, the scent of freshly mown grass. And they will discover new insights on how Christ loved us when He died on the cross-and rose triumphantly from the grave on Easter morning. A beautiful and affordable book that will be enjoyed year after year. Contributors include: Amy Carmichael, Oswald Chambers, Elisabeth Elliot, Ken Gire, Jr., Ruth Bell Graham, Hannah Hurnard, C. S. Lewis, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Max Lucado, Hannah Whitall Smith, Joni Eareckson Tada, A. W. Tozer, et al. [1 copy availaable]
$ 3.50 + $ 3.19 media shipping. Priority shipping available.

MONET'S GARDENS (Themes & Reflections Series)
by Edmund Swinglehurst. Cover art: Monet's 1908 Nympheas (Waterlilies). Beautiful color repros of Monet's paintings. Condition: UNREAD 1997 Smithmark hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Interior perfect with wonderful glossy, sleek paper. Content: Claude Monet's passion for flowers and landscape began, as it did for other Impressionist painters, in a desire to paint directly from nature in the open air. The hours that Monet spent painting, often in the gardens or fields which surrounded the various houses he lived in, opened his eyes to the ever-changing tones and colors displayed by the countryside at different times of day. Color revealed by light, Monet discovered, created different worlds out of the same hills, trees and flowers. This book reproduces his wonderful nature paintings. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.49 media shipping

MOTHERS ARE LIKE MIRACLES: They Make Everything Possible
by Janet Lanese. Purple text and graphics decorations. Condition: UNREAD 1998 Fireside small hardcover (pictorial boards - no DJ issued), first printing. Content: For first-time mothers or beloved veterans, this warm, delightful book captures all the joy and humor of one of a woman's most wonderful experiences. Heartwarming observations from such famous names as Oprah Winfrey, Nora Ephron, and Agatha Christie, poems to copy and stick on the refrigerator; words of advice from kids of all ages to "accidentally" leave on a mother's kitchen table; suggestions to smooth the rough times or increase the joy -- it's all here to read and treasure. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 2.50 + $ 3.09 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

NAVAJO: Walking in Beauty (Native American Wisdom series)
introduction by Terry Wilson. Beautiful color photos & drawings illustrate. Condition: NEW 1994 Chronicle Books small hardcover [6.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 (64 pages)] and DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: From ancient rites enabling one to "walk in beauty" and harmony with the natural world to the dances, chants, and rituals representative of Navajo ceremonial life, this thoughtful and strikingly illustrated volume encompasses the essential elements of Navajo culture. [1 copy available]
$ 3.59 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

The Prince of Egypt: DESTINY AND DELIVERANCE: Spiritual Insights From the Life of Moses
essays by Philip Yancey, Max Lucado, John C. Maxwell, Jack Hayford, Joni Eareckson Tada, Tommy Barnett, Kenneth Boa, and Thelma Wells. Beautiful quality paper - a class act! Color dividers. Condition: NEW 1998 Thomas Nelson hardcvoer & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: Reviewer: "This book delivers a solid collection of 8 chapters each by a different author. Philip Yancey and Joni Eareckson Tada lead the way with particularly well written insights. One pleasant surprise was the terrific contribution of John C Maxwell whose great gifts in speaking and leadership have not always translated well to the printed page. His chapter on the 10 gracious gifts God gives leaders is worth the price of the book. Good stuff all around with a couple of "weak-sister" chapters that don't add much. "The Prince of Egypt" may not have topped the box office but this book helps to broaden the impact of its message." [1 copy available]
$ 4.59 + $ 3.19 media shipping. Priority mail available.

THE RED GERANIUM
by Janette Oke. Cover art by Jennifer Wharton; interior art by Sherry Paavola. Condition: UNREAD 1995 Bethany House small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), no ediiton given. Although it is unread, you can tell that it has been perused on the shelf. Lovely maroon & white text and illustrations. Content: It wasn't that Gran Thomas hadn't taken on difficult challenges in her lifetime. She'd always met them head on before and fought her way through. But now-. Now there seemed to be no reason to put in all that effort. What would she gain? With her world turned upside down, everything that she loved seemed lost to her. But one little boy, her great-grandson Tommy, loves her too much to allow the inner light to go out in her life. He must do something for Gran. But what? [1 copy available]
$ 2.29 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

SEA TO SHINING SEA
text and color paintings by Thomas Kinkade. Condition: UNREAD 2001 Harvest House hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: Travel across America with Kinkade, the Painter of Light, and experience the varied landscape of our great nation. Stand where courages men and women made history at Liberty Plaza, Philadelphia. Take a romantic hansom cab ride through Central Park, then step inside a cozy New England farmhouse at sunset. Visit our country's heartland before moving on to remote ranchlands and mountain camps of the West where time has stood still. WAde in the chilly blue surf at Carmel on California's Central Coast, and sail across the Pacific to the glorious beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Beautiful! [1 copy available]
$ 3.29 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THE SEARCH FOR INNER PEACE
by Gerald Mann. Condition: NEW 1999 Gerald Mann Ministries small soft cover, no printing given. Content: Dr. Mann is the minister at the 4,000+ member Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas. This is a book of common sense and hope. Excellent. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.00 + $ 2.94 media shipping.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE: The Love Poetry of William Shakespeare
by William Shakespeare and Miramax Films. Sepia-tone movie stills provide cover art and interior illustrations. Condition: NEW 1998 Miramax-Hyperian softcover (78 pages), first edition, second printing. Perfect. Content: This is really a lovely little book. Love poems from Shakespeare's sonnets and from his plays. Also dialog from the movie. For fans of the movie (and I am one) or as a gift book, this softcover is wonderful. Not an in-depth study of Shakespeare's poetry, though. Questions welcome.
$ 3.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority & International shipping available.

SHE TAUGHT ME TO EAT ARTICHOKES: The Discovery of the Heart of Friendship
by Mary Kay Shanley. Color illustrations by Paul Micich. Condition: NEW 1994 Thoughtful Books hardcover (pictorial boards) & DJ (in mylar jacket), no printing given. Content: This full-color illustrated book tells a story of caution yielding to caring, of a friendship growing to full bloom. It is a story that shows us how love, revealed one precious petal at a time, will finally uncover the rare and tender richness of the heart. A wonderful friendship gift. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 4.89 + $ 3.19 media shipping.

THOU HARP OF MY MUSIC: Love Songs from the Gaelic
by Alexander Carmichael. Selected and introduced by C. J. Moore. Ann Ross Patterson cover art. B&W decorations. Condition: NEW 1999 PB from Floris of Edinburgh, Scotland. Beautiful little book. Content: Carmichael was born in 1832 and educated in Edinburgh. His work took him from Dublin and Cornwall to the Hebrides and Highlands, and during his travels he recorded these poems and prayers. Only 2 volumes of the collection (Carmina Gadelica) were published before his death in 1912. No one can say when or by whom the Gaelic originals were composed; they were handed down through generations by o ral tradition as precious and intimate possessions. The Celtic spirit exulted not only in the moods of nature but also in the passions and powers of the human heart. Simply beautiful glimpse into the Celtic heart. Questions welcome. [1 copy available]
$ 3.50 + $ 2.94 media shipping. Priority mail available.

A TOUCH OF LOVE TO SAY GET WELL: A Collection of Stories, Quotes, Scriptures, and Inspirational Thoughts
selected by Ginger Young. Beautiful color illustrations. Condition: NEW 2002 Howard Books small hardcover & DJ (in mylar jacket), first printing. Content: This little book says it all. The human touch has the amazing ability to communicate. It speaks of love, encouragement, joy, sympathy, and hope -- it even communicates a heartfelt wish to "get well." A simple touch says it all. And the Touch you see here is especially designed to communicate heart to heart. A great gift for someone in need of comfort. [1 copy available]
$ 4.49 + $ 3.09 media shipping. Priority mail available.