Saturday, November 17, 2012

Book Review and Giveaway! Tea and Trouble Brewing

I have a huge appreciation for Anabaptist authors, artists, songwriters, motivational speakers, etc. We need more of them don't you think?  One of my favorite authors is Dorcas Smucker.  I first heard about her work from my friend Christine. Dorcas writing makes me laugh and you know I am a fan of that. She also has a way of turning everyday moments into thought pondering truths.

After only a few pages into this book I found myself laughing out loud (LOL you know) and before I knew it there were tears in my eyes because she made an important point that spoke to the heart. My heart.

Dorcas' writing style has been compared to Erma Bombeck.  The Lancaster Paper once wrote an article on her titled, "Bombeck in a Bonnet?" Dorcas was raised Amish. She is now the wife of a Mennonite preacher and a mother to six children.

I read more than one paragraph out loud to Nate. In the chapter, "Characters in a Larger Story" Stories were being shared at a reunion.

 "... and John told a nail-biter story about the time he decided to tease cousin Todd, in a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy, by steering him right to the edge of the bank. John had us all digging our heals into the creek bank right along with him as the much heavier Todd slid down the bank and then toppled over into 6 feet of water." 

Of course I read one more paragraph in this story to Nate to let him know that Todd was OK and made it out of the water. But we just looked at each other and laughed, but were mostly terrified when we think of the stunts our children might pull.  There are stories of Dorcas at the ACE conventions cheering for her children that make me smile and hope that I can be a Mom to teenagers like she is.

So, I loved her new book and I think that you will too...

If you would like to purchase this book you can do that online at Amazon.
If you are interested in purchasing this directly from the author you can send Dorcas a check for $15, this includes the postage:

Dorcas Smucker
31148 Substation Drive
Harrisburg, OR 97446

Dorcas also has a special right now. All 4 of her books for $40.00. Again, postage is included in that price. 

I am happy to give away her newest book. If you would like a chance to win this book:

1. Let a comment on this post. Make sure your name is included.
2. If you link this post on Facebook you can let another comment.

 I will end the giveaway Wednesday evening, November 21.  I'll draw a name using the random number generator, whala.... we will have a winner.

If you have trouble getting your comments to post. Email me. (natenjo01@gmail.com) and I will comment for you.

Comments on facebook will not count! Make sure you get them over here on the blog.




68 comments:

  1. I always think if I could write, I would want to write like Dorcas does. She is inspiring and funny.. two important things when it comes to writings. I would love to win this book!

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  2. i read the other 3, and would love to read this one, too! -kris

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  3. i would love to win this! i love dorcas' style of writing!
    jenny

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  4. Oh yes. I agree with your review. Dorcas' writings make me laugh, and yet there is an element that warms my heart because it is so real-life. I would love to win this book!

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  5. This is a great review! And giveaway. I love her writings, both her blog and her books. It was so fun to meet her at IGo this past summer, she's so real and down-to-earth. I would love to win this book!

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  6. I love reading her blog and don't own any of her books yet. Would love to win this one!
    Coleen

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  7. Enjoying "Upstairs the Peasants are Revolting" at the moment.

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  8. I like her style. Pretty sure I'd like her book. Pretty sure I would be delighted to win this. -Lucy

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  9. Never heard of her or her books but you got me curios. Sounds like some interesting reading!

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  10. I've read all of her other books, and would love to have this one too. So pick me, kind, ramdom number generator :)- Debbie H.

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  11. I love her style. I won her other three books in a giveaway and it would be so fun to win this one too! Cheryl

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  12. I shared on FB. Cheryl

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  13. Hi Jo! I'd love to enter your give-a-way! I occasionally read Dorcas's blog- and love her writing style!
    -thanks!

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  14. Like Coleen, I love Dorcas' blog, but do not have any of her books. I would really like to win this one.

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  15. What a fun giveaway! -Yvonne

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  16. I'm a big fan of Dorcas' writing. I have all her other books and am poised to win this one! =) Blessings to you.

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  17. Sounds like a fun giveaway! Never heard of her or read any of her books but you have my curiosity peaked!!

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  18. Would love to win this book! Dorcas is my sisters husbands uncles wife. We're related! Well, not really. =)

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  19. It would make my week to win this. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

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  20. heard of dorcas. did not know she wrote books. wud love to read and chuckle with Darrin :)Tina H

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  21. shared on facebook.tina h.

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  22. I like Dorcas' writings, but don't have any of her books, yet.

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  23. I love reading Dorcas's blog and would love to to win this book. Her writing makes me laugh and there are times I just have to read portions out loud to whoever happens to be in the room with me at that moment!

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  24. I love your blog! :) Count me in on a chance to win Dorcas's book~ if you like it, I'm sure I will too!

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  25. I love to read Dorcas Smucker's blog and book~so glad you on her blog tour!!

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  26. never read her books, but I love to read.

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  27. I have Dorcas' other three books and would love this one. She is married to my husband's cousin and I love how well I can relate to her husband and children stories. They definitely have similar blood. And by the way, are you Lester and Marian's daughter? I think I know you somehow from Grenada connections....

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    1. Yes,I am their daughter. You were recently back to Grenada weren't you? How fun.

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  28. Sounds interesting! I'd love to win...I enjoy your blog.

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  29. How fun...a giveaway:) I haven't read her books but I have read her blog.The book sounds interesting! Denise in the South

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  30. Love her books and would be thrilled to win this one.

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  31. I enjoy her blog and love the other books. It's fun to share the quote of the day with my family at the supper table.

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  32. Yes, please enter me in the drawing. I am a faithful reader of her blog and have read two of her books. I love to read her writing.--Linda Rose

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  33. I love her writings and have heard her speak as well. Usually my thoughts end with "That is so true!"

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  34. I am desperate for good books to read! Ginger

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  35. Shared on FB. Ginger

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  36. I love Dorcas' writing! I laugh and cry by turns!

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  37. I'm a fan of Dorcas. She might not know it, but when I hear someone is from Oregon, I try to make some connection with her! Love her books.

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  38. I was looking forward to your review of her book. I love the way she is funny while being insightful. - Carla

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  39. I never read her books, but would love to!!!! KAREN

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  40. count me in too! Becky

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  41. I don't need a book, just had to comment. I live down the road from you and I'm sure we met somewhere along the line...I know a whole bunch of the people pictured on your blog. I'm reviewing the same book at the end of the month. chris www.shallrunandnotbeweary.blogspot.com
    love your pics BTW

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  42. Would love to read her new book! Love your photography! -Donella

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  43. Thanks for doing this! :) Elsa elsamcm@dejazzd.com

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  44. Would love to win a copy of her book!
    Marilyn
    Fmartin816 (@) comcast (dot) net

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  45. Yes, I would love to win one of her books! Have been reading her blog and would really enjoy her book.
    Carol
    paramedicwife(@)yahoo.com

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  46. Would love to read this book! I love Dorcas's writings. :)

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  47. Jo, I would love to have the book and it would be a good deal for you too if I win, No trip to the post office, just drop it at Grandpa Z!! Aunt Ann

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  48. Love her books and actually already bought her new one so don't enter my name in the drawing.Love how she writes about"real life"!

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  49. Posting again for Gena M. FAcebook.

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  50. how lovely. I can't wait to read this book!

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  51. This book sounds fantastic! I'd love to win :)

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  52. Looks like a great read! Would love to win!

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  53. I would love to win this, like everyone else!

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  54. Never read any of her books, but would love to!
    Rose Martin martinjustin9@gmail.com
    (you probably don't know me, but your mom used to be my art teacher at THMH, and my husband goes hunting with your dad and brother- I love following your blog!)

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  55. Borrowed her other books from my sister, maybe she can borrow this one from me.;)

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  56. still love her books.(= Sign me in. Christine

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  57. Pick me, Pick me. I like reading her books. Colleen Zeiset

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  58. oh i want that book! dorothy

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  59. I'll join the ranks of book-lovers! Looks like a good one!
    Marlisa

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  60. Specialist in internal medicine including hemorrhoid or hemorrhoids, herbal treatment

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