The books came in my mail at the beginning of a week that had just climaxed with the memorial service for my sister in law, Frieda. I was more than ready for a diversion. The dishes sat, unwashed in the sink. There was laundry to fold and company extras to put away. I sat in my chair and held the book like a precious gift.
And so, I read. I laughed. I cried. I snagged Certain Man and read to him about heartache and infertility and redemption and adoption and weddings and families committing to going ahead with joy when the Locusts have eaten so much — too much, claiming the promise that is in Joel 2:25. We sat quiet and reminiscent and full of realization of what God has done for our own family.
I finally had to put it away so I could get something done in my house, but the first opportunity found me at it again. Youngest Daughter was home from College and I snagged her and read to her about Grandma’s indignation over those “unfaschtandich Beatles!” while we both laughed and laughed. Then Eldest Daughter got drawn into the story about the Californian wine maker who pronounced Dorcas a “beautiful woman” and produced a plastic recorder and played a song. Just for her. Under very unusual circumstances. Again, the words were rich, the mind pictures inescapable, and the mirth was warm and companionable.
“Hey Jesse,” shouted Oldest Daughter to her long suffering spouse in the next room. “How come you never played a song, just for me, on your recorder?”
Of course, this produced great bewilderment on the part of Beloved Son in Law, and we had to explain all about Dorcas Smucker’s new book.
Explain about Dorcas Smucker’s new book. Well, that is kinda’ what I am trying to do right now. Even if you haven’t grown up conservative Mennonite, or raised a big family while trying to keep family values and traditions intact, you cannot help but relate to this honest and transparent account of a Mama who tries to do it “right” — whether that is relating to adult children who haven’t made choices that she is comfortable with, or teenage daughters trying to make cookies without help, picking berries with reluctant helpers, giving gifts that people “ought to want,” being a daughter to aged and independent parents, being a sister in law to a family that doesn’t know how to tell stories, traveling across the globe in world — and mind–and heart stretching experience, and the list goes on and on.
The thing I love is that in all of this, Mrs. Smucker’s heart comes through. I haven’t begun to touch on the subjects that are covered in this book of 183 pages and 35 stories, divided into five sections. So great for those of us who find that we need some stopping places sometimes — and for those of us whose reading preference is short stories.
Just so you know, Dorcas. You really do know how to tell a story “right.” (And for those of you who haven’t already perused her blog, you can find those rightly told stories here: www.dorcassmucker.blogspot.com.)
And so, I’m giving away a copy of Mrs. Smucker’s new book. Just leave me a comment (if you can’t manage a comment, then leave your name as a comment– although an honest to goodness comment is going to warrant TWO entries) HERE. On my blog. In the comments section. (A comment on Facebook won’t count!) and I will draw a winner by Monday, November 17, 2014 and attempt to send it out on Tuesday morning.
If you don’t wish to wait to see if you win a book, or if you don’t win and want one, here is the information from the publisher:
Footprints on the Ceiling is available for $15 per book, postage included. You can mail a check to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446. US addresses only. To order a copy for Canada or overseas, email Dorcas at dorcassmucker@gmail.com.
The book is also available from amazon:
Delaware Grammy 
Ahh…Someone who thinks like me and does this early in the morning before the business of the day starts. 🙂 I enjoyed reading your review! I would love to win a copy, not just because I want to read it, but also because my church family would love to check it out of our library…Does this earn me two chances? 🙂
Sure does! I said a comment would win two chances — just your name would win one. So you are in — and first! With two entries.
I love to read the amazing stories on your blog and this book sounds like one that I would enjoy reading, too, so count me in for the giveaway!
This sounds like something I would enjoy reading too.
This does sound like an interesting book to read, and yes, I am a church librarian and could add it to our library as well. If she is as interesting a read as your blogs are, it will definitely be worth the read, MaryAnn!
Hi Just thought you should know i’m a reader and would love reading the book.
Would love to read another book of Dorcas’! I always find them uplifting and they help me to look for something interesting in everything!
Being a huge Dorcas Smucker fan and needing this book to keep my Smucker Collection current, pick me, pick me! And in case flattery will get me anywhere, you and Dorcas on a par when it comes to story telling! =D
I’m anxious to read her new book enjoyed her others. One of myOregon friend. Known. Her husband since he was born. 🙂
I too enjoy DS’s books…love to add this to my collection. Thanks for the chance at it!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review. This blog tour has taken me to some very interesting blogs that I haven’t read before. Yours is one of my old favorites, so it’s double fun to read your review. I have to agree Sue. You are a pretty good story teller yourself! -Rosy Shenk
Princessmom08, please drop by my blog: http://www.duckandfriends.com
You won the drawing, but I don’t have any way to contact you!
I notified Rosie that she won, Donna. If she doesn’t contact you, please mention it and I will try to get in touch with you. She lives in Ohio, I live in Delaware, but we do know each other and our daughters are friends. I could probably get her address for you.
Donna — I emailed you Rosy’s address and copied the message to her e-mail. I talked to her this evening, and she will be contacting you.
Rosie, you won the book on http://www.duckandfriends.com — so I am taking you out of my drawing. Donna says she has no way of contacting you. Could you please go over there and claim your book??? I’m so happy for you. I KNOW you will enjoy it.
I still haven’t heard from her. 😦
You have something in common with Dorcas; you write very interesting stories, too! And I have so enjoyed your book. I’d love a chance to win her new book. Connie
Would love to have a book. Always enjoy her blogs and yours too. Keep on writing them.
Sounds like it would be very interesting to read!!
I would love a book…I have all the rest! They are especially interesting to me as I know most of the people Dorcas writes about, as she is married to my husband’s first cousin. I scanned some of your older blogs…I think I will have to come back and read them more sometime. Your life sounds fascinating and inspiring.
I so enjoyed your comments, Mary Ann. You are indeed a good writer, also. It sounds like a good book to curl up and read by the fire with a cup of tea!
I have read one of Dorcas’ books, and would enjoy reading another one!
Entering to win Footprints on the Ceiling. I’m a mom to six, one married, and five grandchildren. Would love to have more stories to relate to plus Nov 17th is my 59th birday.
I’d love a chance (or two) to win this book. I really enjoyed reading your review as well. You seem like a good storyteller yourself! 😊
Reading your blog & hers is always interesting & fun. Thanks for offering her latest book to us this way. Lois
I enjoy Dorcas’ blog and of course her books too. And I enjoyed reading your review of this latest one. You have a way with words! I only found your blog because I’m following the “blog tour” of this book… but I really enjoyed reading over your older posts. I think you could write a book too. 🙂
I love Dorcas blogs – she says what I felt but didn’t know how to word. I live in Canada, and hope that doesn’t disqualify me.
Mary Horst
Very well written review! Makes me anxious to read the book!
I haven’t read any of her books but I enjoy her blog. I’d love to win this!!
Would love to read the book!
What a beautiful review! Praying for you as you’re going through this hard time.
(I’m a reviewer too, so I’m not entering the giveaway. Just wanted to comment!)
I’ve read one of DS books. I’d like to read another. Thanks for being part of the book giveaway.
Just so you know, This is one of the most interesting reviews I’ve read. 🙂
I’d love to read this book…her stories are always so humorous!!
So Sorry for your loss… Laughter is healing and Dorcas’ books makes me laugh and cry.. I would really like her latest book!
I enjoy reading both your and her blog, not sure who I found first. Anyway, I’d love to win a book!
I would love to get her latest book! I have all of her others!
Really now! Your writing sounds very interesting as well as Dorcas’! I enjoyed this review of her book and I would love to win one!
Love Dorcas and her writings! I read everything she writes on her blog, and FB. It’d be great to get her book!
I need this book to make my collection complete. Thanks for the review.
I would really love to win a copy of this lovely book! She is a great author, love her blog! Thanks for the opportunity! Lisa
Ooo! Pick me!!! I love Dorcas’s books.
I would like to give this book to my mom who loves to read her books!
I loved reading your book review! I’d enjoy very much reading Dorcas’ new book and
I like your blog. 🙂
I’m a big fan of Dorcas’ writings! I always leave feeling like we’re kindred spirits.
Your review is awesome. Although Our enjoy all you posts.
Great review! I like your writing style too! It would be fun to win the book!
Dorcas’ short stories are perfect for a bedtime “snack”!
I love Dorcas’s writings. I won her last book on the blog tour and am hoping to win one again! Right now I’m reading Tea and Trouble Brewing to the 99 year old lady I care for, and we’re both enjoying it!
I read Dorcas’ blog regularly…thanks for this chance at winning her book!
I have most of her books and would like to read this one too, but love your writings to Mary Ann, you are just like your younger sister Sarah, full of life and fun. Know how to say things in such a nice way.
Your review is as interesting as her stories! I would love to have a copy of the new one!
I got temporarily lost reading some of your recent posts. I follow Dorcas’ blog and would to love to have her latest book to read and pass on as I did with the first three. The forth is on my kindle and harder to pass on!
TabithaTheDuck@yahoo.com
Tabitha
You did a great job on this book. Now I really REALLY want to win it. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your review. I’d love to win this book. So far I haven’t read any of her books but I read her blog.
All the blog posts about Dorcas’ book have made me really really want to read. Hoping to maybe win a copy somewhere on this blog tour.