Jennifer Vido

ANGELS AT THE TABLE by Debbie Macomber

Prayer Ambassadors Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy are back this holiday season, along with their newest protégée Will. It’s New Year’s Eve, and Lucie Ferrara and Aren Fairchild exchange a kiss in Times Square due to a little unsolicited help from Will. Immediately sparks fly and the couple spends the rest of their night getting to know each other. Rather than exchanging numbers, the two agree to meet seven days later at the top of the Empire State building. Sadly, Lucie never shows up, leaving Aren wondering where he went wrong.

Despite Lucie and Aren having already met rather than according to God’s timetable, the angels feel confident they can get them back on track. As Lucie devotes her time making her restaurant Heavenly Delights a huge success, Aren is busying establishing himself as the anonymous food critic at the New York Gazette. When Aren’s assignment brings him to Lucie’s doorstep, the angels interfere once again in hopes of reigniting the couple’s budding romance.  Yet due to Lucie’s demanding schedule that night, the two never meet.

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN ELIA MACNEAL

The British Monarchy has been at the forefront of the media lately. Whether it’s Prince Harry flaunting the family jewels or Princess Kate sunbathing topless, the Royals are everywhere. It comes as no surprise that the public is fascinated by the exciting lives they lead. Imagine what it would be like if you had an insider’s look at what truly goes on behind the castle’s gates. I, for one, would jump at the chance.

This month’s Jens Jewels Susan Elia MacNeal shares our interest in the Royals in her Maggie Hope Mystery Series. In her latest release Princess Elizabeth’s Spy, Maggie Hope is back in action this time at the majestic Windsor Castle. Posing as Princess Elizabeth’s math tutor, it’s up to Maggie to ferret out a traitor in order to protect the future of the British Monarchy. A delightful mystery series capturing the essence of wartime Britain, this book is an absolute must-read for historical fiction fans.

As part of this interview, Ballantine Books, a division of Random House Books, has generously donated five copies for you, my favorite readers, to try to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end of the column. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading list.    

SHIVA REA CORE YOGA

The most essential part of feeling fit starts with having a lean torso and a healthy back, and no one knows that better than yoga master Shiva Rea. Her best-selling yoga DVDs combine innovative yoga moves with exciting routines designed to motivate and energize. In her latest release, she has designed a “no crunches” approach to achieving flat abs. The DVD includes seven mix-and-match yoga practices plus a customizable Yoga Matrix filmed at White Sands National Park and Kauai’s Limahuli. The breath-taking scenery inspires the viewer making the yoga practice a truly relaxing experience.

For those suffering from limited range of motion due to arthritis, this DVD is the perfect choice. Most exercises are executed on the floor in joint-friendly motions which make it easy to move through the routine. The matrix format is straightforward allowing you to customize your practice in various time increments. The free-flow segments give you an opportunity to be creative making the experience very personal. Unlike typical routines incorporating numerous sets of abdominal crunches, this program will reshape your body and soothe your soul. If you are looking for a new yoga practice uniquely designed for flat abs, I highly recommend this DVD.