Saturday, December 1, 2012

Giveaway - Tea and Trouble Brewing




I was only a few pages into Dorcas Smucker's latest book, Tea and Trouble Brewing. And I laughed. Out loud.

I didn't even realize it until my son walked over and asked why I was laughing. How do I explain how a description of tea drinking could make me giggle?

A few pages later I'm wiping tears - with furtive glances at my son. I don't wish to explain mom's tears in five year old's logic.

Dorcas writes about life - the laughter, the good-byes, the birthdays, the challenges, the long discussions (formerly called arguments) in a family of six children (a few of which are finding their wings and leaving the nest.)

I discovered Dorcas' blog five or so years ago, back when she had only written one book. I enjoyed her writings from the first, but it may be getting even better with the passing years. Or maybe, with time marching on in my own family, I'm more eager for some wise mother advice wrapped in candid humor.

In Tea and Trouble Brewing, Dorcas' fourth and newest book, you will travel with Dorcas as she shares about harvesting grass seed in Oregon, surviving the swine flu, joining facebook, forgetting birthdays, enduring her boy's escapades, and researching her Amish roots. Each chapter stands alone - perfect for busy moms who needs a dose of encouragement. Dorcas has an amazing ability to write about normal life, in a way that is poignant and humorous  Her books are not to be inhaled, but rather sipped chapter by chapter, rather like a cup of tea.

Deciding on my favorite chapter is difficult, if not impossible - probably race between Skipping the Garden (yes, a Mennonite can choose to not have a garden!)...
"In future springs, as the seed catalogs call my name, I hope I have the wisdom to choose to do a few things well rather than many things haphazardly. I hope I can find a way to fit a garden into the larger goals for my family. And I hope I have the discernment to know what is about growing my own vegetables and what is only about proving a point."
Or Lambs and Children...
"I hope my children are absorbing the most important point in all this — that what is true for lambs is even more true for children. They are worth all the risks and uncertainties and costs and noise and disappointments and midnight feedings. An orphan cannot be left out in the cold, the weak have as much value as the strong, and for our little flock we would do all of it all over again."
Or maybe The Ant of Marriage...

"Nature and life and Newton’s laws are not conducive toward either a clean, ant-free kitchen or a happy marriage. Both are won by fighting against natural regression. Everyone you ask will offer you their own wonderful solution, but it’s less about easy magic than about persistence, vigilance and hard work, pouncing on the destructive little beasts that come crawling out of the corners."


But the best thing about Dorcas is that she is real. She doesn't pretend to be the perfect mother or minister's wife. She admits her failures, laughs at her blunders, and gives herself, and me, the courage to accept the grace of God to pick ourselves up and try again tomorrow.

You can purchase Tea and Trouble Brewing at Amazon or directly from Dorcas. Mail a check for $15 per book (includes postage) to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446



Or take advantage of a discount by ordering all four of Dorcas' books for $40, postage included, U.S. customers only. This includes not only Tea and Trouble Brewing but also Ordinary Days, Upstairs the Peasants are Revolting, and Downstairs the Queen is Knitting. Perfect idea for gift giving!

And Dorcas has given me a copy of Tea and Trouble Brewing to give to one of you! Leave a comment and you will be entered in the giveaway. Be sure to include an email address so I can contact you.

Giveaway ends one week from today. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. I was given a review copy of Tea and Trouble Brewing but all opinions expressed in this review are my own.


87 comments :

  1. Oh! My goodness-this book sounds exactly what I need right about now-a good laugh AND a good cry!
    I hope my number gets picked!~mamabeanof4

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  2. I'm commenting...because I'd like a chance at winning the book :)lindastoltzfus at gmail dot com

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  3. It sounds like a delightful book! I'd love to read it, both as a bookworm and a mom. :)You can reach me at richlyblest@live.com. Thanks, Mary Beth

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  4. Sounds wonderful! Would love to read it and pass on to others! Love your wonderful posts. Thanks, Rachel lorae@embarqmail.com

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  5. Sounds like an interesting book.Thanks. Shirley nolamartin1@gmail.com

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  6. I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance. I actually know Dorcas in real life--she lives in my hometown.

    maryannshouse at gmail dot com.

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  7. Would love to read one of her books. I love reading her blog.

    Misty N

    missweaver82@yahoocom

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  8. I would like to enter for the drawing,really appreciate your posts. Thank-you. Rachel - lorae@embarqmail.com

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  9. With winter setting in, I'm searching for a few good books!! :-) Sounds like an excellent choice!

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

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  10. I have all the other books and would enjoy reading the 4th book. These are books that I can share with others. My brother even had the priviledge of being in their home and so he enjoys reading her books. rnemh@aol.com

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  11. I have enjoyed her other books immensely and I sure would like to read this one, too.
    -Crystal T.
    huandcry@yahoo.com

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  12. I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you!
    Deb
    gdbvsw1@gmail.com

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  13. I would love a chance to win! I thank you for your blog. I get so much out of it. God Bless

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  14. I want to win this! I've been following your blog and Dorcas' for awhile now. I love your very helpful and informative gardening and cooking posts.

    joy_unspeakable.lk711@yahoo.com

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  15. I've never actually read one of her books. This looks like a wonderful opportunity! I'd love to be the winner of this one. Nola

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  16. Some things are worth coming out of the woodwork for.

    lightmycandle@abcmailbox.net

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  17. I have read some of her blog in the past and really enjoy her humor and 'realness.' I would love to have a copy of this book!
    rodenbeck@woh(dot)rr(dot)com

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  18. I would love to win this book, sounds so good.
    martinacres08 (at) gmail.com

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  19. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for all the wonderful reading selections, recipes, thoughts, and advice.

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  20. I love Dorcas's writings and they are made better for me since I am married to her husband's first cousin and can so relate to her husband and children's personalities. My email is twila@bsmucker.eu.ort

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  21. pick me!! pick me!!

    misshostetler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  22. This sounds like my kind of book!jonasue@emypeople.net

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  23. I was a groomsman at Dorcas's husband Paul's parent's wedding (how's that for three possessives in a row). I think that ought to qualify me to be in the drawing. :) If I'm fortunate enough to win, contact me at oldcodger@netlinx.net

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  24. I want to enter! Thanks for doing a giveaway. I always love reading your blog.
    Kimberly
    novachick 1 at yahoo dot com

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  25. I would really enjoy this book.. I know because I laugh and cry when I read her blog. Somehow Dorcas knows how to touch that deep part of my soul & inspires me to be a better wife & mom.
    Carol
    paramedicwife@yahoo.com

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  26. If I am blessed enough to win this draw, I know EXACTLY who I will share Dorcas' book with!! As soon as I'm done with it!!! :o))

    gulfcoastruth@yahoo.com

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  27. What a lovely review and thank you for the chance to win a copy!!
    lflapp@windstream.net

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  28. Sounds good! I love to read a good book!
    7happylappys@gmail.com

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  29. Thank you for introducing me to Dorcas' writing. I cannot wait to read all of her books. Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of her fourth book!

    harkness@chesapeake.net

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  30. Enjoyed your review. More than once my daughter has been kept awake by my laughter at the computer outside her door when I read posts by Dorcas. And since this is the last chance, yes, I would love to win a book. bookworm@bnin.net

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  31. What fun it would be to win this book! garyncathys@gmail.com

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  32. love her books :) soloporti.jo@gmail.com

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  33. I would dearly love to win this book! I told my married girls that whoever has my name for Christmas can buy this book from Amazon for me. If I would happen to win, I think I'll give them the titles of Dorcas' two books I don't have yet, and tell them those are available on Amazon, too.-Denise

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  34. I love following Dorcas' blog and have enjoyed her previous three books. I don't usually enter your drawings, because I think SILs shouldn't win the prizes...but I REALLY would like this book. -Sonya :D

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  35. I would love to win ( and of course read!) Dorcas's new book. :)

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  36. Thanks for the introduction to her blog and what has to be wonderful reading! vonderadams@comcast.net

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  37. One last shot at this free book thing =) l.dwadel@gmail.com

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  38. I would love to win Tea and Trouble Brewing! deaharshbarger@gmail.com

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  39. Sounds interesting! Thanks for the chance to win!
    richdandmarie@gmail.com

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  40. Oh, I love books that encourage us mamas! With 4 kids, 5 and under, I could use some refreshing reading material! Hope I win. :) betsywright06@hotmail.com

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  41. Wonderful sounding book, would love to read! jaynmarilyn@afo.net

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  42. I'm very excited to read this book! Thanks for the chance and the enjoyable review.

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  43. I really enjoy your blog. And thanks for the oppurtunity to enter the drawing!

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  44. I am going straight over to check out her blog ~ this sounds just like the kind of book I love to read!
    If this is open to international readers I'd love to be entered!
    Have a wonderful weekend
    Blessings
    Renata:)
    renataatsunnyside@gmail.com

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  45. I need to add Dorcas's books to my Christmas wish list. I recently re-read an Erma Bombeck book. Not so much advice but great to laugh over.

    Heidi
    HeidiRider@aol.com

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  46. I knew I wanted to read this book when I saw the title! I hope I win!
    Lisa
    lmw@friendlycity.net

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  47. Thanks for giving me a chance to win a copy of this book. I read her blog and enjoy Dorcas'writings. You can reach me at
    fmartin816@comcast.net

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  48. I I love book referrals, so I have added Dorcas's books to my Amazon wish list. Unfortunately, I checked our library and they don't carry any of her works. If I win, I can donate this copy to our library when I am finished reading it. Tpescdoc@comcast.net

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  49. I enjoyed reading your blog and your review of Dorcas's latest book. Would love to win it! Ruth from Delaware mandmblue7@gmail.com

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  50. I love Dorcas' writing, and am jumping at the chance to win her book! I enjoyed your review a lot, too!

    tabschmidt@gmail.com

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  51. Would love to read this book. kgfox@dejazzd.com

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  52. Sounds like a good book to read over the winter months!
    nrfaus2000@frontiernet.net

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  53. I love Dorcas's writings! Love keeping up with her blog! Would enjoy this book very much! singin4Jesus10@gmail.com

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  54. i'd give it to my mom for chirstmas! she's a faithful follower of dorcas's blog...i enjoy her writings too!
    kristajofox@verizon.net

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  55. I enjoy a good book- and your blog!
    lapps4him at epix [dot] net

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  56. I can always use an encouraging book!

    peyton_mcshane@hotmail.com

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  57. I would enjoy reading the book.Also enjoy following your blog.Mary at stoltzfusfam@gmail.com

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  58. I know my mom has always enjoyed Life In the Shoe... I know who I'd give the book to!

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  59. I really enjoy your blog. My own brood of 7 are now 12-23 so I love the pictures of your precious children. I'm like the others who would like a shot at a free book that you recommend so highly!
    bcave7@bellsouth.net

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  60. I would love to read this book!

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  61. We always want new books!!!! Amber KY

    aacc442@yahoo.com

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  62. I've been a "Dorcas" fan for years too and would love to win her book! -Sharon Mast

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  63. I would be delighted to have my name picked for this drawing!!
    nvyoder@yahoo.com Thanks for the great review!

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  64. Thanks for doing the giveaway! Sounds like an interesting book! Lynellesbox @ gmail.com

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  65. Would love to read it; wondering what she has to say when they start leaving the nest.
    lorendak@centurylink.net

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  66. Sounds like what i need to have on hand as I head into winter months. A quick pickup to read while nursing my new little girlie.
    lorraineeby@gmail.com

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  67. I'm always looking for a good book! Count me in! -Bonnie
    bjburky2001@gmail.com

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  68. I would love to win!!

    junebugs26@yahoo.com

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  69. I would love to add this book to my collection of her books. iScrap2 [at] windstream [dot] net

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  70. Sounds like I need to check out her website. Would love to get her books!loisrosenberry@yahoo.com

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  71. Sounds interesting. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  72. I'd love to read it!

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  73. I love her books! Glad to know there is a new one.
    -Lois calo@emypeople.net

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  74. I would love to read this book. I'm always looking for good books with stand alone chapters for short reading times. Melanie - melanie2315@gmail.com

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  75. Ordinary Days was a great read! I'd love to read her new book too!
    joyalhaarsma@gmail.com

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  76. sounds like a book I'd love to read. Marilyn
    conlyn96@gmail.com

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  77. Sounds like another good book to add to my "to read" list.
    mansarg@gmail.com

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  78. I really enjoyed her other books and would love to read this one, also. I enjoy her blog, too.
    glennreiff@dejazzd.com

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  79. Dorcas is a special lady...the kind we need more of!!! I would love to read her newest book....jgmartin@dejazzd.com

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  80. Love books like this! Thanks for introducing it to me.
    randyandlinette@aol.com

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  81. Dorcas sounds like the type of reading I enjoy very much.
    ctbott@msn.com

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  82. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance. :) It sounds like a good winter read.

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  83. I would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway! Janelle turnercreek507@yahoo.com

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  84. I would love to win this book!. Cheryl tcburkholder@verizon.net

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  85. Looks like my chances of winning this book are becoming rather slim. Nevertheless, I shall try this one last time! :)
    mamabarb06@yahoo.com

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  86. Sounds like a wonderful book. :) I'll cross my fingers...
    michelejoie@gmail.com

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