What was your favorite picture book as a kid?
Is it possible to pick just one favorite?

The Fire Cat by Esther Averill
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?
Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry (and every other horse book she wrote)
Big Red by Jim Kjelgaard and all his other dog books.

(Do you sense a theme?)

In 6th grade I read Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov and was wowed by his mastery of storytelling. Today, I couldn’t tell you what it was about. It would probably be interesting to read again from an adult perspective.

What was your most favorite book in high school?
Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
1984 by George Orwell

What was your least favorite book in high school?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey because it had disturbing themes.

What was the last novel you read?
Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles

What was the last nonfiction book you read?
Has the Tribulation Begun by Amir Tsarfati

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?
This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles

Which book do you love that needs more hype?
A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie

Next novel on your TBR list (up to three).
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers
Marcus Ryker series by Joel Rosenberg

Next nonfiction on your TBR list (up to three).
This Life We Share by Maggie Wallem Rowe

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
For years, the decorations and activities of Christmas distracted my attention from Jesus. Then, when I homeschooled my kids, we did an Advent study of holiday symbols and traditions. I learned how to use the trimmings of Christmas to point my heart toward Jesus instead of allowing them to pull me away from Him.

In 25 Symbols of Christmas—Finding Jesus, I trace the meaning and history of one symbol or tradition daily throughout the Advent season. Each one reminds us of a spiritual truth we can apply to our hearts and lives to stay focused on Christ at Christmas.

Each devotion includes:

  • The rich meaning and history behind symbols and traditions
  • Celebration of Jesus
  • Heartwarming holiday stories
  • Daily Bible verses
  • Prayers to thank God for the gift of his Son
  • Tips to live out your faith in a busy season
  • Ideas to bring your family together at Christmas

Let your heart be filled with love, joy, and warmth as you find Jesus in 25 Symbols of Christmas.


Annie Yorty, writer, speaker, podcaster, and lover of all things Christmas, encourages readers to perceive God’s glory in both the mundane and magnificent parts of life. She is the award-winning author of From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome and many articles (both online and in print). She and her husband, Jeff, live in Pennsylvania and enjoy life with three adult children. When not writing, Annie enjoys almost any type of craft, her furry beast labradoodle, and games. Amidst the fun, challenges, and chaos, Annie encourages others to look upward with her and perceive God.

I love to connect with my readers, so please subscribe at my website to stay in touch. You can also contact me from there to share any comments.

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From Ignorance to Bliss (Amazon):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649498365/ref