This book really has something for everyone.

Country Faith Christmas
compiled by Deborah Evans Price
Regnery Faith from Salem Media Group, 300 Jersey Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. hardcover. pp. 160, 2015.  
ISBN 978-1-62157-452-1. $18.99.

Deborah Evans Price has compiled a second book of country western stars and their inspirational stories, but this time, they are Christmas memories, plus recipes.  As with the previous book, each star has from 1-3 pages for their story. At the end of the book, Charlie Daniels tells the Advent story and what Advent means, and some stars share their memories of their favorite Christmas carol. Such as Hunter Hayes and "Go Tell It On The Mountain" because "I'm attached to it. I've always loved it."

Many country western artists from the first book, "Country Faith: 56 Reflections from Today's Leading Country Music Stars" are in this book, which numbers 37 artists. You can read about The Oak Ridge Boys, Sara Evans, Reba, Florida Georgia Line, The Roys, Darius Rucker, Rodney Atkins, Alan Jackson, Lee Greenwood and Hunter Hayes.  New are Vince Gill, Jimmy Weaver, Eli Young Band, Brenda Lee and other musicians. It is a full array of artists who always wanted to be musicians from childhood on.

My favorites include Canaan Smith and his recipe for Christmas chili, which is similar to mine.  He says he can relate to Joseph of the Christmas Story because "...he was a man doing everything in his power to get his wife to a safe place."  Jimmy Wayne once worked as a prison guard and remembers one Christmas, when, at night, a prisoner began singing "Silent Night" and it had a calming effect.  The Roys are from Canada and "O Holy Night" is a favorite carol because "It encompasses everything that is Christmas."  Billy Carrington is a sailor and he identifies with the Wise Men because they were following a star to Jesus.

This book really has something for everyone. From personal reflections by the stars, to their favorite recipes, what person from the Christmas Story they relate to, and a Christmas memory from their past. Eric Paslay got a tenor ukulele as a youthful Christmas present. Lauren Alaina remembers midnight Christmas Eve services. Wade Hayes got his first guitar as a Christmas morning present and James Young from the Eli Young Band had parents who hid the big Christmas presents in the garage or backyard. Personal memories for a holiday time.

Reviewed by Marie Asner Copyright 2015.