Reader Comments
If you've read A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider or the first volume, Hot Apple Cider, and would like to leave a comment, tell us what parts you liked best, ask a question, or let us know how reading the book impacted you, we'd be delighted to hear from you. If your comment is public, please post it in the reply space at the bottom of this page. If you prefer to send the publishers a private note you may send it to us here.
"A good friend who lives a block down the street from us was asked by his wife to move out. This was totally unexpected, and he is devastated. Ben noticed that his birthday was today. I took a card and an extra copy of this book over to the house. Today he stopped on the street to tell us he really appreciated it. It was a great way to reach out to them. The book has already brought encouragement to someone in need."
Evelyn Bonney, Leroy SK
"Thank you for the book. Couldn't wait to read your story ('The Bathroom and the Neighbour's Cat') - incredible – what a story – no wonder it was picked. I've read a couple of others already – funny how I didn't start at the beginning – it's that kind of a book."
Agnes Diekert, Winfield BC
"I read your story and all I’ve got to say is… Joy, never ever leave town again, for an extended period, without taking Bill with you. I could not stop laughing when I read your story 'The Bathroom and the Neighbour's Cat!!' What were you thinkin' man?? Bill, have you ever tackled a bathroom reno before this one??? Shoot, all I can say is, 'Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong,' but as a reader, you just can't stop laughing. Needless to say, you made my day."
Kamloops, BC
"Kim, your book has had me in tears three times already and I have just started, I will definitely spread the word about this one!!!!!!!!!! I have it sitting on my sunroom table and sit in my glider rocker with a tea and read a story or two and enjoy the birds, rabbits and squirrels at the feeder. It has been inspiring!"
Marilyn V.
"We had a good laugh as we read the story of the cat in the floor episode. It was hilarious reading, but we especially loved the last paragraph which seemed to sum up the entire escapade! Thanks again… we will cherish this personally signed copy and will certainly be buying more for friends and family."
Stu & Wanda Kirkpatrick, Delta
"I could not stop laughing when I read your story 'The Bathroom and the Neighbour's Cat!!' Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. As a reader, you just can't stop laughing. I just had to let you know how much I enjoyed your story in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider.
Linda Peschke, British Columbia
Paul Bengtson, Muskegon, Michigan
"I loved your story in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider! The part about the cat being nailed under the floor was a riot! I've been reading more of the book this weekend and it's a real gem."
Sue Bennett, Southwest Ontario
"Your story in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is priceless. No one could tire of hearing that told by you. Jake wondered what I was reading… he could hear me laughing and laughing. I just loved it. Can’t wait to share it."
Joanne Jacobson, Courtenay, British Columbia
"Just wanted to say how much I’m enjoying reading A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Each story is like a delicious nugget. Some made me laugh, others made me cry. One motivated me to keep on exercising! And, of course, it was a thrill to see Ann Brent’s name in print! Hint: Only read one or two stories at a time. Savour them like a box of chocolates."
Maureen Torma, Sarnia, Ontario
"I read your story in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider as soon as I got home. It was wonderful — and wonderfully written. Unfortunately, Sharon has also read it and it pains me to report that you have once again managed to confirm her suspicions that all men are basically idiots. Your stock with her has gone down considerably, while Joy's has strangely increased in value. Women! Clearly the pure intent of your heart was obscured by the debris field of a simple renovation gone horribly wrong. Anyway, WELL DONE, brother. It may not have been funny then, but it sure is now!"
Gary Bonikowsky, Mono Centre Ontario
"I am enjoying A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. There are so many great articles. I just finished reading the one about the Native children being taken away and sent to the residential schools. Then I read the inspiring article called 'Soulmates' by Wendy Elaine Nelles. And so it goes. I still have some left to read—I think this book is better read in small portions so I can think about what I have just read rather than go on to the next article right away. Thank you so much for the book. I will treasure it."
Margaret Maddess, White Rock British Columbia
"I just got the book today and read the first story and some of the bio info at the back. Looks like a real winner. Our church has the first one and I'll push this one too.
A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is the perfect book for readers 'on the fly.' You can quickly scan the very intriguing titles and do what I did… start with a story that grabs your interest. In my case, it was Bill Bonikowsky's hilarious adventure, trying to renovate his aging bathroom in record time, in order to surprise his wife. What began with the purest of motives, rapidly degenerated into a fiasco, led by a very determined neighbourhood cat.
Since that story had me hooked, I just had to read one more and then another… and on it went! So much for 'on the fly'! Each story was a gem. Serious, funny, spiritual and personal, this Canadian collection deserves applause! I have read almost half now and am impressed with the variety of material and the quality of the writing. A perfect gift too!"
Linda Speers, Stouffville, Ontario
"I read your very entertaining article first and finished the rest of A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider last night. It was excellent. Some stories had me sitting on the edge of my seat, and so many were beautiful testimonies to God's love and providence. I will make sure the copies I have will be widely circulated and a couple will go to Belfast with John and Edith."
Elizabeth Lamont, Owen Sound, Ontario
"Thank you for the book A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. I immediately read the story 'The Bathroom and the Neighbor's Cat.' I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it confirmed in my mind why I don't do handyman projects. We're taking the book with us when we take our vacation in the mountains of North Carolina. I plan to be spending a lot of time sitting out there reading."
Jim Hanert, Oak Park, Illinois, USA
I want to thank you for this book. It was wonderful. I like heart warming stories that fill your heart with encouragement and faith. We need each others stories to help us hang in there and grow.
Real stories, real people, real faith. And some fiction too! I’m enjoying this book so much, I’ve picked up a second copy to give away on my blog Deadline is May 23.
Hot Apple Cider was a treat to read, and I know I’ll dip into it again and again. No sentimentalizing, no dramatization. Just real people writing about real situations, and faith in a real God who makes a difference. Truth presented through articles, poetry and fiction, accented with lovely illustrations.
Canadian Christian writers are a vibrant and articulate group, and Hot Apple Cider is a wonderful sample of some of their work.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this ground-breaking project.
Like the well known drink for which it is named, Hot Apple Cider offers comfort and nourishment to the reader. This wonderful collection of stories and poems by Canadian Christian Writers provide a balanced diet. For example, in two short pages, Grace Fox, tells us two anecdotes from her life and the reader will never forget that “People Matter Most”. One of the longer stories, “Where have all the Mothers Gone,” will bring you to tears as you ride with Charity from home to clinic to hospital only to die in childbirth. There are stories that call us to care for one another, stories that entertain, stories that teach. The vivid images and feelings of the poems that are sprinkled sparingly throughout the book emphasize the messages of the stories.
Many of the authors share their own life experiences. All of them offer wisdom for living as they share their faith in a personal God who cares about each one of us.
Although the stories are easy reading, each one whetting your appetite for the next, I recommend that you read only one entry a day. Just as with good hot apple cider, let its flavour roll around your tongue. Sit and ponder its message. Give your mind and soul time to digest its beauty and its wisdom. As it settles into your heart, you will feel the warmth of God’s peace released within you.
I thought I loved the Chicken Soup series, but this is even better! All Canadian…I can’t get enough.
Kimberley Payne
A friend gave me a copy of “Hot Apple Cider” to read and I could not put it down. From the first story I felt drawn into the plight of this poor woman who lost her husband while vacationing in Australia. I felt her pain as if I had been there with her. When I finished the story I wanted to know more about this new friend I had made on the pages of this book.
As I read on through the book I delighted in finding more stories of great Canadian authors who shared their personal stories. I felt some how closer to these authors through reading personal accounts of their lives.
Like the perfect cup of hot apple cider with a mysterious blend of delicious spices the book left me wondering what flavour of story would come next. The book is filled with such a delightful collection of fiction and non-fiction stories on a variety of subjects. Some of the stories made me think, question or evaluate my own life, while other stories were sheer pleasure.
The next time you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend I highly recommend this book.
Maureen Torma, Sarnia, Ontario:
Just wanted to say how much I’m enjoying reading “A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider.” Each story is like a delicious nugget. Some made me laugh, others made me cry. One motivated me to keep on exercising! And, of course, it was a thrill to see Ann Brent’s name in print! Hint: Only read one or two stories at a time. Savour them like a box of chocolates.
*This comment was sent to us, and updated by Heather.
It’s a book that I’ve come back to a number of times to read. There’s so many rich stories, filled with hope and happiness.
“Another collection of warm and engaging stories to cheer the heart and inspire the mind.That the writers are Christian and share their faith through their stories is an added blessing.”
-Carolyn Wilker, writer, editor, speaker, and creative writing instructor