Merry Christmas to all my wonderful readers! I am so thankful to you for reading my blog, supporting me, and being patient with me. Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my reviews and other ramblings. I'm going to be spending the next few days with my family, so I will not be posting anything new until after Christmas. I promise I'll be back next week! I have a few more reviews to post before the new year. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
"Hope Jensen is a young, single woman and an aspiring newspaper writer, and when she receives a much-needed but anonymous Christmas gift, she's determined to find her benefactor. That search leads her to an unusual family with a longstanding Christmas tradition. Sensing a front-page feature article, Hope desperately wants to publish their story, but doing so would be a breach of trust. What she decides to do will changer her life forever. Destined to become a classic Christmas tale, Christmas Jars is a heartwarming story that will restore your faith in mankind and make you want to start your own Christmas Jar tradition."
My Review:
Over the years I have read a lot of Christmas books, and have loved many of them. This book is definitely somewhere at the top of my favorite list! It's well written and engaging, and the characters come to life on the page. I felt as if I were there with them; we are best friends now, and I'd love to meet them! Not only that, but the story serves a larger purpose in that it explains what a Christmas Jar is and how Christmas Jars help both giver and receiver. I'd never heard of this before, but what an amazing idea! At the beginning of the year you take an old, empty jar and put it in a safe spot. Then each day when you get home from school or work, you take the change out of your pockets and you put it in the jar. You do this every day all year long. Then the week before Christmas, you take your now-full jar, and you secretly deliver it to someone in need (you could also put a copy of the book with the jar to explain it, but it's not necessary). It could be a financial need, but it could also be someone who needs a gift of hope or love. Sometimes the receiver could be someone who needs to know she's not alone. The possibilities are endless! I love this idea so much! I've already talked to my husband about starting our own jar for next Christmas. I'm going to read this book to my kids after Christmas, and we're going to start a new tradition of a Christmas Jar. My only problem is that I never have cash or change on me, so maybe I'll need to begin using cash more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is heartwarming, and the real experiences at the back of the book are just as good! I loved reading them. You'll need a box of Kleenexes handy, but it's worth it! And who knows? Maybe you'll want to start your own Christmas Jar tradition!
If you want to read more about this book, learn about the author, or read more amazing Christmas Jar stories, head over to: http://christmasjars.com/
Celebrate Every Season With Six Sisters' Stuff Cookbook
by
Six Sisters' Stuff
Blurb:
"From New Year's Eve to Christmas Day, there is always a good reason to celebrate! Whether you're highlighting a favorite holiday of the month, hosting a party, planning a summer picnic outing, or simply wanting to create a few family memories, Celebrate Every Season with Six Sisters' Stuff is the perfect one-stop resource for great food, new traditions, and family fun. Every month includes flavorful and delicious recipes as well as fun, fast, and easy ideas for celebrating the season with your family, from hosting a 'New Year's Eve Family Countdown' to 'A Summer Bucket List of 50 Fun Things to Do' to '12 Days of Hot Cocoa for Christmas.' Along with some of the Sisters' most popular recipes are all-new creations for refreshing beverages, delicious snacks, succulent entrees, and decadent desserts. So invite the Six Sisters to your next celebration with this low-stress, go-to guide that can help your family enjoy every month of the year."
My Review:
I have reviewed a couple of the Six Sisters' Stuff cookbooks, and I have to say, I think this one may be my favorite! It's such a fun idea for a cookbook! There are fun recipes for New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Summertime, Back to School kid favorites, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! One thing I love about Six Sisters' Stuff recipes is that they are real. Right? They use ingredients that I know, and I usually have them in my pantry. There's none of the "What is that?" recipe frustration. I can't wait to try some of these out! I'm going to start on the Christmas recipes this week! Chocolate Reindeer Cookies, Christmas Tree Brownies, and Egg Nog French Toast, need I say more? I love that at the end of each category there is a page or two of fun traditions. For example, at the end of the Christmas recipes the tradition is "12 Days of Hot Cocoa." What?? I LOVE hot cocoa. Seriously love it. I know I'm too late to do all 12 days, but I'm starting that this morning for sure! Raspberry Hot Chocolate, Caramel Hot Chocolate, S'mores Hot Chocolate, Candy Cane Hot Chocolate...I think I'm in Heaven! And then after next week I can plan my family's New Year's Eve party. On New Year's we usually have what we deem our "Processed Food Extravaganza." We go to Costco and buy all the processed stuff we don't buy the rest of the year: corndogs, egg rolls, chicken nuggets, pigs in a blanket, french fries, you name it! Then yes, we totally pig-out! This year, however, we may need to break tradition and try these yummy Shrimp Taco Bites, Sweet Polynesian Meatballs, Cowboy Caviar, and the Snowmen on a Stick. Or better yet, does anyone want to make them and invite me over? I am excited to delve into this cookbook! Click the link below for a cute, short video about this fun cookbook! https://www.facebook.com/ShadowMountainPublishing/videos/1879585068737568/
Rating: G (Clean!)
Recommendation: Everyone!
Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"Ever since Emma Pierce read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So when it turns out that what her boyfriend Blake wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, only to find her job threatened when her boss brings in a consultant to help her expand the business to the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas. Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. But as perfect as Lucas seems, he clearly has his secrets. After all, there's an angry woman demanding money from him and a little girl who Lucas feels responsible for. Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must figure out the truth--and soon--if she wants any hope of writing her own 'happily ever after' ending."
My Review:
Well, I'm pretty sure I've read everything Jane Austen has ever written--twice. So, when the publisher contacted me about reviewing this book I had to do it! Jane Austen lying? No, say it can't be true! This is a cute book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but soon I was hooked! Emma is smart, intelligent, capable, and a character that is easy to relate to. She has a voice that is easy to read. She's a bit of a mess, actually, but it made me feel better about myself; although I'm not perfect, I have it more together than she does! For part of the book it kind of has a Bella/Jacob/Edward thing going on, and you just want to scream at Emma because it's so frustrating. Blake and Lucas each have their strengths and weaknesses, and they're both well developed and good supporting characters. I love Silvia, she totally reminds me of a few of my high school friends. We even have the cheesecake thing in common (that scene brought back a lot of memories). I did think that the ending of the book left an unanswered question about Silvia; what was going on with her and why was she clearly so upset? That aspect of the story wasn't ever resolved. Emma's troubles definitely get more attention in the book. I loved how each of the chapters began with a quote from a Jane Austen novel! It made me want to go back and reread all of them. There was one thing that bugged me a bit, but it's pretty nit-picky: the woman on the cover didn't at all match what I thought Emma should look like. It's ok, though, definitely not a deal breaker. This book was a quick, easy read, and quite entertaining. It's the perfect read for any Jane Austen fan or proper romance lover. I enjoyed this book and recommend it if you're looking for a cute, entertaining read. There were also some very good lessons in this book: assuming things without all the details will get you into trouble every time, be honest with yourself and others, and never doubt Jane Austen!
Rating: PG (There's no profanity, no violence, and no "intimacy." There are a couple of discussions about a character using drugs.)
Recommendation: YA and up (I'd be fine with my 12 year-old daughter reading this. She hasn't delved into the wondrous world of Jane Austen yet, so she won't have those connections, but there's nothing in it that she shouldn't read.)
Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"Discover how each figure of the Nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season. This children's edition of Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas will guide you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the Nativity setting. These simple experiences are not meant to add more to an already crowded holiday season but to offer something different. They will give your family an opportunity to escape from the frantic bustle of the Christmas season and spend time reflecting on the baby Jesus and the miracle of His birth. This interactive book invites children to watch each figure approach the waiting manger and encourages them to ask what they might have done if they had been there on the night Jesus was born. Seen beautiful ornaments have been created to accompany the lesson each figure teaches. Displaying the ornaments throughout the Christmas holiday will remind your children of the lessons they are learning about the baby Jesus. Your free download of the ornaments can be found at www.christcenteredcelebrations.com.
My Review:
Children's picture books are one of my favorite things, and Christmas books are even better! I love reading them, and I especially love reading them to my kids...still! Even though they are big (my baby is 9!), they will all sit and listen. This book will be a wonderful addition to our Christmas books, I am so excited to share it with them! I love the illustrations in this book; they are beautiful; whimsical, and yet so full of emotion. You're supposed to begin reading this book a week before Christmas. Each day you read another page and add another figure to the Nativity scene. There is a question for every day, and as you answer the questions and ponder about the person discussed, you learn more about yourself and your feelings toward the Savior. There is also a quick activity you may do with your family that is suggested for each of the seven days. For example, on the second night it says,
What secret act of Christmas kindness could your family participate
in this season? As you perform your secret act, think of Joseph.
His quiet acts went uncelebrated, but they were
so needed. When you have finished this activity,
place Joseph's figure in your waiting stable.
The activities are mostly activities you may do anyway, and I'm sure you could do your own activities if you already have these traditions. It's just a simple way to get the family together at the end of the day and remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. There is also an ornament for each day. You may purchase them ready-made or there is a free download on the website listed above. There's also a cute banner that you may purchase, along with a simple Nativity scene. You don't need anything fancy; just spending time together thinking of the story of the Nativity will bring the true spirit of Christmas into your home. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
Rating:G (Clean!)
Recommendation:Everyone
Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Way back in 2013 when I read the book Wonderby R.J. Palacio, I said that I hoped there would NEVER be a movie made from this book. Why? Because there is NO way. EVER. to capture the feelings, attitudes, and emotions from this book. No way. There is no way that a movie could ever live up to my expectations for this book. And part of what made it so good was that your mental picture of what Auggie looked like was so important. If the character's face on the movie screen didn't live up to what you saw mentally, would it be as good? Well, here we are now in 2017 and they did make a movie. Tough choice! Do I go or do I not go? My husband actually made the choice for me by purchasing tickets. So I went. Begrudgingly, I may add. Or, maybe hesitantly. So, you may ask, "What was the verdict?" Surprisingly, I actually really enjoyed the film! Keep in mind that I read the book over four years ago now, so it's been long enough for me to forget all the little details, but I think they did a great job of capturing the feeling and emotion of the book. Does it have all those little details? No, it doesn't, but I did not leave feeling let down or disappointed. I left feeling inspired and uplifted. I feel like they captured the most memorable moments in the book that I remember, and that overall they did a very good job. Was it perfect? No, and if you read the book yesterday you may have a very different opinion, but overall, I was impressed! The acting was really good; I was skeptical about Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson together, but I think they did well together. And Jacob Tremblay, who played Auggie, did an excellent job! Was it as good as the book? Nope, it wasn't, but it was well done, and I would recommend it. It's inspirational, and it has the morals, lessons, and attitudes that made the book so good. We definitely need more media like this!
First Place:Second Place:
What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear your opinions of the movie and the book! Please comment below!
"Told in alternating tales at once haunting and redemptive, A Tangled Mercy is a quintessentially American epic rooted in heartbreaking true events examining the harrowing depths of human brutality and betrayal, and our enduring hope for freedom and forgiveness. After the sudden death of her troubled mother, struggling Harvard grad student Kate Drayton walks out on her lecture--and her entire New England life. Haunted by unanswered questions and her own uncertain future, she flees to Charleston, South Carolina, the place where her parents met, convinced it holds the key to understanding her fractured family and saving her career in academia. Kate is determined to unearth groundbreaking information on a failed 1822 slave revolt--the subject of her mother's own research. Nearly two centuries earlier, Tom Russell, a gifted blacksmith and slave, grappled with a terrible choice: arm the uprising spearheaded by members of the fiercely independent African Methodist Episcopal Church or keep his own neck out of the noose and protect the woman he loves. Kate attempts to discover what drove her mother's dangerous obsession with Charleston's tumultuous history are derailed by a horrific massacre in the very same landmark church. In the unimaginable aftermath, Kate discovers a family she never knew existed as the city unites with a powerful message of hope and forgiveness for the world."
My Review:
The other day I was looking back at the list of books I have read this year. It's not as long as it has been in years past, because my son has been sick for so long, but I have read some very good books. This book, however, is my favorite of the year. It's so well written. The narrative transitions between 2015 and 1822, and it's not hard to figure out where you are; it flows and transitions very well. Usually in books where it goes back and forth between the present and the past, I have a favorite. I like one better than the other one. In this book I loved both story lines! The descriptions in this book are amazing. I haven't ever been to Charleston, but after reading this book I'd love to go there. I actually did "google" Charleston, though, and looked through pictures of the skyline. I can't remember the last time I did that with a book. The city just came to life on the page, and I wanted to see it for myself. Each of the characters are developed so well. They are so realistic and lifelike, and you become a part of their lives as you read the story. Kate, Gabe, Dan, Scudder, Rose, Tom, Dinah, Emily, and Angelina become your good friends as you read. Many of the characters in the 1822 story line are real people, and it is so interesting to think of them and their lives. I love that real events are also woven into the book; both old events and very recent as well. The topics discussed in the novel are current and not without controversy. Ms. Jordan-Lake brings it up in way that provokes contemplation and a good soul-search. This book is intriguing and engaging; it will make you laugh and cry, and will make you take a good look at yourself and your beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions. I could not put this book down, and I highly recommend it!
Rating: PG 13+ (There is very little profanity and no "intimacy." There is quite a bit of violence, though. A couple of scenes, especially, are very violent, graphic, and descriptive. Many people die, and it's horrendous and very tragic. The scene that relates a more recent event is especially brutal and graphic to read.)
Recommendation: 16 years-old and up, at least. (If the teenager is sensitive to violence then I would definitely wait. There is some value in having a teenager read it-it definitely gets you thinking about real life situations, and helps you think outside your box. I would not recommend it for anyone younger than 16. For sure.)
Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ellis the Elephant is headed back to the White House! In Remember the Ladies, the seventh in Callista Gingrich's New York Times bestselling series, Ellis meets some of America's greatest first ladies and discovers their many contributions to American history. Join Ellis as he travels back in time to encounter:
Martha Washington as she invents what it means to be a first lady
Dolley Madison as she saves a portrait of George Washington from a burning White House
Mary Todd Lincoln as she supports Union troops throughout the Civil War
Eleanor Roosevelt as she redefines and strengthens the role of first lady
Jackie Kennedy as she brings style and glamour to the White House
With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, Remember the Ladies will delight young and old alike with a look at the first ladies who helped make America an exceptional nation.
My Review:
This book is so cute! The illustrations are adorable, and I love that it's teaching the children about the first ladies. I think the first ladies sometimes get overlooked, but many of them have done some great things, and have championed some very important causes. I actually learned a lot! I didn't know about many of the middle first ladies. I know quite a bit about Martha Washington and Abigail Adams, and then I know quite a bit about the more current first ladies, but I learned a great deal about some of those first ladies in the middle. For example, did you know that Abigail Fillmore added a library to the White House? I'd love to see the library in the White House! And I didn't know that Jackie Kennedy gave Americans the first televised tour of the White House, or that Lady Bird Johnson worked to clean up America's highways. This book highlights many of the first ladies, and I love that the title is based on Abigail Adams telling her husband to "remember the ladies!" I think this book does a good job of covering first ladies from both parties. At the end there is a little snippet on each first lady. I was surprised to know that in a few cases the presidents' wives didn't want the role, so a daughter or someone else would fill the position. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it.
Rating: G (Clean!)
Recommendation: Everyone
Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
"It's Christmas Eve, but for one little girl, there will be no stockings hung lovingly above the fireplace or shiny presents wrapped under the tree. The best that the little match girl can hope for is a warm, dry corner of the street to protect her against the freezing snow that has been falling for hours. Helpless and cold, the child seeks a bit of comfort from the only source she has--the bundle of matches in her apron pocket. She had struggled all day to sell even one, but the crowds of people had only hurried past her with hardly a glance as they finished up their holiday shopping and rushed home to begin their feasts. Alas, at least she has the matches now, each one holding the promise of a few short seconds of warmth and light. But as she strikes each match, she discovers a truth that sets her heart soaring--all along, even in times when she has felt most alone, she has been lovingly watched over by those who have gone before her and have anxiously awaited a joyous reunion. She learns she is not forgotten, and in the learning shares a poignant message of love and service. The tender tale of the little match girl reminds each of us to take notice of the least of those among us and to do our part to extend a kindly hand--at Christmastime and always."
My Review:
Happy December everyone!! I wanted to get this review out earlier today, but life happened! I did go for a run and get my house cleaned though, so that was something. I wanted to start December out with this beautiful Christmas picture book. The illustrations are amazing. Seriously. They are so beautiful! The story is so sad, but very well written. I haven't read it before, so I wasn't prepared. Grab your Kleenexes my friends, you'll need them. Even though it is very sad, there is a little bit of hope for something better. In the intro. it says,
Though on the surface, the little girl seems the picture of misery and despair, her story is one of
hope for a better life and assurance that a joyous reunion in heaven is awaiting even God's most helpless children. Despite her suffering, the little girl finds warmth and light, ever believing that all will be right in the end. It is a message that has stood the test of time--and one that reminds each of us to look for ways to bring warmth of love and light of understanding to others.
This book is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season. Christmas is a wonderful time of year to remember those around us, and to try a little harder to help and serve those around us who are in need of our help, love, kindness, smile, comfort, friendship, and service. With that, I thought I'd share this wonderful opportunity with you. I don't do this often, but I think this one is important. It is put together by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon Church), but it is non-denominational. It is people and service oriented. It's called "Light the World," and it's 25 ways to serve for 25 days. It started today. Each day from now until Christmas there is a short movie clip and an idea for an act of service. I'll post the first movie here. If you would like to participate (you don't sign up or anything, it's just on your own), you may go to www.mormon.org to find out more information and to see the daily videos. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
