Merry Christmas! . . God began with a breath..

A greeting shared from Tyndale House Publishers. May the Christ of the manger who is Lord of all be with you this Christmas season.

RESTORING CHRISTMAS By Cynthia Ruchti

About the book: Alexis Blake has one chance to land her own show on the Home Project Network and nothing, not an uncooperative client, a job site without indoor plumbing, or a challenging videographer, is going to stand in her way. Elsie, at seventy-plus, is far from the ideal client, but she knows exactly what she wants her fieldstone house to look like, and no designer can tell her otherwise. Gabe Langley, the man with the camera, is caught in the middle and it is his wisdom and warmth that just may be the bridge that will bring these two women together. Can they restore more than just a house and bring about special, almost lost forever Christmas memories?

My thoughts: This is a lovely story about two young professionals who embark on a life-changing endeavor destined to change each of their professional lives for either good or bad. She so badly wants to become a television celebrity designer and he to become known as a quality professional videographer. Together they  restore and record an old home to previous glory and bedeck it for Christmas.

Along the way they engage with the reluctant owner, Elsie, who agrees to the changes Alexis desires to make and then throws resounding "No's" in the way. And as the story progresses the lively characters find that restoration is not only for old homes and old lives but young lives can all be restored.

This is truly a lovely read and is a short novella just right for the holidays.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Worthy Inspired book review program to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are given without compensation.

Books perfect for gift giving from National Geographic Kids Books [Review & 2-Book Giveaway]

Let's face it, kids reach for and react to the longed for and cherished toy more than they do a book. Well, after all, a book is a flat, inanimate object that doesn't make sounds, move, interact, etc. Well, that is unless..... you do of course, consider the imagination that soars with the turn of a page.

Books truly make the best gifts -- a thoughtfully selected book will hold a child's interest long after the new toys have been tossed aside.   National Geographic Kids Books is featuring several new titles that are perfect for gift giving and I have already reviewed several here on Chat With Vera.  These books have big, bold, and beautiful hardcovers; cater to book enthusiasts and reluctant readers alike; and are fun, inspiring AND educational (but don't tell kids that last part!).

Ultimate Oceanpedia: The Most Complete Ocean Reference Ever (National Geographic Kids) by Christina Wilsdon (ages 7-10, $24.99) 

About the book: Perfect for the ocean-obsessed, this book is the most complete ocean reference ever. Ultimate Oceanpedia is overflowing with amazing facts, photos, art and diagrams that take the reader on a journey through the ocean. Whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, sharks, fish, crustaceans, sponges -- from the weird to the wonderful -- they are all featured in breathtaking photographs with easy to read captions. Wild weather, underwater exploration and tips and pointers on how to help keep our oceans thriving round out this thick, keepsake volume.

My thoughts: This book is a fabulous treasure trove of information about the World's oceans and how they interact and influence all life on the planet. Most everyone knows the planet is comprised primarily of water, but until you look at the pictures and further investigate the oceans themselves you have no clue as to the immensity of these wonderous  bodies of water.

For starters, I was awed by two pictures of the oceans. One showed the hot spots of the oceans and the article explained how the warmth of the hot spots influenced northern areas as well. The degree of heat indicated in the image was intriguing. The other picture showed the plates and how they extended beyond the land masses and how they once were all connected. Amazing!

 As with other National Geographic publications, the pictures are awe inspiring and cover such a variety of life in and on the oceans. It seems as though the author has thought of so much to help the young reader - A table of contests grouped into interesting categories such as Oceans, Ocean Life, Ocean in Motion, Wild Weathr, Underwater Exploration. And then she has included a superb Glossary and Index.

The "Bet You Didn't Know" sidebars are fun and interesting. Just another gem.

I recommend this book for every school library, public library, and home school library. Not only is it a fun and interesting book to read or peruse, it is a tremendous reference source.

Famous Fails!: Mighty Mistakes, Mega Mishaps, & How a Mess Can Lead to Success by Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12, $12.99) 

About the book: This fun book of quirky failures and famous flops will keep kids laughing while they learn the importance of messing up in order to get it right.  Science, architecture, technology, entertainment -- there are epic fails and hilarious goof-ups from every important field. Silly side features help to analyze the failures: "Lesson Learned," "It Could be Worse!," "Losing Combinations," and a "Fail Scale" help readers navigate the different kinds and scopes of the mistakes made. Read to learn what went wrong, what went right, and what kids can learn from each failed attempt.

My thoughts: This little soft cover book is fun. It chronicles failures - some not so well know and some epic. It also shows how failure can lead to success. The Table of Contents doesn't give a clue about the individuals (famous) one might wish to seek out, but you can find them in the Index in the back. Example: Thomas Edison and Einstein.

I love this quote: "Only the one who does not question is safe from making a mistake." Albert Einstein

A fun book to tuck away some interesting facts into your head and to while away a few hours.

GIVEAWAY ~~~~ FLASH 

1 Winner will receive 1 copy of each book in this review.

Begins December 7

ENDS December 15 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate a review of my own opinions which are given without compensation. Giveaway copies are provide by the publicist or publisher directly to the winner.

The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible by Peter Martin & illustrated by Len Epstein

My thoughts: Children love picture puzzle books because they are fun, intriguing, and provide more to do than just read a story. In The Lion Picture Puzzle Bible the author Peter Martin tells short stories beginning in the Old Testament with Noah and ending in the New Testament after the Cross with telling the good news. To these short re-tells, Len Epstein brings his delightfully humorous drawings that show a two--page spread image jammed full of people and activities that tell the story.

Factor into this the opportunity to find specific images that are hiding in the maze that is the whole illustration, and you have fun combined with learning a little more about those wonderful events and people that are in our Bible.

Some might say that these types of books make too much jest of such serious topics and happenings. I can agree with that but I also see it as an opportunity that lets the kids know that Christians do have a sense of humor and can see a bit of fun in much of life.

So I think Bible Picture Puzzle books have a place, albeit limited, in the homes of Christians.

About the book: Are you a super sleuth? Have you got an eagle eye? This book is a treasure trove of wonderfully detailed pictures from the world of the Bible. You will have hours of fun trying to find people and objects from ancient times. As you exercise your brain solving the puzzles, you will also become a real expert on the fascinating setting of some of the Bible’s greatest stories. Watch out for the wily fox. He’s hiding somewhere on every page.

DISCLOSURE; I was provided a complimentary copy by Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson Publishing to facilitate a review of my honest opinion which is freely given.

Christmas gifts from Sugar and Spice Gifts and Treats Spa provide comfort and sparkle [Review & Giveaway]

Christmas is just an eye-blink away. A short month filled with activities, color, sounds, joy, anxiety, busyness, cold, music, laughter, good food, sweets, and family. It is a time of gifting and a time of looking at the bank balance to see if there is enough for all those gifts you wish to give to those you care about.

Sugar  and Spice Gifts and Treats has beautifully appointed bath items and here at Christmas time they have pulled out all the stops and created baubles to sparkle and glisten your gifting.

Decide how many and "who" you want to give some little treats to and place an order
for a grand assortment of spa treats for the little ladies and the moms and grandmas on
your list. Then find some cute gift bags, ribbons, and bows and spread the joy!

Looking a little closer, I see a little rubber duckie perched atop a cake of soap and isn't that a sweet little squirrel encased in glycerin gel soap? Bath salts, bath bombs, scrubs....
such fun and pleasantness.

I spy three tree ornament balls with ribbons attached to place on the tree.
Who will find one on the tree, hidden in the boughs, and run to the bath
for a wonderful spa treat?

We "think" and desire chocolate and minty sweets during the holiday season, but we NEED the relaxation of lavendar. Sugar and Spice can meet both of these needs and desires. Get the idea? Also, think of these items as small gifts for co-workers, friends one might wish to give a small treat, etc. There is even a set of shaving items for the man you want to give a gift. And not to forget the kiddies - something cute.

At Sugar and Spice Gifts and Treats, products are handmade, natural and chemical free, come in a wide variety of colours & scents, and custom orders are encouraged!  Find some lovely items by clicking here

The owner of Sugar and spice Gifts and Treats is Canada based and has developed a line of lovely bath products and even a few other items such as laundry needs. She also packages her items beautifully. Bath salts, bath fizzies, and such are in canning jars such as you would put your prize home made jams and jellies. The she decorates these with lovely "jewels" and fabric cutouts on the lids. The effect is charming. Bath Bombs are thoroughly wrapped in a plastic container and then placed in a frou-frou bag with netting and tied with a pretty ribbon. Soaps are wrapped and placed in a lovely bag and have added bling or glitz.

Find & Shop @ Sugar & Spice Gifts & Treats

GIVEAWAY

Prize will be an "owner selected"
assortment of seasonal items to delight
the senses and are lovely to look upon.

Begins November 22

Ends December 11 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Etsy stores or shops online are primarily owned by people who had small home businesses and who made crafty items to sell. I have been quite impressed by the talents that are fueling this cottage industry. I love the entrepreneurial spirit of these Etsy businesses - many of them the dreams of moms, sisters, aunts, friends. We should support their efforts - especially when they merit it by producing something as lovely as these products.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products from Sugar & Spice Gifts & Treats to facilitate this review. I was not compensated and opinions are my very own.

The Nutcracker illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat Novelty/Gift Edition from Candlewick Press [Review & Giveaway - US/CANADA]

ISBN13: 9780763681258

My thoughts: Loved by generations of theater goers and dancers alike, The Nutcracker is a beautiful and endearing story of enhantment and holiday excitement. The music of Tchaikovsky takes one on mind blowing journeys into fantasy land.

This edition of The Nutcracker is a stunning black silloutte version told in a few pages. The finale is a beautifully intricate scene that you will look at in awe over the intricies displayed in the lavish scene.

A superb picture book to charm that lover of ballet and of The Nutcracker.

I recommend it for homes and lovers of "The Nutcracker."

About the book: An exquisite gift edition of The Nutcracker captures the spirit of the Christmas ballet in elegant illustrations—and delivers a glorious pop-up finale.

The Nutcracker is one of the world’s most popular ballets, telling the captivating story of Clara and the Nutcracker prince as they journey into a land of fantasy. Inspired by Marius Petipa’s sets for the original production of the ballet, Niroot Puttapipat’s delicate silhouette illustrations dance across pale, watercolor-washed backgrounds in a unique interpretation. Starkly beautiful, this keepsake edition evokes all the magic and anticipation of Christmas Eve as Clara and the prince waltz between worlds—and culminates in a 3-D spread bringing the dreamlike Land of Sweets to life.

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 21

ENDS December 7 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA & CANADA addresses. NO P.O.BOXES

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Candlewick Press to facilitate a review. I was not compensated. Giveaway prize is provided by and shipped by Candlewick directly to the winner.

A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck

My thoughts: This is a delightfully light, joyous read that brings all the frills and happiness of a Christmas wedding to the plot and in addition it packs it all into a modern day fairy tale.

Another in Rachel Hauck's Royal Wedding series where ordinary American girls meet and marry into the royal line of the Brighton Kingdom, it proves to be enchanting and sugary sweet.

Well, there are moments of bitter sweet threaded through the sugar, but often that makes for a better piece of candy as well as a better story plot.

A bit preposterous in places, but being a modern fairy tale, that is o.k. This is a fun read and I totally enjoyed the lightness it brought into my reading time.

About the book: Avery Truitt aches for true love—the kind she once shared with Prince Colin. Can she dare to hope for happily ever after, or is a fairy-tale ending beyond reach?

College volleyball star Avery Truitt has not seen her former flame, Prince Colin of Brighton Kingdom, since he suddenly pushed her away five years ago. But now, the sadness of losing her father and the joy of her sister Susanna’s pregnancy have brought Avery back to Brighton just in time for Cathedral City’s enchanting Christmas season.

Avery knows she can’t avoid seeing Colin—now the Kingdom’s most eligible bachelor—whether or not her heart is ready to relive the pain. But seeing him again might bring her the closure she needs after all this time.

When Colin finds himself at the center of a centuries-old Brighton tradition, he must decide whether to follow the path laid out before him or follow his heart to the only woman for whom he would ring the Pembroke Chapel Bell.

Can Colin convince Avery to meet him at the chapel on Christmas morning—as tradition dictates—or will Avery run back to her St. Simons home and pursue a coaching career as planned?

In the fourth installment of the Royal Wedding Series, New York Times bestselling novelist, Rachel Hauck, weaves a charming story of holiday romance as two broken hearts seek the love they once knew.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my own opinions without compensation.

All Natural m.o.d.Perfume at Good Earth Beauty [Review & Giveaway]

$35.00 USA
Good Earth Beauty

Perfume is such a treat in which to indulge. It makes one feel pretty. It makes one feel luxurious. It completes the toilette.

Perfumes have long been used as refreshing splashes, dabs, and sprays to enhance one's personal allure. A simple definition of perfume is " Perfumes are mixtures of essential oils or organic scent compounds and solvents."

Good Earth Beauty has their own line of perfumes created by Mod Perfumery for the folks at Good Earth Beauty and comprised of natural ingredients such as Organic Olive Squalane, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Grapeseed Oil, Natural Orchid Extract, Pure Essential Oils and/or Natural Fragrance Oils.

I tried the Ginger white Tea which has a delightful warm and comforting smell. With top notes of Bergamot, Lemon Peels and Green Daylilies, this fragrance is brought back to its roots with a base of Ginger, Nutmeg and Warm Musk. White floral notes, such as Hyacinth, Freesia and Peony complete the mix. This fragrance is wonderfully unique and gleefully soothes the senses. Mod perfumes are highly concentrated (they contain no diluting agents like alcohol or water)  You only need to use a small amount - it should last throughout the day.  A bottle will most likely last 4- 6 months!

There are a lot of fragrance choices in this line of perfumes at Good Earth Beauty. Gifting perfume at the holiday season has long been a top choice of gift items and usually denotes a high degree of intimacy with the recipient. Perhaps a natural ingredient perfume would be something you would like to gift to someone special in your life or perhaps gift it to yourself because you, alone, know your most desired preferences.

My experience with this product: I am pretty selective in fragrances that I use prefering fragrances such as Trésor from department stores. I found, however, the m.o.d. Perfume White Ginger Tea has a very nice scent that is a gentle presence. I applied one spray to my inner wrist and then rubbed wrists together. And several hours after applying it, I find there is still a hint of fragrance. Nice.

Good Earth Beauty ships free - any amount - to USA addresses. A great option! The Good Earth Beauty is their exclusive line, yet their website has a plethora of products and brands from which you can choose. What a great source for holiday gifting. Check them out - click here.

This is not just "girly" stuff. They have a whole range of products in their gift shop, men's shop, and kid's shop. They also ship internationally! What a great opportunity to help you with your holiday shopping!

GIVEAWAY

Prize: 1 bottle of m.o.d. Perfume of choice

Begins November 13

ENDS December 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product to facilitate my use and review of my opinions. I was not compensated for this review. Giveaway prize is provided and shipped to winner by Good Earth Beauty Exclusives.

The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men by Isabelle Brent from Wisdom Tales Pub. [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN 9781937786618

My thoughts: We're all familiar with the story of the three wise men bringing gifts to the Christ child as is told in the Bible. Much conjecture and speculation has cloaked their story throughout history. Were there three or more? Where were they actually from? Who were they? How did they travel? What happened as they traveled?

The Biblical text is short and brief and for some reason, perhaps that is all God felt mankind should know of these visitors. What we do know based on Scripture is that they were considered wise, they were from the east, they saw the star which went before them, they saw the young child with his mother, they fell down and worshiped him, they presented him with gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh), they went home by a different route.

What we don't know is what mode of transportation (well, at that time it was some form of animal) they used, what race they belonged to or country from which they came, how long it took them, or what happened along the way.

In The Christmas Horse and the Three Wise Men the author has written her own version filling in the "what we don't know" portion of the story as legends have also done throughout history. The story revolves around the horse, Safanad, though there is also an elephant also used as another means of travel for one of the wisemen. The author identifies the three wise men as from Africa, Asia, and Europe.

I think the most precious part of this story is at the end where it is affirmed that though the wise men brought precious gifts to the Christ child, they themselves received the most wonderful gift of all......

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..." Isaiah 9:16....... 

"And thou shalt call his name JESUS for he shall save his people from their sins" Matthew 2:21

 A lovely book brimming with beautiful illustrations and embellishments a bit like the art in ancient monastic Bibles.  

About the book: The Christmas horse is on a journey to meet baby Jesus! Join him and his animal friends with the three wise men as they cross snow-capped mountains, swift rivers, and hot deserts to reach the peaceful stable in Bethlehem where baby Jesus lies in a manger. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as captured by Isabelle Brent s stunning illustrations and experience the wonder as the pure-hearted animals and the wise men finally meet their savior and king. The journey of the Three Wise Men following the star is here told from the point of view of the three courageous animals that carried them: Safanad the horse, Gamali the camel, and Simbalo the elephant. Each one comes from a different land and possesses a unique skill. Together there is no challenge they cannot overcome in their quest to find baby Jesus. Verses from the Gospel help to tell the story. Also included in the illustrations are birds connected through legend with the life and wisdom of Christ."

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 12

ENDS December 2 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Wisdom Tales Publishing to facilitate a review of my personal opinion. I was not compensated. Giveaway winner's copy will be mailed directly to them by the publisher.

God's Gift by Lee Ann Mancini & illustrated by Dan Sharp [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN-13: 978-0986360497

About the book: In God's Gift, Christian and his sister Mary believe they get more presents at Christmas. However, Jacob and Jeremiah believe they get more presents on Hanukkah. The children learn that Christmas and Hanukkah are about celebrating the gift God has given to His children. It's not about how many presents are under the tree at Christmas or the eight days of presents for Hanukkah. It's about God's provision for those He loves. God gives the gift of the Messiah to the Christians and the gift of Light to the Jews. The true gift from God is learned in this colorful holiday story!

Beautifully illustrated hardcover book designed for children ages 3 – 8.

My thoughts: While this is a seasonal book featuring the Christmas season, it is more aptly a holiday book in which children are anticipating upcoming Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. The children (sea creatures) and their families are busily decorating for whichever of the two holidays their family celebrates. Both families celebrate with gift giving and hence an argument ensues between the sea creature children about the number of gifts they are going to receive.

Obviously, the lesson to be learned is that Christmas is not about getting lots of gifts and neither is Hanukkah. The bigger lesson opportunity is an opportunity to teach young children that families in different cultures celebrate in various ways and sometimes in similar methods.

While this is a really cute book, it does cause me some concern when they use phrases such as.... "but they knew in their hearts the best gift was the gift of God loving them and always taking care of them." This statement is not truly controversial, but as a Christian my belief is that God's greatest, best gift was His Son, Jesus as the Saviour of the world and our Redemer. So while God's love is the source of the birth of a saviour and of the oil that didn't run out for the Jews, the love of provision can not be compared to the wonderous love of redemption.

I still think the book is cute and has value as an entertaining teaching tool about the different celebrations of holidays in the Christian and Jewish communities.

A super little feature is the hidden cross and star on the pages. Gotta find them all!

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 11

ENDS December 1 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash to facilitate a review of my personal opinions. I received no compnesation. The giveaway copy is provided by the author and will be mailed directly to the winner.

My Advent Activity Pack (age+) by Juliet David from Candle Books

ISBN-13: 9781781282342

As we approach the holiday season (yikes, we aren't even at Thanksgiving yet!), I'll be reviewing lovely books and products that will make nice gifts for you to share. Today, we're looking at the My Advent Activity Pack (age 3+) from Candle Books which is an imprint of Lion Hudson. I always enjoy their children's publications.

The My Advent Activity Pack makes a lovely little gift for the small child so they can "count down" the days until Christmas and celebrate the birth of the Christ child. In this pack there is a small activity storybook in which they can place stickers (inside the pack).

There is also a "pop up book" that is the layout of the nativity scene. On the "floor" of the pop up book, there are flaps that the child can lift one-per-day. Also, some of the flaps are tucked into the straw roof of the scene. Underneath the flaps are figures and items involved in the story.

The little accompanying storybook provides opportunity for coloring, sticker fun, and story time.

This is perfect to have on hand so that December 1st the child can begin to enjoy and anticipate.

About the activity pack: My Advent Activity Pack by Juliet David, and illustrated by Lucy Barnard, is a fun activity pack that includes a beautiful pop-up stable scene---just peek inside and see Jesus in the manger! The scene has 24 windows set into the base to open throughout advent. Also included is a 16-page Christmas coloring book, and two sheets of fun and festive stickers. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Candle Books to facilitate this review of my honest opinions. I was not compensated for this review.

God Bless Us Every One (A contemporary Christmas carol) by Eva Marie Everson (Christmas Novella) [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: I love that the setting of God Bless Us Every One is in my home state of North Carolina. The little town of Testament (fictional) is nestled in the mountainous area of Morganton (a real place). The characters are real, down-to-earth folks with real life issues, real likes and dislikes, real stuff happening in their live.

This contemporary story runs a bit parallel to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; in fact each chapter begins with a meaty quote from Dickens. The reader will soon learn that Charlie's (female protagonist in story) father, John, is in prison. Note please that Charles Dickens' father's name was John and he was imprisoned in debtor's prison when Charles Dickens was a boy. Hmmmm.... getting the point?

As the story progresses, our modern day Charlie gets to know her father in his present day surroundings - a homeless shelter. Can she forgive for his past? 

Love that Charlie and her childhood crush, Dusty are reunited and strike up a great friendship (errr.... relationship). But the sweet nugget at the end doesn't entail Charlie and Dusty. You'll have to read this delightful novella to find out just what that was.

God Bless Us Every One rates a 4 or a 5 star for Christmas novella reading.

About the book: A timeless classic can change the future.

Charlene Dixon---called Charlie by family and friends---is devastated at the recent loss of her job. For the last five years, the twenty-seven-year-old has blossomed as the activities director of an exclusive all-girls school. But when a misunderstanding with the head-mistress leads to a pink slip right before the holidays, Charlie packs up dreams and returns to Grandma Esther, who raised Charlie as her own.

When Charlie arrives---broken and confused---Esther immediately puts her granddaughter to work behind the scenes of the local school's Christmas play, A Christmas Carol. When Charlie disapproves of having to work with Dustin Kennedy, the seventh-grade English teacher, Grandma Esther encourages her to take a deeper look at why the book by Charles Dickens had been written in the first place and what the book could teach Charlie about the needs of the children in their own community.

GIVEAWAY

BEGINS September 6

ENDS September 20 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE:I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher to facilitate my review. Opinions are my own, alone. I was not compensated for this review.