Saturday, December 9, 2023

Let It Snow - Giveaway Hop Dec. 7-28, 2023

 

Be sure you enter all the blogger's giveaways. Scroll down to access all opportunities.


Enter ❄️Let It Snow❄️Giveaways
Hosted by Listed Blogs.⬇️ Enjoy! Hope You Win!



(Linkup closed)

DISCLOSURE: Each blog and their sponsors is responsible for disbursement of their proffered prizes. 

Friday, December 8, 2023

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky from Bethany House PUblishing


My thoughts: 
Author Carrie Turansky writes beautifully. Gentle. Real. Sweet. Charming. Stirring. 

I approached this story looking for a pretty straightforward historical fiction set in England's charming Lake District. I am not overly fond of split timeline stories, but I thought I'd pursue Ms. Turansky's new venture.

I found it difficult to focus my attention being split between the story set in 1912 and the one 2012. A hundred years apart. Shouldn't be too hard, after all its not centuries apart (note plural). It is only 100 years. And it encompasses basically a timeline I should be able to comprehend - my grandparents and upward to my generation. But I found it difficult to keep it straight.

Around page 200 it began to come together for me, though I still am not fond of jumping back and forth in time. It ends with a beautifully wrapped up ending for both the 1912 story and that of its modern folks in 2012.

So for those who delight in split timelines, you'll enjoy this one; and it is sweet, charming, and strongly Christian in focus.

About the book: In 2012, art historian Gwen Monroe travels to England's Lake District to appraise the paintings and antiques of an old family friend, hoping to prove herself to her prestigious grandfather. While at Longdale Manor, she becomes acquainted with David Bradley--the owner's handsome grandson--who is desperate to save the crumbling estate by turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. When Gwen stumbles upon a one-hundred-year-old journal and an intricately carved shepherd's staff similar to one in a photo of her parents, she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew.

In 1912, after her father's death, Charlotte Harper uncovers a painful family secret she can only confess to her journal. She and her family travel to the Lake District to stay on a sheep farm, hoping eventually to find a home with Charlotte's grandfather at Longdale Manor, but old wounds and bitter regrets make it a difficult challenge. As Charlotte grows closer to shepherd Ian Storey and rebuilds her shattered faith, she must decide whether she will ever trust in love again.

Two women a century apart are taken on a journey to healing, faith, and forgiveness in this heartfelt dual-time Edwardian romance from bestselling author Carrie Turansky.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Candlewick 20-year anniversary editions - spotlight & Giveaways [USA/CANADA]

Celebrate three delightful books that have stood the test-of-time as endearing and charming reads for children.


The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition


By Kate DiCamillo | Ages 7-10


*Celebrating 20 years!*



Celebrate twenty years of Despereaux with a splendid anniversary edition—including a bonus original short story from Kate DiCamillo and a new piece of art by Timothy Basil Ering. Check out giveaway HERE - Ends Jan. 8, 2024)


Yummy Yucky


By Leslie Patricelli | Ages 3-7


*Celebrating 20 years!*




Learning about opposites has never been more fun — or funny — than with this winning board book. Yummy! Check out giveaway HERE - Ends Dec. 26, 2023)


Ten in the Bed

By Penny Dale | Ages 2-5


*Celebrating 35 years!*



My thoughts: This delightful retake on the much loved nursery song "Ten in the Bed" is absolutely charming. And it has stood the test of time. The illustrations are sweet, utterly delightful, and captivating. Lots of motion in the pictures. Lots of critters to delight. Lots of fun.

And the idea of ten in the bed goes back many years to a time when families were large, beds few and crowded, and space extremely limited. A bit of a jolly song not to make fun of the situation but to lend a light-heartedness to one of the facts of life as it existed at the time for many. 

So the little one said, "Roll over, roll over..... and...." 


About the book: Penny Dale’s cozy take on a classic nursery rhyme, in a charming paperback edition. Secret word: anniversary

There were ten in the bed and the little one said, “Roll over, roll over!” So they all rolled over and Hedgehog fell out . . .



One by one, nine friends roll over and fall out of a child’s bed with a bang, a thump, or a plop until . . . “I’m cold! I miss you!” the child says, and back in the bed they all go—Sheep, Rabbit, Elephant, and more. Thirty-five years after it was first published, Penny Dale’s endearing picture book continues to be a favorite—an essential rendition of a childhood song that is as warm and toasty as a feather bed.

Win a Paperback Copy
Enter below

GIVEAWAY
Win 1 Paperback Copy of Ten In the Bed
Begins December 8 
Ends January 4, 2024 @ 12:00 a.m. ET
Open to USA/CANADA
NO P.O. Boxes. Canadians must provide phone number.
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.  Winner's prize copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Shivery cold winter days, snow to romp in, cozy warm beds, toddlers enjoying picture books that delight - Let It Snow Giveaway Hop❄️☃️❄️ [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]



Be sure you enter all the blogger's giveaways. Scroll down to access all opportunities.
We're letting it ❄️snow❄️lots of giveaways!


Is This…Winter? by Helen Yoon ~ ISBN: 9781536226270 | Ages 3-7


My thoughts: 
A frisky puppy (or doggie) frolicking in the snow. He gets tangled in Christmas decorations that adorn the neighborhood. Few words. Sketchy, though cute illustrations.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

250 cash giveaway to "Sleigh Those Bills"

Here's your opportunity to enter to win $250 Cash in the "Sleigh Those Bills"  giveaway hop. Hosted by "The Review Wire" and a slew of bloggers who are participants.

Visit all the entry options and learn lots about lots of good things. Plus..... maybe you will be a winner!



Enter for your chance to win $250 Cash via Paypal! Open to U.S. residents of the United States. You must be 18 years old to enter to win. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on 12.28.23. See below for terms and conditions


All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before the start date of this contest is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void were prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please. Giveaway is hosted by The Review Wire who is responsible for distribution of winner's prize. Chat With Vera is not responsible for any portion of prize or its distribution.

Featuring author Kate DiCamillo books that will delight young readers from Candlewick press & just in time for Christmas gifting [Giveaway USA/CANADA]


The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo


My thoughts:  As I sat alone in my grandmotherly chair with no children (and no adults) within hearing distance, I read aloud the first few pages of The Puppets of Spelhorst. I was immediately entranced by the beautiful writing that simply ebbed and flowed with the action and emotion of the story. Beautiful descriptive language evoked Mr. Spelhorst perfectly.

Kate DiCamillo has written a tale sure to capture your young readers' attention; and if you dare - and I do dare you - read it aloud to your children or whatever audience you can capture to listen.

About the book: From master storyteller Kate DiCamillo comes an original fairy tale—with enchanting illustrations by Julie Morstad—in which five puppets confront circumstances beyond their control with patience, cunning, and high spirits.

Shut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark. Individually, they dream of song and light, freedom and flight, purpose and glory, but they all agree they are part of a larger story, bound each to each by chance, bonded by the heart’s mysteries. When at last their shared fate arrives, landing them on a mantel in a blue room in the home of two little girls, the truth is more astonishing than any of them could have imagined. A beloved author of modern classics draws on her most moving themes with humor, heart, and wisdom in the first of the Norendy Tales, a projected trio of novellas linked by place and mood, each illustrated in black and white by a different virtuoso illustrator. A magical and beautifully packaged gift volume designed to be read aloud and shared, The Puppets of Spelhorst is a tale that soothes and strengthens us on our journey, leading us through whatever dark forest we find ourselves in. Secret word: Candlewick

Read an excerpt (via Amazon)


Mercy Watson Is Missing! : Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Volume Seven by Kate DiCamillo



Every favorite character from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books makes an appearance in this extended, riotously funny series crescendo.

When Mercy Watson the pig goes missing, all of Deckawoo Drive is in an uproar. The Watsons are inconsolable, and the local police, fire, and animal control departments are no help whatsoever. Bossy neighbor Eugenia Lincoln is not quite as sad as she might be, but thankfully her sister, Baby Lincoln, has the idea to hire a private investigator. Granted, Percival Smidgely, PI, may be more bumbler than gumshoe, but his pigeon, Polly, is there to point the way. Meanwhile, Frank and Stella Endicott and Stella’s friend Horace Broom are ready to do some investigating of their own. Will the clever neighborhood sleuths manage to follow the trail of hoofprints—and a certain overwhelmingly enticing scent—and recover their porcine wonder? With deftly paced narrative comedy, visual slapstick, abundant artwork in both black and white and full color, and warm affection for their cast of characters, Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen bring us a highly satisfying, extra-special series finale that rewards loyal fans—and invites new readers to explore the stories that came before. (Here's my review of another "Mercy Watson" book)

Read an excerpt (via Amazon)


The Tale of Despereaux Deluxe Anniversary Edition by Kate DiCamillo



Celebrate twenty years of Despereaux with a splendid anniversary edition—including a bonus original short story from Kate DiCamillo and a new piece of art by Timothy Basil Ering.

Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into one another’s lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would Reader, it is your destiny to find out.

For this beautifully designed twentieth-anniversary edition, the author has written a brand-new short story, “The Tapestry at Norendy,” inspired by the world of Despereaux and presented with a new black-and-white illustration by Timothy Basil Ering.

GIVEAWAY
3 Books for 1 Winner
Begins December 6, 2023
Ends January 8, 2024
Open to USA/CANADA
No P.O. Boxes & Canadians must provide phone number
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate this post. Giveaway prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Trillium Herbal Facial Care products - Deluxe Sample Giveaway

TRILLIUM HERBAL COMPANY 
FACIAL SOLUTIONS
RESTORING RADIANT RESILIENCE

The good folks at Good Earth Beauty sent me some delightful all natural Trillium facial care product samples. Many of my readers are already familiar with the Trillium Herbal Company line of products sourced from natural ingredients of natural botanicals and potent essential oils.

Today we're showcasing three of their facial care items......

1. Facial Polish
2. Facial Finishing Oil
3. Facial Cleansing Oil

Each person must plan and execute their own personal face care routine using products they've tried and that produce good results for them. I've used oils in the past and some are simply wonderful. So if you've not tried facial oils yet, this is a good opportunity for you to win a deluxe sample of these three products. Or you can go ahead and order from https://goodearthbeauty.com. Secret word: Cleanse