She Believed: 12 Stories of Courageous Women of Faith Who Changed the World by Shiloh Kidz an imprint of Barbour Publishing

ISBN: 9781643522739
Hardcover $9.99 ~ Ages 5+
Shiloh Kidz-Imprint of Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:  This is a very nice collection of short biographies of courageous women. Written with the young child or young reader to understand, it of necessity focuses on the barest of details of the women.

The collection of women is "Hall of Fame" quality and readers should be encouraged as they grow older to read more about these women.

Included are missionaries, nurses, abolitionists,  musicians, and holocaust survivor.  Knowing that they lived during a time when historically women were relegated to the background and a mundane life, their accomplishments should empower today's young girls and women to believe as did these women that they, too, can do important work for society and for God.

I highly recommend this book for home libraries a well as school and public libraries.

About the Book: Girls are world-changers! . . . And this delightful storybook proves it!

Just for the girls in your life, ages 5 and up, this collection of twelve extraordinary stories of women of faith will empower girls to know and understand how women have made a difference in the world and how much smaller our faith would be without them. Colorful illustrations complement the true stories of these twelve amazing women:

• Gladys Aylward, missionary to China
• ​Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross
• Catherine Booth, cofounder of The Salvation Army
• Amy Carmichael, missionary to India
• Fanny Crosby, blind hymn-writer
• Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing
• Edith Schaeffer, cofounder of L’Abri ministry in Switzerland
• Mary Slessor, missionary to Africa
• Corrie ten Boom, Dutch watchmaker who helped many escape the Nazi Holocaust of WWII
• Mother Teresa, Catholic nun and missionary
• Sojourner Truth, Civil Rights leader
• Harriet Tubman, leader of the Underground Railroad

The stories of these courageous women will encourage and inspire young girls to become the world-changers God created them to be!

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Turn it Up!: A Pitch-Perfect History of Music that Rocked the World - National Geographic [Review & Giveaway]

Click here to find it
Hardcover $19.99

My thoughts: Historians tell us that man has created "music" since earlier times. We have no written history to facilitate this. However, we do have archaeological indicators of some earlier music instruments and we know that cultures each present music in various ways and means.

The National Geographic Kids Turn It Up!: A Pitch-Perfect History of Music that Rocked the World takes young readers, and "their adults," back in history and up to modern day. We see an evolution of man's creation of sounds and instruments on which to produce those sounds. And as we continue through this evolutionary history, we see that to some degree man remains in his historic past with explosive sounds that rock their world.

My personal choice of music leans toward orchestral or symphonic renderings of glorious melodies and lovely chamber ensembles of violins and their cousins. I enjoy a good mellow sound of "easy listening" with strings, mellow brass horns of various types, and reed instruments.

My choice doesn't include the raucous rap, or bams, or booms and off beat cadences of modern music. But music was evolved or perhaps de-volved to such.

This book simply presents the musical evolution and those creators of each genre. I like that listings of performers and songs that enable readers to access each of the types.  I do think that there is too much focus given in this book to the loud, strident sounds that comprise today's musical choices and the performers. 
  

This is an interesting book and would be a good choice for libraries and personal libraries. I strongly encourage homeschoolers to avail themselves of books of this type even if I can't endorse or say I enjoy every tidbit of information. 


About the book: From classical to country, blues to rock, hip-hop to pop, crank up the volume and get ready to rock out with a comprehensive record of music through the ages.

The high notes and biggest moments in music history are covered in this fun compendium. You'll learn about the world's most famous musicians through the eras, from Bach to the Beatles to Beyonce -- and beyond. Many major music genres are playfully explained, from tribal, classical, jazz, folk, rock ... all the way to today's modern forms, such as k-pop, hip-hop, and rap. Instruments and sounds are explored, along with places and events in history that inspired the evolution of music. Kids will also get a sense of music theory, instrumentation, and the artistry of distinctive musical styles. Song recommendations help readers open their ears to what they've learned. Add to that amazing images, a rockin' glossary of musical terms, and a timeline that plots each genre on its path from ancient history to today, and this book is bound to top the charts!

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 20

Ends March 17 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

OFF THE HOOK: How Forgiving You Frees Me by Earl Middleton

ISBN-13: 978-0985097837

Whitestone Publishing

SO YOU THINK YOU'VE FORGIVEN? THINK AGAIN.

Is there something you’ve inadvertently picked up along the way that’s sucking the life out of you? Stealing your peace? Has you stuck? Stuck happens. Much as we think we’ve moved on, hard things have a way of taking root in the heartscape of our lives. Off the Hook shares real life stories of real people who had no idea they were still captive to past hurts—until they walked through deep forgiveness! This way of forgiveness offers healing and freedom you never thought possible. It’s about the power of truly letting go—taking old pain patterns and people off your hook, for your sake, not theirs. No longer hemmed in by the burden of deep hurt, loss and offense, you are free at last to soar above it. Discover what no one has told you about the forgiveness power tool—what it is, what it is not, and how to do it. Rewrite the ending to your true story by retrieving the well being and destiny God has for you.

SPECIAL OFF THE HOOK DEALS

The Off The Hook Kindle Countdown has begun! Just $0.99 today! Get it today, February 20, on Amazon! 

Deals all week on this title (February 20-27), starting at $0.99 1st day. (Regular price $5.99) CLICK HERE TO ORDER 

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy. I was not compensated to share this information.

Ishmael Covenant (Empires of Armageddon series) by award-winning author, Terry Brennan - from Kregel Publishing [Giveaway]

His marriage in tatters and his career ruined by lies, Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney is at the end of his rope. Banished to Israel as punishment by his agency, he's assigned to guard a US ambassador and an insignificant box. Little does he know that this new job will propel him straight into a crisis of global proportions.

Inside the box is a messianic prophecy about the fate of the world. And a dark enemy known as The Turk and the forces of evil at his command are determined to destroy the box, the prophecy, and the Middle East as we know it. When Ambassador Cleveland gets in the way, his life and his daughter's life are threatened--and Mullaney must act fast.

Now agents of three ancient empires have launched covert operations to secure nuclear weapons, in direct defiance of the startling peace treaty Israel and its Arab neighbors have signed. And a traitor in the US State Department is leaking critical information to a foreign power. It's up to Mullaney--still struggling with his own broken future--to protect the embassy staff, thwart the clandestine conspiracies, and unmask a traitor--before the desert is turned into a radioactive wasteland.

Fans of Joel C. Rosenberg, Steven James, and Ted Dekker will relish the deadly whirlpool of international intrigue and end-times prophecy in Ishmael Covenant--and will eagerly await the rest of this new trilogy.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the author: Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest release, Ishmael Covenant is the first in his new series, Empires of Armageddon.

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Giveaway is hosted by publicist who is responsible with publisher, Kregel, for sending winner's copy.

Fabulous Tenth & Pine baby and toddler organic tee shirts - Made in USA (#sensitiveskin #eczema #organiccotton)

Today folks are thinking seriously about the environment and that includes manufacturers. So when I received my package containing the exceptionally fine Tenth & Pine toddler T-shirt,  I was quite impressed. The package did include some plastic, but not over-much. The shirt was encased in a simple, brown kraft paper bag imprinted with the logo. It looked great and I could see they value the environment just from their packaging.

Then when I removed the gem of an organic cotton T-shirt, I was simply amazed at the softness, quality weave, and structure. Believe me, as a grandmother of 13 and mother of 5, I've handled quite a few T-shirts and other items of clothing. This Tenth & Pine product is top quality.

And some of my Chat With Vera readers have already met my great-grandson who has appeared in several posts and reviews. He is one cute little fella and so lively and so very smart. Yes! I'm a proud Great Grandma.

I passed this shirt along to his mommy and was thrilled to do so. You see, Baby Caleb has had eczema that pops up on his beautiful skin. So sensitive. This organic cotton T-shirt is naturally hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. Well worth the money!

And it is an USA product. Sourced and produced in America.

What Baby Caleb's mommy is saying about the Tenth & Pine T-shirt.....

I've been blessed with a healthy, thriving son that is always on the go! However, we've been dealing with his sensitive skin and a range of eczema conditions from the day he came home, so we're very careful about his clothes, detergent and anything he touches. I could tell from the moment I picked up this shirt that it was going to be perfect for him, the fabric was so soft, supple and made with good quality materials. This little cutie had free range of motion and was very comfortable while he was wearing it, not to mention the timely message for Valentine's Day. The quality and thickness is of the type that I know it will hold up well over time and whatever he gets into next.

(--Photos by Rebecca Roddenberry-Smith, Baby Caleb's Mommy) 

Find this Tenth & Pine LOVE BUG T-shirt and other superb products - click here. AND they offer an opportunity for a 10% first order discount when you sign up for emails.

Product information - buy here
Tenth & Pine's timeless, gender neutral designs are made to celebrate your special moments and create lasting memories during these special times. Featuring buttery soft and breathable premium organic fabrics. A natural organic cotton t-shirt is the perfect top for every boy or girl and comfortable for every day wear!

The organic fibers used in Tenth & Pine products are certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standards). GOTS is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain.

Benefits to Organic Cotton:

• Perfect for sensitive skin, all natural fibers.
• No chemicals, no harsh toxins.
• Conservation of natural resources, minimize pollution.
• GOTS Certified workplace, employees are treated fairly.
• Durability, strong resilient material.

DISCLOSURE: I receive a complimentary product to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine and Baby Caleb's and are freely given.

Premium Natural Pacha Bar Soap lets you bathe in luxury and aid people around the World [Review & Giveaway]

It is such a pleasure to sink into one's bath, pick up a lovely scented bar of soap, and lather up. Enveloping oneself in tantalizing aromas and a rich lather that softens one's skin with natural ingredients.

Relax! Enjoy a simply "delicious" bath with natural oils and scents!

You know when you use Pacha soaps that you are getting a product that is effective, made with natural ingredients, cruelty free, and contains no SLS, parabens, and sulfates. There is no synthetic fragrance in these soaps. Just lovely products merged together here in the USA to bring you wholesome, conscious consumer, products that are good for you and the environment.

I have used several of the Pacha products and loved them. I am using the Pachafetti Bar right now and it has a little bit of everything in it. Previously I've tried the French Lavender, Dirty Hippi (love the patchouli and spicy nutmeg scent), and others.

Since it’s Good Earth Beauty's 10th anniversary this year, we are celebrating with the brands we carry. Pacha is one of their leading brands. So we are offering a discount and a giveaway.

Product information: The Pacha no waste blend! This bar is crafted with scraps from each of our soaps for a colorful and conscious creation. Brightly scented with lemongrass and peppermint essential oils. Made with sustainably produced palm oil, wild harvested unrefined Shea butter and hydrating castor seed oil.

Pacha products spread goodness by supporting radically transparent and ethical sourcing, clean water initiatives, hygiene education and small business opportunities worldwide.

Enter to win one bar (selection is Good Earth Beauty's choice). But don't wait! Shop now! Remember - your USA order SHIPS FREE.
And to sweeten the shopping trip, take 10% off using VERA10 discount code.
Shop - Click Here

GIVEAWAY

1 Full Size Bar of Pacha Soap

Begins February 13

Ends March 12  at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary bar of Pacha soap from GoodEarthBeauty.com to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by GoodEarthBeauty or publicist.

The Hunter and His Dog (A Fantastical Journey through the World of Bruegel) by Sassafras De Bruyn from Eerdmans Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  Unless one is schooled to understand and recognize the works of various artists through the centuries, one would likely miss the fun of a book such as The Hunter and His Dog. To begin with, this is a "wordless" book in that the story is told visually alone. The story is that of The Hunter and he leaps from page to page following the black bird. His companion is his dog. The two of them see the black bird soar through a crevasse that appears on the virtually blank page.

Turn the page and you see and "town square" packed full of peasants from long ago engaged in village activities of playing, dancing, and life in general.

But the scene changes just as in the Works of artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder. We see the Tower of Babel, Winter hunting scenes, folks diving into holes in the ground, and a scary figure.

So the "readers" can create their own story but the real fun would be exploration of the multitude of characters revisited from Bruegel's famous works.

A short bio about Bruegel's paintings is at the end of the book. And there are numerous websites where you can find information and images of Brugel's paintings. Here is one: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/bruegel-the-elder-pieter/artworks/

I highly recommend libraries acquire a copy of this fun book and homes where love of art is important would want to add it to their children's libraries.

About the book: Spotting a bird in the distance, the hunter and his dog begin a madcap chase across the world of Pieter Bruegel the Elder. They stumble into some of the artist’s most famous scenes: wedding dances, snowy villages, even the winding stairs of the Tower of Babel. Will they ever find the place where they belong?

This wordless book introduces young readers to the Flemish Renaissance artist and his most beloved works, including The Hunters in the Snow and Children’s Games. Includes informational endnote on Bruegel and an index of the paintings that inspired each illustration.

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 12

Ends March 11 at 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and shipped directly to the winner by Eerdmans Publishing.