The Voice in the Hollow by Will Hillenbrand [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780823436811
Hardcover $18.99 ~ US

My thoughts:  The illustrations are absolutely stunning. Beautiful. Sweeping in scope. Visual story-telling par excellence. 

Tiny Hubert, a library loving mouse, leaves the library and cuts through the "Hollow" to get home quicker because the storm is intensifying. He meets a caring stranger who traverses the dangerous Hollow with him.

Children's Bible sticker fun books from Kregel Publishing are super nice for kiddies [Review & Giveaway USA]

Bible Stories: Sparkly Sticker Book by Jacob Vium-Olesen, illustrated by Contributor: Sandrine L'Amour

Buy it Here
ISGN: 9780825448348

Find and place the sparkly stickers to complete Bible scenes!

Cold Threat (Ryland & St. Clair #2) by Nancy Mehl [Giveaway USA]

Book mail is always such fun to receive. Here right in the middle of a cold blustery day, “Cold Threat” arrives promising to be yet another terrific read by author Nancy Mehl

Enter Giveaway Below

 

Buy it 40% discount:
 Click Here

About the book: Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging on a tree on their front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end--or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.

Bizzy Bear has adventures that wee ones will enjoy with lots of fun tabs to pull and push in sturdy board books

Bizzy Bear: Chinese New Year by Benji Davies 

My thoughts:  Stay-at-home little ones and those who attend multi-cultural toddler preschools and activities will learn from this cute board book about the Chinese New Year and it's different (to some) celebrations. What a great introduction into a different culture this would be. Lots of fun and so very cute. Love the rhymes, too.

Tow on the Go! first readers giveaway

These are really cute first readers that will certainly capture children's attention - especially that of little boys that love trucks. "Tow" is a lively little tow truck that is going places!

Welcome to the Tow on the Go Two Book Giveaway!

Hosted by

MarksvilleandMe

sponsored by 

Media Masters Publicity

We are giving away both books listed below to one winner. The giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only. The pack has an ARV value of  $9.98

The Mambo Rescue!: Ready-to-Read Level 1 (Tow on the Go!) 

A helpful tow truck rescues cars from a snowstorm in this adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read

Mo the lovable tow truck likes to mambo while he works. When ten cars get stuck in a snowstorm, Mo has to mambo faster than ever before to get them out!

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665920063

Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6 years

Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool – 1

The Splish-Splash Puddle Dance!: Ready to Read Level 1 (Tow on the Go!) 

Tow Truck Mo comes to the rescue when a fancy sports car gets stuck in a muddy puddle in this second book in the adorable Level 1 Ready-to-Read series

Mo the lovable tow truck alway mambos while he works, but to rescue a sports car from a squelchy mud puddle, Mo’s solo routine may have to become a duet!

 

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1665920094

Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6 years

Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 1

About Author Patricia Lakin:

Patricia Lakin, a former elementary school teacher and an award-winning author, has written more than fifty published works. Her books, both fiction and nonfiction, span multiple age groups—from toddlers to middle graders. Patricia lives in New York City with her husband, Lee Koenigsberg. They have two grown sons, Aaron and Benjahmin. When not reading, writing, or researching, she can be found traveling with Lee to far-off places in the world.

MarksvilleandMe would like to wish all those who enter

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 12:00 AM (EST) 2/15/2024. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to marksvilleandme@gmail.com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase is necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the rafflecopter Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Pamela Marks at marksvilleandme@gmail.com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross by Carl Laferton & Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri "More in Tales That Tell the Truth Series" [board book review & giveaway]

Easter - Resurrection Day - is celebrated March 31, 2024. Prepare now to focus on our Savior's sacrifice and hope it brings.

Children need more than bunnies and chicks - they need the garden and the Christ of the cross.

ISBN: 9781784985813
Buy It Here $9.99

My thoughts: Teaching young children the truth of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection is difficult. There is a fine line to balance between the beauty of His death and resurrection to pay the penalty for our sins and the horror of the very act of his death on the cross. So just how much to share with our wee little ones? How to share that information? How to instill a reverence and love for their Savior. How to NOT scare them or open a dark hole of fear and horror.

Rich, natural & organic oils in skin loving & nurturing LuminO face care products [Giveaway USA]

Today we're showcasing a skin care line of products that GoodEarthBeauty.com carries - LuminO. 

The good folks at Good Earth Beauty sent me some delightful all natural Lumino facial care product samples. Many of my readers are already familiar with the Good Earth Beauty Online Store's line of products sourced from natural ingredients of natural botanicals and potent essential oils. Today meet......

LuminO - The World's Best Masque & Cleanser 
LuminO - Chaga Elixir With Rare Botanical Oils

Facial Mask Organic Marine Algae 4.5 Ounce

Now an "at home" treatment previously available only at the most exclusive spas. Aging results in a slower turnover of cells. This causes thinner dull skin with a rough, flaky texture. An exfoliating masque removes the top layer of dead skin. Skin is the largest organ of the body. It is responsible for one-fourth of the body's detoxification. Clogged pores are not just a cosmetic concern. Healthy breathing skin contributes to overall well-being. Superior masques open the pores, removing harmful toxins and debris.

Though there are new and innovative scientific ways to reduce wrinkles and restore vitality to the skin, much of the secret to beautiful skin lies in maintaining a healthy living environment for skin cells. Great on Acne

Made by Lumino - Ingredients: MASQUE: Bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth, French green clay, organic algae of bladderwrack, rockweed, sea lettuce, coconut, jojoba, & castor oils. BOTANICAL OILS: Organic oil of jojoba, wildcrafted oils of kalahari, argan and moringa with essential oil of ylang ylang.

Chaga Elixir With Rare Botanical Oils

Composed of powerful antioxidants and nutrients, these oils and Chaga mushroom elixir are powerful free radical neutralizers. Free radicals cause damage to skin and pave the way for wrinkles. If you have avoided oils in your daily skin routine these non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) oils are the answer. These dry, non-greasy oils are anti-aging phenoms.

Chaga contains melanin, the pigment responsible for darkening skin and protecting the skin from dangerous solar UV rays. Chaga can protect the elasticity and firmness of skin in a way that may delay the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

The anti-viral compounds in Chaga can help clear blemishes. It also fights inflammation, which helps keep skin healthy, glowing, and prevents aging.

• Jojoba oil from the Sonoran Desert is chemically closest to the seburn oil our skin produces naturally. It is readily absorbed, helping to minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
• Kalahari Desert oil restores elasticity and dissolves old oil buildup, allowing it to wash away. It is rich in omega 6 and 9 essential oils and fatty acids and balances the moisture in the skin.
• Argan oil from Morocco has an abundance ot saponins, which are skin softening agents. It makes the skin more elastic and helps to keep it properly hydrated.
• Native to Mozambique, Marula oil contains an unusually high concentration of antioxidants, nutrients, minerals, and essential fatty acids that protect against environmental damage and boost cellular activity to hydrate and repair the skin.

Made by Lumino - Ingredients: Organic golden jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Wildcrafted Kalahari Desert oil (Citrullus vulgaris), Organic Argan oil (Argaria spinosa), Organic Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea), Ylang Ylang Essential oil (Cananga odorata), Chaga Mushroom Elixir (Inonotus obliquus)

LuminO - Good Night Organic Skin Emolient

Facial Moisturizer Organic Restorative Skin Emollient Night Cream - Unscented Version - Lumino

This all-natural emollient is a luxurious blend of nutrient rich organic oils specifically chosen for their capabilities to enhance the skin's restorative cycles. They are most effective when used while sleeping, but will rejuvenate the skin any time of the day. Coconut oil is known for its ability to prevent liver spots from developing and may reduce those that you have had for years. Easily absorbed by the skin due to its small molecular structure. Jojoba oil is chemically closest to the sebum oil the skin produces naturally, making it one of the most permeable oils. It helps minimize wrinkles and other fine lines. Castor bean oil has a long history of impressive skin and body benefits. It stimulates increased lymph flow flushing toxins from the system. An effective treatment for blemishes and acne, skin will look and feel better when it is applied. Apply liberally to warm moist skin. Can be used during the day for those willing to tolerate a bit of shine like the French do.

Unscented Version - contains no ylang ylang. 3.5 oz Made by Lumino - Ingredients: Organic coconut oil, organic golden jojoba oil, organic castor bean oil, pure essential oils of ylang ylang, and natural vitamin E oil. (VEGAN)

LuminO - The World's Best Rare Botanical Oils

LuminO Botanical Oil

This rich emollient is a blend of pure natural oils specifically selected because of their long histories of use by indigenous peoples. For centuries these oils have been an integral part of the skin care for people living in these harsh climates.

Composed of powerful antioxidants and nutrients, every one of these oils are free radical neutralizers. Free radicals cause damage to skin and pave the way for wrinkles. If you have avoided oils in your daily skin routine, these non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) oils are the answer. These "dry, non-greasy oils" are anti-aging marvels.

• Jojoba oil from the Sonoran Desert is the substance chemically closest to the sebum oil the skin produces naturally. It is readily absorbed by the skin, helping to minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
• Kalahari Desert oil restores elasticity and dissolves sebum buildup, allowing the sebum to wash away. It is rich in omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids and balances the moisture in the skin.
• Argon oil for Morocco has an abundance of saponins, which are skin-softening agents. It makes the skin more elastic and helps to keep it properly hydrated. Excellent on nails.
• Native to the Himalayan Mountains, Moringa oil contains more than 46 antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C. These give it excellent moisturizing, nourishing, and emollient qualities. It balances the secretion of oil and reduces skin fatigue.

This blend of oils can be used day or night. It is important to apply it when your skin is moist.

Though there are new and innovative scientific ways to reduce wrinkles and restore vitality to the skin, much of the secret to beautiful skin simply lies in maintaining a healthy living environment for skin cells.

Made by Lumino - Ingredients: Organic golden jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Wildcrafted Kalahari Desert oil (Citrullus vulgaris), Organic Argan oil (Argaria spinosa), Organic Marula oil (Sclerocarya birrea), Ylang Ylang Essential oil (Cananga odorata) Secret word: SMILE

Order from http://GoodEarthBeauty.com & use the DISCOUNT CODE of  VERA10 to take 10% off the price. 

And..... SHIPPING IS FREE for all USA orders over $20

☃️❄️GIVEAWAY❄️☃️

LuminO Deluxe Face Care Samples

Begins January 11

Ends February 10 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received these product samples to facilitate a review/spotlight. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by GoodEarthBeauty.com. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne from Barbour Publishing

My thoughts: Guaranteed delightful! A sweet, gentle read. Faith based lives lived out in the gentle, caring Amish community.

A sweet, slow blossoming  romance between two who have lost their previous spouses to death. A precocious four-year-old sweetie that captures your heart. A wise grandmotherly lady who bestows love and kindness. And some sweet kitties to warm your hearts.

I highly recommend this sweet read.

About the Book: Ruth Defies Authority to Keep from Losing Her Ancestral Home

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Ruth Helmuth has never been rude in her life; trust her to choose the bishop of her Amish community for her first time!

Ruth has worked hard to keep body and soul together since her husband, Levi’s, death. She tends her herd of goats, making her living from the milk and fiber she gets from them, all while running a farm and household by herself—and very competently, thank you! How could she imagine the bishop suggesting she should give it all up to another family, who will “make better use of the space”?

Enter widower Jonas Hershberger, owner of a pair of adorable dimples and father of a charming 4-year-old daughter. Jonas is in need of a larger place to house his growing business. Ruth’s big red barn may be just the ticket. Little Abigail is in need of a new mother. Ruth might be just the ticket there, too!

Can two independent souls learn to work together for their mutual good? And will they be willing to explore what grows between them? Or will Ruth’s fear over her “big secret” and Jonas’s caution about allowing someone new to get close to his young daughter, kill their love before it has a chance to grow?

Luckily for both of them, God’s plan involves the stubborn pair getting a little help in the form of a wise, elderly friend; a quirky orange kitten; and a smart little girl who takes one look at Ruth and decides she would make her the perfect new mother!

Ruth's Ginger Snap Surprise is Book 2 in the Heart of the Amish series, but can be read as a stand-alone.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Little Books of the Little Brontes by Sara O'Leary, Briony May Smith

ISBN: 9780735263703
Tundra Books

About the book: The inspiring true tale of young siblings who loved to make stories -- and grew up to be among English literature's finest writers. A picture book for fans of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein. 

Many years ago, the four motherless children of the Bronte  family -- Charlotte, Branwell, Emily and Anne -- lived in a windswept house by the moors with their father. Although their lives were often filled with sadness and their world was only as large as the distance they could walk, their INNER worlds were bound only by their imaginations. Hungry for stories, these children devoured novels and poetry, history and fables. And with the gift of a group of toy soldiers, they were inspired to make their own stories, and their own tiny books . . . a passion that would last them a lifetime.

Pondering the Winter of Life's Seasons

As the cold of winter sets in and days are short and often dark, minds of many are set to pondering the changing of the seasons. Seasons of the year, true. But often the seasons of life are the mind's troubled way of feeling the chill of the winter of one's life encroaching as days shorten and days darken.

One thinks of the path or road not taken as life's journey was made. Was the fork in the road life changing? Was it the right choice? What if the other road had been taken?

No matter the choices made, the winter of seasons lies upon us and we dimly peer into the dark night ahead. Ponder these penned words and do not go.....