Garden of the Midnights by Hannah Linder from Barbour Publishing

My thoughts: A thoroughly enjoyable read! From the onset of the story, you step into a world of class discrimination and status between the wealthy and poor. The author has a beautiful style of writing and scripts scenes and characters with impeccable skill. The story moves rapidly and covers a lot of action and emotions.

William Kensley proves to be a morally strong man as well as physically strong. In the face of unendurable hardship and belittling, he remains staunchly strong. An admirable man of character.

Once Upon the Very First Christmas by Rory Feek & illustrated by Christine Cuddihy

ISBN: 9781400247028
US $18.99 | CANADA $23.99
Hardcover | Tommy Nelson Books

My thoughts:  This book reminds me of the many church Christmas pageants in which my own five children were involved. It also reminds me of several when I was the adult in charge of lively children who were wise men, shepherds, angels, and of course the main characters, Mary and Joseph. Their lively spirits were daunting to adults in charge; and then on performance night, their antics brought bemused smiles and smirks from adults who watched with delighted pride.

In the book, we have the simple light rhyming prose that tells the story of the birth of the Christ child and His placement in a lowly manger for a bed. The chapel or church in which the children are acting out the Biblical story is simple with no grandiose architecture or glittering gold. Simple. Just as our Lord's birth was in a simple place.

David Atherton's Baking Book for Kids for great kid-baking-fun on cold winter days [Review & Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

 

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David Atherton’s Baking Book for Kids | ISBN: 9781536231304 | Ages 5-9 | $17.99 ($23.99 CAN)

My thoughts:  I vividly remember my very first cookbook. As a young girl I attended a children's cooking class hosted by the local gas company (they also sold cooking ranges). They gave each of us a cookbook. It had lots of good recipes that were simple enough, but also challenging and you could really learn to cook using it. This was different from the few cookbooks my mother had.

New movie "Surprised by Oxford" is a moving experience [Review & Giveaway]

 

"Surpised by Oxford" is a biographic film about academician and theological writer, Dr. Carolyn Weber, during her student days at the esteemed University of Oxford.

Synopsis: Caro Drake, a brilliant but emotionally guarded American student, arrives at the University of Oxford with the goal of attaining her PhD. Through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, she begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability, and love.

Yummy and delicious Z. Cioccolato treats for the holidays! Enter to win $90 value selection [Giveaway USA age 18+ entrants]

 

Thanks to our friends at Z. Cioccolato's for this giveaway! 

Z. Cioccolato is a small-batch, creative, multi-layered gourmet fudge company based in San Francisco, California. They are world-famous for their innovative and seasonal flavors, such as Peanut Butter Pie, Cookies and Cream, and Salted Caramel. Z. Cioccolato's fudge is made with the finest ingredients, including premium chocolate, butter, and cream. It is cooked in small batches and layered to perfection, resulting in a rich, creamy, and delicious fudge that is unlike anything else.

My friend at "Trendy Cyndie Reviewz" says, "The Peanut Butter Pie fudge is the BEST I have ever put in my mouth!" The winner will receive Tthe Deluxe Artisan Sampler Box, a value of $90!  This is included in our Unwrap Joy Holiday Guide! Check it out.

Thanks A Latte Giveaway Blog Hop - Ends Nov. 15 @ 11:59

 

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Christmas books at Candlewick Press delight and bring joy & a "Thanks a Latte" Giveaway Blog Hop [Review & Giveaway]

This post is being shared on a "blog hop"
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The Christmas Doll: A Repair Shop Story by Amy Sparkes, ISBN: 9781536231366 | Ages 4-9

My thoughts: This is such a special and lovely book. Bright, cheerful. The style is reminiscent of vintage children's books in its story telling and illustrations.

A heartwarming story of a little girl in London who was sent, as were thousands of English children, to the countryside as far from the threat of war as possible during WWII. She had such sadness in leaving her parents behind coupled with the uncertainty and fear at perhaps being unwanted and uncared for. Then she began to enjoy her country life and the kindness of her new family. And at Christmas time they gave her a lovely little doll.