Auschwitz Lullaby by Mario Escobar

My thoughts:  I have mixed feelings about this book. In truth, it is a heartrending story of the desperate plight of prisoners in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. And it is told in a manner that lends credence to the veracity of the story and is rife with the desperation of the prisoners. Being based on the life and experience of a real woman, Helene Hannemann, held captive in Auschwitz one tends to accept the story and details as reality. It is, though, a novel. A biographic historical novel based on Helene Hannemann's experiences at Auschwitz.

While I respect the writing and research of the author, Mario Escobar, I found it hard to accept the graces extended to Mrs. Hannemann by the despotic SS officer Dr. Mengele. Experiences recounted heretofore of life in Auschwitz have not attested to any form of grace, even constrained grace. But perhaps there are records or journals that recount such accounts and thus give authenticity to this story.

I still found this book a compelling read. The bravery of Mrs. Hannemann as she stayed with her young family and as she entered the unbearably brutal and filthy confines of Auschwitz is inspiring and touching to one's very innermost soul. Further, her love for others and especially the children of others held in this captivity speaks to a brave, compassionate soul.

I recommend this book to anyone who desires to read about those brutal times in the German concentration camp Auschwitz. I recommend it because it shows the scope of hatred for others different from the pure race that the Nazi's felt themselves to be.

About the book: Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review Program on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

Trustech USB Desk Fan – 6 Inch Mini Desk Fan With 4.6ft USB Cable, Portable Personal Fan For Home Office #sponsored #review

My thoughts: This little fan is perfect for those office or work place settings when you're hot but the air conditioning setting is not cool enough for you or there is no air flowing. Unique with it's USB connectivity rather than an electrical outlet, this fan can go anywhere you have a USB port. There is an on/off switch on the back which many small fans don't have. The cable is long enough you can place the fan close up or at a nice distance away from your work station.

From the moment you lift it from the box you can see that this Trustech fan is well constructed and of quality materials. The metal blades, heavy wire caging, and sturdy stand are strong and durable. The fan is flexible in that you can rotate it for direction of air flow.  The stand is constructed so as to provide the opportunity to hang the fan or place on a flat surface.

The volumn of output is impressive and will provide much comfort.

The small size and big output of gentle air makes this a perfect little fan. I absolutely love it!


Find it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C5GLCXC

DISCLOSURE: This is a #sponsored post and I received the product at greatly reduced cost or free to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own.

Real Time Pain Relief® Homeopathic products for hurting feet and split, chapped lips [Review & Giveaway]

Real Time Pain Relief Foot Cream, Homeopathic Lip Balm, and MAXX Bath Bomb

Source your pain relief from natural ingredients and with a company that's been around awhile

Today we're looking at a terrific Foot Cream and a fantastic Homeopathic Lip Balm that bring great relief.  My thoughts on the products: 

Foot Pain Relief Cream

I often get achy feet and that is part of the aging process, I know. Sometimes I'm just wearing the wrong shoes too long. Sometimes I'm simply on my feet too long. Sometimes I just wake up and have hurting feet. I have found that massaging a bit of this Real Time Pain Relief Foot Cream actually brings relief and the pain is soon gone. Comes in 3 sizes and the $10 size is great for travel.

Product information (from RTPR website) click here to find it

Made with Eucalyptus, Menthol and Tea Tree Oil, Real Time FOOT cream  provides fast, targeted pain relief while delivering  deep  moisture to dry, cracked feet.  Real Time FOOT Cream is effective on many types of foot and ankle pain including: gout, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, arthritis, and dry, cracked feet.  Plus, the quickly absorbing formula of Real Time Foot Cream makes it perfect for use any time of day.

Homeopathic LIP Balm

This is the most soothing lip balm I have ever had the pleasure to use. I've used many from the bee balm sticks that are mostly wax to the C--- Sticks of many flavors. I've used other brands and still get cracks in my lips, peeling lips, and those annoying little cracks in the corners. It comes in a jar with enough to last for awhile ($10) and in a stick ($5).

This Homeopathic Lip Balm from Real Time Pain Relief is superb. When I awaken in the morning and there is a pesky crack in the corner, I reach for this balm and it sooths and protects while helping aid in the healing process. Frankly, I think it actually heals faster using this. It isn't a "medicine" but it is a great product and I love it.

Product information (from RTPR website) click here to find it

Real Time Homeopathic LIP Balm delivers rich moisture, while offering protection  from harsh weather. Made with  12 of Nature’s Ingredients including  Arnica, Jojoba Oil, Lanolin, and Aloe Vera, Real Time Homeopathic LIP Balm soothes lips within minutes of application. 

Bath Bombs: 

Maxx Bath Bomb and Gentle Bath bomb are the two options.  The Gentle Bath Bomb  uses peppermint extract instead of peppermint oil so that there isn’t any cooling effect. The cooling in MAXX is minimal but for some too much. These do not smell of peppermint. They have a very pleasant scent. The Gentle Bath Bomb is pleasantly scented, though not "perfumed," the water becomes silky smooth and it was very relaxing to soak and de-stress using this product. My skin felt wonderful in the bath and afterward, and I felt relaxed and fresh.

What is your process of dealing with pain? The key is to begin with the less invasive to your body and proceed until pain relief is attained.

Use of heat and cold: 

• Some pain responds to ice packs or cold packs that apparently slow the swelling and inflammation that are associated with overuse and injury.
• Use of warm heat packs delivers comfort and relief to injured areas. Good for stiffness and the pain associated with stiffness. 

Use of topical applications such as creams, lotions, and roll on liquids:

• Creams, lotions, and roll on applications with "heat" or "peppers" tend to stimulate the surface nerves and cause a sensation of heat to the area. This provides a relief that is complex involvement of mind and surface nerve sensations overriding the deeper source of pain. Effective in some cases. Con: can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
• Menthol based creams, lotions, and roll on applications whose main ingredient is menthol which is a nasal sensory as well as a topical sensory product that seems to provide relief. Effective in some cases. Con: can have an offensive scent for when you are away from home. 

Ingestion of Over the Counter medications: Aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) - Cons: Some cause irritation of stomach and bowel, acetaminophen can cause liver damage, and NSAIDs can cause bleeding.

Prescription medications: Pills, patches, liquids - These are the "big guns" and care must always be taken. Con: some can be addictive.

So where does that leave you when you are hurting?

Once you have tried the heat/cold treatment, you have the option of a topical over the counter and all natural homeopathic product line - Real Time Pain Relief®.  Some products they have graciously provided for me to try for my personal aches and pains and those of my husband include:

I definitely keep topical creams, lotions, and roll on products in supply so I can simply reach for them. There are a few from drug stores I've come to rely on, but I think these Real Time Pain Relief® products can certainly, and perhaps even better, take care of these discomforts for me.

They can be ordered online through their website or even Amazon (Real Life Pain Relief®). Doing a quick check, I found that even Walmart carries the products online.

~~ GIVEAWAY ~~

WINNER TO RECEIVE: A Foot Cream, Lip Balm, & Bath Bomb

Begins July 31

Ends  August 22 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary products from RTPR (Real Time Pain Relief®) to facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed are solely my own and are not influenced by RTPR to render a positive review. It is to be understood that these are over the counter medications in the line of homeopathic treatments and no medical claim is made by myself endorsing these medically as to effect or ingredients. I simply used the products and commented on my experience.

Prayers for Young Children by Martina Steinkuhler from Eerdmans Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

Hardcover - Ages 5 - 9
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780802854933

My thoughts:  Typically children's picture books containing a collection of prayers is comprised of rhyming, lyrical verses with a cadence that aids in memorization of the poems and later recall for prayerful repetition. This collection of Prayers for Young Children consists of a deeper and more thoughtful group of prayers that reflect a conversational tone where the child can address God with concerns about life as the child experiences it.

The prayers are grouped categorically which makes it nice for the parent to lead the child to find a prayer to aid in his or her talking to God seeking His help through the difficulties and joys of life. The style is a form of "free verse." There are prayers that guide through fearful situations to joyful expressions of experiences that delight.

While the prayers are intended for young children as are the illustrations, the depth of meaning and thoughtfulness is rare for use with younger ones. Tweens and Teens would probably be "put off" by a picture book, but they could benefit from reading and turning to these thoughtful expressions of prayer directed to God.

This collection would be well suited for a family situation with children of a variety of ages

About the book: A collection of prayers for every occasion

It’s easy to reach out to God when you want something, but what about when you’re happy, lonely, or afraid—what do you say then? This thoughtful collection of prayers offers children ways of approaching God in a variety of circumstances. The prayers, each rooted in a Bible story, describe different situations that readers will easily relate to, from life-changing events like moving to a new city to everyday occurrences like winning a game or not being able to sleep.

With bold, inviting illustrations, this book will inspire readers to connect with God in new ways.

~⧫~ GIVEAWAY ~⧫~

Begins July 28

Ends August 19 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Eerdmans Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

Gland Electronics Medical Thermometer for use in the ear or on the forehead [#sponsored #review]

You can tell a lot about the quality of merchandise by the way
a company packages it's product. Gland Electronics crafted a
fabulous package for this lovely thermometer.

My thoughts:  The days of the glass thermometer for determining whether or not someone sick has a fever are virtually gone. In its place a variety of instruments - electronic no less - have taken its place. Now you can quickly and accurately make a sick or well determination based on body temperature with a deft touch to the forehead or just inside the ear.  Much easier to read than the old glass rods.

They do need batteries and you may have an "Oops! Battery is dead and none on hand" moment, but perhaps a bit of forward thinking takes care of that problem. Smooth design would be easy to wipe clean after using. This Gland Electronics thermometer is professional, fast, accurate, works in ear canal or on forehead, and is suitable for babies (over 3 months) on up to adults. Perfect for homes.

My husband's forehead temp was 97.7 and mine was 97.3

A swipe of alcohol and the instrument is clean until the next time. I recommend this product.

Find it on Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Thermometer-Gland-Electronics

DISCLOSURE: This is a #sponsored #review for which I received a free or highly disocunted product. Sometimes I am given a small stipend to produce a review online. However, I only recommend products I have used or can faithfully recommend my friends and family use.

If a Horse Had Words by Kelly Cooper and Lucy Eldridge (Tundra Pub.)

My thoughts; This is an endearing book about a boy and a horse. From the birth of the horse until a year or so later when he is sold, the boy and the horse interact. Told in the voice of the horse and as if a horse actually had words as humans have, the life and environment of a young horse is experienced.

After the horse is sold, he is amidst a herd or bunch of horses and then active in the rodeo environment. What escapes me, however, is the inference that the "boy" of the young horse's life is now a rodeo rider riding astride the same, bucking horse.

Still this is a lovely book, beautiful wording, and good art work. Sure to be a winner with the young boys who will have it read to them or to young horse enthusiasts.

I "won" a copy from the LibraryThing program. A review is appreciated but not required and opinions are mine alone.

Birds and Their Feathers by renowned bestselling author Britta Teckentrup [Review and Giveaway - USA & CANADA]

ISBN13: 9783791373355
Hardcover $16.95 ~ Ages 6 and up

My thoughts:  This is an unusually beautiful and interesting book that takes the reader, young or old, on a journey of understanding feathers. I never imagined the complexities and versatility of feathers. The plumage that we as humans take for granted when we view a large or small bird is not only beautiful, it is a tool of flight, a means of protection, a means of attraction, etc.

The field of study that focuses on feathers is called Plumology or Bird Feather Science or Plumage Science.

Who hasn't marveled are the beautiful coloration of birds and the iridescence glint of a hummingbird? Who hasn't been spellbound by the flight of an Eagle or the swoop of a bird diving for a fish in the vast ocean? Who doesn't love the airy, colorful beauty of a peacock's feather? Who hasn't treasured a feather found on the grass or street and taken it home?

This book is a  "must get" for those who love all things birds. You don't have to be an "birder" to appreciate the information this little volume holds to enrich you understanding. You just have to have a fascination with learning because as you read these pages, you will learn - in simplified phraseology - so very much about birds and their feathers. I was just so impressed with the amount of information this gentle educational prose brought to the pages of this delightful book.

As the end of the book approaches, the author gives the reader a brief touch on the history of the human delight in birds and their love of feathers and dream of flying.

I truly love the illustrations. They are not intended to be precise paintings of the birds, They are lovely, colorful, deftly presented for our edification and enjoyment. The book is beautifully bound with stitches to hold the pages. Not often seen these days. A truly lovely book.

Classified as for ages up to grade four, I truly think that adults will also enjoy this book immensely.

About the book: The creator of The Egg returns to her avian explorations with this wondrous, charming, and informative examination of feathers.

Hailed as "a magnificent volume that offers hours of lingering pleasure... fertile ground for conversation and imagination," (Midwest Book Review) Britta Teckentrup's The Egg introduced children to one of nature's most perfect creations. Now, employing the same earth-tone coloring and delicate illustrations that have made her an enormously popular children's author, Teckentrup turns her gaze to the endlessly fascinating feather. What are they made of? Why do birds have so many of them? How do they help birds fly? And what other purpose do they serve? By providing accessible answers to these and other questions, this delightful book introduces young readers to the wonders of "plumology," while also drawing them in with enchanting illustrations. An exquisitely rendered fusion of art and science, this marvelous book satisfies young readers' natural curiosity about the world around them.

About the author: BRITTA TECKENTRUP is the author and illustrator of many beloved children's books, including the bestselling The Memory Tree, The Odd One Out, and Grumpy Cat, along with The Egg, Before I Wake Up..., Oskar Loves..., and Oskar and Mo (all by Prestel). She lives and works in Berlin.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 24

Ends August 15 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA and CANADA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of Prestel Publishing and the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.