Blog Tour: The Santa Box Movie

Description:

For Kallie Watts, Christmas is anything but merry. For the last five years, the tinsel-strewn holiday has spelled disaster for her family, so when an apartment fire leaves Kallie and her widowed mother homeless just in time for the holidays, it comes as no surprise. There's only one logical conclusion: Christmas is cursed for Kallie. 

When her mother finds a new job in a small California town, Kallie steps out of the moving van and into her worst nightmare: a real-life version of "Whoville", overflowing with holiday decorations and brimming with Christmas cheer. Forced to navigate the complicated ins and outs of her jolly new surroundings, Kallie is shaken out of her gloom one day when she discovers a curiously crafted wooden Santa box on the porch, addressed to her. The moment she lifts the lid, the young teenagers' life is changed forever as she rediscovers the true magic and meaning of Christmas.

Trailer:

Review:

The Santa Box is a cute "Hallmark-like" movie with a good message. Stereotypes are played up (rich cheerleader is the leader of the mean girls; gossipy, rich mom has her nose in everyone's business and people bow to her wishes; etc.), and those stereotypes drive the message home that you need to get to know people to understand and love them. 

The main character is a teenage girl who has been through a very hard time. When given the opportunity to have a Christmas wish granted (through the Santa Box), she uses the wish to help someone else. Her selflessness leads to her being able to have more wishes granted for others. It really was a great reminder to be selfless and see what others need. 

If you are looking for a cute, family friendly Christmas movie, this is worth checking out.

Purchase Links:

Amazon (aff) | Deseret Book | Seagull Book

Giveaway:

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Blog Tour: The Christmas Doll by Jason F. Wright

The Christmas Doll by Jason F. Wright

Illustrated by Howard Lyon

Book Description:

Christmas is fast approaching, but in the Saxton home, there is no money for gifts. Could there still be something special for Gail underneath the tree?

In The Christmas Doll, best-selling author Jason F. Wright shares a true story from the life of Gail Saxton Miller, billionaire businesswoman and owner of the Utah Jazz NBA team. But Gail's childhood was vastly different from her life now—facing poverty in the 1940s, the Saxton family made ends meet by turning their small home into rental apartments and made do with hand-me-downs and secondhand items.

However, their humble circumstances didn't stop the Saxtons from being rich in what mattered most: self-less acts of love, the rewards of a job well done, and the hope and renewal we can feel through Jesus Christ. All of these lessons come together at Christmastime, when Gail learns of love and sacrifice through a single, precious gift.

The Christmas Doll teaches a wise lesson about the true meaning of the holiday. Christmas isn't just about beautiful decorations or shiny, expensive gifts; it's about the miracle of Jesus to make old things new, revitalize our lives, and bring out the best in humankind to care for another.

Review:

The Christmas Doll tells a wonderful message about the renewal that Jesus Christ gives to each of us. We can be healed and the broken can be fixed. This message of second chances is told by sharing Gail Saxton Miller's story of when she was a young girl and she received a beautiful doll for Christmas. She treasured the doll and never went without her. But, as the year went on the doll became quite worn and eventually was relegated to the shelf. Due to love and care from a family friend, Gail was surprised with a refurbished doll (that she later learned was her cherished doll). Not only is the message a wonderful and timely one, but the illustrations are exquisite.

About the Author:

Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling author, creator, and speaker. His work has appeared in over 100 newspapers, magazines, and websites across the United States, including the Washington Times, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, CNN.com and FoxNews.com. Jason and his wife, Kodi live in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. They have two girls, two boys, and a 110-pound Goldendoodle named Pilgrim who thinks he’s a lapdog.

About the Illustrator:

Howard Lyon was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. He has studied art in Italy, France, and most recently at the Grand Central Academy in New York. Over the past twenty years, he has worked in the video game industry as an art director, concept artist, and freelance illustrator. Howard and his wife and three children live in Utah.

Title: The Christmas Doll
Author: Jason F. Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: October 2019
ISBN: 1629726117
Source: Review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book | Barnes & Noble | BAM | Indie Bound

Spotlight: The Forgotten Carols

The Forgotten Carols stage performance is a show that recounts the story of Christ’s birth as told by little known characters in the nativity story. The accounts from the Innkeeper, the Shepherd and others, reminds us of what the world has forgotten about Christmas.

Michael McLean, the creator and performer in the show, has been putting this performance on for 28 years now. After 28 years McLean says he has actually changed it up. He tells us the actors and songs remain the same, but he added a magical twist. He urges all who haven’t and even those who have to come see what he has in store this year.

The Forgotten Carols have 19 performances starting November 26th and goes until December 23rd. Buy tickets, find showtimes, and more information on their website www.forgottencarols.com.

Giveaway:

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Christmas by Accident by Camron Wright

Christmas by Accident by Camron Wright

Book Description:

Carter is an insurance adjuster whose longing for creative expression spills over sometimes into his accident reports. Abby works for her adoptive father, Uncle Mannie, in the family bookstore, the ReadMore Café. Carter barely tolerates Christmas; Abby loves it. She can't wait past October to build her favorite display, the annual Christmas book tree stack, which Carter despises.

When an automobile accident throws Carter and Abby together, Uncle Mannie, who is harboring secrets of his own, sees a chance for lasting happiness for his little girl. But there are so many hurdles, and not much time left. Will this Christmas deliver the miracle everyone is hoping for? Where love and Christmas are concerned, there are no accidents. 

Tarah's Review:

First of all, I need to complain just a little bit about the cover and the size of the book. The cover is cute enough, but there is just something about it that throws me off. I'm guessing it's the size of the book. I realize most people will think I'm crazy for this, but none of my other books are this size and it just throws my bookshelves off kilter. Especially if I'm organizing by author. His other books are not this size and that drives me batty. I'm sure the publishers have a reason for making a smaller book, but since I don't know what the reason is it just drives me nuts!

Okay, now that that's out of the way...on to the book! I love Christmas books. I have no problem reading Christmas stories in July. Now, setting up Christmas in stores, I have issues with them getting earlier and earlier every year. I think they should wait till after Thanksgiving, but no one asked for my opinion so there you go.

I haven't read everything Camron Wright has written, but the handful that I have read have been serious, gut-wrenching, reach for a tissue type books. I admit I was expecting more of the same from this one. Well, if that is what you are expecting throw those expectations out the window and I think you will enjoy this book a lot more. This book is a satire, and part of me is wondering how serious he was when he wrote this, and the other part of me said, "Hey, it's funny, so let it go." The book is filled with cliches and humor, but I did love the "I chose Christmas". I really can't take this book seriously, but considering I read it in one sitting very quickly and I occasionally burst into laughter I can't say bad things about it either. I was entertained. Let's maybe just leave it at that.

Andrea's Review:

Christmas by Accident is such an interesting story. It's not like many stories I've read with Christmas as a theme. In fact, it was sort of . . . making fun of those. Kind of. It's not like it was mean, but one of the main characters, Carter, doesn't like Christmas. He's an aspiring author though, and decides to write a Christmas story. He finds that there is a Christmas book about everything (that's where the kind of "making fun of" came in). His process is . . . strange. So, in part, Christmas by Accident is a book about writing this book. That part was unusual and unlike your typical Christmas story.

However, even though this isn't the deep, heart-wrenching story you may have expected from Wright, there is a touching story on top of the writing the book story, and that has a nice message of hope.

I enjoyed the characters. Carter is an insurance adjuster-a job that would slowly kill him from the boredom if he didn't spice up the claim reports. However, the insurance industry isn't known for feelings, and Carter's creativity gets him into trouble. He was a quirky character, and I enjoyed seeing his growth. I liked Abby as well. She has such a good heart and positive outlook. Mannie and the employees at the Read More Cafe are an entertaining group.

This wasn't a gripping, read it all in one sitting type of book for me. But, I did care about what happened, and I liked the happy ending.

Rorie's Review:

Based on the description on the back of the book, I was expecting a sickeningly-sweet, "Christmas is my life!" meets bah-humbug "I hate everything Christmas!" sort of story. That's actually not what happens at all. Yes, Abby does love Christmas, but she's not super-obsessive about it. Carter isn't fond of Christmas, but the story doesn't really get into that aspect of it very much. I honestly wish there had been a bit more butting heads involved, to be honest.

For me, the story was just ok until the last few chapters. Then things picked up and really started to get interesting. The author is a little over-exuberant with his descriptive words, so I think that's part of the reason why I struggled to get into this story. It was kind of distracting.

This is a cute, quick read, but it had a very powerful lesson at the end. Plus, yummy-sounding recipes are included. That's always a bonus in my opinion.

Title: Christmas by Accident Author: Camron Wright
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2018
ISBN: 1629724769
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for honest reviews.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Giveaway: The Little Match Girl

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from my youth was getting together with extended family every Christmas Eve for a delicious dinner and a family program. My grandma often read a story as her part of the program, and I still remember her reading The Little Match Girl to us.

Today I'm very happy to give a copy of The Little Match Girl to one lucky Literary Time Out follower. This beautiful version is Hans Christian Andersen's story retold by David Warner with paintings by Greg Newbold.

Entering is easy. Just use the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be selected this Saturday, December 9th, and notified by the contact information used to enter. If I don't hear back with a mailing address by Monday, December 11th, a new winner will be selected.

Merry Christmas!

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Blog Tour: Our Family Christmas by Christie Gardiner

Reviews * Giveaway

Our Family Christmas

Creating Meaningful and Memorable Christ-Centered Traditions

by Christie Gardiner

Book Description:

Draw closer to the Savior as you set aside a few minutes each day to celebrate the season with your family using this inspiring, fun-filled countdown to Christmas as your guide. From Christmas songs to holiday stories to activities for old and young alike, this compilation of Christ-centered ideas is designed with one goal in mind: to bring families closer together and closer to Christ this holiday season. Whether you're taking a quick moment to connect or are engaging in a longer opportunity to create memories, the stories, recipes, activities, and music on these pages are just the beginning of faith affirming togetherness for families of all ages and stages during the Christmas season.

Andrea's Review:

Our Family Christmas is a beautiful, hard-cover book, with wonderful pictures, tempting recipes, and classic Christmas hymns. The book has a chapter for December 1st through December 25, and "is an invitation to draw ourselves and our families closer to the Savior by taking a few minutes a day to celebrate, have fun, and connect." I really love that idea, and have been thinking about how my family would really be strengthened by focusing on the true meaning of Christmas and helping those in need.

I am saving most of the book for this Christmas season with my family, but I loved the first quote in the book. It is from Thomas S. Monson and it says, "Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christmas." That first chapter for December 1st really sets a good tone, and has made me very excited to start using this with my family.

The story for December 2nd made me cry. It is very touching, and I hope my family will be moved by it as much as I was. I'm excited to see what each new chapter brings.

If you are looking to make this Christmas Season more meaningful for your family, I'd recommend that you check out Our Family Christmas.


Tarah's Review:

You want to know what one of my favorite things about this book? I love that she has three options for you. For each day she has a 1 Hour Countdown, a 20 Minute Countdown and a 5 Minute Countdown. I would love for my holiday season to be Pinterest worthy every day, but let's face it. That's not my life. My life is full of chaos and craziness, and I love it, but it's...chaotic and crazy :) I love that you have the options. Somedays, maybe I could do the hour activity. Most days I'll be lucky if I get to the 5 minute one. And you know what? That's okay. It's all about creating memories with my family, and these memories don't all have to be grand.  Something simple can create just as good memories as the big stuff. She says in the book, "There is no guilt here. If all you can do is pull four activies from this book for some meaningful family nights, that is enough! You do what you can do, and don't pressure yourself above what you can handle." Which I know, but sometimes it's nice to get the permission to do it too.

I feel like there is something for everyone in this book. "Each chapter consists of six parts: 1) A quote or scripture. 2)A story, poem, or other insight. 3) Ideas for counting down. 4) A recipe you can make. . . or not. 5) A hymn or song. 6) A question to prompt your journaling. I don't plan on doing all 6 things. Some of the stories I liked more than others, and baking, much to my families chagrin, is not my calling in life, but it's all there for me. No matter what I choose to do, it's there and it's handy. Merry Christmas to me!

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 30^th: https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/, http://iamareader.com/
*Oct. 31^st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
*Nov. 1^st: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
*Nov. 2^nd: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
*Nov. 3^rd: http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Our Family Christmas: Creating Meaningful and Memorable Christ-Centered Traditions
Author: Christie Gardiner
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: October 2017
ISBN: 1524402516
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Seagull Book

Review: Christmas Greetings from the Presidents

 Christmas Greetings from the Presidents

Book Description:

Every Christmas since Calvin Coolidge in 1927, the President of the United States has delivered a holiday message to the American people. Gathered in this volume are selections from those messages along with a brief glimpse into the history unfolding at that time. For example, what FDR said during Christmas 1941 is made even more poignant knowing that the attack on Pearl Harbor had happened just weeks earlier. Likewise, one of President Reagan’s Christmas messages is even more impressive knowing that the Iron Curtain was about to come down.

These little-known messages are filled with the spirit of Christmas and remind us that patriotism has a place in our holiday celebrations.

Review:

Christmas Greetings from the Presidents is such an eye opening collection of not only the actual messages the Presidents made, but also the history surrounding each message. I haven't made any effort to read these messages until now, and I found it extremely enlightening. I was also very impressed by the references to Christ and us being Children of God many of the earlier Presidents included in their messages. The departure from that was sad (the historical notes spoke of legal action causing the star topping the tree changing to a snowflake and not being able to include a nativity in the ceremony), although there were still many references to love and peace. The photographs throughout the book were a great addition to this worthwhile read.

Title:  Christmas Greetings from the Presidents
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2016
ISBN: 1629722200
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Movie Review: The Christmas Project

Review * Giveaway

The Christmas Project

About the Film:

Even with Christmas around the corner, for the Buckley boys, payback almost always wins out over brotherly love. That is until the four brothers join forces against a common adversary – the Hagbarts – the meanest bullies at their school. But now Mom has decided that the Buckley family is going to “Elve” the Hagbarts this year for Christmas. The Christmas Project is a heartwarming comedy the whole family will enjoy.

Trailer:


Review:

The Christmas Project is a feel good movie about loving your enemy, and doing good to those who hurt you. And most importantly, overcoming your negative feelings toward that person when you serve them. It is told from a young boy's point of view, and takes place in the 80's. The styles were funny (especially the girls' hairstyles and accessories-ah the flashback). I particularly enjoyed that it was filmed in a town I used to live in (at least parts of it were filmed there).

I had hoped to watch this with my kids so I could include thoughts from the target audience. Sadly busy schedules didn't allow for us to squeeze this in before my review was due, so I watched it by myself. It is definitely a movie I would be comfortable with my kids watching though, and I hope to make the time to watch it together soon. There is some bullying, but nothing depicted so severely that I think they'd be upset. It also has quite a bit of humor throughout the movie.

It might be a bit early for some people to be thinking about Christmas, but it's definitely worth keeping in mind to watch with your families when you are in the mood for a Christmas movie.


Free Screening:

If you live in Utah there will be a free screening at the Jordan Commons Megaplex on November 1st! 

Go to the event Facebook page for more information and to reserve your free tickets.

Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 24th: http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://iamareader.com/

*Oct. 25th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 26th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 27th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/ 

*Oct. 28th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 29th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

Tour Giveaway:

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Spotlight: Covenant Christmas Round Up

Christmas Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

Are you one of those people who puts off Christmas shopping until the last minute? Do you struggle with gift ideas? Do you want to share the true reason for the season with family and friends? If so, hopefully this post will help you.

Covenant Communications has several products that would make great gifts this season.

For those that like Christmas stories, songs, recipes, etc. all in one place, consider It's All About Christmas. It has fun, vintage pictures, trivia, and more all in one great book.

Amazon | Deseret Book

Words of Christmas is a beautiful book that would be great to read with your family. The twenty-five words are important reminders about what we should be thinking about this time of year.

Amazon | Deseret Book

The three inch marble Christus statue is also a great reminder about who we should be thinking about this Christmas Season (and throughout the year).

Amazon | Deseret Book

A Songbook for LDS families would be a great gift for musically inclined friends and family. You'll enjoy over 40 songs from Janice Kapp Perry, spiral bound in an attractive cover.

Amazon | Deseret Book

Do you have anyone on your list who enjoys DVDs? No Ordinary Shepherd and He Knows my Name are great films that depict people's lives being touched by Jesus.

He Knows My Name (DVD)- Rebekah is fascinated by the man her neighbors call Jesus. Her mother is not so sure. One day she brings Jesus home - a simple act that will forever change their lives. 

No Ordinary Shepherd (DVD)- The young shepherd boy, has always treasured his father's tale of that starlit night filled with wonder of angelic heralds and a tiny Bethlehem stable sheltering the chosen Messiah. The young shepherd later encounters a miracle of his own. 

Deseret Book

*I received review copies in exchange for a post.

Blog Tour: It's All About Christmas

Review * Giveaway

It's All About Christmas

Book Description:

Like heirloom ornaments on a splendid tree, It’s All About Christmas will put you and your family in a festive frame of mind for a glorious holiday season. Stuffed with stories, songs, poems, Christmas history, joyful traditions, recipes, and activities, this delightful book celebrates all things Christmas—from the sacred story of the Nativity to the lore of Saint Nick. Opening this book is like tearing the paper off a much–anticipated gift, offering new surprises with each turn of the page. Generously illustrated with scores of vibrant vintage images, It’s All About Christmas will remind you of Christmases past, help you appreciate Christmas present, and guide you to creating memories for the Christmases to come.

Review:

It's All About Christmas is packed full of Christmas treasures that can help keep the Spirit of Christmas in your home. It includes everything from Christmas stories, to recipes, from songs to symbolism. I particularly enjoyed the trivia sprinkled throughout the book. It was also enjoyable learning the backgrounds to familiar Christmas Carols.

The vintage pictures are a great reminder of a time when Christmas wasn't so commercialized-when there was more focus on the true meaning of Christmas and spending time with those we love.

This book includes something for everyone, and I can see this easily becoming part of family Christmas traditions.

Tour Schedule:

Dec. 14th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
Dec. 15th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
Dec. 16th: http://www.iamareader.com/
Dec. 17th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/
Dec. 18th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://www.kindleandme.com/
Dec. 19th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

Giveaway:

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*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Review: A Rare Nativity by Sam Beeson

A Rare Nativity by Sam Beeson

Images by Nine & Terral Cochran

Book Description:

We have all heard the song The Twelve Days of Christmas, and we have all seen the traditional Christmas crèche. Now, author Sam Beeson and photographers Nina and Terral Cochran combine these two classic Christmas icons to create A Rare Nativity.

Upon reading the first lines of the book, it is clear the narrator holds a bitter grudge as he sends his enemy crude and discarded gifts: On the first night of Christmas I gave my enemy a briar from a tanglewood tree. On the second night of Christmas I gave my enemy two rotten eggs.

Night after night the gifts pile up shards of glass, rusty nails, gnarled twigs, and more. What the narrator's enemy decides to do with each of these odious gifts is nothing less than a Christmas miracle. The photographic creation of the rare nativity at the end of the book is both a work of art and a wonder to behold.

Review:

A Rare Nativity is a beautiful book with an important message on forgiveness. The 12 Days of Christmas brings to mind the song, and that isn't one that I particularly enjoy. But, the idea of sharing things with someone for 12 days is a great one for this time of year. A Rare Nativity is exactly what it says on the cover, "an unexpected twist to the 12 Days of Christmas". Instead of sharing 12 nice things with a friend, or person in need, this version shows giving garbage to an enemy.

So often we have a hard time letting go of things our "enemies" have done to us. We want to give the ugly and mean back to them, and this story, along with the photos, tells that those ugly and mean things can be made into something beautiful and meaningful. We need to open our hearts to forgive those who have caused us to hurt.

We read this book as a family, and I think it touched each of us. The story itself is a great one, but the images really helped the message sink in. I'm happy to add this to my Christmas collection.

Title: A Rare Nativity
Author: Sam Beeson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing
Published: September 2015
ISBN: 1629720623
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | IndieBound

Blog Tour: Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

*Review*

Tour Schedule

Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

Book Description:

“Marley was dead to begin with . . .”

These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge’s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn’t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?

Or had he?

Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story of remorse and redemption, sure to become a Christmas favorite.

Review:

I highly recommend Jacob T. Marley for anyone looking for a story of forgiveness and redemption!

I don't know that I'd put much thought into Marley's ghost before reading this book, but R. William Bennett does an excellent job sharing Marley's story. Reading about his life was so interesting, and then seeing his remorse as he looked back on pivotal moments in his life was heartbreaking.

The story really pulls at the heart strings. All of our choices have an impact on those around us. We never know what will happen from the choices we make, but taking a look at the consequences from afar as was done in this story is really eyeopening.

I thoroughly enjoyed this spin off of A Christmas Carol both times I read it. Yes, it is worth reading more than once. I'm excited to a have copy that I can pull out each year as Christmas approaches to help me get into the Christmas Spirit. But, this book would really be great any time of the year. The lessons it teaches are invaluable.

Author Interview:

Title: Jacob T. Marley
Author: R. William Bennett
Publisher: Shadow Mountain; Reprint edition
Published: October 14, 2014
ISBN: 1609079159
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Deseret Book | Amazon | Kindle

Blog Tour: God Bless Us, Every One! by John Rhys-Davies

 *Review*

 God Bless Us, Every One! 

The story behind A Christmas Carol

as read by John Rhys-Davies

Book Description:

As Charles Dickens dipped his pen and began to write the classic tale A Christmas Carol in the autumn of 1843, the spirit of the story captured his heart and mind in an extraordinary way. Dwindling sales of his previous books had resulted in a desperate financial situation for Dickens, who had used much of his income to support worthy causes and needy family members. But the book which he had intended as a quick solution to his problems turned out to be much, much more.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens's most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself with a little help from his own literary characters.

Andrea's Review:

God Bless Us Every One! is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations. I enjoyed reading about how A Christmas Carol came to be.

It is a bit too lengthy of a read for young children, but the accompanying DVD is fabulous. It's not very long and the music and flying characters were great to hold my kids' attention.

I know it's barely November, but it has me excited to the upcoming Christmas season.

Rorie's review:

You actually get three reviews from me - mine and my two oldest children. :)  Both my kids said that they enjoyed the story although I could tell that their attention was waning, especially my 6-year-old. The story was good, but I think the author used a lot of big words that were over the kids' heads.  I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to watching the DVD with my kids as well.

Joey's review:

I liked how part of it was made up and part of it was true. I liked how the author wrote the letters at the beginning and end to help explain what the book was about.

Braden's review:

I liked how he (Dickens) learned more and found out that some poor people were happy with what they had, and had Christmas in their hearts. I liked how the title says "God Bless Us" in it. I didn't like that it wasn't all true.

Tarah's Review:

While I don't think my kids would particularly be interested in this book (but they may enjoy the CD and we might add it to our things to read/watch before Christmas), I thought the true parts of the story were really interesting. I wish the authors had more of that in this book, instead of rewriting a part of A Christmas Carol.
I enjoyed how it talked about noticing others, and not dwelling too much on our own problems, how joy can be found in any circumstance. It's certainly easier said than done, but something we should probably all strive for.


About the Author:

John Rhys-Davies is one of modern cinema's most recognizable character actors, best known for his role as the ax-wielding dwarf Gimli in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has gained widespread fame on British television and received an Emmy Award nomination for his work in the television miniseries Shogun.

About the Illustrator:

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War series.

Title: God Bless Us, Every One!
Author: John Rhys-Davies
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2014
ISBN: 1609079280
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Fairy Tale Christmas by Michael McLean and Scott McLean

Review * Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Fairy Tale Christmas by Michael McLean and Scott McLean

Book Description:

Santa Claus has been kidnapped! Behind the plot are the fairy tale villains: an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a beanstalk giant, and, or course, the mischievous Rumplestiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term Happily Ever After from our storybooks forever.

To save the day, the fairy tale heroes must decide if they will sacrifice their happiness so that Santa can bring Christmas to all the children of the world. Christmas is almost her, and time is running out.

Fairy Tale Christmas is a little bit Into the Woods and a little bit How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and features black-and-white illustrations as well as a number of music icons that invite readers to download the free music and listen to the songs sung by the fairy tale characters.

Sure to be a Christmas classic, Fairy Tale Christmas reminds all of us that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving can soften any heart.

Tarah's Review:

Are you looking for a new Christmas book to read to your kids this year? Fairy Tale Christmas is super cute and funny. While it wouldn't (probably) be a sit down and read in one sitting book, if you have older kids, but not too old, I think it portrays the magic of the season. I loved that it focused on how there is good in all of us, that it is just about the choices that we make. The humor was funny, the few pictures were fun to look at, and it just had a really good feel to it. I admit I am a sucker for fairy tales, but this book was worth the read, and I can't wait to share it with my kiddos.

About the Authors:

MICHAEL MCLEAN has released more than two dozen albums, has written, produced, and directed award-winning films and television commercials, and has annually presented his landmark Christmas production, The Forgotten Carols, based on his book, to sold-out audiences throughout the United States since 1991. He and his wife, Lynne, live in Heber Valley.

SCOTT MCLEAN is an actor, songwriter, and playwright. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC) and The National Theatre Conservatory (Denver), Scott lives, creates, acts, and auditions in New York City.

Tour Giveaway:

Shadow Mountain is giving away 4 copies of Fairy Tale Christmas. Enter for a chance to win using the Rafflecopter form below.

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Title: Fairy Tale Christmas
Authors: Michael McLean and Scott McLean
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2014
ISBN: 1609079302
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for a review.

Purchase: Amazon | Kindle | Deseret Book

Blog Tour, Author Interview and Giveaway: An Unexpected Angel by Janet K. Halling

Tour Schedule

If you are looking for a sweet Christmas story to add to your holiday reading list, consider An Unexpected Angel. It is reminiscent of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and this heartfelt story reminds us about the importance of family and helping others. Enter the giveaway at the end of this post for a chance to win a signed copy of An Unexpected Angel.

About the Book:

Sometimes finding peace means finding a difference perspective.

Ella Davies, is focused, independent, and driven. Her hard work is finally paying off and she is on the brink of great success. But what no one knows is that her frantic drive is born not from a desire to succeed, but from a need to forget – forget her past, forget her guilt, and mostly, forget the tragedy that changed her life forever.

Ella’s strategy seems to be working but on Christmas Eve she meets Cohen, a strange man with an even stranger purpose. Cohen catapults Ella back through time and forces her to confront not only her own pain, but the pain of those long since passed. In the process, Ella learns about courage and compassion and that in the darkest hour, no one is ever alone.

You can read an excerpt from An Unexpected Angel by clicking the button:

Somewhere there was a rhythmic humming—a kind of a swooshing sound that increased and decreased in volume at regular intervals. She couldn’t remember where she was. Her whole body ached, and her head felt as if it would explode.

Ella groaned and opened her eyes. She was still in the gym, lying crumpled against the weight machine. The treadmill had stopped, and the rhythmic sound was coming from the man riding the spinning bike, which sat nearby.

Her fingers trembled as she felt the goose egg on the side of her head. Her face was on fire, probably scraped on the belt, and her knees were bloody, also from the belt.

Suddenly she stiffened. There was a man riding the bike! A man riding the bike. While she had been lying there unconscious. Had he just sauntered in and climbed on without seeing her at all or had he viewed her inert form without concern? That was cold, even for New York City. Gingerly, she turned her head to look at him.

It was the clerk from the deli, and he didn’t stop pedaling as he glanced her way. “Oh good, you’re awake.”

She stared up at him in mute astonishment.

He reached for his water bottle and took a long drink. “I’m glad you woke up on your own,” he said pleasantly. “I was about ready to pour this in your face, so you can thank me for sparing you an unexpected shower.”

Ella grasped the weight machine and pulled herself slowly to a sitting position. Her head was throbbing, and her stomach lurched. “I could sue you for failing to come to the aid of an injured person,” she snapped rather feebly.

The man studied her contemplatively. “Hmmm, yes, you would think of that, wouldn’t you? But I’m not too worried, Ella. You’re not going to sue me and we both know it.”

She opened her mouth to snarl a retort but stopped abruptly. “How do you know my name?” she demanded. “And what are you even doing here? You don’t live in this building.” She hesitated, realizing she wasn’t sure. “Do you?”

He jumped off the bike and held out his hand. “You should get up. Want help?”

She shrank away from him. “Don’t touch me! Who are you, and how do you know my name?”

“Well, it’s simple really. My name is Cohen, and I’m your guardian angel.” He broke into a brief but rapid tap dance routine and finished with flair. And with jazz hands.

Ella stared at him in perplexed silence, unsure if he was a hallucination or just crazy. “Uh-huh. Right,” she finally said, groaning as she pulled herself to her feet. A wave of nausea hit her, and she stopped, doubling over and willing herself not to vomit. She for sure had a concussion.

She tried to think. Should she go to the hospital? Or maybe just go home and try to sleep? She didn’t know. She made a move toward the door, but Cohen tap-danced over to block her path.

“Get out of my way,” she snapped at him with more bravado than she felt.

He grinned. “Can’t do that. You and me, we have business tonight.”

For the first time, she felt a small dart of fear. Cohen wasn’t exactly menacing, but he certainly was strange. If he attacked her, would she have the strength to fight him? If only her head would stop hurting!

“What do you want?” she asked.

“I already told you, I’m your guardian angel. Well, not technically an angel, but that word will serve as well as any other. Anyway, I’m here to help.”

“Sure. Like you helped me when I was unconscious a minute ago? If that’s your kind of help, no thanks.”

“No, not that kind of help, silly.”

“Look, whatever you’re on, whatever you’re offering, I’m not interested. Just leave me alone, please? I’m sore and tired, and my head is killing me. I need to go lie down.”

“Oh, right. That.” He made some sort of vague gesture and instantly her nausea subsided and the pain in her head vanished.

Chills raced up and down her spine, and she stared at him, “Wait . . . what’s . . . what’s going on?”

“Okay, no more joking around.” Cohen looked suddenly serious. “Here’s the deal. You need help and there’s a lot you need to learn. Only you’re far too stubborn to admit it. You might not even know how much help you need. But I know; so here I am.”

The pieces were starting to fall into place. “Wait . . . Christmas Eve . . . guardian angel. This is some kind of a joke, right?” she said before adding sarcastically, “What’s the matter, Jacob Marley was busy? Clarence already got his wings? Or wasn’t he on duty tonight?”

He grinned. “Both good men. But you got stuck with me. Although, all things considered, maybe it’s me who got stuck with you. You can be quite unpleasant, do you know that?”

Ella snorted derisively. “So when does the Ghost of Christmas Past show up? Or is he waiting for me upstairs?”

“Dickens took some liberties. It doesn’t exactly work like that. At least, this time it won’t.”

“You have exactly one second to get out of my way or I’m going to start screaming at the top of my lungs!”

Cohen cocked his head to one side and gave her a brief shrug of resignation. “Okay then, you win. Can’t say I didn’t try.” He stepped smoothly to one side and swept his arm in a wide arc toward the door. “Be my guest.”

Throwing him what she hoped was a withering glare, Ella marched past him, flung open the door—and stepped into a nightmare.

Book Trailer:




Interview with Author Janet Halling:

*What inspired you to write An Unexpected Angel?

There were a couple of experiences that helped to inspire me but one was when I was in New York City in December. We’d spent the day shopping and had been all over – Rockefeller Center, Tiffany’s, Saks, FAO Schwartz...everything was decorated to the hilt, of course. It was quite late and we were walking back to our hotel and I looked up into the lit windows of the skyscrapers and could see people who were obviously still at work. Here was all this revelry going on below and they were working. So the story grew from there and opens with Ella working late on Christmas Eve.

*Who is your favorite character in your book?

Matthew

*How did you decide to pick New York City as the main setting in your story, and have you lived or visited there?

New York has always represented the top of the pile in a lot of things. The whole “If I can make it there...” idea. So Ella is there and she’s got a good job and a nice apartment – everything she thinks she wants. She should be happy, but she isn’t. That’s when Cohen shows up and makes her reevaluate her priorities and find her new perspective.

*What would you say was the high and low of becoming published?

The absolute high is when you get that call or that email telling you the publisher wants your manuscript. The low has been waiting so long to see it in print. An Unexpected Angel was accepted for publication over a year ago but not in enough time to get it out for last year’s holiday season. So waiting an entire year has been...not hard, just kind of long!

*What are your hopes/goals as an author, and what other projects do you have in mind?

Obviously one of my goals is to be able to make a living as an author. I’m not there yet! Another goal is to write things that are meaningful. I want my readers to be able to connect with my stories, I want them to matter.

Right now I’m working on a YA trilogy. The working title is Shadows Rising, but that could change. No vampires though – I promise!

*Do you have any unusual habits while you write?

I do my writing on a PC but most of my development on paper. I scribble down everything – story ideas, plot outline, characterizations, timeline, settings, any complications I can think of, etc. I go through lots of paper and it’s always colored paper. Right now it’s blue but I’ll probably switch to pink pretty soon because I’m getting tired of the blue.

*What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I have four children and a day job so I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, I like to read (of course), sew, run, and spend time with my friends and family. I love to travel but haven’t done nearly as much as I’d like.

*What is your favorite book, and why?

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. I love the characters and I especially love the way Jane and Rochester interact.

*What would you say is the best book to movie adaptation?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In a lot of ways I think the movies are better than the books since they are more character focused.

About the Author:

Janet Halling discovered her love of writing at the age of six when her story of a lonely duck won a first grade writing contest. She has a BA in Marketing Communications and lives with her husband and four children in northern Utah. She is currently working on her next novel.

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Giveaway:

Janet will be sending one hard copy of An Unexpected Angel to a lucky Literary Time Out follower. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form. The giveaway is open through December 16th, and the winner will be announced on December 17th. The contest is open to those with mailing addresses in the continental United States.

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