You've Got Mail Monday

Our postal carrier was working overtime last week. Our mailbox was so full, they must have thought all we do is order things.

Catalogs arrived from Land's End, FrontGate, Kiddly Winks, Oriental Trading, L.L. Bean, and Soft Surroundings (this is a new one). Our second issue of Antiques Roadshow Insider arrived, but I've decided to discontinue this subscription. It seems interesting, but it's only a 15-page booklet. It also irked me that they sent me two invoices for my trial issue before I even received a single copy. History Magazine arrived. I think this is one I ordered from the fundraiser at school. The November/December 2013 issue of Traditional Home also showed up last week. I certainly won't be bored.

Actually, there is no way I could be bored because I won the Christmas in October giveaway from the Penny's Tales blog. I walked away with more than 50 prizes, which included numerous books and swag. They began arriving last week, so I'll have plenty of reading material to keep me busy. I also received Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber which included a DVD with music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and a reading of the book by Tom Brokaw. This book review also included a set of 12 Biblical NAMES OF CHRIST Heirloom Ornaments to adorn one of my numerous Christmas trees this year.

We had fun celebrating the Lil' Princess' birthday this past week. Her big--and I do mean big--present was this nearly five-foot tall Melissa and Doug Plush Giraffe. She quickly named it Spots and takes it with her all around the house. That was tough to hide once it was delivered.

We also picked up a copy of the new LEGO Marvel Super Heroes game for XBOX 360. The Lil' Diva loves it! I'm so thrilled. Though it does make me realize they have no real comic book super hero knowledge. I lived on comic books as a kid. When one of the girls thought Batman lived on Krypton, I knew I had some work to do.

That's it for this week of You've Got Mail. This might be a slow blogging week since I am preparing for a writers conference.

First Chapter Review: Just a Little Talk by Anthony Crescio

Anthony Crescio is on a virtual book tour with his Christian novel, Just a Little Talk. I received a free copy of the first chapter from Pump Up Your Book for this review. 

BLURB:  Dominic’s life was drastically changed eight years ago when he was released from prison after serving time for the accident that claimed his best friend’s life and in return destroyed his future. Traveling through the neighborhood on his way home, rain falls which forces him into a church and an encounter with an old priest who used to know his family. Together, they relive moments of Dominic’s past which brings up questions about his beliefs in God and Jesus.

Discover how one talk can change a man’s life in Anthony Crescio’s Just a Little Talk.

COVER: It's a bit plain for my tastes, but it almost has a Bible feel to it thanks to the color and texture. The stained glass window is a nice touch.

FIRST CHAPTER: Dominic has just been released from prison and is unsure where he should go. Home doesn't seem right to him, but where else is there? Then it starts to rain and he seeks shelter in a church he attended as a boy.

KEEP READING: I'm on the fence about this one. The premise is interesting, but the opening chapter is a good deal of backstory. It works to a degree because Dominic has just been released from prison. As he's walking down the street, he's bound to notice how things have changed and be more aware of his surroundings and what they meant to him before prison. I just felt like the author could have gone deeper into Dominic's mind and pulled out more emotion; put me inside the character's head, especially since he's alone for a good part of the opening chapter. I'm curious enough to read another chapter or two before making my final decision.

I received the first chapter from the author's publicist. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Happy Veterans Day

We wish to take a moment to honor all our military veterans today. For a history of Veterans Day, please visit http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

From My TBR PILE: The Fisherman's Wife by Dianne G. Sagan

I won a copy of this book some time ago. I've read at least one other book by Dianne G. Sagan and I hope to get to this one soon.

COVER: This is a beautiful cover. I love the way the woman's face is framed by the covering over her head and the slight wisps of hair partially covering one eye. The close up shot is nice and really makes you gaze into her eyes.

BLURB:  In a homeland ruled by Rome and torn by unrest, Johanna’s love for Simon, a young fisherman from Capernaum, may not be enough to hold them together. Childless, her society shames her. Rumors of messiahs and rebellion plague their village. After a new rabbi calls Simon away, Johanna must choose what to believe.

FIRST SENTENCE: Johanna strained to hear the conversation taking place in the courtyard of her home.

Paperback: 108 pages
Publisher: Buoy Up Press (June 18, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0937660639
ISBN-13: 978-0937660638

PURCHASE FROM AMAZON OR BARNES AND NOBLE!

PBS KIDS® Kicks off the Holiday Season with The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas

Christmas is coming sooner than you know it. One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching holiday programming. PBS KIDS® kicks off its holiday season on November 27th with The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas. Cat, Nick and Sally journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home. See a preview below or on YouTube.

A week of special holiday programming comes your way from PBS KIDS on December 9 - 13. “Holiday Week” includes encore presentations of other holiday favorites, including Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Arthur's Perfect Christmas, and holiday-themed episodes from your favorite PBS KIDS series, such as Wild Kratts, Super WHY!, Thomas and Friends, and more.

Time Savers for Working Moms

Whether you work outside the house or from home, every mom can use time-saving tips. From meals to getting everyone out the house on time each morning to speeding up your beauty routine, having a plan and being organized helps lower stress levels and keeps everyone happy.

The article "70 Time Saving Secrets for Working Moms" has great ideas along with links to 70 blogs that share their time saving tips for busy moms.  You'll find the entire article at http://www.nannypro.com/blog/70-time-saving-secrets-for-working-moms/ 

Chronicle Books Offering 75% off 9 Digital Cookbooks

I received this notice in my Inbox from Chronicle Books. Right now they are offering 75% off 9 of their digital cookbooks. That's good news for those of us who will be cooking and baking this holiday season. The New Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan is just one of those great books you'll want to stock up on this season.

Visit http://www.chroniclebooks.com/  and check out this wonderful deal!