The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com

Book
The Great Christmas Bowl

Author
Susan May Warren

The Review
Big Lake, Minnesota, is a small town with a big heart—and a huge enthusiasm for their high school football team, the Big Lake Trouts. Marianne Wallace is a proud mother and a big football fan, and is absolutely thrilled when her son makes the team. She proudly touts herself as an avid “athletic supporter” and enthusiastically cheers from the bleachers at every game.

But as Christmas approaches and Marianne really starts to ponder what it means to have her last son on the verge of graduating high school and leaving home soon, she is beginning to feel the early labor pains of empty nest syndrome setting in. Her husband, Mike, an EMT in their small town, sees the emerging signs and decides keeping her busy is the best remedy for this ailment, so he conspires to volunteer her to chair the church’s annual Christmas tea—a somewhat thankless affair that seems to cause more discontent in the planning than Christian Christmas spirit.

Enter a tragedy that afflicts one of Big Lake’s most beloved citizens, an impassioned plea from her son—for whom she always said she’d do anything, didn’t she?—and Marianne is soon up to her eyeballs—and then some—in trout, Christmas, football, and planning an annual tea. Of course, nothing is as easy as it seems—How hard can it be? is never a question to be taken lightly—and one decision soon impacts all of the others, sending her “plans” into an uproar. Christmas and the tea are soon falling apart. Decorating and all of her holiday traditions fall by the wayside and it seems her Christmas spirit is on the verge of following. For Marianne, some things are definitely looking a big glum.

For readers, on the other hand, Marianne’s dilemmas couldn’t be more hysterical. Most of us can well remember times we’ve taken on too much, set our sights too high (i.e., perfection!), and gotten in over our heads, but most of us have not gotten talked into posing as a team mascot in a six-foot tall trout costume as one of our faux pas. And right before the annual Christmas tea we’re in charge of.

As one thing after another starts to go awry, Marianne gets a lesson in eating humble pie, letting go—of her perfect plans for the holidays and her growing children, and learning to go with the flow. In the end, she finds her holiday is perfect—just not in the way she originally imagined. She also discovers she’s raised children she can truly be proud of, not because they make her Christmas the picture perfect holiday she’d imagined, but because they risk disappointing her instead, to do something that is truly meaningful for those whose Christmas might never be picture perfect.

As a bit of a control freak myself, I found this story to be heartwarming, hilarious, and a great lesson in learning to let go and let God. It’s a short novella, an easy read, and a fun escape from my own chaotic life. Give yourself a mini vacation and give it a read!

Order The Great Christmas Bowl Today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

Get An Early Start On Christmas

Have you been to the shop yet? There's some really cool hand painted vases that have been upcycled from jars and bottles--perfect for that person who has everything on your Christmas list!

Visit me at AlyiceEdrich.net/etsy.htm.

Saturday Morning Cartoons Are Back

As a young girl, I watched my fair share of Saturday morning cartoons. However, the cartoons shown during the 1960s and 1970s Saturday morning line up were ones I saw as re-runs during the wee hours of the morning, before starting school.

You can read my full review of Warner Brothers latest volumes to this collection here: The Dabbling Mum Reviews

But before you go, check out...

A clip from the 1960s, Volume 2 collection:



A Clip from the 1970s, Volume 2 collection:



Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

The Christmas Glass by Marci Alborghetti

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com

Book
The Christmas Glass

Author
Marci Alborghetti

The Review
I enjoyed reading The Christmas Glass immensely, and I loved the way it was written, taking peeks at the story from the viewpoint of all of the different characters who would ultimately play a part in the telling of the tale. You could say this novel was a story about a set of 12 precious pieces of Christmas Glass, beautiful hand blown Christmas ornaments crafted the old world way in Lauscha, Germany—a set given to a young couple when they married in 1875. The Christmas Glass passed from generation to generation as a family heirloom, traveling from Italy during World War II to America, and was always intended to be kept together as a set. But over time, one by one, each piece of Christmas Glass went its separate way to find a new home. Ultimately, in the end of the novel, all 12 pieces of the beautiful and precious Christmas glass come together once again, at least for a brief moment in time.

But really, this novel is much more than a story about the family heirloom. It is the story of the lives touched by the set—and later each piece—of the Christmas Glass and the threads that bind them together. As in real life, each person has their own individual story—of joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, heartbreaks and happiness—and the author gives us a glimpse into each one of these lives from that person’s perspective. And, too, as in life, so many of the stories are woven together, with threads of one person’s story weaving their way into the fabric of another’s life. In the end, the novel was a story of love and forgiveness and family and so much more.

Never before have I read a novel presented the way Marci Alborghetti presented The Christmas Glass. The story is told in 13 different chapters, each from the perspective of a different person. Each is compelling and engaging. And each ties to the next in some way until finally the reader can see how all are interconnected. And it works! Alborghetti successfully integrates all of the questions that arise in the reader’s mind as the story unfolds and leads them to a satisfying conclusion. It is both a realistic and a heartwarming story—a combination not always easy to coalesce.

The story begins during World War II in Italy where Anna is wrapping up her most beloved family heirloom—a set of 12 hand blown Christmas Glass ornaments given to her grandparents on their wedding day 45 years prior. To keep it safe, she must let it go, so she sends it to her cousin, Filomena, asking her to keep the set together always. But over time, the pieces of the set get separated, and so does Filomena’s family. Now at age 84, Filomena wants nothing more than to reunite the family she loves before she dies. The fractures in her family are so much more important than the tradition. After all, isn’t love the very best family heirloom, after all—even more so than the set of Christmas Glass?

The Christmas Glass reminded me just a bit of The Christmas Box
and other stories that have emerged in literature where an object—or in this case a set of objects—takes on a significance far beyond the value of the object itself and comes to symbolize something greater. This story is a good read for the holidays, but it is just as enjoyable any other time of the year—and just as meaningful. It is likely to become a modern classic and I definitely wouldn’t doubt that I will one day see this novel made into a holiday movie, as well!

Order The Christmas Glass Today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

Esther Williams Films

Esther Williams spent years training as a swimmer, hoping to become a part of the United States Olympic Swim Team. Then it happened. In 1940 Williams made the team and was headed for Tokyo to compete. Unfortunately, World War II cancelled those dreams. But as fate would have it, Williams was picked up by legendary showman Billy Rose, and later, MGM. Williams went on to make several films, affectionately dubbed, Aqua Musicals. Then in the early 60s she left Hollywood to become a business woman. She soon became a household name via swimming pools and beautiful, swimming suits.

There are a few things that capture my attention when watching the films released in this DVD set and you can read about them here: DM Reviews.

But before you do, check out this clip:


And



Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

Copywriting For Small Businesses

I Recommend Your purchase supports this blog.

Just in time to help the budget conscious small business...

Do you need to advertise but cannot afford a good copywriter? Are you forced to write the copy yourself? Then you'll want to pick up a copy of Kick-Ass Copywriting In 10 Easy Steps. It is chalk full of helpful tid-bits to make writing advertising and marketing material easier.

Read full review. Click Here

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

One-of-a-kind Creations

Have you been to the shop yet? Visit me at AlyiceEdrich.net/etsy.htm.

Gone To Green by Judy Christie

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com

Book
Gone to Green

Author
Judy Christie

The Review
It wasn’t until after I read the book and then read the back cover and the author’s bio that I realized this was Judy Christie’s first novel, and I have to say, I’m quite impressed, because she did a great job.

Gone To Green and the novel’s main character, Lois Barker, immediately caught my interest, and I pretty much read this book cover to cover taking only the necessary breaks for life necessities. I was impressed with the way the author brought the main character back to her faith and also just loved the story.

One of my favorite passages from the book—and one of my favorite characters—I want to quote here to give you a flavor for the book. This is Aunt Helen speaking . . .

“But you are running from God. I’ll tell you one thing—you’re going to Nineveh whether you like it or not. So, you can go with good humor or you can keep running. God has a use for you, Miss Lois Barker, and you will not escape, no matter how hard and fast you run.” I looked at her, wondering for a moment if she was losing it. “Nineveh?” “Yes, Nineveh—where God told Jonah to go. He ran and ran and landed in the belly of a whale and still wound up in Nineveh. One way or another, you’re going to Nineveh.”

Lois Barker is 36, single, and the city editor for the busy big city, Dayton Post, eagerly anticipating moving up in the media world and getting a promotion. Then, suddenly, she finds herself in Green, Louisiana, running a small town twice-weekly newspaper called The Green News-Item. It is the farthest thing from the future she had planned than she can imagine and yet, the people here—most of them anyway—welcome her with open arms and want her to put down roots. But that’s not what Lois has in mind. While she may be saddled with
running the newspaper for a year per her agreement, she fully intends to sell it off and leave after her obligation has been fulfilled.

As she settles in to work, however, Lois soon finds herself caught up in the day-to-day happenings of small town life and genuinely wanting to help the little town in some way. She also discovers that there are some issues some of the townspeople would prefer were left untouched. Can an outsider even hope make a difference in this small-town southern community?

Gone to Green is a novel of change and hope—and learning to accept the path that God has put you on. I firmly believe that God puts us where we are with a purpose in mind, and this story is the perfect illustration that this is so. Even if we don’t understand why things happen, God does—and He uses all things to the good of those who love Him.

Gone to Green is also a story of acceptance, overcoming fear, and finding faith. As in all good books, the main character grows and changes, learning important life lessons, learning to let go, and learning to “let God.” It’s wonderful to be reminded of these things through reading an enjoyable work of fiction, and I applaud Christie’s debut novel wholeheartedly.

Order Gone to Green Today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.

Snow White

Have you bought the newest release of Disney's "Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs"? I missed the 2001 restored version on DVD so I still have the VHS from ages ago. I was beginning to wonder if they were ever gonna re-release this film in my lifetime--even though my cousin reminds me that they do re-releases every ten years. (LOL)

I can't believe how many bonus features you get with the Diamond Edition. Honestly, I think, aside from the digital restoration of the original imagery and soundtrack, bonus features are the reason we often upgrade.

Just take a look at my review of this film and all its bonuses, here!

But before you go, check out the story teller, a bonus feature:



And some clips:

The Adorable Dwarfs Singing "Whistle While You Work" will always lift a bad mood!



Happily Ever After...




Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

The 70th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz

By now I am sure everyone in the world has seen the famous, "The Wizard of Oz", at one time or another, but if you haven't or if it's been quite some time, I highly encourage you to check out the remastered, UltraRestoration version. It is simply breathtaking! It truly is as though the film was recently made. It's so crisp and clear and colorful. There's no hint of deterioration whatsoever.

You can read my full review of the 70th Anniversary, Ultimate Collector's Edition by clicking here.

In the meantime, here's a clip from one of the bonus features:




Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

The Judy Garland Show, Vol 2

I am a HUGE fan of Judy Garland, and I absolutely adore Variety shows so when I heard that The Judy Garland Show was hitting DVD, I was ecstatic. Having yet-to-be-born when the show aired, I never got a chance to see it and was looking forward to the viewing the series in the comfort of my home. When the second season, featuring Barbara Streisand and Ray Bolger came out, I knew I had to give the show a try—even though the reviews for the Volume 1 weren’t so hot.

Your purchase supports this site.

Here’s where things get a little tricky.

In Volume two, you’ll see performances from stars like The Smothers Brothers, Ethel Merman, Jane Powell, Jerry Van Dyke, Ray Bolger, and a young Barbara Streisand. And you’ll get lots of singing and dancing with Ms. Judy Garland, herself.

The show, itself, was dynamite for its era and provided some great skits. On the merits of the original show, I would absolutely give the The Judy Garland Show five out of five stars! The skits were entertaining and a joy to watch. Judy was great at being both personable to her audience and hospitable to her guests. And she belted out some great music.



The DVD, however, was less than desirable. I say this because absolutely no effort was made to clean up the imagery and in the beginning of one of the shows, the DVD appears to stall when in reality it’s a bad cut in the film. There are seem to be a couple of spots where performances were edited/cut which makes a slightly choppy transition from one skit to the next—but has you thinking that perhaps there was a commercial in there somewhere. And then there are the bonus features. I’m sorry but a few outtakes do not make “bonus” material.

In volume two, you’ll get to episodes for $17.99. That’s a bit much for a 1963 show that has never been cleaned up when one can get an entire season of several older comedy and drama shows for just $14.99.

I’m told that Judy Garland fans will overlook the poor quality in the DVD production, but I’m not sure I can. It’s a shame, too. The show is such a treat to Variety Show lovers everywhere!

Disclosure: I was given a sample to review. This is "my opinion" of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

Who do I Talk to? by Neta Jackson

This is a guest post by Tina L. Scott (formerly Miller). Tina is a freelance photographer from Merrill, Wisconsin with a passion for writing. She can be reached at PhotographyByTina.com

Book
Who Do I Talk To?

Author
Neta Jackson

The Review
Well, Neta Jackson has done it to me again! In Where Do I Go? she pulled me in with the story of Gabrielle Fairbanks and her reluctant move to Chicago to support her husband and the discovery of herself when she met a homeless woman named Lucy and ultimately landed a job at Manna House, a women’s homeless shelter in the city, that helped make her life feel meaningful and fulfilling. I got to the end of that book and discovered the story would be continued in the sequel to be called Who Do I Talk To?—and that book wasn’t due to be released until the following year. It almost drove me crazy.

Well, “the following year” has finally arrived, and I just finished reading Who Do I Talk To? And Neta Jackson left me hanging again! While I thoroughly enjoyed this book and getting to know Gabrielle (everyone calls her “Gabby”) even better, I just know Jackson has got to have another Gabby book in the works because she left too many interesting things up in the air at the end of this novel. And this time I don’t even have a clue about when the next volume will be released! But I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I? Let me back up a bit . . .

At the beginning of Who Do I Talk To? Gabby and her mother, Martha Shepherd—who is beginning to show signs of dementia and can no longer live on her own—along with her mother’s beloved dog, Dandy, are settling into Manna House, the homeless shelter for women where Gabby works—or at least used to work until she resigned the day prior—only this time as homeless residents. Gabby’s husband, Philip, has changed the locks on their penthouse, piled all of her and her mother’s clothing and personal belongings outside the door, and tossed her, her mother, and Dandy into instant homelessness. He’s also taken their two teenage sons, P.J. and Paul, back to his parents’ house in Virginia where she cannot see them, cancelled all her credit cards and the bank accounts she had access to, and literally left her penniless, homeless, and very nearly hopeless.

But if readers are to learn anything about Gabby Fairbanks in this novel, it is that hope always prevails for her—when she turns to God for His love, direction, and support instead of trying to figure everything out on her own—and we can learn a lot from Gabby when we remember to look to God for the hope in our lives, no matter how dismal things may seem, as well.

In this volume, readers learn even more about the people who live, work, and volunteer at Manna House—like Estelle, Edesa, Josh, Mabel, Jodi, Sarge, Carolyn, Wanda, Hannah, Precious, Tanya, and others—and, of course, Lucy. And they are introduced to some new characters, including more members of the infamous Yada Yada prayer group, to expand the growing Christian “family” that also surround Gabby with love and support. It’s great to see what these characters are doing now and to meet new folks from the neighborhood, as well—and to discover that Gabby is not the only one with problems. Yet the homeless people she works with every day often have more thankfulness and gratitude to God for what they do have than Gabby ever did. Until now. Gabby is truly humbled to be on the receiving end of Manna House’s services for the first time and to really be walking a mile in the residents’ shoes.

Gabby’s life has taken an interesting turn—and one she wouldn’t necessarily describe for the better. But she grows as a person along the way and also grows in her faith. And by the end of the story, she would likely agree that her difficulties made her a better and a stronger person with a deeper faith. The only thing is, I can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out!

Order Who Do I Talk To? Today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of the book to review.

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles like this, check out The Dabbling Mum eMagazine.