World Vision Gift Ideas & Giveaway

I was waiting until November but now that it's already the 10th, I've started to think about the upcoming holiday season. I've done a little shopping and even purchased a few gifts for my nephews. However, I still have a ton of shopping to do... and I can bet you're in a similar situation!

I think I can make things a little easier for you with the The World Vision Gift Catalog! There are so many beautiful hand-made gifts available and even more importantly you will be helping people all over the world who are in need! Since 1996, the World Vision Gift Catalog has grown in popularity as a gift-giving alternative. Last year alone, more than 822,000 people were helped through funds generated by the Catalog.  

The 2015 World Vision Gift Catalog contains more than 250 poverty-fighting gifts, ranging in price from $16 to $39,000, that improve the quality of life for struggling children and families in the U.S. and around the world. I found so many amazing gift ideas for myself and others on my list.

It's really difficult to chose just one item for review, but I selected the Mango Wood Bracelet. Isn't it gorgeous and, to be honest, the picture doesn't do it justice. The lovely mango wood beaded bracelet was handcrafted in Indonesia, and the colorful beads guarantee that it will match every outfit. A creative community on the island of Java makes these unique bracelets to help provide a sustainable income and care for their children. A devoted mother leads this artisan group so it's the perfect gift to celebrate a mother in your life for a donation of only $45.

There are so many special items that it's really difficult to choose only a few to feature. I personally love (and wear all of the time!) the Silver Vines Cuff that is designed by artisans in Old Delhi, India and free for a donation of $85. I received one of these bracelets last year, and I can assure you it's both gorgeous and durable. I also love the Royal Silk Scarf that is yours with a gift of $95 and the Balinese Multi-strand Necklace which is free with a gift of $85. Make sure you check out all of their handcrafted gifts here.

Silver Vines Cuff

Royal Silk Scarf

Balinese Multi-strand Necklace

Make sure you check out the World Vision Facebook page at WorldVision and Twitter at @WorldVisionNews and @WorldVisionUSA.

To order from World Vision’s Gift Catalog, call 855-WV-GIFTS or visit

http://donate.worldvision.org/ways-to-give/gift-catalog?campaign=108929254.

Everything in this catalog, whether it be one of the handcrafted gifts that you receive for a donation or even a donation in someone's name for ducks, goats, chickens, etc., would make an amazing gift for someone special. You can also purchase a share of a hand-drilled well, medicine, clothes, and more for people who really need assistance. My family has been a supporter of World Vision for years, and it's always nice to give back... especially this time of year.

Giveaway alert: Thanks to the wonderful folks at World Vision, I have a Mango Wood Bracelet to share with one lucky reader. To enter, just fill out the form below before November 23rd at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: Corrupted

Summary: Bennie Rosato the founder of the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm hides her big heart beneath her tough-as-nails exterior and she doesn't like to fail. Now, a case from her past shows her how differently things might have turned out. Thirteen years ago, Bennie Rosato took on Jason Lefkavick, a twelve-year-old boy who was sent to a juvenile detention center after fighting a class bully. Bennie couldn't free Jason, and to this day it's the case that haunts her. Jason has grown up in and out of juvenile prison, and his adulthood hasn't been any easier. Bennie no longer represents those accused of murder, but when Jason is indicted for killing the same bully he fought with as a kid, she sees no choice but to represent him. She doesn't know whether or not to believe his claims of innocence, but she knows she owes him for past failures-of the law, of the juvenile justice system, and of herself. Forced to relive the darkest period of her life, Bennie will do everything in her power to get the truth, and justice. -- St. Martin's Press

I have been reading pretty regularly these past few weeks, but all I want to read are mysteries and thrillers. That isn't really a problem because so many great mystery authors are releasing new books. The latest novel that really captured my interest was CORRUPTED by Lisa Scottoline. This is another book in her Rosato and DiNunzio series, and I thought it was excellent!

Bennie Rosato is called to defend Jason Lefkavick after he is accused of murdering his childhood rival. Bennie can't help but take the case since she has been living with guilt for the past thirteen years for "failing" Jason. Twelve-year-old Jason was sent to a juvenile detention facility after fighting a class bully, and his father hired Bennie to help free Jason. Bennie wasn't able to help Jason, and he ultimately ended up living a troubled life -- going in and out of juvie.

Even though Bennie doesn't handle murder cases, she takes on Jason's case. Despite being found covered in blood and holding a knife, Jason swears that he is innocent. Bennie isn't quite sure what to think about Jason -- the evidence is convincing; however, she feels as if she owes him for not being able to save him thirteen years ago.

As Bennie begins investigating Jason's case, many feelings from her past are brought back to the forefront. She is forced to reflect back on how she failed Jason and his father, how the system failed Jason, and even some personal losses of her own. Bennie is willing to do whatever it takes to save Jason this time around... even if that means going against the wishes of her client!

I was highly entertained by CORRUPTED. I am a big fan of Ms. Scottoline's books and this one was no exception. I enjoy the character of Bennie with her gruff exterior and big heart, and I appreciated how this novel explored so much of her past while also showing her amazing courtroom skills. I was definitely kept guessing about Jason's innocence and what possibly could have happened at the murder scene. Overall, I think fans of mysteries and courtroom thrillers will love this book!

One of my absolute favorite things about CORRUPTED was Bennie. I just love this character! She is a strong and smart woman who also provides a few laughs for the reader. In this novel, her complexity really showed through. The author used flashbacks to explain what happened between Bennie and Jason thirteen years ago, and this allowed for some very interesting insight into Bennie's past. Bennie not only had to deal with the guilt from disappointing Jason, but she also had cope with the losses associated with the end of a personal relationship.

Another great part of CORRUPTED were the courtroom scenes. I love courtroom thrillers and actually haven't read one for quite awhile! Bennie is just a master lawyer and I loved her interrogations and cross examinations. Needless to say, Ms. Scottoline is a master of writing these scenes too. I thought these trial scenes in CORRUPTED were especially realistic and tight!

Lisa Scottoline doesn't disappoint in her latest novel CORRUPTED. It's a well-written and fast-paced story that's full of surprises. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: The Trouble with Ants

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a cute book that's the start of a new series!

Summary: Science-obsessed fourth grader Nora has ants all figured out—now she just has to try to understand her fellow humans!

The trouble with ants is . . .
. . . people think they’re boring.
. . . they are not cuddly.
. . . who would ever want them for a pet?

Nora Alpers is using her new notebook to record the behavior of ants. Why? Because they are fascinating! Unfortunately, no one agrees with her. Her mom is not happy about them being in the house, and when Nora brings her ant farm to school for show and tell, her classmates are not very impressed. They are more interested in cat videos, basketball practice, or trying to set a Guinness World Record (although Nora wouldn’t mind that).

Mostly they are distracted by the assignment their teacher Coach Joe has given them—to write a persuasive speech and change people’s minds about something. Will Nora convince her friends that ants are as interesting as she thinks they are? Or will everyone still think of ants as nothing but trouble? -- Knopf

I just love middle grade books especially ones like THE NORA NOTEBOOKS: THE TROUBLE WITH ANTS by Claudia Mills and illustrated by Katie Kath. This is the first book in a new series, and I think it's a great start. This book was entertaining and it had some great messages!

Nora is a fourth-grader who loves ants! When she receives a new notebook, she can't wait to start recording the behavior of the ants in her new ant farm. While Nora loves ants, not everyone understands her passion for the creatures. In fact, her entire class goes crazy when she brings her ant farm to school!

It's probably obvious that Nora doesn't exactly fit in with the other fourth graders. Both of her parents and scientists and Nora loves science. The other girls in her class are more interested in watching cute cat videos, and the boys seem to be interested in sports. Nora even has friends who are boys -- that she's not crushing on. Imagine that!

Nora is one smart chickie and very determined to prove herself. So much so that she decides she wants to set the world record for being the youngest person to ever have an article published in a journal. She studies her ants, watches for behavior changes, and even makes hypotheses. She writes up her findings and sends them off to Nature magazine hoping to be published.

Meanwhile Nora's teacher, Coach Joe, gives the class an assignment to write a persuasive speech and change people's minds about something, Nora wants to convince her classmates that ants and research and science aren't boring. Based on her classmates behavior when she tried to show them her ant farm, Nora has her hands full!

I thought THE TROUBLE WITH ANTS was adorable. The book was written for a young middle grade audience, and the illustrations in each chapter were the perfect complement to the story. I loved Nora, even though (or maybe because) she was a bit quirky. And I do think boys and girls alike will appreciate her story and her passion towards something unusual.

I was impressed with how cute THE TROUBLE WITH ANTS was. There was plenty of humor in the story that will appeal to kids. The descriptions of the cat videos were hilarious, and I loved the banter between the two kids who had crushes on each other. In addition, Nora's good friends had an interesting experience of their own when their dog got skunked. Thank goodness, Nora knows a lot about science!

As a parent, I really appreciated this story. It was exactly the type of book that I would like to see kids read. Most kids will be able to relate to the characters and the story, while also being entertained with the humor and situations. In addition, there were some fantastic messages in the story. First of all, Nora shows children that it's okay to be different and have a passion for something unusual. The story also taught kids a thing or two about acceptance and friendship. Finally, I loved that this book showed the importance of science in children's lives, and especially girls' lives!

I was definitely impressed with THE TROUBLE WITH ANTS. I look forward to more of The Nora Notebooks books in the future. Highly recommended for kids ages 7 - 10.

Thanks to Blue Slip Media for providing a review copy of this novel.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: The Cake Therapist

Summary: A fiction debut that will leave you wanting seconds, from an award-winning cookbook author.

Claire “Neely” O’Neil is a pastry chef of extraordinary talent. Every great chef can taste shimmering, elusive flavors that most of us miss, but Neely can “taste” feelings—cinnamon makes you remember; plum is pleased with itself; orange is a wake-up call. When flavor and feeling give Neely a glimpse of someone’s inner self, she can customize her creations to help that person celebrate love, overcome fear, even mourn a devastating loss.

Maybe that’s why she feels the need to go home to Millcreek Valley at a time when her life seems about to fall apart. The bakery she opens in her hometown is perfect, intimate, just what she’s always dreamed of—and yet, as she meets her new customers, Neely has a sense of secrets, some dark, some perhaps with tempting possibilities. A recurring flavor of alarming intensity signals to her perfect palate a long-ago story that must be told.

Neely has always been able to help everyone else. Getting to the end of this story may be just what she needs to help herself. -- Berkley

I am super late with my review for THE CAKE THERAPIST by Judith Fertig. I actually read this novel over the summer when we were vacationing in the Outer Banks, but I have seriously procrastinated in putting down my thoughts. I wanted to love this book based on both the cover (one of my recent faves!) and the book's description; however, it just didn't appeal to me like I had hoped.

Neely O'Neil is a pastry chef with a special talent. She can "taste" feelings and get a glimpse into someone's life. As a result, she can come up with some amazing concoctions to help people deal with what's hurting them.

When her life is unravels, she decides to head home to Millcreek Valley and open a bakery that specializes in cakes. Because of her special skills, Neely has the ability to cater certain cakes to the customer's needs -- even making the perfect blend of cake and icing for disagreeing brides and grooms. When Neely finds that one of her "tastes" isn't quite right, she is forced to explore some dark secrets about the past while also trying to forge ahead with her future.

I tried to love THE CAKE THERAPIST but it just didn't work for me. The story had a lot of potential with the amazing descriptions and the complicated main character. I think the basic idea of the novel was sound, and I even appreciated that the author used flashbacks to reveal the past secrets; however, the two different stories took awhile coming together. I much preferred the present day story to the past, and I had issues with how much detail was used to describe everything Neely "tasted."

I will say that the descriptions of the cakes and flavors were quite appealing. Ms. Fertig is a cookbook author in addition to being a novelist, and her comfort level with food was apparent. I craved sweets the entire time I read the book -- actually from the moment I saw the gorgeous cover, and I loved the idea of Neely's bakery in her small hometown.

I hate to be so negative about this novel. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I did like certain parts of this story and the author's writing. What I most enjoyed about this novel was the character of Neely. I enjoyed her complexity and how she worked through her issues in her life. In addition, I appreciated how the author used magical realism in the story. I am not a huge fan of magic realism but I think it was an important part of this story. And finally, I did like that there was a mystery aspect to the novel that wasn't totally revealed until the two stories came together.

THE CAKE THERAPIST didn't quite live up to my expectations, but there is definitely an audience for this novel that will love Neely and her special skills. Recommended to fans of foodie books, magical realism, and women's fiction.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Book of the Month Club

This fall, Bookspan relaunched the Book of the Month Club! I remember belonging to the Book of the Month Club many years ago, and I thought it was a great way to get new books at reasonable prices. The Book of the Month club goes back a long time -- almost 90 years, and I was so excited to hear that it was coming back to a new generation of readers.

The new Book of the Month club is an on-line subscription service that connects users with fantastic exciting books selected by an outstanding panel of Judges. Here's how it works: Each month (no later than the 6th!), you select and receive one of five featured titles chosen by a panel of judges. (You can check out recent judges here.) If you don't select, there is a book automatically assigned to you. One book is included in your membership, but you can always select additional ones at the price of $12.99. 

Within a few days, you will receive your book in little package. Even though I knew what was coming, I was always excited to open a new book -- it never gets old! Included is a note from the judge that made that selection describing the book and why they selected it -- I always use it as my bookmark. In addition, there are discussion forums for you to participate in after you've read the book.

I was fortunate enough to receive a three-month membership in exchange for a fair review. Overall, I am happy with my Book of the Month Club experience. I had a little issue the first month when I received a book that I'm pretty sure I didn't request. Of course, I have no way to prove that I didn't request it but I swear I changed my auto selection (a book I had already read) to a book that I was "new to me." I contacted customer service through email and didn't hear back. It took two more emails until they contacted me. The did remedy the situation -- they offered to send me the book I thought I selected; however, I told them that they didn't have to do that. Maybe it was my fault, you know?

For my three months membership, I received some great books -- THANK YOU, GOODNIGHT, WE NEVER ASKED FOR WINGS, and SMALLER AND SMALLER CIRCLES. I also received THE HISTORY OF LOVE for free -- I'm assuming they added an extra book to correct for the confusion back in August. There is a fairly wide variety of books available each month -- nonfiction, mystery, women's fiction, etc. However, there was a month when I struggled to find a selection. I am not the average reader and I do receive a lot of books, so I feel that this assessment is unique to me and not everyone who would join the club.

Here's an example of August's selections:

The selections are: BARBARA THE SLUT AND OTHER PEOPLE, HOME IS F******* BURNING, SO YOU'VE BEEN PUBLICLY SHAMED, THE WATCHMAKER OF FILIGREE STREET, and WITCHES. Book of the Month offers three membership plan options: 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month. The cost of the 1-month plan is $16.99 per month, the 3-month plan is $38.97 ($12.99 per month), and the 12-month plan is $107.88 ($8.99 per month). 

I do think that the Book of the Month Club is a great service to readers. I loved seeing what new books would appear on the first of every month and then making my selection. The only improvement I can see would be allowing members to select prior month's books if nothing from the current month appeals to them. But otherwise, it's a fun way to get new books each month and a great gift idea for the holidays!

Review: Along the Infinite Sea & Giveaway

Summary: Each of the three Schuyler sisters has her own world-class problems, but in the autumn of 1966, Pepper Schuyler’s problems are in a class of their own. When Pepper fixes up a beautiful and rare vintage Mercedes and sells it at auction, she thinks she’s finally found a way to take care of herself and the baby she carries, the result of an affair with a married, legendary politician.

But the car’s new owner turns out to have secrets of her own, and as the glamorous and mysterious Annabelle Dommerich takes pregnant Pepper under her wing, the startling provenance of this car comes to light: a Nazi husband, a Jewish lover, a flight from Europe, and a love so profound it transcends decades. As the many threads of Annabelle’s life from World War II stretch out to entangle Pepper in 1960s America, and the father of her unborn baby tracks her down to a remote town in coastal Georgia, the two women must come together to face down the shadows of their complicated pasts.

Indomitable heroines, a dazzling world of secrets, champagne at the Paris Ritz, and a sweeping love story for the ages, in New York Times bestselling author Beatriz William’s final book about the Schuyler sisters. -- Putnam

I have become a huge fan of Beatriz Williams' novels especially the ones about the Schuyler sisters. I enjoyed both TINY LITTLE THING (which I just realized I never reviewed!) and THE SECRET LIFE OF VIOLET GRANT (my review); and I was thrilled to see that Ms. Williams' latest novel, ALONG THE INFINITE SEA, was about Pepper, the spunkiest of the Schuyler sisters. The novel was picked as a November Indie Next selection and a November LibraryReads List pick, so I had a feeling that it was going to be a terrific read.

ALONG THE INFINITE SEA tells the story of a pregnant and unmarried Pepper Schuyler in the summer of 1966. She has just sold the vintage Mercedes that she renovated to make enough money to take care of her and her child, but she's not saying a peep about the father of her baby although it's apparent that he's a married and successful politician. This influential man wants to make sure that Pepper "does the right thing" so he sends a set of goons to track her down and convince her.

Meanwhile, Annabelle Dommerich is the new owner of the vintage car. It is clear that this car holds a very special place in Annabelle's heart and has something to do with her past. She actually escaped Europe in it prior to World War II. Pepper and Annabelle strike up an unlikely friendship, and Annabelle asks Pepper to stay with her. As Annabelle's story about a Jewish lover, a Nazi husband, and a flight from Europe comes to light, her past secrets are gradually revealed.

I think ALONG THE INFINITE SEA was my favorite Schuyler sister novel. In all fairness, I listened to the first two books on audio and that's not my preferred method of reading. I really liked Pepper and I thought her story was interesting, but I have to say that Annabelle's story was by far my favorite. I loved the passion, romance, and intrigue of her past!

Annabelle was a wonderful character. I am not usually one for love stories, but I actually found her story to be pretty darn amazing. Annabelle fell head over heels in love with a Jewish man in the mid 1930s. They make plans for a future, but he mysteriously disappears. In a rebound move, Annabelle ends up marrying a high-ranking German officer. Needless to say, her life becomes rather interesting as Germany faces many changes and potential war.

While Pepper's story was introduced in TINY LITTLE THING, it isn't necessary to have read that novel prior to picking up ALONG THE INFINITE SEA. For those of us who loved Pepper in that book, there are a few references to the Schuyler family that will be appreciated; however, all of the background on Pepper's past is included in this novel.

ALONG THE INFINITE SEA would make a wonderful book club selection. There is a little bit of everything in this story from romance, to mystery, to adventure, and more! I wasn't able to find a set of discussion questions yet, but I'm sure they will be available in the near future. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include love, grief, parenting, friendship, loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice.

Overall, ALONG THE INFINITE SEA was my favorite of the Schuyler sister novels. It was a page turner that was both entertaining and touching. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

I have two copies of ALONG THE INFINITE SEA to share with two very lucky readers. To enter, just fill out the form below before Monday, November 16th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winners the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: Blood Relative

Summary: Architect Peter Crookham is running late for a dinner party with his estranged journalist brother and his gorgeous German wife, Mariana. He enters his home to discover his brother viciously stabbed to death and his wife covered in blood and clutching a knife, in a nearly catatonic state. Refusing to accept that Mariana could be responsible for Andy’s death, Peter vows to clear her name.

As he begins to search the past for clues, Peter soon learns that Andy had been looking into Mariana’s murky past in Germany, and had even traveled to Berlin to piece together some facts about her childhood. Anxious for answers, Peter retraces his brother’s steps in East Berlin–and finds himself caught in a web of intrigue involving violent remnants of the former East German security service, the feared STASI.

With a split narrative that alternates back and forth between Peter’s current hunt for the truth and the horrendous realities of life in communist East Berlin in the 1970s and 1980s, Blood Relative asks the question: How well do we really know the ones we love? -- Quercus

When I read the description for BLOOD RELATIVE by David Thomas, I thought it sounded like an intriguing mystery. The first paragraph got my attention in a serious way -- Peter Crookham comes home to find his brother dead. His wife Mariana covered is covered in blood and holding a knife. Despite the evidence, the man is certain that his wife is innocent and determined to get to the bottom of this murder.

I will admit the second paragraph didn't interest me quite the same way the first half of the description did, and I don't know why. However, I still was intrigued by the idea that this book explored East Berlin in the 1970s and 1980s and the East German security agency known as STASI.  (I honestly can't remember if I've ever read a book about the STASI and East Germany.) When Peter realizes that he knew very little about Mariana and her family, his investigation takes him to Berlin where he uncovers some dark secrets about his wife's past and finds his own life at risk.

I couldn't wait to delve into BLOOD RELATIVE and with good reason. This book is a tightly woven psychological thriller that was very entertaining. I appreciated Mr. Thomas' writing style, and I was impressed with how he told the story through alternating narratives. The story was a told in Peter's voice but also flashed back to the horrible conditions that existed in East Berlin under communist rule. Trust me when I say that these sections were very disturbing and, at times, difficult to read.

I most appreciated the storyline about Peter's struggle to accept his wife's role in his brother's murders. I found his desire to prove his wife's innocence to be interesting, although there were times when I thought he was a little crazy for his steadfast refusal given the evidence. However, I found the history of Mariana's past to be fascinating too... and I wasn't even sure I would be interested in that aspect of the novel. The author did a great job of bringing the stories together, and the ending was satisfying.

BLOOD RELATIVE was a page-turner, both because of the mystery and the flashbacks to communist East Germany. Highly recommended to fans of thrillers and suspense novels.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.