Sunday Salon: The Sparkle Box, Coming Home for Christmas, and Giveaways

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Here we are enjoying another Sunday Salon with just over a month until Christmas. Are you like me, wondering where oh where did the time go? Seems like just last week it was spring and the flowers were beginning to bloom.

Well since there’s a nip in the air where I live and the weather is getting a bit cooler all over the U.S., I guess it’s time to think of Christmas. 

With today’s Sunday Salon I want to tell you about a delightful book and charming movie that features the Christmas spirit. As an added bonus, thanks to Laura Beth and the wonderful folks at FlyBy Promotions, I have a copy of each to giveaway. Please see the end of each review for more details on the giveaway. First up, the charming children’s book followed by the movie for the entire family.

THE SPARKLE BOX by Jill Hardie

Christmas is a time of gift giving, delicious food, festivities, and so much more. It’s that ‘so much more’ that author Jill Hardie captures beautifully in her children’s book, THE SPARKLE BOX.

Illustrator Christine Kornacki does an excellent job bringing the story to life through her rich and magical drawings. She captures the sentiment of the story with her detailed and colorful illustrations.

THE SPARKLE BOX is a tender story of a young boy who learns the real meaning of what it’s like to give at Christmas. Sam sees a sparkly gift on his mantel and wants to know if it’s for him. His mother explains that it’s a gift the family will open together, but first it needs to be filled.

As Christmas draws near, Sam helps his family give to the homeless and learns how his father’s company helped families in Africa. Sam, himself, makes a generous gift to a homeless man.

When Christmas arrives, the family opens THE SPARKLE BOX. Sam finds it contains slips of paper telling of the gifts to Jesus they have given through their own acts of kindness.

Hardie’s enchanting tale will warm your heart and add sparkle to the holiday season. While the book is geared toward youngsters ages 4 to 8, the story will resonate with all ages quickly becoming a family favorite.

This charming book comes with its very own fold-out sparkle box in the back. You assemble the box to create your family’s own personal holiday tradition.

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie, Illustrated by Christine Kornacki, Ideals Children’s Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-0824956479, Hardcover with jacket, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY DETAILS…

This giveaway is for one print copy of THE SPARKLE BOX. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted.

To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win The Sparkle Box.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of THE SPARKLE BOX is 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Nov. 24.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that THE SPARKLE BOX will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.  

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.  

For more on this delightful book, visit the publisher’s website, the book website, view the author’s video, and connect on Facebook. On Twitter use #TheSparkleBox.

Here’s a book trailer for THE SPARKLE BOX for your viewing pleasure:

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

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COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

This Norman Rockwell, Nasser Group DVD is an ideal story of how one family comes together for the holidays in a house they once called home. 

The day of Melanie’s wedding, her sister Kate told her she was marrying a man who didn’t love her and left, refusing to be a part of the wedding. Five years have passed, the sisters haven’t spoken to each other and now their parents are separating. Kate is determined to get her parents back together.

The sisters put aside their problems as they plan a family Christmas. They want the celebration in their old family home, but someone else is living there now. 

As Kate and Melanie work together, with the assistance of the new homeowner, things begin to like it will be a special Christmas after all. But, misunderstandings could still block the path to a happy Christmas for this family and the new friendships they’ve made.

The cast includes George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod), and Vanessa Parise (who is also the director). They do a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and drawing you in to be a part of the adventure.

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS has a warm, family-feel to it and includes a number of delightful songs. This is a movie that can be view by the entire family, enjoyed as a couples’ flick and provide entertainment for children’s groups.

This movie demonstrates that wholesome family theme to light up the holiday spirit. The DVD includes a limited edition print by the late Norman Rockwell, famous for his American culture illustrations and artwork.

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
 
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

GIVEAWAY DETAILS…

This giveaway is for one copy of the COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS DVD. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted.

To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Coming Home For Christmas.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Nov. 24.

MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE:
The DVD is available at Wal-Mart or can be order. In addition, a soundtrack is available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon.

Here’s a movie trailer of COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS for your viewing pleasure. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember, you can either one or both of these giveaways. If entering both, just send separate emails. Do you and your family have a holiday tradition you’d like to share with us?