Each Month We Will Be Adding Reviews of Books & Other Forms of Media That Have Inspired Us & We Feel Would Appeal to Our Audience
At Christmas time, we gravitate towards holiday movies, especially the ones with moving, inspirational stories to capture your heart and attention. This is a wonderful movie from Hallmark for the entire family.
Journey Back to Christmas is about a World War II nurse who is transported to 2016 and meets a very special man who helps her discover some things about Christmas.
WWII is finally over, but Hanna's husband, Chet, didn't return home. She puts on a brave smile during the day while nursing her hospital patients, but at night, she grieves the loss of her love.
Then the Christmas Comet appears for the first time in over 70 years, and Hanna's caught in a snowstorm and knocked unconscious.
She wakes up in modern times, and much to her confusion, her small town has changed. A local cop takes pity on her and invites her to stay with his family over the holiday.
As she searches for her place in this familiar yet different town, Hanna discovers that even small acts of kindness impact lives...and that the true meaning of Christmas is timeless. Now, she hopes to find her way back to her own time...and this year's comet may lead her to a Christmas miracle.
WOW Pick November 2022
A Far Wilder Magic By Allison Saft
“When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist“...
Where do I even begin this review? I literally, from the moment I started, fell in love. There are just some books, ya know, that feel right when you start them, like they were made for you at this exact moment in your life–this is one of them. And from that final page, all I’ve thought about-day and night-is getting to this review. So many thoughts. So many emotions. So much gratitude. I request arcs, sure, but when I sent out my request with this one, my heart went with it.
It began with the cover-that beautiful, unique cover-I saw it and just had to know more. Upon further inspection, I just knew it was a book I was going to devour, to love, to cherish-it did not, at any juncture, disappoint.
I don’t ask for much, so when a book delivers just that-my simple tastes-it better be well-written and deliver in spades.
Read the rest of this Review & More by Chelsea at StarCrossedBookBlog.com
Years ago one of my clients told me about a time when her and another female friend has been traveling and couldn’t believe their luck when they were parked beside a vehicle with the Coronel and Elvis in it. It was way before he had a tour bus or the full brunt of his fame.
The Coronel invited the ladies to go for a coffee and it wasn’t long before the “Leach” was asking them for more. Elvis kept apologizing to them for his manager’s actions and they all parted ways. My client said that Elvis was young and a perfect gentleman while the Coronel was loud and pushy, So I feel this portrayal of him is right on.
I love that Priscilla & Lisa Marie were advisors on this film and the actor playing Elvis, Austin Butler, makes you believe you are watching and singing along to the real man. See it! You won’t be disappointed.
However NOW We LOVE IT even more after stumbling upon this AGT rendition with Kelly Clarkson, Amanda Hale and Kechi Okwuchi while working on the latter’s WOW feature page.
Knowing that all 3 of these singers have had their share of struggles, especially Kechi, We were brought to tears while at the same time singing and dancing along with them.
Such a powerful performance and a video many of you may want to watch over and over again.
And remember, “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger." Hope you enjoy it as much as We Did!
While Justice Sonia Sotomayor has written many children's books we are exceptionally impressed with these two:
JUST ASK! BE Different. BE Brave. BE YOU published in 2019 is a picture book about the power of honoring people's differences. Twelve diverse kids introduce themselves and the condition they live with (diabetes, autism, Down syndrome, etc.). Young readers will learn about the conditions and, hopefully, be able to see themselves or someone they know in the bright illustrations and upbeat text.
The featured kids are all role models in their own way: They're self-aware, accept differences, and ask questions to better understand things. Each two-page spread has a question that will help readers relate to the experience of the kid in the spotlight. The book opens and closes with the main lesson clearly stated to reinforce young readers’ learning.
JUST HELP! HOW TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD published in 2022 is a meaningful story about making the world -- and your community -- a better place, one action at a time. The story features a young Sonia and her Latina mother, Mami, who every morning asks her, "How will you help today?" Since Sonia wants to help her community, just like her Mami does, she always makes sure she has a good answer to Mami's question.
This relatable story takes young readers on a journey through Sonia's neighborhood where kids and adults, activists, community workers, friends and strangers, all come together to help one another build a better world and a better community for themselves.
Personally, as a child who was raised by a widowed mom with 3 children and often made to feel as less than both economically and location (Literally living next to a dump) by friends, parents and teachers, I would have really benefited from her book, JUST ASK! Although at the time we only could afford milk and bread once a month so buying a book would have been out of the question at that time in my life. Without a library in the country, cable or internet even hearing about it wouldn't have been possible. It and JUST HELP! need to be part of every care package sent out to families in need in North America and beyond.
BETTER YET, I hope to see both of these books as part of all elementary school's required reading and discussion so that all children have the opportunity to positive messages about the diversity of the characters make this a great pick for kids of all ages and an understanding that it's often the little things each of us do every day that can have the biggest impact and ultimately improve our communities.
While I hadn’t previously heard of this author, I can assure you that the best day to start reading Maye Musk’s autobiography is today. A WOMAN MAKES A PLAN is a great title, based on the Boer proverb, "a farmer makes a plan." Maye tells us of her childhood with two adventurous Canadians who settled in South Africa and raised a resourceful family. Through many moves and career changes, degrees, and childrearing, she largely supported herself.
The subtitle of this book, "Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success," further adds to the depth of the novel. Maye speaks in a calm voice as she tells of her early work as a model, her success and happiness, and the marriage she did not want to a husband who began physically abusing her at once. When she was allowed to divorce by a change in the law, he threatened her and their children appallingly. I can’t see why any man should feel so small that he has to stand on someone to feel taller.
Because marrying a man you only just met shouldn't be a thing here are three shimmery yet smart alternatives to the old fairy-tale tropes.
In Princess Charming written by Ziggy Owens and illustrated by Holly Hatem, a girl who doesn't think she has any talent and just can’t find her “thing”. She’s tried everything from cooking to hip-hop, yet hasn’t been able to perfect any of it. Even her cartwheels are subpar. But when the castle hosts a superstar for a special event, Princess Charming finally finds her time to shine and ends up saving the day. It is about a brand-new princess character filled with fun, humor, and girl power. With a modern look and can-do attitude, this is the perfect gift for all young readers who never give up! Ages 3-6.
Not All Princesses Dress in Pink written by Jane Yolen and her daughter Heidi E. Y. Stemple, and illustrated by Ann-Sophie Lanquetin. Princesses come in all kinds. Some jump in mud puddles and climb trees, play sports and make messes—all while wearing their tiaras! Not every girl has a passion for pink, but all young ladies will love this empowering affirmation of their importance and unlimited potential. Celebrate girl power in this exuberant, mischievously illustrated picture book that shows little princesses that they can be whoever they want to be! Ages 4-6.
The nine beginning chapter books in the Princess in Black Series written by Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, features a girl with them Alter Ego. It is a is a rollicking story of an adventurous princess who wears a pink frilly dress at home in her castle, then sneaks out to rid the kingdom of troublesome monsters as the brave and daring hero. She changes from a fancy dress to a caped black costume to battle the evildoers in her kingdom. This is a humorous and action-packed chapter-book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect, but also dressed in black. Ages 5-8.
Having married a couple of “knights” before truly discovering myself… then... my “KING” (Or "QUEEN"), I think it is important that young girls learn to stand on their own, then when ready, together, with whomever they feel is right for them at that time.
Their newly earned “peace” of Heaven in 2016 has quickly turned to Hell on earth once again but this time they are not alone.
Many from all over the world are truly “Standing by Them” whether it be by travelling to Ukraine to assist in the fight, feeding those who are now without a home, and taking in those who have had to leave their beloved country OR sending artillery, funds, food, and life’s simplest of necessities to the growing number of those in need there.
Listen to this song and you can’t help but FEEL the strength of the Ukraine President and people and gain a sense of faith and certainty that with the many prayers and aid being sent their way, they WILL win in the end.
For me… ALL the complaints about wearing a mask to protect ourselves and others seem so TRIVIAL now compared to the reality of having to leave our homes with only what we can carry to escape bombs, conflict, tornados, earthquakes, fires and hurricanes really drives home how much worse it is for others and “there but for the Grace of God…Go I”. And my heart goes out to those who lost a loved one at a time when being with them at the end wasn't even possible and definitely not their choice.
Ukraine aside, this song also represents the many health care workers, food suppliers, truckers and more who even represented a piece of Heaven while we were in the depths of Hell with the pandemic. They STOOD By Us, risking their own lives and the lives of their families and all deserve awards of LOVE and RESPECT.
Let’s stop all this standing apart that has separated so many people and countries and STAND BY the Rights of ALL to be EQUAL, SAFE and WELL. It is SPRINGTime... the time of New Fresh Beginnings after all.Remember by Lisa Genova, is a non-fiction book that explores how we do, and don’t, remember. Genova is a neuroscientist who’s also the author of five fiction books.
The book begins by describing how memories are formed, and the amazing process by which creating memories creates structural and connective changes in the brain. Genova points out that popular understanding of how memory works can miss the mark.
The book explains different types of memory, and why you go into a room and forget what on earth you’re there for, and Genova reassures readers that using a to-do list isn’t somehow cheating.
Genova also explains that, when faced with leading questions, people will fabricate memories, and eyewitness accounts are highly unreliable. That certainly doesn’t bode well for our legal system. Do you feel confident that certain memories are accurate? Turns out that confidence has no bearing on their level of accuracy.
There’s a chapter devoted to tip of the tongue experiences. These occur when we know a word but can’t immediately bring it to mind until it jumps out at you two hours later while you happen to be sitting on the toilet. Doing this (and doing it quite regularly) is not, in fact, a sign that you’re losing your mind. In my case, sometimes I feel like my mind is permanently lost, but that’s a whole other issue.
The book is full of surprising tidbits and explanations, like the Baker/baker paradox, whereby you’re more likely to remember someone is a baker than you are to remember their name is Baker. Putting people in boxes can be bad in terms of discrimination, but apparently, it helps us to remember.
You’ll learn the difference between normal age-related memory changes and the changes caused by dementia. There are also tips to improve your memory (chronic stress bad, sleep very, very good). Finally, there’s an appendix that pulls it all together, including the specific things you can do to improve your memory.
While the book is very informative, it’s presented in a conversational rather than academic tone. The examples used are realistic and help to make the concepts relatable. Genova seems very authentically present in the writing, and she isn’t afraid to make fun of herself, such as when she’s describing her fussy coffee order that the baristas at Starbucks manage to remember.
This book made my inner geek very happy, but I think it will be much more widely appealing than simply my inner geek. Memory is obviously very important to all of us, and this is a great opportunity to learn more about it.
Reviewed & Contributed by Ashley L. Peterson of Mental Health @ Home
We picked this book because we feel so many families today are struggling to meet in the middle on views, yet There IS Still Love.
This is a beautiful and simple tale of love, family and hardship. Parrett has a skill for understated and elegant prose and storytelling. From Melbourne to Prague the reader has a window into a family split down the middle by war and circumstance. This tale looks at the strength of women across decades and countries in different situations beyond their control and how it can differ and what that strength looks like.
I loved the vivid scenes and the evocative descriptions that places the reader right there in each time and space. The first person narration involves the reader further so you are well and truly wrapped up in story. I found There Was Still Love very easy to read but it took a little for the full picture to coalesce, which really is the beauty in this novel. A slow and meaningful ride so strap in and get comfortable.
The ending leaves the reader with a feeling and beauty and warmth tinged with sadness. I found myself sitting and reflecting on this one for a while after finishing, always a sign of a strong read. There Was Still Love further cements Parrett as a favourite Australian writer for me and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of her novels. One to read if you have loved her previous work and one to read if you are a lover of bittersweet tales of love and family. By CrazyBookLadyReviews
PUT ON YOUR MASKS is done to the beat of the Gloria's hit song Get On Your Feet.
Yes, this song was updated to this version almost a year ago… but we at WOW felt it was PERFECT for the beginning of this year with us once again being at the mercy of a virus that keeps mutating so fast even the vaccinated can’t outrun it as it becomes more contagious than ever.
Thankfully, the vaccinations and masks are keeping infections less lethal but we have observed so many people all over the world forgetting how to use their masks properly we felt this humorous song might be helpful.
KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF the OUSIDE of YOUR MASK unless you have a hand sanitizer to use each time you do. Time and again we see people holding the outside of their masks in their hands or pockets while talking then opening it up again to put it on without a hand sanitizer in sight.
And with this new variant that is so super contagious… it’s time to wear your mask outside if you are playing tourist or at any group function where you can’t space out.
We all know what works to protect ourselves, the ones we love and those who are essential to us all. Yes, we are ALL weary, yet we are resilient and with awareness of our surroundings, testing, prevention using the simple protocol we know works… THIS TOO SHALL PASS!
Sorry to get serious…Now let's move and groove with Gloria...
Chicago who reconnect later in life: Irene has moved to New York and slipped with complete efficiency into the role of mother and doctor’s wife. Clare has also left home behind, but in a more painful and permanent way. Both women are Black, but Clare—who, it’s suggested, has survived an unstable and unhappy upbringing—has chosen to live as white, a gamble she’s pulled off with dazzling.
The story of Clare and Irene is pieced together as if it were shards of a dream, presented to us in black-and-white that’s often smudged around the edges, more glowing than polished. Read Rest of Review by Stephanie Zacharek
When I first heard this song was during a month that holds the anniversary of my brother’s unexpected passing and it hit me hard. "Bring my flowers now while I’m livin’ I won’t need your love when I’m gone. Don’t spend time, tears or money on my old breathless body. If your heart is in them flowers… Bring them on"
My biggest regret is that I didn’t at least send him a heart emoji to let him know I was thinking of him. It was one of the easiest things I could have done at any moment. But I didn't.
How many times have you almost sent someone you love a simple emoji, a card, a call and let something relatively unimportant distract you from following through? I am better now, however definitely not perfect.
Please listen to this beautiful song then let at least one person you love know it now in whatever of the love languages they'd appreciate most. Or all your family and friends. Send or bring them “flowers” (LOVE) while they can appreciate them. It may even heal a broken relationship where someone needs to take the first step forward.
Kelly Ripa of Live with Kelly & Ryan often remarks that she can get any stain out of any clothing and that she owes this ability to this book, Laundry Love.
Doing laundry is rarely anyone’s favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun―it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks―bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore.
Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything―yes everything―at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: it involves vodka, not soap).
Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson’s handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry―and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion.
Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen―wrinkles and stains be damned.
Take it from an Amazon Fan… “This book is a total game changer! Truly a joy to read with amazing tips and anecdotes. I purchased all my start up supplies and will never use laundry pods, fabric softener or dryer sheets again. This book would make a fabulous bridal shower gift but everyone who does laundry should read this.“
Hate doing laundry? This book may help you find joy in it or at least an ‘Ah Ha!’ or smile to your face. Only on Kindle until March 2022 when paperback comes out.
Among these problem-solvers were a group of exceptionally talented African American women, some of the brightest minds of their generation. Originally relegated to teaching math in the South’s segregated public schools, they were called into service during the labor shortages of World War II, when America’s aeronautics industry was in dire need of anyone who had the right stuff. Suddenly, these overlooked math whizzes had a shot at jobs worthy of their skills,
Anyone who has been through anything in their life can truly see and feel the reflection this song has one their hearts. Diane Warren’s lyrics will resonate with all people when they can look back at many of the losses, injuries, perceived catastrophes and catalysts for that in hindsight, turned out to be leading to positive change in their lives. None of the above were FUN experiences at the time… Yet, upon reflection with fresh eyes, we realize… we grew, we improved, we became stronger and wiser from the experience. WE SURVIVED!
Merry Crayton sings it from her heart knowing first-hand that “what can’t be cured must be endured” in a way that allows you to move forward with flexibility and gratitude for what you still have… and in this case… while she lost her legs in a car accident… she didn’t lose her voice.
“Hallelujah!” to that. She focused on what she still had rather than on what she had lost with a heart full of gratitude and acceptance. “I ain't gonna hide these beautiful scars .”
And we are so happy to see her soar with her new album, “Beautiful Scars”. Definitely a faith-based compilation of songs that will resonate with so many. Give hope to us all. Start looking in the rear-view mirror at what we have endured that has made us who we are today. Hats off to the past! Sleeves up for the future!
We only have to look at the news today to see we are faced with many catalysts for change for the years to come. Sleeves Up Everyone! We need to work together for the good of ALL.
Twenty-three Leading Holistic Nutritionists and Nutritional Consultants share their personal stories about the health issues that led to their opening to the preventative way of looking at their health.
We have recently featured 3 of their stories through out WOW Gals Michelle Post, Louise Breton and Stacey Brisson. While these women wrote on the topics of Crohn’s Disease, Dysmenorrhea (Painful periods) and Peanut Allergies, there are 20 more in this book that we feel need to be shared now rather than later.
Inside there are chapters on ADHA, Adrenal Fatigue, Weight Gain, Aging, Allergies & Digestive Disorders, Breast Cancer and Depression, Candidiasis, Foggy Brain, Childhood Depression & Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Eating Disorders, Endometriosis, Food Sensitivities, Hodgkin Lymphoma Cancer, Hypothyroid & Chronic Fatigue, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Lymphoma Cancer, Sickle Cell Anemia, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcer & Constant Stomach Pains and finally Wheat Allergy & Adult Asthma. If any of these resonate with you or a family member this is definitely worth a read. You can get your copy by visiting any of the 3 WOW Gal Pages above.
Are you prepared for the unexpected?
The main purpose of a Power of Attorney for Personal Care is to give you control and peace of mind. It lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, and it ensures that your health will be in the hands of someone you have personally chosen, as opposed to someone appointed by the court.
Unless your Power of Attorney says otherwise: An Attorney for Personal Care is only allowed to make medical or long-term care decisions if a medical professional or evaluator finds you mentally incapable of making a specific decision.
For all other kinds of personal care decisions, the attorney can step in if they believe you are incapable — no assessment is required.@myjustncase
