#MMBBR The Christmas Dress, a Christmas short film #Review

Merry Christmas to all.  The Christmas Dress is a wonderful Christmas short film.  It is heartwarming and perfect to watch to bring back to focus the true meaning of Christmas.  The story is one of hope and miracles with a dash of love and family.  A must watch Christmas movie, that could become a new Christmas tradition.   A delight!!!

Watch the trailer here:  https://vimeo.com/192160253

Movie Length: 

27 minutes

Description: 
It’s Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson’s hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they’ll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons’ packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blind Postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year’s Eve dance. Now it’s up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.

#FRC2016 #Reviews @BookSparks @emilybrettbooks @gingermckchav @kristykryszczak #MMBBR

I have been snuggled up reading some more of the fantastic #FRC2016 picks...The courses have been AMAZING!!  There is still time to buy Christmas gifts and books make very awesome gifts, hint, hint, hint, hint...

Here are some of my thoughts:

November 15, 2016 – Found: A Novel by Emily Brett

Course Title: International Nursing

Department: Medical Adventure

Description: Twenty-seven-year-old ICU nurse Natalie Ulster has a desire to see the world. In each country, however, she finds herself confronted with near-death accidents. Too many coincidences force her to ask herself a frightening question: Is someone trying to kill her?

MY THOUGHTS: This book was quite engaging.  It is about so much more than nursing...it is about living one's life and finding a way to be fully present in your life.  It takes you across the world and leave you reflecting on your own life.  I felt that I felt the struggles of Natalie and the struggles of patient care.  It was a well rounded book that kept me engaged throughout.

November 22, 2016 – In the Heart of Texas: A Novel by Ginger McKnight-Chavers

Course Title: Pop Culture Conversations

Department: Women’s Fiction Studies

Description: In the Heart of Texas is a wry, humorous commentary on the complexities of race, class, relationships, politics, popular culture, and celebrity in our current society. Jo Randolph, the “poor man’s Halle Berry,” has successfully avoided waiting tables since leaving Midland, Texas, but 24 hours of poor decisions in Hollywood send her back home to lay low and reconnect with her roots.

MY THOUGHTS:  A great book about self discovery with some laugh out loud moments.  The interactions that were in the book made me smile ear to ear.  There is so much heart in this book and will make the reader feel connected to the characters.  It is a great read for a book club or to share with a friend.

November 8, 2016 – Unexpected Love by Kristy Kryszczak

Course Title: Sex and the City 101

Department: Women’s Fiction Studies

Description: Ready for a SJP-replay? Settle in with this debut novel about Inez, a freelance beauty writer living in NYC who’s navigating life in her thirties and the complicated romances she gets pulled into along the way.

MY THOUGHTS: I got sucked into this book.  It was such fun.  Love is quite complicated and Kryszczak captured the struggles and triumphs so well.  It was not a super long book, so I was able to read it quickly which kept me connected to the characters and their story.  It was well plotted and proved to be quite a strong debut novel.

BUY THE BOOKS:

#MMBBR #Review #Lego #LEGOAnimationBook by @Paganomation @nostarch

Have you ever wondered what your LEGO creations would look like on the big screen? The LEGO Animation Book will show you how to bring your models to life with stop-motion animation--no experience required! Follow step-by-step instructions to make your first animation, and then explore the entire filmmaking process, from storyboards to post-production.

Along the way, you'll learn how to:

• Create special effects like explosions and flying minifigures
• Convey action and emotion with your minifigure actors
• Design sets for animation--make three buildings look like an entire city!
• Light, frame, and capture consistent photos
• Add detail and scope to your films by building in different scales
• Build camera dollies and rigs out of LEGO bricks
• Choose cameras, software, and other essential animation tools

Dive into the world of animation and discover a whole new way to play!

For ages 10+

This book is SO cool.  It has inspired my son to attempt making his own Lego movies.  He is addicted to Lego and has been reading and creating.  This boo is full of so many cool designs to make as well.  This is a MUST have for any LEgo lover you may know.   It is the all encompassing book for creating, making movies and a new spin on Lego building!!!  We are in LOVE with this book and cannot wait to finish out first big Lego movie!!!  

#MMBBR #Review The Santa Corner by Jakie Rodriguez

If Santa asked for your help, would you help him? Santa is afraid he will not have enough presents to deliver to all the boys and girls so he is asking for help. He is sending out letters asking children to collect toys they no longer play with. Gracie and Meghyn are ready to help, are you?

I think this is a GREAT holiday story.  What better way to teach giving and altruism then through giving your toys to kids that need them more than you.  I love the concept of Santa's Corner.   You place toys in the corner that you no longer need or play with and Santa's elves come and get them and they get fixed up and given to other kids that will love them all over again.  I am definitely going to do that with my kids!  A delight to show sharing and giving during this time of year.  It is more about giving then receiving.

BUY THE BOOK:

#MMBBR #Review Ernie's Wish Trail by Maia Orion

In every interaction Ernie has, up pops a new wish to be someone else - an enchantment with their natural gifts. Ernie's wish trail ends in rediscovering simple pleasures and the joys of being himself. This simple story for toddlers and pre-kindergarten kids, illustrated beautifully, can be enjoyed with & without the Augmented Reality app. The app serves to provide an immersive experience by enabling interaction with the story using 3D and sound.

This book is a delight.  I love it so much.  Everyone wants to be something they are not from time to time, but we must learn how to embrace all the wonderful things we are.  Ernie discovers this after he spends some time with other animals he admires.   This book is also an interactive app.  Such a fun interactive reading experience.

#MMBBR #Reviews #Highlight #Children #books #Christmas #Gifts #RoundUp

MY REVIEW:
An adorable story about making sure you embrace others, face fears and be open to change.  There is also friendships found in the most unexpected places and teaches some important lessons.  There is an abundance of heart and characters that are so very sweet.   I also love how it was written, such imagination and creativity.

 MY REVIEW:
A really cute book that makes its way through the alphabet in a fun and zany way.  The pictures are very colorful and fun and I think early readers will really enjoy this fun story!

BUY THE BOOKS:

#MMBBR Children's Round-Up #books #gifts #Christmas

Here are some books that have come to us for review!  

Check them out!

 Books make great gifts.  

Click on the book link for more information!

http://amzn.to/2hY9jhe

http://amzn.to/2hY8FAo

http://amzn.to/2gKDNCk

http://amzn.to/2hXZkbQ

http://amzn.to/2hY5PeB

http://amzn.to/2htcxMU