Peace on Earth: A Christmas Collection by Mary Englebreit

Traditional Christmas scripture, stories, poems, and songs are beautifully presented in Mary Engelbreit’s Peace on Earth:  A Christmas Collection.  The cover of this hardback children’s picture book is a gift wrapping in itself with a delightful rendition of little carolers resplendent in scarves and hats covered with snowflakes.  We turn the page to the scripture story of Christ’s birth, “The Gospel of St. Luke.”  A colorful illustration of Mary and the baby surrounded by angel and lamb accompanies the verses.  The “Friendly Beasts” two page spread tells of gifts given to the babe by the animals.  Poems by James Russell Lowell, Robert Herrick and others express the wonder of the Savior’s birth. Carols such as Silent Night tell the Christmas story in song.  All pages are adorned with Mary Engelbreit’s inimitable artistry.  Although the book is labeled for ages 4-8, I highly recommend this book as a beautiful addition to anyone’s holiday collection. The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth is presented simply for everyone to understand. Perfect to read to children who will want to hear it over and over, this book can become a holiday tradition. Adults will relive their own Christmas memories as they become immersed in the beautiful words and pictures. This is the perfect gift not only for the young but for the young at heart.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Sweet Apple by Judy Christie

Intertwining  hard business tactics, whirligigs made by backwoods artists, and a thread of romance, author Judy Christie scores a hit with  her novel, Sweet Olive.  Camille Gardner is sent to Louisiana to convince homeowners to sign over their mineral-rich land to J&S Production, her uncle’s company.  The town of Samford holds unhappy memories for Camille who had lived there as a child.   Although a hard-nosed negotiator, Camille is soon won over by the local artist group and a growing attraction for the attorney who represents them. Author Christie’s descriptions of the folk artists and their art is realistic and appealing.  I could easily picture the colorful golf cart adorned with Mardi Gras beads, and I could almost hear the humming noise of metal butterflies blowing in the breeze.  Ginny, the matriarch of the artist group, is a caricature in flowing pants and big glasses.  The plot flows between rural scenes of bottle trees and the corporate atmosphere of lavish parties and deal making. Camille doesn’t know whom to trust and her uncertainty adds mystery to the story.  Although generally written in a masterful hand, the author’s repetition of such phrases as “Camille ran her hands through her hair” became somewhat disconcerting as I read.  Overall, I recommend Sweet Olive as a very sweet and enjoyable novel. The descriptions of the people and places are vivid. The corporate dealings are intriguing. With today’s news stories full of oil and gas drilling and dealing, this story is a contemporary commentary.   I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the comments here are my own.