Book Review Victoria Historical Novel by NYT Bestselling Author Now Available

Books

I received the book reviewed from SheSpeaks

#VictoriaNovel

Whether you are intrigued by royal family lineage and protocol, wish you could have lived during the Victorian era, enjoy reading historical novels, or just love a good soap opera style read about the shenanigans that go on behind closed doors at Buckingham Palace, you will likely appreciate the fascinating new book Victoria.

In a nutshell, this story is based on the actual diaries of Queen Victoria. More explicitly, it is the dramatization and backstory of a real-life immature petite 18-year old girl who ascended the throne in 1836 and reigned as Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for the rest of her life for more than 63 years.

Written by British novelist Daisy Goodwin, this new book just launched is by the same author who brought us New York Times Bestsellers The American Heiress and The Fortune Hunter. Goodwin is also the creator/screenwriter who brought us the Masterpiece presentation Victoria on PBS. 

I'm a lifelong reader and am always on the lookout for the next good book to support my insatiable literary habit -- and in Victoria, I've found it. This book is definitely a page-turner and if you're like me, you'll have a difficult time putting it down. As you imagine walking down the cobblestone streets of London or wandering through the Palace knot garden, you'll find this story equally entertaining and insightful about what might lie behind the seemingly plastered-on smiles that royal families past and present have always worn in public. 

As you read chapter to chapter through this book (hard cover 401 pages), you will be astounded with how an overly-sheltered and shy little girl evolves and matures at an exponential rate into a confident Queen. Equally impressive is the intricate character development of the Queen's mother and the other colorful relatives who lurk among this highly dysfunctional family. 

There's even Victoria's little dog who is her constant companion and sometimes her only confidante, as she embarks on the journey of finding a husband suited for royal life. Add in the female and male members of the Royal court and you have the perfect dynamic for more drama, suspense, romance and even wishfulness than you could have ever imagined.

This is the perfect book to give to a book lover or even yourself. If you are so inclined, pick this title up, pour yourself a hot cup of tea. Then get ready to escape into the world of Victoria. This title would be a good choice for book clubs who enjoy discussing historical novels and royalty, too.

You might even be prompted, as I have been, to dig into the history books to learn as much as you can about the Queen Victoria who actually lived because this title is so well written it's often hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

Honestly, I can't think of a better way to get cozy than to spend the long and cold nights of winter reading a book like this which is so well-written and overflowing with passion.  

More About Victoria
Released on November 22, 2016, this book is now available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle and Audiobook. Buy it at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To stay up to date on all the buzz about Victoria, follow St Martins Press on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also connect with author Daisy Goodwin by following her on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: I received the book for this review from SheSpeaks. However, opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Giveaway Holiday Candy Stocking Gimbals Black Licorice Scottie Dogs + Discount Code

Giveaway

Enter the Giveaway + See 15% Discount Code Below

I love Gimbal's Fine Candies Black Licorice Scottie Dogs, which is why I've just got to share this old-fashioned candy company's 2016 Holiday Sweepstakes with readers. If you've never tasted these chewy black treats, you should know that these don't just come in cute Scottie Dog shapes, they are the best all natural licorice candy I've ever tasted.

Gimbal's Scottie Dogs are a holiday tradition for many, both those who celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah (yes, all Gimbal's candies are certified kosher OU parve). Plus, the entire confection line has no high-fructose corn syrup and is allergen-free since all ingredients are peanut free, tree nut free, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, and egg free. With a candy company that caters to so many types of dietary restrictions, it's a really good thing you can buy these sweet tiny dog candies, as well as the other varieties the brand makes, both as welcome holidays gifts and also year-round.

Sweepstakes

Now through December 12th is your chance to enter to WIN a festive dog-themed holiday stocking overflowing with 24 stocking stuffer sized bags of those amazingly good Gimbal's Black Licorice Scottie Dogs candies.

ENTER TO WIN HERE

“At Gimbal’s, we take pride in using only the finest ingredients for all our candy," says Karin Vollrath, sales and marketing director. This old family recipe for our all natural Black Licorice Scotties has been carefully passed down for four generations. We’re thrilled to offer our customers a chance to win our favorite holiday treat and have the chance to share the Black Licorice Scotties with their loved ones this holiday season.”

Save on Gimbal's Candy 

Take 15% off all orders 

with promo code XMAS2016

GimbalsCandy.com
Offer Ends December 12th

About Gimbal's Fine Candies

Gimbal's Fine Candies was founded in 1898 in downtown San Francisco. Four generations later, Gimbal's is still dedicated and passionate about creating irresistibly delicious confections. From old-time favorites to innovative new candies, everything Gimbal's produces is made with pride in the USA. For information visit the brand's official website or call 800-344-6225 as well as become a fan on Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: No payment was exchanged in association with this post and opinions here are my own. Gimbal's Fine Candies is hosting the contest and providing the prize and shipping to winner. See complete FTC Disclosure that appears at the bottom of MBE's home page and at the bottom of every individual post including this one.

Hanukkah Easy DIY Crafts Recipes to Celebrate Jewish Festival of Lights

Celebrations

This year, Chanukah, the 8-day Jewish Festival of Lights starts the night of December 24 and ends on January 1, New Year's Day. The menorah candelabra that Jews light each of the nights of the holiday, adding an additional candle each evening, is one of the most familiar symbols of the celebration. Other popular things associated with the celebration are the Star of David (Mogen David), the colors blue & white representing the Israeli flag, fried foods (think donuts and potato pancake latkes), dreidel toy tops, and of course, chocolate coins covered in gold foil.

To help you celebrate, here are some of my favorite creative crafts (including a few edible art projects) to make this holiday memorable.

This holiday art project from Crayola makes it possible for every child to make his or her own decorative paper menorah to use as a beautiful table centerpiece that can be reused year after year. Since it's made of paper and there is no actual flame involved, it is not only safe, it's fun and easy to make. Find free how-to directions to make this cute Chanukah craft which you can make together with younger kids and that older children can create on their own HERE

Image from Crayola

Also from Crayola are directions to easily craft some pretty holiday boxes, including the one pictured for Chanukah in blue and white with the Star of David on top, using their Model Magic air drying clay product HERE

Image from Crayola

These adorable Chanukah Donut Cookies from Joy of Kosher are a really creative edible craft. Using the same cookie cutter as when you make donuts, the kids will love helping you decorate these! Get the recipe and how to HERE

Image from Joy of Kosher

What a beautiful, easy way to decorate your front door with this dimensional Paper Dreidel Door Hanging Decoration by Design Megillah.  This is one blog you're definitely going to want to visit because they have lots of other holiday craft ideas and, to make the project pictured, a free dreidel template to download HERE

Image from DesignMegillah.com

Last, but not least, if you haven't done this already in past years: Why not bake and decorate a Hanukkah Gingerbread House with the kids like the one I made for my own family? This project is fun for the whole family to join in working on together. Just don't forget to take photos before you gently craft this with a hammer to eat the delicious gingerbread. Easy directions to create this edible 3D craft HERE

Image from MommyBlogExpert.com

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed with family and friends. Make sure yours are special for both you and your kids. Follow MBE on Pinterest as we continue to discover and share lots of creative Hanukkah Inspiration with you. And of course, stay tuned to the blog for beautiful, creative holiday crafts to come in the weeks ahead, too.

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MBE wants to share your own Chanukah craft ideas!
Feel free to add links to your own favorite Chanukah arts and crafts in a comment below. 

FTC Disclosure: No payment was exchanged in association with this post and opinions here are my own. All photos as credited. See complete FTC Disclosure that appears at the bottom of MBE's home page and at the bottom of every individual post including this one.