Blog Tour: Book Review: The Lonely Christmas Tree by Brent A. Marthaller

Title: The Lonely Christmas Tree

Author: Brent A. Marthaller

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Length: 24 pages

Genre: Children's, Inspirational, Motivational, Spiritual

Source: Sage's Blog Tours / author

Book Synopsis:

The Lonely Christmas Tree is born with a purpose to be cherished by someone at Christmas. When the tree is the last one remaining in the lot, the tree starts to believe that all hope is lost.  A bright light comes along restoring faith in dreams and encourages the spirit to persevere. The tree is small and limp but has the spirit to find love and acceptance. This story demonstrates that all of us have that spark within us to find what we long for. Persistence and fortitude can lead us out of despair to the light that shines for all of us. 

Mom's Thoughts:

This is such a sweet little book!  It is so full of heart and Christmas spirit that I had to read it a few times to the kids because of the beauty it held.  Just looking at the lonely tree he isn't much to look at but wow!  He is just so full of the holiday spirit it makes you realize that is what is important; not the outside but what's on the inside.  

The Lonely Christmas Tree has a great message for kids and adults alike to learn and it was such an enjoyable read for my children as well as me!  Five Stars!! *****

Jace's Thoughts:

I really like the colors! I love all the colors of the rainbow but blue and green have a special place too.  I really liked how each page had snow coming down.  My favorite part was when the little boy carries the lonely tree like a baby all the way home to the other kids too.   He carries it so gently that you can tell the little boy really loves that tree.  Five Stars!!!  *****

Mikey's Thoughts:

I really liked the pictures and I loved the rhyming too!  Whenever I hear stories that rhyme it makes me think it is like a song and I just want to sing it.  

I felt so bad for the little tree but I thought he was beautiful just the way he is!  I didn't like the other really big trees and I thought he was the perfect size.  I know my family and I would have been happy with him.  My favorite part was when the children decorated the lonely Christmas Tree and made it even more happy and beautiful.  The children were happy and smiling enjoying each other's company, even though they didn't have any presents.  They didn't need any because they had the love and Christmas spirit and that was enough.  

I give it five stars! *****

Author Bio:

Brent Marthaller lives in West Fargo, ND, and has written music and lyrics since 1978. During the 1980’s and 1990’s he was a member of several bands which performed throughout the area and at local venues. While those days of performing are in the past, he continues to write whenever he can. He also enjoys introducing his grandchildren to all varieties of music.

Purchase Links:

Tate Publishing:

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-100-2

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61346-168-6

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Christmas-Tree-Brent-Marthaller/dp/161739100X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355776048&sr=8-3&keywords=The+Lonely+Christmas+Tree

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonely-christmas-tree-brent-a-marthaller/1101384282

Author’s Website - www.thelonelychristmastree.com

Exclusive Hardcover versions may be purchased for $11.99 directly from the author website!

Review: The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus by June Spears

Title: The First Christmas: The Story of Jesus
Author: June Spears
Publisher: self
Date of Publication: November 4, 2012
Source/Format: received from author for our honest   review of it/ Kindle

Goodreads Summary:

What says Christmas time better than the true story of Christmas. 

The story of Jesus broke down for children to understand. With sketch illustrations to match.




Mom's Thoughts:
First, the illustrations are so sweet and beautiful we enjoyed looking at those the most.  I loved that there was sketches, even though it was an e reader version.  I also liked that the chapters were short because it is hard to keep a young child's attention span ( 4 years old) if the chapters drag on and on.  
I am not usually one to do the religious books, but I figure you can't go wrong with Christmas time anyways.  
It was nice how Mary, Joseph, the angels, God, and Jesus was explained in simple terms for a child to grasp.  
However, in one of the chapters it talks about how Joseph thought Mary was unfaithful and back then she could be stoned to death for it.  I felt that might be a little too much for anyone younger than 8 to really talk about.  And besides this is supposed to be a fun book but that little tidbit of information kinda put a downer on the rest of the story for me.  
I know my seven and four year old boys got bored with it because there was a lot of explanations for some of the ideas in it.  I could have been reading it to a younger age limit to handle it, though, so that could be my bad.  I did enjoy getting a little explanation and especially enjoyed seeing quotes from the Bible in it as well.  
Overall, this is a cute, short, and easy way to tell the kids about how and why Christians celebrate Christmas. I would skip the small part of "being stoned to death" to keep the mood light and cheery.
I gave it 3 stars!

If you would like your own copy you can get it here:

Amazon 

The Author:
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, June E Spears had spent her early years writing mostly poems and school songs. However, she could not escape the allure of storytelling and quickly began studying to become a novelist. She began by reading every chance she had. Mostly Fantasy and Romance novels, June's love of writing was uncontrollable. Once she began typing, she never stopped.

June is best known for her Fantasy Novelette Series "The Blood Moon Chronicles". She is a single mother to her only daughter Isabella Rose.

Connect with June Spears:

Twitter | Website |  Goodreads