Classic Book review and giveaway: Catherine Marshall Christy 50th anniversary of a classic American novel #sponsored #giveaway

I remember reading this as a teenager. What a great book. Really, start reading it and who can resist this captivating story of young Christy Huddleston and her new life as a novice teacher in rural Cutter Gap. The details just keep you reading and reading. Christy tells riveting stories with such vivid details. In fact, you learn so much with the character development about people and life deep in the Appalachians. The habits and mentality of the people are ingrained in the old country because of the isolation. You just get pulled into this story and can't stop reading it. You have to pick this up and read it, or perhaps re-read it again now on the 50th anniversary. This book is a classic that you will love if you have never read it before. Take a peek at the Christy giveaway and win too!

This edition of Christy celebrates the 50th anniversary of the beloved novel's first appearance on the New York Times Best-Seller List in November 1967. You will truly see why millions of readers fell in love with Christy back in the '60's, '70's and even 80's. The book is loosely based on the life of Catherine Marshall's mother.  Christy captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series many years ago. The story was crafted with Catherine's mom and Catherine around the kitchen table back at Evergreen Farm.  As her mother reminisced about her experiences as a young teacher, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. The story began there as she realized how interesting the experience was and how fascinating it would be to put the story to paper.

Early on in the book you find Christy on an ancient train taking the young nineteen-year-old teacher from her home in Asheville, North Carolina to rural Cutter Gap. That train might as well be transporting her to another world. Once Christy arrives, the Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels like another world. The people live in an old way. Many of their ideas are suspended in time. Most everyone is trapped by extreme poverty, disease, superstitions, and traditions from the old country.  The book shares all the struggles that Christy goes through to become respected and a part of the community. It is really hard to break into the connections of the people of Cutter Gap. You see and feel all the challenges she experiences as a novice, young teacher in her one-room school and how she manages them. Her faith is challenged many times over. Of course the story includes love and you have to wait to see which man wins her heart.  You will enjoy reading about Christy's devotion and her hope to make a difference and live a life of purpose.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Winter is coming and my hand and skin situation was not doing so well up until recently. Winter has always been the bane of my existence when it comes to my skin. It is hard when you have dry skin your whole life. It certainly makes many challenges especially when you are in a profession where you need to wash your hands frequently. What is a girl to do, really? Good moisturization does make a difference but I like to keep it natural if possible. So I was excited to try this new Goat Milk Lotion from Canus. It is fall and the cold is setting in so my skin needed more help than ever. I had never tried this brand before and I was impressed with the really clean ingredients in the lotion.

Canus has crafted a Fresh Goat’s Milk Lotion that contains plant-based ingredients to soothe and hydrate skin. I received 2 complimentary samples (0.34 fl.oz each) of Nature by Canus Goat’s Milk Moisturizing Lotions in their Original Formula. I liked the way the lotion felt on my skin. It contains shea butter, minerals, vitamins, proteins and triglycerides to moisturize skin naturally. It is free of parabens, chemicals, gluten or sodium lauryl sulfate. It contains only eco-friendly preservatives. It is not tested on animals.

This is a nice option to try to moisturize dry skin. The Canus Goat's Milk Moisturizing Lotion did not irritate my skin and it absorbed quickly. I received two small samples. One was the Original Formula and the other was the Shea Butter. They were both nice and left my skin feeling smooth and comfortable.
  
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."