Artsy gift ideas with a curative theme

Through the month, and maybe into the next for those who receive money for Christmas, I’ll be posting ideas for gifts of reading, music, and maybe other arts. Some will be interviews, some reviews, and some by guests announcing their offerings.

Today’s post has a curative theme, specifically cancer help related.

First up is Nancy O’Berry’s brand new novella, Stormy Weather:

Stormy Weather
Nancy O’Berry 
Mainstream Romance Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-60435-430-0
$2.99 

Buy link: http://redrosepublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=151&products_id=536


As a woman, Lauren Phelps has suffered the worst life can throw at her. The loss of her breast, the rejection of her husband, a divorce can she pick up the shattered threads of her life and continue?

Cole McGuire met Lauren Phelps through a mutual friend, his mother.. When Lauren took a medical leave of absence, he wondered if he would ever see her again. When she returned to Teague and Marshalls, he made sure she was transferred to his office.  Now divorced, he wondered if he stood a chance to woo her.

Can Lauren learn to love again after the storm?

Please note, this book contains frank discussions on breast cancer and reconstruction. The money raised from this book goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Tidewater chapter.  I have signed over my royalties to raise money for the cure of cancer. Won't you join me in stopping this disease. 
Nancy  O'Berry, author


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Next is an album from the founder of Music for Life, a non-profit that raises money to fight cancer. I interviewed Vicki Blankenship last month and you can read it here. Now for a quicky review of her latest album that would make a great gift for a music lover:

Blue Flame Trance
Vicki Blankenship

http://www.spottedkivaproductions.com

$15.00

Soothing is the first word that comes to mind when I try to describe Vicki’s music. It’s a beautiful folksy feel that reminds me of Peter, Paul, & Mary but with a touch of modern country ballads in the vein of Martina McBride. It’s simple and straight forward with lyrics any of us can relate to and features voice and guitar instead of a lot of background mish-mash. It’s about the true love of music for the sake of the art and personal expression. Vicki’s voice blends with her musical style and makes this CD perfect for an evening of relaxation after a long day. Don’t take my word for it, though. Go to her website and listen to samples of the CD!

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My last suggestion for today (come back tomorrow!) is from one of my favorite current bands:

Release
Sister Hazel

http://www.sisterhazel.com

$9.98 Rock Ridge Music
(Best Buy currently has it for $5.99)


I have several of Sister Hazel’s CDs and I love every one of them. Their newest release, Release, is no different. I’m big on lyrics. They have to be well written to make my favorite music list. SH’s are some of the best out there: poetic and meaningful, clever and upbeat. And their music is unflawed, uncomplicated but outstanding, easy to listen to for any mood, no over producing but a nice sharp sound with intricate guitar work. I love this band. Great music gift.

Oh, and Sister Hazel is the steam behind Lyrics for Life, raising money for children’s cancer research with big events in support of their cause that’s close to lead singer Ken Block’s heart, as he lost his brother to cancer when he was only a child.

While you’re at their site, you might check out Santa’s Playlist, also. ;-)
 

 
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