Children's Book Review~Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times & Author Kindle Giveaway

Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times, written and illustrated by Kelly Pulley, is part of the Magnificent Tales series, which are rhyming Bible stories with clever art and clear lessons for the entire family to enjoy.  I've always believed that children will retain more information if they are entertained and drawn into something, and this book accomplishes that. 

Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times is a 351 page hardcover with bright, colorful, engaging illustrations on every page.  The small amount of text on the pages make it perfect for beginning readers.  Although this book is aimed toward 4-8 year olds, I believe younger and older children would enjoy it as well.  My grandson Daniel (3) and son Chad (11) both have enjoyed several stories in the book.  The fun illustrations are their favorite. 

There are twenty Bible stories in Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times, from 'Tricked by a Snake' (Adam and Eve) to 'He Has Risen' (The Resurrection).  The stories all rhyme, which makes reading them aloud especially fun!




Read more reviews of Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times here.  You can purchase your own copy at the author's website. 

Part of the Magnificent Tales series, Treasury of Bible Stories: Rhythmical Rhymes of Biblical Times will delight children ages 4–8 with rhyming Bible stories pairing spiritual truths with playful illustrations.

Enter the Rhythmical Rhymes Kindle Giveaway 9/15 – 10/12.

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Treasury of Bible Stories by Kelly Pulley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 12th. Winner will be announced October 13th at Kelly's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit Kelly's blog on the 13th to see if you won!

 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Product Review~Instanatural Deep Cleansing Facial Oil & Rosehip Oil

I've tried so many different facial cleansers.  Many have worked fine, I just haven't found one that I really love.  A while back, I read an article online about washing your face with oils.  That seemed crazy, but intrigued me.  I have combination skin-a little oily around the hairline and nose, dry patches on my cheeks.  In the winter my skin gets really dry, so I thought maybe using oil to cleanse was worth trying.  I was really excited to have the opportunity to try out Instanatural's Deep Cleansing Facial Oil this past month. 

Instanatural's Deep Cleansing Facial Oil is all natural and organic-something that makes me happy.  Why would I want to put chemicals on my face if there are natural products that yield the same (or better) results?  The key active ingredients in this facial oil are:

 Jojoba Oil
 Olive Oil
 Lavendar Essential Oil
 Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
 Tamanu Oil
 Hemp Oil
 Sea Buckthorn Oil
 Geranium Essential Oil

Deep Cleansing Facial Oil is strong enough to remove dirt and makeup (even mascara!), but doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils or disturb the natural pH balance.  It cleanses, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin! 

My experience with Deep Cleansing Facial Oil has been wonderful!  I am in love with this product!  It smells heavenly, and you only use a small amount to wash your face so it will last a long time.  It rinses off easily, and leaves my skin soft and clean.  It doesn't feel greasy at all, and I don't have that dry feeling I used to get after cleansing my face.  Although I still use moisturizer, I don't use it every time I wash-I don't feel like I need to after cleansing with this product.

You can purchase your own Deep Cleansing Facial Oil at Amazon.  Instanatural backs their products with a lifetime money back guarantee, no matter  where you bought the product!

Along with the Deep Cleansing Facial Oil, Instanatural sent me another product to try- 100% Pure Rosehip Seed Oil.  This is organic, with no fillers.  Just 100% Rosehip Seed Oil.  Rosehip Seed Oil is used to replenish and brighten skin-especially dry skin.  It works to diminish fine lines, and can be used for hair, nails, scars, stretch marks, and more. 

My experience with Instanaturals 100% Pure Rosehip Seed Oil was mixed.  I think it is a great product for moisturizing-I used it on dry areas, scars, and my nails, and it worked really well.  What I didn't like was the scent.  I do understand that if you want an organic, 100% natural, pure product, you will get exactly what that ingredient smells like.  I'm just really picky about my products smelling good.  I'm planning to continue using the Rosehip Oil on my body, I just won't use it on my face due to the scent. 

You can purchase 100% Pure Rosehip Seed Oil at Amazon.  Remember-Instanatural has that awesome lifetime money back guarantee! 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review~100% Austrailian Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is an essential at my house. I first tried it several years ago, and loved the many benefits it provided my home and family.  I haven't found a brand I prefer over any other-until now!  I had the opportunity to review Apothecary Extracts 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil for the past few weeks, and it is now my favorite brand. 

There are SO MANY uses for Tea Tree Oil, both personal and household use.  Some personal use examples are: fighting acne, dandruff and warts.  Household use includes making your own detergents and cleaners, or shampoo and body wash.  I use Tea Tree Oil for many things, but probably my biggest use of it is in household cleaners and detergents.  It worked great on my kids' acne when they were teens too! 

Tea Tree Oil is a powerful essential oil known to be an immune stimulant.  It can fight all three categories of infectious organisms.  When someone in my home is coming down with a flu/cold, Tea Tree Oil vaporized can knock it out quickly. 

Apothecary Extracts Tea Tree Oil is a pure oil taken from the Melaluca tree native to Australia.  Many essential oils are diluted, but this is pure, high quality Tea Tree Oil. 

Along with the large 4 oz. bottle of Tea Tree Oil, you will receive a free e-book, 53 Uses for Tea Tree Oil.  I've read through this e-book, and found several uses I had not thought of before. This e-book will be utilized regularly in our home now. 

You can purchase your own large 4 oz. bottle of 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil by Apothecary Extracts (with free e-book) at Amazon.  I received the product quickly, and packaged well.  Apothecary Extracts is our new Tea Tree Oil provider, and I highly recommend it! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday~Big Belly

Puppies due this week, and there are six in there!

Book Review~Hidden in the Stars: Quilts of Love Series

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Hidden in the Stars Abingdon Press (September 16, 2014) by Robin Caroll

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin Caroll is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin’s mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage—two aspects Robin weaves into each of her books.

When she isn’t writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty-plus years, her 3 beautiful daughters, 2 precious grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home—in the South, where else?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother’s offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn’t help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer.

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia’s mother’s “special” quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia’s unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer—still at large—silence her forever?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hidden in the Stars, go HERE.

What I Thought:  Hidden in the Stars is an exciting mystery-a book that was hard to put down.  Detective Julian Frazier is trying hard to solve the case of who attacked Sophia and her mother, and along the way he begins to have feelings for her.  Sophia is unable to speak, injured in multiple places, and now motherless.  With her gymnastics career over, she is determined to figure out who did this to her, and to stop them from coming back to finish the job.  A quilt of her mothers may just be a connection to solving the case.  I admired Sophia's determination, and also found the information on her Russian heritage very interested.  I've now read several books in the Quilts of Love series, each very unique and interesting! 

Children's Book Review~Goodnight, Ark

My children all loved the story of Noah from the Bible, and now my grandson does too!  I think it is a favorite Bible story of children because of all the animals.  I recently had the opportunity to review a new spin on the story of Noah called Goodnight, Ark,  published by Zonderkidz.  This 24 page hardcover book with dust jacket was written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by Jane Chapman. 

Goodnight, Ark is an adorable story with bright, full color illustrations on every page.  There is only a sentence or two of rhyming text on each page, helping keep little one's attention.  The picture above is of my grandson Daniel, showing off  his favorite page of all the animals fallen into a heap after a restless night.  He loves this book, and asks for it frequently. 

Goodnight, Ark would make a great addition to any family's bookshelf, and would be a great gift for a child or family. 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Children's Book Review~Jonah and the Great Big Fish

Jonah and the Great Big Fish is a delightful hardcover book, written by Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by Margaret Spengler.  It is published by Zonderkidz, and is about 22 pages long.  It tells the Bible story of Jonah being swallowed by the whale.  This has always been one of my kids' favorite bible stories, and the author and illustrator do a fabulous job depicting the story.

 

 

Here is my two-year-old grandson Daniel enjoying Jonah and the Great Big Fish-he loves it!  The illustrations are full color, bright, and whimsical, and on every page.  There is just a small amount of text on each page, making this book great for beginning readers.  The story rhymes as well, which my children always enjoy and helps keep their attention.  Best of all, this fun story has a moral-to listen to God and be obedient. 

 

*Disclosure: I received this book free from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Book Review & Author Giveaway ~Joyful by Shelley Shepard Gray

Joyful is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Return to Sugarcreek series.  In the story, Elizabeth Nolt lives with her grandmother, who is in poor health.  They struggle to make ends meet.  Elizabeth was expected to marry Randall Beiler, until he broke up with her and broke her heart.  Randall comes from a large family whose parents have passed away, and as one of the oldest, he takes on the responsibility of his home and younger siblings.  The problem is, he is not doing a very good job with all his responsibilities. 

Randall's brother goes behind his back and asks Elizabeth to come work for them, cooking and cleaning and caring for their youngest sister.  Randall is furious, but soon realizes it is best for all involved.  As Randall and Elizabeth spend more time together, they both realize they still have feelings for each other. 

MY THOUGHTS: Joyful is a sweet love story.  Both families have experienced hard times-the Beilers with their parents passing at a young age, and Elizabeth with her mother leaving.  Both Randall and Elizabeth are dedicated to their families, but must figure out where love and a relationship can fit in with their responsibilities.  I have read the first two books in the series, Hopeful and Thankful, and I think Joyful is a good addition to the series.  Author Shelley Shepard Gray does an amazing job at pulling you into her story and keeping your interest throughout.  At the back of the book is a PS section, with a letter from the author, discussion questions, and a sneak peek of her next book. 

To read more reviews of Joyful, head over to Litfuse.  To purchase your own copy of Joyful, visit the author's website. 


Don't miss Shelley Shepard Gray's newest book in the Return to Sugarcreek series, Joyful. USA Today raved: "A sweet, straightforward story about how love can be tested by family, faith, and personal insecurity. Enjoyable and heartwarming."

Click the banner for a chance to win books 1-3 in Shelley's Return to Sugarcreek series! 
Winner announced on Shelley's blog on 9/30.

 

 

 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Product Review~Pure Raspberry Ketones

 



For the past few weeks, I've been using Summit Nutrition's Pure Raspberry Ketones .  I had been researching the use of ketones in weight loss, and was impressed to find that these 100% pure raspberry ketones are pure and organic, and extracted from natural sources.  There are no additives, fillers, or artificial ingredients. 

Summit Nutrition's Pure Raspberry Ketones are made in the USA and are FDA approved cGMP (Current good manufacturing process, highest quality standard for manufacturing  supplements).  The raspberry ketones come in a rapid release capsule form, which is more effective.  These raspberry ketones are known to suppress appetite and to burn body fat by metabolism and lipolysis (breakdown in fat). 

My experience with Summit Nutrition's Pure Raspberry Ketones has been great!  I love the smell of them, and have no problem swallowing the capsules.  I noticed my appetite was curbed the first day, and I definitely had more energy.  I have had no side effects at all.  I definitely would recommend this product.

Click here to purchase your own Pure Raspberry Ketones on Amazon. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Children's Book Review~If You Were Me and Lived in..Portugal

If You Were Me and Lived in...Portugal is a new addition to the popular children's series by author Carole P. Roman.  The series is an introduction to learning about other cultures, and there are many books in the series already.  What I love about this series is that it is written as if children from the other country are telling children reading the book about how they live. 

If You Were Me and Lived In...Portugal is a short softcover book targeted toward Pre-k to eight years old, but could be enjoyed by older children as well.  The illustrations are bright and draw the reader in.  The print is perfect for an elementary school child.  These are great books for homeschoolers as well, and to read as a family!

This book tells about where Portugal is, its capital city, and the names boys and girls may have there.  The history and land is also described, as well as school, food, sports, and celebrations.  I must admit, I learn at least one or two new things about each country we have 'visited' in this series. 

If You Were Me and Lived in...Portugal is available at the author's website and at Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. 

*Disclosure:  I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Product Review~Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter

As I get older, it feels like my skin and hair are getting drier every day!  It also doesn't help that I live in a high desert.  So, I was thrilled to be able to review Cleopatra's Choice brand 100% Pure African Shea Butter, sold by Adovia Mineral Skincare. 

 

 



I received a one pound tub of Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter in the ivory color (yellow is also available).  It is packaged very well, in a sturdy hard plastic recyclable tub with the label on the lid.  The smell of the Shea Butter is not unpleasant, but natural- to me it smells similar to play-doh.  The Shea Butter itself is thick, creamy, and smooth.  I have used it on everything-my lips,  hair and skin.  It is wonderful!  I used it on a curling iron burn the other day and it was so soothing. 

Cleopatra's Choice Shea Butter is the #1 rated Shea butter on the market, and is 100% natural and organic. It is made with the finest nuts hand selected from trees in Ghana.  It contains vitamins A, E, and F and does not clog pores.  Pure African Shea Butter is used for everyday skin and hair moisturizing, as well as for Eczema, Psoriasis, very dry skin, and stretch marks. 

Click here to purchase your own Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter from Amazon.  This product has a 100% unconditional money back guarantee too!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Children's Book Review~Captured on the High Seas

The Imagination Station book series is a Focus on The Family resource, published by Tyndale Publishing.  Captured on the High Seas is the 14th book in the series.  It is 130 pages long, with black and white illustrations.  At the back of the book are puzzles and questions to answer about the story. 

In Captured on the High Seas, cousins Patrick and Beth find themselves at sea on an American ship in the year 1781.  They make friends with a 15-year-old boy named James.  While at sea, they run into many problems, including a fight with the British!  They also have lots of adventure, and learn about our history. 

My kids all loved The Magic Treehouse series, so I was excited to discover the Imagination Station series as they are similar in many ways.  I love that I don't have to worry about the content my kids are reading-these are clean, wholesome stories.  Also, they appeal to boys and girls alike.  Stories like Captured on the High Seas and the entire Imagination Station series are the kind of books that catch a child's attention at such a critical stage, and makes them become lifelong readers!  I look forward to having my 11-year-old son read more of the series.  I wish Imagination Station books were around when my now adult kids were young!  They would have devoured them!

To learn more about Captured on the High Seas and the Imagination Station series, visit www.theimaginationstation.com . 

*Disclosure: I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Wordless Wednesday~Puppies Coming!

That's right, puppies are on their way!  Tulip is about 5 weeks along now, and pups are due at the end of September.  We're very excited!

Book Review~The Flip

The Flip, by Michael Phillip Cash, is the story of a married couple who are house flippers.  Julie Evans works in the business world while her husband Brad flips houses that the two purchase together.  They purchase Hemmings House, which is an old Victorian on Long Island.  Brad feels uneasy about this flip from the beginning.  What he doesn't know is that the house is haunted by its previous residents. 

Strange things begin happening to Brad as he works on the house.  He becomes irritable and resentful, which is straining their marriage.  As he gets deeper into the house, things get even stranger. 

I don't want to give away too much of the story, so I'll stop there and tell you what I thought.  The Flip was a great story, not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it.  It was a quick read and hard to put down.  The history of the past residents was interesting to learn about.  House flipping has always intrigued me-I watch house flipping shows on television, so it was fun to read a story based on house flipping.  I've read a few books by author Michael Phillip Cash in the past, and The Flip was another great work by the author.  His books aren't too scary-just enough to give me goosebumps. 

To learn more about the author, visit his website.  The Flip is also available on Amazon.




*Disclosure: I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.

Children's Book Review~The Crew Goes Coconuts!

The Crew Goes Coconuts is part of the Captain No Beard series written by author Carole P. Roman. There are several books in the series so far that we have enjoyed.  In The Crew Goes Coconuts, the crew finds themselves aboard The Flying Dragon thirsty, with not enough juice for everyone.  Everyone blames the goat, Mattie, who then feels bullied.  The crew learns that bullying is wrong and that they need to respect each other.   

Here is my grandson Daniel, who is two and loves The Crew Goes Coconuts!  The crew is adorable and consists of Captain No Beard, First Mate Hallie, Mongo the monkey, Polly Parrot, Linus the lion, and Fribbet the frog.  The illustrations are so cute and bright!  The stories in The Captain No Beard series teach important values while encouraging children to use their imaginations. 

You can learn more about author Carole P. Roman and her books at her website.  You can purchase The Crew Goes Coconuts there as well, and at Amazon.


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Children's Book Review~If You Were Me and Lived in..Australia

My family has read several of the books in author Carole P. Roman's series that teaches children about the world around them.  The latest book we received to review from the series is If You Were Me and Lived In...Australia: An Introduction to Learning About Other Cultures.

We were especially excited to read about Australia!  My husband travelled there with the Navy, and he has always described what a beautiful place it is.  He would like to go back someday, and of course take us with him this time!

This series is meant for Pre-K to age 8, but both my 11 year old son and my 2 year old grandson love reading these books.  In the front of the book is a map of the country, showing the capital.  Throughout the book are bright, colorful illustrations, and a boy and girl show you what they eat, play, and what words they use for common items.  At the end of the book is a helpful pronunciation guide.  The book covers things children would be interested in knowing about daily life. 

If You Were Me and Lived in Australia is available at Amazon and on the author's website.  Carole P. Roman's website is full of lots of information.  Be sure to check out all the different countries available in the If You Were Me series!

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

When it Rains......

Have you ever heard the expression When it rains, it pours?  Well, that's what has been going on around here lately.  I've been MIA for a few weeks now,  just hanging on and dealing with what life was throwing at us!  Flooded basement, broken computer, fried electrical in the basement, and a broken truck.  We are still dealing with getting the basement put back together, I picked up my computer yesterday, we pick up the truck tomorrow, and we are waiting on an electrician to tell us the verdict on the electrical. 

I really felt lost without my computer!  I also learned how important it is to back up as often as possible!  But, in all of this, we heard news of friends whose son is dying from a terminal disease.  That made us stop and think about how all our troubles are material.  I'd take material troubles any day over a sick, dying child.

So, I'm back on track and will be getting caught up on my reviews this week.  The forecast ahead is calling for sunny skies!