icRKphJXQm-ezth8lntKydifkDg The Loose Screw: February 2014

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Wordless Wednesday~Ice Castles




 
 



Enter the Getting Crafty with Borax Sweepstakes!



You have a chance to win $500 with the new Getting Crafty with Borax sweepstakes! 

Click here to enter.  You will need to have a Pinterest account for this sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes ends on February 28, 2014.  Good Luck!

Product Review and Giveaway~New Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash

 
 
Dial brand has a new body wash out, Vitamin Boost Body Wash.  This new wash is an advanced formula that helps draw vitamins and moisture directly to your skin.  It is a lotion infused new vitamin complex for healthy, soft skin.  There are two formulas: Amazing B and Super C. 
 
I was given the Amazing B Body Wash to try.  My entire family loves it-the scent is invigorating and fruity.  Its like you are giving your skin a daily boost of vitamins!  My skin felt soft and moisturized after using new Vitamin Boost Body Wash.  




GIVEAWAY

Two readers can each win a coupon for a FREE bottle of new Vitamin Boost Body Wash!  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Dial brand provided me with a sample of Dial Vitamin Boost Body Wash in exchange for a product review.  However,  all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Book Review and Author Giveaway/Facebook Party~A Road Unknown




Elizabeth Bontranger feels stuck.  She is a young Amish woman, the eldest in her family of nine children.  Since she graduated the 8th grade, all she has done is help care for her younger siblings and the house.  Not even having the time to attend youth social events, she is afraid she will never have her own life or family. 

When Elizabeth's Englisch pen pal in Pennsylvania offers to let her be her roommate, Elizabeth seizes the chance to experience life outside of her community.  Against her parent's wishes, she makes the long trip to Paradise, Pennsylvania to start her new life.  Will she find what she is looking for, or will the pull of her family needing her send her back home?

A Road Unknown is the first book in author Barbara Cameron's new Amish Roads Series.  I've enjoyed several books by this author, so I was excited to start a new series she has penned!  I picked up A Road Unknown one day, and finished it the next.  What a lovely story of personal growth, faith, and love.  The characters of Elizabeth, Paula, and Saul were engaging and fun to follow.   I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book in  the Amish Roads Series, Crossroads




To learn more about author Barbara Cameron and her books, visit her website.  You can also read more reviews of A Road Unknown at Litfuse.  Visit Amazon to purchase your own copy. 



Barbara Cameron is celebrating the release of A Road Unknown with a $200 Visa cash card giveaway and a fun "Amish Roads" Facebook party.
roadunknown-400-click
One winner will receive:
  • A $200 Visa cash card
  • A Road Unknown by Barbara Cameron
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 27th. Winner will be announced at Barbara's "Amish Roads" Facebook Party on February 27th. Connect with Barbara for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Road Unknown and join Barbara and friends on the evening of February 27th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."


Thursday, February 13, 2014

Book Review and Author Giveaway~Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray




Hopeful is the story of Miriam Zehr, a young Amish woman who has always lived in Sugarcreek.  She has worked at the local Sugarcreek Inn for years. She is heavier than other girls her age, and has never felt beautiful.  Most of her friends are married now, some even with children already.  There is only one young man Miriam has had her eye on for years, Junior.  But Junior has eyes for Miriam's friend Mary Kate, and clueless about Miriam's feelings for him, wants Miriam to help him get close to Mary Kate.  Will she be able to put aside her own feelings and help him?  Will she ever have a family of her own?

Shelly Shepard Gray is one of my favorite Amish authors, and she did not disappoint me with Hopeful.  She did a great job of really making you feel Miriam's emotions.  The book kept my interest, and I read it in just a few days.  Along with the story, at the end of the book are some extras-About the Author, Letter from the Author, Questions for Discussion, Fanny Kay's Chocolate Cream Pie recipe, Glossary of Pennsylvania Dutch words, and a Sneak Peek of the next book in the series, Thankful.

To learn more about Shelley Shepard Gray and her books, visit her website.  To purchase a copy of Hopeful, click here.



Welcome to the blog tour for Hopeful, the first book in Shelley Shepard Gray's new series, Return to Sugarcreek. Critics have already given their thumbs up for Hopeful: “Lovable characters and a good story, full of romance and suspense . . . a must read." (Library Journal)

Enter to win one of FIVE copies of the book. 
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Five winners will receive:
  • Hopeful by Shelley Shepard Gray
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 23rd. All winners will be announced February 24th at Shelley's blog.

Enter today and be sure to visit Shelley's blog on the 24th to see if YOU won one of the books!

 
 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."



Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Wordless Wednesday~He Cleans up Pretty Good!

 
 
Before and After

Product Review and Giveaway~Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze


As a Purex Insider, I've had the opportunity to try out lots of great products.  Newest to the Purex family is the new scent of Purex Crystals-Fresh Mountain Breeze.  I love using Purex Crystals, escpecially for my linens.  They smell fresh for weeks, and does not reduce the absorbency of towels  like most liquid fabric softeners do.  Below is a look at the actual crystals, straight from the bottle:


 
Purex Crystals  are so easy to use!  Just measure the amount you want to use into the cap shown above, and pour into the tub before you add your clothes. This new scent, Mountain Breeze, is a fresh, floral that smells like a breath of Spring air! You can feel good about Purex's natural formula that is safe for your family and the environment.  



Would you like to win a coupon for a FREE bottle of Purex Crystals?  Enter below!

THE GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze in exchange for a product review.  However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Book Review and Author Giveaway/Facebook Party~A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher





Allison is newly divorced with an adult daughter.  She inherits her Great Aunt Emma's cabin up in the mountains outside of Boise, Idaho, where she lives.  Still reeling from the divorce, she decides moving to the cabin is what she needs to do.  She is still hurting so much from the decay and end of her marriage due to her husband Tony's alcoholism.  A strong Christian, she has questioned God during these rough times. 

While sorting through some of  her aunt's belongings stored in the attic, Allison comes across several journals written by her aunt.  She slowly reads her aunt's life story, while beginning to attend church and making new friends.  As her husband becomes sober, she questions if their relationship can ever be repaired.  Her aunt's stories also teach her quite a few lessons along the way. 

I very much enjoyed A Promise Kept.  The setting was described beautifully, and the characters were deep and real.  The best part about the book was reading two stories in one!  The chapters went back and forth from Allison's life in the present, to Aunt Emma's life in the past.  That aspect was not confusing at all, it was very enjoyable!  A Promise Kept is a story full of grace, redemption, and second chances.  Also that God answers prayers, just not always in the way you expect!

To learn more about author Robin Lee Hatcher and her books, visit her website at http://www.robinleehatcher.com/.  You can purchase your own copy of A Promise Kept and download a sample chapter at her website here. 





Don't miss Robin Lee Hatcher's stunning new novel, A Promise KeptRobin is celebrating with a fun giveaway and an encouraging Facebook Author Chat Party.
promisekept-400
 One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6th. Winner will be announced at the "A Promise Kept" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 6th. Connect with Robin and friends for an evening of encouraging book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Robin's next book!

So grab your copy of A Promise Kept and join Robin on the evening of February 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 2/6!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."

Book Review~Gabriel's Bride

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Gabriel's Bride
B&H Books (February 1, 2014)
by
Amy Lillard


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, shoes, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that’s why I adore romances.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I’m a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that’s me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twilight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940′s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rachel Yoder has two choices: marry Gabriel Fisher or move to Ohio. As an orphan, Rachel doesn’t have much to offer; any match she can make will be a good one. She just didn’t plan on Gabriel with his big hands and permanent frown. As a widower Gabriel needs help caring for the farm and his six children. But he never thought he’d marry a slip of a girl who barely reaches his chin. Yet as time passes, Gabriel finds himself thinking about a real marriage. They have spoken vows to God and each other, but can he risk his heart with Rachel?


If you would like to read the first chapter of Gabriel's Bride, go HERE.


My Thoughts: Gabriel's Bride was a heartwarming story about a young woman who finds herself alone in life,  and a widower with six children.  I enjoyed the characters-Rachel was my favorite.  There are some surprising twists and turns in the book, and it kept my attention from the first chapter to the last.  Gabriel's Bride is a Clover Ridge Novel.  Now I want to check out the other books in this series!

Wordless Wednesday~Winter at the Lake


Monday, February 3, 2014

Book Review and Author Giveaway/Facebook Party~A Miracle of Hope



A Miracle of Hope is an Amish Wonders novel by author Ruth Reid.  Lindie Wyse is Amish, unmarried, and pregnant.  She accepts an offer to marry fellow Amish widower Josiah Plank in Michigan.  This is to be an arrangement 'in name only', and Lindie would be expected to care for Josiah's eight-year-old daughter Hannah, who is deaf. 

After arriving, Lindie, who is suffering terrible nausea, realizes she has taken on more than she imagined.  Being a 'wife' to a man still suffering the loss of his beloved wife, and trying to communicate with a deaf child with special needs is almost too much for her.  Together, Josiah and Lindie have to learn to communicate and care for their new family.  Their hearts begin to soften, and soon they are hit with terrible news.

I have read books by Ruth Reid in the past, and enjoyed them.  But I must say, hands down A Miracle of Hope is my favorite.  The storyline  about an arranged, loveless marriage was fascinating. Lindie's pregnancy and how she became pregnant were a big part of the story that focused on forgiveness.  I loved the characters of Lindie and Josiah, both such sweet, kind people. I truly could not put this book down, and loved every word!

Purchase your own copy of A Miracle of Hope at Amazon.  Learn more about author Ruth Reid at her website

A Miracle of Hope is the first book in Ruth Reid's new series, Amish Wonders, and she is celebrating the release with a Kindle HDX Giveaway and an Author Chat Facebook Party!
miraclehope-400
One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire HDX
  • A Miracle of Hope by Ruth Reid
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 11th. Winner will be announced at the A Miracle of Hope Facebook Party on February 11th. Connect with Ruth for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, prizes, and more!

So grab your copy of A Miracle of Hope and join Ruth and friends on the evening of February 11th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP todayTell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 11th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Litfuse Publicity. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."