Book Review and Author Giveaway~Keturah

About the Book: 

Keturah (The Sugar Baron’s Daughters) (Bethany House, February 2018)

In 1772 England, Lady Keturah Banning Tomlinson and her sisters find themselves the heiresses of their father’s estates and know they have one option: Go to the West Indies to save what is left of their heritage.

Although it flies against all the conventions, they’re determined to make their own way in the world. But once they arrive in the Caribbean, conventions are the least of their concerns. On the infamous island of Nevis, the sisters discover the legacy of the legendary sugar barons has vastly declined–and that’s just the start of what their eyes are opened to in this harsh and unfamiliar world.

Keturah never intends to put herself at the mercy of a man again, but every man on the island seems to be trying to win her hand and, with it, the ownership of her plantation. She could desperately use an ally, but even an unexpected reunion with a childhood friend leaves her questioning his motives.

To keep her family together and save the plantation that is her last chance at providing for them, can Keturah ever surrender her stubbornness and guarded heart to God and find the healing and love awaiting her?

About the Author: 

Lisa T. Bergren has published more than 40 books with more than 3 million books sold combined. She's the author of the Christy Award-winning "Waterfall," RITA®-finalist "Firestorm," bestselling "God Gave Us You," and popular historical series like Homeward, Grand Tour, and more. She's also a recipient of the RT Lifetime Achievement Award. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three teen-and-older children. Visit her website http://lisatawnbergren.com

What I Thought: 

Keturah is the first book in author Lisa T. Bergren's new series, The Sugar Baron's Daughters. I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when the main character is a strong woman who is willing to do whatever she needs to do, even if it doesn't fit society's view of women for the time period. 

The settings of the story were exciting-first the long, grueling trip on the ship, and then the lush, tropical islands. I could not imagine being a woman wearing all the long skirts and petticoats in that tropical humidity! I was both fascinated and saddened by the treatment of the slaves, and how women were disregarded and disrespected. 

Keturah was determined to provide for her sisters and not lose what their father had worked for, but she also struggled with letting down her walls to let God lead her path. This is a lesson many of us can learn from. Having suffered an abusive marriage, she also must learn to open her heart to love again. 

At the back of the book are Historical Notes, which I found very interesting. When reading a Historical Fiction story, I'm always amazed at the amount of research that the author must do to write the book. I strongly recommend reading Keturah, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

You can learn more and purchase your own copy of Keturah at the author's website.  More reviews of this book are available at Litfuse.

Author Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of Keturah. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced March 13 on the Litfuse blog! .

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

Children's Book Review and Giveaway~God's Great Love for You

About God’s Great Love for You:

God’s Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.

My Thoughts:
God's Great Love for You, written by Rick Warren and illustrated by Chris Saunders, is a beautiful 32-page hardcover children's book published by ZonderKidz. This is a simple yet beautiful book, reminding young children how great God's love for them is. There are only a handful of words on each page, making it a great book for very early readers. There is a nice presentation page at the front of the book, which makes it a perfect gift for any occasion.  The illustrations were beautiful and colorful, easily capturing young ones' attention.

The recommended age range for God's Great Love for You is 4-8, which I think is a little off.  The picture above is my six-year-old grandson reading the book. He enjoyed it, but it was a little too quick for him. If he were to choose a book to read, he would choose something that would last longer. I think younger toddlers would enjoy having this book read to them as well. Personally, I think the age range is more like birth-5. 

God's Great Love for You is a wonderful reminder for young children how very much they are loved by our God. I think it would make a great addition to a young child's bookshelf.

Learn more and purchase your own copy: http://info.zondervan.com/rick-warren-childrens-books/

Giveaway!!!
Please be sure to read the rules in the Disclosure at the bottom of this blog post. 
One reader will win their own copy of God's Great Love for You!

Giveaway begins 11/7/17 and ends at midnight MST 11/14/17. Winner will be notified by email within 24 hours. Winner must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be drawn. 

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“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Book Review & Giveaway~Sister Eve and the Blue Nun

About the Book:
Sister Eve, a motorcycle-riding nun with a natural (or is it supernatural?) gift for solving murders returns to the enclave she once called home and quickly finds herself confronting yet another mysterious death. Someone has poisoned Dr. Kelly Middlesworth-a researcher on the life and ministry of 17th-century's revered "Blue Nun"-and a set of irreplaceable historic documents have disappeared before they could ever be examined. When all evidence seems to point to the victim's brother, Sister Eve sets out to expose the killer and learn the explosive truth those missing manuscripts might contain. Chasing a killer is dangerous work, and as her two worlds collide, Sister Eve may need some heavenly help simply to survive. 

What I Thought:
Sister Eve and the Blue Nun is the third book in the Divine Private Detective Agency Mystery series written by Lynne Hinton. This is the first book I have read by the author. The paperback is 324 pages and includes discussion questions.

I enjoyed the characters of Sister Eve (how often do you hear of a crime-fighting nun?) and her father. The topic of the Blue Nun was something I had never heard of and it was fascinating to learn more about her, as well as the New Mexico area.

I lost interest in the book a few times and was confused a few times, but hung in there to find out who the killer was. Maybe everything would have moved along better for me if I had read the first two books, I don't know. The story line itself was good, but there was something about the way it was written that didn't work for me.

Giveaway!!!
I have an extra copy of Sister Eve and the Blue Nun to give away to a US resident. I will email the winner after the giveaway, and the winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn.  Enter below: 


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*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  

Children's Book Review AND Giveaway~I Love You Just Because

About the Book:  Through adorable, cuddly art and fun rhyming text, I Love You Just Because will help little ones understand their parents' love for them and that it doesn't have to be earned. With playful artwork and the same friendly bear family you already know and love from Donna Keith's first two books—I Love You All the Same and I Love You Even When—the sweet story of this book will touch you and your family and will remind you that family members love each other...just because.
Parents will gravitate toward the felt need and fun messaging of this book as it seeks to help them explain to their little ones that they are truly loved just because.

Purchasing and Social Links:
Amazon-https://www.amazon.com/dp/0718088530/ref=cm_sw_su_dp?tag=hcads-20
 Facebook @DonnaKeithAuthor
Facebook @TommyNelsonBooks
Twitter @TommyNelson
Instagram  @TommyNelsonBooks
Pinterest Tommy-Nelson-Books

What I Thought: 

Written by Donna Keith and illustrated by Alison Edgson, this adorable hardcover board book captured our hearts. The picture above is my grandson Daniel, 4, 'reading' I Love You Just Because to our new puppy, Daisy. I love this picture and the sweet looks on both their faces!  

There are many reasons we like this book so much-the adorable illustrations, the cute and meaningful story, and the bible verses on each page. But I think the main reason is that lately we've been talking about adoption. I was adopted and we adopted our youngest son. This topic recently came up with my grandson, and he has been trying to understand. It was perfect timing to receive I Love You Just Because and read about the three different bear cubs who were all given to their parents by God. They look different and eat different things, but are loved just the same by their parents and grandparents. 

Giveaway!!!

I have one copy to give away! I will email the winner within 24 hours of the contest end, and the winner will have 48  hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  Open to residents of US and Canada.If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Children's Book Review and Giveaway~All Things Bright and Beautiful

About the book:
Jacketed Hardcover
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
Retail price: $15.99

 First published by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this favorite hymn has become a mainstay of churches and Sunday school classes everywhere. Here artist Katy Hudson brings new joy to the words with her fresh and bright watercolor style. Readers can join in the fun as they follow two little girls and their brother on a day filled with the discovery of “all things bright and beautiful.” 


About the Illustrator:

Katy Hudson was raised in Middlesbrough, England, and started her career as a small child drawing on freshly painted walls. Her parents quickly encouraged drawing with pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and after earning a degree in illustration, Katy is now a freelance illustrator. Katy works at a desk in a studio within Old London Library and likes to tap dance in her spare time. 

What I Thought: 

I just love beautiful, hardcover books to share with my children and now grandchild. All Things Bright and Beautiful is a perfect addition to my collection. The story is an old children's hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander in the mid-1800s, but it is a message just as wonderful for children today. My grandson loves to memorize stories and then 'read' them to me, and this book is perfect for that. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and the detail is amazing. We spend a lot of time studying each beautiful page. All Things Bright and Beautiful is my grandson's new favorite for his bedtime story, and I'm sure it will be treasured in our home for many years. It would make a perfect gift!

You can purchase your own copy of All Things Bright and Beautiful at Amazon.  

Giveaway!!!!
I have one copy of All Things Bright and Beautiful to give away! Use the Rafflecopter form below. I will email the winner within 24 hours of the contest closing. Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. Open to residents of US and Canada. See other restrictions in the disclosure at the bottom of the post. 



a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Children's Book Review & Giveaway~Would a Worm Go on A Walk?

About the Book:
Publisher: WorthyKids/Ideals
Author: Hannah C. Hall
Illustrator: Bill Bolton
ISBN: 9780824956776
32 pages
Format: Jacketed Hardcover
Reading Age: 4-7

“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?” So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.                                            

About the Author:
Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.

What I Thought: 
My four-year-old grandson, Daniel, loves to read books. He especially loves hardcover books-it's like he just thinks they are extra special. Would a Worm Go on a Walk? is his new favorite! Every page is covered with bright, colorful, whimsical illustrations that are eye-catching. I love the concept of teaching children that God made and planned everything and that they are God's masterpiece. Another aspect of this book that I love is that it is a story kids can quickly catch on to, therefore once they know the story well enough they can 'read' it out loud to others by recognizing the pictures. That builds their self esteem and encourages a love of reading.

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? would make a wonderful gift. You can purchase it here:

http://shopbetterbooks.com/would-a-worm-go-on-a-walk

Giveaway!!!
One reader will win a copy of Would a Worm Go on a Walk?! I will email the winner within 24 hours of the contest ending, and winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address, or a new winner will be drawn. Read contest rules below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Product Review & Giveaway~Purex plus Clorox 2 detergent

Purex always seems to be working on bringing customers the very best detergent at the lowest price. Now they have come out with Purex plus Clorox 2 laundry detergent.  This new formula combines the cleaning power of Purex with the extra powerful boost of Clorox 2 stain fighters.

 

Purex Plus Clorox 2 detergent contains three stain-fighting enzymes to remove 100 stains! Starchy stains, protein based stains, and food stains disappear with this new formula.  It is safe for colors, bleach-free, and available in two fragrances: Original Fresh and Sunny Linen. Purex plus Clorox 2 works great as a pre-treater as well-just apply directly to the stain and let sit for five minutes. I'm loving this new Purex, and its stain-fighting power!

GIVEAWAY!!!

I have two coupons to give away-each coupon is for free Purex detergent, up to $7.00! Enter using the Rafflecopter  form below. I will email the winners within 24 hours of the contest end. If winners do not respond within 48 hours, new winners will be selected. US residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: Purex provided me with a sample of new Purex plus Clorox 2 detergent in exchange for a product review. All opinions expressed here are my own.  

Product Review and FLASH Giveaway~JGOB Makeup Sponge

Have you seen these makeup applicator sponges before?  I have in stores, and my daughter uses them and swears by them, but I just didn't see any need-I mean, I was doing fine applying my makeup with my fingers.  Well, let me tell you, I have discovered a GREAT tool for applying makeup!!

The JGOB Makeup Applicator Blending Sponge is a very soft, absorbent sponge. What's nice is it is just the right amount of absorbency. When I originally saw these sponges in the store, I thought it would absorb too much of my makeup. Apparently that is an issue with some brands, but not with JGOB.

Here is a picture of my new sponge in  my hand to give you an idea of its size. It is easy to grasp, and the shape works well to reach different areas to contour. After using, it is very easy to wash, squeeze the water out and use again next time.

Another great feature of the JGOB Makeup sponge is the travel case it comes in.  It is very sturdy and will be perfect to keep the sponge clean and intact during travel. I appreciate when companies think of things like this to make our lives a little easier!

I am enjoying using my JGOB sponge-it helps me to apply my makeup more evenly, and less mess on  my fingers!

You can purchase your own JGOB Makeup Applicator Sponge at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY!!!

One reader will win their own JGOB sponge! This is a flash giveaway, so I will draw the winner at random on 3/24 at 10 am MST. Winner must be a US resident. Just leave a comment below!

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

Product Review and Giveaway~Renuzit Sensitive Scents

I love when my house smells good. There are so many nasty odors that can occur throughout the house, and it is difficult to stay on top of them. I love burning candles, but my husband thinks they are too strong and give him headaches. So I was thrilled to be able to try out Renuzit's new Sensitive Scents line.

Just above is a picture of what I received:
*Adjustable cone in Pure Water Blossom & Cucumber
* Trigger Spray in Pure White Pear & Lavender
* Universal Scented Oil in Pure Ocean Breeze

I was so excited to try these products out! I put the cone in my teenage boys' room, the Scented Oil in the boys' bathroom, and the Spray in the kitchen for use throughout the house. Anyone who has or has had teenage boys knows why I focused on their areas!

Renuzit Sensitive Scents are designed to perform without overpowering your senses. Each scent has been specially formulated and lab-tested to ensure effective, long-lasting, and pleasing scents without overpowering sensitive noses.

I've been using Renuzit Sensitive Scents for a few weeks now, and I'm impressed with the long-lasting scent.  Our home smells pleasant and fresh, and my sensitive-to-scents hubby has not had any problem at all. 

All three scents are fabulous, but my family has a definite favorite-Pure White Pear & Lavender. The spray bottle is missing all the time, because everyone keeps stealing it! I love spraying it everywhere, but my favorite way to use the spray is on the couch, throw pillows, and comforters. It is a sweet, fresh, subtle scent.

You can learn more about Renuzit Sensitive Scents at the Renuzit website.  Also, check them out on Facebook. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

I have two coupons to give to two lucky Loose Screw readers! The coupon is for one free Renuzit Sensitive Scents product, up to $5.00!!! Giveaway open to US residents only. I will email the winners within 24 hours of the contest ending.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond, or a new winner will be drawn.  



 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: The Renuzit brand provided me with samples of Renuzit Sensitive Scents in exchange for a product review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.  

Children's Book Review and Giveaway~The Legend of the Easter Robin

About the Book:

ISBN: 978-0-310-74964-6

Publisher: ZonderKidz

Hardcover, 32 pages

Age Range: 4-8

"In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?” “We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Legend of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith."

What I Thought: The Legend of the Easter Robin: An Easter Story of Compassion and Faith, was written by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey.  It is a beautiful hardcover book (with dust jacket) that would make a wonderful gift. The illustrations are gorgeous, with vibrant, bright colors. The story is captivating for the 4-8 age range suggested, and I think older children would enjoy it too. I thoroughly enjoyed the story-I've never heard this legend before.  At the back of the book are some facts about the legend and where it originated. In the story, they make cute blown eggs turned into birds. My grandson Daniel, 4, is excited to try making our own birds out of eggs.  The picture above is of him enjoying the fabulous pictures in The Legend of the Easter Robin. 

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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TWITTER

 Giveaway!!!!!
FlyBy Promotions is offering one of my readers their own hardcover copy of The Legend of the Easter Robin! Open to residents of US and Canada. Winner will be emailed within 24 hours after contest closes. Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Additional requirements listed in Disclosure statement below. 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Book Review and Giveaway~Room for Hope

About the Book (Description from Publisher): "Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband, Warren, travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully cares for their twins, running the Shilling Mercantile and working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll.

When a wagon pulls up after supper one evening, Neva and her children rush out-and into the presence of the deputy delivering three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with "Aunt Neva".

Neva's heart is shattered as she realizes that her husband's month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband's betrayal and love them the way God does?"

About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the highly acclaimed, best-selling author of gentle stories of hope, such as What Once Was Lost and Through the Deep Waters. With more than one million books in print, Kim has garnered numerous awards, including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. She lives in central Kansas with her retired military husband, Don. You can learn more at her website, and purchase your own copy of Room for Hope:  http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/

What I Thought: I absolutely loved Kim Vogel Sawyer's series The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy, so I knew I was in for a treat with Room for Hope. Each time I read one of her books, I am immediately hooked and can't put the book down! The other thing I noticed is how deeply I always feel for the characters. She develops them so well, that I feel like I know them by the time the book is finished.  I am left wanting more. Room for Hope was just the same!  My heart ached for Neva, who had such hardships, then to learn she had been betrayed by her husband. She battled inside about keeping the children, as they were a constant reminder of Warren's other life.  Room for hope teaches that bitterness can turn into hope and love, and to rely on God when life can't seem to get any worse. He will guide you through anything.

GIVEAWAY!!!
I have two copies of Room for Hope to give away! Open to residents of US and Canada, but no PO Boxes please. Winners will be emailed within 24 hours of the end of the contest, and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

Book Review and Giveaway~Captive

Do you remember in 2005 hearing about an escaped convict in Atlanta that had taken a woman prisoner in her own apartment after a killing spree? I just read the book, Captive, written by Ashley Smith (the woman who was kidnapped) with Stacy Mattingly.  Captive has been turned into a movie, which releases this Friday, September 18th!

About the Book: CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is a thrilling drama about the spiritual collision of two broken lives.  When Brian Nichols - on the run as the subject of a city wide manhunt and desperate to make contact with his newborn son - takes recovering meth addict Ashley Smith hostage in her own apartment, she turns for guidance to Rick Warren’s best-selling inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life.  While reading aloud, Ashley and her would-be killer each face crossroads where despair and death intersect hope. 










What I Thought: Captive is an edge of your seat read.  You feel like you are right there with Ashley Smith as she is held hostage in her apartment. Ashley herself was trying to change her life at the time, and the hours spent held hostage seemed to be a kind of transformation for herself. She was so brave and smart in how she handled her captor, talking about the Bible, her own experiences, and reading from The Purpose Driven Life. Along with her story are pictures and a Tribute to the Victims. I am excited to see the movie, coming out September 18th!

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GIVEAWAY!!!
I have a copy of the book Captive to give away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Children's Book Review and Giveaway~The Biggest Story

 About the Book (excerpt from the publisher):

Once upon a time there lived a man and a woman. They were the happiest people on the planet.
True, they were the only people on the planet, but they were still terrifically happy.
Unfortunately, things didn’t stay happy and wonderful for long . . .
The Bible is full of exciting stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those classic stories connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.
In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung—a best-selling author and father of six—leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth.
With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible’s core message—how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden—will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.

What I Thought: 

 Beautiful. Amazing. Inspiring. I could go on and on with fabulous descriptions of The Biggest Story!

 This 132 page Hardcover, published by Crossway, is beautiful in both words and illustration. Written by author Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark, The Biggest Story is geared to ages 5-8 as a read to me and ages 8-11 as a read to myself.  It is so impressive that I can see older children and adults enjoying it just as much, if not more!

When I first saw how many pages The Biggest Story was (132), I thought it might be too long for this age range.  But once I started reading it myself, I realized it was definitely readable for children.  Most pages just have a few sentences of text, and there are many pages with illustrations only. The child's attention is kept by the author's style of writing and the exciting pictures. 

I really like that The Biggest Story summarizes the core of the Bible in one story, in an easy way for kids to understand. This would make a beautiful family gift this Christmas! I hope to keep my copy of The Biggest Story for many years to read with the children and grandchildren as our family grows.

Check below for links to purchase your own copy!

About Author Kevin DeYoung:

Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.  He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word.  He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan. 

About Illustrator Don Clark:

Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine.  He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits. 

Connect and Learn More about The Biggest Story:

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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Product Review and Giveaway~Renuzit Pearl Scents

I like my home to smell nice.  There are so many products out these days that help with that.  Renuzit has a new product, Pearl Scents, that will help your home smell fresh for up to 30 days, with no plug-in  or lighting required.  You just peel the seal off the top of the container, replace the lid, and set it down.  These new Pearl Scents are also pretty!  Vibrant colored pearls in a nicely shaped container, with a pretty lid that lets the aroma out.

The pictures above show you what the pearls and lid look like.  I think the design on the lid is pretty! Renuzit Pearl Scents would look and smell nice in any room in the house.  I put mine on top of the toilet tank in the bathroom.

New Renuzit Pearl Scents are available in a variety of colors and scents, so you can match your decor in each room.  I received Blue Sky Breeze-it is a fresh scent, but not too overpowering.  Renuzit Pearl Scents are available in these aromas: 

*Blue Sky Breeze (blue)

*Serenity (purple)

*Sparkling Rain (green)

*Tranquil (aqua)

* Seductive Pineapple (yellow)

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*Disclosure: Renuzit provided me with a free sample in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.   

Product Review and Giveaway~Dial Baby Body Wash & Kids Foaming Hand Wash

Dial has been well known for many years for producing quality products at affordable prices.  They are continually coming out with new, improved products.  I recently was able to try out two of their newest products, Dial Baby Body and Hair Wash, and Dial Kids Foaming Hand Wash.

Dial Baby Body and Hair Wash was developed with pediatric dermatologists, is tear free, hypoallergenic, pH balanced, and with no parabens, artificial dyes, or fragrance.  It gently removes environmental dirt for a head to toe clean.

Dial Kids Foaming Hand Wash was developed with pediatric dermatologists, and is gentle on hands and kids' skin.  It comes in a great smelling Watery Melon scent to make hand washing fun!

Here's my best product tester, grandson Daniel.  He enjoyed his bath time in new Dial Baby Body & Hair Wash, and came out of the tub squeaky clean, with no eye stinging when I washed his hair.  Both Daniel and my son Chad, 12, are loving the scent and foaming of new Dial Foaming Hand Wash.  They think the picture of the kids surfing is cool, too!

You can learn more about the Dial corporation and all of their products at their website and on Facebook.


GIVEAWAY!!!

 
Two readers will each win a coupon for a free bottle of either of these new products!  Winners will be chosen at random and emailed the day following the contest end.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond to the email or a new winner will be chosen.  Open to US residents 18 years and older.



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*Disclosure: I was given a sample of this product from Dial in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.   

Product Review and Giveaway~Purex Crystals ScentSplash Liquid Fragrance Booster

I've been using and promoting Purex products for years now, because Purex makes products that work great for less money!  Another new product is on the shelves this month-Purex Crystals ScentSplash! 

How is this product different from regular Purex Crystals, you ask?  It's liquid!  Now, I love my Purex Crystals, but this liquid infuses your laundry with long lasting freshness.  You choose how much scent you want-add a little or a lot!  Safe for use in regular and HE washers, and it is safe for use on linens and children's sleepwear too.  Also, Purex Crystals ScentSplash gives you 35% more wash loads than an 18 oz. bottle of Purex Crystals. 

I received Purex Crystals ScentSplash in Fresh Lavender Blossom, shown above.  ScentSplash is available in three different scents:

*Fresh Spring Waters: Wade into cool, enchanting waters and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.
*Fresh Lavender Blossom: Wander through colorful, sun-lit fields of lavender and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.
*Fresh Mountain Breeze: Capture the exhilarating moment of a crisp, fresh breeze and give your laundry an incredible just-washed freshness that lasts for months.

What did my family think of new Purex Crystals ScentSplash?  It was a big hit with everyone, even Finn the puppy!  We all love the scent, and how long it lasts on laundry.  I especially like using a lot of ScentSplash on our towels and sheets!  It's great to be able to control how strong you want the scent.

Connect with Purex:
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GIVEAWAY

Two The Loose Screw Readers will each win a coupon for a free bottle of new ScentSplash!  Open to US residents only.  Winners will be emailed the day after the giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be drawn. 



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*Disclosure: The Purex brand provided me with a free sample of ScentSplash in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.