"The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes for Kids" by Sandy Silverthorne: Book Review

Years ago, our pastor who loved the children in the church, said that he wanted the kids to have super heroes from the Bible and not heroes from the movies, comic books, or TV.  Sandy Silverthorne obviously has the same idea.

Sunday school lessons about major Bible figures are frequently taught:  Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and of course, Jesus. Lesser-known but important heroes in the Bible also abound:  Ehud, Deborah, Jonathan.  And Sandy Silverthorne retells the Biblical account in colorful, tongue-in-check language that is historically accurate but that captures the interest of the 8 to 12 year old child.

Line drawings illustrate each story adding interest that would appeal to the young pre-teen.  Each re-telling of the character's story includes a devotional that links the character's life lesson to an application for the child to learn.  Scriptures used are from the NKJV.

I was provided a complimentary copy of "The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes for Kids" by Harvest House Publishers for the purpose of review.  I was not required to render a favorable review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Garden Botanika Skin Care Products Review & Giveaway

When I was young, I didn't take good care of my skin.  But when I reached my 40s, I started pampering it a bit.  As I've enter the realm of a "woman of-a-certain-age," I realize that I must do more and more often and with better products.  Here is an opportunity for you to learn about some nice products.

Whether you're young or "of-a-certain-age" there is something in the Garden Botanika line that can help you take care of, maintain, and enhance that skin that God has given you as an adornment.  My aunt, who was a beautician many, many years ago said, "Every night you cream your face. Even if you can't afford the good stuff, you cream your face."  When she died at 92, she did not have a single wrinkle in her face.  I'm saying cream your face and use the best you can get.  It may be that Garden Botanika is "calling your name."  Are you listening?

I have been given the opportunity to  try three products from Garden Botanika.  I consider this a fantastic opportunity - for I really like quality products that take care of my skin.  These are natural products with ingredients such as:  Carrot Root Extract, Algae Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, Arginine, Green Tea Extract, ceramides, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Orange Peel, Lemon Balm and Rose Hip. Garden Botanika products are manufactured in the USA and are cruelty free. 

 

Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment (.5 oz)  Contains absolutely NO parabens, gluten, PEG, glycol, fragrance or dyes. Vegan!  For all Skin Types

• Provides ultimate antioxidant protection
• Minimizes advanced signs of aging
• Moisturizes delicate skin

Anti-Aging Face Treatment

Advanced Anti-Aging Face Treatment (1 fl oz):  Free of parabens, glycols, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, artificial fragrance or dyes. Vegan. 

• Helps improve firmness and tone
• Diminishes appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Heart So Natural
Hand & Body Lotion

Heart So Natural Hand and Body Lotion 8 fl. oz.: A  multi-purpose lotion that absorbs quickly leaving absolutely no oily residue making it an ideal moisturizer for both the hands and body.

Free of Silicon, Glycol, Parabens, Phthlates, Gluten and artificial dyes. Vegan!

As I said earlier, "Cream your face" and perhaps these three Garden Botanika products are "calling to you" to be the products to make a difference in caring for your face and body skin.

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to Garden Botanika, one Chat With Vera reader in the United States will win an Advanced Anti-Aging Face Treatment ($32), Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment ($30), and a Heart So Natural Hand and Body Lotion ($17) for a total value of ($79) as listed at https://www.gardenbotanika.com!  Garden Botanika will ship the winner's prize.  You simply need to do the following to enter.  No super-big hoops to jump through.  Just be SURE you leave your email (Make it hard for a robot to read by something like this:  suzy at gmail [dot] com.)  Details:  Begins March 17 and ENDS April 4 at 12:00 Noon EDST and is open in US only.

Mandatory entry:  Visit https://www.gardenbotanika.com and leave a comment below telling me what products you find especially appealing to you for your skin care.

Extra entry:  Visit https://www.gardenbotanika.com and tell me what especially appeals to you about the special formulation of Garden Botanika products.

Extra entry:  Tweet #Win #GardenBotanika #AntiAgingSkinCare #Giveaway @GG_Survey http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com  ENDS April 4 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Extra entry:  Follow me on Google Friends Connect.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by and INCLUDE your EMAIL in the comment.
Extra entry:  Leave a comment on one of my book reviews & leave a comment in this post about which book review.

Extra entry:  Share this giveaway on another social media site and leave the link.

NOTE:  I've been using these three products morning and evening for a little over a week and like them very much.  Their fragrance is fresh and makes me feel that I have just applied a substance that is natural and good for my skin.  My eye tissue is especially nice and soft since I've begun to use the Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream, and I have used other eye creams regularly for years.

DISCLOSURE:  Garden Botanika provided these three products free of charge for to sample, review, and post on Chat With Vera in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All product information and images are garnered from the https://www.gardenbotanika.com website.  I was not compensated further for this.  Please note thaat Garden Botanika ships only to the US and Canada.

"Illusion" by Frank Peretti: Teaser #2

• Beginning the week of March 19, Frank Peretti's publicist will be giving away 25 audio recordings of Illusion, read by Frank himself.    Stay tuned to Frank's Facebook page for details!  CLICK HERE
  
• Stay posted to Frank's Facebook page as they continue to give away two copies of Illusion every week through the end of March. You could be a winner!

WINNER: Gevlia Coffee Giveaway

Congratulations to #17: I used random.org to select the winner of the Gevalia Coffee Giveaway. You have until 6:00 PM March 16, 2012 to respond. If you do not respond, another winner will be selected.

skkormansaid...I left a posting on Gevalia's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GevaliaCoffee/posts/10150562005346524

"McKenzie" by Penny Zeller" - Montana Skies #1: Book Review

"Desperate times call for desperate measures"

In Boston in 1881, McKenzie lives the protected, cultured life of the well-to-do daughter of a Boston attorney.  Success. Wealth.  Culture.  McKenzie really has a life of ease.  However, she is only one of three daughters in the family.  Peyton, the eldest, is already married and living a high society life as is expected of one in their station in life.  Kaydie has previously run off and married the "love of her life" who turned out to be a scoundrel and criminal.  That leaves McKenzie. 

McKenzie loves her sister Kaydie and contrives a way to rescue her from the clutches of her terrible husband.  Now how is McKenzie to do this?  It means she has to travel from Boston to the Montana Territory.

Enter Zach Sawyer who owns a ranch, is single, needs and wants a wife.  So he posts advertisements in the newspapers in the major cities in the East for a "bride."  McKenzie answers his ad and our story begins in earnest. 

Cultured, Boston society meets rough and tumble rancher.  They marry.  Zach is a gentle, considerate man who loves God and falls in love with McKenzie.  Their story progresses and the end is somewhat predictable. 

I enjoyed reading this sweet read.  To me it is unfathomable that a woman would consent to travel a great distance and marry a stranger.  Yet, it was not unheard of during this period in our history.

I found that Penny Zeller writes an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to reading the next two books in Montana Skies - Kaydie and Hailee.  Watch for reviews of the next two in the near future.

I was provided a copy of each of the books in Montana Skies by the author for the purpose of an honest review.

"World of Science" by Master Books

I believe this book would be categorized as "General Science" with an intended audience of elementary students and on into middle school.  It is designed for use within the home school setting.  However, I believe it would be useful in the home library and utilized by the entire family - from elementary age children through the adults in the home. The typeface is in large format which seems to indicate its being directed toward the younger child.

Pictures and illustrations are very nice and again seem directed toward the young student.  Take a look inside:  http://www.newleafpublishinggroup.com/content/lookinside/world-of-science.pdf

The Biblical world view is established early in "The World of Science."  God the Creator is honored in this book as the giver of origins.  The following sections are covered:

1. Matter and Chemicals
2. Energy, Motion, and Machines
3. Electricity and Magnetism
4. Light and Sound
5. Earth and Life
6. Space and Time
7. Science Experiments

 "The World of Science"......

• There are over 800 illustrations and photographs.
• Over 60 science experiments are presented in section 7.
• "The World of Science"  is ideal for home reference and school project work.

Famous scientists who were involved or instrumental in the discovery or development of a particular scientific field or area are featured in related sections.  Though some of the scientists did not nor do profess faith in God, their work scientifically is still recognized.

This book would have been a welcomed addition to our home library when I was raising my five children.  I see it as an enjoyable tool for learning for children and one that they will reference on a frequent basis.  I see it, too, as one of those books that will intrigue and draw a child to spend their idle moments perusing.

I do not see this as a text book but as a supplemental volume that provides enjoyable entrance into the realm of the scientific for the young child.  I recommend this book for the home, school, or church library.

I was provided a complimentary copy of The World of Science by Master Books and New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.  Opinions expressed are my own.

ISBN:  9780890516188  PUBLISHER: Master Books, A division of New Leaf Publishing Group

"Illusion" by Frank Peretti - Teasers

"It's No Illusion" is now available at your favorite book seller.  Frank Peretti has not published a new novel for seven years.  "Illusion" is a story of "magic" where what is there is not what it seems to be. 

I am currently reading an advanced reader copy.  It is a different read from the usual Peretti.  I will be posting a review at the end of March with more on the book.  Meanwhile, why not take a quick look at the trailer from Illusion.

Check out the trailer for “Illusion.”