Book Review: Vanished by Barbara Derksen

I am a member of the CWA review Crew. The CWA Review Crew is a network of Christian Women that were brought together to review new books, ebooks, products, apps, or resources. I was given an ecopy of Vanished to read and review. The opinions are all my own.
A synopsis of Vanished from Amazon:
Vanished! That’s what Andrea Wilton and Brian Strait discover when they come to visit their best friends one evening. Where could they be and does God answer prayers, two questions they find the answers to as they journey to another world of voodoo, murder, and more missing people. Andrea and Brian also discover each other as they learn to scuba, fight a common enemy, and search for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

Book Details:
Paperback: 340 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (April 19, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 146809419X
ISBN-13: 978-1468094190
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches

Vanished is the first book in the series of 'mysteries' starring Andrea Wilton and Brian Strait. This particular book is a little bit mystery and a little bit thriller. I was not surprised or shocked by anything that happened in the book, though some readers may be surprised. Andrea and Brian are enjoyable characters that I think anyone can relate to. They do make some mistakes, but they mean well. The banter back and forth is amusing and definitely something I would engage in with my friends. I realize I'm not saying a lot about the plot or what happens, but I don't want to give anything away.
The only thing that I just can't get out of my mind is the SCUBA diving. The little details drove me nuts, because some of them were wrong. I've been a certified diver for over 25 yrs and not once have I heard a driver call fins "flippers," for example. None of these details would be picked up on by the average person, and I know it shouldn't bug me, but it does.
Overall, I'd give this book 4 1/2 stars (out of 5). I'm interested and invested enough in the characters that I've already read the second book in the series.

Book Review: Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall

I was fortunate to receive a copy of MaryLu's new Christian Historical Fiction book Veil of Pearls. About the book, from her website:
It is 1811, and the prosperous port city of Charleston is bustling with immigrants like Adalia. But she has a secret: her light skin belies that she is part black and a runaway slave from Barbados. She lives in terror that her owner will come looking for her. Instead Morgan, the son of a plantation owner, finds her. He is handsome, charming, bored—and enamored of the beautiful Adalia. Soon she is swept into his glamorous world, a world in which the truth about Adalia’s heritage would ruin her—and Morgan. This epic romance reveals the beauty and tragedy of the Old South.

From the first page, I was swept away to the 1800's and living through Adalia. Though her life after escaping slavery is still rough (can you say corsets and NO INDOOR PLUMBING), I wanted to be right with Adalia in Charleston. She is plucky and not afraid to stand up to the spoiled rich brothers. Morgan becomes enthralled with Adalia and pulls her in to his world of privilege and luxury. I, like Adalia, would not be comfortable in that world, but I'd also probably love to be doted on and spoiled by Morgan. Being a part of the 'in' crowd would be nice...at least for a while.
I don't want to give anything away, but I'll say that I was so captivated by the story that I was up until after 3 am reading. I just wanted to know what was going to happen. The nastiness of certain other characters made me want to seek some revenge....nothing too drastic though.....just highly embarrass someone.... I know, I know...not very Christian of me, but geez, a person can only take so much...LOL.
I'm very glad that MaryLu Tyndall decided to put in an epilogue, though it probably means no sequel. I like to know the future of the characters....and see if what I want to happen, happens.
Overall, I give this book 5 stars. If you like Christian Historical Fiction, you'll love this book.

The Christian Olympics -- Fun and FREE!

I'd like to tell you all about the week-long Christian Olympics beta testing group I just finished. It's by the Christian organization “Love, Life, Wellness“ which is owned by Certified Wellness Coach, Elizabeth Avelar. It plays through a free site called Mindbloom.

What is the Christian Olympics, you ask?  Well, the Christian Olympics is a free, two-week long on-line Special Event taking place July 26- Aug 8^Th. Each day, you’re given different tasks to complete that will help you grown physically, spiritually, and/or emotionally, You are encouraged to make improvements are in 3 main areas: NUTRITION, RELATIONSHIPS and FAITH, and Coach Liz is there every step of the way. She is encouraging and also answers any questions you may have.

Now, remember this is completely FREE (No, they are NOT selling anything). The Christian Olympics Game will explain itself, as you join and follow the given directions. It is a highly interactive! Just like in the regular Olympics,  you can earn the bronze, silver, or gold by completing the various levels. I found it to be a lot of fun, though I did have to go out of my comfort zone a few times. I also made some friends that I will stay in touch with via Facebook.

You can also win prizes during this special event! I've been told there will be other surprises throughout the 2 weeks...including the 'opening ceremonies.'

If you need more details, just click here and Coach Liz will tell you all about it herself!

Bzz Review: Dr.Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles

As a bzzagent, I get to try and review products through what is called a bzz campaign. The opinions are strictly my own.
One of my campaigns is for Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles. I was so excited to get a pair in the mail. I knew exactly what shoes I would put my Dr. Scholl's Insoles in....my old Vasque shoes.
From the Website:
Whether you're on your feet all day for work, or your feet are simply the innocent victims of a busy lifestyle, you have plenty of reasons to try Dr. Scholl's^® Massaging GelTM Insoles. For starters, these ingenious insoles:

• Double the comfort in your shoes (for people with foot discomfort)
• Feature a Dual Wave Design™ — soft blue gel cushions and provides superior shock absorption, while firmer purple gel offers added support
• Can be used in a variety of shoes
• Belong to a full line of Massaging GelTM foot care solutions
• Come in men's sizes 8–13 and women's sizes 6–10
• Sell for a suggested retail price of $12.99
• Can be found in the foot care aisle of most drugstores, grocery stores, and discount mass retailers
• Offer a money-back guarantee, so there's no risk in trying them!

It was so easy to cut down the Dr. Scholl's Inserts to fit my shoes. There are markings on the back of the insoles for sizes, and honestly, I didn't have to cut them down very much. Yes, I have big feet....and yes, my shoes are well worn.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles. They are very comfortable and gave new life to my old shoes. I don't know if I'd call them massaging, but after wearing my shoes all day, my feet didn't hurt a bit. I did have to loosen the laces a little bit since the Insoles add a little height.
After trying the Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Insoles for almost 30 days, I've concluded I'm keeping them in the shoes. I do like them and would buy them, especially since they do have a money back guarantee. I don't think new shoes would need them, but as your shoes start to wear out, the Gel Insoles make the shoes more comfortable.
Next time I'd like to try the firmer purple gel (versus the softer blue).

What Are We Celebrating Today - Sat, June 30, 2012?

Angela will be home later this afternoon. I hope she had a lot of fun, but not too much fun. LOL.

There really isn't much being celebrated today. I guess that's good, as the heat here is just terrible. I don't feel like celebrating anything, and I can't believe June is over. Angela will start school in about 4 weeks.

1). Leap Second Time Adjustment Day: A leap second can be added, or subtracted, twice a year to keep time in sync with the atomic clock time. This is one of the two days...the other is Jan 31st. Some years scientists have to add or subtract a second and some years nothing needs to be added.

2). Meteor Watch Day: This holiday is a time to look to the skies for meteor showers. Will you be lucky enough to see meteors streaking across the night sky? Hopefully your night will be clear so you can, though the best annual show is the Perseid Meteor shower each August.
Have a great Saturday and stay cool.

Bzz Review: Mozaik -- The NEW Plasticware

As a Bzz Agent, I've been given the opportunity to review different products, and these opinions are all my own.
I was sent a service of 8 box, which is a 40 piece set of Mozaik Plasticware. This service for 8 costs about $10 in the store, and is well worth the price. I was also sent a small box of serving forks, which didn't make it to the party itself. The teenage girls saw them and promptly confiscated them. I should have gotten a photo of the girls eating with them.

From their website: Sabert^® is proud to introduce a fashionable new line of heavyweight plastic partyware. Available in Classic and Contemporary styles, Mozaïk^® may look like the real thing, but it’s durable, affordable plasticware that you can wash and reuse, or simply dispose. Either way, it’s a great way to serve with a little more style.
Oh wow, this product is wonderful!!! The plates are very sturdy and easy to rewash and reuse, which we did. This is the first time I didn't break a fork while using plastic cutlery. Now I asked the guys to let me take a few photos of them using the Mozaik, and they promptly had to play with their food.
The photos were taken at JB's after graduation party last weekend. I'll refrain from putting up all the graduation photos I took that day.


Yes, JB is making a car out of his food. That's what I get for asking to take photos.

Oh, I think this one is my husband's plate....see what I put up with?
I give the Mozaik 5 stars. It's the nicest and sturdiest disposable plates and cutlery I've ever used. Ed and Mary both commented that the plates looked like the real thing, and until Ed actually picked up a fork, he thought it was metal. You can really pile a lot of food on the big size plates without any issues...no bending, breaking, or soaking though.
Since the package said the pieces were reusable, we decided to wash the plates. That worked very well, and now they can be used again. The designs didn't wear off and the plates look as good as new.
I'll definitely be finding some of the Mozaik 8 Piece Sets for my next outdoor party and I may even take them camping since they are disposable.
Check out the website for all the other products in the Mozaik line. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Book Review: Crossing Values by Carrie Daws

Crossing Values is the first book by author Carrie Daws. It also the first book in a series, with Ryan's Crossing being the next book. I don't have a publish date for it though.
From the back of the book: For years, Amber traipsed around the northwest avoiding the skeletons in her closet. Job-hopping every few weeks, she refused to let anyone get close to her.
As winter plants itself firmly across the Rockies, she takes a chance on a job at a logging company with a family different from any she’s ever known.
Watching the family interact creates more questions than answers for Amber. Feeling like she’s entered the happily-ever-after written at the end of fairytales, she watches for cracks in the façade.
Surely as the days pass, the play-acting will cease and the real family will emerge.
Or could she be wrong? Could they truly be genuine?
Could Faye understand the trauma from her past or Peter think of her as more than just the winter office help? Could this family really hold the key to what she’s seeking?

Crossing Values is only 160 pages long, so it was easy for me to read in an evening. I really wanted to love this book, as the premise sounded so good. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. I knew this was a Christian fiction book (obviously, since I obtained the book from CWA), but it crossed that fine line in to being preachy. Preachy is a turn off for me, as it is for quite a few other readers of Christian Fiction. I expect that Carrie will grow as a writer and fix this issue, as Crossing Values is her first book.
Another issue that stands out for me is the lack of kissing, especially following the marriage proposal. Couples that get engaged kiss (even Amish kiss), and it's almost like sealing the proposal. I don't want graphic or anything, but there should be some mention of a kiss or two. And no, I don't know why that bothers me so much.
Now the banter between extended family members flows well and is so enjoyable. It reminds me a lot of my mother's side of the family. The feeling of love and hope come through and made me wish I was right there at the table eating with the family.
There is nothing objectionable in the book, so it's appropriate for all ages. I can't seen teenagers reading and enjoying it though. The list price $11.99, but it's a little cheaper on Amazon right now.
Overall, I'd give the book 3 1/2 stars.

As a member of the CWA Review Crew, I was given a copy of the book Crossing Values by Carrie Daws to read and review. The opinions are my own.