Book Review: Tempting Cameron by Karen Erickson

was given a free e-copy of Tempting Cameron by Karen Erickson. The opinions about the book are all mine and were not influenced by anyone.
From Amazon:

The girl next door never looked so good...

For Cameron McKenzie, Chloe Dawson has always just been his younger sister Jane’s best friend—a pesky annoyance who followed him around and acted like he hung the moon. It isn’t until Jane’s wedding to her firefighter beau Chris that Chloe reappears in his life…and she isn’t pesky or annoying anymore. In fact, the beautiful Chloe tempts him beyond reason. But Cam knows he’s damaged goods—not nearly good enough for Lone Pine Lake’s resident good girl.

Chloe’s always dreamed of a future with the dark, brooding Cam, and after they share an explosive kiss, she wonders if her dream could be coming true. Cam’s never stuck around his hometown for long, though, so she makes him an offer: one sweet summer romance with no strings attached. This good girl’s ready for an adventure…one that just might end up lasting a lifetime.

Tempting Cameron is Karen Erickson's newest book and the second in the Lone Pine Lake series. I have not read the first book (but for some reason, I thought I had). The first book does NOT need to be read in order to enjoy Tempting Cameron.

Cameron McKenzie is home, a home he's avoided for a long time. He now has a few dark secrets he doesn't want know. Sweet Chloe is the 'girl next door' that pined for him for years but has grown up. There are times that I just wanted to smack Cameron, because he can be a royal jerk....to Chloe and his family. Other times, I feel bad for Cameron and wish him the best.

The book is definitely a very sweet romance (though Karen Erickson is known for her more steamy books). I don't want to give away too much of the plot, though it does follow the boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl formula. To me, it was a nice afternoon read where you can sigh as you close the book.

What Are We Celebrating Today -- April 7, 2013?

Yesterday was a catastophe of unfortunate events. First, Mike woke us up at 4:45 am., because he decided last minute to go turkey hunting. Ang and I then got a late start, but that wasn't a big deal. When I arrived at work, I found the gate padlocked shut. HUH??? Had to call my boss, and he called the principal of the school. She never answered nor called him back. Angela and I ended up having to carry EVERYTHING around the fence to a small gate that was opened. It was exhausting and very time consuming. Oh, then I noticed the portijohn we have had been tipped. It was probably kids, but it still made one huge mess. My day did not approve and I'm glad it's over.

So....what are we celebrating today....

1). National Beer Day: On April 7th, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act into law, ending the 13 year long prohibition of alcohol in the United States. So make a toast to FDR today! (I'm not a beer drinker, so I'll be skipping this one).

2). No Housework Day: No chores. No guilt. Let your dishes sit for a day and your laundry pile up. Just make sure to do something worthwhile with all your found time.... Unfortunately, I HAVE to have the kids get going on dishes, so I'm not mentioning this holiday to them at all....nope.

3). World Health Day: This holiday is sponsored by United Nation's World Health Organization (WHO), and World Health Day focuses upon a different health theme each year. It is an international event to emphasize and work on important health issues or problems, and many countries around the world participate. The theme this year is: High Blood Pressure. For more information go HERE.

4). International Beaver Day: April 7 was chosen as International Beaver Day because it is the birthday of the late Dorothy Richards of Little Falls, who studied beavers for 50 years. The beaver is one of the most important wild animals for a number of reasons. First, because they build dams and prevent flooding. And second, because beavers protect us from greenhouse gas emissions. "Beaver wetlands, like all wetlands, are the best ecosystem for storing carbon," said Sharon Brown, of Beavers, Wetlands, and Wildlife. "And if they are destroyed, carbon dioxide goes into the air and that's a dangerous greenhouse gas."



(hmm...I'm hoping Wolverine day is coming up. Let's go blue!)

5). International Snailpapers Day: My first thought when I saw this holiday was, "huh?", then it hit me. I knew what that meant. This is a holiday to celebrate hard-copy media. So, pick up a print newspaper today and read it today! Soon the printed newspaper will go the way of the horse and carriage....and I know a lot of us only pick up the Sunday paper for the coupons.

6). National Coffee Cake Day: This is a good one for a Sunday morning. The definition of a 'coffee cake' is just one served with coffee. That means almost any cake can be considered a coffee cake....just serve coffee with it. All different nationalities have their own versions of coffee cakes. Hmm...maybe I can figure out a gluten free one that tastes good.

If you find anything else to celebrate, just post it below. I hope you're having a peaceful Sunday.

What Are we Celebrating Today....

Another day of work. If I didn't need the money so bad, I'd be at Jurassic Park 3D. I do hope Mike and Christopher go.....I will be angry if they don't, as I could have given the passes away.

So...what are we celebrating....

1). I am in Control Day: On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was wounded in an assassination attempt. Lots of confusion prevailed, and in the White House, then Secretary of State Alexander Haig was taken a little out of context when he said "I am in control here". Instead of focusing upon the entire statement, people and the press foscused upon these few words, so on that infamous day, I am in Control Day was born. So today, you are in control...take a deep breath and relax. Yeah, right...I never feel in control anymore.

2).National Doctors' Day :This holiday was created to show appreciation to your doctors. Doctors perform vital diagnosis, treatment and care for yourself and your family. Doctors' Day observances date back to March 30, 1933. It was started by Eudora Brown Almond of Winder, Ga., and marks the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. On March 30, 1958, the United States House of Representatives adopted a resolution commemorating Doctors' Day. In 1990, the congress and the senate approved legislation establishing National Doctors Day. The resolution designating March 30 as National Doctors' Day was signed by President George Bush. So go and thank a doctor today! Dr. Madini, the father of one of Angela's friends, is doctor of the week this week!!!

3). Take a Walk in the Park Day:. This is an opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park is just what the doctor ordered, as most of us find it calming and therapeutic.....a chance to study nature....or watch children play. I'll be at the park today working. I hope the weather cooperates, so you can celebrate this holiday today.

4). Pencil Day. This holiday is in celebration of the first patent on the modern pencil. Hymen Lipman was issued a patent in 1858 for a pencil with an eraser. March 30, 2013, marks the 155th anniversary of the modern pencil, and many participating libraries and businesses distribute free pencils in honor of this significant achievement. Use a pencil and celebrate today! Guess this one anyone can celebrate.

5). Grass is Always Browner on the Other Side of the Fence Day: Yes, this one is a mouthful and a little odd. This is a day to honor all of those who did not jump ship, did not quit the same old job, or did not leave the same old relationship because things appeared to look better somewhere else. It was also created to inspire people to be happy with what they have, rather than selfish and greedy and envious of other people. I have to admit that the grass is truely bowner on my side of the fence right now....the neighbor's grass is soooo green already.

6). Turkey Neck Soup Day: Not my favorite food holiday so far. It's exactly what it says it is, a soup made from turkey necks. I don't even save the necks from our turkeys....

Have a wonderful Saturday. I hope to get a nap after work....and work on taxes...and finish filling Easter eggs for church.

Book Review: Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

The views and opinions in this review are ALL mine!
Book Description (from Amazon):

Embark on a seafaring adventure in a brand-new series from bestselling author MaryLu Tyndall....They left everything behind to build a new Southern utopia. . ..After witnessing the death and destruction caused by the Civil War, Colonel Blake Wallace is eager to leave his once precious Southern homeland for the pristine shores of Brazil and the prospect of a new utopian community. Widow Eliza Crawford seeks passage on Wallace’s ship harboring a dirty secret—and a blossoming hope for a fresh start. But once the voyage begins, troubles abound. Dangers at sea and enemies from within threaten to keep Blake and Eliza from the new life—and love—they long for.

Forsaken Dreams (Escape to Paradise #1) takes place in 1866, right after the Civil War. The characters in this book are SOUTHERN and have the southern mentality that was prevelant at that time in history. They blame the north for the war ("The War of Northern Agression") and for all the tragedy and destruction, not realizing (or wanting to admit) the south committed atrocities also. You have to keep this in mind when reading the book.

Colonel Blake Wallace, the head of the expedition, has seen way too much war and death. Though it wasn't know then, he suffers from PTSD. All he wants is to start over and forget about the war, though he does hate Northerners for personal reasons.

Eliza Crawford is a Civil War widow with a secret, and all she wants to do is go where no one knows her or her family. Starting over is all she wants, and she doesn't plan on having feelings for Colonel Wallace. Eliza is now the ship's nurse and boy is she in for the ride of her life.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away, so I won't say much more about it. We get to meet a whole ship full of interesting characters, some of whom play an important role in this book. Since this is the first book in the Escape to Paradise series, I'm betting some of the characters we will see again in a lot more detail (and a few I can't wait to read more about) in future books.

Forsaken Dreams is a historical Christian book. Remember that the beliefs of some of the characters, though they profess to be Christian, are not neccessarily consistent with the beliefs of today. The treatment of former slaves is one example. There are times I want to yell at a character for their treatment of the now free black family, but that was how the freemen were treated in 1866. I'm not saying it was right, but it is part of our history. Christian men and women did own slaves prior to the Civil War.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. Forsaken Dreams gave me a glimpse in to 1866 and how the Civil War both effected and affected the Southerners. I would love to follow their path and sail from the US to Brazil ( I could never afford it), even though I felt I was on the ship with them (without the resulting sea sickness). I am now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series and am hoping I get to 'see' more of Brazil.

At the very end of the book, MaryLu Tyndall talks about how many American citizens defected to Brazil after the Civil War. It's amazing how many went, trying to recreate the 'Old South' down there. It's part of our history that I've never really heard about before but would enjoy learning more about.



Today you can get Forsaken Dreams free for your Kindle (or Android reader) on Amazon. Go to: http://alturl.com/aa9to I hope you enjoy the book.

Book Review: Twisted Wolf

As part of the Christian Women's Afflilate, I have the opportunity to read and review books. The book I just finished is Twisted Wolf by Perry Perrett.

Summary: Heroism. Not planned. Presidency. Comes with a high cost. Pride. Slowly rises. Temptation. Hard to resist.
Is there a way out?

What if the most upright person stumbles? Oh, and that person is the president of the United States? And in the process of attempting to conceal his mistake, he is accused of treason and murder?

Army Lieutenant Josh Davis suffers a devastating tragedy while home on military leave. Trusting God for strength, he triumphs, earning the Congressional Medal of Honor. But heroism comes with consequences.

Years later, a conservative group asks Josh to run for the presidency. To his surprise, to get there, he must campaign against his father-in-law, a former one-term president. Their political and personal embattlement ends with a surprising twist of fate.

Discover what happens when Josh finds himself in the highest office in the nation. Early success leads him to seek Middle East peace. His pride increases, devours his faith, and he gives in to temptation. Observe as he attempts to cover up his sin. Witness his wife as she watches her husband’s downward spiral and potential guilt. Walk with Josh as he struggles with his own inner conflict of trusting God. Is it too late to save his marriage and his presidency? Ascertain his guilt during his impeachment for treason and the murder of six Navy SEALs. Experience the twists and turns of a life seemingly out of control.

I really wanted to love this book, as it was right up my alley. The first part of the book reminded me a bit of the Tom Clancy books about Jack Ryan (Hunt for Red October, Red Rabbit, etc), and I really enjoyed it. However, I never got "into" the book. I always felt like an outsider looking in. It's not that it's a bad thing, but I don't care for that writing style.

I consider the second part of the book after Josh Davis retires from the military. I don't want to give anything away, but I had a difficult time reading about Davis's downward spiral. Some of it didn't seem realistic, and I felt his wife would do more. I know I would have in that situation. Being removed from the story didn't help either. I was also left with some questions that I wanted answered....but perhaps a sequel is in the works.

I believe this is Perry Perrett's first novel, and it's not bad. I would give it 4 stars, as the storyline is good, but the writing style isn't for me.

The views are all my own, though I did recieve a free copy of Twisted Wolf to read and review.

Review: Johnsonville Chicken Sausage

As a BzzAgent, I am given the opportunity to try different items and give my honest review. One of my campaigns is the new Johnsonville Chicken Sausages. My family has now tried a couple of the different varieties available.

Available in four perfectly seasoned flavors: Apple, Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese, Three Cheese Italian Style and Cajun Style

Fully cooked for quick prep on your grill, stovetop or in the microwave

Contains no trans fats and no added MSG

Sold for a suggested price of $4.59 at the Kroger family of stores

About the 4 flavors of the Johnsonville Chicken Sausage (from the bzzagent website):

Apple Chicken Sausage
Premium cuts of chicken combined with real, sweet apples make this a flavorful sausage everyone loves.

Chipotle Monterey Jack Cheese Chicken Sausage

Smoky chipotle peppers and creamy Monterey Jack Cheese paired with naturally lean chicken make for a delicious sausage with just the right amount of sizzle!

Three Cheese Italian Style Chicken Sausage

A trio of Mozzarella, Romano and Parmesan cheeses is paired with Johnsonville’s signature blend of Italian herbs and spices and – what else? – premium cuts of chicken.

New! Cajun Style Chicken Sausage

Johnsonville’s Cajun Style Chicken Sausage brings together the famous, spicy flavor of the South with 50% less fat, thanks to fresh cuts of lean chicken.


Well, let me tell you about the Three Cheese Italian Style Sausage. First of all, I'm not big on chicken or chicken products so I was very curious about these. They come in a 4 pack and look like sausages...they do not look like what I think of as chicken sausage. Originally I bought these to try out a recipe, but Christopher and I were hungry. We decided to grill them and eat them like we could any other Italian Sausage. Christopher had his 2 on buns but didn't add anything to them, not even ketchup. Since I have to be gluten free, I just had mine on a plate. I did put some ketchup on the plate to dip the pieces in.

Surprise, surprise the Johnsonville Chicken Sausage were REALLY good. They didn't taste like chicken but Italian sausage. Wow! Christopher and I were both impressed. I loved having the cheese in them, because I just love cheese. These didn't even need ketchup! I ended up eating 2 of them...and PLAIN.

I would definitely buy the Johnsonville Chicken Sausage again, but I'd need a coupon and/or have them on sale. They are expensive at about $4.59 for 4 Sausages. I would need 2 packs to feed my family, as 1 sausage was just not enough, even with sides.

I'd really like to try the Johnsonville Apple Chicken Sausage, as it sounds interesting. I haven't found them in my stores yet, but Publix did say they'd be getting them in soon.

Review: Pure Liquid NuNaturals Stevia Products

As part of a special group at Women's Christian Affiliate (CWA), I was given the opportunity to try new NuNaturals Stevia. These products use REAL Lemon/Orange/Peppermint ingredients and are gluten free. This was interesting, as the first box that arrived smelled wonderful, as the orange stevia bottle was broken. Oh, the smell though was just heavenly though. I contacted Ron Redding, the VP President of Sales and Marketing about the broken bottle. He was great about it and not only sent me another bottle of the Orange NuStevia, but 2 bottles of the NEW Chocolate NuStevia.

I hesitated trying the NuNaturals Stevia, as I don't do very well with artificial sweeteners. I can't have aspertame, as it gives me migraines. A lot of the sweeteners also have a nasty aftertaste ( it seems I'm one of very few people can actually taste it).

I was sent:

• Pure Liquid Orange NuStevia Alcohol Free 2 oz. bottle
• Pure Liquid Vanilla NuStevia Alcohol Free 2 oz. bottle
• Pure Liquid Peppermint NuStevia Alcohol Free 2 oz. bottle
• Pure Liquid Lemon NuStevia Alcohol Free 2 oz. bottle
• Pure Liquid Alcohol Free NuStevia 2 oz. bottle
• NuStevia White Stevia Powder 100 packets
• NuStevia Chocolate NuStevia Alcohol Free 2 oz. bottle

I'm very glad I was part of this campaign, even though it didn't quite go as planned. First, ALL of the bottles smell so good...I could just sit and sniff them. Angela and I first tried the NuNaturals Lemon in a bottle of water. Angela loved it. I did not, as it had an unpleasant aftertaste (which was what I was afraid of) and I did itch a little later (but that could be something else). The big problem came a little later when we tried the vanilla. Angela still loved it, but I ended up in hives. Oops. I'm definitately allergic to the vanilla. That got me thinking and maybe the lemon bothered me...so I didn't try the orange (just smelled it). Angela liked the orange the best....she puts it bottled water.


The Pure Liquid Peppermint NuNaturals Stevia is my favorite (and the kids are NOT allowed to touch it). It may sound strange, but I put it in my Coke. I like peppermint Coke, a lot! It doesn't take much either, about 5 drops. I also don't get an aftertaste when it's in my Coke.

I also decided to try the Peppermint NuNaturals Stevia in some gluten free chocolate cupcakes I made. Oh my! It was sooo good. I even took a photo, but I lost it when my computer crashed. It's like someone just didn't want me posting. I guess I'll have to make more cupcakes, as they were delicious...even the kids liked them.

Something else I did with the Peppermint NuNaturals Stevia is put some in my gluten free chocolate cupcakes. Oh my! They were sooo good. I even took a photo, but I lost it when my computer crashed. It's like someone just didn't want me posting. I guess I'll have to make more cupcakes, as they were delicious...even the kids liked them.

I also really like the Pure Liquid Chocolate NuNaturals Stevia. Yes, I've put it my Coke. It's good, but I still like pepperment Coke better. The Chocolate NuNaturals Stevia smells just like chocolate. The only other thing I've used the Chocolate NuNaturals Stevia for is brownies. Since I now have to be gluten free, I make desserts from scratch. I cut the amount of white sugar by 1/4 cup and used 2 squirts of the Chocolate NuNaturals Stevia instead. I couldn't tell the difference and neither could the kids.

NuNaturals has a website where you can check out all their different products and put in an order. There is even a page where you can obtain the address to request a free sample with a SASE. Or, if you need recipes to help you cook with NuNatural products.


The opinions are all my own. The free products I was given as a member of the CWA.