A Reckless Love by Beth White

My thoughts: As the third and final book in a series, A Reckless Love can be a stand-alone story (as it was for me), but would decidedly be better understood if read in sequence.

Historically set during the reconstruction period following the American Civil War, the emotional  climate is extremely tense as a defeated South comes to gripes with rebuilding buildings, lives, and their society. Racial tension is rampant. Trains bombed and boats explode in fiery disaster. Lives lost and damaged.

The author plots a good story amidst all this troubled time and the characters vary from evil doers, justice enforcers, cute Southern Belles, feisty ladies, and stern grandparents.

I found the story and characters enjoyable and the research by the author is good. I did not, however, enjoy reading about racial tensions. I know they existed. I know it was a horrible period of time for Americans.  But I just didn't enjoy revisiting that subject at a current period of American history when we, again, are experiencing so much racial tension.

We learn from history and if we do not, then we are very likely to repeat history. So we need to be knowledgeable. I just felt this was not the best time for this book to be published.

About the book: On the trail of an elusive enemy, cynical, war-damaged lawman Zane Sager crosses paths once more with Aurora Daughtry, the vivacious Mississippi belle he once admired from a distance. As his defenses start to crumble, the criminal he's been pursuing reminds him that that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

THE GREAT FARMAPALOOZA by Jill Roman Lord & illustrated by Kelly Breemer (B&H Kids/Lifeway)

ISBN: 9781087706160
Boardbook $9.99

My thoughts:  True to author Jill Roman Lord this cute board book rings with rhyme that gently nudges a young child to have thoughts of God and His creation,

It begins with rooster awakening and then waking everyone else to "celebrate God's brand-new day." So the barnyard animals waken and begin to bray, hee-haw, moo and frolic about. They are thankful for pasture, their own handsome self, and other delights.

Adorable illustrations include a variety of scenes and critters both farm and wild going about their day. The pages have flaps to lift and show little hidden additions to the scene or story. Rhymes are not stilted and change cadence from time to time, but still add a lot to the read-aloud experience.

The theme of the book is directed not just for fun and laughter at cute animals. It is directed to knowing God's love and how His love is in and about all things and His love is perfect.

I highly recommend this delightful book.

About the book: It’s never a dull day in the barnyard, and these quirky and colorful animals are having a farmapalooza to celebrate God’s love and thank Him for His creation! The ducks are thanking God for their quacks, the hens are thankful for their feathers, and the donkey is singing praises that God made him so handsome. All in all, it’s a day and a barn full of praise.

This fun board book pairs flaps and whimsical illustrations with fun-to-read rhymes that will have kids mooing and quacking along with the farm’s crazy cast of characters.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Fabulous Wonder Seed Fresh Jasmine Body Lotion with Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil [Review & Giveaway & Discount Code]

Have you ever been out for a stroll through the neighborhood or a hike in the woods or park and the breeze wafted a memorably fresh fragrance that engaged your senses making you look around you for the source? A scent so pleasant and gentle that you imagined floral beauty and vistas of extraordinary delight? 

That is the experience I have when I use the fabulous Wonder Seed Fresh Jasmine Body Lotion. Such elegance! No artificial sense of fragrance. Just a natural, elegant gift from nature.

I love that it goes on light and NON-sticky. It is refreshing and I feel so good about using this all natural and vegan product on my skin knowing there are NO harsh chemicals in it. My skin (and folks, it is old skin) has a nice glow to it I feel it is nourishing my skin with the wonderful botanicals that are used to make it. One of which is CBD Hemp seed oil. This is the safe kind that is accepted by our governments as a non-controlled substance. 

"Hemp seed oil may help many skin conditions including rosacea and acne you receive all of the natural healing benefits that nature's own hemp seed oil has been found to provide. The Wonder Seed's natural skin care products include natural hemp facial cleanser and facial cream for a new you with radiant, healthy skin." (from www.thewonderseed.com)

Just check out the ingredient list (below) to see what you would be nourishing your skin with when you apply the Wonder Seed Fresh Jasmine Body Lotion. I am so impressed. 

And this is so beyond products you find on grocery and pharmacy shelves. Impressive! You will be impressed, too.

Product information: Ultra-nourishing body lotion relieves dry skin while moisturizing beneath the surface to revitalize, protect, and restore your healthy and youthful glow.  The fresh jasmine scent is heavenly!  This body lotion was chosen for the "Top 10 Eco Buys" in Teen Vogue's Earth Day issue!

• 
  100% Vegan & Gluten Free
• No Parabens or Sulfates
• No Artificial Colors or Fragrances
• No Animal Testing
• Made by The Wonder Seed

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Virgin Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Jasmine Essential Oil, Organic Jasmine Blossom Extract, Grape Seed Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Gingko Herbal Extract, Glycerin (Vegetable), Mandarin White Oil, Soluble Natural Plant Collagen, Ginseng Infusion, Organic Green Tea Extract, Neem Oil, Seaweed Extract, Cetyl Alcohol (Coconut Oil Based), Geranium Extract, Caprylic Triglyceride (Coconut Oil Based), Kola Nut Extract, Mate Extract, Guarana Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Extract, Hyaluronic Acid (Natural Plant Based), Vegetable Glyceryl Stearate (Natural Plant Based), Bilberry Extract, Behenoyl Stearic Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Potassium Stearate (Natural Plant Based), Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Lauric Oil Extract, Nutmeg Oil Extract, Sea Salt.

 

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1 Wonder Seed Fresh Jasmine Body Lotion

Begins July 2

Ends July 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by GoodEarthBeauty.com.

Pretty up your hands with Habit Natural Nail Polish [Good Earth Beauty] (Review & Giveaway)

During this time fraught with uncertainty when one isn't socializing much if any at all, one still needs to maintain a routine and make certain that they keep up with how they look from day to day.

Get out of bed. Make the bed. Style your hair. Wash your face and of course your hands. Clean the house. Cream your face. Add some color to your lips and your cheeks.

And then ..... there are the hands. The hands that have been lathered and rinsed until your cuticles and nails as well as knuckles are showing a bedraggled look.

Fix it!

Get a bottle of polish. Get a clipper. Get a file. Then trim, shape, and get pretty.

  

Find this lovely Coral & other beautiful colors
CLICK HERE

What color would you choose? Liven up the day with a crimson red or be beguilingly beautiful in a blushing pink. What's your choice?

Now here's a superb thought..... order online! (Don't go in stores where those Covids abound.) The folks at GoodEarthBeauty.com which is a fabulous all natural product beauty shop online is the perfect place to shop natural, vegan, cruelty free, etc. I love it!

Here is the Habit Natural Nail Polish I'm trying out right now. I'm telling you, it went on beautifully. I had a nice base coat applied. Then two coats of this beautiful Habit Nail Polish. Then a top coat. 

Beautiful color with just a touch of shimmer
Love it! And the polish is great!

"I feel pretty, oh so pretty....." (You know the song...)

You can, too. Go ahead and check out what they have. CLICK HERE

NAIL POLISH - CAMP - CORAL PINK SHIMMER NON TOXIC by Habit Cosmetics is a beautiful coral pink with electric pink shimmer.  Non Toxic

Natural strengthening nail polish made with Myrrh Extract.  PETA-certified as vegan and cruelty-free, gluten-free.  Free of Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, TPP, Xylene, Phthalates, Parabens and Fragrances. Creme finish. Made in the USA.  9 ml/.3 oz Price: $18.00

Ingredients: Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Bentonite, N-Butyl Alcohol, Benzophenone-1, Silica, Alumina, Trimethylpentanediyl Dibenzoate, Polyvinyl, Butryal, Commiphora Abyssinica Extract. May Contain (+/-): Aluminum Powder (CI 77000), Bismuth, Oxychloride (CI 77163), Oxides (CI 77499/ CI 77491), Red 34 Lake (CI 15880), Red 6 Lake (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850) Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Mica (CI 77019), Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Violet 2 (CI 60725), Polyethylene Terephthalate, Isobutylphenoxy Epoxy Resin, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Ethylene/VA Copolymer]

Shop GoodEarthBeauty.com
Use 10% Discount Code: VERA10
Free Shipping in USA 

GIVEAWAY

1 Bottle Habit Natural Nail Polish

(no choice of color)

Begins June 23

Ends July 23 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a lovely product to facilitate a review. Any opinions given are my own alone and are freely given. I was not required to render positive thoughts on the products. I only recommend those products which I or a member of my family or close friends and will use. The winner's prize will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by Good Earth Beauty. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or damaged products. 

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1) by Karen Witemeyer

My thoughts: This is an entertaining book about the old days in the West as it was being settled. Sometimes men were a law unto themselves and sometimes others came along to help bring lawbreakers into line with what is right.

We got a look at what a free-thinking woman of that era faced as she forged ahead to be a real doctor, with a degree, who establishes a practice. A woman doctor in a man's profession. She was also loquacious in speech and feisty. But she was also a woman with a pure heart, a devotion to God, and a faith that made her strong in weakness.

The adventure begins when Matthew Hanger shows up with one of his men who is wounded and near death. Dr. Jo (Dr. Josephine) with nerves of steel and calmness removes the bullet and nurses him back to health.

 It goes beyond helping when Matthew begins to have feelings for Dr. Jo and she for him but which they both try hard to deny.

Funny at times. Adventurous. Good men. Bad men. Good over evil. And strong faith in God all make for a pleasant read that is somewhat light reading with a nice helping of spiritual growth. And since this is book #1 we can look forward to more adventures with Matt's Horsemen.

About the book: Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death’s door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything—even his team—to save her.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Culture story: Story of the Mongolian Tent House by Jambyn Dashdondog & Anne Pellowski; illustrated by Beatriz Vidal [Review & Giveaway/USA]

ISBN: 9781937786816
Hardcover ~ $16.95
Ages 4-8
Wisdom Tales Press

My thoughts:  Schools and educators are typically the active providers of multi-cultural studies for children. But I personally believe it is the responsibility of parents, in the home, to accept the responsibility to so educate their children. Let them see other peoples and their beliefs, behaviors, customs, and history and legends through story books and non-fiction sources. Let their children see and understand how we are alike and yet we are different and what can we appreciate from each and every culture.

The Story of the Mongolian Tent House probably falls into the category of story-legend that peoples of the Mongolian lands told of their resourcefulness and need for a structure to protect  themselves from the elements of heat and cold, rain and snow. And to protect themselves from animals.

It tells how they structured it round as the world and sun, used the natural resources they had, and cooperated with one another.

And then discord settled in amongst them (they were brothers) and in anger they went their separate ways but each took part of their Tent House with them.

This is a "tale" or legend but it teaches many things. It shows how working together with what one has can fulfill one's needs. It shows an affinity with nature or the world about us. And it shows how we humans have the failing of selfishness and anger.

But it shows how we can work together and work through our differences.

A nice book on this piece of humankind and a good source for libraries and schools.

About the book: Based on an original tale by award-winning Mongolian author, Dashdondog Jamba, and retold by distinguished international author, Anne Pellowski, find out how the traditional Mongolian tent house (called a ger in Mongolian and a yurt in Turkish), was created in the ancient past by drawing on the example of nature, and how it later became a beloved symbol of friendship and harmony. With stunning illustrations of Mongolian culture by renowned artist, Beatriz Vidal, young readers can experience first-hand the wide-open steppes of this vast and wild land bordering on Russia to the north and China to  the south.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 22

Ends July 18 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by the publisher.

The Farm and the Risky Ride Judith Grimme

My thoughts:   This is a sweet book about children in the 1960s and their activities during the summer. A visit to a grandparent's farm and the free and open acres to play and romp in, the animals they get to see and care for, the time with beloved grandparents, the food, the experiences of seeing what happens on a farm are an experience not to be missed.

There is a touch of French in the book since a friend is along for the adventure and her language is French. Quite exciting is the adventures with the horse and the new colt.

This is a wordy, chapter book that has strong moral overtones. No particular Christian group is extolled nor spoken of derogatorily. Activities at the back are for those who wish to strengthen their vocabulary skills.

This is a good series and one I can recommend for readers through possibly 8th grade.

About the book: Volume 3 of The Front Porch Diaries, a light, charming 4-book series about friendship, siblings, and growing up in the 1960s. Lucy was so excited about taking Simone to her grandparents' farm for a summer holiday, with no teasing brothers tagging along. But life in the country proved to be more wild and frightening than the girls thought! Eddie and Philippe found their share of adventure in the woods at home, too. It was the summer of 1967. What new things would these friends from different worlds discover about each other, and themselves? Were they prepared for the days ahead?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookCrash Reviewer's Program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.