DEEP SHADOWS (The Remnant Series - book One) by Vannetta Chapman [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9780736966535
Harvest House Publishers
$14.95 Paperback
A dystopian novel

My thoughts: Vannetta Chapman has again honed her skill as an author and brought forth another engaging read for her avid followers. She has deviated from her tried and true Amish novels into an altogether different contemporary story embracing the frightening possibility of a world gone amok amidst the aftermath and continued horrors of a massive solar flare that wreaks havoc on all things electric.

In Deep Shadows you meet an array of interesting people of all ages and temperaments. And each of them is impacted by this perilous situation. Seniors in the senior home are dying. Banks and gas pumps don't work. Cars don't work. Medicine is in short supply and the possibility of acquiring more virtually non-existent. Food? Can you imagine.

The small town has an emergency plan and immediately begins to implement it. Long term? They must plant "victory gardens" just as was done during WWII. Water? They have at hand a wonderful spring bubbling up from the ground. Many towns don't have that.

Faith is stretched and tested as are folks' nerves and tolerance. And as I read I began to think about "what if" this really should occur. Or what if something akin to this should occur. Are we, am I prepared? 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and the storyline flowed well. The plausibility of the town's survival plans implementation and how to exist in a world without technology was well worked out and believable. 

About the book: All It Takes Is One Night to Plunge the World into Darkness

Life in Abney, Texas, is predictable and safe—until the night a massive solar flare wipes out all modern technology. 

Shelby Sparks, novelist and single mom, had one goal: to provide for her diabetic son. In the wake of this global disaster, her mission hasn't changed. Only now, medication is a priceless commodity and the future resembles an apocalyptic nightmare.

Max Berkman and Shelby were once sweethearts, but he lost his chance at claiming her love years ago. When the abrupt loss of power ushers him into a leadership role, he rises to the occasion. But his highest priority—to keep Shelby and her son safe—could prove to be the biggest challenge of all.

As the brilliant northern lights give way to deep shadows, Max and Shelby's faith will be tested like never before. Only one rule remains: Find a way to survive.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 19

Ends August 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT
Open to USA addresses only
a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate this review on behalf of the author and publisher. Opinions are my own & I was not compensated.

The Bright Outdoors Solar Lantern - energy charged by the sun or via a USB port cable [Review & 2-unit Giveaway]

When the power goes out, what do you do? Light candles? Get out the flashlights (oops! batteries are dead)? Or how about when you're camping in the great out-of-doors? What lights up your campsite or lights your way through the dark?

1) Solar lantern expanded, 2) Closed cover of the USB ports, 3) Hanging handle & solar panel, 4) Flashlight/strobe light

The Bright Outdoors Solar Lantern is a small, collapsible device that is truly a gem. It folds down to be tucked away in a pocket or backpack or safely stored away at home for those times when you need to have some light. My little video is very poorly done, but it is an attempt to show you how the light changes from normal glow to brighter glow and then to strobe/emergency light. (video might not work with Chrome browser)

I truly love this product. The light is truly intense and bright. There are two levels of light brightness and then a third lever that works as a strobe or emergency flasher. And you can use it as a flashlight to direct the light where you need it or it can be opened up to form a lantern that lights up the darkness very well. Truly a gem!

In a darkened room and with a flash on the camera, the lantern's
glow is still apparent in this picture though it does not fully capture
the brightness of this light.

But the goodness of this neat little lantern doesn't end with it's light abilities. You can charge it with the sun - solar energy. Or you can charge it with the USB port cable included. In fact, if you're out 'n about and your phone battery goes dead on you, you can use the charge of the lantern to charge your phone with the cable. So neat! I am so glad to have the opportunity review this product and can truly recommend it.

Product Description #thebrightoutdoors (from supplier):

The Bright Outdoors Solar Lantern is a super versatile, super bright light that suits any outdoors activity. Solar powered, you can simply leave it to soak up the sun's rays or plug in to a USB outlet for 6-10 hours of light.

The ingenious design creates 3 products in one: leave closed for a directional flashlight or pull open for a lantern that lights up the campsite or yard. If you need to charge your phone or other device, simply plug into the powerbank (will charge the average smartphone about 50%) 2 different brightness modes let you control the battery life. And there's even an SOS flash setting for when things get rough.

Clever design gives big light (65 lumens) from a package that folds down to just 2 inches high and 3 inches wide. It easily fits in your backpack, cupboard, glove compartment or just about anywhere!

Retail Price: $19.95 but for a limited time a special deal of $9.99 using the code JXGHI872. Find it on Amazon - click here.

GIVEAWAY 
Begins January 19

ENDS February 7  @ 12:01 a.m. ET. 
 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary product to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.