Bioganix's Pure & Organic Premium Yacon Root Extract {Review}

When I learned about the potential benefits of consuming Yacon Root, I acquired a bottle and then a second bottle. Then I was given the opportunity to try the Pure and Organic Yacon Root Extract tablets. I thought this should be great - not sticky, thick spoonfuls of ultra sweet liquid to take. 

I have used most of the bottle and have not seen any change in my weight yet. So for me, this (and the liquid Yacon Root extract) seem not to work as an aid to weight loss. But perhaps all is not yet lost.....

FoxBrim Youthful Radiance Eye Cream with Vitamins C & E, Aloe, and Green Tea {Review}

All it takes is a tiny bit. Just a little on your finger that you dab along your upper lids and below your eyes smoothing gently to cover the entire area. As with any eye cream, it is specialized for the thin skin around the eyes and also for the sensitive eye area. So true that a little bit will do the job for you.

With FoxBrim I found that the cream itself was very pleasant to use and felt comforting to the eyes. During the couple of weeks I've been using it, I've been plagued with my allergies and they wreck havoc on my eyes. I found the cream to be soothing and helpful in the way my eyes looked and feel despite the allergies.

Musselman's Applesauce Big Cup Packs and Healthy Swap Promoting Healthier Living {Review and Giveaway)

I remember years ago my sweet mother (who was a fabulous cook!) saying she was substituting applesauce for oil when she used cake mixes. Now she didn't start using cake mixes until very late in life; and she had always been a great cook and a purist as far as real ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, eggs - was concerned. She could work magic with her pantry stock of basic ingredients. But in her later years her baking turned to a bit easier style - hence the mixes. Then when she discovered that she needed to curb the fats she consumed because of high cholesterol, she turned to applesauce substitution for fat (oil, butter, or margarine). Her little mix cakes were still delightful and we were all surprised.

Whether you spoon your applesauce from a jar into a little bowl,
or pack one of the "Big Cup" containers in the lunch "pail," applesauce
is a go-to food for your family!

Substituting applesauce for oil and fats can be rewarding to you and your family because you not only lower your fat consumption, you add fiber and vitamins from the nutritious apple!

Looking at the recipe cards that Musselman has provided
and trying to decide which to cook up. The Warm Apple Pie Sundae looks great!

WARM APPLE PIE SUNDAES

2 cups Musselman's Cinnamon Apple Sauce

2 Tbsp sugar

1 pinch allspice

1 pinch cloves

Vanilla Ice Cream

• Combine apple sauce, sugar, and spices in a medium pot with a lid.
• Bring to a low boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken. Let the sauce cool for 5 minutes.
• Serve warm over ice cream. (Unused portion can be refrigerated up to 1 week.)

I can hardly wait to try the Peanut Butter
Banana Muffins!

Discover the "roots" of Musselman's Grower Owned Company! Click Here

GIVEAWAY: The good folks at Musselman's is providing a treat for one of Chat With Vera's readers! One reader will receive a "Big Cup" pack of Musselman's Apple Sauce and some Recipe Cards, Then you can get busy swapping applesauce for oil in your recipes and discover the goodness of apples. ENDS October 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received some Musselman's Apple Sauce in exchange for this review. No compensation was received. I was not obligated to write a positive review. Giveaway prize is provided by Musselman's and shipped directly to the winner.

Deceived by Irene Hannon

SBN13: 9780800721251
http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/deceived/338200 

About the book: For three years, Kate Marshall has been grieving the loss of her husband and their four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on an escalator in the mall, she is convinced it is the son she thought was dead. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan. The former Secret Service agent is dubious but agrees to investigate. Digging into the case he discovers that the incident may have been no accident at all. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may be willing to go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.
As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, "Deceived" is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plot line that accelerates to an explosive finish.

My thoughts:  As usual, Irene Hannon has brought readers a book that entertains and keeps them guessing until the end. I found Deceived captivated my interest right from the beginning.

It is hard to fathom the depth of sorrow encountered by Kate over the loss of her husband and young son. It is difficult to imagine the insane evil drifting through the book. It was a pleasure to encounter the skill, intelligence, and sterling character of Conner who worked through the process of solving the mystery in Deceived. 

I found the suspense, sweet romance, well-drawn characters, and complex plot intriguing. The twist at the end was unexpected but entirely plausible. This is book three in the series, and a strong stand-alone book. However, I recommend you read all three to reap a bounty of enjoyable reading.

About the author: Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, three HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award, a Booksellers' Best Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. She is also a two-time Christy Award finalist.

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Revell in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Hidden in the Stars by Robin Caroll (Review & Giveaway)

About Hidden in the Stars: A quilt holds the secret to a killer still at large---and who his next victim will be. 

Following an attack that killed her mother and stole her ability to speak, 21-year-old Sophia Montgomery has no choice but to accept her estranged grandmother's offer to return to their family home. Although detective Julian Frazier is working hard on the case, Sophia unknowingly frustrates him because her inability to speak thwarts her eyewitness evidence. The fact that Julian is undeniably attracted to Sophia doesn't help either, so Julian hides his feelings as concern for a trauma victim and focuses instead on finding the killer. 

Little do they know, the clues to solving the case may be right in front of them, displayed in Sophia's mother's "special" quilt design. Who will realize the secret Sophia's unwittingly been hiding in plain sight? When the truth comes to light, will Sophia find her voice again? Or will the murderer---still at large---silence her forever?

My thoughts:  This novel is shorter than most but just right for this story. I found the story lagged a bit here and there, but all in all, it was an enjoyable read.

The frequent mention of various ballets performed by the mother of the protagonist was interesting as was mention of the costumes. Sophia was victim of a horrendous attack on she and her mother by ruthless men. Surviving the attack with her life but with a body that will no longer be able to compete in world-class gymnastics, Sophia begins her healing while she helps the detective, Julian, with bits of information that lead to the who, what, and why of the attack.

As the book begins to wrap up, the pace picks up and excitement builds.  I have read Robin Caroll's books in the past and really enjoyed them. This is one I can recommend but not one of my favorites. I do have the opportunity to offer one of Chat With Vera's readers a giveaway copy to win for their very own. I hope you'll enter and think you'll enjoy the book should you win it or acquire your very own copy elsewhere. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway begins October 1 & ENDS October 23 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.

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Robin Caroll is the author of 22 published novels. When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of 20-plus years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She gives back to the writing community by serving as conference director for ACFW. Her books have been named finalists in such contests as the Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

"Love's Fortune" Book 3 in the Ballentyne Legacy by Laura Frantz

About the book:  Sheltered since birth at her Kentucky home, Rowena Ballantyne has heard only whispered rumors of her grandfather Silas's vast fortune and grand manor in Pennsylvania. When her father receives a rare letter summoning him to New Hope, Rowena makes the journey hi.m and quickly finds herself in a whole new world--filled with family members she's never met, dances she's never learned, and a new side to the father she thought she knew. As she struggles to fit in during their extended stay, she finds a friend in James Sackett, the most valued steamship pilot of the Ballantynes' shipping line. Even with his help, Rowena feels she may never be comfortable in high society. Will she go her own way . . . to her peril?

My thoughts: Young Wren is arbitrarily thrust into Pittsburgh Society when she and her father travel by steamship from their beloved Kentucky home.  The story is set during pre-Civil War years and the slavery issue stirs everywhere.  For years the Ballantyne family has had members involved in the underground railroad aiding escaped slaves to freedom. James Sackett who is loosely connected to the family is tightly connected to the freedom fight.

Wren must have a "season" and she must marry well. So she is corseted, groomed, trained, be-gowned, and coached to prepare herself for this responsibility. The author presents well the snobbery of society toward those considered beneath them. She also gives the reader a delightful glimpse into the graces involved in escorting and protecting a young lady.

There is danger and romance and villainy. Laura Frantz has again brought a lovely read to those who enjoy Christian historical fiction and readers will not be disappointed.

Laura Frantz will be "stopping by" Chat With Vera every now & then to chat and answer your questions. Leave a comment or question below and let's see what she says!

GIVEAWAY: A complimentary copy is being provided by the author for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win in this giveaway. Use the Rafflecopter form below to record your entries. You can come back daily for the daily entries. Begins September 29 & ENDS October 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to address in the USA only.
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Ever wonder how a book cover is designed? Here is a bit of insight into the magic!
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of Love's Fortune in exchange for this review. I was not expected or required to render a positive review. No compensation was received for this review.

Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum {Review and Giveaway}

I have had the pleasure to use several Vitamin C serums and have found using such a product to be a real winner for me. As a lady-of-a-certain-age, the inevitable has happened. Yes, there are wrinkles. Yes, there is sagging. Yes, there are dark spots finding their way to the surface. And yes, I'd love to turn back the clock and make all things new. But folks, there is no magic pill. There is no magic potion. There is nothing magical about it. It is simply you "Do what you can and enhance and protect as much as you can!"

I have found that using products for my skin - morning and evening has a major impact on making my skin look better. Using creams for my eyes, creams for my face and neck, serums, and nice washes really does help. Does it remove the toll of years? No. But it does soften the look and helps tremendously.

Now  about the Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum I've been using about two weeks now. I've used it morning and evening though they say once a day for most because it could dry your skin if used twice a day. Twice works nicely for me and has not caused dryness. First I cleanse the face. Then I apply the serum which I allow to dry to maximize the effect. I follow this with my moisturizer (day cream for mornings and evening cream for evenings - there is a difference, you know). After the moisturizer has soaked into the skin somewhat, I apply my makeup.

If I'm not going out for the day, I just use a little blush and lipstick. Using the serum along with a moisturizer tends to give my face a nice glow which I like.

One of my daughters was recently visiting me and she noted that the dark spots on the side of my face were not as prominent. Wow! That makes me feel that something is working. I believe perhaps the Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin Serum could have a major role in this for me. So I'll continue to apply it.

GIVEAWAY: One of Chat With Vera's readers has the opportunity to win their very own bottle of Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum. Use the Rafflecopter entry form below. Open for USA addresses only. Begins September 26 & ENDS October 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
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About the product - from their website: Voilà Ve  Triple Action Vitamin C Serum is no vitamin C serum. The secret that sets Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum apart from the rest is its three different forms of Vitamin C, unlike competitor's brands which contain only one form. These three forms combined together with 100% percent pure Hyaluronic Acid make this product more effective and faster to work than one type alone.

Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum is effective at treating a variety of skin problems. The three types of vitamin C plus Hyaluronic Acid in this rich serum will:

• Even out skin tone
• Lighten dark spots and discolorations, including sun damage
• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and crow's feet
• Brighten the skin
• Soften and moisturize skin
• Balance skin's pH
• Lighten acne scars and other scars
• Make skin appear firmer and smoother
• Gives skin a youthful look
• Will not clog pores

Unlike other vitamin C serum products, Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum contains no fillers, just pure nutrients. Plus, it DOES NOT contain potentially-harmful parabens. Only a few tiny drops are needed and will cover the entire face, making the product go further and last longer. Voilà Ve Triple Action Vitamin C Serum comes in a handy, easy-dispensing 1 oz. pump bottle.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product in exchange for this review. I only recommend products I use and can recommend. I was not compensated for this review and I was not required to render a favorable review.