Ozeri Deluxe Milk Frother and 12 oz Frothing Pitcher in Stainless Steel, with Extra Whisk Attachment {Review}

Oh my! Don't you just love getting some delicious cafe coffee from that special shop? You know a "St------s" or a "Cali---"! I do. But they are so very expensive and also you have to get out in the cold, drive to the shop, go in and order (unless you're a drive-by person). Well, that has its place and now you can "cafe coffee" right at home. Now you can whip and froth that warm or cold milk for your coffee or special drinks. Ozeri had just the nifty little frother to do this.

When I was given the opportunity to review this neat product, I jumped to do so. Yes, I can just see the family coffee lovers when they gather round our "home 'n hearth" making their own special drinks. Got to have some good milk on hand as well as some especially good coffee beans. We're just a bit snobbish about coffee in our clan.

Well, I didn't have much milk on hand when I decided to give this nifty toy a run but I wanted to do so NOW! So I put just a wee little bit in the frothing pitcher, poured my brewed coffee in the mug, whipped out that handy Ozeri Frother and zapped that little bit of milk into a bubbly and expanded milk froth. I can't wait to see what we (as a clan) can conjure up next time we're together. It promises to be so good!

Product information from Ozeri

• Whips up delicious and picture perfect foam in as little as 10 seconds. Perfect for steam-free cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, hot chocolates, shakes, frappes and other drinks.
• Includes an elegant 12 oz (350 ml) Frothing Pitcher made of 304 high-quality Stainless Steel.
• Froths all kinds of milk (whole/regular/skim milk, soy milk, almond milk and coconut milk) alike for fluffy hot café lattes or cold chocolate malts in seconds.
• Powerful motor spins at over 15,000 RPMs and activates instantly with results in 10 to 20 seconds.
• Made of safe food-grade materials, package includes the electric frother, stand, pitcher, extra frothing attachment and 2 AA batteries.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary product by Ozeri to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sip {Review & Giveaway}

ISBN: 978-0-7636-7306-2

About the book: Frances Dean loves to dance. She feels the wind and she dances. She hears singing birds and she dances. In her every waking moment, she is inspired to move. But as soon as anyone is around, Frances Dean’s knees begin to tremble, butterflies start to flutter in her tummy, and she forgets how to dance. Will she ever find the courage to share her talent with others and feel free?

My thoughts: Sweetly illustrated in a richness of color that is still soft and comforting. A shy little girl, Frances Dean, simply loves to move and to dance. But she is shy and self-conscious that others might see her.

Abundant with the accompanying birds who flock to her beautiful movements, she twirls and leaps and moves. But she stops because others are watching. Soon she learns that she can still dance and that others enjoy it. 

This lovely and lively little book will strike home to the heart of the shy child helping them to understand it is o.k. to be shy and that they can overcome it.

Lovely.

GIVEAWAY: Candlewick Press has graciously agreed to provide one of Chat With Vera's readers a copy of the book of their choice from the following children's books I have recently reviewed. Check the reviews (linked to my review) and choose the book you'd most like to win. You'll have an opportunity to provide that information in your entry. Begins February 2 & ENDS February 25 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.

• Boundaries: How the Mason-Dixon Line Settled a Family Feud and Divided a Nation Sally M. Walker. Candlewick  ISBN 978-0-7636-5612-6
• Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance ISBN: 978-0-7636-7306-2
• Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes ISBN: 978-0-7636-7315-4
• Let the Celebrations Begin ISBN-13: 978-0763670139

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

When the Soul Mends Book 3 in the Sisters of the Quilt Amish Series by Cindy Woodsmall

About the book: Returning to the home she fled in disgrace, will Hannah find healing for the wounds of the past?

$6.99 - ISBN: 978-1-60142-712-0

After receiving a desperate and confusing call from her sister, Hannah Lapp reluctantly returns to the Old Order Amish community of her Pennsylvania childhood.

Having fled in disgrace more than two years earlier, she finally has settled into a satisfying role in the Englischer world. She also has found love and a new family with the wealthy Martin Palmer and the children she is helping him raise. But almost immediately after her arrival in Owl’s Perch, the disapproval of those who ostracized her, including her headstrong father, reopens old wounds
As Hannah is thrown together with former fiancé Paul Waddell to work for her sister Sarah’s mental health, hidden truths surface about events during Hannah’s absence, and she faces an agonizing decision. Will she choose the Englischer world and the man who restored her hope, or will she heed the call to return to the Plain Life–and perhaps to her first love?

When the Soul Mends is the third and final book in the Sisters of the Quilt series.
Review: Time does not heal all wounds. Yes, time plays a valuable part in the mending process. However, the answer to experiencing true healing is accepting the uncomfortable step of revisiting that which first inflicted the pain. Hannah, in Cindy Woodsmall’s When the Soul Mends, after two years, is forced to relive the painful events that exiled her from her Amish home and real joy. In the last two years, Hannah has built a new life by attempting to deny her Amish past. However, she is unable embrace her new life with peace. When Hannah revisits home, she learns to seize the opportunities to be honest with and forgive those who hurt her. 
Forgiveness, which is found in God, is the climax of complete healing, which Woodsmall beautifully illustrates. God’s forgiveness of our sins allows us to forgive. However, in order to forgive one has to face those who have caused the hurt, similar to how Christ faced the cross. Hannah learns to surrender and rely on God to strengthen and guide her through unexpected emotions and events. With time, Hannah’s soul is mended, but she learns how to redeem that time to be completely mended with peace and joy. 
"When the Soul Mends" reminded me of God's faithfulness and promises. Thank you for this opportunity. One of my goals is to be an author, and every author needs to read and write in order to produce a work of value. (guest review by Samantha F.)DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Blogging for Books to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of reviewer.

New design for product dispensing: Purex® PowerShot {Giveaway}

Good standby and budget friendly Purex has a "new kid on the block" with their fantastically designed Purex® PowerShot liquid detergent. No messy lids to pour the detergent into to measure the amount for your load of wash. No "oops" a spill. No little pouches that the kids puncture or that get wet and messy. Just a simple flip the lid, tilt the bottle, "shoot" the liquid. One "shot" for a small load, two shots for a larger load.

This fantastically designed product will soon be in  the stores. Now you have an opportunity to win a free product for yourself here on Chat With Vera. Two winners each will receive a free product coupon.

• Auto-dosing technology does the measuring for you
• No guesswork and no mess makes doing laundry easier
• Super-concentrated formula with 50% more stain fighting power per drop* (*vs regular Purex liquid detergent)

New Purex® PowerShot detergent  simplifies the laundry routine by taking the guesswork of measuring. Purex® PowerShot is the only bottle that automatically dispenses the right amount of super concentrated formula with 50% more stain fighting power in every drop. 

GIVEAWAY: Begins February 2 & ENDS February 16 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open only to USA addresses.
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary product to facilitate this review as a member of the Purex Insiders Blogger Group. Purex provided the free product coupons for prizes.

The Abbot's Agreement (Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton) By Mel Starr

About the book: A new and disturbing puzzle for the medieval surgeon-turned-sleuth

Master Hugh de Singleton is making his way toward Oxford when he discovers the corpse of a young Benedictine not half a mile from the nearby abbey.

The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity; it is John, one of three novices. He had gone missing four days previous, and yet his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death—the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh’s sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him.

With realistic medical procedures of the period, droll medieval wit, and a consistent underlying sense of Christian compassion, the seventh in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton will delight medieval history and crime fiction fans alike.

My thoughts: I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Mel Starr's previous books in the chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. 

Just what is this newest medieval novel about surgeon and bailiff Hugh de Singleton really about?

1. Murder most foul and a whodunit in the Abby
2. Heresy abounding in separate quarters
3. Life in the monastery in all its mundane glory
4. Slow, plodding life of the 1300s and feasting on wheaten bread and foul ale
5. Desire for a Bible of his own leads to an agreement
6. A tale of forensic crime solutions before there was forensic science

What are my thoughts on it? 

1. I found it to be a bit more plodding than the usual Mel Starr books but life was plodding back in the 1300s. I usually find the Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton to be nice change-of-pace reads and this one was just that.
2. I found the vocabulary indicative of the time in which the story was set (without really going with the actual language and spellings of the time).
3. I found the details a bit confusing and erroneous – the foul murder took place on a moonless or moonlit night? 
4. I found the plot and subplot (different issues to solve) interesting.
5. I enjoyed it though do admit that it took me longer to read than normal for a Mel Starr book. Was this my problem or one with the book itself? 
6. I liked that the title The Abbot’s Agreement is multilayered and which is not evident until nearly the end of the book.

Read first chapter

Author: Mel Starr is an authority on medieval surgery and medieval English. Author of the popular Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton. He received an MA in history from Western Michigan University in 1970. He taught history in Michigan public schools for thirty-nine years, thirty-five of those in Portage, MI, where he retired in 2003 as chairman of the social studies department of Portage Northern High School. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publication on behalf of Lion Hudson in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

THE ADVOCATE by Randy Singer {Review & Giveaway}

ISBN: 9781414348605 

About the book: Follow what law and legal representation was like in biblical times with Randy Singer's Christian historical fiction Advocate: He Defied an Empire & Inspired a Faith. 

At the trial of Christ, Theophilus, brilliant young "assessore" raised in the Roman aristocracy, stands behind Pontius Pilate and whispers, "Offer to release Barabbas." The strategy backfires, and Theophilus never forgets the sight of an innocent man unjustly suffering the worst of all possible deaths--Roman crucifixion.

Three decades later, Theophilus has proven himself in the legal ranks of the Roman Empire. He has survived the insane rule of Caligula and has weathered the cruel tyrant's quest to control the woman he loves. He has endured the mindless violence of the gladiator games and the backstabbing intrigue of the treason trials.

Now he must face another evil Caesar, defending the man Paul in Nero's deranged court. Can Theophilus mount a defense that will keep another innocent man from execution? The advocate's first trial altered the course of history. His last will change the fate of an empire.

My thoughts: I typically do not read fiction involving Biblical characters because I personally believe that the Bible reveals what God wants us to know of historical Biblical characters. I realize, too, that history reveals some information about these people that is not actually revealed in the Biblical record. 

When given the opportunity to review Randy Singer's newest novel, The Advocate, I declined with mixed emotions. 1) I thoroughly enjoy his style of writing and the fact that he writes good, clean fiction. 2) I respect Mr. Singer because he is a pastor, an attorney, an educator, and a gifted author. However, when a second opportunity came knocking at my door so I decided I would see just what Mr. Singer with his skills and background as pastor would do with this story of Theophilus.

This is a lengthy book of 470 pages. The story flows beautifully and Mr. Singer's style gives the reader a very enjoyable read. The history of Rome as one of the greatest empires ever is recounted accurately as far as I can determine, and Mr. Singer has done tremendous research to be able to bring Rome at the time of Christ alive to the reader. The unfathomable cruelty of the Caesars. The lust for blood. The corruption. The "religion" of the time and place bereft of Christ. All of this is thoroughly exposed in Mr. Singer's story. The story is not for the weak stomached. 

Theophilus witnessed much in the trial of Christ. He was edu cated at the feet of men of status and great oratorical skills. He himself experienced cruelty at the hands of his peers. So goes the story as presented by Mr. Singer.

Now I still feel as though I can easily forego reading novels about characters in the Bible even though I found The Advocate to be a good read. This was not my most enjoyable book by Mr. Singer, but I did enjoy how he wrote the book, his style, and his attention to historical detail. I won't recommend it and I won't disparage it. 

GIVEAWAY: A copy is reserved by Family Christian for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Enter below - Begins January 29 & ENDS February 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Family Christian in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

My Little "Life of Jesus" by Karen Williamson & illustrated by Amanda Enright

978-1-78128-131-4 | $8.99 | Hardcover | Candle Books  About the book: My Little Life of Jesus introduces the story of Jesus' life to 3-to 5-year-olds. It follows Jesus from His birth, being baptized by John, meeting the disciples and teaching them how to pray, telling His stories to people in nearby towns and villages, right through to His return to the heavenly Father. Illustrated throughout with adorable artwork from a popular Candle Books artist, there is also a map included to show the land where Jesus lived. This padded hardcover comes complete with a presentation page for gift or award giving. My thoughts: This little book is sized just right for the tiny hands of its intended audience. As an introduction to learning about Jesus and His life, this padded picture book brings just enough information to the child so that they can see that Jesus was a real person and lived among people. The illustrations are cute and child-like and sure to please the youngster. Frankly, I prefer more realistic illustrations, but I do recognize the value of today's styles of illustration. They are colorful and filled with details with which the young child can engage. The book begins prior to the birth of Jesus and says that Mary and Elizabeth were both "happy" at the upcoming birth of Jesus to Mary and John to Elizabeth. The Bible doesn't specifically say they were happy but uses terms like "my spirit rejoices" to expressed their delight. Happy is a term a young child can understand, though. I like the little map that shows areas where Jesus lived. This is an interesting addition for a young child's book and it presents an opportunity for beginning map study. When Jesus teaches his disciples to pray using Matthew 6, the "Lord's Prayer" is very simplified. I would have preferred the version most quoted and recited and believe that even young children can learn it. No need for simplification. The entire life cycle of Jesus is presented through His death and resurrection and His promise to return again. All-in-all, this is a delightful little picture story book for young children. DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. No compensation was received for the review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.