"Trapped" (A Private Justice novel) by Irene Hannon

About the book:  A runaway teen, a desperate sister, and an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth.

When Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help. Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways--just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.

But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . .

In her latest thrilling read, queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon outdoes herself with a fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

My thoughts:  As usual, Irene Hannon's writing is superb and she manages to capture the readers (my) attention throughout the book.  I did, however, find this a harder read for me than usual. Suspense is intriguing and the pursuit of the wrong-doer by the defenders of society is always thrilling. However, this particular story deals with a psychopath or psychosis of a criminal mind. It involves the tragedy of a run away teen girl who becomes entrapped by a psycho. The danger. The fear. The terror are all there. And it was just a little much for me this time.

I did finish the book and was grateful for the good ending. Again, Irene Hannon, has handled the subject and the characters with care and taste. There is none of the super-thriller-horror story elements in there. Just good story telling of a bad situation. This story was especially noteworthy at this point in time because of the women just freed from their kidnapper who tortured and abused them for years in his home undetected by society. So the risk of this story being real is very much present and very much to be feared

More about the author: Irene Hannon’s website, twitter and facebook:

• http://www.irenehannon.com/
• https://twitter.com/IreneHannon
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irene-Hannon/426433004084567

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

DISCLOSURE:  I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group for the purpose of rendering my honest opinion. Opinions are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

New Designer Renuzit® Fragrance Cones (Review & Giveaway)

Just how long have the Renuzit® air freshener cones been around? I don't know, but I've been around a long time and I seem to remember those little cones sitting atop my mother's refrigerator a long time ago. We had a lot of folks who smoked in our house and Mom was always trying to get the smell out of the house.  I don't recall the fragrance, I just knew it was better than the one that came in a bottle and you pulled the wick up.

Today is a new day and there are so many fragrances available and lots of brands of air fresheners. You have plug ins, you have bottles with foam wicks, you have sprays. Oh my, you have so many choices. And you STILL have that good old reliable choice - RENUZIT®. And today we're going to talk about 4 of their fragrances and the brand new shape of that old reliable cone. Now just take a look at the lovely box that came in the mail for me. Renuzit® chose me to be one of their reviewers of this new shape and their new fragrances. Did you know there are 18 fragrances to choose from?

My lovely box (don't you just love that pretty, frilly packing - all pink and girly?) had After the Rain®, Simply Vanilla®, Tahitian Breeze®, and Hawaiian Oasis®. (I plan to up-cycle that pretty packing when I give gifts in the upcoming season. Pretty)

I have placed the After the Rain® in a seldom used bedroom to help keep the air fresh there. You can see just how it blends in nicely with the simple décor without being obtrusive.  The little painting on the stand, is an original acrylic by a friend of my husband's. I wouldn't want to detract too much from the loveliness of that little painting. So I think the black Renuzit® cone fits nicely here and the fragrance is fresh and welcoming.

Now in the following picture you can see all four of the fragrances I received. Of course, when you display them, you'll remove the wrappers and just have the sleek cones visible.

 

There are several ways you can sample these newbie-oldies in the fragrance world or win big. Learn ways you can refresh your home and yourself, renew your environment, and renew your own self.

• Enter the GIVEAWAY here on Chat With Vera to win 2 coupons for a free product
• "Like" Renuzit® brand on Facebook and learn about their Scent Gents and you'll have a chance to win a scent-inspired vacation
• Save $5 when you purchase $20 Henkel® products - which include the Renuie® brand. (Sign up for SavingStar.com - I'm a SavingStar user and I LOVE it.) https://www.facebook.com/Renuzit/app_408644942580255
• Review a Renuzit® brand on their website (or their Facebook page) and get in the running for a monthly $25 prize.

GIVEAWAY: 4 Chat With Vera readers have the opportunity to be blessed with 2 free product coupons for Renuit® cones. Begins September 7 & ENDS September 21 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. (Yes, this is a shorter duration giveaway. So act quick!)
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DISCLOSURE: The Renuzit brand provided me with sample Renuzit cones in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed here are solely my own.

"Chronicles of Dinosauria: The History and Mystery of Dinosaurs and Man." by David Woetzel & illustrated by Richard Dobbs

Scientists have long been saying that dinosaurs lived long before man appeared on the Earth. Creationists have long been saying that man and dinosaurs have lived side-by-side at times in history. Author Dave Woetzel addresses this controversy in this easy to understand, exceptionally well illustrated book "Chronicles of Dinosauria: The History and Mystery of Dinosaurs and Man."

I found several chapters particularly interesting: Fossil Evidence, Historical Evidence, Artistic Evidence, and Cryptozoology Evidence.  Museums across the world have skeletons of dinosaurs (reconstructed from various fossils) so we know from archaeological evidence that they actually did exist. The timeline is controversial between various scientific groups. Fossil evidence has been found that substantiates man's existence along side of dinosaurs.

Stories and legends as well as historians of note give evidence of large, reptilian life forms whose descriptions can definitively be ascribed to dinosaurs (i.e. dragon). One of note is Ulysses Aldrovandus considered to be the father of modern natural history. He recorded seeing a dragon on May 13, 1572.

The artistic evidence is well documented even to this day with the abundant dragons of Chinese art. But sculptures and drawings from all cultures through the centuries abound with representations of dragons and dinosaurs or large reptilian creatures.

Most impressive to me, though is the cryptozoology evidence. I did not realize there was this sub-set of zoology. These creatures would be living creatures that are hidden in today's world but exist nonetheless.

The book's illustrations might be frightening to the very young child, but to those school age and older, it is an appealing and very instructional book. A good addition to any library: home, school, or public.

As with most books published by Master Books a Division of New Leaf Press, there is an apologetics chapter that brings Biblical truth to the study of dinosaurs.  The book concludes with Dave's Challenge for the non-Christian to consider the Plan of Salvation.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of "Chronicles of Dinosauria" in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was given for this review and all opinions are expressly my own.

"Balloon Trees" by Danna Smith & illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein (Review & Giveaway)

Review: Who doesn't love a balloon? From the time a child is coordinated enough to bat a small balloon to their oldest 100th birthday (that is still being a child, right?), balloons are fun. In “Balloon Trees” the story of how a balloon is made from the tapping of rubber tree sap to the finished product all blow up and bringing delight to everyone. The rhyming verse is lively and fun to read and almost lyrical.  

This balloon was made from trees--

made from rubber trees like these . . .

The tappers start their work at dawn.

They pull their hats and work gloves on.

They slice the bark then add a spout--

white milky latex drip-drops out.

The simple cut the tappers use

collects the natural, sappy ooze.

 The colorful pictures lend delightful educational qualities to the text about the making of rubber.  I found following the little green bird through the book fun, too. An information, fun read for small and elementary children alike, this little book will get a lot of use in a school or public library as well as the home library.

There is a "creative minds" section in the back of the book that allow the parent and child to investigate and learn more about the process of making rubber.

GIVEAWAY: Begins September 7 & ENDS September 23 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.
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DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Balloon Trees was provided by Sylvan Dell Publishing in exchange for our honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I received no compensation for this review..

Author: Danna Smith received excellent reviews for Pirate Nap and Two at the Zoo, which was featured in Parenting Magazine and is a Raising Readers board book special edition. The inspiration for her most recent book, Balloon Trees, came from her husband’s line of work running a rubber manufacturing plant. Although his company makes industrial rubber products, Danna chose to follow the creation of a fun product that is near and dear to a child’s heart: the balloon. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two grown children, and their cocker spaniel, Peanut. Visit her website at www.dannasmithbooks.com.

Illustrator: Laurie Allen Klein has been a freelance artist for nearly 25 years. Over the last several years, she has worked as the on-staff artist for a marine park, where she does everything from painting life-size sea animal murals, to illustrating children's activity books. As evident by the extras included in the art, she has combined her love and fascination with outer space (and science fiction) with children’s illustration in both Solar System Forecast and Meet the Planets. Laurie also illustrated Fur and Feathers, Where Should Turtle Be?, Little Skink's Tail, and If a Dolphin Were a Fish for Sylvan Dell. Laurie lives in Florida. See more of her artwork at http://www.lauriekleinarts.com.

"Nature Recycles How About You?" by Michelle Lord & illustrated by Cathy Morrison (Review & Giveaway)

Paperback  $9.95
ISBN: 9781607186274

About the book: From sea urchins in the Atlantic Ocean to bandicoots on the Australian savanna, animals all over the world recycle. Explore how different animals in different habitats use recycled material to build homes, protect themselves and get food. This fascinating collection of animal facts will teach readers about the importance of recycling and inspire them to take part in protecting and conserving the environment by recycling in their own way. key phrases for educators: recycling, animal adaptations and behaviors, geography

Review:  “Nature Recycles How About You”  walks you and your child through the process that nature uses to recycle from how one crab outgrows his shell and leaves it and another critter comes along making it his home. Then birds use "recycled" materials to create their nests - threads, twigs, grasses - even a ribbon they might find.

The child is shown how he or she can recycle used and outgrown clothes for someone else or even to remake it for something else for themselves. The child is challenged to use materials that will not hurt the environment.

Bright and colorful illustrations show creatures and environments appealingly.  In the back of the book is a "Creative Minds" section that has information to challenge and instruct beyond a "story telling" mode.

GIVEAWAY: Begins September 7 & ENDS September 23 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.
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DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy of Nature Recycles. How About You? was provided by Sylvan Dell Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and I received no compensation for this review.

Garden Botanika Anti-Aging Day, Night, and Eye Creams (Review & Giveaway - US & Canada)

How many of you have been outdoors a whole lot this summer? You've enjoyed the sun, the wind, the surf. You've climbed hills (rocky and mountainous or sandy dunes). You've sat beside pools and lolled along the surf. And now your skin is talking back at'cha. Whether you realize it or not, all that tanning you've done and all that water you've propelled yourself through has taken a toll on your skin's moisture creating a perfect storm for drying, aging to take place. But you can help it out. There are products that will help you baby that skin back into its own beautiful shell for you.

What a joy it is to again to be able to share with you products of quality and that I have used myself.  The Garden Botanika folks have graciously sent me their wonderful anti-aging products.  You know ladies-of-a-certain-age always look for something to ANTI-the-aging-process, and all of you gals need to tune your thinking toward the ANTI-aging line just a wee bit - no matter what age you are.  You see, from the day we're born, we're aging. Don't deny it. It is a fact of life. So we all want to keep our skin as youthful as possible. Now let's see what these products have that might help you in YOUR personal ANTI battle.

Age Reverse Night Recovery Cream - Richly formulated for dry or sensitive skin.

• Minimizes age spots and sun damage
• Assists cells with nightly renewal process
• Skin appears firmer, smoother and more radiant

Apply this emollient cream at bedtime to assist skin cells with their nightly renewal process. Hyaluronic Acid supplies deep moisture while Vitamin C and other botanicals encourage cell repair to minimize age spots, sun damage and fine lines. By morning, skin appears soft, toned and hydrated, with a healthy, even glow. Works at night to support the skins natural rebuilding process while you sleep. 1.62 oz.

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Daily Renewal Moisture Cream - Renew skin with this balancing, age-defying moisture cream. The combination of Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids help speed up cell renewal and improve overall texture and tone, while minimizing tell-tale signs of aging. Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid attract and bind moisture, while Jojoba Seed Oil nourishes healthy new cells. Green Tea Extract helps protect from environmental damage. 1.76 oz

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Bestseller Always AgelessTM Revitalizing Eye Cream - For all Skin Types

• De-puffs instantly
• Diminishes dark circles
• Protects and helps prevent signs of aging

Caffeine is the secret weapon in this remarkable new cream that instantly perks up eyes! Along with Algae Extract, caffeine helps remove puffiness and take years off your face. At the same time, a rejuvenating botanical blend plus Vitamins C and K help to diminish dark shadows and lighten and brighten the under-eye area. Amazing antioxidants Maqui Berry Extract and Vitamin E protect against environmental stressors. The result: your eyes will look ageless, instantly and always! 0.50 oz.  Free of Parabens, Gluten, Alcohol, Glycols, PEG’s, Phthalates, Artificial dyes and Fragrance. Vegan!

Now just what do I think of these three products?  Well, I have found that using both the Garden Botanika Age Reverse Night Recovery Cream and the Always Ageless Revitalizing Eye Cream at night makes my skin feel really good and look really good the next morning. It is not heavy and greasy feeling. Then the next morning, I rinse my face and apply the Daily Renewal Moisture Cream and the Revitalizing Eye Cream prior to applying my makeup. Again, my skin feels very soft and my makeup goes on smoothly. 

Consistently using these moisturzing creams won't prevent the years from creeping up on you or prevent the smile or frown wrinkles that inevitably come to all of us. But they will help your skin to be moisturized and moisturized skin is usually smoother skin. I am thoroughly enjoying using these three creams and believe they are really helping my skin retain as much vibrancy and youth as possible for this lady-of-a-certain-age. 

I believe that using quality creams such as these from Garden Botanika protects my skin from the elements that cause the effects of aging.  They are American made. They are free of products you don't want to put on your skin (check the website). They are made from all natural botanical products.  And a caveat for ALL of us..... compared to quality department store facial creams, the price is RIGHT. It is hard to believe this caliber cream is available for just $30 a jar. Check them out.

GIVEAWAY -   Thanks to Garden Botanika, one Chat With Vera reader in the United States will win a package of the same products valued at over $85  https://www.gardenbotanika.com!  Garden Botanika will ship the winner's prize.  Details:  Begins September 4 and ENDS September 30 at 12:01 a.m. EDT and is open in US only.
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NOTE: Garden Botanika products have been reviewed four times now on Chat With Vera. I find these naturally based products very good and heartily recommend them.  All products will not suit every individual.  Each must choose that which appeals most to themselves.  

DISCLOSURE:  Garden Botanika provided these three products free of charge for me to sample, review, and post on Chat With Vera in exchange for my honest opinion.  All opinions expressed are my own.  All product information is garnered from the https://www.gardenbotanika.com website.  I was not compensated for this review.  The giveaway prize is provided directly to the winner and will be shipped to the winner by Garden Botanika. Please note that Garden Botanika ships only to the US and Canada.

"Spartan & The Green Egg - A Trip to the Rainforest" by Nabila Khashoggi & illustrated by Manuel Cadag

About the book: Spartan and the Green Egg Children’s Book Takes a Trip to the Rainforest - Author Nabila Khashoggi has written a fun and educational new children’s book, Spartan and the Green Egg, a Trip to the Rainforest that is sure to provide excitement and wonder as young readers travel to the rainforest to experience an amazing journey.

A Trip to the Rainforest is the debut book in a continuing series of ten adventures with Spartan, his three friends and his dog, Grimm and their travels of the world. The mission of this talented team is to gain and share knowledge of their amazing discoveries.

With the power of their minds, they made contact with a race of alien explorers, who communicate with them via an egg-shaped spaceship that is itself an organic alien being. Their friend, Egg introduces them to new technology and cool gadgets along the way.

My thoughts:  First of all, I am simply not a fan of graphic novels. I prefer books in either prose or rhyme and a nice flow to the storyline. I prefer illustrations but not in the form of the graphic novel.  I did not realize that this was an environmentally or politically charged storyline.  I assumed from the description I received (see above) prior to opportunity to review the book that it was a fantasy or science fiction sort of book. I'm not particularly fond of them, either. I found the book heavy on spiritual (powerful green spirit), a shape-changing time and space traveling egg, spontaneously appearing objects, etc.

Let's just say this is not a book I favor or would purchase or encourage others to purchase. Beautifully bound and published it is categorized as Juvenile fiction/Comics & Graphic novels/General.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to render a positive review.