The Brothers' Keepers by NLB Horton

About the book: A friend's deception. A family's dilemma.

While cataloging looted antiquities in Brussels, archaeologist Grace Madison learns that her daughter has disappeared in France, and daughter-in-law has been attacked in Switzerland. But before the Madisons can save themselves, they must rescue an old friend---if he'll let them. Navigating a deadly, four-thousand-year-old artifact trail that crosses three continents, they jeopardize hearts and lives against a foe as old as time---as time runs out.

Because choosing what's right is all that's left.

My thoughts: This was a different style read and required effort on my part to get through 200 pages. The book tops out at nearly 400 pages.  First of all, it was somewhere around 150 pages before the gist of the title stuck me. Ahh. It was beginning to come together for me. But I digress...

NBL Horton, author, has a way with words and phrases that makes a read enjoyable, that is, up to a point. But when words and phrases and oblique meanings cloud the plot, then it becomes tedious. And I really hate that because I do love when an author has the skill and wit to weave beautifully the tapestry of words.

Grace, Mark (her husband), their son and daughter with spouse or intended, plus an entourage of CIA, M16, Mossad and other types cavort all over Europe ending back in Israel tracing the meaning of a carved rock dating back thousands of years. These multiple locations, descriptions of scenes, beautiful phraseology, and two old geezers in their 80s are the genesis for a meandering tale.

It would have helped tremendously to have read the first book in the series. I had not done so.

Frankly, I've had to put the book down. I may come back and finish it one of these days because as I said, I do enjoy beautiful use of words. But for now, it is being laid to rest.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. I received no compensation for this review.

Good Morning, God! by Kathleen Long Bostrom & illustrated by Tammie Lyon {Review & Giveaway}

ISBN: 9780824919399
Boardbook $6.99

About the book: A delightful look at a child's morning activities.
This sweet little board book follows a child through her morning routine from the time she jumps out of bed to when she goes outdoors to play. In simple rhyming text, the author gives relatable examples of a child greeting God as she greets the day.

Little ones will enjoy the engaging verse and bright illustrations as they learn that God is with us throughout the day. Ages 2-5.

My thoughts: Sweet, sweet little
 book. What an adorable way to teach little ones to look to God first thing in the morning and on through the day. Oh, that we adults would be diligent in speaking first to God when we awaken and begin our day. 

I kick the covers off  the bed.

I STRETCH my arms above my head,

put on a shirt that's WHITE and RED.

GOOD MORNING GOD!

And on throughout the day, the rhyme goes with greetings to God. Charming. Sweet. Tender. And delightful, playful illustrations will charm child and adult throughout the book.

GIVEAWAY: Good Morning God! along with a copy of Good Night God! are being reserved by Ideals Publications for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Who will win this to delight a child? Giveaway begins November 20 & ENDS December 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of Good Morning, God! by Ideals Publications in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Good Night, God! by Kathleen Long Bostrom {Review & Giveaway}

ISBN: 9780824919405
Boardbook $6.99

About the book: A delightful look at a child's bedtime rituals.
This sweet little board book follows a child throughout his evening from the first hint of bedtime to those sleepy moments as his head hits the pillow. The author provides relatable examples of a child saying good night to God during his evening routine.

Little ones will enjoy the engaging verse and bright illustrations as they learn that God is with us throughout the night. Ages 2-5.

My thoughts: Delightful! As the day winds down this little boy prepares for bed and, like many children, wants various things - a treat, a story, a drink. How many parents have gone through the same bedtime ritual? And then, the very final is a Good Night, God! before the child closes his eyes in comforting, secure sleep.

"I've brushed my teeth

and washed my face and put my toys all back in place.

Do we have time for one more race?

Good night, God!"

GIVEAWAY: Good Night God! along with a copy of Good Morning God! are being reserved for one of Chat With Vera's readers. Who will win this to delight a child? Giveaway begins November 20 & ENDS December 10 @ 12:01 a.m. ET. Open to USA addresses only.
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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a copy of Good Night, God! by Ideals Publications in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Body Merry RETINOL MOISTURIZER - Professional Grade 2.5% Retinol Cream

I like it! Well, I like moisturizers for my face and neck but I don't like all moisturizers.

This Body Merry 2.5% Professional Grade Retinol Moisturizer is very nice. It feels good on my skin. It looks good on my skin. It absorbs well. My skin looks very nice the next morning after using this product.

Body Merry has come through with another good product. I can confidently endorse this Retinol Moisturizer. Now some folks have a little problem with retinol products and have to use care that it doesn't dry their skin out too much. Personally, I have not found this product to be drying to my skin at all. It simply works nicely.

Product information (source: Body Merry, Amazon)

• BEST Natural & Organic Anti-Aging Facial & Neck Firming Moisturizer for Wrinkles, Fine Lines, Acne and Dark Spots - Evens your skin tone for a Youthful and Radiant Glow
• MAXIMUM STRENGTH RETINOL: Body Merry's Retinol Surge Moisturizer contains 2.5% Retinol, which has time and again proven itself to be a potent youth reviving ingredient. This unique formulation is specially designed for you to be able to get the most out of this wonder ingredient, without suffering from any dryness or irritation that is typically associated with the use of Retinol.
• NATURAL + ORGANIC: The cream also contains Plant Derived Hyaluronic Acid, which nourishes and hydrates your skin. Wildcrafted Green Tea, Organic Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5 and Shea Butter add their goodness to create a formula that is potent and proven to show results.
• ANTI-AGING + MUCH MORE: This moisturizer not only effectively addresses wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and other signs of aging, but also helps to provide a flawless tone and texture by working its charm on discoloration, acne and other marks, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Both men and women can use this moisturizer, and it is designed to work well for all skin types.
• MADE IN USA + CRUELTY FREE + NO HARSH CHEMICALS: The moisturizer is made in the USA in an FDA registered and GMP compliant facility. It is not tested on animals. The formula does not contain any harsh chemicals such as Parabens, Sulphates or Phthalates.
• MANUFACTURER GUARANTEE: Body Merry's products are backed with a 90 Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you don't like this moisturizer, just contact us and get a full refund. You don't need to return the bottle.

DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Look Inside the Time of Jesus: A Lift-the-Flap Discovery Book by Lois Rock; Illustrated by Lorenzo Orlandi

ISBN:  978-0-7459-6398-3 $14.99 Hardcover

About the book: Keep curious young minds busy with these detailed depictions of Bible history, and a glimpse behind the scenes with flaps to lift on every page

Jesus took his message to all kinds of people in all kinds of places—from the shores of Lake Galilee to the bustling streets of Jerusalem. This book takes readers right into the world that he knew, with appealing illustrations and flaps that open to reveal all kinds of fascinating details. Brief text explains the setting, and references events and stories from Jesus' life. The book covers the first Christmas, illustrations of a synagogue and carpenter's workshop in Nazareth, fishing in Capernaum, farming and shepherding in the hills of Galilee, homes of the wealthy and everyday people, the temple in Jerusalem, the way of the cross, and the first Easter.

My thoughts: This is a large, sturdy board book and each spread of pages has several "lift-the-flaps" designed in a variety of sizes that offer engaging educational opportunities for the child. Even though it is a "board book," it will be valuable and enjoyable for young readers as well as non-readers.  Parents can use this as an invaluable teaching tool.  But most of all, it is a very pleasant and lovely book for the child. The child is the important key word here. Engage the child. Educate the child. Help the child to learn of Jesus. This book will successfully do just that.

Look Inside the Time of Jesus is spot-on accurate (not an archeological "dig" type of book, though) to Bible times and Bible events. Each picture is replete with details that the child can engage in seek 'n find activities as well as the lift-the-flaps. I like that the flaps each are designed so that little fingers can lift them without difficulty.

I heartily endorse this book produced by Lion Hudson and distributed by Kregel. Hint: This would make a terrific Christmas gift for a child.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. Opinions expressed are mine and I received no compensation for the review.

Foxbrim Ultra Lift Treatment [Advanced Anti-Aging Treatment] Review

Foxbrim's Ultra Lift Treatment Gives Your Skin More. Effectively Address All The Visible Signs of Aging In A Single Step. Transform Your Skin Routine. Don't Settle When You Can Enjoy The Full Benefits Of A Revolutionary Advanced Formula. (From Foxbrim)

I have reviewed several of the Foxbrim products and found each of them to serve me well. Everyone should care for their skin because it is, afterall, the largest organ of our bodies. But not only that, we want to look our best. We want our skin to feel good to the touch and actually feel good to us. So that is why I encourage my readers to use products that will care for their skin.

Some of these products cost a small fortune and some are relatively inexpensive. Buy the product that works best for you at the price you can best afford! Foxbrim is a very affordable product.

Keep in mind that ingredients that you rub onto your skin can be absorbed into your body. It is encouraging to me to know that many of our skin products today contain vitamins and ingredients that are also good for our bodies if we ingest them.  The Foxbrim Ultra-Lift Treatment has Vitamin B5 and CoQ10. These are known to be good for us. Look at the ingredients....

Key Ingredients include:

- CoQ10
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
- Retinol (0.5%)
- Peptides

After using the Foxbrim Ultra Lift Treatment in the mornings for a couple of weeks, I have found that my skin is soft and feels good. I'm not particularly fond of the heavy feel this cream has when I apply it. It actually is hard to disperse without a bit of a chalky look (not dry chalky, though). It soon absorbs and is not visible either with or without makeup applied.

So I can recommend this product because it contains good ingredients and because my skin is soft with using it.

DISCLOSURE: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bugs: Big and Small God Made Them All by William Zinke at Master Books of New Leaf Publishing Group

ISBN: 9780890518359 - Hardback - 80 Pages - New Leaf Publishing Group

Quick Overview - Insects are small signposts to God’s brilliant creativity. With their alluring beauty, incredible design features, and limitless variety, they are a living testament to an all-wise, wonderful Creator.

Children will see the world’s largest insects, insects designed with camouflage, the most beautiful insects, the weirdest insects, and more. What you will see, page after page, are these creatures
doing just what they were designed to do, and doing it well. God is amazing!

My thoughts: I am always so amazed at the beauty and quality of books produced by New Leaf Publishing Group and its imprint Master Books. When you factor this in with top notch scientific information and evidence and Biblical focus, you have an unsurpassable product.

What little boy, middle grade boy or even older doesn’t have an innate fascination for bugs and insects. I know my two sons would absolutely have loved this book when they were growing up. Well, even girls like bugs, too. Well, some girls. Now, about the book.....

The author William Zinke presents first of all the fact that "bugs are insects, BUT not all insects are bugs." And then he goes on to explain different categories of bugs.

• Amazing Creepy Crawlers
• Jumbo Giants
• Weird & Wonderful
• Bugs in Camo!
• Bizarre and Beautiful

And there are lists of Words to Know.... Entomology, Exoskeleton, Decomposers, Mandibles, Metamorphosis, Thorax, Setae, etc. And he has also included some tear out cards that can be used as flash cards for quick recognition and learning names and facts.

The photographs are absolutely stunning. Now I wouldn’t go so far as to say I loved the bugs and insects, because I have this phobia about all things creepy and crawly. But kids need to learn and this book sure gives them a wonderful peak into the world of entomology.

I just love the way Master Books focuses on God the Creator and how He created each of these bugs with a distinct purpose and how they are wonderfully designed for the job they do.

And even though bugs just simply aren't "my thing," I recognize that God has a purpose for them and His Word says that everything God created was beautiful in His sight.

I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages, libraries of all types, and folks of all kith and kin. 

Sneek a Peek Preview

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Master Books A Division of New Leaf Publishing Group in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review. The pages from the book pictured in this review were scanned by me and the poor quality does not do justice to the great quality of the book.