Farewell Four Waters: One Aid Worker's Sudden Escape From Afghanistan by Kate McCord (Review & Giveaway)

• ISBN-13: 978-0802412065
• River North Fiction (Moody Publishers)

About the book: In 14 days, the life she knew would end on the streets of Kabul.  All Marie needed was a few stamps and signatures – the mandatory paperwork necessary for the Afghan government – and she could hold literacy classes in the rural town of Shektan. Her hope:  Afghan women would learn to read.

Suddenly, shots resonated.  An aid worker killed at an intersection in Kabul.  The community scattered.

Most decided to say farewell.  Not Marie; she chose to stay, to teach.  But she was unaware that this choice would make her a pawn at the center of a local feud.  Kidnapping was Marie’s worst fear.  She didn’t know treachery was more deadly.

Farewell, Four Waters is based on actual events the author and other aid workers faced in Afghanistan in 2008.  See through their eyes the dangers faced globally even today.

Review: This is an excellent book.  I was so intrigued by the author’s story – her desire to be in Afghanistan, to help the women and to also share truth about Jesus – to live in a country where women are viewed in a much lower way than we could ever possibly know as citizens of the United States.

The author shows us we can and should depend upon the Lord for guidance and protection; and while this is not the main topic of the book, it is a thread that runs throughout her story.  The author takes us into the country and beyond just what we may see on the evening news.  She shares with us the friendships she built, the deep sadness of leaving the country and the ultimate horror of watching innocent people being killed for little to no reason.

Farewell, Four Waters is the second book written by Kate McCord.  It is a sequel to In the Land of Blue Burqas and I will be reading it as soon as I can.  If it is anything like Farewell, Four Waters, I will not be disappointed and will perhaps have an greater understanding of the people in Afghanistan and an encouragement to pray for that country.

We take for granted all that we have here in the United States and think that a little trouble is great tragedy.  We do not have to worry about persecution for expressing our beliefs.  If we are persecuted, it is so small in comparison that it cannot be called persecution.  I highly recommend this book to our High School students and desire that through their reading of this story,  they may realize how very fortunate they are to be a citizen of the United States of America! (guest review by P.Howard)

GIVEAWAY is open for USA & Canada for a print copy of Farewell Four Waters. Begins Dec. 12 & ENDS January 5 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Kate McCord: Kate McCord, a protective pseudonym, lived and worked in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2010. During her years in country, she worked as a humanitarian aid worker, delivering projects to benefit the people of Afghanistan. She also learned the local language and developed deep and lasting friendships with local Afghans. After evacuating from her home in Afghanistan, Kate transitioned into a mentoring, training, consulting and coaching role to other workers serving in the region. Prior to moving to Afghanistan, she worked in the international corporate community as a business process and strategy consultant. Today, Kate serves Christ through writing, speaking, mentoring and conducting workshops and seminars.

DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by Side Door Communications in exchange for our review. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.

A Place In His Heart by Rebecca DeMarino

About the book: Anglican Mary Langton longs to marry for love. Left at the altar and disgraced in her small hamlet, she is being pressured to marry the eligible son of the London milliner. Puritan Barnabas Horton still grieves the loss of his beloved wife, but he knows his two young sons need a mother.

With tender hearts, Mary and Barnabas take a leap of faith and wed. But when Barnabas's secret plans to move his family to the New World to escape persecution come to light, Mary's world is upended. How could she possibly leave her papa and her dear sister?

And will she ever reach the secret places of her husband's broken heart?

My thoughts: As I began reading A Place in His Heart, I was immediately captivated by the setting, characters, and author’s writing. I was especially thrilled to read the quotation from the Bible in the early part of the book. I sensed the quote was from an old version so I check the front pages and saw that Biblical quotes were from the Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Often an author (I am sure bowing to preferences of her readers) uses modern translations or version when they quote the Bible. That, however, is a true turn—off for me. I give Rebecca DeMarino a 10-out-of-10 points for authenticity by delving into a version accurate to the time and place.

Since the story is based on the author’s family history dating back to the 1600s, her research into the Horton family is to be commended.

After the first 50 or so pages, the story began to drag and was repetitious – at least to this reader. The gist of the story is a young woman is about to be given in marriage to a man she simply does not wish to marry. But another man desires to take her “to wife” and to be the mother of his two young boys. His wife, Ann, whom he loved greatly, having just recently died. They seem to be agreeable to marriage and the wedding takes place.  Soon it becomes evident that Barnabas has not told Mary all. He plans to soon move to The Massachusetts Bay Area to escape the encroaching discipline of the Church of England on those who believe in a Reformed church.

They prepare to leave, travel across the Atlantic, and begin to settle into life in their new home. Much of the story is given over to this period of their life and it seems to drag.

The author writes well and for a debut novel this is a good book. I’m giving it a 4-star rating because I felt the writing was good, her research very well done, and for the beautiful cover. I probably would give it a 3-star for not being able to retain my interest, but I’ll just boost it to a 4-star since the inattentiveness could simply be my own.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.

Oleavine Beauty Professional Moisturizer with Rejuvenating Actives

Visit them on Facebook

I absolutely love this product! Oleavine beauty professional moisturizer with rejuvenating actives feels just wonderful  on my face. The packaging is beautiful, too, and adds a touch of class to my counter. 

When I was given the opportunity to receive this product for review, I thought, "Another moisturizer..... and expected the same old, same old." You know some are nice, some are nicer, and some are really nice. And then you get some that one application is all they get on your skin and then you toss them. Not so with Oleavine!

Oleavine beauty is a keeper. I have seen only good results. My face has a nice feel, a bit of a glow, and I just feel really good about using it.

I use it twice a day. Most of the time after I've cleaned my face and applied a bit of a serum (hyaluronic acid and/or vitamin c), I apply this lovely moisturizer. After it settles in or seems to dry a bit, I apply my makeup. Oleavine works great with my makeup and I feel comfortable just using it without makeup on some days.

About this product (from Oleavine) - 

• ORGANIC & NATURAL INGREDIENTS (NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS!!!) - NO Harmful Chemicals: (FREE from Preservatives, Parabens, Petroleum, Phthalates, Sulfates, Silicone, SLS, SLES, PG or PG Derivatives, Synthetic Fragrance and Dyes.) Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Allergy Friendly, Fragrance Free.

• ANTI-AGING SERUM AND REJUVENATING MOISTURIZER (ALL-IN-ONE) - Deeply Penetrating powerful active ingredients you would expect in an Anti-Aging Serum including Inflammation Reducing Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 - Wrinkle Fighting Argan Plant Stem Cells - Powerful Antioxidants Vitamins A, B, C, E & Alpha Lipoic Acid - Skin Plumping Hyaluronic Acid - Soothing Rooibos Tea Extract, Avena Sativa Oat Extracts and Aloe Vera.

• PROPRIETARY COLD PROCESS TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS ACTIVE INGREDIENTS 

• LUXURIOUSLY SMOOTH, HYDRATED AND YOUTHFUL GLOWING SKIN IN JUST MINUTES - High-End Non-Greasy Formula Delivers Rapid Hydration and Locks in Long Lasting Moisture. Carefully combined botanicals address ALL Aspects of Aging and Damaged Skin. Naturally Occuring Phytoceramides and Skin Healing Lipids from Botanical oils and Exotic Butters (Grape Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Olive Squalene, Seabuckthorn Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Borage Oil, Cranberry Oil, Pomegranate Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Murumuru Butter, Mango Butter).

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. I was not compensated for this review.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

About the book: Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won't survive, the Confederate soldier's last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it'll be hers.

Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears--puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.

My thoughts: Regina Jennings brings her readers stories that are relaxing and enjoyable to read with humour and lively characters that captivate the reader's attention all through the book. The story involves post Civil War characters who have seen the horror and devastation that war brings to a country. It tells of an area in the border between the North and South where loyalties are not clearly drawn and neighbors continue to war with one another. But most of all, this story is one of loyalty and forgiveness.

While it deals with the issues of post-war Missouri - the poverty, severe illness and traumatic war injuries, it factors in unbelievably humourous situations that border on the ridiculous. Historical fiction is a favorite genre, but it can sometimes be a weighty read. From time to time we need a simply fun read and that is what Regina Jennings brings to the table with A Most Inconvenient Marriage.

Characters: While not major, several stand out as charming to me as I read. "Ma" - mother of Jeremiah is accepting, forgiving, enduring, and sometimes just simply a "mountain" woman. "Betsy & Jessie" - brother and sister and children of Jeremiah's poverty-stricken, and caring neighbor. These two are continuously into mischief and pranks. You'll love them.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Opinions expressed are my own and I received no compensation for this review.

And this is Christmas . . .

There is so much of Christmas everywhere. Its lights on trees. Songs in the air. Smiles on faces. Toys in shops. Crowds in stores. It’s shopping in malls and stores on the corner. It’s cooking in the kitchen - cookies and cakes and pies of the season. Its harried Moms and Dads. Its jaded store employees and fretful owners. It’s a gleam in the eye of a child. A ring of a bell beside a red kettle. Its church choirs in harmony rejoicing at a miracle of God become man in the form of a babe.

It is sadness in the eyes of the homeless. It is tattered coats and sleeves too short on children suffering from want or abuse. It is the ch-ching-ching of a register as a shopper buys an eloquent gift while a hungry child looks longingly through the window of a restaurant.

It is despair. It is hope. It is joy. It is sadness.

But most of all it is God.

God Himself in the form of a newborn infant in wrappings of rags or swaddling clothes. It is a rank stable or manger. It is a gentle virgin’s warm embrace. It is love. Love where God looks on man’s wayward heart and says it is time for His Son to bring redemption.

Christmas is a babe. Christmas is Christ the incarnate Son of God.

^©Vera Godley

Pure Body Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Professional Anti-Aging Serum) - Review

#HyaluronicAcidSerum

I have used several brands of hyaluronic acid serum and found most to be quite nice and they do a good job of providing a source of hydration and skin tightening for my face. That is wonderful. A simple clear source that goes on under moisturizer and or makeup products. A real go-to product to have amongst your beauty regime items.

I thought the Pure Body Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Professional Anti-Aging Serum to be one, if not the, preferred serum I've used. I really like the very lightly scented serum. It does not have a "perfumed" aurora, but simply a very nice experience as I apply it to my skin. I like to way my skin looks when I'm using this product.

I like that the ingredients are natural, produced in a FDA Approved and GMP Certified Manufacturing Facility, is paraben free, and is a cruelty-free product. Their material says it is proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen which makes your skin appear years younger and more vibrant and it plumps and Hydrates dry and dull skin. These are all real win qualities in a skin care product!

Product Description (provided by Pure Body Naturals) - The Anti Aging Power Of Hyaluronic Acid with added Vitamin C, Brighter More Radiant Beautiful Skin Upon Application with Professional Anti-Aging Serum.

• Suspended in a Concentrated base of Pure Vegan Hyaluronic Acid For Superior Anti Aging Effects.
• Hyaluronic acid, or sodium hyaluronate as it’s also known, has become a serious skincare staple. It’s the body’s own hydrating molecule, able to absorb up to 1000 times its own weight in water and responsible for keeping skin plump, smooth and supple. 
• Vitamin C helps smooth and firm skin and fade brown spots by inhibiting the free radicals that trigger wrinkling, sagging, and other aging changes. Apply Vitamin C in the morning,  to protect your skin from free radicals caused by sun damage.
• With bounds of studies singing its praise, Vitamin E is a skincare superstar. The vitamin has been proven to ease dryness and boosts skin’s UV defense. 
• This Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps to stimulate your skin's rate of exfoliation for a brighter, smoother complexion. Deals with the Antioxidant properties that will reduce skin damage caused by the sun, pollution and cigarette smoke. Slow Release Technology (SRT) delivers a deeper penetration of active ingredients to the skin cells. Proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen which makes skin appear years younger and more vibrant beautiful skin
• MADE and CRAFTED in the USA using botanicals in a FDA Approved and GMP Certified Manufacturing Facility. This Topical Hyaluronic Acid Serum Face Serum is Paraben Free & Only uses the very Best and Highest Quality Organic, Natural Ingredients and is Cruelty-Free.  This product is being sold exclusively on Amazon.com

DISCLOSURE: 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.

Mom Bloggers Proudly Put Convenient and Tasty Idahoan® Flavored Mashed Potatoes on Their Tables and Yours

I am honored to have been quoted by Wendy's Bloggers in a news release to PRWeb - Online Visibility from Vocus in a December 1st release. This is pertinent to a review I and several other of Wendy's Bloggers did on the Idahoan^® Brand instant mashed potatoes.

My review will go live here on Chat With Vera in a couple of days with a giveaway I'm hosting, too.

To read the release, please click here.