$100 Weekly Reader Giveaway

WHAT: $100 Weekly Reader Giveaway
WHEN: April 6-12, 2020

Hey, Fans. Here’s a little something to help you pass the time … Your chance to win a $100 Amazon eGift Card. Just click the link and enter (everyday if you want). It’s easy & fun. If you love #reading, you’re going to LOVE these BOOKS. Enter now; giveaway ends April 6th, 2020. Click here for details ~> Link:   http://ow.ly/7z1n50z5Krl

SEVERAL BOOKS ARE FREE HERE!
Suggested FREE reading:

How: Scroll through the book covers below and click on the books that look like “your kind of books”. Then enter our Rafflecopter form below, subscribe, and follow the authors who write the kind of books you enjoy. Who knows, you could meet your next favorite author! There is no purchases necessary to enter or win, but supporting our authors and buying their books is the only way these giveaways are made possible.

HINT: Supporting our authors will add 5 entry points each day. Share our sponsors’ books, Tweet their Amazon book link, Share on Facebook. And, yes, you can buy their books. Tell all your reader friends to enter, too! Good luck!

The Traitor’s Pawn

Title: The Traitor’s Pawn
Author: Lisa Harris
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2917-2

“I just … I need you to forgive me, Aubrey,” the policewoman is told in Lisa Harris’s novel, The Traitor’s Pawn.

~ What ~
This three-hundred-and-thirty-three-page paperback targets those who enjoy crime suspense with Christian undertones and light romance. Containing no profanity, the topics of kidnapping, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book ends with the first chapter of the writer’s next novel, author’s biography, and advertisements for other Revell books.

Set in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jack and Aubrey used to be best friends as teenagers, but their relationship abruptly ended, with one fearful of divulging true feelings. When FBI agent Jack happens to be in the area hunting down an American involved in a Chinese spy ring, Aubrey, a policewoman, is kidnapped. As their paths cross unexpectedly, they race to catch the traitor before more are injured or killed.

~ Why ~
This is a fast read that packs plenty of action and tension between two past friends who must work together to solve who is selling government secrets. I like the sensitivity of Jack and how he deals with his past decisions. Aubrey’s character shows how trusting God helps her deal with heartache, disappointments, and life-threatening situations.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like the calling on God for His protection. Others may not care for a story of a woman dealing with forgiveness of those she loves. The reader may feel frustrated that Jack appeared unaware of all the turmoil in Aubrey’s family life if they were once close friends.

~ Wish ~
While I liked the relationship between the two protagonists and how they both were scared to move forward, I found the persistent interruptions too obvious every time they tried to discuss the future. I prefer all pronouns of God to be capitalized for reverence.

~ Want ~
If you are into spy stories involving the FBI and police, this is a quick read that caters to those who like re-establishing relationships, forgiveness, and trusting in God.

Thanks to Revell Reads for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

This book can be found at https://amzn.to/2yr27I1

Zaowuren Cool Mist Humidifier

COMPACT PORTABLE DIFFUSER

What ~
Made of durable white plastic, this electrical unit is an aromatic diffuser, humidifier, and air purifier that can emit a stream of cool mist for 4 hours simultaneously and 8 hours intermittently, turning off automatically when it runs out of water. Measuring approximately 8 inches long and 2 inches wide, it can be put into a cup, jar, or bottle of water and soluble essential oils can be added. Included in the box are the unit, 2 cotton swabs, USB adapter, and instructions.

~ Why ~
I love diffusers and use one nightly in our family room. I like the size of this one and that I can take it anywhere and plug it in with its USB adaptor. One of the best features is its portability as it is so compact. It is easy to use with its short or long swab that is placed in a small or large container of water. The glowing light can also be used as a nightlight in a baby or child’s room. It barely makes a noise when in use.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like cool, moist air being issued into a room, but it is healthy and offers a way to fill a room with a scent. Others may not care for the humidifier’s small-sized dimensions. Some may prefer other diffusers that are more interesting with wood-designs or unique shapes.

~ Wish ~
With including the USB cable, I wish the set added the electrical AC 2-prong adapter..

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a portable humidifier that is small and can be put in a cup, bottle, or container full of water, this is a great option.

Thanks for Zaowuren for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

#RankBoosterReview #Sponsoredbywang #Zaowuren #CoolMistHumidifier

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/33QvlvO

 

How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

Title: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? 2nd Edition
Author: Todd Tresidder
Publisher: FinancialMentor
ISBN: 978-1-939273-06-2

“The amount of money you can afford to spend in retirement is dependent not only on your actual investment returns but also on the order of those returns,” Todd Tresidder writes in his book, How Much Money Do I Need to Retire: Uncommon Financial Planning Wisdom for a Stress-Free Retirement.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and–twenty-six-page paperback targets those planning or getting ready to retire from work. After an introduction, the book is divided into three sections, ending with a conclusion, bonus material, afterword, glossary, and author’s biography. With a few black and white charts and numbered lists, bolded or italicized words are included.

The writer explains in the first section the smart way of conventional retirement planning, dividing the topic into five parts that discuss retirement costs, assumptions, essential questions, accurately estimating investment returns, and figuring out your “magical” retirement number. The other two sections cover obtaining a creative lifestyle and simplistic cash-flow planning.

~ Why ~
Although this book was published in late 2019, before the coronavirus and stock market fluctuations, I like that it advocates one should be aware of what is ahead as retirement approaches. Since I retired at age fifty (yet still maintain my small business) and my husband did two years ago, we heartily agree with the book’s many concepts about not taping into principal, assume plausible outcomes, and spending less than you need. I appreciate the details explaining the Monte Carlo calculator’s limitations, expectancy models based on valuations, diversifying with passive income, and scenario analysis.

~ Why Not ~
While the book is well-written, there is plenty of the writer’s referral to his early retirement and free online downloads or other books he has written (which does factor into his personal passive income suggestions). Some may be frustrated there are no charts or forms to fill out to obtain a magic number that technically does not exist. Those who only rely on their monthly pension and social security checks after retiring may panic over the potential of their dwindling funds not lasting. Others may prefer a traditional retirement planning with someone else doing all the footwork and monitoring it for them.

~ Wish ~
While reading this book, I noticed passive real estate and business incomes were often promoted as well as insurance and annuities. Since my husband and I were fortuitous in planning our retirements by paying off all debt including our house early and always living within our means, I did not find anything new in the book, only reinforcement that we made the right choices when it came to saving for retirement.

~ Want ~
If you are young and have years or decades to plan your retirement, this is a good read to help you understand how to save and be wise in your investments, but there is no full-proof way to ensure your wealth, especially with the current status of our economy in 2020.

Thanks to the author, Book Launchers, and Bookpleasures for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#HowMuchMoneyDoINeedtoRetire #ToddTresidder #FinancialMentors #BookLaunchers #Bookpleasures

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2Jp2Ag7

Ishmael Covenant

Title: Ishmael Covenant
Author: Terry Brennan
Publisher: Kregel Publications
ISBN: 978-0-8254-4530-9

“But know this … the box has a mission of its own. Do not deny the box from its intended purpose,” the Gaon warns in Terry Brennan’s book, Ishmael Covenant.

~ What ~
The first in the Empires of Armageddon series, this three-hundred-and-twenty-page paperback targets those who enjoy political Christian suspense involving the Middle East. With no profanity except for the use of the word hell, topics of torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning has a map and list of characters, while the ending includes acknowledgments, author’s notes, and an excerpt to the next book in the series.

In this read, Dipolocatic Secret Serviceman Brian Mullaney is banished to guarding the US ambassador in Israel, a man who has recently been given a special Jewish box that contains a centuries-old prophecy about the coming Messiah and destroys anyone who touches it. It is a race to get the unique box safely to a Jewish synagogue before Turk, a mysterious man, gets it first.

~ Why ~
I appreciate books about the future, especially if they involve the second coming of Jesus Christ. While this one is the first in a series, it shows how the Middle East is lined up for changes when the antichrist evolves and the Tribulation begins. I liked the portrayal of the main character and his struggles personally and spiritually.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like Christian-faith based novels or do not have a personal relationship with Jesus will not appreciate this book or care for its simple plan of eternal salvation. Others may already be aware of the Old Testament predictions, the history of the Middle East, and Biblical end-time prophecies.

~ Wish ~
While including detailed historical background information, the story often gets bogged down to the point the reader wants to skip sections if they already know about it. I found its unsatisfying ending abrupt, although I know it is only the first in its series.

~ Want ~
If you love a suspenseful and political read involving the Middle East, this first book in a series about its potential future may interest you, but I struggled to get through it and felt no closure at its rushed ending.

Thanks to the author, Bookpleasures, and Kregel Publishing for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#IshmaelCovenant #TerryBrennan #KregelPublications #Bookpleasures

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2WSplAV

Amor Easter Bunny Basket

BLUE SEQUINED RABBIT BASKET

~ What ~
Made of natural jute with a polyester cotton lining, this Easter basket has a sequined rabbit in blue with a white pompom. Measuring 14 by 14 by 8 inches, there is a wide, deep opening, 1” strap, and round bottom. It arrives in a flat cellophane bag, ready for gifting.

~ Why ~
I am not into the Easter egg hunt for our grandchildren, but I love that this cute basket is the perfect size to hold quite a few eggs, toys, art supplies, or other items. The bunny’s coat can be brushed back and forth, changing hues of sparkly blue.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not realize that is this basket is deep and large. Others may wish they were in more color choices.

~ Wish ~
I wish the bunny design was on both sides of the bag instead of just on one side.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a bunny basket for Easter, decorating, or storing, this is a cute choice that could be used for many other things.

Thanks to Amor for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to review.

#RankBoosterReview #SponsoredbySally #Amor #EasterBasket #SequinedBunnyBasket

This item can be found at https://amzn.to/3bpD46A

Quees 3-Piece Face Mask Set

3 WASHABLE UNISEX MOUTH & NOSE PROTECTION COVERS

~ What ~
Made of space fiber with cotton, this set of 3 masks can temporarily cover a person’s mouth and nose from dust, small particles, pollen, odors, and more. Able to slip over both ears, the stretchable covers come in black, blue, or white color options. They arrive from China in separate sealed cellophane bags within a resealable bag.

~ Why ~
With the coronavirus expanding throughout the world, protecting germs from spreading is important, so these masks are helpful for anyone who has a cold or cough and want to keep their germs to themselves. I like that the design is simple yet functional to wear when you want to avoid bad pollution, smog, smoke, pollen, or exhaust. They are comfortable to wear and wash. I may use them to avoid pollens when I work in the yard.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not realize these masks cannot protect one from a virus as they contain porous filter transparency so small virus particles can get through them, but they may be helpful if you are the one who is ill and want to limitedly contaminate others.

~ Wish ~
I wish these would be able to protect a person from getting the coronavirus as they are not a full-safe way to avoid the disease.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a set of 3 face masks, these may keep pollens, dust, and cigarette smoke away from your nose and mouth, but they do not protect you from viruses.

Thanks for QUEES for this discounted product that I am under no obligation to evaluate.

#RankBoosterReview #SponsoredbyLinshu #QUEES #ReusableFaceMasks

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/39xLXKs

The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two

Title: The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two
Author: Anne Danahy, RDN
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 978-1-64611-595-2

“Each dish is specifically created for two people–so cooking is a breeze, nothing is wasted, and everything is savored,” states the back cover of Anne Danahy’s book, The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Two: 100 Perfectly Portioned Recipes for Healthy Eating.

~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-twelve-page paperback targets those interested in Mediterranean cooking with smaller portioned dishes. After an introduction, the book is divided into eleven sections that contain one hundred recipes, followed by measurement conversions, references, index, and the author’s biography.

The first chapter offers an overview of the Mediterranean diet, focusing on eight principles, its science, and health benefits. The next chapter is about plate portions, pantry options, shopping, and saving money. Chapters three through eleven have breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, vegetarian, fish/seafood, poultry, beef, pork, lamb, simple sides, desserts, and sweets recipes.

Each one-to-two-page recipe begins with its title, followed by prep time, serving size, and a descriptive paragraph. The ingredients are listed in order used on the left side of the page with numbered directions on the right side. Often added are variation, ingredient, substitution, and prep tips. All include caloric information.

~ Why ~
Now that my husband and I are empty-nesters, we tend to make meals together so this is a lovely book for partners who want to eat healthily. I like the simplistic instructions and variety of so many dish options with sometimes unique ingredients.

Some of the notable recipes are Tomato Goat Cheese Stovetop Frittata, Apple Chips with Chocolate Tahini, Green Bean and Halloumi Salad, Grilled Eggplant Stacks, Salmon Cakes with Tzatziki Sauce, Skillet Greek Turkey and Rice, Baked Lamb Kofta Meatballs, Toasted Grain and Almond Pilaf, and Orange Olive Oil Mug Cakes.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like cooking, especially with someone else, may have no need for this book. Others may have issues with finding some of the uncommon ingredients.

~ Wish ~
Being a visual person, I wish there were colored photographs of all completed dishes. Adding a list of recipes at the beginning of each chapter instead of on the table of contents page would make them easier to look up.

~ Want ~
If there is only one or two of you to cook for, this makes a lovely cookbook that concentrates on healthy, fresh dishes portioned perfectly for two.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#RockridgePress #CallistoPublishersClub #TheMediterraneanDietforTwo #AnneDanahy

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3bmtqBH

The 28-Day Pescatarian Meal Plan & Cookbook

Title: The 28-Day Pescatarian Meal Plan & Cookbook
Author: Chelsey Amer,  MS, RDN, CDN
Photographer: Evi Abeler
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 978-1-64611-496-2

“By the end of the next month, you will be able to design your own pescatarian menus and meal plans to help fuel your current season of life,” writes Chelsey Amer in the introduction of her book, The 28-Day Pescatarian Meal Plan & Cookbook: Your Guide to Jump-Starting A Healthier Lifestyle.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-eighty-four-page paperback targets those interested in cooking a month’s worth of plant-based meals with fish added into their diet. After an introduction, the book is divided into nine sections that contain over sixty-five recipes, followed by listings of measurement conversion tables, resources, references, and an index.

The first chapter explains the pescatarian diet with five principles, health benefits, science, and adaptation while the second is about preparing the kitchen with stocking, selecting, and preparing fish and seafood, and the third contains four weeks of meal plans with shopping lists. The fourth through ninth chapters have breakfast, soups and salads, vegetarian mains, fish and seafood mains, snacks and sides, and dessert recipes.

Each recipe includes its title, followed by a short descriptive paragraph. The serving size, prep and cook time, and icons of timing, dairy-free, heart-healthy, and vegetarian are on the outside of the page. Ingredients are located in the middle of the page in use order; numbered instructions, variation tips, and caloric and dietic information cover one to two pages.

~ Why ~
Although I am not a vegetarian, I love fish, especially shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster, and this one has plenty of them. With the many dishes focusing on veggies and fish, there are many tasteful ones to use while knowing you are eating healthy.

Some of the notable recipes are Tropical Chia Pudding, Mexican-Style Shakshuka, Easy Israeli Shrimp Salad, Roasted Vegetable Panzanella Salad, Cauliflower Clam Chowder, Marinated Tofu Greek Salad, Greek Hummus Collard Wraps, Pepita Pesto-Crusted Cod, Bruschetta Branzino, Tuna Avocado Burgers, Zesty Crab and Avocado Bites, Simple Ratatouille, Peach Pie Egg Rolls, and Blender Black Bean Brownies.

An example of one of the daily meals is Day 7 in the First Week: Smoked Salmon Scramble for breakfast, Totally Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos for lunch, and Lentil “Meatballs” and Spaghetti for dinner with Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix for snacks and Coconut Brownie Energy Bites for dessert.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like fish or vegetarian dishes may not have any interest in this book. Others may not like that many of the dishes are strictly vegetarian and some of the meal plans are left-overs. There are only one or two dishes containing scallops.

~ Wish ~
Being a visual person, I wish there were colored photographs of all completed dishes.

~ Want ~
If you love fish and vegetables and are looking for a cookbook that plans a month’s worth of meals for you that are healthy, this one is a good one to have on hand.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#CallistoPublishersClub #RockridgePress #28DayPescatarianMealPlanCookbook #ChelseyAmer #EviAbeler

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2UnX825

Vegetable Gardening for Beginners

Title: Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
Author: Jill McSheehy
Illustrations: Enya Todd
Publisher: Rockridge Press
ISBN: 978-1-64611-537-2

“With the help of this book, you’ll work toward creating the vegetable garden of your dreams,” Jill McSheehy writes at the beginning of her informative book, Gardening for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Growing Vegetables at Home.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-sixty-six-page paperback targets those who want to learn more about planning, planting, and maintaining a vegetable garden. After an introduction, the book is divided into two sections with a total of eight chapters that cover the topic. It ends with a zone map, resources, references, index, acknowledgments, and the author’s biography.

Divided into two sections, the first part of this read focuses on explaining how to plan, build, plant, maintain, and harvest a vegetable garden. The second part has descriptions, tips, and requirements for both cool and warm-season vegetables along with alliums and herbs. With light green highlighted sections, tan-colored charts, and explanations of when, where, and why to plant over thirty home-grown foods, there are colored illustrations throughout.

~Why ~
This is a very to-the-point book that any gardener-wanna-be can pick up and start immediately. I liked that it covers the tools needed, planting combinations, how to read a seed packet, and common problems and pests. The simple writing on how to grow arugula, broccoli, green peas, spinach, eggplant, melons, okra, cilantro, mint, and thyme and others was informative and concise.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not be interested in books that promote growing your own garden. Others may wish there were more illustrations showing plants, beds, and planting techniques. A few may consider the book rudimentary in detail, which is why it concentrates on beginner gardeners.

~ Wish ~
Although I thought the illustrations were beautiful and detailed, I wish photographs were included instead for a more accurate visual description of the plants, how to plant them, and landscaping suggestions.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for an elementary book on starting a veggie garden, this is a delightful source book.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

Rated 4.5 of 5 stars

#Callisto #Jill McSheehy #VegetableGardeningforBeginners

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3bfjQ3e