A Girl’s World Coloring Book for Girls

Title: A Girl’s World Coloring Book
Author: Mary Johnson
Publisher: Mary Johnson
ISBN: 9798355829797

“Every page of our book provides educational facts about inspiring women through history, encouraging young girls that they can achieve anything,” the introduction states in Mary Johnson’s children’s book, A Girl’s World Coloring Book.

~ What ~
This over-sized seventy-four paperback targets young girls four years of age and older who like to color. With over thirty pages to color on the right side of the book, quotes by famous women and educational facts are printed in white against black backgrounds on the left side.

After an ownership page to fill out, the theme of this coloring book is to empower young girls so that they can achieve whatever they set out to do. The artwork is simple yet related to the opposite pages noted. Quotes are included by Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Anges E. Benedict, Edith Wharton, Anne Frank, Doctor Francoise Barre, Michelle Obama, Audrey Hepburn, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Kalpana Chawla. The facts involve women such as Jane Austen, Serena Williams, Vera Rubin, Katie Lendecky, Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Jane Goodall, Sau Lan Wu, Margaret Hamilton, Dorothy Lawrence, Amelia Earhart, Clare McCardell, Frida Kahlo, Akiki Fujimoto, and others.

~ Why ~
Coloring can relax and soothe a child as it can be mindless, especially if the drawings are relatable to a girl filling them out like this one is. I appreciate how each page of art focuses on the desired topic. I love that the artwork can be removed from the book and placed in a frame.

~ Why Not ~
Young girls who are not artistic may have no interest in a coloring book. Others may not like that the book contains only a girl’s perspective of “I am …” or “I can …” without considering others. The black backgrounds use a lot of wasted ink.

~ Wish ~
The book is listed under Shintoism on Amazon; I prefer Christian/Biblical approaches to educate children.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a coloring book with cute pictures that is secular in promoting girls to be successful, this is helpful, but I wish it was more Biblically based in content.

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#MaryJohnson #AGirlsWorldColoringBook #ColoringBookforGirls #MotivationalEducationalColoringforGirls

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3F3FjN0

Advertisement

Hayvenhurst Stainless Steel Knife

TACTICAL FOLDING POCKET KNIFE

~ What ~
With an aluminum handle that has Trac Tec rubber patches and a black oxide carbon stainless steel blade, this pocket knife comes with a spring-assist opening, bottle opener, belt cutter, glass breaker, and pocket clip. Due to its material, it is rust-proof and durable. It comes in a gift box, ready for giving.

~ Why ~
A sharp, reliable knife is a must for outdoor camping, hiking, and hunting. I like the weight and feel of this knife and that it can be clipped to a pocket or belt loop. Having the spring-loaded opening makes it easy to grab and use. It is well-priced for what it does.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not use knives outdoors may not need this handy tool, but it could be stored in a vehicle to cut a belt, break a window, or use in self-defense. Some may not like that it is hard to reclose after opening.

~ Wish ~
It would be thoughtful to add instructions on how to properly close the sharp knife without the possibility of cutting oneself.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a compact, foldable tactical knife, this is an excellent choice.

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

#Hayvenhurst #HayvenhurstKnife #TacticalFoldingKnife #FoldingBladeKnife

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3FkyDdV

The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook

800 Instant Pot Recipes

Title: The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook
Author: Simon Rush
Publisher: Simon Rush
ISBN: 978-1-699451953

“No matter if you’re a solo-eater, or if you cook for your family or friends — you’ll always find dozens of recipes to satisfy everyone,” Simon Rush writes in the introduction of his book, The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook: Foolproof, Quick & Easy 800 Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-forty-seven-page paperback targets those interested in making a myriad of quick recipes with their Instant Pot. Containing multiple choices on each page, the book offers many variations for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and desserts while also adding the writer’s favorites, a cooking times chart, and index.

After a table of contents and introduction, the 800 recipes are divided into basic & simple, breakfast & brunch, beans & grains, pasta & rice, fish & seafood, poultry, pork, beef & lamb, vegetarian & vegan, soups, stews, & chilis, side dishes, snacks & appetizers, and desserts. Each recipe has a bold heading followed by a list of ingredients in used order and serving size. Directions are in paragraph format and include the total time to make.

Some interesting recipes are Fluffy Quinoa, Vanilla Sweet Potato Oatmeal, Rosemary Butter Beans, Pasta alla Peperonata, Pouched Trout with Pomegranate, Drunken Chicken Tenders, Basil Chicken Casserole, Fall Pork Stew, Addictive Beef Minestrone, Mughlai Eggplant, Ceaser-Style Veggie Soup, Coconut Red Cabbage, Warm Reuben Dip, and New York Brownie Cake.

~Why ~
If you enjoy using an Instant Pot, you will enjoy the multitude of recipes. I like that the recipes are varied, with some of them being unique. The instructions are simple and to the point.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have or use an Instant Pot will have no need for this book. Others may wish there were photographs of the finished dishes. Some may want caloric and nutritional information if they watch their diet.

~ Wish ~
I prefer books with fewer recipes that always contain photographs so I know what to expect the dish to look like. It may be less daunting to find something to make if there were half of the recipes. The only way to pick and choose a recipe is to look through the table of contents to find something and then search the page number to see what ingredients are required.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a cookbook for your Instant Pot, this may be a good option, but it may be a little overwhelming with so many options yet too simple in its instructions.

Thanks to the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#SimonRush #TheUltimatePotCookbook #800InstantPotRecipes

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3OGACx2

Kidsciety Numbers & Alphabets Flash Cards

LEARNING LETTERS & NUMBERS SET

~ What ~
Made of colorful non-toxic, BPA-free ABS plastic and cardboard, this educational set contains over 75 pieces to help children learn the alphabet and numbers. It includes 10 number flashcards, 26 alphabet flashcards, 37 plastic blocks of letters and numbers, and 1 24-piece dinosaur puzzle. Geared for ages 3 years and older, all items arrive in a small clear backpack, ready for using or giving.

~ Why ~
Our 3-year-old granddaughter is learning her letters and numbers, so this is a fun way to match a letter or number to a corresponding card. I like that the cards are easy to hold and have an inlay where the matching plastic block can be placed. I appreciate the sturdiness of the cards and that the letters and numbers are made of durable plastic. Adding the puzzle and see-through backpack with a front zipper pocket and two shoulder straps are added bonuses.

~ Why Not ~
Those who have kids who do not like educational toys may not approve of this product, but it can help with recognizing numbers, counting, and reading. Some may wish the plastic blocks were larger, but they are a decent size. The backpack is on the small size, but it holds all the cards, blocks, and puzzle nicely.

~ Wish ~
It would be nice if the blocks had magnets embedded in the back of them so they could be placed on a refrigerator or metal siding. Making the shoulder straps adjustable would help.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a way to improve your child’s reading and math skills, this is a perfect starter kit for a young one.

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

#RankBoosterReview #SponsoredbyRay #Kidsciety #NumbersandAlphabetFlashCards #FlashCards3+ #LearningEducationalToys

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3AczE5H

ReVIVOL-XR Sitz Bath Salts

GO AWAY HEMORRHOIDS!

~ What ~
Made of a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, this 15.75-ounce bag of sitz bath salts is designed to support anorectal wellness and hemorrhoid issues. With the first 5 ingredients of Epson Salt, Dead Sea Salt, Organic Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, and Witch Hazel, it also contains gotu kola, turmeric, yarrow, chamomile, frankincense, nettle leaf, horse chestnut, ginger, lavender, tea tree, calendula, and lemon oils. Instructions state to add 2 tablespoons to a sits bath or 8 tablespoons to a bathtub. It arrives in a resealable plastic pouch, and it is labeled EXP 08/07/24.

~ Why ~
I will admit it – I get hemorrhoids from time to time, and they can be quite painful. Sitting in a warm bath with soothing ingredients not only calms the swelling down but relieves the pain. I love how chockful this special formula is with over 20 natural and organic ingredients. Another plus is that it is made in the USA.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have hemorrhoids will have no need for this product. Others may prefer creams, but sometimes they are harder to apply to the tender area compared to sitting in a soothing bath of warm water. Those with chronic hemorrhoids may consider getting medical care instead.

~ Wish ~
I wonder if this company makes other high-quality bath products with so many natural ingredients as they may also be helpful for aches and pains.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a soothing way to reduce that pesky hemorrhoid, this may be the answer.

Thanks to ReVIVOL-XR for this complimentary product that I am not obligated to review.

#ReVIVOL-XR #SitzBathSalts #HemorrhoidBeGone #GoAwayHemorroid

This item can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3WI34lP

Keeps Thickening Shampoo for Men

MEN’S SHAMPOO FOR THICKER-LOOKING HAIR

~ What ~
This 8-ounce bottle of shampoo is geared toward men who want their hair to look thicker and fuller. Containing no parabens, it is made with natural, science-based ingredients such as saw palmetto, biotin, green tea, and caffeine as well as argan, coconut, castor, and peppermint oils, and vitamin E. The first 5 ingredients are water, PEG-80 sorbitan laurate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, and disodium cocoamphoacetate. Instructions on its bottle state to massage it into wet hair and wait for 2 to 3 minutes. It arrives in a plastic bottle with a push-top pour lid and seal. The expiration stamp is G20TO4 EXP 08/24.

~ Why ~e
My husband has a gorgeous head of silver hair, but it is thinning at his temples so this shampoo may help his hair look fuller and thicker. I love the peppermint/castor oil smell as it is fresh and clean. I appreciate all the herbal ingredients that are natural DHT blockers, keratin boosters, and hair follicle stimulants. The clear liquid is thick and not watered down.

~ Why Not ~
Some may not like the noticeable smell, but I found it refreshing. Others may wish it lathered more, but I understand shampoos that are paraben-free tend to do that. Some may think this will treat or stop hair loss, but it is not made to do that.

~ Wish ~
With the bottle stating the shampoo should be lathered and left in the hair 2-3 minutes, it does not mention that it should be rinsed out thoroughly. It would be nice to know where this product is made. I wonder if this can be used on women’s hair too.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a hair shampoo that has lots of natural ingredients to promote healthy hair, this may be a keeper if used regularly.

Thanks to Keeps for this complimentary product that I am under no obligation to review.

#Keeps #KeepsThickeningShampoo #FullerThickerHair #ShampooforMen

This product can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3Tm5Ie5

* CONTEST ~ A Thousand Tomorrows ~ 1 Free Book Giveaway!

WIN KAREN KINGSBURY’S BOOK
A THOUSAND TOMORROWS!

One FREE book in print format will be given away by Hachette Book Group!

TEASER: “Whatever drove Cody Gunner to ride bulls for a living, Ali guessed it wasn’t far off from what drove her. A passion born of something intensely private,” Karen Kingsbury writes in her novel, A Thousand Tomorrows.

SIMPLE steps to enter this 3-day contest:

1.  Follow my blog if you do not already.
2. Click on the headline ** CONTEST ** to be sure you are on the Reply page.
3. Post in the “LEAVE A REPLY” section below why you want to read this exciting book (could be funny, clever, serious, or the words “I want” since the winner is randomly chosen).
4. Check out: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/karen-kingsbury/a-thousand-tomorrows/9781931722803/
5. If you are the winner, please consider noting your comments online regarding what you thought of the book (although it is not required).

This is a FAST CONTEST ending Friday, November 4th, 2022, after 5 PM PST so follow the requirements above and try for a chance to win a book that is mailed from the publisher directly to you! Winner’s shipping address must be in the U.S.A.

I read & reviewed this 3-star book at https://connywithay.wordpress.com/2022/11/02/a-thousand-tomorrows-by-karen-kingsbury/

A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury

Title: A Thousand Tomorrows
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Worthy Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-5460-0364-9

“Whatever drove Cody Gunner to ride bulls for a living, Ali guessed it wasn’t far off from what drove her. A passion born of something intensely private,” Karen Kingsbury writes in her novel, A Thousand Tomorrows.

~ What ~
Originally published in 2005 and recently rereleased with a bonus chapter, this two-hundred-and-seventy-two-page book targets those who like a tragic story of finding love among anger, fear, and illness. With no profanity or graphic sexual scenes, the topics of hatred, illness, and death may be inappropriate for immature readers. While the beginning has a dedication and author’s note, the ending includes fifteen discussion questions, acknowledgments, and a list of books by the writer.

In this current-day story, young Ali Daniels is determined to be the best barrel racer in the country. Although she appears to be aloof to those around her, only nationally renowned bull rider Cody Gunner has uncovered her secret. Yet, Cody has issues of his own regarding why he insists on being the best in the rodeo circuit. As their friendship grows, each must deal with the sacrifices and challenges of love, both with each other and others.

~ Why ~
This is a good read if you love cowboys, horses, and the rodeo with fortitude, encouragement, and perseverance. I liked learning about bull riding and barrel racing. The underlying anger and fear both protagonists experienced were written with depth while being emotional and tender. The hardships of cystic fibrosis and the characteristics of Down syndrome were explained well without going into too much detail.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like stories of illness and heartbreak may pass on this read. Others may not care for the hatred and angst of a young man who always wants life to be perfect, not realizing it never can be. Some may think that since the author is a Christian, the book would promote God and Jesus, but there is little reference when facing illness and death. The new addition of a bonus chapter was more of a recap that leads to the next book in the series.

~ Wish ~
With the book’s dedication and author’s note mentioning God Almighty and a Bible verse, I expected Jesus to be more of a focal point between the two protagonists, yet the chapters mentioned prayer minimally, never calling on Him for redemption, grace, or mercy. I felt the author missed a wonderful opportunity to share the eternal plan of salvation and God’s love several times.

~ Want ~
If you like an emotional cowboy romance that deals with acceptance and forgiveness, you might enjoy this read but do note it is love-based not faith-based.

Thanks to Hachette Book Group for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

#WorthyPublishing #HachetteBookGroup #KarenKingsbury #AThousandTomorrows #CodyGunner

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3U6r2Wj

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

Title: Honor’s Refuge
Author: Hallee Bridgeman
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4022-1

“He just wanted to quit fighting, to quit resenting how the failures in his life, the decisions he’d made, and the loss of his leg made him feel,” Phil realizes in Hallee Bridgeman’s novel, Honor’s Refuge.

~ What ~
The third book in the Love & Honor series, this three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback targets those interested in romantic suspense involving moving on in life despite its challenges and heartbreaks. With no profanity, topics of drug addiction, physical abuse, drug cartels, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The beginning includes reviews, a list of the author’s written books, and a dedication while the ending has a dozen discussion questions, food recipes, a biography, and advertisements.

In this tale, it has been two years since Phil Osbourne lost his leg in a Special Forces mission, and he still has been having trouble accepting his new identity as a man. But Melissa Braxton, a woman who runs a domestic abuse shelter, has had him in her sights, begging for his attention and love. When Phil and his friends find Melissa’s missing sister is the wife of a Columbian cartel teniente, the couple works together to keep her only family safe, even during a hurricane.

~ Why ~
This is a quick read that follows one of the military members in the previous books in the series. It is detailed and descriptive regarding what mainly women go through when they are abused in the home and how they fear retaliation when they have escaped. I like that Phil’s insecurities and inadequacies were realistic and honest.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not care for the prayers to God or Biblical references. Others who are not interested in stories about domestic abuse may avoid the book. While I appreciated Melissa’s often confrontational manner, I found her a bit pushy, demanding, and always right.

~ Wish ~
Although the protagonists included God in their daily lives, it would be encouraging if the read added the plan of eternal salvation.

~ Want ~
If you enjoyed the other two books in the Love & Honor series, this one focuses on one couple’s love during hardship and offers grace and redemption in dealing with feeling unworthy and unimportant.

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

#Honor’sRefuge #HnonorsRefuge #Love&HonorSeries #LoveandHonorSeries #Revell #HalleeBridgeman #ChristianRomanceMilitarySuspense

This book can be purchased at https://amzn.to/3TWbF2O

Roven Superbloom Face Serum

BOUNCE BAK RADIANCE SERUM

~ What ~
This 0.5-ounce glass jar contains a thick cloudy liquid that can be put daily on the face to reduce visible signs of aging. Coming with a bulb-dripper, it can be applied daily to the face and neck with positive results after 4 weeks. With the first 5 ingredients being water, caprylic capric triglyceride, hydroxyethylcellulose, bakuchiol, and prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, it also contains argan, rosemary, and rosehip oils. It arrives in a box, ready for giving or using.

~ Why ~
Since I am in my mid-sixties, when I tried this serum, I noticed immediately how it quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving it softer and more pliable. I like that it is light yet thick, fragranced with essential oils and other plant-derived ingredients. I appreciate it contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.

~ Why Not ~
If you do not want to take care of your aging skin, you will not be interested in this product. If you think it will be oily or greasy, it was not, nor does it soil any clothing.

~ Wish ~
I wish the bottle were transparent so I could see the content inside to know when it is time to repurchase.

~ Want ~
If you are looking for a substitute to retinol when trying to keep down those wrinkles, this one with bakuchiol would be an ideal option.

Thanks to Superbloom for this complimentary product that I am evaluating by choice.

This product can be found at https://amzn.to/3TNVxjv