Author: cvegnad

February 13, 2015

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

How far would you go to save the ones you love? In Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry, Lisbeth would cross centuries.

About Return to Exile

Six years ago, impossible circumstances found Dr. Lisbeth Hastings leaving behind the love of her life, not just in another country but in another time period. Her work as an epidemiologist and single Mother help alleviate some of her pain but at night she misses her Cyprian and it haunts her.

Cyprian Thascius returns from exile a broken man. He has lost his faith, the love of his life and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage but when the love of his life returns his heart becomes as imperiled as the Church he seeks to save.

Have the years that kept apart Lisbeth and Cyprian created too wide of chasm to bridge? In the midst of disease and oppression will their love be the most costly fatality?

My Thoughts

An exciting novel full of time travel, love and history! All of my favourite subjects wrapped up in one well written novel.

The story line in Return to Exile is fantastic and kept me guessing through out the novel. I was heartbroken for Lisbeth at times (which also made me wish I had read the first in this series!). She literally crosses time to return to the man she loves with his child he never knew he had. He never thought she was coming back so he moved on with his life still loving her. With her she brings life saving medical knowledge and vaccines. The world she returns is not even close to the one she left leaving me heartbroken for her. I can’t even begin to imagine her pain on her return. Her only comfort in this world is her Mother who is being kept as a slave.

The novel finishes off with just enough to leave you hanging and just enough to make you ready to read the next novel in this series (honestly can not wait for the next book!).

You can find more reviews of Return to Exile on the Lifuse blog tour page here. You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Lynne Gentry has written for several publications. She is a professional acting coach, theater director and playwright. Lynne is also inspirational speaker. You can connect with her online on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 13, 2015

Zax’s All Natural Health Care Products #giveaway

Dark spots, under eye circles, facial redness and bruises. All of these conditions draw attention to the areas we want to hide. There are so many products out on the market that say they will treat these conditions but some may work and others are full of ingredients that we may not want to even put on our body. I know I prefer to use as many natural products as possible.

For the last two months I have been using Zax’s all natural Darkspot cream, Dark Circle Cream and Facial Redness Cream. As many of my friends and family know, I suffer with dark eye circles (it has been a constant almost my whole life) and it has always bothered me. No amount of makeup ever seems like it can cover the darkness properly. To match those lovely shiners, my cheeks tend to go red depending on the foods I have eaten. Gluten is the worst culprit for causing this reaction. If I have too much gluten my skin reacts with red bumps on my cheeks (not to mention my arms!).

Zax’s Dark Circle Cream

Zax’s Dark Circle eye cream is designed to reduce puffiness and minimize dark circles to leave your under eyes looking fresh. The cream includes witch hazel (natural astringent), cucumber extract (to soothe and moisturize) and caffeine (anti inflammatory). You should use the cream for four weeks to ensure an adequate amount of time has passed to achieve results.

The cream was easy to apply and only a small amount is needed. I liked the soothing effect it had on my under eyes without a burning sensation. I noticed no strong smell to the cream either which is perfect considering you are applying it on your face close to your nose. I applied this cream twice a day because I loved the way it made my eyes appear less puffy.

Zax’s Darkspot Cream

As we age we tend to develop dark spots, some individuals are luckier than others but I have noticed some areas on my face have developed dark spots (especially along the jaw line!). Zax’s dark spot cream is a chemical free skin brightening cream that removes dead skin cells, reduces the appearance of dark skin and moisturizes. The five natural ingredients include: citrus ushiu peel extract (skin lightening effect), licorice extract (UVA and UVB absorption), Aloe (skin lightening effect), vitamin E (anti-oxidant) and niacinamide (unique form of Vitamin B3).

I love using this cream! I have done waxing and electrolysis on my face in the past and I began to notice that the skin on my chin and jaw line is always slightly darker than the rest of my face. Applying this cream to this area over the last two months I have noticed a slight improvement in this area with a brighter look to my face. The cream also has a pleasant citrus smell to it and leaves a nice fresh feeling.

Zax’s Facial Redness

Facial redness can occur for a variety of reasons: rosacea, windburn or even dehydrated skin. This cream works to reduce the redness, improve moisture and improve the tone and texture of your skin. The formula includes: pine bark extract (anti inflammatory), aloe (skin soothing properties) and Vitamin E (to treat skin conditions).

There is nothing fun about facial redness. It feels like your face is a beacon to the world and at times makes me very self-conscious. Using the facial redness cream during these times (I did not use it consistently during the two months just when the redness started until it finished) had an almost immediate effect lessening the severity of the redness.

All of these creams are recommended for individuals twelve years of age and older. The best part is that a small amount is required for application allowing the creams to last that much longer!

Zax’s is giving you the chance to win your own collection of creams!

This prize pack includes:

Zax’s Original heelspur cream
Zax’s Facial Redness cream
Zax’s Original Bruise cream
Zax’s Original Darkspot cream
Zax’s Original Dark Eye circle cream

The Giveaway!

Entry -Form

Make sure to follow Zax’s on Twitter and Facebook for new updates and information.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products free of charge in order to complete this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 13, 2015

Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma

A gripping World War II story, Remember the Lilies by Liz Tolsma will have you reading long into the night.

About Remember the Lilies

Interred by the Japanese, missionary Irene Reynolds comes across a mysterious note while working at the censor’s office. She memorizes the parts she must block out and delivers it to the wealthy nightclub owner, Rand Sterling. Before she knows what has happened, she is drawn into a web of secrets and danger.

Rand Sterling wants nothing more than to open his nightclubs once the war is over. But Frank Covey, a man not to be trusted, wants his hand in the till and will stop at nothing. More importantly, Rand will stop at nothing to ensure that Irene does not find out the information that Frank knows about Rand.

When Irene is attacked by a Japanese solider both of their secrets are exposed. Irene and Rand must learn the meaning of forgiveness if only they can fight off starvation until the American troops arrive.

My Thoughts

This is the second book I have read from Liz Tolsma and I fell in love with this book just as much as the first one! She has a way of writing that touches your heart and draws you right into the story.

Historical fiction has always been a personal favourite of mine. Liz draws you into the World War II setting in the Philippines and gives you a glimpse of life during those years for Americans living there. The starvation and death that surrounds them is almost unbearable but even in those moments they find God and their faith. It is God that brings them through the worst moments and helps them see the light.

The characters change as a person so much in this novel and in a completely positive light. They grow in faith and forgiveness. Rand becomes a whole different man from start to finish and it was a privilege to be part of this adventure with him.

This will definitely be a book you will not want to put down until it’s done and then re-read again!

You can find more reviews of Remember the Lilies on the Litfuse blog tour page here. You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is a New York Time’s bestseller and is the author of Daisies are Forever and and Snow on the Tulips. Liz lives in Wisconsin with her husband and adopted children. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 13, 2015

The Monster That Ate My Socks

Monsters, missing socks and homework awaits you in A.J. Cosmo’s The Monster That Ate My Socks!

About The Monster That Ate My Socks

Max is a young boy who is always getting in trouble for losing his socks! He does not know where they go but if he doesn’t solve the mystery quick his Mother will ground him for the whole summer.

Max discovers that a little green monster is sneaking into his room at night and eating his socks! His Mother doesn’t believe him no matter what he tells her. Max decides to call on his best friend for a sleepover in order to help him catch the monster.

Together the boys develop a plan to trap the monster. To their surprise the monster can speak! It had never meant to hurt the boys, the monster was just trying to feed his family. The monster takes the boys to meet his family and begs the boys not to turn them over to his parents because adults only want to destroy monsters.

The boys are left in a difficult decision. Turn the monsters over to their parents so they don’t get in trouble or let the monsters run free. Together they design a new plan for the monsters.

My Thoughts

I was so pleasantly surprised with this book! I had thought it would be a story of evil monsters who were stealing away poor Max’s socks! Instead A.J. puts together a story of compassion and understanding. When Max realizes that the monster is just like him, he can not help feel a connection to him. The monster talks and is remorseful but all he was doing was just trying to feed his family. Max is left with such a difficult decision – to either help or turn in the monster. His decision shows children that kindness and compassion will solve any problem.

The illustrations are just adorable and go along with the story perfectly! They really help to make the story come alive in your mind. I loved seeing the children monsters.

As a parent, I want the books my children to read to teach and guide them. The Monster That Ate My Socks is the perfect story for this! It teaches children kindness and compassion for everyone.

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

A.J.’s stories are designed to help parents teach their children everyday lessons in an easy to understand format for children. A.J. pairs artfully illustrations and language, children are challenged to explore his magical world. Connect with A.J. on his website, Twitter and Facebook.

The Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

February 11, 2015

Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family by Michelle Anthony

We all want the best for our children and our family. We want to watch our family grow in love and God. Life can get so busy that sometimes we step away from these values and beliefs. Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family by Michelle Anthony brings family and God back into the forefront.

About Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family

We all want to guide our children into the abundant life that Jesus offers. But when we as parents pursue the more, the better that life offers over the pursuit of Jesus we fall into dangerous parenting habits. In Becoming A Spiritually Healthy Family, Michelle Anthony breaks down six of the most common dysfunctional parenting styles that we may fall into because of habit, lack of attention or oversight due to busyness. If you long to show your children Jesus but unsure of how to do this practical guide is for you! This guide includes scripture passages, reflection questions and real life family examples.

My Thoughts

“This is the way God intended His family to respond to one another. God knew families would suffer loss and pain, and that no family would have the perfect life they anticipated. His provision was that we would, in His name, fill in the gaps for each other. No one family can provide for its needs in the powerful ways that the family of God can!” (Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family, 123).

This is the perfect resource guide for busy families. The moment I picked up this book I could not put it down. I found so much of myself and those around me in the parenting styles Michelle highlights. Michelle breaks down parenting styles into six of the most common ones: the double minded parent, can’t say no parent, driver parent, micro manager parent, criticizing parent and the absentee parent. Instead of throwing blame at parents for their parenting styles she visits why we have come to this route of parenting style and how it can affect our family life and children. She then gives real examples from not only her own life but those around her. She ties in Bible scriptures breaking them down to help us see the bigger picture. At the end of each chapter she allows room for us to complete discussion questions and assessments.

It can be hard to guide our children in our faith – I am not going to lie I find this hard! I take them to our Church and try to teach them moral lessons but I know I can and should be doing more. I loved the real examples Michelle gives us – ideas that I would never have even thought of on my own! The passage that I started this section with is one of my favourite from the book. It truly exemplifies what God asks us to do when he says we are part of his Kingdom and one family.

You can purchase a copy of the book here. For more reviews you can visit the Litfuse Blog tour page.

Rating: 5/5

About Michelle Anthony

Michelle is the Vice President of the Learning Resources and Family Ministry Architect at David C. Cook. She is the author of Spiritual Parenting, Dreaming of More for the Next Generation, A Theology of Family Ministry and The Big God Story. She has over twenty-five years of church ministry experience as a children’s and family pastor. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.