The Color of Snow #BookReview

The Color of Snow Summary
Can a troubled young girl reenter society after living in isolation?

When a beautiful 16-year-old girl named Sophie is found sequestered in a cage-like room in a rundown house in the desolate hills of Arbon Valley, Idaho, the entire community is shocked to learn she is the legendary Callidora--a baby girl who was kidnapped from her crib almost seventeen years ago and canonized in missing posters with portraits of what the fabled girl might resemble. Authorities soon learn that the cage was there to protect people from Sophie, because her biological father believes she is cursed.

Sophie is discovered after the man she knows as Papa, shoots and injures Damien, a young man who is trying to rescue her. Now, unsocialized and thrust into the world, and into a family she has never met, Sophie must decide whether she should accept her Papa’s claims that she is cursed and he was only trying to protect others, or trust the new people in her life who have their own agendas. Guided by a wise cousin, Sophie realizes that her most heartbreaking challenge is to decide if her love for Damien will destroy him like her Papa claims, or free her from past demons that haunt her mind.

Purchase - Kindle 

Review: 

This book was on my to-be-read list before I was asked if I would like to review it. I was very interested in reading this book as I have read some great reviews on it.
 

This story is about a young girl named Sophie, who finds out she was kidnapped when she was a baby. Her father kept her in a house away from everyone. Sophie was allowed to draw, read, play outside and take care of her chickens and complete other chores, but she wasn’t allowed to venture off their yard.

Sophie is told by her father that she is cursed and anyone that loves her will die. She believes this throughout the book even with another character, Stephanie is telling her that there is no such thing as a curse as Sophie is loved by many and they are alive. 

When Sophie was discovered by police she went to live with her grandparents and had to learn to live a "normal" life, but her new life is anything but average. This is a heart wrenching story and written in a way that captivates the reader right from the very first chapter. This book goes back and forth in time and between characters in the book but not in a way that you get lost on what is going on. 

This is a great novel and is on my to-be-read again list. I just can't get the story out of my head it was such as heart wrenching story that really just sticks with you. I also look forward to checking out the books that Brenda Stanley has wrote.

________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: 

Brenda Stanley is the former news anchor at her NBC affiliate KPVI in Eastern Iadho. Her writing has been recognized by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, the Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Brenda lived for two years in Ballard, Utah, within the Fort Duchesne reservation where the novel is set. She and her husband live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.

Facebook / Twitter / GoodReads / Website

Follow the rest of the tour at The Color of Snow website



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Tribute Book Tours. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Look Who is Making a Come back!

Do you remember these little guys? This new generation will be out Fall 2012 just in time for the Christmas rush! Watch Hasbro Canada for more information.

 
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Five Spice Beef Fried Rice with VH Sauces #DeliciousSauces #cbias

Recently I applied to do a shoppertunity for Social Fabric for VH Sauces. I was super excited when I was chosen and thought about all the different recipes I would have to choose between. I have used a couple of the recipes from the VH Sauces site before and they really have some easy meal ideas.

First I headed over to the VH Sauces website to find out what sauces and recipes they have available with the meat and veggies we already had on hand. I decided I wanted to do something with ground beef and thought the Five Spice Beef Fried Rice looked delicious. It had been awhile since having fried rice and I have never made it with ground beef.

The kids and I headed out to the stores to grab a green pepper, the VH Asian 5-spice stir fry sauce, some school supplies, gold glitter and white dressy shoes for A (She is in a wedding in a couple weeks).

We went to our mall first and stopped at one store which didn't have the sauce we wanted and the green peppers looked horrible. On to the next store, Independent. We found a big selection and guess what? They were all on sale buy 2/$5! I ended up with 4 different sauces and a whole cart full of groceries. That is what happens when I don't check the flyer first and see what we need.

It was a huge task picking out only 4 sauces #DeliciousSauces as they have a huge selection of International flavors, I did narrow it down to the 5-spice, Mango Curry, Butter Chicken and I think my ultimate favorite sauce Tandori. I use it in a lot of different ways - meatballs, chicken, burgers you name it!

We didn't find any shoes on our trip but did find gold glitter. Now if I can find shoes we will be set and I will share the end result of a craft.

The recipe was super easy to make and a huge hit with everyone in the family. Our pup loved standing around waiting for falling food. What can I say? I am a messy cook. She even gets her own carrot as this will get her out from under my feet.

Want to see all our fun pictures from shopping and cooking? Check out my Google+ album. We also some a great display of chip!

Don't forget to "Like" VH Sauces on Facebook or their french fan page. You can also follow them on Twitter @VHsauces




~*Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.” #CBias All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Keeping It Organized with Stuck on You!

I am going to tell a few of my secrets with you today. Shhh don't tell anyone.. but I am a list person. I have been a list person for awhile especially since having kids. I write lists of things to do around the house, what to get for groceries and lists for pretty much anything else that can come to mind.

Since becoming a blogger that does reviews I also make lists on what posts need to get done along now with which books are due when and which to read first.

Stuck on You labels makes it easy for me to make lists for groceries, day to day activities and much more. They help keep pretty much anything organized and labelled.

Recently I checked out a few of their planners/lists - Daily to do list, Shopping planning, an a regular personalized journal.

Daily to do list

This is likely my favorite of them all as it is a big (290x210mm) book that includes 60 pages. Each page is personalized on the top with your name or whatever you have chosen. I went with my first and last name. It has 20 spaces to write things to do. The list is divided - Priority - Task - Time - Completed. At the bottom there is a space for Notes. I haven't used it yet for DAILY lists but I have decided this makes a great to do list for my blog. It is great to keep all my posts organized and when things need to be completed and if they are already scheduled. Making it easier to get things completed ahead of time.

Costs $24.95

Shopping Planner

This is a great little book that can fit in your purse or you can just grab the one sheet you need when heading out for groceries. This pad offers great space to write down all your grocery needs with categories - Fruits & Vegetables - Meat/Poultry/Fish - Sweet - Savory - Frozen/Refrigeration/Dairy - House Keeping Items - Other. Easy tear out pages for keep and easy grocery lists.

Cost $24.95

Personalized Journal

This is a great little journal waiting for anything you want to write it in - everyday life, notes on things to do, blog post ideas, recipes etc. The possibilities are endless with a notebook in my mind! I love journals/notebooks and have a few filled with ideas and recipes. 

Cost $24.95

I love that all these items can be personalized how you would like them with your family name or kids names etc. Then you also get to chose which print you would like, there are 10 prints. I absolutely LOVE the nature print with the owls!

Win a $50 gift card for Stuck on You! Two winners will be chosen, please fill in the form below.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Stuck on You Labels. We received the above products for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Almond Fresh Review

About a year ago I had my first taste of Almond Fresh almond beverage and I really wondered why I haven't tried it a long time ago. What is better than a nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla? How about rich chocolate with a taste of almonds?

Recently Earth's Own Almond Fresh almond beverage has introduced a coconut flavored almond beverage! It just keeps getting better and better. They have a wide variety of flavors and sizes including 1.89L, single serves (250ml), 946ml (these ones can be found on the regular shelf and do not need to be in the fridge until opened. Flavors include Original, Vanilla, Chocolate, and Coconut.

Almond Fresh almond beverage offers a refreshing nutty taste but also includes all the great benefits of nutrient dense real California almonds. It is a source of 9 essential vitamins and minerals including Calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. This is differently a great alternative to milk.

Almond Fresh almond beverage can be used in place where you would use milk - cereal, coffee, baking etc. Adding it to coffee gives a really nice hint of an almond coffee. I stumbled on this one morning as we were low on milk and out of cream. The kids love the chocolate just as a nice side to breakfast or snacks. Why not make your next shake with almond beverage? Just add like you would milk.

Head over to Almond Fresh almond beverage on Facebook to find great recipes, coupons, contest and what's new.

Now doesn't this sound good? 

Almond Fresh Thai Almond Chicken Curry

(Makes 4 servings)

1 cup Almond Fresh Original1 tbsp fish sauce
4 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp Thai curry paste, green or red
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 large red or orange pepper, sliced into strips
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks, about 1/4 of a fresh pineapple
1 cup green beans
1/2 cup chopped coriander
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
 1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 tsp salt

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Almond Fresh, fish sauce, cornstarch curry paste until smooth.
2. Heat oil in large fry-pan. Add chicken strips and stir fry until no longer pink. Add pepper strips, pineapple and green beans. Continue to stir fry until peppers are soft.
3. Add Almond Fresh mixture to chicken and stir continuously until mixture thickens.
4. Stir in coriander, cherry tomatoes, lime juice and salt to taste.
5. Serve with white or brown steamed rice.

With Back-to-School right around the corner why not send your kids to school with the new single serve Almond Fresh almond beverage? It is just the right size to pack in their lunch and send them with a tasty treat.  Available in a 3 pack - Original or Chocolate.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of Earth's Own Almond Fresh. This is a sponsored post but as always all opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Hunter Moon New Cover + Book Bash & Giveaway!

Hunter Moon

Bawling cattle tore Shelby Flint from her bed. With lawyer fees to pay in her struggle to keep her ranch from the clutches of her greedy cousins, she couldn’t afford the loss of even one calf. When she sees a large wolf circling her cows, she aims and fires. While the wolf escapes, Shelby can’t seem to get away from her troubles when a marijuana grower sets up shop on her land, sabotaging her property and eventually coming after her. Adding to that, a handsome game warden is poking his nose into her business and working his way underneath her skin. Shelby will have to fight harder than she ever fought before to keep from losing her heart and everything she ever loved

Buy on Amazon

Here is the New Cover!

In celebration of the new cover Cait Lavender is giving away 3 autographed copies with her NEW cover and a $20 Amazon or B&N GC (Prints to US or digital INT) Ends 9/11 @ 11:59PM EST

Fill out the form below to enter to win! a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*Disclaimer: This post was posted on behalf of Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Join the Fun - Finding Alice Book Bash!

Cursed with an intense version of empathy Alice runs from a wasted life to start a new one somewhere no one will know her; Hell, Michigan. Alice works at a hole-in-the-wall bar in the middle of nowhere mostly keeping to herself to avoid the overwhelming emotions of those around her. Alice allows her best friend to convince her into taking a few college classes without realizing it would drastically change her life forever. From her first day of class she was hooked on him; his scent, his eyes, the way he talked to her inside her head. Throughout her struggles she learns about true love, true pain and the truth of her own heritage. Alice must quickly find out who she is because after all everyone else is out to find her. With Angels and Bounty Hunter’s in constant pursuit she finds protection within a group of Fallen Angels. These Fallen Angels vow to do anything to protect her; for it is their belief she will save their kind and all of mankind.

Available on Kindle/Paperback

Release Day Diva is having a Book Bash to celebrate Andrea DiGiglio's amazing book!

When: 12-3 EST  on August 31st, 2012

Where: Facebook event page.

Check out some of the great prizes to be won!

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

~*Disclaimer: This post has been posted on behalf of Release Day Diva. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Wordless Wednesday - Best Friends!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Back-to-School Breakfast/Lunch Ideas #LMDConnector

Summer is quickly coming to an end and back-to-school is literally around the corner. This year my son will be heading into grade one and my daughter into SK. We try very hard to send wholesome homemade snacks with the kids.

My daughter is the harder of the two to pack a lunch for as she isn't a sandwich child and would rather a whole bunch of finger foods. While back-to-school shopping we picked up a bento like box for her to use this year vs all the litter containers I sent her to school with last year. We try to be very green when it comes to packing lunches for school or even for outings.

For my daughter I usually cut up cheeses, meat, veggies and some fruit, add crackers and a muffin, yogurt or other fun snack and a way she goes. My son loves his sandwich and will usually help get that ready along with his snacks. Both of my kids love muffins and I find it an very easy way to add fibre and more fruit/veggies. One kind of muffin I love to make (I'll even bake a double or triple batch and freeze some) are the Fibre 1 Flax Seed Morning Glory. 

My daughter also gave me a lot of trouble last year for eating breakfast as she doesn't like to get up and eat right away. I decided... smoothies or smoothie pops, muffins or breakfast bars. I have found that stuff that is already made up and easy to take on the way to the bus stop has been the way to go with her.

How do you simplify back-to-school breakfast and lunches?

~*Disclaimer: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.*~

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Crimson Groves Book Tour + Giveaway!

Crimson Groves by Ashley Robertson

Abigail Tate was a normal human girl. Until the day Bronx the vampire barges into her life and turns her against her will. Held captive while forced to deal with never ending cravings for blood, Abby prays for a way to escape. Only when an opportunity arises, it's with the aid of an innocent human named Tyler--except vampires are forbidden to interact with the unbitten. But Abby quickly learns this human has secrets of his own...secrets that can either help her or get her killed. Only Abby discovers that she was the one with the biggest secret of them all.

**June 2012 Extras added to the e-book version only (including the first chapter of the sequel Crimson Flames (book #2 of The Crimson Series)


Add to your Good Reads shelf Purchase Kindle / Paperback

Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida and loves reading and writing about everything urban fantasy and paranormal romance. When she isn't writing you'll find her spending time with family and friends, training in her home gym, traveling and exploring new places, drinking fine red wines, and making gourmet coffees with her Nespresso machine.

Follow Ashley Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Blog  

Ashley Robertson is giving away 3 Book Swag packs!

 
Follow the Tour Enter to win a swag pack brought to you by Ashley Robertson and Promotional Book Tours. Open to US Residents (International winners will receive ebooks and egiftcard) a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This was posted as part of the book tour with Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Naked: Blackstone Affair part 1 Party!

Brynne Bennett is living the good life. An American art student at the University of London and part-time photographic art model, she’s putting her life back on track with school and lots of hard work. When ultra successful London businessman, Ethan Blackstone, buys her nude portrait, he isn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. He wants Brynne in his bed and makes plans to keep her there no matter what. His dominant nature captivates and ensnares Brynne despite the demons she carries inside her. But there are secrets in this relationship. Huge secrets. Can Ethan free Brynne from the torment that has marked her? Will Brynne let him or will the specters from her shameful past resurface to destroy the naked passion that consumes them?

Release Day Diva will be celebrating the release of this amazing book! The theme is the Olympics and it will be a blast!   

When: August 29th, 2012 at 12:00pm-4:00 PST or 3:00-7:00pm EST

Where: Facebook event page.

Take a look at some of the awesome prizes we'll have up for grabs.

These super fun tote bags that Raine made herself.

These adorable pens that Raine also made And of course, there will be ebooks and bookmarks from The Book Swag Shop. 

Brought to you by the Release Day Diva

~*Disclaimer: This post was posted on behalf of Release Day Diva parties. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Exciting News & Field Agent Needs You!

I have some very fantastic news to share! In the beginning of the year I shared a post about a company called Field Agent. I am very excited to announce that Field Agent is a partial sponsor for Genuine Jenn to attend BlissDom Canada and ShesConnected this fall!

Field Agent is looking for You!

Wouldn’t it be nice to get paid to shop? If you live in Canada (US has a different site) and have an iPhone you really should check out an app called Field Agent.

Before heading out to do groceries we usually make a list, check the flyers and grab the coupons we will need. Why not add one more little step to getting ready? Check out Field Agent app before heading out to the store and see if there are jobs near you. You never know there may be a job at the store(s) you are heading to. If there are you can earn cash while you shop.

How does Field Agent work?

Once you download your app and make an account you will need to open the app and look up the jobs in your area. You can do this by either Postal Code or the near me button.

The jobs will be listed in order by closest km or highest paying, you can choose this in the settings. Next you will see a title for each job along with icons to indicate what needs to be done, take photo, answer questions, etc.

Click on the green “detail..” button and read the instructions. If this sounds like something you would like to do. Accept the job and head on out. You have 2 hours to complete the job before it goes back into the database for other Field Agents to complete.

Most jobs will ask you to go to a store, find a certain display – then you may be asked to take a photo, count items or find labels on the shelf and give your experience in finding the item(s). The jobs are usually quick and easy and can be done while you are picking up ingredients for dinner.

After completing a job it will be sent in to verify and then you will see the money in your stats section when it has been approved.

Jobs are available coast to coast so you can even pick up jobs while you are visiting another town or province.

Today is a great day to get your free app and make some money! Right now there are tons of Shopper's Drug Mart jobs a some for Michaels and Wal Mart. Also this weekend there will be 1000 jobs coast to coast at stores like RONA, Metor, Toys R us, and many more.

Keep up-to-date by following @FieldAgentCA on Twitter or “like” Field Agent Canada on Facebook.

Thanks Field Agent for being a sponsor to help me attend these great conferences in October 2012! I look forward to working with you this fall.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn on behalf of our partial sponsor for BlissDom Canada/ShesConnected Field Agent. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Lust Garden - #Book Tour Excerpt

The Lust Garden

With her perfectly tousled blonde hair and pink, pouty lips, Gianna Salvani is the girl everyone loves to hate. She has it all - fame, fortuneand unrivaled beauty. But behind the seductive smile is an insecure girl who still grieves for the father she lost years ago. With a controversial new film in the can, and the release of her debut album looming, Gianna ispoised to take center stage. But when a shocking secret leaves her exposed, her fame will bring her face-to-face with a nightmare she never saw coming. Because lurking in the shadow of her spotlight is an obsessed killer with plans of his own for Gianna. Ignited by his first conquest, Gianna's greatest admirer begins a brutal hunt to claim her as the ultimate trophy in a string of look-alike murders. Motivated by envy, he forces himself into her seemingly untainted world and threatens to ruin everything she's built by revealing a hidden tie that binds them. And if you knew his secret, you'd want to kill her too

Kindle / Paperback

Excerpt from the book:

Gianna is on the verge of releasing her debut album. She’s hired Zak, a London-based DJ, to help fine-tune her lead single. With Zak, she gets more than she bargained for…

“You’re a dork,” Gianna said, laughing at him.

“Maybe we… I’d quite enjoy writing with you. Come up with something fresh.”

“I would love that.”

He smiled.

“More about that later… Where is–”

He was like the Mad Hatter. Zak turned and began to shuffle through the papers on the control booth.

“Here,” he said, giving her a lyric sheet. “Let’s get to work. We’re wasting time and I’m ridiculously expensive!”

She laughed again. “I think I can afford you.”

“The microphone waits,” Zak said, pointing in its direction.

Nervously, Gianna stood up. Her smooth, manicured hands found there way into the back pockets of her frayed jeans. She playfully nudged Zak’s shoulder with her own and walked to the small enclosure in the corner.

The microphone hung low meeting her mouth. Gianna ran her hands through her thick hair and placed a pair of headphones over her ears. She rolled her head back and forth, popping her neck. She shook her hands and rubbed her cheeks. She was trying to loosen up.

“I’m trying to get in the zone, baby!” she called to Zak, jumping in place.

For the first time in a while, Gianna was exuberant. Creativity was starting to flow in her veins again. She eagerly wanted to impress Zak. More so, she wanted him to like her.

The sheet of music was poised in front of her and she smoothed the page flat. Scrawled across the page in her own handwriting were the lyrics to “Secret.”

“I’m ready when you are,” she said, speaking into the microphone.

Zak fiddled with a few control buttons, and soon Gianna could her drumbeats slowly building from the speakers surrounding her. The words were in front of her and she started to sing.

Tell me your secret

‘Cause I can’t let you keep it

You have my heart

So go ahead and break it

So much pain

It’s time you unleashed it

‘Cause either way, you’re gonna put me through it

I’m alone

Left here trying to understand it

You can’t justify it

So tell me your secret

Tell me your secret

Follow the Tour Promotional Book Tours and Billy Jolie are giving away a $50 Amazon Gc and 5 autographed copies! a Rafflecopter giveaway Brought to you by Promotional Book Tours

~*Disclaimer: This post was on behalf of Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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