Madison's Song (cover release) by Christine Amsden

Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…Madison Carter has been terrified of Scott Lee since the night he saved her from an evil sorcerer – then melted into a man-eating monster before her eyes. The werewolf is a slave to the moon, but Madison’s nightmares are not.Despite her fears, when Madison’s brother, Clinton, is bitten by a werewolf, she knows there is only one man who can help. A man who frightens her all the more because even in her nightmares, he also thrills her.Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton’s home only to discover that he’s vanished. Frantic now, Madison must overcome her fears and uncover hidden strengths if she hopes to save him. And she’s not the only one fighting inner demons. Scott’s are literal, and they have him convinced that he will never deserve the woman he loves.

*Stand-alone companion to the Cassie Scot seriesEbook Release: July 15, 2015

Tentative Paperback Release: September 15, 2015

Cover artist: Tamian Wood

 Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that affects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children, Drake and Celeste.

You may follow christine on her website, twitter, facebook, goodreads, and google+.

Christine, I'm very excited for this upcoming release of yours! Great cover! Thank you for keeping in touch with us here at Genuine Jenn.

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

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Ask the Dark by Henry Turner ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:  

Billy Zeets has a story to tell.

About being a vandal and petty thief.

About missing boys and an elusive killer.

And about what happens if a boy who breaks all the rules is the only person who can piece together the truth.

Gripping and powerful, this masterful debut novel comes to vivid life through the unique voice of a hero as unlikely as he is unforgettable.

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

About the Author:

Henry Turner is an award-winning filmmaker, film festival executive, and journalist. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland—where he was also a bookseller for six years—and the people he met and experiences he had there inform much of his fiction. An infamous 1970s kidnapping in his neighborhood served as the original inspiration for Ask the Dark. Henry studied writing for six years with the esteemed novelists John Rechy (City of Night) and Hubert Selby Jr. (Last Exit to Brooklyn). He lives in Southern California with his wife and young son. Ask the Dark is his first novel.

Book Website Join the conversation with #AsktheDark

Review:

OMG this was just one crazy story from the very beginning! It is told by a boy named Billy, who is a boy that is a petty thief and runs around the town after dark looking into people's homes to see what he can steal. This is a tale of a less fortunate family that has many struggles to overcome but also about a mystery of boys being abducted and found dead. The only one who can piece it all together is Billy but he knows no one will believe the stuff he has found out. It is Billy who tells the tale like it happens and we meet tons of interesting characters along the way. The story has a great build up and you are just waiting to know more. I love how the author has you hooked on every word Billy says and how Billy's character you will fall in love with even though he is a troubled youth. This is a great debut novel and I can't wait to see what is Henry Turners next adventure will bring.

I give this a 4 out of 5 stars!


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

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L'Oreal Hair Expertise Fibralogy Hair Care Line ~ Review

I have always had time flat hair. I just wasn't graced with that beautiful thick hair my father had. I have always tried everything on the market to thicken my hair or give it some volume. I have found a few that do as they say but a lot of them didn't work for my hair. I recently had the opportunity to check out L'Oreal's new hair expertise Fibralogy hair care line and I was excited to give it a try.

This is a 3 step system that really is quick and easy to use in the shower and can be used daily. Learn more about the shampoo & conditioner & booster below!

A new science for hair fibre is born.  L’Oreal Paris Fibralogy haircare thickens hair wash after wash, and expands the diameter of the hair fibre for voluptuous-looking hair! Our breakthrough thickening haircare contains filloxane, an innovative molecule that penetrates the fibre and helps increase its diameter from within. Hair is thicker and feels fuller.

First Shampoo, rinse and add the booster, a little goes a long ways. You then leave in the booster and condition as normal. Rinse both the booster and conditioner off and you are ready to go for the day. I really like this system but the downside I find with the booster is that my daughter thinks it looks fun to play with. She said it looks like lipstick and of course played with it one day. The lid came loose and most of it ran out.


Check out more from L'Oreal on Facebook & Twitter

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Going Against the Grain ~ Book Review

Book Description:

This two-part book is a vital adjunct to any home attempting to be gluten-free. The first part guides you through early diagnosis and is an essential guide for any beginner diagnosed with celiac disease or some form of gluten sensitivity. You will learn how to identify symptoms of the disease, how celiac disease is diagnosed, and the consequences if left untreated. It will help you to understand how to read labels and how to manage your gluten-free home in a shared environment. It outlines practical advice for parents of children with celiac disease as well as tips for eating out and dealing with social settings such as special occasions or when traveling. Honorary foreword provided by renowned Dr. Peter HR Green, MD - Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. 

Growing up authentically Sicilian, Nuccia Ardagna thought that getting rid of gluten meant giving up her favorite traditional foods, but that could not be further from the truth! Nuccia combines her passion for eating amazingly Italian with her new dietary needs to bring you scrumptious, traditional Italian (and Sicilian) recipes. From simple, classic appetizers to decadent desserts you thought you could never enjoy, every recipe is easy-to-follow and offers beautiful full-color pictures throughout. You can feel confident about entertaining guests and family with these mouth-watering recipes. You can eat healthier, feel better, and truly enjoy living gluten-free while never having to sacrifice great taste! In this book, Nuccia not only shares her personal story with celiac disease but also the recipes she grew up with at home and uses to entertain guests. Look for the bonus section at the end of the book along with a section dedicated to her favorite links and resources. 

We hope you enjoy the book and find it helpful in your journey. 

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Nuccia Ardagna loves to travel to the place of her roots: SICILIA! Being Sicilian, she grew up with mamma, nonna and all her zie learning all the tricks of the trade and creating DELICIOUS Italian food from scratch. When diagnosed with celiac disease she was forced to learn new habits and, now, after trial and error and experimenting, wants to share her exquisite culinary creations with you.

She IS a true Italian to the core. 

Connect with Nuccia: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

Review: 

I am not gluten free but I love to read about health and wellness. More and more people are going gluten free either because they have an intolerance or celiac disease or are like myself and just trying to feel better and eat healthier. This is a great resource book on gluten, what it is, how to read labels and become gluten free. You don't need to stop enjoying food or going out with friends and family you just need to educate yourself and others. This will book will help for sure! I also love how easy and tasty these recipes are. I can't wait to try a the soups in the fall. My kids love veggie and I am enjoying finding different ways to make traditional dishes healthier.

Giveaway!  2 copies up for grabs! US & Canada!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Take a look at the rest of the Book Tour (click below)

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

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Hoo-rag Headband ~ Review

Hoo-rag are these crazy fun tubes of material that you can wear a in multitude of ways. My favorite uses for Hoo-rags are as a headband for my workouts. They are great! They stay put and keep the sweat from dipping down my face! If you do any type of intense workout like Insanity Max 30 or cardio like Turbo Fire you will know what I am talking about! I have tried other headbands and most of the smaller ones or elastic ones want to pop off my head the minute I start really getting into my workout. 

 

Hoo-rag offers a wide variety of patterns, colors and fun prints. Everything from camo, fish/hunting, flowers, flames and skulls! Available in Womens, Mens and dog bandanas. 

Not a fan of the big thick bandanas? There are even half Hoos available that are half the size. I really enjoy the Hoo-rag but I think for everyday wear I would like the half hoo. I find I have a small head and like a thinner headband so the half hoo would be easier to fit my head. They are a lot of fun to put your hair back and go. I have found them really useful in the mornings when running out the door with the kids to the bus or taking the dog out for a walk. No need to fix my hair just cover and go. 

Hoo-rags are made of 100 percent polyester microfiber that wicks away moisture and protects you from the suns harmful rays! Rated to 30 UPF. This is great as I don't like to wear hats in the summer but this summer I can throw on a Hoo-rag instead. I find they keep you cool when you are heated and I look forward to giving them a try in the fall around my neck to keep the cold breeze off. 

With 10+ ways to rock a Hoo-rag they are great for everyone! Check out this video to learn how to wear a Hoo-rag.



Follow Hoo-rag on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Stars On Ice 25th Anniversary & Jergens Giveaway!

Photo credit Stars on Ice

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Stars on Ice! Can you imagine 25 years already. It doesn't feel that long ago when I saw the very first Stars on Ice with Scott Hamilton and Kurt Browning. Wow, does the time ever fly by! I was super excited to get an email asking if I would like to attend this event with my family on behalf of Jergens. I couldn't pass up the opportunity! My son and I went a couple years ago and he loved it and the minute he heard we were going this year he took a walk down memory lane. 

Jeffrey Buttle gets the energy going in this house with his performance to Uptown Funk. Everyone was bopping along to the music. Shawn Sawyer as always puts on such an amazing performance and of course does his back flip! Kurt Browning is still killing it on the ice! I remember watching him perform when I was little and even being at competetions that he was at. He still has it, captivating and just fabulous, even his backflip!  They have an amazing cast that to watch this year that it is so hard to pick a favorite part.

If you get a chance to head out to Stars on Ice it surely is a must see for the whole family! 
Giveaway time! Our friends at Jergens Canada would love to give one lucky Genuine Jenn reader an AWESOME Jergens filled gift basket! Here is what is included!

Jergens Shea Butter Lotion 620mL

Jergens Shea Oil 150mL

Jergens Soothing Aloe 365mL

Jergens Ultra Care 100mL

Jergens Ultra Care Fragrance Free 100mL

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (Fair-Medium) 150mL

Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow (Medium-Tan) 120mL

Jergens Natural Glow Colour Primer 165mL

Jergens Natural Glow Tan Extender 220mL

Jergens BB Body Medium-Deep 220mL

Jergens Fine Liquid Hand Wash White Tea 287mL

This giveaway is open to Canadian residents and will end on May 26th, 11:59pm EST. Thanks and Good Luck! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received tickets to attend this event and a Jergens gift basket. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Grow All You Can Eat In 3 Square Feet ~ DK Canada Book Review ~ Mother's Day Gift Idea

With the beautiful weather we have been getting the last couple weeks I have been busy out in the yard. I have trimmed up the vines that enclose the patio, trimmed the trees and cleaned the flower bed. I am also in the midst of cleaning out the kids HUGE sandbox to turn it into a vegetable garden. It is a hand made box that is 4 feet by 4 feet. It will be great!

Does your Mother have a green thumb? Do you enjoy to garden? Maybe you are just starting out like myself (I have done a lil garden but nothing big as of yet). Here is a fabulous book that everyone should get if you are thinking of gardening but only have a small space. You can grow tons of things in 3 square feet with this book.

Book Summary:

Want to grow your own vegetables and food, but don't have enough space for a garden? Don't let lack of space get in the way of growing healthy, organic foods at home. Apartment dwellers, schoolteachers, and anyone else who wants to grow a lot of food in a little space will find a great small garden resource in Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet.

Small-space gardeners, find your start in Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet, packed with information on window boxes, potted plants, patio gardening, raised beds, small square-foot gardening, container gardening, and everything else related to growing your own small garden. Whether you want to grow a full garden, grow tomatoes, grow an herb garden, or just pick up great tips for small gardens, Grow All You Can Eat in 3 Square Feet is the resource you need.

Review:

This is a great book for anyone looking to garden in small spaces or even for the beginner gardener like myself. It breaks down so much I didn't know or even thought of. Some of the things I have learned are when to plant certain veggies, flowers, fruits, how far apart to plant them, if they need a small pot or big, how to make a homemade trellis, which grows best in shady or sunny spots, which to grow for what season. This book is a huge resource for any gardener. Learn about planting an herb garden and also a huge section on Plant know-how which includes common pests and disease. I have learned so much with this book and I am so excited to have my own garden this summer! I highly recommend this book to everyone! The book is laid out nicely that it isn't crowed or too busy with beautiful pictures of plants etc.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!


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

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Quick & Easy Muffin in a Mug ~ Recipe

Here is a super great way to enjoy a clean healthy muffin within minutes. It is great for a quick breakfast or even an after school snack. 

Ingredients:

1/4 cup oats - I use large cooking oats
a splash of unsweetened almond or almond/coconut milk
1 large egg
a splash of extract - I like to use maple, vanilla or caramel
a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice 
a handful of berries if you like can be mixed into the muffin or just placed on the side
a couple tsp of flaxseed meal can also be added
 
Directions: 

Spray a large mug with coconut oil or other cooking spray. Add oats, almond milk, egg, extract, spice and mix well. Cook on high in microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool and enjoy! 

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

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Dead of Winter by Brian Moreland ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

A predator stalks the frozen woods. At a fort deep in the Ontario wilderness in 1878, a ghastly predator is attacking colonists and spreading a gruesome plague—his victims turn into ravenous cannibals with an unending hunger for human flesh. Inspector Tom Hatcher has faced a madman before, when he tracked down Montreal’s infamous Cannery Cannibal. But can even he stop the slaughter this time?

In Montreal, exorcist Father Xavier visits an asylum where the Cannery Cannibal is imprisoned. But the killer who murdered thirteen women is more than just a madman who craves human meat. He is possessed by a shape-shifting demon. Inspector Hatcher and Father Xavier must unravel a mystery that has spanned centuries and confront a predator that has turned the frozen woods into a killing ground where evil has come to feed.

Purchase a copy on

About the Author:

Based in Dallas, Texas, Brian Moreland is the author of supernatural horror novels and short stories. Check out his DEAD OF WINTER, SHADOWS IN THE MIST, THE GIRL FROM THE BLOOD COVEN and THE WITCHING HOUSE, THE DEVIL'S WOODS and THE VAGRANTS.

“Dead of Winter by Brian Moreland is an exceptionally well crafted horror novel that tells a gripping story of dark religious doings, a horrific serial killer, and a sympathetic Inspector, in a dark and fascinating historical setting of 19th century Canada. The atmospherics are outstanding and the story offers plenty of surprises right up to its shocking and violent conclusion. Highly recommended.”

-- Douglas Preston, co-author of The Monster of Florence and Cold Vengeance.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

Normally I don't read a lot of historical novels but this one sounded really good and it lived up to what I thought it would be. Based in Ontario Canada back in the early 19th century this story tells a tale of the natives during the fur trade with the Hudson Bay Company. It was a very twisted tale of the demon taking over a guy by turning him into a cannibal. The twists and turns will have you wondering what will happen next and at times make your stomach turn with disgust. There were tons of characters in this novel and I found the author did a great job on the character development and making each character stand out enough that you could remember each. It is an exorcism type of story with a spirit that the natives fear each winter from the forest. The story moves along a steady pace with lots of twists and turns to keep you hooked on it. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more by Brian Moreland.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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May the fourth be with you! LEGO Star Wars The Dark Side ~ DK Book Review

For all you Star War fans out there May the Fourth by with You today and always! Check out some great LEGO Star Wars books by DK Canada!

My son doesn't play with much for toys but he loves his LEGO and loves Star Wars. He has many of the LEGO Star Wars kits and loves to read anything to do with both of these. Check out the Star Wars DK Boutique for a number of great Star Wars books including LEGO Star Wars The Dark Side. This is the one that my son picked out from all of them as he said he doesn't have many of the "bad" guys and wanted to learn more about the dark side.

Click the image below to check out the books by DK Canada. Also download some fun printable activity sheets for the kids!

LEGO Star Wars The DARK SIDE

Journey to the dark side of a galaxy far, far away and meet the LEGO® Star Wars minifigure members of the ruthless Imperial Army in LEGO Star Wars: The Dark Side!
Witness Darth Vader battling Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, meet the Sith and all of Darth Vader''s minifigure subjects, and explore the Death Star and all of the Sith starships. Turn the pages to find facts and information about your favorite LEGO Star Wars minifigures and vehicles from the dark side in action-packed situations and discover everything there is to know about the legendary Darth Vader.

With new and exciting photography and an evil exclusive minifigure, LEGO Star Wars: The Dark Side will have you questioning on which side your allegiances lie.

Review:

My son loves to read about LEGO and Stars Wars and just loves this book as it gives him more information about the Dark Side and Darth Vadar. He also loves that it comes with a minifigure. I have found my son curled up with this book many times since he got it. A great book for the LEGO Star Wars fans in your family.

Win a Copy of LEGO Star Wars the DARK SIDE by entering the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway is open to Canada only. It will end on May 18th at 11:59pm EST. Good Luck!

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

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