The Secret Keeper by Angela Carling ~ Book Review & Tour

Book Description: 

When Seventeen year old Winter Merrill was compelled to make a bargain with the mysterious Secret Keeper, she knew there were rules. The most important one, the next time you have a secret, you will not be able to tell it….even if you try.

What she didn’t know is that her next secret if not told, would destroy her life and the life of Liam, the only boy she ever loved. Can Winter find a way out of the dark bargain that binds her tongue or will her deal with the Secret Keeper bring devastating consequences unimaginable even to her?

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Angela Carling was raised in Palm Springs California, but lives Arizona with her husband, three kids and five felines.  After years of denial she finally admitted that she is a hopeless romantic which led her to write her first Young Adult book Unbreakable Love. Since then she’s published three more books, Shackled, Becoming Bryn and The Secret Keeper. Shackled won the silver IPGA award in 2012 and has been optioned as a screenplay. She always eats the frosting off her cake and leaves the rest, and can be caught singing in public bathrooms for the acoustics.  When she’s not writing YA novels, she’s mentoring teen writers, making pizza with her family or dreaming of taking a nap, not necessarily in that order. 

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

Review:

The Secret Keeper is a YA novel. It is very clean so I would recommend it for younger teens also. It does touch on death by murder but it isn't graphic. This is a great novel with a story showing how desperate one can be to remove a secret but the consequences of secrets have on everyone especially the burden you hold when you have secrets. I couldn't even imagine having a horrible secret that I need to tell but not be able to and have to deal all alone with it. The story hooks you in from the beginning and has many twists and turns keeping you hooked. 

I didn't want to put this book down and had a really hard time when I did have too. I can't wait to read book #2. I just loved the two main characters Winter and Liam. Team Liam all the way! I really disliked Hayden and wasn't really a huge fan of Ally. I found the style of writing was very easy to follow along. The chapters were tiny and the story was told from Winter and Liam's POV. The new chapter would say whose POV it is. The whole concept of a mystery women who can rid you of your secrets was what really drew me in when I read the book synopsis. The secret keeper is very mysterious.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading more from Angela Carling! 


~*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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Ghost Hand by Ripley Patton ~ Book Review

Book Description:  

Seventeen-year-old Olivia Black has a rare birth defect known as Psyche Sans Soma, or PSS. Instead of a right hand made of flesh and blood, she was born with a hand made of ethereal energy.

How does Olivia handle being the girl with the ghost hand? Well, she's a little bit morbid and a whole lot snarky.

Her mother thinks her obsession with death, black clothing, and the local cemetery is a bid for attention. But when Marcus, the new guy in Olivia's calculus class, stares at her like she's a freak, Olivia doesn't like it. And when her hand goes rogue, doing things she never imagined possible, Olivia finds herself running for her life with Marcus from a group of men bent on taking the power of her hand for their own nefarious purposes.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

Ripley Patton lives in Portland, Oregon with one cat, two teenagers, and a man who wants to live on a boat. She is an award-winning short story writer and author of The PSS Chronicles, a young adult paranormal thriller series.

Ripley doesn't smoke, or drink, or cuss as much as her characters. Her only real vices are writing, eating M&Ms, and watching reality television.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook |

Review:

I don't read a lot of paranormal or supernatural novels and when I do I am a bit pickier with which ones I will read. I have to say thoroughly enjoyed Ghost Hand by Ripley Patton. The birth defect, Psyche Sans Soma was a very interesting in this paranormal thriller. I was intrigued from the start wanting to know more about Olivia and her PSS. I really enjoyed the main character Olivia. She has had a hard time growing up with her mother and losing her father has been really hard for her. I found I was really feeling her pain as she was going through this hard time. I am very happy that Marcus and Olivia meet in Ghost Hand. I am a huge Marcus fan. The author did a really good job with character development and it was easy to learn who was who even with a lot of characters in this novel. This is a longer novel but I found the story moved at a nice pace with it getting really exciting the closer to the end it got.The boys in the group that Marcus found all had different personalities that made the story a lot more interesting.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read more in this series.

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

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DK Readers L4: Star Wars: Beware the Dark Side ~ Review

Book Description: 

Enter the Jedi Academy and find out what it takes to be a Jedi. How do the Jedi work with the Force? What is the Jedi Code? How do the Jedi make their light sabers? All these questions-and more-will be answered in I Want to Be a Jedi.

Find out all about the Dark Side and the Sith who wield power over it. Learn about evil Darth Sidious, Darth Maul and, of course, Darth Vader. Discover how the conflict began between the Jedi and the Sith. Beware the Dark Side has all the Dark Side details you could want to know!

For more information visit DK Canada or purchase a copy on Amazon. This book counts towards DK Canada Be a Rebel Reader Contest!
 

Review: This review is done by my 9 year old son. 

I like this book because it tells you all about the dark side of Star Wars. My favourite character from the dark side is General Grievous and Darth Vader. My favourite part was when the book told me about the storm troopers I really like the look of the storm troopers. I think that the book fits level 4 reading. I was hooked after reading the book after 3 pages.I think the pictures match what they were talking about.I felt that it entertained me. 

I really enjoyed this book and I would give it 4 and a half stars.


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

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For the Love of Ash Book Review

Maggie Larken is a reformed party girl. After her parent’s death, she’s left to raise Asher, her nine-year-old brother. 

Luke Wilson has done everything his parents have ever asked of him. A new teacher, Luke constantly questions where his life is headed. 

When Luke and Maggie meet, neither is in the market for a relationship. But sometimes life has other plans. Both navigate new waters as they try to decide where their priorities should lie, while also seizing what they want. 

In this heartbreakingly real tale of love, Maggie and Luke discover what being a family truly means.

About the author:

Taylor Lavati

A college student in her small town in Connecticut, Taylor loves everything having to do with literature. She is an avid reader, a blogger, a writer- obviously, and a reviewer. Her favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, young adult, and romance.

You can follow Taylor on goodreads, her website, facebook, and/or twitter.

You can purchase For the Love of Ash from amazon, barnes&noble.

My review:

Loved this book. You know what marks the tell of an amazing story is when you catch yourself becoming emotional at the characters! I found myself feeling the hurt and support for maggie, and the frustration and adoration for Luke. I knew I would love this story within the first chapter, the character development was flawless, and I wanted to know more. I enjoyed every chapter, and look forward to more from Taylor.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for my review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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DK Star Wars Be a Rebel Reader Giveaway!

We are a house full of readers and I couldn't be more happy with that. Our daughter needs a bit of encouraging to get reading but she still enjoys to read. Our son loves to read and has taken to some really good books. Watch for some of his reviews this summer as he has already powered through a handful of books this month! 

DK also loves to encourage children to read over their summer vacation! They have a fabulous giveaway on where everyone wins! Do your kids love Star Wars? If they do, have them read at least 3 DK Star Wars Readers books and take a picture with them. Everyone who submits a photo will receive a special I'm A Rebel Reader prize pack!

Each Rebel Reader Prize Pack includes a unique "I'm a Rebel Reader" glow-in-the-dark silicone bracelet, a limited edition Be A Rebel Reader bag and a DK Star Wars poster! Hurry as the offer ends August 30th, 2015. Visit DK website for more details!


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

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Heartfelt by Lynn Crandall ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

The daughter of an alcoholic single mother, Asia Blue learned young that if she wanted to survive, she’d have to take care of herself. Tough and independent, she never encountered a challenge she couldn’t conquer…until Asia discovered she was a were-lynx. Befriending sexy fellow were-lynx Conrad Pike and finding a colony helped her adjust to the startling revelation and get through college.

Now an investigative reporter, Asia faces an entirely different sort of problem when her mother goes missing and she suspects the mysterious Nexus Group…who seem determined to wipe out her colony. She reaches out to Conrad, now an investment banker and serial heartbreaker, for assistance, and they must once again join forces to save their tribe—and her mother.

Will this strong-minded duo risk opening up their hearts and owning up to their long-simmering attraction?

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

I’ve been a reader and a writer all my life. My background is in journalism, but whether writing a magazine or newspaper story or creating a romance, I love the power stories hold to transport, inspire, and uplift.

In my romances, I focus on vulnerable, embraceable characters who don’t back down. I hope that readers discover, over and over, stories of ordinary people who face ordinary life challenges and are transformed by extraordinary love.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |

Review: 

This is the first book I have read of Lynn Crandall's and I was hooked from the first page. This is book 3 in the series in which I haven't read the first two books yet but I found that it could easily be a stand alone. The characters are well developed and I fell in love with Conrad and Asia. Their relationship is strictly friendship at the beginning and they have been friends for years. Asia is half were-lynx and determined to have a normal life with a normal guy. Lately I haven't been reading paranormal but I found this novel to have a great storyline that flowed nicely keeping me wanting to read more. If I had the time I am sure I would have read this book in one sitting. Darn life getting in the way of my reading! I can't wait to read more from Lynn Crandall and more from this series.

I give this book a 4 stars out of 5


~*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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Amazingly Beautiful A.M Moisturizer & P.M Revitalizer ~ Review

I am a busy mom of two and really like to keep my hygiene care simple. If I wear make up it is simply eye shadow and mascara. Usually my hair is up in a bun or ponytail and my a.m and p.m care is fast and simple also. I was with a gentle cleanser and use either a face oil or lotion. Over the last couple months I have been using a product from Trusted Health Products called Amazingly Beautiful. The kit comes with an A.M Moisturizer & P.M Revitalizer. They are super simple and chemical free products! I love that they contain only natural ingredients, things I know how to pronounce and what they are. Since being on this health journey I have noticed myself looking into everything my family and I use. We are working towards a less toxic life in many ways. 

“Amazingly Beautiful” uses a rare combination of live fruit, nut and plant extracts to feed your skin cells and promote youthful, moist, beautiful glowing skin.

I also love that when you purchase your set of Amazingly Beautiful the bottles will come with a custom label with your name on it!

Trusted Health Products has developed a product that is ALIVE. It is made of cold-pressed botanical oils from fruits, herbs and nuts. This formula has the correct species of each herb, fruit and nut with the exact properties needed for each and the precise amount of each ingredient to give us a perfectly designed product to beautify and work in harmony with our skin.
A. M. Ingredients: 100% Pure Botanical oils of almond, orange, lemon, avocado and olive.
 
P. M. Ingredients: 100% Pure Botanical oils of almond, orange, lemon, evening primrose and apricot.

I started using this set right away and loved the smell and how my skin felt from day one. It made my skin soft and moisturized, even after being out in the sun my skin isn't dry. I have been pretty lucky to not get many blemishes growing up but I do get a few stress/period pimples or the odd one from working out. I have had very clear, soft skin since starting these products. I also feel my skin looks younger and smoother. There are no preservatives, parabens, GMOs, synthetic chemicals, artificial colours or additives of any kind giving me that feeling that I am taking care of my skin the healthiest way I can. 

The set costs just under $45 and each bottle will last 2 months as you only need a little bit. Get ready for a natural detox of your skin with the natural ingredients that this set is made up of.

Ingredient Properties and Benefits:

	Almond – To moisturize, soothe and soften skin, relieve itching from dry skin and to give complexion appearance of improvement and glow.
	Orange – Cleanses the skin through natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties to help fight acne and restore smooth appearance to skin.
	Lemon – Natural cleanser, preventative for wrinkling and aging. Significantly increases the anti-oxidative potential of the skin bio surface (to help stop damage to the skin).
	Avocado – Significantly increases the soluble collagen content in the skin to enrich dry, damaged, chapped or wounded skin. Loaded with vitamins A, D and E.
	Olive – Cleanser and moisturizer. Has shown preventative effects for formation of skin cancer and tumors.
	Evening Primrose – The nutrients in Evening Primrose Oil are essential for cell structure and improve the elasticity of the skin. There is evidence that it can help reduce wrinkles and even help repair stretch marks. It is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids.
	Apricot Oil – Apricot Oil is light and gently moisturizes skin. Containing vitamins A and E, it soothes the skin and slows signs of aging as well as firming and toning.

  

~*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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Crossing the line by Ally Bishop Book Review

I’ve never believed in love at first sight, which is probably why I write mysteries, and not romances, for a living. Besides, I’m too focused on expanding Elementary, a mystery dinner party business I own with my brother Noah. I don’t have time for romance. 

When the handsome and successful Ian Crane books our services, I can barely keep my wits about me. He’s setting fire to all my rules, and I can’t resist his flames. 

I don’t recognize the woman I’m becoming, but I don’t want to go back to who I was. There’s a part of me that can’t help wondering, what if he’s too good to be true? Because if he is, my heart will be nothing more than ashes. 

About the author:

 When you do something effortlessly and people commend you continuously, you have found your gift.

That's what I tell people all the time. And it's true.

I get story. I always have. I started writing when I was 8 on a Smith Corona (the electronic kind -- I'm not THAT old). I wrote stories in every spiral notebook I had. Eventually, I graduated to a Mac (yes, I'm one of THOSE people). I imagined new worlds, emotional conflicts, and HEAs while I waited at stoplights or wandered the grocery store. But here's the thing: I didn't just dream it up and write it down -- I critiqued what I read. I knew when ideas were good, and when they stunk. I ran writing groups, judged creative contests, and eventually got two graduate degrees in writing. That's right: I love it that much.

So here I am, years later, writing kickass heroines and devastating good guys, along with some mystery and vampires thrown in (I promise: THEY'RE COMING). And what's really cool? I do what I love. Wanna write a success story for your life: I promise you, that's it. Do what you love. And hopefully, you can make a living at it too. That's the golden ticket, Charlie. 

And chocolate doesn't hurt, either... 

You can follow Ally on amazon, goodreads, and her website.

You can purchase Crossing the Line on amazon, and barnes & noble.

My review:

Crossing the line was a fantastic read. I read it within a few short days.

A young beautiful single woman, trying to make it big in an even bigger city, meets a handsome, wealthy attorney. Their connection is instant. Need I say more?

I was a little surprised by how quick their attraction was, but for Ella this was the whole focus of their story. Her attention after the end of a hurtful long relationship was her unique business "Elementary", which is a brilliant business idea by the way. It's not until she meets Ian her most recent client, that she's greeted with chivalry, and charm, something she thought she might never be a recipient of. You won't want to miss this love story.

I'm looking forward to more from Ally in the future!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. All opinions are honest and my own, i was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review.*~

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Eeny Meeny by M. J. Arlidge ~ Book Review

Book Description: 

The "dark, twisted, thought-provoking" (#1 New York Times bestseller Tami Hoag) international bestseller—first in the new series featuring Detective Helen Grace.

Two people are abducted, imprisoned, and left with a gun. As hunger and thirst set in, only one walks away alive.

It’s a game more twisted than any Detective Helen Grace has ever seen. If she hadn’t spoken with the shattered survivors herself, she almost wouldn’t believe them.

Helen is familiar with the dark sides of human nature, including her own, but this case—with its seemingly random victims—has her baffled. But as more people go missing, nothing will be more terrifying than when it all starts making sense....

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

M. J. Arlidge has worked in television for the last fifteen years, specialising in high end drama production. In the last five years Arlidge has produced a number of prime-time crime serials for ITV, including Torn, The Little House and most recently Undeniable, broadcast in spring 2014. Currently writing for Silent Witness, Arlidge is also piloting original crime series for both UK and US networks. Debut thriller Eeny Meeny, which introduces Detective Inspector Helen Grace, has sold to publishers around the world. The follow up, Pop Goes the Weasel, is published by Penguin Books in September 2014. 

Connect: Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

Two people picked up, drugged and left to make a very hard decision, to live or die. If they want to live they need to use the gun and kill the other person they are with or they will be trapped until they both die from starvation. This novel is written in a sort of Saw the movie type storyline. It is really good! I love the characters in this story, Helen is the main character who is a strong, independent Detective Inspector but she has some very dark secrets in her past. Helen also has a very interesting way of therapy. This novel has a lot going on but I find that MJ Arlidge did a great job keeping the storyline going between times and characters. I did find a couple times I wasn't sure about the change in POV and I believe it is just how the book is laid out. Mark and Charlie I really enjoyed also for their very own reasons. Mark has such a hardship going on in his life and he is about to lose it all. So many twists and turns. Does Helen have a serial killer on her hands? Is it someone who is targeting Helen?

The storyline ropes you in from the beginning and makes you wonder if the killer will be caught before too many are dead. I also really enjoyed that the author had a female in the killer role, a nice change of pace from the usual male on a killing spree. There were definitely some gross moments in this novel where it again reminded me of Saw but not as bad. I look forward to reading the rest of the Helen Grace series as I think it will be a fabulous series.

I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!


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

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The Escape by Hannah Jayne ~ Book Review & Giveaway!

Book Description:

When two boys walk into the woods, and one comes out covered in blood, what would you believe? 
Fletcher and Adam venture into the woods for an afternoon hike, but when day turns into night and neither boy returns, their town is thrown into turmoil. Avery, the detective's daughter, is the one to find Fletcher—dishelved, disoriented, and covered in blood. He has no memory of what happened, but Avery can't shake the feeling that something's off. When Adam's body is finally found, Avery is determined to uncover the truth. But if she stands by her gut, and Fletcher, is she standing by a friend, or a murderer? The answer might cost her her life.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author: 

Hannah Jayne is possibly the only person living in Silicon Valley who has never worked in high tech. When she’s not writing, she’s obsessively watching HGTV or shopping at Target…also obsessively. Find out more about Hannah’s urban fantasy, young adult thrillers, and latest obsessions at hannah-jayne.com.

Connect: Website | Twitter |  Facebook |

Excerpt:

“Hello?” she called out. “This is Avery Templeton with Search Team Five. Hello?”

The silence was complete, except for the steady thump of Avery’s heart. She took a step forward and slid on the loose earth, tumbling forward onto her hands and knees. Rocks tore skin and the knees of her jeans as she slid. When she stopped- eight, ten feet at the most- she was breathing heavily, her mind reeling. She did a quick assessment for damage. Other than the sting on her palms, nothing hurt.

So why was there blood on her hands?

She brought her hands towards her face and grimaced as the streaks of rust-colored blood-congealed, dirt stained-that covered her palms.

She wasn’t bleeding.

This wasn’t her blood.

It was then that she heard the slow gurgle, the sparse intake of breath followed by a low, throaty whisper. “Avery, you have to help me.”

Avery stared at the figure lying in front of her, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dim light.

“Please.”

The word came out in a desperate hiss, and he clasped a muddy, blood-caked hand around her wrist, his grip limp, his fingers trembling.

She gasped. “Fletcher?”

Review:

Lately I have been finding myself reading more and more crime/suspense/thriller type novels. This one was really good. It is a YA novel in my opinion so if you are looking for a crime novel that isn't as grotesques as some or make you jump at every noise you hear in the house while reading it, then check this one out. 

The storyline is solid and grabbed me from the very beginning. The two boys who are the typical unlikely friends, one jock & one a loner go for a hike in the woods, only one makes it out alive..... The book flips back and forth between Fletcher and Avery's POV. Avery is the  police chiefs daughter and decides she is going to solve this crime and clear Fletcher's name. The author did a great job with the character development. I really liked Avery's character except a few spots I found her to be immature and a little annoying but she is 16. The story line moved at a steady pace and had me thinking about how and who would have killed Adam. There were a bunch of suspects in a small town, was it Fletcher or someone else. It is a creepy book and makes you remember that even if you think you know someone there may be more about that person that they haven't shared. 

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and look forward to reading more from this author.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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

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Strange Magic on DVD ~ Review

Strange Magic is a music-filled fairy tale about finding true love in the unlikeliest of places. It is a new animated film from Lucas film Ltd., featuring popular songs from the past six decades to help tell the tale of a colorful cast of characters, including a princess who has sworn off love, a dubious villain, a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy, a tenacious elf, a mischievous imp, and a knight who is no Prince Charming. Bring Home the enchanting tale the whole family can enjoy.


Review: (This review was written by my 7 yr old daughter)

I liked Strange Magic because I love that Dawn and her sister sing songs and are fairies! I love the Songs in this movie! My mom loves the songs also as a lot are ones she listened to when she was a kid. My favourite songs are 1: I want to dance. 2:Strange Magic. 3:I am falling in love with you. 4: Never fall in love again.
In the movie there two girls and a animal and bad guys. The one girl, Marion, had her heart broken and then she falls in love with a bad guy. After they fall in love he turns into a good guy. He really was a good guy at heart from the start. The Elf went to the dark forest. No one has been there before except the bad guys who have taken down all the rose petals because they didn't want the Sugar Plum Fairy to make anymore love portions. One time the bad guy fell in love with another creature because the Sugar Plum Fairy gave him a love portion. This portion didn't work for the bad guy so he trapped the Sugar Plum Fairy and locked her away.  
The bad guy hates singing but his mother loves to sing to him.
I give Strange Magic five stars. COOL!!!
YAY!YAY! BYE AMIGO!!! 
I HAVE PIC TO GIVE YOU!!

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

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Stainless Steel BBQ cook set ~ Review

There are many reasons I love summer and one of our family favorites is BBQ cooking! Hubby loves to BBQ and will actually get out in knee deep snow in the middle of Canadian winter to cook on the BBQ. Nothing tastes better than a piece of pork or chicken on the BBQ. Even veggies taste better on the BBQ.

Recently we were asked to set out a Stainless Steel BBQ cook set and Hubby was super excited for it to arrive and get cooking. The kit is available on Amazon (Style Asia HW5266 Chefs Basics Select 18-Piece Stainless-Steel BBQ set with Aluminum Storage Case).

• 18-piece barbeque set in an aluminum case with dual latches for secure storage
• Includes fork, tongs, knife, grill-cleaning brush, basting brush, 4 steak knives, and 8 corn holders
• Also comes with a slotted turner with tenderizer blades and built-in bottle opener
• Professional-grade stainless-steel construction; metal hanging hooks; dishwasher-safe
• Measures 9-3/4 by 19 by 3 inches

This set turned out to be a lot nicer than we anticipated and are super excited with the quality of the tools. The brush is made with a natural fiber and is soft so not to scratch your BBQ grills. My husband said it isn't as great as the one he has but is very good for the price of the whole kit. He does love the other tools in the kit and found that to be very sturdy and the knives are also pretty good. I love that the corn holders are easy to push into the cob and have nice little handles.

Hubby has been having a blast with his new BBQ tools and cooking us some great meals. He was super excited about having the nice case to hold all his BBQ tools and even a spot that we can engrave his name on it.

This is a great BBQ tool set and would make a great birthday gift or Father's Day present.


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

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DIY Fermentation: Over 100 Step-By-Step Home Fermentation Recipes

Book Description: 

Simple DIY Ferments that Prove Homemade is Always Better

Fermentation has given us some of the food world’s most treasured delights, and with DIY Fermentation, making delicious probiotic foods in your own kitchen has never been easier. Accessible overviews of fundamental fermentation techniques and step-by-step recipes provide the basic skills you will turn to again and again as you experiment with nourishing ferments at home. Work your way through a wide range of do-it-yourself fermentation projects with:

• 100+ recipes to make your own sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, kefir, yogurt, vinegar, kombucha, hard apple cider, and more
• Recipes ranging from beginner to advanced to put your skills to the test
• Detailed troubleshooting guides to ensure fermentation success
• Insider tips and anecdotes from fermentation experts
• Step-by-step illustrations to stay on track
• A bonus chapter integrating homemade ferments into everyday cooking

Enjoy all the health benefits and delicious flavors of naturally fermented vegetables, fruits, dairy, beverages, breads, condiments, and much more with this invaluable guide to unleash your inner DIYer and master your fermentation skills.

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

Review: 

Since starting out on a Health & Wellness journey last year I have been looking at all the ways to eat clean and remove processed foods from my daily life. Fermentation has been something that keeps popping up in my search. It is super beneficial to improving the healthy bacterias in our gut which help us live a healthier life. Fermentation is having foods with living bacteria in them but they are the healthy ones.

I love this book because it really broken down what fermentation is and why we should be doing it along with how to safely ferment foods that we can get at our local farmers market or grow ourselves. I am looking forward to fermenting some of our veggies from our garden this year.

There are so many great recipes and each are label for the beginner or advanced cooks. This book also tells you want kind of jars and equipment you will need. I like that for the most part you can use things that are already in your kitchen. I am slowly taking my time to get into this as the weather has gotten really warm and we don't have central air. I will get into it more in the later part of summer. I am really looking forward to making my own kefir and yogurt. I did not know that you can ferment fruits and the kids and I have chosen some great recipes to try out.

The recipes are written well so that they are simple to follow and easy to achieve great results from them. I also love that they include tips at the end of some recipes.

This is a great DIY Fermentation book for both beginners and experienced cooks. If you are looking to learn about Fermentation this is a great place to start. 


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

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Real BBQ: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Smoker Cookbook ~ Review

Book Description:

Prep It, Smoke It, Savor It—A Start-to-Finish Meat Smoking Guide

There is no tried-and-true formula to smoke mouthwatering barbecue, which is part of the fun and part of the challenge. Don’t be fooled, though. With Real BBQ, mastering your smoker may take time and patience, but it won’t be complicated. Insider advice from celebrated pitmasters, step-by-step guidelines, and plenty of barbecue lore and wisdom demystify the art of smoking meat.

With over 95 recipes to start cooking up your very own brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and other incredibly delicious barbecue, this trusty guide also boasts:

• Handy smoker illustrations and dozens of invaluable tips for smoking beef, pork, poultry, seafood, and other meats
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced recipe labels so that you can start simple and work your way to a challenge
• Inspired ideas for amazing barbecue sides to round out your meals, including Summer Bean Salad, Dijon Potato Salad, and Southern-Style Collard Greens
• All the sauces, rubs, brines, and marinades you need to move beyond a recipe
• A closer look at the regional barbecue styles of Texas, the Carolinas, Memphis, and Kansas City

Whether you are just breaking in your new smoker or looking to go beyond the basics, Real BBQ will give you the tools and tips you need to start smoking some brag-worthy ‘cue.

Recipes include: Beer Can Chicken, Hickory-Smoked Pork Belly, “All Day Long” Smoked Beef Brisket, Beach Barbecue Lobster Tails, Coffee-Rubbed Buffalo Steak

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

Review:

This is a book about using Smokers. It has the history of smokers and tons of facts! It is packed full of information for anyone looking to get started with smoking meats. I love that it has a section on how to choose your proteins. I find there are tons of great advice especially as a newbie when it comes to really choosing the right cuts of meat etc. I also like that it teaches you how to smoke seafood. We love to eat fish and salmon is my favorite so I am really excited to get a smoker and learn how to make incredible foods with this book.

Not sure what equipment you need to get started? no worries and this book breaks down the different smokers out on the market and also what tools you will need and even where to get your wood.

The recipes are not just for the advanced, there are tons for beginners and intermediate smokers. I love how the recipes are set up including which wood they recommend and breaking the sets down to make it super simple to follow even for a beginner cook. At the end of a recipe there is also a spot Pair It, which gives you ideas to pair your tasty meats with. They also include great and easy side dish recipes. Different veggie dishes and salads. Great rub and sauce recipes included that can be also used for other meals other than smoking.

I have handed this book over to my hubby as he is the BBQ man of the house and loves to learn how to make delicious meats. I hope to enjoy lots of these recipes over the summer.


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

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Cherish Her by Amanda Kaitlyn ~ New Release Book Promo Tour

Publication Date: July 5th, 20155
Genre: New Adult Romance 

Tour Company: Irresistible Reads Tour

Book Description: 

When Aria Morgan met Gavin Thomas, the last thing she was looking for was love. Love hurts. She knew that. She knew there was no chance she was ready to be close to someone again. But the draw between them was too much to avoid or ignore and somehow, she’d found a way to live again and Aria found her happiness again.
 
A terrible misunderstanding almost splits them apart for good but Aria and Gavin vow to hold on to the love they share. When you find the one person who accepts you for who you are- faults and all, how can you possibly let that go? How can Aria fathom it?
 
But when a loss so big, a loss that rocks her world and shatters it to pieces, forces her to make that 
choice for the safety of her own heart, can she let go of her love?
 
Can Gavin, a man so filled with adoration for the beautifully perfect dancer he met only months ago, let her go if she asks him to?
 
Loss forces them apart, will thier grief bind them together in the love they found one summer day? Or will it be lost forever?

Goodreads

About the Author: 

Amanda Kaitlyn is a new and up and coming author of contemporary romance. The Find Her series is her first work. If she isn’t writing or developing her characters, you can find her in front of her kindle or spending time with her family and friends. When she’s not writing, she is a coffee loving barista and a good listener to her friends. Writing has always been her passion! 

Official Website


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

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