what's in the mail? 7-19-12 edition

Forget the dates...it looks like I'll never post when I intended anyway! Here's what I've gotten since the last "What's in the Mail?" post:

Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn
This is for a Kregel tour ... and it's not due until September! This means I won't read it until September, so on the shelf it will remain. It does sound interesting, though; here's a snippet from the back cover: Emma, a young and self-contained professor of history, leaves Cambridge for a post in an exclusive university in the USA, intent on finding a long-overlooked seventeenth-century journal. Bound within its pages are secrets that threaten to bring Emma into conflict with the present, but can she discover the truth—and will she believe it?

I don't know what it means to be a "self-contained professor," but I'm betting I'll soon find out! This was published by Monarch Books in the UK, which is also the publisher of Mel Starr's wonderful books.
 
Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan by Melanie Dobson
I'm excited to read this book for two reasons. 1) I really liked the other Melanie Dobson book I read. 2) I haven't yet come across a book published by Summerside Press that I didn't like! So this looks like a win-win (win!) situation for me. This one's for Litfuse, and the review will be up sometime before August 4.

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello
I'm reading The Stars Shine Bright right now, and I have to force myself to put it down to do other things. This is book five in Giorello's Raleigh Harmon series. I jumped in at book four, The Mountains Bow Down, which I reviewed for Litfuse. Since I loved it so much, I was really anticipating reading The Stars Shine Bright—and so far, it's even better than its predecessor!

The Haven  by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of the prominent names in Amish fiction, but I haven't read much of her work. I absolutely loved her Christmas novella, which I reviewed last fall. So I'm looking forward to reading this book, which is the second in her Stoney Ridge Seasons series.

Relentless Pursuit by Ken Gire
Every once in a while, some strange notion overtakes me, and I request a nonfiction book to review. At the time, it always makes perfect sense, but when it comes time to actually pick up the book, I struggle because I'd much rather be reading fiction! Relentless Pursuit looks really good, though, so hopefully I won't have any trouble reading it!

In Paris 1500 Piece Puzzle
I love jigsaw puzzles! My grandma and I used to put them together—when I lived with her for a few months, we would spend hours and hours working puzzles. I picked out this Ravensburger puzzle from Vine because I think it will look fabulous on the wall...I just have to find the time to do it! Maybe I'll take it to my parents' house during the Olympics as I'll practically be living there in order to watch as much of the Games as possible.

One For All OARN04S 4 Device Remote Black
Do I need a universal remote? No. But I thought it might be nice to have one that would connect all my devices. Unfortunately, I can't get it to connect to my VCR (yes, I still have and use one!)...and since I only get three channels, it's not that helpful for my TV, either! But for what it is, it does a good job, and setup was quite simple (minus the VCR headache).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 6-28-12 edition

Once again, I'm posting late. With a cousin's wedding, another cousin staying with me, and my sister visiting from Indiana, I haven't felt motivated to blog ... well, except about singleness! Here it is, finally ... what I'd received in the mail as of a week ago Thursday!

Schick Hydro Silk for Women Razor
I've used the Schick Quattro for years, and it's by far the best razor I've ever used. So when Vine offered me this 5-blade moisturizing razor, I figured the extra blade and moisturizing strips would be an improvement on the Quattro. I was wrong. Here's my review.

Crossing Values by Carrie Daws
This is my first book for the CWA Review Crew, which I got linked up with through facebook. I finished it yesterday and posted my review right away. It had a Hallmark movie vibe to it, which is usually great in my book, but it was completely lacking in the romance department. See my review here. Also, I have a copy to give away, so if you're interested in that, be sure to scroll to the bottom of my review.

Submerged by Dani Pettrey
I have been looking forward to reading this book ever since I saw it on a list of the best upcoming fiction in January or February. I'll be reviewing it for Bethany House and just started reading it last night. So far, so good!

Coming Home by Karen Kingsbury
I got this book on release day, as I get most KK books ... but I haven't opened it yet. Why? Because I still haven't finished Loving ... I think I'm still in denial about the ending! I would like to read Coming Home soon, so I guess I'll just have to suck it up and finish Loving.

Inescapable by Nancy Mehl
Inescapable is Mennonite fiction; I've read tons of Amish fiction in the past, but I don't think I've ever read any Mennonite fiction. Since there's a horse and buggy on the cover, I'm thinking the brand of Mennonite in this book is closer to Old Order than independent. (My mom grew up Mennonite, and trust me, they drove cars and wore pants!) I'm reviewing this one for Litfuse.

Mindful of Him by Hollis Hughes
I don't know much about this book going in ... I think it's about a guy who has everything that has ever meant anything to him stripped away. I'm getting it through Litfuse, and honestly, I picked it because of the cover! Doesn't it just look literary?

Philips O'Neill SHO9565BK/28 THE STRETCH Headband Headset (Black)
These headphones come from Vine. My options for that newsletter were these headphones, the razor I got, men's shampoo, and a bunch of books. I decided a while ago that I'd only request books I really wanted to read, and none of the books on that newsletter fit into that category, so that left me with the headphones, razor, and shampoo. Obviously, I'm not a man (or married to one), so my choice was simple! They're the best headphones I've ever owned, and they almost completely block the sound when I'm mowing. They also prevent me from hearing myself as I sing ... which resulted in me putting on a boy band/country concert for my neighbor the last time I mowed!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received some of these products free in exchange for my honest review. Other products I purchased myself. Regardless, I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 6-14-12 edition

Yes, I realize it's not a Thursday, my usual "What's in the mail?" post day ... but my week has been completely swamped with yearbook, VBS, frantic reading, and meeting up with old high school friends. So here are the items I'd received by Thursday:

illy issimo Coffee Drink, Caffè
I got this from Vine. I'd previously reviewed illy issimo's similar cappuccino drink, and I really liked that one, so I had high hopes for this. I was sorely disappointed—it was bitter with a terrible aftertaste. Here's my review.

CLEAR SCALP & HAIR BEAUTY Damage & Color Repair Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner
Thanks again, Vine! Honestly, I'm not too picky about my shampoo and conditioner. I really just want something that smells good and doesn't leave my hair weighed down. (And if I'm being honest, the smell is by far the most important factor—I once paid $22 at the salon for the shampoo my stylist uses when she washes my hair because I fell in love with the smell.) Well, I'm happy to report that this shampoo/conditioner has an amazing scent! Plus, it's cheap—especially if you use the Amazon coupon. My reviews are here and here.

Five Miles South of Peculiar by Angela Hunt
I haven't cracked this book open yet—the review isn't due until the 28th, and we've certainly established the fact that I'm a procrastinator! I have enjoyed all of the other Angela Hunt books I've read (especially The Fine Art of Insincerity, which I reviewed last year and put on my Best Books of 2011 list), and I'm sure I'll like this one, too.

Treasures of Healthy Living by Annette Reeder
When this arrived in the mail, it took me by surprise. I signed up for the Glass Road tour back in March, and the tour kept getting pushed back because there was a holdup with shipping the books. So by the time the book arrived, I'd completely forgotten about it! This is a Bible study. Basically, it looks at what the Bible says about food and eating. It wasn't really my thing ... but you're welcome to check out my review!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 5-31-12 edition

I got several things in the mail these past two weeks—more cereal, a movie, and lots of books!

Quaker Oatmeal Squares, Cinnamon
Apparently Vine has discovered I like cinnamon ... I've gotten cinnamon-flavored cereals two newsletters in a row! This one doesn't hold a candle to the other. It's bland and not very cinnamony. Don't get me wrong—I'll eat it for breakfast ... but I definitely won't be buying it in the future! Here's my review.

Coriolanus
I thought this adaptation of a Shakespeare play would be my cup of tea. I was wrong. So, so wrong. I haven't posted my Vine review yet (because I'm a bit afraid of getting my review voted down—all the less-than-glowing reviews are getting voted down like crazy!), but I did post about it on Cinematic Survey, where I can be completely candid. You can see the post here.

Tarnished by Daniel & Christina Morrison
Earlier this week, the Morrisons did a guest post about their fantasy novel and the Kickstarter project to fund the audio book. My book arrived yesterday; I'm looking forward to reading it as soon as I finish the one I'm currently reading.

The Anniversary Waltz by Darrel Nelson
When this book arrived earlier this week, I had no idea where it came from. I'm not so in demand as a reviewer that I have unsolicited books arriving at my door, so I knew I must have requested it. And I did—a mere 18 days ago! How quickly we forget ... Anyway, it appears to be mainly set around WWII, which is my favorite historical era to read about, thus explaining why I requested it from Glass Road!

After All: A Hanover Falls Novel by Deborah Raney
This is the book that I mentioned last time—the one that got sent to the wrong mailing list. I loved After All and finished it in one afternoon. Here's the review.

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato
Some of you may have picked up the Kindle edition of this book for free a couple weeks ago. I did! I requested this from Bethany House in March. I never got a confirmation e-mail, so I assumed I didn't make the cut. Then this showed up last week ...

Legacy Road by Graham Garrison
I'll be reviewing this for Kregel in July ... which means I probably won't read it for another five weeks! It's about a journalist, and that's all I know. I signed up for this tour because I really like working with Kregel.

One.Life: Jesus Calls, We Follow by Scot McKnight
This is the lone book on the list that I purchased myself. I bought it because it was quoted in an article I recently read, and I was intrigued. Now that I've flipped through a few pages, I think I will be challenged by what I read. I haven't read a book that I really have to think critically about in a long time, and I'm looking forward to it!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received some of these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 5-17-12 edition

Not too much in the mail these last three weeks. One of my review books seems to be perpetually lost in the mail (it's been sent to me twice, and I still don't have it!), and another was originally sent out to the wrong mailing list and should arrive next week.

Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Little Bites Flavored Cinnamon Roll, 15.8-Ounce (Pack of 4)
I got this through Vine. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is some of the best cereal I've ever tasted. I love it! It has a really great cinnamon punch—I always use more cinnamon than is called for in recipes because I love the flavor so much, and this cereal has the perfect amount! You can see my review here.

Glamorous Illusions: A Novel by Lisa T. Bergren
Lisa Tawn Bergren wrote some of the first romance novels I ever read. (Anyone remember the Palisades line? It's hard to even find anything about it on the internet ... here's a list of Palisades books I found on Goodreads. I've read most of them!) I absolutely loved her "Full Circle" series—Refuge, Firestorm, Torchlight, etc.—and I really enjoyed the "Northern Lights" series when I read them a couple years ago. Anyway, Glamorous Illusions will release June 1, and I'm on the Litfuse tour. Set in 1913, it's about a young woman who goes on a "Grand Tour" of Europe after learning a secret about her heritage. Sounds good to me!

Waiting for Morning by Karen Kingsbury
Can you believe I've never read this book? Me either! A Moment of Weakness, the sequel to Waiting for Morning, was the first Kingsbury book I ever read. I think I may have checked Waiting for Morning out of the library and flipped through it, but I'm certain I never actually read it from beginning to end because I already knew how it was going to turn out. But since it's been a good ten years since I read A Moment of Weakness, I can barely remember what happened in that book, let alone in this one! I'm very excited to read it now! I got this book through Blogging for Books.

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley
This is another Vine pick. I'd never heard of Brownley before, but I thought I'd give it a shot! (Another of Brownley's books, A Long Way Home, is free for Kindle right now.)

Flame of Resistance by Tracy Groot
This book doesn't release until tomorrow, but I got a copy through Tyndale's blogger program. I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I learned it was set during World War II. It looks to be full of suspense, intrigue, and romance!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

what's in the mail? 4-26-12 edition

A few weeks ago, I saw a "What's in the mail?" post on another blog. (If I could remember where I saw it, I'd give the blogger credit ...) The idea behind this blogger's post is that she receives so many books to review that she can't possibly get to all of them, so each week she creates a post on everything that came in the mail that week. Now, I don't have her problem of being inundated by books, and I've never received unsolicited review copies, so I review everything I get. However, I don't post all my reviews on this blog—Amazon's Vine program doesn't require reviewers to post on their own blogs, just on Amazon, so there are some books/products you'll never see unless you go to my Amazon profile.

Thus, the debut of this feature. I'm going to try to do one of these posts every other Thursday because I sometimes go a few weeks without receiving any review products. I've also decided not to limit this to products I've received in exchange for a review; I also want to include any books I purchase. (Believe it or not, I actually do still buy books!)

So here we go: "What's in the Mail?" 4-26-12

Finally & Forever by Robin Jones Gunn
This is the fourth book in Gunn's Katie Weldon series. I didn't even know there was a fourth book (I thought the third wrapped things up nicely) until I saw something on Twitter about it. No question—I had to buy it. Not often do I cry from joy when I read, but that's exactly what happened as I finished up Coming Attractions. I even listed the Katie series on my "Books to Read" recommendation page. I have high hopes for this book, and I may have squealed in delight as I opened the package from Amazon!

(I just discovered the first three books in the series—Peculiar Treasures, On a Whim, and Coming Attractions—are each currently $1.99 for Kindle. You need to read these books!)

The Chase by DiAnn Mills
The Chase is one of my Vine books. On the last Vine newsletter, I was offered several Christian books, and The Chase is one of the few I hadn't already read and reviewed! I knew I'd heard of DiAnn Mills before, but I couldn't quite place her until I looked up her author page on Amazon. She wrote Nebraska Legacy, a collection of novellas that I bought a few years ago solely because the stories took place in my beloved home state. (I don't think I ever actually read the book. I wonder if I still have it somewhere?) Anyway, The Chase appears to be about as far removed from a historical romance on the Nebraska plains as you can get. I've lately really been enjoying reading suspense, so I'm looking forward to this book!

Crazy Dangerous by Andrew Klavan
When I got the review invite e-mail from Litfuse for this one, I practically fell over myself in my rush to sign up. Why? Because it's suspense and YA. In the last 18 months or so, I've gone crazy for young adult fiction. Kinda funny, since I never read YA as an actual teenager—I thought I was "too adult" for it. Ha! When I got the book, I found out that Crazy Dangerous's author Klavan also wrote Don't Say a Word. I haven't read that novel, but I'll never forget Brittany Murphy's line from the movie: "I'll never tell!" Now I'm even more anxious to read Crazy Dangerous ... and I think I need to watch Don't Say a Word again! (Success! I just remembered that my cousin/former roommate left her movies behind when she moved—and Don't Say a Word is one of them. I know what I'm doing this weekend!)

The Ishbane Conspiracy by Angela, Karina & Randy Alcorn
Recently, longtime blog reader Cari recommended the Alcorns' Ishbane Conspiracy. Cari and I have a similar enough taste in books that I knew if she recommended it, I'd probably like it. So I went to Amazon and found a dirt cheap used copy, which arrived today. It will probably sit on my shelf for a while—I seem to have a backlog of non-review books!

T-fal FZ700251 ActiFry Low-Fat Healthy Dishwasher Safe Multi-Cooker, Black This is my big Vine "get" of the year (so far). It arrived yesterday, so today I took it for a test spin. I used it to make potato wedges, and they turned out pretty well. The ActiFry's advantage is that it cooks with minimal oil. I followed one of the recipes in the booklet that came with the appliance, and I honestly wasn't too impressed—but I think that's more the recipe's fault than the ActiFry's. Supposedly you can cook plenty of things besides potatoes—meat, veggies, even fruit compote. I'll be trying out several things in the weeks to come, and I look forward to the delicious research!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received some of these products free in exchange for my honest review. Other products I purchased myself. Regardless, I was not required to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."