The Choosing: A Book Review

 Hi guys! Today I am part of the blog tour of The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker.

Back cover: Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for―her Choosing ceremony―to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.

But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.

Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her.

~.~.~.

 I have mixed feelings for this little book, (it's over 400 pages, so not really little...) but they aren't necessarily /bad/ feelings. I initially thought it was a young adult book, but I believe it might be adult now after reading some of the contents. As is my tradition, I'll start with a quick survey of some of the characters.

 First there is Carrington. She was so lost, but a nice character all the same. I liked her well enough, though she was a product of the world she lives in. I enjoyed the journey she goes through within herself as well as out. Remko was just adorable. I love the idea of a character with a stutter, and what that might mean. He was one of my favorite characters. There were several other characters that were all nice and well written. Isaac Knight was written well, and was a very interesting character.

 This book wasn't your typical dystopian. It did not feature a young teenage girl attempting to overthrow a government. In fact, this book was more about inner turmoil than outer deeds, and I think that is very clever and really added to the story. I feel the book wouldn't be for everything because some might find it slow over time, but I really enjoyed it. One comment. The novel's government made me more angry than any other dystopian government... ever. I just want to give the leadership some smacks because UNGHEHFO. Anywho.

 The story is good for teens and adults alike to consider and read about self worth. The story has some mature elements, but nothing unnecessary. More just cautionary things such as violence. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I recommend it for ages fifteen and up.

The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.

Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies: A Book Review

Hi guys! It's Thursday and I actually have a book post for you. So Book Thursdays are back! (Today at least.) I have another middle grade book review for you guys today! Whoot whoot. The book is Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies by Robert J Skead with Robert A Skead. (A father and son team.) I received this book free through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

Back cover:

When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.

 My thoughts: Wow. This book had every good quality a middle grade book should have. It was fast paced, intriguing, heart pumping at times, and I enjoyed all the characters.

 I liked both of the twins. Quiet, responsible John, and unruly, playful Ambrose were both interesting to read about. I rooted for them both in a way and wanted them to bond as friends as well as brothers. The villains were well written and just slimy enough for a middle grade book. Actually, they were pretty downright creepy. There were several other great characters, and I loved the inclusion on important historical characters from the Revolutionary War like George Washington and some other fellows.

 The plot was quite good. I think I read this in about a day. It is middle grade so it's shorter (one of the reasons I enjoy middle grade when I haven't much time for younger books) but it was still an intriguing story that kept me turning the pages. There were many pitfalls and struggles to overcome. I really liked this book and all the history it incorporated. I hope I get to read the next books in the series as well.

 With it's fast paced, arresting plot, this book is great for boys to read, especially those a little curious about history. I think it's good for girls too, of course, but it might appeal especially to the younger guy crowd. Some older ones might find it interesting as well. Overall it is a solid middle grade addition and I'm sure many will enjoy it. You can buy it here.

~ a rambling author

Matcha Tea: A Product Review

 Hi guys! Tonight I'm posting a little something different. I'm reviewing Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha Green Tea made by Kiss Me Organics. I received this for free in exchange for my honest review.

 This green tea is a special ceremonial kind that they use in Japan. In fact, it is grown in Japan. I think that's pretty cool in and of itself. The tea is made by the third generation of a family that's been growing the tea for years, another thing I think is awesome.

I'm sure you've heard about all the benefits of green tea. I know some people who really love the stuff. While I've never really been a huge fan, I decided I'd like to try it. Well, did you know that matcha green tea is even better for you? It can have up to 137 times the antioxidants of brewed green tea.

 As for this specific tea... It is strong. It is 100% tea leaves. The first time my mom brewed herself a cup she put probably what the container said and it was way too much. It was strong and overpowering. The next time we had a cup (we shared) she put much less in and it tasted pretty good. The flavor isn't bitter or anything that would make it disgusting. It's rather pleasant. My mom especially likes it.

Matcha green tea increases your energy, helps your skin, and boosts your metabolism. So there really aren't any negatives. If you'd like to try it yourself, buy it here. It does seem a bit expensive, but
considering you only need the slightest amount, it isn't such a big problem.

Hope you enjoyed my different kind of review! :)

~ a rambling author

Surprise at Yorktown: A Book Review

 Hi guys! I am ashamed really that I haven't written a blog post since February. WHATTTTTT? It seems so surreal. But seriously. My life is like a hyper kid who has an endless supply of sweets--the crazy never stops. My typical week means I'm rarely home, and when I am I'm usually saddled with homework. The reason I'm writing this now is because I'm stuck at college as one of my classes was canceled but I have another later. Hopefully I'll be able to update more frequently since I've finished this semester's math load and the boatload of homework it came with. But today's post is actually a review. Fun fact: I wrote most of this review weeks ago but didn't post it because I had something else to post on the day I was planning on posting it. But enjoy! :D *I received this book through Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.*

 I've done so many young adult and adult book reviews that I figured it was time to give a middle grade, or younger book a try. So here is the first in my younger book reviews!

 The book is Surprise at Yorktown by Marianne Hering. It's part of the Imagination Station book series. It happens to be the 15th in the series, but I don't think that affected it for me at all.

 The book follows cousins Patrick and Beth as they travel in the Imagination Station, an invention that takes them to different places and times in history in each book. In this story they travel to Yorktown during the revolutionary war and soon get caught up with the British. Oops! Adventures happen and they get to witness some pretty amazing historical events. Patrick's dream is to meet George Washington, but if he gets to meet him, it may not happen in the way he planned.

 This book was really cute. When I was younger I would have loved this book to pieces. I was always into the time travel kind of stuff, and I loved historical adventures involving kids from my time, so it would have fit right onto my shelf. As is, I still enjoyed it. It was a simple read, the length of a few chapters of what might be an adult counterpart.

 I think this book would be educational for kids to learn about less focused on aspects of the Revolutionary War, and just the war in general. As the book is short, it is filled with adventure, and there isn't a quiet moment, something a child would appreciate.

 I think this is a great book for kids and families and I'll probably save it for my niece and nephew, and perhaps I'll still have it when I have kids. (I'm a book hoarder.)

If you'd like to purchase it, you can find it on Amazon and other sources. 

Enjoy!

~ A rambling author

Freebie Friday!

 Hey guys! Just getting on to let you know about a nice little freebie!

 Sarah Holman's Waltz in the Waves is free on Kindle today! Check it out here!

~ a rambling author

Rain in December

 Hi everyone! I'm very excited to share about my friend Emily Rachelle Russel's new poetry book titled Rain in December!

 Emily has given me the honor of being among a group of bloggers revealing the cover and some tidbits about the book. So without further ado, here is the cover!

Ahhh! Isn't it just lovely! I love the simple and elegant look of the flowers and I think the font is perfect.

Here's a sample poem. 

Star-crossed lovers

I'll reach to the stars 

I'll reach to the moon

 I'll reach through the galaxy far

 To find you, my dearest,

 My darling, my love, 

And be in the place where you are.

Rain in December releases on March 31 and will be available on Kindle and paperback. If you would like to pre-order, you can find it here. 

 While waiting for it to release, why not check out Emily's website?

 Thanks for reading!

~ a rambling author

Garcinia Cambogia: A Product Review

 Okay, I seriously need to write something about the New Year. It's just been moving so fast that I haven't been able to slow with it. But alas, it will have to wait a bit longer.


 Today I'm reviewing BioGanix Pure Garcinia Cambogia Ultra 80% HCA. Carcinia Cambogia comes from a fruit and is a natural fat burner. It helps suppress appetite and boosts your metabolism (I need that.)

 Some of the benefits BioGanix advertizes are

• Feeling less hungry (because you often feel hungry and tend to overeat.)
• Drop inches around waist.
• Block fat production/reduce excess fat.
• Enhanced serotonin for mood/memory.
• Etc. 

There are also no side affects. Now I'm not a big fanatic for any pills that magically melt the fat away, but I decided to try a bunch of different versions of this pill. This was the first one to actually do anything for me. I took it for over two weeks, and lost a few pounds. Not a substantial amount, but enough that I'm not dissatisfied. I'm thinking four or five pounds. The company was also super nice so that's a plus.

 Knowing the health benefits and that this one actually worked to a point if I want to purchase some in the future it might be this one. It comes with 180 capsules too. You can buy it here.

~ a rambling author