Best Forgotten by: Paula Vince Book Review

Best Forgotten will NEVER be forgotten!

 

 

When a young man gets hit by a car and flung on the side of the road it’s a miracle he even survives. But upon awakening he remembers nothing, not even himself.
As he is rehabilitated to his family and loved ones he can’t help but to feel out of place, and most disturbing is the feeling that something is right on his heels.
His mother is highly un-approving of everything he does, he’s had nothing to do with his dad in the past, and his previous appearance baffles him. How could he like skulls, goth, and a band that calls themselves Satan’s Angels? As he begins to learn more about former self he begins to hate the person he was, and starts on the path of reinventing himself. As tidbits of memory comes back to him he can’t help but wonder if he would be better off without knowing his past. After all why would he want to become someone he now hates?
Even his so called girlfriend seems to be hiding something from him, and he can’t pry from her whatever it is.
As he learns more about himself he can’t help but wonder if everyone wouldn’t be better off if he never recovers from his amnesia. In particular he is afraid of what he may find out about himself if he does.

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This book kept me fully intrigued and interested from the beginning to end. This book doesn’t at all lag, and the writing style flows very easily. I want to say it’s a relaxed read, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat with a turn of any event.
It has action, mystery, faith, romance, suspense, family issues, identity crisis, and thrill all woven together under one cover. I love how you only get tidbits here and there throughout the story and you will be amazed at how many different conclusions you will draw. I found myself thinking that I knew what was going to happen and then promptly finding myself in the wrong with another twist of events. It definitely kept me excited to turn the pages.
It touches base on troubled families and troubled youth, and shows how faith can change everything for the better. It doesn’t make you feel as if you are being preached to, but gives undemanding examples of faith that you can‘t help but to admire. It will draw you closer to God and make you second glance your own relationship with Him.
All of the characters are very well prepared, and almost every character will touch your heart in some way.
My favorite part of this is how thrilling of a read it is. It will keep you guessing, trust me on that. It is one of the most unpredictable books I have EVER read, and I LOVE that rarity.

I HIGHLY recommend this read to everyone!


To purchase this book or learn more about it CLICK HERE

See my STAR RATING on Goodreads by CLICK HERE



Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Updates and Upcoming

This is just going to be a short update, a multitude of things have been going on, and will be upcoming.
I apologize for my absence. I have been suffering from my second bout of mastitis and the medication they prescribed does not sit well with me. It highly upsets my stomach and makes me feel terrible to put it plainly. However breastfeeding doesn't give me many options so luckily I am almost finished with them. I am determined and I'm not going to give up. I breast fed my first baby the entire year and not once did I get mastitis nor did he get thrush. This time around I have developed mastitis twice in the last couple of months and my baby has thrush. It's all new to me so I have been reading up on all I can. I'm sure all you fellow breast feeding mama's know exactly what I'm talking about, or have heard of it.

We didn't get our tree up until late (even though, as you remember, I couldn't wait to decorate for Christmas). We have pretty much gotten all of our Christmas shopping done, and I am still working on some handmade gifts thanks to Pinterest. Every year we have sort of wasted money on toys for our son that he never even played with often before he lost interest. When he was two my husband bought him one of those air hog helicopters that are remote controlled and fly in the air. Let's be honest he was too young for that. It was more of a gift for daddy than baby. ha ha
As we speak he still can't fully work it all alone yet and he is four. So since this year we have two to buy for we are keeping things simple and being careful not to jump the gun on spoiling. It is hard because I love to see their little faces light up with excitement, but I think they will be just as pleased. I'm proud to say we have only bought what they can benefit from educationally and just a couple of toys each they can actually play with. Besides too often we forget the true meaning of Christmas.
 What about you? Do you like to keep it simple for your children or go all out?

Hopefully I won't be overwhelming my readers but I will be posting a lot of reviews and giveaways within the next couple of weeks. I do have some fantastic giveaways upcoming though so I hope you'll stay tuned and enter in. I like to keep my giveaways fairly simple and I don't do the whole rafflecopter thing at least not for awhile. I do host a fair giveaway and use a random number generator so all is fair. Hopefully you will all stay tuned as I don't want you to miss a thing.

Also in case you haven't checked out Mommy's Musings Facebook page I am all up for anyone who wants their blog button featured on this blogs sidebar. I love to support other blogs. Any who I must get off here and lay down, sour stomach again. Sorry this post is sort of all over the place and choppy. I can't wait to post more often and have tons to catch everyone up on. I will be posting personal posts between reviews/giveaways to keep everyone updated, and feel free to leave a comment, I'd love to hear how all of you are doing despite all the holiday rush and fuss.
Hope this time isn't too stressful, and hopefully you are all excited about the upcoming holidays!

Sincerely,
Tori

A Deal For You!

I have a special treat for all my readers who enjoy Amish fiction.
Remember my book review of Cindy Woodsmall's book The Christmas Singing?
Here's a bit more about that book:

Here's a peek at the first chapter:

The Christmas Singing (Chapter 1 Excerpt)


If you like it, and trust me it is a FANTASTIC read, Waterbrook Multnomah is offering 30% off PLUS FREE SHIPPING on The Christmas Singing (and any other title) to the readers of Mommy's Musings. Just visit their website @ http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/
Readers need to use the promo code: CHRISTMAS11 at checkout. The coupon code expires on December 20th, 2011 so hurry on over and get started! Makes for a fantastic Christmas gift!


Happy Holidays!


Sincerely,
Tori

This Little Prayer of Mine Book Review

In a world as unpredictable as the one we live in today it is ever most important to make sure our children have a relationship with God.
I feel that this book helps us, as parents/guardians/grandparents, achieve that goal.
I love reading this book to my children, and I am going to be recommending it to our church as well.
The story is so simple, and yet so heartwarming. The lessons and examples are packed into such small phrases! I loved that the words just flow with little effort, and your children will immediately find themselves drawn in!
This book covers the majority of what children deal with in their young lives, such as: being afraid, sadness, mixed emotions and hard choices, being ornery/disobeying rules, feeling alone especially around peers, etc.
It also points out certain things to be thankful for in our everyday lives as well. It is a great portrayal of God’s love for us, and let’s children know that God is always there to talk to as well as his forgiveness. It encourages children to become closer to God, make the right choices, let them know they are loved no matter what, and show them that forgiveness is but a prayer away.
We were also pretty impressed with the illustrations. The pictures alone tell such a great story. The pictures not only follow the words, but they follow their own as well. They were very well done, and very colorful. We loved finding little hidden things on the pages. It’s the little details that children notice the most and this book is jam packed with them! It’s very exciting!
Whether your child is the type to get immersed in a story itself or the illustrations, this book meets both expectations.
Out of all the children’s prayer books I have read this one takes the cake!
I think this is a perfect book for children. A way to encourage daily prayers, and a way for them to stay close to God. I enjoy reading this to my sons and lately we have been reading it at least twice a day. We all really enjoy it. I would say the ages that would get the most out of this book would be ages 4 +. The book isn't very long and the it is well split up so you aren't overwhelmed with either more pictures or more words per page. It's a hardcover book with paper pages so it is durable. It's light and easy to hold. The illustrations are extremely detailed and there are all sorts of things to find in the background. The words are easy for children to understand and pass a good message through at the same time.
It truly is a magnificent read. Enjoyable for both parents and children! It would especially make a good Christmas gift to one lucky child!

To learn more about this book: CLICK HERE
or
See my star rating for this book on Goodreads: CLICK HERE
　
　
Disclaimer:
Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks (Confessions of April Grace) Book Review

April Grace Reilly finds herself smack dab in the middle of a terrible year. Old friends become new strangers as they all embark upon middle school. One of her best friends starts a clique called the Lotties, and April is not a part of them. The Lotties meanly run the school and pick on anyone in their path.
As if that wasn’t bad enough home life becomes the most strange and worrisome for April. On top of dealing with her overly dramatic sister Myra Sue and obnoxious live in guest Isabel St. James, April’s grandma finds herself in the midst of a love triangle. If that isn’t the icing on the cake for April her mother begins acting strangely, and April wants to get to the bottom of it. And instead of crying and whining to get her way, April brings you along on her journey as she stoically gets to the bottom of it all in her honest/humorous fashion.

~

This was truly a fun read. It is one of the most humorous novels I have read in a long time. I was constantly laughing out loud, and even found myself sharing funny quotes or sayings I came across with those around me. This book is in no way dull, and I was immersed in it from the beginning. There is always a new twist, mystery, or event happening at the turn of the page. Intrigue around every corner! It makes this book hard to put down.
What I really enjoyed about this book is that it touches point on so many different lessons and hardships that a tween will often find herself dealing with. From a new addition to the family, to dealing with difficult siblings, to dealing with mean girl cliques in school, hardships with faith, finding someone’s true person instead of judging them from the outer layers, and so much more!
The novel is set in the late 80s, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference as I believe all tweens will be able to connect with April Grace.
It would especially be a good read for a mother/daughter duo. I know I sure enjoyed it despite my age, and I am definitely going to be getting the third book to come out in the Confessions of April Grace series. The words flow so smoothly and easily, before I knew it the book was over. I was sad for it to end, but can’t wait to revisit April Grace and the other characters. Every character comes alive in this novel. There is no small character, even the ones that don’t appear often seem so alive! I highly recommend this series to any mother with a tween daughter, or even pick up a copy and read it for yourself. It will take you back to your middle school days. Another interesting perk is being older you can pick up on lots of other interesting details you probably wouldn’t have noticed had you been younger. I’m looking forward to book three for sure, and if you want more info on this book just check out the links below:

For more info on this book: Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks (Confessions of April Grace) CLICK HERE
Want to be friends with April Grace on FACEBOOK? CLICK HERE
For more info on the Confessions of April Grace series CLICK HERE

　
DISCLAIMER: I was provided this book for free through Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. Opinions expressed are mine alone.

UGLee Pen Review and Giveaway!

As much as I use my computer on an almost daily basis, I just can’t function without my pens. I have always had a fascination with pens anyway and for as long back as I can remember it has always been my writing tool of choice. I remember being five years old pretending to write a journal with my mom’s blue ink pen.
These days I still keep a daily journal, I write “old fashioned” hand written letters, as well as grocery and to-do lists, post-it’s, and keep my very helpful and needed planner.
I do keep my appointments and such on the computer or on my cell phone, but sometimes it dies, doesn’t want to work, or something gets deleted. Thus I always keep a back-up planner which is what I really rely on. That said I keep faith in pens and paper. The only problem is that I use my hands A LOT, and over the years this has caused a bit of discomfort. Besides writing constantly by hand I crochet, sew, knit, cook, draw, paint, etc. And that said my hands tend to cramp up quite often. I find myself writing a couple pages as a journal entry and then my hand is cramping and uncomfortable. I still refuse to give up my pens, and I try to split up my writing time so I can still write without my hand stiffening up on me.

However, now I have truly been given hope and satisfaction! I have been lucky enough to try a truly relaxing pen! It is this:

　
When I received the opportunity to review The UGLee Pen I was a bit skeptical and yet curious. I knew that I just had to try this pen. I am very picky about my pens. I spend forever in the office supplies aisle checking out the different pens, and I am always disappointed with the grip that most pens are made with now. The grip is suppose to be for comfort, but to be honest it just makes my hand hurt worse or makes the pen more heavy. But that is luckily NOT the case with the UGLee Pen. I have truly found my pen of choice! This pen is light, and the grip not only makes the pen easier to hold, but provides comfort! Not just between the fingers either like most pens, this grip actually extends up the body of the pen! So the grip fits your whole hand. I let my husband try out this pen as well. He has to do paperwork on a daily basis at his place of employment. He has trouble with his fingers cramping, as he suffers from arthritis. He said he had no trouble at all while using the UGLee Pen and breezed right through all his paperwork. Usually he says he has to persevere through the pain and just shove on. He wants his very own set to keep at work.

Aside from the fact that it is comfortable to write with, the ink is smooth and glides easily. It writes with ease! That is a high point for me, as I’ve said I’m picky and my main preference for a pen is that it writes well without effort. All in all this is a fantastic, brilliant, innovative invention and I definitely recommend it to just anyone. To me this is THE ergonomic pen. Even if you don’t have arthritis or hand-issues it is still the most comfortable pen I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience. I think it would highly benefit those who have to do hand-written paperwork, college students would benefit greatly, high school students, even small children learning to write will love these pens! My four year old recently requested the use of mine to write a letter to Santa. You should've seen his face when he did. He said the pen was so soft and felt good in his hands! If a four year old likes this pen, you know it's good. You can't get any more honest than toddlers. lol. Plus with Christmas coming up this would make a great gift to anyone who loves writing, or uses pens often.

~

Here is a bit about the UGLee Pen:

The UGLee Pen is a revolutionary ergonomic pen that is designed, created and used by a real physician. This Doctor-inspired grip pen is redefining the way people view pens and writing.

The UGLee Pen is good for everyone who writes (even just a grocery list), and is especially helpful to people who experience pain and discomfort when writing, for example those with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.,. It's also the best writing utensil  for children who are learning to write and are developing fine motor skills, as well as helpful for special-needs children who find holding a pen or pencil properly difficult. And for high-school and college students who have to take copious notes, this pen helps keep hands and fingers from cramping.

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And the best news of all is that is giving the readers of Mommy’s Musings your very own chance to win these wonderful pens! I urge you to enter, you won’t be disappointed! I will be running this contest from now until December 22nd, 2011 Thursday! Winners will be announced first thing Friday morning December 23rd, 2011. I will give the winner 48 hours to respond before choosing another. Here are the requirements for entering the giveaway:

1. LIKE UGLee Pen on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/UGLeePen)
2. And/Or  FOLLOW in Twitter @ugleepen (http://twitter.com/#!/ugleepen)
3. Tell me one thing you have learned about the UGLee Pen by going to the web site (http://www.ugleepen.com/)
4. Must be a U.S. resident
5. Make sure to leave me a comment on this page telling me you have done all the above/meet all the requirements, and don't forget to leave your email address so I can let you know if you've won!

*This giveaway is currently only open to U.S. residents only.

Disclaimer:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

The TRULY Awesome Chocolate Chip Cookie Review

Let me just say that as a mommy with a love for baking I don’t particularly like commercial made cookies, particularly chocolate chip. Mainly because they never have enough chocolate chips and they are sorta bland in taste.
So when I received these cookies in the mail I did not have high hopes for them. I do like a lot of Kroger brands though, but when it comes to baked goods I'm picky. Then I read this on the box:

*Chocolate chips are the #1 ingredient
*Made with REAL butter
*NO added preservatives or artificial flavors

I immediately figured they would be bland. How could a cookie with all these features be any good in taste? I whipped them out of the box and gave them a try. I took the advice on the box and heated them up in the microwave and…oh…my…goodness! Did I just drool on you? Sorry.
They were so GOOD! Seriously they did taste like homemade! I couldn’t believe it and it still leaves me speechless. You can definitely taste the butter and the chocolate chips were plentiful! No scrimping on the chocolate chippy goodness here!

The best part was when my husband walked in and said: “Oh, you made cookies! They smell good” followed by him grabbing one. After tasting one he said: “I like that you used more chocolate chips this time. Is there enough to take some for my lunch tomorrow?” I just laughed out loud and then showed him the box.
Needless to say the cookies were devoured before I could even snap a picture. Between my husband, son, and I they didn’t stand a chance. An added tip if you try these, have a glass of milk handy to really enjoy. Mmmm!

They are definitely going to make a come back to our house. Even if their stay won’t be long.

Sincerely,
Tori

P.S. If you are curious to try these cookies I would love to give you a coupon for a dollar off. They retail for about $2.79. I only have two coupons so it is first come first serve. Just leave me your email address, and I will email you for further info on where you would like your coupon sent via snail mail. :)


Disclaimer:
As a BzzAgent I was provided the above mentioned product for free in hopes of spreading the word. All opinions expressed are HONEST and are mine alone.