A Simply Enchanted Life

It's been awhile since I've had the opportunity to do a product review or a giveaway. As some of you know; I'm kicking off a new photography business and in addition to that? The masks that were supplied to me by Montagne Jennesse had been lost in the mail and miraculously some honest person actually put them back into the mail for me! Can you believe it? Honest people still exist!

Moving along...If you've not tried these masks and you're afraid of a facial that you peel and stick? Have no fear! Now, I will say that these masks are made a bit big. I had to do some tugging and pulling to get them to adhere to my face properly. I did have some issues with it wanting to fall down onto my lips. But, if you have this problem, try drying the mask just a bit by pressing while rubbing over the mask with a clean, dry towel.

If you suffer from dry skin or acne as a result of dry skin then this would be wonderful for you! My daughter suffers from extremely dry skin and has breakouts as a result. This mask left her feeling smooth and moisturized without causing irritation. There's a good reason for that! Did you know that Montagne Jenesse uses pure and natural ingredients derived from plant and mineral sources in their products? Did you know that their ingredients are grown using sustainability farming methods? This company is environmentally aware and committed to offering a quality product at an affordable price. $1.99...you sure can't beat that, right?

So, have you ever used Montagne face masks? If so, which is your favorite? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, feel free to enter to win a sample product below! Montage Jennesse has been super awesome and supplied us with four different masks for four lucky winners! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received this product in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review. The views and opinions I have expressed are my own. Giveaway items were graciously supplied by Montagne Jennesse.

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 12+
Genre: Christian, YA, Fantasy

I was privileged and honored to get to read an ARC of this book and I waited a bit to write my review because I wanted to compare it to the published copy. The ARC was very long and daunting in a way, the published book is really great.

I struggled to know how to rate this book. Originally I had rated it a three star but I’ve since updated to a four—largely because the published version took out some of the parts I felt were unnecessary or that was just too wordy or lengthy.

My only complaint is that it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m okay with a cliffhanger sometimes but at the end of a series? I dunno, I just feel frustrated that I have to wait for another series to come out. I feel there should have been a little bit of a better conclusion or even just continue this series instead of making a new one.

Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first.
With the High King and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost. Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxen hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west. At the same time, Morgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets a horde of werewolves loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

I usually don’t share the synopsis but I wanted to address several things...


Arthur is now the High King and I kind of thought it was odd how fast the two transitioned from being a father/son to Arthur calling Merlin by his name. It seemed inconsistent at times but maybe that was just Arthur’s indecision…I was unsure how to feel about that. Maybe it was because I was feeling how Merlin must have felt at suddenly being a subject instead of a father to the boy he raised.

The werewolves—I’m not sure why but they weirded me out. Yes, I just used the word weirded in a review—sue me. It also almost destroyed any hope that I had for Morgana’s redemption. Yes, I know she is bad but I was still kind of hoping…

All in all? This book kicks butt and I can’t wait to read more, even though I was a little reluctant to give a five star—mostly because of my frustration and impatience to read the next book. I guess I’m a bit like a child throwing a tantrum wanting my candy now rather than later.

Tsk, tsk on the author for torturing me so! All I can say is that the next book better be worth the wait because I’m still itching to know what the world is going on!
View all my reviews|Read an Excerpt

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Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Learn more by visiting his website at http://www.KingArthur.org.uk

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher for being a Blink YA Street Team member. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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.”

Seasons of Tomorrow by Cindy Woodsmall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suggested Age: 12+
Genre: Christian, Amish Fiction

This book is exceptional. Cindy Woodsmall is never a disappointment. I have loved every single book I’ve ever read by her.

I was a little sad that this book wrapped up the Amish Vines and Orchards series because I really enjoyed the main character, Rhoda. I think I could have read a few more installments at least. She’s just so quirky but also has that sad and mysterious side to her that makes me feel protective of her even…can you feel protective of a book character? I hope so, because I can’t help how I feel!

I was very pleased with this book, even if my heart nearly stopped a couple of times out of fear and anticipation. Cindy definitely knows how to work my emotions! I suppose that is one reason I enjoy reading her books so much!

Rhoda is still feared by many of the Amish for her unique gift of insight. It doesn’t help that she’s also fallen in love with Samuel, choosing to let go of his brother, Jacob. It makes for a sticky situation and people are just so quick to judge.

Further, Leah is struggling with her faith and with her desire to commit to the Amish church and community. Of course, blame seems to fall back on Rhoda, even though she’s done nothing to encourage Leah to leave the faith.

In the midst of everything else going on, there’s also the little fact that Jacob is so very hurt and he feels betrayed by Rhoda and by Samuel. Rhoda and Samuel both struggle to know if they should deny each other their love out of respect for Jacob. A good part of this book is all about forgiveness and also with being able to look back on situations and in great wisdom know that things have worked out for the betterment of all the parties involved.

Amish Vines and Orchards is a unique story that will pull you in and make you fall hopelessly in love with each and every character. They are solid and very genuine characters that don’t feel like silly ole book characters. They feel real and for me…that’s a book that is a hit!
View all my reviews|Excerpt

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Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.
I received Seasons of Tomorrow as a complimentary gift in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books. I was not required to write a positive review. My comments and opinions are my own.