Book Review: The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman

Being a native North Carolinian, I'm always interested in books set with my home state as the backdrop. So I was excited to get the chance to review The Pirate Queen by Patricia Hickman.

Saphora Warren stayed married to her womanizing spouse "for the children". However, after the kids are grown, she has had enough of his cheating and decides to leave him and their affluent lifestyle. Her plan is to let Bender remain on the affluent estate overlooking Lake Norman where they just did a shoot for Southern Living magazine; she will move to their old bungalow "Oriental" on the Outer Banks.

She agrees to stay with him, however, after he tells her he is dying. Saphora is a nurturing person, although some call her "codependent" for not just leaving her philandering cancer stricken husband after all he's put her through. Saphora finds faith, hope, and love in the midst of loss. The Pirate Queen is a rich story of forgiveness and grace.

About the author: Patricia Hickman, author of acclaimed novel Painted Dresses, is an award-winner, speaker and humorist who has won two Silver Angel Awards for Excellence in Media as well as a Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Gold Award for her novel Katrina’s Wings. Patricia holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Queens University and enjoys biking, hiking, and mapping out the Southern towns where her novels are set.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Firestorm

Firestorm is book 6 in the Refuge series by Lisa Tawn Bergren, but you will enjoy this one whether you've read the others or not.

The book is characterized as "Christian Fiction" but isn't as cheesy as some others in this genre that I have read. Reyne and Logan are fire-jumpers. After a bad experience with a jump, Reyne distances herself from the front lines. Then she meets Logan, another jumper. Reyne then finds herself dealing with the question of whether she wants to "jump" back into the fire - figuratively and literally. :) It was an enjoyable, easy read.

Author bio: Lisa Tawn Bergren

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Review: Arm and Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot Kit

I love being able to try new products to share with my readers! I'm also SO glad I discovered Neti pots a few years ago - they are so much more effective and safer than OTC and prescription drugs! Thanks to Smiley360, I was able to try out the new Arm and Hammer Simply Saline ™ Neti Pot Kit. Since I suffer with allergies and this North Carolina weather - which can change by the minute - this is a perfect product for me!

The Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot Kit naturally eases nasal dryness and helps clear congestion associated with colds and allergies. It is very simple to use and leaves you breathing clear and refreshed!

Unlike many other neti pots, the Simply Saline from Arm & Hammer has a unique cap which uses a patent-pending venting technology to prevent leaks. The other neti pots I've used never failed to drip and dribble when I used them. Who needs another mess to clean up, especially when you aren't feeling well!

• Simply Saline™ Neti Pot Kit is ideal for flushing out nasal mucus and allergens.
• Simply Saline™ Neti-Pot solution is made with salt and real ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda to help prevent burning and stinging.
• Flushes dust and irritants from nasal passages
• Balanced pH regardless of water-type (filtered, distilled, tap water)
• Ergonomic design is comfortable to use and hold
• Cap has a unique, patent-pending venting technology to help with preventing leaks
• Translucent pot with visible fill line aids in preparing correct amount
• Drug-free; use as often as needed
• For use alone or with cold or allergy medicine

You can pickup the Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Neti Pot for only $14.99 at most retailers (check your local drug and big-box stores).

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If you are not a member of Smiley360 and want a chance to try full sized products, you can sign up here! I love Smily360 since I have a chance at trying new products (before anyone else!), providing feedback based on my experience(s) with their products, and learning about new and interesting products that might appeal to my family or friends!

Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation in order to post this review.

I did receive a product in order to compose an honest and accurate review based on my experience with the product.

Oh, those Hazy Days...

I am very pleased to let my readers know about a local business in my little hometown that offers special one-of-a-kind jewelry, hand-beaded serving utensils, collaging, tree ornaments and even creative writing and editing services! Hazy Days Creative Company is a "celebration of the imagination!" and founded by my sweet friend, Hannah.

I have several dearly loved pieces that I have ordered from Hazy Days, and they are some of my favorite pieces of jewelry and get more compliments than anything I've every purchased from a retail store! I am placing a custom order soon for my daughter's wedding cake utensils and a special mother/daughter gift for her big day later this year. (oh, now I'm tearing up again thinking about that. Let me get back to the topic here...)

Here's what Hannah has to say about how Hazy Days came to be:

"The word “company” was specifically chosen so that Hazy Days could encompass all things creative. Jewelry is one outlet for my creative energy, but my passion (and educational background) includes the written word. Additionally, I have over five years of experience as a college English instructor. Words, writing, literature…these are my keywords!"

Hazy Days newest line of jewelry is Printemps: A Collection for Little Girls. These are the sweetest little keepsakes that any girl would be honored to say is her own! They are all one-of-a-kind, just like the special girl in your life.

This collection is sized and designed for the younger set. Each piece is handcrafted with soft, lightweight beads in delicate colours. The inspiration comes from special occasions in the spring and summer: Easter Sunday, a summer wedding or a milestone in a young girl’s life, like preschool or Kindergarten graduation. This collection is available through Spring/Summer 2011 by special order.

To place your order, email: hazydayscc@gmail.com

To see other beautiful items available, visit Hazy Days Creative Company online and browse the gallery of most recent collections:

• Writing and Editing Services
• Printemps: A Collection for Little Girls
• Valentine’s Collection 2011
• Collaging
• Christmas 2010 Classic Collection

To place a custom order, email: hazydayscc@gmail.com