Blog Tour of Faces in the Window by Andrew Busch & Melinda Busch

 

About the Book

 

Book: Faces in the Window

Authors: Andrew Busch and Melinda Busch

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: October, 2022

Franz Maedler, an officer in the Wehrmacht, loses a leg in Stalingrad and is evacuated just before it becomes impossible to do so. He returns to a desk job with the Army General Staff in Berlin but is deeply conflicted. His father is committed to the Nazi cause, as seems to be his brother Friedrich. Yet his girlfriend Katrin is a devout Christian, as was his now-deceased mother, and his conscience is haunted by things he was a part of on the Eastern Front. He wants to marry Katrin, but she will not agree until he decides who he is and who he follows. Then, unexpectedly, a moment of crisis forces Franz to choose. Will he side with the cross or with the swastika? And what will it cost him?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Andrew and Melinda Busch were both born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, and were introduced in 1994 by their junior high school math teacher. They married in 1995 and have three grown children. They now live in Rialto, California.

Andrew teaches American government at Claremont McKenna College in southern California. He has authored or co-authored about two dozen books on American politics, government, and public policy. He received his Ph.D. in Government from the University of Virginia. Melinda is a freelance author who has published numerous short stories and children’s books. She received her Master’s degree in education from Concordia University-Portland. Faces in the Window is their first co-authored book.

More from Andrew and Melinda

We came up with the idea for our book after a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. in 2006, but didn’t start writing it until late 2019. The COVID lock-down gave us a lot of time at home to work on it.

Writing together was fun. Sometimes one of us would draft a section and the other one would revise it and then we would go back and forth until we were satisfied with it. Other times, when there was important dialogue, we would each pick a character, go onto Google Docs, and have the conversation in real time. We had to be sharp, since our characters often found themselves in a tight spot. Though we planned out the story, sometimes the conversations took on a life of their own, and things went in a different direction.

One of us is a poet and an author of children’s books, fantasy stories, and fan fiction, while the other is a professor who has written extensively about American government but has never before dipped his toe into the vasty depths of fiction. Together, we had a great time.

MY REVIEW

Faces in the Window had me turning the pages from the beginning. There is a lot of tension between the main characters due to activities relating to the war. With Hitler in power and the extermination of the Jewish population, Franz Maedler is conflicted. Serving as a Wehrmacht officer wounded in Stalingrad, his only concern now is for his girlfriend, Katrin, but she wants to wait to marry. Little does Franz know the true reason behind the delay.

The actions and descriptions of the countryside and vivid details of the war, made the story come alive. Well-researched with real characters with faults due to many harrowing circumstances. Keep the tissues handy. At times I held my breath waiting to see how things would turn out.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

               Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 17 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, January 18

Artistic Nobody, January 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Splashes of Joy, January 21 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, January 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

Guild Master, January 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 29 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

                Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Andrew and Melinda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/297c8/faces-in-the-window-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Tour of Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Loving Beth

Author: Bonnie Rose Ward

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Fiction

Release Date: June 8, 2023

A courageous woman, a bitter man, and God’s plan.

Times were hard after Beth McCullough’s father died in the Civil War, but she and her mother are getting by on their little farm outside Rosewood, West Virginia. The kindly banker holding the loan lets them pay what they can. Then Beth’s mother dies suddenly, and the banker’s arrogant son gives her only thirty days to pay her full debt. Beth is left alone and lonely and fears losing the only home she’s ever known. It would be nice to have someone in her life like Jacob, the handsome man who found her mother. Then to her horror, Beth discovers two small children who’ve been abandoned. It’s one more thing for her to worry about, but Beth has to keep faith in God’s ability to work miracles.

Although he has to travel to Baltimore to care for his ailing mother, Jacob Wallace can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he’d promised his late wife he’d never love again after her tragic death. After receiving a letter with terrible rumors about Beth, Jacob returns to Rosewood, angry, bitter, and disillusioned, more determined than ever to keep his vow to never love again. He’s right to close his heart against Beth.

As Beth struggles to protect the children and keep her farm, she’s also defending against Jacob’s unfounded suspicions. The danger escalates with an attack and threats to her life. But God moves in mysterious ways. Is there room in Jacob’s heart for a new love? Will they learn to trust each other and have faith in God’s plan to find their way together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Bonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie’s homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband’s familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love. Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie’s present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer’s persona. At her keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives. Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit’s trials, triumphs, and faith.

More from Bonnie

My husband, and I lived in the Alaskan wilderness for many years. We built cabins and lived off the land. While there, Sam shared stories about his ancestors—especially those of his spunky great grandmother, Easter Mullens. I was fascinated by her life. We eventually purchased my husband’s mother’s old homeplace nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, and together we built our home by hand, reminiscent of the cabins we built in Alaska. Living in the wilderness for fifteen years gave me the skills and understanding of how our forefathers and mothers’ must have lived in the 1800s. Sam often talked about his aunts foraging from the land—they knew what vegetation you could eat and what you couldn’t. I became enamored with these hardy, resilient mountain people and their stories.

I started to write Easter’s story as nonfiction, but my imagination took over and a fictional story grew from the fragments of her life and circumstances.

As you know, characters are typically a composite of people we know and characters we imagine, with a bit of ourselves sprinkled in there. Beth originally was a combination of Sam and my ancestors—at least, how I imagined them to be. As I worked with her, she took on a life of her own. Instead of simply being impressed by her courage, I realized how vulnerable she is. I also realized that being so young, she is going to make mistakes a more mature person wouldn’t. But I think her driving characteristic is her spunk. She does what she has to do to survive in a harsh world and to protect those she loves.

Jacob is a decent man whose devotion to his departed wife leaves no room for another. He has to come to terms not just with his wife’s death, but with what is expected from him as he puts the pieces of his life back together. Most importantly, he must realize his harshest expectations are those he has cast upon himself—and that his stubbornness is destroying not only his own happiness, but the happiness of those he loves.

Faith, love, and determination are the main themes of the book. Faith has been so important in my own life and got me through so much when we lived in the Alaskan wilderness. Therefore, I wanted to illustrate the role faith played in the lives of Beth and Jacob. Love comes in so many different forms, and I wanted to explore the different types of love. There’s the love between a man and a woman; the love between parents and children—even if they are not biologically related; and, of course, the love that grows from relying on good neighbors and friends. Determination is what allows us to survive the unsurvivable. Without the determination that seeds in our guts and grows to see us through the worst times of our lives, we would not succeed. Of course, determination can also work against us. When we stubbornly adhere to principles that are no longer relevant, our determination cause much more harm than good.

MY REVIEW

Loving Beth is a wonderfully written story filled with some heartbreaking moments, but has tender loving times also. The character of Beth is my favorite. She is incredibly courageous and is such an inspiration. The community in the small town where she lives looks out for each other.

The story kept me engaged from the first chapter and wondering what would happen next.

It's a very loving, romantic story but not without times when the main characters would need to have strong faith. I loved the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

                      Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13

Bizwings Book Blog, January 14

Exploring the Written Word, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

lakesidelivingsite, January 16

Madi’s Musings, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, January 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Pause for Tales, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

For Him and My Family, January 25

Books I’ve Read, January 26

Connie’s History Classroom, January 26

                    Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bonnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2979d/loving-beth-celebration-tour-giveaway

New Release, New Series- Double Take by Lynette Eason

ABOUT THE BOOK

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

To Purchase on Amazon

MY REVIEW

Lainie is witty, has regular faults plus dealing with PTSD from an abusive situation that ended badly. Along with her childhood crush, James, he tries to keep her safe. Protection as a cop stretches him to his limit in this tale of phenomenal proportions.

The suspense had me on the edge of my seat through the entire story and I was barely able to take a breath before something else blindsided me. Double Take is a story not to be missed. It was non-stop action from the beginning.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive is not required and all opinions are my own.

Review of New Release - The Road Home by Carol J. Post

 

She was just one of the guys…everybody’s friend but nobody’s girlfriend.

When his father has a stroke, bad-boy Kyle Worthington drags himself back to Murphy, North Carolina, where his one-time best friend accused him of starting the fire that left her scarred. Though he sees the accusation in everyone’s eyes, he’ll be there for his mother, but he has no intention of visiting his harsh, demanding father…or renewing the relationship he once had with his former best friend .In spite of Kyle’s denials, Samantha Atkinson knows what she saw, and nothing will convince her otherwise.

 As circumstances force them together, they struggle their way back to a tentative friendship. Although Samantha has always been attracted to Kyle, she doesn’t have any delusions. She’s seen the kind of women he dates, and she’s not it. oon, Sam finds what she has wholeheartedly believed cast in doubt, and Kyle has to take a hard look at his priorities. Together, they just might learn that home really is where the heart is—a place of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation…and love.

Purchase from Amazon

MY REVIEW

Kyle Worthington returns home to Murphy after being gone for years. His dad had a stroke and he came to help out his mother. Samantha, a long-time friend who owns her own rafting company, and also takes care of his dad's hardware store, is surprised to see him back. Their friendship is strained due to a barn fire at Samanta's family home.

I loved the story and it had me engaged from the beginning. The main characters were well-fleshed out with many layers and I soon found myself rooting for them. The descriptions of the town and the locals made me feel as though I was there. Some of the characters made me laugh at their witty banter.

The story is fast-paced with a budding romance and a "who done it" that didn't surface until almost the end. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required

New Release Today- Buried Grave Secrets by Darlene Turner

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Standing guard…with threats on all sides.

When bones are found at an unmarked grave site—and then shots are fired—forensic anthropologist Jordyn Miller knows someone wants old secrets to remain buried. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth about these suspicious deaths, including accepting the protection of her ex-boyfriend, Constable Colt Peters, and his K-9. But with targets on their backs, can Jordyn stay alive long enough to bring a serial killer to justice?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Crisis Rescue Team

Book 1: Fatal Forensic Investigation
Book 2: Explosive Christmas Showdown
Book 3: Mountain Abduction Rescue
Book 4: Buried Grave Secrets
Book 5: Yukon Wilderness Evidence

Purchase on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning, best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. 

Be sure to follow her on BookBub https://bit.ly/33TYIS2 

MY REVIEW

Dr. Jordyn Miller, a forensic anthropologist, finds herself at Charock Cemetary to examine bones at an unmarked grave. Constable Colt Peters is sent by Jordyn's father to protect her while investigating.

There are a lot of twists and turns in the story. You will find yourself trying to figure out who the threat to Jordyn is and if they are related to the unmarked graves. It's an edge-of-your-seat action and suspense that will leave you breathless as danger after danger takes place.

This is one of the best stories with just the right amount of everything. Another great read with inspiring characters that will hook you at the beginning. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour- The Marine's Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Marine's Deadly Reunion by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Marine's Deadly Reunion
Series: The Protectors
Author: Loretta Eidson
Publisher: Inspirational The Protectors Collection (Love Inspired)
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

To keep a child safe  

They must outrun a killer… 

When Sergeant Daria Gordon saves US Marine Jake Fisher and his baby niece from an attacker, she instantly puts a target on her own back. Someone murdered Jake’s sister and now they want Jake and Daria dead. To survive, Jake and Daria must discover this ruthless killer’s identity. But can they uncover the truth and keep the baby safe…before the killer finds them?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

This story had me engrossed from the beginning. Daria and Jake are reunited after a long while. They were childhood friends and now she is a cop and Jake just retired from active duty. Due to circumstances, Jake is taking care of his eighteen-month-old niece, Emma, and is out of his comfort zone.

The intense, fast-paced inspirational romance has non-stop action. There are lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, I was blindsided.

The main characters were real with lots of layers and I liked them from the beginning. Emma was adorable. Another great read with an exciting storyline, sweet romance, and a great ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly chose to review it.

Also Available

 

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About the Author

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her four children, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grands. Her love of reading began during the required library time in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels before she moved on to suspense author Frank Peretti. She left her eighteen-year administrative assistant position at her church to pursue the dream of writing inspirational romantic suspense. She has multiple short stories in anthologies, but her heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $50 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 25, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher- Sepulcher Candles!! A Prayerful Gift that Touches the Heart!

 

ABOUT THE CHURCH OF HOLY SEPULCHRE

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is notable for many reasons: The church is located on sites of key importance to Christendom—the crucifixion, the tomb where Jesus was buried, and the site of the resurrection. Inside the church, one will see the stone slab upon which the body of Jesus was laid (the stone of anointing), Jesus’ burial chamber, and numerous rooms for prayer, reflection, candle lighting, and worship. Biblical Archeology notes 48 rooms or areas of special interest inside the historic church.

Would you like the chance to have prayers said on your behalf while lighting a candle in the Holy Land?  What a beautiful and meaningful gift to give this year, your loved ones can send in their own prayers to be said and lit with a candle in the Holy Sepulcher.  It's a great last-minute gift in the form of a gift certificate. 

To Purchase & More Information

https://bit.ly/LightaCandleinJerusalem

Top Gifts

Light a Candle - https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/light-a-candle

7 Day Prayer candle: https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/light-a-candle-for-a-week

Light a candle and have it returned to you in an olive wood box: https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/give-the-gift-of-light

I took this chance to say a prayer for my loved ones and was touched when I received my photos. I would like to share them with you.

Home from the Storm Blog & Review Tour by Laurel Blount

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Home from the Storm
Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance #4
Author: Laurel Blount
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: December 26, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romance Amish

In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had. 

After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. 

Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. 

Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

I enjoy reading Amish fiction for many reasons, and Home from the Storm brought them all together. There are lots of family issues, struggles with faith, and of course the big one: Forgiveness.

The characters are so interesting. It was nice to read about them struggling with the normal things that we all do, making us somewhat alike. Of course, their lifestyle is quite different.

I'm hoping to read more by Laurel Blount. She weaves amazing stories of the Amish everyday life, plus tension from family circumstances and suspense. I love the faith, hope, and joy that runs through her chapters making the story come alive.

I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.

More Books In This Series

   

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About the Author

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart! She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

An enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.  

Home from the Storm is Laurel’s twelfth book—and more stories are in the works! Stay tuned!

Connect with Laurel by visiting laurelblountbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of Shelter in the Storm, Strength in the Storm and Courage in the Storm plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 11, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 18, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

New Release- "Twelfth Cake House" by Heidi Eljarbo

 

Even a clever matchmaker may need a push in the right direction if she’s to find true love. When she’s asked to find a match for herself, it proves to be the most difficult task she’s ever undertaken.

Mid-December 1796.

Sixty-year-old spinster Miss Jemima Thurgood has three weeks to finish the preparations for her annual Twelfth Night party. In her position as a matchmaker, for over forty years she has assumed a grave responsibility. Luckily, she’s a shrewd observer of people, and many happy reunions have come about due to her exceptional talent for nudging kindred hearts in the right direction.

Every year, Jemima invites twelve carefully selected men and women to her festivity, and each guest is assigned a dinner partner. The days before the merrymaking are constantly disrupted by one unforeseen event after another. Jemima must work hard to be ready in time, and more importantly, to provide the kind of celebration her chosen guests deserve.

But this year, what Jemima doesn’t know is that her life is about to take a sudden change of course—one she could not have predicted or planned for. As the days pass, several gentlemen indicate they are interested in becoming better acquainted with her, but only a very special man can charm a matchmaker.

A sweet romance novella set during a witty and enchanting Georgian-Era Christmas, Twelfth Cake House is a story about traditions, goodwill, and finding hope and the courage to change and take a chance on finding true love.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJTSPKF

My Review

The Twelfth Cake House is a beautiful and magical story of the Twelfth Cake House annual party hosted by Jemima Thurgood. A matchmaker and baker, known by the village plans her annual party, bringing together her couples for the season, hoping they will be a match. This year she is in for a surprise.

I loved Jemima's character. Witty, always thinking outside the box, and willing to help the needy. Twelfth Cake House is a sweet, and unique story that almost reads like a fairytale.

Heidi is one of my favorite authors and never fails to entertain with engaging characters within a wonderful setting. Highly recommended. I received an ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.