Book Review - The Key to Love by Betsy St. Amant

  

 

Bri Duval loves baking and all things about romance. She created her own version of the famous Parisian love-lock wall at her local bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expected that her pet project would become a viral hit. The Trek Magazine sends a travel writer, Gerard Fortier, to write a feature on the bakery. 

Gerard has been burned by love and has no interest in romance. However, when he meets Bri, maybe he will be able to change his mind about romance. Bri wants an epic love story like her parents had and doesn't want to get involved with Gerard, even if he is handsome. 

Just when everything seems to be going perfect, Bri is hit with a series of devastating events that threaten her livelihood and her parents' legacy. She begins to wonder if Gerard's idea of romance might be the right idea after all. Will Bri and Gerard be able to find their happy ending?

I thought the novel was an okay read. It was very slow during some parts of the book. I wasn't fond of the two main characters. I felt like they were both to self absorbed and caught up in their own wants. For example, Bri was so dead set on keeping the bakery she didn't even consider how her two elderly benefactors felt. She had the future of the bakery planned out like she owned it. I hated when Gerard called Bri, "Cupcake", it felt so indigenous and forced. The novel had one unexpected twist and that was its only redeeming quality of this novel. 

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff

Photo Credit - Amazon

Noa was sixteen years old when she cast out in disgrace from her family's home after becoming pregnant by a Nazi soldier. With nowhere to go and barely any possessions, she heads to the city to a shelter where her baby will be given to a family in need. After delivering her child, she has to leave the shelter to locate a job to support herself. She finds employment at a small rail station where she cleans and lives in a small utility closet. However, one faithful night, Noa stumbles upon a boxcar containing several Jewish infants who are bound for a concentration camp. She is unsure what to do, but one infant catches her attention, he reminds me her of her own beloved child she had to give up. She steals the child and seeks refugee, but fears the German soldiers would locate her and the child. Noa escapes into the forest under the protection of the snowy night, but with her meager clothing and provisions; her journey ends abruptly. When she recovers, she finds a safe haven among a traveling German circus, where she must learn the flying trapeze act to blend in and to earn her keep.

Astrid is the lead aerialist of the German circus and she doesn't believe Noa has the skills necessary to learn the act. Whether it is because of jealousy or Astrid's past, she has a hard time warming up to Noa even though she is Noa's only lifeline and flying trapeze instructor. However, slowly Astrid warms up to Noa but is unable to trust Noa. Will Noa's secret destroy their friendship? Will their friendship be able to help them survive?

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be about an abandoned child who conquers the world against all odds. Then I read the summary, it seemed interesting as a beach read or maybe something to read while commuting. However, I am ashamed of myself for putting down one of the most heart warming and interesting books I read this season. The dual narrated novel captivated my heart and I couldn't help rooting for Noa's and Astrid's friendship. I wish every single human on this planet had a person like Astrid and Noa in their lives.They truly define what it means for someone to be a friend. There were times, that the two characters did act a bit petty and I found Noa's secret to be an "insignificant" (for a lack of better words), compared to Astrid's own life, but I can't judge because I don't know what it feels like to live during that horrendous time. Perhaps, if I was in Astrid's shoes and I found someone I liked during a time of uncertainty, but I felt they weren't being completely honest, but I would also behave like a "high school" girl. I think one of the reasons why, some readers might think it felt like a "high school" cliche is because maybe Noa and Astrid never really had strong female friendships. Noa seemed to be secluded in her small village and Astrid focused mostly on her career and none of the other performers in the circus seem to like her much either.  Speaking from my own high school female friendship, I also had petty moments and moments of fiercely protecting my friend. Personally speaking apart from minor "She hates me!" moments, I found the book very enjoyable and I look forward to reading other works by the author.

L'oreal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer

Photo Source - Walgreens

I rarely use primer but I read many rave reviews about this primer and I thought I should give it a try. It gave a nice healthy subtle glow and gave my face a smoother texture because of the light refracting particles or Byron according to the labels/ads.  My makeup did last a bit longer but it didn’t give the same drastic results from the ads in their magazines.  Although, most of the marketing ads for cosmetics should be taken with a grain of salt, since it is very hard to duplicate the same results. While I did like the soft glow, it didn’t notice that much of an improvement in my skin [although, other people noticed it]. I would probably save it for special occasions and/or when I wear the “natural makeup” look.

Kusmi Tea Paris: Be Cool and Sweet Love

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

Teas have touted many health benefits and have long been treasured by people for centuries. They are packed with antioxidants, contain less caffeine than coffee, boost metabolism and nourish your body. Tea is such a powerful tool that it has even been incorporated into many beauty regime through beauty products.

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

I  recently came across this brand in Dean and Deluca. The brand's exquisitely designed tins caught my attention. The muslin tea bags were quite a treat. The Be Cool had notes of licorice, rose hip, verbena and peppermint. It has a mild taste and smells of sweet mint.  The caffeine free blend is a perfect way to unwind after a long day of work.

Photo Credit: us.kusmitea.com

As Sappho once said "Love -- bittersweet, irrepressible -- loosens my limbs and I tremble". This tea has a spicy smell with a bittersweet taste like love itself. This black tea is blended with liquorice root, guarana seed, pink pepper and ginseng. While the website claim that "Ginseng and guarana bring you energy and vitality, spices aid digestion, and  liquorice delivers a smooth taste", but I don't really notice any difference. I just love this tea because it is a break from my regular black tea. One thing I love about Kuszmi tea bags is that they have vital information how to brew a perfect cup right on the tag itself. It displays the perfect temperature for the water and how long the tea needs to be brewed for, how convenient is that? So what are you waiting for, go get that bestseller brew yourself a nice cup of tea and get the destressing! -Andrea