Book Review - The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Susan Combs lives the simple life. She doesn't want to leave her small town. She prefers staying at home to take care of her sick father. Susan is also in love with the boy next door. However, Calder Hurtz has big aspirations and dreams. He wants more than the simple life. When Susan accidentally hears a conservation between Calder and another boy, and her life is changed forever.

The summary of the book was interesting but I had a hard time getting into the book. I found the story a bit slow. I also had a bit of trouble understanding some of Susan's personality.  I didn't like that Susan actually had an inheritance but kind of used the Hurtzez' generosity. I also found her to be stubborn and expected people to help her. For example, she wanted Calder to help with her ailing father but he doesn't get a say on anything. She also likes Calder but when he showed her that he liked her, she started crying and made him apologize. And when he finally told her straight out, she said she couldn't trust him while she has been keeping secrets herself. Personally speaking, I didn't really like Susan and I felt like that made me enjoy the book a little less.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy in  exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: The Simple Soul of Susan
Author: Noel Branham
Genre: Romance, YA, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary
Release Date: October 11, 2017
Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found. Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip. But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal. Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

About the Author

 

Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An award-winning communicator, she now writes from her residence in Florida about things closest to the heart: home, family, and love.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Noel giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
First & Second Place Prize: eBook copy of the Simple Soul of Susan!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee4/the-simple-soul-of-susan-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Honest Company Purely Simple Lip Balm

This lip balm is originally sold in a pack of three with two other flavors but I am not sure if this is from the pack I bought or the one I got from my Glossybox subscription. It could be very be the one I tried from the subscription and then bought the lip balm set. Why am I bringing this up, frankly I have no idea...haha! Moving on, the lip balm went on like butter and left my lips soft and smooth. I didn’t notice a scent or taste to the lip balm. Which is good because I have a tendency of licking off my lip balm, especially those Strawberry Lip Smackers [*sigh*].  I did like how the ingredients list was all natural and easy to read. So, even if I did “accidentally” manage to taste a bit, I don’t have to worry about it. If you are a fan of Burt’s Bees Lip Balms, you should definitely give this a try.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

I usually keep a container of facial wipes everywhere. You can use them in so many different ways from refreshing your skin to removing makeup. I usually use facial wipes when I am too lazy to use my Clarisonic brush before bed [ which is a happening a lot more lately ] .  I have used many different brands and types of facial wipes and this one is one of my favorites. It is gentle, chemical and fragrance free and vitamin b5 enriched. When I first open the packet, the fresh scent of the wipes floated into the air. The wipes themselves felt a bit dry and I was a bit concerned I would have to use two wipes for my face. Boy, was I wrong! One wipe cleaned and moisturized my entire face and it was still damp enough for me to use on my neck and chest. It also managed to remove my waterproof mascara with one swipe.  It left my skin feeling soft and smooth.