Book Review - Beautiful Bad by Annie Ward

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maddie and Ian met during a chance encounter overseas. He served as a bodyguard while Maddie was a travel writer visiting her best friend, Jo. After a few ups and downs, Maddie and Ian get married and have a son, Charlie. They are living the American dream. During a family camping trip, Maddie endured a horrifying accident leaving her badly scarred and unable to remember the accident. Maddie begins writing therapy with a therapist to help her remember and find the cause of her anxiety.

The novel alternates between the past, present, and "The Day of the Killing". The novel was a good read but towards halfway into the book, I lost interest. I found it hard to like any of the characters or empathize with them. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. Overall, the book was a decent read but, the ending was a complete disappointment. I felt like the ending was rushed and confusing.

**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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Start Where You Are Note Cards by Meera Lee Patel

Photo Source - Amazon

Tucked away in a beautiful sturdy keepsake box houses 12 beautifully decorated cards and envelopes. Each of the twelve gorgeous  illustrated card has a different quote illustrated by the self taught Brooklyn based Meera Lee Patel. The cards are perfect for any occasion and can be used as hostess gift or kept to be shared with others.  I gave a few cards away and they were a hit and the others I am saving to be framed. My only qualm is a few cards were very simple but would be perfect for those who don't like overly intricate designs.

**Disclosure - I received a free sample of this product in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Of Stillness and Storm by Michele Phoenix

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lauren and her husband, Sam took ten years to achieve their dream of visiting remote regions of Nepal to spread the word of their ministry. Sam and Lauren have a unique situation; Sam travels to the Himalayas for three weeks each month for his life calling. While, Lauren and their 13 year old son, Ryan stays behind continuing life without Sam. Both Lauren and Ryan miss the states and find it hard to cope with their current poverty living situation. They feel that their life is unfulfilled and filled with isolation. Their life gets more challenging when someone from Lauren's past reaches out to her. This further fueling the tension between Lauren, Sam and Ryan. How will Lauren, Sam and Ryan be able to cope with their current situation? What happens when one person's loyalty is divided and it becomes life or death?

A heartbreaking novel of a women who is trying to do good by everyone. She is being pulled by her husband to follow what seems like his destiny and make it hers as well. She notices  her once happy go lucky son is now sullen and keeps to himself . While, her good friend now suffers from a disease that can end his life and wants to amend and reconnect. Lauren struggles to make the correct decision and in the end, she realizes that she should have done it the first place but unfortunately, that decision didn't come without many dire consequences. This beautifully written novel leaves the reader fighting for Lauren and her family. 

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

Book Review - The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe

Photo Credit - Amazon

** May Contain Spoilers **

The poor daughter of a  mosaic layer, she was destined for a live of poverty. When her father passed, she moves in with her aunt and uncle who hopes for a better life for her. She comes across Augustine a brilliant scholar, who she falls in love with. While Augustine was born in a higher social class it seems their love was doom from the beginning. Will their love be strong enough to keep them together?

The beautifully crafted novel shows how two people who are in madly in love with each other try to fight the odds for their love for each other. Her story may have been forgotten in time but her love for her husband and child would stand through test of time. A bittersweet tale of putting your love for someone above yourself and watching everything you have become lost. (P.S. Read with a box of tissues nearby because you will find yourself crying and ask "How can one person bear so much?")

-Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book for my honest opinion-