Skinfix Lip Repair Balm

The lip balm promises to hydrate and restore dry lips. The flavor and fragrance free lip balm is packed with coconut and jojoba oil to keep lips hydrated and supple. It is free of gluten, parabens and phthalates.  The balm went on smoothly but left my skin a bit greasy. However, I found myself constantly reapplying as my skin felt dry throughout the day.

Cargo Cosmetics Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Nude

The oil free SPF 20 moisturizer is infused with botanical complex to protect skin from harmful UV rays. The creamy water resistant moisturizer provides a sheer coverage and leaves skin looking luminous and natural. The lightweight moisturizer left my skin feeling soft and cover up small imperfection. However, I didn't find it provide enough hydration to my skin.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream for Sensitive Skin

The dermatologist recommended cream is free from most common chemical irritants. The unscented (I wasn’t able to smell much of anything) goes on smoothly and was absorbed quickly. However, I found constantly re-applying lotion throughout the day. Perfect for people with sensitive skin, everyone else there is something better out there.

Book Review - Nourishing Meals: 365 Whole Foods, Allergy-Free Recipes for Healing Your Family One Meal at a Time by Alissa Segersten and Tom Malterre, MS, CN

Photo Credit - Amazon

A family friendly cookbook geared towards raising a healthy family. The recipe book contains 365 whole food, allergy free (such as gluten, dairy, and soy) recipes. The book contains chapters on "why to choose whole foods" and discussing the rise of food allergies. Each recipe chapter is broken out by the type of meal - smoothies, beverages,  snacks and treats, desserts, main meals, soups, and stews. The recipes do not list calories and nutritional information for anyone following a doctor specified diet. There are several whole pages of gorgeous photos and recommendations for specific products. A must have for anyone who has allergies or wishes to eat a "whole food" diet!

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

Book Review - An Amish Family Christmas: A Charmed Amish Life Christmas Novel by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit - Amazon

The fourth book in Shelley Shepard Gary's Charmed Amish Life series is about two unlikely people who weren't looking for love but found it anyways. Levi Kinsinger recently returned to Charm, Ohio after trying to find himself when his beloved father perished in a tragic factory fire.  Julia Kemp is a single mother who is on the run from a dangerous past. With both Levi and Julia running from their past, will they be able to learn to let go and trust each other?

A cozy read for anyone who is a fan of Amish love romance. The novel was a very quick and fun read. However, there wasn't much of a story and seemed more like a fluff novel and a bit boring towards the middle of the book. This is the final book in the Charm Amish Life series but each book can be read separately. 

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

Book Review - Dear Mr. M by Herman Koch and Sam Garrett

Photo Source - Amazon

Mr. M was once an celebrated international bestselling writer but that was a few years ago. His book was about a real life disappearance of a history teacher who was having an affair with his young student.  His timid neighbor seems to stalking his wife and him while keeping track of everything they do. The story is told from alternating points of view from multiple characters with each a secret to hide. The story depicts an writer in decline, a teacher couple in love and a missing teacher  along with how their faiths are all entangled with each other.

The story was very interesting with many twists and turns. The writing style took a bit to understand but once you get into the story it is hard to put down in the beginning. However, towards the middle of the 400 page Goliath, the story was a bit boring and seemed redundant.  I couldn't wait to put this book in my "donate" pile. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Book Review - Christian's Hope (Return to Northkill #3) by Ervin R. Stutzman

Photo Credit - Amazon

Christian Hochstetler returns home to his Amish family after spending the last seven years in captivity among Native Americans. As being captured as a child, Christian spent most of his life among his captors who taught him their ways and treated him like family. As Christian tried to settle back into his old Amish life of farming, he realizes he misses his adoptive family. He struggles to decide whether he should stay with his Amish or Native American family. Will Christian be able to join the Amish like his father wants? Will he able to give up his old Native American ways?

I have not read the other books in the series but it seems each book can be read as a standalone novel.  The historical novel is based on a true story which made it very interesting to read. However, it seemed to take Christian a very long time to decide what he wanted to do and it made the book very boring in the middle.  A decent read but I am in no rush to read the other novels in the series.

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

Book Review - A Sister's Wish (The Charmed Amish Life, #3) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Source - Amazon

"A Sister's Wish", is the third book in Shelley Shepard Gray's Charmed Amish Life series. The story starts off with two childhood friends who see each other before one of them runs away from home.  Amelia Kinsinger is from a tight knitted family who values strong family traditions.  Simon Hochstetler is from an abusive home and after following the wrong crowd ends up in prison. Both Simon and Amelia have loved each other for years but they are from different backgrounds. With Simon's past haunting him, will they be able to make a future together?

The book was an fun, quick, and interesting read. The novel offered an glimpse into two young adults lives and if they are able to let go of the past for the one they love. It also showed how to forgive and forget about the past while still learning from it. Although, the novel felt a bit fluffy and no major plot or twist occurring. A very cozy read if you love Amish novels.

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

Stila All Over Shimmer Liquid Luminizer - Kitten Shimmer

Stila's liquid luminizer is touted as a lightweight skin enhancing liquid that adds luster and accentuates the skin.  It contains soft focus pigments which help reduce the appearance of fine lines along with skin imperfections. It is enriched with grape seed oil to nourish and condition the skin with the powerful antioxidant.  The formula is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, or triclosan. I found the deluxe brush to be quite annoying and ineffective to use. The pale gold shimmer goes on a bit too "whitish" for me and even with a lot of blending looks "fake" on my skin. I tried mixing a bit of it with my daily lotion and it gives me a slight shimmer sheen which looks nice,

Book Review - The Tea Planter's Wife: A Novel by Dinah Jefferies

Photo Credit - Amazon

The international bestselling historical fiction novel takes place in 1920s Ceylon. Gwen is a young Englishwoman who is smitten by Laurence, an older tea plantation owner and widower. As the two of them settle down in Ceylon, Gwen discovers Laurence is keeping deep secrets about his past including what happened to his first wife. Will Gwen find out the truth before it is is to late?

The novel is an interesting and vividly detailed read. You can't help but root for Gwen and Laurence to find their happy ever after. A great read for a rainy day but can be a bit slow at times.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Book Review - The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Andersen

Photo Credit - Amazon

A tragic tale of greed and unhappiness with updated illustrations from Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka. The little fir tree is sad that he is short and rabbits jump over him. Unfortunately, the little fir tree grows bigger until he becomes a Christmas tree and life is not what he hopes for. A short tale of learning to enjoy the moment and appreciating what you are given in life.

The rich forest green cloth bound novel is embellished gold foil. A perfect tale for the holiday season for both children and adults.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book**

Book Review - The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

Photo Credit - Amazon

The whimsical tale is about  two best friends who live next door to each other. One day, the boy becomes cursed and is unable to see goodness in the world. He is kidnapped by the Snow Queen who keeps him prisoner in her ice palace. The little girl goes on the journey to free her friend's cold heart. Will the little girl be able to save her friend? Will the two friends be able to reunite?

As a child, my favorite stories were "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling". When I saw they were releasing a beautiful illustrated copy of the book, I knew I had to get my hands on it. The book was a quick hour read but was very fun and engaging. The artwork took the story to new level.  While, some parts might not be suitable for young readers, I can see how it can be a childhood favorite.

**Disclosure -  I received a free copy of this book*

Book Review - The Storybook Knight by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty

Photo Credit - Amazon

Little Leo is the gentle knight who rather reads than fight.  When a dragon attacks a city, Leo's mom and dad call upon the tiny hero to help save the day. Leo sets off on his journey with his shield, sword and stack of his favorite books. Along the way, Leo encounters terrifying creatures. Will Leo be able to save the city?

A cute and lovable story with amazing illustrations. When reading this to my nephews, they couldn't wait to see what happens next and then immediately wanted me to read the entire book again! A fun read for any youngster but especially fun for those who love reading and fantasy characters.

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

Storybook Knight landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/the-storybook-knight-join/   

Download an activity kit: http://books.sourcebooks.com/the-storybook-knight/

Author Links:

Thomas Docherty: www.thomasdocherty.co.uk

Twitter: @TDIllustration

Helen Docherty: www.helendocherty.com

Twitter: @docherty_helen

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Book Review - Max at Night by Ed Vere + Giveaway!

Photo Credit - Amazon

A cute story about a little black kitten who is about to go to sleep but can't find his beloved moon to say good night.  Max has many nighttime rituals before going to bed; brushing his teeth, drinking milk and saying good night to the moon. However, tonight Max can't find his moon and goes on a journey to find the moon. Will Max be able to find the moon?

A darling book with gorgeous illustrations. A great addition to your little ones' bookshelves and it teaches about bedtime rituals. My nephews enjoyed reading along to this!

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

Max at Night landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxatnight/

Download the activity kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4ZhGcf82dneVdyYlBJUzdNMUk/view?pref=2&pli=1 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.edvere.com/

Twitter: @ed_vere

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_vere/

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Book Review - Starving Hearts (Triangular Trade Trilogy, #1) by Janine Mendenhall

Photo credit - Amazon

While attending a family social event, Annette Chetwyn was assaulted and suffers  nightmares from the attack. She was saved by a mysterious man who she is unable to find or remember who he is.  Annette's mother is determined for her daughter to find a husband even though Annette would rather marry for love.  Peter Adsley is the second heir to the family fortune and in turn would have to find his fortune elsewhere. However, he decides to join the clergy and seeks a wife to provide companionship.  Will Annette and Peter be able to find love? Will their faith in God be restored?

The book had an interesting story line and kept you guessing until the very end. The story was filled with historical themes while fusing elements of mystery, romance and intrigue.  However, towards the middle of the book I found Annette and Peter to quite annoying and tiresome. A good book if you like stories around this time period but it just wasn't for me.

**Disclosure - I received a copy of this in box in exchange for my honest opinion**

Book Review - Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Photo Credit - Amazon

Charlotte Davis ("Charlie") may look like an average seventeen year old but she has experienced more pain and heartache than some people twice her age has. She has lost her father and best friend while was "abandoned" by her mother who couldn't deal with the lost of her husband. Charlie learns to deal with the pain with the best way she knows how. With each cut, she tries to forget the pain and hurt but with each cut it adds a new dimension of pain and hurt. Will Charlie be able to forget the past and move on? Will Charlie be able to be happy?

The novel is a deeply heartbreaking, honest, raw and an engaging read. Once, I picked up the book I found it hard to put it down. Charlie's character is dynamic and realistic that is hard not to root for her. The novel was emotionally draining at points especially for so "many bad things" to happen to Charlie. As a reader, you feel for her; you want to take her up in your arms and tell her everything will be okay. A highly recommended book for any YA fan or anyone who has ever felt "lost" in life. 

A small side note, the novel does have graphic and sexual language. 

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

Book Review - Pop Manga Coloring Book by Camilla d'Errico

Photo Credit - Amazon

 

Let me preface the review by saying, I am a huge Manga fan. I sometimes, dream of coloring in my manga books which I know is a big no-no and I can't color in the lines to save my life. When I came across this coloring book I knew I had to try it.  Manga artist Camila d'Errico created her first ever adult coloring book filled with portraits, patterns and abstract designs. The coloring book was beautifully designed and the drawings were intricately drawn. Although some of the designs looked like soft sketches. They look like they were hastily through in just to "finish up" the book along with some drawings looked repetitive.

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

Book Review - The Things We Knew by Catherine West

Photo Credit - Amazon

An unexpected tragedy hits a young family as their beloved mother perishes. The once close-knit family is still reeling from the incident. Broken friendships and strained relations cause the siblings to leave their childhood home and never return until their youngest sister asks them to come home because of their father's health and struggling with his finances.When the Carlisle siblings return home, secret and promises come undone along with past betrayals. Will they be able to forget the past and come together and save their home? Will Lynette be able to remember what happened the night her mother was murdered? 

A heart warming story of forgiveness, redemption, love and familial bonds. The novel was an easy going read but provided a lot of twists and turns throughout the novel. I like how the novel had a different type of romantic ending. 

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