Book Review - Legends of the Lost Causes by Brad McLelland + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A group of orphans bands together to fight a horde zombie outlaws. Each of the orphans has their reason for revenge and decide if they stick together, they will have a better chance of getting their revenge.

Keech Blackwood's life changed when Bad Whiskey Nelson destroys Keech's home by burning it down. After losing his home and his family, Keech will have to rely on the lessons from Pa Abner to hunt down Bad Whiskey and the powerful Char Stone. Together with the band of orphans, they will stop at nothing to hunt down Bad Whiskey.

When I first read the summary, I thought this was going to be a modern-day story. Instead, the novel had a western feel to it. I was reminded of Huckleberry Finn and adventures that he might take. The book was packed with fast-paced action sprinkled with a few bits of humor. It has bits of Osage culture weaved in along with supernatural threats. Any young fan of western novels will enjoy this series.

**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.**

About The Book:

Title: THE KEY OF SKELETON PEAK (Legends of the Lost Causes #3)

Author: Brad McLelland & Louis Sylvester

Pub. Date: March 17, 2020

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 464

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Dark magic meets the Old West in this third installment of the Legends of the Lost Causes, as a group of vigilante orphans go head-to-head against an outlaw sorcerer in pursuit of an ancient and powerful magical artifact!

Keech Blackwood and his fellow Lost Causes have won their share of battles, but the war against the ruthless sorcerer Reverend Rose still rages on.

This time, the Lost Causes face their most perilous trial yet: stopping Rose and his henchmen from retrieving an ancient, powerful object that would help return him to his full, frightening strength. As the vigilante orphans race to the dangerous depths of Skeleton Peak, the sight of the magical object, they’ll have to outmaneuver Rose’s most faithful—and menacing—ally: an inhuman creature spawned by darkness and shadow. But ever in pursuit of justice and vengeance for their fallen families, the Lost Causes won’t give up without a fight.

Grab the first 2 books in the series!

LEGENDS OF THE LOST CAUSES

THE FANG OFBONFIRE CROSSING

About Brad:

Born and raised in Arkansas, Brad McLelland spent several years working as a crime journalist in the South before earning his MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University. A part-time drummer and singer, Brad lives in Oklahoma with his wife, stepdaughter, a mini-Aussie who gives hugs, and a chubby cat who begs for ham.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

About Louis:

Louis Sylvester is a professor at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He teaches courses on Creative Writing, Research Writing, Introduction to Film, Screenwriting, and The Ethics of Art and Censorship.

Together with his wife, he enjoys playing tabletop games from his collection of over 1,000 board and card games.

His two dogs are named Cake and Muse. They are the best.

His writing partner is the talented author Brad McLelland. Their first novel is titled LEGENDS OF THE LOST CAUSES.

Macmillan Website | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

Three lucky winners will receive finished copies of the LEGENDS OF LOST CAUSES SERIES, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21068/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/16/2020	Books,Dreams,Life	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/16/2020	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/17/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
3/17/2020	BookHounds YA	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/18/2020	Log Cabin Library	Review
3/18/2020	fictitious.fox	Review
3/19/2020	Nay's Pink Bookshelf	Review
3/19/2020	Locks, Hooks, and  Books	Review
3/20/2020	Savings in Seconds	Review
3/20/2020	Hurn Publications	Review

Week Two:

3/23/2020	Turning the Pages	Review
3/23/2020	Little Red Reads	Review
3/24/2020	momfluenster	Review
3/24/2020	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/25/2020	My Quirky Writing	Review
3/25/2020	Word Spelunking	Excerpt/Spotlight
3/26/2020	Two Points of interest	Review
3/26/2020	PopTheButterfly	Review
3/27/2020	She Just Loves Books	Review
3/27/2020	Preciousbooksworld	Excerpt/Spotlight

No Pore Blem Priming Water Bulgarian Toning Water & Essential Oil

The priming water is enriched with Bulgarian damask rose oil and rose water. It promises to smooth and moisturize skin. It provides coverage for hiding uneven skin tone and pores. I used this right after applying moisturizer and before applying my makeup. The primer water was a bit tacky and took a bit to dry but, it left my skin smooth. It prepped my skin to be the perfect canvas for makeup.

The Cottage Greenhouse Rosemary Mint Rescue Foot Cream

My feet get so dry that they start to crack and become very painful. I have to rub on a thick cream and sometimes, that doesn't even help. The luscious foot cream is packed with jojoba, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, menthol, beeswax, and tea tree oil. The cream absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a gentle tingly feeling. I rub the foot cream on before bed and wake up with softer soles.

Book Review - Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward

Photo Credit - Amazon

This book is the illustrated version of the 2018 commencement speech that Jesmyn Ward delivered. She discusses the value of working hard and the importance of respect. Jesmyn spoke about the challenges her family overcame. She describes how as a child growing up surrounded by those challenges she was affected. I thought the speech was an inspirational read and thought the illustrations were quirky. However, I felt while this was a good read, I didn't think it needed to be a book. Perhaps, maybe a gift for a graduate or someone who needs extra motivation.

 **Disclosure -  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 - Sparrow by Mary Cecilia Jackson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Savannah Darcy Rose is a gifted ballerina. She is known as "Sparrow" to her friends and family. Sparrow has a lot of secrets that she keeps from her loved ones.  She was taught at a young age to keep secrets for her late mother.  However, after a brutal attack from her perfect boyfriend, Sparrow must find the courage to confront her past.

As a person who has been in an abusive relationship, I thought I would have enjoyed this novel. I find that I hated it and I couldn't relate to the main character at all. I liked that each of the characters had nicknames until it became overwhelming. I felt like some of the dialogue between the characters didn't feel authentic or real.

The novel skips from Sparrow and Tristan's first date to Sparrow being terrified of him. I feel like this doesn't give us a chance to see the "good guy" that Tristan is. Was their relationship strong in the beginning or was Tristan always violent? The reason I am asking is that I have a hard time understanding "why" Sparrow insists Tristan is a good guy when all we see is his abusive behavior towards her. Sparrow mentions that he treats her good by "apologizing and buying her things". However, I don't feel that Sparrow and her family needs money as her father is a criminal defense attorney and uses a Montblanc pen. I am wondering if there is an emotional need that Tristan was filling for her.

I wish there was more details given about Sparrow and her mother's death. The author hovers around the incident without going into detail. Another issue I had with the book was that Sparrow observed that she wished her father knew she was in pain and would protect her. However, whenever her friends or family observed Sparrow and her relationship she would get defensive. This wasn't the book for me and I couldn't finish reading it around the 70% page mark.

**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 INFORMATION

Sparrow

by Mary Cecilia Jackson
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: March 17th 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Synopsis:

In the tradition of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak, a devastating but hopeful YA debut about a ballerina who finds the courage to confront the abuse that haunts her past and threatens her future.

There are two kinds of people on the planet. Hunters and prey

I thought I would be safe after my mother died. I thought I could stop searching for new places to hide. But you can’t escape what you are, what you’ve always been.

javascript:void(0);My name is Savannah Darcy Rose.

And I am still prey.

Though Savannah Rose―Sparrow to her friends and family―is a gifted ballerina, her real talent is keeping secrets. Schooled in silence by her long-dead mother, Sparrow has always believed that her lifelong creed―“I’m not the kind of girl who tells”―will make her just like everyone else: Normal. Happy. Safe. But in the aftermath of a brutal assault by her seemingly perfect boyfriend Tristan, Sparrow must finally find the courage to confront the ghosts of her past, or lose herself forever….

BOOK LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33004248-sparrow

Amazon: https://amzn.to/39Xb2yN

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sparrow-mary-cecilia-jackson/1131253775

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/lookup?isbn=9781250771292

Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Sparrow-Mary-Cecilia-Jackson-Andrew-Eiden-Rachel-L-Jacobs/9781250263506

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/sparrow-17

Google Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Mary_Cecilia_Jackson_Sparrow

BOOK AUTHOR

Mary Cecilia Jackson has worked as a middle school teacher, an adjunct instructor of college freshmen, a technical writer and editor, a speechwriter, a museum docent, and a development officer for central Virginia's PBS and NPR stations. Her first novel, Sparrow, was an honor recipient of the SCBWI Sue Alexander Award and a young-adult finalist in the Writers' League of Texas manuscript contest. She lives with her architect husband, William, in Western North Carolina and Hawaii, where they have a farm and five ridiculously adorable goats.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: https://www.marycjackson.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16090834.Mary_Cecilia_Jackson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marycjackson

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mceciliajackson/

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/02/tour-schedule-sparrow-by-mary-cecilia.html

We will be updating this link daily.

GIVEAWAY

Prize: Win a copy of SPARROW by Mary Cecilia Jackson (US/CAN Only)

Starts: 17^th March 2020

Ends: 31^st March 2020

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86476/?

 

Library of Flowers Luminary Honeycomb

I love lighting a candle during the weekend and reading a nice book. I love the packaging from Margot Elena's products. The candle has a delicate scent and  doesn't last very long. I could barely smell the candle when I got up from my chair and walked a few steps away. Definitely not my favorite candle but, I am still open to trying other scents from the brand.

Cast of Characters
Top: Sugared Fig
Middle: Ambrosia Honey
Bottom: Royal Bee Blossom

Inara Cosmo Beauty Nail Polish - Pulse

I love painting my nails at home. I saw this strikingly beautiful color. The polish went on smoothly and dried quickly without leaving any streaks. Unfortunately, no matter what I do, this polish always chips within a few hours. Very disappointing since its a beautiful color.

Book Review - The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Abbie wakes up in a strange room in a daze with no memory of who she is and how she got there. The man at Abbie's side claims that he is her husband. He is the founder of an innovative start-up and an idolized genius in the tech world. He tells Abbie that she is a talented artist, a surfer, a loving mother to their autistic son, and most importantly, she was the perfect wife.

Five years ago, there was a terrible accident and she was bought to life as a bot. She is a miracle of science and one of a kind.  However, as  Abbie starts to piece together her memory, she realizes her husband might be hiding things from her. She is wary of her husband; who insists that she was the perfect wife.

The idea of having a robot replace a loved one was interesting. However, the only thing I liked about the book was their young kid, Danny. I had a hard time relating or even liking any of the characters. The book was written from two points of view, robotic Abbie's feelings and her trying to figure out the truth and the telling "real" Abbie's past with Tim. I didn't like that the only thing we knew about Abbie was that she was perfect and on some level, everyone worshiped or loved her. Yet, as the reader, we know nothing from Abbie's point of view. The book felt like a convoluted and confusing hot mess that I regretted spending the time to even bother reading it.

**Disclosure -  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 - Mermaid Moon by Susann Cokal

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sanna is a mermaid but, she is half landish. When Sanna was born, an old sea witch cast a forgetting spell that made Sanna, her mother, her father, and her people forget the details of her birth including her mother. When Sanna turns sixteen years old, she decides to find her mother as she feels like an outsider in her seavish flok. Determined to find her roots and identity, she apprentices herself to the sea witch who cast the spell on her and her family.

After learning the magic to make a pair of legs for herself, she decides to follow the clues to the location of her mother. Before she leaves, the sea witch gives her a cryptic quest to complete. As Sanna begins her journey, her flok wait for her news on her journey. While on land, Sanna comes across a village who is desperate for a miracle and a baroness who will stop at nothing to live forever.

I was quite torn with this review. I thought the novel was beautifully written but, then at times, it was just too much. I was more than 85% done with the book before I couldn't be bothered anymore. The story progressed so slowly that the story didn't even progress in 50 pages. It was mostly 50 pages of atmosphere building or Sanna debating what to do or the sea life that lives on the old witch's body. I wasn't a fan of the different points of view because I felt like it added little to the story. I wanted to enjoy this book more because I love a good tale. I am still looking forward to other books by the author.

**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.**