Sunday, March 29, 2020

Book Review - Second Chance for the Single Dad by Carol Ross



Photo Credit - Amazon

Camile Wynn is a dance teacher with a recent string of bad luck. She is excited to get a new student but, becomes wary when she finds out her new student is Rhys McGrath. Rhys McGrath is a reclusive man who lives with his orphaned niece. He wants to learn how to waltz so, he can take his niece to the father and daughter dance. Camile is surprised by Rhys's generous heart because of his cold personality.  When Camile finds out that he might lose custody of his niece, Camile takes matters in her own hands.

I have read a few of Carol Ross's books and have enjoyed them. Unfortunately, I wasn't a fan of this book. I am not sure if it's being in the quarantine lockdown but, I got quite frustrated reading this book. I had a hard time relating to any of the characters. I found that Rhys was cold, distant, robotic, and quite boring. I didn't like that Camile was complaining about how she wanted to do things on her own because of a falling out with her parents. She didn't want to accept help even from her sisters even though she was struggling and putting herself in danger. The idea that she spent so much time thinking that she forgot to eat, seemed ridiculous and absent-minded. I didn't like the fact that she complained that her friend had more free time because her parents paid for her bills. Camile could have more free time if she accepted help and not everyone has parents who are either generous or can afford to help their kids financially.

I found it odd that Rhys didn't notice Camile two years ago on their first date. Now, he's besotted for the first time after seeing her for two years. I felt like their relationship bloomed out of nowhere especially when he starts calling her sweetheart and she comments on how great he smells. It felt unnatural and that things were moving so quickly for a woman who didn't like him and a man who is cold to everyone. I can appreciate that the author is trying to include characters from previous novels into her book but, sometimes a scene had too many characters. It was hard trying to remember every character.  I am also disappointed that the author doesn't include any people of color.  I lost interest in the novel around the halfway mark. I think for the time being I am completely over heartwarming novels but, may revisit her books a few years later.

**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 SUMMARY:

She’ll save him a dance…

…if he follows his heart.

Dance teacher Camile Wynn has a new student. Reclusive Rhys McGrath is learning to waltz so he can take his orphaned niece to a father-daughter dance. Camile is surprised by her connection with him, but there’s a generous heart behind Rhys’s awkward exterior. When she learns Rhys could lose custody of his niece, Camile goes behind his back to help him…but will her lies end up hurting him instead?



 

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Book Review - Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs by Lisa Tawn Bergren


Photo Credit - Amazon


The beautifully drawn bedtime story will promote a sense of well-being, family, and love before a night of rest. The book explores a child's question on "How does God kiss us" while proclaiming he is too old and big for kisses and hugs before bedtime. The gorgeous illustrates show different animals embracing different forms of showing they care for their offspring. This is a cute book and perfect for little readers before bedtime.

**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.**

Friday, March 27, 2020

Yves Saint Laurent The Shock Mascara - Asphalt Black











The voluminous mascara promises dramatic results. It promises with one coat it will give you voluminous lashes. The mascara did go on smoothly at first but after a few uses, I got clumps. The mascara also took a bit longer to dry than other mascaras because I always ended up with smudges. I also noticed that this tube of mascara dried out quicker than my other brands. I don't feel like it was worth it for me.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Book Review - The Hidden Things by Jamie Mason



Photo Credit - Amazon


A home security camera captures an attack on fourteen-year-old Carly Liddell. The video also shows her heroic escape. The video appears online and becomes a viral hit. As the popularity of the video grows, the lives of four people will be forever changed by an object that is barely visible in the corner.

The object is a stolen four-hundred-year-old painting by a master of the Dutch Golden Age. Carly's stepfather is the only person in their house who knows the history behind the painting and how it came into his possession. An art dealer who was betrayed and had the painting stolen from her sees the chance to get her life back. An enforcer hired by billionaires to hunt and deliver priceless treasure will stop at nothing to get his prize. However, as Carly comes to terms with newfound fame, she uncovers the secrets behind the painting. Will these secrets destroy her family and everything she holds dear?

The book had an interesting premise. However, I couldn't stand the writing style. I found myself rereading several passages over and over again. I found the story to drag on and on. I didn't find myself relating or even liking any of the characters. Unfortunately, I couldn't be bothered to waste more time on this book and didn't finish the book.


**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.**

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

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

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!








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.




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.


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

Giveaway Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
3/16/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight
3/16/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight
3/17/2020
Review
3/17/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight
3/18/2020
Review
3/18/2020
Review
3/19/2020
Review
3/19/2020
Review
3/20/2020
Review
3/20/2020
Review

Week Two:
3/23/2020
Review
3/23/2020
Review
3/24/2020
Review
3/24/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight
3/25/2020
Review
3/25/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight
3/26/2020
Review
3/26/2020
Review
3/27/2020
Review
3/27/2020
Excerpt/Spotlight

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

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.


Monday, March 23, 2020

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.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

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.**