Scinic Box Memebox

I didn't even finish the products from my last 15 Memebox boxes but I figured why not. I heard many good things from the brand and thought it would be a good way to sample a couple of products without forking over a ton of cash. I will be sure to post reviews once I get to test all the products!

Book Review - Domestic Secrets by Rosalind Noonan

Photo Credit - Amazon

Best friends Rachel Whalen and Ariel Alexander are friends for over a decade. They overcome many of life's tragedies and happiness together. Polar opposites, Rachel is a down to earth mom who owns a hair salon while Ariel is a promiscuous former TV starlet who still dreams of being in the spotlight again. Together with the ups and down of single motherhood, they take on suburbia moms of Timbergrove, Oregon. However, tragedies strikes and tears the two families apart. Will Rachel and Ariel's friendship be able to survive or will their bonds forever be broken? If you can't trust your friends and family, who can you trust?

The story is a interesting read about fragile bonds between friends and parenthood with parents and children, along with the managing the perception of neighbors and friends. The story starts off interesting but the tragedy happens around the last third of the book. I believe the event should have happened earlier for it to really have an effect. It starts off slowly and builds then Boom! the horrible tragedy and the coping behinds for the last couple of pages that seems a bit of a mish mash. A good read but leaves readers wanting more.

*Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected eBook copy of this book for my honest opinion*

Book Review - Bradstreet Gate by Robin Kirman

Photo Source - Amazon

**May Contain Spoilers**

Three college freshman went to Harvard for a promise of a better future and to run away from their current lives. Georgia, Charlie, and Alice are magnetically drawn to each other and have their friendship tested when a classmate is found murdered on campus. Their  tangled relationship with a charismatic professor and each other is strained as the story illustrates the events  a decade before and after the murder.  Each of the characters are flawed and they look to each other for a source of support and at times, to find the flaws in other so they can feel better about themselves. Georgia was the magnetic center of the group; Alice was envious of her while Charlie was in love with her. For better or worse, Georgia bought out traits in each of them that later could make or break them.

When I first started reading he book, I assumed it was a whodunit type of book. Unfortunately, the author never spells out for the readers and leaves us with our assumptions. However, the book is more focused on the frail bonds humans have with each other; how much our lives can affected by what others think of us. Each of the character is flawed and hopes to find a path for survival and forgiveness.  The book was an engaging read but at times, it was a bit dull. It also left me wanting more -- it had great potential but didn't live up to it. I felt unresolved and had more questions than answers. 

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

Level Naturals Soy Candle - Grapefruit and Bergamot

The soy sauce is packed with blends of grapefruit and bergamot. The soy based candle promises to be toxin-free but I am not sure what that means. The  candle burned clean and had a fresh citrus scent. However, I am not very in love with the scent though.

Stila Eye Shadow - Kitten

Probably known as Stila's most favorite color, Kitten is probably the most well known color. I have tried the Stila Lip Glaze – Apricot and wasn't overly excited over it. However, the beige shimmery eye shadow provides a sheer or a deep coverage when applied liberally. Perfect for work or a base for smoky eyes.

Cargo Cosmetic Eye Shadow - Moreton Bay

The deep matte purple went on a bit splotchy. It took a couple of goes before I got a full even coverage. I wasn't really fond of the color but it would make a good color for doing a purple smokey eye.

Julep Nail Polish - Tali

The liquid holographic is billed as a glacier breeze color. It has a nice icy blue and silver color. It takes two coats to get full coverage and for the effect to show. The nail polish went on smoothly but it does chip in a day. Then again, all of Julep's nail polish chip in one day.

Stila Pretty in Pink Blush

A limited edition release that was released last Valentine's Day (yes, I am a bit late). The duo blush is a soft pink and a slightly darker pink. The color is super sparkling and swirled together its a pretty pink (not even including the cute packaging!). Yum, perfect glow for date night.

Book Review - Baker's Magic by Diane Zahler

Photo Credit - Amazon

**May Contain Spoilers**

Flowers, Magic, Pirates, Princesses, Maidens, Kidnapping, Bees, Bugs, Baking and Mayhem -- Oh My!

Bee has always been alone.  While wandering around in a new kingdom, Bee stole a bun from a bakery out of desperation. She was immediately caught but the baker took pity on her. Taking her under his care, they both realize Bee is an amazing baker. When one of Bee's friends needs help, Bee stops at nothing to protect those she loves. Together they embark on a journey to save her friends and the kingdom while protecting all she holds dear.

The heartwarming story is filled with quirky cute characters. The book is full of adventure and imagination. I can see how this can be a favorite about middle school age children and it teaches them a valuable lesson on believing yourself while protecting your family.

*Disclosure - I received a free uncorrected eBook copy of this book for my honest opinion*

Book Review - The Never-Open Desert Diner by James Anderson

Photo Source - Amazon

**May Contain Spoilers**

Ben Jones is a heavily in debt truck driver on Route 117. The desert is known as a haven for criminals and people running from their past. Ben provides the inhabitants with supplies and is usually their only contact with the outside world. Each of the inhabitants carry with them a mysterious past and a deep need to keep it a secret. One of the many stops on Ben's route is a mysterious once-famous roadside diner that hasn't open in years but still remains in pristine condition. Among the diner is an abandoned housing development where Ben finds a beautiful woman named Claire. Claire is sitting alone in the abandoned structure and is beautifully playing the cello. As the two fall in love, Claire's past emerges and she is desperate to get rid of it. Will Ben and Claire be able to find their happy ending they both so desperately need?

The beautifully written novel has many twists and turns while keeping the reader entice to the very end. You will root for Claire and Ben to love and complete each other. The book shows how far you would go for to protect the ones you love. But it also shows that when you love someone, they are not yours forever -- you just merely borrow them. As one of the characters put it, the desert is home to light but also for the opportunity for you to embrace it.

**Disclosure : I received a free copy of this book for my 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-