Book Review - Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Photo Credit  - Amazon

A single mother with two teens each facing their own demons. Nick, her son is angry and doesn't like to be told what to do. Martha, her daughter believes that everyone is wrong and judges others on their mistakes. When Nick and his mother get into another argument and Nick decides his only option is to run away; he receives a letter bound story that was passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book which is named "Dragon Seed", is reimagination of the exile of Satan from the Kingdom along with the arrival of Jesus. While reading the story, Nick is introduce to another angry young man. Nick bonds with this other young man and realizes that the story fits his life and the struggles he also faces in life. Will Nick be able to use the lessons to fit his own lifestyles? What are these shadows that keep following Nick and his sister?

The novel was an interesting and enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading the parts of both "real life" struggle of Nick and his mother along with the spiritual story. However, I felt some of the conversation between Nick and his family felt stilted and forced while the spiritual story felt rushed towards the end especially since it was drawn out in the beginning. It was an interesting read and a good read for children to help with their spiritual lessons. The author included a 12 step biblical teaching guide for readers to reinforce the biblical principles.

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Jack Black Intense Therapy - Natural Mint Lip Balm

While, this minty lip balm is targeted towards men, I tend to have several of these on me. The hydrating lip balm is enriched with shea butter, mint, avocado oil, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and antioxidants. The potent cocktail of ingredients left my skin feeling smooth, soft and hydrated.

Tokyo Milk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs - Salted Caramel Lip Balm

The beautifully packaged tin houses a delectable treat for the lips and senses. It is packed with aloe leaf extracts, vitamin E, caramel, sea salt, clove and rose water and it's formulated with any synthetic dyes. The clear lip balm left my lips soft and hydrated without a greasy feeling. The only downside to this product that it is nearly impossible to open and I usually have to leave the tin open. If the tin was a bit more easier to use this would replace my Smith's Rosebud Salve.

Level Naturals Organic Menthol + Cucumber Shower Bomb

I have always been a huge fan of menthol and bath bombs. I have tried Levels Natural Shower Bomb before but in a different scent. I thought menthol and cucumber would be an interesting and relaxing scent. The aroma was relaxing but the menthol was a bit more overpowering and the cucumber was barely scented. With most natural products, you should definitely use within a couple of days to opening otherwise the scent wears away really quickly.

L'Occitane en Provence Ultra Rich Shampoo

The rich shampoo is enriched with shea butter, an ingredient known for it’s nourishing and hydrating properties. The shampoo is creamy and provides a generous lather. Unfortunately, it left my thin hair very greasy and felt weigh down. Perhaps, this shampoo is better suited to people with very dry hair.

Book Review - Ascension of Larks

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Maggie Henry has her dream career that she always wanted. However, lately she feels like her life is missing something except when she visits her two best friends and their kids at their summer home. When tragedy strikes and kills one of her friends, she must travel to a remote island to care for her friend and her young children. Maggie used to love to come out to island spend time with the Firelli family but now with the death of  the only man she has ever loved; she finds it hard to be at peace. As Maggie work to help pick up the pieces Marco's death left behind, she learns to appreciate things that she took for granted and open her heart to love again.

The novel was a pleasant read that keep me entertained until the last page. It showed a different side of tragedy while the recurring conflict of family versus personal ambition breathe life into the novel. While it was an enjoyable read, I wasn't completely in love with the novel but I would still be interested in reading other books by the author.

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

Book Review - Woman No. 17 by Edan Lepucki

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Lady Daniels' marriage is on the rocks, she decided to take a break from her husband. However, she needs someone to watch over her youngest son, Devin while she is working on her memoir about her relationship with her older son, Seth. Lady decides to take an ad out for assistance, when S arrives to help out. S is works like Mary Poppins for the Devin and becoming a confidante and trusted friend for Lady. However, everything is not what it looks like and the friendship becomes sour when secrets unfold. What secrets is "S" keeping? What is S's relationship with Seth? Will Lady be able to figure out her life?

An interesting read that kept me in suspense the entire time even though the secrets ended up being very predictable. The story is more of a cozy read as nothing exciting or titillating every happens.  I would be open to read other works by the author.

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

Book Review - The Heirs A Novel by Susan Rieger

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After their father, Rupert Falkes, dies his five adult sons find their inheritance threatened when a woman sues their father estate, claiming she has two sons by him. While the brothers are still reeling from their father's death, they feel betrayed by the turn of events. However, their mother, Eleanor seems to be calm and cool even under pressure of the claim. Eleanor even believes that they should give some of the money to the "other" sons. The novel follows the quirky cast of characters as they deal with Rupert's death. Who is this mystery woman? What secrets is the family hiding?

A quick and interesting read with an unexpected ending.  A good read for the beach with the complex and interesting characters. But it lacks much of a story line; if you rather read more about character details, than this book is for you.

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

Book Review - ICB Blessed Garden Bible By Tommy Nelson

Photo Credit - Amazon

The beautifully garden illustrated bible is targeted little and young girls to read the full text of Scripture using the International Children's Bible translation.  The cover is coated with glitter and foil which makes it perfect for children. The book also includes 24 colorful pages of study and a guide on how to personalize. A well-made edition that can be passed on from generation to generation.

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