Friday, February 23, 2018

Julep Lip Shade Sheer Lip Butter - Currant















The sheer lip balm is enriched with Shea butter, broccoli seed oil, Rosehip seed oil and black currant seed oil. It goes on smoothly and left feeling luxuriously soft. However, I am a bit disappointed that the lip butter doesn't impart any color which makes this just a very expensive lip balm.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Book Review - Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock

Photo Credit - Amazon
Words can have different meanings and invoke different feelings. Hope can bring out different feelings depending when it was and by whom. This timely, relevant anthology of essays by twenty four YA authors hope to invoke awe, inspiration and empathy. In this personal collection of stories, each author narrates how hope is a decision they made and help inspire readers to have hope.

When I first opened the book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I assumed it was going to be a bunch of boring or mundane stories. I was actually pleasantly surprised and found myself staying up late and reaching for this book throughout the day. I love the stories where the author opened about their personal lives and the obstacles they faced. They displayed how they had the perseverance and conquered their obstacles and how they enriched their lives with hope. I found many of the stories inspiring, hopeful, and enjoyable to read. I feel with the current political atmosphere, this book is highly relevant for readers who need a bit of hope in their lives. 

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


BOOK DESCRIPTION
Hope is a decision, but it is a hard one to recognize in the face of oppression, belittlement, alienation, and defeat. To help embolden hope, here is a powerhouse collection of essays and personal stories that speak directly to teens and all YA readers. Featuring Angie Thomas, Marie Lu, James Dashner, Nicola Yoon, David Levithan, Libba Bray, Jason Reynolds, Renée Ahdieh, and many more!
"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."--Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We all experience moments when we struggle to understand the state of the world, when we feel powerless and--in some cases--even hopeless. The teens of today are the caretakers of tomorrow, and yet it's difficult for many to find joy or comfort in such a turbulent society. But in trying times, words are power.

Some of today's most influential young adult authors come together in this highly personal nonfiction collection of original essays, poems, and letters, each a first-hand account that ultimately strives to inspire hope.

Like a modern day Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul or Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for TeensHope Nation acknowledges the pain and shines a light on what comes after.

Authors include: Atia Abawi, Renee Ahdieh, Libba Bray, Howard Bryant, Ally Carter, Ally Condie, James Dashner, Christina Diaz Gonzales, Gayle Forman, Romina Garber, I. W. Gregario, Kate Hart, Bendan Kiely, David Levithan, Alex London, Marie Lu, Julie Murphy, Jason Reynolds, Aisha Saeed, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Jeff Zentner, and Nicola Yoon.
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Rose Brock is a twenty-year veteran professor who has dedicated her career to turning teens into book lovers. Building relationships with readers through books is her superpower. In addition to her career as a librarian and educator, Dr. Brock is also very involved in helping to organize the North Texas Teen Book Festival, a one-day event, which hosts sixty authors and has an impressive annual attendance of over 3,500 teens and tweens. She also serves as a team leader of the International Literacy Association's Young Adults' Choices project, which empowers teens to read and select the best books of the year. Dr. Brock was named by the Texas Library Association as the recipient of the Siddie Joe Johnson Award, an award given by the Children's Round Table to a librarian who demonstrates outstanding library service to children.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Book Spotlight - Secrets in Our Scars by Rebecca Trogner + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

About The Book:
Title: SECRETS IN OUR SCARS
Author: Rebecca Trogner
Pub. Date: February 7, 2018
Publisher: Rebecca Trogner
Pages: 314
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: AmazonGoodreads

On a sweltering summer day, Daisy Aldridge knocks on the wrong door. She’s yanked inside. Trapped and pressed against her only means of escape she spirals into a panic. Years ago she suffered an assault. Alone and afraid, she kept it hidden and dealt with the emotional aftermath in her own way.

But this time she’s not alone. She’s helped by a man who seems vaguely familiar. Roy Blackwood is gorgeous, powerful, and controlled. She tells herself she wants nothing to do with him.

Roy sees through her resistance and is determined to unravel the mysteries of Daisy. He promises to find the identity of her birth parents and unveil the person who leaves her anonymous gifts. And most important of all, earn the love and trust of Daisy Aldridge.

About Rebecca:
Rebecca Trogner lives in Virginia with her husband and a passel of adopted pets. Her idea of a good day is copious amounts of coffee, her computer, and no commitments so she can write all day. To find out more about the author visit www.rebeccatrogner.com.


Giveaway Details: International
1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card, US Only.

Ends on March 6th at Midnight EST!
 

Monday, February 19, 2018

Book Review - Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Quest for the Magic Porcupine (Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face, #2) by John Dougherty

Photo Credit - Amazon
Oh no! The devilishly evil badgers have escaped from prison and plan to unleash chaos on the town's residents. Have no fear, Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face will rescue the day! They head out to find someone who knows about stories to help them find the correct path. Who else would know something about stories other than the fearsome Miss Butterworth, the ninja Librarian. After receiving guidance, the duo set off to find the magical porcupine to help stop the mischievous badgers. Will the kids be able to save the king? What evil deeds is the badgers planning? 

The story was fun to read and engaging, especially to young children. Many of the jokes were clever while a bit silly, but a few jokes were repetitive. However, I feel like that is a common trend in children's books (IE Lemony Snicket). A cute and delightful read for any young reader.

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




ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Dougherty was born in Larne, Northern Ireland. He studied psychology at university and then tried his hand at a number of jobs including YMCA hostel worker, factory machine operator, and unsuccessful singer-songwriter, before becoming a primary school teacher. His books have been shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards - and one was chosen by The London Times as one of the Best Children's Books of the Year 2011 - but, more importantly, they make children giggle.
 
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Sam Ricks is an illustrator and designer with more than ten years' experience. His work has been showcased in numerous publications, including The New York Times. Sam loves creating illustrations of all types, but he is especially fond of children's book work. He lives with his family in Utah.