Book Review - Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Four orphans eagerly wait for an opportunity to escape from the Home for Friendless Children. Lucy, one of the orphans, used to love to talk and sing. Now, she no longer speaks as she believes silence is the only way to protect herself.

After a tumultuous journey, the orphans find work and new friends aboard a traveling circus. Lucy loves being able to take care of the elephants but, for her to secure the job of the elephant handler, she will need to speak to the elephants and warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't cope with her fear of speaking, she will lose her chance to join the circus. Meanwhile, the matrons of the orphanage are eager to get Lucy back at the orphanage.

The book was a fun and cute read. It was nerve-wracking following the orphans' journey for a home and a place to belong. I liked that the author included a section about notes on the book. It was shocking to find out how much of Lucy's story was based on horrifying events. The novel was a heartwarming and enjoyable read and perfect for fans of 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.**

 

 

About the Book:

Title: ORPHAN ELEVEN

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Pub. Date: May 26, 2020

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 320

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

Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.

The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.

About Gennifer:

With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts—the first book in the series—was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer’s newest novel: Orphan Eleven will be out May 26. Publisher’s Weekly has said this about Orphan Eleven: “This uplifting tale of hope, survival and belonging has all the ingredients to become a beloved middle grade book.” Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ORPHAN ELEVEN, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21120/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/13/2020	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt
7/13/2020	Forever Lost in Literature	Excerpt
7/14/2020	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
7/14/2020	Trapped Inside Stories	Excerpt
7/15/2020	Little Red Reads	Review
7/15/2020	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt
7/16/2020	JaimeRockstarBookTours	Instagram Stop
7/16/2020	Jaime's World	Excerpt
7/17/2020	TheReadingCornerforAll	Review
7/17/2020	Two Chicks on Books	Interview

Week Two:

7/20/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
7/20/2020	popthebutterfly	Review
7/21/2020	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
7/21/2020	Krisha's cosy corner	Review
7/22/2020	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
7/22/2020	BookHounds YA	Interview
7/23/2020	Two Points of Interest	Review
7/23/2020	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
7/24/2020	Books and Zebras @jypsylynn	Review
7/24/2020	Hurn Publications	Excerpt

 

Book Review - Belladonna by Anbara Salam

Photo Credit - Amazon

Isabella is the beloved popular girl that everyone wants to befriend. Bridget, her best friend, is the exact opposite of each other. Bridget keeps to herself but, she watches everyone, especially Isabella.

The girls graduate school and land spots in a coveted art school in Northern Italy. The Accademia di Belle Arti di Pentila is housed in a silent nun convent. The duo was happy to be away from their family and have their freedom.  Bridget is happy because she is free to reinvent herself and no one will discriminate her for being an outsider due to her Egyptian roots.

I thought this novel moved very slowly and was boring. I didn't take an interest in any of the characters. I felt like Bridget only cared about herself and Isabella. She showed very little regard for other people. Isabelle was just using Bridget as a pawn in her own little game. I feel like the author could have gone into more details for some things especially, Bridget's family.

**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.**

July 2020 Empties Part 2!

I am so excited I finished roughly 18 full-sized items this month in addition to what I already finished earlier. But, I have a stinky suspicion I definitely adding more than I am finishing haha. I recently began hoarding nail polish because you know that's the most sensible thing to do during a pandemic. 

Out of everything I finished there weren't many items I loved enough to repurchase again. I do like most of the face masks but, I just usually buy what's on sale lately. Occasionally I might go out of my way to purchase something but, lately, I been blowing through my entertainment/self-care budget lol

I did like the Elemis Rose facial oil. It smelled heavenly but, after a while, I felt like it wasn't really doing anything. I think I just liked putting it on because of how luxurious it felt. Sunday Riley Retinoid cream was nice and it didn't cause my skin to break out or get irritation.

The most disappointing thing was the Glow Recipe watermelon mask. This one didn't break me out like their moisturizer but, I didn't really notice anything. I used to be a fan of Lancome's eye makeup remover but, honestly, it doesn't remove tough mascara stains. I have been using the makeup remover cloth and that works wonders.

Here is a list of everything I finished -

Facetory Glow Baby Glow

BioRepublic Skincare Pomegranate Crush

Elvis + Elvin New York Grape Treatment Mask

I Dew Care See The Light Purifying Vitamin C Mask

Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet Acai Berry

Soo ae Purifying Black Charcoal Mask

Facetory Ace that Face Sheet Mask

Evolvh Super Finish Polishing Balm Smooth

Essentiel Elements Fresh Neroli Shower Gel

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

TonyMoly Moisture Boost Gel to Water Morning Cleanser

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil

Dennis Gross Stress SOS Eye Cream

Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

Red Flower Soft Water Mist

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Thisworks In Transit Camera Close-Up

Book Review - Her Surprise Engagement by Cari Lynn Webb + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Nichole Moore is a single mom and needs help with selling her app. She reaches out to an old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. Their ruse of a pretend marriage will help both of them secure their future. Chase's celebrity status will impress the executives who are trying to buy Nichole's app. While Nichole's safe and sensible personality will help tame the wild child image that Chase has garnered. As their fake relationship begins to play out, Nichole and Chase start to realize that they might be falling for each other.

The novel is a perfect read for readers who like a cozy romantic read. I thought the characters were well developed and likable. I felt that Nichole shouldn't have lied to her son about her relationship with Chase. Thankfully, since this a heartwarming romance novels, things have a way of working out for the best.

**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.**

 

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Surprise Engagement

(City by the Bay Stories #6)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
July 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A football star and a single mom…

Teach each other to trust again

To impress the executives buying her app, Nichole Moore enlists the help of old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. A pretend marriage is the perfect ruse: Chase’s celebrity status will impress the executives, while likable, hardworking Nichole could fix his fading career. But as their fake relationship plays out under the glare of the public eye, Nichole realizes her feelings might be the real deal…

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | iBooks | Kobo | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and the Return of the Blackwell Brothers Continuity Series with a book tote bag. (5 Print Books & tote bag to US Residents only, E-copies to anyone outside the US).

Ends July 22, 2020

ENTER HERE