Sunday, November 29, 2020

November 2020 Haul Part 2!

 


 Wow, I can't believe it's November already!  I can hardly believe it. I felt like it was just Halloween a few days ago. 

I got a few more masks from Facetory to replenish my stock even though I haven't really been using them too often. It's been cold in my area and I didn't want something cold on my face. I bought a few more masks from Facetory's own brand line. I liked their masks so far and I am hoping these are good too.

I have used Kat Von D lip products and got a new dark red. I love NYX products and got two new dark purple colors in subversive socialite and temptress. I got a new "nude" lipstick from Nars and a "nude" Kylie liquid lipstick. I am on the fence with the Kylie product. I am not sure if I would consider her products prestige since it came out that her lip kits used the same formulations and ingredients as Colourpop.

Bath and Body Works released a new foaming luxury bath product. I love taking baths so, I am really excited to try it. I also got another Rituals body wash to replace the one I finished a few months ago. I got a new mud mask that I am excited to try. I am hoping this month I finish a few more things to justify my spending :D :D

Did you get anything new this month that you are excited to try?


Friday, November 27, 2020

Book Review - Softly Blows the Bugle by Jan Drexler

 


 In 1863, Elizabeth Kaufman's husband perishes in the Battle of Vicksburg. Instead of feeling sad over his death, she is relieved. She is determined to never let a man control her life again, even if it means she will never have a family of her own.

Aaron Zook joins Elizabeth's brother, Jonas in his journey home. He wants to move the West and restart his life because his past is too painful. He never imagined that the Amish way of life would be appealing as his grandfather left the faith years ago. However, as Aaron spends more time with Elizabeth and Jonas, he finds the Amish ways enticing.  Aaron is stuck between moving to the West and starting a new life with the Amish.

The book was a quick and easy read. I thought Elizabeth to be an annoying character. She claims that she doesn't want to settle down and is content by herself. However, when Solomon throws a bit of interest at her she fawns over him. She feels uncertain about him and her gut is telling her that he is a bad guy. And several people are telling her the same thing but, she still refuses to believe them. When she meets a guy who does care for her and put her interest first, she gives him harsh words even when he was looking out for her. She claims that she doesn't want to beholden to any man who is cruel or mean but, she does the exact opposite. Except for Elizabeth, I thought the rest of the book was an interesting read.

 **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.**

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Book Spotlight - Hunter by Nicole Conway + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: HUNTER (The Dragonrider Heritage #1)

Author: Nicole Conway

Pub. Date: November 24, 2020

Publisher: Broadfeather Books

Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 352

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, AudibleB&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

One boy must earn the trust of a blind dragon and hunt down an elusive sorceress before she can rekindle the war that nearly destroyed their world.

As the Kingdom of Maldobar emerges victorious from the brutal invasion of the Tibran Empire, much of the land is left in utter ruin. With his home destroyed and family gone, 16-year-old Thatcher Renley has no one left to turn to. And when he’s mistaken for a Tibran soldier and banished to a wartime prison camp, Thatcher knows his only hope for freedom lies in appealing to Queen Jenna directly.

But getting out of the prison camp might be the least of his worries— especially after he stumbles across a feral dragon locked in an iron cell.

As far as dragons go, Fornax is a lost cause. The battle that killed his rider also left him blind and too aggressive for any knight to control. But Thatcher can’t deny feeling drawn to the beast. Does he have what it takes to calm Fornax and join the proud ranks of Maldobar’s dragonriders? Only time will tell. And with a bloodthirsty Tibran witch threatening to rekindle the chaos of war, everyone’s time may be running out.

 

About Nicole:

Nicole is an award-winning, #1 international bestselling author from North Alabama. With a passion for relatable, authentic characters and exciting, fast-paced plots, Nicole is best known for her series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES. Other published works include THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY SERIES, SPIRITS OF CHAOS SERIES, MAD MAGIC SAGA, and THE DRAGONRIDER HERITAGE SERIES (Coming Winter 2020).

 

Subscribe to Nicole’s Newsletter!

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub | AmazonGoodreads


Giveaway Details:

1 lucky winner will win a signed finished copy of HUNTER & swag, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/16/2020

Two Chicks on Books

Interview

11/16/2020

JaimeRockstarBookTours

Instagram Stop

11/17/2020

Hurn Publications

Excerpt

11/17/2020

Hurn Publications

Instagram Stop

11/18/2020

The Momma Spot for both

Review

11/18/2020

The Momma Spot for both

Instagram Stop

11/19/2020

A Dream Within A Dream

Guest Post

11/19/2020

Jrsbookreviews

Review

11/20/2020

PopTheButterfly Reads

Review

11/20/2020

PopTheButterfly Reads

Instagram Stop

 Week Two:

11/23/2020

BookHounds YA

Interview

11/23/2020

BookHounds YA

Instagram Stop

11/24/2020

Jenguerdy

Review/Instagram Stop

11/24/2020

Westveil Publishing

Review

11/25/2020

Fyrekatz Blog

Review

11/25/2020

The Reading Wordsmith

Review

11/26/2020

Books A-Brewin'

Excerpt

11/26/2020

Jaime's World

Guest Post

11/27/2020

Two Points of Interest

Review

11/27/2020

Rajiv's Reviews

Review





Monday, November 23, 2020

Book Review - Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer + Giveaway

 


 Steph and her mom are always on the move. They never lived anywhere for longer than six months. Her only friends are the ones from the online community called CatNet. CatNet is a social media website that allows users to share cat photos and connect with other people like her. Steph doesn't know that the site's admin, CheshireCat is a sentient A.I. When Steph's past catches up to her, she will need to rely on people she can trust even if it means endangering them.

I thought the book was an interesting read with a few surprises. I liked how Steph's friends rallied behind her and tried to help. I enjoyed reading the portions that were narrated by the A.I. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as there were a few unresolved threads left.

 **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.**

 




Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250165083
ISBN-13 : 978-1250165084
Item Weight : 13 ounces
Publisher : Tor Teen (November 19, 2019)
Language: : English

Praise for CATFISHING ON CATNET

“The characters offer positive, realistic LGBTQIA+ representation―especially nonbinary identities and characters still exploring their identities. Refreshingly, the characters also feel like generally-woke-but-still-imperfect humans. Wickedly funny and thrilling in turns; perfect for readers coming-of-age online.” ―Kirkus, starred review

“Kritzer’s take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today’s online existence and privacy concerns.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Smart, sly, scary, and irrepressibly good fun, this novel has everything I’ve ever wanted from a story: it is a cerebral, funny, tender, big-idea delight. I can’t wait for you to read it.”―Kelly Barnhill, Newbery Award-winning author of The Girl Who Drank the Moon

"An absolutely charming and incredibly gripping, superbly plotted YA thriller." ―Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother

“Kritzer’s flawless collection taps deep wells of emotion and wonder…. Her work is indisputably speculative, but it’s a perfect entry point to the genre for readers who prefer fantastical and futuristic elements to stay more in the background, with human (and robotic) feelings always at the fore. This splendid treat is not to be missed.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Cat Pictures Please and Other Stories 


How much does the internet know about YOU?

Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anyplace longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet—a social media site where users upload cat pictures—a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.

When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.

You can purchase Catfishing on CatNet at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Credit: Sean M. Murphy/SMM Photography

NAOMI KRITZER has been making friends online since her teens, when she had to use a modem to dial up at 2400 baud. She is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and novels for adults, including the Eliana's Song duology and the Dead Rivers Trilogy. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula. Naomi lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice.

Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner
        
WEEK ONE - REVIEW AND EXCERPTS
NOVEMBER 16th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 
NOVEMBER 18th WEDNESDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 19th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT 
NOVEMBER 20th FRIDAY Kait Plus Books REVIEW & EXCERPT 

WEEK TWO - REVIEWS
NOVEMBER 23rd MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
NOVEMBER 24th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 25th WEDNESDAY Two Pints of Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY Metaphors and Miscellanea REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th THURSDAY Belle's Archive REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 27th FRIDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, November 21, 2020

Book Review - Winston's Wet by Megan Cline + Giveaway

 

Winston is back with a new story to share! Except, he is really hot and needs to cool down. He wants to play outside but, it's so hot. His mom tells him he can play in the sprinklers. Together they enjoy playing in the sprinklers together and cooling down under the hot sun.  However, Winston makes a discovery and is curious to know where it came from. He found a rainbow and wants to know everything about it. Together with his mom, he will learn all about relationships and rainbows.

 The book is a cute read for youngsters and little ones. It teaches them about the rainbow and relationships. I liked how the illustrated book worked in themes of friendship, rainbows, and love.

 **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 Books:

Title: WINSTON WINKS

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: December 14, 2018

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

A curious and thoughtful little wombat, Winston is always trying new things and wondering about one thing or another. Luckily, his always loving and patient mom is there to offer encouragement, affection, and the answers to all of his questions―of which there are many.

 

Today, Winston wants to wink. Why? Well, he always watches his Grandpa wink and wants to wink as well. But wow! What a challenge!

 

With the help of his mom, he learns that not every skill comes easily, but that with patience and practice and perseverance, they can be perfected.

 

If Winston wants to wink badly enough and keeps working at it, then wink he will!...

 

Title: WINSTON WIGGLES

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: May 10, 2019

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

Winston is a curious and thoughtful little wombat who has questions and ideas about the world. Winston's family encourages and helps him with his discoveries and adventures. Tonight Winston has caught a case of the wiggles. He is so excited about his class field trip that he can barely be still. With some help from his Mom and Dad, Winston will learn some calming tricks to get him ready to rest....

 

Title: WINSTON’S WET

Author: Megan Cline, Sakshi Mangal (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: December 5, 2019

Publisher: FriesenPress

Formats: Hardcover, paperback, eBook

Pages: 28

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&NiBooksTBDBookshop.org

 

Everybody's favorite Wombat is back, and he's desperate to cool down! Winston wants to play outside, but it's SO hot. Luckily, his mom comes up with a great idea: They can play in the sprinklers! Together they jump and laugh and play in the cool water under a hot summer sun, and then things get even better. There's a rainbow! Right there in the mist. But where did it come from?

 

With the help of his mom, Winston learns why rainbows appear when there's mist in the sun, and how it's just like friendship and love-something miraculous that you can feel and enjoy, even when you can't catch it in your hand....

 

About Megan: 

A lifelong lover of books, and a member of her local library board of trustees for over fifteen years, Megan Cline has been inspired to create this series of children’s stories by her own insatiably curious son, whose questions and wonderings about the world around him always prodded her to think about things that had never even occurred to her.

 

​Megan currently lives in Iowa with her husband, son, Patsy the dog, and Humphrey the hamster.

 

Photo by Becky Carlyle.

Website | Facebbok | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Find out about the Illustrator Sakshi Mangal HERE!

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a signed copies of the WINSTON THE WOMBAT SERIES, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21178/?

 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/2/2020

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

11/3/2020

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

11/4/2020

JaimeRockstarBookTours

Instagram Post

11/5/2020

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

11/5/2020

BookHounds YA

Instagram Post

11/6/2020

Little Red Reads

Review

 

Week Two:

11/9/2020

Jotted By Jena

Review

11/10/2020

Do You Dog-ear?

Review

11/11/2020

midnightbooklover

Review/Instagram Post

11/12/2020

Jazzy Book Reviews

Instagram Post

11/13/2020

Cuzinlogic

Review

11/13/2020

Cuzinlogic

Instagram Post

 

Week Three:

11/16/2020

Gimme The Scoop Reviews

Review

11/16/2020

gimmethescoopreviews

Instagram Post

11/17/2020

Novel Novice

Review

11/17/2020

Novel Novice

Instagram Post

11/18/2020

Momfluenster

Instagram Stop/Review

11/19/2020

onemused

Review/Instagram Post

11/20/2020

booksaremagictoo

Review

11/20/2020

booksaremagictoo

Instagram Post

 

Week Four:

11/23/2020

Nerdophiles

Review

11/24/2020

The Momma Spot

Review

11/24/2020

The Momma Spot

Instagram Post

11/24/2020

Future Bookworms

Instagram Post

11/25/2020

@fictitious.fox

Review/Instagram Post

11/26/2020

@minnesota_mailer

Review/Instagram Post

11/27/2020

two points of interest

Review

 

Week Five:

11/30/2020

Rajiv's Reviews

Review