Book Review - Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese

 

In the early 1800s, Isobel Gamble leaves Scotland with her husband, Edward, carrying generations of secrets with her. Edward was an apothecary who fell under the spell of opium and racked up more debt that he could pay. It forced them to flee Edinburgh and head to the New World to start a new life. Within days of arriving in Salem, Edward decides to join a departing ship as a medic while leaving Isobel alone and penniless in a new strange country. Isobel is forced to make her way and survive by any means possible.

Isobel tries to use her sewing abilities to make her name for herself in Salem. She crosses path with a young Nathaniel Hawthorne, and she finds herself drawn to him. He is haunted by the sins of his ancestors, who sent innocent women to the gallows. Isobel is a gifted seamstress that is troubled by her own gifts. As the weeks pass and Edward safe returns seems unlikely, Nathaniel and Isobel finds themselves growing closer.

I thought this was an interesting read. It was fun to see which parts of Isobel could have inspired Hester. I did feel that parts of the story did drag at times and felt repetitive. While I like reading about Isobel and Nathaniel I felt that there were too many "side stories". For example, in between the main story there were vignettes from the past that at times, I couldn't figure out the character or the relevance. I felt like it was just thrown in there and it ruined the flow of the main story. I did like that the author included some references to the original Hawthorne but, I wish they included more "proof" as to why "The Scarlett Letter" could have been derived from his life experience. Overall, it was an interesting retelling of a classic. I would read more books by the author.

Coola Classic SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face

This eco-friendly is packed with 70% organic ingredients and protect you against both UVA/UVB rays. It is packed with Vitamin C, strawberry extracts, plankton, primrose, acai, and linseed oil to pamper and protect your skin. I love the plumeria and the unscented version of this and I couldn’t wait to try this scent. The lightweight formula does go on smoothly and evenly. It left my face feel soft, moisturized with a matte finish. The only thing I didn’t like was the supposedly “fresh, spa-like” cucumber scent, I didn't like it very much and could have done without it.

Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste



Photo Credit: bigelowchemists.com



Tired of that bland old peppermint toothpaste day in day out? Well, spice up your morning routine with Italian imported Marvis Classic Mint Toothpaste. Not only does it have a nice vintage look, it actually has a nice minty taste which sweetens your breath all day! It has a strong minty taste that will sure to give that strong kick to wake you up. The toothpaste contains fluoride [so don't give it to babies] which helps keeps your pearly whites extra healthy and clean.  So say good bye to tarter buildup, gingivitis and morning breath and hello fresh minty breath.

-Andrea