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

Photo Credit - Amazon

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

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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**

Book Review - Do Baby Bears Have Mommies? (I've Got Questions) by Crystal Bowman

Photo Credit - Amazon

Little children are known for asking tons of questions, many of them very silly but sometimes very cute. This beautifully illustrated book will help your little one answer some of their most pressing questions in a cute but informational way. A perfect read for any child!

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

Julep Nail Polish - Sara

A beautiful Scandinavian blue creme nail polish which was perfect for the Spring weather. The nail polish provided full coverage and last two days before chipping.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush - Fanciful

I recently found this limited edition blush in my collection and thought I would add it in rotation. Granted, I haven't even a dent in any of my currently 30 open blushes -- but one has to treat themselves, right???

Like the other Tarte blushes, this one is also infused with Amazonian clay that was naturally baked by the sun. It promises a 12 hour fade free finish and with a wide range of finishes such as satin, shimmer, and matte. The dermatologist tested blush is formulated without parabens, triclosan, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gluten.

Unlike a few other blushes I have tried, this blush has a more powdery/chalky texture. It didn't last a full 12 hours on me and while it has a nice  matte pinkish mauve color, I had to really blend it in to avoid a chalky look. 

Ettang Modeling Co Take - Out Cup - Charcoal

While on search for a new mask to try, I came across this brand. It seemed interesting enough and got good reviews. The single use pack comes with powder and all you need to do is add water and stir. The cup has enough for  2- 3 uses and I learned the hard way, to separate out some powder in another container so you can use the rest for another time. If you use too much water, the mask will be too watery and if you use too little water, the mask will be very dry. Each cup has a special “star” ingredient and Charcoal is known for controlling sebum. After removing the mask, most of the mask came out in one clean pull; my face was soft, smooth and looked radiant. I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to try the others.                                                       

Book Review - Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter

Photo Credit - Amazon

When Noah receives a message from the IRS claiming that he and his ex-wife, Josephine was still married he thought it was a mistake. However, after further investigation he realizes the divorce was never finalized and they would need to work together if they getting the paperwork in order. After their divorce, Noah had given up his dream job and moved to a remote horse ranch to avoid communication with Josephine.  Both Noah and Josephine thought it would be as easy as signing their names, however a storm hits and leaves them stranded. Will the coldness outside melt Josephine's and Noah's icy heart?

The novel had an interesting premise but it felt a bit flat. Some of the sentences were a bit choppy and hard to understand while in chapter the dog, Shadow was referred to both a "he" and "she". I also didn't find myself rooting or invested in any of the characters. I found them very annoying and made stupid choices...like stupid obvious choices. A decent read but I have read better.

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

Book Review - Driver Confessional by David Winters

Photo Credit - Amazon

Antonio is a law student who is trying to provide for his young family. He becomes a part time driver for a ride share program in DC. Antonio is known for good lucks and his gentle and warming manners. When a mysterious woman enters his world, he is thrown into the world of secrets and violence. Antonio will have to rely on his police officer brother, Rocco and his friends to help solve a murder. Who is this mysterious woman? What does she have that is so important? 

The novel was a quick read with an interesting premise. However, it failed to deliver. The characters fell flat and the dialogue felt fake. I felt at times that the author was being a bit preachy  and the novel had racial undertones.  The beginning the book was interesting but towards the end but the book just fizzles out. 

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

BBW Cool Amazon Rain Shea and Vitamin Showergel

The sweet scented body wash is packed with aloe vera, vitamin E and shea butter to leave skin soft and smooth. The creamy body wash gives ample lather. It has a soft sweet scent that lingers on the skin for an hour.

Key West Aloe Mango Body Wash

The sweet scented body wash is enriched with 30% aloe, vitamin E, and mango extracts. It promises to nourish, moisturize, and clean skin while gently scenting the skin with a “tropical scent”. I found the body wash to produce a sufficient lather but I wasn’t really wowed by the performance. My skin wasn’t any softer or moisturized and the scent was very weak.

Book Review - Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Photo Credit - Amazon

Six college students sneak into abandoned jail on a warm August night in 1980. Being young, the students think they are invincible until an accident occurs causing each of the survivor to face the consequences. As they try to move on, it becomes clear that the dark night has left a stain on their lives. The incident is bought to life when chef Jon Casey is accused of murder.  Judith Carrigan can prove he is innocence but that would cause her own dark secrets to surface. What secrets are Judith hiding?  What occurred the night of the accident? Will Judith be able to tell the truth even if it means destroying her own life?

The novels narrates the story from 1980 and present day. It was a quick and interesting read. However, I felt the story about the murder took a backseat to one of the characters dealing with their past and sexuality. An interesting book that humanizes the struggle people face when changing genders but I wish there was a bit more focus on the murder aspect of the story.  A good book and I look forward to more books from the author!

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