BBW Sweater Weather Candle

Ah, the Fall, my most favorite season -- the season of cozy sweaters, warming hot chocolate, soul replenishing fireplaces surrounded by family and the beginning of the eating season. Right around middle of Summer, I always have an ache for Fall and while I can't control the season, I can reach for this lovely Fall inspired candle. It has scents of sage, Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus and wood. And all the memories of family, fun and eating flood my sense.

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit : Amazon

Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Photo Credit  - Amazon

A single mother with two teens each facing their own demons. Nick, her son is angry and doesn't like to be told what to do. Martha, her daughter believes that everyone is wrong and judges others on their mistakes. When Nick and his mother get into another argument and Nick decides his only option is to run away; he receives a letter bound story that was passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book which is named "Dragon Seed", is reimagination of the exile of Satan from the Kingdom along with the arrival of Jesus. While reading the story, Nick is introduce to another angry young man. Nick bonds with this other young man and realizes that the story fits his life and the struggles he also faces in life. Will Nick be able to use the lessons to fit his own lifestyles? What are these shadows that keep following Nick and his sister?

The novel was an interesting and enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading the parts of both "real life" struggle of Nick and his mother along with the spiritual story. However, I felt some of the conversation between Nick and his family felt stilted and forced while the spiritual story felt rushed towards the end especially since it was drawn out in the beginning. It was an interesting read and a good read for children to help with their spiritual lessons. The author included a 12 step biblical teaching guide for readers to reinforce the biblical principles.

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Jack Black Intense Therapy - Natural Mint Lip Balm

While, this minty lip balm is targeted towards men, I tend to have several of these on me. The hydrating lip balm is enriched with shea butter, mint, avocado oil, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and antioxidants. The potent cocktail of ingredients left my skin feeling smooth, soft and hydrated.

Tokyo Milk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs - Salted Caramel Lip Balm

The beautifully packaged tin houses a delectable treat for the lips and senses. It is packed with aloe leaf extracts, vitamin E, caramel, sea salt, clove and rose water and it's formulated with any synthetic dyes. The clear lip balm left my lips soft and hydrated without a greasy feeling. The only downside to this product that it is nearly impossible to open and I usually have to leave the tin open. If the tin was a bit more easier to use this would replace my Smith's Rosebud Salve.

Level Naturals Organic Menthol + Cucumber Shower Bomb

I have always been a huge fan of menthol and bath bombs. I have tried Levels Natural Shower Bomb before but in a different scent. I thought menthol and cucumber would be an interesting and relaxing scent. The aroma was relaxing but the menthol was a bit more overpowering and the cucumber was barely scented. With most natural products, you should definitely use within a couple of days to opening otherwise the scent wears away really quickly.

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.