Book Spotlight - Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

About The Book:

Title: WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT

Author: Isabel Ibañez

Pub. Date: January 7, 2020

Publisher: Page Street Kids

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 384

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

A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.

Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.

When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.

She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.

PRAISE FOR WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT

“Isabel Ibanez brings a modern story to an ancient world in her debut novel, WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT. With immersive prose, original magic, and characters as rich as the Bolivian culture that constructs the story, Ibanez delivers a wholly unique book for the YA shelf.”

— Adrienne Young, NYT Bestselling author of Sky in the Deep and The Girl the Sea Gave Back

“WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT captured me on the first page. Ximena is a fierce and brave heroine—one I have deeply come to love—and the world of Inkasisa is so beautifully rendered I never wanted to leave it. Plot twists abound, the magic is uniquely drawn, and intrigue illuminates the pages. Isabel Ibanez weaves together a spellbinding, vivid debut.”

— Rebecca Ross, author of The Queen's Rising and The Queen's Resistance

“A story that glitters as bright as Ximena’s moondust, set in a wholly immersive world that’s both whimsical and deadly. With its slow burn romance and simmering intrigue, Woven In Moonlight kept me reading long into the night. Isabel Ibañez writes pure magic.”

— Shelby Mahurin, NYT Bestselling author of Serpent & Dove

“Woven in Starlight is a lush, vibrant feast of a book, set in a world as colorful and inventive as the fierce heroine’s magical tapestries. I could have remained lost in its pages forever.”

— Margaret Rogerson, NYT Bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens and Sorcery of Thorns

“A page-turning tale of revolution and love, helmed by a brave heroine with a big heart and set against a vibrant tapestry of Bolivian culture. Isabel Ibañez weaves magic in her debut novel.”

— Amélie Wen Zhao, author of Blood Heir

Book Trailer:

Link:

https://vimeo.com/382649481

About Isabel:

Isabel Ibañez was born in Boca Raton, Florida, and is the proud daughter of two Bolivian

immigrants. A true word nerd, she received her degree in creative writing and has been a

Pitch Wars mentor for three years. Isabel is an avid movie goer and loves hosting family and

friends around the dinner table. She currently lives in Winter Park, Florida, with her

husband, their adorable dog, and a serious collection of books. Say hi on social media at

@IsabelWriter09

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21034/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/6/2020	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
1/6/2020	Nay's Pink Bookshelf	Review
1/7/2020	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
1/7/2020	Ramblings of a Book Nerd	Review
1/8/2020	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
1/8/2020	Cuz I’m a Nerd	Review
1/9/2020	Life Within The Pages	Review
1/9/2020	Smada's Book Smack	Review
1/10/2020	Fictitiouswonderland	Review
1/10/2020	fictitious.fox	Review

Week Two:

1/13/2020	Eli to the nth	Review
1/13/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
1/14/2020	Here's to Happy Endings	Review
1/14/2020	Not In Jersey	Review
1/15/2020	Fire and Ice	Review
1/15/2020	Popthebutterfly Reads	Review
1/16/2020	Portrait of a Book	Review
1/16/2020	History from a Woman’s Perspective	Review
1/17/2020	Two Points of Interest	Review
1/17/2020	dwantstoread	Review

Book Review - Heir of Lies by Mallory McCartney + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The Academy is home to those who have special abilities. The Academy is the only thing Emory Fae has ever known. Emory is trying to follow in her parents' footsteps and help uphold their dreams, along with one of her best friends, Adair Stratton. Adair is a social outcast and is feared by many of his peers. He wants to follow his path instead of the one dictated to him. As rumors of dark magic spreading across the realm of Kiero, Adair fears that The Academy isn't all that it seems.

When the deceitful king from the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Islands, and his heir, Marquis Maher, visit Kiero new tensions arise. They are well known for their criminal behavior but, for the first time in years, they are requesting the Faes to listen to their request to a new treaty.  Adair and Emory are caught between the wave of politics as they search for the truth.

The summary of this novel read like an epic fantasy that could span multiple characters, timelines and even generations of characters. I do like fantasy novels but, when they start getting very complex, the story becomes hard for me to follow along. However, I had a hard time following the different characters and their backstory. I didn't read the other part of the series so, I felt like I was constantly rereading parts of the book to understand what was going on. Sadly, I ended up getting frustrated and didn't finish the book.

**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: HEIR OF LIES (Black Dawn #1)

Author: Mallory McCartney

Pub. Date: April 21, 2020

Publisher: MM Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 397

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Amazon Canada, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, BAM, Chapters Indigo

“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one’s heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world.”

Emory Fae has only known one thing—life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. Following in her parents’ footsteps, the pressure to uphold their dream falls on her and one of her best friends—Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher, sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath, for the first time in years, they demand the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Caught in the middle of politics, Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most—the truth.

Their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made, and war ravages Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?

But, Adair’s decision will change the course of Kiero forever, setting in motion irreversible destinies for everyone at The Academy as Emory Fae rises as heir.

Heir of Lies is the first book in the bestselling Black Dawn series.

The Black Dawn series is re- releasing and “Heir of Lies” (book one) is coming April 21 2020! This edition will have an exclusive map and bonus content!

About Mallory:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

 

Giveaway Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21029/? 

Colourpop Hopeless Romantic Glitterally Obsessed

Glitter is my true love. As I get older I constantly question if I am too old to wear it. The answer is a resounding NO! No one is too old for glitter. It brings joy and happiness along being a pain in the butt by getting everywhere. I can't tell you how many times days later I find specks of glitter.

This jar of happiness is supposedly body glitter but, I also applied it to my lips, eyebrows, and eyes. The multi-colored glittered has tiny heart-shaped glitter. I loved that I didn't need any additional products to apply this to my eyes and it stayed put for a good portion of the day but, with most eye makeup it did start to melt. The small hearts did poke my skin when it gets into my crease or waterline though.  I love putting on because usually, I get a few smiles from people.

Book Review - The Magnolia Duchess by Beth White

Photo Credit - Amazon

Fiona Lanier and her shipbuilding family are building American ships for the War of 1812. She is the only woman in the tiny settlement of Navy Cove. While training her horses one day, Fiona comes across a body on the beach. She discovers its a family friend but, who is also on the other side of the war.

Lieutenant Charlie Kincaid has been undercover gathering information on a planned British attack on New Orleans. A summer storm wrecks his boat and causes Charlie overboard. He wakes up with a head injury and unable to remember. As Charlie starts to regain his memory, he discovers that he has conflicting political loyalties with the woman he loves.

I was expecting a lot more from this novel. I felt like the storyline of Fiona rescuing her brother would play a more prominent role. The developments on the fate of her brother were just mentioned in passing. I also found it hard to believe that Charlie strongly believed his duty in England and then changed his mind and was able to petition his interest to change sides. I found the descriptions of the war to be long and tedious. It felt like I was reading a history lesson. It was unnecessary because it didn't add much to the already-very-slow-moving storyline.

**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.**

Noto Agender Oil Hair + Body Multi Use All Natural

No matter what season it is, my skin is always desperately in need of moisture. I have used creams, lotions, and balms but, I never really used body oil. I am not a fan of the greasy slick feeling and sometimes, it stains my sheets. After a particularly harsh winter week, I noticed my skin was cracking and becoming more painful. I decided to try a body oil since it seems to be loved by a lot of people.

The oil is suitable for usage on both hair and body and has a gender-neutral scent so, it can be used by anyone. The oil is composed of organic hemp seed oil, lavender, and vetiver. I am not a fan of the scent but, it did grow on me. The scent is strong but does dissipate after an hour or so. I used the oil mostly on my skin and it did go on a bit heavy and stayed slick on the surface. My skin was softer the next day but, not hydrated enough that I can skip an application. A word of warning, this did stain my bedsheets with oil stains. I might have to look into dark sheets since I am jumping on the body oil bandwagon.

Finding Ferdinand Nob Hill Red Lipstick

Guess how many red lipsticks I own? More than any normal sane person should have. I love red lipsticks. Nothing makes me feel like I can take on the world more than a beautiful bold red.

I never heard of the brand before but, I am always up to try something new. I rarely buy the same thing twice unless it's truly something I can't live without and it's on sale. Let's be honest, makeup is expensive and  sometimes I do really question if it's wrong to sell my organs to support my habit.

While I never heard of the brand, I felt that a $30 price tag is kind of steep. I felt like for a few more dollars, I could get a well known prestige brand lipstick or a few beloved drugstore favorites. But, my dear readers, I bite the bullet and got one. The packaging was sleek but, it didn't have heavy weight like Colourpop or Urban Decay's lipsticks. I did like that you did have to push the tube up before the lipstick popped down.

The warm-hued lipstick went on smoothly. One swipe provided full coverage but, I like applying two coats for even application. It felt nice against the skin and lasted maybe two hours before fading away. I like the color on me but, I can't say it's my favorite shade nor do I find myself reaching for this often. I am opened to trying new colors by the brand but, definitely not paying full price.

Book Review - On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Photo credit - Amazon

Camden Grayson loves a challenge. Her professional career has never been better but, the rest of her life needs improvement.  Her sisters believe that her motto of "moving on" isn't helping her. Cam's life gets all topsy turvy when her father sells their childhood home to buy a remote island off the coast of Maine.

Paul Grayson and his deceased wife shared a dream of returning to the camp where they first met and fell in love. However, while Paul was busy chasing his career, his wife passed away during an unfortunate accident. He decided that he spent too much of his time waiting to achieve their dreams and decides to buy the island. He believes that he already wasted time he could have spent with this wife but, now he can use this time to bond with his daughters. Will the island provide solace to the family? Will they be able to find their path of happiness?

I grew up and spent most of my time in the city but, I have visited a few islands. Living on an island or even a small community has a different pace of time. A person can breathe and reconnect with each other and Mother Nature. The novel showed how people sometimes get caught up with the daily demands of life that they forgot to take time and reconnect with themselves and each other. The novel was a nice cozy read about three sisters finding their path to happiness along with a few twists.

**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.**

Book Review - The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Photo Credit - Amazon

Darcie and Walter Goodwin decide to join the local Shaker village when a new cholera epidemic hits their area. The Shaker village seems to be immune to the disease and once, the threat passes, the Goodwins will leave the community. During a routine trip into town, Walter is killed in a riverboat accident.

Darcie is devastated by the news and but, she has nowhere else to go. She has no family and money along with being pregnant with a child. The Shaker community is celibate people who believe in marital relationships to be sinful.  Darcie feels isolated and alone because of her pregnancy. However, when Darcie crosses path with Flynn Keller and his daughter, will Darcie be able to find her path to happiness?

This was the first novel I ever read about the Shaker community. I thought some of their ideas were a bit "strange" especially, the procreation portion and referring to our parents as "sister" or "brother". However, I also like many of their ideas, such as, providing a haven for everyone, being an inclusive community, and ensuring everyone having a role to play. I liked all the characters except for one of the characters, who tried to murder someone and nothing happened to her. I liked that each of the characters was flawed but, found someone else or a community to help bring out the best of themselves.

**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.**

Primark Home Paradise Palm and Coconut Candle

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I love Primark! The store is filled with affordable finds for every occasion and person. A few items have questionable quality though. The clothing can be worn out quicker than other brands and the fit varies per item. I love their candles as they are small and fragrant and usually under $5. This one had a soft tropical scent that wasn't very overpowering. I usually lit this candle after I finished cooking or when I am in the tub soaking. The scent is quite soft and fades quite quickly. But, when I am trying to cut down on expenses, the candle is a nice treat.