Book Review - Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Four orphans eagerly wait for an opportunity to escape from the Home for Friendless Children. Lucy, one of the orphans, used to love to talk and sing. Now, she no longer speaks as she believes silence is the only way to protect herself.

After a tumultuous journey, the orphans find work and new friends aboard a traveling circus. Lucy loves being able to take care of the elephants but, for her to secure the job of the elephant handler, she will need to speak to the elephants and warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't cope with her fear of speaking, she will lose her chance to join the circus. Meanwhile, the matrons of the orphanage are eager to get Lucy back at the orphanage.

The book was a fun and cute read. It was nerve-wracking following the orphans' journey for a home and a place to belong. I liked that the author included a section about notes on the book. It was shocking to find out how much of Lucy's story was based on horrifying events. The novel was a heartwarming and enjoyable read and perfect for fans of the author.

**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: ORPHAN ELEVEN

Author: Gennifer Choldenko

Pub. Date: May 26, 2020

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 320

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

Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn't speak anymore; silence is her protection.

The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn't find her voice, she'll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.

About Gennifer:

With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts—the first book in the series—was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews. Gennifer’s newest novel: Orphan Eleven will be out May 26. Publisher’s Weekly has said this about Orphan Eleven: “This uplifting tale of hope, survival and belonging has all the ingredients to become a beloved middle grade book.” Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ORPHAN ELEVEN, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21120/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/13/2020	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt
7/13/2020	Forever Lost in Literature	Excerpt
7/14/2020	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
7/14/2020	Trapped Inside Stories	Excerpt
7/15/2020	Little Red Reads	Review
7/15/2020	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt
7/16/2020	JaimeRockstarBookTours	Instagram Stop
7/16/2020	Jaime's World	Excerpt
7/17/2020	TheReadingCornerforAll	Review
7/17/2020	Two Chicks on Books	Interview

Week Two:

7/20/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
7/20/2020	popthebutterfly	Review
7/21/2020	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
7/21/2020	Krisha's cosy corner	Review
7/22/2020	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
7/22/2020	BookHounds YA	Interview
7/23/2020	Two Points of Interest	Review
7/23/2020	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
7/24/2020	Books and Zebras @jypsylynn	Review
7/24/2020	Hurn Publications	Excerpt

 

Book Review - Belladonna by Anbara Salam

Photo Credit - Amazon

Isabella is the beloved popular girl that everyone wants to befriend. Bridget, her best friend, is the exact opposite of each other. Bridget keeps to herself but, she watches everyone, especially Isabella.

The girls graduate school and land spots in a coveted art school in Northern Italy. The Accademia di Belle Arti di Pentila is housed in a silent nun convent. The duo was happy to be away from their family and have their freedom.  Bridget is happy because she is free to reinvent herself and no one will discriminate her for being an outsider due to her Egyptian roots.

I thought this novel moved very slowly and was boring. I didn't take an interest in any of the characters. I felt like Bridget only cared about herself and Isabella. She showed very little regard for other people. Isabelle was just using Bridget as a pawn in her own little game. I feel like the author could have gone into more details for some things especially, Bridget's family.

**Disclosure -  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.**

July 2020 Empties Part 2!

I am so excited I finished roughly 18 full-sized items this month in addition to what I already finished earlier. But, I have a stinky suspicion I definitely adding more than I am finishing haha. I recently began hoarding nail polish because you know that's the most sensible thing to do during a pandemic. 

Out of everything I finished there weren't many items I loved enough to repurchase again. I do like most of the face masks but, I just usually buy what's on sale lately. Occasionally I might go out of my way to purchase something but, lately, I been blowing through my entertainment/self-care budget lol

I did like the Elemis Rose facial oil. It smelled heavenly but, after a while, I felt like it wasn't really doing anything. I think I just liked putting it on because of how luxurious it felt. Sunday Riley Retinoid cream was nice and it didn't cause my skin to break out or get irritation.

The most disappointing thing was the Glow Recipe watermelon mask. This one didn't break me out like their moisturizer but, I didn't really notice anything. I used to be a fan of Lancome's eye makeup remover but, honestly, it doesn't remove tough mascara stains. I have been using the makeup remover cloth and that works wonders.

Here is a list of everything I finished -

Facetory Glow Baby Glow

BioRepublic Skincare Pomegranate Crush

Elvis + Elvin New York Grape Treatment Mask

I Dew Care See The Light Purifying Vitamin C Mask

Nature Republic Real Nature Mask Sheet Acai Berry

Soo ae Purifying Black Charcoal Mask

Facetory Ace that Face Sheet Mask

Evolvh Super Finish Polishing Balm Smooth

Essentiel Elements Fresh Neroli Shower Gel

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum

TonyMoly Moisture Boost Gel to Water Morning Cleanser

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil

Dennis Gross Stress SOS Eye Cream

Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

Red Flower Soft Water Mist

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Thisworks In Transit Camera Close-Up

Book Review - Her Surprise Engagement by Cari Lynn Webb + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Nichole Moore is a single mom and needs help with selling her app. She reaches out to an old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. Their ruse of a pretend marriage will help both of them secure their future. Chase's celebrity status will impress the executives who are trying to buy Nichole's app. While Nichole's safe and sensible personality will help tame the wild child image that Chase has garnered. As their fake relationship begins to play out, Nichole and Chase start to realize that they might be falling for each other.

The novel is a perfect read for readers who like a cozy romantic read. I thought the characters were well developed and likable. I felt that Nichole shouldn't have lied to her son about her relationship with Chase. Thankfully, since this a heartwarming romance novels, things have a way of working out for the best.

**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.**

 

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Surprise Engagement

(City by the Bay Stories #6)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
July 1, 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A football star and a single mom…

Teach each other to trust again

To impress the executives buying her app, Nichole Moore enlists the help of old friend and pro quarterback Chase Jacobs. A pretend marriage is the perfect ruse: Chase’s celebrity status will impress the executives, while likable, hardworking Nichole could fix his fading career. But as their fake relationship plays out under the glare of the public eye, Nichole realizes her feelings might be the real deal…

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | iBooks | Kobo | Harlequin

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and the Return of the Blackwell Brothers Continuity Series with a book tote bag. (5 Print Books & tote bag to US Residents only, E-copies to anyone outside the US).

Ends July 22, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Spotlight - How Sweet It Is by Robin Lee Hatcher + Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

How Sweet It Is

(Lagacy of Faith, #3)

By Robin Lee Hatcher

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 304 Pages

July 14th 2020 by Thomas Nelson

He lost his brother. She lost her dream. Together, they might find what they’re really looking for.

Holly Stanford is doing the best she can with the restaurant she inherited from her late uncle. But after her fiancé abandons her and the business, Holly regrets having given up her dream of becoming a pastry chef. Now a few bad financial decisions might cost her everything, including her hope for the future.

Jed Henning has done well with his new company despite his prodigal brother’s behavior. When Jed‘s father, the controlling member of the board of directors, temporarily suspends operations until his sons work out their differences, Jed resentfully chases his brother, Chris, to Boise. There Jed rents a basement apartment from Holly and hopes to convince Chris to get his act together before their company collapses.

Unaware that Holly is the one person who can help him get through to Chris, Jed starts the tough work of reconciliation armed with little more than a few family photographs, a stack of old letters, and a Bible that belonged to his great-grandfather, Andrew Henning. And as romance blossoms between Holly and Jed, the story of Jed’s great-grandfather highlights the power of God across the generations and the legacy of a family’s courageous faith.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Christianbook | IndieBound | iBooks | Kobo | TNZFiction

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 80 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a print copy of Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher
US only
Ends July 29, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review - The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Photo Credit - Amazon

It started like every other day, Rachel Klein drops her daughter, Kylie at the bus stop and then starts her day. But when Rachel receives a call from an unknown number her entire world comes crumbling down. The woman who called informed Rachel that she has Kylie bound and gagged. The only way Rachel will ever see her again is if she follows the instructions exactly. 

Rachel will have to pay a ransom and then she will have to find another child to kidnap. The caller tells Rachel that this is no ordinary kidnapping and that her son has also been taken. If Rachel fails to follow the instructions both Kylie and the caller's son will perish. Rachel is now a part of the chain that makes victims turn into criminals while making someone very rich in the process. Will Rachel be able to put her morals aside and commit a horrible act to save her daughter?

The novel had an interesting idea of making distraught parents kidnap someone's kid to save their own. It shows the lengths that a parent would go to save their child's life. I thought the novel was a good read but, it was quite predictable. I thought some of the characters were a bit oblivious and didn't care for any of them.  I look forward to reading other novels by the author.

**Disclosure -  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.**

July 2020 Haul!

I noticed that being home almost every day other than to forage for food, I been trying to spend more time taking care of myself. I ended up digging through a few of my hoard and found some new products I am excited to try.  I have to keep telling myself to stop buying new things before finishing out things. But saying and doing are definitely two different things.

I received a sample of the SocialCBD muscle rub and was surprised how well it worked and quickly. I also got a container of their foot renewal cream. Granted, no one is probably going to see my feet for the new few months/years but, at least it will look nice when they make their debut. I am excited to try the Lancer mask and the GlamGlow. Both are highly reviewed products so I am hoping they work well. I also got quite a few lip products but, I have nowhere to go. I definitely have been putting on my lipstick when I am home alone.

Let me know if you have tried any of the products above!

Book Review - Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb

Photo Credit - Amazon

Camille Claudel is a young aspiring sculptor. However, because she is a woman, she has plenty of critics including her own overly traditional mother. When renowned sculptor, Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice and muse, their passion ignites their creativity to create breathtaking pieces of work. Even though, Camille is a talented sculptor her success his overshadowed by Rodin's gaining popularity and her gender. Her obsession with creating art and her relationship with Rodin is slowly driving her down the path of madness.

I thought that the novel was an interesting read. It was heartbreaking to read Camille's struggle with mental illness and being treated as an inferior sculptor because of her gender. I didn't like that Camille and Rodin's love affair was considered to be "passionate" but, there was a lot of childish "he loves but, I don't like him...even if I do" scenes.  At times, I found it hard to understand and feel for Camille as she was very sharp and cruel to many of the people who were close to her. I believe the author did this to show Camille's mental state but, I felt it made it hard to root for her. I did like that author included names of Camille's artwork and I thought many of them were beautiful when I did look them up. It was heartbreaking that she didn't receive the same acclaim as her Rodin however, I am glad that a few of her pieces survived.

**Disclosure -  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 Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the late 1990s, Miss Rebecca Farwell made a killing at Christie's in New York City, right when the art market finally recovered. Reba is dressed to impressed with couture YSL and drinking only the finest champagne at trendy restaurants. She is a model of a wealthy art collector. Reba has many different personas, to some she is a ruthless businesswoman and to others, she is only interested in art because of how much money she can make.

In the small town of Pierson, Illinois, Miss Farwell is known as someone totally different. She is known as Becky, a single woman who works tirelessly for her town as the town's comptroller.  She still lives at her childhood home and wears sensible clothing and shoes. Becky is the only one in the town who understands all the ins and outs of Pierson's accounts. She is the last one in the office and the first one in the office crunching the numbers. The town is always in awe at her ability to find money when they need it most. However, no one knows that she "borrows" funds from the town's account to fund her art habit. She tries to repay the money when she can but, the art business is very cutthroat and unpredictable.

The premise of the novel sounds interesting but, I am not sure how this book is classified as a thriller. There are only two possible outcomes and there are no surprise twists. I felt like the whole novel was rather pointless and there was no "purpose" to this novel. I had a hard time understanding and liking Becky and her addiction to collecting art. I felt like she was buying and selling art to feel in control and have money but, then she did some weird things. For example, she ruined expensive brand name bags and donated expensive shoes with the tags on. I would think someone who is literally killing themselves with their compulsive behavior of stealing would take better care of their things. I felt like there wasn't enough time explaining Becky's motives and personality.

**Disclosure -  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.**

July 2020 Empties!

Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone is having a great and safe day! Be sure to keep hydrated :)

Since I am still in isolation I have been managing to only finish mostly skincare products with the occasional makeup item. But, to be fair, I think that was like that was the case even before the pandemic. The most notable items were the face masks. I like the Skyn Iceland rubber mask but, the pouch goes with enough product for two uses but, unfortunately, can't be re-sealed. I like the other types of modeling mask where you mix with water so, you can use as much as you like. The Amika exfoliating shampoo was nice but, then I realized the sugar crystals don't always fully dissolve and wash away. A few times I have found some on my scalp. 

The biggest disappointment was the Snow Fox serum. The serum was around $75 and did absolutely nothing for my skin. The serum when applied to my skin made it feel tight and dry. A complete and utter waste. The same thing goes for the Tatcha face mask. The mask was $12 for a single one and it didn't perform at all. It was a complete rip-off. I had better luck with masks that were under $5.

Here is a list of everything I finished below. Let me know your thoughts!

Skyn Iceland Artic Hydration Rubberizing Mask

Lassie'el Real Vitamin E Powder Mask

Cuccio Somatology Yogahhh! Detox Bath

Miss Spa Detoxifying Self-Heating Creme Mask

Beauty Chuck I'm Real GIRA Mask- Aqua Beauty Chuck

Keep Cool and Let Shine Intensive Whitening Second Skin Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask

Wonjin Effect three-step mask

Davines SU Hair and Body Wash

Snow Fox Skin Care True Luminosity Serum

Tom's of Maine Creamy Coconut with Virgin Coconut Oil Soap

Amika Reset Exfoliating Jelly Shampoo

Starskin VIP Nose Treatment Strips

Vagisil Scentsitive Scents - Peach Blossom

Leaders Labotica Bamboo Skin Soft Mask

Facetory Everyday Olive Squalane

Ariul Juice Cleanse Mask 2x Plus Raspberry and Lentil

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask

Annie's Way Rose Essence Jelly Mask

Book Review - Always Watching (Elite Guardians, #1) by Lynette Eason

Photo Credit - Amazon

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency is an elite group of women who are skilled in law enforcement. Wade Savage is a popular psychiatrist and radio personality and starts receiving gifts from a listener. However, it starts becoming clear that the person sending the gifts might be stalking Wade. Wade's father is worried about his son and hires the Elite Guardians to protect him.

When Wade's bodyguard was attacked and nearly killed, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner must step in and protect him. Olivia's abilities are put to the test when Wade's stalker becomes more aggressive and starts threatening people close to him. Olivia has a feeling that she might be next on the list when she and Wade are starting to fall for each other.

I liked the idea about having female bodyguards but, I thought it was annoying how they were always several steps behind their opponent and how Wade kept babying Olivia. Some of the characters seemed over the top and unrealistic. For example, when the daughter was yelled at for eating chocolates that were left by a stalker. She knew that her father's stalker was dangerous but, instead focused on her father's reaction of her wanting to eat chocolate. I liked that there wasn't too much back and forth in the romantic department. Where one character would push the other one way but, secretly want them. The plot was a bit predictable but, I still found the story enjoyable. I am looking forward to reading the other stories in the series.

**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.**