Book Review - Anything But Pink by J.C. Benthin + Giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zinna is tired of being the only pink person in a gold world. She was told that being pink stinks by a bully. She decides to go on a quest to get rid of her pink for good. On her journey, she learns a valuable lesson and meets new friends on the way.

The book was a cute illustrated read to teach children that they are perfect the way they are. It also teaches little ones about self love, acceptance, and being unique.  

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

About the Book:

Title: ANYTHING BUT PINK

Author: J C Benthin & Andy Catling (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: May 9, 2022

Publisher: Kaleidoscope Volcano

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 34

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Bookshop.org

Zinnia is the only pink person in a very gold world. After being told that pink stinks by a golden bully, she goes on a quest to get rid of her pink for good. Along the way, Zinnia learns a valuable lesson. Will she embrace her unique pink, or will she change to be just like everyone else?

 

 

About J.C. Benthin:

J.C. Benthin has been writing since a young age winning a Father's Day essay contest with the Kansas City Star justifying "Why my Dad’s the Best Outdoorsman" which won a John Deere Lawnmower and a Weber Grill. She has written Timmy the Time Machine, Pink Princess and Anything but a Prince for a next generation interactive children’s publisher. She has also written two young adult novels titled Catapult and Slingshot in The Kingston Chronicles Series. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). The author resides in Berkeley, California.

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Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

5 winners will receive a finished copy of ANYTHING BUT PINK, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/6/2022	Ya Books Central	Guest Post
6/6/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Guest Post/IG Post
6/7/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Spotlight
6/8/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	IG Review
6/8/2022	M reads often	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post
6/10/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post

Week Two:

6/13/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/13/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
6/14/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post
6/15/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review/FB Post
6/15/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
6/16/2022	Jenguerdy	IG Post
6/17/2022	onemused	IG Post
6/17/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review

June 2022 Empties!

 

Wow, I can't believe the year is halfway done! It just feels like it has been flying by. I managed to finish a few things this month but, nothing really noteworthy.

I have used a few of Josie Maran's products and have enjoyed them. I was really excited to try her body butter. It had a sweet citrus scent but, it had a weird rotten scent after awhile. I am not sure if the body butter was reacting to my body chemistry.  I did enjoy using the Kinapure Cocoa Vanilla shea butter. It smelled so amazing and it left my skin buttery soft without being greasy.

I got two new soaps that were pretty awesome. The Kiss My Face and Humble soap, were both stars. They were creamy and provided a generous lather. They also didn't strip my skin and make it feel tight.

I got a new scrub from Kopari which I loved. I usually have mixed feelings about their products but, this scrub left skin feeling soft and smooth. the Mudmasky leave on winter mask is a skin savior for the colder months. It locked in hydration and left skin feeling super soft and smooth. It definitely kept my skin from drying out at night.

Did you finish anything this month that you thought was great?

Book Review - Lovers on All Saints' Day: Stories by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

 

The book is a collection of short stories set in Europe. It shows themes of love and humanity in seven short stories in various relationships and situations.

I usually like reading short stories but, these felt a bit disappointing. I am not sure if it was the translation but, I had a trouble following some of the stories. I felt like that there was some nuances that were lost in translation. Some of the stories did have a bit of staying power when I really thought about it but, others were pretty forgettable.Some of the stories felt like they really didn't deliver because the story wasn't fleshed out properly. A lot of the stories had a darker and bleak than I was expecting.  However, I would be open to reading other works by the author.

Book Review - The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood

 

Twelve years ago, three-year-old Coco goes missing during her father's fiftieth birthday celebration. She leaves behind her identical twin, Ruby as the only witness. Their father, Sean, is a wealthy and influential real estate developer and his friends gather at his seaside vacation home for a weekend of fun.Coco going missing causes a media frenzy and it changes the lives of everyone at the party forever.

Sean has passed away and everyone who was present during the night of Coco's disappearance, come to pay their respect. One thing becomes clear that the secrets of the past will be revealed as the night progresses.

I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I didn't really care for any of the adult characters. I felt like most of them were terrible people and did whatever they wanted without caring about anyone else. I felt like the book did move slowly and had a lot of unnecessary details but, left some of the more pressing questions unanswered. The author hinted about Sean's and Linda's death but, were they connected? I also didn't care for the ending, I felt like it was rushed and abrupt. I didn't like that there was a lot of references to pop culture or the government that some readers wouldn't understand if they weren't familiar with it.

Book Spotlight - Bewitching a Highlander by Roma Cordon + Giveaway

About the Book:

Title: BEWITCHING A HIGHLANDER (A Scottish Highland Warriors Novel #1)

Author: Roma Cordon

Pub. Date: June 7, 2022

Publisher: CamCat Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 368

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

Defying all for the love of a bewitching lass.

Breena MacRae, a healer from Skye with a touch of witchery in her blood, embarks on a dangerous search for her missing father. She arrives on the Isle of Coll, seat of the vile Campbells. There, she encounters the debonair future chief to the Dunbar Clan, Egan, who rescues her from a Campbell sentry.

Egan Dunbar is on Coll to keep the peace between the feuding Campbells and Dunbars. But when he catches Breena in a lie, he agrees to help her find her father to pay back an old debt and get to the bottom of the secrets she's hiding.

As their attraction for each ignites like a firestorm, Breena and Egan realize a future together could trigger deadly consequences—a clan war between the Campbells and the Dunbars. Is Egan willing to betray his clan for love, even though he knows Breena is keeping secrets from him? Can Breena trust him with her family secret and put those she loves at risk? 

 

About Roma Cordon:

Roma Cordon was introduced to romance novels in her teenage years and instantly became a voracious reader of the genre. In the 1990s, she came to live in New York where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees. After taking a writing course at New York University with Anne Rice, she dived into the world of writing while testing the waters at public speaking at her local Toastmasters club. By day, Roma works in the finance industry; in the evenings and weekends, she is a passionate romance writer. She also writes on her blog romacordon.com.

Inspiration for Roma’s debut novel, Bewitching a Highlander came from trips to Scotland with her husband. Roma is an active member of the RWA-NYC Chapter and lives in New York with her husband where they care for two adorable furry friends adopted from local shelters. 

Sign up for Roma’s mailing list for exclusive news & updates! Scroll down to the bottom of her home page.

 

Website |  Twitter  | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win an ARC of BEWITCHING A HIGHLANDER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/23/2022	Viviana MacKade	Guest Post
5/24/2022	Writer of Wrongs	Guest Post
5/25/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
5/26/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
5/27/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

5/30/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review
6/1/2022	The Caffeinated Reader	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	Author Z. Knight	Review/IG Post
6/3/2022	Angel's Guilty Pleasures	Guest Post/IG Post

Week Three:

6/6/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
6/7/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
6/8/2022	See Sadie Read	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review

Week Four:

6/13/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
6/15/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/16/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/17/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
6/18/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Book Review - The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville

 

Sara Keane and her husband, Damien moved from England to Damien's native Northern Island for a fresh start after Sara suffered from a nervous breakdown. Sara feels isolated in Ireland because she has no job, no friends, and no car. She feels like she is a prisoner in her own home.

One night, a blood-soaked old woman turns up at Sara's door insisting the house is hers. After the incident with the older woman, Sara finds out that the house has a terrible history that her husband was keeping a secret from her. As the two woman bond over their shared traumas, they both will need to find their own voice.

I thought this book would have more twists and thrills than it had. I felt like the story line was very straight forward and predictable albeit depressing. At times, I felt like the story was just muddling along. I can't say that I cared much about Sara's story line and was a bit annoyed that she put other people in danger. I felt that Sara's story wasn't as developed as Mary's and I struggled to understand why she stayed with Damien. I believe Sara hinted that she had an iffy relationship with her mother but, I wish they went into more details.

Book Review - Shadow Sands (Kate Marshall, #2) by Robert Bryndza

 

Criminology professor Kate Marshall is on a scuba dive with her son when they make a shocking discovery. They find a body of a teenage boy in the depths of the Shadow Sands reservoir. The detective chief inspector is quick to rule the case as an accidental drowning. However, Kate believes there is more to the story. As she begins to follow the evidence and clues, she discovers something more sinister.

It turns out the latest victim is one of the many in a series of deaths and disappearances linked to the moorlands. There is an urban legend of a phantom that uses the rolling fog to hunt for its victims. When a researcher studying urban legends disappears without a trace, Kate must act fast if she wants to find her alive.

This novel is the second book in the series but, I felt like it could be read as a standalone. I thought the book was an interesting read and it was nice seeing old characters making a reappearance while getting more history on Tristan. I enjoyed reading this book but, I definitely felt like I enjoyed the first book more. I felt like something was missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. However, I am excited to read the next book in the series.

Book Review - Jackie's Star by Miss Lori

 

Jackie always wished that she could fly. One night, a star grants Jackie her wish to flying. As Jackie experiences the joy of flying she meets new friends along the way. They teach her that sometimes, you are perfect the way you are. I thought the illustrated book was an okay read but, taught children and important topic. Personally, I felt that the story didn't flow smoothly and I wasn't a fan of the illustration style. However, children who like whimsical designs might enjoy this book more than I did.

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

Book Review - I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres + Giveaway

 

The cute children book illustrates one object's need to live their lives beyond their predestined/predefined roles. A plunger wishes to change his job and become a vase instead. As he begins is his journey to be a vase, he realizes other things want to change their roles too. He also faces some naysayers who believe he should stay a plunger. The book was interesting and funny at times. I thought it was a fun read to show that sometimes we want to live a little and be other things.

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

 

About The Book:

Title: I WANT TO BE A VASE

Author: Julio Torres & Julian Glander (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: June 7, 2022

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 48

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

Former SNL writer and comedic rising star Julio Torres takes readers on a journey through the lives and intimate dramas of some of the unsung shapes of our time in this picture book inspired by his HBO special My Favorite Shapes.

Shapes. You’ve heard of them. You might have even interacted with a few. But do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, I Want to Be a Vase takes readers on an essential and visually stunning journey through the lives and intimate dramas of often-overlooked household appliances.

Reviews:

“I love this strange and brilliant book, which made me identify with a toilet plunger.”

—Mindy Kaling, #1 New York Times bestselling author

 

“This book is such a delicious feast for the eyes. It makes me want to be a refrigerator so I can store the leftovers!”

—Bowen Yang, actor, Saturday Night Live

 

“I’m deeply jealous of all the children who get to read this book. This is my villainous origin.”

—Aidy Bryant, actor, Saturday Night Live and Shrill

 

 

 

INSERT YOUR POST OR REVIEW HERE!

 

About Julio Torres:

Julio Torres is a comedian, the creator of the HBO special My Favorite Shapes, and has written for Saturday Night Live. He’s also one of the masterminds behind Los Espookys, HBO’s Spanish-language comedy about a group of horror enthusiasts. Visit him on Instagram @SpacePrinceJulio.

 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

About Julian Glander:

Julian Glander is a 3D animator, designer, and illustrator. Mostly self-taught, he has created work for Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Adult Swim, and the New York Times. He is also the creator of the video game Art Sqool and the squishy comics collection 3D Sweeties. Visit him at Glander.co.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok |  Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of I WANT TO BE A VASE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/30/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt
5/30/2022	pickagoodbook	Excerpt/IG Post
5/31/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
6/1/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/1/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post
6/3/2022	onemused	IG Post
6/3/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/6/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	IG Review
6/6/2022	Jenguerdy	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/10/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
6/10/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
6/10/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review/FB Post

Book Review - The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

 

Stephen Aston is getting married again but, he still married to his first wife. His first wife, Pam, is in a care facility for dementia. Stephen can easily get over that roadblock by divorcing Pam, even if his adult children protest his decision.

Tully and Rachel Aston feel that Heather is just using their father. They feel like she is an interloper. Heather is the same age as Rachel, who is the youngest daughter. They believe that she is after their father's money. However, Heather has her own reasons why she is marrying Stephen.

Pam is unable to speak for herself and her memory is shot. Tully and Rachel are determined to get the truth behind their family's secret. Will they be able to get the truth?

I have a lot of books with a similar theme but, this book was quite disappointing. There was almost no twist and the ending was predictable. I didn't like the direction the book took because the ending was a bit open and all the character's story was called into question. All the characters complained about this one person about being abusive but, then called that person "the love of their lives". This book just showed a bunch of dysfunctional people and they all second-guessed themselves even though they had a gut feeling. I can't say that I really cared for any of the characters.

Book Review - Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison

 

 

The Goode School is located on top of a hill in a tiny town of Marchburg, Virginia. The school is a prestigious prep school for girls that is also known as the Silent Ivy. Girls from rich and influential families flock to the school that is known to only accept the best and brightest students. The Goode students are expected to follow their honor code along with their long-held traditions. The students who attend the school can be expected to have bright futures at Ivy League universities and beyond.

However, a mysterious newcomer has arrived at Goode and things have started to turn for the worst. All the students have come to accept the rules and the cruelties of the secret societies.But when a popular student is found dead, the truth starts to seep through the cracks. The rumors suggest that she was struggling with keeping a secret and that drove her to suicide.

I thought the book was an interesting read. It was a suspenseful read with a twist ending. The book was told in alternating point of views but, it was hard at times distinguishing between the character at times. In the middle the book was a bit slow, I felt like if the author condensed the book in some parts, it would have been a better read. I would read other books by the author.