Key West Aloe - Gentle Aloe Facial Cleanser 30% Aloe Triple Action Performance

The gentle facial cleanser is composed of 30% aloe to remove tough makeup while soothing skin. The pH-balanced cleanser has soft citrus scent. The cleanser went on smoothly and provided a mediocre lather. It didn’t remove most of my eye makeup including my mascara and eyeliner. However, my face didn’t feel tight or rough after using the cleanser. A good cleanser for those who don’t use makeup and has sensitive skin...all else, skip.

Book Review - Berenstain Bears Easter Fun Sticker and Activity Book By Jan & Mike Berenstain

Photo Credit - Amazon

I remember growing up watching Berenstain Bears on TV. I was so excited to see this book to share with the young ones in my family. This wonderful Easter theme children's ( I may or may not have helped with a few activities) book is packed with fun activities such as puzzles, crosswords, coloring, sticker activity pages, and over 50 reusable stickers. The kids once they saw the books, they didn't want to wait until Easter to play with it. They had fun time and I was glad they had so much fun (and the best part they were entertained for a few hours). A definite fun treat for the kids during Easter!

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

Book Review - The Fifth Petal: A Novel by Brunonia Barry

Photo Credit - Amazon

On Halloween night, a young teenage boy named Billy Barnes, dies mysteriously. John Rafferty, the newest Salem's chief of police is called to investigate the death. As John investigates the death of Billy, there has been alarming similarities of his death and the town's infamous cold case called "the Goddess Murders".  When the only survivor for the "Goddess Murders" return to Salem, John must rely on Callie Cahill's help to find the murder. What is the connection between "The Goddess Murders" and Billy? What role does Callie play in the murders? Will the  murderer strike again?

The novel is the second book in the Lace Reader collection. However, each book can be read as a standalone and I have not read "Lace Reader" yet. The novel is brilliantly written and keeps reader engage in this magical "whodunit".  However, I felt that the novel had a lot of fluff and minute details that could have been left out and certain parts of the story was just brushed over that could have used more details. A definite good read but I felt was unnecessary too long.

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

Level Naturals Tea Tree + Activated Charcoal Soap

I heard charcoal helps detox skin and keeps it smooth and clear. When I saw this soap, I decided to jump on the charcoal bandwagon and give it a try. The soap is packed with charcoal and tea tree oil. The soap had the scent of charcoal and it stained by my white soap holder a bit (however, I was able to get rid of it with a bit of elbow grease). I didn’t notice much of a different and the soap doesn't lather well. I wasn’t a big fan and probably won’t get it again.

Julep Nail Polish - Lexie

The vegan friendly nail polish is enriched with antioxidant green coffee extract and Hexanal. The full coverage went on smoothly after the first application. After the second application, the nail polish did get a bit clumpy. The dandelion yellow creme nail polish is perfect for the fall though!

BBW Carried Away Shea and Vitamin E Shower Gel

The sweet scented body wash has scents of raspberries, jasmine, and vanilla. The body wash has a generous lather has is enriched with aloe, vitamin E and shea butter.

• Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Lemon Zest, Mandarin Orange, Juicy Pear Nectar, Lush Raspberry
• Mid Notes: Purple Freesia, White Tuberose, White Jasmine, Soft Violet Petals
• Dry Notes: Creamy Sandalwood, Whipped Vanilla, Light Musk

Book Review - The Angels' Share by James Markert

Photo Credit - Amazon

When a drifter is  buried behind the McFee's distillery, things started happening. The followers believed it was the second coming of Christ while William McFee wasn't quite so sure. Residents of Twisted Tree used to rely on Old Sam Bourbon distillery before the Prohibition for their livelihood. After the Prohibition has ended, the distillery still isn't up and running. After the burial of the drifter, miracles happen to those who interact with the second day Christ. Would the distillery be up and running again? Who is the drifter?

The novel was an interesting read and very hard to put  down. It was filled with revenge, redemption, miracles, forgiveness, romance,  and empathy. I was held in suspense with every page had a "piece" that fit together to create a whole story in the end. A truly entertaining and wonderful book!

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

Salus Organic Lotion Bar - Lemongrass

The organic lotion bar is a lush mix of organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, sunflower oil, organic coconut oil, and organic beeswax. The lotion bars were moisturizing and delicately scented but it left my skin feeling a bit greasy and I found the need to constantly reapply lotion throughout the day.

Balanced Guru Balm Me Up Body Balm

The hydrating body balm is packed with cocoa butter, babassu oil, shea butter, sweet orange essential oil, lime essential oil, and mandarin essential oil. It promises to smooth and soften skin while invigorating the senses. The body balm goes on thick like petroleum jelly but has a more pleasant scent. A little goes a long way because if you put too much it doesn’t absorb very well into the skin and leaves skin greasy. Overall, a great thick hydrating balm especially for dry areas like elbows, knees and hands or for the entire body for the winter.

Book Review - The Dog Who Was There by Ron Marasco

Photo Credit - Amazon

Barley is an ordinary dog but one day experiences the extraordinary. Barley struggles to live in the first century Jerusalem. As an abandoned pup, he finds solace with a woodcarver and his wife. When the teachings of the Messiah reaches their door of his master, he learns to forgiveness even when he navigates the dangerous city of Judea. Where he meets a homeless petty criminal named Samid. Together, they face a host of new struggles and experiences. How does Barley crosses path with the Messiah? How does the teachings affect Barley's outlook on life?

The novel had an interesting story. However, I found the book very boring and dragged on towards the middle.  The ending was heart felt and inspiring but the novel had more gruel and pain, then I thought was necessary. A decent story but I don't think I would pick up this book again. 

**Disclosure I received a free unedited copy  of this book**