Sumita Beauty Raina Contrast Eye Pencil - Midnight Blue

The creamy eyeliner went on smoothly and imparts a rich deep Midnight blue. Enriched with luxe oils, the waterproof eyeliner goes on and stays put.

Book Review - The Elusive Miss Ellison (Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace, #1) by Carolyn Miller

Photo Credit - Amazon

The ailing owner of Hampton Hall has passed away but when the new young Earl takes over, all the villagers are excited. Except, for the reverend's daughter, Lavinia Ellison. She believes in taking care of the poor and the sick while the Earl of Hawkesbury is the exact opposite. He refuses to take his responsibilities seriously instead pushes it off to an incompetent assistant along with nodding off in church.  When Nicholas Stamford arrived at Gloucestershire, his main goal was taking care of his obligations and not to get invested in the country bumpkins. However, when he meets Lavinia, he is starts to realize he cares but in his heart he is overrun by guilt. Can Lavinia and Nicholas put aside their past to find happiness? Will Nicholas be able to find redemption and Lavinia be able to forgive?

The novel which takes place in 19th century England was an interesting read. While I enjoyed the writer's writing, I found the story to be quite frustrating and boring. For a woman, who people claim to be a "superior woman", she acts rather dumb and when she doesn't get her way; a spoiled child.  The plot seemed repetitive and seemed like the two main characters kept putting their ego over their hearts.

Book Review - Things We Lost in the Fire: Stories by Mariana Enriquez

Photo Credit - Amazon

A collection of short stories by an talented International writer that uses readers emotions to explore the multi-dimensions of life in modern day Argentina. The stories range from a nine year old serial killer, a handicap girl who wanders into a ghostly house, to a girl who mutilates herself.  After reading the short and somewhat disturbing stories, you will start to question what the world is really like. 

The book was a bit more graphic than I am used too but it was an interesting read and made me question and think about life. At first value, the stories aren't much, the characters never develop while the story sometimes just drops off. However, if you are the type to read between the lines and like to imagine what could have happened, you might enjoy this book better.

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

Book Review - Mermaid Moon (Sunset Cove, #2) by Colleen Coble

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mallory Davis left her hometown over fifteen years ago after a tragic accident. She finally returns when she receives news of her father's mysterious death. Leaving her with no choice, Mallory returns to Mermaid Point where she faces her childhood sweetheart, Kevin O'Connor. Mallory believes her father was murdered and joins Kevin to solve the mystery behind her father's death. However, Kevin is wary of bonding with Mallory since she ran away from home and broke his heart. Will Mallory and Kevin be able to put their differences aside? Who murdered Mallory's father?

The novel had an interesting story line and was quite interesting for the first few chapters. However, the further I got into the book, the less I wanted to continue reading the book. I found the characters to be dull and the story to drag on. An interesting concept, but it didn't captivate my interest enough to want to continue reading the book.

Julep Nail Polish - Keena

The white creme nail polish went on smoothly during the first coat but clumpy after the second. It was slightly opaque on the first swipe while the second coat provided full coverage and high glossy shine. However, the nail polish was a bit clumpy, hard to dry and dented/chipped/stained quite easily. Julep's website noted the color as "Lily White with Peach Ghost Shimmer", but I didn't notice any Peach Ghost Shimmer. Maybe, because it's a ghost, it's hard to see unless you believe they really exist.

Book Review - The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

Photo Credit - Amazon

In Boston, 1926, Jenny Wren Lockhart was the one time apprentice of Harry Houdini. She learned and holds secrets about the greatest illusionist in the world. However, someone wants to silence her before she can share them. Jenny is a famous female vaudevillian who is notorious for her wealth and her gentleman attire. In the months following the Great Houdini's death, Wren is drawn into a web of deceit and betrayal when an illusion goes terribly wrong. She is in a race against to the clock to find out who is trying to defame Houdini and her. Who can Wren trust? Who is behind the murder?

The novel as a great and interested read. It had many interesting plots and twists, that I didn't see coming. However, I felt the writing was a bit lacking and the story was drawn out. If maybe, the story was shorten by a 40-50 pages, it would have been better.  A good read but I would very unlikely re-read this book.

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

Cherie Soap Bath Bomb - Crazy Love

The handmade bath bomb is enriched with epsom salt and shea butter to moisturize skin and soothe muscles while enriching your sense.  The bath bomb had a soft rosy scent and turned the water into a soft bright pink. The fragrance died after 5 minutes and while the bath was relaxing, I didn’t notice my skin being hydrated. For almost the same price as Lush bath bombs, these do not come close.

Wish Formula The Bat Eye Mask with Centella Honey Fermented Essence

The cotton eye patches are enriched with soybean extracts, fermented licorice, vitamin C, fermented honey essence and mistletoe extract. The bat shaped mask promises to brighten, soothe and reduce the appearance of fine lines. I put the mask and wait 30 minutes. The skin around my eyes felt smooth and softer but I didn’t notice any difference in my dark circles.

Book Review - Door to Freedom by Jana Kelley

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mia and her family are Christians living in the Islamic country of Sudan. Christians are being persecuted and ostracized for their beliefs. The Weston family try to spread their faith among their friends and neighbors while trying to avoid scrutiny. The daughter of wealthy Sudanese Arab, Rania seeks to find the answers after her older sister's disappeared. Mia and Rania cross paths but will Mia be able to provide Rania with the answers she needs? What answers does the book Rania's sister left behind contain? Will the Weston family be able to share their faith?

This is the sequel to "Side by Side" and can be read alone. I actually own both books but decided to read this one forgetting the other book came first. The story is split between the Weston family and Rania. While, the book was enjoyable I found Rania's story more enjoyable and wished it was a greater focus of the story. There are some elements of the story which is vague, like we are never told why the Weston family moved to Sudan and what  Mia's husband, Michael does for the Keller Hope foundation. I do love, how this book gives a wonderful glimpse of Islamic culture, beliefs and customs. A decent book but I don't see myself ever rereading this book but I would be open to reading other books by the author. 

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

Ettang Modeling Co Take - Out Cup - Chlorella

While on search for a new mask to try, I came across this brand. It seemed interesting enough and got good reviews. The single use pack comes with powder and all you need to do is add water and stir. The cup has enough for  2- 3 uses and I learned the hard way, to separate out some powder in another container so you can use the rest for another time. If you use too much water, the mask will be too watery and if you use too little water, the mask will be very dry. Each cup has a special “star” ingredient and Chlorella is known for skin soothing properties. After removing the mask, most of the mask came out in one clean pull; my face was soft, smooth and looked radiant. I am definitely hooked and can’t wait to try the others.

Level Naturals Dragon's Blood + Spice Soap

                          

 With the name of Dragon’s Blood, one can’t help but think of mythical creatures breathing fire among villages and philandering loot. However, the “blood” use for this soap isn’t the blood from the fierce firebreather but from an Amazonian tree whose sap is crimson red. The soap is loaded with plant oils, orange and cinnamon essentials oils. The generous sized bar provided a decent lather. The spicy scented soap didn’t leave my skin scented or moisturized. A mediocre soap that I won’t be purchasing again.        

Book Review - Home to Paradise by Barbara Cameron

Photo Credit - Amazon

The third book in the "Coming Home" series, is about the youngest Zook daughter wanting to marry the third Stolzfus brother. Rose Anna and John had dated before John left their Amish settlement for rumschringe. John unwillingly returns to their Amish settlement but still keeps some of his English ways. Will Rose Anna be able to change John's mind about marriage? What is preventing John from settling down?

I have read a few Amish romance novels and nothing in this book sets it apart from other books in the genre. Like many of the novels, it has a brief translation guide, recipes and gives a brief glimpse of the Amish life. Personally, I didn't care much about the characters but I did enjoy the interactions with John and his employer. John short live bond with short lived and although, took a backseat to the main story, it served as a perfect vehicle to move the story between John and Rose Anna. The book is an easy read and is a good book for those who like the genre.

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

Book Review - Justice Delayed (Memphis Cold Case #1) Patricia Bradley

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Eighteen years ago, TV reporter Andi Hollister's older sister was murdered. The killer confessed and is behind bars and the execution date is mere days away. However, a letter is sent to the prisoner indicating they had proof that the killer is actually innocent. Detective Will Kincaide of the Cold Case Unit is assigned to help solve the mystery. Will Detective Kincaide be able to put his personal feelings for Andi and the confessed killer, his cousin to solve the mystery? Who is behind the mysterious letter?

The novel is filled with fluff. I can't even say, it's filled with mystery and suspense because the detectives on the case didn't see like they did anything and they didn't really communicate anything with each other. I couldn't find myself rooting for the main characters and found most of them dull and one sided. I found some elements of the story, unwarranted like they were added to make us annoyed and didn't have any effect on the story. For example, Andi's drug addiction problem, they all mentioned to her but no one actually did anything or the piece on assisting Chloe to run away or Will re-connecting with his mother. I felt like these elements took more away from the story than added to it. I own another book from the author but never got around to reading it and I am not sure if I will after this dud.

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

Philosophy Sweet Creamy Frosting Body Lotion

I love Philosophy’s products during the holiday time. Unfortunately, I have a tendency of purchasing more products that I can possible use in a two month span. While going through my stash, I came across this body lotion and thought it was the perfect time.  The sweet vanilla scented body lotion is enriched with macadamia seed, olive fruit oil, and shea butter to leave skin buttery soft. The lightweight formula goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly. However, I did find myself reapplying the lotion throughout the day.

Book Review - Light Up New York By Natalie Grant

Photo Credit - Amazon

"Light Up New York" is the fourth book in the Faithgirlz Glimmer series. Twins Mia and Maddie, along with their little sister, Lulu travel around the country solving mysteries along finding new adventures. The Glimmer sisters travel with their famous singer mother, Gloria Glimmer, their father, and their information packed nanny, Miss Julia. Along the way, the sisters discover the true meaning of friends, family, telling the truth and forgiveness. In the latest book, the Glimmer family heads to NYC to perform a charity concert in Time Square where the whole family joins in the concert. However, right around the time of their visit, something mysterious happens that the whole family gets involved. Who is the Snow Angel? How would the girls learn sympathy?

Each of the book in the series can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the other books in the series. The novel is great for  grade schoolers and tweens as it doesn't have any questionable content and it encourages children to kind, truthful and to think of others. The girls also have a healthy relationship with their parents with mutual respect, trust and love. I found the book to be a quick and easy read while being enjoyable. I thought it was a decent book but my younger female cousin enjoyed the book and wanted to read the rest of the series.

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