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**

Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask - Aloe

The triple layer sheet mask s enriched with aloe, green tea, tangerine, cactus, camellia leaves and orchids. The mask fit my face well and was dripping with serum. My face was soft and smooth after removing the mask.. A definite affordable treat and a good value.

JeNu Active-Youth Lip Serum

The lip serum is enriched with vitamin A and  E, olive and grapeseed oil. The serum is clear and thick and when used with wand (which isn’t included), it improves fine lines around the lip, nourishes the skin and improves lips. I didn’t have the wand and I used this lip serum like I would any other lip balm. I didn’t notice any other benefit than soft and moisturized lips. I guess if you don’t have the wand, this is basically an overpriced lip balm.

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

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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!