Book Review - Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan

Photo Credit - Amazon

Six college students sneak into abandoned jail on a warm August night in 1980. Being young, the students think they are invincible until an accident occurs causing each of the survivor to face the consequences. As they try to move on, it becomes clear that the dark night has left a stain on their lives. The incident is bought to life when chef Jon Casey is accused of murder.  Judith Carrigan can prove he is innocence but that would cause her own dark secrets to surface. What secrets are Judith hiding?  What occurred the night of the accident? Will Judith be able to tell the truth even if it means destroying her own life?

The novels narrates the story from 1980 and present day. It was a quick and interesting read. However, I felt the story about the murder took a backseat to one of the characters dealing with their past and sexuality. An interesting book that humanizes the struggle people face when changing genders but I wish there was a bit more focus on the murder aspect of the story.  A good book and I look forward to more books from the author!

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

Jarritos Fruit Punch Tutifrui Candle

When grocery shopping, I passed by this candle and HAD to get it. I love Jarritos and thought no better way to show my love for Jarritos. The candle was under $3 and had a decent scent prior to lighting. However, it had no noticeable scent when lit -- sadly. It was a very cheap candle, so I probably shouldn't have gotten my hopes up :(

Berrisom Oops! My Lip Tint Pack - Virgin Red

A new type of lip tint, where you smooth on some of the formula and wait a few minutes to dry before peeling off the dried product to reveal a "wine color" tint. The smudge proof lip tint promises to be budge proof for 12 hours. I felt the tint was more sucking on a red lollipop in color than wine color. I would recommend using a lip scrub and lip balm to ensure there is no flakes on your lips, otherwise it would be painful to pull off. Another thing to note, be sure to use enough product otherwise it will look blotchy (or use too much and it bleeds through and goes on your teeth -- I am still trying to find the perfect ratio!) An interesting product and I will definitely try other colors.

Book Review - The Evaporation of Sofi Snow by Mary Weber

Photo Credit - Amazon

The war has ravaged Earth and it's residents. However, when the Delonese arrived eleven years ago, the world is  starting to change. Corporations rule the citizens instead of governments while there are aliens who orbit the Earth. The only thing constant in Sofi's life is her younger brother, Shilo. Both siblings are involved in the violent Fantasy Fighting games, even though Shilo is there against his will. In the middle of their game, a bomb explodes and kills many of the players and audience. Rumor has it that Shilo is among the dead, but Sofi refuses to believe he is gone. She dreams of him and of the Delonese ice planet. Why is Sofi having those dreams? Are the dreams and the bomb connected?

The book was a quick and intense read. It had an interesting story line and once I started it, I couldn't stop reading. I kept greedily reading page after page to find out what would happen to Sofi and Shilo. The story delivered with well developed lovable but flawed characters but I was quickly disappointed to find out the story just ended on a cliffhanger. And not a cliffhanger that made you wonder, "What is inside the box" but it ended very abruptly. It left me with an unsatisfied feeling; annoying given how much I fell in love with the characters. An interesting read but if you are like me, wait until you have the next book in hand otherwise you might be disappointed.

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

Book Review: The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry

Photo Source - Amazon

In the summer of 1972, Matt Plumley's family moves from Pittsburgh to Dogwood, West Virginia when his father joins the church as the new pastor. At a pivotal time in his childhood, Matt befriends two outcasts; Dickie a mixed race boy and Jesse who is raising her younger sister. Matt and his friends forge bonds but when tragedy strikes, it threatens to rip them apart. Will Matt and his friends be able to save their friendship?

The novel was an interesting read and a unique story line. The book was a quick read but I felt the baseball facts was a bit annoying and overwhelming while taking away from the story. A great story about friendship, forgiveness and acceptance and perfect for young readers.

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

Book Review - The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel

Photo Credit - Amazon

After the death of her mother, 15 year old Lane Roanoke moves in with her grandparents and her cousin, Allegra. In her grandparents' vast estate in rural Kansas, very little is known of her mother's mysterious family. However, she quickly embraces life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. Lane discovers one of the family's dark secret and runs away. Several years later, her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra is missing. Will Lane risk everything to find Allegra? Is someone behind Allegra's disappearance? Who is Lane able to trust?

The novel is beautifully written and an engaging read. It kept me on the edge of my seat to guess the family's secrets, but I must admit the secret was a bit predictable. A good book for a rainy day or for the beach! 

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

Book Review - A Stranger at Fellsworth (Treasures of Surrey #3) by Sarah E. Ladd

Photo Credit - Amazon

Annabelle's future is looking bleak when her father passes away and leaving Annabelle and her brother, Thomas to deal with the fallout of his bad investments. After news broke of her father's scandal over his investments, Annabelle's fiancé has called off their engagement. With both of her parents gone, Annabelle is at the mercy of her controlling brother who wishes to marry her of to the highest bidder. Annabelle refuses to marry for anything but love and runs away to live with her uncle, Langsby who runs school.  There she has to learn to survive on her own and not rely on others to take care of her.  Will Annabelle be able to find true love? Will she be able to shed her old life and take on a new identity? 

The novel was a quick and interesting read. It was beautifully written and sprinkled with a few mysteries. The story had an interesting take of a high society woman who has fallen from "grace" and leaves her entire life behind to fight for her happiness. Typically, most of the novels I have read are women who are "poor" and fall in love with a rich gentleman and later realize they either have a relative that has status or money or that love will conquer all. The characters were all relatable and felt multi-dimensional while readers are hoping they find their bit of happiness. An enjoyable beach read and I will be on the look out for books by the author!

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

Book Review - The Hideaway By Lauren Denton

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sara Jenkins couldn't wait to move from hometown of Sweet Bay, Alabama. She moves to New Orleans to open her own antique shop, Bits and Pieces. However, Sara's last living relative, her grandmother passes away and Sara inherits her childhood home, The Hideaway.  When Sara arrives she hopes to finish the renovation of The Hideaway and quickly return back to her life in New Orleans. But she discovers a side of her grandmother she never knew before and she feels more at home at Sweet Bay than she ever did. Will Sara be able to see passed her grandmother's quirky persona? Will Sara find somewhere she belongs? What secrets are hidden away at the Hideaway?

The novel was a quick and interesting read. I like how the novel alternated between the past (the grandmother's past) and the present (Sara's present). It made the story multi-faceted and different. After reading this story I thought about all the stories the older generations of my family and how they always wanted to have someone to share their story with. Sometimes, it hard to appreciate what you have in life until it's gone. A touching novel and I can't wait to read other books from the author.

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

Book Review - A Fragile Hope by Cynthia Ruchti + Giveaway

Photo Credit  - Amazon

Josiah Chamberlain is an expert on repairing other people's marriage, except his own. Karin his once loving wife is growing distant and when an unfortunate accident happens, she is unable to defend herself. Josiah finds that even though he manages relationships for a living,  he is no match for dealing with his own crisis.  Feeling betrayed, he starts to question his faith and hope. Will he able to regain his faith and hope? Will Josiah and Karin be able to work on their marriage?

When I first started reading the novel it was enjoyable but towards the middle it became boring and redundant. It was the same thing over and over. I didn't like how the author focuses mostly on the guilt and betrayal that Josiah felt and left all the other details out. For example, when he finds Karin's phone or how did Karin get injured. I believed that could add more to the story and make Karin's character feel more human instead of just an afterthought. The story felt one sided since it was mostly told from Josiah's perspective. It was an okay read but I might read other novels from the author.

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

Celebrate the release of A Fragile Hope by entering to win Cynthia's Sign of Hope Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of A Fragile Hope
• A metal wall scripture hanging

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on May 3. The winner will be announced May 4 on the Litfuse blog.

Lisa Hoffman Beauty Fine Fragrance Jewelry - French Clary Sage

The blonde wood bracelet is adored with gold beads with gold filigree charm. The gold plated charms houses a chamber where you can put fragrance balls. The stretchy bracelet had scents of French Sage, Yellow Freesia, Cotton and Linen. When the scent is pleasant and the bracelet is beautiful, I found this bracelet to be utter garbage. I couldn't open the clasp and the cheap bracelet broke even before I got a chance to wear it. Definitely cheaply made and not worth it.

Julep Nail Polish - Fleur

I just found this beautiful nail polish in my stash. Julep lists it as "Evening Bloom Glitter", but  I thought more "Starry Night", but I could see this as midnight blooms. Like all of Julep nail polishes, it is 5 free, vegan friendly and made with green coffee extra and Hexanal. After one coat, the nail polish provides a full coverage and goes on a bit chunky. A fun nail polish to treat myself during the week!