Book Review - My Daughter's Legacy (Cousins of the Dove #3) by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

Photo Credit - Amazon

The novel is narrated from two different women from the Talbot's family tree. Therese's story takes place in Virginia, 1864 during the Civil War. During the war, her beloved father passes away and leaves her and her widowed mother to live alone in a small home where they can barely survives. However, when her mother's father passes away, he leaves them a plantation with slaves. Theresa can't bear the idea of owning slaves as her father was a strongly opposed to owning slaves. She decides to flee the plantation and take up work as governess while at night to tend to wounded soldiers. Nicole's story takes place during present day and it shows her struggles of getting her life back on track after years of substance abuse. During summer break, she takes an internship as equine therapist to help ease her own demons. However, her boss can't seem to tolerate her even if though she tries her best to get alone with him. While facing stress at work, the real reason she return home was to share a secret with her family that has been haunting her since she was a child. How are the two women connected? What secrets are the family hiding?

I found the novel to be interesting concept but quite boring during some parts of the novel. I felt that the novel was long than it was necessary. I couldn't really connect to any of the characters and felt the story was not very interesting. 

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

Book Review - Grounded Hearts by Jeanne M. Dickson + Giveaway

Photo Source - Amazon

Nan O'Neil was living a peaceful life as widowed midwife when an injured Canadian pilot knocks at her door for assistance. During World War II, Ireland became a neutral nation which meant all soldiers and those who help them will be considered enemies of Ireland. When, the pilot came knocking at her door, trouble came as well. Unable to turn away from midwife instincts of healing the sick, she takes in the "flyboy", Dutch Whitney.  While tending to his physical wounds, the two bond and Nan feels her emotional wounds hurt less when she is around Dutch. Will Nan be able to love again? Will Dutch be able to escape imprisonment? 

The book was a quick read and was very interesting. The characters were well developed and entertaining. However, I had a hard time to fall in love characters and the story line even though I was entertained while reading the book. A decent read but not a book I would love to re-read.

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

What do you get when you mix World War II, a brave midwife, a wounded pilot, and a risky secret? Jeanne M. Dickson's new historical fiction novel, Grounded Hearts. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

Join Jeanne in celebrating the release of her new book by entering to win the Celtic Knots Giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Grounded Hearts
• A Claddagh bracelet
• A Claddagh jewelry box

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on July 31. The winner will be announced August 1 on the Litfuse blog.

BareMinerals Eye Shadow - Breathless

A velvety eye shadow that was easy to blend and apply. It didn't last all day and it didn't crease. It has a soft peachy beige color that is perfect for the natural makeup look or for work.

Book Review - Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble

Photo Source - Amazon

Dana Newell works as a 911 dispatcher and sees her fair share of people in trouble and in need. She is known for remaining calm under pressure and seeing the best in everyone. However, when she meets her brother's friend, Garrett, she falls head over heels in love only to find out he has an abusive streak. Determined to leave him and to start new, she moves to her hometown, Rock Harbor to stay with her brother, Chris. While Rock Harbor seems like a small idyllic town, it harbors more deadly secrets and danger than Dana accounts for. Will Dana be able to escape her abusive fiance? Will Dana be able to love again?

This was the second book I have read by the author and I like this novel better over her earlier work, Mermaid Moon. Both of her novels are filled with mystery, thrills and deception while being fun and interesting to read. The characters were well developed and realistic. However, I found some parts of the author's writing to be confusing especially when it came to describing the death of Dana's parents, first it was described as a fire and then it was described as drowning. Since, she had two sets of parents, it would have been easier for the reader if there was a way to differentiate the two parents. Later in the book, it makes more sense but you still needed to utilize some deduction. Overall, an enjoyable book but the confusion with the parents was annoying and made me enjoy the book less.

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

BBW Sweater Weather Candle

Ah, the Fall, my most favorite season -- the season of cozy sweaters, warming hot chocolate, soul replenishing fireplaces surrounded by family and the beginning of the eating season. Right around middle of Summer, I always have an ache for Fall and while I can't control the season, I can reach for this lovely Fall inspired candle. It has scents of sage, Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus and wood. And all the memories of family, fun and eating flood my sense.

Book Review - His Guilt: The Amish of Hart County by Shelley Shepard Gray

Photo Credit : Amazon

Two years ago, Mark Fisher was accused of a crime he didn't commit. He left the Amish community, in hopes to start over but he could never forget his home. Mark returns to Hart County when his mentor reaches out to him for help at his store. At the store, is where he meets the innocent Waneta or Neeta Cain. At first, Neeta is afraid of Mark but she decides the Amish way is to forgive people and decides to befriend Mark. As their friendship buds, Neeta is one of the few people in Hart County who knows Mark isn't capable of hurting anyone despite his rough exteriors. When their friendship starts to bloom romantically, one of Neeta's close friends was attacked just when Mark begins to feel at home. Then another woman who knows both Neeta and himself is attacked, Mark is scared for Neeta's safety. Who is the culprit behind these crimes? Why are they targeting these women?

I have read a couple of the author's books and have enjoyed them. This one is no exception; I love how it has a darker and grittier side to Amish romances. The novel was suspenseful and kept me guessing but like many of her books, you are given clues to the culprit's identity. A thrilling read for anyone who likes Amish romance novels.

**Disclosure - I received an uncorrected copy of this book for review**

Book Review - Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

Photo Credit  - Amazon

A single mother with two teens each facing their own demons. Nick, her son is angry and doesn't like to be told what to do. Martha, her daughter believes that everyone is wrong and judges others on their mistakes. When Nick and his mother get into another argument and Nick decides his only option is to run away; he receives a letter bound story that was passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book which is named "Dragon Seed", is reimagination of the exile of Satan from the Kingdom along with the arrival of Jesus. While reading the story, Nick is introduce to another angry young man. Nick bonds with this other young man and realizes that the story fits his life and the struggles he also faces in life. Will Nick be able to use the lessons to fit his own lifestyles? What are these shadows that keep following Nick and his sister?

The novel was an interesting and enjoyable read. I enjoyed reading the parts of both "real life" struggle of Nick and his mother along with the spiritual story. However, I felt some of the conversation between Nick and his family felt stilted and forced while the spiritual story felt rushed towards the end especially since it was drawn out in the beginning. It was an interesting read and a good read for children to help with their spiritual lessons. The author included a 12 step biblical teaching guide for readers to reinforce the biblical principles.

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Jack Black Intense Therapy - Natural Mint Lip Balm

While, this minty lip balm is targeted towards men, I tend to have several of these on me. The hydrating lip balm is enriched with shea butter, mint, avocado oil, Vitamin E, green tea extract, and antioxidants. The potent cocktail of ingredients left my skin feeling smooth, soft and hydrated.

Tokyo Milk Dark Femme Fatale Collection Lip Elixirs - Salted Caramel Lip Balm

The beautifully packaged tin houses a delectable treat for the lips and senses. It is packed with aloe leaf extracts, vitamin E, caramel, sea salt, clove and rose water and it's formulated with any synthetic dyes. The clear lip balm left my lips soft and hydrated without a greasy feeling. The only downside to this product that it is nearly impossible to open and I usually have to leave the tin open. If the tin was a bit more easier to use this would replace my Smith's Rosebud Salve.