Book Review - Amish Sweethearts by Amy Clipston

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The book contains four novellas focusing on young love and the struggles of being a new couple. In "A Home for Lindsay", a couple is already engaged by when their financial security is threatened, they must decide should they stay together or are better off finding other partners. In "Love and Buggy Rides", Janie and Jonathan work in the same store, but never really knew each other until an accident brings them closer. Janie witness the entire accident, but her father forbids her to get in between.  Will Janie be able to live with herself when she sees someone she loves suffer because her father forbade her to talk about it? In "Love Birds", a young girl is still mourning her brother's death. As she slowly begins to heal and try to move on, she finds herself in love with her brother's friend. Will he feel the same about her? The last novella, "Where the Heart is", is about a young Amish man who lost his way. As he tries to reunite with his community and his father, he finds himself attracted to his little sister's best friend. However, when he returns secrets that were long buried have resurfaced.

The novel was a quick and fun read. Each of the four novellas can be read in one sitting and were very satisfying. However, I was a bit annoyed that two of the four stories were published in other books. I felt like this wasn't an anthology, each of the novellas should have been new stories. The stories are delightful to read if you don't own the other stories.

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

Book Review - Lady Jayne Disappears by Joanna Davidson Politano

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Aurelie Harcourt has only known life behind bars in a debtor's prison. When her father dies suddenly, he left his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll and his wealthy family. With nowhere to go, Aurelie decides to go live with her father's family, but is met with resentment. She decides to finish her father's serial novel and uses her family members in the novel, but writes about them in an unflattering way. While searching for her missing mother, Aurelie discovers a few other buried family secrets? Will Aurelie be able to find her mother? Will she be able to keep her identity a secret?

I like that the novel had a bit of a Gothic romance theme, but I felt the story was dragging on for a bit. A few pages there wasn't much going on and by the time the book started picking up, I wasn't really interested anymore. The ending had a few twists which I didn't see coming. I would be interested in reading more works by the author.

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

Berrisom Animal Mask - Sheep (Vitamin C + Arbutin)

The sheet printed mask is enriched with Vitamin C, ceramides, glacial water, and arbutin. The mask didn’t properly line up with my face but it stayed on mostly. The mask promises to help lighten dark spots caused by acne and sun damage. However, I didn’t notice any difference in my dark spots. My skin did feel soft, smooth and hydrated. A fun mask to take a selfie in though!

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

The fragrance free lotion is enriched with glycerin to leave skin soft and supple. The clinically proven formula promises to provide relief against dry and chapped skin. The thick lotion didn’t have a noticeable scent, but it left my hand a bit greasy. My skin was softer but it was felt like it had a thin coat of wax over it.

Book Review - The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

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Abby's book club is composed of five very different women who become close friends after joining the book club together. They find they enjoy each other's company more than they enjoy the books. However, when Abby passes away unexpectedly, the group is struck in turmoil. She was the nucleus that held the group together along with being the support each of the women needed. They used to rely on Abby for motivation and advice along with being a mother figure to the youngest member. The group is unsure they can continue without her, but they receive a surprise gift from Abby. Will this surprise gift be able to fire up her group? Will the women  be able to find inspiration and companionship with each other?

I have read a few other Melody Carlson's Christmas stories and this one doesn't disappoint. Like the others its a very light read, but leaves your heart and soul warmed. Perfect for the holiday season because it allows us to remember that friends and family are important and to give back to others without expecting anything in return.

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

Book Review - The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor

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In the year 1986, Eddie and his friends had been regular kids. They ride their bikes and hang out around the community while avoiding the older bullies. They create a special secret code between themselves: small chalk stick figures that only they can understand with each of the kids having their own color. However, one day their secret code leads them to a gruesome murder with a missing head.  In the year 2016, Eddie is fully grown and left those childhood memories in the past. However, he receives a message in the mail with a chalk figure. He finds himself facing the demons of his childhood. What does the code mean? Who is sending the code? Is the code connected to the murder?

The novel alternates between past and present for Eddie. The readers are given A dark, thrilling novel that left me in suspense. It was an interesting read that kept me guessing until the end, even though some portions left me stumped. I felt like it shows how the things we regret affect us as we grow up and even how it affects our behaviors and reactions. A great read for a stormy day! 

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

Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Yaass

The full coverage is formulated without parabens and phthalates. A creamy pigmented lavender lip paint. The matte liquid lipstick went on smoothly and lasted two hours including, drinking and eating. I love how creamy and luxurious went on and the beautiful lavender shade.

Book Review - Dunbar by Edward St. Aubyn

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A modern re-imagination of Shakespeare's King Lear. The media mogul Henry Dunbar was once the powerful head of the successful Dunbar trust. After a falling out with his youngest daughter, Florence, he hands over the reigns to his two eldest daughters, Abby and Megan. However, Abby and Megan have ideas of their own, and institutionalized Henry, so they can have complete control over the family business and make more money. 

Dunbar laments his decision of cutting out his youngest daughter while being imprisoned in Meadowmeade. He makes friends with an alcoholic comedian and together they plot their escape. As he runs, his family is also on his trail. Will his beloved daughter, Florence be able to reach him in time?

I have read King Lear and enjoyed it. This remake pales in comparison. It feels more like a dark comedy than a tragedy. I also felt that there was very little plot and character development. Most of the pages were dedicated to run on descriptions that caused my eyes glazed over.

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

Book Review - A Place at Our Table (Amish Homestead #1) by Amy Clipston

 

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Kayla Dienner vowed to protect  her heart after seeing the heartache her sister-in-law, Eva, faced when Kayla's brother, Simeon died while firefighting. Less than two months after her brother's death, Kayla's boyfriend, Abram, also breaks up with her. She felt abandoned and hurt, so she closed off her heart to love.

James Riehl tries to juggle the volunteer work at the fire department and running his farm. James finds he barely has any time for himself, let alone to find the time to date someone. However, when an accident calls him to the Dienner's family, James can't deny the attraction he feels for Kayla. Will Kayla and James be able to put their past behind them and love again?

I have read a few other books from Amy Clipston and felt they were enjoyable. However, I felt that Kayla was a bit demanding. James is reeling from a tragedy and Kayla wants him to put her first, when they only just started dating. She tries to be understanding,  but once they start dating, she puts most of the burden on James. She used to go visit James at work, but after they start dating, she expects him to plan all the dates along with seeing him everyday. When James tries to make the effort, she is constantly pushing him away and then wonders why he doesn't make the effort. However, he is always the one coming back and asking for another chance, even when Kayla broke up with James just when he needed her the most. Kayla came across as needy and demanding when they became a couple instead of the caring and understanding person, she was portrayed to be.

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