Sunday, July 7, 2019

Book Review - Sea Sirens by Amy Chu

Photo Credit - Amazon

Trot is a Vietnamese American girl who is an avid surfer that loves the ocean. She is usually accompanied by her grumpy one-eyed cat, Cap'n Bill. While surfing one day, Trot wipes out on a big wave and is transported to a magical underwater kingdom. She realizes that she is in the middle of ancient deep-sea battle. The Sea Sirens are being invaded by the Serpent King and his minions. When someone gets kidnap, Trot must risk everything to rescue someone she loves dearly.

The beautifully drawn graphic novel is colorful and easy to read. The book weaves mythology, mystical ocean creatures, and quirky characters together. While I enjoyed reading the book, I felt that there wasn't much of a plot and it was mostly fluff. I thought there was going to be a great big battle or an epic surprise at the end. The novel does leave an opening for more books but, I am hoping the next graphic novel has more going on.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Friday, July 5, 2019

Tocca Sapone - Stella




The creamy soap is enriched with vitamin E, algae extract, and kukui nut oil. The sweet-scented soap has a scent of blood orange. The beautifully decorated soap gave a luxurious lather but, didn't leave skin feeling hydrated. Overall, a beautiful looking and scented soap but, subpar on hydrating skin.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Book Review - Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


Queen Eleanor of Albion is exiled to a small coastal island when her sister seizes the throne from her. The only inhabitants of the islands are nuns of a convent who spend their days peacefully trying to survive. However, the island is home to a mysterious orphan named Margaret. Margaret's life is turned upside down when the new visitor arrives.

As time passes, Eleanor and Margaret grow closer until Margaret finds out about the true purpose of the island and the truth of her own past. When Eleanor's safety is threatened, Margaret is faced with helping Eleanor or protecting herself. Will Margaret help Eleanor if it means risking her own life?

The beautifully drawn novel is a fictionalized history of  Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. I found the book to be an entertaining read but, I was a bit disappointed that the novel left off on a cliffhanger. I felt that the book had a lot of filler and could have fit more of the story. However, I am looking forward to reading the continuation of the series.


 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



Age Range: 10 - 14 years
Grade Level: 5 - 9
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Walker Books US (June 25, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1536204986
ISBN-13: 978-1536204988


Praise for QUEEN OF THE SEA

The art, reminiscent of Raina Telgemeier’s style, creates levity during perilous situations. The book is dense with dialogue, often feeling more like a work of prose than a graphic novel. As a result, this complex work will be more accessible to those familiar with graphic novels…Certain to charm sophisticated graphic novel devotees. —School Library Journal (starred review)

Meconis offers an atmospheric alternate history inspired by the childhood and succession of Queen Elizabeth I in this quietly ambitious graphic novel…Art in soft, earthy colors brings this singular story to life in styles ranging from simple line drawings to elaborately styled text illuminations. The island world is richly developed, both in its physical particulars and its close-knit community (fascinating digressions into topics such as convent time, hand gestures used at table, and chess and embroidery flesh out daily life), and Margaret proves herself an endearing heroine with a strong voice full of humor and wonder. Her perspective transforms a storm-wracked rock into a vibrant world of hidden treasures. —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Meconis’ humor and storytelling gifts here wed seamlessly with her evocative pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations, which are rendered in warm earth and sea tones and brim with movement, expressively capturing even Margaret’s interior monologues. With its compelling, complex characters and intrigue-laden plot, this will have readers hoping it’s only the first of many adventures for Meconis’ savvy heroine. —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Weaving faith, love, statecraft, and self-discovery into a tale of palace intrigue relocated to the halls of a convent on a remote island at sea, Dylan Meconis uses the trappings of the history we know to create a high-stakes adventure in an alternate past that feels so detailed and so familiar, you’ll find yourself wondering why you never read about it in school. This beautiful book swept me away from the first page.” —Kate Milford, author of the Greenglass House series

“Dylan Meconis is at the absolute top of her game. A gorgeously rendered, lovingly realized alternate history, full of personal revelations in the midst of political intrigue. A tale of growing up, and of understanding that the world is larger and stranger than it once seemed. (Plus it has a Terrible Recipe for Terrible Gruel.)” —Ben Hatke, author-illustrator of the Zita the Spacegirl series

“This is the book I was always trying to get my hands on in high school that never seemed to materialize. An adventure to lose yourself in, with an attention to historical detail to please the nerdiest among us. I fell easily and completely into this world and its characters, knowing I was safe in Dylan Meconis’s hands, and I’m really excited for more people to find out what I’ve known for a long time—that she is one of a kind.” —Kate Beaton, author-illustrator of Hark! A Vagrant

Cult graphic novelist Dylan Meconis offers a rich reimagining of history in this hybrid novel loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary.

When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelation of the island’s sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor’s life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself.

You can purchase Queen of the Sea at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Dylan Meconis

I’ve been writing and illustrating my own stories since the first grade, and I’ve been making comic books since middle school (no, really! Seventh grade was a tough year for me socially, so I had a lot of time to draw). I started my first book-length comic (graphic novel) in high school.

Unlike a lot of people who become professional artists and authors, I didn’t go to art school or a creative writing program in college. Instead, I mostly studied history, literature, philosophy, and French in the College of Letters at Wesleyan University. This means I have a brain full of weird facts, old books, strange art, and the extremely useful ability to read The Tales of Canterbury in the original Middle English. Except for the Middle English bit, it’s all come in very handy for writing and drawing historical fiction and fantasy.

I first started to get paid for making comics when I was still in college, when my first graphic novel was published online. After college, I worked as a graphic designer and visual communications consultant (which means “person who helps teach adults complicated stuff in cool new ways using pictures”). I’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies, global charities, technology companies, libraries, and a lot of other interesting organizations. I’ve made illustrations, animations, information graphics and cool presentations, explaining everything from how microchips work to the ways that clean drinking water can help communities in the third world.

For the last ten years, though, I mostly work as a writer, comic book creator and illustrator! Sometimes I make books totally by myself, and sometimes I get to team up with other writers or artists. It can be lots of fun, but it can also be very hard work. Luckily, I never get tired of making new stories.


        
WEEK ONE
JUNE 24th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
JUNE 25th TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream TENS LIST
JUNE 26th WEDNESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW 
JUNE 26th WEDNESDAY Triquetra Reviews EXCERPT
JUNE 28th THURSDAY Cover2CoverBlog REVIEW
JUNE 27th THURSDAY Wishful Endings FILL IN THE BLANKS
JUNE 28th THURSDAY TTC Books and More TENS LIST
JUNE 29th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

WEEK TWO
JULY 1st MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
JULY 2nd TUESDAY Book Queen Reviews REVIEW 
JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
JULY 4th THURSDAY Wonder Struck REVIEW
JULY 4th THURSDAY Such a Novel Idea REVIEW & PLAYLIST
JULY 5th FRIDAY Bri's Book Nook REVIEW
JULY 5th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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Monday, July 1, 2019

Mayfair Soap Foundry Body Crème in Sea Lily Jasmine






The rich body cream is enriched with shea butter, cocoa seed butter, safflower oil, and sunflower oil. The sweet-scented lotion had scents of white lily, jasmine, and rose. The luxurious body cream left my skin feeling soft and delicately scent. A definite treat for anyone who loves the floral scent.

Sunday, June 30, 2019

CoverGirl Trublend Blush - 200 Medium Rose








The marbled baked blush is dermatologically and clinically tested. It's oil-free and ultra blendable due to the multi-tone shades to give the perfect "glowy" look. I wear blush daily as part of my makeup routine but, I find it hard to get the perfect "glowy, dewy" blushed look. I find either blush are too dark or light for my skin tone. Unfortunately, this blush had a bit of a chalky look and wasn't very noticeable. I might have to try another color because this makeup line did get good reviews.

Friday, June 28, 2019

Book Review - Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton


Photo Credit - Amazon
Louise Wilson has three jobs and can barely stay afloat. Lavinia Willliams has everything she could ever wanted. When a chance encounter throws the pair together, they realize nothing will be the same afterwards. The duo embark on a compulsive, frantic, intense and toxic friendship. When their obsession relationship takes a dark turn, they realize one of them might not come out alive.

I am between liking this book and wondering why the hell did I waste my time reading it. The writing style made it very hard for me to enjoy this novel. A few times I felt that the book was a bit boring with the story feeling stalled. However, I did enjoy seeing Louise get what she wanted and then slowly have it disappear when Lavinia feels like it. The ending was a bit disappointing but, it fell in line with rest of the novel.

  **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Book Review - Refuge at Pine Lake: A Pine Haven Novel by Rose Chandler Johnson + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

After a fire forces Robin Lancaster and her mother to move out of their condo, they decide to reevaluate their living arrangement. Robin decides to use the family's lake house to rearrange her priorities including finding love. Robin is a former kindergarten teacher but, she decides she wants to focus on her artwork. She hopes to rekindle her romance with Caleb Jackson, who is the area's top hunting and fishing guide. However, all of Robin's plans go awry when she finds out the cabin has been rented to a professor on sabbatical leave. 

Matthew McLaughlin is a widowed university professor and an acclaimed author from California. He comes to Pine Lake to heal after losing his wife in a car accident. He hopes that this sabbatical will help him revitalize his spirits and writing career. However, when he crosses path with Robin and her dog, he wonders if there is more to life.

At first, I wasn't very fond of the main characters. Robin seemed very involved in wanting to have freedom from her mother and to be able to pursue Caleb freely. However, she didn't take into account Matt's feelings and his need for privacy. On the same hand, Matt seemed to be gruff when they first met and then falls for Robin after a few homecooked meals. As the novel progressed, I did warm up a bit more to the characters and was hoping that they get their own happy ending. 

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



Refuge at Pine Lake
By Rose Chandler Johnson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2019 by Chanson Books

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably tangle for these three, hearts are on the line.


About the Author

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary fiction, her devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014.

In her novels, Rose brings to life fascinating characters with compelling relationships embracing family, community, and faith. In distinctive southern settings, Rose creates memorable stories that will stir your heart. Readers often say her writing warms the soul as it reaffirms belief in love and wholesome goodness. Don’t be surprised if you sigh with pleasure as you savor the final pages of her stories.

Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta, GA for thirty plus years. Before retiring from Georgia’s school system, she taught English, French, and ESOL. Currently, she is an English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and her beautiful grandchildren.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake plus a $20 Amazon gift card
One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake
- US only
- Ends July 10, 2019

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Monday, June 24, 2019

Book Review - The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Photo Credit - Amazon


The world of finance can be lucrative and cutthroat, especially when you are on top of your game.  Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are successful in their field and have garnered a few enemies while making their way to the top. With their successful lifestyle, they have many options afforded to them because of their status and success.

The team is invited to participate in an escape the room style team building activity. With budget cuts and layoff looming around them,  they are excited to prove themselves. However, when the lights go off, the doors refuse to open, and with temperatures rising, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary game. 

With rising tempers and personalities clash, they realize they have to put their differences aside if they want to survive. As the game begins, the team realizes their darkest secrets will be revealed. Are they willing to pay the price for their horrendous actions? What are they willing to do to escape their prison?

The author beautifully illustrated how greed can corrupt human nature. I was astonished at the things the characters did to get what they wanted. I found the ending satisfying but, it did leave a few questions unanswered.  The story kept readings guessing who could have planned such an elaborate scheme to get their revenge. The novel was an engrossing read and I can't wait to read more by the author.


 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Book Review - Big Mouth Elizabeth by Rachel Vail + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


Our beloved spunky second grader, Elizabeth is at it again! This time, Elizabeth wants to become a member of the "Big Mouth Club". The club is comprised of students who have lost one or more of their baby teeth.  Elizabeth feels left out because she still has all of her baby teeth. Only Elizabeth and Cali are not in the club and Elizabeth feels Cali is too babyish to be included.  Elizabeth learns how to fit in with her peers while being different.

In this novel, Elizabeth learns about fitting in and treating fellow classmates with respect. It was fun reading how Elizabeth copes with being left out of a popular club while trying not to do the same to a fellow classmate. While reading this book, I remembered my own "why do I still have all my baby teeth" phase.  This was another great addition to the Elizabeth series.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


Title: BIG MOUTH ELIZABETH (A Is For Elizabeth series #2)
Author: Rachel Vail, Paige Keiser (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: May 9, 2019
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 128
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindleB&NiBooksKoboTBD

Big Mouth Elizabeth is the second in a new chapter book series spinning off of the Justin Case books, starring Justin's little sister, Elizabeth.

Second-grader Elizabeth longs to be a member of the Big Mouth Club, which is made up of kids who have lost at least one baby tooth. Elizabeth is WAY behind on losing her baby teeth, and so is Cali, a quiet girl who is also left out of the Big Mouth Club. Elizabeth thinks Cali is so much more babyish than she is--in fact, Elizabeth SHOULD be in the Big Mouth Club because she's NOT babyish. But when she understands how bad it feels to be left out, Elizabeth's attitude shifts.

Here is a story about fitting in in unexpected ways. With copious line art by Paige Keiser, this second book in Rachel Vail's Elizabeth series is sure to delight fans of Judy Moody, Junie B. Jones, and Clementine.





About Rachel:
Rachel Vail is the award-winning author of more than 30 books.

Her newest novel for middle-schoolers is WELL, THAT WAS AWKWARD.

Her novels for teens and tweens also include UNFRIENDED, IF WE KISS, KISS ME AGAIN, LUCKY, GORGEOUS, BRILLIANT, and the Friendship Ring series.

For elementary school kids, there’s JUSTIN CASE: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters; JUSTIN CASE: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom, and, JUSTIN CASE: Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully.

Her picture books include PIGGY BUNNY and SOMETIMES I’M BOMBALOO.

Rachel lives in New York City with her husband, their two sons, and a tortoise named Lightning.


Giveaway Details:
3 lucky winners will receive finished copies of THE ELIZABETH CASE Series, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
6/10/2019- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt
6/11/2019- BookHounds YA- Excerpt
6/12/2019- Nerdophiles- Review
6/13/2019- BookishRealmReviewsReview
6/14/2019- The Hermit LibrarianExcerpt

Week Two:
6/17/2019- BookishRealmReviews- Review
6/18/2019- The Suburban LifestyleReview
6/19/2019- Two Chicks on BooksExcerpt
6/20/2019- Book-o-CrazeReview
6/21/2019- Two points of interestReview