Thursday, March 5, 2020

Book Review - Blame the Dead by Ed Ruggero + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Eddie Harkins is a Military Police lieutenant during World War II in Sicily. Eddie was a cop in Philadelphia when he decided to enlist.  On his way back to base, Eddie and his driver are flagged down to help solve a murder at the US Army's 11th Field Hospital. Eddie has to solve the murder of Dr. Stephenson and who would want him dead. Eddie and his childhood friend, nurse Kathleen Donnelly, will need to work together to solve the mystery.

The novel was an engaging and thrilling read. The author included vivid details of the atmosphere along with capturing the chaos and mayhem on the battlefield. However, there were a few times when I felt like the author went too much in details and the story took to long to progress. I am interested in reading other books by the author.

**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.**




Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Forge Books (March 3, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250312744
ISBN-13: 978-1250312747


Praise for BLAME THE DEAD

“The title of this riveting, finely crafted novel may be Blame the Dead, but I blame author Ed Ruggero--for keeping me up at night, reading "just one more" chapter then another and another. Whether your interests lie in a well-wrought mystery, a classic cop story, historical settings or first-rate military fiction, this thoroughly enjoyable novel set during World War II checks the block. Great pacing, compelling characters, solid research and a fiendishly clever plot add up to non-stop reading excitement.” ―Ralph Peters, author of Cain at Gettysburg and Judgment at Appomattox

“This book is a lot of fun, written with an insider's feel for the U.S. Army and its history.” ―Thomas E. Ricks, author of The Generals and Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq

“Ruggero's story sets itself apart with the vividly rendered field-hospital setting and the focus on the battle-hardened nurses. A solid choice for WWII-thriller fans.” ―Booklist

“At the start of this exceptional WWII mystery and series launch, Lt. Eddie Harkins, an MP who was once a Philadelphia beat cop, comes across a murder scene near Palermo, Sicily.... Ruggero plays fair with his readers and makes the carrying out of a homicide inquiry in wartime both exciting and plausible.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Ruggero uses his military expertise to create a vivid and unconventional setting for a murder mystery, crafting an intriguing quagmire of institutional corruption to challenge his everyman hero.” ―Library Journal


The nurses of the US Army's Field Hospitals, mobile units that operate just behind the battle lines, contend with heat, dirt, short-handed staffs, the threat of German counterattack and an ever-present flood of horribly wounded GIs. At the 11th Field Hospital near Palermo, Sicily in the bloody summer of 1943, nurses also live with the threat of violent assault by one of their own--at least until someone shoots Dr. Myers Stephenson in the head.

Enter Eddie Harkins, a tough former Philadelphia beat cop turned Military Police lieutenant, who is first on the scene. Although he has never been a detective, Harkins soon finds himself the lone investigator, either because the Military Police are under-staffed or because someone in power thinks this rank amateur will never get close to the real killer. When the hospital commander tries to derail Harkins' investigation by transferring or harassing key witnesses, it becomes clear to Harkins that the unit is rotten to its core, that the nurses are not safe, and that patients who have survived Nazi bullets are still at risk after they arrive at this place that is supposed to save them.

Harkins fights--and worries that he is losing--multiple battles. He is driven to give hope to nurses who just want to do their life-saving work, to right at least a few of the wrongs around him, and to do penance for sins in his own past. The one bright note for Harkins is a rekindled relationship with Kathleen Donnelly, a nurse from Harkins' old neighborhood; but even that is complicated when Donnelly becomes a victim.


You can purchase Blame the Dead at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Ed Ruggero

Ed Ruggero has studied, practiced, and taught leadership for more than twenty-five years, helping organizations develop the kinds of leaders people want to follow. His client list includes the FBI, the New York City Police Department, CEO Conference Europe, the CIA, the Young Presidents Organization, Forbes, the SAS Institute, Hugo Boss USA, CitiFinancial, and Time, among many others. He has appeared on CNN, The History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and CNBC and has spoken to audiences around the world on leadership, leader development and ethics. Ed is a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company and has been a panelist for The Washington Post’s On Leadership series. He also has been a guest speaker at Harvard Business School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Ed is the author of eleven books, including Duty First: West Point and the Making of American Leaders, a study of leader development at the US Military Academy; and Combat Jump: The Young Men Who Led the Assault Into Fortress Europe, July 1943, which became a one-hour docudrama on The History Channel. Ed is also the co-author of The Leader’s Compass, a fictional story of how one leader developed a personal leadership philosophy. His most recent book is The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day.

After his graduation from West Point, Ed received his commission in the United States Army and served as an infantry officer in a variety of leadership positions, followed by an assignment teaching at West Point. After his service, Ed continued to share his insights about leadership, leading to his career as an author, public speaker, and trainer.

Ed is the founder and principal of The Gettysburg Leadership Experience, The Concord Leadership Experience, The Valley Forge Leadership Experience and the Normandy Leadership Experience, four distinct experiential learning programs in which participants walk the grounds of great military struggles and learn battle-tested leadership lessons that will help them meet today’s business challenges.

        
WEEK ONE
MARCH 2nd MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
MARCH 3rd TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
MARCH 4th WEDNESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
MARCH 5th THURSDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
MARCH 5th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
MARCH 6th FRIDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW 

WEEK TWO
MARCH 9th MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT
MARCH 10th TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW 
MARCH 11th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
MARCH 12th THURSDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
MARCH 12th THURSDAY Zenithmeridian REVIEW 
MARCH 13th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Book Review - The Prince and the Wedding Planner by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
When Bianca's parents are killed in an accident, she and her siblings find her mother's journal with a family secret. After the reading of the will, their parents initiated a contest that the sibling who brings in the most revenue to the family vineyard will take control.  With her inheritance on the line, Bianca needs the royal wedding to go smoothly.  However, when she meets the bride's brother who is also a prince, her plans for a smooth wedding go out the door. Prince Leo is also set to announce his engagement in a few weeks. But, he can't seem to get Bianca out of his mind.

I have read a few of Jennifer's books and have enjoyed this one. I did like this book but, I wish it had more details added to the story. I was disappointed that we didn't get to find out the results of the DNA test. I am guessing this will be a segway into the next book in the series. I was surprised that more details about the royal wedding weren't given especially since Bianca was planning it for more than half of the book. Overall, it was a quick read and I can't wait to read the rest of the novels.

**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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Prince and the Wedding Planner
(The Bartolini Legacy #1)
By Jennifer Faye
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
March 1st 2020 by Harlequin Romance

When different worlds collide…

…sparks fly!

With her family name on the line, wedding planner Bianca Bartolini needs this royal wedding to go perfectly—she can’t afford distractions. Too bad the bride’s dashing brother has other plans! Duty-bound Crown Prince Leo has mere weeks to announce his own engagement, but none of the candidates measure up to Bianca. They’re the most unlikely match, but might that just make them perfect for one another?

(Affiliate links included.)


Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!

About the Author


Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


- One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and one of Jennifer's backlisted titles, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook (if outside the US)
- Three winners will each receive one of Jennifer's backlisted titles, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook (if outside the US)

Ends March 11, 2020





Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Esfolio Milk Essence Mask Sheet









The creamy mask is enriched with milk protein to leave skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. The mask is under $3 and it works well for an everyday mask. My face felt hydrated after the removal of the mask. There was an added fragrance to the mask which wasn't very pleasant.

Monday, March 2, 2020

Celavi Cucumber Mask Facial Sheet





I bought this basic mask off Amazon in bulk for less than $2 apiece. The mask is like your average "low end" mask. It hydrates and leaves skin smooth.  The mask is enriched with cucumber extracts to soften skin and improve complexion. It's not the best mask I ever used but, it affordable treat to wind down after a hard day.



Sunday, March 1, 2020

Book Review - The Claires: An Ascenders Novel by C.L. Gaber + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


Four girls are born together but, they are not identical. They are named Claire and each has a different ability. One can see visions of the future, another can feel another person's pain, one can tap into the spirit world, and other has clear knowing. 

They were originally born in 1911 and first died together in 1928. The Claires are a victim of a curse where they perish at the age of seventeen and are reborn two months later. The Claires are always violently murdered and then reborn to a woman who finds out she is pregnant. The Claires try to break the curse that ensures they die young. Can they find a way to break the curse?

This novel was my foray into the Ascenders series. The writing style was engaging and easy to get into. I was in between loving this novel and liking it. The story was very engrossing read about four young women trying to change their destiny. Since I am new to the series, I felt like I was missing some story nuances on the characters. There were some portions of the novel that felt strange and completely unbelievable. For example, the way Claire C. slaps a student on the face in front of the school's administration. Instead of being punished, I felt like the Claires could do whatever they want. I had a hard time understanding how they can try to do nice acts to save themselves but, be so cruel to people. Then they start becoming annoyed when someone was being cruel to them but, they are cruel to other people for no reason. I think if I read that other books in the series, the Claire characters would be more clear to me. I can't wait to read the other books in 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.**




Print Length: 417 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0996242015
Publisher: Big Picture Media Inc. (January 14, 20
MTV.com20)
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Language: English
ASIN: B07ZYB6W2J


Praise for THE ASCENDERS SERIES

"Teenage angst like you've never seen it before." —MTV.com

"I wish I could go back and read it again and again - not knowing what would happen." —MUGGLENET.com, the world's largest Harry Potter site.


Four beautiful girls. Quadruplets. They are not identical.
But each is named Claire.
Claire V is Clairvoyant—clear seeing with visions of the future.
Claire S is Clairsentient—clear feeling as she embraces another’s pain.
Claire A is Clairaudient—clear hearing to tap into the spirit world.
Claire C is Claircognizant—clear knowing with 100% accuracy.

Born in 1911, they first died together in 1928 at age seventeen. Two months later, they were reborn. And reborn. THE CLAIRES only live to seventeen and then they’re violently murdered. Somewhere in the world, a woman finds out she’s pregnant with quads. The Claires return to a new family as they try to break a curse that guarantees they die young.

It’s current-day Los Angeles, and once again, their seventeenth birthday is looming. Can they save themselves, clean up the streets in the name of penance, and crash their own prom?

The Claires is the first novel spin-off of the best-selling Ascenders Book Saga. Also available in paperback starting on January 14, 2020.


You can purchase The Claires: An Ascenders Novel at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from C.L. Gaber

I’m C.L. Gaber, an author and film journalist for the New York Times Syndicate and Chicago Sun Times. I also co-authored Jex Malone series. Originally from Chicago, I make my home in Nevada with my husband, bonus daughter and two unruly dogs.

My husband knows that Ascenders began with me in bathroom half the night writing on tiny notepads because I didn’t want to wake him. When daylight did roll around, I told him, ”Baby, I had the most incredible dream”.

        
PART ONE - REVIEW AND INTERVIEWS
FEBRUARY 24th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY Books, Dreams, Life EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW 
FEBRUARY 26th WEDNESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 26th WEDNESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
FEBRUARY 27th THURSDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 27th THURSDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW 

PART TWO - REVIEWS
FEBRUARY 28th FRIDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 28th FRIDAY Books Less Travelled REVIEW
FEBRUARY 28th FRIDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 29th SATURDAY Pages and Pugs REVIEW
FEBRUARY 29th SATURDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
MARCH 1st SUNDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 
MARCH 1st SUNDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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Saturday, February 29, 2020

Note Luminous Silk Compact Blusher - 05 Desert Rose













The compact comes equipped with a mirror and a compartment below the blush to hold the brush. The blush is enriched with argan oil to help prevent dryness. The blush is highly pigmented and I recommend using a light hand while applying. A small amount goes a long way and leaves a more natural flush. Personally, I not in love with the color but, I use it occasionally when I want to try something different.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Fissi Firenze Flavours and Fruit Vegetable Soap


 

I love fancy soaps! When I came across this set of Italian soap in TJ Maxx, I knew I had to get it.  The set came with six scents of White Grapes Lotus Flower, Vanilla Sandalwood, Freesia Gardenia, Iris Lavender, Red Grapes Pomegranate, and Peach Apricot. The creamy soap gave a generous lather because of the enriched vegetable soap base.