Book Review - The Safe Place by Anna Downes

Photo Credit - Amazon

In a span of one day, Emily Proudman's life is a terrible mess. She lost her acting agent, her apartment and her job. Scott Denny is a successful CEO and he has a problem that he can't fix on his own. His business prowess or his vast wealth isn't able to help him until he meets Emily.

Scott offers a job as his housekeeper and a companion for his wife, Nina on his remote, paradise French estate. Emily is immediately taken with Nina and her young daughter, Aurelia.  Emily finally feels like her life is where she wants it. However, soon Emily realizes Scott and Nina are keeping a deadly secret and if she doesn't play along things won't end well for her.

Being stuck in my apartment for what seems like days on end, I couldn't wait to dive into this thriller. The writing style was easy to read and fluid. However, as I kept reading I felt like the plot was predictable and it took the writer forever to get there. I found myself losing patience once, the predictable secret was exposed. I also didn't care for any of the characters and thought the whole situation was rather silly in the end. Perhaps at face value, the plot might sound promising but, once you delve deeper, it kinds of seems meaningless in some ways. The author did show how far someone would go to protect the people they love. I was expecting more from this book and disappointed it didn't deliver.

**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.**

Book Review - The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

Photo Credit - Amazon

King Solomon was known for his wealth and wisdom. He could get anything he wanted, including many wives and concubines. King Solomon had four women he loved: Naamah was his first wife, Abishag was his father's caretaker, Siti was a daughter of a pharaoh and Nicaula was the queen of Sheba. Even with all his wisdom, was Solomon or his wives ever truly happy?

I was torn between liking this novel and hating it. I felt like the novel went into details for some trivial things and then other things were just glossed over. The novel seemed like it was all over the place and that I didn't get to know anything. I think this mostly applied to Solomon's wives. We get to know a bit of them before they get married and then a bit more after their marriage. Then they mostly fade into the background of the story. He also sings the same line of poetry to each of his wives, it makes me wonder if he was actually in love with any of them. The author does portray different sides of Solomon and his life but, it wasn't enough to keep me interested.

**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.**

TBS Bath Fizzer - Frosted Flower

I love taking baths! And now with day 1,000 in quarantine, I am looking forward to a weekly treat to break up the weeks. I came across this treat in my stash and decided to give it a whirl. 

The tablet was a soft green color that matched the wrapper color. It didn't color the bathwater but, left it a milky color. The frosted flower had a soft floral scent that disappeared rather quickly. It did leave skin light moisturized but, I would recommend following up with lotion for colder months or if you have dry skin.

Hair Food Sulfate Free Hair Milk Conditioner Infused with Jasmine & Vanilla Fragrance

The hair food milk conditioner is a mild formula to gently condition and moisturize hair. It is a sulfate-free formula and infused with scents of jasmine and vanilla. The formula is also free of parabens, mineral oil, dye, and gluten.  The conditioner had a soft scent that didn't linger after I washed my hair. I don't really think it did much for my hair and it was more expensive than my normal conditioner.

Celavi Pomegranate Sheet Mask

Since I have more "free time" on my hands being stuck in quarantine, I have been using all the sheet masks "I never had time for". I bought this off Amazon as a package of assorted "flavors" but, all from the same brand. I always loved pomegranates so, this was one of the first masks I tried from this brand. The mask went on easy and fit my face well. It didn't have a strong noticeable scent. My face felt refresh and hydrated but, it didn't wow me. I felt like this was a very basic mask that was mostly for hydration purposes. For around $2 a pop, it was an okay buy and I might get it again if I am looking for a hydration mask and on a budget.

Book Review - The Super Life of Ben Braver by Marcus Emerson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ben Braver was enjoying his day like another kid. Except for today, he had a craving for a peanut butter cup and had none left. He decided to go to the store and get some. On his way back home, he answers a call for help.

After Ben tries to help a stranger, he ends up getting an offer that will forever change his life. He receives an invitation to join a secret school for children with special abilities.  Ben doesn't have a special power but, this is the chance he's been waiting for. Will Ben be able to become the superhero he always dreamed of becoming?

I thought this was a fun and cute read. The book was packed with adventure and thrills along with humor sprinkled through. I enjoyed reading the adventures of Ben and his classmates. This book is the perfect start of the series and young readers won't be able to stop reading it.

**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.**

Kneipp Night Cream Reactivation Lady's Mantle

I have used Kneipp products for a while. I mostly have used their bath products though. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this night cream. The night cream is enriched with Lady's Mantle extract to hydrate and nourish the skin.

This is the first time I used a product that was packaged like this. I like that the tube is softer so, I feel like I can squeeze all the product out through the dispenser. The product went on smoothly and my skin didn't feel greasy. The main reason I loved this product (other than how great it make my skin feel and look) was the delicious scent! It was such a treat applying this product to my skin. This has been one of my favorite discoveries of the month!

Anderson Lilley Super Bloom No. 14 Candle

I believe I got this candle in one of my subscription boxes. Although, if I had bought it, I would have gotten it for the vessel. I have been known for buying candles for their containers instead of their scents.

The candle has scents of basil, tangerine leaf, anise, lily of the valley, jasmine, violet,  geranium, rose, rosewood,  and cashmere musk. The scent is pleasant but, didn't have much of a throw. I would have to stand very close to the candle to even get a faint trace of the scent. This wasn't my favorite candle but, at least I still have a new container for my makeup brushes.

Inc.redible Jelly Shot Lip Quencher - Ex Revenge

Ah, I forgot to take a picture of the actual product. But, inside the tube is a clear balm with a flower at the base. I saw this lip balm advertised and in magazines everywhere. I was excited to try but, I saw that it got mixed reviews online. Thankfully I got this deluxe sample in one of the Sephora kits I purchased.

They call the product a "lip quencher" but, I found it very drying. The product is enriched with avocado, vitamin E, and rice bran oil to promote hydration. I had to constantly reapply throughout the entire day. The cute flower detail was cute until you used the product to the end. The flower detail just scratches the delicate skin on your lips. I think the newest version might have been reformulated with a new scent but, the one I had smelled terrible.

I think this is one of those "hype" or "Instagram" worthy product but, it doesn't do much for your skin. While the lip quencher was $10, I don't think it was worth that. I think I prefer Jurlique, Fresh, Rosebud Perfume Co.,  Jack Black, and Caudalie. Even the regular store-bought lip balms beat out this dud. 

Book Review - Don't Turn Around by Jessica Barry

Photo Credit - Amazon

Cait Monaghan and Rebecca McRae are driving together in the middle of the night to a clinic. This is their first time meeting each other. As they drive together through desolate roads, they both realize they have secrets to protect. Secrets that might endanger both of them.

When a truck starts following them, they assume it's teenagers pranking them or someone with road rage. It shortly becomes clear that the person driving the truck is actually hunting them for fun and they are out for blood. 

As they continue to drive, the ride keeps getting more dangerous. The secrets they kept buried in the past are out to haunt them. Someone wants one of them and is willing to stop at nothing to get what they want. With the secrets they have, it could be anyone wanting to hurt them. If they want to get out alive, Cait and Rebecca will have to start trusting each other before it's too late.

The first half of the novel kept me intrigued and full of suspense. At first, I liked that alternating characters but, after a while, it got annoying because some of the characters didn't really play a part in the mystery. I am assuming the author did that for the reader to guess who the mysterious person behind the wheel was. The ending was a bit disappointing for me because it felt abrupt and it wasn't what I was expecting. However, I still found the book to be an enjoyable read and look forward to reading other books 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 extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Colourpop Star Party Glitterally Obsessed

Who loves glitter more than me? The answer is no one. I want to be buried in full-body glitter paint. Ha, sorry for that image! Back to the point, when I saw Colourpop was offering these, I knew I had to get my hands on many as I can. 

This gel-based glitter is packed with a big silver circle (or is a hexagon?) glitter surrounded by small glitter pixie dust. It has a nice mixture of chunk and fine glitter. It does go on sparse and does transfer. I have tried other glitters that stayed the same spot all day and didn't have much fall out. For $8/9, it's pretty affordable and does the job well. I sometimes use this to highlight my cheekbones or brow bone or as a topper for my eyeshadow. However, you decide to use this product, use sparingly and then build up if needed. Definitely looking forward to trying other colors.

Wander Beauty Glow Ahead Illuminating Face Oil

I have tried a few Wander Beauty items and they tend to a mixed bag. They work okay but, I have used better products that delivered more promising results. I was hesitant to try this face oil because of that reason. I was conflicted because I love facial oils but, the Wander Beauty brand is kind of lackluster.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I love this oil. They recommend using a few (2-3) drops but, I probably used closer to (10-20) drops. I have a big face and suffer from dry skin. I applied the facial oil either by itself or after applying a sheet mask before bed. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks refreshed, glowing, and just overall freaking amazing! I get compliments and comments about my skin daily versus my normal, "Are you tired?" comments.

The facial oil is enriched with cast oil, black currant seed oil, niacinamide, and arginine. The oil goes on smoothly and left my skin glowy. When applying the oil, I noticed that it looked like a glittery liquid in my hand. I believe this is one of the reasons why my skin looked instantly glowy. Either way, I am a definite fan of this product and have added it to my favorite product list.

Book Review - A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

Photo Credit - Amazon

After Thea Michener's husband was murdered and her baby stillborn, Thea decided there was nothing left for her in Ladreville. She moves with her friend, Aimee to Cimarron Creek to take the open midwife position. Thea has no interest in remarrying and having more children after her husband and child passed. However, when she arrives in town a Texas Ranger is waiting for her on her doorstep.

On his way to town, Ranger Jackson Guthre finds an abandoned baby and takes the child with him to town.  Since he was investigating Thea, he decides this is the perfect opportunity to get to know her better. Jackson is convinced that her late husband was involved in the robbery that killed his brother. As Jackson befriends Thea, he realizes the situation is more complicated than he could imagine. He realizes he will need Thea's help if he wants to catch the criminals behind his brother's murder.

This was my first time reading anything by the author and I found the book to be an enjoyable read. I didn't read the other books in the series and I was still able to follow along with the story.  I enjoyed the mystery elements in the book as it added depth to the novel. I feel like a lot of romance novels just have a bit of back and forth with the main characters without any actual story or character development. The only thing I didn't like or found realistic is that right off the bat, Jackson knew that Thea was innocent. Part of me hoped that she was at least involved the robbery to add in some more drama. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading more 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.**