Book Review - The Shadows by Alex North

Photo Credit - Amazon

In the small town of Gritten Park, there lives an unstable teenager named Charlie Crabtree. Every town has at least one kid who has a dark imagination, a sinister smile and is an outcast. People always suspect that they are capable of doing something awful and it was only a matter of when.

Twenty-five years ago, Charlie committed a heinous murder. It was a murder so shocking that it has attracted a fanbase on the darkest corner of the internet. The murder has inspired more than one copycat with countless others following the case closely.

Paul Adams remembers the murder and moved away in hopes of forgetting the murder. Charlie and the victim were Paul's friends. After moving away, Paul has finally gotten his life together. When his mother suffers a fall and takes a turn for the worse, Paul decides to move back home. Paul doesn't want to return home but, he feels duty-bound to his mother to see her.

Shortly after Paul returns home, things start going wrong. Paul learns that there is a copycat murder in the nearby town. His senile mother is getting distressed and mentions that something is in the house. Paul realizes that someone is following him and he is worried that it might be Charlie who hasn't been seen since the day of the murder.

I haven't read the first novel by the author but, this novel can be read as a standalone. I felt like there were a few references made to the previous book that I didn't quite understand. I thought the book was a thrilling and engaging read. The book will keep you up at night wondering if there is something out there in the shadows. I look forward to 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.**

It Cosmetics Blowout Mascara - Good Lash Day (Black)

Left eye left natural; Mascara applied to the right eye

I love how my lashes look when I apply mascara. I feel like it gives my natural lashes an extra oomph! The new mascara is developed with Drybar to bring the benefits of a blowout to lashes. The specially designed wand was inspired by the technology used to create barrel hair brushes. The wand features microsphere to catch all lashes to create instant lift, volume and separates lashes.

Left eye left natural; Mascara applied to the right eye

The formula is enriched with biotin and transparent polymers to enhance the super blank pigment to create a bold look. The mascara promises no clumps or flakes. So, I am going to admit how much of a makeup/skincare junkie I am. I own several IT cosmetics brushes and skincare products but, this was the first time I actually _used_ their product. Yup, I am one of those people that run to go buy something when it comes out and never actually uses it until much later. I was blown away how great my lashes looked. I loved using the mascara and it was very easy to use. The wand capture all my lashes and they didn't clump together. However, I did get a few smudges as the formula did take a bit to dry. Overall, I am a huge fan of the mascara and will definitely be buying a second tube.

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Madecassoside + Mugwort

Bonvivant is MemeBox's inhouse brand before they started only making beauty products. I used to love shopping on their page to get curated boxes at great prices. I wish they went back to their old sales model of also selling other brands too.

I bought this mask during one of their many promotions for $2. Since it's an affordable mask, I use it quite often in my everyday mask rotation. The mask is enriched with madecassoside, mulberry, fig, pomegranate, ginkgo nut, mugwort extracts to enrich, soothe, and revitalize stressed skin. The mask fit my face well and was comfortable to wear. My skin was left hydrated and soothe the blemishes I had on my cheek.

Blistex Lip Vibrance Lip Balm

I love lip balm! I don't care if it's pricey, drugstore, or even free. I can fill a bathtub with the amount of lip balm I own. I also tend to lose lip balms so, sometimes I try to avoid spending more than $10 (but, I always end up caving). I have used several different lip balms for Blistex but, this is my first time using one from their vibrance line. 

The lip balm is enriched with shea butter, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E. It leaves lips feeling soft and conditioned. The lip balm has a subtle color with a hint of shimmer to give lips a natural look. I also liked that the lip balm came with a built-in mirror. I didn't need to use it but, I thought it was nifty to have.

Book Review - The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala

Photo Credit - Amazon

Esha lost everything during a royal coup. She becomes the Viper in hopes to get her revenge and help the ones she loves. She receives her most important and complicated mission to date; she needs to kill the merciless General Hotha. 

Being a soldier is the only life Kunal knows. His uncle, General Hotha, keeps a close on Kunal to make sure he never strays from his path. Kunal respects his uncle's desires of him but, his heart craves to explore the outside world.

When Esha and Kunal cross path one night, their entire world crumbles and their fate becomes entwined. They both think that they are in control but, will they realize that there are bigger things at play?

The novel was a good introduction to the series. The characters were both interesting and fun to read. I felt like the story was a bit predictable but, still enjoyable. I wish the author included an appendix because there were several words and terminology used that I didn't understand. I did feel that the plot did advance a bit slow especially since the book was over 400 pages long. I read another YA fantasy series and the author also did something similar. I am wondering if this a new trend of drawing out the plot for YA/Adults fantasy series. I did like that there was some mythology but, I wish this was gone into more detail for those who are not familiar with it. Overall, the book was a good start of the series and I am excited to read the next book.

**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.**

Colourpop Pressed Shadow - Upon a Star

Colourpop sells a lot of makeup at an affordable price. I believe I paid $4.50 for this eye shadow single. Upon a Star is a warm-toned rosy copper color with a metallic finish. It delivers full coverage with one swipe. The eye shadow goes on smoothly and a silky feel. Unfortunately, as shown in the pictures above, the color doesn't show up on me.

Book Review - Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance, #1) by Becky Wade + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Genevieve Woodward receives a mysterious letter alluding to a secret in her parents' past. She returns home to the Blue Ridge Mountains to confront her parents but, she also needs a break from her high profile career. While Gen wants to talk with her parents, she is also hiding a secret of her own. She realizes she might need help when she wakes up in an unfamiliar cottage with the confused homeowner staring down at her.

Sam Turner has embraced his life as a loner and an outsider. He lives a solitary and disciplined life to make up for past sorrows in his life. He lives in a historic farm in the middle of nowhere. Sam has comes to peace with how his life has turned out and the last thing he wanted to do is rent his cottage to Gen. Sam feels that Gen is trouble but, he can't seem to turn her away when she needs him. Will Sam and Gen be able to lean on each other to get over their struggles?

I like that the novel had a little mystery behind Gen's family even if it took the backstage to Gen's and Sam's budding romance. I was a bit disappointed a few times with Gen because I felt like she didn't quite comprehend the seriousness of her "condition" including, trying to get Sam to "relax". I felt when she was around Sam, she was acting a bit childish instead of the strong and independent woman they portrayed her to be. Overall, the book is a good read for anyone who likes a cozy romance.

**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

 

Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance #1) By Becky Wade Christian Contemporary Romance Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages May 5th 2020 by Bethany House Publishers

Loving her is a risk he can’t afford . . . and can’t resist.

When acclaimed Bible study author Genevieve Woodward receives an anonymous letter referencing her parents’ past, she returns to her hometown in the Blue Ridge mountains to chase down her family’s secret. However, it’s Genevieve’s own secret that catches up to her when Sam Turner, owner of an historic farm, uncovers the source of shame she’s worked so hard to hide.

Sam has embraced his sorrow, his isolation, and his identity as an outsider. He’s spent years carving out both career success and peace of mind. The last thing he wants is to rent the cottage on his property to a woman whose struggles stir his worst failure back to life. Yet, can he bear to turn her away right when she needs him most?

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Target | Christianbook

Other Books in the Series

 

Take a Chance on Me (A Misty River Romance #0.5) By Becky Wade Christian Contemporary Romance, Novella ebook, 97 Pages February 25th 2020

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade!

(Affiliate link included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble Currently FREE

About the Author

Becky Wade is the 2018 Christy Award Book of the Year winner for True to You. She is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, then put her career on hold for several years to care for her children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. Her humorous, heart-pounding contemporary romance novels have won three Christy Awards, the Carol Award, the INSPY Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award for Romance. Becky lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three children.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

There is also a bookstagram tour with its own giveaway. Follow on Instagram.

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive: - A $100 gift card - A paperback copy of Stay with Me - A hand-knit scarf - A pair of earrings - A package of “Georgia Blues” coffee - A package of apple oatmeal muffin mix

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BBW Black Cherry Merlot Hand Cream

I love this scent from Bath Body Works! I have the body wash, the hand soap, and now the hand cream. The scent is a blend of dark cherry, black raspberry, and merlot. The shea butter lotion leaves skin soft and hydrated. The scent of the lotion does stay on long after applying. If you are sensitive to scents, then this hand cream isn't for you.

Boscia Matcha Magic Super - Antioxidant Mask

I love using a mask on my face while soaking in the tub. I heard good things about matcha in skincare and decided to try this mask. The antioxidant mask is enriched with matcha green tea extracts,  bakuchiol, jojoba, willowherb, and willow bark extract. The mask went on smoothly and after washing off, my skin did feel tight the first few uses but, it was still glowy.  After applying lotion, my skin looked and felt radiant. It was almost like I went to get a facial.

Book Review - A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit - Amazon

Lizzie Kitsakis is working late when she gets a call from an old friend. Lizzie knows long grueling hours are standard at elite law firms like where she is working, but she has her reasons for wanting to stay late. Until recently, she was working as a federal prosecutor which was her dream job. She had everything she wanted. She had her dream job and her devoted husband, Sam. That was until everything started to fall apart. Maybe the cracks in her life were already there but, Lizzie has been in denial for so long, she doesn't even know what's true anymore.

Lizzie barely keeps afloat with her marital problems and managing her new job.  The last thing she needs is another distraction. She receives a call from Zach Grayson, an old friend who is an inmate at Rikers. He is desperate for her help. His wife, Amanda has been found dead at the bottom of their stairs in their home. Zach is the primary suspect in her murder and he needs all the help he can get. As Lizzie begins to investigate, she realizes everyone is protecting their secrets and nothing is what it seems. Will Lizzie be able to help solve Amanda's murder? Will she be able to save her marriage?

The book is a fast-paced thriller with a few twists. A few of the twists are a bit predictable with enough clues to help you piece it together. The author leaves you wondering, what exactly constitutes a good marriage? We read about several different couples and their different dynamics. I devoured this novel in a few days and it was enjoyable to read. If you are a fan of crime thrillers or courtroom dramas, you will appreciate this book. I can't wait for more 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.**

Wonder Haruharu Wonder Honey Green Aqua Bomb Cream

The gel-cream is enriched fermented green tea and honey. The cream promises to hydrate and soothe irritated and red skin. The paraben-free cream has a pleasant smell. The gel goes on smoothly and leaves skin feeling hydrated.