Book Review - Watch Her (Hester Thursby Mystery #3) by Edwin Hill

 

 

Angela White and her friend, Hester Thursby attends a prestigious gala at Prescott University to celebrate the new lavish campus. During the gala, they are called to the house of the college's owners, Tucker and Jennifer Matson, because there was a break-in. Jennifer claims that someone broke into their home. As Angela and Hester investigate, they realize that Jennifer might be lying about the break-in.   However, they are still curious why Jennifer would lie about the incident.

Hester is asked by Maxine, the general manager of the college, to locate some missing alumni. As Hester begins to dig into the project she notices a strange pattern between the students. The case becomes more urgent when one of the missing students turns up dead. As Hester and Angela delve deeper into the case, they unearth decade old secrets that someone wants to stay buried.

This was my first book of the series. I felt like readers could read this book as a standalone but, I felt like I was missing some nuances between the characters. I thought the book moved at a very slow pace for my liking. Most of the action happened in the last 75 pages and the first few hundred pages were just filler. I am not entirely sure the plot is completely believable either. I had a hard time liking any of the characters and didn't get some of the side stories between Hester and her partner, Morgan. That whole relationship was confusing for me and I am guessing it's because I didn't read the first two books. This book would be a good read for fans of the series or people who like cozy mystery reads.

 **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 Stories You Tell (Roxane Weary, #3) by Kristen Lepionka

 

Roxane Weary knows a late night phone call is never good news. Andrew, her brother called to tell her that Addison, a one-time fling, turned up to his apartment frightened and requested to use his phone. After she made a phone call, she disappears and Andrew is worried. He asks Roxane to help because Allison never made it home and her friends and family are worried about her.

The police believe something happened to Roxane and they suspect Andrew might be involved.  Roxane decides to check Addison's digital footprint and finds herself getting more involved in her disappearance. When a cop is found dead on the opposite side of town, it makes the case more muddled. The staff at the dance club where Addison works goes missing suddenly, the case becomes more convoluted. Roxane tries to decipher the clues that Addison left behind, will she be able to find Addison in time?

When I first picked up this book, I didn't realize it was a part of a series. I was able to read the story and follow along without issue. However, I felt like there was some nuances I was missing between the characters. I thought the book was an interesting read but, I felt like it went a bit slowly. I was able to figure out the person behind the disappearance around half way through the book. I would be open to reading other books from the series.

Book Review - The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

 

In summer of1950, Flavia de Luce is a young girl aspiring to be chemist with a passion for poison. She becomes entwined in a mystery when a dead bird is found on their doorstep with a stamp pinned through its beak. Hour later, Flavia discovers a man dying in their garden and watches as he takes his last breath. Flavia is excited that a murder occurs at Buckshaw as she soon becomes invested in solving the case.

This isn't usually the type of book I would pick for myself. However, it was given as a recommendation to me. It wasn't a bad book but, it wasn't a book that suit my tastes. I found the boisterous Flavia to be annoying and overwhelming at times. I didn't care for the writing style and I found myself having to reread several parts of the story too many times. I was a bit turned off with scenes of  the "Oriental" magic trick and found this to be in poor taste. Some readers might find this series enjoyable, I do not.

Book Review - House of Shadows (House of Shadows, #1) by Darcy Coates

 

Sophie has grown up in a privileged world. However, that all changes when a disaster bankrupts her family. As Sophie tries to come terms with news, an unexpected solution appears. A wealthy stranger, Mr. Argenton, asks for her hand in marriage. Sophie knows if she marries Mr. Argenton it will save her family's fortune and from scandal. Sophie is torn because she knows she will have to leave her family and live in Northwood, a vast and dark mansion that is hours away from civilization.

She struggles with her new life as the mistress of the cold and desolate mansion. Her new relatives are distant and cold, while Mr. Argenton is keeping secrets. Sophie feels that there is something wrong with the house and it feels unnatural.

She hears a piano play during the middle of the night but, no one in the house plays. The house drips blood from the ceiling and she feels a dark and cold presence. Sophie begins to learn that the house is haunted and the house doesn't like intruders.

Sophie feels trapped at Northwood and she is desperate to escape. She wants to leave but, she is unable to leave Mr. Argenton behind. She finds herself drawn to him and suspects he feels the same way about her. However, she knows that the secrets that Mr. Argenton keep might cost her life.

I have quite a few of the author's novels and I have enjoyed them. This book is part of a series and it was an interesting read. However, I had a hard time liking Sophie. I felt like the character was weak and pathetic and she turns hysterical over everything. When Sophie finally grew a backbone, it was unrealistic and out of character for her. I thought it was unrealistic how quickly Sophie fell in love with Mr. Argenton when they mostly kept their distance and she knew he was keeping secrets.  I didn't understand why Sophie kept the odd behaviors of her husband's family a secret when he was nothing but understanding towards her.

March 2021 Empties Part 2!

 

Wow March is almost over and I felt like it just began! I am also very proud that I finished so much stuff this month...which means that next month I am going to finish next to nothing :D

I have love Marc Jacobs but, this was the first time I used their facial products. I am in love with the YouthQuake moisturizer. It smelled and had a texture of creme brulee. I will definitely going to be restocking this moisturizer. I have used several Elemis products and I love putting this on. The cream was so luxurious and felt amazing against my skin. 

I have quite a few of Sand & Sky products but, this was my first time using them. The colorfully bottles on my cabinet shelf. Honestly, I wasn't crazy of this mask as it burned so much and I didn't notice a difference. There wasn't much I tried this month that was a standout. 

Have you finished anything this month that you loved?

Here is everything I finished -

Farm Skin Nourishing Superfood Salad for Skin

Facetory Vitality with Pomegranate Firming Mask

Meg Two Step Jelly Mask Firming and Radiance

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack Mint + Teatree

Dermal Pearl Collagen Essence Mask

Orjena Natural Moisture Mask Sheet Rice

Detoskin Green Tea Time Mask

Elemis Peptide4 Plumping Pillow Facial

Marc Jacobs Youthquake

Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil Essence

Lather Bamboo Lemongrass Moisturizer

Philosophy Twinkle Berry Body Wash

NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Repair Shampoo

On10 Raspberry Ginger Ale Lip Balm

Castelbel Porto Bourbon & Pine Luxury Fraganced Soap

YNM Konad Petit Leaf Lotion

Elisha Coy Moist Up Super Hyalurone Ampoule Serum

Nuxe Paris Clarifying Cream Mask Face and Neck

Purlisse Coconut Oil + Coffee Sugar Body Scrub

Christie Brinkley Complete Clarity Daily Facial Exfoliating Polish

Sand &Sky Brilliant Skin Detoxify + Brightening Purifying Pink Clay Mask

ESW Beauty The Pink Dream Moisturizing Raw Juice Mask

Cica X Hyalon Cica 3 Step Mask Special Care Program

Book Review - 29 Seconds by T.M. Logan

 

Sarah is a young professor who has worked and sacrificed everything for her career. However, she is struggling to prove herself to her controlling and manipulative department head, Alan Hawthorne.  Alan is a popular television host and a well known scholar. He brings in million dollar grants to the university where they work. As Alan is the university's golden child, his malicious behavior towards female colleagues have gone ignored for years. Unfortunately, Sarah is his newest victim.

When Hawthorne's unwanted advances become more menacing, Sarah feels helpless. She isn't sure what her options are. One day, during her drive home, she witness an attempted kidnapping of a young child. Sarah intervenes to prevent the child from being hurt. The child's father wants to show Sarah he appreciates her help by offering her a favor in return. The man is a successful businessman who is known to have dangerous connections with the mob. He gives Sarah a burner phone and tells her that he can make all  her problems disappear with one call.

I am not sure if I completely believe this plot. I felt like it was overdone and over the top. I had a hard time connecting with Sarah. She is a well educated professor but, her reactions and personality are the exact opposite. The story took too long to get to the point and by then, I lost interest.  I am not sure what part of the book was supposed to be thrilling but, this entire thing was a snooze fest.

Book Review - Looking Glass (The Chronicles of Alice) by Christina Henry

 

Elizabeth is a young girl who lives in New City who has a secret. She can do magic but, someone has learned her secret who has an hidden agenda of their own. They want to release a butterfly that was supposed to be locked away forever. That butterfly was once known as the Jabberwock.

Alice and Hatcher are looking for a place to call their own. They dream of their own place by the lake that is surrounded by a field of wildflowers. During their journey, they end up being caught in a severe snowstorm. Alice comes across a house that seems empty and abandoned.

Hatcher had a past life before he became known as Hatcher. He was once known as Nicholas. He was one of the best fighters in New City. He has never lost a match until, his boss wants him to fight a person who never left their opponent leave the ring alive.

As Alice and Hatcher continue looking for their new home, they come across a village in the mountains. The village inhabitants all fear and hate magic. Anyone who is caught practicing magic in the Village of Pure will be punished.

The book is composed of four novellas that are separate stories but, they are also interconnected. I didn't realize that this book was a part of a series. I felt that the book can be read as a standalone but, I felt like I was missing some nuances. I liked all four stories and found them entertaining. I think I might read the other books in the series to get the full story behind the characters.

Book Review - The Girl I Used to Be by Mary Torjussen

 

Real estate agent Gemma Brogan spent the night having dinner with a prospective client. The next morning, she is annoyed with herself for drinking so much and having a hangover.  During the span of a few days, Gemma starts receiving mementos from the night. There is a photo with her kissing someone. Then a video of her complaining about her family. The gifts start getting progressively worse and Gemma has no recollection of that night.

As Gemma starts receiving more threatening and compromising photos, she is worried about her already shaky marriage. She begins to feel helpless like her life is spinning out of control.  Gemma begins to remember a night that happened years ago that changed her life.

The book had an interesting premise but, it was a bit predictable. I was able to figure out who was behind the blackmail scheme. The blackmail scheme wasn't very serious but, more an annoyance. I am surprised that Gemma made it a bigger deal than it really was. I supposed that she was worried about the state of her marriage but, she was consistently telling bigger lies to cover up small truths.  The characters were okay but, I found myself annoyed at Gemma. She kept being timid and cowardly with everyone including her husband and employees. She let her own employees tell her what to do. I understand that this was relating to an incident in her past but, it didn't make it less enjoyable.  I may read other books by the author.

 

 

Book Review - All the Children Are Home by Patry Francis

 

Dahlia and Louie Moscatelli are foster parents who provide long-term foster care for children Jimmy, Zaidie, and Jon. Their lives turn upside down when Agnes, a six year old native girl, comes to live with them.

When they decided to become foster parents, they had a few ground rules. They didn't want no newborns, no delinquents, and no girls. When Dahlia was younger, she suffered through a horrid incident that has left her a victim in her own home. She is afraid of the burden of being a girl.

Louie and Dahlia consider their family to be complete but, when a social worker turns up at their door, they have a hard time saying no. Agnes is a young girl who has been abused and neglected and suffers from emotional damage. 

Agnes Juniper is a rambunctious six year old that has no memory of her Native American roots. Agnes knows nothing about herself other than the box of trinkets she received from her mother. She knows she has a sister as she recalls some dreams of her sister. As the years pass, the Moscatelli family find themselves at odds with outside forces.

The book was an endearing read with a lot of heartfelt moments. I enjoyed seeing the children grow up and try to find their own paths. I felt like the book was a bit incomplete in the end and I am hoping that the author plans to continue the story with happens to them in the later years. I am excited to read other books by the author.

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

March 2021 Haul!

 

Wow, its already March 13th! Where has the month gone? I feel like this year has been moving so quickly...although last year was quite the blur. 

I got a few Bonvivant masks and they are pretty good. They are decent masks that I used to get from Memebox when they were selling stuff. Now, I usually get them from Amazon. I am still sad that they are no longer a store that sells other brands. They used to have some really amazing deals.

I got quite a few new lip products. I got a few Clinique chubby sticks, I haven't used these in awhile but, I remember loving them. I can't wait to use this one especially the red. I got this really cute heart shaped lipstick from Kaja in Be Mine. I got a few repeat lip products that are favorites such as the Tarte lip pencils and Burt's Bees lip balm.

As the weather is warming up, I got two new scrubs to help get rid of  flaky skin. I love coffee scrubs but, sometimes they are so messy. I bought two different brands: the Coffee Scrub and Frank Body. I am excited to see how each one performs.

I been breaking out a lot lately so, I got some of those acne patches. I heard good things about it so, I am excited to try it. I got another bottle of Huxley Secret Essence. This thing is amazing and I love it so much. I am excited to try the Peach and Lily Glass Skin serum. People swear by it and my skin could use a pick me up.

Did you get anything this month that you are excited to try?

Book Review - Consumed (Firefighters, #1) by J.R. Ward

 

 

Anne Ashburn is consumed by things she cannot control. She is bitter about her family legacy, her career as a firefighter has ended, she is in love with the department bad boy, and her new arson case is against a fiery killer.

Anne is always up for a challenge and is willing to push herself to the limits. However, she made one risky decision and it changes her life forever. Anne has tied her entire self-worth to being a firefighter and she had to give up her dream job. She had to find a way to reinvent herself and her job.

She decides to become an arson investigator but, it pales in comparison to the adrenaline-fueled life she once had. Anne doesn't feel like she would feel the same passion for her job again. However, when a string of suspicious fires is cropping up all over her city, she begins to feel her passion revitalized.

Danny McGuire is one of the city's best fireman. However, after the accident with Anne, he is suffering from a personal crisis. He is heading for disaster after he keeps taking risks after risks. Danny seems to have a death wish until Anne reappears in his life. Will the arson case be able to help Danny find his path again?

I liked that the author took time to build each of the characters and their backstory. However, many of the side stories were bought up but, they went nowhere. I felt like barely any time was spent on the arson case. The culprit was revealed and caught by a lucky chance towards the almost very end of the book. Most of the book was spent on Anne and Danny's romance and random side-stories. I am not sure if this book was meant to introduce us to the characters or it was just a mediocre read filled with useless details.

Book Review - Fallen Beauty by Erika Robuck

 

In 1928 in upstate New York, two seemingly different women cross paths with each other and both of their worlds change.  Laura Kelley and her lover sneak away at night to attend a performance of the Ziegfeld Follies. As their night comes to a close, they make a decision that might have a dark consequence on their future.

Edna St. Vincent Millay and her husband are hosting a party on the same evening. They have a wild party in hopes of providing inspiration to Millay. She wishes for a new lover but, the young man is the first person who isn't willing to bend to her will.

Two years later has passed and Laura is an unwed seamstress with a young daughter and struggling to support her family. Millay is dealing with emotional and mental turmoil. Laura and Millay work together to create Millay's costumes for her next reading tour. However, they have to keep their complex friendship a secret otherwise, it would hurt the ones closest to them. As their friendship grows, the town condemns them as fallen women and they have to decide the price they are willing to pay to live a full life.

This book was an utter bore. I  didn't care for any of the characters. Laura was so passive and let people treat her like a doormat. She was protecting someone and her own heart from getting what she deserves. I found the Millay character quite annoying. She was so needy and doesn't seem to really care about other people but, her own needs. It took a while before their friendship started blooming and by then, I could care less. 

Book Review - Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 

Mara Jacobs has been struggling for three years while her humanitarian husband, Liam, has been digging wells in Africa. She knows she should feel proud and happy for her husband who is helping widows and children nine time zones away. However, she is exhausted and working a dead end job to put food on the table. She barely has time to spend with her three delinquent children, failing to make repairs on their dilapidated house, and she feels like she is barely hanging on most days.

When Mara receives news that her husband has perished during one of his missions, her entire world gets turned upside down. Mara struggles to find joy in her life when she experiences another life alternating incident. She tries to have faith and find hope when things look bleak.

I have read other books by the author and I was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into the novel. I didn't enjoy the writing style and felt like it was fragmented. The way information was revealed felt disjointed. The book moved very slowly and it was hard for me to connect to the characters. I was more than half way done when I couldn't be bothered with reading more.

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

Book Review - Network of Deceit (Amara Alvarez #2) by Tom Threadgill

 

After Amara Alvarez rescues nearly fifty kidnapped children, she finally lands her dream assignment. She is transferred to the San Antonio's Homicide Division. Amara receives her first case of a suspicious death of a teenager at a local water park. 

As Amara investigates the case, she notices as she applies pressure to her suspects she bring more chaos to her personal life.  Someone is watching her entire move and is stalking her online. Amara will have to trust her intuition and use unconventional methods to find the killer. She will need to prove herself that her first case won't end up in the cold case files.

This is the second book in the series and the first book I read. I was able to follow along and understand the story but, I felt like there were some character nuances that I missed. The book mentioned several times the case that Amara worked on previously. I enjoyed the story but, I had a hard time liking Amara. I felt like she was a bull in a china shop and had no chill.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series especially, the drama with her new partner.

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

 

March 2021 Empties!

 

 

Oh wow, it's already March! I feel like it was just January. Although, with the crappy weather I am excited for more sunny days. 

I finished quite a few things and I am keeping my momentum of finishing stuff. I am so happy but, let's ignore the face that I definitely bought more than I used.  The few sheet masks I finished, I loved using the Karuna and the Simply When masks. My face felt so hydrated and so soft after application. 

I was surprised how much I liked the Purlisse Watermelon cleanser. It left my face feeling clean without feeling stripped and it smelled amazing!  When I got the Brooklyn & Bailey Lash Next Door the mascara felt a bit dry but, after a few uses the mascara was completely dry. I felt like I was sent old product. I am not going to buy another tube from this brand because the first use wasn't impressive to warrant another buy.  

Have you finished anything this month that you would recommend?

Here is everything I finished this month -

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Aloe Vera

Sunday Riley Ice

Nuria Revitalizing Jelly Night Treatment

South Mane Under Eye Gels

Karuna Brightening+ Face Mask

Simply When Water Wish Hydrate Dry Skin

Holika Holika Less on Skin Redness Calming CICA Dressing Mask

Miss Spa Charcoal Clarifying Mask

Detoskin Celery Cleanse Mask

Que Bella Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask

Brooklyn & Bailey Lash Next Door

Purlisse Blue Lotus Seed

Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Foam

Eva NYC Satin Dream Leave-In Cream

Bioderma Sebium Mat Control

Purlisse Watermelon + Charcoal Purifying Cleanser

Book Review - Shoe Wars by Liz Pichon + Giveaway

 

Ruby and Bear thought they knew everything about their dad until they found out their dad invented the coolest thing ever. He created the first pair of flying shoes. His horrid boss, Wendy Wedge, wants his invention for herself and is willing to stop at nothing to get what she wants. Wendy is desperate to win the Golden Shoe award even if she has to kidnap a person! Ruby and Bear will have to work together to outsmart Wendy, help their dad, and keep the shoes hidden.

The book was a fun and enjoyable read. It was filled with clever puns and witty jokes. The illustrations were a fun and delightful. This book is perfect for young readers to like to read funny books about friendship, doing the right thing, and defeating the "bad" guy.

 

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

 

 

 

About The Book:

Title: SHOE WARS

Author: Liz Pichon

Pub. Date: March 2, 2021

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 448

Find it:  Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Readers who have devoured Captain Underpants, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and the works of Raina Telgemeier will love the high-energy, hilarious antics of the Foot family from one of the largest names in the UK.

Step up to the challenge . . . win or shoes! Meet Ruby and Bear. Their dad has just invented the most amazing thing ever -- flying shoes! But his horrible boss Wendy Wedge knows that entering flying shoes will guarantee the Golden Shoe Award, and she will do anything to win the trophy. Ruby and Bear must outwit a bully, infiltrate a shady company, and rescue their dad all while keeping the shoes hidden. This can only mean one thing. It's . . . shoe wars! The brand new, laugh-out-loud, spectacular stand-alone story from multi-million copy bestselling author and illustrator Liz Pichon.

 

Praise for Liz Pichon’s SHOE WARS:

 

THE SUNDAY TIMES ‘Book of the Year’ Selection

 

‘Jokey text does [SHOE WARS] fancy footwork on every illustrated page. Reluctant readers will march through it. – THE SUNDAY TIMES

 

‘Every page here is dynamic and attention-grabbing, packed with cartoons and typeface trickery’ –FT

 

“An original and outrageous storyline gives plenty of scope for absurd inventions, loathsome baddies and heroic deeds from underequipped underdogs. This is a tale oozing creativity and packed with pen and ink illustrations, exciting and expressive typography and visual jokes.”

 –BOOKTRUST

 

“Bursting with imagination and fabulous gadgets, SHOE WARS is full of Pichon’s characteristic warmth, humor and quirky illustrations.” –THE BOOKSELLER

 

“SHOE WARS is an exciting story with lively characters that offer plenty of laughs […] Like Pichon’s other books, it can be enjoyed as a funny, action-packed page-turner, but also as a comic book of cartoons so that children can keep returning to their favorite bits again and again.”–BOOKS FOR KEEPS

 

THE IRISH TIMES ‘Best Books for Christmas’ Selection

 

THE SUN Christmas Gift Guide’ Selection

 

About Liz: 

When Liz Pichon was little, she loved to draw, paint and make things. Her mum used to say she was very good at making a mess (which is still true today!). She kept drawing and went to art school, where she earned a degree in graphic design. She worked as a designer and art director in the music industry, and her freelance work has appeared on a wide variety of products. Liz is the author-illustrator of several picture books. Tom Gates is the first series of books she has written and illustrated for older children. They have won several prestigious awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and the Blue Peter Book Award. The books have been translated into 43 languages worldwide. Visit her at lizpichon.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of SHOE WARS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/11/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
2/12/2021	Books A-Brewin'	Excerpt
2/13/2021	Hurn Publications	Excerpt

Week Two:

2/14/2021	She Just Loves Books	Review
2/15/2021	Lisa Everyday Reads	Review
2/16/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
2/17/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
2/18/2021	Pick a good book	Review
2/19/2021	onemused	Review
2/20/2021	BookHounds YA	Review

Week Three:

2/21/2021	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
2/22/2021	@bookshelfmomma	Review
2/23/2021	michellemengsbookblog	Review
2/24/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
2/25/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
2/26/2021	Books and Zebras @jypsylynn	Review/Instagram Stop
2/27/2021	I'm Shelf-ish	Review

 

Week Four:

2/28/2021	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
3/1/2021	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review
3/2/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review

Book Review - Sea Rose Lane (Hope Harbor, #2) by Irene Hannon

 

 

Attorney Eric Nash returns home after being layoff. When he arrives to his childhood home, he realizes his home is being turned into a bed and breakfast. Instead of being able to plot his new future course, he has to contend with the noise and chaos from the construction along with the alluring architect, BJ Stevens. He finds himself drawn to BJ but, he knows he can't have a relationship with her if he will be leaving town for a new job.

BJ feels attracted to Eric but, she is afraid of committing because of her own disastrous romance in the past. She rather focus on getting her new business new customers and working on her special projects. However, when one of BJ's projects needs help, Eric steps in to assist. Will the pair be able to ignore the feelings they have for each other?

I found the novel to be an okay read. I like that there wasn't too many back and forth between the characters and their feelings. I liked that they were open and honest with each other about how they felt. Their romance was definitely a slow burn and took a while before they confronted their feelings. Fans of the author would enjoy the 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.**

Book Review - Ally Hughes Has Sex Sometimes by Jules Moulin

 

 

Ally Hughes is a single mother who has her hands full with teaching at Brown with a cranky boss. At home, she has to deal with an old house in desperate need of repair, a critical mother, and a genius daughter. Ally spends her times taking care of other people's needs and she barely has time to date or even entertaining the idea of finding someone.

She doesn't have time for a relationship and she isn't into flings. However, when she meets, Jake, all her best intentions are out of the window. Jake is her student and who wants Ally to open her heart and life to loving someone. Ten years later, Ally is still single. Jake reappears in Ally's life but, as the boyfriend of Ally's daughter.

This novel was a boring read. It feels like this was someone's romantic dream and they decided to create a novel behind it. The story is an fluff piece with boring and predictable characters. If you want to read a book with an abundant amount of sex but, with no story, this is the novel for you.

Book Review - The Birthday Girl by Melissa de la Cruz

 

Before Ellie de Florent-Stinson became renowned fashion designer, she was a trailer park teen about to turn sixteen. Ellie plans a big celebration for her birthday but, her night doesn't go exactly as she planned. Ellie is celebrating her fortieth birthday and it appears that Ellie has everything she ever wanted. She has a successful business, an accomplished stepdaughter, a handsome husband, and beautiful children. She has several homes and huge circle of well-to-do friends.

However, not everything is what it seems. Ellie is keeping secrets from family and friends. She is struggling to keep all her skeletons buried. She fears all her secrets might be expose on her big night with all her old and new friends at her party. As Ellie's carefully curated life begin to crumble, will she be able to survive the aftermath?
 
This novel was a boring waste of time. The book was filled with fillers and lacked substance just like its vapid characters. I couldn't find a single thing I enjoyed about the book. This seems like a type of novel that takes a few weeks to create because there really isn't any story. The one "twist" could be seen miles away. This book isn't a thriller but, a fluff piece.

February 2021 Haul Part 2!

 

 Wow, the month has blown by...in a flurry of snow and rain showers. Although, I am not really sad to see February go because the weather has been intolerable. I am very excited for warmer weather on the horizon. 

I have finished quite a few masks this month so, I bought a bunch to replenish my stock...even though I finished 10 and bought over 30... I bought some more Aroh, Detoskin, and Factory branded masks. I had really good results with their masks previously so, I wanted to try other masks from the line. I have noticed a difference with my skin texture and hydration when I been using the facial sheet masks more consistently. 

I got some new lip products...you already know the drill. I have an obsession with lip products but, yet I never seem to finish any except one balm every season. I bought two new MAC lipsticks in Mixed Media and Russian Red. Mixed Media is darker than I normally go but, I thought the swatches online looked really good. I am excited to wear it when dining out. I heard many good things about the Natasha Denona brand and this is my first lip product by them. I am really excited to try it. I got a new lip product by Clarins. I never tried any of their makeup items but, their skincare items work well. The rest of the items are things I have bought before or different colors in the same line. 

I bought two new products from Earth Harbor. I have quite a few products from them already.  I am really loving their Tidal Rose hydration mist. It smells so lovely.  I got their Sunshine Dew cleansing oil and the Aqua Aura eye cream. The one thing I don't like is that even though they have a very minimal aesthetic going on, they don't have any instructions on their packaging. I had bought a kit and it was annoying that I had to look up the instructions as it wasn't obvious.

I been loving serums lately! They definitely give you the biggest bang for your buck. I bought Byroe Tomato Serum. It looks so thick and luxurious. I can't wait to give it a try. I got a facial oil from Edible Beauty and the packaging is so cute! And finally, I got a Summer Friday mask because I been seeing it everywhere on IG. I can't wait to try it during my next spa day!

Did you get anything new that you are excited to try?