Friday, November 19, 2021

November 2021 Empties!

 

 

I can't believe November is almost over! Wow, it just feels like the days flew by. I finished a few things this month that I liked. 

I like the lip whip by Kari Gran. It leaves  my lips super soft and hydrated. It was such a treat to put on. I heard and have used a few of Herbivore stuff but, it was years ago. I recently got the Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream and applied it during the night and woke up with super soft skin. The Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm was my first time using a cleansing balm and thought it was pretty cool. It removed most of my mascara and makeup and it was fun to use. I did have to follow up with an oil cleanser to get rid of the most annoying mascara traces.

I tried a new serum called Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ and it was a whopping $149 for one ounce. It was creamy and absorbs quickly but, I am not sure I saw that much results that I am willing to fork over that much money again. I also liked the Graydon Putty Super Soothing Face Cream because it's really thick and cream. It left my skin super soft after applying it.  I tried this new hand cream called Serumkind A Precious Serum of The Royal Black Tulip and it smells amazing. It feels so luxurious and usually I use a cheap hand lotion that I have to constantly reapply. 

Here is everything I finished - 

Lip Whip by Kari Gran - Peppermint
Herbivore Pink Cloud Soft Moisture Cream
Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+
Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel
MediHeal Line Friends Teatree Care Solution Essential Mask EX.
Frienvita Perfect Skin Adhesion Firming Gold Glow Mask
Facetory Ace that Face Collagen Mask
Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe
Graydon Putty Super Soothing Face Cream
The Body Shop Cranberry Joy Shower Gel
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Comptoir Sud Pacifique
It's a 10 Miracle Daily Conditioner
H20+ Hydration Oasis Nourishing Gel Cream
Serumkind A Precious Serum of The Royal Black Tulip
Yonka Intense Hydration Repairing
Biorace Pore Tightening Pearl Clay Mask
Hey Honey Walk the Walk Proplis Foot & Heel Cream

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Book Spotlight - Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: OUT OF MY HEART (Out of My Mind #2)

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Pub. Date:  November 9, 2021

Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 352

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBDBookshop.org

Melody faces her fears to follow her passion in this stunning sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novel Out of My Mind.

Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is a year older, and a year braver. And now with her Medi-talker, she feels nothing’s out of her reach, not even summer camp. There have to be camps for differently-abled kids like her, and she’s going to sleuth one out. A place where she can trek through a forest, fly on a zip line, and even ride on a horse! A place where maybe she really can finally make a real friend, make her own decisions, and even do things on her own—the dream!

By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody’s about to discover how brave and strong she really is.

 

Reviews:

"A deeply satisfying and worthy continuation of a beloved story." (Kirkus Reviews, STARRED September 15, 2021)

“Melody Brooks, a smart, determined 12-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy, returns in this sequel to 2010’s Out of My Mind. Longing for independence from her family and daily routines, she persuades her parents to let her attend Camp Green Glades, a summer camp for kids with disabilities in her home state of Ohio. With the help of her Jamaican American counselor Trinity and three cabinmates, Melody navigates new experiences—including zip-lining, horseback riding, and a first crush. Melody’s voice is as wryly funny as ever, and the supporting cast, which features kids and adults of various ethnicities and disabilities, treat her with respect and empathy… it’s impossible not to be charmed by the witty protagonist’s affirming, frequently ecstatic discovery of what it means to be part of a community that truly understands her.” (Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW* October 11, 2021)

Grab the first book in the series now!

 

About Sharon M. Draper:

Sharon M. Draper is a three-time New York Times bestselling author and a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring her significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. She has received the Coretta Scott King Award for both Copper Sun and Forged by Fire, and was awarded the Charlotte Huck Award for Stella by Starlight. Her novel Out of My Mind has won multiple awards and was a New York Times bestseller for over three years, and Blended has also been a New York Times bestseller. She taught high school English for twenty-five years and was named National Teacher of the Year. She now lives in Florida. Visit her at SharonDraper.com.

Website  Facebook  | Twitter | InstagramGoodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win a finished copy of OUT OF MY HEART, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/8/2021

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt

11/8/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

11/9/2021

bookblogarama

Excerpt

11/9/2021

Little Red Reads

Review

11/10/2021

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

11/10/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

11/11/2021

Bri's Book Nook

Review

11/11/2021

Sparetimereader

Review

11/12/2021

More Books Please blog

Review

11/12/2021

OneMoreExclamation

Review

Week Two:

11/15/2021

Wilted pages

Review

11/15/2021

Don't Judge, Read

Excerpt

11/16/2021

For the Love of KidLit

Excerpt

11/16/2021

BookHounds YA

Review

11/17/2021

Eli to the nth

Review

11/17/2021

Two Points of Interest

Review

11/18/2021

Not In Jersey

Review

11/18/2021

@bookshelfmomma

Review

11/19/2021

Once Upon a Twilight

Review

11/19/2021

The Momma Spot

Review


Monday, November 15, 2021

Book Review - Hush Little Baby by R.H. Herron

 

Jillian Marsh has been a survivor her entire life. She escaped her toxic upbringing from her religious mother as a teenager and then she hit rock bottom in her twenties because of alcoholism. She has gotten her life together after getting sober and building a successful marriage and medical career. However, she is struggling to make amends for her past mistakes during her drinking days.

A decade later, things are going down hill for Jillian. Her wife, Rochelle, has cheated and left her for someone else while Jillian is pregnant with Rochelle’s biological child. Jillian feels unsettled being alone at home especially, when weird things are happening. Even the members of her mommies-to-be group are no longer offering the solace it once was especially, when secrets are being unraveled.

As missing items starts turning into threats, Jillian starts to question everyone around her. She is afraid that someone close to her wants to hurt her. The only thing Jillian knows for sure is that she is willing to do anything to protect her baby.

I thought the book was an okay read. The book was a bit slow but, the ending was a whirlwind and made it hard to seem believable. There wasn't anything in this book that set it apart from other book with similar premises. I would be opened to reading other books by the author but, I wouldn't be going out of my way to read them.


Saturday, November 13, 2021

Book Review - Lights Out (The SNAP Agency, #1) by Natalie Walters

 

CIA analyst Brynn Taylor has created a new initiative to help fight terrorism. She collaborated with members  of foreign intelligence agencies to help foster cooperation between the countries. Everything was going as planned until an Egyptian spy Remon Riad goes missing.

Jack has been a member for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for nine years. He has the expertise to find a missing spy. However, when he finds out Brynn is involved, he is worried because he knows he can't trust someone who betrayed you once before.

The pair try to follow every lead they can get to solve the disappearance. However, they realized that they onto something bigger. Can the pair learn to trust each other before its too late?

The book was an action packed read filled with thrills and suspense. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and found them to be a bit annoying. However, I liked Kekoa and I hope he has a bigger presence in the next book. I also liked the friendly banter between the entire team. If you like high intensity novels, then you will enjoy this one.

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

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Book Review - Snotlings by Tarryn Mallick + Giveaway

 

Jackson Hart loves picking his nose but, that changes when he finds a tiny warrior in his booger. After finding the warrior, everything starts turning weird and dangerous. He finds out that he has a tiny civilization of snotlings and one of them is out for revenge.

Mucuszar is out for revenge and with the help of his germ army, he takes over both nostrils and is heading to take over Jackson's world next. Will Jackson be able to stop him?

I wasn't a fan of the book. I found it to be over the top gross and it was hard to keep track of the different creatures in the story. It was interesting to learn about the anatomy and the different roles things played but, I couldn't get over the ick factor. I did like that the author included a game to hunt for mini-snotlings across the pages. I had fun looking for them.

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


 

About the Book:

Title: SNOTLINGS: The Boogie Monster

Authors: Tarryn Mallick

Pub. Date: October 25, 2021

Publisher: Tarryn Mallick

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 298

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N, TBD

Can you survive the snotpocalpyse?

Jackson Hart loves picking his nose. But when he finds a tiny warrior in his booger, everything turns WEIRD and DANGEROUS! Not only does he have a civilisation of snotlings up his nose . . . one wants revenge.

Mucuszar and his awful germ army have conquered both nostrils and Jackson’s world is next!

Can Jackson and his friends stop the snotpocalypse? Or will Mucuszar’s deadly creation destroy the planet?

 

About Tarryn Mallick:

I became a writer because I had a story to tell. A story about snot! It may seem strange to write a book about boogers, but growing up, my little brother tormented me with his snot every… single… day!

I got my degree in Creative and Professional Writing and studied numerous courses and books, applying everything I had learnt to my book. It took me a short six years and now Snotlings is nearly ready to be shared with everyone.

To know that families around the world will squish together in bed and read my story and laugh- as I did with my Mum and brother- brings me so much happiness!

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a SNOTLINGS Book Box with fun goodies and finished copy of SNOTLINGS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/18/2021

Rockstar Book Tours

Kickoff Post

10/19/2021

Two Chicks on Books

Interview

10/20/2021

BookHounds YA

Interview

10/21/2021

Lily Luchesi's Blog

Guest Post

10/22/2021

bookblogarama

Spotlight/Excerpt

Week Two:

10/25/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

10/26/2021

Nerdophiles

Review

10/27/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

10/28/2021

Fyrekatz Blog

Review

10/29/2021

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

Week Three:

11/1/2021

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Review

11/2/2021

I'm Shelfish

Spotlight/Excerpt

11/3/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

11/4/2021

celiamcmahonreads

Review

11/5/2021

Don't Judge, Read

Guest Post

Week Four:

11/8/2021

The Bookwyrm's Den

Review

11/9/2021

Little Red Reads

Review

11/10/2021

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

11/11/2021

Two Points of Interest

Review

11/12/2021

@curlygrannylovestoread

Review

11/13/2021

Jaime's World

Excerpt


Tuesday, November 9, 2021

November 2021 Haul!

 

October just came and went right like a blur! I got a few things this month and I am surprised I didn't get carried away like I normally do every time. I did end up spending a lot of money on food and experiences though.

There is a few things I got that I am excited for. I like L'Occitane and sometimes, have a love and hate relationship with their stuff. I got a huge brick of soap and their rich body cream that I am looking forward to using during the colder months. 

I am trying to use more facial sheet mask because my face gets so dry and dull during the colder months. I got this reboot mask from Baby Face and it reminds me of those baby foot mask that removes all dead skin and leaves my foot sooo soft. I hope this mask leaves my face soft but, I can do without the insane peeling on my face. I really love Facetory's branded face mask and they redid the formulation for the Ace that Face mask. I loved the original so, I am excited to try the new one.

I got a sleeping mask and the water cream from Laneige that I am excited to try. I have tried a few samples from them and thought they were good. I own several of their lip mask. I like the bubble gum scent but, I think there are better lip masks out there. I recently discovered cleansing balm and I bought a new one from Yadah. This one will be my third one and I am excited to see how it fares against the Glow Recipe and the Farmacy one.

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

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Book Review - The Retreat by Elisabeth de Mariaffi

 

Maeve Martin needs a new start and she arrives to the High Water Center for the Arts with the intention of starting her own dance company. The lodge is a beautiful retreat that is nestled between the Rocky Mountains. She is a mother of two and a retired performer who is trying to piece back together her life after her violent marriage. She is happy to rediscover herself as this is the first time she is on her own in years. Maeve feels that she can forget about her past by being surrounded by the beautiful landscape.

As Maeve starts practicing her routine, an avalanche traps her and six other guest in the lodge. They have lost all connection with the nearby town including power and the only road into town. At first, everyone tries to get along and pass the time. However, as the storm rages on, tensions start to run high indoors. They feel that help is coming and they just need to hold on.

Then a tragedy occurs and one guest perishes and then another shortly follows. Maeve must come to terms about how little she knows the people she is stuck with it. Will she be able to survive the storm if the darkness is already near her?

 At first the book started off interesting and then it became a boring hot mess. The book lagged and barely had any story and the ending felt like it was unrealistic and rushed. The motive behind the murders seemed trivial at best. I felt like the ending left more questions than it gave any answers. This was a disappointing read for me and I am in no rush to read other books by the author.

Friday, November 5, 2021

Book Review - The Healing of Natalie Curtis by Jane Kirkpatrick

 

 

Natalie Curtis is a classically trained pianist and singer who has isolated herself for five years after having a breakdown before her debut with the New York Philharmonic.Natalie is filled with guilt and feels that she can't reclaim the joy of music. In 1902, her brother, George returns home and invites her to join him in the West to help her heal. In the West, she is able to find her love of music through the stories, songs, and rhythms of the Native Americans.

As Natalie finds herself entranced by their music, she is discouraged to learn that the US government has laws in place to erase the Native American's culture. The Code of Offenses prohibits them from singing, dancing, and even speaking their own language as it will help prevents them from assimilating. Natalie is determined to help document these songs and traditions to before they are erased and she appeals to President Teddy Roosevelt for help with her task.

I have read quite a few books by the author and I have mixed opinions about her novels. The author uses a true story to weave a story about a woman on a conquest to help protect the Native American's culture. I like reading about her journey but, I found the writing to be dull and boring. I didn't like the writing style and it felt like I was reading a textbook. The writing style made it hard to feel connected to Natalie. I found the book to be very slow and dull for my liking. I appreciate the author's efforts to educate readers on this remarkable woman and her cause but, I didn't like the execution.

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

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Book Spotlight - The Clearing by Tom Deady + Giveaway



ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BYX63QX
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vesuvian Books (August 10, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 10, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English 

Praise for THE CLEARING

“Downright creepy. Tom Deady brings the scares in this gripping novel of horror and courage.” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author

“Tom Deady excels in creating a history and mystery that is engaging and action-packed. The Clearing's strong protagonists and their realistic concerns, beliefs, and choices creates a memorable and thoroughly engrossing read that is difficult to put down and impossible to predict—just the ticket for a superior horror novel and should ideally reach into adult reader circles, as well as mature teens.” —Midwest Book Review

“Deady shows an ability to switch from adult to young adult horror with the ease and confidence of a true wordsmith. The Clearing is a fast-paced supernatural tale, intelligent and sparkling with great characters, and more than a few chills. Superb.” —Dave Jeffery, author of Beatrice Beecham’s Cryptic Crypt and Ship of Shadows


When Hannah Green’s dog comes out of the woods carrying a sneaker that contains a partially decomposed foot, she thinks it’s the worst thing that could ever happen to her.

She is wrong.

Hannah and her best friend, Ashley, decide to play detective but find themselves in the middle of a decades-old mystery.


What is the strange old woman Mama Bayole hiding in her decrepit farmhouse? Why is the local librarian so determined to prevent them from researching town history? Who is following them around Hopedale, New Hampshire?

The girls make a shocking discovery about what has been happening in the woods behind Hannah's house. As they get closer to the truth, things take a dangerous turn, and they play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that may end up costing them their lives.
You can purchase The Clearing at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Tom Deady

Tom Deady’s first novel, Haven, was published by Cemetery Dance in 2016 and won the Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. He has since published a novel entitled, Eternal Darkness, as well as several short stories and novellas, his most recent being Coleridge.

His novel, The Clearing, is book one in a horror trilogy and inspired by true events. (Vesuvian Books, 2021) Tom holds a master’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, is an Active member of the Horror Writers Association, and a member of the New England Horror Writers. He resides in Massachusetts where he is working on his next novel.
        
WEEK ONE
OCTOBER 25th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
OCTOBER 26th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
OCTOBER 27th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
OCTOBER 28th THURSDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
OCTOBER 29th FRIDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

WEEK TWO
NOVEMBER 1st MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
NOVEMBER 2nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 2nd TUESDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW
NOVEMBER 3rd WEDNESDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW
NOVEMBER 4th THURSDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 5th FRIDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway