Sixteen year old Penny Francone is accused of being a murderer. She was found alone in the victim's apartment covered in the victim's blood and holding the murder weapon. The victim's identity and her relationship to Penny gives Penny the perfect motive for committing the crime. The only thing the jury will need to decide is where Penny will serve out her sentence. Will she be spending the rest of her life in a state mental hospital or a maximum security prison? Her mother, Grace, is still reeling from the sudden death of her husband and now she is grateful that Massachusetts doesn't allow the death penalty.
Penny is waiting for her trial to start in a mental hospital. She is being treated by Dr. Mitchell McHugh, a psychiatrist who is struggling with his own demons. Grace's determination to understand why her daughter murdered someone helps fuels Mitch's resolve to the family. They try to work together to find the truth behind that night and instead they discover secrets and lies that can tear them apart.
I thought the book was an interesting read with a few twists at the end. I thought the book was a bit slow during the middle parts and I sometimes felt that book would have been better if it was shorter. There was also some side stories that I didn't really care about such as, Jack doing a video documentary on his sister. I understand the author might have included that bit to show why Jack was involved in helping to prove his sister's innocence but, it felt unnecessary. I wish the author spent more time fleshing out the main characters more. Overall, it was a decent read and I would read other books by the author.
Wendy the Wanderer has lived her entire life in Trubble Town but, never had the chance to explore because of her overprotective father. Wendy thinks that she was given the wrong name because she never gets to wander anywhere. Her father likes to make sure that she is always safe so, she never had the chance to be on her own. Wendy hits it lucky one day when her father goes away and leaves her with a babysitter who lets Wendy do whatever she wants. Wendy finally has the ability explore the town on her own.
I can't say that I was a fan of this graphic novel. I didn't find the humor very funny and the story felt trying at times. The characters were a bit silly and Wendy was put into bizarre situations that should have been funny but, weren't. If you are a fan of his other work, Pearls Before Swine, then you would love this one.
Irish Twins Myles and Beckett, Artemis Fowl's
younger brothers, return in their third and most bizarre adventure yet.
For almost two years, Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye, the Duke of Scilly, has been
plotting revenge against the Fowl Twins, who humiliated him in Book One. Teddy
plans to give them exactly what they deserve: permanent death.
He threatens Myles with his weaponized jet and Beckett and Specialist Lazuli
succeed in disarming the aircraft and causing an accident that kills the duke.
But does it really?
Ghosts, clones, and fairy magic come to play in this ultimate and ridiculous
showdown between the twins and their worst enemy.
Review:
*Like its bestselling progenitors, a nonstop
spinoff afroth with high-tech, spectacular magic, and silly business.--Kirkus (starred
review)
Eoin
Colfer is the
author of the New York Times best-selling Artemis Fowl series,
which was adapted into a major motion picture from the Walt Disney Studios. He
also wrote the critically acclaimed WARP trilogy, and many other titles for
young readers and adults, including Iron Man: The Gauntlet, Airman, Half
Moon Investigations, Eoin Colfer's Legend of . . . books, The
Wish List, Benny and Omar; and Benny and Babe. In
2014, he was named Ireland's laureate for children's literature. He lives with
his wife and two sons in Dublin, Ireland, where he is working on the next Fowl
twins novel. To learn more, visit www.eoincolfer.com. He is also on Twitter and
Instagram @EoinColfer.
Wow, I can't believe it's already December! I didn't really finish too much stuff this month other than a lot of skincare and face masks. Usually, I don't go out often during the colder months. I tend to spend most of my time at home drinking tea and applying face masks.
I finished a few masks but, only a handful were noteworthy. I liked the FIF micro hyaluron mask. The serum itself was tacky but, it left my skin feeling so hydrated and soft. The Bling Pop Face Mask Collagen Skin Elastic felt nice on my skin too. I think the packaging is cute and fun. I usually like Ariul's 7 days mask but, the lemon one was so dry out of the packaging I felt like it did nothing. I am not sure if I was sent an old mask or if that's how the product is.
I usually don't use makeup wipes unless I am traveling. I gotten a packet of Klorane's makeup wipe for my recent trip and it reminds me why I stopped buying makeup wipes. The wipes was pretty much useless against mascara and it left my skin feeling irritated.
I have mixed opinions on Glamglow. It's rarely has any products that actually work for me but, I still end up buying them for some odd reason. I got the Glamglow Moisturizer Omega Rich Moisturizer and didn't really care for it. I thought it was okay. The moisturizer felt very watery and when applied I felt like I had to use a lot to feel anything. The Hank and Henry Stick With It is one of the worst eyeliners I ever used. Most of the time too much product comes out and then it dried up when I barely got to use it.
Did you finish anything this month that you would re-buy?
Here is everything I finished this month -
Comelyco Rest Recipe Peach Mask
Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack
FIF Micro Hyaluron Ampoule Mask
Bling Pop Face Mask Aloe
Celarion Deep Miracle Ampoule Sheet Mask
Purenskin Avocado Mask
Starskin 3 Step Nose Mask
Klorane Make-up remover wipes
Ariul 7 Days Mask - Lemon
Bling Pop Oops Hand Mask
Elensilia-IntraCell Escargot + Placenta Firming
Facetory Dream Garden Camellia
Bare Minerals Lip Gloss
Fresh Rose Petal Soft Lip Cream
Glamglow Moisturizer Omega Rich Moisturizer
Leesha's Lacquers - Cookie Dough
Sumbody Deep Sea Decongesting Mud Mask
Margot Elena Love and Toast Cherry Lemonade Lip Balm
Hank and Henry Stick With It
Forest Rhapsody Good Earth Mask
L'Occitane En Provenece Extra Rich Soap - Shea Milk
Sarah Ashby returns to her childhood home after her husband perished in a accident. She is determined to live out her childhood dream of running the Old Depot Grocery with her mother and grandmother. However, to her dismay, her mother, Rosemary, announces that she plans to close the store and sell it. Sarah and her grandmother, Glory Ann, is desperate to save the store that's so near and dear to them. Rosemary refuses to let Sarah spend her entire life at the Old Depot Grocery like she did. Rosemary has her reasons why she stayed but, she refuses to let her daughter make the same mistakes.
The heart warming read is told in a dual time frame. At times, I felt a little annoyed by it because each chapter was very small and I wanted to know what was going to happen but, then the story switched timelines. I did like most of the characters except for Sarah because she seemed a bit annoying at times. She wanted her family to be open and honest but, she failed to do the same thing with her secrets. Overall, I found that the story was an sweet and emotional read.
Hazel Severy is an owner of a struggling Seattle bookstore. She receives a letter from her adoptive grandfather days after his death. Her grandfather is a famous mathematician and many suspect that he killed himself. In his letter, Issac hints at a secret organization that is after his life's work and is willing to stop at nothing to get it. He asks Hazel to to deliver the equation to a trusted colleague and then destroying it before anyone else can get it. However, Hazel will have to decipher the clue and hints Isaac has left behind in his letter.
While Hazel begins her search, she realizes she isn't the only one searching for his equation. She comes across evidence that shows catastrophic results if the equation ends up in the wrong hands. Hazel isn't the only one who is struggling to come to terms with Issac's sudden death. The entire Severy family has become unhinged after his sudden death.
As Hazel tirelessly tries to figure out Issac's clues, the agents from the secret company start targeting other members of the Severy family. Hazel fears if she doesn't hurry she will lose her chance to fulfill Issac's wishes. As time starts to run out, Hazel is desperate for help and turns to a family member for help. However, will they help Hazel or are they hiding their own motives?
I thought the book had an interesting premise but, I felt like it was a bit boring. At times, the story barely plodded along. I had a hard time connecting with Hazel and the many characters in the novel. There were so many at one point that it was hard to see their relevance to the story. I understood that this was a book with mathematical elements but, at times it felt overwhelming and my eyes glazed over. I felt like the author just threw out a bunch of names of theories and famous people. I am still left wanting more by the ending and how Hazel found out where the equation was hidden.
In 1865, Lady Katherine Bascomb finds herself in the middle of controversy when her latest article leads to an arrest for the murders plaguing London. The English people believe that women should not be involved in vulgar matters such as crime. Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham is annoyed and furious that Katherine had interfered with his investigation. Katherine decides she needs to escape the unwanted attention and heads to the country only to find a dead body on her trip.
Andrew is annoyed that Katherine keeps showing up in his crime scene. Katherine almost got him fired because of her article. Andrew tries to keep her from getting involved in his investigation again but, he feels attracted to her wit and beauty. As the pair follows the clues, they realize the killer might be closer than they realize.
I thought the book started off interesting but, then got boring. I felt like the main focus of the book was the romance between the main characters. I am actually surprised that they fell for each other because they went from "you are so annoying" to passionately kissing. The killer was expected but, the book did have a few twists. Overall, it was an okay read and I would be opened to reading more books by the author.
**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**
Cade Elgin has her life all figured out, when it comes to her career. When it comes to her personal life, including, relationships well, that's nonexistent. The only thing Cade is interested in is "professional talk", she has no time to spend in a relationship. Cade is busy working all the time but, when she inherits a sex toy store, her life is turned upside down. Cade has to help manage the store from the brink of bankruptcy with its irresponsible but, cute co-owner.
Selena Mathis knows that she can have too much of a good thing and she has learned that the hard way. It's her main reason for taking an oath of celibacy and focusing on getting her life sorted, including making the store profitable. She is determined not to mess again but, her emotions always have a habit of getting in her way.
This was my first time reading a book in this genre and it was a funny read. The book was a bit raunchy and over the top at times but, still entertaining. It was interesting seeing Cade and Selena find their way together as they are complete opposites. I found their occasional banter to be fun and light-hearted.
**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**
Well this year went by so quickly! I feel like it was just the beginning of the year a few days ago. Well, hopefully I make something better out of 2022!
I actually showed some self control this month and didn't go to crazy but, who knows with all the holiday sales. I tried cutting back but, honestly, that's no fun.
I got a few masks from Miss Spa and Yes to. I am excited to try them and they were on sale at the drugstore. I love a good buy one get one free deal. I have tried a few masks from these brands and I wouldn't mind trying them again.
I got some bath products from Sumbody. I used to use their organic all natural stuff a lot before I moved and I just recently re-discovered the brand. I got a few of their soaps, bath melts, and salt scrubs bon bons. I also got a few skin care items like their facial mist, their mud mask, in shower masks and aromatherapy balm. I tried the aromatherapy roll on and it smells so relaxing and divine. I am hoping that their bath products smell this good too.
I am really excited to try the Lancome Renergie H.C.F Triple serum as not only does the bottle look cool but, this serum was a whopping $135 before taxes! I am hoping this futuristic bottle gives me skin from 20 years ago. While I was shopping I came across some bath salts and soap from Margot Elena. I used to have her subscriptions years ago and did like her stuff but, I wasn't using it fast enough and then after awhile I got tired of the same stuff over and over. I managed to finish my previous stockpile so, I might be interested in restarting that subscription depending on how crazy I go over the holidays.
For
fans of Stranger Things comes a suspenseful YA mystery about a
missing kid, a girl who can see ghosts, and a horrifying crime only four
outcasts have the power to stop.
What if the only person who could help you find your missing brother was
dead?
Nothing is as important to sixteen-year-old Shiloh Oleson as her little brother
Max. So when the six-year-old goes missing without a trace, a heartbroken
Shiloh refuses to believe nothing can be done and sets out to find him.
When one of Shiloh’s classmates says she knows where Max is, Shiloh hesitates
to believe her. Francesca is creepy. She says she can see ghosts, but everyone
knows ghosts aren’t real … right?
But Francesca says that Max is going to be murdered.
And a ghost told her where he is.
As the line between the dead and living begins to blur, Shiloh starts to think
Francesca might not be as crazy as she believed. One thing is becoming clear.
Someone has gruesome plans for Max, and Shiloh must confront her worst
nightmares to find him before it’s too late.
THEY STAY is the first book in the thrilling They Stay Series by
award-winning author Claire Fraise. Read on if you like ghost stories, plot
twists, enemies-to-friends, creepy circuses, budding romance, and unlikely
heroes.
CONTENT
WARNINGS: This book contains physical and mental abuse, death, violence,
kidnapping, gun violence, alcohol abuse, references to suicide, implied sexual
abuse (non-graphic), bullying, and mild adult language.
Praise
for THEY STAY:
"Fraise
successfully creates an atmosphere like a cold graveyard, and a
heart-thundering story that will haunt you more than any ghost can." —
Briar Esterline, author of Ablem's Sanctuary
Claire Fraise earned her B.A. in English from Tufts
University. She published her debut novel when she was 16 (award-winning YA
dystopian novel IMPERFECT), and her YA supernatural thriller THEY STAY is
coming out in October 2021. When Claire’s not writing, she likes crocheting
amigurumi animals, reading, and hanging out with her dogs. Even though it goes
against every introverted bone in her body, she is on social media. Connect
with her on Instagram at @clairefraiseauthor, on YouTube at Write with Claire
Fraise, or visit her website at clairefraise.com.
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