book review, books

Books Lately

Another month of reading has come and gone and it is time to check out my books lately!

The Husbands Secret by Liane Moriarty

I consumed this book via Audible, and I have to say that I enjoyed the reader’s accent!  This book starts out going from character to character in each chapter, back and forth inter-winding the story. Cecelia discovers a letter that her husband wrote to her to be opened in the event of his death. How can you not read that if you found it sooner? This book basically follows how that one letter effects the lives of others around them. I enjoyed all three characters stories and plot lines and how they came together at the end. What I really appreciated was the epilogue to update where they were and what would have happened had that one major event not occurred. It really made you think.

Bottom Line:  Once I got a few chapters in and got to know the characters, I became very interested and had to know what was going to happen next! I would say that this is a must read. I laughed, I felt touched by the struggles these characters went through, and I was drawn in from the beginning needing to hear more and more.

How Forever Feels by Laura Drewry

When I requested this book, I had no clue it was #4 in the Friends First series. It was no matter, you can read this book without reading any of the previous ones and still love it. And love it I did!!! Heather raved about this book so I knew I had to get to it before my others.

Maya sees Jack, her ex-husband Will’s best friend out at a bar one night. She hasn’t seen him since the divorce. They start growing close, but they shouldn’t be having these feelings because she is his best friend’s ex! The chemistry between these two is amazing. They are so sweet to each other and you get all the back story of Jack’s life. The devotion he has to the people he considers his “family.”  The thing is, Jack stepped aside for Will before but can he walk away again? This one will touch your heart!

The relationships in this book move at a great pace, not forced or rushed. I really like all the secondary characters and how everything isn’t always perfect.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a sweet love story, grab this! I loved it and could hardly put it down. Such a great read!!!

*I was provided a copy of How Forever Feels by the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

The Truth About Him by Molly O’Keefe

This is the follow up to Everything I Left Unsaid, which I reviewed here. The first book had left off on a huge cliffhanger so when I saw this one, I had to request it! This book starts off exactly where the first book left off. Annie is in her trailer and she sees Hoyt, her abusive husband. Obviously it is a page turner from the very beginning. All the characters in the first book come back in this one, Joan, Kevin, Margaret, Blake, Tiffany. There is some new action/drama in this book, and of course it follows along with the relationship between Annie and Dylan. And as the title states, you learn the truth about Dylan. About his past, about the relationship with his father, Ben and brother, Max.

Bottom Line: If you read Everything I Left Unsaid, then you have to read this one to find out what happened!!! I would say you must read the first book to understand the characters and what is going on in this book. This series is not for the prude or faint of hearts. This isn’t a sweet sappy love story. It is a dark romance full of imperfection that makes it perfection to read.

*I was provided a copy of The Truth About Him by the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Also, there is a promotion M. O’Keefe is running right now called the #EverythingILeftUnsaid Contest.

We’ve all been there. When it comes to the truth about him, there’s always something that’s left unsaid. This is your time to get it off your chest – what do you wish you could have said, but didn’t? In 75 words or less, tell us #EverythingYouLeftUnsaid for a chance to win great prizes!

Five Lucky Winners Will Receive:

  • A copy of Everything I Left Unsaid and The Truth About Him by M. O’Keefe
  • Designed, shareable cards using your submission that M. O’Keefe will share on her Facebook and Twitter account (submissions remain anonymous)

Here’s the link to Molly’s #EverythingILeftUnsaid contest on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MollyOKeefeBooks?sk=app_512541485429310

And here’s the the link that will optimize for desktop or mobile: http://s.heyo.com/53f309

Accelerate (Hotwired Series) by Tracy Wolff

This book started off at a drag race and Jordan looking for a guy to replace the interior of her 370Z that she bought at a police auction. I was sold. I used to love going to car shows and stuff like this when I was younger. It was so thrilling! Anyways, back to the book. Next thing you know, Jordan is being kidnapped by the man who is stealing her car. But there is a deeper story behind why the car is being stolen. Never has a kidnapping been so painful to read about as you feel sorry for the girl AND her kidnapper!

Nic Medina was in prison for seven years because a dirty cop put him there. And now the dirty cop had blackmailed  him in to stealing Jordan’s car. He didn’t mean to kidnap her too and now he is just trying to make it right. Nic carries a lot of guilt about what happened to his sister and brother while he was in prison. He would do anything protect his family and friends. Soon Jordan falls under his protection as well.

This book leaves off on a huge cliffhanger. I heard the next book doesn’t come out for another year. OMG!!!! I am like…

Bottom Line: Read this book!!! It was so good and I had the hardest time putting it down. I basically devoured it in about two days. Action, romance, hot cars, what is  not to love?

*I was provided a copy of Accelerate by the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This is another book I consumed via Audible. Again, loved the accents and voices for each character! There are several characters to keep up with in this book, but once I got a few minutes in to it…I had no issues keeping them straight. I love the way that this author writes, and I think that is what draws me into her novels.

Since I don’t have kids, I never really thought about the politics that can occur with parents at a school. Especially with kindergartners! But my goodness, is there some politics, gossip, and drama!!! I really loved how each of the character’s stories were really built up. I felt like I knew the main characters on a personal level. Not to mention the secondary characters as well. This is my second Moriarty book and I feel like she always raises the question….how far are you willing to go for your family and friends. I like a book that leaves you questioning scenarios in your own life. They all seem completely plausible after you are wrapped up in to it!

Bottom Line: This was quite an enjoyable read, I highly recommend this book and the author! I loved the school politics, the small town drama and the twists on how everyone is connected.

Currently I am reading…..

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

The Little Bookshop on the Seine

Other books I read this month:

Citrus

Read any good books lately?

Linking up with my girls Steph and Jana for Show Us Your Books!

Life According to Steph
weekend shenanigans

Weekend Shenanigans – Christmas Crafting

Someone please tell me how it is already November 9th? I am going to need the next two months to slow it’s roll just a little. They are my favorite and I feel them slipping away!!!

There wasn’t too much excitement this weekend. It was nasty and rainy all weekend and that makes for a lazy Nadine. Friday evening, I grabbed some Moe’s BBQ on my way home and we stayed in and caught up on some of our shows.

Saturday I cleaned the house in the morning and we watched football the rest of the day. Did you guys catch that Arkansas vs Ole Miss game??? What a play there at the end in overtime, right??? We wanted Arkansas to win that game because it meant that we were that much closer in the running for the SEC Championship game if we could beat LSU that evening…and you know…win out the rest of our season. I was nervous for the LSU game, but Bama pulled out a big W over them and I am proud of how the team played. Roll Tide!!!

Sunday morning we were up and out early. We hit up Waffle House for some breakfast and got our grocery shopping done and were back home around 9:30am.

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Sunday afternoon I met up with my mom and sister at Walmart to grab some garland and lights to make our own Christmas trees for outside. We used tomato cages that were in my sister’s garden this past summer as the base. I think they turned out pretty well!

To make my three, I used: three tomato cages cut to different sizes, 8 strands of wired 9 foot garland, 3 strands of lights and some pine cones.

Christmas Tree Phase 1

You take the legs of the tomato cage and bring them to a triangle. We used duck tape and a zip tie to secure them. Then you take the hooked part of the wire garland and hook it to the base of your cage and start wrapping it around. Then you add your lights and fill in any holes with pine cones. Boom – done!!

Christmas Tree Construction

(I sneaked a picture when they weren’t paying attention. Shhhh)

While it was an easy process, it took a little longer than we thought. We all had to redo at least one tree with garland after getting to the top because it was too spaced out or too full or whatever. You just sort of have to eye it. We had so much fun making these together though. Even my nephews helped place the pine cones.

I just need to grab some big bows for the top.

Tomato Cage Christmas Trees

I wanted to get my Christmas tree up this weekend, but it rained and I wasn’t able to pull it out to the drive way to do a thorough spider check. Perhaps next weekend will be dryer!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! Let’s get a good start to this week! I started my Monday morning off with a 3 mile run. Linking up with Biana.

friday favorites

Friday Favorites

Favorite Song:Have you seen Stephanie Tanner dancing to Hotline Bling? It’s pretty epic.

Favorite Moments: This week Laura and I hosted a food drive to bennefit the Firehouse Shelter. We had fun hanging out at World of Beer for a few hours collecting cans. We had an up and coming company donate a ton of stuff and it really just warmed my heart.

A friend from from college was in Birmingham this week for work and we met up for lunch yesterday. It is amazing how you can just continue to carry on with someone that you haven’t seen in years instantly, isn’t it? Hopefully the time between visits will be much shorter from now on.

Favorite Delivery:I had lots of points sitting around in my Julep account for the last year, I finally decided to cash them and get myself a free box! Such pretty colors in this one and I love their eye shadow! I had never tried it before but it is smooth like velvet and layers nicely.

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Favorite New Beauty Tool: My straightener died a tragic death and it was time to get a new one! I consulted with my hair stylist and she said her favorite is the Babybliss Pro Nano Titanium. I am in love!!! It is amazing how far technology has come in the last few years. I have been using this for a week and I cant get over how soft my hair is!!! There are a few different temperature settings on it, I use the lowest since my hair is so thin but it is nice to know I have options.

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Speaking of hair, I got my hair did last night and I feel fabulous!!!

hair

Dont mind me rocking my Matchbox 20 tshirt circa freshman year of high school 🙂 That was my very first concert that I went to. My dad won me tickets to take me because he knew how much I liked them.

Favorite Recipe: How delicious does this look for game day??? Alabama plays LSU this weekend and I may need a few snacks around to keep me sane! Roll Tide!

Salami and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups. Tried and loved..:

Favorite Lust: Have you guys walked around the winter home stuff at Target yet??? I want it all!!!!

This pillow is so cute!

This blanket….

The cute little trees!!!!

These mugs

Favorite Links:

–You guys, if this is true…our lives are forever changed.

–What do you think of Oprah’s top 10 gift ideas under $50?

–Take this Z Gallerie quiz and find your style personality. Mine was dead on with Traditional Twist.

Favorite Resurrection: The Humpday Confessions Link Up with Kathy is coming back on Wednesday!!! AND I AM COHOSTING!!!!!!!!! I am so honored and I already have my post ready to go. Cant wait to read all of your confessions. We don’t judge!!!

More Coffee Less Talky

Favorite Quote:

'The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.' ~ Ayn Rand #quotes:

Favorite Funnies:

Hahaha:

haha!:

Sorry but your password must contain an uppercase letter, a number, a haiku, a gang sign, a hieroglyph, and the blood of a virgin.:

That does sound kinda fun....:

My 3 moods:

-I'm just waiting to see if my coffee chooses to use its powers for good or evil today #funny #lol:

How I feel before lunch everyday…damn salad….why aren’t you a cheeseburger????

After a stressful day when someone asks what I want….

When I am sitting in my cube and the loud people next to me start talking about stupid shit…

How I feel after a haircut…

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!!! I am linking up with Amanda today, duh!

beauty, products

Wrinkles Suck

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*I received this product from iFabbo in exchange for my honest review**

You guys, let’s be honest. Wrinkles suck! Have you heard of Christie Brinkley Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer Treatment ? I have been using this product for about a month now and I have to say that I am liking it!!! At 32, I am definitely starting to see fine lines around my eyes, near my brow and forehead and around my mouth. The eyes are most noticeable.  I have been using this treatment in all of those areas and I do notice a difference. Plus, it isn’t drying out my skin. My skin can be really finicky and usually anti-aging products leave me flaky but this one hasn’t.

The application is simple and you actually use this as your last step of your skin care before your make up application. I have noticed that my make up goes on smoother in the treated areas.  It isn’t irritating and I do feel like I look fresher (read younger) when I use it. The puffiness under my eyes is instantly diminished.

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This is a great temporary fix solution for those of you looking for one. You can even reapply it throughout the day as a touch up if you need to be photo ready! It goes on clear, so there is no interruption to your make up. I have added it to my daily routine.

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Have you heard of or tried the Christie Brinkley Skin Care line? I am interested in checking out some of her other products!

You can check out more information on Christie Brinkley’s Skincare Line here: http://bit.ly/1zl4w1f

confessions

Confessions

–I follow a mini pig on Instagram. I have already expressed my desire for Mac and Gracie to have a little piglet sibling. This insta account does not help. This pig is so damn cute!!! #gimmethepiggie

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–Last Tuesday I got the Target toy catalog in the mail. This Tuesday I got the Sephora catalog with the VIB 20% off coupon!!! AHHHHH. I want all the things. Literally, all of the things. #shoppingaddict

Sephora Catalog

–I keep staring at the list of Christmas presents that I have to buy, and yet I have got nothing. #only7mondaystilchristmas

–I have full intentions of putting our Christmas stuff up this weekend. #noshameinmychristmasgame

–I might get a little joy out of hearing the fair weathered Auburn fans bitching in my office building lately. They were so obnoxious and head strong at the beginning of the season but I heard one of them say that they haven’t even been watching all the games. Some fan, huh? #notrealfans

–Is anyone else shocked at how dark it is at 5:30 pm for the first week after we fall back? I mean, it is full out pitch black when I am leaving work. I know in my mind this happens every year, but it still drives me a little batty for awhile. #whyisdaylightsavingsstillathing

confessions in ecard

 :

"Poncho ready!":

-I'm just waiting to see if my coffee chooses to use its powers for good or evil today #funny #lol:

 

How I feel about Tuesdays…

A question I ask myself often…

#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo

Alanna & Company - Humpday Confessions