Narynda Skincare Review

Narynda recently sent me some of her lovely skincare products to review.  She first started creating products for herself after being diagnosed with stress-induced dermatitis. She started experimenting with left over wax from her honey bee harvest.  The cream that she made cleared up her dermatitis and improved her skin.  

She began making products for friends and they all loved them so she decided to produce and sell them.  See the website here.

I've been really enjoying using the products Narynda sent me. My stand out products are the Toner (100ml - £12.50)* and the Heel Balm (50ml - £9.50)*. I was also sent Day Cream (50ml - £17.50)* and Cleanser (100ml - £12.50)* with cloth.

*Cleanser: this is a deeply cleansing balm which gets rid of make up and daily grime as well as moisturising the skin. Using the linen cloth provided applying a small amount in circular motions to the skin. Rinse or wipe with a warmed wet muslin cloth.  You can also slightly dampen your skin before use (my favourite way to use the cleanser) which turns the gel into a cleansing milk before splashing the skin clean with lukewarm water.

*Toner: this is the star product for me from the range. It contains neroli essential oil which smoothes, repairs, strengthens, tones and refreshes. Hyaluronic Acid nourishes, renews and moisturises. Oat peptides help to promote Collagen formation which helps with lines and wrinkles and Multi-Fruit botanical extracts promote Collagen synthesis and elasticity.  Apply to the skin using a cotton pad. I'm so used to spray toners but I found this lovely to use and it's a product I'd buy.

*Day Cream: this cream is a best-seller.  It is light and easily absorbed. I thought the cream was nice to use but I wasn't in love with the oat-y scent. It repairs, renews, regenerates and hydrates the skin. Use a small amount massaging it into the skin in circular motions.

*Heel Balm: this super rich foot balm is amazing and I can quite honestly say one of the best foot products I've ever used!  You only need the tiniest amount for soft and nourished feet. It contains Chamomile & Cranberry butters which soothe and repair the feet.  Use after your bath or shower rubbing a small amount over soles and heels.

Have you tried any products from the Narynda Skincare range? If so, what's your favourites?

*PR samples

The Perfume Society: Rock the Ages Edinburgh at Jo Malone

Last night with my friend Julie I attended a fantastic The Perfume Society Event at Jo Malone London at their Edinburgh store (£25 redeemable). I got to meet the fabulous Jo Fairley, Global Fragrance Ambassador Chris Wyatt, whose talk about the Rock the Ages collection was very interesting and Lorna McKay from The Perfume Society. It really was a fab night.

We enjoyed champagne, canapes and a hand & arm massage (I chose Tudor Rose & Amber (from Rock the Ages collection) and Lime Basil & Mandarin combo which was divine!

The scents in the Rock the Ages collection are - Tudor Rose & Amber (my fav & inspired by Tudor times), Lily of the Valley & Ivy (the Georgian era) Pomegranate Noir (already a favourite captures Victorian Britain), Geranium & Verbena (Edwardian times) and Birch & Black Pepper. (Britain today). Go in store and smell them if you haven't already.

If you bought anything from the Rock the Ages collection the box was embossed with an initialed wax seal which I think was a nice touch.  Thanks also to Lucy & Hannah for our hand and arm massages!

I decided to buy Tudor Rose & Amber Cologne (30ml) from the Rock the Ages collection (It'll layer perfectly with Red Roses and Grapefruit). With notes of rose absolute, clove, ginger and amber - it's really lovely and I'm looking forward to wearing it.

We also receive a goody bag containing a 30ml bottle of Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne which I thought was a very, very generous gift.

Thanks to Jo Malone London & The Perfume Society for hosting such an amazing event!

Souk Souk Pamper Boutique Box

As you'll know I gave up my Souk Souk subscription recently. I'm still on their mailing list and received an email listing some new Limited Edition Boxes (£20 plus P&P).

I spotted a few of my favourites and quickly bought...

WOW!

AS.AP mini Cleansing Oil #5, mini Crochet Cleansing Cloth and Lip Balm #7 - see my review here. I've not tried the wee cloth yet so looking forward to trying it with the cleansing oil.

Lucy's Lotions Vitamin E & Grapefruit Lip Balm full size - I just adore this! See my review here.

Inner Soul Organics Romance Me Skin Oil sample size - this is beautiful. I'm a huge fan. See my review here.

Bentley Organic Shampoo & Conditioner minis - I've only tried bar soaps before from this brand so looking forward to trying these out.

Mungo Murphy's Nourishing Seaweed Face Mask - this is a new brand to me. Expect a review soon.

Xenca Organic Lipstick in Spice full size - super moisturising colour - see my review here.

Avril Eyelash Curlers, Avril Organic Mascara in Black & 2 x Avril Nail Lacquers.

Inika Organic Eye Pencil in Black Caviar - full size

Ville De Fleurs Shea Butter - I love the cute little tin the nourishing butter comes in. I received this in a previous Souk Souk monthly beauty box.

Nourish Golden Glow Illuminating Face Shimmer - this is a staple for me so a trial size will be handy for holidays.  See my review here.

SpaRitual Handprint Hand Serum 7.4ml - I think I've tried this before and quite liked it.

FOM Hair Serum - I didn't really get on with this so I'll pass it on.

A great value box I think.  What are your thoughts?  Did you pick this one or one of the other Limited Edition boxes up?

John Masters Organics: Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler

At Christmas time I received a JMO Luxury Hair Care Selection as a gift which contained a selection of products for the hair (and a tube of Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Wash). I've been enjoying working my way through them. One of the stand out products for me has been the Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler (£16 - 237ml).

All John Masters Organics products are free from parabens, DEAs MEAs, TEAs, sulphates, petrochemicals, artificial filler, fragrances and colours. 

The detangler has an amazing uplifting scent making it great to use in my morning shower! Suitable for all hair types it is lightweight and detangles the hair easily.  Apply to freshly washed hair, leave in 1-3 minutes before rinsing. After blow drying the hair is left smooth and super shiny.

Have you tried this detangler?  What's your favourite John Masters product?

Ochre Body & Skin Awaken Body Lotion

Just before Christmas last year I won Lady Woolf's 100 Facebook Followers Giveaway. You can see my fantastic prize here. I've been working my way through trying everything I received and here are my thoughts on Ochre's Awaken Body Lotion which contains sea minerals. The range is inspired by founder Julia Uttley's love of swimming in the sea.

Ochre has been on my radar for quite a while now and this is my first try. The company launched in 2013 and have four collections - Harmonise (with Geranium & Lavender), Enliven (with Rosemary & Peppermint), Cherish (with Cedarwood & Patchouli) and Awaken (Black Pepper & Lemon).

The Body Lotion is packaged simply in a plastic bottle with flip top lid which is recyclable. Products are free from parabens, PEGs, Sulphates, synthetic fragrances and colours and don't contain any animal ingredients.

The lotion is easily absorbed and smells instantly citrus and with a burst of black pepper. Use Awaken Body Lotion after your morning shower for an uplifting pick-me-up.  It leaves the skin feeling nourished and smelling gorgeous! Also in this scent is scrub & body wash.

Have you used any Ochre products?

The Body Deli: Jasmine Tuberose Nutrient Hand & Body Wash

As you'll know I'm a huge fan of The Body Deli, a Californian company which is available exclusively at a beautiful world in the UK. See my reviews - Creme de la Rose here, Living Hair Sprouted Mineral Greens Shampoo & Conditioner* here, Blueberry Fusion Micro Scrub* here and the delicious Coconut Creme & Tahitian Vanilla Nutrient Hand & Body Wash here.

The latest launches include two new scents - Jasmine Tuberose and Desert Sage. See Ana's review of the Jasmine Tuberose scrub here and Amber's of the same scrub but in the Desert Sage scent here.

I've been testing their Jasmine Tuberose Nutrient Hand & Body Wash (£16 - 8oz)*. The scent is just gorgeous. It blends Jasmine, Tuberose and Moroccan Rose with Ylang Ylang, Orange Blossom and Lavender with a base of Coconut Water and Shea Butter along with nourishing oils. The heady scented wash cleans and nourishes the skin. I only wish the scent lasted a little bit longer. I reckon the matching Hand & Body Cream is a must have!

What's your favourite product from The Body Deli?

*PR samples

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Skin Perfecting Body Scrub

As you'll know I'm a huge, huge fan of Organic Surge's Tropical Bergamot scent so imagine my delight when browsing at Naturisimo when I came across their new body scrub (£12.50 - 350g) (it seems to be out of stock at the moment but sign up to know when it's back in stock - it will be worth the wait!)

Upon opening the jar I was surprised to see a pot of fluffy white cream! I tend to associate scrubbier scrubs with kilner jars! The scrub is gorgeous. It has small particles of natural pumice which gently polish the skin.

Suitable for all skin types it is lightly scented with Sweet Orange and Bergamot Essential Oils.  Massage over moist skin using circular motions. This moisturising and super luxe scrub will definitely be on my buy again list!

Have you tried this scrub?  What's your favourite Organic Surge Product?

The Rose Tree: Best Sellers Collection Try Me Size

I kept reading great things about The Rose Tree, a luxe Organic range of products for the skin and body created by Olga Rumble who initially created the range for her own sensitive skin.

And so I picked up the Best Sellers Collection - Try Me Size (£21) which came exquisitely packaged (this in itself is a real joy!)

Included in the set is - Carrot & Mango Cleansing Butter (6g - enough for 1-2 weeks). This is a rich and lush butter which removes all traces of make up and daily grime leaving the skin clean and comfortable. Simply massage onto the skin and remove with a warmed musln cloth.

The stand out product for me is Rejuvenating Eye Serum with Rose & Starflower (2ml - sufficient for 1-2 weeks) This oil based serum nourishes and repairs the delicate eye area. It rejuvenates the eye area and smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles.

Also in the try me kit is Radiance Facial Essence with Rose & Marula (5ml - enough for 2-3 weeks) and Radiance Cream with Rose & Frankincense (6g - sufficient for 1-2 weeks).  The essence won a Silver Free From Skincare Award in 2014. It is easily absorbed leaving the skin nourished and radiant. Apply a few drops to the skin massaging it in before applying Radiance Cream.  The Radiance Cream is rich but absorbs easily and hydrates and nourishes the skin.

This little try me size kit is perfect to try the products or take on holiday.  Have you used any products from The Rose Tree?  What's your favourite?

The Perfume Society: Making Memories Discovery Box

The Perfume Society's Making Memories Discovery Box is just fantastic! It's stuffed full of perfume samples and trial sizes (as well as a 30ml Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with cloth)  Costing £15 for non-members and a tenner for VIP Subscribers.  The box would make a great Mother's Day pressie.

Included is smelling notes and Perfume Society blotters.

Onto the scents:

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORIENTAL

Valentino Valentina 4ml EDP - this comes in the cutest little bottle! With notes of Calabrian bergamot, white Alba truffles, jasmine, Amalfi orange blossom, tuberose, wild strawberries, cedar, amber and vanilla. This is a really pretty scent. I love the wild strawberry note.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: ORIENTAL GOURMAND

Thierry Mugler Angel 5ml EDP - this is a love/hate scent. I'm in the love category! With top notes of bergamot and helional, heart notes of exotic fruits, honey, caramel and praline with base notes of vanilla and patchouli.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

Shay & Blue Amber Rose 2ml - I'm a huge fan of Shay & Blue and I've not tried this scent before!  It has notes of rare May rose from Grasse, Dulce de Leche and white amber. It's beautiful!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: CHYPRE

Angela Flanders Precious One EDP sample vial - Another perfume I've been dying to try! With top notes of tuberose, jasmine and orange blossom, heart note of oakmoss with a base of sandalwood, vetivert and cedarwood. Angela made this scent for her daughter Kate.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FRESH

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier - this is an intriguing little sample - it has a eau fraiche scent vial (1.5ml) and a sachet each of shower cream and body lotion making it perfect for layering your scent.  With top notes of fig pulp and mandarin, heart notes of caraway seeds, fig leaves and grapefruit and base notes of cedar and fig milk. Looking forward to trying this one!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FRESH

Annick Goutal Eau D'Hadrien 1.5ml EDT - this is gorgeous! Light and refreshing and perfect for spring and summer. It has notes of Sicilian lemon, bergamot, citron, grapefruit, cypress, galbanum, basil, juniper berry, ylang ylang and woods.  A happy scent!

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

L'Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons 1ml EDT - I'm a huge fan of their Mure et Musc scent. This has top notes of bergamot, lime blossom and pink pepper with heart notes of orange blossom, tuberose, jasmine and linden with base notes of ylang ylang. Looking forward to trying.

FRAGRANCE FAMILY: FLORAL

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.100 2ml EDP - with top notes of bergamot and mandarin, heart notes of Damask rose, jasmine and orange flower and base notes of vanilla, cypress and sandalwood. This is a really uplifting floral scent and I'm looking forward to wearing it.

VALEUR ABSOLUE - this is a trio of 1.5ml vials: I've not heard of this brand before.  You can layer these scents.

Harmonie - FLORAL - with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, orange peel, cardamon, nutmeg, neroli, jasmine, earl grey tea, vanilla, musk and guaiac wood.

Joie-Eclat - FRESH - with notes of grapefruit, cardamon, mandarin, tuberose, white jasmine, Italian cypress, vetivert and white woods.

Sensualite - FLORAL - with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, white pepper, Rose de Mai, Sambac jasmine, cedarwood, amber and musk.

The final item is a little sachet of Fragonard Maman Cherie "a beautiful bouquet of fruit and flowers to evoke the special scented bond between a mother and her child".

I think this is a great box. What are your thoughts?  Pick it up here.

Bodhi & Birch Rosa Rosa Mini Trio Giveaway

As you'll know I'm a huge bodhi & birch fan.  I recently tried the beautiful Rosa Rosa Skincare Range.  See my review here*. I'm a huge fan of this gorgeous range. I decided to buy a Rosa Rosa Mini Trio for my forthcoming weekends away/holidays and one for one of my readers to win. This little set should last at least a week making it perfect to pack for a week away.

The giveaway is open to anyone (international too). All I ask is that you don't add it to any Competition or Blog Giveaway Websites as I paid for it myself - many thanks.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Balance Me Freebies with April's Glamour Magazine

If you pick up April's Glamour magazine (£2) (it hit the shelves yesterday) you can choose a Balance Me product from a choice of four. Decisions, decisions...I couldn't decide so picked up 3 magazines! 

I chose Super Moisturising Body Wash (100ml which is worth £6) - my body skin is quite dry at the moment so I'm looking forward to trying this. Expect a review soon.

I also picked up Pure Skin Face Wash (50ml and worth £11) - this is suitable for normal/combination skin and is one of my favourite face washes.  This featured in my Balance Me Favourites and the Radiance Face Mask (30ml and worth £12). See my review here*.  The final option which I didn't pick up as I've got a stash of them since last time is Tinted Lip Salve which is worth £12.

Do you think you'll pick a few of these up?

*PR sample 

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

BYREDO Burning Rose Candle (240g - £50, 70g - £23) - this is a new candle fragrance and sounds gorgeous. With top notes of Rose Petals, middle of Rose Absolute, Violet & Leather and base notes of Birch Tree and Ebony Woods. I absolutely love the chic and stylish containers too.

Love Lula have a selection of tempting gifts. Joik's White Chocolate Bath Truffles (310g - £11.90) are perfect for mums who love to pamper themselves. See my review here.

MAULI Sacred Union Scent & Dry Oil (100ml - £64) - I recently purchased MAULI's Discover Mauli Gift Set (review coming soon!). One of the stand out products for me has been this deliciously scented dry oil. It is hand crafted in London and is made with nourishing oils and exquisite essences. Love!

Organic Surge Tropical Bergamot Body Scrub (350ml - £12.50) - this is my favourite scent from Organic Surge (I bought this as a little treat for me yesterday morning!). It combines natural pumice with Sunflower Seed Oil and essential oils of Sweet Orange & Bergamot. 

A Gift Voucher from Content Beauty & Wellbeing - these start at £25 and go up to £250! I think any mother (or any beauty lover in fact) would love this gift.

This year I'm giving my mum a beautiful bunch of flowers from The Wild Flower Shop and taking her out for lunch.

Fairfield Gardens Lip Balms

Alongside cleansers I think lip balms are my favourite beauty products! The ones from Fairfield Gardens are lovely. I feel there is always room in my stash for another lip balm!

I received one of their Spearmint & Fennel ones in a beauty box and Rosemary & Lemon Balm lip balm in the recent Love Lula GWP.

These award winning balms are handmade in Wales by Lillian and she tries to source almost all of the ingredients in the UK.  The lip balms are Vegetarian and Cruelty Free as well as being free from mineral oils, paraffin, petroleum, synthetic fragrances and flavours, artificial colours and preservatives. Rosemary extract is used to preserve the balms.

They are great value at £3.89 (4.25g) and come in a range of interesting flavours.

Spearmint & Fennel is refreshing and soothing with a minty/aniseed taste. It leave the lips super nourished.  Rosemary & Lemon Balm restores and protects chapped and dry lips.  They both contain Rapeseed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Oat Kernel Oil and Rosemary extract and essential oils.

Have you tried these lip balms?  What's your favourite lip balm flavour?

Little Treats #6

Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water 25ml - this serum like water which is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture. It rejuvenates and firms the skin. Apply before moisturiser using a cotton pad or your fingers.

Abahna White Grapefruit & May Chang Bath Gel 35ml - I love this brand and was pleased to pick this up at Latest in Beauty at a bargainous £1 in their build your own box section. 

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Hand Creme 7g - again only a quid from Latest in Beauty this super rich marzipan scented hand cream is gorgeous and leaves the hands deeply nourished.

Ruth Romano Lemongrass Soap mini - I'm a huge fan of bars of soap and this little one smells lovely!  Uplifting it's perfect for a wake up call in my morning shower.

Have you tried any of these before?

February Empties

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - a staple for me. I need these in my life! I buy these again and again as they just work.

Yours Truly Organics Balancing Toner 150ml* - I loved this and would buy. See my review here.

TEWC Virgin Coconut & Lime Body Butter sample - I'm a huge fan of this body butter and I'd buy it again.  See my review here.

White & Elm Chamomile Balancing Facial Toner 30ml - this was a delight to use and I'll definitely buy again. See my review here.

Bodhi & Birch Siam Ginger Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy 200ml - one of my favourites from Bodhi & Birch. See my review here. I've got a mini still to use but it's one I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Ylang Ylang and Frankincense Body Oil 100ml - this is a staple for me now! I've already got another one in my stash. See my review here.

Bodhi Mint The Refreshing Bath & Shower Therapy 250ml - this is my favourite Bodhi & Birch Shower Gel. Will definitely buy again.

Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo 60ml - this was nice to use and I'd buy again.

Lyonsleaf Calendula Cream 15ml - I loved this for dry rough patches of skin. Sure to buy full size soon.

Jimmy Choo EDP 50ml - I've not finished a bottle of perfume for ages! I really like this fruity sweet floral. Sure to buy again. This is my 3rd bottle of this scent.

Shropshire Lavender Bath & Shower Gel 30ml - this was nice to use with a gentle lavender scent. Would buy again.

Dr Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Eucalyptus Pure Castile Soap 237ml - I wasn't blown away with the scent of this so wouldn't buy again. Love the Peppermint version.

Kneipp Sweet Dreams Herbal Bath Valerian & Hops 20ml* - loved the effects of this bath oil. Great to use before bed for a restful night's sleep. Didn't love the scent of it but would buy. Kneipp Pure Bliss Herbal Bath Red Poppy & Hemp 20ml* - this was gorgeous! Would buy full size and Kneipp Balancing Lavender Herbal Bath 20ml* - again lovely to use before bed. Super impressed with all of these.

Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant 50ml - a staple. Have already bought again.

John Masters Organics Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler 60ml - I loved this. It left my hair super shiny and nourished. Will buy again.

pai Geranium & Thistle Balancing Day Cream 15ml - this came in a weekender travel kit which I'd buy again.

Blue Labelle Hand Oil 10ml - this was lovely. See my review here. Would buy again.

Rachel's Plan Bee Body Oil 112ml - I just loved this body oil. See my review here. Will buy again.

Dr Organic Rose Otto Bath Oil 100ml - this is a great dupe for REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil at a fraction of the price and just as nice. Sure to buy again.

S W Basics Cleanser trial size - this was nice to use and have another in my stash. Would maybe buy again.

SAMPLES - Melvita Bio-Excellence Youthful Serum 2ml* - this serum was a bit runnier than I expected. Absorbed quickly and smelt really nice. Would maybe buy full size.

Cowshed Perfecting Night Serum 2ml - this was nice to use and I got a few uses out the sachet. One to add to the wishlist I think.

What have you been using up this month?

*PR samples

February: Lately I've been Loving

I simply loved this delicious Rock & Roast Special Edition Valentine's Day Box. Everything was super yummy. I'll be dropping hints near to my birthday! See Rock & Roast's website here and check out the delicious looking Mother's Day box here.

I love this little Love mug which hubby got me for Valentine's day. Therapie's Strength Fortifying Tea is great when you need a boost.

Olivine Love+Roses Beauty Mist - I simply adore this rose scented mist which you can spritz over your face, body and hair. Divine!  See my review here.

This cheese from M&S on crackers with a bit of homemade chilli Jelly is one of my favourite things ever at the moment! 

Lucy at No Mud, No Lotus very kindly did a guest post for me on the first day of February of her super gorgeous DIY Beauty: Floral Bath Melts. See her post here. 

Birch & Brook Library Scented Candle* - this exquisite scented candle is one of the nicest I've tried. See my review here.

What have you been loving this month?

*PR sample

Dr Jackson's 05 Face & Eye Essence

I was pretty thrilled when Naturisimo sent me a pot of Dr Jackson's 05 Face & Eye Essence (£60 - 50ml*) to review. The brand has been on my radar for quite some time.

This niche and super luxe range was created from 21 years of pharmacognosy research (the study of medicines derived from natural sources).  Founder, Dr Simon Jackson has been carrying out research in labs throughout the world as well as going on some fascinating sounding expeditions.

The company was founded in 2008 and it contributes a percentage of sales to a research foundation called The Natural Products Community. Aims include eliminating their carbon footprint, creating sustainable jobs and running conservation educational projects. There is no animal testing and products are free from parabens, PEG, phthalates, perfumes and synthetic colours.

Packaging is simple but very stylish and is recyclable.  The Face & Eye Essence is a light gel which is easily absorbed into the skin. It also smells great! having a slightly rosey floral scent.  Soothing and refreshing it revitalises and calms the skin.  You can also feel it instantly tightening the skin on the face and around the eye area as well as leaving the skin feeling soft, hydrated and radiant.

It contains natural extracts of Aloe Vera, Rose Water, Roman Chamomile, Baoba and Kigelia which calm, soothe, boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, heal, hydrate, reduce pigmentation and firm. It really is a wonder product! I also love that it is a multi-purpose product.  It's also great for helping to combat signs for jet lag and for sun exposed skin.

To use: after cleansing apply a small amount to the face allowing to absorb before applying moisturiser. Suitable for all skin types.

Have you tried this product? Or any others in the range?

*PR sample

February Books

I'm not going to read any more books this month so here are my reads a little bit early.

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Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Slahi - since 2002 Mohamedou Ould Slahi has been in prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The US have never charged him with a crime but still he remains incarcerated.  Three years into captivity he began keeping a diary. He tells us of his life before disappearing into US custody and his life as a detainee.  This is a book everyone should read even although it's not easy reading. It is often terrifying and chilling. There are touches of humour and human kindness too along with torture, interrogation and abuse. Passages of the book have been redacted by the US Government.

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Paris for One by Jojo Moyes - this is a 2015 quick reads book which I read in a couple of hours. It follows the story of 26 year old Nell who has never been to Paris. She decides on the spur of the moment to book tickets for her and her boyfriend. He doesn't turn up so she goes to Paris on her own and meets a handsome Frenchman and has the weekend of her life! A nice easy read.

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Red for Revenge by Fanny Blake - another quick read which I found enjoyable. Maggie is married with two grown up kids.  Carla is widowed and meets Maggie in the local Beauty Salon. They get chatting and realise they are sharing the same man!  They decide to teach Phil a lesson and become good friends.

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Hades (Archer & Bennett Thriller) by Candice Fox - I was given this copy by Net Galley to review*.  This is an absolutely fantastic first novel. It is fast paced and a brilliant read. 

Twenty years ago two children were kidnapped and left for dead. Raised by local fixer, Hades Archer an underworld figure at the scrapyard where he lives and works.  The children grow up and become cops. Eden is beautiful but cold and Eric cruel and calculating.

Frank becomes Eden's new partner after her previous one was killed. The search is on to find a murderer when toolboxes containing bodies missing vital organs are found at the bottom of the sea...

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Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - the story follows Mattie a slave who becomes wet nurse to newly born Lisbeth. Mattie becomes like family to Lisbeth - their relationship is strong and enduring. It gives a picture of what life was like on a plantation and Mattie's journey to freedom and dignity.

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Out of the Dark by Adele Geras - another quick read which was okay. Rob Stone comes back from WWI with a damaged face and a broken heart. His Captain died on the battlefield and he is haunted by his ghost. He manages to trace the Captain's widow to give her back a photograph and a bible and finds he may have another chance of happiness.

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The Doll's House (DI Helen Grace 3) by M J Arlidge - this is a super read. A young woman wakes up in a cold and dark cellar with no idea how she got there.  A body is discovered by a family at a nearby beach with a bluebird tattoo on her shoulder. The girl has distinctive dark hair and blue eyes. Her family didn't report her missing as she still sent them text messages and tweets. The man who takes the girls starves them to death before disposing of their bodies. We find out more about the DI and her new team and Charlie features briefly. A fast paced read with the search on to find the killer before Ruby becomes a victim too. Loved it! Can't wait for Liar Liar out on 10 September.

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Sail upon the Land by Josa Young* - this is a complimentary copy from Net Galley. The story spans four generations of mothers and their daughter's lives over 80 years. The book is totally un-put-downable and a great read. It opens with Damson backpacking in India where she suffers a humiliating ordeal.  We learn about her granny, Sarah who was a VAD nurse in WWII and how she met her husband.  Melissa, Damson's mother is fragile and Mellita is the one who offers the greatest gift of all. Packed with drama, pain, love, heartache, loss, suffering, happiness, death, duty and hope. Loved it!

What have you been reading this month?

*complimentary copies from Net Galley