de Mamiel Summer Facial Oil

Having simply loved de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil - see my review HERE I knew I'd buy the Summer version, in fact the Autumn Facial Oil is getting pre-ordered before my spending ban kicks in! If I could only ever use one facial oil it would be these as they are simply amazing. After use my skin feels fantastic, looks healthy and radiant and the oils calm and soothe the mind.

The packaging is simple but exquisite and I love the little quote above.

This facial oil should be used from midsummer solstice and is uplifting, refreshing and awakening.  It cares for skin which is more exposed from spending more time outside enjoying long hot summer days (not in Scotland currently!)

It contains so many good thing for the skin - Evening Primrose and Rosehip Seed Oil which are high in antioxidants and fatty acids, Gamma Linolenic which helps with post sun healing, Echium which calms inflammation and sensitivity, Ylang Ylang balances while Jasmine, Rose Centifolia and Neroli enlivens and leaves the skin glowy.  Lemon Seed Oil cools while Geranium and Wild Rose soothe and scent.  The oil also contain Prickly Pear, Pomegranate and Sea Buckthorn Oils which care for and nourish the skin.

Emotions are balanced with flower essences of Marsh Marigold and Pink Frangipani.

Apply 3-5 drops to your palm, rub gently together and inhale while watching any tensions melt away.  Massage into the skin morning and evening.

Have you used any of the Seasonal Facial Oils from de Mamiel?

Trill Seasons Box: Summer

Like forever I have wanted a Trill Farm Seasons Box which comes out every season and is filled with goodies from the farm. The summer box was delivered yesterday (I took a day off work to await it's arrival!) I love the packaging of hay/straw and cardboard all of which is recyclable - nice touch!

The box is divided into: Foods, Health & Beauty and Home & Garden. A single season box costs £75 including P&P.

BBQ Sauce (Foods) is made from oak smoked onions, chilli and rhubarb and is perfect to use with BBQ meat. Tastes delicious.

Elderflower Cordial (Foods) this cordial has been made with elderflowers and rhubarb picked from the farm. Mix it with fizzy water or fizzy wine for a delicious summertime drink.

Vegetable Notecards (Home & Garden) these pretty cards with envelopes all have a recipe printed on them which celebrate the season's bounty. They are printed on recycled paper.

Garlic (Foods) two pungent first of the season bulbs of garlic from the veg garden.

Summer Lavender Soap (Health & Beauty) a lovely lavender soap which calms and soothes both the body and mind. Made with Organic Oils and herbal extracts direct from Trill Farm.  The soap is gentle enough to use on the face.

Summer Salt Seasoning (Foods) salt which is scented with fennel and preserved blood orange this salt is perfect for seasoning fish or using as a dip for garden crudites.

Summer Relief Spray (Health & Beauty) this is perfect for spritzing on bites, grazes and stings. It cools and soothes.

Summer Body Balm (Health & Beauty) a rich and deliciously scented body balm which is made using extracts from Trill Farm plants and a mix of essential oils to create the "essence of summer".

Citronella Candle (Home & Garden) great for keeping bugs at bay as you enjoy summer evenings in the garden. Hand made on the farm using Devon beeswax and citronella essential oil.

Barley Crackers (Foods) made with barley flour, local stoneground rye, caraway, sesame and nigella seeds. Rustic and delicious.

Living Salad (Home & Garden) three living salad plants which can be grown on the windowsill but are happiest in the garden. I put mine in my allotment yesterday afternoon.

Summer Honey (Foods) a raw and unfiltered honey with subtle delicious flavour.

Summer Tea (Foods) delicious tea which can be drunk hot or cold. Includes rose, lemon, verbena, elderflower and blue mallow. Celebrates the flavours of the season.

I'm really thrilled with my box of goodies and looking forward to trying and tasting.  See the website HERE and follow on Twitter @trill_farm.

Bee Good Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator

I'm a huge, huge, huge Bee Good fan, having loved every product I've tried! The range is really lovely and the Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator (£10.50 - 50ml)* which is the latest launch in the range is one of my favourites.  In fact I'd say it was the "best facial exfoliator I've ever used" to date (and I've tried out lots).

As well as the milled lavender flowers (interesting scrub particles) it contains British Wildflower Honey, Propolis, Camelina, Vitamin E, Wheatgerm and Crambe Oils which moisturise, soothe and hydrate.

The scrub is creamy, moisturising and has a simply divine honey floral scent with the scrubby bits as I said before being milled lavender flowers!  The exfoliator is suitable for all skin types.  Use once or twice a week on dry skin gently massaging in circular motions before removed with a warmed damp muslin cloth. Ahh. Leaves the skin feeling exfoliated, radiant and healthy. Love!

What's your favourite Bee Good product?

*PR sample

Bloom Perfumery: Yearly Sample Pack: July 2015

I signed up for Bloom Perfumery's Yearly Sample Pack (£100 inc P&P) at the end of June and received my first pack yesterday. It includes 5 x 1.6ml samples of niche scents delivered to you each month for a year (and this month an extra perfume which is new in). This month the selection is summer florals.

It will be my monthly treat as I'm going back on a spending ban 11 August...until...gasp 30 December.

You can also buy sample packs FOR HIM or UNISEX.  I chose the FOR HER selection.  See more details HERE.

PG15 Ilang Ivohibé (Parfumerie Générale) (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £81.50) "the imagined scent of a rare fantastical flower, which only blooms on the tropical Comoros islands". This EdT has top notes of Lavender and Vanilla, a heart of Egyptian Jasmine, Iris butter, Orange and Ylang-Ylang with a base of Patchouli.

Première Danse (Paul Emilien) (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £60.00) "inspired by the first dance of a debutante at a ball, the fragrance is a sweet gentle floral". An EdP which has top notes of Bigarade Orange, Blackcurrant, Italian Iris and Mandarin. With heart notes of Mimosa, Vetiver and Violet and base notes of Amber, Benzoin, Cistus, Incense and White Musk.

Néroli Blanc EdP Intense (Au Pays de Fleur D'Oranger) (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £55.00) this EdP is June's bestseller and is "bright, radiant and juicy". It has top notes of Bergamot, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange Blossom and Verbena with a heart of Jasmine and Rose and a base of Cedar, Musk and Vanilla. This is one I've tried out and I think it's just perfect for summer.

Infanta en Flor (Arquiste) (1.6ml - £2, 55ml - £125.00) this is the most layered perfume from the selection. An EdP it is "daringly luxurious layered floral with a leather accord". It has top notes of Bergamot, Cistus and Immortelle with a heart of Jasmine, Leather, Orange Blossom and Rose with base notes of Benzoin, Musk, Rockrose and Tonka Beans.

TARDES (Carner) (1.6ml - £2, 50ml - £81.00) this is Bloom Perfumery's all time bestseller. It was the first scent I tried from the pack and I love it. Full size being added to my wishlist!  The EdP is a "musky woody floral with a shy elusive rose" and has top notes of Almond, Bulgarian Rose and Geranium with heart notes of Plum and Virginian Cedar with base notes of Heliotrope, Musk, Rosewood and Tonka Beans.

There was also an extra sample included - NEW IN:

Mojito Chypre (Parfumerie Générale) which retails at £80.00 for 50ml and is a modern Strawberry Chypre with notes of Adehydes, Labdanum, Lime, Oakmoss, Mint, Patchouli, Rum, Strawberry, Vanilla and Vetivert - perfect for summer holidays!

I'm looking forward to trying all of these and will update you with my thoughts later.  Also included is a special code to receive 10% off any of the above in full size for a limited time.

LIB Beauty Awards 2015

Latest in Beauty have announced their 2015 awards and have let us choose our own winners - chose from 3, 6 or 9 products (£8.99, £12.99 or £16.99 plus P&P). I chose 6 products. #LIBawards See more details HERE.

You can choose full or trial sizes for your box. I chose:

Bee Good Honey & Propolis 2-in-1 Cream Cleanser (100ml) - I'm already a huge fan of this product and the brand.  My second choice was COLAB Dry Shampoo in Monaco (50ml) - I've heard so many people rave about it I thought it was time to try it out myself.

My third choice is a product I absolutely love Skin & Tonic Steam Clean (15ml) - a deliciously minty balm which removes all make up leaving your skin fresh, renewed and deeply clean.

I love Philip Kingsley's Elasticizer and the box includes a 20ml size which is perfect for holidays/try me. It leaves the hair looking healthy, super shiny and in great condition. One for the holiday bag.

My final picks were two beauty items. Having loved Eye of Horus previously I picked the full size eyeliner being offered in Scarab Sapphire, a deep navy blue shade. Know this will be well used!  Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in hawian smolder a pretty pink shade, again a full size.

Did you pick up an award winning box?

The Perfume Society: Jet Set Box

I couldn't resist the latest The Perfume Society box "Jet Set". It is packed full of generous samples to keep you going all through summer.  For Subscribers the box costs £10 including P&P (subscribe for a year for £25 and this includes a welcome Discovery box - see more details HERE).

I'm a huge Creed Virgin Island Water (2.5ml EDP) fan having once owned a full size bottle! It's a lush fresh scent with notes of lime, mandarin, coconut, white bergamot, hibiscus, ylang-ylang, ginger jasmine, musk, tropical woods, sugar cane and white rum. It has a real tropical coconut lime scent turning to exotic floral notes with the dry down of white rum and sugar cane. Love! Now need to save up for FS bottle!

The next two which caught my attention were the duo from The Library of Fragrance - Salt Air and Pina Colada - these are both very generous 15ml sprays and you can combine them making them perfect for summer holidays. Salt Air is fresh and breezy with notes of Sea Salt, Amber and Musk and is reminiscent of being beside the sea with the tangy salt air. Perfect to wear alone or combine with Pina Colada, a tropical blast of pineapple, rum and coconut (what's not to love!)  The scent is super fruity and exotic. Love both of these.

My next favourite is the super cute Thierry Mugler Angel eau Sucree (1.2ml EDT) which is wrapped up like a packet of parma violets in silvery striped paper (a bit like how Bond No.9 samples are wrapped). This fruity gourmand scent is delicious. You can tell straight away it is from the "Angel" family but it is lighter, softer and fruitier.  It has notes of red fruit sorbet, carmelised meringue, vanilla and patchouli. Another one I love!

Also catching my eye is Shay & Blue's Blood Oranges (2ml) which I already own. Ripe and juicy oranges are layered with leather, musk, dark woods and amber. It is fresh and fruity and perfect for summer evenings.

Oooh a rose scent too! L'Artisan's latest launch Rose Privee (1.5ml EDP) which is pretty special. It has top notes of cassis, green mandarin, basil and violet leaf with a heart of May rose, carnation, magnolia and lilac with base notes of hay, patchouli and musk.  In the month of May in Grasse, May Roses bloom and this scent uses them in their most concentrated form.  Full size is now firmly on the wishlist - it's a delight.

The final three I'm not really too excited about to be honest. We have Elie Saab Le Parfum (0.8ml EDP) which comes from the floral family. It has notes of orange blossom, jasmine, grandiflorum, jasmine sambac, patchouli, cedarwood, rose and honey.  It is a light floral with honey and woody notes.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold! (1.5ml EDT) has notes of mango, grapefruit, neroli essence, orange blossom, violet leaf, amber musk and cedarwood. I find it a bit strong for my personal taste.

The final scent in the box is Versace Eros Pour Femme (1ml EDP) and has notes of bergamot, pomegranate, peony, jasmine, lemon flower, musk, ambrox and warm woods. I find it a bit powdery/strong for my taste.

The final item is Ultrasun Face High SPF30 Anti-Ageing Formula Protective Cream (25ml - worth £10) I'll be popping it in my holiday bag.

I'm delighted with this great value box with only a couple of scents which aren't really me. Did you pick up the box? What are your thoughts as to the contents?

TeaTox Skinny Detox 14 Day Plan

I was recently sent TeaTox Skinny Detox 14 Day Plan (£19.90)* to review. The kit contains Good Morning Tea and Good Night Tea which are made with cleansing herbs with detoxifying properties. The teas are designed to help you get into shape, loose weight and detox.

The company was founded by friends Felix Ilse and Michael Decker who met at school. On a school trip they discovered their interest and love of tea. Further researches later and they joined forces created TeaTox which was launched in 2013 in Berlin.

The Good Morning blend is designed to waken you up and kick start your day. It can also help to suppress any hunger pangs.  It has a delicious fruity taste. It contains things like Lemongrass, Green Mate Leaves, Ginger Root and Nettle. It's a ritual I've been enjoying first thing and I can honestly say it stops my mid-morning munching!  Brew it in a cup or pot before breakfast.

Good Night Tea is best drunk after dinner or just before bed as it has a soothing effect on the digestion and mind. It contains ingredients which calm and is delicious.  Lemon Balm calms while Peppermint, Hibiscus and Yarrow help with the digestion.  The tea also helps promote restful sleep.

Pick up yours HERE.

*PR sample

L'Occitane Freebies with Instyle Magazine

This month's Instyle magazine offers a free 50ml St Tropez In Shower Lotion (which I'm looking forward to trying on my pasty white legs!) 

Also inside is a voucher to cut out and take in store to pick up two 15ml L'Occitane freebies!

I hadn't tried either and I'm now a convert! The Almond Velvet Balm is one of the most luxe and extra-special body products I've ever used. It is a delicately scented super rich cream which melts onto dry skin leaving it nourished and cared for. Love!

The second item is Almond Supple Skin Oil which nourishes and tightens the skin. It absorbs quickly leaving the skin feeling moisturised and comfortable.

Next time I need a body product I'm picking up the Almond Velvet Balm!

What's your favourite L'Occitane product?

Aloe Pura Organics: Sun Lotion SPF25, After Sun Lotion & Gel

My local Earthy stocks some beauty items as well as delicious food.  They also have some great offers which you can check out here.

I've just started trying out these 100% Organic Aloe Vera products which I recently picked up. They are made by Optima and are free from SLS, Parabens and Lanolin.

The Aloe Vera Sun Lotion SPF25 (200ml - £16.95) give natural protection against UV rays. The lotion absorbs easily and smells lightly of aloe vera. It offers medium protection and feels cooling and moisturising on the skin.  The matching After Sun (200ml - £6.99) soothes and cools the skin. It has a more gel/cream texture and absorbs easily.  I always need a bit of Aloe Vera Gel (200ml - £4.95) to cool redness and prickly heat. Keep it in the fridge for an extra-cooling shot of comfort.  I'll do an update later on in the summer once I've had the chance to try them out further.

What's your favourite sun care products?

Get the Gloss Summer 'It Kit' with Latest in Beauty

Latest in Beauty's Get the Gloss - Summer 'It Kit' is jam packed full of perfect goodies for holidays both at home and away.  It costs £19 plus P&P.

The first thing that jumped out at me is Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Refine & Polish Balm (15ml) which you can either use as a exfoliator or mask - I love a multi-purpose product!  See my review of the Miracle Cleanser and Revitalise & Glow Serum here. Looking forward to trying.

I've tried a few Anne Semonin products before but not the Eye Express Radiance Cubes (1 inside). You need to pop it in the freezer before placing in the little bag provided and then applying it around the eye area. Perfect to use prior to a big night out or the morning after!

Philip Kingsley Swimcap (50ml) is great for use before swimming in the sea or pool and helps with damage from sun and wind. One to pop in the holiday bag I reckon!

I'm a huge fan of Elemental Herbology and included is Cell Plumping Facial Hydrator SPF8 (15ml) it's a best seller which nourishes and plumps up the skin. I've used it a few times before.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR (10ml) love this little oil which is perfect with a sun tan! Use on the body and hair for a little bit of shimmer. 

Salon Science Aqua Cacteen Hydrasoothe Cooling Spray (150ml - full size) is an ultra-hydrating cooling spray which gives instant relief to dehydrated scalps and boosts hair hydration.

The two items I'll probably gift are Bourjois Aqua Blush (10ml) and Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish (8ml).

Did you pick up this box? What are your thoughts on the contents?

p.s. You can create your own LIB Beauty Awards box of 3, 6 or 9 products - see more details HERE. It includes favourites from Skin & Tonic, Shay & Blue and Bee Good to name a few.

Little Treats #10

thisworks in transit camera close-up (15ml) - this came free with July's Harpers Bazaar mag. It is great to use as a primer before make up as it evens and brightens the skin.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Balms SPF15 in Coral & Passion - love these for a pop of moisturising colour.

Acorelle SPF30 Sun Oil - this is teeny tiny (only 75ml - but Naturisimo point this out on their website). Luckily I picked it up with money off as it's expensive. This oil deeply nourishes and protects the skin from harmful rays. Really lovely to use and smells nice.

Nourish Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream (sample) a lightweight eye cream which deeply nourishes the eye area and helps with puffiness and dark circles.

Inner-Soul Organics Scandinavian Decedence Bath & Body Salt Scrub* (sample) - a rich and aromatic body scrub which can also be used in the bath as a salt soak.  Leaves the skin feeling silky soft and smooth.

*complimentary

Birch & Brook: Festival Candle & Library Candle Travel Size

Lot long ago I tried Birch & Brook's gorgeous Library Candle* a luxe woody scented candle which is reminiscent of old books and and wood. See my review here.  I'm excited to say you can now buy exquisite travel candles* (£18 - 18 hours burn time) which are packed in cute drawstring branded bags. Ideal for taking on your travels!

I was also sent their Festival Candle* (£36 - 40 hours burn time) to review.

This beautiful candle is "infused with the thrill of imminent excitement" and is the perfect candle to burn during long hot carefree summer days.  This is a floral candle with woody and leather notes.  Notes include - Bergamot, Lily, Mandarin, Patchouli, Rose, Orange Blossom, Jasmine, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Amber Musk and Leather.

I've been really impressed with the quality, the scents and how long the candles last. I think they'd make a great gift (to self!).  Have you tried Birch & Brook candles?

*PR samples

Cult Beauty: Purchases

Last week it was Cult Beauty's 7th Birthday and they offered numerous money off deals as well as an amazing goody bag with a £95 spend (and the goody bag was worth over £170). I decided I wasn't having it...and of course changed my mind! I chose to buy three products which had been on my wishlist in order to get my hands on that goody bag...

I've only recently become a huge de Mamiel fan having first tried Salvation Body Oil (link) and then the amazing Spring Facial Oil (review) and currently using Summer Facial Oil (which is a total joy..review to come).  So I picked up the de Mamiel Altitude Oil (£26 - 10ml) which is perfect to use for anxiety, travel or if you feel under the weather. Even smelling it straight from the bottle induces feelings of calm - full review to follow.

I also picked up Philip B's luxe Light-Weight Deep Conditioning Creme Rinse (£24 - 178ml). Huge fan of the brand having loved previous products from the range.  I mentioned the Katira Hair Masque here. Looking forward to trying.

My final item is the much longed for May Lindstrom The Jasmine Garden (£46 - 100ml) which is simply heavenly and as good as I'd imagined it would be. The scent is exquisite and the mist leaves the skin feeling refreshed and glowy. Love!

The gift contains a wide selection of goodies:

d.j.v. Beautenizer Fibrewig - Full Size
NudeStix Lip & Cheek Pencil - Love - Full Size
Anastasia Beverley Hills mini Clear Brow Gel 
Zelens Z Matrix Energy & Moisture Infusion
Roloxin Lift Instant Smoothing Masque sachet
skyn ICELAND Glacial Cleansing Cloths
Beauty Blender Micro Mini & Cleanser
Odacite Hyperpigmentation Serum Concentrate sample
Sunday Riley Floral Hydroactive Cellular Face Oil
Tata Harper Aromatic Stress Treatment
Alpha-H Daily Essentials Moisturiser SPF50
REN Flash Rinse One Minute Facial (Review)
kai Body Moisturiser (huge fan of the scent)
Make up bag 

Did you treat yourself too?

Summer Scents

Whew...the weather up here has been super clammy and airless these last few days so I've been enjoying light spritzes of scent. Here are my current favourite Summer Scents.

Diptyque Eau Rose Roll-on (20ml) - a light and refreshing rose scent. See my review HERE.  Staying with Diptyque my all time favourite Philosykos Perfume Oil Roll-on (7.5ml) this to me is what a true fig perfume smells like. It transports me back to sun-kissed Greece every time I wear it with its figgy, green and woody notes (I slightly prefer the EDT spray so I'll pick up the Travel refills when I finish this).

Kai Perfume Oil (3.6ml) this is my third or fourth bottle. Expensive but oh so worth it. A beautiful white floral with Gardenia, Jasmine, Rose, Tuberose, Lily and green notes. Love! It featured in my January's Lately I've Been Loving and I've got a back up too which I think shows how much I love it!

Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne (30ml) this refreshing and uplifting scent is perfect for summer. I've been spritzing it like crazy this week! With notes of Grapefruit, Rosemary, Peppermint and Pimento. It also featured in my Spring Scents.  Shay & Blue Almond Cucumber (10ml) is a light and super refreshing scent perfect to revive and uplift.

A new scent for me is L'Occitane Figuier & Osmanthus EDT (30ml) which is a light fig scent with top notes of Bergamot, Blackcurrant and fruity Fig notes, a heart of Fig leaves and Osmanthus flowers and a base of Cedar and Musk. It is really summery and fruity as well as refreshing. It was created to celebrate L'Occitane's RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden and is a Limited Edition (hope not!)

My final scent is by Infusion Organique - Sands of Morocco Organic EDP roll-on (11ml) which has a incense note which I love. It smells exotic and mysterious and again reminds me of holidays. See my review HERE.

What perfumes are you enjoying at the moment?

The Organic Pharmacy Minis: Free with Elle Mag

I spotted this little The Organic Pharmacy kit (worth £13) (free with Elle magazine this month) yesterday. Being a lover of rose scented products and keen to try some more products from the brand I was thrilled to pick this mag up (there's also a sachet of L'Oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss High Shine Shampoo 10ml inside).

Inside the set is:

Rose Facial Cleansing Gel (10ml) - this smells deeply of roses and is simply divine! It gently cleanses and refreshes the skin leaving it feeling clean and comfortable. You've guessed it full size is now firmly on the wishlist!

Double Rose Rejuvenating Face Cream (5ml) - I've not tried this yet but it's a best seller which nourishes the skin leaving is hydrated and soft. Use every morning after cleansing and toning.

Antioxidant Lip Balm (5ml) - I can never have enough lip balms! This lush balm deeply moisturises the lips leaving them looking glossy and nourished. Can be worn alone or with lipstick.

I'm pretty pleased with this cute little set (so much so that I might get another!) Do you think you'll pick it up?

Take 5: Haircare

This is the second in my new series - you can see my skincare picks here.

Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - I first spied this on Tracey's blog and decided to try it when I was needing shampoo. I've found it cleans and nourishes the hair leaving it feeling healthy as well as looking shiny and cared for.  I bought this when Holland & Barrett were doing their fab offer of buy 5 and get 50% off.

Yarok Feed Your Ends Leave in Conditioner - this leave in conditioner is fabulous. It leaves the ends feeling deeply but lightly nourished. It's one of my summer must-haves.

John Masters Organics Rose & Apricot Hair Milk - I've had this product nearly a year making it super cost effective. You only need a teeny amount to smooth and de-frizz hair. See my review here.  

Yarok Feed Your Youth Hair & Scalp Serum* - I simply love this! See my review here. I love that you can use it in several ways too - pre-shampoo, as a deep conditioner or adding a few drops to your regular conditioner. See my review here.

Maple Holistics Silk18 Conditioner* - without a doubt this is one of the most luxe conditioners I've ever used. It featured in my May's Lately I've Been Loving. It leaves the hair feeling silky soft and smooth with split ends nourished and frizz tamed. The conditioner contains 18 different silk amino acids along with shea butter, sea buckthorn, pomegranate, argan, aloe vera, jojoba, green tea, hibiscus and botanical keratin and it has a delicious vanilla aroma.

What's your favourite haircare products?

*PR samples

June Books

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The Saffron Trail by Rosanna Ley - Nell's mum dies quite suddenly leaving her understandably devastated and unable to move on. Her husband, Callum gifts her a cookery week in Marrakech and it's here she bonds with Amy, a young photographer who is trying to find out what happened to her Great Aunt's son.

Nell's mum grew Saffron at the farm and with Amy they go on a tour and end up meeting someone who is connected to them both. The book is set in Cornwall and Morocco and is full of family secrets, connections, love, heartache and new beginnings. Loved it.

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In the Shadow of Papillon by Frank Kane - Frank was on holiday with his girlfriend Sam when he agrees to smuggle cocaine home.  They are caught and are given 10 year sentences. You find out what life is like in the Venezuelan Prison system. A scary but fascinating read.

The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies* - I got this ARC from Love Reading (published 3 September). I simply loved this book and couldn't put it down. It follows the story of 19 year old Gwendoline who is newly married to a rich and charming widower and she is eager to join him on his tea plantation. On the boat she meets attractive Savi Ravasinghe, an artist and she is drawn to him.

She soon falls pregnant and in the delivery room finds herself faced with a terrible choice and she must keep secrets from her husband...although he has secrets of his own...

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See her Run by A K Leigh* - I received this copy from NetGalley. The story follows Diana who has changed her name, her look and her job and moved to a new town. She meets Jon, a local farmer who has connections to her past. There is an instant attraction and Diana can't help but fall for him. However her evil ex Russ is trying to find her.. A light-ish and enjoyable read.  

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Flawless (Hostile Beauty #1) by Jan Moran* - again I received this book from NetGalley. I loved it and have bought the second in the series. Verena Valent runs the family business, a Swiss Skincare company taking over when her parents were tragically killed. She supports her grandmother Mia and her younger twin sisters. She is expanding the company into Asia when things begin to unravel.. 

Her fiance, Derrick works for a company who want to take over and own her business. She meets Lance, an Executive Chef at Beverley Hills Hotel and is drawn to him. She finds out all that really matters are friends and family. There is hope at the end of the book. Looking forward to the next in the series which is about Scarlett, Verena's friend.

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First One Missing by Tammy Cohen* - another book which I received via NetGalley and is published on 2 July.

The book opens with the murder of a little girl called Poppy. Leanne Miller, FLO informs Emma Reid before it hits the newsstand. Her daughter Tilly was also killed by the "Kenwood Killer". Megan Purvis was the first victim followed by Tilly, Leila and Poppy. The families meet to give each other support. The characters are interesting and the story is fast paced. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the book and there is a twist at the end I just didn't see coming. Loved it.

What have you been reading this month?

*sent for review

June: Lately I've been Loving

Here's some things which have been making me happy in June:

Having adored the de Mamiel Spring Facial Oil I knew I'd definitely pick up Summer and....I love it as much as the Spring one. Review up shortly!

I've found Earth Conscious Citrus Deodorant* to be the best natural deodorant I've tried. See my review here.

These really pretty temporary tattoos from Tesora London. 

The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies* - I got an advanced reading copy from Love Reading. Simply couldn't put the book down. Loved it so much I recently picked up Dinah's first book The Separation.

Looking forward to some delicious strawberries from the Allotment (hopefully soon!) You may have seen from twitter that our Allotments are under threat from developers. If you can, please sign our Petition and follow us on Twitter @CraigentinnyTel

*PR samples