The Lost Years Book Review

The Lost Years: By Mary Higgins Clark

Summary from Goodreads: In The Lost Years, Mary Higgins Clark, America’s Queen of Suspense, has written her most astonishing novel to date. At its center is a discovery that, if authenticated, may be the most revered document in human history—“the holiest of the holy”—and certainly the most coveted and valuable object in the world. Biblical scholar Jonathan Lyons believes he has found the rarest of parchments—a letter that may have been written by Jesus Christ. Stolen from the Vatican Library in the 1500s, the letter was assumed to be lost forever. Now, under the promise of secrecy, Jonathan is able to confirm his findings with several other experts. But he also confides in a family friend his suspicion that someone he once trusted wants to sell the parchment and cash in. Within days Jonathan is found shot to death in his study. At the same time, his wife, Kathleen, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, is found hiding in the study closet, incoherent and clutching the murder weapon. Even in her dementia, Kathleen has known that her husband was carrying on a long-term affair. Did Kathleen kill her husband in a jealous rage, as the police contend? Or is his death tied to the larger question: Who has possession of the priceless parchment that has now gone missing? It is up to their daughter, twenty-eight-year-old Mariah, to clear her mother of murder charges and unravel the real mystery behind her father’s death. Mary Higgins Clark’sThe Lost Years is at once a breathless murder mystery and a hunt for what may be the most precious religious and archaeological treasure of all time



Why Did I read this?: I read a blurb in People magazine about this new book from Clark. I enjoy her other mysteries and the religious tones in this one reminded me of the Da Vinci Code which I really enjoyed.

What I loved: First of all, this was not at all like the Da Vinci code. If you found that book too controversial you may enjoy this one. It is about a letter Jesus wrote, not about any religious secrets or controversies.  However, the mystery was still unique and engaging.

What I didn't like: I found Jonathan's friends (and the murder suspects) to be too similar. It was hard to tell who was who and what they were involved in. This made the mystery a little less exciting.

Would I recommend this: Yes! If you like mysteries especially ones that are not too gory you would probably enjoy this book.

Would I read more by this author?: Yes, in fact I have several of her books waiting on my bookshelf!

Lone Wolf By Jodi Picoult Review

Summary from Goodreads:

 A life hanging in the balance…a family torn apart. The #1 internationally bestselling author Jodi Picoult tells an unforgettable story about family, love, and letting go.

Edward Warren, twenty-four, has been living in Thailand for five years, a prodigal son who left his family after an irreparable fight with his father, Luke. But he gets a frantic phone call: His dad lies comatose, gravely injured in the same accident that has also injured his younger sister Cara.

With her father’s chances for recovery dwindling, Cara wants to wait for a miracle. But Edward wants to terminate life support and donate his father’s organs. Is he motivated by altruism, or revenge? And to what lengths will his sister go to stop him from making an irrevocable decision?

Lone Wolf explores the notion of family, and the love, protection and strength it’s meant to offer. But what if the hope that should sustain it, is the very thing that pulls it apart? Another tour de force from Jodi Picoult, Lone Wolf examines the wild and lonely terrain upon which love battles reason

Review

Why did I read this? I loved My Sister's Keeper, and read the teaser for this in People magazine.

What I loved: I was impressed with the double meaning in the title. Sure Luke joined a wild wolf pack as a lone wolf, but it also has meaning with his injury and family as well. Also, the plot moved constantly I was never bored.

What I didn't like: Cara really annoyed me, but then again I think she may have been written that way.

Would I read more by this author: YES!!

Would I recommend? Yes! If you like any of her other books, or books about family drama.

Disclaimer: This book was borrowed from the library. Regardless opinions are 100% mine!

New Scents

I was lucky enough to receive both the Shower Gel and lotion version of Rio Rumberry.

What Bath and Body Works says it smells like: " An exotic blend of tropical berries, fresh papaya and vanilla blossom"


What I think:  It smells very tropical and sweet. I smell mostly pineapple and coconut.. However, after it dries it turns into a more vanilla scent. The lotion scent lasts a very long time, especially when layered with the shower gel. 

I am not usually into fruity/coconut smells, but this is not overpoweringly coconutty. You won't smell like you just put on sunscreen. Overall, I like this, but not enough to buy the body spray.

What Bath and Body Works says it smells like: "exotic getaway of juicy mango, sugar cane, pink passionflower and luscious nectarine"

My Thoughts: Mango and orange are predominant to me. It very sweet and something it in reminds me of bubble gum. I like this one better than Rio Rumberry as its more sweet and juicy smelling.

I really enjoyed both of these scents.  However, I do not think I will repurchase as I still like Bath and Body Works' Forever Sunshine, Paris Amour, and Vanilla Bean Noel better.

Disclaimer: I was gifted these for Easter. However opinions are 100% my own.

NYX Doll Eye Mascara Review

This is my favorite mascara (for the moment!). My favorite part is the brush. It really separates your lashes better than the other drug store brands.In addition it adds volume and length. The brush is also perfect for getting the tops of your lashes.

Even though it is water proof, it doesn't come off with just a little water or when you scratch your eye. This is perfect for me, but it may not be so great for someone who heavily exercises or if you want to go swimming.

I will be definitely be repurchasing this when mine runs out.


Disclaimer: I got this product when I won a Redbook Nyx sweepstakes. However, all opinions are 100% my own.