About Me

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hi, I am a 40+ year old who loves jewellery and all things sparkly. I also enjoy trying out and reviewing new makeup products, finding stylish walking sticks, reading and writing book reviews. I will review anything from bird tables/ hedgehog houses to the latest fashion! My Instagram account is @sparkling_magpie

Tuesday 16 March 2021

Book Review: The Greek Wedding She Never Had by Chantelle Shaw

Eleanor Buchanan was supposed to marry Jace Zagorakis a year ago, but broke off the engagement when she overheard him saying that he was only marrying her to regain control of her hotel which his father had been swindled out of by hers. Now she must accept his second proposal or lose the luxury hotel as her brother, who was in charge of it, has run up massive gambling debts and failed to pay the bills. 

An interesting read. Jace needs a wife to convince his dying mother that he is settled and happy whilst Eleanor needs his money to save the family hotel. Jace is inexplicably hurt that she professes to no longer love him but slowly the ice cold facade breaks down. Will the sins of their fathers prevent lust becoming love?

I enjoyed this book. Nothing groundbreaking interns of plot line but the characters are likeable and I read it in one sitting. 

 I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted













Sunday 7 March 2021

Book Review: The Surgeon and the Princess by Karin Baine

 The Surgeon and the Princess is written by Karin Baine and published by M&B Medical. Princess Georgina is a medic, member of the armed forces and a Princess. She is also  a recent amputee who is having to learn how to walk and live life again after losing a leg whilst in action with  the army. Edward Lawrence is a spinal and paediatric surgeon who owns a state of the art rehabilitation clinic. Georgina’s mother, the Queen, asks Edward to help her daughter as she feels she isn’t coping very well with life after her life changing injury. 

Georgina is reticent and aloof at first as she appears to always want to control the situation, Edward, however, perceivers and she attends the clinic. Slowly she lets her guard down in relation to the chemistry between the pair and medically, actually listening and taking his advice. Will it all collapse when she realises she need more surgery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. There are several storylines Georgina and Edwards relationship. Georgina meets Hannah the little girl who attends the clinic after also recently having her leg amputated. The interaction between the pair and Hannah’s parents is heartwarming as Georgina shows the little girl how prosthetics work, encouraging her to try her own. The third storyline is between Georgina and her parents and Edward and his. The familial relations are diametrically opposed. Georgina’s family are cold and obviously regal. Issues, including her brother’s sexuality and suicide are brushed under the carpet and ignored whilst Edward has a loving relationship with his and he does a lot for them. 

This is a great read even if you don’t like M&B or M&B Medical novels and I hope Karin continues to publish books of this calibre. 

 I received this book via Netgalley and Mills and Boon in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #netgalley #gifted



Friday 5 March 2021

Review: Crystallized by Sophie - A Pair of Friendship Bracelets

Crystallized by Sophie is a small Etsy store located in the U.K. owned and designed by Sophie.  Crystallized by Sophie specialises in items made crystal and semi precious stones. Items range from jewellery, gem stone and geode pop sockets and tablet stands to quartz hearts.

 I was lucky enough to win a pair of friendship bracelets in her recent Instagram competition. Each bracelet is adjustable and ties with a Chinese knit. Each bracelet has a lapis lazuli, labradorite, Rose quartz and Smokey quartz chip and are surrounded by tiny beads in either Rose, gold or silver tone (£8.99) or sterling silver (£12.99).

 

The bracelets can presented in a little black faux suede pouch. The bracelets themselves are tied on to a card with the Crystallized logo on one side and care instructions on the other. I found the bracelet knot very easy to tighten/loosen - sometimes I find the cord can snag on friendship bracelets but the cord was very smooth. The stones are chips and very elegant. The bead accents make the stones pop and more eye catching. The bracelet is very comfortable to wear as the stone/ bead portion sits nicely on the top of my wrist. 

These are lovely hand made items. I was lucky enough to win these but I would have purchased them if I hadn’t won them as they are so pretty. They make a lovely gift, especially as they are light they would fit in a card and could be sent to someone to remind them that you are thinking of them during lock down. 


Link to Sophie’s Etsy page Crystallized by Sophie 


 I was lucky enough to win these earrings but this did not influence my review. 

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Review: Couture Kingdom Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs Necklace & Earrings


My favourite items of all time from Couture Kingdom are the 101 Dalmations necklace and earrings. I also like the Disney artistry of  Lady and the Tramp so was pleased to see that they have brought out Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs earrings (£29) and necklace (£45) in both 14k white gold and gold plate. 

 

The necklaces have a high shine finish and the lady and the tramp pendant measures 24mm wide so it is quite an eye catching and statement piece. The chain measures 45cm with 7 cm extender so it will fit a wide variety of neck sizes. The enamel accents on Lady’s ear are cute and make her instantly recognisable. The detailing on the kissing dogs is delicate and very detailed.

The earrings are for pierced ears and have a butterfly closure. They are tiny versions of each of the dogs in the pendant. They are small and comfortable to wear. Even though they are tiny compared to the pendant none of the detail is lost or distorted and they also have the same high shine finish. They have titanium posts and measure 13mm. 

Both items are beautifully packaged in Couture Kingdom tissue paper and gift box. I think I still prefer my Dalmations pendant but the Lady and the Tramp items come a close second. 

#win Couture Kingdom Lady and the Tramp White Gold Kissing Dogs Necklace and Pendant

 This month’s blog prize is a set of Couture Kingdom White Gold Plated Lady and the Tramp Kissing Dogs earrings (£29) and pendant (£45). 



Enter here>>> a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rules

Must fulfil the compulsory rafflecopter option

Competition is open worldwide

Competition runs between 4-31 March 2021

This competition is not affiliated in anyway with either Disney or Couture Kingdom