Win Swarovski 100 Years of Disney Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck Pendant

This is the landing page for my Swarovski 100 Years of Disney Donald & Mickey competitions. You are welcome to enter both or just one competition. The competition is open worldwide. Good luck to you all. 

#win Swarovski 100 Years Disney Mickey Mouse Pendant, White, Rhodium Plated Necklace

Win Swarovski 100 Years of Disney Donald Duck Pendant (£119)

Swarovski 100 Years of Disney; Mickey and Donald Pendants

Who Is … Swarovski ?

 

This is the first foray in to my new series “who is …..” . Each post will look at a well known jewellery brand, where it came from, it’s history and is it still around etc. the next post will have a prize or two from that brand. My first post will look at Swarovski,  the largest jewellery brand in the world. .

Daniel Swarovski founded the Swarovski company in 1895. It is a family owned and run business, employing over  29,000 employees in over 170 countries with over 3,000 shops. Their products fall into 3 categories: Swarovski Crystal Business which covers jewellery, they are the biggest jewellery company worldwide, crystals, rhinestones, glass ornaments and accessories;Swarovski Optik which makes telescopes and telescopic sights for rifles and binoculars and Tyrolit which manufactures and sells grinding and drilling tools. 

Daniel Swarovski was born in 1862 in a small village in Northern Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). He trained as a glass cutter and in 1892 patented a cutting machine that creates crystal glass. 

In 1885 Swarovski, financier Armand Osmann and Franz Weis established Swarovski which was originally called A Osmann, D Swarovski and Co, shortened to to KS & Co,  they established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens, Austria. In 1919 Tyrolit was established bringing together all the grinding and cutting machinery from the crystal business into a wider market.  In 1935 Swarovski’s son, Wilhelm adapted a pair of binoculars and in 1949 Optik was born. 

Obviously it is not fair to look a the history and origins of Swarovski without considering where they were situated and the dates. Tyrol/ Wattens supported Nazism and Hitler, there was a march there in 1938 and at least 6 of the Swarovski family were ardent supporters of the then illegal party prior to the annexation of Austria in 1938. 

Swarovski benefitted from their support for Nazi Germany, the size of the company almost doubled during the war period and it expanded its product lines to include telescopes, binoculars and other optical devices for example. Swarovski has not granted historians access to their files so the true extent of their support for Hitler and the benefits gained from this is not known. 

So from this brief history, Swarovski’s history is rather murky. It is the largest jewellery brand in the world but although it is famous and well known for crystals it has success in other areas too. 

GemeShou Green Necklace Display Stand

 

I have been considering purchasing a necklace display for a while as I don’t always want to show myself wearing the item, especially if it’s a prize that I want to give unworn. I finally settled on a Gemeshou display (£15). I have purchased/reviewed several of their jewellery display items and have always found them good quality and reasonably priced. This piece was no exception.

The stand is gold metal, slightly curved to give the chain that will be displayed some dimension and show how it will look curved against the body. I chose the dark green stand. It is also available in cream, grey and black. The stand itself is gold metal and the green cover is velvet which adds to the lux effect. It measures 7x9.5x5cm. It is also has a pouch at the back of the stand to store the chain so it doesn’t get tangled just dangling over the back of the stand. The stand is quite compact but as I sometimes need to take it with me if I want to take shots for my blog outside I think that’s great as it fits nicely into my props bag. I like the stand for my blog photos as the velvet means there isn’t any reflected light from the material and the overall effect/ look is expensive and elegant, I will also purchase the matching earring stand so I can use the set in future blog posts.  Overall i would recommend this item. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this post are my own. 

Halloween Themed Classic Canes Bats At Night Derby Walking Stick

 Repost: I haven’t purchased and reviewed a walking stick for years but this walking stick is my most used stick during Autumn /Winter time. 

The Bats at Night walking Stick (£46) is adjustable, collapses into four pieces and comes in a protective pouch. My stick looks slightly strange in the photo as I had a piece removed (I am only 4ft 7”). There are black bats, tree silhouettes, orange and yellow stars on a greyish background. Depending on the lighting and background the grey takes on a lavender tint.  The stick comes with a black non slip ferrule and a chrome collar. The colours aren’t exactly the same between the handle of the cane and the shaft (not a design flaw but due to the different materials used to make the stick) and I think that adds to the spookiness of the design. The derby shaped handle is comfortable to hold and the height of the stick is easy to adjust, just press the silver buttons at the top of the shaft and slide to the height you want. Without having any adjustments made to the walking stick it is adjustable from 79cm to 89cm.

I enjoy using this stick. The theme and graphics are really cute and eye catching. I shall continue to use it when Halloween is over! 

His Christmas Princess by Scarlet Wilson

 His Christmas Princess by Scarlet Wilson is part of Mills & Boon Modern Christmas themed novels. 

Valmora has a huge problem- lack of an heir to replace the dying King. His son had died years ago without producing the obligatory heir. Raphael, Chief of Royal Staff had been tasked with trying to find one. He has resorted to using an Ancestory DNA type website. Charlotte Armstrong, cybersecurity consultant comes up as a match. Her royal lineage can be traced back to Mary Boleyn and more recent descendants such as King Charles. Raphael tracks Charlotte to a coffee shop and tells her that Valmora needs her to become Queen otherwise the country will revert back to France. She agrees to visit incognito to see if she is willing to give up her comfortable life for a life of public service.

There is an attraction between the pair throughout the novel and Raphael fights against it as he trains her to be Royal whilst sticking to the cardinal rule: don’t fall for the Princess. As Christmas approaches they become closer? but will they get the ultimate Christmas present? Their Happily Ever After!

This novel was very meh for me. I don’t particularly enjoy novels that merge fact and fiction, no matter how small the detail. Referencing DNA links to historical and recent royals spoilt the tone and premise of the book. The book was, however, well through out  and I enjoyed that Charlotte was confident,  had her own successful career and wasn’t a simpering heroine, grabbing a chance at a better life. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

Win Vinted Finds: Chamilia Harry Potter Slytherin v Hufflepuff Bangles

I always thought Chamilia jewellery didn’t deserve to be discontinued. It had great collaborations with both Disney and Warner bros, the beads were nice and the silver didn’t tarnish on me (I have very acidic skin and silver now tarnishes after a few hours wear. I like to watch on Vinted for any special or different pieces that are being sold. My mum was a potter head and I she would gave loved the Hufflepuff bangle!

Hufflepuff :

Slytherin:

The bangles are Sterling silver and are engraved with either Hufflepuff or Slytherin and an enamel slice of colour. The back of the engraved piece has the Chamilia and Harry Potter logos. The engraved piece also acts as the fastener to the bangle. 

So which house do you support? You can enter one or both competitions. Good Luck!

#win Chamilia Harry Potter Hufflepuff Sterling Silver Bangle  

#win Chamilia Harry Potter Slytherin Sterling Silver Bangle

#win DisneyxBaublebar Mickey & Minnie Articulated Earrings

 

Last year I reviewed Mickey & Minnie articulated earrings for pierced earrings. They have been sat gathering dust in my prize box and would be a great stocking filler for anyone of any age!

Click below to enter: 

#win DisneyxBaublebar Mickey & Minnie Articulated Earrings

Rules:

Competition is open worldwide 

Closing date 30 sept 11.59pm gmt

Opens 6 September 

Good luck 

Dead Sea Salts v Epsom Salts: which one is for you?

Two of the most widely available and popular bath salts are Dead Sea Salts and Epsom Salts. Both have benefits for the user. They are both widely available and no matter what the brand they are priced reasonably considering they are the in cosmetic/ health sphere and have known restorative benefits. What is the  differences between Dead Sea Salts and Epsom Salts. Which one will work best for you? 

Dead Sea Salts:

DSS are a natural product which is mined from the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a landlocked lake which is situated between Israel and Jordan. The salts are 10 times saltier than the average sea/ ocean salt water and no aquatic life can survive in it. The salt is made from 30% sodium chloride and the other 70% is made up of  magnesium (which helps smooth and heal the skin, potassium, balances skin moisture, calcium, promotes skin cell growth and bromide which relaxes muscles and releases tension. DSS can be used as intended in baths to help soothe psorasis, eczema etc,  in skin and scalp scrubs to buff away dead skin cells, cosmetic items such as mud masks, lotions and shampoos/ conditioners and soap to help with skin hydration. 

Obviously the DSS hype and the fact the salts do work has led to massive interest and the growth of companies mining the salts in the Dead Sea. This in turn has created massive ecological problems for the sea. Water is dropping 3-4 metres every year, it is now little more than a pond.  and there is estimated to be around 600 sink holes in the surrounding area destroying the sea’s unique environment. Over extraction of minerals has meant the closure of Mineral beach and Ein Gedi Spa beach which has affected tourism and meant more of a dependence on mining as a form of employment. 

Epsom Salts:

Epsom Salts can occur naturally or be man made. Both versions  are identical in their chemical composition:  magnesium sulphate heptahydrate. ES can be taken from natural occurring springs, by evaporating the water such as the Epsom spring in Surrey, UK or natural mineral deposits, but this is rare or made in factories. Most ES are made in factories and are thus chemically pure. The salts have a bitter saline taste and aren’t actually a salt, even though it resembles it, but a mineral compound consisting of magnesium, supports nerve function, muscle relaxation and enhances energy, sulfate (sulphur), helps create connective tissue and supports the metabolism, and oxygen. 

ES can be used as a foot and bath soak to relax muscles and help relieve muscular pain or soften hard skin on the foot. Added to olive oil it can be used as a scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells.  

ES can also be used for gardening and cleaning. It can be used an an eco friendly slug repellent, just sprinkle some round where you don’t want skids to go, I use it around my hedgehog feeders as it is safe for them and does seem to put them off, put in the soul or mix with water in a spray bottle, as per Royal horticultural society guidelines, to spray foliage with a magnesium deficiency or add to liquid dish and create an abrasive mixture to clean pots and pans etc. 

                     Dead Sea salts.      Epsom salts      

My experience:

I got diagnosed with scalp psoriasis, itchy scalp wnd acne prone stressed skin as a consequence of breaking my neck and having to have titanium implants placed in my neck to fuse it and keep everything in place. My body didn’t like this and it threw a tantrum, triggering all of the above ailments. I got a fungus toe nail infection. I also have developed neuropathic pain all over my body, so cannot stand to be touched, wear tight clothing etc. Whenever I asked for help I was just told to live with them because at least I had some mobility. I suffered and itched for a few years, editing the dandruff fall from my photos - it was bad. I then tried Dead Sea salts. I have reviewed several brands in previous blog posts but then I didn’t realise how life changing they would be for my skin and scalp. Unfortunately after my accident my mum had the bath removed and wet room put in to make it easier for me to access a bath I am now using up my Accor hotel points twice a month so the cost for the room is £5.10 per hotel stay. I can have as many baths as I want and I can soak my scalp, back and feet which I cannot do at home. I have help getting in and out of the bath but apart from that it’s the freest I have felt in years as because I am only small I can float in the bath if it’s filled to the brim. 

I don’t just use a scoop of the Dead Sea salts I dump a whole 1kg  bag in every time I refill the bath. Yes it’s expensive and salty but the results have been life changing for me. My scalp psoriasis has improved as has my itchy scalp which is great as I cannot lift my arms high enough to reach the top of my head and have a good old itch! My acne has gone and my skin is now clear. The fungal toe nail infection is also slowly being killed off.  My big toe nails are no longer yellow and crusty.  New growth is clear and healthy so I’m thrilled with that progress.  I am, however sad that the Dead Sea is dying and no one seems to be trying to find a solution to solve the problem or create a man made alternative to DSS. It’s a billion dollar industry that is creating an ecological nightmare that no one cares about. 

Epsom salts are more limited in their benefits, but more ecologically friendly as they are man made. As I want more than just to feel relaxed, I normally just use 1/2 a bag mixed in with the DSS in a bath soak to get benefits from feeling more relaxed and therefore not in as much pain and also soothe my psoriasis and acne. I also use ES to stop slugs eating my hedgehog food. 

    

Kidnapped by the Devil by Heidi Rice

Kidnapped by the Devil is Heidi Rice’s second novel in her Captive Mafia Seductions mini series. The first novel, Italian’s Devil Baby, followed Vittorio and Mia’s story whilst the second follows the story of Mia’s younger sister, Evie and Vito’s half brother Dante Malvini. 

Summary

Elsie is taken prisoner by Dante on Vito’s private island, Isla Donna, as he escapes after being held prisoner there for several months. The two brothers run rival mafia gangs. Dante runs the Malvini gang which tried to kill both Vito and Mia in the first novel. He takes Evie as a potential bargaining chip and protection against potential retaliation by Vito. The pair have a great chemistry and Dante falls for Evie’s kindness. They marry and move to New York. Dante’s overbearingness and the remnants of his childhood trauma plus Evie’s childhood issues need to be overcome as chemistry alone cannot lead to a lasting relationship. 

Review

The story is told from both Evie’s and Dante’s viewpoint. The storyline is well balanced and doesn’t just have a tenuous connection to the first book. although it can be read as a standalone novel. Both the main characters are likeable and relatable. There are some very heart rending moments relating to the puppy, for example. I enjoyed this mini series and would recommend it. 

I received this book via Heidi Rice in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #gifted

The Billion-Dollar Heir Returns by Rachael Stewart

Introduction 

The Billion-Dollar Heir Returns is written by Rachael Stewart, published by Mills & Boon, and is the fourth and final novel in her Outback Kings mini series. 

Summary

Jackson King reluctantly returns to his family homestead, Kings Reach, in the Australian outback. Summoned by his ailing father, Fraser King, from whom he has been estranged for the past 20 years. Fraser’s original will left the ranch to his 4 sons. The new will leaves it all to Jackson. Annalise Fletcher has been Fraser’s personal assistant/ nurse for three years. Whilst Fraser’s health issues have remained hidden from everyone she is seen as his PA. She has grown to love the ranch  and she regards Jackson as selfish, deserting his father and the family business. Nevertheless Jackson and Annalise have a mind blowing kiss which may change both their lives, but what will happen when all the secrets come tumbling out.

Review

A lovely final novel which ties up all the lose ends, closing the final chapters on the Outback Kings series. The main characters are both determined but have to deal with the secrets and past before they can move on with their future. Old characters reappear making the series seem like a continuous seamless read but each novel can also be read as a stand alone novel without the reader getting  lost. It is a gentle, passion filled romance, which brings together the uncovering of family secrets, family disagreements, past betrayals, health issues and general fall outs between family members and wraps them all up in to this final novel. 

I received this book via Bookfunnel and Rachael Stewart in exchange for a honest review.  #gifted

His Royal Christmas Revenge by Clare Connelly

 

His Royal Christmas Revenge is written by Clare Connelly and published by Mills and Boon Modern. This novel is part of their Christmas themed offerings. The heroine is Queen Astrid Thera of Norvenheim. She became Queen when she was still a teenager after surviving a car crash where her parents and older brother sadly died. The heroine is The hero, Javier Diamandi, sent away from the island as a child by his stepmother after both his parents died. They meet at the Starlight ball. Astrid is looking for a spouse who she can have children with. She considers Otto, Javier’s half brother but at the ball she is drawn to Javier. She decides this will be her time with no advisors telling her who is appropriate and they plunge into affair. Their affair appears doomed to failure due to their issues going back to childhood and Astrid’s determination to put her country first. Will they be able to overcome these insurmountable problems and have their HEA? 

This is the first book written by Clare that I haven’t enjoyed and that I struggled finish as it dragged. It lacked Christmas cheer. The front cover didn’t scream holiday season to the prospective reader, it was too dark and gothic. The characters didn’t gel or complement each other and the link to the holiday season was tenuous at best! There was something “off” about the whole novel as though the author hadn’t really enjoyed writing it or enjoyed developing the characters. In someways the story, even though it is fictional and set in yet another fictitious tiny monarchy, is relevant as most of the European Royal houses’  next monarch will be female, I wonder how they will choose their spouse? Anyway not her best work. I won’t be rereading it. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

The One Who Walked Away By Karen Rose

Summary

The One Who Walked Away is a stand-alone thriller by well known author, Karen Rose. Elle Randolph and Sara , her boss, are bounty hunters. Sara leaves after a few days to go home to her pregnant wife. Elle and Sara become persons of interest in the case and are suspected of committing a murder as the manager of the local inn’s  dead body as they are the last two people to be seen with her when she was alive. Life has finally caught up with Elle after three years of taking every case she can so she doesn’t have to face that she was the only person to walk away from a car accident that killed her husband and two other people. The police officer in charge of the investigation is Detective Ronan Clarke, a single dad with 15 years experience on the force. 

This case is set in Mendocino County. Everyone who Elle and Sara question in regards to their case of apprehending a runaway fugitive ends up being murdered. As the bodies stack up it is clear Sara is being framed but as she has a web of secrets that she is trying hard not to divulge to Ronan, it is difficult for him to trust her. As the pair try to find out who is framing her for the murder and other killings as well as trying to kill Sara a romance develops between them. 

Review 

This novel incorporates some hard hitting themes such as domestic violence which are handled sensitively. The book itself was well paced and structured. The tension builds slowly throughout the novel but it is quite easy to guess who committed the murder. As the reader, however, I found it difficult to relate to the main characters. 

I received this book via Netgalley and Headline  in exchange for a honest review.  #netgalley #gifted #TheOneWhoWalkedAway

One Weekend In Prague by Alison Roberts

Summary 

One Weekend in Prague is an opposite attracts, holiday fling romance set in Prague. Mac (Hamish MacMillan) a well known  emergency medicine specialist from Scotland and Hanna Peterson, an emergency department nurse from New Zealand, are in Prague to not only sight see but also attend a medical conference.

They first meet under the Astronomical Clock as they have signed up to take a walking tour of Prague, their guide collapses and their relationship goes from there. They attend the conference and spend time together both in bed and sightseeing. Once the conference and holiday romance are over they both return to their reality. 

Hanna is surprised when Mac reappears in her life in New Zealand, filling in for her friend Jo who has gone on maternity leave. 

The second part of the book focuses more on the hospital setting and the pair building a relationship, overcoming hurdles to that. Will they be overcome the biggest problem of all? Mac doesn’t want commitment and children whilst Hanna does. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

The Billionaire in Disguise by Soraya Lane

 

Summary

The Billionaire in Disguise is a heart warming, gentle romance published by Mills and Boon. Nathan Bell is a billionaire who left London for New Zealand after suffering a heart attack in his early 30s due to his stressful career. He is currently renting a cottage on Jessica’s grandfather’s farm. Jessica Falls, a professional horse jumper is recovering after seriously injuring her back whilst competing. She returned to NZ to sort out her grandfathers estate and her life. 

Review 

The book follows the pair trying to sort their lives out whilst having a no strings romance. Quite an emotional yet gentle read as they both work towards their futures but will this push them apart.

I normally can read Soraya Lane’s book in one sitting but this one dragged. I found the storyline to be dragged out. The premise for the book is great and it is beautifully written, I just couldn’t get in to it. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

Book Review: Italian Devil’s Baby by Heidi Rice

Introduction 

There appears to be a new genre in the world of romance - dark, spicy mafia themed novels. Lucy Munroe was the first author I noticed that had started to write self published mafia romance novels whilst also showcasing other authors who write in this genre. Heidi Rice is the first author to bring this type of storyline to Mills and Boon Modern and I was interested to see how it fitted in to or broadened the Modern plot types. 

Summary 

Italian Devil’s Baby, the first in the Captive Mafia Seductions is written by Heidi Rice. It is a dark mafia/ secret pregnancy romance.  Vittorio Rocco, is head of the Rocco family, a mafia boss who is feared in Southern Italy. Mia Taylor is a teaching assistant from London who has maxed out her credit cards to take her little sister, Evie on a once in a lifetime trip to Italy. Vito first sees Mia dancing with friends on his on his yacht.  She agrees to meet him and their one night stand goes from there. He whisks her off to his apartment, they have a great night but unfortunately a rival gang led by his half brother Dante break in and shoot Vito. 

Mia is hurriedly removed from the scene and taken back to London to the flat she shared with Evie. She discovers she is pregnant but doesn’t tell Vito as she has now realised he is very much tied up with the mafia! 

Vito comes to find Mia, realises she is pregnant and whisks her back to Italy to his private island that is like a fortress. The chemistry between them is still there but will their relationship withstand the violence, loss of freedom for Mia and the total change to her life?

Review

I enjoyed this novel. It is well paced and doesn’t drag the plot line out. The characters aren’t over the top stereotypes but have character flaws that are relatable to the reader. It is a very sexually charged novel, violent in places, a step up from the traditional M&B Modern. I am looking forward to reading Dante and Evies’ story which is out in October. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

I received this book via Heidi Rice in exchange for a honest review. I am a #MillsAndBoonInsider #gifted

Book Review: One Bed Between Rivals by Joss Wood

Introduction 

One Bed Between Rivals, written by Joss Wood and published by Mills and Boon Modern is a thoughtful eco romance.

Summary 

Thea and Farrell first met at university, she added an idealistic, studious student, him the playboy son of a hotel property millionaire. Thy didn’t mix in the same friendship group. 10 years on she is a successful travel blogger whilst he has taken over the family business and is trying to fix all th corrupt and damaging practices his father used whilst building his empire of holiday resorts. 

Thea has been invited to the opening of Farrell’s newest resort, an eco resort in th Seychelles.  Financed by Farrell it is one of many initiatives to try and fix the damage done to the eco system by his father. 

A tropical storm hits the resort on the first night. They are forced to share a bed in Farrell’s bungalow and the sparks fly. The media is about to  blow open all the corrupt dealings Farrell’s father entered into when building his empire. Will their romance survive?

Review

One Bed is quite a compact novel, the main characters could have been developed other more backstory. I Enjoyed the story being written from a dual point of view, it made the storyline more rounded as the refer saw the storyline develop from both characters standpoint. 

As usual with Joss Wood’s novels I enjoyed this book, I just wish it had been longer. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

Book Review: Her Forbidden Royal Boss by Jadesola James

Summary

Her Forbidden Royal Boss, written by Jadesola James and published by Mills and Boon Modern imprint is a Royal romance set in Anwu, Prince Ikem is the Prince Regent until the baby nephew takes the throne at 18. The palace becomes aware of threats gins the baby’s life so Adama is appointed as a nanny /bodyguard as she has military training. Ikem is trying to uphold the legacy of his brother whilst unrest is growing in neighbouring and his own country. Adama and her family have seen and lived through the unrest and understand how Ikem’s decisions could destroy the country. She also isn’t that comfortable around the baby as after her brother died she cut herself from her feelings. Nevertheless the attraction between the pair simmers and explodes as the prince and Adama work together to protect the baby.

Review

A really enjoyable read, well paced and interesting as Adama is a very strong, determined heroine (with issues going back to her childhood) and Prince Ikem, whils presenting as an alpha male hero he also makes mistakes. He also had a soft protective side when it comes to his nephew. I look forward to reading other novels by this author as her writing and storylines are fresh and new. 

#Win #miffy bundle

Just like millions of other users I have been banned from Twitter/X for inauthentic behaviour. I had been retweeting lots of find my pet / animal rescue tweets. This means I cannot access my dms and send out my disney prizes. Looking into advice posted on Reddit, sometimes searching for an account helps to prove you are a real person. This is my link:Link  in order try and get reinstated and prove I am not a bot this competition will require entrants to:

Follow my blog;

Comment on any Blog post;

Search on X for @susan1375 Link

Leave a comment on this post stating how many times you have searched or left a comment (each time equals one entry) so I can message the winner. 

The prize is a mini Miffy bundle consisting of a blind box colourful light and a friendship bracelet, both are reviewed in previous posts. The blind box has not been opened so I don’t know what colour Miffy you will win. 

Rules:

The competition opens on 12 June 2026 0.01 am GMT and closes on 0/ 1 July 11.59pm GMT.

The competition is open internationally.

I purchased the items and the brands have no input into this competition. Any questions please message me through my blog.

You must:

Follow my blog;

Comment on. Blog post;

Search on X for @susan1375

Leave a Comment on this post so I can contact you

 

Book Review: Family Lies by Karen Rose

 

Introduction 

Family Lies is a suspense thriller written by award winning novelist, Karen Rose. This is the fourth novel in the San Diego Case File series. 

Summary

San Diego Homicide Detective Kit McKittrick and police psychologist/ boyfriend Sam Reeves. 

This case focuses on Kit’s foster sister Akiko. A recently deceased woman, Mary leaves a message on Aliko’s answer machine claiming to have information about her birth mother. Kit is shot and wounded when she goes to Mary’s house at Akiko’s request to find out what she knows about her mother and finds Her body. and the story develops from there.  Mary had been in touch with Aliko’s sensei and mentor (who was subsequently beaten up). The plot line is increasingly murky as they are drawn into the Japanese mafia underworld. 

Review

I enjoyed this novel, but I did find it to be very long and complicated with lots of subplots and characters that were superfluous to or didn’t add anything to the storyline. I found the name changing for the Japanese characters very confusing, and unnecessary. The plot line could could have been pared down without losing the overall direction of the plot. 

Book Review: Off Grid And Off Limits by Jenni Fletcher

Summary

Off Grid And Off Limits is Jenni Fletcher’s first Mills and Boon Modern novel. It is set in the world of Formula 1. Dario is an F1 driver, recently divorced, aiming at winning the championship at the end of season whilst Livi, has recently been dumped for someone else right before her wedding. She writes biographies and sees writing Dario’s biography  as a steppingstone, a way of getting closer to her goal of interviewing and writing the biography of one of her childhood heroes. Both characters are anti relationship, focused on their careers but slowly they get closer but will it last as the F1 season heats up?

Review

This was a short but enjoyable novel. The characters were fun, relatable and worked well together. The storyline was well written and wasn’t dominated by F1 references, which for me was was great,  as I know nothing about it. 

I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I would be interested in reading more Books by the author as I found the quality and pacing of the novel to be good. 

I love Mills & Boon UK and I think you will too! Click my personal referral link to get a discount on your first purchase http://rwrd.io/f4yjeqp?c 

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

Miffy White Beaded Friendship Bracelet

The Carat Shop sell reasonably priced licences jewellery. Their lines includes  everything from Miffy, Hello Kitty to Harry Potter to Peppa Pig and football clubs. I think for the price their items are well made and nicely presented. I gave away some Harry Potter items a few years ago in a blog competition and price’s don’t seem to have increased that much since then. 

I chose this Miffy Silver pearlised Beaded Friendship bracelet (£7.99) to go in my Miffy competition bundle as it it adjustable so will fit a wide range of wrist sizes and it is quite cute. 

The white beads are pearlised. The friendship style fastening means the bracelet is adjustable from 17-21cm in length. The silvertone disc has Miffy’s head embossed on it. It comes packaged nicely Miffy packaging. I haven’t taken it out to photograph as it is a gift/ prize and I don’t want to spoil it. 

I would wear this bracelet or be pleased to receive it as a gift. The price point is great and the item itself looks more expensive than it actually cost. A lovely item. 

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

Miffy Blind Box: Colouful Surprise Lights

I have purchased and reviewed a Miffy night light several years ago and it’s still going strong. It “lives” in the front porch and I leave it on when I’m going out so when I return I can see where my cats are etc. As I am in a lot of pain with my spinal cord pain I decided I needed a treat and a light that I can watch from bed as I am having difficulty sleeping because of the pain. I never fell for the potential dopamine hits of the Lububu etc dolls but the Miffy lights intrigued me because they are cute and functional. 

There are 7 lights to collect, 3 pastel shades, 3 Warm toned and one surprise Miffy mini light. Each box (£20) contains a random light. They are small but adorable, measuring 7.5x7.5x15cm. Made of soft silicone they automatically switch off after 15 minutes to save battery power. The batteries can be replaced and Miffy can be cleaned with a wipe down using a damp cloth. Unlike the Laboubou blind boxes the Miffy ones don’t come in a plastic bag to be ripped open for social media clout, so slightly better for the environment as my empty box went in the recycling bin. 

I like Miffy artwork and have bought several items and won several pieces from the Midfy shop official account on X. I also visited the shop when I went to Amsterdam. I really like my light, it cheers me up to see it glowing when I’m in bed feeling sorry for myself.

They are out of stock on the official Miffy site but there is an eBay seller who is selling them slightly cheaper or you could enter my competition on the next blog post! Good luck

I purchased this item myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own. 

Mills & Boon: 4 Free Reads for Valentines Day!

Mills and Boon  are offering 4 free e-books to celebrate Valentines Day 2026. For the whole of February 4 e-books, with redesigned vintage covers are available to download from their own site, Amazon, Kobo, Apple etc. this is a great offer as it’s a free way to explore 4 of M&B’s main genres, Modern, Medical, Historical and True Love romance. Even if you are a long time reader this also maybe a good opportunity to scope out a new author and see if there style catches your interest or you may be reintroduced to an author that you used to like but hasn’t made it in to your TBR pile for a while.

The first book I downloaded was Off Limits Fling by Rachael Stewart, She is one of my favourite authors and this novel did not disappoint. This is a True Love novel. Gabe and Avery Monroe meet again 3 years after Gabe turned down Avery’s kiss. Now, due to her brother’s meddling the pair are reunited at Gabe’s Croatian castle for the whole summer. The passion is reignited but will it burn eternal or be blown out? Both the main characters are damaged. In the past Gabe saw Avery as off limits as she had a reputation as a wild child. Now, as they spend time together he sees the real Avery and understands why she acted the way she did. An enjoyable read, both characters are relatable and work well together. Enjoyable descriptions of Croatia. The story is well paced and not dragged out. 

Falling For Her Miami Rival is an LGBTQ Medical romance.  This novel introduced me to a new author, Luana DeRosa. Both Jamie and Allegra work at the ER Palm Grove Hospital. Jamie grew up on foster care and worked hard to get where she is today. The ER depended on her. She applied to be the consultant but the job went to a new Doctor, Allegra. She is hurt but ever the consummate professional she works with Allegra and a connection between the pair develops. Once Jamie finds out Allegra is fresh out of a divorce, however, she decides they would be better staying as rivals.

This is quite a short read and focuses more on the inequalities of the US medical system as a storyline rather than the balance of the relationship between the two women. Jamie is no longer in charge, Allegra is. The author created the basis for a great storyline as she could have developed their characters and relationship around how they learned to cope with the power imbalance in the relationship but it is hardly mentioned. 

The premise for this novel is great but the execution is lacking. There are missed opportunities to develop some interesting storylines but I would still be interested to read her future novels to see how her style develops. 

Accidentally Wearing The Argentinian’s Ring by Maya Blake represents the Modern genre. Mareka is the shy quiet personal assistant to  Cayetano, her rich boss. He is about to become engaged (ultimately the engagement with Octavia is a business transaction) but when Mareka goes to collect the engagement ring from the jewellers she is photographed trying it on! The world now thinks she is his fiancée and he is dumped by Octavia. Caye still needs a fiancée inherit his grandfather’s business as his will stipulates that he must be married to inherit.  and so Mareka is the chosen one, after all she scuppered hos original plan. As the pair work together on Caye’s opulent estate they struggle to keep their engagement a business only proposition. 

This is a traditional M&B Modern romance. The alpha male needs a fiancée/ fake marriage in order to inherit. There was a fleeting hint of mutual attraction between the pair prior to the engagement ring debacle but it was never acted upon. Both main characters have problematic families which affects their attitudes to relationships. An enjoyable read, as are all Maya Blake’s novels. 

Finally the novel I wasn’t particularly looking for to reading as I don’t enjoy reading historical romances but I thought that maybe this one may change my mind - How The Wallflower Wins The Duke by Lucy Morris. This is a spicy Regency romance. Set mainly at a weekend house party Marina Fletcher is attending with her family as her father is a renowned architect and he is competing with the Moorcroft family for a contract to renovate Brook’s country house. Brook Wyndham is ex army, ex spare and now the Duke of Framlingham which he losing interest in. What he really wants to do is go on a Grand Tour and find himself. Marina Fletcher is a successful musician who has decided that she will only marry for love. Brook suggests a fake marriage between the pair.

There is definitely chemistry between the pair and neither are the traditional Regency hero/ione characters. The first part of the book is the tradition clean, almost staid romance whilst the second involves Mariana scrambling through Priest holes to get to Brook as she wants to try sex in case she never gets another chance!

I enjoyed this novel more than I though I would but I still don’t think I would reach for them regularly. As a one off it was okay but I wouldn’t rush to read anymore. I can see why they have stood the test of time and are a M&B staple, they are just not for me.