THE SUMMER OF '98 - Book Review

 

Book Overview:

Before Drayton and Dallas, there was Ellie and Leroy . . .

With the prequel to her smash hit The QB Bad Boy and Me, rising star Tay Marley returns to tell the story of Drayton’s parents and the summer that changed everything . . .

Sometimes home isn’t a place, it’s a person. From the moment their eyes met, Ellie knew he would be her destiny. Handsome and ripped, there’s just something about Leroy Lehay, Baylor University’s soon-to-be star quarterback, that makes him impossible to resist.

Consumed by a passion neither one of them can quite understand, Leroy and Ellie spend the summer together. Left senseless and overwhelmed by his touch, Ellie experiences a world of desire she could never have imagined.

Safe in Leroy’s arms, Ellie begins to see a life beyond high school: going to college, starting her own business, having a family. But when life-altering news shakes them to their cores, Leroy and Ellie must discover if their passion is enough to help them get through what might possibly be the greatest challenge of their lives.

My Review:

For me, I was spending the Summer of '98 giving birth to my second child.  And that was at the age of 21!  But I digress...

A book intended for teens and young adults, The Summer of '98 tells of how two people meet up and fall in love rather quickly.  Ellie and Leroy then spend most of the summer together at his hometown.  Then, something happens that rocks their world and tests their love.

There's so much I liked about this book, and so much I didn't like.  Due to racy content and language, I'd definitely recommend this for the older teen crowd.  I wouldn't let my young teenager read it.  Even though I was doing a lot of things that Ellie and Leroy were doing at their age, I don't necessarily feel it's appropriate to lay it all out like that.  For starters, Ellie gives up her virginity to Leroy the first night they meet because she's so sure "he's the one".  Secondly, the sex scenes are a little too raunchy for the crowd it's intended for.

With that said, I liked the overall story line of the book and could relate to a lot of it.  I found myself more interested in Leroy's brother, Noah.  He seemed like a more complex character with raw feelings.  His on-again, off-again girlfriend was also quite relatable.  I could see a lot of teenagers, especially girls, having the same complicated feelings and emotions that she does in the book.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.  

25 Forty: Christian Tees and Wall Prints - Review and Giveaway

 

I don't consider myself overly religious but I am strong in my faith. I may not throw a Bible or spew scripture at you, but I will never deny my Christian belief.  25 Forty, a producer of Christian tees and gifts, proclaims the Good news of Christ to the world through merchandise that focuses on the Matthew 25:40 verse. For those not familiar with the Bible scripture, it is “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Rustic Boast in The Lord 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 Christian Wall Art Print

That particular verse, for me, says that we are doing God's work when we help those in need.  25 Forty is a company that carries through with that by giving $5 for every purchase to a non-profit organization, Matthew 25 Ministries. 

I did a review and giveaway for 25 Forty in 2014.  Since then, the company has expanded their line of products.  I was given the opportunity to see and try some of their new items since I first found out about the company.

I received five tshirts from 25 Forty, all with visual words of the Matthew 25:40 verse either by design or in the tag area.  All shirts are made of 100% ring spun cotton.  Because of the material and knowing the tees  would shrink in the wash, I ordered up one size.  I'm impressed with the quality of the shirts, as well as the quality of the messages on them.  The tees that 25 Forty carries are a positive way to show your love for Jesus and show others the importance of helping others in need. 

25 Forty takes the extra step and rolls their tees in pretty packaging for shipping

25 Forty has expanded its line from just tshirts to include wall art prints.  Each Giclée print is made with fine quality paper.  Frames are not included.  I've made a photo collage in my guest bathroom by hanging the prints artfully with colored tacks.  

two of the art prints I received

25 Forty offers free shipping on all orders through USPS, with no code or minimum required.  The company is based out of Texas.  I know it's a small company but I think they're helping make a big impact. 

Win It!

Five people will each win a tshirt and art print of choice from 25 Forty.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check It Out: Savings.com #MacysPickMeUps Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away 5 $100 e-gift cards on behalf of Macy's!

Giveaway ends on Sunday, August 23rd at 11:59 PM PT

Five (5) winners will receive a $100 e-gift card.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

CBD Living Sparkling Water - Review and Giveaway

It's become quite the trend to infuse products with CBD.  It allegedly touts pain-relieving, anxiety-reducing, relaxation-promoting benefits.

CBD Living is a global CBD manufacturer and distributor dedicated to creating high-quality CBD products that fit in with everyone’s lifestyles, from Gel Capsules you can easily take at the same time as your daily multivitamins, to Bath Bombs for winding down at the end of a long day or CBD Living Water to hydrate - and relax - on the go. 

CBD Living is not a "get high" company.  Their products will not alter your mental state or give you a feeling of being high.  Their products do not contain THC, the stuff that gives you the altered state of mind.  These products contain CBD, the stuff that relaxes you and alleviates pain.

I won't make any medical claims regarding the CBD products and I can't guarantee they'd solve your problems. What I can say is that I'll continue taking them because I've noticed a positive change in how my body feels.

The kids are on summer break, which means one thing - YOU’RE not going to be getting a break anytime soon, and self-care is usually the first thing to go out the window. While you’re running around this summer, make sure you stay hydrated. New CBD Living Sparkling Water combines 25 mg of nano-CBD with Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 for extra energy, and is available in four tantalizing flavors you won’t see anywhere else (Orange Grapefruit, Peach Honey, Strawberry Lavender and Apple Ginger). Each flavor is also vegan, gluten-free and certified Kosher, and contains absolutely zero THC.  My husband and I have both been drinking CBD Living Sparkling Water.  It's refreshing during the hot weather and we like the flavors.  My favorite is Strawberry Lavender.

Win It!

One person will win all four flavors of CBD Living Sparkling Water.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check It Out: Savings.com #SaveAtOldNavy Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away five $100 e-gift cards from Old Navy!

Giveaway ends on Friday, August 7th at 11:59 PM PT.

Five (5) winners will receive a $100 e-gift card from Old Navy.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

The Miss Olive Book Winner Is...

My giveaway has ended for Miss Olive Finds Her Furever Friends book.  The lucky winner chosen by Rafflecopter is #1, mahnrafjtb. 

I know giveaways have been slow the last few months but they are starting to pick up again, so keep an eye out!

Kinda in Quarantine Due to COVID

Unless you want to shell out a pretty penny, you can't buy a kayak around here.  With COVID, kayak sales have skyrocketed (along with pools and trampolines).  My hubby got lucky and was able to find me one in May at a fair price.

Well, I took my kayak out for the fifth time since getting it in May.  Except this go round, it caused a conundrum.  

Last Tuesday I went out on the lake with a friend who's a deputy.  We didn't swap slobbers.  We took our own vehicles.  Rode in our own kayaks.  Stayed our distance for the most part.  

Two days later, she finds out her husband has the 'Rona (along with several of his workmates).  For obvious reasons, she's been put in Quarantine.  She won't be tested unless signs of sickness show up.  Fast forward to Saturday, she's called to let me know since she and I were around each other.

To give a heads up, I call my supervisor at work to let her know.  I figured she'd tell me to just keep an eye out and let them know if I show any symptoms.  But, after she calls the health department, they want me to stay away from work until August 12th.  It's out of an overabundance of caution.  Guess if I get it and bring COVID in to work, we'll go down like a sinking ship.  We're already short-staffed as it is.  So, I get the logic behind it.  Here's hoping I don't get the crap and can get house clean for the next several days I'm off work.

How have you been affected by COVID-19?
Were you able to get a kayak before they started selling like hot cakes?

Petmate: 15% Off Any Dog Toy

15% Off Any Dog Toy
Use code DOGTOY15
Offer valid through August 6, 2020

Everyone knows a dog's favorite time is playtime! Keep your dog occupied with treat toys and chew toys. Get outside and play with fetch and tug toys. Cuddle up with soft, squeaky plush toys. No matter your dog's play style, Petmate is sure to have the perfect toy for your dog.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Wonder Woman: The Way of the Amazons - Children's Book Giveaway

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Series: Wonder Woman

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Insight Kids (August 4, 2020)

Book Overview:

Explore the mysteries of Wonder Woman’s ancient homeland and follow her journey into the modern world with this engaging interactive history of the Amazons.

Herewith lie the secrets of Themyscira, the home of the Amazon Warriors and their princess, Diana.

When Wonder Woman left paradise to journey to the modern world, she brought with her reproductions of the secret archives of her homeland of Themyscira. Wonder Woman: The Way of the Amazons is a fascinating collection of history and artifacts from Diana’s homeland, which unlocks the mysteries of the Amazons and their hidden island with stunning original illustrations, and wondrous special features including pages that open up, removable treasures, and more. Get a rare glimpse into Amazon traditions and explore their lush and beautiful home, including the exotic bestiary of mythical creatures, kangas, and more. Then follow Diana as she shares her personal tale of entering the modern world and grow from a young Amazon Princess to become Wonder Woman.

Win It!

One person will win Wonder Woman: The Way of the Amazons hardcover book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received no product or compensation.  This post is in partnership with Insight Editions.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway