Author: bucknscout

  • Two Friends Struggle with Their Weight, Happiness, and the Loss of Their Friend

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    I wasn’t looking for a book like this, but Higgins’ book Good Luck with That really hit a nerve. As someone who is overweight and trying to find the willpower to lose weight, this book really talked to me.

    Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. They truly found someone who loved them, no matter their size, though they still had a list of the things that they would do once they finally got skinny!

    When Emerson tragically passes away, her friends are shocked that she wants them to carry out the things on their list, right now, before they run out of time! She didn’t want them to wait until they got skinny!

    It isn’t easy. Marley has been carrying around the loss of her twin since she was four years old. Because of that, she hasn’t been able to find love. Georgia has been dealing with rejection from her mother and brother her whole life, due to her size. She has to learn how to love herself, no matter what her size. Her ex-husband loved her, even at her heaviest, but she wasn’t able to see that!

    As the two friends grow stronger, they learn to love themselves and start living, even if they still have quite a few pounds to lose. This book was really an eye-opener for me. I have said many things that both Marley and Georgia have said. When I am skinny, my life will be better. However, I have to learn to love myself too!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • Holly’s Story Wasn’t Done

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    Seven years after her husband’s death, Holly Kennedy has moved on with her life. She was working with her sister and has even found love again.

    When her sister asks her to tell her story on her podcast, she has no idea how her life will change. She had no idea that her story would touch so many people. In fact, several terminally ill people decide that they want to leave letters for their own loved ones! And they need her help!

    Holly has to decide if helping them is the right thing (or if it is going to drain her and take her back into the deep depression she felt after Gerry’s passing). But along the way, she learns so much about life, love, and herself!

    If you loved PS I Love You, you will love the rest of Holly’s story in Postscript by Cecilia Ahern. I highly enjoyed his read and hope that you choose it for your next read!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • The Book is Even Better!

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    In PS I Love You by Cecilia Ahern, Holly and Gerry were childhood sweethearts–soulmates. They grew up together, as best friends, so it was no surprise when they married and started their life together.

    But when the unthinkable happens, Holly struggles to continue living without her soulmate. Then, Gerry surprises her from beyond the grave. He leaves her with a bunch of notes that he signed ‘PS, I Love You’. Holly is told to open one a month for several months.

    Following whatever Gerry tells her, Holly buys a new outfit, gets a good job, tries karaoke, and much more. However, she quickly realizes that, even with Gerry’s death, she is still living for him.

    Lucky for Holly, she has a lot of family and friends to help her through the first year. She finds herself laughing, crying, and enjoying life again. Even better, she has a guardian angel by her side!

    I haven’t watched the movie in years (or read this book), but I am really glad that I picked it up again. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, so stay tuned!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • A Sweet Romantic Novel Worth Checking Out

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    Mia DeAngelis made a change that would affect the rest of her life and her nephew Ben’s. However, she knew that it would be for the best.

    Deciding to move to Compass Cove, where her grandmother lived, felt like starting over. She took a job as a college librarian in a sleepy little beach town, where she knew that Ben would shine. The two move in with Mia’s grandmother and plan to make a life for themselves.

    Adam Miller, who retired from the NFL after an injury, returns to Compass Cove to lead a quieter, purposeful life. He becomes a coach at the college, so that football can still be a part of his life.

    They couldn’t be more different. A quiet librarian raising her sister’s child and a fast football star looking for a chance at a slower-paced life. However, when the two of them meet, everyone knows that they belong together. The two of them just need to realize it themselves!

    If you are looking for a sweet romantic read, you should start with Then Came You by Jeannie Moon. I couldn’t wait until Mia and Adam realized how perfect they were together, with little Ben by their side!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • Five College Friends Stay Close Years Later

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    In All the Right Mistakes by Laura Jamison, five college friends approach their fortieth birthday, having traveled very different paths. Elizabeth and Sara are lawyers, Martha is a doctor, and Carmen is a wealthy stay-at-home mom. The most successful, Heather, is a famous tech executive.

    Then, Heather writes an advice novel, basically talking about all the “mistakes” that her college friends made, like opting out, giving half effort, and more. It becomes extremely popular, though, which hurts her friends more than anything. In fact, it may just tear them apart. None of them feels they can forgive Heather. When her life starts to fall apart, she doesn’t have her friends to fall back on.

    This makes the group realize that friendship is worth more than anything. They need each other to get through the ups and downs of life. It just makes life so much better to have someone you can count on!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • Why Temu Is a Great Place to Buy Diamond Painting Kits

    Temu Logo

    If you love diamond dot painting, like I do, you probably know how easy it is to become addicted to this relaxing hobby. The only downside? Once you finish one painting, you immediately want to start another. That’s why finding affordable places to buy new kits is so important.

    One online marketplace that many crafters have discovered is Temu. Over the past few years, Temu has become extremely popular among hobbyists seeking inexpensive diamond paintings and craft supplies.

    If you’re looking for new diamond dot projects without spending a lot of money, here are several reasons why Temu can be a great place to shop.

    Extremely Affordable Prices

    One of the biggest reasons people buy diamond paintings from Temu is the price. Many diamond painting kits on the platform are available for just a few dollars, and some listings are discounted by 50–80% or more compared to typical retail prices.

    Because the marketplace connects buyers directly with manufacturers and sellers, it removes many middlemen who normally raise prices.

    For diamond painting fans, this means you can often buy several kits for the same price as one kit from other retailers.

    This makes Temu a great option if you like having multiple projects ready to work on (or a whole tub of them like I do)!

    Huge Variety of Designs

    Another reason many diamond painting enthusiasts shop on Temu is the huge variety of available designs.

    You can find almost every theme imaginable, including:

    • Animals and pets
    • Flowers and nature scenes
    • Fantasy artwork
    • Landscapes
    • Seasonal and holiday designs
    • Inspirational art

    Many shoppers enjoy browsing through the endless selection and picking several different designs to try. Some people even build a “stash” of diamond paintings so they always have a new project ready to start.

    Great for Beginners

    If you’re new to diamond dot painting, Temu can be a great place to start. Because the kits are inexpensive, beginners can try the hobby without investing much money.

    This makes it easy to experiment with:

    • Different canvas sizes
    • Round vs. square diamonds
    • Various styles of artwork

    Many crafters say they like buying a few smaller kits when they are first learning the hobby, so they can practice and see which types of designs they enjoy most.

    Ability to Buy Multiple Kits at Once

    One thing diamond painters quickly learn is that finishing a project is incredibly satisfying—and a little addictive.

    Because Temu’s prices are so low, many people buy several kits at once so they always have something new to work on.

    Some shoppers enjoy collecting different designs or themes so they can rotate between projects depending on their mood.

    For example, you might work on a landscape one week and an animal design the next.

    Helpful Customer Reviews and Photos

    Another helpful feature on Temu is the large number of customer reviews. Many buyers post photos of their finished diamond paintings so you can see what the final artwork actually looks like.

    Looking at these photos can help you decide which designs are worth purchasing and which ones to skip.

    Online communities often recommend checking customer photos before buying, since this gives a better idea of the final result.

    For example, one Reddit user shared that many of the kits they purchased turned out well, with good adhesion and colors, after checking reviews first.

    Perfect for Expanding Your Diamond Painting Hobby

    Diamond dot painting is meant to be relaxing, creative, and fun. One of the best parts of the hobby is choosing your next project and watching the sparkling artwork slowly come to life.

    Because Temu offers affordable prices, a huge selection of designs, and plenty of customer reviews, it has become a popular place for diamond painting fans to shop for new kits.

    If you enjoy diamond painting and want to try new designs without spending a lot of money, browsing Temu might help you discover your next favorite project.

    Even better, because I found so many enjoyable projects through Temu, I can’t imagine spending more than ten dollars on a single project elsewhere!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    Til next time.

  • Finding Healing in Unexpected Ways

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    In 1918, as the war is ending, a family finds itself struggling with the loss of one of their own. Eleanor struggles to understand the new normal without her brother. Losing him just a few days before the end of the war doesn’t seem fair as people start to move on.

    To heal, she finds herself spending time in the neglected garden behind their home. To help her feel better, her father hires a man to help restore the garden to its former glory. Jack may come from a totally different world, but he understands her grief more than anyone else in the family. As they spend more time together, Eleanor wonders whether her family will ever accept him into their world.

    Now, Marin finds herself the guardian of her fifteen-year-old half-sister Rebecca when her father and Rebecca’s mother are killed in an accident. Though they don’t know each other, they are forced together as they deal with their own grief.

    When Rebecca suggests a fresh start where nobody knows about her loss, Marin impulsively agrees. As they move into the home Eleanor once lived in and discover a secret garden, the two find themselves working together to solve its mystery.

    This series, continuing with The Daughter’s Garden, is sure to delight readers as they read more and more, finding out how two women in the same home can be quite similar.

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • A Death Certificate Brings Two People Closer Together

    Book Cover off of Amazon Website

    In 1968, Sarah finds herself an orphan with nowhere to turn. She has vowed to take care of her younger sister, Lucy, and will do whatever she has to keep her safe.

    After moving in with their aunt, a tragic event leaves them with even fewer choices. Either Sarah can find someone to marry, or she works hard day and night in order to survive. She chooses marriage to a man who she thinks will take care of her dear Lucy.

    But marriage isn’t anything like she expected.

    Now, Ellen believes that life can’t get any better. She is married to an amazing man. They have one daughter together, and Ellen has an older daughter from her first marriage. But when her husband’s daughter from his first marriage comes to stay for an extended period of time, Annabelle and Ellen clash over everything!

    They eventually find a way to bond over a death certificate that was hidden in the attic. They both decide to figure out all they can about the young lady, Sarah, who died. Another great read by Kate Hewitt.

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • A Series By Kate Hewitt — A Must-Read

    Book Cover off of Amazon

    In 1939, Alice falls in love and marries a kind-hearted vicar named David. She leaves everything behind to move into a draughty vicarage in the beautiful, remote village of Goswell, Cumbria. However, she is determined to make a good life for her new husband and herself.

    But war changes things, like it typically does. David decides to leave for war, to do his part. Alice is devastated and unsure of her new role as the vicar’s wife. But everything changes when evacuees are brought into the village looking for homes. Alice finds herself bringing home a young girl named Vera, and will do whatever she can to protect this girl.

    In the present day, Jane and her family move into a vicarage in the middle of nowhere, in a small community called Goswell. Used to New York City, Jane is overwhelmed by the change.

    That all changes when Jane finds a note written by Alice. She is determined to find out everything she can about Alice and what her life was like when she lived in the same house. She finds out that, though Alice didn’t change the world, she led a good life in a small community, raising a daughter and building a life.

    I am not really a historical fiction reader, but this collection really called to me. I like reading about the two different times, and am always waiting to find the connection between the two women! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good mystery!

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    If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    Stay tuned for my next book review.

    Til next time.

  • Why I Love Artisan Digital Scrapbooking (and Why You Will Too)

    Photo Courtesy of Forever

    If you love creating beautiful memory books, photo albums, or scrapbooks — but hate the mess of glue, paper, and endless supplies — digital scrapbooking might just become your new favorite hobby.

    For me, switching to Artisan Digital Scrapbooking was a total game-changer. It gives me all the creativity of traditional scrapbooking, but with zero clutter and unlimited possibilities right on my computer.

    💻 What Is Artisan Digital Scrapbooking?

    Artisan is professional-quality scrapbooking software that lets you design digital layouts, photo books, cards, and more — all from the comfort of your laptop or desktop.

    It’s incredibly user-friendly and perfect for both beginners and experienced scrapbookers. You can start with pre-made templates or create completely custom designs. Drag and drop your photos, add embellishments, layer digital “papers,” and create something that looks beautifully hand-crafted — without ever touching scissors or glue.

    It’s a creative outlet that’s fun, relaxing, and meaningful — and you can print your finished books or share them digitally with family and friends.

    🖼️ Why I Love Using Artisan

    When I first tried Artisan, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about going digital. But after just a few projects, I was hooked!

    Here’s why:

    No mess or storage hassle. No more piles of paper, stickers, or half-finished projects taking over your dining room table.

    Total creative freedom. You can mix, match, resize, and recolor everything — it’s like having an infinite craft closet.

    Beautiful templates. Artisan comes with tons of built-in designs, and you can download even more from Forever’s digital art store.

    Perfect for any project. Whether it’s a family photo album, wedding book, baby memory keepsake, or travel scrapbook, you can create something totally unique.

    Instant undo. Made a mistake? No problem. One click, and it’s fixed — something traditional scrapbooking definitely doesn’t offer!

    🌿 Why Go Digital?

    Digital scrapbooking is more than just convenient — it’s eco-friendly and cost-effective. You’re not constantly buying new supplies, and you can reuse your digital elements again and again.

    Plus, it’s easier than ever to share your memories with friends and family online. You can print your pages into professional-quality photo books or simply send them as digital files — perfect for holidays, birthdays, and family gifts.

    💡 My Tips for Getting Started

    If you’re new to digital scrapbooking, here are a few quick tips:

    1. Start with templates. They’re a great way to learn layout design without feeling overwhelmed.
    2. Organize your photos first. It makes designing so much faster and more fun.
    3. Experiment with digital kits. You can download themed packs for holidays, seasons, pets, or travel.
    4. Take your time. The best part of digital scrapbooking is that it’s stress-free — no deadlines, no drying glue!

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Artisan digital scrapbooking is the perfect blend of creativity and convenience. It lets you capture your favorite memories beautifully — without the mess, cost, or limits of traditional scrapbooking.

    Whether you’re documenting your pets, your travels, or your everyday life, Artisan gives you everything you need to make your memories shine.

    Once you start creating with it, you’ll wonder how you ever scrapbooked without it!

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    Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    Til next time.