Sage Nestler's Blog, page 36
June 29, 2017
Book Review: Yesterday by Samyann
Title: Yesterday
Author: Samyann
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis:
A tender love story pulls the reader back to previous lives and a time richly elegant. In modern day Chicago, deja vu draws together a handsome mounted policeman and the beautiful young woman who saves his life. Yesterday is also a harrowing tale of escape through the American Civil War, the heart wrenching love of slaves for their young white charges, and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In this historical romance, Mark fights through Amanda’s rejection to prove that she will love again as she once loved – Yesterday.
Review:
Yesterday by Samyann is a unique novel that focuses on time travel and reincarnation. Much like The Time Traveler’s Wife, Yesterday explores romance and human connection as it passes the test of time. Yesterday is a unique novel that covers many different historical periods in the period of one story, and Samyann’s descriptions of the American Civil War and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 are raw and eye-opening.
Mark and Amanda are a young couple in modern day Chicago, and when they meet each other, they begin to experience déjà vu feelings with one another. After experiencing such intense emotions, they decide to go through hypnotherapy to find out if they have known each other in past lives. It is through this hypnotherapy that they experience the past lives that they have lived together. The experience allows them to travel through time to who they used to be.
One of the best parts about Samyann’s writing is that she described the relationship between Mark and Amanda through the different couples that they were in previous lives. Even though Yesterday focused on these different couples as they moved through time, the novel focused on the souls of Mark and Amanda and how they are star-crossed lovers. This focus on the souls allowed the reader to follow the story easily and not get confused by the change in characters. Reincarnation is one of my favorite subjects to read about in novels, and I was impressed with Samyann’s effortless way of moving between different time periods and keeping the bond between her star-crossed lovers strong.
Many times, with novels that focus on reincarnation and time travel, the writing can become confusing and disjointed. However, Samyann had a strong grip on her story. Her descriptions of her characters and the different settings were also spectacular. My favorite part of the novel was when we were treated to a controversial time in American history that focused on slavery. Samyann tackled this subject with grace, and she did justice to that dark side of America’s past.
But the most alluring aspect of Yesterday was how standoffish Amanda was with Mark. Throughout their previous lives, and their current one, Amanda had a wall built up with Mark. However, Mark never gave up on Amanda, and he continued to work for her love. Having that patience in a character is so valuable, and you don’t find that often with people today due to everyone’s need for instant gratification. Mark’s patience was admirable, and it drew me to his character throughout the ages. Even though Amanda could be frustrating at times, Samyann made her characters lovable, and I rooted for them throughout the course of the story. I don’t often swoon over romances as much I used to, but Yesterday won me over. Samyann reminds me of the great Richard Matheson regarding his novels Somewhere in Time, and What Dreams May Come and I am so happy to have discovered her writing.
I am awarding Yesterday with a 5 out of 5 star rating. Samyann is a magnificent author who can pull together a very involved story and tie it up neatly by the time the last page hits. Her story was the most original reincarnation/time travel story that I have read since Richard Matheson, and I hope that she continues to dwell in this genre. Historical fiction, time travel, and romance readers will swoon over Samyann’s Yesterday.
BOOK REVIEWS: Book Review Request Form
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
June 28, 2017
Box Review: Kiss Me by Live Glam – July 2017
Hello, Everyone!
I am excited to show you July’s Kiss Me by Live Glam subscription! This is an awesome subscription that brings you three liquid lipsticks each month in different colors for only $19.99 and FREE SHIPPING. I am in love with it! I like feeling a bit glamorous sometimes, and the fact that these lipsticks last through multiple meals is amazing.
Enjoy,
Ashley
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June 27, 2017
NEW: Hannibal Hello Kitty Plush
I am super excited to announce that I am starting my own line of Hello Kitty horror plushies through my company, Hedren’s Chest! These plushies are crocheted from my own design and they are made to order. Hannibal Kitty is the first plushie available in my collection, but I will be offering more plushies soon based on Freddy Krueger, Jason, Chucky and more!
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These plushies measure 12″ long, and each one of them is one of a kind.
The plush is $20+shipping
If you have any questions or requests for certain horror themed Hello Kitty plushies, please let me know! I am a professional crocheter, and I can create just about anything that you might like.
Much love,
Ashley
BOOK REVIEWS: Book Review Request Form
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
June 26, 2017
Box Review: Coffee and a Classic – June 2017
Hello, everyone!
I am so excited to show you a new box that I am absolutely IN LOVE with! It is called Coffee and a Classic and it is a book box that curates items each month that go with different classic books. This is a great box for those who love classic literature – and let’s be real – who doesn’t need more classic literature in their life?!
Much love,
Ashley
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Curl up with a cup of coffee and a classic book each month with a Coffee and a Classic Subscription.
Plan:
Starter Classic Subscription: $25/month + shipping*
Treat yourself or the book lover in your life to a classic book, something to sip on and 2 bookish item each month with the Coffee and a Classic Starter Subscription.
Standard Classic Subscription: $38.00/month + shipping*
The Standard Subscription is perfect for you if you want the full experience and love bookish things! This is the original Coffee and a Classic book box including a classic book, something to sip on (your choice!), something to snack on, a bookmark, a coffee mug (usually hand-painted) and 1-2 bookish items based on a theme. This book box is packaged in a high-quality photo box.
Choose between children’s classic literature, classic literature, or classic nonfiction literature.
(Standard Classic Subscription Only) Choose your preferred beverage choice! The options are tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or surprise me.
*SHIPPING: $12 – US Only
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I received the June Standard Classic Subscription from Coffee & a Classic to review, and I couldn’t wait to try out this unique box! I love how this box focuses on the classics because they aren’t recognized enough.
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Coffee and a Classic comes in a fancy photo box inside of another mailer to protect it. I like how the box is reusable so that you won’t just throw it away and waste it.
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Upon opening the box, I was happy to see how carefully everything was packaged! This extra care is always a nice touch.
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This month’s box is based on Moby Dick! I love this because I have never read Moby Dick and it is something that is on my bucket list.
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This month’s coffee is extremely appropriate! It is called “Moby Dick” and it is from Voyage Coffee Roasters. I love how this coffee fits the book choice perfectly.
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The next item is this metal, Moby Dick themed mug! I like how it has an old-fashioned, captain feel to it, and it is perfect to use with the coffee.
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The next item is this Moby Dick themed tote! The quote on the bag is perfect, and the anchor symbol is classic.
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The next item comes wrapped in this gorgeous, coastal wrapping. The simplicity of it is beautiful!
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The encased item is a handmade oil diffuser, and it is made out of clay. The oil that came with it smells just like the ocean! This is the perfect oil diffuser for my bathroom.
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The next item is a package of salt water taffy in various flavors! The different colored taffy matches the ocean theme, and the flavors are delicious!
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The last item is this metal whale bookmark. I love the whale tail charm and how the bookmark goes with Moby Dick.
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Final Thought: Coffee and a Classic has already become one of my favorite boxes! This box is so different from other book boxes, and I love how they focus on classics. Even if you have already read the classic in the box, you are sent multiple items based on that classic that you can cherish! Besides, who doesn’t need more copies of classic books? I personally love collecting them. But anyhoo, if you are looking for an old fashioned, literature based box, then Coffee and a Classic is a winner! Even though it is pricier than other boxes, the items and curation included are well worth the cost.
Announcement: Pennywise Living Dead Doll
Hello, Everyone!
As you may know, I am a HUGE horror fan, and Pennywise the Clown is my all time favorite horror villain. That being said, I am so excited to announce that Living Dead Dolls is coming out with an EXCLUSIVE Pennywise the Clown doll based on the 1990 production of IT. This is basically a dream come true for me, so I just had to share it with you! The doll is available for pre-order now, but by the looks of it, these dolls are going fast.
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If you are a huge Stephen King and IT fan like I am, then I hope that this doll will bring you as much joy as it has brought me! Living Dead Dolls also features multiple other horror related dolls that are one of a kind. They are one of my favorite brands for horror collectibles, and I think that you will love them too!
Much love,
Ashley
June 25, 2017
Announcement: Deadly Dolls Limited Edition Box
Hello, Everyone,
I am excited to announce our first limited edition box for Hedren’s Chest! This box is themed “Deadly Dolls” and it is now available for preorder.
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This box is only $19.99+shipping and it will include a wonderful horror novel that focuses on evil dolls!
Bonus items will also be included based on Chucky from Child’s Play and Annabelle from The Conjuring. Each item in this box is exclusive so you won’t be able to find any of the items anywhere else!
I am a HUGE fan of creepy doll stories, so I just had to create a box based on them. I hope you all enjoy!
We only have 20 of these boxes available, so make sure you grab yours before we run out!
Much love,
Ashley
Box Review: Stage Gurl – June 2017
Hello, Everyone!
Today I am sharing with you a box that is perfect for exotic dancers. This box celebrates women and their sexuality, and I am in love with it! I hope you enjoy.
Much love,
Ashley
Stage Gurl is the very first to offer monthly subscription boxes with exotic dancers in mind
With almost 20 years of experience in the industry we know exactly what every dancer needs in her stripper box to look her best and get those benjamins! We have boxes for every budget with a variety to meet every need.
Plans:
The Feature Stripper Box – $110/month
Get your hustle on with this monthly box! You’ll get 1 or 2 outfits with matching garters, a body spray, a pack of baby wipes, 6 tampons (2 super, 3 regular, 1 light), 1 accessory (such as legwarmers or a money bag), and other useful items (such as cosmetics, razors, lotion). You’ll even get some themed boxes!
The Main Stage Stripper Box – $55/month
This monthly box gives you what you need to feel confident on stage! You’ll get 1 or 2 outfits with matching garters, a body spray, and other useful items such as cosmetics, makeup pouches, money bags, leg strings, and more. You’ll even get themed boxes!
The Basics Stripper Box – $25/month
Get flirty with this monthly box! You’ll receive a 2 piece outfit, 1 matching garter, a body spray, and at least 1 other item. You’ll even get themed boxes!
The Essentials Stripper Box – $25/month
This monthly box delivers the essentials that every dancer needs. You’ll receive a thong or tri-top, a garter, six tampons (2 super, 3 regular, 1 light), and a pack of baby wipes. No need to run to the store before work. They’ll be delivered to your door ready to go.
Box O’ Outfits – $70/month
Don’t want or need all of the extras in our other boxes? Just want outfits and nothing else? Want fancier outfits than what is in our other boxes? This box is for you! You’ll get 1-4 outfits every month. You’ll get to customize what types of outfits you want, too!
Box O’ Thongs – $30/month
Never run out of thongs! In this monthly box you’ll get 3 thongs in different styles and colors.
Box O’ Garters – $10/month
Never run out of garters! In this monthly box you’ll get 3 garters in different styles and colors.
Use code “UNIQUE” to receive 15% off of your first box!
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I received the June “Main Stage” Stage Gurl box to review, and I couldn’t wait to open it! I have experience working in this field, so I was so excited to come across a box that caters to this population. Stage Gurl is so original, and I love that they celebrate women and their sexuality.
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Stage Gurl comes in a gorgeous pink box, and I love how the logo isn’t too obvious for those who like to keep their matters private!
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The packaging of Stage Gurl is gorgeous! I love the pink shreds and glittery tissue paper. The design is very burlesque, and I am all about that!
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The box comes with this pamphlet that describes everything included in the box. This month’s theme is Stars & Stripes! The pamphlet breaks the items in the box up into three different categories: Stage 1, Stage 2, and Backstage. I love that creativity!
Stage 1
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The outfit included in this box is this Spangled Stars Set! It includes a tie bikini top, a pair of booty shorts, and a silver garter. I absolutely adore the design! It is perfect for the Fourth of July.
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These star bead necklaces were included to complete the outfit! I love how they add some bling to the lineup.
Stage 2
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The next item is this Bitzy Long Lasting Lip Gloss Iridescent Top Coat from Sally Beauty Supply! It is a gorgeous, simple shade that can be used over solid lipsticks or on its own. It is perfect to add some pop to your performance!
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This Magic in the Air Diamond Shimmer Mist from Bath & Body Works is the next item included! I am a huge fan of Bath & Body Works, so I was so excited to see this in the box. When sprayed on, this shimmer mist makes your skin look like a diamond! It compliments the Spangled Stars Set beautifully.
Backstage
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The first item in the backstage portion of the box is this Beyond Belief Green Tea Firming Mask from Sally Beauty Supply! This mask helps to rejuvenate your skin, and it is perfect to use before a performance.
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The next item is this Bitzy Liner Lip Pencil Sharpener from Sally Beauty Supply! This is the perfect item to keep your eyeliner or lip pencils sharp and ready to apply. It is a must have in every makeup bag!
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Advil is a must if you have a headache before a performance! These ready to go packs are perfect to keep in your bag backstage.
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Keeping your feet soft and smooth is just as important as caring for the rest of your skin! This pumice stone is beautiful, and it is perfect to use in the shower.
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The last item included is this mesh laundry bag! Mesh laundry bags are perfect for washing your lingerie in when putting it through the wash. The bag makes sure that your lingerie ties don’t tangle, and it helps to prolong the life of your lingerie. It is a must have!
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Final Thought: Stage Gurl is an AWESOME service that caters to strippers and exotic dancers of all types. I love how many different options Stage Gurl offers, and everything in their boxes is 100% usable. I will be putting all of these items to good use, and I highly recommend Stage Gurl for anyone in this industry!
Use code “UNIQUE” to receive 15% off of your first box!
June 24, 2017
Book Review: Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
Title: Goodbye Days
Author: Jeff Zentner
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Where are you guys? Text me back. That’s the last message Carver Briggs will ever send his three best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake. He never thought that it would lead to their death.
Now Carver can’t stop blaming himself for the accident and even worse, a powerful judge is pressuring the district attorney to open up a criminal investigation.
Luckily, Carver has some unexpected allies: Eli’s girlfriend, the only person to stand by him at school; Dr. Mendez, his new therapist; and Blake’s grandmother, who asks Carver to spend a “goodbye day” together to share their memories and say a proper farewell.
Soon the other families are asking for their own goodbye day with Carver—but he’s unsure of their motives. Will they all be able to make peace with their losses, or will these goodbye days bring Carver one step closer to a complete breakdown or—even worse—prison?
Review:
Goodbye Days is a painfully relevant book for today’s youth. The way that Jeff Zentner addresses texting and driving is raw, and each page of his book is filled with pain and heartache. I found Goodbye Days to be a book that every youth should read – as well as adults – to further understand the perils that lie with those who choose to text and drive. There is no way that you can read this book without shedding at least one tear by the end.
“Sometimes, the only way I have of dealing with stuff is to be around things more ancient than me and my sadness; things that will forget me.”
Goodbye Days is set in Nashville, Tennessee – Zentner’s own city – and his love for Nashville shines through the pages. Despite the morbid storyline, Zentner manages to paint Nashville beautifully for those who have never visited (such as myself) and his writing made me fall in love with the city. Setting Goodbye Days in a city that Zentner knows well helped him bring his story to life.
“Tears streak Jessmyn’s face like an atlas of rivers. She holds a wadded-up tissue and dabs her eyes and nose, staring straight ahead. I don’t understand why I’m not crying. I should be. Maybe it’s like how it’s sometimes too cold to snow.”
Goodbye Days focuses on Carver Briggs, a young man who was texting his friends when they got in a car crash and died. Since Carver knew that his friends were driving when he texted them, he feels responsible for their deaths. Soon the town begins to blame Carver for the deaths of his friends as well, and the media gets involved. Zentner’s work addresses who should be held responsible for deaths that are the outcome of texting and driving and Goodbye Days made me think about these deaths in a new way.
“I wish it would rain. Torrents. So hard it would cleanse me of worry and trouble; so hard it would lift the stain of death from me and carry it to the rivers and out to sea.”
Goodbye Days is a novel unlike any other. It tackles an issue that has rarely been addressed before, and it takes teenage death and relationships seriously. If you are a fan of John Green or Jay Asher, then Goodbye Days is a great novel to make you think!
BOOK REVIEWS: Book Review Request Form
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com
June 23, 2017
Box Review: InspireME Crate
I am so excited to share with you InspireME Crate – a subscription that brings you a month’s worth of art classes! This box is amazing for artists of all levels and influences you to begin writing or working on your art every single day. InspireME Crate has helped me to work more on my own art, and it is a great form of art therapy as well. I hope you enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
InspireME Crate is a monthly box that helps you get back to drawing
Art supplies, themed prompts, motivation and more each month! Let’s get drawing!
Plans:
Month to Month: $35 + FREE SHIPPING in the US
3 Month PrePay: $99 ($33/month) + FREE SHIPPNG in the US
6 Month PrePay: $90 ($30/month) + FREE SHIPPING in the US
*International shipping in calculated
I couldn’t wait to receive my June InspireME Crate because I love how this box brings you a month’s worth of art lessons!
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The box comes in a small parcel, and it has InspireME Crate’s logo on it. The box is high-quality, and it can be used to store your art tools in! I love boxes that I can reuse and not just throw away, so that is one of the perks of InspireME Crate.
Upon opening the box, you can see how the lid has a note about the June box on it! The items are also wrapped in tissue paper and paper shreds. I love the care that goes into this box, and it does not look mass produced. I am all about that small business feel, so InspireME Crate never disappoints!
Adding to the small business feel is a note that lets you know who packaged your box! Andreas packaged my box again this month, and I absolutely love working with him.
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An insert card is included in the box to tell you more about each item included in the box. I like that the card gives you the brand names of each item so that you can buy more of the tools if you like them! This box is a great way to test out new art tools or build your collection.
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Each month InspireME Crate sends you various art supplies, and they come carefully wrapped in gorgeous, glittery blue tissue paper! I love the blue and white color scheme that InspireME Crate uses. The care that goes into the wrapping of the items astounds me!
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June’s theme is focused on watercolor, which is my FAVORITE medium, so I was so excited to see all of the watercolor tools included! I received this liquid watercolor tube from Colore Watercolor in “Rose” and I can’t wait to use it. I love this brand because you only need to use a small dab of the paint to get enough color when working, so it lasts a long time!
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The next item is a watercolor brush pen from Ohuhu Watercolor! Watercolor brush pens are so easy to work with, so I can always use as many as I can get my hands on. The color I received is green, and it will go well with the pink paint!
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The next item is this Chameleon Color Tones dual colored pencil! I received the colors Lemon Peel and Grapefruit, and they compliment each another perfectly. I love how these pencils pair the colors with complimentary shades, so you don’t have to go looking for another colored pencil that will match!
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The last tool is this Arteza Water Brush, and I was so excited when I received it in the box! You can use this pen by putting water into the barrel and coloring with watercolor or watercolor pencils. All you have to do is squeeze the water to the tip and use it as a marker. It is probably one of the most useful watercolor tools that are available!
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InspireME Crate also sends you a sketchbook that you can use to complete the challenges included in the box, so that is extremely helpful!
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And now onto my favorite part of the box! Each month, InspireME Crate creates a WarmME Up book that gives you a month’s worth of art warm-ups to improve your skills.
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The WarmME Up book gives you challenges to focus on during four different weeks! The book also comes with a checklist so that you can check off each day that you complete a warm-up.
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The back of the book also comes with a coloring page to help you improve your coloring skills! This section also includes blank pages for you to work on whatever you would like to work on. The purpose of this book is to just fill up the book with as much art as you can!
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InspireME Crate also comes with a Creativity Booklet! This booklet brings you art lessons, insights on featured artists, and information on various art techniques. I love how this box teaches you about different art forms and strategies.
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Here is an example of one of the brainstorming challenges included in the book!
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This month’s TeachME lesson teaches you how to draw drones. I love this sci-fi type drawing focus!
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The back of the book includes information on Member Only Extras that are available to subscribers! These extras are available online, and they can help you to expand your art.
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Final Thought: I ADORE InspireME Crate! This box brings you a full month’s worth of art lessons, and you can’t beat the price for that. The owners of the box put so much time and effort into creating the different lessons and exercises, and I enjoy trying the different art tools out every month. I also like that this box is perfect for artists of all levels, so everyone is included. InspireME Crate is an artist’s dream!
June 22, 2017
Special Offer: FREE Welcome Kit – Literary Vacation Club
I am excited to announce that we at Literary Vacation Club are having a special offer from June 23 – June 30! If you subscribe to either of our plans (The Weekender or The Holiday) you will receive a FREE welcome package including a book from one of our favorite indie authors, and bonus author swag such as magnets, bookmarks, and postcards! This is the only time that we will be holding this special offer, so make sure to snag your spot while you can!
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Also, if you subscribe during this time you will receive our July box which is themed “Destination: Neverland”! This box will take you on a full vacation to Neverland through all 5 of your senses, and we can’t wait to send these boxes out. Our fans voted on this literary destination, and it is going to be a blast!
For those who don’t know, here is a rundown of what is included in our packages:
The Weekender: $14.99/month + shipping
1 Lesser Known Novel
An Item to Hear: Exclusive Playlist
An Item to See: Journal, Art Print, Stickers, etc.
And EITHER an Item to Smell (Candles, Soaps, etc.) or an Item to Touch (Jewelry, Bookmarks, Accessories, etc.)
The Holiday: $29.99/month + shipping
1 – 2 Lesser Known Novels
An Item to Hear: Exclusive Playlist
An Item to See: Journal, Art Print, Stickers, etc.
An Item to Touch: Jewelry, Bookmarks, Accessories, etc.)
An Item to Smell: Candles, Soaps, etc.
An Item to Taste: Destination/Story Related Snack
Bonus Bookish Item Related to Theme
Thank you so much for all of your support, and I can’t wait to share this offer with you!
Much love,
Ashley
