Sage Nestler's Blog, page 44

13 Reasons Why – A Discussion

Hello, Everyone!

Usually, I do not write personal posts.  But with the recent popularity of the 13 Reasons Why series that has been released on Netflix, I thought I should weigh in with my thoughts.

Let me start this by saying that I am a suicide survivor.  Generally, this is not something that I talk about.  But it is because of this that I am very sensitive when it comes to novels involving suicide, and I usually avoid them.  However, I did read 13 Reasons Why several years ago, and it severely let me down.

13 Reasons Why came out during the time when I was at my darkest, and I turned to the book in hopes that it would make me feel less alone.  It had been praised as the “it” book on teen suicide at the time, but after reading 13 Reasons Why, I only felt more alone.  The book is inaccurate on many levels, and as someone who has been in Hannah’s position before, I am angered by the injustice that the book brings to those who have committed suicide or are survivors from it.  Please just hear me out and try to understand where I am coming from.

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In the book, Hannah is very one dimensional.  Jay Asher doesn’t delve into Hannah the way that he should since the book involves her suicide.  The tapes also seemed to popularize suicide and make it romantic, which is not something that should be done with teen suicide.  After reading through Hannah’s reasons as to why she committed suicide, her reasons seemed menial and Jay Asher painted her as a “classic” teenage girl haunted by generic, stereotypical teenage girl problems.  One major problem with this is that Jay Asher has never been a teenage girl, and his description of Hannah is very flat.  At the end of 13 Reasons Why I ended up despising Hannah – the one character I should have felt connected to – and none of the other characters stuck with me.  It seemed to me that Jay Asher was very much an outsider looking in, and his take on teenage suicide was a popularized version of what it really was.  He also didn’t evolve the other characters in the novel who contributed to Hannah’s suicide.  All they seemed to be were random people that were in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Jay Asher used these menial characters to show how “small” things affected Hannah, and how she had “taken them out of context”.  Each reason said more about Hannah than those who hurt her, and it seemed to me that Jay Asher was blaming Hannah for feeling the way that she did about what happened to her.  The message seemed to be “don’t take things so seriously” instead of “don’t bully others” and this message did not sit right with me.

That being said, I was not sure how to feel about the new 13 Reasons Why series on Netflix.  I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to watch it after what I have been through and how the book originally made me feel.  But after watching the series, it has completely changed my mind.

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If you do not want to read the rest of my review of the Netflix series of 13 Reasons Why, then just know this:

THE SERIES IS 100% MORE ACCURATE THAN THE BOOK, AND YOU WOULD DO WELL TO JUST WATCH THE SERIES AND NOT READ THE BOOK AT ALL.

It seems to me that those who created the Netflix series had the same issues with the book that I did, that it was sending the wrong message and the all of the characters were portrayed incorrectly.  It is because of this that the series took each character to the next level – including the all important Hannah – and gave them justice.  Not only did the series expand on why Hannah was so deeply affected by “menial events”, but it also addressed those who contributed to her suicide and why they acted the way that they did.  Everyone has a backstory, and this series is the master of exposing backstories.  Each character was an important player in the series, and they were all impacted positively and negatively by one another.  The series explored how intense it is to be a teenager, but it in no way made fun of the severity of what teenagers go through.  Watching the series made me remember my years of being a teenager, and even though it was very sensitive, it did make me feel less alone.  This is all I ever wanted from 13 Reasons Why, and I have finally experienced it.  I am sure that so many others have as well, and I am now proud to say that the Netflix series of 13 Reasons Why has portrayed teen angst, bullying, and teen suicide in a perfect light.

If you want to understand more about teen suicide and bullying, this series will suit your needs.  It is also an excellent series to ignite your deepest emotions.  Just understand that suicide is, and always will be, a sensitive subject.  And please never believe what certain novels on the subject tell you unless you have experienced the symptoms firsthand.

Much love,

Ashley

February/March Hedren’s Chest

Hello, Everyone!

It is time to reveal our February/March Hedren’s Chest!

For those who don’t know, I am the founder and CEO of Hedren’s Chest – a bi-monthly horror book subscription box!  I adore horror, and I created this box to help subscribers find new horror novels and small business items that they might not have found otherwise.

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The February/March theme was My Bloody Valentine, and it included 2 horror novels as well as 3 bonus items!

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This box was so much fun to create because I was able to create a horror Valentine’s care package to go along with the holiday!  I made sure that a flower, chocolate, and plushie was included to go along with the classic Valentine staples, and it was just a bloody blast.

There is only 1 DAY LEFT to subscribe to our April/May box!  The theme for this box is:

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This box will be a celebration of female horror authors/horror movie directors and you won’t want to miss it!  The books included will also revolve around evil mermaids.

Use code WELCOME10 to receive 10% off of your first box!

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Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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Holly Journals Review – April 2017

Hi, Everyone!

I am so excited to share with you a subscription box called Holly Journals!  This box is perfect for writers because each month you will receive a handmade journal along with journaling prompts and writing accessories.  I am in love with this box, and I am sure that you will love it too!

Holly Journals is a gorgeous journal of the month box, and each journal included in the box is handmade by Holly Rose!  Holly also sells journals in her shop on top of her subscription box, and I adore the handmade nature of her products.  Handmade items are so much more valuable to me than manufactured items.  This is the best box I have received all month!

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There are three different subscription options for Holly Journals.  The different subscriptions are outlined below:

Holly Journals Monthly Box: $39.99/month+FREE SHIPPING

Includes:

1 wire bound journal with at least 50 pages
 1+ pens
Journal prompts
Extra embellishments
Journal jewelry)
Bonus gift




Holly Journals Gift Options: 3 Month Pre-Pay ($108.00+FREE SHIPPING), 6 Month Pre-Pay ($210.00+FREE SHIPPING), and 12 Month Pre-Pay ($408+FREE SHIPPING)

Includes:

Everything in the Holly Journals Box
These plans allow you to pay in advance at a discount!






Mini Journal Box: $19.95/month+FREE SHIPPING

Pre – Pay Options

3 Month Pre-Pay ($56.00+FREE SHIPPING)
6 Month Pre-Pay ($110.00+FREE SHIPPING)


Includes:

Everything in the Holly Journals Box
The journal is just half the size of the regular box

I received the April full-size journal box to review, and the theme of this box is Spring Ride!

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Upon opening the box, you are greeted with a note from Holly.  An item list for the box is included as well!  I love how carefully wrapped everything is, and the handmade feel is present from the start.

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Next, once you lift the tissue paper you see all of the adorable items that are included in the box.  However, the journal is still hidden for the final surprise!

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The first items that I pull out of the box are these adorable Flower Kiss Candies!  They look like candies I would find at my Asian market, and I love how unique they are.  After eating one, I am excited to realize that the candy does taste flowery.  This is the perfect spring treat!

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Also in the box are these adorable pens!  They fit well with the spring theme.

Gelly Roll pens are the best gel pens, and they never dry up!  The Gelly Roll pen that is included is a darker gray with sparkles.

The next pen is a cute pink and white polka dot pen that I probably wouldn’t have found myself!  I love how the ink is pink as well, and I will be using up this pen in no time.  Pink is my favorite color, and I love journaling with different colored pens!

The last pen is a plain black pen, but it has the cutest bunny ears on it!  I love how this pen connects to Easter, and it is perfect for the April box.

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The next item is a list of journaling prompts.  I think it is great that Holly includes this because it helps the subscriber to stay inspired.  Most of the prompts are spring themed!

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The next item is a packet of daisy seeds!  Daisies are my favorite flowers, and I am happy that I have my own pack of seeds to plant.  This is a cute add in, and I love how Holly added her own label to the seeds!

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Similarly, a garden stake was included to go with the daisies!  This stake can be used to label the daisies in your garden or in a planter.  I love this unique touch, and I can’t wait to use it!

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Furthermore, an adorable bicycle-themed jangle was included!  This jangle is meant to be journal jewelry, and it can spruce up any notebook.

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Finally, we have the main attraction!  The last item in the box is the journal.  The journal comes wrapped in pink and white tissue paper with an old-fashioned bicycle sticker on it.  I love how there are settle bicycle touches to go with the “April Ride” theme, and it makes me so nostalgic!

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The cover of the journal features the same bicycle that is on the sticker.  A quote is also present to add to the journaling atmosphere!

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Here is a picture of the journal with the journal jewelry attached!

Upon receiving this box, I did not know that the journal would include such cute touches!  Each page seems to have different papers, and they all add to the spring bicycle theme.

There are many quotes presented in the journal, and I love how inspiring they are!

I also like how there are envelopes included throughout the journal.  This is so original!

Holly even included a “Don’t Forget” list, and this is perfect to incorporate the journal into your planning.

Similarly, the back of the journal has an envelope with more paper to decorate or write on!

Lastly, a packet with extra stickers and decorations is included so that you can personalize your journal!  I love the bicycle paperclip, and the mini clothespins are so cute.  This adds a great crafting touch to the box.

Overall, I am amazed at this box.  It has the best curation, and the handmade elements were wonderful!  Holly did so well with keeping the bicycle theme the center of the journal, and I can’t wait to see more of her boxes.  This box felt like receiving a present in the mail, and I highly recommend it if you are a big journaler like me!

New Stephen King’s IT Trailer

Hello, Everyone!

I am so excited to announce that the trailer for the upcoming remake of “IT” by Stephen King has JUST DROPPED!  IT is my favorite horror novel and mini-series of all time, and it looks like the remake will do both the book and mini-series justice.

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VIEW THE TRAILER HERE

In the meantime, let me know in the comments how you feel about the remake, and also let me know what your favorite horror novel/movie is!

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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Get Ready for Evil Mermaids

Hello, Everyone!

In our April Hedren’s Chest horror book subscription, we will be featuring two gorgeous horror novels that feature evil mermaids!  I am so excited to share these books with you, and if you are a fan of mermaids, you will love this horrific twist on them.

Our April box theme is “Women of Horror” and it will celebrate a fantastic female horror author as well as items that celebrate other horrific female icons.

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Use code “WELCOME10” to receive 10% off of your first box

Click on the image below to subscribe!

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Much love,

Ashley

Into The Fog Character Spotlight – Darielle

Hello, Everyone!

This week’s character sneak peek from my novel Into The Fog is my main character, Darielle!  I hope you enjoy, and please let me know if you have any questions!

Darielle

Darielle is a human who was in line to throne in 16th century England.  Darielle was supposed to marry Tarum – the heir to the throne – until Tarum was murdered.  After Darielle lost Tarum, she was no longer in line to assume the throne.  Instead, Darielle became a lady in waiting.

Losing Tarum was the biggest shock that Darielle had in her life.  Darielle lost her parents at a young age, and she grew up alongside Tarum and his family.  However, Darielle found strength after losing Tarum, and she was able to come out of her shell and fend for herself.  After Tarum dies, Darielle is confronted with Harlisisle, a being who was created from Tarum’s corpse, and they create a strong bond.  Tarum died with Darielle’s heart, and it is Harlisisle’s duty to give her her heart back so that she can be whole again.

But Darielle runs into trouble when she becomes involved with these new beings, and her life ends up being changed forever.

Into The Fog is a dark fantasy that explores monsters, humans, and the darkness that surrounds us.  Prepare to be all consumed in an alternative version of 16th century England in the next couple of months!

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INTO THE FOG AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE COPYRIGHTED.  DO NOT SHARE INFORMATION ABOUT INTO THE FOG OR ITS CHARACTERS OR STORYLINE WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR.

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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Navigating Indieworld’s First Spring Book Festival!

Hello, Everyone!

Navigating Indieworld’s First Spring Book Festival begins TOMORROW March 27, 2017, and it will go through March 29, 2017!

This book festival is online, and it is a great way to meet new authors.

I will be attending, and I am excited to find new books to add to my list!  There will be authors from just about every genre attending, and I personally can’t wait to meet some new horror authors.

Simply visit this website to attend!

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Welcome spring 2017 by attending:

THE SPRING BOOK FESTIVAL

MARCH 27-29

www.navigatingindieworld.com/

Find your new favorite books and authors. Fiction of every genre, from Children’s Literature to Fantasy, Romance to Horror will be represented by a diverse list of Indie authors at discount prices; many are free. You say you like Non-fiction, too? Don’t worry, we’ve got that.

Enter the $150 giveaway in prizes!

Come join us and tell your book-loving friends!

I hope to see you there!

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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Literary Vacation Club On Hello Subscription

Hello, Everyone!

My subscription box, Literary Vacation Club, was featured on Hello Subscription the other day!  I am so honored to see my little indie book box grow, and I want to thank you for your support with it.  May is our 1 year anniversary, and I can’t wait to share it with you all!

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Check out the review here!

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Remember that our April box’s theme is Destination – Hogwarts, and it will be a box filled with items to transport you to Hogwarts through all 5 of your senses!  The books included in the April box will have similar themes to the Harry Potter series, and you are guaranteed to love them!

The deadline to order the April box is April 10.

Subscribe Now

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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LitJoy Crate Review – March Box

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LitJoy Crate is a book subscription service for kids, middle-grade readers, and young adult readers.  They have three different crates for kids, middle graders, and young adults,  but their crates are suitable for adults as well!  The crates generally include a new book along with bookish accessories that connect to the book or the theme of the month.

The monthly young adult box and kid’s box are $29.99/month + shipping each, but you can choose to pay 3 months at a time ($86.97 + shipping) or 6 months at a time ($167.94 + shipping).

The quarterly middle-grade box is $34.99/quarterly + shipping, or you can pay for 2 quarters at once ($67.50 + shipping).

The box that I am reviewing is the young adult March box, and it includes 1 new release young adult novel with 2 – 3 bookish accessories.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

March’s YA Theme was Galactic Pirates!

I was so excited to receive this box because I had a feeling that it would be science – fiction themed.

LitJoy Crate shows up in an adorable blue box with their logo on the front.  The box design is recognizable, and the color makes the box pop!

When opening LitJoy Crate, you see how the adorable cartoon design extends throughout the inside of the box!  I love how this design adds to the unpacking experience.  Everything was neatly packed in the box, and the main card insert covered the items so that the surprise wasn’t ruined.

The first card that you see when opening the box lets you know how items are chosen for the box.  I like how the items are chosen so that they will connect to the book and the theme provided!

The next box insert is a pamphlet with gorgeous artwork on it!  Each month, LitJoy Crate features a different artist.  This month’s artist is Nastja from http://dasstark.tumblr.com/, and the cover of this pamphlet was created by her.  The artwork is representative of Qole from the chosen book for this month, Shadow Run!  I think that this artwork is gorgeous, and it creates a visual for the novel of the month.

The inside of the pamphlet includes a full layout of the items included in the box, as well as descriptions for each item.  Even though many of the items are from different fandoms, I loved how they all connected back to Shadow Run.  The creators even provided book quotes from Shadow Run to link some of the items back to the book!

The main item in this box is, of course, the book of the month: Shadow Run!  This book is under the science – fiction genre, and it is said to be a mix of Firefly and Dune.  I am a huge fan of science – fiction, and I always enjoy receiving new science – fiction books to check out!  The synopsis for Shadow Run is as follows:

 Firefly meets Dune in this action-packed sci-fi adventure about a close-knit, found family of a crew navigating a galaxy of political intrigue and resource-driven power games.

 

Nev has just joined the crew of the starship Kaitan Heritage as the cargo loader. His captain, Qole , is the youngest-ever person to command her own ship, but she brooks no argument from her crew of orphans, fugitives, and con men. Nev can’t resist her, even if her ship is an antique. 

 

As for Nev, he’s a prince, in hiding on the ship. He believes Qole holds the key to changing galactic civilization, and when her cooperation proves difficult to obtain, Nev resolves to get her to his home planet by any means necessary. 

 

But before they know it, a rival royal family is after Qole too, and they’re more interested in stealing her abilities than in keeping her alive. 

 

Nev’s mission to manipulate Qole becomes one to save her, and to survive, she’ll have to trust her would-be kidnapper. He may be royalty, but Qole is discovering a deep reservoir of power–and stars have mercy on whoever tries to hurt her ship or her crew. 

The book also came with a signed art bookplate from both of the authors, as well as an author letter.  These touches truly make the experience one of a kind!  I feel closer to the authors after reading what they had to say about their book.

Shadow Run perfectly captures the theme of “Galactic Pirates”, and I have already started reading it!  The in-depth descriptions and action scenes make the book a fast read.

The first bookish item included in the box is a tumbler with the quote “come to the dark side, we have books” on it!  This tumbler is perfect for me, and I love how it connects a love of Star Wars with reading.  The art on the tumbler was created by @bookotter on Instagram, and I like how LitJoy Crate used a small artist to produce this item.

Since this box was science – fiction themed, the creators said that they had to include a Star Wars item since Star Wars is the ultimate sci – fi classic.  I think that they chose this item well, and I will get many uses from it!

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Look at how cute that tumbler is!  I am in love.

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The next item included is a small tub of “Shadow” Cotton Candy in light honey flavor from Pink Beehive Cotton Candy.  This has to be the cutest cotton candy I have ever eaten!  It is light and tastes just like honey. The cotton candy does look like a shadow, and it even has bits of edible glitter in it.  The book quote that the creators of LitJoy Crate linked to the cotton candy is:

“The enormity of that brilliant sky crammed with stars was nothing to my first glimpse of a Shadow run.  Surrounded by undulating fields of blackness…as stray Shadow began to flit past us it would explode with a myriad of colors.”

The thought and creativity that went into this item made it that much more special.

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The color and glitter in this cotton candy connect so well to the “shadow” concept!  I am in awe of the creativity that went into curating this item.[image error]

Another item included in the box is a Firefly – inspired wooden bookmark that says “I Aim to Misbehave” by Little Sapling Toys.  Firefly is one of the best science – fiction television series, and the artwork that went into this bookmark is outstanding!  I will be using this bookmark frequently.

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The quote that the creators linked with this bookmark is as follows:

“The Kaitan wasn’t what I was accustomed to…it wasn’t all glowing walls and hovering displays.  Instead, mechanical parts and pieces were used whenever possible, while some displays were decades old.”

The creators included this item because they said that the ship from Shadow Run-the Kaitan-reminded them of the ship from Firefly – Serenity.  I think that it is great how they connected the book to Firefly.  This bookmark has a lifetime guarantee, and it is of heirloom quality!

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The next item is a Newt Scamander art print by @dasstark, the artist who is LitJoy Crate’s featured artist for March!  This artwork is adorable, and I will be putting it on my Harry Potter shelf immediately.  The creators of LitJoy Crate included this item because Newt – from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – is one of their favorite characters.  I agree with their love of Newt; however, I am not sure how he fits into the science – fiction theme.  But the artwork is wonderful, nonetheless!

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Also included in this box was a set of 3 Star Trek inspired pins.  LitJoy Crate designed these pins themselves, and I think that they fit well with the science – fiction theme!  Star Trek is a wonderful science – fiction franchise, and I can’t wait to add these beauties to my pin collection.  The pins have a matte feel to them, and they are the perfect size.  They are a science – fiction geek’s dream!

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The last item included in the box is a pair of Bad Astronaut Socks from Woven Pear.  I always love receiving festive socks to add to my collection, and this pair is adorable!  They are made from woven cotton, and they are extremely soft.  They go well with the “out of this world” nature of the box, and I can’t wait to wear them!  The creators included this pair of socks because you need an astronaut suit to enter space, and that concept mixes in well with these socks.  They can serve as your pseudo – astronaut suit as you travel into Shadow Run!  The thought behind this item is incredible, and I will be putting them on and cuddling up with a book soon!

[image error]Overall, I think that this box was well put together.  The creativity and curation that went into the items was outstanding!  The only item that I didn’t feel fit in the box was the Newt Scamander print, but it is beautiful and I love it.  If you are interested in grabbing your own LitJoy Crate or checking out their boxes, please click on the link below!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

 

Cooking with Dice Character Spotlight – The Glacier

Hello, Everyone!

I am excited to introduce to you today “The Glacier” from the cooking role play game, Cooking with Dice!  I love how playing this game is like bringing a fantasy novel to life, and “The Glacier” is one of my favorite characters to play.  She has quite the fashion sense!

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THE GLACIER

Special Ability – Earn bonus XP for wearing an outfit that coordinates with your dish.

It’s true that icy coldness permeates straight through to your core, but your chilling stare doesn’t mean you aren’t up for a good time! People who call you cold-hearted don’t know you well at all because you sparkle with warmth and enthusiasm. The duties of being an ice-princess keep you pretty busy, what with the constant changing in and out of ball gowns, fending off unwanted proposals of marriage, and saving the kingdom from ruin. Sometimes you just want to break out of the mold and do something a little crazy, like conjuring up a cherry-flavored shaved ice blizzard or building the world’s largest ice cream wall.

Remember to check out the website for Cooking with Dice to get all of your need to know information on this wonderful new cookbook!

Much love,

Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEWS, FILL OUT THIS FORM: Book Review Request Form

FOR BOX REVIEWS, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

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