Lit-Cube Live Sale Review

Lit-Cube is a monthly subscription box curated by Peggy and her team that sends you a book, a wearable, and other little bookish goodies.

The cost: $29.99/month + $4.99 s/h to U.S. and $14.99 s/h to Canada

<–This is what it looks like on the inside, after you first open it! The anticipation is exciting. This months theme was “Sherlocked” and it has all things Sherlockian inside!! I always like their description cards, and this month is no exception!

 

Check out my other Lit-Cube reviews and book box subscription reviews !

 

I had to stop my subscription service at the beginning of the year, and since I’ve stopped they’ve added some new features! One new thing is that they’ve added a rewards program! You can earn rewards by leaving reviews on Amazon of the books you receive in the subscription boxes (15 points for the current featured book, and 5 points for recent past titles), and you also get a point for every $1 you spend! With your reward points, you can either get a discount on subscription boxes or on items in their shop. I honestly like this idea and wish they had started it sooner (while I was still subscribing, I might have to re-subscribe after I finish grad school and get my big girl job).

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This year Lit-Cube has started to do live sales on Facebook, and I just so happened to catch one (I think they have only done one before this one). It was definitely an interesting process, and I had to restrain myself from purchasing more than one box. All of their “boxes” for sale were first come first serve and they only had a certain amount of each one. This one had a mix of compilations of past boxes of their Stars Hallow subscription and their normal Lit-Cube subscription.

The box that I ended up buying was a compilation of 3 past Lit-Cube boxes, that they called Live Laugh Love box (I think mine was #1 out of 2 different ones). This one cost $50 and included all the items below:

This tote came from their “Live Laugh Love” February box. This has an estimated value of $20.

The Lady of Sherwood by Molly Bilinsky was from their May box. On Amazon the value is $6.95 (retail value of $10.95).

This looks like it’ll be an interesting retelling of Robin Hood.

“The girl who was on fire” Bookmark by Lexy Olivia. This has a value of $6.

Arrow bangle bracelet. This has an estimated value of $10.

Bellamy and the Brute by Alicia Michaels was from their March box. This book has a value of $7.52 (retail value of $10.95).

Can you sense the theme yet? This box is all about different fairy tale retellings (this box also came out when the new Beauty and the Beast movie came out, so it was very fitting).

4 oz tin from In the Wick of Time– Belle’s Books (value of $10.99)

This is a soy vegan candle that smells really nice and not very over powering. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get the lid off so I’ll have to get my husband to try when he gets home later.

Also included from the March box, was this Beauty and the Beast Be Our Guest lip balm by Olive Kisses. This has a listed value of $2.99.

Cinderella.com by River Laurent was from their June box. This has a value of $12.49 on Amazon.

From this box we received The Glass Slipper bath salts from Two Wild Hares. I always like when boxes have bath salts or wax melts in them, because it always makes the entire box smell good! This particular scent has a value of $6.95. This bubble salt blend has Himalayan pink salt, Dead Sea salt & sea salt blended with an elegant fragrance of passion fruit and acai berry.

“Have Courage and be Kind” Bookmark. It kind of looks like one of those headbands that’s not supposed to leave a crease with a little embellishment. This probably has an estimated value of $8.

The last item from this past box was this little Cinderella trinket box. This probably has an estimated value of $10.

Overall, this has an estimated value of $101.89. Even though it cost more than their normal subscription box, I think I like doing the live sale more. For one you get to see everything before hand so you can decide if you want it or not (although part of the charm is being able to unbox new items every month).

Before I checked out with my goodies, I took advantage of their buy one get one free deals and bought their Stars Hallow coloring book set and passport holder for $25.

I love that the coloring book set came with a canvas pouch and coloring pencils!

February Uppercase Box Review

I know it’s a little past February…okay more than a little try about 4 months past, but I realized this morning that I never posted a review of my box. So better late than never right? =)

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I received a new box from Uppercase by Lisa Parkin on my front doorstep back in February, I believe in time for Valentine’s Day as well!

Every month you receive:

• a brand new hardcover book, the book is either signed or you receive a signed bookplate,
• 1-2 high quality bookish items,
• Uppercase reading experience with exclusive content,
• and a special note!

You can choose from two different plans:

Expert plan: comes with everything above for only $23/month plus $6 shipping and handling;

Book exclusive plan: comes with everything above except the 1-2 bookish items for only $17/month plus s/h.

You can check out my other Uppercase reviews here, and my other book subscription reviews here!

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As always Lisa includes a letter that has what is included in the box and a personalized note from her as well.

I always love when subscription boxes do this, especially if I really like an item and I want to check out other items that that particular seller has.

Also an item that is always included in the box is a reading experience bookmark.

By using the code you can find questions, polls and videos that correspond to that moment in the book. As much as I really like this idea, I never use it. Honestly, I rarely even use this as a bookmark because I have so many.

For this month, the book that was included was By Your Side by Kasie West. Which is also an Uppercase hardcover edition.

Goodreads Summary:

In this irresistible story, Kasie West explores the timeless question of what to do when you fall for the person you least expect. Witty and romantic, this paperback original from a fan favorite is perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins and Morgan Matson.

When Autumn Collins finds herself accidentally locked in the library for an entire weekend, she doesn’t think things could get any worse. But that’s before she realizes that Dax Miller is locked in with her. Autumn doesn’t know much about Dax except that he’s trouble. Between the rumors about the fight he was in (and that brief stint in juvie that followed it) and his reputation as a loner, he’s not exactly the ideal person to be stuck with. Still, she just keeps reminding herself that it is only a matter of time before Jeff, her almost-boyfriend, realizes he left her in the library and comes to rescue her.

Only he doesn’t come. No one does.

Instead it becomes clear that Autumn is going to have to spend the next couple of days living off vending-machine food and making conversation with a boy who clearly wants nothing to do with her. Except there is more to Dax than meets the eye. As he and Autumn first grudgingly, and then not so grudgingly, open up to each other, Autumn is struck by their surprising connection. But can their feelings for each other survive once the weekend is over and Autumn’s old life, and old love interest, threaten to pull her from Dax’s side?

This book normally retails for $9.99 in print, and on Amazon you can get the Kindle version for $9.99 or in paperback for $5.92. It looks as if the hardcover version was only for Uppercase subscribers, because even on Barnes and Noble they only have the paperback or Nook version for $9.99. I kind of like that as a subscriber, I received an item that isn’t sold anywhere else.

As typical for an Uppercase book, the author signed it as well. I really love that Uppercase does this with every book they send out! Personally, this increases the value of the book. My first Kasie West book was from Uppercase as well, and I really enjoyed it. So, I am hoping that I’ll enjoy this book just as much as the first one!

Since this is a Valentine box, Uppercase included a Valentine Card from EpicReads

I don’t think this card has any real value.

They also included a I ❤ YA laptop sticker.

I really like the sticker, but I don’t put anything on my laptop except the hard outer shell for protection. This will probably end up on my bookshelf somewhere.

Pride & Peppermint Tea from NovelTeaTins. I don’t know the size that was received in relation to the packet that they have online. But you can purchase this particular blend for either $14.00 or a tin for $29.00. Since our package is most likely smaller, I will give it an estimated value of $7.00.

This tea is a sweet peppermint tea blend, that is organic and naturally caffeine free. The ingredients are rooibos (I had to look it up, it’s an African plant), peppermint, and chamomile. I honestly, don’t like when subscription boxes send tea samples. I am more of a coffee drinker, and they never send any samples of those. Someone needs to create a bibliophile coffee shop, so that subscription boxes can send them out! Just saying. 😉 I would if I was creative enough, or knew more details about coffee blends.

The last item in the box was this Sherlock Holmes 221B Key Necklace. Value maybe $12?

I definitely like the necklace better than the Sherlock key chain they sent a few months back.

Overall, I would say that this box has an estimated value of $29.00. Which is the same price of the subscription box. I really liked that EpicReads teamed up with Uppercase for this box, but it just seems as if what they included was filler and not really anything that contributes much to the box.

What do you think of this month’s (February) box?

 

 

Lock & Mori Review

Lock & Mori (Lock & Mori #1) by Heather W. Petty

Published: September 15th 2015 by Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

In modern-day London, two brilliant high school students—one Sherlock Holmes and a Miss James “Mori” Moriarty—meet. A murder will bring them together. The truth very well might drive them apart.

Before they were mortal enemies, they were much more…

FACT: Someone has been murdered in London’s Regent’s Park. The police have no leads.

FACT: Miss James “Mori” Moriarty and Sherlock “Lock” Holmes should be hitting the books on a school night. Instead, they are out crashing a crime scene.

FACT: Lock has challenged Mori to solve the case before he does. Challenge accepted.

FACT: Despite agreeing to Lock’s one rule—they must share every clue with each other—Mori is keeping secrets.

OBSERVATION: Sometimes you can’t trust the people closest to you with matters of the heart. And after this case, Mori may never trust Lock again.

This wasn’t anything that I expected a modern day Sherlock book to be. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Although this book is called Lock & Mori, it is definitely basically all about Mori. Sherlock is there randomly when needed or not.

This book starts off with Mori who has an eidetic memory, and it’s basically brought up every chapter of the book. Her first introduction to Sherlock is going to fetch him during a fire alarm in his secret lab in the basement of the school (because that makes sense in a high school). Then somehow miraculously they end up in the park late at night together, and decide to crash a crime scene. What do you think they decided to do next?

“We should take the case.”

“‘Take the case’?” I wanted to laugh openly at him then. “Do you think at all before you speak?”

“We could do it. We are clever. The swans on the lake are more clever than those detectives. Perhaps even the trees.”

That’s right, they took the case, and then Mori couldn’t decide if she even wanted to play Lock’s game for most of the book. The only rule they had was to share everything, no secrets. Guess who failed at that, Mori after like the second day of looking for clues. I was expecting the mystery to go for the entire book, but Mori solved it it felt like before half the book was over. From then on I just wanted to strangle her, I thought she was supposed to be really smart?

Want to know the worst part about this book? There was insta-love. To make matters worse, it seemed as if Mori would only kiss Lock to distract him so that she wouldn’t have to tell him her secrets. There was no building of romance, or really character development in this book.

Overall, I would not read this book again. The entire book was kind of boring and slow to begin with, but when you add in the insta-love and lack of character development it’s just not worth it. There are tons of books on my TBR shelf right now that have a much more interesting plot.

Uppercase Box December Review

The countdown to Christmas continues!!! Christmas is officially only 5 days away! Ah!!! I have to say I think Christmas is probably one of my favorite holidays. Probably because it is the one time of the year where I am allowed to shop without being questioned since it is for other people.  What do you like about this holiday season?

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This morning I received  a new box from Uppercase by Lisa Parkin on my front doorstep!

Every month you receive:

• a brand new hardcover book, the book is either signed or you receive a signed bookplate,
• 1-2 high quality bookish items,
• Uppercase reading experience with exclusive content,
• and a special note!

You can choose from two different plans:

Expert plan: comes with everything above for only $23/month plus $6 shipping and handling;

Book exclusive plan: comes with everything above except the 1-2 bookish items for only $17/month plus s/h.

You can check out my other Uppercase reviews here, and my other book subscription reviews here!

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They changed their little tote bag, and I think it is adorable! I already liked that they come in a sack, but this one is just more decorative and fun!

Each subscription comes with a list of items in the box, a letter from Lisa, and a bookmark with that months reading experience. The reading experience can be anything from a question, poll and/or video about that particular section in the novel.

Book: Ever the Hunted (Clash of Kingdoms #1) by Erin Summerill

Expected Publication: December 27th 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Goodreads Summary:

Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.

However, it’s not so simple.

The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.

This book has a retail value of $17.99, you can purchase this book on Amazon for $10.61.

I’m pretty stoked about this novel, I haven’t heard of it before but it seems like a book I will really enjoy. It’s also pretty cool that we were given a book that isn’t even out yet!

As always, the book came signed!

Ever the Hunted temporary tattoo. “The hunt is about to begin.”

Custom 2017 planner for bookworms designed by Simini Blocker. This is an Uppercase exclusive item and it’s super cute. I think I will use this to keep myself organized with blog posts and book releases! Since this is an exclusive item I am going to estimate that this has a value of $10.00

This is what it looks like inside, and each month has a different quote. There is also a place to write down your book log for the month.

You can’t have a planner without stickers! These are from Stick’n Plan and they have a deal on Etsy going right now. You can find this particular sheet in their shop for $3.70.

Gold Book Planner Clip by Willowfields. Lisa really thinks of everything! First you get a planner, then you get stickers to help keep you organized, and to finish it you get a planner clip so you can quickly find that particular week in the planner! This clip has a retail value of $2.50.

Overall, this box has an estimated value of $26.81. This is a little bit low in my opinion for a $29 subscription, but I really like everything in the box (except maybe the temporary tattoo)! What do you think of this months box?

The Best Damn Book Box August Review

The Best Damn Book Box curated by Nicole and her team came in today, and I am super excited! Nicole and her team are still trying to catch up on boxes, and we just received our August boxes this month. I can’t wait for them to be all caught up! I really want the November Villain’s box!

TBDBB is a monthly subscription box:

 

“A Book Subscription Box For Your Bookish Delight! We Deliver Adventures To Your Door!  30% off 3 OR 6 MONTH SUBSCRIPTIONS!!! Just use Code MSASAVE30

 

 

• Some of the Best Damn Authors around!
• Exclusive items created for each box
• Top Selling YA novels each month for your reading delight
• 5 to 6 bookish items, tea, snacks, jewelry, bookmarks, candles, etc., handcrafted by amazing small shops
• Newly released or Best Sellers Each Month based around a monthly theme!
• Each Box Donates $1 to a charity each month!”

There are three different types of subscriptions:

• Monthly: $39.99
• 3 Month Prepay: $89.99
• 6 Month Prepay: $169.99
• Shipping rates are $6.99 US, $10.99 Canada, and $19.99 Internationally

Normally, the boxes ship on or around the 25th of each month in waves.

This “months” theme was “Oz and Everything Wicked”. I have to say though, after opening up the box, I was a little bit disappointed with how sparse it was. I was not impressed what so ever. Giving the box a chance, I quickly dove in to see what goodies was curated for the theme.

First up, the info card. The other side of the card is gorgeous. I wish that it was packed in a way that would have prevent it from bending, but hopefully placing it between two books will flatten it back out.

The book this month was The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The redesigned modern cover art was done by Rock Paper Books, and has a retail value of $10.99.

Goodreads Summary:

Follow the yellow brick road!

Dorothy thinks she’s lost forever when a tornado whirls her and her dog, Toto, into a magical world. To get home, she must find the wonderful wizard in the Emerald City of Oz. On the way she meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion. But the Wicked Witch of the West has her own plans for the new arrival – will Dorothy ever see Kansas again?

As much as I love the cover, I was a little disappointed that we didn’t receive a new YA book. The previous month was also a new edition of a classic, and I hope that this isn’t going to become a trend. Don’t get me wrong, I love classics, but I already own most of them so getting a new edition is just taking up precious space on my overcrowded bookshelves. =/

This mini candle is by Novelly Yours. She is a lot of cute candles on her Etsy shop, so I definitely suggest checking her out! This particular candle is the scent Villanous, on her shop she has the 8 oz for sale for $11.00. I am assuming that this is a sampler, so the retail value for this is probably $2.75. Novelly Yours makes all natural soy wax candles, and this one has scents of stormy nights, pine, winter garden, and fire.

This silver plated necklace was made by the Best Damn Craft Shop. They had multiple characters, and I received the rainbow. It is always hard to find them online, so I estimate that this has a value of $8.00.

Wicked Witch Finger soaps by Bubble City Soap. You can order these in either sets of 20, 30, or 40. Thus making the retail value for one witch finger to be $1.20. These are very creepy looking by themselves, but it is supposed to have a green apple scent. Too bad it didn’t come before Halloween for me to put in my guest bathroom. After viewing all the items this was the only “wicked” item in the box. Everything else was all sunshine and rainbows all things considered.

Last but not least are these super cute magnetic bookmarks by Nerdy Grl Designs. Between subscription boxes and my personal orders I will probably own a little bit of everything from her shop! I get so many compliments from her bookmarks, and most of friends want them too! A full set of Oz Magnetic Bookmarks are $10.00 and there are 6 in the set.  A set of 2 for a custom set have a value of $4.50.

Overall, I am not that impressed with this box. My favorite item hands down is magnetic bookmarks and then possibly the candle. This box has an estimated value of $28.00, and considering that the box is $47 a month, I am not happy with it. I understand things happen, but since the box is already late what’s a few extra days to get high quality items? I only have a 6 month subscription, and if the next couple of boxes are not an improvement I don’t think I will continue with this one.

What did you think of this months box?

Septembers Theme is:

Octobers Theme is:

Things that Go Bump in the Night (unfortunately, I couldn’t find the promo pic)

Novembers Theme is:

Decembers Theme is:

This one is more of a celebration of their one year anniversary, so they are redoing their very first box. It is also for new subscribers only, so if someone has stayed with them for an entire year I do not know what kind of box they will get.

Uppercase Box November Review

It’s that time of the month again! A new box from Uppercase by Lisa Parkin!

Every month you receive:

• a brand new hardcover book, the book is either signed or you receive a signed bookplate,
• 1-2 high quality bookish items,
• Uppercase reading experience with exclusive content,
• and a special note!

You can choose from two different plans:

Expert plan: comes with everything above for only $23/month plus $6 shipping and handling;

Book exclusive plan: comes with everything above except the 1-2 bookish items for only $17/month plus s/h.

You can check out my other Uppercase reviews here, and my other book subscription reviews here!

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I know I have said this before, but I really like how Lisa includes a personalized note and a list of the items inside the box. I also like how this month Lisa included who provided that particular item.

The book this month is The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon.

Published: November 1st 2016 by Delacorte Press

Goodreads Summary:

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

This book has a retail value of $18.99, on Amazon it is $11.41.

Everyone seems to be talking about this book and I am very excited to dive in! This seems like a book I would really enjoy, and lets face it so far I have enjoyed all of my Uppercase books!

Did I mention that it’s signed?! Uppercase has solely increased the amount of signed books on my shelves in the past couple of months alone! 🙂

To further enjoy your reading experience, when  you get to a particular page you can unlock a new video, poll, or question that corresponds to that spot in the book! This is a very neat idea that no other subscription box that I subscribe to does!

The Sun is Also a Star temporary tattoo. “Love always changes everything.”

This doesn’t have a company associated with it, so I am going to estimate that this tattoo has a value of $2.

Just how cute are these Harry Potter cookie cutters by FrostedCo?! This was a custom order so they don’t have them on their website. On their website (either their personal or Etsy shop) they sell their cookie cutters for $3.00 a piece. So this set has a value of $6.00

“Books are Magical” greeting card set by 9th Letter Press. This was a custom order, so they do not have this particular card set on their website. A similar unicorn card has a value of $5. That makes this set have an estimated value of $25.

This month, Uppercase included a Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth chapter sampler! I have this book on my list of books to buy for the new year, and I can’t wait to see what the first chapter holds! I would not mind at all if this is January or even February’s book! *hint hint* I don’t think this item has a value on it, you can find an excerpt online if you want or click this link and read it.

Overall, this box has an estimated value of $44. Not bad, but if the greeting cards were not included, this box would cost less than the subscription. Considering I really only like the book and the HP cookie cutters, this box didn’t appeal to me as much as past boxes. Uppercase still tends to be one of my favorite boxes, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next month!!

What do you think of this months Uppercase?

Lit-Cube Special Edition “Halloween Eve” Box Review

Lit-Cube is a monthly subscription box that sends you a book, a wearable, and other little bookish goodies.

The cost: $29.99/month + $4.99 s/h to U.S. and $14.99 s/h to Canada

<–This is what it looks like on the inside of the special edition box, after you first open it! The anticipation is exciting. The theme for this box was “Halloween Eve”.

Check out my other Lit-Cube reviews and book box subscription reviews!

 

For a limited edition box (such as this one) it is a little bit more costly. The cost is $44.95 which included shipping and handling. These are one time boxes and are not part of the monthly subscription, I believe they only do 4 boxes a year, but I could be mistaken. This was my second limited edition box, and so far I really like it! I might consider buying more in the future, but that will depend on funds during that particular month!

Unlike my first limited edition box, this one included a description card. I really like when subscription boxes include these, I like to get a sense of what each item is valued.

The book for this box is Teen Frankenstein by Chandler Baker. This was published January 12th 2016 by Feiwel & Friends.

Goodreads Summary:

High school meets classic horror in this groundbreaking new series.

It was a dark and stormy night when Tor Frankenstein accidentally hit someone with her car. And killed him. But all is not lost–Tor, being the scientific genius she is, brings him back to life…

Thus begins a twisty, turn-y take on a familiar tale, set in the town of Hollow Pines, Texas, where high school is truly horrifying.

This book retails at $17.99, but on Amazon it is $12.59.

This book was picked to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the penning of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein when she was just 18 years old. Shelley later published it anonymously in 1818, and in 1823 published an edition with her name on it.

I have never heard of this book before, but it is very fitting for a Halloween box! I will definitely make sure I read this one before Monday!

Exclusive Hocus Pocus pajama set – RV $44.95.

I was super excited for this item when I saw it in the packaging. At first I thought it was just a shirt, but it turned out to be something even better!!! (P.S. Sorry for the horrible photo of me wearing the pjs, my husband is not a great photographer and he cut off my head.) These were super soft and I was a little worried that the shorts would be a little too big, but they fit perfectly. My only problem is that I live in south Texas, and the high today was 88 degrees F! Definitely not long sleeve weather. =/

Frankenstein Tea Sampler by First Edition Tea Co. -RV $3.99, you can purchase other literary themed teas on their Etsy shop, a sampler bag costs $2.50 in their shop. Maybe this will become available sometime in the future!

This was made exclusively for Lit-Cube. I almost wished I was a tea drinker so that I could try this out! I love pumpkin anything and this looks like it would taste amazing! Maybe I will give this to my good friend who loves tea so that he can tell me the verdict!

National Geographic Is It Real? Vampires -RV $19.99, Amazon has this for $4.99.

I am pretty sure that I have seen this on TV randomly, but I don’t think I really need this on DVD. This is probably the least liked item that we received. I wonder if it is on Netflix.

Halloween Socks- RV $9.99

How adorable are these socks?? I love socks and these will be a great edition! Great for keeping feet, while not necessarily warm, covered. They can also be used to confuse your big black dog into thinking your foot is your small dog while they are playing.

Hocus Pocus magnetic bookmark set by NerdyGrlDesigns, RV $3.25. These particular bookmarks can be bought as a set (which the full set is 5 characters) for $9.15.  They can be bought individually for $3.15, or as a set of 3 for $5.50 in the choose your own characters section. I love Melissa’s shop, and have actually purchased from her before. I actually have my eye on a few more bookmarks that I hope I can convince someone to buy me for Christmas. =D

Annie B’s Popcorn & Caramels– RV $2.95

You either received caramel, sea salt caramel, or jalepeno cheddar, each individual bag is $2.00. I am very excited to try these out as I am a huge popcorn fan! The individual caramel candies come in 13 different flavors. You can purchase a bag of 10 for $5.00 or 120 pieces for $60.00, or a few different options. I imagine that Lit-Cube probably bought in bulk, which would make each candy worth $0.50.

Overall this box has a value of $83.52, not bad for a subscription box. This is probably my favorite box I have received from Lit-Cube this year! Not just because the theme is Halloween, but I love almost all of the goodies picked out! I hope I enjoy the book as much as I enjoy the goodies!

What do you think of this boxes curation? What boxes do you subscribe to that had a Halloween theme this month?

Uppercase Box October Review

It’s that time of the month again! A new box from Uppercase by Lisa Parkin!

Every month you receive:

• a brand new hardcover book, the book is either signed or you receive a signed bookplate,
• 1-2 high quality bookish items,
• Uppercase reading experience with exclusive content,
• and a special note!

You can choose from two different plans:

Expert plan: comes with everything above for only $23/month plus $6 shipping and handling;

Book exclusive plan: comes with everything above except the 1-2 bookish items for only $17/month plus s/h.

You can check out my other Uppercase reviews here, and my other book subscription reviews here!

As always there is a information card along with a personal note from Lisa.

Also included in every box is a bookmark that takes you to the questions, polls, and/or videos that relate to that particular spot in the book.

The book this month is Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter.

Published: September 20th 2016 by Tor Teen

Goodreads Summary:

In the enchanted kingdom of Brooklyn, the fashionable people put on cute shoes, go to parties in warehouses, drink on rooftops at sunset, and tell themselves they’ve arrived. A whole lot of Brooklyn is like that now—but not Vassa’s working-class neighborhood.

In Vassa’s neighborhood, where she lives with her stepmother and bickering stepsisters, one might stumble onto magic, but stumbling out again could become an issue. Babs Yagg, the owner of the local convenience store, has a policy of beheading shoplifters—and sometimes innocent shoppers as well. So when Vassa’s stepsister sends her out for light bulbs in the middle of night, she knows it could easily become a suicide mission.

But Vassa has a bit of luck hidden in her pocket, a gift from her dead mother. Erg is a tough-talking wooden doll with sticky fingers, a bottomless stomach, and a ferocious cunning. With Erg’s help, Vassa just might be able to break the witch’s curse and free her Brooklyn neighborhood. But Babs won’t be playing fair…

This book retails for $17.99, but you can find it on Amazon for $11.00.

Last month I went to the Texas Teen Book Festival, and Sarah Porter was there. I was very close to buying her book at the festival to have her sign it. I am glad that I gave myself a budget and wasn’t able to buy it. This has been on my Amazon wish list since I found out about it, and I am happy to be able to take it off!

Update: I finally finished the book and I really enjoyed it! Check out my review here.

It is also signed!! I shouldn’t be surprised every month, but I always forget that their books are always signed each month. It’s a nice perk.

Erg character sticker- value $3.00? I don’t really do anything with the stickers I receive, but I may place her inside my book somewhere, just so I don’t loose her!

Besides the book. These magnetic cassette tape bookmarks, might be my favorite item in the box! I found them on a website called Connect Design for $6.00. Super cute.

Punk Rock Writers Journal- Chronicle Books with a value of $9.95. This is a pretty neat journal, each page has a different author in the corner and the pages seemed to be made from very sturdy paper.

Overall, this box has a value of $29.95. A little low, but with a signed book that I believe increases the value of the box. I am always pleased with Lisa’s curations and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next month!

What do you think of this month’s box?

 

 

Lit-Cube October “Tale As Old As Time” Box Review

Lit-Cube is a monthly subscription box that sends you a book, a wearable, and other little bookish goodies.

The cost: $29.99/month + $4.99 s/h to U.S. and $14.99 s/h to Canada

<–This is what it looks like on the inside, after you first open it! The anticipation is exciting. This months theme was decided by a vote, and the winner was “Tale As Old As Time”!

Check out my other Lit-Cube reviews and book box subscription reviews !

I love the themed description card, I like that Lit-Cube . I may be biased because I love Beauty and the Beast. And as always, they included on the other side information of what you will find in the box.

The book this month is a special edition for Lit-Cube.

Beauty (Everland Ever After) by Caroline Lee

Published: October 1st 2016 (paperback), originally published May 31st 2016 for Kindle

Goodreads Summary:

A faded matron and a blinded musician… but which is the Beauty and which is the Beast?

Twice-widowed Arabella Mayor has made a place for herself and her son in Everland, selling and lending her beloved books to other bibliophiles in the sweet town. But she’s running out of money, and ten-year-old Eddie is giving her fits, and their future is uncertain. Re-marriage might have once been an option, but Arabella knows she’s past her prime, and isn’t the Beauty she used to be. And as her beauty faded, so did her worth. What does she have left?

World-renown violinist Vincenzo Bellini is at ease with his carefully cultivated reputation of a beastly recluse. After all, the fewer people looking at his hideous scars, the better. Ready to retire, he’s trying to hide in Everland, but doesn’t count on the townsfolk being so curious… especially a particular bookseller who reminds him of the life he abandoned long ago. Can he teach her that worth isn’t tied to their appearances, or will he have to abandon his plans for a future here in Everland?

The paperback version on Amazon is $9.99, but you can get the Kindle version for only $2.99. 

I really like fairy tale reimaginings, but I am not so sure about this one. It doesn’t sound like something I normally read, but I am willing to give it a try.  What makes this a Lit-Cube special edition, is that the very first page is a letter written to the subscribers from the author and then she signed it! I thought that was a pretty cool element that I haven’t seen in a Lit-Cube box before.

Not only did we get a signed book, we also received a signed bookmark from the author.

The wearable this month is an exclusive Beauty and the Beast rose necklace. This has a value of $9.99.  The mini replica of the enchanted rose is very cute. I know a little girl whose birthday is coming up that would love this!

Our edible this month is a large cinnamon pretzel with icing. This is from the Pretzel Haus Bakery, on Amazon you can purchase a pack of 10 for $29.99. Which would make one pretzel have a value of $2.99. I haven’t had a chance to try this yet, but it is super soft in the package.

This is an Exclusive Tale as Old as Time Jewelry Box, retails for $24.95. This is very cute, if I had a little girl she would love this.

The last little goodie, is this metal rose bookmark. This has a value of $4.99. It comes with a very cute blank card, and an envelope with a rose on it. I have a new obsession with bookmarks, and I am excited to add this to my growing collection.

Overall, I am very pleased with this month’s curation. This box has an estimated value of $52.91. The book is signed so that in my opinion raises the value of the book.

What do you think of this month’s Lit-Cube “Tale as Old as Time” Box?

Next month’s theme is:

Limited Edition Lit-Cube “Lost in Austen” Box Review

Lit-Cube is a monthly subscription box that sends you a book, a wearable, and other little bookish goodies.

The cost: $29.99/month + $4.99 s/h to U.S. and $14.99 s/h to Canada

<–This is what it looks like on the inside, after you first open it! The anticipation is exciting. Last months theme was “Haunted Hearts” and it was guest curated by AG Howard the author of the book!

Check out my other Lit-Cube reviews and book box subscription reviews !

For a limited edition box (such as this one) it is a little bit more costly. The cost is $44.95 which included shipping and handling. These are one time boxes and are not part of the monthly subscription, I believe they only do 4 boxes a year, but I could be mistaken. This was my first limited edition box, and so far I really like it! I might consider buying more in the future! These were delayed by about a month; first they had a problem with one of their suppliers, then they had to order new items from a new one, and then Hurricane Matthew happened. Some costumers were upset with the wait, but I didn’t mind. I guess since I have been waiting for boxes from another subscription service, I have learned how to be patient.

First off, let me just say that I love the box! It is super cute, and I almost don’t want to throw it away. The card beside the box is also beautiful and fits in with the theme very well. I wish there was a product information card like in their normal boxes, but it’s okay I’ll live.

The book this month is The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and Kate Rorick. This was published on June 24th 2014 by Touchstone.

Goodreads Summary:

Based on the Emmy Award–winning YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.

Twenty‑four‑year‑old grad student Lizzie Bennet is saddled with student loan debt and still living at home along with her two sisters—beautiful Jane and reckless Lydia. When she records her reflections on life for her thesis project and posts them on YouTube, she has no idea The Lizzie Bennet Diaries will soon take on a life of their own, turning the Bennet sisters into internet celebrities seemingly overnight.

When rich and handsome Bing Lee comes to town, along with his stuck‑up friend William Darcy, things really start to get interesting for the Bennets—and for Lizzie’s viewers. But not everything happens on‑screen. Lucky for us, Lizzie has a secret diary.

The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet takes readers deep inside Lizzie’s world and well beyond the confines of her camera—from the wedding where she first meets William Darcy to the local hangout of Carter’s bar, and much more. Lizzie’s private musings are filled with revealing details about the Bennet household, including her growing suspicions about her parents’ unstable financial situation, her sister’s budding relationship with Bing Lee, the perils of her unexpected fame, and her uncertainty over her future—and whom she wants to share it with.

Featuring plenty of fresh twists to delight fans and new readers alike, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet expands on the web series phenomenon that captivated a generation and reimagines the Pride and Prejudice story like never before.

This seems to be my year of Pride and Prejudice retellings, and I am okay with that! This book sounds very interesting and although I have never heard of it before, I am glad that it was included in this box. This paperback book has a retail value of $15.00, but you can purchase it on Amazon for $12.82.

These promotional bookmarks were also included in the box this month. At first I wasn’t sure why there was so many people on the bookmark, but then after reading the premise it made sense. You can check out their page here. Since they are bookmarks, and I don’t have a product card, I am not sure how much they are worth. I’ll give them an estimation of $1.50/ea.

One of my favorite items in the box, are these Lit-Cuties! They are Lit-Cube exclusive plush dolls, and they are adorable! You can find them on the Lit-Cube website for $29.90, free shipping in the U.S. Being a huge Pride and Prejudice fan, I am very excited to have these displayed on my bookshelf.

I have a ton of coffee cups, but none that are literary themed until now! This one says “Know your own happiness” -Jane Austen. I wish it was a little easier to read, but the theme is simplicity and classic. I found some other mugs online for about $12.99, so I guess this mug is also around that price? I wish I knew who made it, because I would love to get possibly more for my friends who love Austen as much as I do!

These wax crumbles by Crumble Candle Co. made the box smell heavenly! This was an exclusively made item for Lit-Cube, so it is not on their website. They sell their wax melts for $6.00, so this is probably the same. I love the scent, and I can’t wait to use it in my warmer!

The last items in the box were these two Jane Austen journals. The bigger one simply says “Pride and Prejudice” and the smaller one says “There is no charm equal to tenderness of heard” -Jane Austen. I like that these journals match in color, but realistically I don’t need two. I have so many journals, I barely use them enough as it is. Maybe this will force me to journal more, or use it for my continuous to do lists that I like to make. There isn’t any indication of who made the journal, so I will guestimate that the big journal is $10 and the little one is $5. They are very well made and have a bookmark to help keep your place.

Overall, I am very pleased with this limited edition box! I would have been perfectly happy with just the plush toys and the mug! This box has an estimated overall value of $79.91. I really like majority of the items in this box, one or two of the items were placed in there specifically because the box was delayed. The owner of Lit-Cube kept us very well informed, and I didn’t particularly mind that this was late. It just makes October a little bit more special!

 

 

If you liked the Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy plush dolls, they are having a pre-order of Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester! They are currently on sale for $27.50, but they are only shipping inside the U.S. They will be shipped in December, just in time for Christmas!

 

 

 

 

What do you think of this “Lost in Austin” box?