The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I like multiple point of view books. This was really a very sweet read. Being less of a spicy read was refreshing in this genre. I enjoyed the characters and the way their stories worked. I would read more by this author!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was full of three beautifully interwoven romance stories. While this book is separated into three separate stories, they all connected together perfectly. The characters were simply amazing, the romance was sweet, and of course I love a book that gives you small town feels. While this is not my first book by this author, it is pretty close to one of my favorites. So if your looking for a new romance make sure you pick up this one today.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book absolutely captivated me! Bernadette wrote in such a way that I could picture and feel everything that the characters did. While reading “The Happily Ever After Bookstore”, I fell in love with falling in love. In this book, three love stories were beautifully told throughout many seasons, holidays, happy moments, and sad moments. There were many moments that felt too good to be true (especially for the characters), but fate always found a way to bring the perfect couples together. “True and spontaneous love” happened within the bookstore, even to those who least expected it. To top it all off, this book had the perfect settings: a cozy town, a coffee shop, and a bookstore that felt like home.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a must read on a sunny day with lemonade and comfy socks! A romantic story set in a book store that involves love connecting in 3 ways. This book was sweet and romantic and will have you smiling from ear to ear. Each relationship provided a new lease on love and happiness. This was a wonderful book I know I will be reading a second time.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In The Happily Ever After Bookstore Bernadette has cleverly woven three delightful contemporary romance stories in one. All the characters are well developed with flaws and with their own distinct personalities. I enjoyed the friendships and interactions between them. This story has everything that makes it a sweet fun read that is full of passion and humour, hope and love,
Leona loves her bookstore and her books and the friendships, but she also loves playing matchmaker. Now if only she could be successful in her own love life.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute, fun, enjoyable, sweet read! I absolutely loved all the different characters individual quirks, the author did such a great job. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzy rom com feels, I just snuggled up with a cup of tea and devoured it in one sitting.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Three separate love stories are woven around an origin story of love at first sight. Characters learn the beauty of their intertwined lives. What reader wouldn’t love the setting of this story? I mean, a bookstore! I have a full tank of gas- I think I’ll search for a magical bookshop of my own.
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this romance story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her writing skills. They are such that they not only bring the story to life but also give the story a realistic feel. This is a well written story about Leona and her love for her bookstore. The bookstore is in need of some repairs. This is where Jon comes in. Leona may just get more than some repairs in her bookstore. Will she open her heart up to Jon and his family or will the love of her bookstore be all that there is for her? I really enjoyed these characters. They made the story engaging and pull you into their lives. I enjoyed watching the growth of these two and their chemistry is great. I enjoyed what they brought to the story. This is an entertaining, easy story to read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book gives so many happy vibes. I enjoyed it so much. Leona runs the happiest bookstore in town. The story of Ellen and Charles romance has become a romance put on paper thanks to Price (Fiona’s ex-husband) sharing the story with her. This story has created a multiverse of romances that Leona matched up starting with Sadie and Charlie. They came together over the Christmas holiday by way of a package mixup. Through funny mishaps, the sweetest romance is created. We move on to Fiona and Price. They are a divorced couple that had heartbreak split them apart. Through a series of events, they both arrive in town and at the bookstore. Leona again sets up something. They talk and try to work through their issues. Then amazingly, Leona finds love and her dream comes true on the location for her shop. The story is funny, entertaining, so very romantic, and clean. The story had me giggling because of its sweetness and cuteness. Ellen, the grandma, plays a role also. She is the sweetest. The characters are so well developed. I felt like this town was Mayberry in today’s world So small town and cute. The plot was so sweet and adorable. A great idea for a Hallmark movie. I would give this more than 5 stars if they would let me. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard. And I’m a bookworm, so any romance in a bookstore, I’m hooked. I was enthralled from the beginning and had to finish before I put it down. It’s that’s good. A must for all romance readers.
Oliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute story and would be a great read for children whether they are adopted or not. I’m pretty sure everyone at some point has wished their parent weren’t theirs so I think that this story would help the see that that’s ok to feel that way at times. I have no experience with adoption but I can imagine this being a nice story to read to younger children to help them express their feelings. The language is simple and is easy for children to follow and understand. It did finish a little abruptly I felt however it’s still a good 4 star read.
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a cute read. This is the only book in the series that I have read and look forward to reading the others to my niece. It’s targeted more for kids her age (5-10). Its such a sweet story with wonderful lessons about sharing, fears and worries, and (my absolute favorite) inclusivity. So glad that I read this and I can’t wait to read it during Auntie time.
Reviewed by @danihoneycutt
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
India Kells captured me! I do believe I read one of these individually and not in order before finding this and rereading from the beginning. Each book performs well on its own with different characters that intertwine and all around incredible stories with their own fair shares of steam, romance, conflict, chemistry, and surprises. You do not HAVE to read them all or in order but I would be surprised if you read one and didn’t want to wholly consume the others. The characters are just to die for. You cannot help but fall for them and their journeys. India is an incredible author spinning tales that take you to another place. I can not get enough from the author!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ah, I loved this book so freaking much. Cassius and Sera were seriously amazing characters and couldn’t have been written better. It was a wild journey and I couldn’t put the book down. I went through pretty much every single emotion while reading it but I loved every second. I very highly recommend reading this book!
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Starlight is the first book in the Quimby Grove series, this can be read as a standalone.
We meet Ellawyn who moves to Quimby Grove, Pennslyvania to escape her abusive relationship. She spends a lot of time in the local bookstore (a girl after my own heart) where she meets its owner Benji. Benji has been diagnosed with cancer and has asked her grandson Beckett to return to Quimby Grove to help her. We follow a dual point of view alternating between Ellawyn and Beckett.
I loved the relationship that grew between Benji and Ellawyn, Benji was a lovely character. The slow burn romance between Ellawyn and Beckett was everything I needed. The suspense and tension was more than I could handle and I will admit this made my heart melt and a few tears were shed. i would highly recommend this book!
Trigger warnings for cancer, grief, domestic violence and assault.
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
Ellawyn is running from her past, and stumbles into a quiet town which she believes she can live to rebuild herself. While there she spends most of her time is a little bookstore, Starlight Books and becomes friends with the owner Benji. While befriending the older store owner he decides to tell her his secret and that he will not be able to look after the store for much longer, Ellawyn offers to help run the store with Benji’s grandson Beckett.
Once Beckett arrives Ellawyn feels drawn to this man but with her history and the walls she has built up, will she ever feel like she can have a relationship again?
This is the first story I have read by this author. I enjoyed the small-town vibe, and the characters are well developed and written. Ellawyn’s character has been through a lot in her short life, and you feel the reluctance in her trusting anyone especially a man is heart-breaking. With the twists and turns of the story you feel drawn along to help them find out what is going on.
Although, I did feel in places the story was rushed and tried to get you to the conclusion too quickly and then others I felt could have been expanded a little more to give more back story to the characters, but although in saying this it did not deter me away from the book or the story. I would love to read the next instalment in this series and see what happens next.
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There’s so much to unpack in this story. I finished this story a few days ago but it’s still on my mind. Ellawyn is a sweetheart. She’s strong, brave and creative. The trauma she endures was enough to break her completely but she pushed on. Benji has to be one of the best characters ever. You can’t help but fall in love with the guy. His grandson Beckett is way different than I pictured him being when he’s introduced. He is a great match for Ellawyn. There were a lot of realistic events that I could relate too. It’s not just hearts and rainbows in this story. You’ll experience love, grief,fear, sadness and happiness right along with the characters. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. The story was a tad predictable but I feel like most romance stories are. But it’s still a good read.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adored Morgan and her approach to life and things around her. This book was truly a fun read with the perfect amount of paranormal and romance mixed together. Her coworkers and friends around her help bring the story to life, while the details provided by the author also danced through my imagination
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book one of two in the Nurse Morgan series. Anyone who likes paranormal intrigue with romance and great storytelling should pick up this book. Main character Morgan Cutler survives a near-death experience, and it gives her psychic abilities. This book is wonderfully written and kept my attention the whole way through. It’s a quick but satisfying read, and left me itching to get at the next book. I love a good main, female character and Morgan did not disappoint me at all! I highly recommend this book! 5 stars.
Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Twisting, Turning and Hiding My Kindle in the freezer… This thriller has it all… This is my very first book by this author and let me say I will be returning to read everything they have written!!! I am very picky when it comes to suspense novels as most don’t have enough backstory or as many details as I would like. Not with this author!! You will find yourself needing more and after you go on and read book two you will sit around tapping your fingers waiting for book three… begging for more!
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I binged this series from start to finish, the box set is made up of
Lost Bastard, Cold Bastard, Wild Bastard, True Bastard, Dark Bastard and King Bastard. This series is full of romance and suspense. It is a truly bingeable series, well written, fast paced and pulled me in from the first page to the last. Highly Recommended.
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an AMAZING box set!! I absolutely loved everything about it! The authors writing was phenomenal and each story was a 5 star read for me!
I loved every single story in the box set, each one is about a different brother and together just make for some phenomenal reading! I honestly cannot praise this series enough, I loved all of the books but think possible Cold Bastard is my favourite, the storyline was a little more complex as were the characters.
Overall 6 AMAZING reads and a box set that I would highly recommend!
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There are 6 books in this box set, and each one follows a different son – Aleksei, Archer, Kai, Liam, Sam, and Lazarus. I read Book 1, Lost Bastard and Book 5, Dark Bastard. Lost Bastard follows Deva and Aleksei. Deva is physical therapist and Aleksei is a cage fighter born out of Russia and has ties to Bratva. Now, after a decade, she is heading back to Chicago and is pulled back into the underground. You see, when Deva was rescued 10 years prior, she agreed to return the favor. That favor has been called in – now she must get close to Aleksei and report back what she has found out. But now she finds herself in danger once more. Dark Bastard follows Sam and Ellie. Sam was a soldier and was just about to give up on life. He meant to call his brother one last time but did a fat finger dial and ended up calling someone named Ellie, who felt in the same boat as Sam. What better way to start to the new year than in God’s presence, right? Both have a traumatic past they are dealing with and feel they would rather not deal with it at all. That one misdialed phone call will end up changing their path in life forever.
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Here’s to the beginning and end of the Dark Sparrow. Zoe Somersby has taken her job to the limit. Her specialty is translating many languages, under cover. But she does not let on, so she can hear what is needed. To keep her boss safe. Be his ears during his business dealings. Learning everything could come to a halt. Archer Blackwood is the CEO of his own company, extremely good looking but he is cold and ruthless. Loaded with money Archer is in control of everything. He has hired Zoe, the one and only woman that has gotten under his skin.This story was filled with all kinds of angst and twists. Her characters will make you fall in love with them, well some of them anyway. Others will just keep you wondering when they will get to meet Karma.
I am sad to see this series end. I’m excited that the book in the story is the oldest of the King brothers. Lazarus’s one goal in life is to protect his family. From his own father! I could not believe this man, the one to take care of his wife and children. Instead he made them pay for being in his selfish way. This story got me so twisted. There was the father, the brothers and their families. All trying to find their part in this story. Lazarus must put an end to his family’s nightmare. Meanwhile his heart is beginning to open, while not the best time to. Lazarus might have found his soulmate, but can he protect one more person in his life? This was a fantastic series. Each one is better than the one before. There were so many suspenseful roller coaster rides. I was thrown into the depths of so many emotions. I recommend you read this series in order, even though they can be read as a standalone? I feel it’s a must to get familiar with the whole family. As the end pulls the series to a close. No spoilers will be found. This story was filled with all kinds of angst and twists. Her characters will make you fall in love with them, well some of them anyway. Others will just keep you wondering when they will get to meet Karma.
of his own company, extremely good looking but he is cold and ruthless. Loaded with money Archer is in control of everything. He has hired Zoe, the one and only woman that has gotten under his skin. He has no time for falling in love.This story was filled with all kinds of angst and twists. Her characters will make you fall in love with them, well some of them anyway. Others will just keep you wondering when they will get to meet Karma. Now that she has a boxed set I can read them again all together. A must if you love re reading the series as I do. So feel free to get started with this series.
Review@cinful
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
A Dark Sparrow Box Set (Books 1-6) by India Kells
Lost Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #1)
This is the first book in A Dark Sparrow Series. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be my last. Kells has really done a great job writing this.
Deva, a Dark Sparrow, goes to help Lazarus. He wants to watch his brothers and make sure he’s kept out of harm’s way. Little does Deva know that the brother is going to capture her heart. The quote I chose for Deva is: “I agree. And I couldn’t stop thinking about what Finch and my father had said. All those speeches about patience, about preparing for war. What if he was speaking about a war from within? What if Finch had prepared things way in advance, and placed his pawns in strategic places.”
Aleksei, Lazarus’s half brother, trains at the gym only to find his Angel there. He keeps her at arms length, but when he’s injured she’s the one to help him. Things get tough and he pushes her away. The quote I chose for Aleksei is: “You put yourself in danger! I told you to stay at the hotel under Lance and Kai’s protection, but you didn’t listen. You don’t listen! And now that I know you are safe, still breathing , still alive and whole…”
Cold Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #2)
This is the second book of A Dark Sparrow Novels. As the second book I’ve read by the author I can say I’ve enjoyed it. Kells knows how to capture a reader’s attention.
Zoe knows her languages and is requested by Beatrice for a favor. Keep an eye on one of Lazarus’s half brothers. Not sure what she’s getting herself into she goes. She finds herself going back to the past. The quote I chose for Zoe is: “You had love in your life, and even if you struggled and battled through some tough times, you had a choice to do something with it. Grabbing that power. I will never judge you for the decisions you made, that path on the dark side. I would have done the same thing. Hell, I’m doing it right now. At least love brought you back. You always have a choice, Archer. Never forget that.”
Archer Blackwood, moves from London to Chicago, a cold man needs someone who can translate languages for him. What he doesn’t know is his half brother is really looking out for him. Zoe has thawed the cold man a little. The quote I chose for Archer is: “Don’t put yourself in danger, do you hear me? Steer clear of Finch. You’re mine.”
Wild Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #3)
The third book in A Dark Sparrow Novels. Kells has really upped her game from the first two books. Lazarus is at it again with helping one of the many half brothers and Kells captures it perfectly.
Isabel is the next Dark Sparrow to be called upon the favor. What she doesn’t realize when she agrees to the meeting is she’ll be running right into the past’s arms. Jones isn’t who she expected to see and it gets better. The quote I chose for Isabel is: “No pressure. Because all I want is you.”
Kai, Delta Force, goes to another meeting in hopes to bring down his father, Finch. What he’s not expecting is for the girl who broke his heart and got away is the one that’s helping. Things don’t go as planned and it scares him. The quote I chose for Kai is: “Are you still set on returning to work tomorrow?”
True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #4) by India Kells
Kells knows how to get attention with everything she writes. So far I’ve read all The Dark Sparrow Novels and I can’t wait for more. These characters will never be forgotten.
Liam, a cop and the fourth brother to Lazarus, is upset that they didn’t bring down their father. Gabrielle had to leave as an emergency came up, but she brought a gift. Someone to cut Finch’s money. The quote I chose for Liam is: “I never played you, in any way, Catriona. I’ve never liked deception. When I kissed you, it was because I couldn’t help myself. If Deva hadn’t barged in, things would’ve gone further than a kiss. I only stopped because I think you’re making a mistake.”
Catriona, very close to becoming a nun, is brought to Chicago to help a family out. With the eldest brother being in a coma she does what she can. When she uncovers something she runs, but she saves someone else. The quote I chose for Catriona is: “We’re on this earth to make mistakes. Do you think that’s the first time I’ve ever thought about being with a man, sleeping with one? When you choose a path, you have to relinquish several more. No one goes into a religious life without considering that, otherwise, the weight of the commitment would break you in two. I haven’t slept with anyone because each time I was convinced it was the wrong decision, until you.”
Dark Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel # 5 by India Kells
This is another great read by Kells. Dark Bastard was an amazing read and I can’t wait for the next one. It’s part of A Dark Sparrow Series, but can be read as a standalone.
Ellie is trying to live one day at a time, but being a 911 dispatcher is hard. Especially when she thinks she can save someone’s life. The quote I chose for Ellie is: “And you know nothing about me, Sam. And yet, you stopped that final jump because of me. We’re strangers who have lost their way yet found each other. I see honor in you, a protector of your brothers. You may have reached the end of your rope that night, but I believe your strength is still greater than your pain. I don’t care that I don’t know everything about you. I think that for the moment, staying alive is the only solution we have.”
Sam is feeling lost and ready to give up on life. He decides to call his brother only to get a wrong number. When he does hear the person’s voice it changes everything for him. The quote I chose for Sam is: “I couldn’t forget the sadness in your voice when you hung up on me. It’s the only reason I persisted. I want nothing from you, just the reassurance that you’re all right.”
King Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel #6 by India Kells
This is not the first book I’ve read by the author. The Dark Sparrow Novels get better each one I read. King Bastard is by the far the best and we get to learn more about the head guy.
Lazarus is known for protecting his brothers from their father. So far each of them have found their happily ever after. Sasha came into his life when it was at his lowest and she just might be the best thing that has happened to him. The quote I chose for Lazarus is: “I didn’t know you’d worked with her so many times during your missions.”
Sasha comes back to the states after being away for a while. She gets a call from Lazarus’ mother and now has a place to stay. Can she get through to Lazarus that they can be more than friends? The quote I chose for Sasha is: “Sorry. I don’t come home a lot, and when I do, my brain takes time to adjust. I compare the life here and back there, seeing the inequalities, and it blows my mind.”
This was one amazing box set. Dark romantic suspense lovers these are your books!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What is not to love !?!? It’s pink and it’s set in a bookstore ! My heart is bursting to get lost in between these pages !!!
Well I already fell in love from page one and when you get to read it yourself you’ll understand why ❣️📕
This is one of those books that just grab you and run , you get lost and forget about the world as you know it for a few hours !!!!
From the moment I heard the bells chime as I walked in the door with Sadie I could feel and smell the books , I could hear Leona’s friendly greeting and jingling bangles ❣️📕
Charlie walks in and I just want to slap him because I felt he disrespected hallowed ground but I can’t stay cross with him for too long , he’s such a charmer without even trying and the the fact that he has such a special bond with his grandmother won me over 😉
Leona is something of a matchmaker and when Jon comes into her life I could only hope that she wouldn’t be immune to Cupid’s love potion ❣️
Fiona and Price what can I say , another of Leona’s match making success stories ….❣️
There really is something magical about this book and all it’s characters , it will own your heart and you just want to share it with anyone and everyone ❣️📕
Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Coyote meets several people during the book though these don’t seem to last the presentation of this book is dull and sad the way the characters are portrayed and how most people are just playing the part on a chess board. This dystopian story carries many different tales. I really enjoyed this fantasy book.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Frim the offer I was engrossed in this story. Grace just stuck out to me she an amazing character and a women to watch out for. The story really flown well. 3 enjoyed Grace been in the cage it felt right she honor her father that way and had that connection. The support and live around her is great.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caging Grace (The Grace Series Book 1)
I had no expectations going in since this is a new author and this book is their first full length, though the synopsisgot my attention.
I have to say I was quite impressed with the total package. The characters, story were well written and have a great depth to them. Really think we have only scratched the surface with Grace and not even that far with Johnny and I have so many questions about everything and everyone.
I loved watching Grace develop and evolve throughout this book. I may have obsessively thought about the book for a day or two after I finished which caused me to not be able to get started on my next book.
I could go on and on about this book, but instead of that I’m going to tell you to read it. It is anything but the typical romance.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book of this series and first book by this author I have read. I really enjoyed the down to earth feel of the characters. The book is just a nice contemporary romance and well written. I really found myself hooked from the firt page and didn’t want to put the book down.
The author has captured the emotions of the lead character really well. I could really relate to the lead character and her doubts and emotions from heartbreak. I like how the author uses the way that emotions and heartbreak shape her attitude and rules she makes. I like how the characters are down to earth and also that the story was refreshing. I will definitely read more from this author in future.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As Close to Perfect is good story that’s easy to follow along with but I could not connect with the main characters. I felt Bree was too focused on her past to see a future and Nate was incredibly tense for a leading male. I was hoping for more personality from both, but it never shined through. They were likable enough to enjoy the story, but the supporting characters were the ones I would have rather focused on. Overall, a good read just not one that fully grasped my attention.
