Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Classic book of two athletes who go away to train. At first they can’t stand each other an then realize they really don’t know each other. Once they take the time an get to know each other, past the politics, rumors and glamour they realize they really do like each other. Sienna an Connor are a match made in heaven
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is book one of the series. At his was a good read.
Lily is dealing with a dead-end job and her horrible taste in men. After the death of her father, she picks up and moves. She leaves London headed for Montana to reopen the hardware store she was left. That’s where Jake comes in. Lily is not exactly happy with Jake’s presence. Unless of course she can just enjoy the view. Once they get to know each other, you can’t ignore the chemistry. The question is though, will Lily be able to ignore Jake’s reputation or is this just another one of her wrong choices?
I enjoyed this book. There were some laughs along with Lily’s feisty nature. It was a quick read but worth it!
5 Stars
The Coin Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
The Coin (Audiobook) is a Romance Suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat as your listening. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and keeping my attention throughout the story. This is a fast paced story that is set in the French Rivera and is about betrayal, love ,hatred that bring forth personal greatness (triumph). Gabriela’s life is a bit complicated and she finds herself at her favorite spot while there she finds herself in unfamiliar area and discovers a coin. Then there’s Richard who is an American Intelligence officer who is not happy with his boss after he asked him to do a favor. Turns out that favor has him protecting Gabriela from a killer who will stop at nothing to keep his secret safe. I truly enjoyed listening to this story and highly recommend listening/reading to find out what happens next. Im definitely looking forward to seeing what other books this author has to offer.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a mum to a 4 year old girl, this book got me right in the feels. It echoed everything I wish for my little one and what mum hasn’t wished they had a magic wand to make the world perfect for their son or daughter? This would be a beautiful gift for a new parent or even for that special child in your life as a book to read together! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My first from the amazing Julia and wont be my last. This story was just wow. I went through a wide range of emotions reading it and can truly say every word took me to another world. I felt like i was in a yellowstone-esque novel and was loving every second! This is a perfect, well written book to cozy up and get lost in!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the opening sentence of this book!!! I had to stifle my laughter since I was reading this book during nap time. The reason why women don’t propose had me laughing like crazy and it was so relatable! It was refreshing for Tenley to be a romance skeptic podcaster who tells her listeners the blunt truth of love. This story was full of fun steamy moments and an engaging story! It kept me turning page after page. The Hawaii resort is something I would love to go to and could imagine myself there in the story!
Review by @bilberrysweet
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a beautiful story. I love the way the author used a poetic writing style. I enjoyed this book so much. The illustrations were amazing. I cannot wait to read this book to my own little bundle of joy. I highly recommend this book to parents.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
All roads lead to California or in this case to the Mansfield Supper Club. Road to the Mansfield follows 3 different characters who have been broken. 3 different characters who you could say have been put through the ringer. The author expertly writes their overlapping stories reflecting the trials and tribulations they go through. The common thread, they all end up in California. They also end up at the Mansfield Supper Club. 2 of which are employees/entertainment and the other a spectator.
Francie(Ruby) finds herself in California to put herself back together. Ending up training and working at a gentlemen’s club when she was 17 she went through a difficult and trying year. Betrayal by her best friend and the stealing of her virtue. She married the man who got her out, only to lose him to death 6 years later. Now it’s time to start over and she’s hoping her voice can lead her in the right direction.
Rose is young and naive. Blinded by the words and actions of Rico Valentino. He convinces her to leave her family and friends, to marry him and move to California. Unfortunately it only takes a few months before his controlling and abusive ways present themselves. Tricked into an audition at Mansfield, she realizes despite her nerves it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost.
Will she ever open her eyes and leave him?
Beau was broken by the death of his best friend. The death led to a domino effect of him losing everything. Best part he’s okay with that, because he feels like himself again. He also heads to California, and ends up a spectator at Mansfield. After listening to Rose and Ruby sing, he realizes he wants to help Rose any way he can. He is also mesmerized by Ruby.
Will he act on instinct?
How do these 3 characters tie together?
I feel like it’s the California move healing themselves. What do you think?
It’s one story with 3 overlapping substories, each focusing on a different character. It’s good but I have to warn you there are some dark themes that could be a little too much for some, but you should check it out!
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom. My 5yo son and I love her books. There were a lot of unexpected surprises in here. You definitely get to use your imagination and take a quick little adventure with the main character Caspian. We both loved it.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had pulled at my heartstrings while reading to my kids. They loved seeing the different families, and as the wand was passed from family to family. My kids were ages 6 and 10 but they loved the book just the same. The message was sweet and heartfelt, and definitely should be a staple in every family. My family will be reading it as a bedtime routine from now on!
What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I have read by this author, but it won’t be my last! This was such a whirlwind of action, adventure, and fantasy; I couldn’t put it down until I had finished the story. The author did a fantastic job of developing the characters and it was a journey watching how they evolved. This story was filled with vivid imagery in a whimsical fantasy world. This story takes you on a voyage of heartache and tragedy, followed by heart and humor. The author paces the story in a way that comes at you in waves. If you are looking for an offbeat story that covers adventure, heart, fantasy, magic, mystery, and well developed characters, this is a wonderful book to check out.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This holiday romance is not what you expect! It has such a great story line and is not your typical story. This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed their writing style. Tenley has hidden insecurities that most people don’t even know about. She has a podcast telling women not to waste your time with love. And then comes Teagan who believes in love with his whole heart even though he has never experienced it. He takes a chance and makes an offer Tenley can’t refuse. Will his belief be enough to show Tenley that true love does exist? Can he really break down her walls and reach her heart? This is definitely worth the read!
Revenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Revenge never rests is the second book in this series from this Author. Although i have not read book one in this series i was still able to follow right along. I felt this book was a really fast read for me, it kept me engrossed. I honestly love Tallie brown’s Character dealing with her feelings with her mom and not to mention all the intensity and twists in this read. I was unable to predict what was going to happen in the book and it was so wonderfully written that you will not get board. if you like clean romance suspense reads i would highly suggest going and reading this book. Thank you to this Author for writing this book and i look forward to reading more books by you.
@stephaniedulac25
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable holiday romcom read that I would highly recommend. My first time reading from Susan Renee and definitely will not be my last. The romance genre is not my normal read, but the book summary caught my attention. It did not disappoint and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter.
The main characters have opposite views on what love is. Tenley has a practical view and gives advice on her podcast. Teagan is a Love Guru with an optimistic view. Is it true that opposites attract? A week in Hawaii is the ultimate test from the Love Guru to the Practical Podcaster. He pushes her buttons from the get go. She puts her foot down with her strong opinionated personality. Or does she? Pick up the book and follow the slow burn romance of these two opposites!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love that all 3 stories connect at the end. This book is such an easy read that also kept my attention from start to finish.
The first story starts with Francie. Kind of reminds me of the song “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. She is living very poor, her mom is not in the best health and they have her baby brother to take care of. Francie comes back one day after selling some frog legs and her mom dresses her up all fancy and sends her off with one of her clients she sews for.
Francie’s singing voice saves her from so much until 2 crimes threaten to take all that way from her.
Then you have Rose. My heart broke for Rose through her whole story. She quickly marries a passerby to escape the life she is living and they head to California. Rose meets Francie and her life changes so much for the better. Rose quickly learns the man she “loves” and married that maybe her father was right about him. But like many marriages in the time period of this book, was trying to stick it out and make it work.
Then comes the story of Beau. The heartbreak he suffers after not being able to help a friend in a legal situation haunts him the rest of his life. However, between that and his divorce he changes his law practice and moves to California.
Oh how I can’t wait to see what happens with these 3 characters in the next book!
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Knight in the Museum is a very slow start, however the farther you get into the book, it does pick up the pace. The author is very detail oriented in how the main character does her investigation. Also the main character does have a private personal life other than her work as an investigator. I like how the main character appears to have emotions like an actual person.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny is the second part of the Quirk of Destiny series by Catherine Greenall. This book picks up a few years after the 1 part so I would highly recommend reading this series in order. This dystopian/sci-fi story is quite a bit different than my normal reads but the thriller/suspense parts kept me me intrigued and I kept turning page after page. The story was well done and the main characters were great! I am looking forward to reading the next part in this series and I will want to read other books by this author in the future! I would recommend this series to any dystopian/sci-fi/thriller lovers!
Happy reading!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute, quick read. It took me a hot second to understand the title. I liked the grinch grumpiness mixes with sunshine in this story. The story flowed well and the characters were enjoyable. It was a definitely a cute read for the season.
Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have read several books by this author. I did enjoy this book and could connect with it. I am conflicted on how I would use it with the children that I work with. I feel like there wasn’t a clear resolution for the siblings that younger children can understand. This would be better for children that can infer decision making. Overall, it was a nice, relatable story.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a page turner that I could not put down!! Road to the Mansfield tells the stories of three individuals who all end up at the Mansfield where their paths cross. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to be released!!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder On Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series by I. M. Foster. This is a historical mystery that has former New York coroner, Daniel O’Halleran moving to the small town of Patchogue and investigating his first mystery. He approached to investigate a two-year-old mystery that leads him to investigate a second more current mystery. I found this book very engaging and I really enjoyed the character of Daniel. I also enjoyed all the twists. The book has a bit of a slow start but really starts to pick up and becomes quite the page-turner. This is a great book for mystery and/or historical fiction fans.
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi is a very sweet children’s book. This book is very well-written. I wish I had this book when my children were babies. I found the story to be very uplifting. I read this with my autistic boys and they very much enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to parents and children alike.
Freedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. This is the third book in the series which I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series first. This will help with your enjoyment of the characters and know where they come from to where they are going in this book. This is a well written story where the author used her writing skills to bring the story to life. The characters gave the story a realistic feel as well as brought the story to life. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their world from the start. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced story about friendship, betrayals and secrets. This is a series you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this romance. Its a perfect Christmas read. It is an enemies to lovers romance however I wouldn’t class Sienna and Connor as enemies. Both of them have had a lot to deal with in their lives so it’s made them act and respond the way they do.
Both are Paralympics athletes but they came to it from different ways. Sienna was born that way and over the years she has pushed herself to be the best paralympic skier around. She is a very focused and driver woman who won’t let anyone stand in her way.
Conner on the other hand lost his leg due to an accident, so he has the additional trauma of learning to live with this disability. Conner also used to be a bad boy, partying hard and different women every night. But that all changed after his accident. He is now trying to rebuild his life and career.
Neither Conner or Sienna are looking for romance or distraction but that is what the find when they are on deserted ski resort with just their coach.
As the couple get to know each other you can feel the push and pull as they feel each other out and push each others buttons.
The question is can they drop the images they have of each other in their minds to see the real person in front of them or will their pasts hold them back from taking a risk?
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing style as well as her attention to details that made her story pop. This is a well written story that will bring you to tears in parts and make you laugh in others. I enjoyed how the characters were written with a lot of heart and emotion. They pulled me into their story from the start. I found them to be connectable and kept the story engaging. This is an entertaining story that is fast paced and easy to read. I enjoyed the growth and chemistry throughout the story. A story about falling for the wrong men and convincing her to give you a chance. I really enjoyed reading this book and what the characters brought to the story made it entertaining to read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Private Investigator, Jorja Knight, is asked by her friend to investigate her father’s death Jorja expects it to be a routine case. Although her friend’s father’s death has been ruled an accident there appears to be more to it than that. The more investigating Jorja does the more it leads her to believe that her friend’s father’s death, and several other mysterious deaths that occurred around the same time are somehow linked to an ancient jade statue.
Jorja attempts to retrace the last steps of her friend’s late father and determine what he had uncovered that led to his death. Her investigation takes her into the heart of Alberta’s Badlands and has her coming face to face with a killer.
Knight in the Museum was an intense read from the first few pages. It was packed full of action, suspense, and twists and turns throughout. The more Jorja Knight dug into the mysterious death of her friend’s father the more questions she had that remained unanswered. Numerous times it seemed that Jorja was going to give up because the answers she was coming up with did not seem to make any logical sense. How on earth could one jade statue be linked to so many deaths? Was it really cursed as legend had it? For Jorja it made no sense, but she relentlessly pursued the investigation and did not give up until she unraveled the mystery.
I loved this book and did not realize that it was part of a series when I started reading it. Although, it can easily be read as a standalone, I know that I will be ensuring I read the other books as well. The author is a truly talented writer and I found it refreshing to read about cities in Canada. I loved how the author utilized Alberta’s badlands as a backdrop for where the mystery unfolded. I highly recommend this book!
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
What a beautiful, heartwarming poem book! Gorgeous! Made me have sweet tears in my eyes! Loved it! Perfect to read with your babies!
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great inspirational children’s book. This is the second book by this author that I have read and I am quite impressed. I really like how the book grabs the reader and inspires them. This book is definitely a great book for your children and I only wish mine were young enough for this. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends who have younger children or grandchildren.
Review by @caraleeloonat
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Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This mystery had me from the start. PI Jorja Knight is almost carjacked. Jorja later learns that the would- be carjacker has been involved in a hit and run; unbeknownst to her the man may be connected to an investigation she has taken on involving an accidental death.
While Jorja works on piecing together pieces that she’s found; she realizes she may in over her head. She tries a few times to put her gut feelings aside and agree that the accidental death was just that-Jorja stumbles onto another clue leading her trudging murky waters.
This book is part of a series, but reads well as a stand-alone. I enjoyed every twist and turn and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The end may surprise you as it did me and I wholly recommend this book.
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A couple things I love about this book. Firstly, the title is adorable. The cover is sweet too. It is a shorter story but told perfectly and smoothly. My attention was drawn in and held due to the nature of the wonderful story.
Secondly I love the storyline..skiing competitively. I don’t run across this subject too often. While there isn’t a ton of skiing in here it has some of the drama that goes along with being in a competitive sport.
Lastly the characters are wildly different from each other. They both are hot to trot and have large reputations. She is the Golden Child of skiing and he is the former bad boy of motocross. I felt there would be a lot of time spent on why they are in the Paralympics but it was more about the feelings these two felt and their lovely romance.
Overall it is a wonderful holiday and winter themed story. It is a lighthearted fun book to read on a cold day.
