Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A nice take on Jack and the beanstalk. I really liked how the woman giant was kind and helped Jacqueline, even with her husband. I was also glad to see a happy ending for her, her mom and Bessie. The art is beautiful and the story is fun for kids.
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mind blowing
Book 3 of The Millersville series brings another gripping story. This book is darker than the last, with a mix of paranormal, sci-fi and psychological thriller. It brings to mind the old saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’. These books are definitely fast paced and I am loving the diversity that the author brings each time. Looking forward to the next book.
The Thieves by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Engaging read
This is book 2 in The Millersville series and is such an intriguing read. Not as dark as the first book but just as thrilling. We meet Jasmine who has to resort to nefarious means to support her ailing father. I really enjoyed the twists, suspense and imagery that this author cleverly weaves throughout the book.
Highly recommend.
Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting historical romance
This ménage/why choose romance set in early San Francisco is filled with mystery, suspense, and old fashioned drama. Suzette, Walter and Isaac’s story, though a little disjointed at times, was entertaining. The author does capture the nuances of the era and presents and overall good story.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wonderful heartfelt journey as sister navigate grief differently and their animosity toward each other that led to no contact with each other and a mother who never gave up trying to rebuild their relationship again.
Lacey and Krista’s mother wanted to take one last trip to Victoria BC along with Lacey’s daughter, Merci. When God has other plans for this family, the heartbreak that this family endures is unfathomable. Merci promised her grandmother to continue and go on the planned tripped that she always dreamed of. When anger, grief, hurt, questioning of faith and miscommunication come out, will Lacey and Krista be able to be the loving sisters whom were also best friends again?
This story hit a bit home and is very raw and real. The author did a wonderful job especially navigating grief, death and also faith along with the emotions of sisters whom lost their loved one.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson
Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie who graduated from playing imaginary games in their extensive backyard to writing YA Fantasy. In between educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are —children— and adventures in Europe, North America, South-East Asia and locally, Elise enjoys writing adventures and epic conflicts for the young and young at heart.
Hero Complex: Bluestone Series: Book 3 by Isobel Reed
I truly love this series so much. This amazing author keeps bringing us such wonderful characters filled with so much heart that you can’t help but to be drawn in to their stories. Ivy and Ace had me completely hooked right from the very start and I couldn’t stop reading until I knew everything that was going to happen. They are definitely two people only truly whole when together.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I saw the name of the main character, I knew I had to read it. I love that the book has a different take than most other romance books I’ve read. It’s a teacher/student dynamic that is in a circus theme, which, I have yet to read. I loved it. The ending left me wanting more. The slow burn almost, not allowed, love is so gripping. It truly is a story that of course would only happen at the “Dreamers Academy.”
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Susan Specht Oram is seriously a genius. I cannot get enough of this series and her writing. She gives you a tale that will leave your palms sweaty, your heart pounding, and a teetering between being on the edge of your seat and wanting to curl up and just keep going. Incredible flow and the characters she writes are to die for. This book psychologically got me good. I thought so many times, you need to take a break, walk away for a minute and process but I seriously couldn’t put it down! Can’t get enough and hope there is many more from her in my library!!!
Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 begins at the De Rosa mansion when the Larussio’s come in at the end of book 1, when Dominic takes off to find the younger De Rosa children. It picks up very quickly and focuses on the magnetic attraction between Dominic Larussio and Emilia De Rosa as he snatches her to take to their warehouse for information.
Dominic realizes very quickly that Emilia is no little princess, shielded from everything their lives entail. In fact, she is wildly resourceful and has a major desire to help her family and bring down her enemy. Her lack of fear when faced with danger not only keeps her alive in many situations, but earns her Dominic’s admiration and respect, beyond his attraction to her and their magnetic pull towards one another.
There are some things Dominic chooses to keep to himself, both things from Sal and the family as well as from Emilia while he tries to balance everything, find out who is behind which terrible act and why, make a plan to protect his family and the woman he is falling in love with…with some good passionate sections and good brutality to make sure you don’t forget exactly who you’re reading about. Well written, nice world building, gritty without being grotesque, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brave kids is a collection of short stories by different authors, some doctors-likely psychiatrists. They each focus on a difficult issue that children may face, sometimes from the perspective of an animal. They may show how a squirrel deals with bullying. Or how a horse may address being orphaned. Or how a child can o10vercome the fear of sleeping alone for the first time. I liked the collection, and think it could be a good book for a teacher or parent to have on hand. However, I think it would be better to have pictures and have the look if a true children’s book. It would hold the interest more of the little ones. I also think it should be divided into topics, as there were multiple stories that addressed the same topics. These stories are similar to fables, in that they are meant to teach us a lesson or help us navigate through a problem. Most seemed geared toward 5 to 10 year olds, but a few seemed a bit more mature content. I read a couple to my seven year old, but did not read him the whole collection.
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lorenzo has come to Las Vegas from the old country to help tie up loose ends from Sal taking the lead in the family and Dom becoming underboss, and their previously told stories. He knows that part of his job as Consigliere is to handle the stories that come out and spin things however they need.
In this case, he knows he needs to keep his eyes on the talented and gorgeous red headed reporter, Izzy Arden. She has been circling stories of the mafia issues arising between the Larussio’s and De Rosa’s. When she manages to steal a key card that gets her to the secret, members-only top floor it proves to be a push too far. Following them to the cemetary as they lay to rest the family lost at the wedding reception is what first gets Lorenzo to approach her and the burn of undeniable interest between them starts immediately.
Thus begins a delicate balancing act between what Izzy writes, what Lorenzo reads, the story she expertly weaves to lead anyone picking up a paper to believe what she wants them to believe…and the risks involved in getting in a relationship with a mafia man. Their passion is explosive, the weaving together and tying loose ends between the previous two books is artful, and it is a fascinating back and forth between seeing how dark Lorenzo can be while also being a fair man who can love deeply and sincerely.
Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Bluestone Series, which is about Ivy and Ace. Ivy is working to keep her Ranch while dealing with men who don’t give her the respect she deserves for all the work she is doing. She hires Ace to get some help around the Ranch but she never expected the attraction between them. When Ace lets it slip that they are engaged (fake) to keep a vultures away, things get interesting.
This romance is a fun read and had me in stitches at times. The author does a great job with world building and her writing style makes it easy to get sucked into the story. I really enjoyed reading about Ivy and Ace.
Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read several of C. A. King’s books and have enjoyed them all; Truly Unfortunate is no exception! C. A. King delivers realistic, believable characters. This book has lots of plot twists and an unbelievable mystery with a very…unexpected ending. Truly is tormented with having no memory of her childhood. A series of unfortunate accidents also connect to Truly. But, Jeff, the local detective must piece together the truth. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out the mystery along with the characters. This quick read was entertaining and well written, exactly what I’ve come to expect from C. A. King! If they include this same level of paranormal mystery, I can’t wait to read the rest of the Welcome to Knollville Series.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I chose this book because my mom wishes that my sister and I were closer. It really struck a chord with me. I feel that any reader who has a sibling would l be able to relate to this story. The author composed a musical heart-song, and her characters stayed true to their parts. I see a sister trip in my near future!
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adorable book about a sister explaining what monsters look like to her blind sister and how she relates each thing to her world.
Very cute, imaginative and has a little hidden agenda of teaching things that are different aren’t always as scary as you think.
Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tally’s adventures have taken her, her dad, and her guardian angel Jophiel to India, Canada, and now Japan. I was most looking forward to this adventure! While it’s still really enjoyable, it’s not as exciting of a read as I was anticipating. However, there is a cursed drum, sumo wrestlers, and a ghost queen who will really keep you wondering what she’s going to do next!
Tally meets Miyu and Yoshi when she arrives in Japan. They are just as excited as she is to have a new friend. They speak amazing English and really hit it off pretty quickly. Tally learns that Miyu’s family used to own a museum and Miyu knows a lot of the family history. Yoshi comes from a long line of sumo wrestlers and he’s going for his interview to be accepted into the academy. They spend time outside of their schoolwork playing with a drum that seems to have some sort of special powers.
I was really sad when Jophiel started to act the way he did in this book. I wanted to smack some sense into him!! Overall, I do think he might be my favorite character in all the books that I’ve read in this series.
I do highly recommend reading these books in order, although one could skip around. It would bring about some confusion as to Jophiel’s backstory if you don’t read them in order and some of the character names would be a mystery. I’ve really enjoyed reading this series and I’m hoping that we’ll have more adventures with Tally and Jophiel to read about soon!
Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do believe this is my favorite book of the series. I also recommend reading them in order although the author does a good job of catching the reader up to speed on how Jophiel came to be.
Tally and her dad have had their adventure in India and now it’s time to move on to Canada. They are in need of a doctor up there and since Tally’s dad is a doctor, they make the trek there. While there, Tally is excited to learn how to run a sled dog team. As a matter of fact, on the first day there, she gets to drive them for a small bit! Tally’s struggling to adjust to the massive temperature differences between India and Canada too. Here she can’t see anything but eyeballs on the people she meets!
There’s this man named Earl and his daugther Amka who come to take Tally and her dad to the place where they will stay. Something is pretty sinister about Earl, at least to Tally and Jophiel. Then Tally learns about a curse and the Gold Rush and things, well, just aren’t as they seem.
This book was so much fun to read and as previously mentioned, is my favorite in this series. There is a lot of mystery in this one, as well as adventure. This is a middle school level book but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a middle ager!
India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun adventure story!! This book is geared towards middle grades, ages 7-12, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult!
We meet Tally at a really bad time in her life. She’s just lost her precious mother, whom she loves so dearly. Before taking a trip, her dad gifts her with a pendant. In that pendant lives a guardian angel named Jophiel. Tally is thinking that she’s going to be sent away to boarding school but instead talks her dad into letting her join him on his journey to India. It’s there that Tally makes two really great friends but they had no idea the horrible adventure that awaited them!
I LOVED this book!! There is mystery and adventure, cultural changes, grief and loss, as well as bravery and compassion in this book. I devoured this book pretty quickly as it was just that exciting! My heart broke for Tally and honestly, I struggled reading this book because I too, just lost my mom recently. I love how this book focuses on having a friend(s) nearby to help in times of sadness. This would be a great book for summer reading!!
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Afflicted love by autumn sand is the first book in the serious and it is a m/m dark romance
This book was excellent. There is a huge variety of feeling and attention to detail in a book that only took me an hour and a half to read, including hunger, fury, despair, love, and hate.
I’m looking forward to book 2 in the Rhythm & Heart series after reading Afflicted Love. This is a Kyle and Lyle M/M romance. The two met when they were young lads who were having a hard time because they both came from violent households.i am quite interested in how things turn out for these two.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down.
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram is available now in eBook and Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Cabin Eight is the third book in The Millersville series. Although being a part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.This psychological conspiracy thriller is full of suspense, drama, and foreboding danger. This was my first time reading a book by Susan Specht Oram. I found this novel to be very unbelievable making it hard for me to get roped in. I had to keep putting the book down and coming back with an open mind. Despite these obstacles, the book was fast paced, there was great character building, and the overall story line had me invested until the end. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a friend or to anyone who enjoys the psychological thriller genre.. I would definitely take the time to read another book by this author in the near future.
Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stay for Me was good. I enjoyed it. The yo-yoing back and forth between band and manager was a little much. But then again that’s what happens when one jumps into a series during book 5 vs at the beginning. Did this book work as a standalone? Absolutely! However I might’ve understood the animosity more if I read the other 4 first. Which is something I know I’m going to look into.
Walking away from the one he loved destroyed Garrett, and despite the animosity between him and the band, they wanted to make it right. However all they could do is get Garrett and Olivia into a room together, the rest was on them. To find what they left behind 10 years earlier. Of course no romance comes without some sort of painful drama. Which the empath in me brought a tear to my eye. It felt over. It felt final. Of course it wasn’t the end of the book yet, so I knew anything could happen. It just pulled at the heartstrings.
When an author can make you feel, doesn’t that show they wrote something wonderful?
Start right here, or start at the beginning. But don’t question that this author has something worth exploring. A take on things to make reader’s emotional. Which to me makes reading all that more enjoyable.
Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fiddle and Fire has such a slow start for me. I did trek on and did begin to get into it. This was my first mmf based in a certain time period like this one is. I do like that it was a stand-alone but part of a series. The masculinity is so strong and never once do you question it. A nice read for those who love time period pieces and a bit of wild spice mmf.
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A story for the ages that leaves you wanting more, (total cliffhanger). The main characters Lyle and Kyle struggle with grasping the hurt they have both endured. Lyle’s past keeps him from giving 100% of himself to Kyle, he’s broken and it tears at your heartstrings. The constant back and forth of these two character’s gets to your soul. In a fictional MM romance, these characters struggle to come to terms with who they are. Lyle refuses to give into his true feelings and begins to destroy Kyle in the process. A can’t put down book which keeps you wanting to know if Lyle will finally give into his true feelings. It’s emotionally draining reading about these characters yet at the same time I couldn’t stop reading about them.
Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this book we go on an adventure with Tally, her dad and Tally’s angel Jophiel to Japan. As they explore the Japanese culture, history, and traditions. Tally is a strong, courageous, brave smart young girl. This is the third book in this series and even thou you could get away with reading then not in order I feel you would miss out on the way tally matures and how she grows into the young women she will be. This book is well written that it feels like you are standing there in the book. I absolutely love how tally seems to find something interesting to get herself involved in and then have us wondering how and when she’s going to get herself out. A mystery that surrounds around Miyu and Yoshi, a ghostly queen, mystical beings, warriors, secrets and curses. This is an incredible read that had me wanting to know what was going to happen net, I could not put it down.
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off I love all versions of Cinderella. If you don’t then this may not be a good read for you.
Ellie loses her mom to a tragic accident. Then loses her best friend, Ben when her stepmother Olivia fires his mother and kicks them out. They promise to always be friends and be there for each other.
Years pass and of course that promise hasn’t been kept. However Ben spots Ellie at a theatre show where he is working. Unbeknownst to him her identity has been hidden from everyone for years, all in the face of magic.
When he and Ellie reunite there is no stopping them to get down to the bottom of why Ellie can’t say her name and why people don’t see the real her. Will she be able to break the spell not only on her self but on her father as well? Will everyone see the stepmother for who she really is? Can Ellie survive this challenging task? You must read to find out and find out all the details of the spells that were cast!
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cecily in the City is the third book in the Cecily Taylor series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This story follows Cecily as she continues to try and pursue her career as an actress and navigate her relationship with her famous boyfriend however this time, after a series of unexpected events, she finds herself navigating the complexity of show biz life in New York City. I really enjoyed this book however there were times when it made me so frustrated, I really wanted to knock the characters heads together, however this is a sign of good writing as it made me so emotional. Cecily is a lovable character however I am so pleased to see her growing as an adult. I found that I really wanted to know more when I got to the end of this book, especially the comeuppance of a certain character. I would recommend this to readers who are looking for a sweet young adult story with likable main characters and wonderful supporting ones. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Traumatized by an event early in her life, Miranda accidentally sets fire to a motel. The compounding grief and guilt of her actions cause her to take time off from her work as a cleaner and spend some much-needed alone time thanks to a discounted offer to a resort. Hopeful that the trip will help her rest and come back to her senses, Miranda is more than a little unsettled when she is assigned to a more run-down cabin than the name of the ‘resort’ had suggested. In a shocking turn of events that are both psychologically and emotionally charged, Miranda finds herself in the precarious position of being at the mercy of others and must fight to escape. I like how the book was lighter in tone than some of the psychological thrillers I’ve read before. The author has a way of adding levity to the narration while holding the reader captivated, but I felt that some moments were a little overdone which kept me from believing and being completely lost in the story. I’ve read some of the other books by the author and have enjoyed each one, this one included.
Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stars Like Gasoline had me riveted from the first few pages and it was impossible to put down. I love a good ghost story and this one had it all with haunted houses, paranormal happenings, ghosts, apparitions, mystery, suspense, drama, and danger. The storyline immediately intrigued me and captured my attention because it was full of ghostly apparitions and hauntings right at the start. Although the book immediately captured my attention because of the phantoms in the museum, that was not all there was to the story.
The story is centered around Celia, an art curator, and has an air of mystery and suspense when an art heist takes place. This book is superbly written with vivid scenes that pull you into the story alongside the characters. Each scene is described in so much detail that you are immersed in that time and place, seeing the same things as the MC, Celia. The apparitions appear before your very eyes. The artwork magically appears before you. It is all very surreal to experience and magical in its feel. You will surely feel the goosebumps start popping out on your arms and feel the tingling as the hairs on the back of your neck stand up when the ghostly apparitions come at you. The characters were well crafted, and the storyline was multi-faceted with interwoven elements of romance, poetic prose, family relationships, love, secrets, loss, and hidden agendas. I look forward to reading more from this new to me author.