A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Teachers are all different but one thing makes them the same…they all have a big heart. This is a sweet book about teachers. I feel like it would be a good book for children who are getting ready to head to school for the first time or even those returning for a new school year to read.
https://www.amazon.com/review/RDK14HV1Z9LSV/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holding Up the Sky is another great story written by Lois Wickstrom. I love how detailed her books are. Lois writes amazing kids books. The colors are always so bright and vibrant. The story had great world building and the plot was well thought of. My daughter really enjoyed the story and she is 9.
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https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3507923661
Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal series.
Years of not knowing whether the apparitions in front of her were genuine or just her imagination caused Julia to fear them. After all, someone had duped her into turning on the Resistance and harming people who were most important to her. However, Julia has since discovered the truth about her ability. She is the first vampire to be identified in centuries who has this ability.
Her ka-tet asks a group of seasoned pals in Marseilles to impart what knowledge they can to Julia. She works against the clock to master her power and convince the Resistance’s top brass that she possesses these exceptional talents. When King Valentino’s men learn of the gathering and arrange a trap by kidnapping surrounding human tribes, their intentions are foiled.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fallen Soul (War of Destiny Book 4) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a a great vampire story.
For many years, Lane Marlow has been evading capture. He escaped Valentino, King of the Vampires, after being condemned for feeding on his own kind. As reports about how such a young vampire managed to escape spread, Valentino orders his immediate execution. Before disappearing, Lane is able to escape from or kill every pursuer. But now Lane misses the house he was compelled to leave. He is found in Rome as he begins to travel back to Ireland. Valentino orders two members of his Council to lead the hunt after realizing that his prey is still very much alive.Lane encounters a bunch of vampires that are unlike any he has ever faced as he fights those sent after him.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal vampire series.
With the help of those who could only be seen and heard by her, Julia betrayed her ka-tet, the individuals she considered her family, to Valentino, the King of Vampires. They avoid her because they believe she is insane. She worries about the apparitions coming again while she works to mend her relationships. Julia is compelled to ask Matthew for assistance after her commander vanishes without a trace. Their formerly intimate relationship has turned hostile. Since Julia’s betrayal, Matthew has been living away from the others. He has created a new life for himself inside Florence’s influential Medici family. The entrance of Julia is neither anticipated nor welcomed. Julia and Matthew understand that something much more evil is at work as their adversaries close in.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chester is a young boy and like all young boys, he hates it when his mum asks him to clean his room, so he agrees, but decides to do the sandbox first. When he gets there, he sees a spaceship which is shaped like a fairground ride and four aliens with cat like faces pop out of it! When they start to play with the sandbox, Chester realises that they are more messy than him, so when they all go to his room and instead of tidying it, they just put all of the toys under the bed, Chester’s mum is annoyed and asks him to clean his room properly.
Will Chester’s mum believe him when he tells her that it was the aliens who did it wrong and will he be able to teach them how to do it right? This is a cute story which teaches an important lesson about the right and wrong way to do things which is easy to understand and shown in a charming way which is suitable for all ages.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great vampire series
Julia accepted Samuel’s offer and aided the Resistance in deposing the Vampire King seventy years ago. She has coexisted peacefully with the rest of her ka-tet as her power and prowess grow.When Valentino shows up, his peaceful existence is upended because he wants to eliminate the growing danger to his authority. Samuel hopes to depart before the enemy gets too close because he is aware that his fledgling is still too young to overthrow the King. Julia is left with no choice but to fight when the plot backfires. The threat, though, is unlike any she has encountered before, and there are dangers to her ka-tet’s security everywhere—even in her own thoughts.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren is a great paranormal series
Julia comes from a prosperous household in 16th-century London. She develops feelings for Adam, the son of a servant, and is devastated when her family makes her enter into an arranged marriage. Since her husband is neither forgiving nor sympathetic, Julia finds it difficult to protect the people she cares about. When tragedy strikes, a stranger shows up and makes her a deal that might permanently change the course of her life. Agreement would fulfill her deepest desires and provide her what she has been denied: the freedom to do as she pleases and a chance to see her one true love again. Only one catch exists. Additionally, accepting would entail joining the Vampire Resistance in the King’s war.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even more one-of-a-kind characters. The story really transports you into their world. I couldn’t put the book down. This is the first book of the story and I can’t wait to continue the series.
Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. It is a well written story about what happens on an abduction vacation and one steamy stranger. A romance story where the characters pull you into their world from the first word. They have great chemistry and growth throughout the story. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring a realistic feel to it. The characters are fun, steamy, engaging and made the story for me. They had me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. I enjoyed their story and wanted to see them have a happily ever after. You don’t want to miss this story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another lovely book from the author. The story line was engaging, and the illustrations were colourful and bright.
As usual there is a lesson to be learned from this author’s stories and this one is an important one. Treating people with kindness no matter what they look like.
The story is fun and easy as well as being educational/thought provoking for children.
Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is part of a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the third book but I highly suggest reading the previous two books as well. They are just as great if not greater. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books as I know that I am in for a journey of romance and a great story. This is a well written story about being from two different worlds but what happens when the attraction is greater. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world with ease. They are strong, supportive and add so much to the story. This is a romance story that is easy to read and hard to put down. I enjoyed watching the growth of the relationship as well as the chemistry between these two. I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Messy Kids
By: Lois Wickstrom
This is such a fun book about Chester. Chester is like every kid I’ve ever met, he doesn’t want to clean up, there are so many amazing things to do that are so much more fun. However, when he encounters the messy kids, his mom has the best idea. Why doesn’t he teach them how to clean up? This is really a great, easy children’s book that I know all kids will enjoy. I definitely recommend reading it as it is a fun bedtime story.
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another great kids book by this author. As usual, the writing is clear and fun and the illustrations bright and colourful.
I know I was a messy kid as a child to the point my mum put photos/stickers on each toy box so I’d know where things went and it still made no difference. I did not want to clean my room. Having a kid that feels the same way as the main character makes them more relatable for other children, keeping them engaged with the story.
As usual after reading one of the author’s stories, kids walk away feeling like they learned something in a fun way.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holding up the Sky
By: Lois Wickstrom
This is another wonderful children’s story with really cute illustrations written by Lois Wickstrom. As with all of her books, they have really wonderful characters with a story line that teaches the readers a lesson. This story focuses on how people perceive others. Colleen’s dad is huge and it seems that he has been given the task of holding up the sky. Because of his giant size people are not always very kind to him. One day, her dad puts down his hands and what ensues is a wonderful lesson on how we treat people. I definitely recommend this as it has such a wonderful message!
Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Right from the moment you start reading, this book has so much more to it than expected. I thought I would get hot and sexy and I thought I would get strong chemistry between the characters. What I didn’t expect was to also get a complex story that pulled me in instantly. There is a lot more going on in this book than I originally thought which is supported by strong and fascinating characters.
This is a new author to me and I enjoyed how they combined the mythical with the modern. It was a clever take on a well known story and it is one I thoroughly enjoyed. I am looking forward to whatever is next.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an enjoyable and lighthearted story about two characters who are polar opposites and yet forge a strong connection. The nature of this story allows you to get to know them slowly and watch their relationship develop. It was great to see how things progressed.
I thought the story was written well. It had a slower pace than some books I have read recently which was a nice change. This is a new author to me and I found myself pulled into their writing style with ease. I will definitely be checking out more books from them in the future.
The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Messy Kids book was okay. Like many kids, Chester doesn’t want to clean his room so he decides to go out and play instead. While playing, he sees the “Messy Kids” climb out of a merry-go-round that was in a tree. Chester follows them and watches them do a lot of things and he thinks they do them bigger and better. So when they “help” him clean his room he feels they do the same – make everything bigger and better. However, they really just hide their mess instead of cleaning it up. So in the end, Chester has to show them how to really clean and not make such a mess. As many of these author’s books, they don’t always make sense to me or they seem all over the place. The illustrations were cute. I am sure however that kids would find the Messy Kids to be fun little companions.
Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay. I am loving this series so much and I’ve fallen in love with Buckeye Falls and its residents! This installment is about the Mayor of Buckeye Falls, Anthony and his wife Natalie. They have been a fixture in Buckeye Falls forever and Natalie is working on getting her business up and running. They have 2 young kids and are busy with their lives and business and have kind of lost each other in the process. When Anthony’s parents ask him to go and pack up their lake house so they can sell it he takes Natalie with him hoping they can rekindle their romance. They are like strangers trying to get back the relationship they once had. Can they get back to the love they originally had for each other? I could relate to this book so much as this can happen to married couples so easily! I recommend reading this sweet series. It can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading them in order to get to know all the characters!
Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soul Redeemed is the fifth book in the War of Destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren. This story finds Julia trying to learn how to control her powers so that she can prove to the resistance that she has rare gifts. When her plans are derailed by King Valentino she has to figure out how to learn enough control on her own to unify the resistance and save the villages that Valentino is holding hostage. I really enjoyed this story. I found the story to be confusing at first because I had not read the first books. When I went back and read the books in order, I understood everything much better and found great enjoyment in the book and series. The continued world-building even this far into the series is wonderful. It is very easy to get immersed in the story.
Julia is very determined to control her powers. She has to rely on her ka-tet to learn her powers. This story is very tense because she is also faced with trying to do all of this while worrying about her ka-tet being destroyed and learning fast enough to save the villagers. There is a great amount of action to keep you hooked. There is tons of magic and fun to be had. This has become one of my favorite fantasy stories.
Holding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Colleen’s Dad walks around with his hands in the air, declaring that he is holding up the sky. Colleen loves her Dad and doesn’t like when kids make fun of her or her Dad. One day, Colleen’s Dad puts his hands down. Is he really holding the sky?
While reading, I was confused because I wanted to know if her father was really holding the sky.
When he took his arms down and just started relaxing in the grass looking up, I predicted that either his daughter would take over for him, or he wasn’t really holding the sky, it was more used as a metaphor. I wanted to know if he was really holding the sky or not.
I enjoyed the artwork and the different opinions of the people around them as well as the people’s thoughts and opinions changed over the course of the story.
It was very cute, but is also shows bullying and name calling and how these affect others. It also shows initiative with Colleen who wants others to get to know her Dad.
Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Melody Carter is struggling in life. She is unemployed, with no money and worst of all, she is living in the shadow of her successful fashion model sister, Sahara. Sahara has a new boyfriend named Keith Taylor that is worming his way into the lives of the two and Melody does not care for him.
Because he is a CEO and billionaire, people have a high opinion of them and think he is perfect. Melody sets up to prove them wrong. With controlling ways and the fact that several women he had been in relationship with have disappeared.
There were so many twists and turns in the book that I was not entirely sure where it was going. I thought it was going to be predictable but it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time reading.
I will be sure to read more by this author.
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a twisted 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning. This is Ethan and Siena’s story. Ethan has built his own world that meets his desires. But when Siena comes into the picture his plans change, to some very dark desirable ones. He has a need for revenge on his ex, but what happens when those plans start to look a little different? Siena has some baggage that she is working through. She ends up being the perfect sub for Ethan, will he be able to let her go when he’s done? Overall I LOVED this book. I really like the genre and the twists and turns. We get so much in this story, secrets, revenge, steamy scenes and so much more. The chemistry between the characters was great. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. This book can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading from the beginning. I look forward to reading more from this author and series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I quite enjoyed this novel, even if it was predictable. I was reeled in from the start. The preface was eye opening and drew me in immediately. The interchange between characters was entertaining and well written. The main character was not likable in the slightest. I did feel bad for him but he was so lousy that it was sometimes hard to find the sympathy.
This is a very quick read. It took me a few short hours from start to finish. I do recommend for anyone looking for a well written mystery novel. I wish there was more to the plot or more detail to the characters, which is the reason for four stars rather than five. However, overall I do recommend!
Review by @aware
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Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my gosh I’m just loving this cover !!!! The dedication made me chuckle and think of my peeps when I’m reading because I’m forever sharing ❣️📚😉
Lilly inherits a hardware store from her estranged father , there’s an apartment above so her home is also sorted but is this English rose going to survive Montana !? 😉
“ Malbro man “ aka Jake and Lilly ( sweetheart ) get off to a rocky start but entertaining I must add but having said that I see the attraction small town living will have as opposed to city living and I’d like to quote a little bit of perfection “She wasn’t completely sure why , but she knew in her heart that Bluestone was where she needed to be “
Lilly makes friends with Sam and I just adore her I wouldn’t mind having her as my friend ❣️
Sam is Jakes’s sister so when Lilly gets invited to the weekly barbecue their paths cross again and let’s just say there are more sparks than in the fire 😉🫶🏼
I loved the people of Bluestone and Lilly and Jake kept me on my toes , we laughed and we cried and we had the most beautiful time together ❣️thank you guys for letting me part of you , see you soon 🥰
Lilly’s mom grated my nerves a bit
Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades
Ladies of the Links is a Second Chance Romance/Sports Romance that once you start reading its hard to put down. This is a new author to and I’m definitely going to go back and read the first book in this series. The attention to detail and fun, relatable and fully developed characters make the story come to life. Ryan and Christy haven’t seen each other in several years and things didn’t end well for him. Christy has been living her best life just as a mom can until she sees him for the first time in five years. There’s definitely chemistry between them. Christy works at the Golf club Ryan is a new member of. These two fall right back like there was no time list between. Can these twohrt their Happy ending? Will Ryan be a good father? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m definitely going to be going back to read the first book in this series. Im looking forward to reading more from this Author.
Rise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Now I love anything supernatural and will read almost anything so I was excited to find this series and start something new. This book is definitely action packed all the way through which I love but it was also very hard to follow along with at times. It is told from so many varying perspectives that at times I felt lost and just couldn’t quite get pulled into the storyline as I have been with other books. This book was also a bit different in the fact that it is part of the blood prophecy series but also the first book in a new trilogy focusing on the tall dark man. This is the fight of good vs. evil where we are not exactly sure who will win. It is about evil raising an army to begin another battle of who will control all. Can good succeed against this formidable enemy with vengeance and revenge in his mind? If you like good vs. evil, and books about witches, vampires, and other supernatural elements then this series is right up your alley. You may want to read the first books in this series because it will give you far more back story on the characters in this one. There are several old characters but also plenty of new ones. It is a bit tricky to follow along with what is happening with the several jumps between characters and time periods but there is a lot of action to keep you intrigued.
Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow!! I was not expecting the level of kink in this book. I can’t say that I am offended, just unexpected. What starts out as a method of revenge for Ethan quickly turns into so much more. Innocent, not in the inexperienced way but the not guilty way, Siena accidentally walked into a hornets’ nest not knowing she was allergic.
Siena was just looking to find a way to support her family after they had lost everything and sought funding from the Big Seven. It was a last ditch effort. It did not turn out the way she expected. Instead of gaining 7 investors, she gained one benefactor but it will cost her more than just a percentage of her business. Is she willing to pay what is being asked?
Ethan was hellbent on revenge and righting the wrong that had been done that he lost his perspective. When he meets Siena, it becomes about more than just taking his pound of flesh. He never expected to feel protective. He never expected to feel possessive. It was just supposed to be easy, business like, casual, dirty sex. He could not let Siena in. It was too costly. Her family had left a wake of hurt the last time he let one of them in. When Siena’s brother puts her in danger, the situation changes. Ethan just is not willing to admit that his feelings are also changing.
There are some unexpected twists in this story. I hope that we have not seen the last of Strega, but in a totally good way. There are some unanswered questions. I guess that will bring you back for the next one. Couldn’t put it down. Excellent read!!
Twisted Eros by Aria Skylar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that i have read by this author and i enjoyed it. It was dark and gritty and definitely smutty. It was a retelling of the God of Eros and i always enjoy a good mythological retelling. The main characters are twisted but I enjoyed their story a lot. The author pulled me in and I didn’t want to put this story down. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future.
The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
WOW! Right from the cover of the book I was drawn in. And this book didn’t disappoint in the slightest. An expertly written psychological thriller, with so many twists and turns that I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this read.
Shalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The cadence and rhyme are spot on throughout the book (easy to read and follow). I really appreciated th glossary/interesting facts at the end- saves Googling some of the concepts of the book.
I enjoyed the graphics- very visual, and the skywriting of “Shalom” with clouds was really neat. I also appreciated the mixed media art (real photographs and clipart). A little long for the youngest crowd, but I think ages 4 and up would enjoy the lyrical narrative and the illustrations.
