A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vibrant illustrations help this extremely entertaining story to life. Angela shows determination, perseverance, patience and overcoming bullies in this slippery match to catch a pig. Could you catch a pig? Also, side note LOVE how the pig was very similar looking to Pua from Moana. I love piggies.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Aww poor little Buddy. This one has a very important lesson, HONESTY. All too often others take the blame for things because no one likes to get in trouble but letting others take it when they are innocent is so much worse. I have always told my two boys; Honesty is the best policy.
Lapidius by Matthew Runals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reading this book is not what I expected. It turned out to be very well written and does provide different points of view from all the main characters. I do love how there is humor intertwined with the serious stuff going on to keep it a little light hearted at times. Overall, it’s a very good read especially when you need to get away from reality for a while.
Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, so important. Everyone is made special, and everyone has their special family out there waiting for them. Patience while you wait is one of the hardest things to do in this world, but the good things take time, but they always find you, eventually.
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This cute Novelette follows Georgiana Darcy and finding love. Over the years Georgiana has accepted to remain the dotting sister and aunt to her Brother and Elizabeth’s growing family. But she begins to hope that one day she could find the same happiness. In a plan to find a suitable match, the Darcy’s throw a smaller house party at Pemberley to find a gentlemen of honorable intentions for her. She meets a few eligible bachelors, But the Lt. Montford has intrigued her. As she learns more about Archibald and him her, something blooms. Pick this short read up, a blanket to cuddle with and dive into to see if this match will be one that could be of a Happy Ever After for Georgiana.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a part of the Buddy the Corgi series, but can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. This story is about Buddy and the cats that are a part of his adopted family. When it seems like there is a midnight bandit who keeps getting into the trash, Buddy tries to stay awake to catch the bandit. The first night doesn’t quite go as planned, and the second night Buddy gets caught in the middle of a mess that he didn’t make, but does get blamed for. When he finally catches the bandit, the bandit is more than happy to let Buddy take the blame, until he is convinced that the decision to do the right thing is the most important one. This is a great book for helping to teach children about how important it is to take responsibility for your choices. I would recommend this book for any parent or teacher of young children, or children’s librarian.
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a beautiful book. A wonderful message with beautiful illustrations brings this message full circle. Every living thing is made unique, or special in their own way. Yes, some can be cruel about those differences, but they make you special and they are never something to be ashamed of. Inspiring first book in this series.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an adorable book for young children about all of the different kinds of places that people call home. The illustrations are well done and colorful, and the story is easy to understand and digest for youngsters. I would definitely recommend this for parents and teachers of preschoolers or early elementary age children, and possibly even those who are going through an adjustment at home, such as a divorce or moving to a new location. My children are a bit old for this one, but they still liked looking at it with me. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a way to speak to their child about how families and their homes can look and feel different, but still make them happy.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I This book is the perfect family bonding book. You can spend time with your kiddos and make treats for your dogs. The illustrations are adorable. This book is going to come in handy when I want special time with my kids and grandkid.
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat the Glue!”
Five stars, no doubt in my mind! This book was absolutely adorable! As an elementary teacher who spent a little time in the world of kindergarten this book had me cracking up. I loved the creativity and imagination and imagery in this book. I also really enjoyed how it flowed and rhymed throughout. It was catchy and hilarious. This would be a fantastic read for back to school week. Even though my elementary kids are on the older side, I know they will enjoy this book and find it hysterical. Great job Megan, I can’t wait to see what other books you come up with!
Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Driving Into The Night by Amanda Kay is a unique MM romance. This was definitely an emotional ride, that kept me on the edge of my seat worried about both Kenai and Mikael at every turn. The concept of this book was very interesting, and created a wonderfully written back and forth dynamic. I loved these characters and was just as protective of them as Elise! I recommend this for anyone looking for something to pull on your heart strings!
Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A unique dark story, which is well written with interesting characters. Surprisingly leaves you wanting more. This is a unique m/m story. The “ring” in this story and all it represents keeps you captivated. A very special story about a couple in love overcoming all challenges, secrets and of course drama. Yes, there is drama and yes there is danger! I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in this adventure with two characters.
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a great short story, set in the world of Pride and Prejudice. This story looks at Georgiana, and what happens after her unfortunate tale with Mr. Wickham. I thought the author did a great job at creating a new addition to this world. It was in keeping with the era and, although short, still managed to pack a lot into the book.
I really enjoyed the characters too. They were well portrayed and interesting to read about. I found myself becoming invested in them for the whole story. This is a great book to read and a great addition to the series.
Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a unique read. This is a MM paranormal romance which is full of angst, drama, high stakes and a opposite attract story.
I will admit at some points in the story I did feel a little lost but it wasn’t enough to make it any less enjoyable.
At the beginning we hear about this ring that is supposed to make the hunter search out and destroy the angel-dem on.
But what I felt was lacking for me personally is more into the history of the ring and how it was passed down. It seems to move from the creation to present day with Kenai and Mikael.
Kenai is the hunter and Mikael the angel-demon. Mikael has always known that his life will end at the hands of a hunter and he has accepted that as his fate, however he wasn’t prepared for that hunter to be Kenai.
Kenai doesn’t really know much about the ring or what is is supposed to do and when Mikael finds him and tells him Kenai doesn’t believe him. He doesn’t want to destroy Mikael, he has feelings for him.
Mikael knows his time is running out so he asks for Kenai to give him 6 months so that he can know happiness before his end. But Kenai think he is strong enough to ignore the rings instruction and demands.
Can the love they are feeling for each other because strong enough to overcome the rings hold on Kenai? And what would be the consequences of the hunter didn’t destroy the angel-demon? Would it mean the end of the world as we know it?
Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Looking at the cover I thought this was going to be more horror than what it was. It is very quick and easy read just under 200 pages. We have Kenai and Mikael who have fought this attraction for each other. It is a fantasy romance of two teens who fight the attraction because their families have a distaste for each other. You can see where this could go into another book.
Gloria Oliver’s *The Secret Aftermath*, the second book in *The Discoveries of Julia Xero* series, delivers a pulse-pounding urban fantasy thriller packed with action, intrigue, and high stakes. It’s a journey filled with secrets, close calls, and a protagonist who is willing to risk it all.
Julia Xero, a twenty-two-year-old orphan who finally found a place where she belongs, is thrown into turmoil when a buried secret comes to light. Her newfound sense of family within the hidden race she works for is quickly upended as she learns she’s not entirely human. The revelation doesn’t sit well with her employers, and one of them even tries to kill her—a shocking turn that propels Julia into a battle for her life.
What stands out in *The Secret Aftermath* is the balance between Julia’s personal growth and the high-paced thriller plot. Julia’s character is fiercely determined, not only to survive but also to protect her loved ones. Her journey of self-discovery—confronting her non-human origins while trying to fit into a society that views her with suspicion—adds emotional depth to the story. Despite the danger she faces, Julia’s loyalty to her newfound family shines through, as does her tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.
The primary conflict centers on a sinister plot to neuter humanity, a horrifying idea that raises the stakes beyond personal survival. Julia, unafraid to “kick ass and take names,” is determined to stop the plot, even as she finds herself marked for termination. The pacing is relentless, with one threat after another, and the mystery of who wants her dead—and why—keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the most compelling aspects of Oliver’s writing is her ability to weave together action and emotional stakes. Julia’s desperation to protect her family, while grappling with her identity and fighting an enemy who views her very existence as a threat, gives the novel a poignant undercurrent. The hidden race’s rejection of her non-human status mirrors larger societal tensions, making the story resonate beyond the fantastical setting.
*The Secret Aftermath* is a fast-paced thrill ride with plenty of twists and revelations. Fans of urban fantasy and strong, resourceful heroines will find much to enjoy in Julia Xero’s continuing saga. Gloria Oliver delivers a gripping and emotional adventure, perfect for those who enjoy uncovering buried secrets and watching a heroine who refuses to back down.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Super cute story about the places we call home. Big cities, small towns, different weathered places. Even places different animals call home. Bottom line is love begins at home, no matter what type of home you have. Pictures are cute as well.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210131988-corpse-pixie” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Corpse Pixie” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1710792482l/210131988._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210131988-corpse-pixie”>Corpse Pixie</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22791731.Sinister_Styx”>Sinister Styx</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6851061262″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
4.5* Read<br />An amazing short story, incorporating Magic, murder, drama and romance<br />Belladonna is a rather loveable necromancer and pixie mix, used to living a solitary life. Desecrated dead bodies bring her out of her quiet life, as she tries to figure out what or who is doing this.<br />Rene is the brother to one of the murder victims, when his sister is killed and desecrated he finds himself falling into grief and away from his family. He piques the interest of Belladonna as he is looking into the deaths of other women. He believes he is hallucinating but really he is <br />An enjoyable read and I will be looking for more from this author.<br /><br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you have been reading this series, you know that Buddy has been adopted into his forever home. His new home has cats. One cat is a little bit of a troublemaker and gets Buddy into trouble. Both Buddy and Salem learn that telling lies will get you into more trouble and more often than not, could get others in trouble as well.
Another cute story with a good lesson attached. This is book 3 in a very cute series. The pictures are simple yet fitting for the story.
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My seven year old son and I are loving the Buddy series! These books are so cute! We love Buddy and his siblings! This one talks about how being different is a GOOD thing. It makes us special and unique. I think that is something that every little kid needs to hear. Sometimes the adults too! I have always made it a point to teach my kids that “weird” is actually awesome!
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute story about where our homes really are. I read this with my seven year old son and we both liked it. It had cute illustrations. The moral of the story is perfect. I also love when children’s books rhyme. It just makes them flow nicely and keeps the attention of kids.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
City kids will not get what this book is all about but kids that grow up in the 4H community or in the county surrounded by farm animals and the like will get this book. Perseverance, patience, observation and overcoming obstacles are several of the lessons taught here. Cute illustrations.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The lessons that are taught in the Blue Corgi series will be forever lessons. This one is no exception to that. Learning right from wrong and that honesty is always the best. Kids will love the illustrations and even while young they will learn the ways of the precious Blue Corgi.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful story flows beautifully with a rhyming pattern that is inclusive without sounding forced. A great read aloud for any early childhood environment as an introduction to diversity or even just for fun!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well this is a very adorable story to kick off a sweet series. We meet Buddy a Corgi who realizes as he get a bit older, that he doesn’t look like the other pups. Buddy struggles with accepting his differences, but he has a supportive mom who does everything to show him that being different is ok. This is a wonderful way to teach children different lessons in life, but without feeling preachy or complicated. I look forward to seeing what else will happen to Buddy!
Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this adorable series and it did not disappoint. We get to see Buddy and his siblings placed for adoption. While all of his siblings have been adopted, Buddy has not been and doesn’t understand why. The story has a great message for youth reading the story that sometimes you just have to be patient and trust that you will get what you deserve. Buddy continues to be a very sweet corgi and a great way to teach children in a way that is both fun and engaging.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read other books in this series too my grandchildren and this new one didn’t disappoint. The illustrations were detailed and colorful. The characters in this book learned about the responsibility of baking and cleaning up. I am planning on making my dogs treats from the recipes included in this book!
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another adorable take from the author about Buddy! I think the author has done a great job of creating lessons for young children to learn using a puppy and his friends. This story revolves around Buddy being falsely accused of making messes in the house. He does discover who the culprit is, but he doesn’t have want to be a tattletale. Buddy learns that making the right choice is important, as is being honest. I think its another great story that I would recommend to parents of young children.
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book definitely keeps moving fast. There is a large cast of characters that somehow manage to fit and work and make sense. The big mystery was easy to figure out about halfway through the book, if you are paying attention. There are some unnecessary losses along the way.
Dave and James start out in different places, come from different backgrounds, and take different paths to get where they are. Unknowingly, their paths cross multiple times. Each time having a drastic outcome. Now they are on one final collision course.
Read this short-chaptered thrill ride to find out who makes it out on top.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy in this next adventure gets blamed for the dump being strewn about and knocked over.
Can buddy find the culprit and get c them to confess??
Super cute children’s story exploring truth and lies
