Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has fantastic illustrations and a wonderful tale about a Corgi who is still waiting to be adopted after his siblings have already been adopted. Really young kids may not understand it all in the first couple readings but if they are read this book often enough then they will learn and understand about patience.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 11 in this series, yet while I have read other books by this author, this is my first one in this series. I was a bit confused with some of the characters and how they connected. But overall I found this book to be exciting and full of steamy bits and there was suspense. So I will be going back to book one and reading through the whole series now. I am definitely intrigued to get the whole back story.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trinity breaks up with her boyfriend Scooter to focus on her goals and dreams. Scooter tries to make it into law school only to not be accepted and is now making a career as a Law enforcement officer. When their paths cross again will they try again? Now that they are adults and life has changed so much for them both can they make things work?
My first read for this author and yes this is the 7th book in the series but I did not feel as I was missing anything from the first books in the series.
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this story Buddy is different than his siblings because he’s blue and they are tan. He thought nothing of it until the time came for adoption. He became sad and feared he’d never be adopted. Finally a family made a long trip to get him and he had everything he needed. As the title says some things take time!
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m going to start by saying Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books. And because of that I will always read any kind of spin off type book I ever come across no matter how good or bad they may be. Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest for Love is a sweet short story giving the reader time to catch up with where the characters could potentially be now.
The author gives us exactly what one might be looking for going into this type of book. It pays homage to the original with little nuggets here and there about where they are now.
Georgiana is ready to find a husband. However with how shy and reserved she is she asks her brother and Lizzy to figure it out. It’s never an easy task but when her brother decides to throw a party. And is overbearing being extra scrutinizing to any potential candidate.
Who will Georgiana choose?
Do , the gentleman make the decision easy for her?
It being a short story one can only reveal so much before it’s too much. I hope everyone who comes by this story sits down and reads it. Its something to be enjoyed!
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You Are Special is a book in the series Buddy the Blue Corgi. It is a story about a puppy who looks different from his siblings. He is the only blue pup in his litter, and is worried that makes him strange. His mother is so sweet, turning the tables and making him understand that being different is special, not strange. We all have differences, and that is something to embrace, not stress over. The story teaches a good lesson to our younger readers. While it does have a bible passage tie in at the end, if you are not religious, you could skip that page and enjoy the book just the same. The illustrations are adorable, and my son and I liked seeing the photograph of the real Buddy at the end. We look forward to reading the rest of Buddy’s books.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Corpse Pixie
This is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by Ms.Styx, while this is not my normal genre there is something about her writing that has me wanting to read more.
Rene and Belladonna meet in a very odd way, at a crime scene. Their story isn’t the normal love story but that was okay with me.
Rene’s only goal is to find out who murdered his twin sister. He gets help with his search from Belladonna and discovers there are some unexpected forces at work.
This was a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for a Sunday afternoon while watching football. While short the characters were well developed. I will be looking for more books by Ms. Styx in the future.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Decisions Matter is the third book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. Buddy returns at his new home, with new siblings, Salem and Donut. There is a mystery afoot as someone is getting into the trash, but no one can figure out who it is! A series of mishaps places Buddy in the line of fire and his new owners think he is the trash culprit. When Buddy finally catches the real offender, he stays quiet. The lessons in this book center around not lying, and to stick up for yourself. As a preschool teacher, I could see myself using all three of the books in this series as social-emotional teaching tools. They can also be used with older children. My 10 year old daughter thought they were cute!
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good Things Take Time is the second book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. This book again finds Buddy in a tough situation, beginning the process of getting adopted. Buddy’s brothers and sisters are all getting adopted, yet Buddy still waits. He finds himself the last puppy left, but finally gets adopted. This book discusses the importance of having patience and knowing that good things are coming. Another cute Bible verse connects it all together at the end.
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You Are Special is a children’s book by Suzanna Lynn. It is the first book in the Buddy the Blue Corgi Series. The book follows a brand new puppy navigating the big world and wondering why he looks so different from all the animals around him, even his own siblings. Buddy is made fun of for being “strange” but his mom tells him that he’s not strange, only unique, and that it’s not a bad thing. This colorfully illustrated children’s story explores the importance of being kind to others, but also knowing the things that make you special. The added bonus Bible verse at the end was a cute touch.
Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Driving Into the Night” follows the tales of Mikael and Kenai as they struggle with the bindings of their intertwined fates. It follows their journey to adulthood and self discovery, in a world full of demons and the hunters that are fates to end their lives. If you enjoy supernatural fantasy, magical jewelry, star crossed lovers, and stories of coming of age, this is an excellent choice. I also really enjoyed the gay representation, which is relevant, but not the main focus.
The story builds, giving the reader many twists and turns to build suspense, as each page adds to the story. This was a fun book to read, and I could easily see myself reading more from this author. I definitely recommend it!
Midnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Midnight Falls is considered a horror suspense story about a man named Josh. Josh was going to school in NY to become a writer and after a handful of missed opportunities decided to return home. Home is in Midnight Falls, a small town where they do not take kind to outsiders. While Josh is not technically an outsider, he is treated as such. He is lost about what he wants to do and where life is going, but what he wants is to be left alone to live with his dog. In a small town, this is not an easy task and he quickly “befriends” his 2 neighbors and the girl down the street, Lizzie. Although he tries to mind his business, there is a group of awful teenagers always trying to cause trouble. After a run-in with one of these boys, the boy ends up dead, and weird things start to happen. Josh, Lizzie, and his neighbors try to understand what is happening in their town and are also trying to decide what to do about it. Does this town really hold such crazy secrets? Can Josh and them save his town from the mystery?
This was probably not one of my favorite horror suspense stories. I didn’t like the main character, I thought Josh was a coward, bitter, and sort of a low life who can’t get his stuff together. There was also a lot of build-up to a not-so-secret suspense story. I thought much of the story I was able to predict what was happening so the suspense wasn’t there for me. The only thing I did not predict was where each of the characters would end up and how open for interpretation some of the ending was.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by Sinister Styx, but it will certainly not be the last. Corpse Pixie combines amazing world-building with fantastical, yet realistic characters. There is so much information packed into a short 89 pages. Belladonna, Rene, and Seraphine create a unique team of otherworldly beings set on bringing down groups of corrupted Hunters that have murdered innocent humans. The world building is detailed and immersive; I found myself living the dreams and nightmares along with Rene, feeling the need for revenge with Belladonna, and experiencing the beginning of feelings Belladonna and Rene begin to feel for one another. I wish there was more to this story so I could see what the future holds for our 3 friends.
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a beautifully written book about the importance of patience!! Buddy is seeing his brothers and sisters going away from the farm. People come and look at them everyday. Momma explains that it’s time for them to go to their forever homes. One day, Buddy looks around and he’s the only pup left in his litter. His mom very lovingly explains that his time hasn’t come yet.
The illustrations are very colorful and well done! The story does come from a Biblical basis and there is one Bible verse quoted within at the end. This is a great book for any library and I highly recommend it, especially if you know someone struggling with patience.
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love, a Pride and Prejudice Variation Novelette, is part of the Love Through The Ages Series. However, it is a standalone story that can be thoroughly enjoyed without reading the other series. The story is set after the end of Pride and Prejudice; we see Georgiana looking for a love match. I won’t get into the story’s plot because this is short.
The author kept to the tone and characters of Austen’s original story. If you enjoyed the Darcys, this is an excellent getaway to get more insight into Georgiana. I wanted a different look at the story and for the author not to hit at other stories that tried to elaborate on what happens next to the characters. Often, Georgiana isn’t considered as the focus of the story. I have enjoyed this story and others by this author.
I look forward to reading more from them in the future.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read. This story was short and quick but I was kept glued to the pages . I didn’t know what to expect going into this book but I am so glad I took a chance because I loved the plot and the multitude of characters. Rene is looking for his sister’s killer and he is dealing with her death by drinking himself stupid. Belladonna starts messing with him so he thinks he’s losing his mind but she has long term plans for him. I wasn’t sure if I liked her in the beginning but enjoyed her more as the story went. There is mystery, drama, love, murder, and more in this book. There are some other characters in this book that grabbed my attention while reading. I hope the author writes more books with these characters because I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this book.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently read A Pig and a Poke with my newly 8 year old daughter. She enjoyed the illustrations and read the book alongside me. It was a fun, short read with several lessons woven in the storyline. While it took a minute to explain what pig wrestling was all about, she really loved this book and even chuckled a few times!
Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy and his siblings notice some strangers coming to the farm and looking at them. His mom explains it is time for them to be adopted to a new family. Buddy anxiously waits for his new family after being overlooked.
This was another wonderful story in this series. I like the way the writer has the emotions for Buddy to be relatable for children. You are engaged from the beginning, a really delightful series.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Corpse Pixie is a bit of a different read than I’ve read by this author in the past. For that reason, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I was initially drawn to the book cover and the fact that I’ve read this author in the past. The theme of this book is different than many I’ve read in the past in general so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I like that this book alternates between main characters for multiple perspectives and the descriptive, vividly story telling easily keeps your attention throughout. This book has a little bit of everything without feeling like too much was crammed into a short story.
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
I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 2.5). This book takes a look at the frequent thought of “I wonder what would happen if I did ___” that every child has (and maybe some adults too ha!).
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – ”He was thinking about what would happen if he ate the glue and it was all silly.”
S (age 2.5) – “The glue is sticky and yucky!”
We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 2.5). They were super excited to try out some of the recipes in this book. We made Plush’s Fruity Yogurt Treats and Mercy’s Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Treats.
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – “The puppy dogs were sitting at the gate waiting for their people to make them some yummy treats.”
S (age 2.5) – “Our puppy dog likes treats too!”
We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars because both of my boys and our puppy dog loved the treats that resulted after reading this book!
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Was a joy to share this story with the grands! They actually sat still and listened and enjoyed the pictures. Love that the author moves the story along quickly, as kids lose interest fast but, not this time! Love how the author teaches something along the way in the telling of the story, right and wrong choices was the lesson in this one. Will be looking for more stories from this author.
Midnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
When life takes a turn for the worst Josh finds his way to a small town where things are not what they seem. Soon Josh discovers the evil that lurks in the shadows.
This is an interesting tale about monsters in the night. Although the storyline is an engaging idea, I found the pacing a bit slow. It was nice to see Josh and his few friends band together to figure everything out. I would have liked to see the supporting characters a bit more fleshed out, as it was the relationship that Josh has with his dog is what made the most impression on this reader.
Midnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a crazy wild book; like modern-day monsters crazy! Josh returns to his hometown after several failures at trying to make it in the big city. Only he feels more like an outsider than ever. Strange things are happening and Josh feels like he’s the only one to notice. Soon he and only a few close acquaintances realize the evil that has been hiding right under their noses for decades. Great horror story!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t really know what to expect with this book but I really enjoyed this story. It’s a short story that I read in under two hours. Being so short I wasn’t expecting there to be so much going on with the story and characters. It has everything that you would expect from a longer book, put into a much shorter one and this makes it really fast paced and not lagging at all. It has everything you love and expect from a dark paranormal romance book with magic, supernatural beings, murder, mystery, revenge, suspense and so much more. I would love to know more about the characters backstory and what the future holds for them. It left off in a way that might suggest that Sinister Styx may have more stories to write with these characters and I hope they do.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy is settled into his new home, and he even has new family members, two cats. When the trash keeps getting knocked over at night, Buddy has to make the decision whether to tell the truth or get blamed. Buddy the Blue Corgi books help teach life lessons to children; very cute stories.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy and his siblings are old enough now to go to their new families. When all of Buddy’s siblings have found new homes, except him, Buddy feels sad. Sometimes, the best things take time, and Buddy’s new family comes to take him home.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Buddy is an adventurous pup and loves his family. So when he discovers he’s different from them, he begins to think something is wrong with him, until he learns that his differences make him special. A very sweet children’s book that lets them know that different is okay.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
View all my reviews
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really perfect book for my kids to learn that waiting can be hard. I know my kids are still learning this and this book was great to show them that waiting can be frustrating and that its hard when its not right away. This book shows patience and understanding that things take time. My kids really love the illustrations of book, and it goes very well with the story. These stories of Buddy are amazing, and my kids absolutely love them. Buddy is waiting for his forever home and my kids resonated with this due to our dogs too. This is a great book for kids to learn how things are to take time and we need to have patents sometimes.
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx was a very interesting book. An 18+ fantasy laced murder mystery that’s filled with all sorts of twists, plenty of drama, and overall just very compelling. I have read other work by Sinister Styx and was very excited to see something longer, and I was not disappointed! I just ate up Belladonna and Rene’s love hate relationship! I definitely enjoy this author and look forward to seeing more from them again!
