Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An adorable children’s book for Older siblings. I read this to my nephew and niece as they will have a little brother in about 6 weeks and they loved it. The illustrations are very well done and the story is very cute.
Unexpected Revival by E.L. Roux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Unexpected Revival by E.L. Roux is sci-fi romance set in a post-apocalyptic future.
We meet Shannon who has just awoken to unfamiliar surroundings after spending far too long in cryogenic stasis. With the destruction of Earth a millennium ago, and a new threat looming, there are questions that only she can answer, if only she could remember. Throw in an intimidating, yet intriguing alien male, corporate entities, politics, trust factors, high stakes, danger, chemistry, drama, mystery, and tension- and Shannon is about to embark on an epic adventure, as well as finding love against all odds.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, E.L. Roux!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The South Seas Shenanigans is the fourth book in the Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series by Rosalind Barden. I have been enjoying this cute historical cozy mystery series which is set in the 1930’s and follows Sparky, the spunky, street smart, precocious tween (11 year-old) FMC on her mystery solving adventures.
Sparky has had some interesting adventures/cases over the course of the series, and this one sees her running away- well actually stowing-away on a cruise ship that sails her right into a troublesome mystery- with a case of mistaken identity, where a whole lot of trouble is about to rain down on Sparky if she can’t uncover the truth quick-smart.
Again, as with the rest of the series, the story contains all the historical detailing, language, sights, and societal norms that you would expect from that era- it is richly detailed, and the descriptions are quite ‘visual’, adding an extra element of interest to the story/series. The characters are many and varied- but all are quirky and quite ‘colourful’ individuals. The author definitely did a great job of bringing her characters and story to life.
Another great addition to this fun series.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Rosalind Barden!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
THE WAYDOWNS by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 Stars
The Waydowns is the third book in The Cool Thing Science Fiction Series by Robert Rife. This third instalment of this madcap romp of a series turned out to be my favourite (so far)… Mr. Rife has outdone himself here with his unique blend of paranormal, sci-fi, suspense, horror, and dark humour…. Then throw in some action, dramatic developments, creativity, imagination, originality, aliens, spaceships, ‘zombie’, and more- and this story really takes off.
Again, Mr. Rife proves to be a fantastic storyteller- easily ensnaring his readers in his web of words, holding them in the palm of his hand all the way through till the end.
Well worth the read!
Thank you, Robert Rife!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Tasha and the Biologist is the second book in A Better Man series by Amy Q. Barker. Having loved her previous books, I happily one-clicked a copy, and set off to explore the Granger Pond Wildlife Preserve with Tasha and Caleb.
Tasha and Caleb are perfect together- not realising at the beginning that they were exactly what the other needed to be ‘whole and help them heal the pain of the past. I loved the small town setting, and the wetlands/nature preserve aspect of the story= as well as all the ‘birding’/nature facts (about Whooping Cranes etc), the real life issues (which gave the story a realistic and believable feel), family, friendship, emotion, the slow-burn romance, taking a chance on love/finding love unexpectedly, the healing power of love, hope, and new beginnings.
It is another heart-warming women’s fiction story that had all the warmth and emotion I was expecting from one of Ms. Barker’s stories.
I am definitely looking forward to Book #3.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Amy Q. Barker!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 – 4 Stars
The Fixer is the second instalment in the new Fall River series by G.K. Brady. It is a fun enemies-to-lover contemporary romance with a small-town setting, drama, angst, chemistry, banter, humour, friendship, family, finding love unexpectedly, tension, and a bit of a city girl meets small-town boy vibe.
Joy Holiday and Charlie Hunnicutt are like oil and water- but you know what they say about opposites attracting. But with a building project to work through, these two are going to set off a whole lot of sparks rubbing each other the wrong way. What ensues makes for a fun read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, G.K. Brady!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
➹⁀✵‿➹⁀ PREORDER ➹⁀✵‿➹⁀
Goodreads – Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines
Bookbub – Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines
Australian Jennifer Raines writes sensuous contemporary romances set mainly, but not exclusively, in Australia—think Malta, Finland, New Zealand or ? A dreamer and an optimist, her stories are a delicious cocktail of passion, mutual respect and loyalty because she still believes in happily-ever-afters.
.•°
°•. PREORDER .•°°•.
The Keeper by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
The Keeper is the first instalment in the new Fall River series by G.K. Brady. It is a slow burn contemporary romance with a small-town setting, boss and ex drama, angst, snow, chemistry, mystery, humour, fun, antics, friendship, family dynamics, sweet storyline, and finding love unexpectedly.
Hailey Bailey and Noah Hunnicutt start off with a bit of a flurry. Add in a lost dog, a car crash, his new struggling business, responsibility, expectation, an arrangement, a bit of boss and ex drama, and a heavy dash of emotion- and this turned out to be a sweet, heartwarming read- with just enough drama and angst to keep me invested the whole way though.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, G.K. Brady!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Finally Friends by Debbie Sullivan is a cute little children’s story book that my grandson loved reading with me. It has a sweet story about Donut the dog and Peanut the squirrel (and Bobo the bird) as they go about becoming friends, learning social skills, and embracing their differences.
Donut has been very lonely since his best friend moved away. He would love to be friends with Peanut the squirrel, only all his attempts to be friends only seem to scare Peanut away. What will Donut do to convince Peanut to be his friend?
This sweet story comes with many messages along the way, such as:
-preconceived notions and not to ‘judge a book by its cover’.
-appearances can be deceiving
-social and emotional learning
-self-awareness/social-awareness
-responsible decision making
-overcoming/looking past fear
-self-management
-relationship skills
-the importance of communicating
This appears to be the first book in a new series- looking forward to seeing what adventures Donut, Peanut, and Bobo have in the next instalment/s.
Happy Reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski is a good book for slow-burner fans but has adult content. The book is a great fantasy read that has spice. The setting is like an old-fashioned story. The main character’s brother was killed while people were distracted because he was her sacrifice. The main character was really romantic. There were some parts in the story that made me question what was happening. This book will keep you intrigued until the very end of the book.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy Barker absolutely knows how men are supposed to treat women, it was heartfelt, cozy, and enjoyable. The characters are wholesome and even after experiencing heartbreak they both found they were ready to love again after all. The character development was strong throughout Tasha and The Biologist and the story flowed naturally. I was a little worried I wouldn’t like it due to the birding aspect, but it definitely surprised me. I’m glad to have picked it up.
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute story. The illustrations were beautiful as well. Donut’s best friend moved away, so she finds a new neighbor to call her friend, but can Peanut, the squirrel, ever overcome her fear and really be Donut’s friend? I think there was a very valuable lesson to be learned from this book, for example, no matter how hard Donut tried to be friendly, clean, and polite she was always just a little bit scary to little peanut because Peanut interpreted her behavior to be menacing. Thank goodness for little Bobo who made everything better by helping Donut and Peanut change their behavior and learn how to approach others.
Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 3 in The Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series.
Detective Dylan is back again along with his sister Emily and Theodore the dog. Since they never go anywhere without Dylan’s Detective kit, they have another mystery to solve.
My grandkids love these books and as a parent/grandparent, I love how educational these chapter books are. Finding books that will keep them interested can sometimes be a challenge, but these are perfect. The bonus material is a big plus, there are QR codes, and one is for some downloadable ELA/math activities. Very easy to read and some great illustrations to keep little ones interested.
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finally Friends by Debbie Sullivan Artwork by Soraya Tavakoli – 5 stars
Donut the dog misses her best friend and decides to befriend Peanut the squirrel. She tries so many ways but scared the fuzzy squirrel instead. Learn how they both work together on their socializing skills with the help of Bobo.
This is a super cute book that my 6 year old daughter enjoyed reading to me. Little giggles and awww how cutes throughout. Her favorite part was seeing them play and becoming friends. Some bigger words for a new reader, however easy enough for her to sound out. Adorable book! She gives 2 thumbs up!
I also love how it shows little ones to understand their feelings, social awareness, and how to build a friendship!
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled right into the story. I really liked the characters. Kylian is a quarterback and his dream is to make it big. When all his sick mom wants is for him to find someone to love. By a twist of fate, he meets Gia. Gia and Kylian come up with a plan to help each other out. Will they be able to keep their hearts out of it? Or will they get a HEA? Overall, I really enjoyed this book. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I look forward to reading more from this author and series. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella. I loved this book and so did my 6 year old nephew. We especially thought it was appropriate for this time of year. It’s the story of Gadrella a 300 hundred year old witch. Gadrella is tired of the same ole thing and she wants to change things up a bit. Gadrella is very head strong and independent and wants to do things her way. Maybe she wants to ride a bike and not a broom or maybe she doesn’t want to wear a pointy old hat and what if Gadrella wants a dog instead of a cat? Such a cute book to teach kids that its ok to be yourself and do things your way. You can use your imagination and follow your dreams anyway you want. This book is such a great book for kids and it would make a great gift for the little one in your life.
Unexpected Revival by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unexpected Revival (Revived Series) by E.L. Roux. This is a Sci-Fi romance that’s about a woman that destroyed the Earth at one point and dying only to be brought back to life by the big wigs to find out how she did it. Shannon would love to tell them but there’s one big problem, she has no idea! When she meets D’lane who is new to her existence and the one she is beginning to rely on more and more. There is also a growing attachment to him that she did not see coming ever! Her goal right now is to save the planet but his is to destroy it. How will they ever get on the same page. Who can Shannon trust when she is not sure at every turn. People and places are not as they seem and she is tired but knows she has to succeed at this mission. When Shannon realizes the only person she can truly trust is D’lane she has to rely on instinct and hopefully they will end up with the same goal in mind. Will Shannon succeed in saving the planet? Read this fast paced Sci Fi Romance to find out!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205212476
A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Due to an incident with her Grandma, Holland has to up and move to Arizona, despite living in Durango her entire life. She had to start over at a new school and make new friends. On her first day she meets Asher, and sparks fly immediately. But a few days later she meets Chandler and he also has good qualities. She soon finds out these two boys are twins and are known to compete against each other. She doesn’t want to be another one of their trophies but she is still fairly attracted to them both. So they cut a deal and try to win her over.
This story had me laughing out loud and I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and writing. Being from Arizona myself made this even better. Will definitely read more from this author.
Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am a fan of Detective Dylan! He’s a super sleuth who uses clues and his notebook to find the culprit and solve the mystery. He’s at camp with his family and friends and a trophy for the Camp Leaf Games goes missing. Dylan is determined to find who stole the trophy so that it can be returned and the games will be played.
This is a great book with very short chapters. It would be great for those 8-12 to read independently or for any age to read aloud. The end of the book has different words that might be new or difficult along with their definitions. I highly recommend this book!
Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautifully written book captures the sibling bond in a heartfelt way, with warm illustrations complementing tender words. Highly recommended for families seeking a comforting story
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highly recommend this outstanding book, which masterfully weaves exciting adventures with essential lessons on self-belief. Gadrella’s journey from self-doubt to bravery and strength is profoundly inspiring. The writing style is clear and descriptive, drawing readers into the world of the characters. This engaging and uplifting book is sure to captivate young audiences
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book with my two sons – D (age 6) and S (age 3). This book had my boys asking lots of questions and wanting to learn more about the animals/fish that live in rivers.
A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – ”Lots of different fish live in the river.”
S (age 3) – “Fishies splash when they jump in the river.”
We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After Petra’s brother is announced as dead by supposedly killing himself, Petra takes it upon herself to find out the truth. She does not think he would do that. She goes to the Cloistered City to follow in her brother’s footsteps. Petra slips into the role as a courier and tries to discover more about her brother’s time here.
She meets Rand, a captain in the Shivalry. He seems different from the rage filled fighters that the Shivalry normally have in their ranks. Petra is instantly intrigued by his unique eyes and can’t seem to get him out of her mind since meeting him. In the middle of the Festival of the Late Harvest Moon, Rand brings Petra to a magical garden where Petra accidentally bonds the two together using an ancient incantation.
The pair need to work together and get used to a new life together even though they are from completely different places. Will love prevail or will the empire find a way to destroy them.
I really enjoyed Petra and Rand as characters. The author did a wonderful job with the character growth of both, together and alone. The way they built the world made it come to life. I also really enjoyed the internal monologue.
I honestly think the author could potentially write a second book with these characters. There are some loose ends and the world is big and interesting enough to continue on.
A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was a cute read and the author kept me interested throughout the chapters. Holland is definitely a character many YA readers can relate to.
Sarge: Going Deep by PhD Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh, such a very interesting installment in the series. I loved this one. We get a deeper look into Sarge’s past. I loved the writing. The scfi elements really pull things together. The characters are again very fascinating. I found myself pulled right back into the universe of Sarge again and it was such a good read.
Reunion by Jocelyn Lindsay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this one quite enjoyable. A supernatural with a strong woman over the age of 40, woohoo! Great little bits looking at their younger days of battiling the hellgate for the first time. This is a well done story. I found it had a good flow. I liked the premise. I wish more writers would do stories like this. There’s some reminiscing and action with drama. Loved the characters. This was a great story.
Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh man, I loved this story. Kylian has his hands full. The story is full of romance and drama. Waiting to see if Gia could help him drew me in right from the start. My heart was breaking for him because he’s being pulled in so many ways. This is a wonderful series that I can tell is going to be a must have. It’s full of drama, romance, big emotions and lots of “what am i going to do?: The story has a great flow. I love the dual POV. It has well=written characters.