Masters of the Consulate Books 1 – 4 A Vampire Paranormal Series by Sylvia Black – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Master Descallia (Masters of the Consulate, #1)Master Descallia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master Descallia is the first book in the Masters of the Consulate series by Sylvia Black. Sylvia is a new author to me, and I was hoping this paranormal tale would be enjoyable. But what I got was so much more. This dark Vampire romance story instantly drew me in and hooked in deep, so much so that I was suddenly lost to the beauty of the harsh world that Sylvia had created right from the start. It is fast paced, intense, full of suspense and certainly sizzling. You know it’s a good story when you see your husband standing there waving his arms at you because you are so lost in the story that you didn’t hear him the first two times. I wish it were a little longer.

View all my reviews

Master Tuscano (Masters of the Consulate, #2)Master Tuscano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master Tuscano: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 2) by Sylvia Black is a dark paranormal Vampire romance story and is another great book in this series. As with the first book Master Descallia I was instantly lost in the story and to the beauty of the harsh world that Sylvia created. Her world building and characterization is spot on. It is also just as fast paced, intense, full of suspense and steaming hot as the first book. I am hooked on this series and love what Sylvia has done so far. She has quickly become someone who I will follow to see what else she brings. More, I want more.

View all my reviews

Master Trentino (Masters of the Consulate #3)Master Trentino by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author started out with a bang with this paranormal vampire romance series, and it just keeps on getting better. The narrative makes it so easy to get lost amongst the pages of this deliciously dark tale. With rogue shifters and witches, vampires and things that go bump in the night, the masters have been betrayed and now they fight for survival in their own world.
The world building and characters make this tale enticing and delightful and takes you to a place where the world is harsh but with it comes a sense of beauty as they fight to protect their mates.
The suspenseful story is fast paced, intense, and hot, hot, hot. Don’t miss out on this wonderful series. I can’t wait for the next book.

View all my reviews

Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate #4)Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series with these seriously sexy men of the dark and each book gets deliciously better than the last.

Master Romano is the fourth book in the Masters of the Consulate in this paranormal vampire romance series. It is so easy to embrace the world of darkness with vampires and get lost amongst the pages of this dark tale. I have said it before and I will say it again the world building and characters make this tale enticing and delightful. Sylvia paints a vivid picture for a world that is harsh and yet comes with a deep sense of beauty that is hot…….

With paranormal beings, century old feuds, one particular sassy witch, some seriously sexy vampires and the Consulate the story is intense and keeps page after page turning. This fast-paced tale is full of suspense and is sexy mexy. Don’t miss out on this wonderful series.

These fanged lords of darkness (I love the authors description) will do anything to protect what is theirs even if it means going against and old order.

Make sure you read these books in order and start today because you are seriously missing out if you don’t.

I can’t wait for what comes next from Sylvia.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Finn Cunningham

/0 Comments/in /by

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowksi was an absolute rollar coaster of a read. This book will absolutely throw you back and forth between emotions. The characters are frustratingly real, and brought to life with incredible storytelling. At some points I wanted to reach into to book and give Petra a good shake! Sanctuary will absolutely enthrall you and if you’re anything like me, make you cry and mourn alongside Petra. I do want to mention a trigger warning, as some of this content is really not for the faint of heart, however irregardless a great read.

View all my reviews

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great YA fantasy story that has a brilliant cast of characters. The friend group that is pulled through into a different world are a perfect mix of different personalities. They all have such unique experiences when they get there but it makes for a really interesting read.
The world building starts off slow, but it definitely doesn’t finish that way. You soon find yourself pulled into the story and wanting to discover even more about it. As the first book in a new series, this is a really great start and I am looking forward to seeing what else the series has to offer.

View all my reviews

I Miss My Friend And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story (Axel’s Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

I Miss My Friend And That's Okay: Axel's StoryI Miss My Friend And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I Miss My Friend And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story is another heartwarming story, told from Axel’s perspective. Axel’s mum is a soldier in the army and their family moves around a lot. Due to this he misses his best friend Kerrington. Even though there are miles between them they keep in contact through writing letters to each other. I liked that the story is written in the format of letters.
The colourful illustrations bring the story to life as Axel shares his new experiences with his best friend whilst learning it’s okay to miss them just as it is ok to make new friends as well.
As with the first book, I Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story it was an interesting read and a valuable story for anyone moving at a young age.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

I’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story (Axel’s Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

I'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's StoryI’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story is another beautiful tale from Shermaine M. Perry. It is a tale of Kody one courageous dinosaur gets lost whilst moving with his best friend Axel due to his mum being in the Army.
The lovely illustrations bring the story to life to this children’s picture book.
This heartwarming tale takes Kody on an adventure as he tries to find Axel, but he must face his fears and find the courage to set forth on this journey. Follow along in this wonderful tale as Kody finds strength, courage, and confidence and steps out of his comfort zone to embrace the unknown all that he finds along the way.
My grandsons loved this book and all things Kody, and I am sure you will too.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

I Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story (Axel’s Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

I Move A Lot and That's Okay: Axel's StoryI Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Axel as the title suggests a 7-year-old boy learning that being uprooted and moving all the time is not all bad. It teaches skills to deal with moving to new places and experiencing the fears and scariness that comes with the unknown. It also shows just how resilient kids of that age are.
Kyle’s mixed emotions and anxieties are real are all valid when he must move again because his mum is in the Army. Why does he have to move again? Why can’t he stay with his friends? Where will his new home be? What will it be like? Will he make friends? What will his new school be like?
I Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story is a delightful heartwarming colourful picture book is seen through Axels eyes as he shares his concerns and fears as he is helped by his family to overcome them and learns to see them and embrace them as an adventure.
Not having to go through the same struggles it was an interesting read and a valuable story for anyone moving at a young age.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Michelle Puett

/0 Comments/in /by

Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna wants to provide a childcare center close to work for single moms. Hunter likes to compete with his dad. Hunter bought out the building that Anna planned to place the childcare center in. She finds out who Hunter really is and its on from there. There is tension between the two as sparks fly no matter how much Anna may not want them to. But some secrets are to big to stay hidden between these two. It was easy to read and Anna and Hunter are easily likable. I did enjoy the twists and turns, the witty banter between the two and could feel the tension between them but the chemistry as well. I would recommend reading it if you like banter and enemies to lovers.

View all my reviews

The Trouble With Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar – Review by Arianna Westmoreland

/0 Comments/in /by

The Trouble with PossibilitiesThe Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. I loved that this book shows the main character going through a huge life change and then choosing to make the best out of it. So often in life, we find ourselves stuck after something emotional happens in our lives and we need a reminder that it’s okay to move on and want better for ourselves.

View all my reviews

Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Heather Goodman

/0 Comments/in /by

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.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 is such a great gift for any kid that is getting a little brother or a sibling period. It’s a great book to be able to read with the sibling and new baby or if the sibling is old enough for them to read to the new baby. It highlights all the great things you get to do for your younger sibling. It shows you what family is about. I would definitely recommend this book for any family that’s adding another sibling to the mix.

View all my reviews

London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

London Detective Agency: The Complete SeriesLondon Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey. I loved this series. Its a fast paced mystery romance series and it will keep you flipping pages all night. Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey. This is a wonderful romantic suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grad student Evelyn is on her way to Greece and while in the airport in London she is mistaken for someone else and Private Investigator Patrick thinks Evelyn is someone else so he grabs her. Megan is the girl that Patrick was looking for and after he realizes Evelyn is not the girl he’s after he lets her go. Hurrying to get on the plane Evelyn mistakenly picks up Megan’s suitcase putting her in serious danger. This leaves Patrick feeling like he has to protect Evelyn. As they spend time together they begin to grow feelings for each other. Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Book 2)  This is James and Tessa’s story and it can be read as a standalone but I always recommend reading them in order. Tessa has just opened a bakery and has become very successful overnight and thinks things are going quite well. Someone begins to send her threatening letter and photos she realizes she has a stalker and is very concerned. Tessa decides that she needs to hire James a Private Investigator and his crew to help her find who is stalking her. The threats get more serious and even include photos where someone has been looking in her windows. There is a growing attraction between James & Tessa but James has sworn off not dating his clients. Will they find the stalker before he actually hurts Tessa and will James & Tessa make a go at a relationship. These are so good and can be read as standalones!

View all my reviews

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Arianna Westmoreland

/0 Comments/in /by

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

I read this book with my two sons – ages 6 and 3. This was a sweet story, perfect for the spooky season.

A review from an actual kid:
D (age 6) – ”Gadrella did lots of different things but she still ended up happy.”
S (age 3) – “It was spooky with witches and potions!”

We gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

View all my reviews

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable fantasy romance but it was so much more than a fantasy romance. This story had it all, secrets, lies, danger, magic, and a young women who is prepared to do anything to get to the truth about her brother.
I was captivated by Petra right from the beginning and I really felt her strength and determination as she went through every obstacle to find the truth. She knows the only way she will find out the truth about her brother’s death is to go into the Cloistered City as a servant. But getting in there isn’t an easy task and once she gets a job as a maid trying to find answers leaves her open to danger.
With all the secrets, lies and danger the last thing she needs is romance until she meets Rand Tsenturian.
Rand Tsenturian is captain of the elite soldiers called the Shivalry. As part of the Shivalry Rand’s only focus should be protecting the Cloistered City however when Petra catches his eye he knows that he has to help her and keep her safe.
But how will Petra react when she realises that Captain Rand knew her brother and may have the answers she is looking for?

With an ancient incantation, a sacrifice that needs to be made, fate, danger and a romance that won’t be denied this is a story that is captivating and holds your attention from beginning to end.

View all my reviews

Dragon Bond by Lilliana Rose – Review by Linette Cevallos

/0 Comments/in /by

Dragon Bond: A Monster Brides RomanceDragon Bond: A Monster Brides Romance by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a super fast read and the story is captivating. For being short, it goes straight to action which I loved very much. The story grabs you, then unexpected romance, and action. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but it’s worth the read. It has dragon shifters, a forbidden romance, and some triggers like S/H scenes. They don’t go into hard details but for those who need to check triggers this might help. The book also ends with a cliff hanger and did an amazing job because not only does it make you wanting to read more but the ending gives the reader hope. Many possible ideas on what might happen next and I enjoyed that. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast read with a super hero magic vibe this is the book for you.

View all my reviews

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski. This is a fantasy romance that will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Its the story of Petra who is on a mission to discover how her brother, Aldeny, died. She was told that he killed himself but she knows better than that. She also knew that he had become a courier but she knew in her heart her brother would not take his own life. Taking a job washing clothes she becomes friends with a girl that is bullied by the other girls. Petra takes up for her and the girl ends up getting beaten half to death. She stood by her friends side until she met someone who talked her into becoming a courier herself. Petra soon finds herself engulfed in her brothers world where you don’t know who to trust. She is told time and again that her brother took his life but she refuses to believe it. She is also a little smitten with Rand a dark, mysterious, handsome Captain. Sparks fly when they are together. Will they take a chance on love and will Petra ever find out the true reason her brother died?

View all my reviews

Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Jenique Bornman

/0 Comments/in /by

Love and Fate (Braebeach Rockstar #2)Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*Love and Fate* is a beautifully written second chance romance that tugs at the heartstrings. Loriana masterfully weaves a tale of love lost and found, as Tommy and Angie navigate the complexities of their past, present, and uncertain future. Tommy’s return to Braebeach as a single dad, reconnecting with Angie amidst the chaos of their lives, feels both raw and real. Their journey is a slow burn that builds into something deep and passionate, leaving you rooting for them to overcome the obstacles in their way. The emotional depth and steamy chemistry make this a must-read for romance lovers!

View all my reviews

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Anantha Rusum

/0 Comments/in /by

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn: An Ariadne Winter Murder MysteryInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn: An Ariadne Winter Murder Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was more Princess Bride meets Agatha Christie. A reporter, Ariadne, is sent to a small European Nation to interview the fiancée of the prince. There are layers of intrigue in the relationship of the star with the prince. On parallel lines, the Inn where she stays witnesses a murder. Nothing is what it seems to be. There are people with deep secrets, many motives for murder. Who did the murder. It is upto the police and Ariadne to solve the mystery. It is a fast paced story, I did feel it a little bogged down in between, but otherwise I liked it.

View all my reviews

The Holey Land by Laura Koerber- Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Holey Land by Laura Koerber. This is such a fun book. Its quite different than anything I’ve ever read. Its the story of Molly who has decided to take a solo trip to New Mexico. She’s not really sure she is going there but she just knows she has to. Molly is middle aged and in my mind she is going thru the middle age crazies. She wants to discover what is out there in this big old world. She ends up in The Holey Land, New Mexico and she meets up with three different guides who help her in different ways. There is magic, intrigue, mystery and self help all thrown in with real native philosophies. I loved that Molly was looking to reinvent herself and that she was brave enough to go out on a limb and try some new stuff even if it seems different and weird to her. This is a fun book about being middle age and trying to recreate yourself.

View all my reviews

I’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story (Axel’s Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Megan Kimley

/0 Comments/in /by

I'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's StoryI’ll Find My Way And That’s Okay: Axel’s Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute story about a stuffed animal who gets separated from his boy and the adventures he has to get back to him. Kody wakes up on the airplane being carried but it’s not Axel who’s carrying him! How will Kody get back to Axel?! Perry-Knights does a wonderful job of showing children it’s okay to be scared and go through a gamut of emotions. I loved the creativity of this story and the wonderfully bright illustrations. And it’s always fun to think of what our stuffed animals do when we aren’t around 😉
Reviewed by @meggs1717

View all my reviews

War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Anantha Rusum

/0 Comments/in /by

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book took me by surprise, I was expecting a fast-paced adventure, but it ended up to be a very thought provoking read. The story is indeed about rabbits, one young rabbit, Anastasia, who defies the norms, questioning why rabbits should be prey animals. She gets ousted from her warren, faces a predator, fights back bravely. Then she finds herself in a position she never vied for, a leader who can revolutionize her clan. As I kept reading, there were layers of depth added to the storyline and the characters. I was so glued to it until the end. I would like to read more from this series.

View all my reviews

Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Shelby Wilson

/0 Comments/in /by

Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! I received this book before the others in the series. I was able to understand the plot without reading the others first. However, I did go back and read them too! I love how they mixed the quirky humor with the sweet romance. It was a nice balance. You will fall in love with the characters!

View all my reviews

Heaven Only Knows (A Silver Buckle Romance Series Book 3) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS (A Silver Buckle Brides Romance Book 3)HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heaven Only Knows (A Silver Buckle Romance Series Book 3) by Laurie Lewis. This is such a good romance and I really enjoyed the antebellum mansions and New Orleans setting. The writing was so good that I truly felt like I was there. Barrett is a attorney and he is in New Orleans to settle a big case with his clients that just won a case against a Chemical Plant. Barrett is also dealing with his fiance just marrying his best friend and killing all of his future dreams. While in New Orleans he chases a thief down a dark alley and runs into the Agata, a stunning singer. Agata has been in hiding for 5 years and trying to forget the horrible things that happened in her past. Even though Agata turns Barrett down personally she does offer to help him business wise and track down all his clients. While spending time together Barrett falls deeper and deeper. Barrett’s mind is telling him to run away from this woman but his heart is in love. This is a beautifully told story with a beautiful background.

View all my reviews

The Man Who Dealt in Death (The Colton Fen Series) by Marlena Frank – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

The Man Who Dealt in DeathThe Man Who Dealt in Death by Marlena Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Man Who Dealt in Death (The Colton Fen Series) by Marlena Frank. This is the first book I believe I’ve read by this author but will not be my last. I really enjoyed it. It’s the story of Colten who is a werewolf shifter dressed like a cowboy and he’s been hired by the Agency of Betterment of Supernatural Creatures. He’s ready to start to work but they insist he has a partner and he is totally against that. Rennick is half human, half vampire and after a rough start they begin to work together. They are sent out to investigate a missing persons and along the way they meet Mary. Mary is a very independent lady who decides to join in on the investigation. This book sucked me in and I totally lost track of time while reading. I can’t wait for the next book to read more about these incredible characters!

View all my reviews

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family by Deniese Dennis – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

/0 Comments/in /by

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.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 book is an introduction for all big brothers to be, it shows some things that they will have to do, silich as play peekaboo and teach them all that they learned as a little one.

It shows how to be protective, loving, gentle and how to share both people and things, how life will change and all the exciting things to look forward to in the future.

It is charming, easy to understand and made from the child’s perspective, which makes it adaptable and inclusive of all, a must have for all big brothers to be!

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights. This is such a great book about just being kind. Kids of all ages can learn from this sweet book. It teaches us that even the small things that you help people with are just as kind as the big things. It teaches kids that take what you are good at and help people with that skill. You can help in all kinds of ways. It is geared at kids 7 to 9 years of age but even my nephew who is younger really enjoyed it. It would make a great book for your upper elementary teachers for their classroom. I loved this book and I am making it a part of our family library.

View all my reviews

Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Rose McCaskey

/0 Comments/in /by

SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I started this book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. However, it was good. It was a slow burn. It’s a different kind of fantasy romance. It wasn’t smutty, and it only had a little bit of descriptive innuendos. It had great world building and good characters. The character development was interesting since the two main characters developed and grew together. I would recommend this as a quick read (I read it in one day).

View all my reviews

Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese

/0 Comments/in /by

Mommy, Am I Indian Today?Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese

The young boy noticed that his mom was having them dress in their special clothes that they only wore to big events. He asks his mom if he’s Indian today. She explains to him how her parents came to America to make a better life for their family and the boy was born in America. However, he is Indian everyday no matter what clothes he wears. His mom is honoring their culture and legacy by wearing their traditional attire and explaining her parents’ history.

This is a beautifully illustrated story that shows the author’s culture. It is so important to share different cultures with people so they learn the histories, the beauty of each one.

Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Deborah Joseph

/0 Comments/in /by

Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow…this book is just…. I couldn’t put it down because of how good it was. I was a bit hesitant since I am not really into football… but I am so glad I gave this book a chance. While there are scenes related to football it focuses mostly on a different plot and it was just so good. I loved watching the love blossom between everyone in this book, including the side characters. This starts as a contract relationship that benefits both parties in a positive way, not in a blackmailing type of way, that slowly turns into something real (after some drama/ angst/ breakup). This is a quick read… but that might also be because I could barely put the book down and only did so when I absolutely had to. This book does not end on a cliffhanger, but it does make me want to read Ares and Liam’s story so badly!

View all my reviews

Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese – Review by Debbie Best

/0 Comments/in /by

Mommy, Am I Indian Today?Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Sheeba Varghese does a fine job of interweaving cultural identification into daily life for an American child born of the Indian culture. The little boy in her story speaks of his curiosity regarding his identity – is he American on some days, and Indian on special occasions? The boy’s mother uses his innocent question as a teaching opportunity regarding their shared history and their family’s immigration from India, while simultaneously emphasizing cultural heritage via dress. The little boy explains to the reader, that in his culture, women wear a garment known as a Sari, while men and boys wear Kurta pajamas and a Stole. All in the context of attending a wedding.

The story is wonderful for its ability to help children of Indian heritage, become less confused about cultural differences. In addition, I believe it is a valuable tool for teaching others a smattering about the Indian culture and should be included in both elementary grade and community libraries everywhere. Suitable for ages 3 – 5, and for parental reading.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the gorgeous illustrations in this book. The end papers are stunning. Tori Tilahun uses a technique that is part intensive illustration combined with a watercolor wash to produce the books pictures – especially effective in capturing aging family photos.

View all my reviews

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. Being written during a time when women weren’t exactly at the forefront career wise made this a really intriguing mystery. I found the premise to be strong. The mystery was entertaining to figure out. I had to work to solve it and I enjoyed the twists in the story. It was a very well written story with a strong FMC.

View all my reviews

It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Michelle Troyer

/0 Comments/in /by

It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and FriendshipIt’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book that teaches kindness. Great with activities also. Very educational but yet fun!

View all my reviews