Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Crain

Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of DeceptionNotebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The novel kicks off with a strong hook—a brutal murder that sets the stage for a fast-paced and engaging mystery. Mullins expertly weaves together elements of deception and suspense, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and red herrings. The pace is brisk, with the investigation unfolding in a way that maintains tension while gradually revealing clues. The dual focus on family dynamics and the mystery adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that the stakes feel personal as well as perilous.

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Wild King (King Brothers Series) by K.M. Scott – Review by Barbara Bohls

Wild King (King Brothers Book 2)Wild King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great read. It is an emotional roller coaster. As a reader, you will feel every emotion of the characters. It is such a well written book. It is the second book in the series and it does have a over lapping of characters. I find that I love books that bring the characters of other books back into them or that is how we get introduced to the new characters for future books. You don’t necessarily have to read the first book before this one but you will want to. This book has every emotion you can think of: angst, suspense, drama, love, sadness, and steam. There is a balance between all the emotions that you will experience but you WILL experience them all as you read this. This book was a quick read for me because I found myself not being able to put it down. This book kept me turning pages to continue on. It allowed me to build relationships (in my head) with the characters. I wanted to be friends with all of them. You will not be disappointed while reading this book and it will leave you craving for more.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

Oscar and Emmy Visit GrandmaOscar and Emmy Visit Grandma by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Terri Sabol’s Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma is a charming addition to the series featuring the delightful feline duo, Oscar and Emmy. This book takes young readers on a heartwarming journey as the kittens experience a stay at Grandma’s house while their family is on vacation. The story is both entertaining and educational, offering valuable insights for pet parents and pet sitters.

The narrative is engaging and playful, capturing the fun and mischief that Oscar and Emmy get up to during their stay with Grandma. The book effectively illustrates the concept of pet sitting, providing a relatable scenario that children can understand. Through their adventures, readers learn about the role of pet sitters and the various challenges that can arise, from maintaining routines to dealing with pets’ quirks.

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The Apothecary’s Curse, The Apothecary Series, Barbara Barnett, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Historical, Fantasy

The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this! It’s the story of Simon and Gaelan who have been friends for over 200 years. It tells Gaelan’s story back in 1837 and flicks between present day and into the past. Simon unwittingly kills his wife and himself becomes immortal so Simon is determined to find Gaelan’s magical book and end his life. Gaelan has a long and wonderful life. He’s seen so much and it’s fascinating the way it’s written in two different times. There’s so many twists and turns in the story I just couldn’t put it down! I loved it! I’m buying number 2 right now! Highly recommend!

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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun!Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Terri Sabol’s Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet is a delightful and educational book that aims to make the veterinary experience less intimidating for young readers and their families. Through the eyes of the charming feline duo, Oscar and Emmy, the book offers a gentle introduction to the concept of regular vet visits, emphasizing that these appointments are about more than just addressing sickness.

The narrative is engaging and tailored to children, combining playful illustrations with informative content. Oscar and Emmy’s adventure to the vet is depicted in a way that makes the experience appear both fun and routine. This approach helps to demystify the process and reduces any anxiety children might have about veterinary visits.

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Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Megan Rea

Be My Little Baby (London Detective Agency Book 2)Be My Little Baby by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get my hands on this book and I was NOT disappointed! Caffrey has done it again but this time we get James’ story. I love Caffrey’s writing style and her character development and she continues that with this novel. This book has it all…suspense, mystery, romance, twists and turns. It is just such a nice mix of everything that there is something for everyone. Some tropes in this book include: forbidden love, protector, and damsel in distress among some others. I cannot recommend this book enough. You do not need to read the first book in this series; however, it always helps to have a better understanding of the characters but it’s not necessary.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Megan Rea

Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun!Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the way Sabol takes such an educational approach to pet ownership while also having such a great and relatable storyline for kids. In this installment in the series, Abby and Charlie need to take Oscar and Emmy to the vet for their yearly checkup. This story walks the readers all the way through a typical vet visit for a checkup while also talking about how pets may feel while at the vet. Again, I love the educational aspect of this story and the illustrations are phenomenal.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Karrie Sears

Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of DeceptionNotebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Peggy’s brother, Teddy went missing. Peggy and her husband Tony enlist the help of an investigation company to help them find out what happened to her brother. This is definitely a book that you need to pay attention to detail. Twisty aspects, multiple characters involved, and the unexpected twist to what finally happens. A wonderful mystery to read.

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Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Series) by Ariella Talix – Review by Rose McCaskey

Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Book 3)Casting Vows by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an unconventional love story. The main male characters, Matty and Nicolo are childhood vest friends and lovers who due to circumstances are separated and lost to each other for years until Nicolo gets engaged and his fiance becomes pregnant. It was a well written story that showed love, faith, loss, hope, and acceptance. It does have some graphic scenes that it would still have been good without but was an enjoyable story.

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Shadowed Storm: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 4 (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shelly Kittell

Shadowed Storm (Shadow Defense Security, #4)Shadowed Storm by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh man, this is the one series where they are all my favorites. Alexis is awesome. I loved this one. The drama, action, the romance and everything else is outstanding. The writing is phenomenal. This author has again written a story that had me holding my breath and gasping, and other action items as I read along or yelling at my Kindle as I read like I was talking to friends. The research is good. The characters are very relatable with an engaging story. This whole series is full of 5 stars. A must read.

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Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Series) by Ariella Talix – Review by Finn Cunningham

Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Book 3)Casting Vows by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Casting Vows is the third book in the Heart of Gold Series by Ariella Talix. I want to start this by mentioning this is the first book I’ve read not only from this series but, also from this author. However, as far as I’m aware, that didn’t make this book any less incredible. It’s a wonderful MMF historical fiction, which was absolutely amazing to see. I adored reading this beautifully loving, and healthy representation of a polyamorous triad! I absolutely cannot wait to check out more of this author!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins

Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of DeceptionNotebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries: I really enjoyed this book! I started off the series with the previous book and still haven’t had a chance to dive any further back; however, the author does a wonderful job of keeping the story line up to date but also gives enough backstory without bogging down the plot. I love the characters and the strong female lead, which is something that most period books just don’t have, or are not written as well as these are. I love the world building and the witty banter. It is romantic but not steamy. Loved it and will definitely read the next, and eventually the previous!

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Wheel of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

Wheel of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 3)Wheel of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another amazing mystery in this series, Neferet is watching out for her family when that civilization’s version of a Ponzi scheme pops up. Then deaths begin occurring. Neferet and her friends begin looking into them. Such a strong and brave young woman. I love the twists and turns throughout the story. The details are amazing. The author really does a great job with research. i so enjoy this series.

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Taste of Honey (Taste of Honey Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Trish Ann

Taste of HoneyTaste of Honey by Julie Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was ok. I had a hard time shifting gears especially since there were three stories. I enjoyed The Gift the best. There were good connections and spice between the characters. I would like to read others if this author.

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Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay Series) by Erin Brockus – Review by Shelly Kittell

Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay #1)Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance by Erin Brockus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a good story. She’s lost and has a chance for a new start. He’s the hot instructor. Sparks fly…..
I came away loving this. Emotions were high. The story had me rooting for these two. I sure wish I had had a meddling sister instead of 3 brothers. It’s an engaging story that grabs you from the get go. I need to read the next book now.

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Shelly Kittell

Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance (Stars in the City)Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really nice second chance romance for the YA set. Life falls apart and you get all the teen angst and everything that goes with it. I came away feeling that it gave a pretty realist little view of teen romance. It had you feeling all the motions. It was pretty easy to become engaged with the story. The writing was good and the characters were very well developed.

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Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay Series) by Erin Brockus – Review by Karrie Sears

Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance (Half Moon Bay #1)Finding Hope: A Small Town Beach Romance by Erin Brockus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hope is in hotel management. She tries for a promotion only to not get it. Unbeknownst to Hope, Sara, her sister, entered her into a raffle to win a dive resort on the island of St. Croix, which she ended up winning. Hope leaves snowy Chicago for sunny, warmer weather and a hot dive instructor to boot. This slow burn romance will have you turning pages just to see how it ends. From heartbreak and heartaches, to fretting over a disaster to …… well you’ll have to read it to see how it ends. I believe I’m definitely going to have to read the series because I need to know what comes next for Hope.

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Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Andrea Lopez Salazar

Dinopotamus Solves a MysteryDinopotamus Solves a Mystery by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery By Lois Wickstrom
5 Stars

Cute book for the kids especially as we introduce Science to them. This is a must read with littles, mine always loves books by Lois Wickstrom and we continue to enjoy them over and over.

Dinopotamus is very caring towards the kids and I love how he keeps them warm at naptime with the “warm spot”. Perfect for our bedtime/naptime routine

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Rock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow – Review by Angela Shirley

Rock Crush and RollRock Crush and Roll by Hunter Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tyler is living her best life, career wise but relationships well that’s a different story. Scouting around trying to find the next big thing in music she would not have thought she would run into him again in her wildest dreams but there he is Cary Kingston, gods gift to women and a self proclaimed bachelor, but when they are together there is a connection even she does not to acknowledge.

Cary has has a crush on Tyler for as long as he can remember and now they are working together maybe this is the time to see where it could go but she has been hurt before and can he replace the bad memories with good. You need to read to find out.

I really enjoyed this story, it was just a nice romantic read. The characters were well written and the secondary characters added to the story and you get drawn into the main characters arc to will them together. Tyler was a strong character and knew what she wanted from her career but the venerable side to her character intrigued me more. Seeing the cocky side to Cary was good but I always love a flawed character and especially a male character is lovely to read.

This is the first book I have read from this author and loved the writing style and character development, I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chapter One starts in a very descriptive way all I wanted to do was climb into the book and get lost there “ The night is silent save for the subtle breeze rustling the nearby trees , and distant sound of waves dancing over the sand .” 🥰but that’s where the blissful moment ends …

Serin is out spying on Falcon for Ivy and both think they’re undetected but Falcon is more than aware and comes home in a rage 😡 and is out to hurt Ivy and that he does at one of their “parties” with Lantia which left me all over the place , heartbroken and sad for our lost , confused and jealous lovers and again it’s a lesson that karma is a nasty thing …..

A quick thrilling read if I might say 🤩

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The Predator Part Two (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Angela Shirley

The Predator Part TwoThe Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We are launched back into the world of Chamberlain and Katie and my god what a second part to the story.

After being broken and lost, Katie is finally rebuilding her life and confidence to who she is, it has taken years to get this far but one day rocks her world when she sees him. Seeing Chamberlain has shook her but all the feelings are back and she is struggling with the realisation that he could hurt her again but is she willing to give love another chance?

Chamberlain has finally found his love, Katie but after so many years can he prove to her that it was other elements keeping them apart and he will try and make up for things till his dying days but there is only one thing he needs her to trust him again and not run away at every turn. Can I get her back where she belongs.

This conclusion to a thrilling story was just as epic as the first half. The story picks straight back up and has you back into the world of Katie and Chamberlain like you have never been away. The strength you see within Katie as the story unfolds is brilliant to read and with the secondary characters around her is just a wonderful story.

As you also get to see Chamberlain and get into his path you get to understand the workings of this complicated character and that he has nothing without Katie in his life which was just refreshing to read. With the twists and turns within this story you find yourself falling deeper into the world and becoming part of it.

I would definitely not recommend this book as a stand alone you really need to get the grounding from the first part but you would not be disappointed. Can’t wait to read more books from this wonderful author.

Word Play by Tricia Gardella – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Word PlayWord Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Word Play by Tricia Gardella

Word Play is a children’s book that children ages 2-6 can enjoy. It’s educational and teaches kids sometimes things don’t happen as quickly as they like. Joe is a eager kindergartener who’s eager to learn words and to read. Joe picks letters from his cereal every morning. He’s very excited for his first day of school and being able to read. My son is six and he loved this book and all the colorful illustrations. We highly recommend reading this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of the Cosmic Aether by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is the Victorian era and it is an era full of the power of steam which is just beginning to develop, but what happens when this new age of steam and steam, powered contraptions becomes mashed with the challenges of time, but not as we know it? Time when chaos is added into the mix, this is where we find the chaos clock .

This book is a selection of short stories based on this concept however, not in the traditional sense. From the creation of the chaos clock and the effects it has on the world around them, this collection explores the evolution of creation and creator alike, from the Eldritch monsters that live in a parallel version of this world as it collides into ours.

This collection will take you from madness and mayhem, desperation and despair. A collection where people confront their deepest darkest fears, as the time that they know of disintegrates, and moulds itself into something completely new.

So forget what you knew about time, and how it runs, instead dive into this dystopian past, where nothing is as it seems, time has no meaning and the chaos clock rules all, but will you survive the spiral, or will you experience the same madness as those being watched over by the Eldritch monsters above, below and all around them in the spreading darkness.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series Book #2) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Angela Hayes

Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City #2)Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Falling For a Star in the City is the second book in the Stars in the City Series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. It is a contemporary YA romance – with all the (teen) drama, angst, tension, and emotion you might need to keep flipping the pages.
It is also a little bit of a journey of discovery too, as Paige grapples with (re) finding and re-defining herself after her ‘perfect’ life’ crumbles before her eyes. Having to reevaluate and pick up and ‘start’ over again brings its own challenges. With fate providing a new love interest- even while her first love seems to want to rekindle their relationship. What’s a girl to do?
It also takes a look at dealing with fame, finding new purpose, and realizing what’s really important. The story also has some sweet moments that even my old, jaded heart, flutter for a beat or two.
If you love YA romance, sports romance (hockey), a love triangle(ish) vibe, angst, emotion, and sweet scenes- then you will definitely want to grab a copy of this to read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Krysten Lindsay Hager!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Love Rinkside(The Playmaker Series) by G.K. Brady- Review by Heather Knalls

Love Rinkside (Playmakers)Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Drew has been told by his brother in law he needs to show up to his Halloween in costume as a team mascot and he needs to stay at the party. While at the party he meets another guest, Katie who is dressed as the craziest mascot he has ever seen. After having a couple of beers Drew convinces her to slip away from the party with him. He soon takes Katie home and leaves her at her door after being invited in. Both have said that want to remain single after several bad experiences however Drew hasn’t been able to get her off his mind even with a big business deal about to possibly go bust. Should he ask Katie out and see where things go or should he leave things be? After saving Katie’s dog at the dog park she decides to take the initiative and ask him to dinner. Could this lead to more between them?

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Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Series) by Ariella Talix – Review by M Policicchio

Casting Vows (Hearts of Gold Book 3)Casting Vows by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nicolo, Nico to friends and family, is the youngest son from Issac, Walter, and Suzette (the trio from Fiddle and Fire). The family has relocated to Los Angeles and is flourishing. Nico has a best friend, Matty, who is in a difficult situation. Matty’s mother died when he was young. Ever since Matty’s father’s drinking problems have increased. Matty has now officially become his father’s punching bag. Matty never fights back.

When Matty shows up at Nico’s window after a brutal beating, Nico and his parents conspire with the local doctor to keep Matty. However, one evening as the family is enjoying dinner with friends, Matty’s father breaks into their home and steals Matty back. When Nico’s fathers take the cops to Matty’s house so that Matty’s father can be arrested for assault and brandishing a weapon, the adults step in and make a decision. Matty can’t stay with his father. A friend and local parish priest, Father Andrew, agrees to help Matty escape but doesn’t tell anyone where Matty goes.

Four years after Matty left, Nico was in the process of completing his final year of med school in San Francisco when he met Eden, a nursing student. Eden and Nico fall in love, despite part of Nico’s heart always belonging to Matty. After a courtship and romance, Eden and Nico get engaged and head home to LA. Nico will be learning to run a medical clinic. Eden has the option to work as a nurse in the clinic. Nico realizes that Eden is with child. When they go to their local church to talk to Father Andrew about marrying them, Eden and Nico find Matty.

Matty is just weeks away from taking his final vows to become a priest. Now I don’t want to spoil anything but there was some tomfoolery and shenanigans that led to this. The love Matty and Nico once had for each other is not dead. Matty and Eden feel an instant connection but there are sooooo many obstacles standing in the way. One huge one being the looming vows awaiting Matty. Secrets and sins are revealed. Decisions are made. Some other good stuff happens. There is a twist or two in there. Don’t for the spice.

Period romance is not my go to, but a decent read. If you like a historical romance with some heat, this series and story is for you!! This one reads fast and moves fast. So hang on!!

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Hannah Porter

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx

This is my first time reading a book by Sinister Styx, so I don’t really know what to expect but I was super excited to read this story. This is an extremely short read but that did not take away from the quality of it. It should not take you no more than an hour to get read. As for the story, dark romances are one of my favorite genres so after seeing this and then reading the synopsis I dove in and loved it. You know you just want that feeling you wanna read but don’t wanna be tied down for long. Well this is the perfect fit for you. The author is really talented if in such a short read made me feel so many emotions alongside Ivy and Falcon. I will definitely check out more of this author’s work.

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Taste of Honey (Taste of Honey Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Hannah Porter

Taste of HoneyTaste of Honey by Julie Castle

The Taste of Honey is the complete series in one little bundle with I love because hello no waiting lol. I love that I can just continue on to the next book with zero waiting. This is my first time reading a story by Julie Castle and I get to discover her and the most awesome in this bundle lmao. This consists of The Gift, the Commanders Club, and Once In Love. All of them were fantastic reads. It’s hard to pick a favorite but If I have to I’d say maybe Once in love. This author has a captivating blend of romance and drama. Castle’s writing vividly brings to life the complexities of relationships, with an emphasis on emotional depth and character development. The series explores themes of love,and personal growth through engaging storytelling and intricate plots. I can Not wait to read more from the author🥰

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“””Absurd,”” Said Bird : A Fun Children’s Adventure About a Mouse Who Dreams of Travel (Mouse Traveler) by Tricia Gardella – Review by Hannah Porter

“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really love the message of this book. How the mouse never gave up to try and reach his goals. Also I really enjoyed that the book has rhyming words. It made the storytelling not only flow but so much fun to read. The artwork was very cute and had a lot of Vivid colors, which really caught my little ones eyes. They enjoyed the story immensely. They liked seeing and naming the animals and making their sounds. I look forward to reading more or the Adventure of the Mouse Traveler.

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The Predator Part Two (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Hannah Porter

The Predator Part TwoThe Predator Part Two by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like I ran to read this second book. After a cliffhanger like that I immediately knew I had to come finish it to see what happens between Kate and Chamberlin. Just like the first book I felt like I devoured this book almost instantly lol. Also like the first one it’ll have your emotions all over the place 🤣 but I feel like this book made me love love love Chamberlin even more. This author always knows how to write a captivating story. I truly can not wait to read more from this author and this series. If you haven’t read the first book I highly suggest you read before starting this one.

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