Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first book by this author, and I cant wait to go read the others! The characters were so well developed and raw. This book had emotion, romance and drama, touching on some real life problems. I was 100% invested in Evan and Callie’s love story, well done to this author.
Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A good first book to a series. The authors descriptive writing and original plot made this story stand out. The characters were likeable and had good development, I did feel like there was slightly forced dialogue in moments but it was very minor and overall I really enjoyed this book.
Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Steamy, emotional, romance, action. All combined with this authors beautiful descriptive writing made a great read. The main characters had great chemistry and the plot line kept me turning those pages. I really enjoyed the second instalment in this series and cant wait to see what this author has install for us in the future.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This contemporary romance really blew me out of the water. Personally I love contemporary romances, but If they aren’t your cup of tea, I would personally recommend giving this one a go. Full of romance, secrets, lies and more this one has enough twists and turns to keep anyone on the edge of their seats. The characters are very well developed and realistic, the plot is intriguing, and the cover is just flat out clever. So if your looking for a great new read then look this one up today.
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite genres of books to read. I thought that this book was engaging. It gave a well written take on what life was like during this time for the family. I appreciated that the family was from France as this is not always the perspective given in the genre. I would read more from this author.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a good book! I could hardly put it down, because the story was so well written. The only reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because the excessive vulgar language and explicit sexual nature was a bit much for me. The story follows two high school students, Holly Ross and Nathan Harris. Nathan has a secret that he doesn’t want people to find out about. He covers it by being a part of the popular crowd and being mean to other kids. Holly is a new student who accidentally discovers Nathan’s secret. She never dreams Nathan would start dating her to make her keep his secret. So when she finds out why he started dating her, will their love for each other be able to overcome the deceptive start? Or will other students be able to keep them apart? Find out in this page turner!
Levi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was not sure about this book at first. Bella came off like a snooty and spoiled princess and I thought there was no way I was going to like her story. I was wrong. The development of the character and story was great. Such a good book.and I can’t wait to read the next.
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed this author in the past, and I am certainly enjoying this author now! They created such a good story, with wonderful characters and a story of intrigue and its own level of passion.
This book had everything. I connected with Katie so much. She gave up what she had to chase her own dreams. In the end what she had was lost, and she never really got over it. Chase was such a sweetheart; his emotions were real and vivid a well. I loved how they never stopped caring for one another but weren’t sure how to really go back all and all. I loved the character development especially with Katie. She changed from the last time she saw Chase. The chemistry and love were undeniable. The hurt and feelings that were felt was real. The passion was very much real as well. I fell in love over and over as I read. Such a beautiful and wonderful read. I am so happy I got to enjoy this! Loved it!
This author always knows how to suck in the reader and hold them there and make them feel a lot of things. I highly recommend this author if you have not read their work already, and I most certainly recommend this must-read book. Its one not to be passed up for any reason! Loved it!
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing read. I lovey my paranormal books, that is something I can not hide at all but this one really did justice I found. Unpredictable read, astonishing writing, and amazing character development. I could not put this one down. I was hooked, and I needed more by the time I reached the end!
Great character development and use of writing by a talented author. Jace and Cyrus seemed so different, btu the chemistry they both had was undeniable. The mutual attraction was spot on. I loved their moments together. Against all odds they found the ground that they wanted to share. Especially loved the LGBT story line Highly support that of course. There was a lot of action and danger for this forbidden romance. Loved this book, when I finished, I wanted so much more! Loved it!
The book was a trip, that was very much wroth taking. I loved the strong descriptions the author used as well. I loved the author, and I loved this book. I highly recommend! Do not pass up either!
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a gripping historical novel based on the real life experiences of Michelle Naget and her family. I found this story to be a real page turner, which at times was heartwarming and at others heartbreaking. An inspirational story about an amazingly brave young women, I found this book hard to put down. A young Michelle and her family are fleeing to safety from the Germans who have marched across Europe and have now reached France, when they are captured by the Nazis. The Naget family are sent back to their house in the village of Braquis, to discover their home has been commandeered, and that they must serve the enemy. For four years the family live with the Nazis under their roof and have to endure not only this, but also their neighbours questioning their loyalty. Michelle and her family are very religious but the daily hardships test their faith, however, the family’s motto is , “We do what must be done,” and they do, by believing in God, each other and hope.
A young rebel French girl passes letters to Michelle and Légère promises that she will be free again when the Allies arrive. As time goes on the Nazis torment increases and the Naget family’s life and death is completely in their enemies control. Michelle is determined to do whatever she can to protect her family, even dressing as a boy and being a letter carrier. Told from Michelle’s point of view this is an engaging read and I felt completely immersed in the story. The setting came vividly and claustrophobically to life from the authors descriptive narrative. The characters are all realistic and well defined, Michelle is a very likeable and relatable young women. The author has obviously done her research, and the added historical details made me feel as though I had been transported back, during WWII. I literally could not put this book down, and the story and the characters stayed with me long after I had finished the book. A must read, which I definitely recommend.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This read was heartwarming all in all. I enjoyed the character connections, the feelings that were associated with it, and how everyone seemed to bounce off one another. Enjoyed the use that was seen a lot as I read, of the importance of family and love. That was meaningful to me.
I loved the bond between Ellsa and Tessa. Though she was not her blood mother, Ella would do anything for Tessa. Things happen and they are threatened to be ripped apart. Ella did not give up whatsoever, She fought for the one thing she cared about more than anything. Even when someone throws a card into the pile that puts a wrench in most things, she stayed true to her ground. The essence of family was very strong in this read, I felt a lot as I read, and I am very thankful I got to enjoy such a good book.
The book was a good and fast read. I was very much hooked. The book flowed very nicely as well. I could not put this one down. Highly recommend this must read book, not one to be passed up.
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novel was thrilling to say the least. The realism it did, was by far one of the best I would say. I felt I was transported to the time of the war and was undergoing what the characters endured. It takes a special author to really make the reader feel something that deep. Truly an amazing read.
Personally, I loved this book was told through the eyes of Michelle. As a child enduing all the stuff happening with the Nazis etc. you really feel what the child was feeling. As an adult it was terrifying enough, but what was it to the child? The story was a epic read. I could not stop reading, as I constantly needed to know what would happen next. The book had a lot of emotions, and you really felt what the family that the story emphasized on was going through beautiful writing and read. I have not read anything wit such a impact in such a while. This is a book that will stay with me. Loved it!
If you had not had the pleasure of reading this book, I suggest very much that you do so! This is not one to be passed up for any means A super high recommendation from me, and a must-read author as well.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A New Adult novel that tackles a tough subject with heart.
Would recommend for upper teens as there is explicit sex scenes and internal monologue about it.
A bit of an enemies to lovers/opposites attract going on here. The main topic though is what will someone do to keep their secrets and encourage others to do so as well.
I enjoyed the relationship between Holly and Nathan. The gradual build up and the opposites attract. While I could see what was coming I enjoyed the ride to seeing them get together and the obstacles they faced to be and stay together, both within and external to their relationship.
This novel is about underage young adults, so I think the high school environment led to more tension but also showed the strain of keeping secrets from people you see almost every day and how that can wear on a person.
Loved the supporting cast of friends, Lucy (the goth who holds a spot in my heart now), Megan, Ryan, and Evan. And of course Holly’s dad and Nathan’s parents. Holly’s dad reminds me a bit of Charlie Swan from Twilight and I’m here for that.
Think many who read and enjoyed the After series will enjoy this one.
CW: attempted sexual assault, “locker room” talk about women, epilepsy, panic attacks, explicit sexual content, underage drinking, underage sex, prescription drug use
The Secret Cure by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is definitely a psychological thriller packed with twists and turns! I have never read from this author before. If you enjoy suspense with a touch of action and mystery, just get the book. What I love most is that its not just a single storyline. The book is actually from multiple characters’ points of views. The characters are very deep with layers. Definitely a page turner.
Reviews by @danihoneycutt
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Death and Mirrors
All Things Dark and Deadly: Book 1
By: SF Benson
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Sherlock Holmes meets Alice in Wonderland in this delightful supernatural mystery! Evaline Wainwright just wants to be able to practice her magic and detective skills in peace and live in a world where she can marry for love. When her father, acclaimed occult archaeologist, pushes for a betrothal to their neighbor who is 10 years her senior, Evaline is less than pleased. Especially when a childhood friend Delbert catches her eye. Everything changes one night when a robed stranger begs her father for his help to find a mythical artifact of great power. Thirsting to prove herself as a detective, Evaline follows this stranger, farther than she ever thought possible. Into the Mirror World where she learns of the hideous creature by the name of Doctor Death and the danger both their worlds are in!
This book was so much fun! I will be looking for the next book in the series ASAP! The mix of magic and detective skills made the story so engaging. The characters are well written and relatable. Evie and Delbert’s relationship is so genuine you can’t help but smile at how supportive they are with each other’s dreams. The whole story just has a really great voice and tone. The narrative is emotionally gripping, suspenseful, fast-paced, and wonderfully whimsical! Everything you want in a mystery and then some! I highly recommend this book!
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
EmVee has just moved to a new town with her family. Her parents own a gym, which caters to those of the MMA world. EmVee is training to be a MMA fighter. Everything about this town seems all cool at first, until school starts. There is a lot of suspicion, EmVee learns, about the house that her parents have chosen for them to live in. Some very sinister things have apparently taken place here. Oh, and this school is full of some hot boys but EmVee has sworn off dating. Guys don’t like her once they find out she’s a fighter. EmVee is trying her hardest to change her hardcore image but this girl at school is draining her social battery faster than she can handle. Can she shake her off while keeping this new image?
This is a prequel and a super short, one sitting read. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline, and the action that takes place. I look forward to reading more of this series!
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable and engaging read, which had me hooked from start to finish. Following the death of her sister, Ella Anderson is raising her niece, Tessa as requested, and although she is struggling money wise she’s happy bringing up her adored niece. So when she receives a summons from a legal Goliath, on behalf of a wealthy stranger who is claiming paternity and, potentially wants custody of Tessa, she is shocked. Lawyer Jake Taylor, is looking after his aunt and uncles interests, having received a letter from a women claiming that his cousin has a daughter, Tessa.
When Ella, the child’s aunt turns up in his office Jake thinks the case is suspicious. Although Jake and Ella have divided loyalties, neither can deny the growing attraction between them. However, the case is full of secrets and lies, and Ella is not sure that she can trust Jake to make the right decision regarding her having custody of Tessa. This was a heartwarming romance full of drama, which took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. The storyline is gripping and had me happily turning the pages. The characters and the setting are all brought to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the story. I definitely recommend this novel.
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jace and Cyrus are on opposite sides of a war. Watchers and demons versus Messengers. When they meet, the connection they feel is instant. I loved the relationship between these two. Their relationship is put to the test in this book and it pulls right on your heart! It ends on a cliffhanger but continues into book 2! It will make you want to immediately dive into the second book to find out what happens next!
Reviewed by @darianamee21
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Codi Parham
Fun. Interesting. Educational.
As a lover of rocks, nature, and all things science, I loved this book! It would be a valuable asset to any home or classroom. Now that I know this book exists, I will have to read all of the rest! I love to learn something new.
Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass, Mermaid Science Series, Lois Wickstrom, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family, Fantasy
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved reading this historical story. This is an author that I have loved reading from the first book I picked up. I never hesitate to pick up her books for sure. This is a well written story where the author’s writing skills make the story come to life. Her attention to details made her stories realistic. This book is no different. This is a story that takes place during a time when the Germans reach France. This is a story that is written with a lot of heart and the characters emotional. A story of courage and the determination to protect a family. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable and made the story easy and hard to put down. There is great growth of the characters and the plot throughout the story that made it entertaining. A must read story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It was inspiring as much as it was heartbreaking. The things Michelle and her family went through was unimaginable and truly makes you grateful for the safe life most of us have today. I love how it is based on a true story and the author has done an amazing job with the research which truly makes this story an deep insight into that time.
We are transported into WWII, when Nazi Germany was invading many countries and what affect that on the people living in those areas.
When they take over and capture Michelle and her family they are forced to serve the Nazi in their own home. The family are forced to indure physical, mental and emotional trauma, never knowing if they were going to survive or not.
One thing that comes out of this story is hope. Michelle never let’s go of her faith and the hope that one day she would be free. During this story we see her blossom through all the bad times to become a strong and inspirational woman with a story to tell. A story which will make anyone stop and think and admire the courage of the people that survived that time
This Time Around by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ten years ago, Katie thought she was doing the right thing by breaking off her relationship with her high school boyfriend, Chase. She thought she was going after her dreams and that he shouldn’t give up his dreams and his scholarship to a different college just for her. After college, Katie got the job she thought she’d always wanted, and while it started out great, a new boss has made her hate the job and question being in the position. When Katie returns home for a wedding, the bride forces the old sweethearts back together as she doesn’t want any singles at her wedding. This causes the couple to rekindle the romance they had shared. When Katie’s mom gets hurt, it makes Katie reevaluate her life choices and what is really important.
The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite era of historical fiction to read is World War Two. This book is set in a rural village of France, during the Nazi occupation. Readers follow the faith of one family, and one family member in particular. This family member eventually becomes the letter carrier for her village, and it is from this that the book’s title is derived. Heartache, love, reunions, brutality- through it all, faith is what sustains the main character.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eleanor has just gained custody of her niece after the passing of her youngest sister, when she receives a summons to a lawyer’s office for a firm that she and her family have had negative dealings with in the past. Unsure of what she’s walking into, she knows better than to ignore it, so she shows up to find out that her sister has offered her daughter in return for money to the parents of the father nobody knew existed. Jake is a lawyer just trying to help his aunt and uncle, who raised him, to have access to their granddaughter they just discovered existed, if it’s even true that she belongs to his cousin Drew. What neither of them expected is that to fall in love throughout their time trying to sort out the situation with Tessa. When it appears that Jake is suddeny working with Drew to get custody of Tessa, Eleanor has to decide if she can trust him to do what is right or if he will double cross her and remove Tessa from her.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eleanor has just gained custody of her niece after the passing of her youngest sister, when she receives a summons to a lawyer’s office for a firm that she and her family have had negative dealings with in the past. Unsure of what she’s walking into, she knows better than to ignore it, so she shows up to find out that her sister has offered her daughter in return for money to the parents of the father nobody knew existed. Jake is a lawyer just trying to help his aunt and uncle, who raised him, to have access to their granddaughter they just discovered existed, if it’s even true that she belongs to his cousin Drew. What neither of them expected is that to fall in love throughout their time trying to sort out the situation with Tessa. When it appears that Jake is suddeny working with Drew to get custody of Tessa, Eleanor has to decide if she can trust him to do what is right or if he will double cross her and remove Tessa from her.
Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this children’s chapter book! I have read others by this author, and I enjoyed this story line especially since it had an introduction to paranormal fiction and had a mystery/suspense side to it as well! As a reader this kept my attention, and I was not able to figure out the ending.
I think many younger kids reading maybe never having read a paranormal or mystery/suspense book before may become hooked with this genre! Especially since it has friendships and rumours and school and of course ballet added in as well.
This being the third book in the series I still understood what was happening and it can be read as a standalone, but I am excited to go back and read the beginning of the series as well!
Overall, as a children’s paranormal fiction book I would highly recommend this for young readers.
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.3/5 Stars
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed! It’s very well written and does a great job of being realistic with the time period. The medieval time period is one of my favorite time periods in history, so I enjoyed reading a romance from that time. I felt like I was right there in the 1400s witnessing the romance unfold first hand.
Taylor’s Law by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really captivating romance. The author does an amazing job with the story and the characters. Both of our main characters Ella and Jake are strong determined people who care about and want to protect the people they love. A chain of events leads them to start off on oppositites sides fighting for custody of Ella’s niece.
After Ella’s sister passes she is left with custody of her niece. Dealing with grief and the sudden responsibility she is shock and devastated to recieve a letter to discuss custody of Tessa to her paternal grandparents.
This starts a whirlwind of emotions including the immediate attraction the the lawyer who is pursuing this case Jake Taylor.
Jake Taylor doesn’t deal in family law normally however he takes this case because he wants to save his uncle and aunt from being hurt. Unsure of whether this child is really their grandchild or someone trying to con them he heads into war to find out the truth. What he doesn’t expect is to run into Ella.
He knows her love for the child is real but a part of him can’t help thinking she is behind the lie, if it is a lie.
What happens next is a rollercoaster so emotions run high and secrets and lies slowly come out in the open.
When torn between doing what is right by Tessa and doing what his aunty and uncle want which side will Jake choose?
Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An orphan, Elle grew up with very little information about her past. A mysterious birthmark is the only link to her family’s history, but when her adoptive “aunt” dies, Elle discovers a few of her mother’s personal effects and things take an unexpected turn in her life.
The people her mother ran from during her pregnancy show up to take Elle captive, and she’s rescued by a mysterious trio that explain she’s not only from another planet, but she’s actually royalty from her home planet. If that’s not enough, Elle is blessed by the Goddesses with a variety of additional “birthmarks” that appear through her journey from Earth to Prias.
Rescue missions along the way that don’t go as expected, and a romance that builds with one of her rescuers, builds on twists and turns that are exciting to read. When Elle and her friends finally arrive on Prias, and she meets some of her people, she’s faced with figuring out where she fits in and how to undo all the harm inflicted by her uncle.
This is such an original story with lots of drama and thrills that makes it hard to put down until the end.
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series Book 4) by Theresa Sederholt. This is the 4th book in the Fitz series and it’s great. Its the story of single dad Andy Justice who is raising his daughter to try to see everyone as equal. Being a single, gay man and battling Parkinson’s disease has changed his outlook on life. Stella is the love of Andy’s life and she seems like such a perfect little girl. Andy is also dealing with the break up with Stephen who left because he couldn’t deal with Stella and her special needs ( she’s hearing impaired). Andy is trying to get on with his life but is truly broken hearted. While Stephen eventually realizes he made a mistake and tries to get them back. Will it be too late? There is also a homophobic killer on the loose that creates another level of tension for Andy. This book will keep you flipping pages late in the night. Great mystery, romance, family read!
