Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by La Toya Lewis

Romance Under AquariusRomance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Romance Under Aquarius is a story from the four-point of view of Maris and her best friend, fiance, and a stranger named Kasper. The first three are the occupants of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and come together with Kasper to start an adventure to save Kasper’s brother. This adventure lands them in a lot of unlikely scenarios that they need to navigate their way out of. All of the characters are well-written and multi-dimensional. I instantly liked Maris and the lovable rogue, Kasper. I never came around to liking Ryn or Pasha. With the way the story starts, I just could not find it in my heart to feel anything positive towards either of them. This story is based on the qualities of the zodiac sign of Aquarius and every chapter displays those qualities beautifully. Romance Under Aquarius was a charming romance story. It wasn’t too intense but very fulfilling. The entire story kept me entertained and smiling.

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Oliver: A Story of Adoption Review by Tanya Wall

Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sweet story is about Oliver, who is adopted. Oliver has quite the imagination and likes to play pirate up in the maple tree. The tree he picks is not strong enough to keep him up and he falls. Oliver’s daddy tells him he needs to go to his room and think about how to play safely. Oliver is so disappointed having to go to his room, he begins to cry and feel sorry for himself. While in his room, he imagines what his life would be like if he hadn’t been adopted. Oliver goes through many scenarios and at the end, he realizes that he is lucky to live with his adoptive parents after all.

I really enjoyed the story of Oliver. It is a relatable story. I raised three boys and while they aren’t adopted, I could see them thinking that when they were in trouble that their “real” parents wouldn’t treat them that way! The illustrations are beautiful and go nicely with the story. I think this book is for any young reader or any young one being read to – whether adopted or not.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lovely sweet story about Oliver who knows he is adopted. His dad sends him to his room after he falls out of a tree whilst playing. When he goes to his room he imagines what life would have been if he wasn’t adopted. This is a lovely black and white picture book and is perfect for adults and children alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great kids’ book. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. I have a nephew who is adopted, so we can relate to the story line of this book. I would recommend this book to all book lovers and children. Fast read and will definitely reread this one again.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great children’s story and I love Oliver. This story is a little journey of Oliver and what if’s about this true birth parents after he gets himself in a bit of trouble….but never mad nor sad about being adopted. The book is engaging and I loved the pictures on each page. This story is for young and old alike.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kelli Harper

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An adopted lizard-like creature named Oliver is all up in his feelings about getting scolded by his dad. Oliver then starts wondering what his birth parents would have been like and how he would have been treated if they hadn’t given him up.

A talk with his mom helps him understand he is where he is in their lives because they chose him.
Cute story about feelings and coping with being adopted.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver is a sweet lil one who has several questions. The biggest one is why he was adopted and what it might have been like to stay with his original family. He gets in trouble with his dad and has some time to reflect on his emotions. There is a lot going on at once in his little mind! Ultimately, Oliver realizes that he is loved and cared for right where he is.

This is a super cute book to read with the littles in your life (or have them read it to you!). The illustrations are good but I would have liked to have seen a little more color. This is a great way to have conversations about the different types of families, as well as how to deal with different emotions one might be feeling.

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Reviewed by: @Faithfulgirl4

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jenni Bishop

Oliver, A Story About Adoption - UpdatedOliver, A Story About Adoption – Updated by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story shines a light on adoption and bringing one into the fold of a family. What child adopted or not wish for or think about having different parents whenever they are told off. Lois’s stories always have messages/learning tools in them. Kids between the ages of 4 – 8 will like Oliver even if they don’t understand the message.

This hit home as we have been fostering a cat and he is finding his place in the family and after his surgery today, we are adopting him.

It also made me smile because when Oliver is sulking it reminds me of my dog when sulking who turns away so he is facing the other way and will not even acknowledge us.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Janel Bernotas

Another adorable story by Lois Wickstrom! On this one, Oliver is the main character and knows he is adopted. He gets in trouble and sent to his room for climbing a tree. He’s upset and angry at the fact that he’s being punished. He imagines what it’d be like to have other parents, what it’d be like if his birth parents kept him, why his birth parents gave him up for adoption. In the end, he goes back downstairs and chats with his parents about adoption. This is a cute and explanatory story that I think would be helpful in explaining adoption to young children. I love the black and white sketched illustrations too! Very well done, yet again, Lois Wickstrom!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jamie Truex

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved Oliver! When Oliver gets in trouble, he thinks of what his birth parents are doing and how they would treat him. As his father tells him, all kids whether adopted or not, think of life with different parents. I think this is a great book to help kids understand feelings and learn about adoption. Oliver’s character is so lovable and the illustrations will keep your child interested.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Hayes

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

Oliver: A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom is a story for children from ages 4 to 8. It is a sweet story about adoption, acceptance, family, love, and also a little about managing emotions.
Oliver is adopted, and after a bit of an accident he is sent to his room where he starts sulking and begins to wonder what his ‘real parents’ are like and how his life could be so different with them.
A cute story with likeable characters and interesting illustrations.
Happy Reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the book was ok. I didn’t like some of the wording but that was just my opinion. The point of the story is good though. Oliver got in trouble and sent to his room by his dad. Oliver was adopted and thinks how life would be with his birth parents. He wonders why he was adopted and thinks of different reasons. At the end he goes down stairs and all is forgotten and is happy again with his mom and dad who had adopted him.

review by @xchellex

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this children’s story. This is a story about how you feel when you are made by your parents. A story that had Oliver question what his birth parents would be like and the things he could do. It is a great story that has engaging illustrations that will keep your children interacting with the story. I enjoyed how the story had parts that would keep the child’s attention. Oliver is a great character. He is likable and added so much to the story. This is a great book for any child. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Shea Gilkerson 6/2/22

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved reading about Morgan Cutler! Morgan is a nurse in the ER, and after a near death experience and subsequent surgery she begins recognizing that she has newfound psychic abilities. After mentioning something to her surgeon, who blew her off, Morgan decided she would keep these new skills to herself. After meeting and enjoying the company of a new ER doctor, she finds he also has psychic abilities.

I’ve never experienced this blend of humor, paranormal, romance and mystery before, but I loved it! Very likeable characters, a unique and interesting storyline and several laugh out loud moments.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Katie Matthews

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book – going in to it I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The storyline was well written and the characters were great to read about. I liked Morgan, she was a fun character to read about and was supported by some great secondary characters that really added that extra something to the story. The storyline and setting for the story was quite unique in that I’ve never read a paranormal set in a medical setting – it was nice to read something a little different!
Overall a really enjoyable read and one that I would definitely recommend. I am looking forward to reading more from this series!

@katiem
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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Dawn Brown

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Morgan, a nurse, has recently recovered from brain surgery. Upon her return to work, she starts to notice that she can see and interact with the dead. While adjusting to this new development, a new hot doctor tries to get her attention.
Opinion
If you read my reviews, you know by now that I am a big fan of paranormal books. This one is pretty awesome. I relate to the main character because she is over 40 and a bit jaded. Having the ability to see the dead is definitely one of the paranormal qualities I would love to have (I think.)
The book itself is well written with witty comments to make you laugh. Her friends/coworkers help to make the book fun, light and in some cases tense.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Beverly Finnie

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed Distant Heart Sounds, but if I’m being honest, it took a few chapters to get into it. The author has written a wonderful book with all kinds of emotions, happiness, fear, anger, humor etc. I actually laughed out loud at different points throughout. So if you give it a try, don’t give up on it. It’s so worth pushing through because once you get into it, trust me when I say you will be caught. Hook line and sinker.. lol
So we meet Morgan, a nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital. Who is just returning to work 3 weeks after having life saving brain surgery. Little did she know how much that event was going to change her life. She begins to experience things that she can’t explain. Waking up to a party going on in her house, yet there’s no one there. Experiencing strange smells in different situations. Seeing patients’ essence leave their body as they pass on. And so much much more. Unfortunately she seems to be questioning her sanity, she’s adamant that she knows what she saw but knows if anyone finds out they may think she’s crazy.
Savannah, Morgan’s boss and dear friend, notices Morgan is not herself and is beginning to worry. After confronting her about it Morgan brings her into a world like no other. One that they begin to experience together, that blows even the reader’s minds.
Then there’s Caleb, person of interest, new doctor on staff. He’s mysterious, handsome, and very confident with himself. Caleb is also very drawn to Morgan.
Will it go anywhere? Well pick it up, download it, whatever you have to do to jump into this world the author created. You won’t want to miss the adventure the characters end up on that’s for sure.

@placexba

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Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Katie Matthews

Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok so I absolutely loved this book! It was an amazing read and it had me pretty much gripped from beginning to end. Sera was a fantastic female lead in this story, she was fearless and a genius! Cassius was a brilliant male lead, I loved that he wasn’t afraid to show his feelings. Whilst there was some definite passion between Sera and Cassius their relationship was more of a slow burn one which actually fitted the story I feel. The author managed to keep the suspense running throughout the whole book and this together with a nicely layered complex storyline it made for a very exciting read! I shall definitely be looking to read more from this author again in the future.

@katiem
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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Kristan Anderson

Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey is book one in the Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense series. Overall, I am so happy that I took a chance on this new to me author. The book was fantastic and suspenseful. Nora is a police officer in the Royal Cayman Islands. She is 19, has had a rough go at life already, and brand new to the force. The story is in first person which is such a great perspective and there is not really a romantic aspect which was refreshing. With as relaxed as the islands are, this type of crime was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. And Nora was the lucky chosen one. I definitely recommend this book and I am so excited to read more in this series!

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Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Kerry Baker

Coyote's Road TripCoyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although quite a short book this was definitely an enjoyable one. I was caught up in the story and the main character. He seems to go on such a journey and I really became engaged with him. I thought the book was fast paced and exciting. This author really does know how to create a brilliant story. This is another great one to add to the collection and I can’t wait for more.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Robb

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book six in the Mafia Elite series. This can be read as a standalone.
This book is a dual point of view perspective of Trey and Hailey.
Trey La Rosa leads a double life as a surgeon at the local hospital and a surgeon for the mafia families. He meets Hailey again, will this be a second chance for them both?
A very character driven story, the authors definitely knows how to captivate you. I loved the danger of the story and how high the stakes were. This was a very action-packed romance I would highly recommend it.

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Bottomed Out (Moto X Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Kayla Octaviano

Bottomed OutBottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has everything you’d want in a great love story. The main character in this book, Jax Hunt, is a sexy man who has so much of his life in front of him. However, he has lost hope because he is in a wheelchair and he feels like all women see when they look at him is his disability. When he meets Lennox, he is willing to do whatever it takes to show her the man he can be. Can they work through all of the obstacles in their way to be together? Or is this just another dead end for Jax? Read this book if you love romance, conflicts, and entertaining characters.

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

SquidSquid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have loved every book in this series and this one is the same, i absolutely loved it.
Can be read as a standalone.
I love the way the author can just bring you into a story and make you feel like you are there and watching it all and feeling it all. Highly recommend.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Carrie Reed

PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!

WOW! I did not expect that ending and outcome! When I first read the description, I didn’t think I would be too interested, but I gave it a try and I am glad I did. I was hooked from the very beginning. I really like when an author’s writing can pull me in right away so I am not struggling keep my focus on the story. At first I was kind of confused about the shifting point of views, but quickly caught on to how the story was being laid out. The characters are all very easy to like and the issue with drugs and overdosing is a real problem in the world, so it is nice to see that being addressed here. Anne’s character is very strong, I can’t say I would be as strong as she is when dealing with addiction. She also has a team of friends who have her back and don’t want to see her in any pain or struggle. I highly recommend!

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Oliver, A Story About AdoptionOliver, A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars

Such a cute story. I like that it showcases that Oliver wasn’t sad about being adopted, just like any kid who gets mad at their parents, they sometimes wish or imagine what life would have been like with someone else or somewhere else. I know I did the same when I was mad at my parents. The artwork is beautiful and all around a sweet adoption story.

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Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Whitney Morrison

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a cute book! My 7 year old daughter absolutely loved it and so did I. My husband was adopted so it brought up great conversation between the two of us. We also really liked the illustrations that went with the story. Great kids book!

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Squid (Moto X Book 5) by Brooke May – Review by Whitney Morrison

Squid (Moto X Book 5)Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! It was actually the first book of this series that I read. I will definitely be going back to read the others now! Kindle and Levi were absolutely perfect for each other and I loved both of them so much. I really enjoyed reading the entire book from his point of view because often that does not happen. The book had the perfect amount of comedy and romance and it was just so good.

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Romance under Aquarius (Stargazing Series Book 1) by Danielle Jacks – Review by Kerry Carr

Romance Under AquariusRomance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this romance story. It was a mixture of romance and adventure with mythology and astrology mixed in to make this a really unique story.

Maris is the princess and a mermaid.Destined to marry Ryn and become ruler she was happy with that life until she discovers that Ryn doesn’t love her but wants to be with her best friend Pasha.
Devastated and angry she leaves Atlantis and sees a human man drowning. Defying all rules and logic she saves him and this starts what would be an adventure to change both of their lives.

Kasper is on the hunt for a mystical item that is said to restore health. All he wants is to stop his brother from dying and he will do anything to do that even risking his own life. So when he gets saved by a mermaid he is amazed when she offers to help him. Together they begin the quest of unravelling the clues to find the missing pieces that they need.
As the feelings and connection between them build they struggle to keep themselves as just friends and things become even harder when it seems the gods themselves want them to be together.

Can they solve this quest and save Kasper’s brother? Will Kasper and Mari ever be able to be together? Or will Mari’s position as Princess stop any romance before it even begins? Will she have to go along with her destiny and marry a man she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her?

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite Book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Robb

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Mafia Elite series, it can be read as a standalone, but I personally would recommend reading these in order.
In this book we meet Chicago mafia boss Marco La Rosa, he thought he lost his one true love years ago, but learns from his brother Elena Caruso is still alive and in danger.
This was another fantastic character-driven story from this author. This book was full of forbidden romance, action and passion – highly recommended.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Stephanie Robb

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in the Mafia Elite series. This can be read as a standalone.
This book is a dual point of view perspective of Liliana and Max.
Wow this certainly packs a punch, we follow Liliana who appears to have the perfect life and a loving family from the outside sadly all she wants to do is escape the clutches of her father. As she returns to her Fathers home after graduating college, she is introduced to her new body guard Max, her main concern is breaking free from her fathers clutches and trusting Max.
Max is from another branch of the Mafia and is infiltrating the family, he changes his appearance and his name to Matt Trambino. He is on a mission to reunite Liliana with her estranged grandfather Vincenzo.
This was the first book I have read by Amy Mckinley and it certainly will not be the last. The character development was unbelievable and totally immersed me within the story. I could not put this down and devoured this in one sitting. This book is full of action, thrills, suspense and hot romance.

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