Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a collection of short stories. The stories pull on your heartstrings and have a depth that comes through even though they are short. These stories deal with love, loss, and hardship. I enjoyed this author’s writing style. Hope to read a full-length novel by her as well.
Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Taking Flight is the second book in the Code of Honor series by Brooke May. Having read quite a few of Ms. May’s books over the past couple of years, I know I can rely on her to provide a captivating story that will pull me in, and tangle me in the lives of her characters as everything unfolds.
Her characters are ‘real’ and relatable- I was completely invested in both the story and the characters. Jody and Holt had me rooting for them right from the beginning. They both so deserved to find their happiness.
This is a superb contemporary military romance, with a little drama, chemistry, and plenty of emotion.
Bring on Book #3!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Brooke May!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Admittedly, I do not prefer country music. However, if I had a high school crush that wrote songs about me… I probably would! This book had me from the beginning. I LOVE both Katie and Clay. They are perfect for each other! The ending almost had me in tears… You could FEEL the emotions coming off the page and swirling around inside you. <3
Side note, the author has a disclaimer at the beginning of the book that it is intended for an 18 and older reader. I appreciated their consideration for other readers in doing that.
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Manifested Dreams by Dr. Yvonne Johnson
Manifested Dreams by Dr. Yvonne Johnson is an emotional short story about several generations of African American family members and all they went through. although this is a very short read I found myself lost in pages. I could feel the emotions that they were feeling. My heart broke for them. As sad as it is Racism is still very real and it seems its growing in every area and it breaks my heart. I highly recommend reading this story.I definitely learned a thing or two. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was hooked. Clay is a Nashville country song writer and Katie is a workaholic who has climbed the corporate ladder one rung at a time. Their paths cross after 10 years at their high school reunion. It is fireworks from the beginning, but with their different lives, can they make things work? They both have to make some touch decisions. It was a cute love story and the characters jumped off the pages for me.
The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-A$$ Faerie Tale is book one in Danielle Ackley- McPhail is the first in her Bad-A$$ Faerie series. This is an interesting take on Faerie and Fae stories.
I’ve never imagined Faeires as big, motorcycle riding, MC leading burley men. Lance Cosain changes that aspect to the very core. No more are they these little Tinklebell fairies we have come to know. If you love motorcycles and the paranormal then this is a book for you.
Ackley- McPhail has created characters that will stick with you in this action packed fantasy she has created. This book is written in a Lance’s perspective, so males should have no problem getting behind this protagonist.
This has been an enjoyable read. If I was to have anything bad to say it would be, it took me awhile to get used to her writing style. While there’s nothing wrong with it, I did not enjoy it. That being said, I can’t wait to read the next in this bad-a** series.
Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I found myself crying, smiling, and cheering as Katie and Clay connect and face many challenges in their budding long-distance relationship. They had amazing chemistry; not just physically, but emotionally too. This story is well written and well paced with relatable characters. I found it extremely hard to put down. This was the first book I have read by KG Fletcher, but it won’t be my last!
Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Real life has beginnings and endings. Sometimes we must face an end to open our eyes to a beginning. This book contains three short stories that opened my eyes to the way that life just happens. We never know what is out there, but we have to keep searching until we find the right path for ourselves.
In Beginnings and Endings, the short story that spoke to me the most is called “The Accident”. In “The Accident”, there is a couple who are starting their day. The story speaks of all their hopes and dreams which were changed because of an accident. (I’m not giving away the story because it’s much better to read.)
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every family has a storyteller.
Finding out how ones family pass down stories through the years is very interesting. Because how is one person suppose to remember all the happenings of the past without writing it down?
In Manifested Dreams it talks about the aftermath of one families grandmother that has passed. While cleaning out the house they find the stash of all past stories hidden away!
Listening to the stories of the past told from their first hand point of view was inspiring.
Beginnings and Endings: A Selection of Short Stories by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Beginnings and Endings was 4 super short stories. I almost with there was a bit more to them. I think they were way to short to base an opinion off of. I think this was about 35 pages in total and can be read in one sitting. It took me about 20-25 mins to read all 4. What I did read was good but just felt like it brought new meaning to the word short story lol. This author is not new to me and I have read many books by her and enjoyed just about all of them. Looking forward to more by this author.
review by @xchellex
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book truly is a journey. I loved how that Author has this story with different character’s POV via letters that are found by Amari when his grandmother passes away. You go through a history of slavery, Red Summer of 1919, Martin Luther King Jr march and his assassination, Rodney King and 44th President of the United State, Barack Obama. Each generation has a story to tell in these letters of these different historical events. I really embraced every word of this book and it is truly a great read. My Favorite line in the book that I loved was “We all have a little Dr. King in us, even you.” Well Done Author Yvonne Johnson!!!
Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 5th book in The Lord Hani Mysteries series. This is Historical Mystery novel and is 292 pages. This story follows Lord Hani as he begins to investigate some things that have come up missing and a mysterious death of a midwife. This story is set in ancient Egypt, and once again, the author does a fantastic job with details to the period. Turns out, it is not just a one-time incident – more midwives are coming up dead. Could they all be related to the recent Prince’s birth?
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This original story by Dr. Yvonne Johnson is a fascinating, emotional and thought provoking novel. ‘Manifested Dreams’ “chronicles the history of an African-American family through several generations living in a radically divisive America”. The story is told via letters which Amari is reading, the box of letters was found in his beloved grandma’s belongings after she had died. Amari loved listening to his grandma tell him stories from their past and when he discovers these letters he realises it is where the stories come from. Each letter is written by a different person in a different generation and explores the world around them and how they live at that time. Sallie who was born as a slave to slave parents on the Davies Plantation in Tennessee writes about how it was like to live as an African-American in the 1860s. The next letter is from her daughter Isabelle who talks about what life was like in the 1920s. The following letters explore the lives of Lisa, Jessica, and lastly Amari, who is reading the letters. As a whole the letters and the stories in them “presents the life of African-Americans throughout history” and looks at how each generation has dealt with racial inequities.
The storyline is unique and had me gripped from the start, however I did find the story a bit slow to start with and hard to get into. It took me a while to get used to the authors style of writing and the story being told via letters, but once I did I was hooked. I definitely recommend sticking with the book although it’s not an easy read. The author obviously is very knowledgeable and at times the history facts do get in the way of the natural flow of the story however, her descriptive narrative really brings the settings and characters to life. It is the characters and their individual stories that kept me turning the pages eager to learn about their lives. I like how the story ends as it begins with Amari talking about his memories of his grandma. A historical note from the author would have been interesting at the end maybe. This engaging and touching novel took me on a journey along with Amari and his ancestors and it also took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Although not an epic in pages it is an epic in storytelling and I recommend that everyone read it and learn about African-American history.
The Halfling’s Court: A Bad-Ass Faerie Tale by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Hold on we are going for a ride.
This the first book in the Bad-Ass Faerie Tale book series. This is a motorcycle story with some magical characters in the storyline. I went on a motorcycle ride through this story with the characters. There were twists and turns which made it an exciting ride. The characters are fully developed and complex in nature. All Lance wants to do is live with his love, but that is not so easy. He has some obstacles and is in a race to find an ancient realm to sit on the throne as the king. I highly recommend this story to take the journey with Lance and see if it was worth the journey.
Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first Williams’ book and I am totally invested in the Pierce brothers! The romance is real, relatable, super slow burn with a little steam, and what healthy relationships look like. I’ve always been a fan of friends-to-lovers, but the nice guys always get me! I’ve been married to my best friend for 22 years and really enjoyed reading about love blooming between two amazing people. Most modern romance stories have a ton of angst and unhealthy behaviors, but Williams kept these super well-developed characters on a healthy path but allowed real life and real hurts to shape how they came to their HEA. I can’t wait until book 2, I don’t know why but I’m feeling more angst, more snark, and possibly more steamy bits scattered in!!
Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved Patience and Duke’s story, so I was so excited to read this one! Holt has such an easy-going vibe to him that I loved from the start. Not looking for anything serious, not thinking that sort of thing was even for him. Then BAM, Jody. Jody though? As much as I loved her, I also wanted to shake her for letting her sister treat her so awful. Jilly was a literal nightmare of a sister, but I was cheering by the end! This is one of those easy, sweet reads that’s perfect to curl up with and devour cover to cover.
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manifested Dreams by Dr. Yvonne Johnson is a book I recommend to EVERYONE. It is a quick read; it is not even 50 pages in length and took me less than an hour to devour.
I am intrigued by American History and appreciate all the historical connections that each character’s letters entailed. I found myself taking notes to further educate myself on each and every event that was mentioned. If I was still teaching American Literature, I would definitely be seeking the author’s permission to use this book as a supplemental tool alongside works such as To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Each letter is from a first person perspective that pulls the reader directly into the characters’ heads, making these stories an experience, rather than lecture. Having these specific personal accounts makes the past come alive and points out how racism and inequality is ABSOLUTELY still an issue in this country, even if it is swept under the rug and denied. Manifested Dreams follows an American family’s journey from the Civil War era to the present. As a fan of Alex Haley’s Roots, I practically inhaled this short book and was left wanting so much more. I have a profound appreciation and respect for this author and will be purchasing more copies for others. I highly recommend this book with 5 stars.
Flash Point: Nite Fire Volume I Audio book by C.L. Schneider is an exciting and detailed fantasy story that I was pulled into from the start. The opening chapter of this book was so well done, I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave this book without finding out what was going to happen.
I love all the myriad of characters, it made the book so diverse. And the blending of fantasy and reality was done effortlessly.
The narrator for this book has to be my favourite by far! The enthusiasm and passion that went into her telling of the story was just amazing. I think even if the book hadn’t been exciting she would have made it so.
Everything about this book is absolutely perfect and I cannot wait to start the second.
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson is an emotional book about family and their views of what it is like to live in this world. I thought it was so easy to connect with these different people. You could feel the different emotions and experiences with each new letter.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book but I was moved by each of the journeys. This is a new author to me and I am so glad that I have found her work. This was well written and beautiful to read end I am really looking forward to discovering more by this author.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. This is one of my favorite types of books and a new author on top made a great book for me. This is a book that is full of poems, short stories that are written with a ton of heart and emotion. They cover topics such as places, environment and relationships. I found this book to be well written and the author’s use of details in each poem or short story made them feel realistic. This is an easy to understand and read book that I read in one sitting. Each poem and short story are unique and just fun to read. I highly recommend this book. I know you will find something in one of these poems or short stories you will connect with.
Review by @bjwagner
Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Taking Flight by Brooke May is the second book in the Code of Honor series. This is a great story with two fantastic characters that I really fell in love with. I thought they were just right for each other. They had chemistry from the word go and this connection just seemed to keep building.
I always enjoy this authors work. She knows how to develop the book well and keep you interested. This book is no exception. It is easy to get into and is on it this book you can just get lost in. This is a great follow up to book one and I am looking forward to whatever us next.
Next Door to a Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a great story. I like how the main character Hadley, learns about herself in this journey of a high school summer. Hadley learns all about friendships, mean girls, and boys while visiting her grand parents for the summer. I would have loved to live next door to a TV show star and become friends and make memories for a lifetime to remember. I definitely recommend this book!!
Competing with the Star by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the 2nd book in this series and I liked it just as much if not more than the 1st book. Hadley the main character is learning to navigate and balance life between high school, friends, and boys. She learns a lot about herself in this book. I love the lesson in this series and encourage others to read it regardless of age.
Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one. This author has continued to impress me with her writing skills and attention to details that give her stories a realistic feel. This book is no different. I enjoyed this romance story. The characters are written with a lot of heart and really just gave the story life on each page. They are relatable and made the story engaging. This is a fast paced story about Jody and her life in the shadows of her sister until she meets Holt. Will he help her take flight and take a chance of losing everything? What does fate have in store for these two? I enjoyed how their chemistry and attraction was really great. I truly enjoyed this story and it is one of my favorites by this author which I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a perfect romance, Clay sees his high school crush Katie at their school reunion years later, they both realise there is still a spark between them and you find out that Katie also had the hots for Clay back in high school. After realising this they both decided to have a weekend full of hot sex, but a weekend is not going to be enough for them and they live miles apart due to career paths. Can they make it work? or will Clay have to sacrifice his job in songwriting that he worked so hard for finally spending his life with the one he loves.
Taking Flight by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hidden in the shadows of her identical twin sister’s pursuit of fame and neglected by her family in their pursuit to fulfill her sister’s every whim, Jody gets fed up with putting her life on hold while fulfilling a contract to keep her sister’s career going.
After meeting Holt, a military pilot, while being mistaken for her famous sister, Jody realizes just how much she wants out of the life she’s trapped in to go after her own dreams. Jilly uses and abuses everyone around her like a spoiled brat, ignores fans, and causes everyone around her (especially Jody) to clean up the messes she makes as she acts out. After a mixup in his pursuit of Jody, Holt is maybe the first person to ever refuse Jilly and then stand up to her on Jody’s behalf.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and mistakenly read it before the first in the series. It works well as a standalone read, though, and now that I’ve finished the first book, as well, I find the only addition it really provides to this story is a little more backstory to Holt’s childhood friendships with people referenced in this book.
The author does a great job of sucking you into the storyline early on and keeping your interest as the mishaps, mistaken identity and chance meetings weave into a love story that’s romantic and heroic without making Jody into a damsel in distress and in need of rescue. This is less relatable than the first book in the series, which I’ve determined is one of my favorite reads in a while, but mostly because of Jilly’s fame, bratty behavior, and everyone around her caving to her every whim without check. Still a really solid story, though, and a recommended read.
Reviewed by @wendywary
Mr. Nice Guy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enjoyable story that I didn’t want to put down. The story is lively and easily kept my interest. I always wanted to know “what” was going to happen between these two. That really kept me going!
Tom IS the nicest guy ever! I’m not sure there are many left like him. His whole situation with Gemma was weird and finding out the reason…I got it! Chelsea seems like a sweetheart who just happen to choose the wrong men. They must be able to see her bleeding heart coming a mile away. Thank Goodness for her bestie, Nadia. She really put some zing into this story and I cant help but wonder about her and Luke.
Overall this is a wonderful story. I enjoyed meeting the characters and I cant wait for more in this series.
Courage of Us by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s a story of mixed signals and wrong assumptions from both Patience and Duke that came between the best-friends-turned-lovers for one night of passion following graduation, where Patience decided it was worth the risk of losing her friend if she gained a partner for life. But Duke leaving before Patience awoke the next morning led to the confusion that ensued for both, pushed further away by secrets neither felt could be revealed.
The story picks up seven years following that fateful night with Patience finally getting up the courage to divorce her abusive, cheating, alcoholic husband, Greg. After a move to Alabama and back home to Montana during her marriage, Patience realizes she’s a shell of the woman she used to be while she works in the cafe she opened in her parent’s grocery store. This revelation, and her learning to stand on her own two feet again, coincides with Duke’s return home to Montana after serving as a Marine in several tours that kept him away.
Duke avoided home during his service, in part, to avoid his feelings for Patience while pining for the woman who was married to another. Because of the distance they both put between themselves, neither were aware of the other’s change in situation. Duke takes a job as a sheriff deputy upon his reluctant return home, made hastily by his medical discharge from the military.
Add in some meddling mothers and an aunt, and the pair are reunited unexpectedly when Duke shows up at the cafe, and the sparks fly once again. With some tension and so many secrets between them, it gets off to a rocky start, but the two eventually admit to each other they both still love one another and spill the secrets that have come between them.
This book has such a relatable story, it’s hard not to get invested in the characters and their lives. I love the way the author paints the scenery and works in nuances to the characters’ personalities and interpersonal relationships. These feel like your friends, family, or neighbors, and the author has you rooting for love to prevail through the whole book. It’s an adorable love story with real life complications, and it makes the book read more like I personally see true love developing between two people, not just some sweet fairytale. It’s possibly one of my favorite books I’ve read in a long time because of this.
Reviewed by @wendywary
Georgia Clay by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you see me running away to Nashville to fall in love don’t question why! This book was the ideal romance. From the beginning that brings Clay and Katie together in a simple and flawless way, to the very end where EVERYTHING works out. There were a couple of times the author had me ready to throw my phone against the wall thinking that everything was going to go wrong. Of course with the hanging suspense it made the book all the better. The romance, the sexual tension, the southern boy, the family connections made this book phenomenal. Watching Katie and Clay come together and get their happy ending was honestly so fun!! I cannot wait for sequel. I would love to follow Heart or Katie and Clay in the future.
Manifested Dreams by Yvonne Johnson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Very slow and bit enough story for me to actually get it uforutunely. However I do think it has potential if expanded upon. I do think some of this is sad and unfair in how some race are treated differently than others which should not be done.
