Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As a lover of all paranormal this book hit all the spots! Tanjie was one heck of a character and I was over the moon about her very early on. The angst, secrets, twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and racing for more. Written well, easy to follow along and can not wait to see what comes next!!!
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forget raining cats and dogs, Lois Wickstrom took an odd natural phenomenon, a waterspout, and made it into a fun story about raining fish and frogs! The illustrations are just as much fun as the text. My children laughed throughout the story and asked many questions afterwards. Be sure to read Raining Fish and Frogs when you have time to look for actual pictures of waterspouts, entertain questions about natural phenomena, and preform science experiments!
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderfully sweet book about trying and trying again! My two kiddos are 8 and 11 so they get to hear me talk about trying quite a bit. When we picked up this book to read together, I was very excited as not only does it help teach problem solving, experimenting, and failing at times, it’s about cooking which is a loved activity in our home. These illustrations are just gorgeous and really make the kids feel like part of the story. There is an awesome recipe in the back which my kids followed, and after a couple of tries they nailed it! The inclusion of the recipe was such a big bonus in my opinion because it gives them something to physically act on what they just read. I highly recommend picking this up and sharing with the little ones in your life so they can try, try again!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read each of the previous Echo series books and I needed to read this one as well. Each book passes through one of the characters from the previous books so some of the past characters are brought into the newer stories or at least mentioned. In each book as well, there are elements of romance, suspense, mystery, new beginnings, friendships and family. Reading a new book is like getting reacquainted with a good friend! I absolutely love this series!
Curtis, one of the bandmates of Canis Major and the brother of Calliope, was at the wrong place at the wrong time and witnessed something he shouldn’t have. One of his former security guards while on tour, Lina comes back in the picture after knowing of this news and in the nick of time is there to protect Curtis from possible danger. Throughout this suspenseful moving story, attraction grows stronger between Lina and Curtis as she continues to protect him however she can and hoping for love to emerge along the way.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every single time I have brought a book home by this author, my family gets so excited! She always has the perfect formula for fun, emotional intelligence, and education that never ceases to amaze me. My kids are 8 and 11, and we loved this story! The sheer amount of imagination that flows through this household after reading any of her books (but especially this one!) is astounding. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and add great dimension to the story. Caspian’s unbirthday is here and he’s ready to try to bake a bike with his grandpa. Will they succeed in their unbelievably fun mission, or will they need to find another way? I highly recommend picking this up and exploring all the fun nooks and crannies of your little one’s brain. I promise this author unlocks all kinds of imagination gears!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this with my kids who are 8 and 11, and we all enjoyed it! We read the first book in the series together as well but this one held a special place in our hearts. It is obviously a perfect time of year to read it as we are moving into December now. Reading about Rusty wanting to buy a gift for Grandpa and the touching details he learns had us all quite teary-eyed. He gets to experience the true meaning of Christmas, and it is more valuable than anything that can be bought. I picked this up just to have something to read with my kiddos, but even as an adult I truly enjoyed the flow of the story and deeper meanings woven throughout as well. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the first book I’d picked up by this author and I truly enjoyed it! It’s a YA dystopian that doesn’t follow the norm of its genre. Lexi is a girl after my own heart with her feisty, take-charge attitude who refuses to live a life of being married off. There is a lot of deceit in her world, and she isn’t sure who she can trust or what she’s fighting for at times. I devoured this book quickly as I needed to know what happened next. I am very excited for the next book in this series and I highly recommend picking it up before you miss out!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Grave Digger Academy series must be read together, in order, to fully understand what is going on. The books continue to build on each other and book 3 picks up where Book 2 left off. And similar, it ends in a cliff hanging, urging the reader onto book 4. This book was a short story, and is easy to read in a day or two. It is action packed, and there is a lot going on. Makayla is back at the Grave Digger Academy, and must find new helpers. Her friends have pretty much abandoned her after the drama from book 2. While this sucks, it helps her discover her own strengths and build on them, making some new, unexpected friends along the way.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this romantic suspense! It’s the fourth installment of The Echo Series and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the fact that our female character’s job was to protect our male character. I’ve not seen that in very many books at all, and this author pulled it off so well. Their chemistry popped off the pages so well and the steamy scenes added to the story. The drama, suspense, action, and emotional rollercoaster you’ll experience in this book is definitely worth it. While this could be read as a standalone, I feel there is a reason that it is part of a series, so starting from the beginning has its benefits. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute little adventure! I love reading with my kiddos so I love a good childrens book! They loved this. Amazing illustrations and all around a cute read. Me and my kiddos are a huge fan of this author.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good twisty story! I enjoyed this one because it doesn’t hide too much but still is intriguing and kept me turning pages to find out exactly how everything went down. The author does an excellent job telling this one. It is told from different characters POV so its not all about Logan.
I really liked the content in here. Crabbing and boating is interesting to me and the author does a wonderful job keeping my interest. I feel this is the best in the series and can be read as a stand alone.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little story. I really like this series about Caspian and his unbirthday presents. I like the relationship between Caspian and his grandfather, it is so full of love. I recommend this series to anyone with children who have an imagination and who love to read.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good story that held my interest. I enjoyed the characters and the whole “who dunnit”. I did struggle a bit near the end as either it slowed or I just became distracted. I did like the whole raptor center parts of the story. Very cool! I look forward to the next in the series.
Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fatal Legislation is Book Two in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This is a cozy mystery set in the world of politics. It has action, adventure, murder, drama, danger, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Karina is off sleuthing once again as she tries to solve the murder of a senator. A bit of a tricky situation for her as she is also a person of interest in the case. She also has a budding relationship with her old college friend Mike, whom she became reunited with in Book One. Karina is determined to clear her name and delves deep into the case digging for clues as to who the real murderer is. The story takes some twists and turns as the tension builds. A great storyline with admirable characters. Karin is smart, class, courageous, and feisty. I look forward to book three.
Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isabella’s Painting is Book One in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This book is cozy mystery that centers around the character of Karina Cardinal. Karina is a lawyer and lobbyist working on Capitol Hill. who fancies herself as an amateur sleuth in her spare time. When she goes to a fancy dinner party at the home of her boyfriend’s wealthy parents, she spots something that seems a bit odd. In her boyfriend’s father’s library, she sees what looks like the stolen masterpiece that had been robbed from a museum. Having only caught a glimpse of the painting before it disappeared behind a secret hidden panel Karina is uncertain if this is indeed the stolen masterpiece worth millions of dollars. She wants to investigate farther but is conflicted because not only is this her boyfriend’s wealthy father, but anyone that encounters the painting dies a horrible death. With her every move being monitored, Karina is unsure what to do. A wonderfully written story with an intriguing storyline based on a true event. The character of Karina is smart, strong, independent, determined, and feisty. I look forward to reading book number two.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is Caspian’s Unbirthday once again, but this time Caspian knows what he would like and so he asks for a bicycle, but his Grandpa says that his Unbirthday present is always a surprise and unexpected, so when Caspian wakes up to find an envelope of Baking Up Dust, he wonders if he can bake a bicycle!
Will Caspian and his grandpa be able to use his Unbirthday present to bake a bicycle, or will it all blow away before he has a chance to even try? This is another fun filled story with plenty of enchantment and magic for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rusty, his grandpa and the rest of the household return and this time it is Christmas time, and everyone is thinking about presents and what to get for each other, but Rusty isn’t sure what he can get, but he knows it must be special.
One day, Rusty gets to go to the strip mall and when he gets there, he is super excited to see a Christmas themed carousel in the central area, so he immediately thinks of the adventures he had with his grandpa on one and heads straight over to see whether he can talk to the animals on this one as well and believe it or not, he can!
As his excitement grows, Rusty is determined to ride the carousel and find the perfect gifts for his family, but unfortunately, this carousel costs money, so as he starts completing jobs for his neighbours, he saves up his money for rides and gifts. As he rides the different animals, what adventures will Rusty go on this time and will he still find the time to work out what the perfect gift is, or will he ignore the lessons and miss out on the true meaning of Christmas altogether? This is yet another wonderful addition to this series of whimsical adventures and meaningful conversations.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love dystopian books and this one did not disappoint. The author did an excellent job of world building. I could picture everything like I was there. Lexi’s character is so close to what I would be like. She is 17 and about to take a test that will determine her future. Her job, her home and her husband will all be decided for her, based on her test results. She knows what she is qualified for, but she doesn’t want a boring life and she sure doesn’t want them to pick a husband for her! If she blows the test, there will be consequences. This was a quick read for me. I read it in two afternoons and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens! If you enjoy any of the other dystopian books, please give this one a chance as well. You won’t be disappointed!
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rise of The Y is Book One in The Y Chronicles. It is a YA post apocalyptic dystopian novel full of adventure, danger, secrets, and a quest to find the truth. It is set in a world where food has been turned into bland bars because humans are considered too wasteful. Decisions on who to have as your mate, what job you have, and where you live are made for you. These decisions are based on tests and genetics. The story centers around a young girl named Lexi who refuses to live her life under a dictatorship and decides to rebel. She is strong, smart, courageous, and pigheaded to a fault as she does what she wants. An intriguing storyline with interesting characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and see where the story goes.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lexi is a young woman of seventeen who lives with her parents and maternal grandparents in the Administration building in the Imperium, a place where order is maintained by a ruling class with a lot of very stringent rules. On her seventeenth birthday, Lexi is to take the mandatory aptitude test and be given her final career, as well as her new living quarters and the name of her mate after a few days.
Lexi has dreams of working anywhere but where her parents do and she has a plan of how she is going to get there, but as with some plans, this one doesn’t quite work out the way she hoped, but she isn’t mad, however, her father is. As she prepares to forge her own path, tragedy strikes and she loses nearly everything and what she doesn’t lose directly, she loses later on, but instead she finds a family secret, links to a rebellious faction called the Y and this calls to the rebel in her and she has to find out more.
This is where Lexi begins to tread a dangerous path, in public, she is a pure example of the Imperium, working hard at her job, getting married, living with her mate and hopefully having the big family the Imperium dreams of, however, in the shadows, she becomes further engaged in the under the radar workings of Y.
Can Lexi continue to live this double life and work out who in the tangled web of her life she can trust, or will she bring tragedy down on herself and those around her? This is an unpredictable story of loyalty and rebellion, where trust is hard to find and loyalty even harder, as danger watches from the shadows while foundations crumble below a totalitarian society in danger of falling into the worst nightmare of their own creation.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As always with this wonderful children’s author the story is captivating and interesting for all who read it regardless of age. I mean what would you think if one rainy day other things fell from the sky instead of rain?? This author always makes you think about so many different fun and creative possibilities.
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m so glad I got to revisit some of my favorite characters, in what has quickly become one of my favorite reading genres. Readers will learn how new societies form. What are the responsibilities of a new government? What so-called freedoms are people willing to give up, and what will they receive in return? All these issues and more, are explored within this futuristic tale.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Rise of the Y” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698967677l/199686899._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y”>Rise of the Y</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22398772.Angela_D_Shelton”>Angela D. Shelton</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6012236870″>3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
3.5/5 Stars<br /><br />I found this YA novel set in a world on the brink of revolution very interesting. The author excellently portrayed the realm of Imperium, vividly portraying its intricate color-caste systems. While the plot kept me engaged, I kept hoping for more character development and relationship building between the characters. The strength of this story lies in its exceptional world-building, allowing readers to envision the world of Imperium. Despite some predictability, my overall experience was enjoyable and I especially liked foundation for the revolution within the story which parallels many contemporary issues in our world today. I look forward to reading more in this series.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lots of emotions will be stirred while reading this book and you will definitely not be disappointed. Eli and Austin are wonderful characters who I bonded with and so wanted to see happy after all they had dealt with. Both characters have a lot to work through from past hurts that is for sure! The Evergreens, Eli’s family, were quirky and I loved that. I look forward to exploring more of this wonderful authors work.
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do like a change in genre once in a while and I really do enjoy this author’s world she has created. I like to venture into dystopian worlds to widen my reading horizons. The author is able to bring the characters to life and really has a well balanced story. I like how the drama and adventure are well balanced. The characters often have great chemistry and there is always a well built up story to go along. I like how this being the second book I have read in this series has a good flow from the first and has left me wanting more. It had me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more from this series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A gripping YA dystopian novel which kept me hooked throughout. Seventeen year old Lexi is living in a post apocalyptic world where the Imperium rules with an iron fist, but this world is on the brink of a revolution. As others like Lexi are refusing to just live the life they are told to live, with an assigned spouse and a dictated profession. Having found a hidden diary Lexi discovers a legacy of secrets and rebellion, and is soon thrust into the shadows of the elusive rebel group Y. However, this is a dangerous place to be as she’s surrounded by deceit, forbidden alliances, and the lines between friends and foe are blurred. Meanwhile love and loyalty are tested and trust is the ultimate weapon in the battle for truth. Lexi finds herself caught between her duty and wanting her freedom, and as the foundations of the Imperium begin to weaken she must decide who to trust in a world full of betrayal. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and the setting vividly to life. I felt completely immersed in the post apocalyptic dystopian world created and therefore I was more engaged in the storyline. The characters are great and I particularly love Lexi as the feisty and independent minded heroine of the story. I look forward to book two in this series.
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol. This is such a fun story with educational value as well. Its perfect for kids aged 3-8. My 5 year old nephew Miles loved it. Its the story of Ben who has entered the baking contest 3 years in a row and came in second each time. He is determined to figure out a way to make a better recipe than before. He has to beat his friend Sofia because she has won 3 times in a row. This sweet book teaches, perseverance, patience and determination. The pictures are beautiful and there is a great recipe for biscuits as well. Would make a great gift for the child in your life!
Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
What a fantastic conclusion to this series. After reading the previous two books, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. As soon as it hit my kindle I just had to find out his things would end.
This book is easy my favourite of them all. It was exciting to read and had so much going on. It felt like i went on the journey with the characters. I loved watching hing them all drvelop over the course of the series and was desperate to know what the author had in store for them all. This is a fantastic book and a brilliant series.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has been yet another hit by this author in our household. My kids very v so excited now when I tell them we have a new one of her books to read. Personally I think n this has got too be one if my favourites, mainly because baking b is something I do with the kids. Watching caspian navigate this particular journey was heartwarming.
The illustrations are engaging and really bring the story to life. This is a fun and interesting book that was a joy for us all.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom. This is the 7th installment in the Invisible Magic Wand Series and my family and I love them. Lois Wickstrom is our favorite children’s author. My nephews 5 and 10 love all of her books. This story is about Caspian asking his Grandfather for a bicycle for his unbirthday but Grandpa has to explain to him that whatever you ask for may not be exactly what you want because on your unbirthday its never the exact thing you ask for. When Caspian receives a box of baking up dust he figures he needs to bake a bicycle. Read this fun book to find out if Caspian really receives his bicycle! Such a great children’s book and would make a wonderful gift!
