Reviews – Page 412 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Kerry Baker

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kerry Baker

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a fantastic follow up to the first in the series and I found it pulled me in from the moment I started reading. I would certainly recommend reading the first book in the series before this one so you can enjoy it as much as possible. I loved getting back into these characters and their journey. It was lovely to see how it developed even further as this book went on.
This author has an incredible way of creating a story that is lasting and interesting. The books are imaginative and are ones that I always seem to enjoy. This book is just as good as the first and I am looking forward to seeing where else this series might go.

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Kerry Baker

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kerry Baker

Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It had been a while since I had read a book in this series and I was so excited to get right back into it. It was honestly like I had never put the books down. I was pulled back in straight away and reconnected with the characters with ease. I love the new additions to the book as well. They were great to learn about and added so much more to the story.
This book is still such a unique and original concept. It is unusual for me to read a book that is different to anything else I have read and yet every single book I read by this author seems to be just that. This book is as excited and well written as the others in the series and I think it is definitely prompting a reread. This is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend.

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Emmye Marihugh

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Emmye Marihugh

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Me and my daughter both loved this book! Great advice on different situations and some I hadn’t thought of. Made for a great learning experience!

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Manda Kelly

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Manda Kelly

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time reading this author and I was not disappointed. She has an amazing talent. She builds worlds that you want to get lost in, and the attention to detail is top notch. I feel like I may have taken more away from the story had I read the 1st book, as this is the 2nd in the series, but I was able to follow the story pretty well. If you like dystopian romances, I absolutely recommend this author.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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The Cold Kid Case: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden – Review by Stephanie Tellas

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Stephanie tellas

“Meet Sparky, an orphaned, street-savvy 11-year-old living by her wits in the Depression-era Bunker Hill neighborhood of downtown Los Angeles. She is on a mission to clear her name after being accused of the murder of a little girl whose body she discovers on a park bench—talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time! And things only get worse when Sparky is blamed for ever more outrageous crimes until her body count is ridiculous. Will Sparky be able to summon the gumption to solve the crime and clear her name? Rosalind Barden crafts an unforgettable and uniquely zany mystery, filled with a web of colorful characters, recalling the charm of decades past, with Hollywood, movie stars, mobsters, and, of course, murder.”
Was Sparky able to clear her name? Will have to read the book to find out. This story had my attention from the beginning and throughout, the characters were great, I give this book 4 stars.

I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Carrie Reed

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Carrie Reed

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Very cute! I love that this book showcases the beauty that is found in looks, culture, learning, family and everyday life. The art is beautiful, bright and colorful. The book shows that there are blessings to be found all around in everyday tasks and beauty within yourself.

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The Befallen by Cambria Williams – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

The Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A truly fascinating story that shows the value of yourself and others. I enjoyed reading this story. It had a wonderful flow to it. The characters were unique and fit into the story so perfectly. To watch Sloane discover herself through the story shows us her inner strength. It’s a very good story. I recommend it.

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Renewed by Sarah Vinduska – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an action-packed romance this is. I fell in love with these characters. The heroine is the star in this romance. She rescues him and then he rescues her. Such a sweet story full of drama. I loved every minute of it. I was drawn in right from the start by these two. This is part of a series but it can be read as a stand alone. It’s an excellent romance for those seeking action-packed. I recommend it.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Kerry Carr

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kerry Carr

Dumpster Dying by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 1 in The Hazardous Hoarding Mysteries series. I found this cozy mystery really unique and entertaining. It is the first book that I have read by this author and i am looking forward to reading more in this series.
The author does a great job with the characters. They are all fun and charming and a little eccentric in their own way which is what makes them unique.
In this story we first meet Birdie and her sister Oda Dean. Both of them love a good deal and love looking around for bargains. Birdie considers herself a collecter but to the outside world she would be considered a horder. One of the things Birdie loves is looking inside dumpsters however her favourite past time comes to a horrible end when she discovers the body of a young woman who she considered her friend.
Now she is on a mission along with her sister Oda and her dead husband (in spirit form) to find out who killed her friend and why. As Birdie starts investigating and trying to get to the bottom of things she places a target on her back.
Will she become the next body in a dumpster?

The characters of Birdie and Oda are so well written they literally jump off the page. Their relationship and the humour between them makes this story engaging and a fun read. Add to the mix Birdie’s departed husband and it is a great entertaining mix. There are some deeper issues such as lonelness and the loss of a loved one which are dealt within this story as well.

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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Unexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this was an expected romantic treat. I thought Claire was just another spoiled celebrity when I started this. It turns out that there is fa more to her than people give her credit for, even her family. She has multiple degrees and is a pretty smart cookie. One night at dinner with Candie, she meets Nick. He’s cute, also a smarty guy. He’s very creative and an artist. These two are from two different sides of the track. Watching this develop was painful at times but necessary to the story. It kind of felt like “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” I enjoyed the story because you did get to see them grow up and mature into what they wanted, forget the paparazzi.. I felt the characters were fairly well-developed. The storyline was good.

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Orenda by T.S. Simons – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. It truly pulled on Caitlin and Gio’s relationship. Caitlin went through getting married, starting an Ambassadorship, becoming a parent. She was basically dealing with becoming an adult and dealing with those issues that life can through at us, only more. I felt sorry for her because it felt like she had so much piled on top of her. Gio just wanted to love and take care of her. She would tend to push him away. I love how Illy helped her to deal with those issues after a catastrophic event. This book is intense, a little traumatic in parts but also very good. I couldn’t put it down. I was in it for the long haul. Life kept getting in my way but I”d pick up the story again. I did love catching up with familiar faces. I do have to say that as for Francesca, I go with Gio’s vote. I can’t wait for the next book to see where here new position takes her. New things are still in store for Gio and Caitlin and I can’t wait.

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Bobbi Wagner

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Bobbi Wagner

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books from the start. I enjoy her attention to details that make the story realistic. A well written story of betrayal, loyalties and makes you question everything you value. I enjoyed how relatable the characters are. They pull you into their world from the start and keep you engaged throughout. A fast paced story that is hard to put down and easy to read. There is great growth of the plot throughout as well. An entertaining story that you don’t want to miss. A great story that I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

Encounters With Old Coyote – by Laura Koerber – Review by Bobbi Wagner

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Bobbi Wagner

Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I enjoy her writing skills and her ability to pull me into the story with ease. This book is no different. It is a shorter story but it sure packs a punch. Coyote and Andrea are back with another adventure that has humor in parts and has a supernatural theme. I enjoy Andrea and what she brings to the story. She is a ghost that never believed until she became one. She is my favorite of the story for sure. This is a well written story that I read in one sitting. It is engaging and fast paced. I enjoyed watching the growth of the characters as well as the plot throughout the story. You don’t want to miss out on this one. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jorja Knight always makes for a fantastic read. She is an investigator I thoroughly enjoy reading. In this story, she’s in Istanbul and her bestie, Gabs, is missing. The author does a wonderful job of taking us on a mysterious adventure through the city. Jorja is following every lead she can. I don’t know how she’s not creeped out when her room is gone through.There are twists and turns through the story along with colorful characters that makes this an amazing adventure. A story I definitely recommend for mystery lovers.

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I Am A Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book For Asian Boys by Yobe Qui – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a neat book filled with affirmations for the Asian boy. The illustrations are colorful. The affirmations are positive and focus on doing good things. Honestly, these are affirmations that all boys need to be told. This is a wonderful book that will be a good addition to any family library.

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Hope for a New World by Renee W. Peek – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fascinating start to this series. We are always hearing about climate change, saving the earth, etc. I loved how this story took the theme and ran with it from the point of the earth talking through special people telling how to save her. This is a story that will grab you. It has some SciFi, some romance, some suspense. I found it kind of exciting all around. I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see that there are more to the series. I have to see where this goes.

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Encounters With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was quite the interesting book. I love this author’s writing. It always leaves you thinking. This book leaves you wondering after reading these conversations between Old Coyote and Andrea. Andrea is a college professor that took her life in the Arizona desert. She and Coyote end up having some intriguing conversations about life and death, and some of the adventures Andrea had during her life. I found it thought provoking, interesting, sensitive, and even entertaining. This author has always written about Coyote in ways that tend to make you question and maybe even want to know more about Indigenous people and their culture. It’s an excellent book and one that I would definitely recommend.

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Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Incredible romantic suspense. Cade is a hot security guy I’d want protecting me. Kiera is one I wasn’t to sure about but I’m glad she came into her own as the story developed. This is a story with action, romance, danger, mystery that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat holding your breathe to see what happens. The characters are well-written and it’s nice to see them develop as the story develops. IThis is a fantastic story that really leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next in the series.

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kirsten Berkebile

This is the first book I have read by Rob Bates. I couldn’t put it down at all, I actually read the book in one day. There is a lot going on throughout the story, there is love, death, confessions, and of course diamonds. We all know that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at least what we are told growing up. However, in the diamond in this story is not meant to be anyone’s best friend. Mimi finds herself under attack once her and her family purchase the “cursed diamond” from the wife of a famous jeweler who is found murdered. Can Mimi find out who murdered her friend without getting hurt herself? Read to find out and to see what happens to the diamond at the end.

Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by Rob Bates. I couldn’t put it down at all, I actually read the book in one day. There is a lot going on throughout the story, there is love, death, confessions, and of course diamonds. We all know that Diamonds are a girl’s best friend at least what we are told growing up. However, in the diamond in this story is not meant to be anyone’s best friend. Mimi finds herself under attack once her and her family purchase the “cursed diamond” from the wife of a famous jeweler who is found murdered. Can Mimi find out who murdered her friend without getting hurt herself? Read to find out and to see what happens to the diamond at the end.

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Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Shelly Kittell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shelly Kittell

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of the best romantic suspense I’ve read this year. From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. Regan thinks she’s just doing a book tour with Pavlo. Little does she know that her so-called “friend/publicist” Isla, has set her up for danger. This journey is full of twists, turns, deceit, and lies. I fell in love with this story because it’s fast-paced. The action and romance is nonstop. The chemistry between Pavlo and Regan is really good and ready to combust if people would stop knocking on the door. I enjoyed watching the chemistry and denial between Finlay and Drake develop. I would love to see a story their. Those two are in serious denial. This is a great story that I couldn’t get enough of.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Gillian Fawell

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Gillian

The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect for this time of year, this 2nd book in a series is a beautiful, cosy Christmas story! I read the previous book earlier this year and loved it so much, that this one was an auto read! I look forward to more from this author and to sharing these stories with my daughter!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Kristin Boutelle

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kristin Boutelle

Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third book can be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series. This book did start very slow to me, once you got about halfway through the book it got way more interesting. The characters interact and complement each other pretty well. There is a lot of information about the diamond industry and the diamonds itself. The family feud and the cursed diamond made the story more interesting. It is a good read for when you have downtime during the day.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Baking a Bicycle by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom

Baking a Bicycle is part of the Invisible Magic Wand Series. This is a cute children’s book that children of any age will enjoy. My five year old son loved this book and we have literally read it six times in row. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story to life. Caspian wants a bicycle for his birthday and grandpa tells him his unbirthday should be something special. When Caspian opens his special box there’s an envelope in the box with magic baking up dust in it. Can he bake a Bicycle? I highly recommend this book and we look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) – Review by Heidi Sturgess

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Heidi

Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh man how precious is this cover !?🥰📚🐾

I’m blessed enough to work in a library at a local primary school so I had the opportunity to share Kingston and his friend with my little friend and there’s a bonus they have you get siblings so you can just imagine the stories that were swooped put amongst ourselves 🤣

Kingston has such a love for dogs and when mummy shows him other animals and calls them “ dog” she starts to worry just a little as any mother would and I just wanted to grab her hand and say “ don’t worry mum , he calls everything he loves dog “ 😉 and their journey of discovery is quite the adventure 🥰

I love how we get to meet different animals , breeds , shapes and sizes 😍 I loved the old colours ! A real treat 📚🥰

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What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Heidi Sturgess

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Heidi

What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loving the cover art ! However , don’t let it me do lead you there’s something very different in between those pages and having read the first book in the series “ Love, only better” I was more than eager to get started on this read 🥰📚

Usually it’s woman who suffer at the hands of others wether it be at the hand of their loved one or employer and while it does happen to men it’s not something often women of so this was a big attraction for me ….not because I’m a sick puppy but because I appreciate that a taboo subject is being broached …..

We met Rebecca and Kyle in the first boom and Kyle was Rebecca’s saving grace and this time tomes are reversed 😉look I know he knew she’d support him but I also felt his anxiety and fear to share his experience….

So Kyles past meets up with his present unbeknown to them and when the dots are connected boy do we get fireworks and I typical fashion the aggressor looks for a scapegoat and tries to target Rebecca and name get out to be the bad guy but she who I shall not mention picked the wrong girl to pick a fight with !

I loved how supportive these 2 were of each other , i loved how a taboo subject was approached without emasculating Kyle but making him and his emotions and experience a very real thing and this is really a read I’d love to share with men and women alike 🥰📚

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

November 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren

Arriving Home is part of the Lake Juniper Series and is a wonderfully written MMF Romance that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. There are trigger warnings but if you can push through its worth trying. This is a fast-paced story about Elijah and Austin. Both have secrets and pasts that make it hard to find love. What a sweet holiday romance that I can totally picture being a beautiful Christmas movie. The characters are relatable, fully developed and make the story come to life. Austin is a Chef at the resort and Elijah is a best selling Romance author who is in a six month writers block. With the advice from his therapist he finds himself at a writers retreat hoping this will help get him out of his slump. Austin and Elijah have been through a lot in there past but can they learn to trust one another? These two definitely have chemistry and there’s definitely a few sizzling scenes. These two definitely pulled at my heart strings a few times I found myself tearing up but I pushed through. What will happen when Austin suggests being a fake boyfriend for the Holidays? Can Elijah find the inspiration he needs to vet over his slump? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Melissa Saxton

November 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Melissa

Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lexi has a decent middle upper class life with her father in administration. Imperium runs the world after the collapse and everything comes down to an exam you take on hour 17th birthday. Lexi has been groomed for engineering/administration, but ever since a field trip when she was 5 she’s longed to break the cycle and go work in the greenhouse. Thats not how life works now, a test decides her job and a genetic matching algorithm decides her mate her children. Lexi was not built to conform.
So she decides to throw her test on purpose but ends up in reclamation, then her grandparents are told they are leaving for “solitude”, people don’t return from solitude. She accompanies them along with her mother to say goodbye. As she’s boarding her train to work after saying goodbye her entire world explodes.
What will become of Lexi, who is the Y? Are her grandparents and mother alive? This was a great read very action heavy!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

November 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Haller-Doris

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well another cute story from this author! I love that she teaches kids about different science topics in a cute and fun way! This story is all about teaching children about water spout phenomenon, with simple explanations and fun illustrations for them to enjoy. She creates a simple story with easy explanations for children to like and understand. I think this is a great book for young children to enjoy and learn from!

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

November 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Haller-Doris

The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this was a wild ride of a dystopian future! I had not read previous books from this author, but I will absolutely be checking more of her works out in the future. She weaves together a grim future, where apps and programming are inserted into people’s brains directly and those that can’t work are thrown into the Catford Zone, a grim area where people are trapped with killer plants, weird bugs, and very little to eat. Our protagonist, Frankie, is sent to the Zone, in order to infiltrate concerns of an uprising and learn more about the rebels in charge of it. The author did a great job of creating memorable characters and unveiling their backgrounds and unique character traits in a way that felt organic and real. The story definitely had a variety of twists and turns and I honestly couldn’t anticipate how the story would end. If you are looking for a story that is a fairly realistic scfi dystopian read, this is the book for you.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Jennifer Ramos

November 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jennifer Ramos

The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was very excited to see the second book for this series! On top of reading this next installment, there is a Christmas theme to the story that made me love it even more! I’ve read the first book and these stories remind me of Jumanji mixed with the Narnia series. So much fun and family centered! It is such a great read for older elementary and middle school children. Rusty, a 5th grader, has been given the special brass ring from his grandfather and he has been so utterly grateful that in the spirit of the holidays is seeking a gift to repay him for the ring. With limited funds for a very nice gift, he discovers Santa’s Christmas Carousel and ends up finding the true meaning of Christmas.

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