Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I remember having pen pals when I was in elementary school. Of course we wrote to people in the United States though. I loved the story and how we learned just as much as Amaleigha about Ukraine. It was wonderfully written and perfectly detailed for young children.
https://www.amazon.com/review/ROERYI8E3RHZ9/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by these authors and they did not disappoint at all. The book had a lot of emotions involved. The details was on point. The world building and characters was well thought of. It definitely was a page turner for me. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3974352333
A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another great addition to this series and yet another brilliant book by this author. It was so easy to reconnect with the main character even though it had been a while since I have read an Eve Sawyer book. This book follows on from book three, although it can be read as a standalone.
This is quite a short story, which is a trait I have come to expect from this author. And yet, even though it is a shorter story, it doesn’t feel like anything is lacking or rushed. I connected with the book immediately and I read it all in one sitting. This is definitely one of my go to authors and I would recommend all of her books.
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Forever Kind of Thing is a young adult contemporary romance that centers around the character of a teen girl named Mina. Mina is used to being bullied and teased because she has grown up poor and wears secondhand clothing. Her classmates are cruel, mock her, call her names, and spread rumors about her mom. When a new boy enters Mina’s fifth grade classroom, she cannot help but notice how cute he is and the confidence he exudes. Mina expects him to avoid her like all the other students and sit beside one of what would be considered a ‘cool kid’. Instead, the new student sits beside Mina and starts to talk to her. Mina tries to warn him that if he talks to her that he will be mocked and explains to him how the other kids bully and tease her. Rather than running scared the new student introduces himself as Wes, and Mina learns that they have a lot in common. Mina and Wes become fast friends and for the next two years the pair are practically joined at the hip. Then Wes suddenly vanishes, and Mina is left with a lot of questions and a broken heart.
Fast forward five years and Mina’s life has taken a drastic turn after her mom has married a wealthy man. Suddenly Mina has the life she thought she could only dream of. She is attending a prestigious school, wearing designer clothing, and is the most popular girl in school. When Wes suddenly reappears and pops back into Mina’s life, she is worried that he will reveal her secrets and ruin her new life. Wes has not had an easy life over the last five years as he has remained poor and in the foster system. Old feelings resurface and Mina is conflicted between her new life of popularity and the love of someone who truly knows her and loves her regardless of her background. The push and pull between Mina and Wes takes the two down a rocky road as they try to navigate their dark pasts and their feelings for one another. Can Wes and Mina ever truly have a life together?
I loved the writing style of these authors and found the storyline compelling. The characters were ones that I was immediately drawn to and found myself relating to. Mina was smart, strong, feisty, and determined to have a better life than what she had. She was tired of being bullied and teased for being poor and wearing secondhand clothing. Her classmates were cruel, and she struggled to feel worthy of anyone. Mina wanted more out of life and dreamed of leaving her small town. When she met Wes, she found someone who saw her for who she was and genuinely cared for her. He did not care about where she came from or that she wore secondhand clothing. Wes was also someone who grew up poor and had a less than desirable life growing up within the foster system. When Mina and Wes became friends, it changed both of their lives. They found friendship, love, hope, strength, courage, and allies in one another. That all came with a price though when their friendship seemingly dissolved into thin air. Love and hope turned to grief, loss, and heartache. When Mina and Wes were reunited after years apart the feelings were still there but the two had led very different lives and taken very different paths. The ensuing journey was one full of angst, drama, betrayal, hurt, anger, and second chances. I highly recommend this book!
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was a lovely story from the moment I started reading. I really warmed to the main characters in this story and I thought the connection they had was great to see. It was believable, engaging and well written. I was swept up in their journey and really enjoyed getting to know them.
The author managed to strike the perfect balance in how this book was written. There was passion and chemistry but it was also lighthearted and entertaining. It is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. This is a truly enjoyable book that I would highly recommend.
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not sure why I thought this book would be about anything but murders and cops but I did; Legitimately thought it was about religion and other things but was surprised to start reading and it wasn’t. I love the storyline following Nic through her days as she struggles with ptsd and Con who just wants to help her and figure out the problem all while trying to catch a murderer. Shew. It is a suspenseful tale, full of twists, turns, chemistry and so much more.
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emma’s intuition is tingling again as an invitation to a party feels like a trap. As she navigates a new responsibility will it work as a distraction as the trap is sprung?
Emma is a no-nonsense super smart lady who is really good at connecting the dots. This is another great installment of the Notebook Mysteries.
Reviewed by @daree222
View all my reviews
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was beautiful and made me cry! Such a sweet story of two young people communicating across the world – it just goes to show that children know the true meaning of friendship. I also learnt a lot about the Ukraine and its culture through this story! Definitely recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great YA Romance. I really enjoyed Wes and Mina’s story and how you can’t always control what happens to you and when, but sometimes things works out how and when they are supposed to. Thomas and Harris did a fantastic job not only with the character development, but also with the plot line. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and I actively try to avoid high school drama ;). This was well done and a super cute and quick read and I look forward to more from these authors.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Olympic Penisula series. It can be read on its own however for me personally I recommend reading the first book as the characters are linked together. This is a gripping romance that I couldn’t put down. The chemistry between our 2 main characters was intense and despite each of them having problems they couldn’t deny their connection.
I really felt for Liam. He has been through so much with him being involved in a terrorist attack and presumed dead for 3 years he has been missing. He has a lot to deal with and suffer mentally from that incident. When he is found by an investigator he agrees to move and be with his sister and her husband while he decides what to do next and how he can move forward.
Also staying at the estate is Teresa. She is going through upset of her own by fleeing a broken engagement and a mother who is trying to control every aspect of her life. When she meets Liam she is immediately attracted to him but she can’t figure out why he has taken an instant dislike to her?
All Liam sees is a rich princess who he doesn’t trust but when she starts to get very accident prone and in need of someone to look out and protect her Liam can’t stop himself from stepping into that role.
Could Teresa be the person to finally help Liam through his traumatic events of his past? Why is Teresa seemingly so accident prone, is it just the way she is or could something more sinister be working against her?
When 2 people are trying to fix themselves can they fix each other at the same time?
This is a heartwarming story and the author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and giving them depth that makes you feel invested in their story.
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien), by Lois Wickstrom was a really cute book! My kids loved it and really enjoyed learning about the stars and what constellations are. They giggled over the thought of an alien at their school! Great way to introduce science and space to young readers, and to help grow a love of learning and reading.
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Awe, what a sweet story! I loved how Blake and Morgan were paired up. Ciara was a sweet blessing even with the teen attitude at 9. This story was so well-developed. The heartbreak of divorce can bring some pain to all involved and I felt the pain in reading the story. I was rooting for them all as I read. The antogonist was totally the b word. I was glad that Morgan put his foot down to protect Ciara. A beautiful story that made for a wonderful weekend read for me. These were wonderful characters.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great story for kids. Happy Days Elementary got to have pen pals and they wrote to kids in Ukraine. Amaleigha gets to write to Vova, they become quick friends. They ask each other all sorts of questions. They soon find out that a war has been called in Ukraine. Amaleigha and her class help raise money, to try and help everyone out.
As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A story to pull at your heartstrings. Julie a, young woman, has just received the shock of her life when she now becomes the guardian of her brother’s children. These children however come with a catch, 4 years ago Julie was asked to be an egg doner for her brother and sister-in-law. These turns of events have shaken Julie to the core. Julie, you see had never wanted children and now she has become instant “mom”. To add more fuel to the fire the sperm donor just shows up at Julie’s door one day. He’s handsome, unpredictable, unemployed and has a broken-down old truck everything Julie is not looking for after just having faced a life altering event. A truly gripping story of friends, family and the bond needed to survive.
*Grab the tissues*
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant
What a delightful addition to the Notebook Mysteries series. Emma, Jeremy and the gang are all back in this novella to celebrate Ethan and Savannah’s Christmas Eve wedding. An invite arrives for a party which immediately sends Emma’s instincts into overdrive. I love this whole series and each book just makes me feel like I’m amongst friends. I hope there is more to come. Highly recommend.
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin
Atonement is the first book in The McIntire County Series and is a Romance Suspense that will have you turning the pages till the end. I’ve read several books by this author and her style of writing and attention to detail along with developed characters make for a wonderful story. Atonement is about redemption .Nicolette is a former Marine and a Deputy for McIntire County she suffers from PTSD. A bunch of suicides start happening and Nicolette along with help from Detective Con they try to uncover the truth behind the suicides. But past secrets rear their ugly heads. Can Con help Nicolette or is it to late? There are plenty of twists that will keep you glued to the pages. I highly recommend reading this mystery suspense to find out what happens next. Im already ready to dive into the next book.
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amaleigha is a young girl in 3rd grade and one day her teacher, Mr Bowles, announces that they are going to be getting a pen pal and writing to students of a school in Ukraine and everyone is excited about this opportunity, so they cannot wait to see who is going to be their pen pal. Amaleigha is paired with a girl called Vova, she is given a card with some details about Vova and she writes her first letter asking some questions and showing her interest about learning about Vova’s life and soon the class’s letters are ready and sent off.
As the class are waiting for their letters, they start to learn more about Ukraine and its traditions, culture and life in general and this helps them to write their letters, that is until one day when their letters spoke about something other than excitement to learn more about each other, the possibility of a war with Russia.
What does this mean for Amaleigha and Vova’s friendship through letters and how will this war impact them both? This is a book which talks about current events in a way that is fun, but also serious at the same time and is a wonderful way to show how to handle the emotions that go along with them, it is brilliant for all ages and well worth a read.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Ignite My Heart is the second book in the North Fork Series by Alicia Street. It is a wonderfully heart-warming and well-written contemporary romance. When I saw the beautifully romantic cover, I didn’t hesitate to one-click a copy to dive into. I thought the title and blurb seemed familiar, and when I started reading, I realised that I had already read it a few years ago when it was part of the ‘Irresistible- Fall Into Romance’ Anthology. I am happy to say that I enjoyed it just as much this time around.
Morgan desperately needs a live-in nanny for his adorable nine-year-old daughter. Blake is down on her luck and desperately needs a job. But being a nanny isn’t how she saw her life unfolding. But her situation means she can’t afford to be picky- and so the story begins…
This is a touching story with plenty of chemistry, emotion, drama, friends’ sister, falling for the nanny, forced proximity, family dynamics, second chances, a little angst, and finding love unexpectedly.
The characters are really well-developed individuals with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. They easily drew me into their story and kept me turning the pages to follow along while their story unfolded. I was completely invested in them and their story.
I read the book in one very easy sitting as it’s not only an engrossing read, but also has a great pace which makes for a smooth, easy, and enjoyable read.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Alicia Street!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party To Remember is a Notebook Mysteries series novella by Kimberly Mullins. Another fun holiday historical cozy mystery, set against a Christmas backdrop- it has plenty of intriguing developments, danger, drama, friendship, investigation, suspense, humour, and more.
This could be read as a standalone if you wanted, without feeling like you are missing anything by not having read the rest of the series… But having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous books too, as knowing what happened in those books will definitely give you a better appreciation of the characters and this ‘adventure’.
With Christmas fast approaching, and a Christmas Eve family wedding to prepare for, Emma is caught by surprise when an unexpected invitation arrives. It immediately triggers her suspicions- and she can’t help but do a little ‘investigating’. And as we all know from previous books, Emma seems to attract mysteries and her inquisitive nature gets her into all sorts of unusual situations. But is that the case here? Is there something sinister behind the invitation? Or is Emma reading more into it all than necessary? This story really is worth the read to find out.
A wonderful addition to the series.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Kimberly Mullins!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194306952-notebook-mysteries-a-party-to-remember” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692062463l/194306952._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194306952-notebook-mysteries-a-party-to-remember”>Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20991006.Kimberly_Mullins”>Kimberly Mullins</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838998449″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
In this short book the team is back together again and planning a wedding. Everything is coming along nicely until a party invitation arrives. Normally it probably would not be an issue, but the invite is for a party in Chicage instead of New York. Who is inviting them and why? Of course Emma is suspicious and becomes even more so as she finds out who some of the guests are. Will it truly be a party to remember? And will it be for good or bad reasons? All the books in this series have been great and the novellas just give us a bit more to love. This can be read as a stand alone, but because this is a great series you should start from the beginning. The possibilities are endless for cases and the author hasn’t come to a stopping point yet. I can’t wait to see what Emma and company get up to in the next book.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Killer Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Killer Smile by Allan Evans is a gripping and fast paced story that takes us on a tense ride with high stakes, hidden agendas, drama, danger, politics, crime and investigation, mystery, murder, intrigue, and a game of cat and mouse between a seasoned cop and a serial killer/s with an agenda.
As with his other book, Killer Blonde, there is quite a lot going on in it- with plenty of dramatic developments that kept me flipping the pages to find out how everything played out in the end. I think this is a little grittier and darker than Killer Blonde, which I loved. We return to watch as Cade Dawkins is caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as serial killers use him as the ultimate challenge. An online, dark-web serial killer chat site has targeted Cade after his involvement in the Killer Blonde (serial killer) case- Cade is being targeted as a ‘challenge’ that he has no control over. He and his task force will need to outwit and out ‘play’ their sinister opponent/s if they have any chance of keeping their city safe. What happens makes for an intriguing read.
Looking forward to seeing what Mr. Evans does next.
Thank you, Allan Evans!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The incredibly talented Isla Vaughn has done it again! Every book in the Hidden Valley Elite series has absolutely captured me, drawn me in, and kept me wanting more! The writing in each book is superb and Cruel Hate is no exception. I love Phoenix and Aspen’s story, it is so raw, angsty, and feels so real. Please do yourself a favor and read this series. Make sure to read the prequel before reading this, it’s a must for context and backstory alone! Happy reading!
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the first book of this series the Silent woodsman. I was anticipating this book’s release. I could not wait to see what happened while Liam was “dead”. I was happy to have some that backstop and I also was happy that we got to see Ali’s babies and her happiness with Joe🥰🥰. But well, this book had me feeling all the feelings. And although Ali and Joe’s Book was great. I think Theresa and Liam are my favorite so far. I hope we get to see more of all of them in the next book, The Magic man i cant wait til november Ps 🙄🙄Ulla am I right
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193674481-atonement” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1689864486l/193674481._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/193674481-atonement”>Atonement</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880807.Winter_Austin”>Winter Austin</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5838899381″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Everyone experiences PTSD differently and, in this book, the main character, Deputy Nicolette Rivers, is a former marine sniper going through it. She had secrets to hide, but who doesn’t? There are a slew of suicides happening in the little town of Eider and she is one part of the duo that is tasked with solving the cases. Are they connected? Are they really suicides or are they homicides? She would rather work alone, but her partner detective Con O’ Hanlon is not about to leave her to deal with everything on her own. Will they be able to get along long enough to uncover the truth behind all the carnage? This story deals with PTSD. I’m sure that the author had a hard time trying to get all the ins and outs of how PTSD would affect someone, but I feel she did a great job. It was an enjoyable and quick read; I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m loving this addition to the Notebook Mysteries series. The novel does well as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the other books in the series as they are just as wonderful! The story is well written and keeps you turning the pages. This cozy mystery will entertain you!
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The premise of Atonement drew me in and there hasn’t been a book that Winter Austin has written that I haven’t enjoyed, so as soon as I had an opportunity I downloaded the whole McIntire County Series. Nic suffers from a serious case of PTSD and unless someone suffers from this it’s really hard to accurately describe how it feels and how it affects someone but I think Winter did a good job. I really liked Con, and of course Cadno, but I could just have a thing for the hunky Irishmen with the veteran K9, in stories such as these. The book is a super clean, like squeaky, romantic suspense that once it starts will keep you on the edge of your seat. Jumping into book 2 immediately.
Lucky Break is the second intriguing book in Lee Wood’s Trentbridge Tales. Each book can be read as a standalone but should be read in order as the character and sub-plots are intertwined throughout the books.
I enjoyed reading Mr Lucky the first book and getting to know ex Detective James Sheldon who was down and out on his luck, now turned PI.
Lucky Break is a little dark British crime thriller with surprising twists and turns that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat at times. Lee’s vivid narrative and slightly gritty psychological plot makes for one interesting read that you will not put down until the last page has been turned.
James is on a case where one man’s fortunate discoveries turn out not so fortunate now, he’s dead. What James discovers is a dark world of secrets, lies, crime, danger, murder and mayhem and who was it that pulled the trigger on this smoking gun (so to speak).
If you like British crime thrillers, then you will enjoy Lucky Break. I encourage to grab a copy.
I once again look forward to more of James Sheldon and his adventures.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read. Gwyn did an amazing job at tying this book to the end of the first book of this series. This book can be read alone but I recommend reading the first book first to get the full background story.
What’s better than having hate sex to tone down the tension between two people? Add in a gorgeous island and a hot easily riled-up man. What more fun could a woman ask for?
This book follows the stories of two people who hate each other but are stuck together in proximity due to their friends tying the knot. These two started off on the wrong foot and in secret and lies something is bound to blow.
What happens when the one person who catches your attention annoys you more than a housefly? Is it true what they say about a thin line between love and hate?
Read this book to find out the secrets that hide behind smiles and laughter. Don’t forget some water to help cool yourself off.
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ignite My Heart is the newly released second book in the North Fork series by Alicia Street. I have read many of Alicia’s books and have really enjoyed each one and this one was no different.
This sweet contemporary romance tale is a quick and easy read and one to curl up with for some me time. It is a wonderfully written heartwarming tale that hits you in all the feels. There is drama, angst, passion, hope, love, wonder, some steamy love scenes and way much more in this heartfelt tale.
It was so easy to fall in love with these realistic well-developed characters Blake and Morgan who are just as flawed as the rest of us and become invested in their journey.
I was so drawn into the story that before I knew it, I was turning the last page.
I can’t wait to see where the series goes.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Kimberly Mullins is known for her intrepid character Emma in her Notebook Mysteries series. In this the seventh book she brings us another tangled web for our super sleuth in the Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember.
The series can be read as standalones but make sure to read them all in order as you get to learn about Emma and the gang and their madness and mayhem adventures.
This historical romance mystery is set around Christmas time, a wedding and a party to remember. Kimberly’s vivid narrative makes it so easy to imagine the splendour, the refinement and the lavishness of these events.
It is easy to be drawn into Kimberley’s stories with the intrigue and mystery, suspense and drama that she writes so well. But nothing is as it seems and there are twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
There is something for every sleuth lover in this series to keep the pages turning with danger to murder to kidnappings to threats and crime and much more.
If historical cozy mystery stories are your thing, then jump on Kimberly’s Notebook Mysteries. You won’t be disappointed.
I can’t wait to see what Kimberly gives us next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
