The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute story. It shows little ones that one matter where we might live, that love is the common thread. We loved the illustrations as they were bright and vibrant and caught your attention. This would be a great way to learn to read for a beginner.
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anise Storm does it again. Another wonderful and complex story to bite my teeth into. This book did have some sensitive topics as the subplot in regards to cancer. It tore at my heart but was done in a beautiful manner.
The relationship between Callum and Nicole was very in depth and had you cheering for them. A few twists kept me reading late into the night. Love this second book in the series. Can be read as a standalone.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Andrews Armor is a children’s book designed for children between the ages of 4 to 13 years. It is a story of a little boy named Andrew who has a toy chest filled with toys. Each toy takes him on a new adventure and transports him to new wonderful worlds. When Andrew discovers a suit of armor in his toy chest, he puts it on, and it makes him feel courageous and strong. One day he is having a bad day, and he does not feel brave or strong. That is when the notes start to appear on his mirror each day with a new bible quote. As Andrew reads each one of the new notes, he is reminded that strength comes from within, and from God. This was a heartwarming story about forgiveness, kindness, finding strength from God, and that serving others is where true courage, strength, and bravery come from. The illustrations are bright and colorful and really helped bring the story to life. I love how at the end of thew book Andrew has grown up and is now passing on the armor and valuable lessons to his own child. The quotes from the Bible are beautiful and included at the end of the book is an activity guide as well as scriptures suggestions to make sticky notes for your child.
Forever to Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mallory Lawson once “married” her bother’s best friend, Beckett, when they were kids. Now Beckett is back in Buckeye Falls and Mallory has feelings for him still. This book is a page turner and kept me wondering if Mallory would find the love of her life. This is a great addition to a series I have come to love.
Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Eve is asked to help find out if her friend Bob’s Uncle Will died of natural causes. I enjoyed this book as Eve finds herself involved in another murder mystery. I loved the characters and am looking forward to the next book in the Eve Sawyer mystery series. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
Midnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Midnight Falls by John Evans. This is a super dark vampire thriller that will keep you turning pages late in the night. I do admit I got a little scared reading this at night and I loved it! Its the story of Josh who has chosen to move to Midnight Falls and he got a job as a freelance writer for the local newspaper. He becomes quick friends with his neighbors Joey and Brad as they are new to Midnight Falls as well. Josh starts to settle in even finds himself a girlfriend, Lizzie. The only problem he really has is the sheriffs son, Jarrod who wanted to buy Josh’s car and Josh told him no. He doesn’t seem to take kindly to being told no and the Sheriff even threatens Josh. Josh also has his faithful companion Nimrod his dog and Nimrod has saved Josh more than once. I really enjoyed this book. It was scary at times but also had a great storyline! This was my first read by this author but it won’t be my last!
Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder In Prospect (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jan Suen. I love this series and I love Eve Sawyer. She is so confident and truly believes that she can solve any crime. While on Spring Break in Prospect her friend Bob is dealing with the death of his Uncle Will who he’s been told it was natural causes. Bob doesn’t believe it was natural causes so of course Eve has to investigate. As Eve investigates she doesn’t believe it was natural causes either and she stirs up all kinds of trouble. While Eve continues to investigate another murder takes place so Eve is for sure Bob’s Uncle didn’t die of natural causes because they are all connected. These books are so fun and don’t have to be read in order. I always recommend reading them in order to get a better feel for the characters and story. Let’s hope Eve can solve this mystery before more people end up dead.
Midnight Falls by John (ronin) Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 – 4 stars
“Midnight Falls” is a dark and interesting horror narrative that delves into the chilling world of werewolves, and I found it to be an intriguing read. I have not read any of Jonh’s work before and I was pleasantly surprised. His descriptive words take you into the story and have you easily imagining the scenes he sets.
The story centres around Josh, a disillusioned college student who returns to his quaint hometown. However, upon his arrival, Josh quickly senses an air of malevolence permeating the town, he grapples with feeling like an outcast in his own community, Josh is confronted with the difficult decision of either confronting the looming menace or turning his back on it all.
This book has the feel of horror of old when true horror was around. I wholeheartedly recommend “Midnight Falls” to fellow enthusiasts of the horror genre; it’s a well-crafted and absorbing narrative, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the unravelling of further books.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Places We Call Home: A Picture Book to remind us that home is where all love begins. By Kim Ann. This is such a wonderful children’s book and I’m getting a copy for my new Grandson! Its a book that has beautiful pictures and tells us that no matter where you live if there is love it can be classified as home. We all live differently but the result is the same. You can live in the city or the country and its still a home. Even animals live in different places and they are still called homes. Such a fun children’s read!
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another really cute story from Tricia Gardella about learning to stand up for yourself and continuing to try again when you fail. I really liked how Gardella intertwined her lessons in the story with a kiddie pig chase (if you’ve ever done 4-H…you know). I loved this colorful illustrations and they go along with the story fantastically. This is definitely a story you want to add to your kiddos library!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
You Are Special by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the moment we started reading this book, I loved the message behind it and what it is trying to teach kids. I think this really resonated with me because I could see how my daughter related to it. She is at the age where she understands that people look or act different, but doesn’t necessarily understand why. This book was a great way to build the foundations of these teachings and reinforce that everyone is special as they are.
I loved the story that went with this book and the illustrations really brought it to life. Everyone of us in our house enjoyed this story and we are really looking forward to other books by this author.
The Secret Aftermath: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a brilliant follow up to the first in the series and, I think, even better than I was expecting it to be. I was pulled straight back into the story and the adventure of Julia. In this book, it really felt like Julia was discovering even more about herself, building on all that had happened in the first book.
The storyline was really exciting. I was hooked straight away as soon as I started reading and I felt myself being swept along with the story. There is so much going on in this book. It is full of adventure, suspense, action and was such a thrilling read. This is shaping up to be such a strong series and I cannot wait to read more.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a world where Vampires meet Fifty Shades of Grey, here it is! Master Bitrita is the perfect Christian Grey, while Chara serves as Anastasia. This book has the perfect push and pull budding romance that will keep you on your toes. Steep rivalries between Vampires, Shifters, and Witches come to a head, in this fast-paced war. The author keeps things moving, while leaving bits up to assumption without going into too much detail. A quick enjoyable read for anyone looking for a fantasy romance, with limited spice.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
5 Stars!
Absolutely loved this book! What a great way to introduce the Armor of God. The deep love of Andrew’s parents and God are shown and explained in fun way.
Andrew is encouraged to just be himself, believing in the Lord to find his bravery. It is important for young boys to know that their strength doesn’t come from muscles alone but from their hearts and their actions towards others.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
A Pig and A Poke By Tricia Gardella
5 Stars
Read this with my littles and they enjoyed it. Lots of laughs and giggles and talk about catching the pig. Angela reminds me of my own daughter being very determined. I liked this book a lot and look forward to reading it again with the kids. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more books by this Author!
Good Things Take Time: A picture book about learning patience by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good Things Take Time: A Picture book about learning patience
By Suzanna Lynn
5 Stars
Very cute book! Loved the illustrations and storyline! Buddy is so adorable. This was read with my littles age 4, 3 and 1 yr old. My older 2 liked it and asked questions, the one year old liked to point at pictures in the book. One of the pages says “I knew I was different, but Momma taught me that God made me different, and that I’m special” I loved that part because I try to show my kids that being different is ok.
Great read
“Buddy has settled into his life with his brothers, Donut and Salem. However, when a mysterious trash bandit starts leaving a mess in the kitchen, Buddy gets blamed by mistake. Buddy discovers the real culprit but doesn’t want to be a tattletale. Soon, Buddy and the gang learn that telling the truth is always best.”
This book is story about how to standup for yourself, it’s also story about not getting other people in trouble. This is the 3rd in the series. I like that it gives certain bible verse as a prayer that fits with the story. I give this book 4 stars.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a cute and sweet book with a very good lesson. I love the art in this book, the animals are so cute with their different expressions. I felt so bad for Buddy, and I really liked how Donut wanted to keep all the animals of the house under control as to not make life hard for their humans. The lesson here is “tattling” on someone is not wrong when you are defending yourself from blame. I absolutely love the Bible verse at the end that can be shared with children in reference to what God says about how we act in daily life.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is fun, and the artwork is beautiful! The expressions on Angela and Bruce are so well done. The pig is the cutest character. Angela seems to really care for the pig and Bruce seems to just want to bother Angela and take what she wants. Angela’s determination and perseverance will help achieve her goals.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Decisions Matter is a great learning tool for children. Suzanna Lynn has made it easy to understand why making good decisions is vital. I hope all parents of young children will share this book and series with their children. This would be a great addition to any library.
Where’s Gramma? by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grandma is a busy lady! She’s fun, adventurous, and can do it all! The illustrations are beautiful and grab your attention. My son loved the story and asked if his own grandma had done all of those things too. Another hit by Tricia Gardella!
Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the Rewind series. This is a unique read as it is short stories following on with the characters from each of the previous 4 book and how their lives have progressed. Did they all end up with their happy ever afters? It can be read on its own however I feel you would get more enjoyment from reading the previous books so you understand the struggles that each couple faced in the previous books.
These stories are about finding love and relationships which some people may be against. Such as a poly, MM relationship and Bisexuality. These stories show how hard it is for people in these types of relationships and the discrimination and prejudice they can feel at times. One thing that comes across from every couple though is the love they feel for each other. You can’t help who you fall in love with and these stories prove that, and shows just how hard some people have to fight to be with who they love.
All of the stories have angst, challenges and struggles as well as steamy romance through. There are also some trigger warnings in these stories so I would recommend checking them out before starting this book.
These stories are brilliantly written and what underpins each one is love and acceptance which makes each story beautiful in its own right.
Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in Prospect: An Eve Sawyer Mystery
With some series it takes a chapter or two to remember the previous book/books and storyline. That was not the case with this book.
Eve is a great friend and she proves it once again when Bob come to her for help and she goes with no questions.
Bob has a feeling the death of his Uncle Will isn’t as cut and dry as it appears. The vibes from his Uncle the last time they saw each other was very different from Will’s usual.
I love trying to figure things out before the reveal and this time I got it, but it took me a bit.
I have enjoyed the Eve Sawyer books I have read, hope to see more in the future.
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nicole is from the elite world of the Titans, having to act the certain way and has to be perfect in everyway. When she decides to go on holiday in Costa Rica and let her hair down she is in for one big treat. Seeing him, ending up in bed with him for one night was the best hurrah before going back to school, but when walking into the new semester I got more than I was bargaining for.
Callum was up for a fling on holiday with a hot girl and its fun until he goes back to teaching but he just can’t seem to shake her from his system. First day back in class and who walks in his dream girl from holiday but she is his student. They try and keep the chemistry at bay and act professional but that starts to waver as he is a Titan and he gets what he wants, but when someone threatens him and Nicole, can money and power really help?
This is the second book in this series and it is explosive off the page. The characters as in the first book are well developed, with a fast paced story to boot.
I loved the character of Nicole as although she is privileged in a way she was full of sass and determination of her own to succeed and knew what she wanted. Callum’s character was the typical alpha male role you find but this also showed a vulnerability to him in the story that money and power means nothing if you love and care for someone.
This is full of twists and turns and surprises which will have you chasing down the leads and turning the pages to see how this will end. Although part of the series it can easily be read as a stand alone book but I do recommend reading more books by this wonderful author.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Forbiddenly Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm
Forbiddenly Yours is the second book in the Titans of Chicago Series and is a wonderfully written Contemporary Romance that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you’ve finished. I pretty much devoured this book in one afternoon sitting because I simply had to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend reading the first book in this series if you haven’t already as it’s just as good as this one plus you get to know the characters better. This is Callum and Nicole’s story . What happens when your one night stand turns out to be your professor? The chemistry between them is electric and off the charts. In fear of giving something away I’m just going to highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.
I have read a couple of books from this author and she always surprises me. This book is a short romance with a little thriller mixed in. This is part of the very addictive Moore Family saga. You are going to love these characters right from the start. I read this novella straight through. It only took me about an hour. This story kept me on the edge of my seat until the end and I can’t wait to read more about this family.
Case Moore is a very well known saxophonist in his band. They are invited to play for the Millennial Olympic Games in Greece. He invites his beautiful wife Lecia to come with. Case thinks it is going to be so much fun but it all turns into trouble. He has to do everything to protect his wife but will it be too late? Can their love really conquer all or will their past destroy them first?
Review by @heatherbass
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Driving into the Night by Amanda Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she blew me away. I love a good paranormal romance but this story exceeded my expectations. You will fall in love with these two characters right from the start. There is a male to male romance that goes on as well but it is beautifully written. I can’t wait to see if we get to read more about these characters in another book.
Kenai and Mikael go to the same school as each other. They find out that they are going to be on the opposite sides of this horrible conflict that could destroy the world. They both have a duty to their families but they start to have feelings for one another. Will love be enough or will it destroy the whole world?
Review by @heatherbass
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Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you know anything about this series, you know that these are high drama, high steam, anxiety-filled stories of love and lust. This one is no different.
These ‘Titans’ are powerful, influential men of business. Maybe they have gotten that way by working hard and establishing themselves as men to be revered in their field that have built something out of nothing over time. Maybe they are the sons or grandson of these powerful men that have grown up knowing what is expected of them. This is Callum Meyers’ story. He is a legacy Titan, growing up knowing that he was watched and things were expected of him.
Callum didn’t want to pursue business, so he turned to education. He was the youngest professor in UChicago’s history. As Callum prepared for the upcoming semester, he vacationed at the family home in Costa Rica. On a whim and with a friend, Callum went to a retreat where you were supposed to be able to do some soul-searching. While there, Callum met a beautiful woman. After the retreat, he invited her to a party at his house.
Nicole usually did everything that was expected of her. But this one time, she wanted to do something different, something unexpected. Nicole went to the soul-searching retreat. Nicole accepted the invitation from the strange man to his party. When she got there, Nicole was entranced by Callum. They talked. He overwhelmed her senses. They had an ONS that would keep Nicole warm with vivid memories for years to come.
When Nicole’s parents decided that it was time for her to go to Chicago to study for her senior year of college, Nicole was delighted. She had only been asking for several years. Nicole found out that her parents finally gave in so that she would be far away during her mother’s cancer treatments. She almost decided not to go. When she started class, her first class on the first day, the professor just happened to be the man she had the ONS with in Costa Rica. OMG!!!
Nicole and Callum acknowledge that any relationship is forbidden and unethical, as she is now his student. They stay away from each other, except the verbal sparring in class, for weeks. Until the chemistry becomes too much and explodes all over his office in a heated exchange. Nicole and Callum keep their relationship secret for months until the pressure from that and Nicole’s mother’s declining health become too much for Nicole. She walks away from Callum.
Nicole had developed a friendship with a fellow student, Travis. I have to say that I didn’t like Travis from the beginning. I always thought he was suss, the way he just popped up. Naw, don’t trust him. Travis was there for Nicole in the aftermath of her relationship. I can’t say much more without saying too much. Ugh. Don’t grow attached to Travis. He so shady.
Minus some repetitive explanations, this book is amazing. The spice. The drama. The emotions. I am not sure I will forgive the author for that big emotion. I was not expecting it. I was not ready. A stellar addition to the Titans series. If you haven’t started reading about the Titans, you should. Start here. Start now.
Forbiddenly Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Forbiddenly Yours Is the second book of the Titans of Chicago Series. After reading the first one I wanted to jump into the next story. The Professor/Student relationship was chefs kiss. It’s a trope I would like to read more about lol. This has to be my favorite one so far but we’ll see. Callum and Nicole were great characters with some great deployment throughout the story, each with their own set of flaws and personal struggles that make them relatable. The plot moves swiftly, with enough twists and turns to you well engaged. The author excels in creating an emotional connection between the characters and builds such an amazing world that you wish to be a part of. For anyone who enjoys romance with a bit of tension, passion and drama, I suggest you read not only this one but also the first one. You will not regret it, I’m the least. I can’t wait for part 3.
P.S. They really need to do something about the laws on stalking because waiting til it escalates sometimes to the point of no return is ridiculous and needs to be fixed.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl is a sweet second chance romance. Between two characters who were teenage sweethearts before dreams came before feelings. This is their journey back to one another. The author gives the reader exactly what they want. Love, romance, animosity, jealousy and so much more. I’ve read this author plenty of times and I will keep coming back for more just on merit. This book is no different. Part of a series which reads very well as a standalone novel. But I bet when you’re done you will want more.
Trinity chose the path she’s on. Local Rodeo Queen, she wanted to represent the state but ended up being runner up. However this life came with sacrifices. Her independence being the biggest one, and Shooter coming in at a close 2nd. He didn’t fight for her then, what makes her think he still wants a chance now.
Shooter had his heart broken by Trinity, but guess what he’s back and they are now in the same town. Having yet to cross paths he’s not sure how he will react when they do. She left him for a dream and though he understood it doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.
Does he still want her?
Does she still want him?
Jump in and see how these two navigate these very questions. How they get past obstacles in their way, even with the help of others.
This author isn’t one to let the reader down, so hopefully that gives anyone enough faith to check this story out!
