Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved it!! My first book by this author and I want more. She kept me guessing the entire time. I thought our FMC was dreaming or something else was going on. What a ride!!
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a story of the author of what she went through growing up in a war zone. We often take things for granted, not knowing the true survival that some have had to go through. This was an inside view of the Bosnian war.
Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Legacy Of Riverfall series and I’m so excited to see what follows. I was captivated by this story from the start and I read it in on sitting. This is a fantasy adventure which has everything, action, tension, danger, Romance, fae’s and mystical beings. All these elements create a very unique story.
Maren has always dreamed of leaving her little village. To go and experience what else is out there but with so many unknown dangers and with her sister ill with a mystical illness Maren has no choice but to stay.
When the village is attacked, the villagers run to the Caverns to protect themselves, however Maren and another prisoner Kane are left outside.
Could this be the adventure that Maren had always wanted?
When Kane asked Maren to help him find something he’s missing she is a bit reluctant at first. I mean she doesn’t know him, can he even be trusted?
When Kane offers to take her to a magical plant which will cure her sister in return for her help Maren knows she has to just go for her sisters sake.
What follows is an adventure as these strangers work together to get what they both want. But the question is can Kane be trusted or did he make this magical plant up just to get Maren’s help? Also will the chance of adventure and a way of leaving her village be as amazing as Maren imagined or will she wish she was back and save in her little secure village surrounded with other people she has known all her life. And when secrets about Maren start to come to light it seems impossible to believe. How can she, a simple healer but the one person to save the mainlands? That’s surely not right, is it?
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
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 her stories with ease. This book is no different. This is a young adult story about Cecily and how she believes she has it all. A new job, Andrew and working with charities but now the spotlight is on her and some are just waiting to watch her fall. What happens with Cecily you don’t want to miss. I enjoy her character and what she brings to the story. She is a strong character that has determination and just wants to be happy. There is great growth with her and the plot which made the story easy and entertaining to read. I found this story to be fast paced and hard to put down. It is a great story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute children’s book. It is well written and will keep any child engaged throughout. This is about Meg and how she is blind. Her big sister shows her how important senses are at night. A story that will show you diversity and has a learning component as well. The pictures are bright, colorful and interactive for children. This is a great book for any child that likes to read fun books. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this book had everything needed to be a good read. There was the long lost sibling no one knew about, the will that showed the property should
Be spilt between the siblings
Including the new one they didn’t even know about. The unexpected attraction between Rowan and Chris. Lots of suspense!!!
I thought this book was perfectly written. Rowan is such a strong character but with Chris by her side to protect her and help her, she is unstoppable. At first Chris seemed to want to get in, see the facts and then get out but he vowed to stay and help and he did just that.
review by @xchellex
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was a little disappointed with this one. It was ok but I found it hard to follow sometimes. It’s about Amy who is living in the human world after fleeing the magical world, she is hiding from a vengeful leader. She learns to hide her true self in the human world until her sister is kidnapped and an assassin is sent after her. How can she fight someone who burnt her home to the ground? Build an army of course. I found it hard to follow with the “they” pronouns as sometimes Amy would be talking to someone then it would say “they walked here” or “they walked into a room” so was that Amy who walked there or everyone she was talking to? I won’t be reading book 2.
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another excellent addition to this series, that can be read as a stand alone, but I doubt that you will want to once you get started.
When Rowan and her brother Kieran lose their father and learn of a half-sister all at the same time, they are not sure what to think or do. Rowan and her father were working on restoring their family inn, located in Vinalhaven, Maine, to its former glory, when her dad unexpectedly has a heart attack and passes away, leaving Rowan with a final message to find her sister, Rae. As Rowan and Kieran try to finish the work they had already started on the inn, as well as the farm attached to the inn, they try to find Rae, as the three siblings have been given the property to run together, and they all three have to be a part of it. Rae, however, is unable or unwilling to just suddenly become a part of what is going on, so her friend Chris decides to go check things out for her first. Rae is a well known travel blogger and her husband is part of a popular band, and they are worried that the siblings only want to find them for their investment abilities. Chris Sullens shows up without warning, but does explain to the siblings why he is there. Chris’ family owns a large, well known hotel chain, and Chris, himself, owns and runs a smaller hotel chain of destination based hotels. Chris is able to help Rowan to formulate more ideas of how to help her family’s inn come back, while getting it back up and running for a family wedding. When the pair unexpectedly find themselves to be fake engaged, in an effort to ward of unwanted advances of a suitor for Rowan and unwanted criticism from town elders who think they have the right to run the island and view it as theirs to control, the pair discover that they are good together – in more ways than one.
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nadija Mujagic’s voice is so memorable in this memoir that I felt I was right there with her during the Bosnian War in Sarajevo. I was in tears as I read the true tales of her sorrowful experience. I cannot even imagine having to grow up so fast, due to all of the horrors she had to see and live through. What a fantastic job she has done in putting her experience into her own words as if she is right here retelling me the woes of her experience. I was in awe that someone so young could live to tell her story. This is absolutely a must-read tear-jerker tale of a fantastic woman coming of age in the most unexpected circumstances who grew well beyond her years. The tragedies that she had to live through are just so heartbreaking, this is the type of story that will stay with you and leave a lasting impression. The descriptions of everything are so realistic, and the development of the characters is beautifully portrayed, you will grow attached and then have to say goodbye so many times.
A Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Spot Of Earl Slay
By: Aubrey Elle
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
What a wholesome read! If you are looking for a cozy date night book then this is the one for you! I absolutely loved it! I can’t help but love Ingrid and Barbara’s personalities and their relationship with each other. It reminds me of me and my best friend, even down to collecting teacups! Elle does a wonderful job of making you feel Naomi and her daughters’ lives. Such a wonderful blend of mystery, comedy, and whimsy! I can’t wait to read her next novel in this series, Death and Deja Brew! Really enjoyable, a must read! Thank you so much Aubrey Elle, Happy Reading!
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy, our main character, has a jewelry shop where she puts enchantments on her creations to help her customers. She is being hunted by Opal. Opal is the evil part of the story. She only has one weakness. Opal destroyed Amy’s home and others and has killed many. When Amy’s sister gets kidnapped all gloves are off. This story will keep you reading on into the night. Excited for book 2. Thanks to the author for this new approach to a fantasy novel.
Three Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Three Women in November by Jim Shomos is an entertaining read full of all the clever touches I have come to expect from this fabulous author. That it’s based on a true story gives it an extra element of interest for me.
Full of emotion, this story gives us a window into modern romantic Leo’s quest for love and the three strong, independent, and high achieving women that he connects with. With plenty of challenges, angst, highs and lows, chemistry, choices, humour, and drama- while being told from a male perspective, really gave it complexity and ‘character’, and made for a lovely and engrossing read.
Looking forward to exploring more of Mr. Shomos work.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Jim Shomos!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg follows Wylie Kang, peaceful, hermit of a yeti. Living in a cabin on the outskirts of a small town, Wylie makes a living fishing, swimming, and watching TV – until the nightmares start. A supernatural hunter arrives soon after Wylie learns of a terrible set of murders close to town. Forced to flee, Wylie goes where no Yeti has gone before.
Finding himself in the big city is the last place he ever thought he’d be and finding other supernatural creatures is a suprise. With new friends, new experiences, and new murders this move proves to be full of surprises. I loved this book and the truly colorful characters within. Though the story was wrapped up well, I truly hope there’s a continuation coming our way.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read books about war. I’m a history buff, it’s my thing. But reading first hand accounts of what it was like to go through a war zone and deal with the aftermath of war always hits different.
This is an amazing book. The author is very detailed, and it’s like walking through a room of memories and watching as the author gingerly shows you pieces of her life. This is a book about resilience, strength, and overcoming some of the hardest things in life, and I highly reccomend!
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m going to say my rating is more of a 3.5 vs 4.
Undying Light is different. A book I wasn’t a fan of when I started to read it, however it got better the longer I stuck with it. In the past I’ve abandoned books long before I’ve given them a chance. This time I went with my gut and gave it a chance. To say I was confused at first, extremely! It took till about 20% of the way in that things started to come together and make sense. So what the author did was write this book in the perspective of 3 different characters. Every 3rd chapter or so you made it back to a particular character’s point of view. Which is why it was confusing.
Why tell a story in this way?
What do these 3 characters have to do with one another?
Well that first question I posed only the author can answer, but you can speculate. I will say this, in the end it worked but you need to make sure if you felt as I did you push through.
The 2nd question gets answered around the 20% point when these characters start crossing paths and start becoming fixtures in each other’s lives.
Kaela a young girl beyond extremely smart and beyond her years. She’s a homebody and doesn’t really have any friends besides Gavin. Being outcasts brought them together. She’s different though and she knows it. She knows she has powers but doesn’t have the answers as to why. Well our next character does. Seth has been around a long time. He has been living a life of immortality and endless loneliness. Because though he’s had and felt love it never lasts, due to his condition. When Seth crosses paths with Kaela he knows immediately she’s someone of his kind. One he didn’t know existed. One he pledges to protect from that moment on. Also has hopes that she will grow to want him as well.
Then there’s Terran. Terran has his own secret. prosecutor by day, vigilante supernatural by night. Yet not that anyone knows it’s him or what he is. Until he saves Kaela one night. She sees him in his true form and he sees the little bit of magic she can currently do. He’s also the prosecutor on the case of the man who survived that attacked her.
All 3 characters are supernatural beings. That you will just have to read to find out about.
Are Terran and Seth able to keep Kaela safe?
Is there an even bigger danger lurking in the wings?
Like I said early on, the author’s use of 3 different perspectives is confusing at first. More because of the questions it creates and less due to the context. I say that because those questions start to resolve themselves once these 3 are in each other’s lives.
Was it worth pushing through for?
Yes, I think so. I look forward to other books by this author in the future. As well as the potential of other books in what looks like to be the beginning of a series.
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This quick read was perfect for spending an hour-ish lost in an instant romance. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. But I took the chance and was happy I did.
Riley finds herself staring up at pair of beautiful blue eyes one day when she was out getting coffee. There is an instant connection for Riley. To Riley, he doesn’t seem to feel it. He, Tristen, does feel it. Tristen doesn’t think he should get involved with Riley when he can’t seem to shake his last semi-girlfriend. Yeah, the ex is going to be a problem.
Over several months, Riley and Tristen keep bumping into each other. The connection only gets deeper until one incident severs it. Many months later, Riley and Tristen run into each other again. The connection remains. And it is hot, like seriously on fire. Then it gets steamy!!!
I enjoyed the slow-burn (no pun intended) of this insta-romance. It was refreshing to see them getting to know each other, even peripherally before getting to the steamy. Great story!
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Gemstone Massacre Series. This series is definitely off to a great start. Amy is on the run, always looking over her shoulder, always afraid of what she did and what she caused. Once she knows that she will have to run again she decides now is the time to stop and fight. I enjoyed the characters so much. The way they interact felt so natural. This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. I found the incorporation of the LGBTQ+ representation was well done. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion truly brings a whole new twist to the fantasy, mystery, magic genre with an lgbtq+ theme thrown in.
Amy must leave her past behind if they ever truly want a future but soon learns that the past doesn’t always stay there. There are forces that will do whatever is in their power to control Amy, including taking the sister. The only way to escape their control is to fight them and in order to do that they need to build an army. Will Amy ever be free from those that wish to control them? Can Amy find the happily ever after they are searching for?
It is kind of easy to get lost in the book but if you truly read it then it is a wonderful book. Full of action, adventure, romance, and magic that will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. I like that this book incorporates the LGBTQ+ and gender pronouns of inclusivity that we see today. This was an interesting read and I wonder where the author might take it from here.
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in The Stella Maris Series. Wow, this book had me right from the beginning, The characters are great and their banter was wonderful. Kaela has the healing power of light that puts her in danger. First Terran and then Seth try to protect her. Terran and Seth may both want to protect Kaela but they do not trust each other. This book is quick paced and engaging. Even with the intrigue and drama it was easy to follow along with the story. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Fiddle and Fire: A Steamy Historical MMF Romance by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Hearts of Gold series, but the first I have read. Set in San Francisco in the late 1800’s Suzette moved from France with her brother to escape from a life already planned out for her. What she finds in San Francisco is beyond anything she could have imagined. Walter and Isaac were best friends who shared everything. Can Suzette choose or can somehow she have both?
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are a lover of pop culture especially music and one for poetry look no further. This is my first read from this author. However, I am no stranger to poetry. As pop culture connoisseur myself, I enjoyed every moment of this. The lyrical poetry on each page. Even if that particular one didn’t speak to me THAT’S OKAY. That just means that poem wasn’t for me. If you’re debating here’s your sign to not.
Review by @michellerenee6590
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she always blows my mind with her stories. This is the third book of the very addictive The Echo series. This book could be read as a standalone but there are previous characters in this book as well. I was so excited when I got this book I started it right away. I could not put it down until the end. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.
Rowan Kelly found out that she inherited an inn for a relative. She is only concentrating on her cousin to have the best wedding ever. Rowan knows that the inn needs some work so she is happy to do just that. She is busy cleaning this inn when a handsome stranger offers to help her. Rowan doesn’t want a man’s help but she feels something she never felt before. Will Rowan give her cousin a beautiful wedding or will it all be destroyed?
Review by @heatherbass
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy was only 12 when she accidentally killed a man, causing the strong leader, Opal, to come for vengeance. To stand a chance, Amy fled to the human world where she learned to harness her powers and opened up a gemstone shop to pass the time. She was tired of running and decided that she was going to settle down whether it meant fighting Opal or not.
Opal spent years trying to find Amy so when she finally succeeds, she takes Amy and her sister Garnet captive. Amy knows that she has to defeat Opal but she won’t be able to do it alone. She was able to destroy most of the magic world after binding Merlin’s two swords together.
When Amy first came to the human world, she met Iris, a shifter who helped Amy figure out some of her powers. With her help and the help of a few other magical friends, can they have an army strong enough to stop Opal?
This book was very unique, most of the magic users relied on gems to harness their powers. Each gem did something different. I also like how the author named all the gem users after gems. Amy was short for Amethyst. The book gave me Steven Universe vibes but more adult themed.
Another bonus is that it is LGBTQ friendly. Iris is gender-fluid and Amy has a same sex love interest. I highly recommend this book for lovers of magic.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book because it has my favorite color, purple and intrigues by the synopsis and decided to dive right in. This book has what I love with action, drama and magic with some twists and turns to grab my attention.
Amy tries to hide who she is due to being on the run, making sure that no one gets hurt in the process….but Amy’s past comes back to haunt her. The evil Opal is back, wanting vengeance and in order to get Amy’s attention, Opal takes Amy’s sister captive. Evil has bestowed upon Amy and now Amy must learn to fight back….will Amy prevail over the evil and Opal?
This story had me hooked and I really enjoyed the characters I am looking forward to the next book and also be picking up the prequel as well!
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love to read but I don’t normally pick out poetry. The cover of this book looked so interesting I had to check it out. What an eclectic and well written book of poetry. It kept my attention in ways I never expected. I especially liked the way the author started out the book talking about one’s life as we grow from a baby to school years and on.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A very fine book touching on few sensitive topics to children, teens and adults alike, Brave Kids is a collection of six short stories which delves deep into emotional aspects behind loss, emotional turbulence and bullying. These are the issues which we adults suffer as well and we do know that emotional balance can only be achieved when we are brave enough to face these issues internally.
Bravery does not mean being a super hero , bravery means not being afraid of the dark, bravery means helping others in their times of need, bravery means treating nature with respect.
This is a very meaningful book and I would recommend my children also to read . Loved every bit of it.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy was twelve and part of a war where they ended up killing for the first time. They then fled to the human world after. They received help from a genderfluid shifter that helped them hide in the human world. Now their sister is captured, and now they start a rebellion. This book has LGBTQ representation, romance, drama, and more. Give it a read!
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is the conclusion of Cole and Riley’s story. It picks up right where Savage Lies left off. While you can read it as a standalone…I highly recommend reading the prequel and first book before diving into this one.
We are thrown right back into the drama of Cole and Riley’s story…full of drama, lies, family secrets…and a very thin line between love and hate that is constantly being crossed. We find out that there is so much more going on behind the scenes than anyone could have imagined. There are also many questions that are answered, including: why are they always running?What will happen if Riley’s dad finds them? And, does Riley have a chance at remaining in Hidden Valley for a while?
This is one of those series that I don’t want to give anything away. These two have quite the tangled relationship that has forces from all around them pulling them apart (including themselves). I devoured the book in one sitting because I wanted to know what happened after the cliffhanger of the last book. I highly recommend this series if you are into the bully romance genre with a huge helping of family drama and secrets! I am already looking forward to Damon’s book next!
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nadija Mujagic recounts her teenage years growing up in Sarajevo during the war in the 1990’s. She tells of the harrowing days and nights when the shells kept coming and hearing the next morning of her friends who became casualities of this unnecessary war. The telling of the countless times she and her family had to move, often times seperated, just to stay safe. Nadija was denied an opportunity to attend school most of this time as well.
I am roughly the same age as Nadija and this book really put some things in perspective for me. While I was enjoying life in the US, she and her family were literally fighting for theirs. I had three meals a day while she was fortunate to get a crumb at times. This book will give the reader pause at times, in which time can be spent being thankful for the opportunities that have been experienced in a different place.
A Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Naomi and her daughter Ella have moved to a new town after her divorce where she was left a house by an uncle that she hardly knew. Upon arriving to their new house their lives are turned upside down after finding a body in the shed of their new house. Now not only is she worried about the investigation but now her ex husband. So much for a fresh start.
