Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World Changers is a wonderful tool for anyone who has young children. These stories are about things that all children face such as learning to sleep in their own bed. This is a book that can apply to children throughout their childhood. I would definitely recommend it to any parent or even education staff.
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand
Afflicted Love is the first book in Rhythm & Heart Series . This is a Dark Contemporary MM Romance that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. I will warn you there is a trigger warning and I recommend reading with caution as there are parts that are hard to read but if you push through it will be worth it. This author is one of my go to authors especially if I’m needing to loose myself for a couple hours in a book. Kyle and Lyle both have dark pasts but the also have some serious chemistry between them. These two had my emotions all over the place and had me on the edge of my seat at times holding my breath waiting to see how it was going to play out. This authors style of writing and attention to detail along with her raw, yet real developed characters make for a epic story that will leave you hanging at the end. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to spill to much about this story. I’m patiently waiting for the next book in this series. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this unique story. The author does a really good job of making the story engaging and some parts really had me laughing.
At times I felt sorry for Wylie. All he wants he a quiet peaceful life and to settle in but this wasn’t to be.
Wylie is a paranormal being to be exact he is a yeti. All his life he has tried to fit I’m with the humans and live a peaceful life. However all that changes when murders start happening in the little town he calls home. The strange circumstances lead the hunters back on his trail and Wylie becoming the number 1 suspect. Everything in Wylie is telling him to run but the Hunter won’t give up trying to find him
Wylie realises the only way to free himself is to find the person committing the murders and clear his name.
This is a story about finding your place in the world, finding friendships and learning how special they are and fighting for something you don’t want to lose.
This is a really enjoyable story and i look forward to reading more from this author.
Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Alpha male, MC and Romance
This is the first book in the War Brothers MC series and it was good. Really love the way it all played out and how the romance between Reaper and Ava wasn’t forced. I really want to see more of Elena and Axle’s story too. The author is very skilled at weaving an intricate web and hooking the reader in, I felt so vested in their relationship. Looking forward to book 2. Highly recommend.
Yeti Left Home by Aaron Rosenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun, engaging read.
This urban fantasy was a blast to read. Wyllie, a yeti from Embarrass Minnesota, finds himself having to leave the creature comforts of home to escape a Hunter. He finds himself in the Twin Cities, and a new adventure unfolds. Unfortunately, trouble has a way of following him. This is a well written and thoroughly engaging read. Recommend.
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
This poetry book opens up your mind to mental health, life, people, music and so much more. It takes you on a trip from the first-page to the last.
Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Silas was so relatable to me, I too am extremely small (only 4ft 8) and had an issue with my growth hormones growing up. It warmed my heart how Silas was brought to life on the page. This beautiful, story was obviously written with love and the characters came alive on the page. I would highly recommend this lovely children’s book.
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nadija Mujagic writes an incredible heartwrenching memoir about her tumultuous life as she survives the Bosnian war. The book was well-paced and well-written. It really opened my eyes to the impact the war had on the people. It was an honest portrayal pf the experience of the citizens within Bosnia as neighbors turned against each other and their worlds were torn apart. I would highly recommend this book.
Non Verbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a unique story told through the eyes of someone who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), which is an intellectual disability, and sensory processing disorder. This was a beautiful and moving story about Emerson’s struggle with being non-verbal and the challenging obstacles she faces everyday. I was easily able to empathize with Emerson and her parents with the struggles they faced. This was a heartfelt story that you’ll enjoy you read.
Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love me a good MC story and the protective alpha men the WAR BROTHERS MC drew me in. Reaper is the first book in the series, and it is a good start. I wish the story was longer. It is a short read, but I wanted more.
It’s nice to see another Australian author coming into their own. This is the first book I have read by Bianca, and I am ready to dive in to the second book in this series as I fell in love with these men. Hell, I know these men.
Reaper the pres of the War Brother’s MC is loving Ava from afar, from the moment she needed his protection she became his but their lives are complicated. Reaper and Ava’s story is an emotional one. Their romance is a slow burn, and I would have liked it to be a bit rawer and grittier with more steam and more hotness.
I have is that I also felt like we missed out on so much more of Elena and Axle’s story.
I loved the brothers of the MC their comradery, the respect, the love and humorous side of them. They cracked me up as much as they melted my heart.
I am now off to read the second book. I can’t wait to see where Bianca takes these bikers and their stories.
Reviewed by @jennadb
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Titania finds herself in the midst of helping the witches thwart evil, courting -not one, but four suitors, and keeping up with ruling her kingdom! She is stretched to the max but will do anything to keep her fae safe. As she comes into more of her role as queen, she is greeted with resistance from other kings and even some princes. Since she is struggling to tap into her power, she seeks out help from the witches and then from her cousins. Can she find a way to her power before it’s too late? Will she be able to find a prince that she can align herself with and grow to love? Or will she just be destined to fail on all fronts?
This is a really interesting series. Titania is a force to be reckoned with and a lot of the older male fae don’t know how to deal with that. She is constantly coming up with ways to save her kingdom in innovative ways, but it never seems to be enough. I hope that eventually they see what she does for all of them, not just her kingdom, and are grateful. The intrigue has me coming back and wanting to finish the series, so I know how it all ends! This was a fun read and an excellent addition to this series! Can’t wait for the next one!
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a sweet YA romance that will delight YA readers. It is a quick read with teenage drama and angst, anxiety, jealousy and deep-seated insecurities and misunderstandings. As I said before Krysten is known for her YA romances and it is what she does best.
The story is well written and flows well that will keep her younger readers engaged.
Cecily has two passions than man she loves and acting. Unfortunately, she learns that it is a cutthroat business and the lies, the images and innuendos will either break you or make you. Trying to deal with the fame and dating someone famous maybe harder than she ever imagined. Once again jealousy and uncertainties make for a precarious relationship.
You shouldn’t believe everything you read in this business.
Mind games others play when they don’t get what they want are a dangerous road to traverse. There are characters that you can’t help but like and then there are those who you want to take down a peg or two.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Foxy Tails by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Huli, a fox, is on the run after being hunted when he crosses the wrong person and runs into the house of a stranger…..and finds out that this stranger is a “Healer”. Huli is saved by the Healer not only once, but twice. Xiao Ying is alone in the world as he tries to find justice due to his family being murdered, and trying to find the answers he needs…but also Huli understands how Xiao feels as he is an orphan himself with no family left. What happens when Huli, Xiao along with Huli’s friend Ling Ling and the wonderful Ye Ying (rescue dog) go out on adventure to seek answers in their journey….
This was a fun, unique story that was enjoyable and full of adventure, danger and magic and Ye Ying had my heart <3. I also love that the author had a cast of characters at the beginning of the book to know whom the characters are and their Chinese name.
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful collection of children’s stories that are short enough for most attention-spans (wiggly worms) and long enough to fit in some good life lessons. The illustrations help draw everyone in and are adored throughout this book. I enjoyed reading this entire collection with my two kids who are 7 and 11. I feel like there were some great conversation starters in each chapter, and we paused to talk about what they would do in each situation or what the underlying issues could be.
Two stories really stood out for me were “Catch Your Thoughts Before They Ruin Your Day” by Samantha Ena Minichiello and “Amaleigha Tames a Bully: Kindness Can Change a Hard Heart” by: Janice Pratt.
Catch Your Thoughts Before They Ruin Your Day is incredibly relatable to me even now because even adults have emotionally turbulent times, and some of us weren’t taught the best coping mechanisms. My kids especially enjoyed it because they have recently been learning about fixed mindset vs growth mindset, so it was really cool timing for this to come into our lives.
Amaleigha Tames a Bully is truly a work of art. Unfortunately, bullies seem to be in every grade at every school, but what happens if we dedicate time to uncovering the root of it all? I loved this because it’s easy to shrug off a bully as a mean person that you should just ignore, but when you have a bad day, week, or month, don’t you just really want to feel needed and loved? This sparked the longest and most compassionate conversation with my kiddos! I highly recommend picking this up for the classroom or your family. There is absolutely something in this collection for everyone!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book I have read by the incredible mind that is Sinister Styx. You can read the synopsis a hundred times but until you read the first page and dive deeper into their world you never know what you’re going to find. Something I didn’t expect was to connect so much with Rene, having suffered the loss of my Irish twin in June 2020. So, I felt myself connecting deeply to him and understanding his grief and drive to bring justice for his sister’s murder. Told from two perspectives, Belladonna Shade, and Rene Corbin.
Belladonna has been hiding for her survival in the woods, becoming content with the existence and plotting revenge schemes in her mind. Never imagining she would get a chance to follow through to have her own Thrall to help her get the justice her people deserve against the Hunters. Rene has grieved for three long years, only finding a distraction from his self-destructive ways three days ago at the latest crime scene. His twin sister Cerise and now three other women have become victims to an unknown killer. The interesting little twists and turns are one of the most captivating parts of this author’s work. Just when you think you know what to expect a little twist is thrown in deepening the plot and fleshing out the story more. Each discovery seamlessly leads to more questions with some answers in between. Belladonna and Rene become entranced with each other. She spent decades hiding without worry but since meeting him she’s lost count of the number of times she has left the woods to follow him, until she finally commits and makes him hers.
Will they find the killer in time before they claim another victim? After all this time, can Belladonna finally get her people some justice? Does Rene truly mean more to her than a means to an end? The worlds the author can create in such a quick read is a true talent. More so the depth of the characters truly pulls you in with their claws holding on to you until the last word. I can’t wait to read more of the amazing books by this author, don’t think it’s possible to get enough.
Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
There was a lot love about this story but I did have some things that bothered me.
I love a second chance romance, and the overall story was great. Riley is a private investigator who has a good time in the romance department because she spends her days busting cheating spouses. Tristan is a firefighter with a psycho ex that is causing allot of issues in his life. Together they find an unbeatable love to overcome all.
My only issues come with the timeline and development of the characters. The self work that each man character needed to with through was rushed. If this story was a tad longer with more main character work it would have been a way 5 star!
If you are looking for a super cute, steamy quick read, this will totally sooo the trick.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sue tries to explain what a monster is to her sister Meg. Meg is visually impaired. Meg decides that the traits that Sue describes sounds just like Sue. In the end. Sue says that monster hugs are really the best thing about monsters and she gives Meg a big giant monster hug. This book is very descriptive and the illustrations are great!
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a book of short stories highlighting different ways kids can be brave. It give kids a view ways to cope and be brave during trying times in their lives. The stories are relevant and based on real life issues that our kids face in today’s times. I think every parent can find something in this book that will help explain or to help their child relate in order to start talking about sensitive issues such as bullying, anxiety, a new sibling, loss, or lack of self confidence.
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert is the first book in the Sweet Valley series. I found this book to be a wonderful read. Elle and Blake, the main character really pull you into the book with the emotions and complexity to them both. There are elements to this story that may trigger some but for me it was not as issue.
Elle comes home with a secret that she wants to hide, when she runs into her first love, Blake. She is home to heal but she now sees what leaving has done to Blake. She wants to ease his pain, but what they both learn along the way will help them with forgiveness, love, and a peace they each need.
This was the first book I read by this author and I was not disappointed. The trauma, the emotions, the characters are simply what draws you into this book and I can not wait to read more of this series and the author.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I waited impatiently for the conclusion of Riley and Cole, and it was worth it…sort of. I feel as if it was a quickly wrapped up present. Don’t get me wrong – it was a good ending. It was just so much so fast.
The questions I had from the previous books were answered. The angst and tension are thick in this book. Emotions are traveling like a roller coaster throughout the ending of their story. The growth in the two characters is parallel to their feelings to one another.
I look forward to the next book by this author.
NonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This amazing and inspiring true story is based on the life of Emerson. Middle school is rough enough, but being autistic and mainly nonverbal is even more hard. It tells the story from her point of view dealing with sensory issues, and soical issues of just wanting to be accepted. Amazing piece of work. Made me cry, laugh, and just couldn’t put it down, waiting to see how life works out for her.
A Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After finally escaping a loveless marriage, Naomi takes her daughter, Ella, to the small town of Fayette. Naomi’s uncle left her his house after he passed. Naomi took it as a means to start fresh.
Things go wrong almost instantly when a dead body is found in their shed upon arrival. Not wanting to stay in the house, when the nice older neighbours, Barbara and Ingrid, invite the duo to stay with them, Naomi is quick to say yes. The 4 women get along immediately and start to talk about their theories of whodunit. Turns out the Victim is the town’s busybody, Yasmin. Yasmin is known to be sticking her nose in everyone’s business which makes a lot more enemies than friends.
Ella is instantly excited and warms up to the older ladies instantly. Meanwhile Naomi is stuck on the what ifs. What if her ex husband finds out and tries to take Ella? What if they aren’t actually safe here? Etc…
As time goes on, more and more suspects pop up as Naomi gets to meet the townsfolk. It being a small town, everyone knows everyone and their business too so everybody she talks to has to put in their own two cents. Can the ladies figure out who the murderer is over tea? Maybe.
This book was an exciting cozy mystery that hits close to home for me. I grew up in a very small town where everyone knew everyone and when someone died, the whole town would be in cahoots, speculating everything. The author did a wonderful job portraying the small town mindset. There is one thing I wish the author did differently. I feel like the author was running out of time and rushed the ending. There were a few things mentioned but then never mentioned again making me wonder what happened there.
I must admit that the title alone is what drew me in. I love play on words and this is a clever one. The story was very realistic. I also liked how it was a woman escaping her life to start anew. She showed up with nothing and slowly built up her life again all while investigating a murder!
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting is a very good read. As you read this memoir, you can actually imagine what the war was like for a teenager. The descriptions of what war is like is very eye opening.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this book not only brought the steam, but the mystery and suspense kept me reading until the last page. Cassandra and Chandler were so sexy together and the age gap just made it all the hotter. The slow build up and reveal to the mystery. I had never thought of a circus as being a sexy background, but the author did an amazing job. The author created a vivid and descriptive world that our characters live in. This was an amazing start to an explosive series; I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom
4 stars
Monsters are scary especially for kids but Meg is blind so she doesn’t know what they look like. Her big sister Sue tries to describe them using her other senses in ways that Meg would understand. Every time Sue would say something, Meg would relate it to the way Sue would do something. It was funny. I think this story is fantastic in the way that it shows children how yo use their other senses. Most people rely on their sight so it was interesting to see how the author described the other senses. Filled with colourful illustrations, this is a book children will definitely enjoy.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Unexpected Entanglement is the third installment of the Echo series. C.R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories that feature characters her readers would root for. Unexpected Entanglement is the story of Rowan and Chris. It is most definitely heartfelt and steamy. And Rowan and Chris are both lovable, relatable, and the type of characters you just can’t get enough of. Alam writes with such emotion the readers feel as if they are alongside the characters on an adventure. The detail in her descriptions allow the reader to feel the heat on their face, feel the flutter in their heart when someone special walks in the room, and smell the scents of all the great food. Some of the characters from previous books return but there are many new characters throughout that bring me to believe there could be a fourth installment to The Echo Series. C.R. Alam has quickly become one of my favorite, go-to authors and I would recommend her books to ANYONE who will stop and listen to me rant and rave about my most recent reads. I will shout it from the rooftop: This is a MUST READ! You won’t want to miss this one. And if you haven’t read the other installments in this series, you won’t want to miss out. Promise!
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 looking for a way to delve into poetry that brings you on a ride, then dive into this collection.
Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker is a collection of poetry that weaves the artistry of poetry with vibrant art to help the poems jump even further off the page. This collection of poems weaves a story of self empowerment, mental health struggles, having moments of brokenness to overcoming and finding a source of healing.
Even if poetry isn’t something that you love or understand, so many of these poems will find a way to speak to you, inspire you, make you smile, and simply make you feel.
Happy Reading!
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love historical fiction; while this book was a bit different from your normal historical fiction, it was a lot of fun to read! The book takes place in 1876 and is like a reimagined CInderella story, complete with a wicked stepmother. Ellie’s mom died, then her dad married Olivia. Olivia has somehow made everyone forget who Ellie is, even her dad doesn’t know who she is. Ellie is forced to live as a maid taking care of her stepmother and stepsister. She sees her childhood friend, Ben, and he knows who she is. Ellie is relieved to have someone in her court. Ellie and Ben go on several adventures as they try to break the curse and hold over Ellie. One of my favorite parts was them seeing the arm of the Statue of Liberty before she was built. I really enjoyed the historical aspects that were thrown in. Overall a great book worth the time and money!
Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I knew this book was going to be emotional when I started reading it. From the moment you start reading you really get a sense for this character. Her story, her journey, is incredible and even though it isn’t something the reader has experienced it is easy to imagine the life being lived. The book creates a vivid picture of what the author has lived through and it really makes you respect her experience. I thought this book was really well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
