Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom is another wonderful children’s book. The illustrations are very well done and there’s always a good message for the kids to learn. I shared this with my 4 year old granddaughter and she really enjoyed it. We giggled at some parts and she recognized the slight bullying. I definitely recommend this story, or any of Lois Wickstrom’s stories.
Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Under My Care by R.L. Dunn is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐ Book Review
Under My Care is the third installment of the Chase Care Series. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone without any confusion. This medical romantic thriller features heroes with hearts and healing hands. Pete Walter and Rowena Andersen share quite the history. Years ago they were in the Air Force together where they endured many obstacles that caused tension between the two. When they are reunited during an emergency situation the chemistry immediately resurfaces.
If you are a lover of medical dramas, this one’s for you. Full of secrets, evil intentions, and risks this medical romance thriller will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, frantically flipping pages, while you impatiently try to determine what happens next. The characters are strong and full of adventure. The steamy scenes are definitely geared towards a mature 18+ audience. I am in the medical field, and these medical dramas always draw me in. I don’t regret it! This was my first time reading a novel by R.L. Dunn, and it won’t be my last! I can’t wait to get my hands on the remainder of this series.
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great book! It was funny, it was sweet, it had everything a good romance needs.
When a misunderstanding causes a prank war between neighboring businesses, things take a turn when the health inspector shows up.
I loved the chemistry these two had and their banter and caring nature for each other despite denying their attraction for so long.
I felt like I knew these characters from the start and loved watching their enemies to not unfold.
Highly recommend
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Start is a short Prequel that ends with a cliffhanger which continues on with Savage Lies. This isn’t a standalone, but it gives you a little more back story with the characters in Savage Lies. In Savage Start, Riley and Cole are the main characters. Riley and her mother move to a new town in California. They move a lot and are almost always on the run. Her mom says it will be different this time, but it never is. She can’t trust being safe, ever! It doesn’t take her long to get caught stealing at a McMansion party and the guy who catches her not only takes her “souvenir”, but he also steals a kiss! Thrown off balance by his dangerous and sexy kiss, she’s distracted. And she got caught! She NEVER gets caught!! Leaving this town sooner rather than later might be the best. Cole, catching a little thief at his cousins party, is equally caught off guard by the mysterious girl. He was a little drunk, so he doesn’t remember all the details of her features, but he can’t stop thinking about the kiss and what it did to him. He’s never reacted like that before with anyone. When he catches wind of who she is, or more importantly who her mother is, all bets are off. This book is a new adult bully romance prequel about Riley and Cole’s story. I haven’t yet read the last of their story (Savage Truth), but I can’t wait to get my hands on it and all the books to this Hidden Valley Elite series! If you like enemies to lovers romance books this is a great set! I can’t wait to finish it all, but let me tell you that this prequel and the first book were enough to hook me in!!
Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is another fantastic addition to this series, full of plot twists at every turn. I always find it so easy to get back into one of these books, connecting with the characters again straight away. I always enjoy how interesting these stories are. Usually this far into a series it starts to lose steam but the author has done a great job of keeping up the momentum.
This book is exciting to read. I found myself trying to put the pieces together and yet the author does so well to keep you guessing. I am still really enjoying this series and I cannot wait for whatever the author produces next.
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom is another wonderful children’s book with a great lesson. Lila’s Grandma knits her a poncho with three head holes and Lila is certain Grandma must have made a mistake. As Lila goes out to play she learns what Grandma meant by pulling together. It is a wonderful lesson that teaches how we can set children on the path and allow them to learn the lessons of kindness, gratitude, and “pulling together”. I really enjoyed reading this story with my children. The lessons are easy to grasp and the illustrations are beautiful. This is a winner of a story!
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pulling Together
By: Lois Wickstrom
I have read many of Lois Wickstrom’s books and I always have high expectations when I am able to read a new one. This one rose to those expectations and exceeded them. As always, this book features such sweet characters and an amazing plot. I truly loved this story. This is a great story to discuss inclusion and getting along with others. I definitely enjoy this story and will be rereading with both my students and my niece and nephew.
Dawnbreaker: The House of Blood and Sun by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An extremely good read that mingles vampire and fae beautifully.
What begins as almost melancholy; a life forced upon Connor the devishly handsome vampire. Soon becomes intermingled with a beautiful Fae Niahm. A journey of self discovery and one of soulmates; true love.
Familiar rifts and successions to the crown are tarnished with the greed of a single family member. I read on the edge of my seat eager and wanting what’s next.
Ending on a lovers note this book left me happy but wanting more. Perhaps there will be more to come ! I sure hope there will be.
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
4 Stars
When Lila sees her grandmother knitting a poncho with three head holes, she thinks that she has definitely made a mistake. All her grandmother says is “We all pull together “. Not really understanding, Lila puts on the poncho and goes out to play. By the end of the day, Lila realizes that her grandmother didn’t make a mistake and understands the reason for the three head holes. This is a great book to teach children to help others even those that they think don’t deserve it. This is a fantastic way to show kids that sticking together is always better!
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Abby just turned 40 and she feels like her biological clock is ticking. She wants to start a family…but, since she is single, she isn’t quite sure how to make that dream come true. When her sister, Jane, recommends finding someone to sleep with, just one time, to try and get pregnant, Abby knows just the person.
Nate, the local firefighter captain, has been Abby’s best friend since they were both 7. When Abby begins talking about finding someone to have a baby with, he volunteers. First out of friendship….but he has always had a thing for his best friend.
What these two have is chemistry that is off the charts! Abby also has a pushy mother that is determined to set her up with a new local bachelor. Add in her ex-boyfriend returning…and you’ve got all sorts of situations that could go wrong. You will have to read to find out if Abby and Nate can figure out their own relationship issues before they cause a falling out that they might not be able to come back from.
I enjoyed these characters. The story felt real…and some of the situations were honest and hilarious. I also enjoyed the banter and spark of interest between Jane and Capshaw…so I’m wondering if they will be the next book. Overall, a good story that kept my interest from beginning to end.
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Silent Road by S.N. McKibben. This is a great m/m romance. Its about Dan who is a truck driver that has made a lot of mistakes in his past. He has a ex wife who has finally given up on him ever coming thru with his promises and a daughter who still believes in her dad but gets disappointed a lot. Dan is a long haul truck driver and he has gotten into so much trouble that his last shot at keeping his job is to drive with a trainer with him. His trainer is Jake and he happens to be gay. As the two spend more and more time together Dan begins to get feelings for Jake, feelings he’s never had for another woman and especially not another man. Dan needs to buckle down and get this job done because his daughter is relying on the money he will make for her tuition for school. While Dan may not be gay he has major feelings for Jake and realizes that you can’t help who you love. Will he be able to finish this job so that his daughter is not disappointed again. Will he be truthful about his feelings for Jake? Read this great romance to find out!
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed reading this author’s children’s books from the first one. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books to read to the children in my life. This is an engaging story that is full of interactive pictures that will keep your imagination going. I enjoy how there is a message in this book plus the entertainment value of it. This is a great children’s book that any younger child would enjoy and want you to read again and again. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
Pulling Together is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age will enjoy and adults to. My son and I are huge funs of this author and this may be our favorite yet. The one thing I love about this author is there’s always something to gain from reading her books for example learning to share or how to work together This is about Pulling Together. Lila’s grandma knits her a poncho but she thinks grandma made a mistake. While outside playing she comes across three kids who need her help including one kid who is the neighborhood bully. What will Lila do? Will she help all three kids? My son loved the story and the illustrations. He even had his own opinion on what Lila should do. I highly recommend reading this heart warming children’s book to find out what Lila did? I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I liked this book when I jumped in blind. Flynn and Chavez shared a romance that was beautiful, messy, and relatable. Both full of heart and fears one jumps in head first while the other struggles to bring down their walls.
Sports, speech, and love with sooo much more.
Other People’s Money by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Other People’s Money is the seventh book in The Madeline Dawkins series by Cynthia Hamilton. Oh boy- Madeline and crew have their work cut out for them solving this slew of new cases. From embezzlement to unearthing a Gold Digger, every clue they uncover leads to more questions, complications, tangled web of secrets, manipulation, scams and cons, in the grab for other people’s money. But nothing is as it appears to be and the team seem to hit block after block- so will they ever manage to uncover the truth and finally close their cases- or will this be the time that Madeline and team get outplayed by the bad guys? Add in some tension, adventure, drama, mystery, suspense, doubts, and interconnected details- and things take quite an intriguing turn.
This book could be read as a standalone- but I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one, as even though each book is a self-contained mystery/adventure, and each delivers its own fantastic read- all combined, they help to build detail, character information and development, and impart other important and intriguing information that creates a bigger picture, which, in turn, will enhance your overall reading experience. So, trust me, it is definitely worth starting this series at the beginning!
Cynthia Hamilton is one of my favourite authors, and Madeline Dawkins is one of my ‘must read- no questions asked’ series that I have loved since devouring book one. I doubt if I will ever tire of her adventures, so I hope there are many more to come.
Looking forward to diving into Breach of Trust (Book #8)!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Cynthia Hamilton!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Between Darkness and Light (War of Destiny) by Theresa Van Spankeren
4 out of 5 Stars
Sad to see the end of this fantastic world. Just as the previous books, this is definitely worth reading. A lot changed during the course of the series. I was happy to see the growth of the main character. Definitely a great experience reading it.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny) by Theresa Van Spankeren
4 out of 5 Stars
Set 70 years after the first book a lot has change but at the same time it feels like no time has passed. Just as the first book of the series, this book is packed with twists and turns that will blow your mind. You will not be able to stop reading once you start. Happy to return to this fantastic world. It’s always fun to get back to beloved characters in an action packed story.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lost Soul (War of Destiny) by Theresa Van Spankeren
4 out of 5 Stars
Great Eye-catching story. Julia fell in love with Adam, a servant’s son. The story will have you hooked from the start. Fast paced and full of fun and action. This is a great start to the series.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 5th book in the Notebook Mysteries series. Even though each book can be read as a stand-alone novel, this book gives the majority of backstory of the characters, as well as more details into setting. I enjoyed reading this book. If you like mystery and historical fiction with a strong female lead, then this book is for you.
Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wowwwwwwwzers! How in the world do I get rid of goosebumps?
This collection I just couldn’t put down!
And honestly I think I’m gonna reread. I am confident that I will get even more out of it when I reread!
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fallen Soul (War of Destiny) by Theresa Van Spankeren
4 out of 5 Stars
If you are a vampire lover you need to read this. A new perspective of our beloved story. This is told from the point of view of a different character in the series. This gives us new insight on some of the things seen on previous books. I personally like when there are different perspectives of stories that are interesting. definitely a great addition to the series.
White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a former military brat I understand the transient lifestyle we were forced to lead and how it impacted my decisions as an adult as well. Until I married a military man and we have done our best to keep our girls in the same area. The same school system and maintain the same friends for as long as they last here, it is a huge military area. The sense of always giving of yourself and receiving very little in return is a hard life to lead and continually pushes you to want more.
That is what Ju;lie is experiencing, the life of motherhood is not an easy one and oftentimes very lonely. Julie decides she needs to give her kids the childhood she never had. That is until tragedy strikes and they lose someone within their inner circle. Julie tries to tighten the reins on everyone in the family to ensure their safety but in turn only ends up punching them away. Will they ever be able to move past the tragedy or will their family dynamic be the next one?
This is a story about a mother’s love, sacrifice, and the decisions we make that alter our lives forever whether that be good or bad. As someone who has walked some of that life and dealt with guilt that eats at your very soul this book was well written in a way that showcases not only the power of a mother’s love but the strength, perseverance, and survival that goes along with it. I will be recommending this book to others that may connect as deeply as I did to Julie!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best series you can read! This 5th book is my favorite so far. I just kept guessing what would happen next and I wasn’t getting it right! I read this book quickly because I had to know what would happen. It grips you the entire time. There were some “heavier” areas but they were really well done. This is a great book and great series, check it out today!
The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a wonderful reimagining of the Romanov family. Instead of just one daughter that escapes death, there are 4 daughters. They are all so very different from each other and out in the world alone. Olga, oldest sister, sets out to stop a book from being published that would destroy her mother’s name as well as any prospect the 4 girls have of ever being able to live a life out of hiding. She is not prepared for where this journey will lead her. This story has wonderful characters that you just can’t help but want to get to know. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Rogue by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Tam DeRudder Jackson; the original synopsis drew me to this story immediately. Within the first few pages the story developed into so much more than I expected, while Baz is a rogue it is not exactly by choice. Taking the best option in a bad situation he has been a rogue now for three years, but his key goal is to introduce a new class of Celtic fighters outside of the current black and white status of warriors and rogues. Reading that a warrior has until their 28th birthday I thought it was some type of trinket but meeting Delaney you quickly learn that it is the fated mate of a warrior, she is his talisman.
Working for the war goddess Morrigan is not an easy task but it’s better than allowing her to kill you the day of your birthday when you fail to find your talisman. While Baz completes every mission Morrigan gives him, she is not his true patroness, and he has an alternative goal in his life. He wants to go to one of the many other deities and start a third class of Celtic fighters, mercenaries, with him as their leader. Morrigan has her rogues hunting the Sheridan family warriors though, it is through Delaney’s perspective you learn why. A Sheridan ancestor denied the goddess’s offer to go to bed with her, being that they are descendants of a clan of demigods they can survive a night in her bed without dying from the experience. A thousand-year curse finally broken by Rowan and Alyssa Sheridan’s wedding giving rogues and talismans until the age of forty-two to find each other, which is a huge thing considering they originally only had seven years to find each other between the sign ceremony and their 28th birthday. Delaney now has hope once again for the first time in two years that she may still have a chance at love and happiness. Baz while pondering the possibility he wonders more so how it could affect his ultimate mission. When given the opportunity to move and have a training room for his rogues he takes the chance leading to the unexpected.
Will Baz succeed in getting his own class of fighters? How do Delaney and Baz find each other? Is their bond strong enough to save her? The incredible world the author creates pulls you in on page one and continues to build until the very end. I found myself feeling the irritation and shock with the characters and the ultimate fear and love Delaney and Baz feel when she is robbed of her memories. This is a page turner from start to finish and is a refreshing read. Instead of the young coming of age stories of olde this book is with older characters in their early thirties getting the chance to find their warrior and talisman. I look forward to reading more of this amazing series very soon.
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fallen Soul was such an amazing read! It exceeded my expectations and is so wonderfully written. I did read this book as a standalone, but after enjoying it so much I am on my way to pick up the first three in the series now. Lane feeds on his own kind which is not allowed so he is a wanted vampire. He has succeeded in being invisible for so long until he runs into a different group of vampires. None of them are trying to kill him. They even live with humans instead of feeding on and killing them. Can he trust them, or will he end up being their enemy as well? The author has such a mesmerizing way of telling the story and it flows so well. I was pulled into this world so quickly and now I really hope there is plenty more of this series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is book 4 in the ‘War of Destiny’ series. Usually the main character is a part of the ka-tet that has been the main focus of the series, this time it follows Lane.
Lane is a rogue vampire. Alone for years with a bounty on his head from Valentino, the king of vampires himself, for feeding off his fellow vampire. He sees himself as a monster and thinks he is doing a service by killing off other monsters. Other vampires fear him and think he is insane, that is until he meets Julia.
Julia is the first vampire in years to not know who he is and what he is capable of. This makes her intriguing to Lane. After this encounter he keeps running into her no matter where he goes. It’s as if it is destiny that Lane and the lives of Julia and the rest of the ka-tet keep crossing paths. The more he learns about this group, the more questions he has. Valentino and the vampire hunters are also hunting Julia for reasons unknown to Lane. He is willing to defend the group but can he trust them or are they just like the others and want him dead?
I have read all the books in the series so far and I think this one is my favourite. Lane is so used to being alone that he is scared to trust. The author does a really good job portraying the struggle within. Lane hates what he is and what he has done in the past. If he can’t love himself how can anyone else?
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Return To Hoodoo
Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue book 1
By: Reggi Dupree
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Finally a book that is both empowering and funny! Return To Hoodoo made me smile cover to cover! Truly unique and fun! I can’t get my hands on book 2 quick enough! This series would truly make great TV! It reminds me of a show called “Midnight Texas” that I used to watch with my dad! It made me feel so nostalgic! Return To Hoodoo is both witty and comical with magnetic characters that Reggi Dupree makes feel more than real! I love the representation! We need so much more of that in the world today! I promise you won’t regret picking up this book! Highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers!
Fallen Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the fourth in a series. While this technically could be read without reading the other books, I wouldn’t recommend it. There are a lot of characters, and it is a continuation of an overall story. This book is almost a retelling of book three. The first three books follow Julia’s point of view. This one follows Lane who Julia meets in book 3. We get to see the rest of what was going on during the third book. I completely enjoyed this one as an avid reader of the series. I have enjoyed all four in the series and am anxiously awaiting the rest of the story. If you haven’t read the series, go read it!
Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Strong characters. Great story, about friendship and sticking together. I just love this author and all the little gems that she intertwines in her books. Life lessons in all of her stories. I recommend to all readers.
