The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Angela Shirley

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma has just gotten her degree and is on her way to becoming a Vet but as the heir to The Thorn Ranch her future seems all too predictable, wanting to explore more the outside world, but her world is about to explode in a way she was not expecting but will she have lost forever.

This is my first book in this series and from this author and I have to say it was breath-taking and stunning to read. The premise of the book is somewhat unique storyline which I have not discovered before, which made it interesting and thrilling to read, and with the wonderful characters and the interactions along the way I could not put the book down.

I don’t want to give too much away as I think the elements of the surprise enhances the story but the character of Emma and her enthusiasm for life and adventure comes through with every word written and how she is such a strong woman and not letting the predicament get to her which she embraced tried to learn the ways of The People.

This story was well written and well developed and would love to read more by this author in the future, thank you for letting me peak inside the world you created.

Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall

Return to Gallanvaig is the second book in the A Quirk of Destiny Trilogy and is a Post Apocalyptic Dystopian with Sci-Fi features that will keep you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading the first book if you haven’t already as it gives you a better understanding of what has happened and you get to know the characters better plus it picks up two years after the first one and its just as good as the last one. This maybe my favorite yet it’s kinda a eye opener to how things could possibly be if things don’t change. Im not going to give anything away but will say this is one of the absolute best books I’ve read in a while. Its one that will make you look around and think hard. I highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading many more books by this author.

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
If I Had a Magic Wand is a beautifully written children’s book that is wrote in lyrical style and shows us that love is love no matter if the child is yours biologically or adopted or whatever the case may be. Love is Love . What a sweet little book with as my son said pretty pictures of different people holding hands. This made my momma heart sing. I highly recommend this children’s book to anyone with children of any age. It’s a great reminder that Love is Love. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Kelli Harper

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hands down one of the funniest books I have read this year. Packed full of adventure and the budding friendship that grows is fantastic. This book is FULL of awesome minor characters as well. I really hope there is a spin off on this and they delve into the other couples and continue on with new characters to make Kamana Wanayala a thriving business again. Absolutely recommend this story!!

View all my reviews

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Mary Espinoza

Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations, #1)Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What is there not to love about a story that brings three strangers into the same situation on the same night and the story was inspired by Reba McEntire!! I enjoyed this suspenseful story that was full of twists and turns! This was a new author for me, and I was impressed! The author had a unique writing skill that really brought this story with great detail to life. It was well written, easy to follow and sometimes that’s hard to do, especially when you are writing about three different characters. One fateful night, three worlds collide, and no one could see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were well developed and kept the story engaging, entertaining, and easy to read. This was a fast paced story full of twists and turns that had me turning pages like no tomorrow! I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author!

Mary Espinoza, December 2022

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Mary Espinoza

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To fall in love or not fall in love….that is the question! Talk about an entertaining book! I was drawn in right away with the wittiness and playfulness between the characters. Tenley and Teagen, are two people with very opposite opinions about the subject of love. Their opinions are so different that Teagan decides to invite Tenley to Hawaii on a romantic getaway and let’s just say…things do not go as planned!
This story was a fun and entertaining read! The author truly did put a lot of work into making you feel the tension and attraction between the characters! There were definitely plenty of laugh out loud moments! And don’t let the title fool you…just because the storyline is based around Christmas time, does not mean it’s not a good read anytime of the year!

Mary Espinoza, December 2022
View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Helani Kihe

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kamana Wanalaya was the 1st book I’ve read by this author. I really enjoy reading books from different authors and seeing their different writing styles.
This was a quick read. Definitely entertaining. It was funny and spicy. The characters were great. It would make for a great holiday movie if the author ever decided to do that I’d definitely watch it!

View all my reviews

Murder on Oak Street (A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I. M. Foster – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m always looking for mysteries and “who done it’s” that are engaging and don’t get bogged down and boring in the middle, the historical aspect was definitely a plus, and Murder on Oak Street absolutely fit the bill. This book has lots of drama, suspense, and misconceptions that pull you in and doesn’t let go until the end albeit reluctantly as I found myself wishing for more. Murder on Oak Street is ultimately an investigation within an investigation as a previous reviewer stated, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you like historical, crime, mysteries you should definitely give this a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

View all my reviews

Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another sweet, wonderfully illustrated, well written Amaleigha story. This one stars the independent, creative, curious Amaleigha. She really enjoys being outdoors and investigating the changing seasons, and all the intricacies that nature, and the world have to offer but wants everyone else to be able to have the same opportunities to do so as well. Amaleigha gathers her family, and individuals throughout town and together they build a barefoot park. I really loved how the author includes directions on how to build your own barefoot park to really get the readers engaged and having fun. This is a wonderful children’s story.

View all my reviews

Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Whisper Hymer

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder on Oak Street by I.M. Foster is an intense ride of a murder mystery. It follows Dr. Daniel O’Halleran as he tries to untangle the webs of intrigue surrounding the deaths of two wealthy and influential men which may, or may not, be connected. The long list of suspects are full of secerts, lies, and scandal. It’s cleverly written, well-paced, and full of colorful characters. Foster had created a wonderful story with enough twists to rival Knives Out. Happy sleuthing!

Reviewed by @whisperhymer

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Michelle Austin

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun 5 star read. This was my first read from this author and I really enjoyed it.
The author had me pulled in right from the start, I was LOL.
Tenley and Teagan were opposites attract for sure. They both had different views on love, watching their story develop was so great. And the challenge was great, will it change the views on love?

My favorite quote from the book is “God gave men both a penis and a brain, but only enough blood to supply one at a time. “

Overall this was a great read. The characters were great and we got some steamy scenes as well. I had several LOL moments. If you’re looking for a fun opposites attract romance this is the book for you. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Tina Vega

After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While the romance of the story was great at the beginning, the problems with an in law definitely meant the honeymoon was over. Laurel was in love no doubt. Robert’s twin sister was making things hard. It seemed like a good portion of this book was really about the twin sister instead of the romance which made me lose interest to a degree. Overall, Laurel was a lovely person, and we are rooting for her throughout the story.

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tia Martel

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is the perfect gift for a new parent. It includes wishes of happiness and love as a magic wand is passed from mother to mother in a stunning visual of colors and inclusivity.

This was such a sweet book about love and wishing the best for your child. The rhymes were well done and the pictures are beautiful and inclusive to women of a variety of cultures and religions.

This would definitely be a book that would be good in a child’s collection for a mother to read with them.

View all my reviews

Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Julie Johnson

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t even know where to start with this review because there are so many wonderful things about this book. I don’t want to ruin anything though!!

It’s been a couple of years since the Genies started taking over. Calum finds himself even more intent of saving his family and those he loves. The Genies have gained power and are becoming even harder to stave off. Then another world power comes to light causing even more trouble.

What’s more troubling than this? The fact that this book could potentially become reality in some sense. Can humanity be humane again? Just like the previous book, don’t try to eat anything while reading this book. As a matter of fact, this book will have a person questioning food at all. How about finding a new source of nourishment?

This author has a way of gripping the reader from page 1 to the end. There is a significant cliffhanger that has me hungering for more and I can’t wait to read the next book!

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by LaliLovely

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is beautiful & full of love! Amazing representation as well, which is great for my biracial children to see. One of the sweetest stories I’ve ever read, the flow is gentle, & the sentiment is deeply relatable. This has quickly joined our regular rotation & we are so happy to have discovered it!

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @lalilovely

Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wonderful, feel good contemporary romance just in time for the holiday season! I loved every bit of this story of two contending Paralympic athletes in skiing that are hot both on and off the slopes.

Sienna is definitely the ultra focused Paralympic skier who knows nothing outside of focusing on the Winter Games Gold. Everything around her is controlled by her mother down to every detail. When Conner comes aboard in training with Sienna and her coach for his Paralympic dreams..Sienna starts to question what does she truly want and does she want everything in her life to be controlled. As both Sienna and Conner peel the layers back and get to truly know each other on a deeper level than skiing….love blossoms and some demons are shed and let go….will Sienna and Conner go for gold in both love and skiing?

This story really pulled my heart strings…it made me smile and melted my heart on both characters back stories….this is truly a wonderful contemporary romance that just is filled with love, hope, joy and some Christmas magic….Happy Reading!!!

View all my reviews

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Betsy Melano

The Fifth Daughter of Thorn RanchThe Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author is new to me and one of the main things I enjoyed was the description of the Thorn Ranch and the beautiful scenery. I thought it was interesting that the Thorn Ranch was handed down to girls. Emma and her mother Josie were easy to connect with. The story takes a bit of a turn when Emma finds herself in the middle of a group of people living in caves underground on the Thor Ranch property.
The story is exciting, descriptions are beautiful, and the family’s story just makes you want to keep reading.

View all my reviews

Much Ado About Dying (Guardians of the PHAE Book #2) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Angela Hayes

Much Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel (Guardians of the PHAE #2)Much Ado About Dying: An Irish Urban Fantasy Novel by Rowan Dillon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Much Ado About Dying is the second book in the Guardians of Phae series by Rowan Dillon. This is a highly original urban fantasy with drama, adventure, danger, mysteriousness plague, an ancient god, pain, heartache, fear, and hope.
This continues the story that we started in book one, so I highly recommend reading that before starting on this instalment. If the bombings weren’t bad enough, now there is deadly plagues to contend with as well, while till coming to terms with newfound abilities. Having no choice but to battle an ancient god as the fate of the world is at stake, certainly tests Roisin like never before. What happens makes for an intriguing read.
As with the first book, I felt that the story ‘lagged’ in places which made the story drag at times. I felt bogged down in an over-abundance of information that I felt didn’t drive the story forward and therefore seemed unnecessary. But I still do love the premise of this new series, as well as some of the details and developments- and can’t help but wonder what the next book will hold.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Rowan Dillon!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by LaliLovely

The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Love the idea! I do wish it had been a bit more filled out, as it left my kids with some confusion. However, this is a fun book. Having a grandparent as a main character is lovely, & the relationship is sweet. Love the name choice of Caspian. A lot of imagination & creativity went into this original & unique little story!

View all my reviews

 

Review by @lalilovely

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Ashley Sugar

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

if I could give this book 20 stars, I would! The characters are all phenomenal! They all have their own personalities and you get many different POV’s and I LOVE that in a book. Teagan AKA the love guru and Tenley AKA TJ On PAR…have never met, until the love guru invites her to this resort in Hawaii. He’s a sucker for love and she doesn’t believe in it. Will she let her guard down and fall in love? Does he have what it takes to break down her walls? This book is greatly written and it’s easily became one of my favorite reads this year! The humor is top notch and I’ve laughed out loud many times while reading. That spice though? *chefs kiss* 🤌🏽😘 it’s hot!! 🥵 Teagan sure has a way with words and I loved every page of the spicy scenes! I never wanted it to end! But with spice I also need a great plot..and this book has it all! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book!

View all my reviews

Return to Gallanvaig: Book 2 of 3. Book Review by Jennifer Ramos

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This second book to the series is amazing and definitely worth the long read. I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series! Even though Greenall does a wonderful job in retelling the characters and where the last book has left off, the in-depth storytelling helps prepare for what is to come in the second book. Two years has passed since where the first book left off and the continuation of struggles between the non-GM group and the “Genies” with its leader, Balthazar. Story is stretched into different, crazier scenarios and although it is quite lengthy compared to the previous book, it is worth the read! Looking forward to the final addition to this amazing series!

View all my reviews

Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by LaliLovely

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is incredibly thought provoking. The premise sparks a lot of questions & really makes you wonder. It seems more informative than fictional, like it could almost be a documentary. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the storyline became more than just a storyline & spread into real life. Definitely left me pondering possibilities.

View all my reviews

 

Review by @LaliLovely

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Whisper Hymer

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee is a spicy enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract tale with a seasonal twist. The book follows Teagan and Tenley (the yin and yang of all things romance and love) as they vacation for a week at a beautiful Hawaiian resort. Along with a cast of other couples – who are all very different – Teagan and Tenley learn about each other and challenge their views of life and love. There’s laughter, emotions, and love; this quick read will most certainly be a welcome addition to your reading log.

Also, there is an authors note at the end which does mention that characters seen here appear elsewhere in her other books. I’ve not read her before so I cannot speak to what the other books are like but I can say I love it when authors do that. It’s like a present to get to revisit our favorite characters and see where life has taken them!

Reviewed by @whisperhymer

View all my reviews

Faida (Heartstrings Book 2) by Brooke May – Review by Heidi Sturgess

FaidaFaida by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just loving these fun covers !

I can only imagine how tough it is to help others find love , sometimes it leaves scars because people are so bitter and jaded and not every story has a HEA ….

Robert hasn’t had it easy and he’s the definition of ice king but his daughter seems to have a way of getting through to the bit of light in his darkness🥰

Alice is a real sweetheart and I’m so grateful she manages to touch her daddy’s heart, it feels like she’s helping him hold on to his humanity

Faida had her work cut out for her with this assignment and there were a few occasions where I would’ve walked away but nope Faida preserved , you go girl ! Love you to bits 🥰

Looking forward to the next instalment ❣️📕

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Wendy Wary

Kamana Wanalaya for the HolidaysKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little cheese and a little spice makes for a nice story about a guy who believes in love and the girl he tries to convince it’s not just a sham. A friendly bet, aided by a beautiful island adventure and romantic resort experience, might just be enough to convince practical Tenley to give love a shot. But, that doesn’t mean Teagan has an easy job of convincing her that practicality doesn’t always work on matters of the heart.

View all my reviews

Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Ayla Phipps

Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by the talented Susan Renee. While the synopsis and title pulled me in with a unique story it was the first sentence of page one that had me giggling to myself and roped me into the characters. Tenley is a “Love Cynic”, Teagan is a “Love Guru”.
Tenley uses her podcast to tell her listeners about practical adult relationships. While her wishes for the world seem pure, she thinks the biggest problem in the world is too many people thinking with their heart and not their brains. Teagan uses his podcast to give his listeners hope about love. Everyone has a fated partner. He feels the world’s biggest problem is that too many people don’t love or feel they can be loved. Tenley reviews one of Teagan’s recent blog posts calling him out. During a radio interview Teagan takes it up a notch giving a formal invitation to the “Love Cynic”. An all-expenses paid one week vacation to Kamana Wanalaya Resort in Hawaii, only request that if she accepts, she comes in with an open mind. When she accepts everything begins to change.
Will Teagan be able to help Tenley’s heart grow? Will Tenley finally be able to feel love? This book has it all, steamy scenes, comedy, and questions that really make you think. I honestly loved this book from page one, the characters were amazing and the way they are opposites with similar goals for the world makes you stop and think about how many different solutions there are to problems. They both want to: lower the divorce rates in the world, lower the domestic violence and lower the number of children in the foster care system. Will they find common ground between the Love Cynic and the Love Guru? Read this amazing original story to find out.

View all my reviews

A Quirk of Destiny: Book 1 of 3 by Catherine Greenall – Review by Jennifer Ramos

A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the first book of this trilogy series, the story features Callum, who works as a scientist for food and drink distribution in the UK and he starts noticing subtle changes in the people as well environment around him. Due to a recent tragic event, he dismisses odd occurrences at the workplace until he notices people turning aggressive in nature as well as disappearances and sudden deaths. After a frightening experience going into town, he starts reaching out to friends and families and starts making connections to these newly odd developments. “Genies” are people with altered behavior and character due to genetically modified (GM) feed given to cows and infecting people who tend to eat meat and non-organic food. The small percentage of individuals who ate vegan have been mostly spared of these conditions.
This realistic dystopian makes you really second guess your own life choices and makes you think of if you were ever in this type of scenario, what would you do? Greenall is an environmentalist and also had a long standing career as a government scientist, which gave a rich foundation to the premises laid out in this story. The concerns of going vegan, genetically modified materials, and governmental influences are such hot topics in world news. This story covers much of the “what-if” scenarios. Looking forward to the next book!

View all my reviews

Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Heather Goodman

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

  • This book is packed with sci-fi, action, and a dystopian world. This is a classic good vs evil and shows what happens when people try to play god. The main characters of the unaffected are very lovable.

    View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Wendy Wary

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With lyrical writing, the author did a great job of putting together thoughtful and inspiring wishes for anyone to share with their loved ones. I enjoyed that the illustrations depicted a diverse group of people. The book’s overall message feels sweet, genuine, and empowering – a great read for families.

View all my reviews

If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Amber Howard

If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son ( he is 6) and I really enjoyed this book. It’s a great bedtime story. It made him feel special. I loved the artwork. Especially when each parent passed the magic wand to the next. I loved the diversity of the parents. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews