Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Raine is a Shadow Guardian entrusted to stop crime of the supernatural variety. Will is an FBI agent, he of course catches normal criminals. Except, one day he and Raine are after the same person (not human, by the way). Slammed accidentally into each other’s lives may not have been such a bad thing.
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Raine Down is an urban fantasy tale that is full of action and adventure. An engaging tale that is the first book in the Shadow Guardians series and the first book I have read by this talented author.
With a hot FBI agent, sexy Valkyries, a secret battle. murder and mayhem, new realms, there is everything for all lovers of this genre.
CB has woven an interesting plot that is a smooth blending of threads to create a fast paced paranormal/supernatural story with exciting realms. The characters are well written, and the journey begins where FBI and Valkyrie meet and there is more at stake than the job. It is a gripping tale immersed with Norse mythology.
Raine Down is tense, and the suspense kept building as Raine, and Will chases an assassin who left a trail of bodies behind. If only the ending ended on the same note, I was a little disappointed, but I am excited to see what CB has in store for us next.
An ideal present for someone for Christmas.
Reviewed by @jennadb
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
This Christmas anthology was a fun read! It was a collection of stories by new to me authors. These stories put me in the mood for the holidays and I might even put my tree up early. Every single story was worth the read and I am looking forward to reading more by these authors in the future! If you are looking forward to Christmas and enjoy anthologies then I would recommend reading this collection.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bob moved to Mysty Haven and became a lead journalist at the paper. That lasted a week after his Bigfoot store hit the front page of the paper. After being fired from the paper he is enlisted by Doug to help find his missing gnome, Charlie. Bob is beginning to realize that Mysty Haven is different than most towns. Mysty Haven is a town for mystical. He sets out to find Charlie and finds many friends and possibly a few enemies along the way. There is more than meets the eye in Mysty Haven and Bob is set to let it be known. Will things work out in his favor? Will he find Charlie and save Mysty Haven?
Oliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A story about adoption from a child’s view point. Nice illustrations. I like how in the book there’s a sentence taking about being related by “love and law,” which is an interesting way to describe adoption. The description isn’t one I would have thought to use! It would be nice to have some kind of phrase like the to describe birth parents. The book reads like poetry and the text is the right amount to keep kids engaged with the story. Oliver thinks about his birth parents the way a young child might fantasize in real life. I think this is a strong point of the plot. The explanation of why he was adopted from Oliver’s point of view show a health acceptance and is age appropriate. I would recommend this book for kids who have questions about adoption but not able to fully understand the situation in an adult way.
Review by: @bilberrysweet
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an enjoyable, quick read! Story is about Bob, fresh out of college and moving to a new location, takes on his first job as a journalist, only to be fired not too long after. His curiosity and fascination with the paranormal gets the best of him during his investigative reporting. As he drinks coffee, he is approached by Mr. Weaver who is claiming the theft of one of his garden gnomes and has hired Bob to help him with the search. His search for the gnomes and some odd coincidences takes Bob on an unexpected journey in seeking the truth. Cardel introduces some excellent characters along the way and definitely keeps readers engaged to see what will happen next.
Better Gnomes and Gardens by Misty Bane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very interesting read and fun to get through with the characters to the storyline. I enjoyed where it took the reader and how it all came together in the end. Enjoy!
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a fantastic anthology with 7 different stories just in time for the holiday season. Each story is unique and different and I love that is brings me 7 HEA’s as well. Nothing to me warms my heart than Christmas stories full of love, joy and hope….but also some feel good moments, some definite mix ups in communication and wrong assumptions.
I loved each story and quite honestly not one story I favored more than the other, I loved them all. Each individual story had fantastic characters and the stories were well written. Just perfect timing for the upcoming holiday season!
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a wonderful anthology of romantic Christmas stories, and I am ready to read them all over again! I thoroughly enjoyed each of the included reads and highly recommend picking this up for warm holiday feels. Though each story is different in its own way, they all have charming romance themes that make me feel like watching Hallmark movies! I could not pick a favorite out of these 7 stories because they were all so wonderful! If you haven’t started planning and decorating for Christmas, these books will absolutely get you in the mood to do so. Grab a cup of hot cocoa or tea and get cozy while you get lost in these amazing love stories. You won’t regret it!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seven different stories with different characters, different authors, and different Christmas vibes. This might be the first anthology I have read and reviewed but it will not be my last! I love Christmas and find myself watching all the Christmas Hallmark movies every November. This year, I added this book, and cannot be happier. It’s like reading the script of Christmas movies, and I believe each one would be great on screen. I would also, like to see some of the stories continued. They are believable, clean (a big plus for me), and sweet. I have found seven new authors to read, and I can’t wait to read more from them.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Christmas is coming around the corner, it’s always fun to find books with a Christmas theme to look forward to the season. I was excited to find this anthology of Chris,as and romance mixed in to each story. Anthologies are always fun to read since you got a mix of authors. These stories didn’t disappoint! Each one kept me wanting to read more. The characters were easy to connect with and I enjoyed the different aspects of the “romance” side of the stories. Thank you to each of the authors who were part of this project. You sure got me in the Christmas Spirit.
Stories included were
Mistletoe Memories, A Rocky Mountain Romance, Copper Penny Christmas, Merry Mix-Ups, Falling for Christmas, Christmas Pizzo, and The Mrs. Clause.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Better Gnomes and Gardens
A Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1
By: Casey Cardel
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
This was a quirky and fun introduction to a series I can’t wait to read more of! Casey Cardels Mysty Haven is an addicting and unique world where the unbelievable exists and anything is possible. This first book leaves you needing to know EVERYTHING about this world! Bob Mclarney’s character is so interesting to be able to follow through this mystery and discovery of the town and its people. I would love to live in Mysty Haven! Dr. Frank N. Stein is what really got me hooked on this series! With a wonderfully campy and humorous plot Better Gnomes and Gardens draws you in and keeps you turning pages! !The twist on the fairytale genre is done really well with twists and surprises you will never see coming! This book made me believe in the supernatural! I am getting the next book ASAP!
Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If, like me, you’ve read the other books in this series, definitely give this one a go. The other books in the series are great but this one just sets them up to be so much better.
This series introduces you to the daughters of the five families. The ones destined to not live out their own destiny but instead to be a pawn to elevate their own family in terms of money or power. This book also addresses the tragic event we hear about in the books but is never fully explained, the death of Marissa. It is so nice to see where their strength comes from and the love they have for one another as they try to figure out their own lives and not just as pawns.
This one will take anyone back to their college days and the friendships we make that pull us through. This prequel, though short, definitely sets up the mafia elite series. Though it is a standalone book, reading this before all the other books in the series would have made way more sense and the progression of the strong female characters and why they are the way they are makes so much more sense. Definitely give this one a read even if you’ve read the other books because it does close a lot of loose ends and answers some of those questions about why things happen. If you haven’t read the mafia elite series but found yourself here, then definitely read this book and then the elite series you won’t regret it.
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a fun romantic comedy that would be perfect to read poolside or while feeling the ocean breeze, then this one is for you.
Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater follows best friends Emily and Ruby after Ruby was left at the alter. What’s the best way to start healing that broken heart?…by still going on the honeymoon! The besties go on the already planned honeymoon cruise and pretend to be a married couple because naturally they are on a newlyweds cruise.
While Ruby is healing, Emily is falling for the handsome (single) cruise photographer. Will Ruby be able to be there for her friend while pursuing a budding romance for herself?
The characters are so fun, quirky and interesting. The author did a great job with character development while keeping the book light hearted and fun. Grab a frozen drink and dig into this quick, entertaining read!
Happy Reading
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Christmas to Remember
An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
This Compilation truly made me feel like I was home for Christmas watching Hallmark movies with my mom. It made me miss her a lot. The nostalgic, heartwarming, and familiar plot lines give it the perfect fireplace season feel where I was even reading this with a hot chocolate. The seven beautiful stories are full of love, passion, a few tears, and the Christmas Spirit! A Copper Penny Christmas really tugged at my heartstrings, I absolutely love dogs! I also loved the competitiveness and intensity of the cake decorating contest in Mistletoe Memories. It was a very fun read! These stories were so descriptive and entertaining that I felt like this book just flew by! I highly recommend to anyone looking for a book to read for the holidays that could make your season a little bit brighter!
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a super cute series of stories. I really enjoyed them. I love lighthearted quick reads and these were exactly that! My favorite was definitely Mistletoe Memories. I love the humor. Each story had great characters and were the perfect thing to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Borrowed Time is a creative science fiction story packed with details from science, classic sci-fi, history – you name it! And with interesting characters whose pasts and concerns drive the plot. As with many time travel stories it asks the big question – if you could change the past, what would you change? And would that be the right thing to do?
Physics professor Andy Case and his student Samoset Brown are both interested in time travel from an academic perspective, and for Case it provides an engaging discussion topic for his otherwise unenthusiastic class. But as their theoretical concept becomes an increasingly achievable reality their other motivations come to the fore.
This is a great read for time travel fans, and gets five stars from me! There are plenty of familiar tropes as well as thought-provoking scenarios and great characters to get to know.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A great way to start the holiday season, this book puts you in a festive mood. The book has seven different stories from different authors, each with a unique writing style. Each story has Christmas and romance, so it was quite delightful to read these short stories. It was a very breezy read and I enjoyed all the stories equally.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Feel good book. Took a bit to get into the book but once past the first chapter, I could not put the book down. Carina Prinner had a new outlook on life. She had survived Covid. Before that, she lost both of her parents and her only sibling. She knew she had her children and husband. After Carina came home, things changed. Her husband seemed to work more hours than before and her children were out of the nest. She found a grief support group where she found a friend in Max Paper. A young widower. He and his late wife owned a cabin in Crossbow, CO. Max offered it to Carina for the Christmas holiday. Everyone but her youngest son seemed to think it was a bad idea. So, she traveled by herself from TX to Colorado. She found a small kitten and befriended the local vet. She also became friends with the local Brewery owners. Here, she found peace and a sense of self worth. I love the twist of ALL the kids coming together in a surprise to give Carina the best memories ever. Her husband Alfred even joined in.
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The detail in this book – it’s amazing! The saying ‘show don’t tell’ definitely applies to this beautifully written narrative about the Cold War. Characters from previous titles in this series make appearances but our new heroine Miriam is feisty and brave as she navigates the new world in the decades following WWII. Another great story from this fantastic author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Better Gnomes & Gardens is a delightful cozy mystery , with certain paranormal elements. The setting is a mystical town, Mysty Haven, where everything is not neccesarily normal Bob, who had an abrupt ending to his journalism ambitions is entrusted to finding a missing gnome. But Bob’s pursuit leads him to something more sinister and he is entangled in the mystery. How he uncovers the plot and stands up to his beliefs forms the rest of the story. The main thing which I loved about this book is the humor and the cozy setting. It is a good mystery novel for someone who likes sleuthing.
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lily – the heroine of this tale – is brave and daring and the narrative is written in such a way that as the reader you are kept on the edge of your seat by what happens to her! This story reminds us that the end of the war was not clear cut by any means and that there were many parties involved, all with their own agendas. Definitely worth a read – especially if, like me you’re a fan of historical fiction!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, look no further! Cheery and bright, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this collection of holiday tales. I love how there was a little of everything for everyone in this anthology with heartwarming plots and perfect endings. Despite being written by different authors, I could feel the unifying spirit of Christmas throughout and interwoven into each story. So get your favorite holiday attire and settle in to read this anthology that’s sure to brighten your holiday!
The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful book!
It draws you in and keeps you interested. I love the way it is written and so descriptive. The characters are few in detail but you still understand them and what they are going for. I usually go for more modern books but I was drawn into and keep captive the whole book. I was disappointed when it ended.
And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
And Then She Fell was a five star read that had me on the edge of my seat with my wheels turning from the first page. I liked the narration from mother to daughter, though deceased. As well as the flashbacks keeping the intrigue and helping you try to piece the tragedy together. I really felt like this book was incredibly well written and each chapter that passed made it harder to our the book down. I can not recommend this book enough and I’m anxious to read more from this author.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When you get an Anthology, you get multiple little stories. My favorite part is that these are all little Christmas stories and with Christmas around the corner, I’m so happy. Each story was cute and perfect to put together in this one anthology. A couple of my favorite authors are in this which is why I gave it a shot, and I was happy I did! Give these a read to get you in the Christmas cheer!
Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved this series from the very first book, and I still love it now after this new book in the series. I loved reading what happened before, to get some back story. This book was a little short for me, but it didn’t take away from it, I don’t think. Would 100% recommend.
Raine Down by C.B. Samet
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yes. Yes, please. I ultimately view myself as a strong, independent, fierce heroine in my own story, so whilst reading novels of any genre, but especially that of the supernatural variety, I melt. Raine, the Shadow Guardian, is a fierce woman, one that has stepped up to the plate to take on those that your every day Jane couldn’t seen, nor would be bothered if given the opportunity. Meanwhile she’s out kicking butt and taking names and working on taking down one of the baddest bad guys to walk this world, and others.
I respect that we can’t always do everything ourselves, which is where Special Agent Will comes into play. He feels he’s got the information he needs to come out on top and show everyone (and everything) that he’s got what it takes to take down the most notorious killer/evil out there. He doesn’t seen Raine coming, nor the information she’s about to drown him with. I love the chemistry, sizzle that comes off these pages, the need for that win, and the pat on the pack that comes from really defeating the evil that walks this world. The descriptive nature that this author brings to the table is like no other I’ve read as of late, and I stayed up way, way too late finishing it up. I cannot wait until February when the next installment is released. Highly recommend picking this up, you won’t regret it!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Let me start out with you need to grab this. We are met with Katarina, a strong career driven woman who is coming out of a failed engagement. To be fair she did say no. Then we meet Chase, who at first is just a fellow resort attendee until he isn’t. Katarina is here to get a medical center up and going for the island she is currently on and is met with headstrong but very very adamant Chase. Their chemistry is immediate, almost too immediate but that is okay! As the story progresses it becomes so much more and so much deeper. This is absolutely a wonderful debut book by the author. I truly cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series.
Review by @michellerenee6590
View all my reviews
The Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having grown up reading the Bible and being familiar with all the stories, I very much appreciated reading this book. It is a touching fiction story about the veil being ripped upon the death of Jesus. It is a fast read and could have been longer. It is well-written and immersive. I would love it if this author would do an entire series like this and tell a story of each event in the Bible. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a good story from a different perspective.
