Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Supernatural dive that has a very concrete story building that lateada the reader into so much more that meets the eye. Curses, lore, and a lost romance drives the main character to conquer amazing feats.
Overall a good read that intertwines so many twisting points and different characters. Very good read
Taming Beckett by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Paige and Beckett met, briefly, in college and had a real pull towards each other. Before anything could come of it, Beckett was drafted into the NHL and Paige ended up being wowed by an older man and getting married.
Beckett realized his dream and then proceeded to become the bad boy of hockey, with excellent plays and wins, hard partying ways and lots and lots of women he wasn’t interested in keeping around. He did, however, create a kids hockey camp, a restaurant and more and was very proud of the people he helped succeed through them. Paige pursued her dreams of flipping and designing, selling, and eventually pursuing building new houses, but her husband has seemed less interested in coming home to spend time with her in between business trips and the passion is lacking.
After the final straw of Beckett getting into trouble he can’t get himself out of, he finds himself back in town selling off all of the high end things he acquired through his career in order to pay off the people he owed money to. It turns out without all of the drugs and women, he is a pretty solid guy. When he meets Paige again, he makes a less than stellar first impression.
Eventually, he realizes they’ve met in the past and build a beautiful friendship. In the course of life, things change and they begin to have feelings for one another but never act on them – too afraid to ruin a beautiful friendship. Will they take a chance together? Is there a happily ever after for Andy and Beckett? This is a well written book with very likable characters that keep you invested.
Return 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!
Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Codi Parham
I love Lois Wickstrom. Many books by this author have an educational component. This book about the daily conflicts between siblings might open the door to initiating conversations about problem solving and discussing appropriate solutions. The most important talking point might be to make sure everyone is continuing to enjoy the game.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in The Quirk of Destiny series and while this book takes place a few years after the first book ends, the books need to be read in order. It isn’t a fast read by any means, but it is a page-turner. The author did a great job with this book it is full of action and is on the sci-fi side of dystopian. I look forward to reading the final part of this series.
A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book presents a very different take on dystopian books than the ones I have read in the past. I struggled to get through the first few chapters because it was scientific and slow to start. However, the book picks up fairly quickly and is action-packed, full of twists and turns.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We find our group of survivors living in Gallanvaig and doing well for themselves and their community. Living a good life without GM foods and the trappings of the past in order to have simple but comfortable life full of community and love for those around them. Keeping each other safe and continuing in their quest to improve on organic lifestyles, trouble begins to brew for Calum and The World Alliance party. The Genies are back and have increased paranormal powers and another political party has thrown its hat into the ring. This new part, World Democratic Party, is all about the past and the way of life living to excess, money, wealth, transportation, food. The colony at Gallanvaig is in trouble as well as those around the world when women are kidnapped by the Genies, pregnant women! Can Calum save his family and those other women taken? Will the World Alliance party win and why in the world were nuclear missiles used to decimate America? No spoilers!! You must read it for yourself, Another great book by Greenall and one for those who are enlightened or want to be. Reading about scary epigenetics and how they can be damaging to bodies and crops. If you aren’t a vegetarian now only eating organic non-gmo foods, you will think twice about your next bite of food and where it comes from. Bravo!!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and how everything intertwines. I suspected the culprit, but did not have the whole thing figured out, so it was a great surprise to connect everything together. The author does a great job in developing each character and keeping them true to their nature, which was great. The antagonists are also well developed and realistic. I could picture each character, along with the various locations clearly and it was enjoyable to follow them along on the journey. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done! Now I want more!
Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Return to Gallanvaig is Book Two in the Quirk of Destiny Series. It has now been two years since the destruction from the outbreak caused from genetically modified food. The Genies are intent on increasing their race while another group of enemies also presents itself. The new group is determined to cause death and destruction while trying to take over the world. The GM-free survivors are the only hope for humanity, but will they have what it takes to save the world?
This was an interesting take on the destruction caused by the widespread consumption of genetically modified foods. The author has done a spectacular job of creating a vivid picture of a world in which the evils of genetically modified foods are taking over. It contained, action, suspense, intrigue and good versus evil while also portraying a message about the importance of caring for our environment. A great read!
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a very quick read due to how funny and engaging it was. From the opening line, it kept me interested and entertained. There are several laugh out loud moments, plenty of humor and uncomfortable moments and steam.
Tenley and Teagan are both podcast hosts. Tenley considers herself outside of being interested in love and is all about practicality and logic – no love for this girl and she doesn’t think others should be so obsessed with it, either. Teagan considers himself the “Love Guru” and just can’t stand how UNINTERESTED in love Tenley is. She’s a stick in the mud, not allowing herself any joy of a relationship.
So Teagan does what any red-blooded male would do in his situation – he invites her on a couples retreat in Hawaii, his treat. If she falls in love, Teagan wins, and if she doesn’t, she wins and gets 10k. Of course Tenley is interested in a free tropical vacation and the “guarantee” of ten thousand dollars, and so…away they go.
Along the way they find out it is an entire trip built around couples in love, they’re seated with couples in love, they’re pretending to BE a couple in love. They discover an attraction to one another that neither one of them expected, lots of excellent characters making cameos from the authors other books, and a possibility between them that neither of them expected. Who really “wins” this bet?
Very fun story. Cute, easy read, likable characters, beautiful backdrop, and a lot of fun.
Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tenley is the host of a podcast on practical adult relationships, whose opinion is that love doesn’t conquer all, and people should be practical and realistic about life. Teagan is the Love Guru, and he (obviously) believes in love. A random comment on a radio show makes Tenley go to Hawaii to prove that she is right.
Tenley and Teagan’s banter is funny, and they have great chemistry. The pace of the story is good and I was pulled into their story. The “something happens so one person refuses to talk to the other” trope isn’t my favourite but it wasn’t terribly done and made sense for the character. I haven’t read Susan Renee’s other books, but it was clear that the supporting characters are cameos from other books, and it makes me want to go read their stories.
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OH MY GOSH THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!! I am obsessed with mafia romances and this book was so wonderfully written I cannot put into words just how amazing it was! It started off with the main characters meeting while giving CPR to a patron in the restaurant and then from there the chaos ensued! Literally the tones of the book were amazing, and I could not wait to read the book when I would be on my lunch breaks or finally at home where I could read until my eyes could not read anymore. There were lots of twists and turns in this book that LITERALLY had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was to happen next! I cannot wait to read the other books in the series once they come out and to tell my friends about this! I think I just found my new favorite author!!
Snow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was just the holiday romance that I needed to read to really get in the spirit of Christmas! I love the fact that this was a book about characters that are in the Paralympics and that it really gave insight into their preparations/thoughts about the competition. I have not read a book that highlighted characters that both are overcoming body differences compared to others. I found myself devouring this book on my breaks and lunches when I was at work. I even found myself wondering what would happen next in the story and daydreaming of different scenarios. I cannot wait to read more books by this wonderful author!!
I love Lois Wickstrom. Many books by this author have an educational component. This book about the daily conflicts between siblings might open the door to initiating conversations about problem solving and discussing appropriate solutions. The most important talking point might be to make sure everyone is continuing to enjoy the game.
Super Enemies, Lois Wickstrom, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family
The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun book! I love the hot cocoa socks. Caspain uses them to rescue the kitten, Stuck, stuck in the tree. Between the kitten and the “frisbee”, Caspian and his grandpa have a fun little adventure. The story is fun and entertaining. The pictures are bright and joyful to look at it. Another winner for this other. Caspian’s stories are a joy to read and a fun series to have for story time.
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
At 17, Laurel knows that she is in love with Lord Robert Laningham. Her elderly Aunt and caregiver has doubts. In the end she gives her consent to marry the Lord. Two days later laurel and Robert get married. He lets Laurel know that he has yet to tell his twin sister that he has marred. Their wedding night is spent in an inn as they need to make haste and get back to his home and sister Rhonda.
Once there, he informs his sister that he has wed and she is to show his new bride the ins and outs of running a home so she can take over the duties as Lady of the house. His sister does not take this news very well. Robert has very little time at home before he is off to war.
Once Roberts leaves, Laurel and Rhonda are left alone together. During this time laurel finds that she is pregnant. Rumors start swirling that the baby is not that of her husbands, but the brother of her new friend. Laurel, while Robert is away, tries her best to befriend her sister in law to no avail.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. i could not put it down! I highly recommend this if you are looking for a historical romance!!!!!
And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While reading this book, I was constantly thinking – thinking I knew the truth, thinking I was a step ahead and then thinking I had no idea what I was talking about. Each chapter dove deeper into a complex dynamic between several people, with no clear understanding of truth. The author does a great job at developing characters who are ever changing, or perhaps the author just gives the perspective of change. This book had me curious to the very end and left me thinking about how anyone can have a multitude of stories based on different people’s perspectives.
Gunner by T.J. Beach
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I’m sure it is a good book but I couldn’t get farther than chapter 3. I don’t recall anything about COVID in the book description and I just couldn’t get past it. I’m not opposed to modern timed books I just don’t want to have to think about COVID when it happened in the very recent past. It was also confusing going back and forth from country’s. One moment they are in Australia in current times then you are in Britain and it isn’t clear when the transition happens, to me at least.
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to say that this book had me at a loss for words, it was amazing! I have not read a book by this author before and was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed reading this. I found myself not able to put it down when I was working and found myself wanting to be off of work so I could keep reading and find out what happened. I cannot wait to read more books by this author. I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Daniel O’Halleran is a coroners physician in 1904 New York. He is dissatisfied in his job and feels no one takes him seriously – they’re always rushing his work, hoping to get more cases “solved” by pushing answers through quickly. In the midst of his unhappiness at work, he gets stood up at the altar by his fiancee and decides he has finally been given enough signs – it’s time to move on from here.
Soon, he accepts a coroners assistant position in Long Island for a change. Daniel’s new boss warns him life is much slower in Long Island than in New York, but he’s happy for a new routine and having time to give answers. Before he even gets an opportunity to settle into that new routine, the local librarian suggests Daniel check out a local two year old murder case. In a twist of fate, it turns out to be the first case he had ever worked on and the first one to ever make him feel something was wrong.
Excellent descriptions, characters, suspense, dialogue, and sticking to era appropriate reactions. Wonderfully written, enjoyable historical mystery. Highly recommend!
Kiss Away Your Pain by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have to start by saying that I loved getting even a small glimpse of Nicco and Destiny’s wedding when I first started this book. In the first book, we didn’t learn a lot about Candi other than she was Destiny’s best friend. Debbie did a good job further developing her character and giving insight as to why she tends to hold back. Debbie used this story and showed that despite the hardships we experience, we can learn to love again. Look forward to reading more of her work.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amaleigha is a five-year-old with the world in her hands! She loves the outdoors and wants to share that love with everyone she knows. When she sparks an idea to do just that, her family pitches in to make her dream a reality. Before she knows it, one small girl has made a huge difference in her community!
I can’t say enough how cute this book is. My seven-year-old loved reading it and following along with Amaleigha’s adventure. I had the opportunity to spark conversation and get his mind thinking about what he would do in Amaleigha’s situation. The illustrations are bright and attractive, really helping to bring the story to life. This is a fun and engaging story that I think could be enjoyed by many ages.
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I just seriously could not stop reading, I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was fun to read, characters were great. Miranda, Neeta and Billie are quite the trio. It’s a perfect YA fantasy full of Magic, Growing, Adventures and more. Definitely excited to read the next book.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you’re a fan of Lois Wickstrom’s books and the Disney movie, Seeing Red, you will love this selection! Gwendolyn, a middle school student, is a very determined and goal-oriented girl with ambitions of one day being a journalist. Her main priorities right now are finishing her paper on time and a running competition where the prize money will go towards a journalism camp at the university. Then unexpectedly, there is a fire in her home and realizes she needs to escape when she wakes up as an elk. The changing into the elk doesn’t come too much of a surprise as Gwendolyn comes from a family of dream-shifters, humans that can transform into animals while dreaming. The unfortunate part is that now Gwendolyn is stuck in this animal form. She then embarks on a mission to continue her strides to make it to journalism camp and find a way to transform herself back to human form before time runs out.
Being a kids book, there are so many great takeaways from the situation Gwendolyn has been dealt with. Learning to be flexible, sticking to your goals, coming up with new ideas, and seeking others in times of need are all great points to be instilled in kids. Another great thing for kids to enjoy is that fantasy aspect, which is a big trend nowadays. Thinking of this as I’m reading the book is to seek the opportunity of reading this book along with your kid/pre-teen together. This opens up such great discussions and bonding as well.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Albert is a turkey and lives on a turkey farm, he knows that he will probably be eaten at thanksgiving like all of the other turkeys there, but he doesn’t want to be, which turkey would?
So when a family start to look at him, he knows what is coming, so he does everything he can to change their minds. While he is thinking of what to do, he sees on a tv in the shop, that the President has pardoned his thanksgiving turkey, can he get this family to do the same for him and let him live in Turkey Pardon Park for the rest of his days?
This is a story which has an interesting premise and is done in a way that is fun and educational all at the same time, a good book for young and old alike.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW! After reading the blurb, I knew I’d be engrossed in this book. The idea of multiple potential stories told throughout the book captivated me, and so did the book itself. Dramatic, emotional, a wonderful psychological thriller.
Catherine’s daughter Susie fell to her death in an accident in Crete. Nothing has ever felt right about it to her, and so Catherine decides to travel to Crete herself and see if anyone can remember anything that may help her “solve the case” and gather some closure. After speaking to several employees of the different areas in Crete, Catherine has gained the courage to approach Susie’s friends and boyfriend to help her piece together what could have happened.
As Catherine winds her way through the events, she comes to a startling realization – she didn’t know her daughter as well as she thought she did. Was she ignoring Susie’s shortcomings because she was blinded by love? Was she not aware because she was neglectful? This is an emotional journey and brings to mind “be careful what you wish for.” There are unpleasant discoveries and revelations, some things better left unknown.
The 10 possibilities weaving known scenarios together was an awesome approach and I found them each to be coloring my opinions on who was responsible. Even with all of the well written suggestions of what happened to Susie, the end surprised me. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Bravo!
The Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I LOVED this book so much…..with my whole heart….this book was so much fun, laugh, romance, tears and a bit of wedding and family drama….adding a mix of rom com movies.
Four friends…Tina, Lisa, Ruby and Mindy are thick as thieves and their friendship is so much more than friendship…they are like “Family”. Every month each of the ladies hosts a rom com movie night with all the fixings…movie, pedicures, face masks…….and a impromptu drop in by Aaron, Tina’s fiancee, and tag-a-long Ryan, this is where Ryan meets Lisa for the first time. Lisa and Ryan have instant sparks…but Lisa is more hesitant. Her past leads her to be cautious and self doubting….but Lisa takes the leap with Ryan… but Tina is planning the wedding of her dreams with her fiancee, Aaron, nothing Tina wants more is no issues nor drama nor anyone taking her wedding thunder down during the countdown the upcoming nuptials. Will Lisa be able to let go of the past to move forward with Ryan and will Lisa and Ryan keep on simmer while their friends are heading down the aisle…
This book is truly fantastic. The story line I loved dearly and flowed so easily..this book was hard to put down….and I love all the rom com movies that are in the book because I watched them all too!! If you love a good romantic comedy story….definitely pick up this book….truly fantastic!
I am so looking forward to the next books in this series.
Someone Exactly Like Me by Debbie Cromack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well written romance! I enjoyed the dynamics between Nicco and Destiny. I was pulled in from the photo shoot and didn’t want to put this book down until I finished. Definitely a slow burn and I typically read things a little more fast passed, but it was very enjoyable.
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a good feel good, read in one sitting book!
Peggy raised her twins on her own for 14 years after losing her husband in a plane crash. She was consumed by taking care of the kids and like many moms neglected to take care of herself. That changed when her kids left for college and got her a gym membership.
Peggy was consumed with this TV medium, and wanted to re-connect with her late husband. Her and 2 of her new gym friends were able to get tickets. However she had many doubts during the show. Which the truth is later revealed to her in the most unsuspecting way.
The best part wasn’t Peggy finding herself and transforming, it was finding a new happy ever after!
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dream Shifter is the perfect chapter book for young adults. The main character is Gwendolyn who is 12. She can become any animal in her dreams. Very entertaining story, easy to read and quite a fun book. I can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren.
