Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this fourth book! This series is so wonderful! I have enjoyed reading this authors’ wonderful books! I could not stop reading this as the story was so good! I cannot wait to read them over and over again!
The Cannibal Caper: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another entertaining installment in this series. I love reading these. Sparky is a humorous 11 year old that cracks me up as she tries to survive on the streets and not get caught while she’s trying to solve mysteries. A colorful cast of characters is involved in the story from Mugs to Chum-Chum and more. Oh, the giggles the story gives me. I so enjoyed this story.
The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really thought inducing book. Do we really know what we want at an early age? I can remember thinking I knew what I wanted at 16. I was wrong, of course. We see Cal on his journey through life. He’s a surfer so the analogy of his looking for the perfect ocean fits as he goes from woman to woman looking for that perfect love. He is missing something in his life. I’m looking forward to reading the other book in this series because it also gives a look into his relationship with Annie. I recommend this one. It really is worth the time. One of the best fiction that I’ve read this year.
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an absolutely super cute quick read. It definitely got me into the holiday spirit. It has the, “What will go wrong, does go wrong”; mantra to it. You automatically feel drawn to Lizzie because the writer evokes compassion when writing about her. When she decides to buy her friends ticket to Australia, she could have never fathomed what was about to happen. This where I kept turning the pages in the book. I could not get enough of the setting and wonderful characters. This book will have your swooning and laughing at the same time. The way the author is able to grab your attention and keep it from page one to the end, speaks of how well written this book is. This books gave me Hallmark Christmas Movie vibes and I am here for it. If you want to have an escape or just want something to get you into the Christmas Spirit this is the book for you. I will probably reread this book a few times during the holiday season.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting cozy. Ivy is a very optimistic person. It’s all going good for her and she believes it’s going to get better. Meanwhile, threats are coming in. I enjoyed the story. It really is quite entertaining. The dogs are colorful characters. Ivy and her friends kept the story colorful and engaging. I wanted to follow them as they tried to figure out what was going on. I was not a superfan of her boss. He’s a little sexist. Overall, great read, I’m going to read more of this series.
Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cool book! I wish they had books like this when I was littler or even when my kids where smaller. Just the bite size affirmations such as “I am focused on my day!” can make a difference to a child’s outlook. These affirmations are full of life, hope, and joy. It makes you smile reading them. The pages illustrations are bright and colorful. They jump out at you and just bring life and happiness. This will be a great gift for my grandchildren.
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, how I love this author! She brings to her stories the fact that being special is okay. We have Nemo, the cat who quietly meows, and Luna, who just can’t get her howl on. These two become best buddies. Can’t give too much away. You need to read this story. They are always so beautiful and heartwarming. The love of friendship and family will bring out just what Luna needs. A story that will be add to my collection to be with Jake the Growly Dog. Well done! I love Luna and Nemo!
Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an emotional story that hit me right in the feels. Two people with some issues to deal with. They had a betrayal happen in college that caused some major hurt. A second chance at love happened with a chance to help a family in need. I was into this book right from the start. Another story that hits a little close to home. It felt very realistic and vulnerable. It felt emotional and hearttorn, heartwarming at the same time. It’s a story that you can totally dig right into because you can feel that things will work out . A beautiful story that is worth reading.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Games is Book Seven in the amazing Hidden Valley Elite Series. The characters in each book intertwine with the next book and builds on the previous one so I do recommend reading previous books in this series first. This book is full of angst, betrayal, love, deceit, lies, bullies, drama, tension, chemistry, passion, and an enemies-to-lovers romance. It centers around the characters of Winter and Shane and is told from each of their POV. The storyline starts off with intense tension and drama as Shane is pulled into a situation that could result in him going to jail on charges of involuntary manslaughter. Shane is a football player and is strong, smart, intense, dark, and dangerous. As one of the privileged ones of the Elite he has a reputation for playing to win at all costs and not allowing anyone to stand in his way. Winter has just started the semester at Thane University and is trying to put her dark past behind her. Although eight years have passed, she is traumatized by having to return to the place where her father died and where her mother killed her sister. When she runs into Shane at a local coffee shop, Winter is attracted to him and warnings of how dangerous he is fall on deaf ears. Shane recognizes Winter immediately and memories of her from his past come flooding back. Winter tormented him in grade school so horrendously that he wanted to end his life. When Shane has the opportunity to get to know Winter, he initially decides to plot his revenge against her for the years she bullied him. However, once they spend time together, he begins to see her in a new light. Can the two of them move past the hurt, lies, secrets, and dark pasts to have a bright future? This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride and was full of intense twists and turns that kept me riveted until the final page. And that cliffhanger, wow! Cannot wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tanjie has no idea she’s a witch and comes into a bookstore and coven heading to war with the wolves. What a great story. It’s fast paced. It’s a new approach that caught my attention straight off the start. I loved the contemporary feel of the story. The characters were awesome. Luna, George, Adam, Caleb and Mia were wonderful support. George is an old hoot. Really cool story. I can’t wait to see where this goes. I’m excited because this was set up perfect. Her wolf wants and can’t because of the war and he’s the Alpha’s son. Give this a shot. You won’t be sorry
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a great start to a series. It has everything you could possibly hope for in the beginning of a series. It has mystery, intrigue, steam, character building situations, and amazing visualization of the setting. This book has the supernatural essence down to a science. I loved the turmoil that the characters face in the book. Do they do what they know is right or do they risk everything. They need to figure out what secrets are being kept from them. I loved the way the author brings the magical aspect of the book into the story line. It really just has amazing flow. It really builds for the future books and I can’t wait to read them. This series beginner won’t disappoint with the steam, the magical powers, the flight or fight of the characters, and just being really well written. It is a quick paced read. I was able to get lost into this world of magic and submerse myself in the story. This made turning the pages almost seamless. If you have an afternoon to get lost in a new paranormal world, this is the book for you.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This series was definitely interesting, and you can tell the author put a lot of thought into writing the book. However, I feel it fell flat in a few areas, and at times was hard to follow the storyline. The book does have a very slow start, but I did enjoy it, as you really were able to connect and get a good feel for the characters. This story is focuses deeply on perseverance even though the characters had a LOT of hardships and challenges. My favorite aspect of this story was that it was set in dark fantasy world – that alone captivated my attention. As the story came to a climax, it definitely made your breathing almost stop. Would Oden end up ending this war…or would he die first? The relationship between Oden and his daughter was absolutely beautiful, and explained as well as showed exactly how far a father will go for their child. Even though, I believe this was written as a stand-alone, the author did leave room if they wanted to write another book that followed the ending or just was another story in this dark fantasy world. I do recommend reading this book, as the messages throughout the book were absolutely beautiful and thought out. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book #7. There is happy news for Logan McKenna but will it be short lived due to financial insecurities? Join Logan as she heads back to Oregon for a consulting gig while trying to figure out the profitable viral video that was created by a student. Logan of course always finds a dead body in every story. This time her friends are possibly the criminals behind this horrible crime. In true McKenna fashion she put her life on hold to help discover the truth and finds the killer. I have said this in multiple reviews, READ THE SERIES IN ORDER!!!!! There are moments that are confusing if you read them out of order. I do plan on going back and rereading the series from book 1 to book 9.
This is book #9!!! It’s the last one in the series….maybe I really don’t know. What I do know is the Logan McKenna has been in some dangerous places and I feel like this one might be one of the ones that keeps you wanting to read until the end. I literally spent an afternoon reading this book. Logan McKenna reminds me of myself when I was really young and wanting to work in the police department. In this book, Captain Craig Peterson is washed away by waves during a storm. But no one is sure what really happened and how he was swept away. Can Logan help find out if his death was an accident or was it something sinister that took him away from his family.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book. What a fun way to teach about the random way that tornados/waterspouts can send frogs, etc. flying. I grew up hearing about this and often wondered how this could happen. Now, at 58, I know how, crazy. My grandson is now fascinated with this and wants to explore it more. I love the book set up. The name of the lake is funny and made us laugh during story time. If you want to know what it was, you have to read the book, I’m not telling. This author makes learning so much fun. She’s really made learning with my grandson enjoyable and brought many giggles with this new knowledge.
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Men of Eden Cove Manor is a MM Paranormal Romance with mystery, intrigue, suspense, action, danger, vampires, demons, and supernatural elements. Set around Halloween adds to the spooky, mysterious, creepy vibe of the story which centers around the characters of Lucifer and Mordecai. These two characters had their own unique quirks and personalities, and I was completely drawn into their worlds as they told their story from their own POV. Lucifer is impulsive, bold, reckless, and determined to live life on his own terms. When he hears about a mystery surrounding the men of a local manor he is determined to investigate and find out what all the fuss is about. According to locals, the manor is creepy, and they are terrified to go anywhere near it. Lucifer sees this as a challenge and while the men of the manor are away at a party he decides to break into the manor and explore. As he does so he gets more than he bargained for when he makes a startling discovery. Not only that, but Lucifer does not go unnoticed by Mordecai, one of the men at the manor. Mordecai is dangerous, cunning, and determined to toy with Lucifer as punishment for violating his privacy and trespassing in his home. Neither men are willing to back down from the challenge nor are either expecting to be attracted to the other. The ensuing story is full of blackmail, centuries old secrets, humor, witty banter, romance, and chemistry. Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors!
This book is one heck of an adventure. I found that the adventure just grabs you from the beginning. Troy is still my favorite character. He’s trying to adjust from being out of prison and finds himself fighting a war. Non-stop action, great dialogue, intriguing characters all make for a winner. The narrator does a fantastic job of making you feel like you are right there listening to the story, right in the middle of the action. This is one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a way that you feel like you’ve been on an adventure also.
5/5 stars
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a sweet story of someone finding themself after a tough time. I enjoyed getting to know Devorah through her own eyes. She went on a journey to get herself out of an abusive relationship and what sounded like a tumultuous childhood. I have to admit, that the story doesn’t seem far fetched for the “stars of California” as it reminds me of the many reality shows on tv these days. Devorah has several people in her corner – her stepmom, cat Fergie, new friend Andrew, old friend Pauline and Misty. I loved that for her. They each gave her a bit of strength to heal and become who she is meant to be.
PS. Her ex – UGH!
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What do you get when the son of a farmer dreams of a more fast-paced life? A whirlwind of a story, that’s what. Fenimore always wanted more, so he decided to leave home to find the adventures he’d always dreamed of. This is an excellent book for any Western fans out there. You will find yourself drawn in from the very start and won’t be able to put it down.
Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, I find myself flying through another Hidden Valley Elite installment… this time while literally flying. I really enjoyed learning more about Shane’s back story in this one, as he’s always just been on the outskirts previously. My ONLY complaint is that I wish we didn’t end on a cliffhanger. Each installment in this series ends on a cliffhanger and could easily have each duet be one book. But I will wait as patiently as I can for the next one.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much! Yes, I bought it for my kiddos (8 & 11), but I also really enjoyed it. I love books that are entertaining, but also a learning experience as well. This book teaches you a TON of safety guides when it comes to dogs. The book follows CJ and Lora’s safety tips with their dogs, Porter who is a Mastiff and Midge who is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They explain different ways to care for your pet dog and how to interact with other people’s dogs. Throughout the book you get to see many types of dogs and how to be safe with them all. The illustrations are super cute and the information in the book on dog safety is really great. I even learned a few things! Such a great book for kids. Learning how to act around dogs is something everyone should, not just kids! I can’t wait to read the next books: The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About & The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Paws at Attention. If you are thinking of getting a dog for yourself or your child(ren) these books are GREAT for learning!! They ALL teach you different things- from safety, socialization, training, and focus.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such an entertaining cozy mystery. I adored the adventure that Genie and her great-great-aunt Adriana were on. Adriana is such a unique personality in a ghost. If I were going to be haunted, I would love one like that. Genie is just trying to keep everyone happy. She’s trying to help Adriana get her belongings back. They are in Italy and the auction house with Adriana’s beautiful dress burns down. With Matt’s help, they have some crazy journey to figure out what happened and who set the fire. Who stole the dress? I loved the story. The humor is just right. I loved how Adriana is called the animal whisperer. Genie just wants to have a little bit of a relationship without Adriana present. That’s the downside, lack of privacy. The characters have such quirky personalities. The whole story just came together so well. This is a must read for cozy mystery lovers. I plan to read more from the author. This is a fun series.
Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Finding Your Heart is a journal where you can unclutter your life by writing your thoughts and feelings. It is full of positive affirmations, creative prompts, and activities that will guide you in practicing love and self care. The exercises contained throughout the book will help you feel empowered and aid in your journey to letting go of past hurt and loss. After reading through this journal and following the exercises I had a different outlook on life and felt ready to move forward past the hurt, loss, abuse, and mistreatment I endured throughout my life. This journal was powerful, inspiring, motivating, and thought provoking. The artwork throughout the journal was stunning and the quotes were relatable. I highly recommend this journal for anyone looking to let go of past hurt and trauma.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 9 in the series and can be read as a stand alone book. This whole series is made so you can enjoy reading them in order (for deeper character development) or to read them by themselves. You won’t feel like you are missing anything by reading them out of order or as a stand alone. I am reading each book in the series and I am remind them quicker and quicker with each book. The twists that each book takes is amazing and the character growth is par to none. I like reading about a string female that goes after what she wants and is shown as a protector of those she loves. This books mystery is a kidnapping. As you can expect from this author the scenes feel like they are jumping off the pages and you are watching a movie instead of reading a book. I am not normally a mystery/thriller reader but this series is really good. I found myself trying to solve the mystery with the characters and seeing if what I thought happened really happened. I am not so great at the solving of things but am loving the twists and turns that this book takes. If you have an afternoon to just get lost into a complete mystery that will have y0u second guessing yourself, this is the book for you.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 7 in the Logan McKenna Series is just as amazing as book one. You don’t need to read every book in the series and you can start at any book you want. However, once you read one of these books you will be going to read them all. The crazy twists and turns that this book takes will leave you on the edge of your seat till the very end of the book. Just when I thought I was starting to figure out who did what, I was so wrong. I didn’t see the twist coming and that is what really made this book amazing. I love being able to be surprised. Having read the other books int he series, I was really starting to wonder if/when things where going to start repeating themselves. That has NOT happened yet. Logan’s character in this series grows from book to book. She is amazing at what she does and how she just dives into every mystery. She is a supportive friend and very protective of those she loves. This book had me turning pages almost faster than I could read them. I needed to know what happened and then I hit the twist in the book and I didn’t put it down. If you feel like you could be a detective or solve crimes this series is for you. You will constantly be trying to figure out right along with the characters. I can’t wait for the next one.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is the 6th in the series and it does not disappoint. The imagery that I have come to love from this author is in full force in this book. Every book in this series can be read as a stand alone but I HIGHLY stress that you read them in order because they are amazing. You will also see the amazing character growth that the author does with Logan. She has bought a house with her significant other and they are working on fixing it up. Then she is meeting her half sister. Then a murder happens. Logan finds herself digging in again. The thing that blows me away is that all of this is happening at the same time. Logan does not live a dull life and she is such a strong female character that I am not used to reading about. I love it. I love that as a reader I am able to follow her journey through things. These books do not disappoint and keeps me turning pages to see what is going to happen. Will she get along with her half-sister, will she be able to solve this murder, will she fix her house up. Its just amazing to me to see how Logan handles everything in her life and still continues to live her life. I am excited to jump into the next book to see what happens with Logan and how bad a$$ she is going to be.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am just blown away by the way the author is able to describe the scenes in this book. It makes it feel like you are watching a movie or are even in the book yourself. That being said this is the 5th book in the series and each book can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend reading them from the beginning because you are able to see the growth of the main character, Logan. This book takes us to a vacation that Logan, her boyfriend, and adult daughter go on. Personally speaking, I am now wanting to go on a vacation. Maybe, without the mystery in the book but it would definitely make things a little more exciting. This book was a quick read because I just didn’t put it down. I kept turning pages to see what was going to happen and who did what. It is always interesting to see how Logan get involved in all of these adventures. She by any means does not lead a dull life. If you are looking for a quick escape that will have you thinking you could solve any mystery thrown at you, this is your series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 4 in the series. This book can be read as a stand alone and you won’t feel as if you have missed anything. Each book has their own adventure/mystery. I would recommend reading them in order though, because you get the whole depth of the character development that happens in the stories. Plus each adventure/mystery is amazing and you don’t want to miss anything that happens. Each book deals with someone in the main characters life. This one is her neighbor. This books deals with domestic abuse. Her neighbor has been in hiding and then is found but the main character gets involved in the danger because she might know something. This book had me turning pages to see what was going to happen, who was going to do what, how was this going to end. These thing kept my attention and had me finishing the book in record time. I have noticed that, I am reading each book in this series faster than the last and I am so excited to be able to go straight to the next one. You will find yourself getting submerged into the plot and actually for a but I thought I could be a detective and figure things out. These feelings that you get when reading this book is what us going to make you want to read the next.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We are in the third book of this series and they just keep getting better. I know that sounds like what everyone is writing but it is true. There is more background information given in this book than the last but it doesn’t feel as though you are reading the same thing again if you have read the other books in the series. If you haven’t and are just starting with this book it will give you some insight as to what the characters are going through and what has happened. I like that the author does this so anyone can start the series with any book. However, I feel like to get the most out of each book starting at the beginning would be the best to get everything you can out of it. In this book we get to know the main characters daughter. We also get to know sea otters. I know weird but it works in this book and actually really gave me some emotions I was not expecting in this book. There is the adventure and mystery that I have come to love with this author and this series. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I am loving to see what happens next and what adventures/mysteries we will go on in each book.
Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series and it is better than the first. I feel like this will be a common theme with these books. I was excited to see what adventure we would get in this book. I was not disappointed by any means. An explosion, what a way to create some drama and mystery. Then the author adds in another element of the Vet. It is like getting two stories in one but the way the author has merged them is flawless. It is amazing. This book grips you from the start. It is written so well that you actually connect with the main character. She is amazing and I am not sure anyone can resist liking her. This book has it all the mystery, the multiple points of view, excitement, and has you turning pages as fast as you can. This series just flies off the pages and I can’t wait to see what happens next. That said there is amazing character growth from book one to book two. I love seeing characters evolve.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
