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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet and beautiful book! I love the natural pictures that have the main characters of the story throughout! I feel like we get to see more of Israel than the brief images we may run across on the news or in passing from the media. This short picture book contains a rhyming explanation that’s sure to hold a child’s attention – as well as a small glossary/fun facts page to help caregivers explain terms used. By the end of the story, I feel like I’ve gained a little more curiosity about the country and really appreciate the differences between Israel and the place I come from.

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another wonderful story by Lois Wickstrom! Holding Up the Sky is a great story that helps children understand difficult subjects like bullying, inclusion, making peace with those you may not agree with, etc. The tale is told in such a way that it’s interesting to kids and should hold their attention while also delivering an important message. The illustrations were artistic and easy to follow as well. This is a great story for kids of various school ages!

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Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller (To Kiss a Stalker Series)Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve definitely enjoyed it. At first, I started to think the stalker was one person, but the more you read, the more you’re not sure, then another mental guess…etc, till you reach the end! Totally had me guessing – rather refreshing since I’m one of those who can guess the villain at the end of the movie halfway through. I’m not normally a fan of multiple POVs, but I can say the author made their views contribute to the overall experience! The book is much better than I originally guessed it would be just by reading the sample or publisher description. Thrilling, romantic, and the characters were complex.

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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book opens with a startling chapter that immediately gets the reader’s attention. The main character is challenged when one of his students is thought to commit suicide, then another student the professor has a connection to dies. As the story continues, Mitch begins to spiral, receiving hit by hit of new issues he must try to cope with…or not… Psychological thrillers have become one of my favorite genre-reads, for sure, so I really love/appreciate how Mujagic has put together this story! When a plot is great, you don’t really have to like the main character but still feel the pull to invest your time in finishing the tale anyway. It was intense, twisted, and had me guessing till the last chapter!

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ian and Jarryd return for another adventure after the conclusion of The Crown of Stones trilogy. After the events of the trilogy, we get to see more of them and the world the author has created. Magic, adventure, and incredible trials await them in this standalone novella. Though I’ve read the trilogy, by the way this novella was written, anyone would feel comfortable reading this book before the others if they were so inclined. Though short, the book was well-written and paced, delivering a clear, fantastical insight into the world of the Crown of Stones.

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Told from multiple points of view the past and present mix to make an incredible picture of this dystopian world. I enjoyed the complexities of the story and the way the author presented the information about it to the readers. The story flowed in such a way that you get pieces of the larger puzzle slowly and keeps you intrigued throughout. I found that I didn’t immediately love each of the characters, for various reasons, but came to understand their circumstances. The idea of a caste system and fantastical elements of powers gave more to the story than I’d originally hoped and definitely held my attention and kept me engaged in the story.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After seven years as a happy and successful couple, partner Dane decides something’s missing. When Dane proposes adding a third to the mix, things start to change. The two men find two different women they feel would be the perfect third to their duo… The book was relatively short with plenty of erotic encounters along the way. Though this book is part of a collection, you can read it as a standalone and not miss out on any information from previous books.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Traumatized by an event early in her life, Miranda accidentally sets fire to a motel. The compounding grief and guilt of her actions cause her to take time off from her work as a cleaner and spend some much-needed alone time thanks to a discounted offer to a resort. Hopeful that the trip will help her rest and come back to her senses, Miranda is more than a little unsettled when she is assigned to a more run-down cabin than the name of the ‘resort’ had suggested. In a shocking turn of events that are both psychologically and emotionally charged, Miranda finds herself in the precarious position of being at the mercy of others and must fight to escape. I like how the book was lighter in tone than some of the psychological thrillers I’ve read before. The author has a way of adding levity to the narration while holding the reader captivated, but I felt that some moments were a little overdone which kept me from believing and being completely lost in the story. I’ve read some of the other books by the author and have enjoyed each one, this one included.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the fate of everything hanging over Ian Troy, the question soon becomes ‘How much will this cost our hero in the end?’ This story delivered on the promise of a brilliant ending and more! Though I’m feeling a little emotionally wrung out after getting past the last few pages of this conclusion to the series, I have a sense of contentment at it all concluding as well. This third book pulled me through so many emotions that I find myself still reflecting on certain scenes despite a few days passing since I read the last page. The author has this way of making you both hate and empathetically understand the villains, a superpower in this series that I noted along with the depth of the characters. I generally don’t read epics and steer toward more urban fantasy books, but I just couldn’t resist this story after the first page of book one and can’t feel even the slightest hint of regret.

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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

True to its title, this collection of short stories is sure to inspire at least a few nights of insomnia. I love creepy and slightly bone-chilling stories, but what makes this collection better is the sudden introductions and endings of each one. I wish I could say with certainty that I had a favorite of the stories, but they’re all so good there really is no way to choose. The author has a way of telling the tales in each chapter/short story that leaves the reader satisfied, despite the short aspect of each story. I’ll definitely be reflecting on this book during the spooky season!

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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A Dress To Remember: A Fairy TaleA Dress To Remember: A Fairy Tale by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my kind of fairy tale. The main character, the princess, is not immediately likable, which is a surprisingly welcomed change from my usual reads. Princess Zanira is, in a word, spoiled, but she doesn’t remain as such as the story progresses and it’s clear that she’s more than the face she shows the world. From the beginning, fantastical elements are woven in such a way that it’s sure to captivate the readers. I could easily imagine the story as I read it and, though I’m not in the age range of the usual audience, it was still a great book!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Though I’m not always one for a darker romance, I was immediately intrigued by the story. There’s a deeper air of intrigue to the way the author has told this story that goes deeper than your typical bully romance. While all the usual elements of a dark romance, this story isn’t lacking in spice and heat from the actual story itself. The chapters are told in alternating perspectives of our main characters and we get a look into their sides of things. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year, I’m going to be on the lookout for the sequel!

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What Loretta’s Katydid Did (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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What Loretta's Katydid didWhat Loretta’s Katydid did by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta, a lover of insects, discovers her orange tree is infested with aphids. Because Loretta likes insets of all kinds, she leaves, them, even if they pose a risk to the little tree. Luckily, another insect takes up residence on the tree: a katydid. This children’s book is perfect for inquisitive minds! The illustrations are cute and follow the story well. Once again, I feel like I’ve learned something new from the author about the world of insects.

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand)The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute adventure centering on a boy named Caspian and his grandfather. Every year, he gets a special gift from his grandfather on his Unbirthday that has special, magical properties. When Caspian gets what seems to be an empty box he soon discovers the gift within will not only change his special day but his life. I love how the book is easy to read and had such a fantastical aspect to it that leads the reader to expand their imagination! The illustrations are easy to follow and reflect the story as it takes place.

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The Thieves (The Millersville Series)Audiobook by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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What started out like a robbery gone wrong turned into a quirky adventure. I was moved by Jas’ motivation for the heist in the first place and felt a connection with her purpose. The adventure was more dramatic and entertaining because of the multiple views from the other characters and gave the story more depth. The author gave the characters their own flaws and made them all the more realistic with the oddities that gave the tale a slightly humorous aspect. I enjoyed listening to the twists and turns the novel took and was pleasantly surprised by the end!

Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4)by Belinda Williams – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy (Pierce Brothers Book 4)Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Optimistic Amy becomes a nanny while attempting to get along with her more cynical boss Noah. This book has all the trademarks of a rom-com but dives deeper into the trials and tribulations some books tend to skim over. I love how the author showcased the characters in such a way that they were beyond the page and came to life from the first chapter! Though this is a short book, I felt the pace was perfect and the storyline flowed well, allowing the reader to organically ride the emotional rollercoaster throughout. I read this book out of order, but will circle back to read some of the others in the series!

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Loretta’s Caterpillar (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Loretta's Caterpillar (Loretta's Insects #4)Loretta’s Caterpillar by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I like how imaginative this book is. Even though it’s based on the life cycle of monarch butterflies, this short story manages to entertain the reader and breathe a bit of imagination into the narrative. I found that I’ve learned more about monarchs through this book than I had previously and could still thoroughly enjoy the story. The illustrations are easy to decipher and the storyline itself is easy to follow. The notes from the author at the end of the book also were insightful and gave me a sense of purpose and wish to follow through on getting some milkweed in the future. I would definitely recommend this book to those who have inquisitive children!

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shortly after the death of her husband, store owner Jackyln Stone is convinced to ‘visit’ a retreat center… Little does she know/expect that her own son would have her committed to what turns out to be Shore Lodge psychiatric facility. This is one of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read! From the beginning of the story, I was drawn in and really felt connected/emotionally invested in the main character’s situation. There’s such a raw and realistic element to this story that it makes the reader’s imagination go wild…and makes me question trusting my own blood in the future. I’m looking forward to the next book!

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Caspian’s UnBirthday (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Caspian's UnbirthdayCaspian’s Unbirthday by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caspian gets unusual gifts from his grandfather, of course, they’re never what they appear to be. I love the imagination the author has in creating these books! Something so innocuous as socks can be great fun with just a little imagination. The illustrations are straightforward and make the story easy to follow and visualize. Whimsical and fun, this story has magical elements that are sure to inspire young minds!

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My Inner Critic By Christine Bernard – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an introvert myself, I found this book to be extremely relatable! I feel like I’ve found a mirror of myself within these pages, even if it is part fiction, and I enjoyed the ride. Everyone has their own story to tell, their own inner critic to deal with, and external struggles that they go through in life. I love how this author used her own story and was able to give us a story that so eloquently illustrates their own path. This is a must-read I’ll be recommending to my friends in the future!

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a beyond-swoon-worthy moment of bliss, wedding planner Jasmine gets the surprise of a lifetime: Her best friend is marrying the surprise-kisser. Thing is, this isn’t the first time the two have met. Despite the dazzling spark between them, Jasmine is determined to make her best friend’s wedding amazing…even if it means avoiding the guy who drives her crazy. Of course, nothing is what it seems, this marriage arrangement is a sham, a contracted agreement between the would-be bride and groom. Could things between Jasmine and Jame turn into more?

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Things Are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand)Things Are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book two of The Invisible Wand series, this story is a continuation of Caspian’s story after he receives his invisible magic wand. When Caspian uses his wand in front of his cousin, she wants one too. Luckily, Grandpa has one for her and that’s when things get fantastical: everything starts to shake. For children ages 4-8, this book centers on a family with the ability to use wands that control time. The story is short and to the point with well-paired illustrations that are easy to comprehend. The subliminal message about earthquakes/safety during one such event was placed into the story well.

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae, #0.5)Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What would you do if your true passion was also something that cause those you love distress? Would you fight for what you love? Couldn’t you also fight for what’s right? Even at the risk of everything you love and have ever cared about? I really enjoyed the complex nature of this short fantasy about a lady’s resolve to do right by her family and the freedom that comes with this kind of genre. I feel like the author covered a lot of ground in this book and loved the fae aspect!

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Freedom Rings (The Circle Book 3) by Brenda Hardwick – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Freedom Rings: Book Three of The CircleFreedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book without reading the first two stories, so some pieces of the story were missing for me, but it was easy enough to catch onto the important parts. It’s important to note that the story was told in multiple POV’s, which helped me understand each of the characters a little more. I really enjoyed this tale, especially the author’s world-building and attention to detail! This book was easy to read and completely entertaining, especially since this is the first book I’ve read from this author (and I’ll be looking for more from them for sure). I definitely recommend reading the other books before diving into this one!

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This children’s book has beautiful illustrations that are great for keeping little ones engaged. The book is easy to read – and to be read aloud. It’s a short and sweet story that’s perfect for story time for the kids. Though the story is about pirates, it’s easy for children to imagine themselves in their shoes and find the story entertaining and fun. This story would make a great gift for children who enjoy adventures and love colorful illustrations!

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Spellbound Seduction (The Brightly Sisters Book 2) by Halley Larkin – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2)Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the tragic loss of the man she loved, Arabella believes herself cursed. In the wake of her eldest sister’s marriage and the new season in which she must find a suitable match for her younger sister, the last thing this Brightly sister expected was the sudden appearance of her lost love. Alive and well, Thomas Beecham has been dealing with his own problems since he last saw Arabella Brightly. Though I’m not normally into historical romances, I did enjoy how well-written this book was and the well-developed characters within. You don’t have to read the first book to read this one, it’s easy to follow the story line and the content is sure to hold your attention.

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though I usually stay away from books with AI and that line of futuristic plots since they generally felt like drier reads, I decided to try this book. I was pleasantly surprised by the thorough character development and world-building. Though there is a fair amount of jargon in the story, it didn’t hold back on the actual meat of the book and I could read through it without too many interrupting thoughts. I enjoyed the descriptive voice of the characters and the overall plot of this book. I may just have to give this side of Sci-Fi a try once more, now that I’ve found a book that I’ve actually enjoyed.

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A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince PublishingA 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!

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Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very complex and interesting read, definitely more than I originally expected. Jasper’s world is thrown into utter chaos after she gets into some hot water in her hometown – and is forced to leave…only things don’t go according to the original plan. Forced to leave town and strike out on her own, Jasper manages to make it out, only to be kidnapped by a secretive organization…and that’s where the story really takes off. What started out as a sad situation turned into something more thrilling and fantastical than I could have imagined. There is a much darker element to this story that reflects more of a realistic light on the events. This first book of the series seems to set us up for a long ride through this fast-paced story and I can’t wait to see where things go from here!

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another one on the ‘best stories I’ve read’ list! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and was drawn in by promises of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. The world-building and immediate drop into the main character’s shoes grabbed my attention from the beginning and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the twists and turns this story contained as it progressed and the hints of intrigue that begged me to finish reading quickly! I can’t wait to see what book two brings!

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