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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well another cute story from this author! I love that she teaches kids about different science topics in a cute and fun way! This story is all about teaching children about water spout phenomenon, with simple explanations and fun illustrations for them to enjoy. She creates a simple story with easy explanations for children to like and understand. I think this is a great book for young children to enjoy and learn from!

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this was a wild ride of a dystopian future! I had not read previous books from this author, but I will absolutely be checking more of her works out in the future. She weaves together a grim future, where apps and programming are inserted into people’s brains directly and those that can’t work are thrown into the Catford Zone, a grim area where people are trapped with killer plants, weird bugs, and very little to eat. Our protagonist, Frankie, is sent to the Zone, in order to infiltrate concerns of an uprising and learn more about the rebels in charge of it. The author did a great job of creating memorable characters and unveiling their backgrounds and unique character traits in a way that felt organic and real. The story definitely had a variety of twists and turns and I honestly couldn’t anticipate how the story would end. If you are looking for a story that is a fairly realistic scfi dystopian read, this is the book for you.

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really excited to check out this story as well as the other book in the set. I decided to check this story out first as I wanted to get a better handle on Cal to see what made him tick so I might have a better idea of him in the second book with Annie. Seeing his evolution from a teenager to an adult was definitely eye opening and gave me a good foundation to who he was as a man and how he becomes the man he is. I thought the author did a great job of creating a flawed character that could be frustrating and exasperating in some of his choices, but in the end you still want to see good things for him. I’m excited to check out the second part and see how Cal’s life turns out.

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Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely adorable cozy mystery quick read! The hilarious relationship between Genie and her ghostly partner, her great aunt Adriana is simply laugh out loud funny. I had not read the first book, something I will be remedying ASAP, but the author did a great job of summarizing things, without over stating things, while still keeping the story line moving along. The sleuth team end up in Italy attempting to get Aunt Adriana’s things back from an auction, but immediately things go south and the pair are investigating. This is a wonderful quick read for any cozy mystery reader!

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have never been a huge believer of fate, but it seemed like fate when I decided to pick up this journal. I didn’t realize how much I was actually carrying that was weighing my heart and soul down. This journal and the affirmations helped to open and ease the burdens on my heart and lighten my soul so much. I loved the affirmations and I felt like they absolutely helped me to reflect on how I was feeling and process my emotions. I am very grateful that I picked up this book and I absolutely plan to send copies to some of my friends and family, because I think this is a beautiful book to help people unburden their hearts and find their way.

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to read the second book in this series as I was entirely charmed by the first book, and the second one did not disappoint. The author transports us to a world where magic is real as long as you believe and have a brass ring. Rusty discovers the mini carousal in the mall has secrets for him to explore, but he is also looking for Christmas gifts for his family, especially his beloved grandfather. Trying to balance the need to earn and save money, while also spending money at the carousal, Rusty begins to learn some important lessons. The author did an amazing job of bringing magic into the real world and creating stories that are not only fun, but carry wonderful messages for both children and adults. It’s a fairly easy read and I was engrossed until the last page. I can’t wait to see what new adventures Rusty and his grandfather find in the future!

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Shadow Bringer (Raven Academy Book 1) by Brandi Elledge – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Shadow Bringer: Raven AcademyShadow Bringer: Raven Academy by Brandi Elledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely had my attention from the first page all the way to the end! I definitely couldn’t put it down until I got to the end and I will be absolutely reading the next book so I can see what happens with Riley. The book is a wonderful paranormal novel with witches, shifters, vampires, and other supernatural beings in the world. The author has created a descriptive world, with well written characters that are well rounded. While the romance is always one of my favorite parts of these books, I loved the relationship between Riley and her bestie Sam. I love seeing their relationship grow with all of the chaos happening. I absolutely recommend this pager turner!

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Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was super excited to get to check out this novel as a former theater kid and a fan of Wednesday, and it did not disappoint at all! Cece was a great main character and I loved her bestie Portia, who was awesome at lightening the mood. I felt like the story really took the black magic and voodoo piece seriously and was very realistic about the cost of playing with dark magic. The relationship between Cece and Zach felt very age appropriate and genuine. He seemed like a really sweet guy, who just wanted to be there for her. I felt like the story kept at a good pace and I never felt bored or lagging. It is an interesting combination of thriller, mystery, supernatural, romance, comedy, and just a really great story. I look forward to more works from this author.

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Master Sardinia (Masters of the Consulate Book 8) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Master SardiniaMaster Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 8th book in this series and it just keeps getting better. I love the sexy alpha and the sassy heroine who doesn’t back down trope, along with the electric chemistry. Sardinia is the Master of his island and rules things well, but it’s discovered that the rogues have managed to infiltrate his domain without his notice. Madria is the daughter of the club owner, the shifters attempt to infiltrate and she also has the gift of sight. She is not a fan of Sardinia, but when fate throws them together, they have to survive not only the shifters, witches, and rogues, but a centuries old secret. I love how well the story line moves along through each book, we keep getting closer to the final showdown. The author has done an amazing job of creating standalone books that fit into a storyline that keeps moving through seamlessly. If you like steamy paranormal romance with a danger, intrigue, and twists, this is a great book and series to check out.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first novel from this author and I greatly enjoyed this paranormal shifter romance. I thought that Jasmine was a wonderful heroine caught in a tough situation, being involved in a love triangle. I definitely loved her friendship with Lucy and I thought the contrasts between the friends really showcased their friendship. I loved the multiple POV’s so we could see what the other characters were feeling and thinking. The author did a great job of creating depth to her characters and making you really care about what happens to them. The steamy scenes were especially hot. This is a great start to a dynamic series and I can’t wait to read the rest of the stories.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a wonderful YA novel, full of teen angst, drama, murder, mystery, love and complicated family dynamics. I thought the author did a great job of really capturing Stas as a teenager and her interactions felt authentic and realistic. This was a well written story with that really draws you into the mystery and how things will be able to get better for Stas. This story kept me guessing until the reveal and definitely was a page turner. I felt that the author did a great job of showing Stas’s development as a character and showing her growth while still allowing her to make mistakes. I completely recommend this book for anyone who loves YA novels with mysteries, twists, and heart.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed this tale. Right as the book starts, it pulls you into the action and mystery regarding our hero Mia’s cat, Gumshoe, her familiar. I had not read book one prior to reading book two, but I felt like the author did enough of a recap, I was able to figure out what had happened in book two, without it feeling forced. I do definitely want to check out book one to see how it enhances this story. I thought the author tackled some really tough issues in this novel and again did it smoothly and in an engaging manner. I felt the story was fast paced, full of suspense and twists, and action. Mia was a great heroine who is working hard to help Gumshoe discover his past, finding herself and her path, all the while getting involved in mysteries and murder. I absolutely recommend this book for both teens and adults.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls NovelFaking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to return to Buckeye Falls for a fourth time! This is a book you can read as a standalone, but I absolutely recommend that you read the previous books in order first. We met Alice briefly in the third book in the series and she had definitely intrigued me. We got to see her through the eyes of her brother and sister-in-law, which was a bit skewed. Seeing Alice take the lead in this story was fantastic, we got to see how she thinks and feels about returning home and having to deal with all of the gossips and well meaning, but meddling people in her life. I loved her interactions with James and the chemistry they had right out of the gate, despite both of them trying to deny it. James was such a sweet and amazing guy for Alice and see them fumble through fake dating while they help plan the Fall Festival was adorable. This was a great addition to the Buckeye Falls series!

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Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 2)Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was delighted to get to read book 2 in this magical and engaging series. Gwen is such a wonderful and relatable character full of sass. I love that she isn’t one to back down and she isn’t going to be pushed around. I would absolutely recommend checking out book 1 before you dive into this paranormal sequel. The story is full of well written and entertaining characters that you will love, hate, and everything in-between. The author has created a wonderful world full of relatable characters, romance, gods, magic, demons, mystery, twists and turns, and a whole lot of fun!

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well this book definitely threw me for some twists and turns. The story absolutely starts off with a bang and just continues the pace from there. Vanessa is definitely not a timid shy girl. She absolutely is a take charge type and I thought she was a great character. The added in suspense of murder, spies, and ghosts made this such an intriguing novel. Jacob, the Fifth Earl of Danville, was such a wonderful opposite to Vanessa. Seeing their relationship grow and change during all of the chaos was extremely well written. I loved that along with everything else, we have a house full of relatives who Vanessa had no idea was living there. There was a cast of descriptive and interesting characters throughout the novel. If you love historical romance, with a twist of paranormal and suspense, this is a great book!

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Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful and magical story full of whimsy and surprise. I love books with a fairy tale feel and this story did not disappoint! It felt like several fairy tales all woven together to create an imaginative story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating characters that you really care about and came together to create a fabulous story. Branka was a wonderful heroine who just wants love and freedom and discovers why you have to be careful what you wish for. The ending definitely had a twist I did not see coming and it was a tale I was not able to put down until the final page. This was definitely a unique story and I look forward to reading more from the author.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely adorable RomCom that I couldn’t put down until the final page. It definitely gave me Christmas Hallmark movie vibes and was just such a sweet tale. Holly was a great main character and her chemistry with Ash really just made is a very enjoyable tale. I loved that it gave us the daughter of Santa Claus who had her own story to live. The author did a great job of setting the scene in Emerald Hollow, a town I hope to see again soon! After reading this book, I definitely wanted to start getting out my Christmas decorations and baking cookies while sipping hot chocolate. This is definitely a fun and magical feel good story at any time of the year!

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers #3)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this story; I thought the author did a great job of transporting us back in time to the 19th century, exploring the political scenes between Portugal and Spain. I absolutely adored Isabel our Portugal princess. I loved that she had values and standards and she held herself to a high standard, but wasn’t afraid to step in and help the less fortunate. I thought her temperament was a great match for Viscount Henrique and the verbal skirmishes really set the tone for the two of them. The vivid descriptions really make you feel like you are right there with the characters. If you love historical romance and want a story with twists, this is the book for you!

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Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mr Wimp (The Human Mating Site #1)Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great start to what appears to be a very engaging series. Bella is a great heroine who has been knocked on her butt by the dissolution of her marriage and discovering her wimpy husband has been having an affair. As she is getting to know herself again, she starts to wonder if the steamy scenes she reads in her romance novels could actually be real. She has a great support network of friends who are there to help pick her back up. The author did a great job of really highlighting the friendships, which I thought was really wonderful. I can’t wait to see how the next 12 books go as Bella continues to discover more about herself and finds herself on a steamy journey of sexual exploration.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom- Reviewed by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and imaginative tale. The author brings to life magical creatures such as dragons, mermaids, gnomes, and sylphs to life. Four children with nothing seemingly in common all arrive to the toy store on the same day. I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters of not only the four children, but their families as well. The imaginaries were also quite charming and interesting as well. This is definitely a great middle grade read, I definitely enjoyed the action and adventure that the children’s imaginations lead them on and the surprise twist ending definitely had be on the edge until the final page. Absolutely a great story for anyone, young or old, with an imagination!

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was very much a riveting read. I am not particularly scientifically literate, but this book definitely gave me a crash course in the lead up to the nuclear arms race. I felt the author did an amazing job of taking such a complex subject and breaking it down into such easy to read sections I felt confident that I was able to understand what he was writing about. This book definitely had me feeling a sense of both awe and fear for how much damage has been done with nuclear weapons. If you are looking for an easy to read, but fairly comprehensive book on nuclear war, this is a great book to start with. The book has a giant list of references as well, that would be great follow ups.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read book two of the Reed brother adventures! I thought the author did a great job in this follow up book in keeping the mysteries fresh and exciting. If you haven’t, you will definitely want to go back and read book one, which introduces the boys and their gifts. I loved the continuing friendship between Jon, Frank, and Mira and seeing how they continue to help and support each other. We see that things are getting weirder for Jon and Frank as their powers continue to manifest. I enjoyed see how the author balanced the Zodiac Games, a competition between the houses, with unpredictable rules and changes and the different the struggles the twins were experiencing. This series is definitely giving me Harry Potter/Percy Jackson vibes and I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I am so excited to see what happens in the next book!

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was thrilled to get to finally read the third book in this series! I swear they just keep getting better and better. Tamaska is really coming into her own and seeing her character continue to grow is so amazing to see. She is trying so hard to fit in with the pack, while still trying to figure things out in her relationship with Kodiak. There was definitely a lot going on in this book and it has been my favorite so far in the series. I am so excited to see what happens in book 4. If you love shifters, vampires, action, romance, and fantasy this book and series is for you!

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Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the CardsConversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not very familiar with Tarot cards, but I found this book to be an interesting guide to learning more about tarot cards and finding the magic in the ordinary. I appreciated getting her thoughts on how she came to study the tarot and the role it plays in her life. I read her previous novel and felt this was a really nice follow up to that everyday magic and allowing yourself to open up to it. She had a tarot deck that she goes through and gives an interpretation of what the card means and what it means to her. If you are new to the tarot or have a firmer understanding, this is a great book for you.

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fantastic story for readers both young and old. It dealt with some very real issues, such as serious illness, bullying, schooling struggling and an alcoholic parent, but written in a way that younger viewers could understand and not be overwhelmed. I loved the whimsy of a magical brass ring able to teleport the holder to all sorts of different time periods and places. I felt the character of Russell was very well written; his responses to the different stressors seemed pretty realistic. This was a great tale about a kiddo trying to find his footing and figure out who he is. I have read the author before and I really enjoy her use of imagery to really bring you into the story. I found it to be quick and easy read, but extremely enjoyable. I look forward to seeing the next books in the series.

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Liz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Liz's Road TripLiz’s Road Trip by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a beautifully written story that I just couldn’t put down. I have read other novels from the author and she has written such a heartfelt and uplifting story that just gives you the feels all over. I absolutely loved how well written the characters were, and seeing Liz’s growth and change as she learned about who her grandmother was and the life she lead, was spellbinding. I felt like the characters felt authentic and realistic in how they behaved and reacted to different situations. I absolutely adored Mark and felt he was such a positive presence for Liz as she completed her journey. I also loved her bestie Grace and felt she was absolutely the type of best friend anyone would be lucky to have. I am always a fan of any story that also includes a fun pet and Cosmo definitely fit the bill! If you are in the mood for a story about self-discovery and romance, this is another amazing story by the author.

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Vampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Vampires of AtlantisVampires of Atlantis by Courtney Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was a really awesome start to a great series! I loved getting to see Ian and Katherine’s story play out and I am so excited to see more of them and the rest of the vampires, werewolves, and other magical creatures. This was definitely a book I couldn’t put down until the final page. The author has created a magical world where mythical creatures still exist and Atlantis is real. I thought she did a great job of really drawing you into the story and building scenes that you could really visualize. If you love a modern paranormal romance, this is an excellent start! Can’t wait for the rest of the books!

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read book two in this fast paced riveting series. This book picks up right where book one left off and definitely answered some lingering questions I had. The chemistry between Kodiak and Tamaska is very hot and there are some very steamy scenes. The author has done a great job of creating well rounded characters that are fabulous, but also flawed. If you love vampires and shifters set in an urban fantasy setting, this is a fantastic book and series to check out! I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to get to read the latest story in this series. I love that they are all standalones, but if you can read them all and in order, it definitely is worth it! We find Master Campania working with the other Masters to deal with the rogues who are still causing trouble. He ends up meeting Willow, a witch just trying to live her life with some of her buddies and they end up having to work together. The chemistry between the two was electric and it was fantastic getting to see the reoccurring characters from other stories continue to be a part of the narrative, just enhances it. I loved how the characters interacted with one another and continued to build the relationships into the story. It was definitely full of action, adventure, and magic along with some very steamy scenes that you won’t be able to put down. I can’t wait for the final book and see the stunning conclusion!

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The Secret Humankind (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1) by Gloria Oliver – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1)The Secret Humankind: An Urban Fantasy Thriller by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was absolutely thrilled with this fun thriller! I loved Julia as our introvert heroine who is just trying to keep moving forward in life and is so excited to land a job as part of a bio-hazards cleaning crew. I found her to be extremely relatable, she wasn’t brave or butt kicking right off the bat, she had anxiety and fears and even anger about how things were handled in her new job. It was amazing to see her growth throughout the story and I loved the supporting characters. Doyle definitely cracked me up and I loved how caring and protective Karamel, Dawn, Stan, and Detective Ruiz were of Julia. This was definitely a book I couldn’t put down, as the mysteries kept coming, I just couldn’t figure out how things would end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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