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Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Code DogCode Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Code Dog is a children’s chapter book geared towards children between the ages of eight to twelve years of age. It follows the adventures of Timmy, Beth and Arthur as they follow the trail of clues in the hopes of finding a missing 200-year-old time capsule. The three friends get a bit of help from their old teacher, Mrs. Vance who gives them an old map, and her dog, Cody, who has special skills. Cody can tell your fortune, track, and can even speak in morse code through her tail. Timmy, Arthur, and Beth must follow the clues on the map which is a bit tricky because there is no X to mark the spot of where the capsule is located. They only have a limited amount of time to find the capsule if they want to win $1,000. This was an entertaining read with great characters, friendship, a super smart dog, fun, adventure, mystery, clues, codes, and investigation.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid's Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog follows the young characters of CJ and Lora as they thoroughly research the proper way to care for a new puppy. The story is told through fun rhymes which makes learning about the responsibilities of puppy ownership and care easy and entertaining for children. CJ and Lora learn about socialization, vet visits, dental care, grooming, and training their new puppy. They also learn the importance of picking the right breed that will suit their family. The illustrations are bright, colorful, engaging and really bring the story to life. A great read for any child who is eager to learn about the responsibilities of puppy ownership and care.

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Just One Time (Beaumont Creek Book 1) by Samantha Baca – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Just One Time (Beaumont Creek, #1)Just One Time by Samantha Baca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Abby has just turned forty and finds herself feeling depressed because her life is not what she expected it to be at this point. In her mind she should be happily married to a man who loves and adores her and have beautiful children they dote on. Whenever Abby sees others living the life she feels that she should have by now she cannot help but feel a bit envious. Of course, Abby’s mom harps at her constantly about having a baby and getting married so that does not help. She feels overwhelming sadness about running out of time to have a baby and it consumes her thoughts until she gets a brilliant idea that involves her best friend Nate.

Nate and Abby have been best friends since childhood and are practically inseparable. They tell each other everything and always have each other’s backs. When Abby confides her feelings to Nate about wanting a baby, he is more than happy to help. They agree that as best friends they will be great parents and decide to take the next step in their friendship. Nate and Abby decide that rather than do costly fertility procedures that they will conceive a baby the old-fashioned way. Wary of how this will affect their friendship they discuss taking things slow but that all changes with one moment of intense passion that sparks between them.

That one moment of passion turns into several more nights of passion between them. Neither Nate nor Abby expected this to happen and are taking it one day at a time. Each finds themselves falling in love with the other, but fear of rejection stops them from discussing their feelings. When Abby becomes pregnant it is unexpected and the timing is horrible. She has recently started dating a man that her mom set her up with. Abby’s parents are unaware of the turn that Nate and Abby’s relationship took or that Abby is pregnant. What will become of Nate and Abby’s friendship? Can they ever be more than friends?

I adored this book and was surprised by the style of the author’s writing. It was not at all what I expected from a friends to lovers romance book. The relationship between Abby and Nate was unique and to be admired. They were so close that they were able to let their guard down with one another, although this was a bit reluctantly and ill-timed in Abby’s case at times. I actually laughed out loud numerous times, even during some of the steamy sex scenes. (My husband actually looked at me a few times and asked what was so funny, but we were in mixed company, so I was unable to read the parts to him that I was chuckling at.) All I will say is that they were a bit unusual and not typical of a romantic or passionate moment. For me, I felt that they were realistic and raw which made me want to read all that much more. Abby had some moments during her pregnancy that I am sure many women can relate with and Nate was a trooper through them all.

I loved this book, but I think my favorite part was when Abby told off her sister’s ex husband. I nearly peed myself laughing at what she said to him. I might have to keep Abby’s words in mind the next time someone gets on my bad side, lol. I loved this book and cannot begin to say enough good things about this author’s writing style. It was romance, passion, friendship, love, angst, and a smidge of jealousy with a side of wit and humor thrown in. I loved it and cannot wait to read more by this author.

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General) by C.A. King – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Doctor Frank Enstein (Doctors of Eastport General)Doctor Frank Enstein by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doctor Frank Einstein is a plastic surgeon who spends his days doing cosmetic surgery for superficial women who he feels do not need the surgery. Unlike many other cosmetic surgeons Doctor Einstein is not in his line of work for butts and boobs. He does it to make a difference in the lives of those who really need it. Those that have been scarred or disfigured. When a job opportunity opens up in the burn Unit of Eastport General Frank jumps at the chance.

As a child Doctor Einstein lived through a fire so he knows the damage such a traumatic event can do to a person both mentally and physically. That day changed his life and he vowed that when he grew up, he would do something that made a difference in the lives of others. Working in the burn unit at Eastport General gives Frank the opportunity to do just that. When some of Frank’s new co-workers invite him out to a local bar for drinks to get to know one another he reluctantly goes.

At the bar, he meets busty barmaid Barbara who he is immediately attracted to, but she makes a less than favorable impression on him. When she finds out Frank is a plastic surgeon, she tries to ask him a question about his line of work, and he immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion. Frank immediately shuts down Barbara’s line of questioning and abruptly leaves the bar. Barbara is flabbergasted that this doctor has been so rude to her and is unsure why he acted that way over such a simple question. Frank immediately feels guilty and wants to apologize for being so rude, but will Barbara ever be able to forgive him?

When Frank and Barbara first meet the chemistry is instant, but they make a bad first impression on one another. Frank realizes that he goofed when he acted so abruptly and knows he needs to apologize. Thankfully, Barbara is understanding and is willing to forgive him and get to know him. As Frank and Barbara get to know each other better each realizes the other has more to them than meets the eye. Frank did not go into cosmetic surgery to be with superficial women who only care about their looks. He did it because of his past history as the victim of a fire and wants to help those who have suffered similar situations. Frank wants to make a difference and help disfigured patients gain confidence and self esteem. Barbara has been well endowed naturally and lives in constant pain from the strain on her back. All she wants is a life free of pain and one where men think of her as more than a pair of breasts. When Barbara meets Doctor Frank, she finally has hope. A great read about love, first impressions, chemistry, romance, understanding, and compassion.

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