The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Caspian gets a pencil and a green pad from his Grandpa for his unbirthday. It writes the word apple. As his day progresses he goes on an adventure on his way to school to find out what the word apple means.
I loved this short but sweet picture book about Caspian and his adventure and think it would be perfect for children aged 4-8.
The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a wild rollercoaster ride! Between some serious fear, some incredible courage, and a will to prove herself there was plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat! I really enjoyed this book and found myself emotional in a few moments where I truly related as a victim of DV. This book had a great balance between hurt and hope and it was easy to follow. A first for me from this author but interested to read more from them! Really worth a read!!
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reunion in the Outback (Welcome to Bunya Junction Book 4)
What a great way to say goodbye to this amazing series and characters. I think it was the perfect ending but will miss them.
Wasn’t sure what to expect with Yolanda since she was mentioned but not there in the previous books. She is a great Mom and wife but definitely showed she is the youngest child. I felt that she needed to prove she was capable and a grown-up, but didn’t always act like one.
Michael also has a chip on his shoulder and did everything he could to show people he wasn’t his Dad and could be successful.
I really enjoyed this series and will miss this group of people.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a children’s book that was about a boy named Caspian. Each year Caspian gets an UnBirthday gift from his grandfather. This year he received a pencil that wrote on its own. Once the pencil started writing, it was up to Caspian to find out what the pencil was trying to get him to do. Caspian goes on a little adventure meeting new people and going where the clues led him to a fun discovery. This was a cute book. I think children would enjoy having a pencil that could be magical and going on a little adventure. What I liked most was that the author found a way to have the character be social, kind, and prosocial behavior.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The time has come for another UnBirthday for Caspian, and the special gifts it brings from Grandpa in the box under his bed. This year, it was a Know-It All pencil and led him to start and apple adventure.
Cute, fun story. The illustrations were adorable and a fun addition. A good way to spur the imagination.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a good story, with amazing character development throughout the novel. I enjoyed the character growth throughout the novel. A novel about making your way in this world, and finding love along the way. This is a story about family relationships- both broken and healing. Characters must come to grips with their own inner demons. You don’t want to miss this one!
Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not put this audiobook down. Slash & Burn is the fourth book in the Nite Fire series and I think it may be the best one so far.
The story starts up again with Dahlia Nite dealing with the aftermath and possibly PTSD from her time being held in Drimera. This half dragon shapeshifter has a lot to deal with, let alone struggling to keep her true identity or secrets of her world a secret from those she loves.
Dahlia often finds herself trying to protect the humans from things that go bump in the night, living in the shadows and somehow always investigating brutal murders. This book has her doing the same, but this time a crazy killing spree is taking place which triggers her ex-partner, Creed asks her to assist him with his investigation as the killings continue throughout Sentinel City.
Initially, Dahlia is not fond of assisting Creed w/ the hunt for the serial killer, but the clues start piling up and seem to be leading back to a previous case.
She feels as if time is running out and something bad is just around the corner. The heaviness of responsibility of protecting the humans, her new team and even herself is taking its toll. All while trying to stay off of the Dragon Queen’s radar, which she knows will only work for a short period of time.
I often found myself feeling sorry or sympathetic with Creed since he’s still trying to come to terms with Dahlia’s true identity.
Dahlia’s wit and tenacity remind me of one of my favorite fictional characters, Anita Blake written by fellow author, Laurell K. Hamilton. The author did a fantastic job with this series, building up the characters, expanding and building up Dahlia’s world and keeping the action and overall story plot right on target to continue into the next and final book of this series.
You’ll find drama, action, humor, and entertaining characters in this series and book. I cannot wait to pick up book number 5 of this series and continue the Dahlia story.
4 out of 5 stars
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupid’s Cove by C a King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Squeal! What a treat! This book has characters who reluctantly fall in love, and are willing to do what is best for one another. We see family members looking out for one another, without being intrusive. We glimpse the tourism industry from the perspective of a small town. We also have characters in the periphery of the story, who have a story of their own unfold throughout the tale
My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lara Bishop, 19 year old daughter to the mayor of Cupid’s Cove. Graham Crueller, recent business owner in the small town of Cupid’s Cove. Graham has chosen to leave the high life in the city to start his own business of Cookie Match. Cookie Match is a coffee shop that comes with a dating app as well. After 6 orders you should start seeing matches based on the things you have bought and reviewed. Lara runs Bishop’s Bakery along with her mother. Lara is skeptical of this new coffee shop, app and Graham Crueller. Lara has just had her heart broken for the first time and says she no longer believes in love. That is until she meets Graham Crueller and is tasked to work with him at Cupid’s Cove Lovefest at a brownie tent. Will things work out for these two or are their feelings just running wild due to the LoveFest?
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a cute children’s book! It was fun to read and easy to let a beginner read have a handle on a few of the words! It also opened up the entire world of science!! My daughter really enjoyed the read with me and I look forward to continuing to read this to her!
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a treat to revisit Bunya Junction! I loved the family dynamics among the adult siblings. Readers encounter main characters who love each other but have experienced a tragedy. Their tragedy was followed by poor interpersonal communication. Will they make their way back to one another? Will the siblings learn to relate to one another as grown adults? Read to find out!
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forbidden Love is the first in a duology from the highly prolific KM Lowe and tells the story of Kally and Clark. Kally and Clark have been friends since they were children and despite falling in love with each other by the time Kally is 18 they haven’t gotten together yet. However, it seems that they’ll never get the chance, when at Kally’s 18th birthday party their families announce that Kally must marry Clark’s incredibly sinister, older, brother to pay a debt. As Kally faces incredible trials and heartbreak, Clark must learn to fight for his love and that family is who you love, not just blood.
This book is incredibly fast paced. From the first page we are thrown into the intense world of the Collinson family and see that this is a family built on greed and appearances. Only Clark and Damian seem to have any real humanity and so it makes sense that they are the main male characters. They are fiercely loyal to those they care about and will go to the ends of the earth to protect them. Kally has grown up with these boys and she and Clark seem well suited for each other, although we don’t get much background since there’s so much other stuff going on. You care for Kally from the beginning and get to watch her grow immensely throughout the story. This book is perfect for fans of The Bourbon Kings series by J.R. Ward.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book out because the cover was absolutely beautiful. The colors of the cover are vibrant and pull your attention right in! However I was worried at first when I saw how short it was but for being a shorter story it packed a powerful punch. I have read quite a few books by this author over the last few weeks and I haven’t been disappointed next. This novel was equally emotional and entertaining and the characters were phenomenal. So if your looking for a great short book to read this weekend, make sure you pick this one up today.
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story follows Clark and Kally. All she wanted was Clark. But now, that seems so far out of reach. Kally just turned 18 and the life she was hoping for diminished instead. Clark managed to get away from his family and all he wanted was a life with Kally. Clark’s father is not about to let him walk away.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first of the Invisible Magic Wands books that I have read to my daughter and the daycare children, and I am glad that I did! They very much enjoyed the pictures and how they were able to follow along with the story by hearing the words and then seeing the pictures. They really want to have an UnBirthday today and want to know more about Caspian and his adventures!
We did find that the story ended a little abruptly, but it was still funny, cute, and held all the children’s attention, which is saying quite a bit! For reference, they’re ages range from 1 – 8, the 8-year-old being the reader of the day! Will be grabbing the rest of these books for next week!
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jason is the sun of the alpha king of the Wolf Hollow Pack.
Lily is a captured human slave that works in the castle.
“She’s more. Go after her.” Jason’s wolf urges as soon as they come into contact.
This book was exhilerating to read and was way too short for me because I just want to know what happens next!! The turning of the page happened without my notice I was so engrossed in the events that Lily had stumbled into; and before I knew it, I was at 100% read and could no longer continue. This book does contain some triggers of sexual and physical abuse, but it is not overly descriptive nor does it take away from the story.
I really enjoyed the characters of Jason, Lily and their close friends. I’ve read so many shifter novels over the years and the different takes on packs and shifter etiquette fill my mind with so much imagination. I was not let down with this book as it had everything I was looking for with quite a bit of originality.
Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Shamrock & Clover: Field’s Apart by C.A. King is a romance about two people that have had great losses, finding each other. It is a nice quick read to start off the spring season. These two unfortunately have an abundance of bad luck which is quite ironic given their names. It seems like they can’t catch a break. Fortunately, this loss leads them to each other and they are able to find what they have been missing. I do wish that the characters had been more developed. It was difficult to empathize on a deeper level because a connection with the characters is never really established. I did like that the characters did show some growth towards the end. If you like springtime romance, this book is for you.
This is just another great book in this series. I have chosen to read and listen to this book. I find that audible adds to the experience. I really like how the narrator adds to the enjoyment of the book. This book has continued the series and I have been long awaiting this book. I have read the whole series so far and I find it just gets better as it goes on. I like how the author keeps the balance of drama and intrigue. I really was at the end of my chair as I got further into the book. I didn’t want to put it down.
I was really interested how the author would carry on after the ending of the last one and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the mix of supernatural and human characters. I really like how the author is able to weave the story and branch it to make the series flow and grow. I really cannot wait to read more from this author cause if the ending of this book is anything to go by there is so much more to come.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Welcome to Bunya Junction Series and I cannot tell you how much I loved it. The most important part, in my opinion, is that this book is able to stand alone as a strong novel on its own. I have not read the other three books in the series, but I promise that I will now as I want to know more about the characters that I grew to love throughout this story.
In Reunion in the Outback we meet Yolanda and Michael who are living their life in Sydney. They have just weathered one of the toughest trials of their marriage, and to be honest, their lives. They also managed to do this without the support of family nearby. Michael has been trying to outrun the reputation of his father while Yolanda has been trying to prove her independence from her close knit family.
When Yolanda senses changes in their lives, she chooses to run back to her family for their support. She needs space from Michael and she needs space to think. But is her family the best choice to return to.
Soon Michael is blindsided by even more change and he finds himself with the ability to run after Yolanda to try to win her back. But by returning home to Bunya Junction, he must face all that he ran from when he left and the reputation of his father. Is winning Yolanda back worth facing his fears? Will facing his fears win Yolanda back?
Both of them need to decide if they should stay apart or if they really were better together. They also must decide if what they were running away from all those years ago in Bunya Junction is really what they thought it was. Maybe their life and their home isn’t in Sydney after all.
Forbidden Love – Book 1 of The Forbidden Duet by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Forbidden Love: Book 1 of the Forbidden Duet by KM Lowe. This is one of my favorite kind of books. I loved the story. This is the story of Kally Jamieson and Clark Collinson who have grown up together and been best friends. As they have gotten older they have fallen in love but because they both come from affluent families things are not always as they want it to be. Clark has no interest in running the family business so he branches out on his own. Due to a bet between families when Kally turns 18 she is to be married to Colton as a business deal. Clark is heartbroken so he leaves it all behind and moves on to deal with his heartbreak. Colton is not a good husband he is abusive and leaves Kally broken. Will she be able to break out of this horrible relationship? Will Clark and Kally be able to get back together and rekindle the love they once had? Read Forbidden love to find out!
Claiming My Mate by Nicole Howl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Decent character driven story with our main heroine being a human slave in the household of Wolf shifters. Namely the royal family. The King is a royal Jerk, the queen seems sweet but downtrodden, and the sexy Wolf Prince Jason. The story feels a bit Shakespearian with a fairytale twist. We have rebels/rebellion over the monarchy being iron fisted and a slave girl who catches the eye of our handsome prince. There’s the “evil” guardsman who you want to see on a pike before the story is through, and a twist that just makes you want to cry.
While the world and scenery could use more fleshing out in my opinion. The characters are decent. A good book for older YA audiences. Be cautioned as there are some hard themes and possible trigger warning scenes in here. I like how the characters deal with the events and come out the other side. Not to graphic in the scenes, but still there.
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s a reunion of siblings when Yolanda (also known as Yolo and Lana) arrives on her brother Scott’s doorstep with her young daughter, Jayne. We’ve met Scott, Sindy, and Jonas in previous books and we get to interact with them more with Lana’s story.
She’s yearned for another child for years but Michael, Yolanda’s husband, can’t bear to see her again the way she was earlier in the year when she miscarried. Upset, Yolanda gathers up Jayne and they return to Yolo’s home in Bunya Junction. She avoids all the questions from the family, just letting them know she needs some time away. After all, Michael will be busy at the restaurant, which is where he practically lives these days anyway.
Michael can’t figure out what he did to have the love of his live leave with his daughter. That’s issue #1. Then the phone rings added an additional layer to already mounting pile of disasters. He loves the fact that Charles gave him this opportunity to be the head chef of Charlie’s but he also realizes the time he spends there might be impacting his marriage.
Not being able to withstand the separation any further, Michael leaves Sydney and heads to Bunya Junction. After all, with his new news, he’s got the time to work on his relationship now. Will it be too late? With so many secrets flying around, is there any hope left?
This book concludes the Bunya Junction series. I’m a little sad to see it end!! I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Carruthers family and all their dysfunctions! Each of these books may be read as a standalone but I enjoyed reading them all fairly close together. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy a good family full of perfectly dysfunctional issues to help us all feel a little more normal. 🙂
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers. This is my absolute favorite type of book. I loved it sooo much. I can’t wait to read more by this author. This story is about Josie who has finally left her abusive husband with her two kids. She wants nothing more than to leave the small town she’s lived in her whole life and start over but she can’t. Seems like dead bodies are being found in the river behind her cabin a lot! When she found a dead body in the same river when she was in middle school and the body was never found its kind of hard for people to believe her now. When she gets up the nerve to tell the police they arrest her as a suspect for murder! What in the world will she do now? This book is so fast paced and talks about fear of COVID, bullies and a serial killer! Such a good read!
The Hunted by S.B. Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has to be the best vampire romance that I have ever read. This is a genre that I’m becoming increasingly more and more interested in and this has to be the best example of one that I’ve read so far. This is a new author to me so I wasn’t sure what to expect but I can definitely say for sure that I will be reading more of this author’s work. In particular, I want to read the next instalment of this story.
I absolutely adored Sam and Layla’s story. This is a definite opposites attract and enemies to lovers story. Sam is a vampire and Layla comes from a family of vampire hunters who hate the very existence of vampires. So why is she so attracted to Sam? Why does she constantly think of the things she wants to do to him?
This story is explosive and I was totally gripped from the very first chapter and was totally captivated throughout. I just didn’t want to put this book down. Why does real life get in the way of losing yourself in a great book? And to top it off, we are left with a cliffhanger. I just can’t wait to read more of Sam and Layla.
Definitely 100% recommend and definitely worth the 5 stars I’ve given it.
Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another awesome book in the Mafia Elite series!
Luc doesn’t know that he is in line to be the next Brambilla BOSS. He also didn’t realize that his one-night stand, Summer, is his new executive assistant. When his accounts are drained and Summer looks guilty, he THINKS he knows what’s happening. Little does he know that he has inherited loads of money and found the one for whom he was made. But there is something else going on entirely with Summer. Can he crack her defenses and learn how he can best protect her in time? Can he convince her that he is worth her trust in time?
This was a quicker read than the other books in the series. However, I always enjoy reading about these characters and how their lives are all intertwined. The relationships between them all is fierce and loyal. They’d kill for each other or take a bullet without so much as a second thought. Obviously, I enjoy books with alpha males, deep loyalty, and fierce protective inclinations.
Class Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much more than I thought I would! Going on the clown adventures with Abbey was nothing short of entertaining. I also grew up in Minnesota and currently live in northern Iowa so it was nice reading about places I was familiar with. I especially liked the Part that took place at the Griggs mansion! Overall a really great book and I definitely recommend if you like anything abnormal, like Abbey.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We can’t choose the family we’re born into, and Regan knows just how true that is. She’s used to taking care of herself and helping her addict mother while staying determined to be the first in her family to graduate high school and make something of herself – whatever that is – outside of south Boston.
Jeremy deals with his own family drama while trying to convince his father that he’s ready to take over the company by successfully finishing three new gentrification projects in Boston, a new territory for the business that’s already cornered the markets in LA, Chicago, and New York City.
A chance meeting between two people who live in totally different worlds sparks a relationship that faces a lot of outside turmoil and some internal struggles. Can love be enough to see them through? Faced with two terrible choices that either rip apart two families or cause two broken hearts, Regan must decide if her future will ever be what she has always hoped for.
The author did a great job with relatable and lovable characters, delving into familial matters that somehow still make even the “bad apples” endearing, for the most part. The romance follows the typical arc of couple meets and faces struggle, but the story is one that’s easy to follow and has you rooting for a good outcome with plenty of steamy scenes to boot.
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my, Regan and Jeremy’s story was absolutely beautiful. Heartbreaking but beautiful all the same. “I’ll find strength in pain” hit me right in the feels after the book hit me in all the other feels. So so good. Equally parts romantic, heartfelt and steamy.. I just couldn’t get enough. I absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a great opposites attract romance!
Reunion in the Outback by Nicole Flockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adored Michael and Yolondas story. I read the other books in the Bunya Junction series and this one was just as great as all the others. It was equal parts heart breaking and romantic. I devoured it in just a few hours because I couldn’t put it down. It was a story of defeat and helplessness but also of courage and strength. I highly recommended if you like small town romances!
Until there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, this was a doozie of a read! I am truly a fan of the angst-filled will they, won’t they read every now and again and this novel was exactly that. Not only did the author take the time to really navigate the thoughts, emotions, and turmoil that both Regan and Jeremy felt, but she made sure to clearly define the walls that these two constructed individually and as a unit. As someone who has been through their fair share of iffy relationships, I felt this experience through and through. I literally couldn’t stop thinking about it, even if I did feel as though it was just the little bit too long. The sexual encounters that are within these pages made me want to jump my partner, immediately, and that is certainly never a bad thing!
The one thing I must say that I consider worthy of a standing ovation is the introduction of the idea that addiction does not merely stick to those that are less fortunate and born into a poor way of life, however, that it doesn’t care who you are or where you came from, it will nip you regardless of anything. That is all I will say on that as to not to spoil the story, but I am very glad I picked this novel up and would gladly recommend it to others and will be rereading it myself, to be sure. Well done!
