Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute and quick read! Extremely fast paced romance book but I throughly enjoyed it! The characters were like able and I loved the little bit of spice the author threw in there 😉 I do wish the book was longer because I’d love to read more about Melinda and Derek! I’d love to have more of their story because they’re so cute with each other!
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I appreciated this is a direct continuation of Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend, which makes the pairing logical for helping children acquire, and sadly, lose, pets. This book continues, as with the first, to depict the cats and playful and cheerful animals and characters. This book has a great description of what a vet may do, which helps with social stories for young kids that have to take their pet to the vet, written in language they can understand, and teaching proper terms such as euthanasia (yes, children can understand big words). For a sensitive topic, the authors handle it well and this book provides a bridge to discuss pet loss with young children.
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Magic Carousel is a fast-paced, exciting read! The target audience is 9-12 year olds, but my 39-year-old self absolutely loved it! It has a little bit of sadness with the sickness of Rusty’s grandpa, but it also has excitement, adventure, and magic! K. L. Small delivers unbelievably realistic characters who not only have flaws, but also struggle with different things in life. This book not only creates a magical world full of adventure, but also touches on real-world topics such as bullying, alcoholism, and health issues. This book reminded me that, despite all the negative things around me, there is still magic and excitement all around as well; I just have to look closer. The magical world beyond the carousel was so vividly detailed and explanatory that I felt like I was right alongside Rusty on his exploits. I can’t wait to read more books by K. L. Small!
The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Reluctant Suitor is a contemporary romance novella which is part of The Studs of Clear Creek County series. While it can be read as a standalone, the characters are best understood when read in order. The Reluctant Suitor is Fisher and Billie Jean’s story in the series.
Fisher Hines is wealthy and he does all he can to earn the respect of his family. Overseeing the employees at Locke Farm is one way to keep their respect and propel himself forward in their eyes.
Billie Jean is visiting family in Clear Creek County from college. What she never expected was to fall for Fisher when she visited home. Billie Jean finds herself conflicted after learning that Fisher works for Locke Farm. She is determined to do what is best for her family and the Black people who work for Locke Farm and she’ll do it with or without Fisher’s help.
Stacy-Deanne does a good job tackling the tough issues. The story between Billie Jean and Fisher was partially eclipsed by what was happening with Sue Ann. I would have preferred more development between Billie Jean and Fisher, but still found it to be a good story overall.
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Sullivan sisters are a fabulous family that seems like a lot of fun. In book two of this series, we learn more about Katelyn and get to catch up on what Ellie’s been up to.
Katelyn is restless and feels the need to travel again. When an opportunity comes up for her to go and help an injured horse, she’s all in. She might be the only one who is though! The set-up came through a third party mutual friend so when Katelyn shows up at Grant Tennyson’s farm to help rehabilitate his prize-winning thoroughbred, he’s wondering where she came from. Grant is also not wanting her help and will do what he can to get her to leave.
Katelyn is full of sass and vinegar and finds a way into Grant’s horse barn, as well as into his heart. She’s not afraid to put him or anyone else in their place and she will prove that she’s the right person for this job.
There is a lot of raw emotion in this story and it’s one that goes by fairly quickly. My favorite character has to be the butler in this story though! I loved Katelyn and Grant but the butler stole my heart!
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book from Toya Richardson but probably my favorite so far.
She did such a great job with the character development and Donna is very relatable. I am really starting to enjoy the different POVs in a story and this book did very well with it. I would say this story is fast paced and flows nicely. If you enjoy paranormal romance books, this is one you should consider. I’m glad I did and look forward to reading more of her books.
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a sweet, friends to lovers, contemporary romance with drama, angst and love and everything that I love about a good romance story. Love Shots is book 4 in the Bluestone Series, and while this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading this series in order.
Summer comes back to Bluestone to claim what she thought was taking her grandfather’s bar, but instead, a friend that she grew up with bought it. When Summer finds out, the whiskey goes flying and anger ensues. Summer is trying to pick up pieces of her broken life and wants to feel safe. As Summer gets to know Teddy again….sparks fly….even if danger may be lurking.
Teddy is retired from the Navy SEALs and living his life as a bar owner in Bluestone. What he does not expect is Summer to come flying back in to his life as they knew each other from so many years ago. Knowing he missed his chance prior to joining the Navy, will Teddy get to know Summer again and tell her his feelings that he has been holding on from so many years? Will Teddy be there for Summer when she needs him the most, especially when her past comes back to haunt her?
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this story was adorable but it also showed how much what we do as adults affect children. My heart hurt for Rusty with everything he dealt with and felt. Very glad that he had his grandfather there to teach him that he was enough and that he had the power to steer his future and make a change. I love carousels and the magic of the story made them even better.
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Russell is bullied at school, doesn’t have the best home life, and on top of it all, he has to take his grandpa to the park to ride the carousel every afternoon. He makes up his mind that this is the last time to take his grandpa when an amazing adventure begins. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to sharing it with my granddaughter.
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is an emotional and educational read about saying goodbye to a furry loved one which is not easy no matter how young or old you are.
Grief is different for everyone and especially little people, but Terri has done a brilliant job of putting together a controversial topic for a child and made it into a story that is caring and easily shared. I like that she doesn’t shy away from topics that others would not think to do especially for kids where it is a confusing and hard time.
It is a story about making those tough and importance decision together as a family. The bright and colourful pictures help to explain the process of what happens and to know it is ok to be sad and miss them.
I see there are many more adventures for Oscar and Emmy to read to my family.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol. This is a wonderful book about the topic of stray and feral cats. Abby and Charlie have 2 pet cats, Oscar and Emmy. When the cats make a new friend in Shadow, a stray cat that has kittens, they ask their mom if they can feed them. Their mom says yes but she also explains to the kids that she has to call the vet. The vet wants her to trap the momma cat and kittens and bring them in. The vet teaches them all about the trap neuter return program. Trying to cut down on the stray cat population is a must for just about all areas. The kids are excited to be able to help the momma cat and kittens and are excited to have learned something new. Such a good educational book!
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This books is heart breaking and yet amazing all at the same time. This book covers a topic that is difficult to discuss with children – loss and the loss of a pet. The author handles it beautifully and it is an emotional and well written story. Thankfully, this isn’t a topic I have had to touch on with my kids but it thought it was a great way to gently introduce them to the subject. And, in the future if it becomes any more relevant, I will certainly revisit this book with them as a way to explain what is happening.
This whole series has been engaging and fun to read and, despite the subject matter, this one has to be my favourite so far. I can’t wait to see what is next.
Dead Keen by Anise Eden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a gripping thriller that is every bit as exciting and intense as the first book. It was great to connect with Neve again and see her character develop even more in this book. This book can be read as a standalone but I personally think it is better to read them in order so you can get a full appreciation of the characters and the story.
I was pulled into this book right from the start. It was a fascinating story and I felt like it kept me on the edge of my seat for most of it. This is the kind of book that you have to read in one sitting because it is so good. It took me no time to get through it and yet I could have kept reading for so much longer. This is a fantastic book that I would highly recommend.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Hybrid Lovers series and it can be read as a standalone. This book was so captivating that I couldn’t put it down. I love a fated mates paranormal romance and this one had all of that and more. The connection between Donna and Antonie just jumped off the page and the chemistry sizzled constantly between them.
I loved Donna’s character and her strength with everything she has dealt with and the way she pulled herself back from the depths of despair to become the mate that Antonie was searching for and needs to help protect his territory from demons. Together they are a strong and fierce couple who will stop at nothing to protect what is there’s and the people they love.
This is a fast paced story filled with danger, hot steamy connections, a fated mate romance and a dominant male in Antonie who will protect his mate no matter what and also a equally dominant female in Donna who will destroy anyone who trys to harm her mate.
I can’t wait to see what else this series had in store.
Mesmerised by Toya Richardson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book by this author I have read in this series and I was not let down. I really like how the author is able to blend just the right amount of drama into the romance. I really like how the characters have such a fiery chemistry. This happens to be one of my most favorite genre. I absolutely love paranormal romance. The author is able to build the story and grip the reader. I really was not wanting to put this book down. The eagerness to see how the story would progress kept me on the edge of my seat. I really cannot wait to read more from this author and this series as it definitely has become one of my top ten favorite series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s sad when we lose our pets. This story explains about euthanasia in a soft way that is just right for children to understand. We all know when it is time to help our pets not feel pain anymore. This is just what happens with Shadow when the family who feeds him comes down with cancer. The parents are great about explaining what is happening with Shadow and why they are making this choice.
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was inspired by DeBlassie’s writings to not only continue my journey with the Tarot, but to pick it back up. I’ve always been interested in what many consider to be the “occult” or “dark” or “magical” and I’ve always viewed those interests as just part of my world and who I am. When I was first introduced to DeBlassie’s writings, I was so comforted because I finally felt like I found someone who thought very similarly to me and felt the way I did about things. I really love the way DeBlassie writes…I always feel as those she can sense what I’m needing to hear and is able to effectively communicate that and put it to paper. I enjoy her prose and poetry as well as her straightforwardness and realness. I love her unique take on various aspects and the Tarot is no different. If you are at all interested in the Tarot, please pick up this book and just have a looksee. It’s easy to read and extremely informative.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This children’s book deals with the hard truth of losing a pet and the even harder truth of having to make the decision to euthanize the pet. It was fabulously done. Sabol handles the topic with a delicacy that speaks of experience and wisdom. This is a fantastic book filled with information if you have children and are having to go through this experience. The illustrations are very well done and, again, the topic is treated with dignity and respect.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Katelyn is a fierce hard worker who will fight for what she knows is right. As she heals the hurts of the horse, the man who captures her interest is entwined in that healing.
There are years of emotional abuse to work through and in the end, it may feel safer to just stick with what he knows. Grant has never been free to make his own choices in his life and thinking there could be more is almost too much for him to bear. This was a very emotional read for me, I love how the author takes us along through the highs and lows.
S.E. Reichert is great at creating strong relatable characters who are flawed and lovable. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
Reviewed by @daree222
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Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lilliana Rose amazing author who brought naive girl Tamaska into doing her own thing in life and getting into trouble with both vampires and wolves.
I love the fact that Kodiak knows what is going on with the vampires but does not know why they want a human Tamaska but his bond to Tamaska is deep that he was willing to disobey his pack for a love for a human.
See Tamaska, I did not like it so much because at first, I wanted to slap her crazy. She is the type of human that wants to do everything on her own by seeking the supernatural, she knew what was going on but was denied help from Kodiak but the bond is stronger than hers.
I love the characters and the world that Lilliana Rose made for it. An amazing book can’t wait for the Second book.
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the 1st book, Tamaska was naive about the situation that she was in with the vampires and Kodiak was risking the pack for Tamaska. Their lives are at risk because the Blood Opal is still stolen and they are letting feelings get in the way to go after who took the Blood Opal.
Now the second Tamaska is avoiding Kodiak because she felt cheated on or lied to, but Kodiak had to. Still here in this second book, she tries to do everything on her own and go after the vampires who stole the Blood Opal but thinks that her life can go back to not knowing about Vampires and Wolves.
Kodiak breaks my heart in this part because of my heart. He chose her over his pack now he is alone and that is killing him. But the protection is important to him but he does not want to break the pack of honor.
Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When her mom falls apart, Claire shelters their little family and takes on more responsibility than any 17-year-old should have to. She gives up her summer to care for her baby brother. She feels like all of her hopes and dreams are going down the drain as she realizes how deep her mother’s betrayal goes. Her protective side leads her to find the inner strength she didn’t know she had. There are secrets to learn and a new future to explore.
Reviewed by @daree222
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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this romance story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoy their writing style and their attention to details that gave the story a realistic feel. I found this book to be well written, fast paced and engaging. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world from the start. A world of young love, secrets that threaten and what you are willing to risk for said love. I enjoyed watching the growth of the plot as well as the characters which made the story easy to read. I enjoyed what they brought to the story which added to the entertainment value of the story. This is a great romance story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I definitely enjoyed reading this story, despite it being a children’s book and only a few pages long, I learned a lot on the subject of trap-and-neuter. The story was effective and gave information in such a way that the reader is able to both follow the story and learn. The situation was explained well in simple terms that even children can understand and follow. The illustrations were cute and helped the reader understand what was going on throughout the story. Though it’s clear this story is part of a series of educational books on the subject of cats, it can be read as a standalone.
Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As I was reading this book, I kept counting the starfish out loud and really enthusiastically like I was reading it to my little one because I can absolutely see myself reading this to my kids! My boys would absolutely love this book with all of the beautiful colors and wonderful rhymes! I especially loved the last couple of pages with facts and the find the object. I learned a few new facts and I love that my kids will, too!
@jowright
Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The second instalment in this series definitely didn’t disappoint! Following Tamaska’s journey is keeping me turning each page! This book has great world building, and good character building. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute book about Shadow- a black cat that shows up at Oscar and Emmy’s house. They begin to feed her and find she has some hungry kittens too! Mom explains that the TNR (trap, neuter, release) progam will be best for Shadow and her kittens. So they trap them, take them to the vet and then release once the vet says it is okay. Great illustrations and explanations are kid friendly.
Back to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I think it is safe to say that this book is nostalgia at its finest! Back to the 80s is a fun, nostalgic rom-com that brought back a lot of memories of the good times! If you grew up in the 80s and early 90’s or just have a love for the past, this is a fun reminder of how awesome that time period was! Blaine has inherited her mom’s shop, which happens to be a novelty shop showing love to the 1980s. Eric is a local developer with big plans of demolishing her shop to build a brewery. Is there anyway Blaine convince Eric that her shop is worth saving?
This is definitely a sweet rom-com that had me ready to watch some of those awesome 80s films. The characters of Blaine and Eric are well developed and give off the not friends but could be something more aesthetic. Blaine had a way of showing that she is strong willed with strong opinions and is independent. She is ready to fight for the business that she loves and isn’t going to let Eric stand in the way. Kudos to the authors for such a fun, nostalgic book! I can’t wait to read future books by SE Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan.
Mary Espinoza, August 2023
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a young adult/ new adult romance. It was such a good read!
Mina and Wesley are the best of friends until one day he’s gone with no notice. A lot has changed for Mina since she was the bullied kid in elementary school. It’s some kind of luck that Wesley ends up at Mina’s high school. They can’t believe it but they aren’t the same kids they once were. Can they get back the relationship they once had or is it gone forever?
This was a very well written story. I was pulled in almost immediately and couldn’t put it down. You really feel for the characters and their experiences. It’s very relatable even if it’s been awhile since you’ve been in high school. I really enjoyed this one.
Cruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I loved it!!
Ava has known the King’s her whole life. That’s what happens when you live on the property and your dad works for them. Theo has been her best friend for as long as she can remember. Theo has feelings for her but naturally Ava is oblivious. It doesn’t help that she’s got a crush on Matthias, the oldest King boy. She just wishes she knew why he treated her like crap. Cue a snowstorm that strands Ava and Matthias alone together for a couple days. Never in her wildest dreams did she think anything would change between them. She finds out Matthias has feelings for her and everything changes from there. With no warning, Ava’s dad sends her away to live with her aunt. Five years is a long time but now everyone is back together again. Will Matthias be happy to see her or will the one time be all they have?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were so well written and there was a lot of feeling. The book grabs you and you can’t put it down until you figure everything out! I love it!
