No One Could See the Flea by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sometimes an itch is just an itch. Honestly my favorite book by Tricia Gardella so far. Such a cute little story of relatable everyday kid stuff. All of Jack’s friends work together to help him help his dog Shank. From the different home remedies that each child has heard to their own interpretation of what to do was a fun silly read.
Word Play by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very relatable story for anyone with an eager learner. Once again Tricia Gardella takes you on an adventure, this time with little Joe. His first day at school his teacher takes too long to talk about reading so he decides to go on an adventure to find the “right” place to learn. The fun and colorful illustrations bring the interpretation of a child’s journey to learn how to read into an easy-to-read book for little learners. Biggest lesson he learns is patience, nothing is learned in a day, and it takes time.
“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely love Absurd…. Tricia Gardella has quickly become one of my favorite children’s book authors. Her work is always so fun and with vibrant illustrations and easy rhyming for all ages of reading. This book was a perfect example of teamwork and even overcoming limitations. Birds and planes can only go so high. But solutions are found a new plan is made together.
Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hit the small town feels on the nose. This is the first book I have read by the talented Donna S. Frelick and being from a small town in the mountains of North Carolina this story truly came to life. With multiple perspectives the author takes us on an adventure into the truly unknown.
Moira and her twin sister Claire are both very different but all it takes in one missed meet up and Moira goes on the hunt. Starting where she last heard from her sister, Moira heads to the town of Allenville. All she wants to do is find her sister and when told to talk to the local police chief things shift. Seth is conflicted. He wants to help Moira find her sister but must protect his town. Adding to the growing tension and suspense, beasts, mutilated bodies, secrets being revealed and more, Moira and Seth also must deal with their growing feelings for each other. Claire only stopped for the night to rest while traveling to visit her sister and everything changed.
Will Moira find Claire? What happened to Claire? The world building was amazing. I honestly could picture the town and its people in my head. Not only from memory but from experience living in a small mountain town, everyone has their secrets and some of them are way more than you ever expected. The characters give a wide range of perspectives from being an outsider searching for her sister, to an out-of-this-world outsider and even a passerby that got mixed up in the secrets of the town. This was an amazing start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next in Alienville.
The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Interesting is just the tip of the iceberg on how to describe this book. While I’ll admit I don’t often read many historical fantasy books, this one just grabbed my attention. The author’s incredible talent in weaving so many things into the perfect package was flawless. Simon Bell, Gaelan Erceldoune and Anne Shawe each bring their own perspective to the story.
Simon tried everything to save his wife, but nothing worked, when he was unable to follow her, he must figure out what to do next with his life. Five years pass and rumors give Simon a purpose, to find Gaelan and start trying to figure out what made them immortal and how can they undo it. Thus, the hunt for the missing manuscript begins. Time passes and a modern-day pharmaceutical company finds diaries describing what the Bedlam inmates endured. Suddenly, Gaelan is drawn to a geneticist Anne Shawe the brings more mysteries and discoveries.
How is Anne’s family connected to the manuscript? Will Simon and Gaelan find a cure to their immortality? Everything about this book pulls you in. The beginning is slow but honestly all the greatest books and discoveries had a leadup. Once things pick up its full immersion as the author takes you through the twists and turns of not only historical aspects but how they compare to modern ones. How the characters grow and evolve throughout leaves you ready for more but feeling complete if a sequel doesn’t come. I struggled in many ways on how to write this review without giving anything away but honestly my heart is still racing and so is my mind.
The Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not gonna lie, the cover of this one pulled me in instantly, but the synopsis of the anthology made me too curious I had to find out what was inside. While I love works and shows inspired by HP Lovecraft and HG Wells, I have never personally read any of their work or anything like their work until now. This book is composed of fourteen stories by a total of thirteen authors. One key backbone across them all, time.
The steampunk and clocks pull everything together flawlessly to fully immerse you in each of the stories. While they are in this anthology, they are not continuations of each other they all have their unique voice. I don’t usually take my time with anthologies, I tend to devour them quickly, but this one really makes you take a moment to think about the depth of the stories and keeps you coming back to see what’s next. I hope to see more from this group of incredible authors and their visions.
Every second, every minute, every hour.
Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery: A scientific method book by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cute read about helping others. Everything about the Dinopotamus series is amazing the easy to comprehend stories for all ages and how they always involve so many life lessons in them. This one was no different Lois Wickstrom shows not only how to help others, Dinopotamus making a warm nap spot for the children but also alternate forms of communication. Just because someone or something can’t talk doesn’t mean they can’t communicate with you in other ways if you just pay attention. My younger son was nonverbal until he was three, currently seven and he loved this book, and remembers using sign language to communicate in other ways.
Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Anytime I pick up a Terri Sabol book I know it’s going to be a treasure. This book shows the amazing ways youngsters overcome anxiety. Rocky is going to his first family reunion and doesn’t know anyone other than his parents and sister. The moment a struggle appears he overcomes his worries and speaks up to help everyone. Classic style illustrations mixed with the story gave me some childhood memories of the American Tails movies.
Heads up the eBook had a slight mix up in one place with the pages being reversed. The pages with the egg eating contest.
Puzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intrigue and complexity draw you near and hold you victim. Honestly, I love a good thriller/ horror movie, but I don’t necessarily read many this one was a must. The cover, the title, everything about Christopher Alan Broadstone’s first novel Puzzleman draws you in. At least for us thriller/horror fans.
It all begins with an earring. The web of complexity that leads to each of the characters or better, yet victims make you hold your breath. I will admit I was up waaaay past my bedtime with this one. Once I started, I couldn’t find a place where I was willing to stop, I had to know what happened next. While the complexity and twists of how everyone and everything tied into each other made me think of famous franchises, this book took it to an entirely different level or mind blowing.
Forever in my mind after this read “no one is sane down a drain, and down a drain no one is sane”. Everything about this world tells you to run. The mystery, the puzzles, the characters, the intrigue, they all tell you to stay, to go down the drain and discover the truth. I truly cannot wait to see what this otherworldly author comes up with next.
Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Discovering everything they never knew they needed. Alyndra Quinn has such immense power over my soul with this series. Finally getting to see more inside the mind of Derek Ingram as well as Jordan and Justine in this entry. Each of them has their own path they are on but in so many ways they are each other’s answers and solutions.
Derek has decided to rise and take over his “families” syndicate from his half brother Lucian. Lucian poses a threat to his older brother Zachery and his girlfriend Ashton as well as anyone else that’s near Derek. Jordan is beginning to shift into the next chapter of her life and wants something more than a hook up with her favorite Dom and mentor Derek. Justine has been observing Shattered Embrace for over a year and after one embarrassing slip up that led to Derek hearing her sighing his name from the shadows of the room, she takes the next step and participates in a class for the first time. While several others give Justine more perspective not only for her research but for herself, she starts to question her motives and how she can truly understand her dissertation topic unless she discovers it. With questions filling her mind leading to a moment she could barely even dream up Justine learns to let go and discover her desires in ways she never imagined.
Will Derek succeed in getting Lucian out of the way? How will Jordan discover what she needs to fill her soul? What will Justine discover when she stops hiding behind her research and living in the moment? This world has a way of pulling you in deeper and deeper with each new discovery and every page until you’re left speechless and ready for the next story to see where it will go from here. While I didn’t know about Whispers in Wonderland before reading this book, I will be going back to it very soon to discover where it all began for Derek and Jordan and what led to the events in this book. That said I wasn’t completely lost but the beginning had me confused slightly as it seemed to pick up after previous important events. Now the countdown to finally getting inside the mind of the Master of love them and leave them, Reid.
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Two very different outlooks on what “love” is. Every time I read one of A. Akinosho’s books I am in a trance until I read The End. Dual perspectives Declan and Anne.
Declan had it all, or at least was ready to step into his “rightful” place to get it all. He had just graduated from college, top of his class and accepted the idea of an arranged marriage. He only had one rule, give him ten years to enjoy his life on his own. Eight years later and he knows big changes will be coming but he isn’t sure yet. Anne, Sara, Declan’s younger sister, is her only friend. Growing up in London she may have imitated some American things and loved watching movies with her friends but to be shipped off to American to live permanently was never on her to do list in life. Unfortunately, life had other plans for her. She has no time or need for love. Declan doesn’t even believe in the idea of love or that it’s even possible for him until the day their eyes met. The day before Sara’s eighteenth birthday there was a chance encounter when Declan picked Sara up from school and Anne was with her. When their eyes met in the rearview mirror, he didn’t even understand the sudden rush he felt but he was determined to “kill” it before it could inevitably fall apart. Years later and suddenly the agreement is a bigger problem than he ever could have imagined.
Is it possible to truly find love when you’re not looking for it? Will Declan and Anne find a way to overcome all and find a way to make it work? This world pulls you in the characters worm into your soul and holds you prisoner until you truly know their story. Declan stands up to his father and Anne accepts the beauty in finding someone. Pain is inevitable in life, but to love and be loved gives it true meaning. This love story is full of twists and turns that leave you rushing through in prayer for a happy ending they both deserve.
Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Is it possible for a soul to truly be made up of three equal parts? Victoria Saccenti has such a unique style of writing that pulls you in from page one. This is the second book I have read in the Central Florida Stories Series and just as before I was intrigued and excited how the story would unfold. Told from all three perspectives of the main characters, Marcus, Storm and Barrington, Irresistible Bond takes you on a five-year journey when friendship turns into so much more.
They all grew up together hip to hip to hip, climbing trees and scrapping elbows and knees. As they grew up sparks danced under the surface until one night they started to become a living dream. Enter Roddy, and Elaine, a beautiful new chapter set on fire before it could flourish. Judgement and distaste sent impulsive Storm leaving early for the DEA. She was tired of seeing drugs destroy the young and old alike and wanted to do more than just complain about it. Unspeakable things happen to her in the five years she is gone, and she doesn’t come out of it fully intact, her body is scared, and her mind heart is guarded.
Can her Marcus and Barrington lower her walls? Will she finally find what she’s always wanted? This world is every day in some parts of the world and this book gives a unique perspective and insight from Storm’s experiences and Marcus and Barrington as they navigate, bringing her back into the world she fled from and the dreams they all wished for.
Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Real world events seen from another perspective. Terri Sabol’s Oscar and Emmy series makes the reader take a step back and remember that as important as it is for you to have a plan for disasters it’s important to have them for your pets too. As the news showed in the book several abandon their pets out of the lack of a plan and preparation for what’s needed to take them. Added facts on details and more information on what’s needed for pet emergency kits is amazing. Also, this book teaches the reader to have empathy for those less fortunate in disasters and small ways they can help that leave big impacts like making cookies and teaching others how to make a kit for their pets.
Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning illustrations and easy to read. Kim Ann’s books are always a winner with growing little readers. The easy-to-read stories take you on a journey with the turtles, in this book, as one is added on with each turn of the page. Before you know it you have reached the end where there are facts and a fun little counting search game for your little one to enjoy.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations, unique names and fun story. Soara is special, she walks with her friends all the time but at recess something special happens and she flies. Though she is flying she still plays with her friends Lulu and Zanie making it seem like they have magic. Easy to read and unique story. The only rule is to make sure you’re back at school when recess ends.
Opposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again Lois Wickstrom shows her incredible talent not just in writing the story but in her fun illustrations. This series gives kids a confidence boost seeing hand drawn pictures and understanding they can do it too. Opposite day is always a fun day, but this book took it to the max or would it be the minimum? Hmmm. Every little thing was given in the opposite way, and I love how it showed that misunderstandings can happen to anyone, but Dinopotamus always has a friend to cheer him up. Easy to read for my seven-year-old and the inspiration he had on trying to say the opposite of everything he meant for the rest of the night.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What’s a fairy tale without a villain? This is the first book I have read by the imaginative and amazing Cori Cooper, and I kick myself for not reading one sooner. Officially one of my new favorite authors of 2024 and one of my new favorite books.
Maddy is like me, always follows the rules, ALL OF THEM. Never doing anything outside of them. At least that was before the gift that changed everything. Every teenager thinks about their birthday and getting closer to being an “adult”, but Maddy’s seventeenth birthday changed everything. Grams got her a DNA test. Strange but okay she’d always wanted to do one and now was her chance to finally know what she was made of. How is that even tested for and what does it all mean. Living your life dreaming about happily ever after and then being told you’re a quarter villain makes Maddy question everything. Is it even possible to have a happy ending when you’re a villain? Just as she was trying to understand what she was her best friend Leo is banished to another realm. Once again everything changes but she is ready to do anything to get Leo back, even if it means being a villain.
How can the villain save someone? Is Leo her happy ever after she always dreamed of? What does “being a villain” truly mean for Maddy? The world the author creates is breathtaking. The way she weaves different fairy tale aspects together but also brings in some modern-day elements and truly brings this world to life. Maddy’s journey leading to the test and navigating the results is inspiring. Just because your DNA says your something doesn’t mean that’s what you’re destined to be. I truly cannot wait to see what Maddy and Leo conquer next.
Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fiction or possible future, to a degree at least. I love C.A. King’s worlds she creates they are always so different than anything else and no two books of hers are the same. Other than their ability to fully submerge you in their world. Told from several perspectives including Rod and Ned.
Treacle is the epitome of small fishing communities. To live there is to answer the call of the sea. But times have changed in just five years, the seas are lifeless. No fish, no plants, no birds. Life tied to the water is gone. The need for food is worse now than ever before and all because people’s race to clean up the planet made them blind to the life that inhabits it. Until it was too late. Rod gets lucky, or maybe it’s unluckier when he renovates Old Bessy, his fishing boat. He finds a fissure at the bottom of the ocean. The secrets are hidden in caves, unknown fish and eggs fill it. Ned dreams of a better life for him and his daughter and all caution go to the wind. One decision changed everything.
What do they really find in those caves? Can they stop it before it’s too late? What will be left of Treacle in the end? Most of this talented authors books I can see myself living in them but honestly this one is just terrifying in all the best ways the suspense the story the growth it will truly pull you under from start to finish. Book two Sashimi, see you there.
Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sizzle. Sizzle. I am proud to state that from this day on I am officially a devoted fan of E.L. Roux. This is the first book I have read by them and my oh my it was a fantastic little read.
Jorden gave three years of her life loving a man that one little sip of a special drink had her world crashing down. A year has passed, and the pain still aches inside of her daily as her ex-fiancé Nathan and his new fiancé Tiffany visit her coffee shop daily. Many have asked her out in the time that’s passed but only Cane cracks her façade. Saying yes, she struggles with her internal emotions. She gave her heart away once only for it to be thrown away and she was not afraid that if she tried again and failed, she would forever be alone. Cane needs her help for a vision quest, for their exes Tiffany and Nathan. Giving in everything changes in the blink of an eye. Everything with Cane is easier and without overthinking.
What did Tiffany need to know? Why did Jorden see the answer? What did Cane see? This was a short, sweet read to kick off the month of June and honestly, I need more. I want to know what makes Volur different from Pixies, Nymphs, and other magic casters other than not being in cities much. I cannot wait to read book two, Unrewarded Love, to see more about Perri and Kyla’s story, and where their sparks lead them. Also, sidenote, that spice be extra spicy in this one the buildup and the ceremony missing the big finish was interesting. Overall, an extremely well written novella to fit in a single sitting without realizing you finished it already. This one will consume your time from start to finish.
A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a conclusion to an amazingly diverse series. This is book five in the series Life is Hell by Naomi Valkyrie but from book one you already know most of the characters so seeing the growth across each of the books was such a treat. Dual perspectives of Hadassah and Jezebel. Heads up while this book as well as the others could be read as a standalone Hadassah’s start in this book is the direct consequences of her actions in book one.
Hadassah is an Angel from Heaven and after helping her fallen angel brother Malakhi save his demon girlfriend from witches, she is now on probation on earth awaiting her punishment. While she wouldn’t change her mind on helping him, she doesn’t want to “condemn” herself more by interacting with his new less than heavenly family he has made on earth. Jezebel in book one was thought to be just a dog until the climax when Mal and everyone else discovered she was a shifter. She may have been at Mal’s side for years the secret of her identity was a shock and more so that she went so long without revealing herself. Haddie wanted to “please” her brother and show she at least tried so she reaches out to Jezebel in an empty offer to hang out. Suddenly trapped with a shifter stuck to her side everywhere when a threat from Jezebel’s past comes knocking and taking, Hadassah keeps to her good ways and goes on the run with Jezebel to protect her.
What will heaven decide? Can Hadassah keep Jezebel safe? Everything and everyone in this series was constantly growing and evolving with each book and seeing where previous couples were throughout this book was a cherry on top of an amazing series. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes but add in the supernatural, celestial aspects and it’s made all the better as everyone learns that life and the world isn’t black and white. The moment you stop seeing it that way is the moment you truly begin to live a fuller life, a more rewarding life. Naomi Valkyrie is truly one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to start another one of her books.
Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, the beautiful classic golden book type illustrations bring this unique story to life. Lois Wickstrom’s main theme to this book is just because something has always been perceived as bad doesn’t mean they are born that way; love can change everything and everyone. Wynnie continues to prove why she is the wisest adviser the king has ever had and that thinking differently than others is a great reward.
Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Information on the science of the human body is told in a way to help younger minds understand. Lois Wickstrom astonishes me once again in the way she gives information to young minds. Her creative easy to understand comparisons of how a wound is healed related to war and rebuilding is wonderful. With the extra big words in boxes along the way this book helps have informative moments with your little one in a fun educational way.
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is honestly nothing this inspiring author can’t do. Not only did Lois Wickstrom write this book but she illustrated it also. The illustrations show kids that they can draw their own stories too. My seven-year-old instantly started trying to draw his own Dinopotamus, as soon as we finished the book only, he made it green, his favorite color. An easy-to-read story about acceptance, kindness, and friendship as they all learn together.
Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
New children’s author to me and LOVE his work already. Fun beautiful illustrations and fun rhymes make this James Williamson an instant hit for the whole family. My seven-year-old loved the unique ways everyone loves the same food but in their own way. He likes his PB & J by itself, but I like mine with Doritos, but only the original nacho cheese ones. How do you like your PB & J? I can’t wait to read more of this talented author’s other books with my son.
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everything and more. This is the first book I have read by the incredibly talented Nadia Han though I have several of her books on my tbr, this was the first and I was over the moon with it. Yes, this is book five in the WaterFyre Rising series, but each book can be read as a standalone. I wasn’t confused or lost on anything, and it was explained what the previous four couples did to warrant the Trogyn being after him and his friends. Dual perspective of Arrow Holt and Vivian Vo.
Arrow has many accomplishments and interests including wine and video games. The one thing he wants is her. Vivian Vo is an accomplished pediatric dentist and martial arts master. Her childhood led her to mastering self defense and teaching others. So much in her life could be different if she and her mother knew those skills back then. After uprooting her entire life and putting it on hold to move across the country to find a kidnapped nine-year-old girl the unexpected shows up along the way. Seeing Arrow makes her have a flutter and spark of something she long thought was lost, something she could never get back when the scars were burned into her body long ago. Arrow thought he could have anything and everything he wanted until he found someone that matched his scarred soul, that awakened a part of him he never knew was there and only there for her. Thanks to Kaylee, the thirteen-year-old girl that Vivian is the guardian of, things progress faster in some ways than they could have. Vivian is forced to feel and not judge with her eyes as she begins to fall for “Bullseye” Arrow, while also battling herself about their actual encounters. Arrow falls for “Tulip” Vivian quickly and goes the distance to prove he is all in. When her past comes knocking, she worries more about how Arrow and those around her than herself.
Will Arrow run when he sees her scars as others had? Can Vivian let her walls down and finally trust someone again? This world is outside, maybe not in my personal experience but with how the world is I feel at least one person has lived this life or is living it now. The characters burrow into your heart, you feel their pain and their fear, but the author also makes you feel their hope and love as they break down their walls. Knowing up front from the tropes on that they get there happily ever after builds suspense and fear on how they will reach it. I cannot wait to see whose story comes next in book six, The Protégé, October 29th, 2024. Now to go back and dive into the other four books and see how his friends found their happily ever after.
Sure As Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such sweet moments sprinkled in. This is book four in the Life is Hell series and like the others it can technically be read as a standalone but once again it picks up after the events of the previous book. Dual perspectives of Jaru and Lark.
Jaru is determined to give contract companions a safe place to work. Following the attack in the previous book, Hell in a Handbasket, Jaru starts his own agency, Devil’s Delights. Only shortly after finally starting up warnings begin to appear, notes and phone calls. Contract companions are disappearing, and his boys are next. Lark is the last of his grove and surprised to still be alive and now finding his newfound loneliness too much as his best friend is no longer around as much. Thanks to his secret portal system he is faced with an emergency that shows Jaru and Soren one of his abilities that he has kept secret. Having experienced holding hands and finally his first kiss Lark is willing to do what is needed, even helping Soren cook dinner. Lark and Jaru learn together as Soren helps. But everything is different and the chaos never waivers. One attack was stopped thanks to Soren’s guards, but the mystery remains.
Who is attacking contract companions? How long can they keep the warnings secret from Teivel? Does Jaru finally discover what love really is? This world has such a hold on me with each book. While I loved the previous books and was glad to finally get into Teivel’s head each new pair is so unknown, their history, wants, and feelings that each one pulls you in as you watch them grow with each other as the pages fly by. So many sweet moments happened in this book that just makes you say aww, and route for Lark to learn how to be a good boy and for them all to find happiness. Now book five, A Cold Day in Hell, to finally learn what happened to Hadassah and Jezebel after the chaos in book one with Delilah and Malakhi. Can’t believe it’s the end already love Juniper Lake and seeing the gang grow together. See you there.
The Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. That said it is a beautiful historical journey to Portugal with three sets, six total, perspectives. Each unique character has their own background and life experiences that make each book unique to them alone. Dual perspectives in each book. Book One – Julia and Griffin. Book Two – Anne and Pedro. Book Three – Isabel and Henrique.
Book One – The True Purpose of Vines:
Julia and Griffin have one common goal, to provide a better life for their families, but they have vastly different plans on how to do so. Julia has her son, aunt and cousin living with her. She aims to become the best vineyard in the country. Griffin has his mother and younger sister he cares for. He aims to become a partner with his boss only his boss has other plans. After an intense initial meeting that sets the two at odds with each other a sudden mysterious plague (to the vineyards) threatening to destroy everything they are forced to work together. Will they solve the mysterious plague killing the vineyards? Who will Griffin marry? Will Julia’s secret valley be successful?
Book Two – The Taste of Light:
Anne is the younger sister of book one mmc Griffin. Her goal is simply to find her happy ever after. Pedro has been haunted by his past for a decade and struggles to move past the past. Anne shows an unimaginable amount of kindness and an unwavering determination to break down Pedro’s walls and show him love. The way she deals with the violence and takes everything in turn, never altering who she is, is admirable. In turn Pedro finds that he not only craves her touch but that she has become his very breath giving him life. When the sins of his past threaten to soil the pureness of her soul. Will Pedro allow Anne into his heart? How will Anne deal with the truth of his past? Is love truly strong enough to overcome all?
Book Three – The Truth About Myths:
Princess Isabel de Orleans is the Kings little sister. While being prudish she would do anything for her country. For her there is nothing greater than patriotism. Henrique, Viscount Penafiel, has no roots but when asked for a favor by his best friend, the king, he has no choice but to agree. Forced together on their travels the differences become less daunting as they realize they’re not so different, where it matters. Patriotism can only go so far before the burden of its weight can crush your very soul. Will Isabel learn where the line of balance is? Can Henrique save her in time? What will happen to her beloved Portugal?
Throughout this series we learn so much more about the history of Portugal and Spain. While the author is open and honest that it is works of imagination there are aspects of the books that draw from the rich tapestry of history shared between the two countries. This series has diffidently topped my list of historical romance books to recommend to others. I cannot wait to see what comes next by the incredibly talented Giovanna Siniscalchi.
*NOTE: for more in-depth reviews on each book, I have individual reviews posted under each of them.
Will You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just when she thought she could take a break. My oh my. Gotta say, Christi Barth has quickly earned her place on my favorite authors of the year list with this one. This is the first book I have read by this interesting talented author. No joke the back and forth with Abigail and Everett made this book fly by so much more than I thought possible. Dual perspective Abigail/Kaia and Everett.
Kaia is a world pop star coming off a six-month world tour. Kaia was her escape from her real life, a way to reinvent herself without anything permanent. Wigs, platform boots, curvy padding added to her undergarments. From day one she was thinking about the day when she was just herself again. Abigail Dilworth, the girl that no one wanted. Not her parents, foster parents, no one. Until she found teachers that took her under their wing and pushed her into the light to embrace her talents and not hide them. Now she has a five-month sabbatical to get her student teacher hours to get her certificate. Then she will deal with the biggest decision of her life. To continue life as only Abigail the teacher or continue to be popstar Kaia. Everett Reynolds is the AP Chemistry teacher and vice principal of Swan Cove High, who secretly has a government job with the EPA. The moment they first meet it is sass and comebacks that keep him fired up and not in a fun way. He’s not happy and when he sees her the next day at school, and who she is the back and forth honestly gets better. When she reveals her secrets at least part of them and then asks for a favor he must decide what to do but the next favor is even more. He’s just a coastal town teacher, he never wanted to be in the limelight on the arm of a popstar.
Can Abigail survive the five months? What will happen when friends become enemies? When enemies become lovers? This world is based in a small town in America with a twist. The author is open about her inspirations behind this story and while it is obvious it’s more mature in many ways while holding on to the classic nostalgia. I would definitely get in line to watch a movie based off this movie just to see it all come to life for real and not just in my head. That banter stays with you, and I admit I threw a few of the really good lines at my husband while reading. His face was priceless. Thank you, Christi Barth.
Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow different take in some ways to another famous candy maker. Lois Wickstrom shows that even a master thief that loves candy can always outwit Mr. Bonbon to get her favorite candy. Annabelle loves candy and uses her frilly dresses and socks to steal little pieces until one day a trap ends in her favor. A fun read watching Mr. Bonbon try to outwit her and the old ladies along for the show of what she will do next.
Unicorn, Don’t Do That!: It’s okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a fun and silly little read. Lois Wickstrom has become my husband and I’s favorite children’s book author. Her books are always beautifully illustrated and have a great little story. This one was more on the silly side considering the “don’t do that” situation that made me and the hubs giggle. I always read him the books first before reading them to our boys. But this one was a big hit with all. Giggles all around with conversation around not eating too many different things. As we know it can give you a tummy ache.
