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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ginny returns from New York City to help her father who is having hip surgery before Christmas. What Ginny doesn’t know is that he ex husband and her father are friends – they connected through the pain of Ginny’s moving to NYC. What will being in the same town as Max do to her life plans? Can the two of them find common ground and love again?
This is the first book in the Buckeye Falls series. The author did a beautiful job of world and character building. It’s so good, I feel like I could be part of the series living in a small town. Not only do we meet Ginny and Max but several other characters join in the fun of helping with the Christmas Jubilee.

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

CeCe came to Buckeye Falls after a bad breakup with her ex boyfriend. She loves cooking, especially making new dishes from time to time when she’s in a good or even a bad mood. She quickly became a part of the diner crew when she stumbled into Buckeye Falls.

Evan is a 25 year old working out what he wants to do with life. He is respectful, optimistic, and patient. You can tell he really cares for CeCe giving her the space to figure out if they might have a connection more than friends.

I really enjoy this small town series! The setting, the people, the community connection that we only find in those special places.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls #3)Falling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natalie and Anthony seem to have it all, but what the townsfolk don’t realize is that these two are struggling. Anthony is stressed because he’s the mayor. Natalie is juggling kids and starting up a new business. These two have lost their connection a bit, hidden behind closed doors where no one can see. How can they bring back their connection? Will they find that spark again that brought them together when they were younger and full of promises and expectations?

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Betsy Melano

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alice is known as the bad girl or the black sheep of the family, how can she find her place when Anthony, her brother, is the mayor of Buckeye Falls. Alice has bee. Traveling the world trying to fit in. She never expected to be living with her parents again!

James moved to Buckeye Falls from New York City after a bad breakup. He’s an artist but has lost his creativity after such a bad breakup. He moved to Buckeye falls to adjust to small town life and see what happens.

Alice and Jame’s story is relatable. The whole series is terrific and I hope more stories about Buckeye Falls will be written.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As an avid reader, I always give a book at least 50 pages before I consider stopping reading. The warning about the book being a LGBT thriller didn’t stop me. The story does move a bit slow in the beginning but it’s also been a while since I read a western themed book, so I figured I needed to read it. Story of Fenimore James running away to become an outlaw kept my attention. Setting out to find adventures turns in to a learning experience for Fenimore James.
The author did a wonderful job of world building and character development.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another mystery/thriller installment of the Logan McKenna Series. I really enjoyed the way the story kept moving between a time when men were rum running off the coast of central Oregon. And to present day where a young woman is found dead in her family owned hotel. Finding out some family secrets along the way, the book kept my attention. The author as always does a great job of character and world building so well, you feel like you’ve been there. I have enjoyed all of the Logan McKenna Series that I’ve read so far and this one is just as good. I highly recommend this series to anyone that enjoyed a great mystery/ thriller.

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Betsy Melano

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series: #4)Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great story by the author, great character and world building! Add in suspense, action, romance and a very well written story that keeps you hooked all the way to the end. I really appreciate that the author connects the characters from prior books in the series. When a dead body is found, Sheriff Hamilton decides to cut his personal time of reflection short to search for the murderer. Soon Sheriff Hamilton finds that his case is matching up with FBI agent Liza Bartholomew’s case. What will come next?
I highly recommend reading this series in order. I hope you are enjoying these books as much as I have!

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No Amends by Angela Lam – Review by Betsy Melano

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No AmendsNo Amends by Angela Lam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A psychological thriller full of suspense, some really dark moments and so much more. A bit out of my comfort zone but really liked the book. The author did a great job of world and character building, and overall a fantastic book that kept my interest. Keeping a secret from a loved one can make them feel shame, guilt and so much more. The way the characters react and process the situation shows how well the author connected to the story.

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Betsy Melano

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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like reading a book series and this one hasn’t disappointed me yet. The author does a great job of world and character building. I especially like that we’re provided with a different character, Jolie’s point of view in this book. She is a new member of the force and gets immersed in a case of a missing girl.
The story kept my attention, between the characters from earlier books, the new characters, some drama, and even a romance mixed in. All of that means I couldn’t stop reading!

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying reading the Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller series. I was lucky enough to start from the beginning of this series.
Vanishing Day is about a subject that might be hard for some to understand. Being abused by your husband is not what anyone expects to happen to them. I’m sure getting out of that situation can be very difficult. I appreciate the way the author portrayed Lori and her daughter Shannon’s situation and what Lori is trying to do for her daughter.
Overall, like the other Logan McKenna stories, the author does a great job of world and character building. There are many twists and turns in the story which keeps things interesting. Looking forward to reading the next book.

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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this installment of the Logan McKenna Series, we learn a lot about Otters and conservation of their habitat and those people who don’t care about the otters and using force to hurt people. This is another great book from the author. I really like the main character and the storyline that goes along with her.

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With her husband Jack passing due to a car accident, Logan McKenna must continue living and find ways to survive. Although teaching didn’t seem to pan out, Logan continues to find her place in the world. Maybe it’s through helping friends at their booth at an arts festival.
A dead body is found in one of the other booths and the police suspect Logan’s friend is the killer. Logan feels a great need to help her friend.
This book is well written and I enjoyed learning about the main character Logan. She’s a strong woman who cares for others and I can easily relate to her. The world building helped put the story together. A good mystery book and a new series I’m looking forward to read more books by this author.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Betsy Melano

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

A sweet take on Christmas magic! Holly is traveling around the world to find cheer so the elves can continue making Christmas magic. What Holly doesn’t realize is that she’s stuck in a never ending cycle that she created herself. What is she missing? Interactions with people!
A bit of magic brings Holly to spot a flyer about a fall festival in Emerald Hollow.

The flyer intrigues her and Holly decides to see what the festival is all about. As she starts to connect with the people in the Emerald House and in the town of Emerald Hollow, Holly finds changes she never expected! As she meets Ash and his friends, Holly begins to find the joy in helping with the festival decorations. Meeting Ash and other people in Emerald Hollow is the start of something special for Holly, the elves, and for Ash!

I read this book as the first holiday book for the season as we move into October. It really got me looking ahead to the Holiday season and thinking about other Christmas books to read this year. The story is great, the atmosphere is perfect, and adding some romance is the icing on the cake or maybe I should say hot cocoa!

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annabelle and Dakota. They meet at one of Dakota’s rock band’s concerts and hit it off. What neither of them expected was how much that one night stuck with them. When they meet again, the chemistry is off the charts! I really enjoyed reading about Annabelle and Dakota.
This series and author are new to me. I didn’t read the earlier books in this series but the author did a great job of keeping the storyline together so I didn’t feel lost at any point.
I’ll be looking for more books from the series soon.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Shadowstalker Series. The author does a wonderful job of describing the world and the characters are well written. The book has some darker moments, drama, magic, and so,e surprises! As a reader of many years, I always enjoy finding a new author or series that brings me the joy of connecting with the main characters, when it’s a series, we get to learn so much more of that world. This is a young adult series and I know I would have loved reading it back when I was a teen.

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Betsy Melano

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Winter Austin’s series The McIntire County Series is well written and keeps me on the edge, making me wonder what will happen next. I really like seeing and learning more about the characters and how they get incorporated and grow in this second book. It also continues to show a strong female character in Deputy Cassy and her struggle with PTSD. The book has danger, suspense, romance, and so much more. The author does a wonderful job of character and world building.

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Betsy Melano

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just like the first book in the Trentbridge Tales Series, the author writes in a way to keep us readers on our toes and looking forward to what comes next. This second book starts out with us meeting Peter Moore, who takes us on a intriguing ride about antique items and art, specifically paintings. The story takes us on twists and turns we didn’t expect and keeps us reading more.
The author does a great job world and character building. I really appreciated seeing characters from the first book joining in this second book.

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Betsy Melano

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Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Trentbridge Tales Series. I enjoyed reading the story from the beginning where we learn what caused James Sheldon to end up living in the streets for 10 months. The former detective was doing well until tragedy struck in the form of a car accident involving James’ wife and children.
The world building was well written taking us from James’ home, to the streets, and how a chance meeting ends up brining him out of the life on the streets.
The characters introduced through the story was also wonderfully written. I love crime mysteries and this one didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Betsy Melano

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A suspenseful romantic thriller by an author that is new to me. I Loved the writing style, the author did a great job with world building and with the characters. Part of the reason why I chose this book for my next reading choice was the main character – who suffers from PTSD and how that’s affecting her life. It’s stories like this one that make you feel how the characters are feeling that I’d like to think make me a more open minded person. These situations are tough and help make the characters stronger and I hope that it helps me to understand them better. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Betsy Melano

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Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute kids book about constellations! I enjoyed reading it with my kids, they are a bit older and are good readers. We had a good discussion about constellations after we finished reading. I enjoyed reading about Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh going to school. The kids and the teacher are inquisitive and everyone seemed to learn a great deal about constellations and seeing them from different points of view. I think younger kids that are interested in stars would really enjoy this story.

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Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Betsy Melano

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Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A friendship created through a penpal program between a girl in the 3rd grade from the USA and a boy in Ukraine. Amaleigha is excited to learn about her penpal through the letters exchanged between her and her new friend Vova. Not only are these kids learning about each other but also about the rich history of Ukraine and about the United States. As they get to know each other better, Vova shares that his family and the villagers are worried about the war with Russia. It is good to see the different experience these 3rd graders are learning about through their penpal. My children enjoyed the book as we read and discussed the current situation in Ukraine.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Betsy Melano

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The third book in the series. I highly recommend you read them in order so you can follow the characters and the story. This paranormal series keeps you on your toes and sucks you in pretty quick. The author does a wonderful job of world and character building. We continue the story of Tamaska and Kodiak, except now Kodiak is the Alpha of the pack and Tamaska is not so patiently waiting to become a wolf. Kodiak has his pack to consider and at the same time he needs to consider his relationship with Tamaska and taking her as his mate.
I really enjoyed this book and love that the series continues to be about Kodiak and Tamaska.

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master Campania is searching for witches and some traitors who have set up resistance in his territory. This book kept my attention throughout and I had to keep reading. The author did a great job of world and character building. Enjoyed reading about the budding attraction between Willow and Master Campania. I would recommend any book by this author and this series in particular is my favorite. I hope you like it too.

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Betsy Melano

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

Russell feels like his life is falling apart. His former best friend is bullying him, his Dad is turning to alcohol, and his mom is making him take his grandfather to the local park everyday. What Russell doesn’t realize is that his grandfather has a special connection to the carousel. With a magic brass ring and the carousel, Russell’s grandfather can experience adventures you can only dream of. Some questions I can imagine kids asking as they read the book are, Where will they go next? How does Russell’s grandfather know which carousel horse to pic for these wild adventures?
This book would have been perfect for reading with my kids when they were elementary age. Although my kids are a bit older these days, I still think they would love it!

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Betsy Melano

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Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4)Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love shots is the fourth book in the Bluestone series, which takes place in a small town. Teddy recently bought Micky’s a local bar but finds himself with an unexpected guest, Summer, a childhood friend who’s grandfather used to own. The first scene got my attention right away. Even through Summer’s angry late night tirade, Teddy sees that Summer isn’t quite the all put together self she usually is. This book was fun to read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I did read the first book in the series which helped me know some of the characters that showed up in the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book and will be reading the books in this series that I’ve missed.

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Betsy Melano

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Marked Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 2)Marked Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Marked Wolf is the second book in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. I liked the first book so much I started reading the second book right away. The connection that Kodiak and Tamaska first felt has gotten a bit weaker now that Tamaska knows Kodiak is a wolf shifter. The problem Tamaska is facing now is how to get the Blood Opal back, she doesn’t seem too into letting Kodiak find the Blood Opal. Overall I liked the story and enjoyed some scenery the author shared. Will this connection between them hinder them from finding the Blood Opal?

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Betsy Melano

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Shadow Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 1)Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadow Wolf is a new series written by an author that is new to me. Tamaska is a marketing event planner hoping to make new connections and start her own business. She meets Kodiak when he shows up with his crew to guard the Blood Opal. Kodiak and Tamaska both experience a strong connection to each other. What she doesn’t realize is that there are dangers surrounding her. Danger from Vampires and shape shifters. The question is, why do the vampires want the Blood Opal?
The story is well written and the world building helped to feel connected to the story.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Betsy Melano

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Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great story for young children to learn how to redirect their fears or nervousness. Lily usually has Hun Bun, her stuffed rabbit friend she’s had all her life. When she forgets Hun Bun at home one day, she is scared and wants to go home. But the lovely nurse at school teaches Lilly a breathing technique to change what your mind is thinking.
It’s a very nice book and gives suggestions for keeping yourself from getting that nervous tummy ache when things don’t go as planned.
I think it would be helpful for kids of any age but especially kids in elementary to read.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Betsy Melano

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Reticent Hawke: (A Second Generation Hawke Family Novel) (The Hawke Family Second Generation)Reticent Hawke: (A Second Generation Hawke Family Novel) by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jude has lived on the streets for years but the Hawkes took him under their wings, helping him through a troubled time. Now he’s considered a Hawke but that’s the trouble, Jude loves Angelina, a true Hawk family member. The fact that Jude lived on the streets has him keeping things to himself. But what he might really need is to face those things head on. Will anyone be there for him? The twists and turns that come up during the story kept me reading well into the night. As with the other Hawke series, this book was well written with great characters and world building.

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Betsy Melano

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Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #1)Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Five years after Issac had an amazing weekend with Jack in Chicago, Jack shows up in New Orleans in need of protection. When she meets Issac again, he is surprised to see the little girl that is with Jack who has a strong resemblance to both Issac and Jack. What will it mean to have this beautiful woman who Issac has never forgotten in his life again. What will Issac need to do to keep Jack and their daughter safe?
The prequel where Jack and Issac (known to her as Nolan) is a must read so you have some back story.

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