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Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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SanctuarySanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one of the Kismet trilogy, and I’m grateful there will be more! In this fantasy romance, Petra is determined to figure out why her brother was killed, and it is quite the story to follow. When she becomes involved with a third shivalry captain, Rand, nothing is as it seems, and she is out to discover the truth. The mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat and flipping the pages. This is the first book I have read by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last! I highly recommend this book and will anxiously await getting my hands on the rest!

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love ~ A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages Series) by TL Clark – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette (Love Through The Ages; stand-alone historical books by TL Clark)Miss Georgiana Darcy’s Quest For Love: A Pride And Prejudice Variation Novelette by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Jane Austen and the Pride and Prejudice story. This novelette did not disappoint me at all. It was fun to travel back to Pemberley and revisit the beloved characters. I always liked Georgiana’s character and wanted more of her story. It is fun to follow the shy, hesitant girl as she asks her brother’s help to find a suitable husband after her less than satisfactory experience with Mr. Wickham. It is a very quick read (56 pages) and is a nice, cozy break from reality. I recommend this book and this author!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Art of DeceptionNotebook Mysteries ~ Art of Deception by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The latest book in this series is not to be missed!! I have been a fan of this series since book one, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. In this installment, Emma and Jeremy are once again in the middle of a quick-paced, enthralling mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end. They go undercover and the intrigue just grows and grows until you are biting your nails and flipping pages faster and faster. I highly recommend this series, or even if you are just intrigued by this book, it could be enjoyed on its own. 5 enthusiastic stars!

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Apothecary’s Curse series. I have not read the first book, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of this one! I loved the historical mystery. The author’s way of telling the story is magical and so interesting that I did not want to put the book down. I will absolutely be reading the first one and then possibly this one again to get the full effect. That’s how good it is. Gaelen is a compelling character, and I had no trouble whatsoever getting wrapped up in his story and adventures. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of Cosmic Aether edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an awesome collection of short stories that all share a similar theme: time. For anyone who loves steampunk and the like will appreciate this anthology. Admittedly, I am not too familiar with the writings of H.P. Lovecraft or H.G. Wells, but I may be after reading this. I found this to be entertaining and definitely intriguing. I love the late 19th/early 20th century Industrial Revolution era when inventing and creating were so prevalent. Each story is engrossing, and I wanted to spend a great deal more pages intertwined in each of their worlds. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to spark their creative energy and travel across time and space.

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series #1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have picked up by this author, and I was a little hesitant at first. I was not sure if I would be able to immerse myself in a political thriller; thriller, yes, politics, not so much. However, my fears did not last long and it took no time for me to become obsessed with getting to the end. Michaela, the Senator’s daughter, experiences a violent tragedy and is forced to lead a double life for her protection. Suddenly, it all starts to fall apart and it is a thrilling, breath-holding ride as she runs from extremists who killed her grandfather. Guarded by the man who saved her before, she must hit the ground running to figure out who let the secret of her double identity slip. This is definitely a page-turner, and I highly suggest starting it on a night before a day off because sleep will become less important! Loved it and can’t wait to get my hands on book number two.

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first installment in the Legacy of Gilgamesh series, and the first I have picked up by this author. Ancient myth and lore fascinates me and this book is a fabulous retelling of the very first one. Even readers who are unfamiliar with the Gilgamesh story would enjoy reading this book. It’s imaginative, captivating, and very well-written. The characters jump off of the page and pull you right down into their world. There is a glorious glossary included so don’t worry about knowing the epic tale in too much detail as you can learn on the journey. I loved getting lost in this tale, and I will absolutely grab up the next one!

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Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometimes, in life, you come across a book and it feels like it just speaks to you – like it was written just for you. For me, this is one of those books. When reading it, I honestly felt as if I were reading the encouraging, knowledgeable words of a trusted friend or mentor. I have struggled with procrastination and self-starting since childhood. I appreciated that the author relates it to disempowerment, rather than laziness or failure; that in itself was seeing procrastination through a new lens in which there was nothing inherently wrong with me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels they need a little help and encouragement to get started on the things they want to accomplish in life. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author and mentioning it to the people I know and love.

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This lovely story is about sorrow, heartache, and loss but is also about everlasting friendship, travel, and adventure. It has to do with suicidal ideations but also finding one’s self and place in life. Two friends, Kate and Lydia, help each other find their way back to life in a harrowing and also heartwarming journey together. Anyone who has ever found themselves at a crossroads or even what seems like a dead-end in life will be able to relate to the emotions and sentiment of this story. It’s a good reminder that life is not always sunshine and rainbows, but it’s the people we have alongside us that make the journey worth it. Grab your box of tissues and settle in for this wonderfully written story that will grab you and whisk you away for the ride. I highly recommend this book and this author!

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book by this author I have picked up, and it definitely will not be the last. This is, however, the first book in the Weird Shifters series, so thankfully there will be more! For anyone who appreciates paranormal stories, there is a little bit of everything all rolled up in one story. Ducky is a character I found myself rooting for from the beginning. The story is interesting and well-written. This is also the first book I have read that involves shifters, so I was intrigued from the get-go. If you are looking for a cozy, fun, escape-from-reality kind of book, then I highly suggest picking up this book and getting lost in the world of Ducky.

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Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Break Bone Fever (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #1)Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The co-authors of this murder-mystery are MDs, so it only makes sense that it is so well-written that I had white knuckles gripping it while my eyes soaked it in. The main characters are Dr. Louise Finnerty and Dr. Marnie Liccione, an emergency medicine physician and pediatrician respectively. These lead female characters are strong, well-rounded, intelligent, and pretty awesome. In this first installment, when their friend dies, Finnerty and Liccione set out to figure out just how it happened. This story involves intriguing conspiracies and is very relevant to the things we face in real-life these days. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a good, gripping, interesting read that also makes you think.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment of the Finnerty and Liccione series, and believe me when I tell you I almost cried when it was over. I wanted it to last much longer. Again, these co-authors turned out a story that is so well-written and intriguing that it is SO HARD to put down and deal with the responsibilities of normal life. In this book, Drs Finnerty and Liccione once again set out to figure out a mysterious death – this time of a veteran. Like the first book, this one is full of real-life problems that many face every day. I am hoping there is a third book to this series and highly recommend this and the first to anyone wanting to get lost in a good story.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so fun, festive, and easy-to-read that it took me no time at all to inhale it! This is the second book in the Magical Emerald Hollow series. I did not read the first book going into this one, but it did not make reading this one unenjoyable. I will be reading the first one soon, and I cannot wait to see how knowing the whole story will flesh-out other details for this one. This story is about the romance of Sofia and Isaiah, and it is written in a way that makes it cute and wholesome. Don’t get me wrong, I love a steamy romance, but sometimes it’s refreshing to fall into a sweet one. I highly recommend and hope for a third installment!

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia #1)Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is NOT the typical story that I reach for, but, what can I say? I was feeling extra spicy one day…This first book in the Spicetopia series is quick, fun, steamy, and just hit the spot. Cy and Jolie’s story is enticing and well-written, so I had absolutely no problem falling right into it. This is not just your normal steamy romance, but an original take that makes it interesting and is actually relatable. Even if romance isn’t what you normally pick up, I highly suggest giving this book a shot. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!

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The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn - Pilgrimage & PropheciesThe Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies by K.M. Hogenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you like Lord of the Rings and/or Game of Thrones, this book is a GEM. For someone who loves a good, intricate story with layers and layers of plot, interesting characters, and world building, I HIGHLY suggest checking this one out. It’s the first in a series, hence the Tome One, and I am so glad I gave it a try. I love books that make your mind work and weave all the characters’ lives in and out and around. It switches POV, but for me, it was very well-done and did not distract from the story. I cannot wait to get to the second book! This book has 89 chapters, so it is a big bite to chew, but it is well-written and so worth it. Highly recommend.

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Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Fuller SightFuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was right up my alley, and it did not disappoint at all! I love a good story with well-developed characters that truly makes you think. This is a metaphysical story but is relatable and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is not a book I had to force myself to finish or follow along with. I love the concept of the protagonist, Danny, learning all about his loved ones and helping them from the other side.I am fascinated by past lives, the great beyond, what it means to be human, and how we all connect. I enthusiastically recommend this book and look forward to more from this author!

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series, #2)Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is fun and kept me at the edge of my seat wondering how Marcy was going to handle everything thrown at her! Marcy is a costume designer for a particular play set in the 60s and encounters obstacles at every turn. The well-developed characters’ interactions with each other weave the story together dramatically. Paranormal, romance, intrigue – a little bit of something for everyone. It is a book that I dove into and barely came up for air. It was done way too fast! I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to get my hands on another from this author!

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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is so much fun! This is actually the first MMF story that I have felt drawn to ready, and I’m glad I did! It is for mature readers, but I did not find the sexy parts distracting or over-gratuitous at all. The characters are unique and well-developed and the way they intertwine makes the story compelling and relatable. Weston, Petra, and Callum find themselves as roommates, and the reader gets to watch the chemistry brew until it bubbles over. To be totally honest, I chose the book because of the cover – because dogs – and, boy, was I ever pleasantly surprised and swept off my feet! I am intrigued by this author and am glad I picked this up. I highly recommend this book even if it’s not something you would normally reach for.

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This paranormal romance was NOT long enough! This is an intriguing and spell-binding treat to indulge in. I started the story sympathizing with Selene and then rapidly found myself quite jealous of her! It is a steamy tale but well-written, and it left me wanting oh so much more. This is a good one to dig into when you don’t want to commit to anything lengthy, but you will definitely wish it was longer and that’s my only complaint here. I love the way this author writes and highly recommend this story.

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns – Wolf (Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns Series) by R. C. Reigh – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Kingdom of 7 Sovereigns: WolfKingdom of 7 Sovereigns: Wolf by R.C. Reigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new author to me, and the first book in this series. I am very excited to report that this book is so much fun to read! Fantasy, magic, romance, shape-shifting, suspense, action – this young adult book has it all. The characters are amazing and will hook you from the very beginning. Anyone who is a fan of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones or even Harry Potter will appreciate this story. It centers around students of a magical Academy and includes pretty much all the elements of a fantasy – medieval princes and princesses, heroes, villains, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a magical, vibrant tale full of a little of everything! Even if you aren’t typically a young adult/fantasy reader, this is definitely one to pick up.

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Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Hope For A New World (Book 1)Hope For A New World by Renee W Peek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am pretty picky when it comes to Science Fiction. It was never my cup of tea growing up and only recently have found a few books or series that actually grabbed me and didn’t let go. I am now adding this book to that list. For me, there is something so intriguing about a dystopian, end-of-the-world epic that makes the reader question the future of the planet. I can’t say enough about the descriptive writing and vibrant characters this author created. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and I have to say that I’m excited it’s the first in a series. The story takes place over one hundred years into the future and the more you read, the more invested you become and more questions you ask yourself. The story is led by strong female characters, which I always appreciate, and the message it delivers is a stark, eye-opening possibility. You will definitely want to continue following the journey of Maddison Bear’s Heart into the next books.

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Orenda (The Latitude)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This sequel in the Latitude series is just as good as its predecessor. We continue to follow the journey of Caitlin and Gio on to Canada, as they become ambassadors. This dystopian fiction is exciting and enthralling and has a unique mythological concept that will get you thinking about your own world. I highly recommend reading the first book to get all of the intricate details and nuances of character development before diving into this one. That being said, the way this author writes is so descriptive that I wouldn’t think you would necessarily have to have read the first book to appreciate the writing and storytelling aspect of this book. I also would highly recommend reading this author’s other works, as well.

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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales Anthology by SE Smith, Jill Wallace, Eliza Sinclair, Kyndra Hatch, Candace Colt, Natalie Palma, Winnie Winkle, Electra Gajdos, Stephanie Harrell, Pauline Baird Jones, Cassandra Chandler – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday TalesFestive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good holiday story! This anthology has eleven of them! Even if you’re not big on holiday stories, this compilation has something for every reader. The characters are all well-written, and their journeys are interesting. This cozy, entertaining book will keep your hands glued to each cover (or to whichever electronic device) and will also leave you wanting more from each of these authors. I could not try to pick a favorite, and I’m glad I did not have to choose just one story to read. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with this book. I recommend this book to everyone, not just those who may be more jolly this time of year. There really is something for everyone in this anthology! It really “hits the spot.”

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in a series – I admittedly did not read the first one before picking up this one. I still enjoyed this book very much, and I will be definitely jumping into the first one to get the full experience. The cover art is amazing and inside the covers did not disappoint, either. It was super easy to fall into Joey’s story and stay intrigued with all that’s going on. There’s a little bit for everyone – paranormal, action, suspense, etc. The story is addictive and the characters are vivid and come to life easily in this great world this author has made! I highly recommend this book, and I will venture a guess to say that this series is going to become a fast favorite! This is worth five stars in my book!

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book along with my three-year-old, and we both love it! This has become one of her go-to books that she will request at any time of day. I love the concept of affirmations using the alphabet, and the illustrations are vibrant and eye-catching. I will read each page, and she will echo each affirmation loud and proud! My favorite part of the book is the discussion each page can provoke. For example, if it says “I am helpful to others,” we can then talk about a time she was helpful to someone that day or things she could do TO be helpful. Just the other night, she got to pick what we had for dinner. I told her that was a wonderful idea (spaghetti!) and she replied, “I have UNIQUE ideas!” And my heart melted…So, it promotes vocabulary, too! I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It is delightful and a breath of fresh air for anyone of any age! Five stars!

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first piece of work I have read by this author, and I hope it will not be the last! I found the character Devorah Fields to be interesting and relatable, and her story to be captivating and inspiring. I am always drawn to books with a strong female protagonist, and while Devorah might initially seem “unreachable” being an actress and model, I actually found it very easy to slip right into her world and feel the things she goes through. As a working mom and wife, I found her quest to rediscover herself to be endearing and on point. Reading Devorah’s story will inspire anyone to take a good look at their own life and ask “Is this really who I am?” I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good emotional story to get lost in.

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Rise of the Y (The Y Chronicles Book 1) by Angela D. Shelton – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Rise of the YRise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a dystopian young adult novel – the first installment in The Y Chronicles series. There are so many of these types of books on the market now, but I assure you, you are not going to want to skip over this one. There are exciting characters, plot twists, and intrigues that will keep you hooked! Lexi is an awesome female lead character, and it was interesting to watch her character develop and grow throughout the story. Even if you are not totally sold on the dystopian genre, there is a little bit of everything for everyone waiting in these pages. I enjoyed it and will be anxiously awaiting the second book!

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Threads of Time (Toronto Time Agents Series) by C. N. Jackson – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure (Toronto Time Agents)Threads of Time: A Historical Time Travel Adventure by C. N. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read by this author and the first Toronto Time Agents book. It can be read as a standalone; however, I will be picking up the previous installment as soon as I can. Any time I am asked what superpower I wish I had, the answer is always time travel. Of course that’s what caught my attention first! Wilda Firestone is a tough and fiery protagonist who reluctantly sets out on an investigation in order to fix the past and save the present. Wilda agrees to team up with Alergnon and teach him what she knows, much to her chagrin. The way these characters play off each other is so fun! This book is full of awesome characters and mysterious thrill-rides. The story is well-written and fleshed-out and contains a little bit of everything. I highly recommend picking up this book. You won’t be bored for a minute!

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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure (Mark Sutherland Adventures) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure1897 A Mark Sutherland Adventure by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of this author and have read every single installment of her Notebook Mysteries series. I had very high expectations for this book before picking it up, and I am excited to report that it DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT. Mark Sutherland’s adventures as a reporter in the late 1800s are captivating and intriguing, and the author’s talent for capturing and describing the given time period is evident. This is an excellent read for history buffs, as well as mystery chasers, and will absorb you from start to finish. What added an even deeper appreciation for me was the connection to the main character in the Notebook Mysteries series, Emma. This book can be read by itself, though, so if you have not yet indulged in that series, no worries…although, I highly recommend doing so. As with everything this author writes, if I could give it more than five stars, I totally would.

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was shocked when I learned that this is the author’s first book. I cannot recommend it more highly! It is beautifully written and so easy to get lost in. This historical fantasy romance is perfect for curling up on the couch with a blanket and just losing yourself in the pages. The characters are interesting and relatable, and I could not help but be intrigued by Anna’s story with Roger and then Lark. This book does involve mature themes but was not a problem for me. I found that every aspect of the story made the world that much richer in my mind’s eye. You will find a little bit of everything in this book, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Get ready to devour!

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