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Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Book 1)Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so glad I picked up this book! This is the first book in this paranormal series, and I am here for it. I can’t wait to get to the next! I love a well-written, independent woman main character, and Gwendolyn Carter does not disappoint. This book is a quick read but well-paced as it kept me hooked and satisfied all the way through. This is a vibrant, entertaining story, and I will be running to get book number two. Five stars and highly recommend this author.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries series and is set in early 1889. Emma, along with the Pinkertons, is back with an action-packed journey ahead of her and will face her toughest mystery yet. This book could be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading the first four, simply for enjoyment. Since book one, Emma has been one of my favorite protagonists, and I have loved solving mysteries with her. She is smart, brave, independent, and stops at nothing to find the truth – even when it involves her own family and well-being. This book will have you white-knuckling the book covers and flipping pages. It was a fast read and is definitely one of the better historical fictions I have come across.

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Mission 3047: One Soul’s Fantasy by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Mission 3047: One Soul's FantasyMission 3047: One Soul’s Fantasy by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The older I get, the more of a fan of Science Fiction I become. I especially appreciate Science Fiction stories with great characters and relatable themes. June/Chloe is a fantastically-written lead character and her interactions with her children, Cora and Livy, plus her husband Joe and friend Sarge. This is a very original story based on the author’s experiences, and has action to keep you in suspense and everything else to keep you hooked and wanting to find out more. This story is like nothing else I’ve read. Also, I’m fascinated by aliens, so I couldn’t stop reading once I started. It is obvious that the author is knowledgeable about what he writes and even if Science Fiction isn’t your favorite genre to read, the storytelling will draw you in and keep you interested. There is definitely something for everyone in this book.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction. It’s my favorite genre to read, and I have always wanted to write my own. This fast, informative, non-fiction guide to writing a historical novel is fabulous for anyone who has ever wanted to take on this endeavor. It is easy to read and follow and breaks down each important step for you. This author’s style of writing is very easy going and personable and would be a quick, interesting read even if you aren’t an aspiring writer. This book has given me the motivation to get back to work on the writing projects I have let fall to the wayside because of lack of “know-how” regarding what to do after the piece is written. I am so glad this book fell across my path. 5 stars.

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The Exchange by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Exchange: A NovelThe Exchange: A Novel by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is a gripping story of an aspiring actor, Sam Crawford, and the unthinkable decision that she has to make. No matter what decision she makes, her life will be altered. This is a psychological thriller that does not disappoint. This story is realistic enough to frighten you into turning page after page. It is a decently paced story, with characters that make you care about the outcome. It is suspenseful and unpredictable and leaves you breathless with anticipation. The only thing I had trouble with was putting it down when reality beckoned. If you are looking for a suspenseful read that keeps you so engrossed that your eyes just zoom over the pages and your mouth hangs open, this is it. I highly recommend this book.

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes, #6)The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series! This is the 6th book in the Antipodes series. I highly recommend reading the others, first. This would be a fine read by itself, but the entire experience is the recommended experience. Caitlin and Seraphine are sick and tired of doing whatever it is that they are told, and long to branch out and see different places, and do different things. They long to make their own decisions about their lives, so they set out on a journey that will challenge them. There is action, emotion, and great characters and development. This dystopian sci-fi adventure is not unimaginable in this day-and-age. It kept me glued to my seat and turning those pages! If you haven’t read any of this series, be prepared to dive in and spend some time. 5 stars.

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The White Knight Cowboy (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-DeanneThe White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This romance was a very quick read and didn’t take me any time at all to devour it. The characters are well-written and interesting. I love historical fiction, especially when the characters make me care about the story and how they develop. The dynamic between Jo and Dusty is intriguing and makes for a very sexy time! The action will keep you hooked and hoping for a happy ending. My only complaint is that it is too short. I could definitely go for some more Jo and Dusty together!

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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

This book is an LGBT thriller that will intrigue you from the very start! Fenimore James dreams of becoming an outlaw and moves west. There, he joins the gang of Red Evans, and he begins to question his recent life choices. He find himself having feelings for another member of the gang and is haunted by a strange figure in his dreams – the man in black. This book will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. It is a well-written story, and the characters are vivid. If you love a story with a little bit of everything – and don’t mind a some violence and colorful language, I highly recommend this one! This is the author’s debut novel, and I am excited to see where she goes from here!

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Shore Lodge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller (The Millersville series)Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jacklyn Stone is such a relatable character in this psychological thriller. She is trying to live with grief after the death of her husband while keeping her head above water and trying to move on with her life. Her children suggest a vacation to rest and refocus, but where she ends up is anything but a restful, refocusing vacation. While fighting for her sanity, as well as her mental health after tragedy, the roller coaster the reader rides along with Jacklyn will keep you turn the pages and makes this read very quick and easy. This is my first book by this author, and I am hooked. The characters are well-written and the plot, riveting. You will hit the ground running with this book – I highly recommend it!

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve picked up by this author, and I loved it. Historical Fictions are one of my reading weaknesses, and this truly is a good story. It is obvious that this author is skilled in their trade. I greatly appreciate the characters, Rhia and Emerys, and how they developed throughout the story. It was so easy to jump right in and speed-read to the end. It was a quick and enjoyable read for me. I will admit I was not too keen on an arranged-marriage romance, but I’m glad I gave this book a chance because it was well-written and very easy to fall into. I will be pursuing other works by this author. 5 out of 5 stars!

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novella is a prequel to the Blood Fae series. It is the first work I have picked up from this author, and I am not disappointed. This is a quick, but compelling, read. The main character, Jessa, is relatable, and I had no problem falling into the world of the fae along with her. As Jessa struggles with coming to terms of who she really is and what she really wants, there is no shortage of mystery and intrigue, as well as vibrant storytelling. I absolutely will be looking into more work from this author. I highly recommend this short book! You will wish it were longer!

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve picked up by this author. I went in partially blind, only reading a little blurb about the story beforehand. It has been a very long time since I have found a story with the same kind of energy and magic as I found in books when I was a kid. I was hooked from the get-go. I love how real and relatable Isaac is. He literally falls into an epic tale of fantasy, but remains rooted in reality, all the while still learning from the experience and becoming fully immersed in the adventure. Even if this isn’t your typical cup of tea, I guarantee you will enjoy following Isaac on his magical journey! It took me back to my childhood as I hungrily flipped each page, wanting to consume more and more of the colorful world the author has created. It is well-written story and can stand on it’s own next to all the great adventures of my childhood reading.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really appreciate when an author is not only skillful at weaving words into worlds and characters, but also knowledgeable in what they are writing about. This author writes intelligently and vividly to bring to life an awesome, kick-ass heroine – Jorja Knight, Private Investigator. You will fall in love with this multi-faceted character as she risks relationships and her life in order to prove that there is more to a certain mystery than meets the eye. This is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight series, but can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. I have not read the previous books, but after picking up this one, I can’t wait to get my hands on them! The suspense will keep you hooked. This is definitely a mystery you do not want to overlook. I highly recommend this book and author.

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a ride and is definitely not long enough. Even though it is set in 1904 New York, Daniel O’Halleran, a coroner’s physician, proves to be a relatable character, nonetheless. It is not hard to slip right into the mind of Daniel and experience the plot right along with him. You will be just as surprised as he is with the twists and turns this story takes. It definitely has all the elements that a good mystery should include. I had never read any work by this author before I picked up this book, but it will not be the last. Even if you don’t usually pick up a mystery, I would suggest giving this book a try. I will be eagerly awaiting the second book!

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are even the slightest bit into stories of the paranormal and steamy romance, I would take a shot on this book! (And even if you aren’t because you will be.) This author is excellent at telling stories that are intriguing and making paranormal characters not only relatable but compelling. I picked up this book and could not put it down. I love paranormal stories – not so much romance, but I loved this one. Quinnlan Trinity is a vampire who must choose a mate in three days or be sent back to and remain in the afterlife. This creative story will keep your eyes glued to the pages as they flip. It is easy to read and get lost in. 5 stars.

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The Veil by Wanda Luthman – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The VeilThe Veil by Wanda Luthman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having grown up reading the Bible and being familiar with all the stories, I very much appreciated reading this book. It is a touching fiction story about the veil being ripped upon the death of Jesus. It is a fast read and could have been longer. It is well-written and immersive. I would love it if this author would do an entire series like this and tell a story of each event in the Bible. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a good story from a different perspective.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first piece I’ve read by this author, and it will not be the last. I chose to read this book because I love history and the prospect of time travel has always fascinated me. I remember watching 60’s The Time Machine with my parents, so I was intrigued right away. It is evident that the author is talented and knowledgeable of the times and places included in this book. I am also a lover of wonderfully-written characters and how they interact and grow throughout the story, and I found myself fully engrossed and not wanting to put the book down. This story would make a great series because I know everyone who reads it will be left wanting more and more! Can’t wait to see what this author does next!

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a lover of nature and natural science, I very much appreciate this book for my little one. Not only is it educational, but also has a great message for little ones (and adults) to hear. This story reminds us that sometimes seeing things from another’s perspective is necessary to understand where they are coming from. This book explains how cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, but also teaches us the reasoning behind it and relates it to the real world. Cuckoos are not typically stars of the show, so this was a nice change. My daughter wanted it read to her over and over, and she loved the illustrations! We both highly recommend this one.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This turn-of-the-century historical fiction is a great mystery to cozy up with (don’t forget some piping hot tea and fuzzy blanket because you will want to read well past your bedtime!) Once I picked up this book, it was hard for me to put it down and engage in real life – that’s how I know it’s a good one. The setting and characters are set up and developed very well and make for an easy read. I appreciate the back story that the author weaves throughout this book to make Lottie come alive and jump off the page. I have read the Notebook series by this author – and love it – so I knew I would love this one. I was not disappointed. I love the way this author paints the scenes and develops the characters to make you become so invested in their stories that the pages turn without much effort. I highly recommend this author and this book.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reading this book, it is very obvious that the author knows what they are doing with words. The imagery and detail in this book are wonderful. I found myself falling straight into Hester’s life and wanting to know more and more about Aaron and how their interactions unfold. It is not hard to picture this story in my mind at all. I love the ideas in this book, and can relate to Hester’s quest to find herself and do what she wants rather than what everyone else thinks she should do. This book has a great storyline, characters, and talented author. I will definitely be looking into more of their work. I very much recommend this book.

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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 5 of the Antipodes series keeps the action and intrigue going. You will fall into this story and forget you are reading! If you like dystopian thrillers that make you think and fall in love with the characters, this whole series is wonderful. The character development is some of the best I have seen in a series as this author really has an intelligent, thorough storytelling style. I very much appreciate that the characters deal with anxiety because I feel it is something that needs to be talked about and normalized. The author could write 10 more books of this series, and I’d be perfectly fine with that.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Two of my favorite things are: the holidays and the supernatural. So, of course, I love Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and I love this book. Historical fiction with a twist of mystery and suspense, this book is just as good as the others in this series. Emma has been one of my favorite lead characters since I picked up the first book. This book did not last long enough for my taste, but, they never do. I would suggest reading the previous books in this series – only because they are fabulous, and it will be worth your time. However, if you are looking for a story that will scoop you up and drop you into the 19th century, you could read this as a standalone, as well, and be just fine. This book could be a thousand pages long, and I would probably still complain it wasn’t long enough. Highly recommend!

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not always one to pick up a book of poetry. I am not a poet, by any means, so in order to grab me and pull me in, the words have to create an epic visual in my head. The cover was what caught my attention, initially. I was hesitant because it was poetry, but it had to do with music, so I gave it a shot. I’m not gonna lie, the Robin Williams quote was what got me excited. He’s one of my favorite humans. Y’all, this is amazing. While taking in the words, I couldn’t help but envision them how they would appear on sheet music. To be clear, I cannot read notes or music to save my life, but I do have rhythm – and these words are music in my mind. This is different than any book of poetry I have read before, and I’m glad I did not pass it by. I love words, and I love music, so I ended up really loving this book. Highly recommend.

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve ever touched by this author…and I’m very upset with myself that it has taken me this long to discover this talent! This is one of those stories that, starting out, I wasn’t sure if it would grab me, but it sure did. I appreciate or don’t appreciate a book mostly based on how well the characters are written and how they come alive for me. This book has some great characters, not to mention a furry one that, for me, is the icing on the cake. The way this author makes a dog one of the most exciting characters is wonderful. I really enjoy a good-paced story with an interesting plot to keep my attention, and I wasn’t disappointed there, either. I will absolutely be looking into getting my hands on more books by this author because it is definitely worth the time.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite characters is back! Emma continues to solve mysteries in this fourth installment of the Notebook Mysteries series. This is the perfect series for anyone who likes Historical Fiction, mystery, intrigue, action, and so much more. The two main characters have a great chemistry, and it makes for a smooth ride of a story. This author hooked me from the beginning with vivid imagery that pulled me right into the action alongside Emma on her adventures. Like the installments before this, it is a quick, fast-paced read that will only leave you wanting more. I highly recommend checking out this series and book for anyone who just loves to get lost in a good story.

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first installment in this series. I haven’t, until just recently, gotten into apocalyptic, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it type books. I actually almost passed on this one. I am SO GLAD I didn’t!! If you like conspiracies and mile-a-minute action, you’re gonna love this. If you’re a reader who loves to compare fiction to what is going on in the real world, this is a fun one…it’s also kind of scary, in that regard. The characters are what make a great story, for me. If character interactions and dialogue seem contrived or disingenuous, it’s hard for me to buy into the story. The writing in this is seamless between action and character involvement, which makes for a “smooth ride” all the way through. It’s easy to get caught up in the story and pretty soon hours have gone by. There is no “just one more chapter” thinking with this book. I highly recommend this book!

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3)Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Three of the War of Destiny series is just as compelling as the first two! Each one just gets better than the last. Julia is still a wonderful character that continues to appeal to me. I want this series to go on and on for several books, so that I could experience more and more with Julia. These books would also be just as good as stand-alones because the characters are well-developed. If you are into vampires, history, the paranormal, romance, drama, and all other emotions, pick up this book and/or series. Even if you aren’t that much into vampires and the paranormal, this book has enough action to keep you intrigued all the way through. Highly recommend!

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in the War of Destiny series caught my attention right off the bat! Historical Fiction is my jam, and I pretty much inhaled this book. This paranormal historical romance was like diving head-first into nice, cold water on a hot day. It was so refreshing to get sucked into a story and not want to leave that world. The story takes place in 16th century London, and centers around Julia, a kick-ass main character, who is married off to a man she does not love – or really even like, for good reasons. She endures a traumatic experience, and is faced with a life-altering decision that unleashes her true strength as the reader is whisked along. The characters in this book are well-developed, and I became very invested in Julia’s story very quickly. For me, if a protagonist doesn’t hook me right away, I have trouble buying into the whole story, and the character development is a big deal. This book didn’t disappoint! I will absolutely be reading the rest of the series.

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies #7)Saved by Love by Toni Aleo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As someone who struggles with anxiety, I very much appreciate the character of Evan Adler. A former NHL hockey player, he now trains a women’s gymnastics team and is struggling. Callie Pearce is a gymnast who realizes she needs to show him the love he deserves. These two characters together are dynamite! This story has everything you could want in a sports-centered love story: action, intrigue, steam, and plenty of character development to make you fall in love with the both of them. It is evident that this author knows hockey and can create a story with just as much excitement as the game itself. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I am glad I did. This is a realistic story with relatable characters, and you will find yourself turning page after page without even noticing. I highly recommend giving this one a try.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sergeant Grimm is faced with a horribly impossible split-second decision. A soldier on the war-front and now in his personal life. Dealing with PTSD, Grimm must find some way to re-enter his old life, which is now burdened with an entirely new problem. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I didn’t want it to end! The characters and their relationships with each other are intricate and endearing. You guys, this story is so good. It is realistic, haunting, action-packed, and not long enough for my taste. This book will suck you in and intrigue you all the way through. Highly recommend.

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