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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christine Baranek

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite #3)Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days
By: Isla Vaughn

This is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite that I have read. I have to say each one deals with dark themes and mature content. However, that does not stop this from being an absolutely amazing book. It must be noted that this is not a standalone.
This story features Damon and Sky. They have absolutely amazing banter between one another. The kind where the emotion is absolutely palpable. This story is told from dual points of view. I find that this type of story telling can be very hard to read if it is not done well. However, Isla Vaughn does dual point of view with excellence and I cannot imagine this story not being told from this point of view. Their dislike for each other absolutely jumps off the page but it is their obsession with each other that really drives the storyline. Especially the extra twist of Sky’s friend Gia. I am definitely looking forward to the next book to find out what happens between them. This is a definite book that sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t ever let you go!

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Christine Baranek

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Breathless Love
By: KG Fletcher

I cannot say enough about the Bennetts of Langston Falls series. I have loved each and every book so far and this is not an exception. Each book definitely functions as a standalone but I do recommend reading each and every one so that you can get to know this family so much better.
This book focuses on Hank Bennet. He loves their family and the small town of Langston Falls. However, he also has a love of music that is bigger than this small town can ever give him. Plus, his band has gone in a different direction (read: not being a band anymore). This finds him at his favorite musicians concert drinking away his sorrows. Enter Ella Mae. She is the beautiful t-shirt slinging merch girl who he is smitten with after they meet. Little does he know that she is also a songwriter who is the sister of that famous musician he just saw on stage. She offers him the opportunity of a life time.
Their immediate connection and dialogue had me hooked on them from the beginning. I wanted to see them succeed as a couple. Once Hank met Travis (that wonderful country singer) I definitely felt myself rooting for Hank and his dreams. I definitely wasn’t expecting this book to send me through all the emotions. And I felt each and every emotion when i was reading this. There were times where I was crying and smiling at the exact same time reading this. This book was filled with drama and hope and happily ever after. Hank and Ella Mae contained a chemistry that dreams are made of. I definitely cannot recommend this book enough!!

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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boys Of Alpha Block
By: Nancy Nau Sullivan

Holy Cow! This book was absolutely phenomenal! It features a group of boys who are in Juvenile Detention who have made the decision to break out. This book shows what is happening with the boys and the hopelessness, desperation, and tension. However, it also features the adults who are there to help and work with the boys. This book reads like some of the absolute best books and movies that feature adults working with troubled youth. As a teacher, I felt both groups of characters jump of the pages. I was kept on the edge of my seat because I definitely wanted to see what would happen next. I definitely saw myself thinking indepth about how society can fail complete groups of people. It got me thinking about the education system and it tugged at my heart strings. I definitely recommend this book, but be prepared to keep reading from the time you start until the time you finish! Its one you won’t want to put down!

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Christine Baranek

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SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Seen
By: Lori Nelson

Let me start out by saying that this is a genre that I don’t usually gravitate toward. But something about the cover of this scifi dystopian novel was calling for me to read it. I most definitely am so glad that I read this. At times the book got dark, but I know that dystopian books can go that direction so I did not let it stop me from reading. I felt like the beginning felt a little clunky, but it might have been because I was slow to pick up on the connections between Mouse and Meph. Once I did though the entire thing made so much more sense. This book is so very good and I felt that Meph’s emotions jumped right off the page. This book had literally everything but the murder suspense plot line literally kept me reading and I definitely see how this book could be made into some sort of TV Show or Movie, it definitely would be well received.

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Christine Baranek

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Editor Kill Fee
By: GG Collins

This is such a fun cosy mystery! This features Taylor Browning who is a sleuth, even if she is an accidental one. The two main characters however are the cats, Oscar and Cheddar. The best part of this book, in my opinion, is the setting. GG Collins does an absolutely amazing job describing the Santa Fe region. She describes the weather, scenery, culture, food, etc with such detail that I almost forgot that I have never been therein real life. It was so detailed that I really truly felt that I was there.
This is the third installment in the Taylor Browing, but I read it as a standalone. I think it would be even better if the other books were read first as it would give Taylor even more depth as a character than she already did. I also think it would have given me more of a closer connection to the cats. But overall I truly enjoyed watching them solve this mystery of the missing book club leader!

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen Book 3) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Christine Baranek

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Acting Counsel (Kings of Screen, #3)Acting Counsel by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Acting Counsel
By: Morgana Bevan

This book is the third book in the kings of screen series. However, it most definitely can be read as a standalone.
This is not the first book I have read by Morgana Bevan. I have come to expect a few things from a Morgana Bevan book. The first is well written characters who are well developed and have fantastic (read: sizzling) chemistry. I know the plot will be super fast paced. And I know that I will not be willing to put the book down until it is finished. This one is absolutely no exception.
Catrina and Nathan are well developed characters and they have such fantastic banter. The type of banter that exists between two people who have such fantastic chemistry. This is a dual POV storyline that is done very well. I am a big fan of a dual POV as it lets you experience situations from both of the main peoples perspectives. I loved that we got to experience the story from both Catrina and Nathan rather than just one of them. Their chemistry and attraction just leapt off the page. I definitely recommend this story!

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Christine Baranek

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Walk Off
By: Bree Kraemer

This is the first book in the Ground Rule Series and I absolutely loved it. This is a second chance romance that is well written with great characters. Celia and Kyle share a past together. This past is filled with lies, passion, half truths and hurt. When Celia broke up with Kyle 8 years ago she broke his heart, but truthfully she also broke her own. They both moved on but yet they still found they had a special place in their hearts for each other. They run into each other at a mutual friends wedding and they begin to rekindle their feelings for one another. Kyle is a forgiving man. But 8 years ago Celia chose his future for him.
I truly loved reading this story that was filled with characters with so much baggage and pain. I definitely found myself rooting for them. I didn’t want to put this book down and found myself staying up really late to finish it. I love that it is a series because I know that there is more fantastic characters and great writing in my future. Definitely pick this one up for a fun read.

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Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Christine Baranek

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Underneath The WhiskeyUnderneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Underneath the Whiskey
By: Chelsea Lauren

This is a fantastic story. It looks at Benjamin who at first glance seems to have everything. However, as we all know, there is more than meets the eye. When he meets Caden he is forced to face things that he thought he had put behind him, or at least he would be able to ignore. Benjamin is such a well written character who faces situations that are like those we face in our lives – those situations where there is no easy answer and where there is no way that everyone involved can be happy. Benjamin and the story are so wrought with emotion. I definitely found myself unable to put this book down, reading as fast as I could, as I felt I was riding every emotion that Benjamin was. I definitely recommend reading this, as I can guarantee you will be unable to put it down and will be taken on an emotional journey.

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Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Christine Baranek

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Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Living With Conviction
By: Toby Dorr

I was drawn to this book the second I saw that this is a True Crime Memoir. I, like many others, am deep down the True Crime rabbit hole. I watch every documentary, listen to every podcast, and follow everything true crime. So it was a no brainer that I was going to read this book. But the real question was, was I going to enjoy it? More often than not, I find that many of the True Crime books fall short of what I expect. This is NOT one of those. This book kept me reading and engaged throughout every page. This book truly shows how one person can make one decision that alters the course of their life. What Toby Dorr sets out to do is show that you are not defined by that decision but how you can find redemption afterwards. This is not your typical I was a female inmate story. Nor is it the typical I made a mistake and now I’m an inmate story. Rather this is a close look at one woman, her experiences, and how she is choosing to give back to others. I definitely recommend this one! It is such a different and amazing look at one woman. So great for those who love the true crime genre.

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Christine Baranek

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne

Earl of Griffith
By; Aubrey Wynne

This book is such an amazingly sweet historical fiction. The kind that you have a hard time putting down, that you are disappointed when it ends. These characters are well written with such depth and believability.
Let me start by telling you that this is book 6 in the series. However, it definitely functions as a standalone. This is the first book in this series that I have read and I was not lost or confused at all. This is not the last book in this series that I will be reading though. I just ordered all of them to catch up.
This is a well written second chance romance with so much believability. There are many times when I read a second chance romance and I feel like it all is so unbelievable. However, this did not seem forced, rather I felt like I was transported back in time and it all made sense. I felt the chemistry between the characters and definitely found myself rooting for them. I definitely recommend picking up this story if you get a chance as you will not be disappointed.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Christine Baranek

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cecily in the City
By: Krysten Lindsey Hager

Cecily is a high schooler who is looking to get her big break. She just got a taste of what it will be like after she acts in a music video. With her favorite artist who just happens to become her boyfriend. She is pushing super hard to move to the city and continue her modeling / acting career. Plus she will be in the same city as her boyfriend. And get out of her small town. She isn’t all that sure she wants all that fame comes with. But she also knows she doesn’t want the opportunities to pass her by.
This book was so good. It perfectly encapsulated the insecurity and the friendship issues that occur in high school. I also really enjoyed Cecily’s family and how they seemed very realistic about their daughter becoming an actress.
This was such an emotional book. I definitely felt all of Cecily’s emotions throughout the book. I also really enjoyed in the beginning where she starts being confused about if she wants the negative parts of having a big break, such as the social media comments. I definitely think this is such a good summer read.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow
By: Lois Wickstrom

One thing that I have come to expect when I see that Lois Wickstrom has published a new book is that this book will be one that I will want to share with everyone that I see. This is such a fun look and twist on the classic fairytale Jack and the Beanstalk. It contains some of the same elements but adds new and whimsical twists. In this story the giants are in trouble and only Jacqueline can save them. This is such a fun twist on this story and it definitely shows kids the importance of sharing what you have.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Christine Baranek

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hero Complex
By: Isobel Reed

Wow! Each and every book in the Bluestone series is better than the last. They definitely all can be read alone, as they each focus on different people in the small town, but I won’t recommend doing this because you miss the charm of Bluestone by reading them in isolation. In this story we meet Ace who is a former Marine who has come to Bluestone to start over. He was injured very badly in an accident and wants somewhere small where he can feel hidden. He starts living in a cabin on the property of Ivy. Ivy inherited a ranch from her grandparents and she wants it to continue to succeed. He brother helps financially but he does not help out physically. That’s where Ace comes in. He is working to stay in a cabin. Ivy thinks she can handle anything that is thrown at her, but she didn’t expect the old boys club that is ranching. Ace comes to her rescue and the rest is well its found in this amazingly written book. I loved this book so very much, Ace and Ivy definitely were great characters who were flawed and who really needed each other. I found myself rooting for them at every turn. I also cried like a baby throughout this one as each keeps thinking they are doing what is right. This book is fantastic and I can only hope that there is more to come in Bluestone!

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Christine Baranek

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Tools
By: Isobel Reed

This book is freaking fantastic. This is the first book in the Bluestone Series and I definitely cannot wait to read the other books. Bluestone is a small, rural ranch town and this book definitely gives so many good feels of a small town. It features two of the most amazing characters. Lilly is running away from London, from the life she knew. She is running towards … Well she isn’t sure. She knows that her father, that left her when she was little, has left her a hardware store and an apartment in Bluestone. She knows that she maybe wants to know something about him, but she also knows that she isn’t happy in her real life right now. Jake is working on a ranch with his sister. He has never had a real, serious relationship and the new girl in town has caught his eye. What he doesn’t know is that his sister also has caught the new girl’s eye and they are about to become the best friends that the other needs. This new revelation complicates things, because if he wants the new girl he can’t do what he has always done. But he is also the first to admit that Lilly (the new girl) has a different effect on him. He definitely feels things that might seem like this relationship might last.
Lilly and Jake have an amazing relationship. Their banter with each other is amazing. Each is very flawed in a very relatable way. I know I related to Lilly on so many levels. And Jake he just seemed so genuine. I also liked that Jake knew Lilly’s father. I feel like that really helped add depth to the story. I love knowing that this is a series as there were so many characters that were introduced that I really want to know more about – Sam and Duke, Lilly’s sister, Teddy at the bar. I love the small town feel and it made me want to up and move to Bluestone, it seems like a place that would feel like home.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Christine Baranek

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Monster for Meg
By: Lois Wickstrom

Once again, Lois Wickstrom does not disappoint. She delivers a wonderful children’s book with amazing pictures on each page. This book has the most wonderful characters. I loved the way the author tackles the idea of monsters. I also love how she shows how things can be different for people who are different from others. She tackles the idea of being blind in such an easy way that children will understand. This is so amazing! I definitely recommend this.

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Christine Baranek

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Consigliere's Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3)Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Consigliere’s Revenge
By: Via Mari

This is the third book in the Sicilian Gods Series. I have read all of them but I will say that each book works as a standalone. Each book is fantastic and they just keep getting better. Each book focuses on one family member. This book focuses on Lorenzo’s story and I must say that I was completely unable to put it down. The steam between Lorenzo and Izzy jumps of the page and leaves you wanting even more. I definitely recommend reading this as it features amazing characters and a wonderful story line.

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Christine Baranek

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fireflies
By: A.R. Hadley

This book is the third in the author’s series, The Physical Collection. This is the first book in this series that I read and it definitely stands alone. Mike and Dane are in a relationship. Their relationship is open and Dane suggests that they find a female to add to their relationship. As they look for a woman to add to their relationship the story gets really interesting. I was really pulled into the book and felt that the author does a good job showing the complexities of relationships. Mike and Dane were really interesting characters with a lot of depth to them. I found their whole story interesting and enjoyable. I definitely recommend this as it was a nice easy read that I did not want to put down.

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Reaper (War Brothers MC Book 1) by Bianca Lee Ward – Review by Christine Baranek

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Reaper (War Brothers MC, #1)Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reaper
By: Bianca Lee Ward

I love a really well written Motorcycle Club book and series. Reaper definitely delivers on this. Reaper is the president of the War Brothers MC. Ava is in an absolutely awful marriage. Reaper loves her at first sight. However, she is absolutely enmeshed in this marriage. When they meet again, she is not the girl he met at first. Their relationship builds over the course of the book. You watch Ava work to heal herself after her marriage and Reaper works to help show her how to trust again. This was so well written and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Christine Baranek

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The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Promised Plan
By: Sharon Hugshson

This book is told from the perspectives of four women. Through this story their friendships are tested, their loyalty is shaken and all in all they are going through struggles. These characters are so relatable and written so well. I definitely felt for each of them as I went through the story.
This book gives a wonderful look at how grief hits everyone differently and at different times. This is such a well written book and one that I definitely recommend. It takes you on such an emotional ride but it is well worth it.

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Three Women in November by Jim Shomos – Review by Christine Baranek

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Three Women in NovemberThree Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three Women in November
By: Jim Shomos

This book is based on a true story. I loved how it was told from the male’s perspective. He is trying his best to find love again. However, as he does he is encounters three women who definitely each have their flaws. I really enjoyed how each of the characters had their own problems and each was flawed in their own ways. I think it definitely is a more accurate perception of dating in the real world than is usually shown in stories. I think that the characters were well developed and the story definitely kept me wanting to read. I definitely enjoyed this one!

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Christine Baranek

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raising Elle
By: S.E. Reichert

This was such a fantastic book! I will say that it has a trigger warning for abuse and it definitely needs a trigger warning. Elle left home 6 years ago with Aaron, the man that she thought was the love of her life. Man was she wrong. She has escaped Aaron and is left with some scars both visible and invisible. She is shocked when the family she left behind takes her back with open arms and rallies around her. She sets out to attempt to save and rebuild her grandmothers house before the family sells it (if they still need to). Blake was in love with Elle. He never quite got over her. When she comes back they have the opportunity to work together and rebuild their relationship. I loved watching Elle become stronger and more sure of herself. I also really loved how she advocated when she wanted something to do rather than sit around and be scared that Aaron would find her. I also love how quick her sisters were to agree and defend her. I feel like this is the true story of overcoming struggles and perseverance in hard times. More importantly I truly think this is a survivors tale. I definitely recommend it!

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I’ll Love You Tomorrow (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas – Review by Christine Baranek

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I'll Love You Tomorrow (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy #3)I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ll Love You Tomorrow
By: Julie Navickas

OMG, I loved this book so very much. I loved the first two books in the trading heartbeats series. BUT I loved this one the most. I could not put it down. I feel like Mitch and Lauren had such a relatable story on so many levels. I really was rooting for them and had tears running down my face through much of this book. That is how much I related to this book. I have read all three books but they definitely stand alone. By reading all three you get a deeper understanding of all the characters but you could read this by itself and completely understand it. I definitely recommend reading all three because if you don’t you’ll miss out on wonderful stories. Julie Navickas writes such relatable stories and characters who are so well developed. Definitely pick it up and get a book you can’t put down.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Christine Baranek

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Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Concert Hall Hit
By: J.C. Kenney

This is such a fun small town mystery. I definitely enjoyed every second of reading it. In this mystery Darcy must work to clear her good name. She has been falsely accused of the murder of a famous musician. I loved all the music references found throughout the book. I definitely recommend reading this one as it was definitely enjoyable!

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Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Christine Baranek

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Punk (Popov Bratva #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Punk
By: Leslie Georgeson

This is the newest book in the Popov Boys Series. Once again I have no complaints about this book other than I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I love this series and I truly love how well written these characters are and how detailed the plot lines get into the mafia life. Efrem’s goes out as Punk at night and hunts criminals to turn them over to the police. Miranda is definitely a strong female character. She has gone through so much. The last thing she expects is to fall for PUNK, but here she is. Can they get past their age differences to make things work?
Once again this is a fantastic book in the series. I definitely have enjoyed each and every one and recommend reading them!

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Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Christine Baranek

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Beast (Popov Boys #5)Beast by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beast
By: Leslie Georgeson

Andrik is such an amazing character. He has definitely been dealt a hard hand and he is very judged by his looks. He has lived a very hard life and has not had anything handed to him. He joined the Popov Bravata and works his way very hard to earn his way up the ranks. In the earns himself a very special assignment, guarding the boss’ daughter. Who also happens to be the girl he has had a crush on in nearly forever. Annika is not a normal Bravata princess, she loves her piano more than people and is confined to a wheelchair. The two develop feelings for each other, however, Andrik fails at his duty to protect her. This turns their lives on their heads again.
Once again this mafia story is fantastic. I cannot recommend this series enough. It is filled with steam, suspense and twists and turns!

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Thief (Popov Bratva Book 4) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Christine Baranek

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Thief (Popov Boys #4)Thief by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thief
By: Leslie Georgeson

This is the first book of the Popov Boys series that I have read. But I can definitely promise you it will not be the last. I will be reading each and every one to learn more of each of the boys. This book goes between the perspectives of Dominick and Leah. Sometimes I can find this dual perspective storytelling to be jarring. However, if it is done well, it can be one of the most enjoyable forms of storytelling. In this case, this is what I enjoyed about this story. Dominick is part of the famed Popov family and he has always prided himself on never getting attached to anyone. Leah is a country music star. Their paths cross and from there the book becomes impossible to put down. I definitely recommend reading this story and I will be reading all the rest of the Popov Boys Series in the future!

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Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover – Review by Christine Baranek

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Stars Like GasolineStars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stars Like Gasoline
By: Jessika Grewe Glover

This book was sooo good and suspenseful. Books that feature ghosts / spirits are not normally my cup of tea but something about this book called to me and I decided to give it a try. I am so very glad I did. Celia buys a house that once belonged to her brother’s fiance. What she doesn’t buy is everything that comes with the house. And by that I mean the spirits and the chaos that ensues. On top of the spirits in the house there is a stalker and a police department that is less than helpful. What ends up is a fantastic book that I definitely did not want to end. I recommend picking this one up as it is so well written and enchanting.

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Christine Baranek

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A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Spot of Earl Slay
By: Aubrey Elle

This is such an enjoyable mystery book. This is my first book I’ve read written by Aubrey Elle and it most definitely will not be my last. Also, this is the first in the Tea Time Troubles series and I definitely cannot wait for more. It was so well written and easy to read. I kept reading way past my bedtime and I was sad to see it end. Naomi is recently divorced and has moved her teenage daughter to a brand new city. However, what she is hoping to be a brand new fresh start is nothing of the start as on their very first day they discover a dead boy in their shed. This is definitely not how they anticipated starting a new town. To top this off, the furnace in their new house isn’t working and they have nowhere else to go. Their neighbors, who are eccentric and gossipy but also kind, offer for them to come over for some tea and dessert to warm up. This ends up as the beginning of a wonderful new friendship. This book definitely went by way too fast as I was determined to not only find out who the killer was but also to read more about these women and their friendship. I definitely recommend this cozy mystery.

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Christine Baranek

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brave Kids
By: Janice Pratt

This book is fantastic and is one that I will be reading aloud to my class at the beginning of the school year. Each story focuses on a child who is being brave by overcoming obstacles. It particularly focuses on navigating and overcoming feelings and challenges. Through these stories the reader can see how each child became resilient. This is such an important message that all children need to hear and see reinforced. I feel that these stories are so important and should definitely be read aloud to all children. This is such a great and important read.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Christine Baranek

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stay for Me
By: Tam DeRudder Jackson

This is the second book in the Balefire series that I have read, but it is the fifth in the series. This book is so well written and it sucks you right in. This book features Garret, who is definitely the one member of Balefire I have had a hard time warming up to. However, this time it gives some insight into his personality and demeanor. Years ago, Olivia was the one who got away. The one that he left for the band. This time he gets a second chance at love with Olivia. However, will he mess it up again or will she be too hurt from before to even let him in. I definitely recommend picking this one up to see what happens. It packs on the steam as well as showing well written characters.

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