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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by Cindy Mayberry

The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short StoriesThe Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about getting the bagesses scared out of you. Each story takes on a new phobia, each story scarier than the last, each story just as grand as the last. I loved reading these short stories. The author can speak to your mind and just with her words do more than scare you. I have never read a book so intense. Nor do I ever read from this genre. Taking a chance I loved my selection. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I love well written spine chilling stories!

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Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Flying at RecessFlying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Children’s books are fun and great for our little ones. Soara, Lulu and Zanie are best friends. They spend their recesses together until Soara flies off on another adventure. Only rule is she must be back before recess ends. But when she spots butterflies, she gets side tracked. Can she find her way back to school? Will she get there before recess ends? Once again this author pulled out another fun story for our children’s enjoyment. The story was fun and opened up conversation and imaginations. Keeping our parents engaged in conversation with our little ones. Just one more grand story for us to have in our children’s library.

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Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Counting is one of my favorite pastimes. My children love counting everything. This is the cutest counting book. I have not yet come across a counting book like this one. As it is about sea turtles, but it is also about so much more. The pictures are cute and eye-catching , making our children discover much more than just the turtles. This book also opens up questions and conversations amongst our children. I highly recommend this story.

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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another 5 star MC series that is well worth reading. This is President Chaz of Wretched Souls and Helo’s story. What a strong couple. Helo has had her share of trauma in her life and things are about to get even more intense. Chaz being the head man in the club has so much more to account for. But will Helo be his weak spot? Will Chaz and the MC Club accept Helo into their family? Can she be trusted? This author has once again impressed me with her writing skills. Her knowledge of MCs is outstanding and her characters have so much grit. The story will capture your interest on page one and keep you drawn in until the last page. I want so much more from this author and her amazing characters. This is going to be another great series and I look forward to reading all about the Wretched Souls.

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Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Oscar and Emmy Weather a HurricaneOscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you ready for a hurricane? Do you have what you need for your pets during this emergency? That is the information you will find in this story of Oscar and Emmy. Abby and Charlie take their pets seriously. They love Oscar and Emmy and want to keep them safe as all fur baby people should do. The author has opened up ideas that even I did not know when it comes to pets. The story may be true but it has so much to tell. Your children will learn through reading. My family really enjoyed reading this story. The author also included a list of things to have ready at the end of the book. So much was to be learned as well as fun to be had. I look forward to reading and learning more about Oscar and Emmy.

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Cindy Mayberry

The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to Arrow and Vivian’s story. What a story it is! So intense and so romantic yet so dangerous. Arrow is a retired Navy Seal, that was what caught my eye. Vivian is a dentist and has no time for romance, Arrow is the same no time for romance. But as life would have it these two people are thrown together and are fighting for their lives. Such a fast paced suspenseful story. I loved every page. I could not put this story down. The author has once again brought out the best in her character’s and kept the story going. The story is loaded with all the right feels and is so intense you can’t help but fall in love with both the story, the author and her characters. I recommend you read this series in order, even though this could be a standalone. There is so much to discover and uncover. I am looking forward to book 6 in this series.

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super cute children’s book. Not only does this story encourage going on school, it also teaches children about differences. While the dinosaur is very different he is still the same. This story also encourages counting and playing together. Once again this author has given children another cute story with teaching hidden within. A must have for your child’s library.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wynnie and Lem find an unusual egg on the wall. After it hatched she not only discovered it was a dragon she also had to train it. As she promised the king she would, he gave her 1 day to do just that. Such a fun story to read. Watching the smiles on the children’s faces was well worth the time to read this book. Learning to love, to train and treat others with love is a big lesson to learn. So is keeping promises. This author laid it out plain and clear so the children could understand the story. They could also ask questions and feel free to go further in discovering the world of Dragons. Another must have in every child’s library.

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Not So Little Things Audio Book by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Tina Edwards is my kind of person. She loves building fairy houses, just like her father did. When her father passed away, Tina’s mother took off. Leaving her with her aunt. Now that Tina is grown and running her own miniature room business. Things she once knew are changing, the secrets are coming out and everything she once knew is no longer. While at the same time she is working on rooms for an old Victorian home. The author of this story has a great way of writing stories. They captured my interest in chapter 1 and kept me listening to the end. So much going on in this story and yet kept my interest. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Her stories are well written.

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Break out the first aid kits for this one. Every child should know how our body works. They also need to know how to take care of their boo-boos. As well as why we must keep them clean and protected. I love the science behind the story. The author has once again written a book with children in mind. The story is easy to read and understand. The history behind the games and toys we played with was also interesting. Another great book and must have for every child’s library.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The honeymoon for Erica Parker is over after 9 months. At that time her life changes and someone is out to kill her. She can’t stay as her husband’s gambling debts need to be paid and her husband has disappeared on a mystery trip. She can’t go home to the little town she is from because someone there does not want her to get her inheritance. This has to be one of the most intense mysteries I have read in a long time. So much going on and so little time to read. The author has written this story to keep her readers engaged. Some of this story could be so true. It makes you keep reading. Fast paced, great characters and a romance to remember. A must have for all readers.

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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Marshmallow RabbitMarshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you run a candy factory and a little girl helps herself to the candy? Mr. Bonbon has got to come up with an idea to stop Annabelle from taking his candy. Now Annabelle is in a sticky predicament, can she escape or will she get into more trouble. The author gives a great lesson to be learned and a fun story to read. The children will love this story and the pictures as well. The story is easy to read and fast paced. My grandchildren loved this story, just as much as I did. I am in awe of this author and her storytelling talents. We are all looking forward to her next book.

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Unicorn, Don't Do That!: It's okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstepUnicorn, Don’t Do That!: It’s okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute story. With rhyming words, food, a party and pooping. Oh my I laughed so hard. What a fun story and great pictures as well. Stega is half unicorn and half stegosaur. While gathering different foods for her gift to a friend. She too enjoyed them as she ate them. Now all she has left is an empty bowl. Not only that but when her tummy starts to rumble, she can in no way make it to the woods. Is pooping on a doorstep acceptable? Once again this author has written a cute fast paced story. Totally child engaging and funny for all to read. The rhyming was child interaction as well. My grandchildren loved this story. A must read!!!

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Stop that Lion (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace (Kingdom of Mir)Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And the children shall lead them. This was such a fun story to read. Winnie wants to keep her sheep safe and also help the king come up with a solution. As the lion from the kingdom of Sher keeps eating the sheep from the Kingdom of Mir. As the King asks for help, many came forward but did not work. Reading the story will tell you what happens next. This author has such a great imagination. I really enjoy reading her stories. My grandchildren look forward to reading her books as well. The is always something to learn, discover, and talk about in her stories. We are looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Oscar and Emmy Foster KittensOscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oscar and Emmy love reading to the kittens at the local shelter. When they hear they can foster kittens, they become excited. Their mother finds out exactly what will be needed to foster pets. The author really brings fostering to light. Her story leaves nothing out. Opening the eyes of all interested in helping to foster any pets. The story is clearly written and easy for children to follow. I loved that the children fell in love with the kittens. Even more that the mother talked about not being able to keep the kittens, and helping others, including their own grown cats. Great story and a must have for all libraries.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg Hawke moved from the busy Chicago back home to Montana. Living in her family home and running an antique shop. While it has not taken off like she had hoped, she still keeps the doors open. The Kincaid’s have always been her neighbors, and she has loved Hank like a grandfather. However his grandson Ryan is her frenemy, she tries to keep her distance. When Hank asks for her help she goes right to work. As long as she can keep away from Ryan. Will Meg and Ryan get past the dislike and move onward to a HEA? Will they be able to work together without ugly words at each other? This author is new to me. I love her story and how she builds up her character’s. The story is fun and a clean read, even in a clean story the passion is there with the words the author uses without going too far. The story is a real page turner and will keep you turning those pages until the end. I am looking forward to reading book 2, I hope you will too.

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Fay’s Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Fay's Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray)Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fay the turtle, and Cray are on another adventure. As winter approaches they set out to help others. This friendship and those new friends they come across have the best adventures. I love the kindness and the helping of others. As well as the rhymes in this story. The author sets up our children for success, by showing how others make friends, giving them great examples. The story is short and to the point making it easy for children to follow. I also enjoyed the pictures in this story, while they are to the point. They open our children up with questions. What a great conversation starter. Giving our children even more information to aid in their growth and knowledge. This is another must have for our children’s libraries.

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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a new kid in any situation is hard, but being a new kid in foster care is even harder. Loris is the new kid, he is scared, withdrawn and angry. Even though Cam and Inaya try to befriend him he is having a hard time adapting. Will the kids give up on Loris? Will Loris come around? This author opened the eyes of many with this story. The emotion put into this story is spot on. Cam and Inaya are the best siblings and have opened their hearts to Loris, they understand what he is going through. I really enjoyed this story! The courage, love, and helping others, made this book a must have to all libraries.

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The Glow in Loretta’s Garden (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

The Glow in Loretta's Garden (Loretta's Insects)The Glow in Loretta’s Garden by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another fantastic story by this author. I knew this story would be educational, SHHHH! Don’t tell the kiddo’s. This story is all about bugs, and Loretta is just the right person for this job. She is observant and watches the bugs grow and change. Giving the readers valuable information. This author encourages her readers to look about their environment and discover the bugs in their yard. This story is well written and easy for children to follow. A real crowd pleaser, that needs to be in every child’s library.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evelyn has managed to get herself through college. Now on layover in London, her whole life is about to change. All it took was someone to bump into her. Now on the run from the Fitzgerald’s Crime Family. Patrick is a private investigator whose job was to get Megan to safety before she gets away. Unfortunately Evelyn and Megan not only look alike, they carry the same backpack. No Spoilers Here! I found this series to have started out on the very first page. This author has a way of drawing her readers in and keeping them engaged. The story is fast paced and extremely intense. The characters fill their positions and draw you into their lives. The author has started a very exciting series and I look forward to reading the next in this series.

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Charming Chapter (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances) by Lori Haas – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance (Boomer Babes Book Club Romances 1)Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Laura is in her 60s just like myself. She belongs to a supportive book club that encourages her to do things for herself. She spent so much of herself for her children and husband. Now that her children are grown and her husband has passed away. It is time for her! Even though her daughter has a different point of view, Laura must follow her heart. London here she comes. This author knows just how to engross her readers. I love that she writes for her older readers. Her romance is spot on, just the right amount of relationship building. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand)The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Home Run! This is another adventure between Grandpa, Caspian, ànd his unbirthday. Caspian is so excited to see what he will find next. As usual his grandfather had planned another adventure. Follow the clues, Caspian! This author has amazing talent in writing children’s books. Kids everywhere need this book/series in their library. All of these authors’ books are open for conversation. Which in turn has parents and children talking. I love this series and the adventures set about.
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The Changed Man Audio Book (The Olympic Peninsula Series, Book 4) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Well Welcome Jake, brother to the groom. Jake had been outside the family for a long time. Will his brothers accept him back into the family? If you have been following this series, you know this will be a challenge for all involved. But Jake is not about to give up nor will his family let him go. Then when romance fills the air this story takes on a whole new journey. I recommend you step back and get to know these amazing characters. By starting with book 1. This author has once again brought forth an amazing add on to this series. This is a great story to listen to. It is a fast paced and emotional story and I loved every minute! I am looking forward to seeing where this author takes us next.

 

Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rose and her Mother Carly took me by surprise. Even though I read the description of this story. I did not expect to be completely drawn in and torn apart. The story not only made me ugly cry, it made me stay up all night to find the answers to the one big question. Props to Rose for wanting to be with her mother when she was most needed. Even though things got intense this story is well worth reading. The author had perfect characters for this story. This is a well written rollercoaster ride with so much to discover. The suspense will keep you reading, the family will bring out the tears, and the tissue, chocolate and wine could be your calming. I hope you enjoy this story and the author as much as I did.

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Cindy Mayberry

The Missing Red EnvelopesThe Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute story. I love the new knowledge of culture, tradition and the Lunar New Year. The story is so full of adventure as well as siblings working together. While the girls are looking for their red envelopes, the reason behind the ergency is wonderful. A great story for our children and families alike. But even better for our children who are starting to read chapter books. The story is fast paced yet very interesting. The author for this story did a great job writing this book and I look forward to reading more from her.

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Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book) by MJ Murray – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, #2)Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Detective Dylan, Emily and Theodore the family dog are back at it. They never leave home without Dylan’s Detective Kit. But this time they are off to play baseball. Once they get to the ball field they notice the baseball plates are missing. So they go in search of the missing plates. First off let me put out there that this story is not only educational but brings together siblings. Yes this big brother enjoys spending time with his little sister. As for Emily she is a big help as the team works together. This author has done quite nicely in bringing these siblings together. This story is quite the page turner. It is captivating and interesting. The characters also play big parts in the story.They set a great example to our young readers. Also at the end of this chapter book there is a list of big words with explanations of the words and where to find them in the story. I love that! I love an open-ended story. This one is fantastic.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another outstanding story by an outstanding author. Hay and Cray are the most unlikely pair. Yet their friendship and willingness to work together is a pleasure to read about. This is most definitely a must read to all children’s libraries. Hay is headed to his mother’s house for a party. Along the way they are met with many obstacles. As the two work together they find more friends to help guide them. This story also comes with rhyming time. It was just so fun to read, and the pictures are bright and colorful. They really catch the children’s eye and interest. My children enjoyed this story and asked for it again and again.

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A Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo – Review by Cindy Mayberry

A Miracle In Muffin: A True StoryA Miracle In Muffin: A True Story by Darlene Duemo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story to introduce our little ones to the blessings of knowing The Lord. The story shares a true story of Muffin, and how he was lost. You see Muffin slipped out the door on a cold day. The family searched for weeks and could not find Muffin. This story is a miracle indeed. The author explained her journey in words the children could understand. The story is easy to follow and the pictures are eye-catching. Best part of this story is the prayer as well as the scriptures to refer to. This story is a must read and own on your childrens book shelves.

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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse Audio Book (The Forerunner Series, Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Thorfinn is a young boy of 9 years and coming of age under the historical Viking lore. Along with magic, ghost’s, witches and paranormal events. He may be young, but his knowledge is powerful. Now he needs to grow long before he is ready. This is a very interesting story. I don’t care to read historical novels, this one caught my interest. The story is well written and pretty easy to follow. As well as educational if you are interested in this genre. You can tell the author is knowledgeable in Viking history and paranormal characters, as is clear in this story. This audible story is fun to listen to. This would make for long driving trips.  As the story builds, so does your heartbeat. This is a great story all together. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I look forward to the next book in this series.

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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is perfect to read before a day at the beach. It will remind our children how to keep the beach clean not just for us but for the animals and sea creatures we share it with. The story is fun as well as engaging. The book has many open conversations which is always a great idea as well as a learning tool. This author writes the cutest stories. They are a must on our children’s bookshelves. While this story is short, it is full of fun and information. Not to mention the beach critters are cute as well. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

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