Posts

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute and entertaining story. Counting is not the only subject in this story. You get science, colors, as well as rhyming words. This story is easy to follow and it involves the children. Another great open ended story, to help grow our children’s minds. The author keeps her readers focused and opens up the little minds of children. I love that in a book as well as in the author. I am looking forward to reading more of these stories from this author. So are my grandchildren.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy, will they ever learn? You don’t mess with mama bear. Taz may be cute and shy but if you mess with her family, you are as good as dead. Her son is her everything, Taz will stop at nothing to protect him or her family. That includes Devil’s Handmaidens MC. While the women are strong and independent, sometimes they may need to call on big brother. This is a must read series. I love this series! The author writes some amazing MC stories. This author left nothing out of her story.The rollercoaster of emotions will keep you turning the pages. This may be a romance story, but the twists and turns make it so much more. Heartbreak, romance, evil, and twisted suspenseful events all in one book. I loved it! I can hardly wait for the next installment.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here we go with another retelling of Jack and the trouble he can get into. Jack is not just lazy, he is greedy too. This has to be one of the cutest versions of this story. Jack continues to get himself in trouble. But can Jack escape the Giant once again? The author has written a story that I love, the grandkids did too. Great open discussion before and after reading this book. I have to say, I love this author as well as her twists on fairy tales from long ago. They are fresh and fun to read.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Cindy Mayberry MI

/0 Comments/in , /by

This has to be one of my favorite romances. It’s honest, it’s laid back and accidental love does happen, or can it? Joe is recovering from throat surgery. He can not say one single word. So he isolates himself in a small cabin off the grid. Somewhere his fans will not find him. He is happy and content. Ali is walking around in her twin brother’s secret places in hopes of finding clues as to where he really is. She has been told he had died in an accident. She can’t believe them. Getting lost in a rain shower, she stumbles her way on to a cabin. Thinking it abandoned she approaches the porch when the door opens. So that is all you get! This author writes with her heart on her sleeve. She is also the narrator of the book and you can tell she loves her story. It is fast paced and with all the events going on in these two very different characters, you just can’t tell how it will end. As for me it ended too soon. I have questions that I bet they will be in book 2.

Review@cinful

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well little Miss Goldilocks story has come a long way. In this story she has grown from breaking things to fixing things. Such a cute and fun story. I love how this author once again has impressed the readers with the new events. Her story is not only fast, but clear and easy for our children to follow. So much fun to read and get the children’s feedback. I wonder what will be next.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Annie Miller and her siblings set out on a new adventure. Annie has found the perfect place for her B&B. Her next goal is to get her B&B up and running. Craig has come to Montana to see his cousin get married. So while on vacation he needs to find something to do. Two very different people, one bound to Marietta and one lives in Portland. This is a small town romance that had me within the first couple of pages. The story is romantic, funny and unexpected. The author may be new to me, but now she is not. I will be looking for more as this story captures my heart. Even if it did mess with my emotions. It was well worth the time and money spent on this book. This is a must read for those romantic readers.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Duology Book 2) Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in , /by

Gabriela Martinez, a well known author is in the fight of her life. People are willing to do anything to get their hands on her works. Including taking her life. But will their evil plan work, and at what cost? Gabriela is so much stronger than even she believes. This may be a new author for me, you can bet I will be looking for more from her. This story is so full of twists and turns. Once it gets going it is hard to stop. The events that take place are amazing as well as intense. Love this story, hope you do too.

 

Review@cinful

Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Shalom IsraelShalom Israel by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an informative yet fun way to travel. I love this story! Some will never get the chance to travel and enjoy such an amazing country. This book is perfect. I enjoyed the pictures as well as the story. The information shared with the readers just adds to the events in the story. The author opens a whole new adventure with this book. Adults as well as children will all enjoy this story. I recommend this book be part of the curriculum in preschools as well. I for one have learned so much from this book. A must read and own book for all bookshelves. I hope you enjoy this story as much as my family did.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As high School ends, Summer comes and goes, college begins. Stop! Summer starts as Aspen stands on the edge of the cliff, she knows her dive will wash her mind clean if only for the moment. She loves diving, and she is good at it. Phoenix loves women and he is good at it. His brain of thought is “one and done”. That is until the One is stuck in his mind and he can’t be done. This is just the beginning for Aspin and Phoenix. That is where this series leads you too. So make sure you read the series in order. You won’t want to miss how this couple collides. The author has done it this time. She has once again opened a series that leaves you begging for more, so much more. Her story is fast paced and leaves no stone unturned. While this is a New Adult Romance it does touch on sensitive subjects. It also ended in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to get comfortable as your reading gets rocked. Such a must read series, I look forward to starting the next book in this series. I want more of Aspin and Phoenix!

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chester, just like every other kid, does not like or want to clean his room. Also like many children they have their imaginary friends. The mess makers, the one that hides things, the one that has yet to learn how to clean as they go. This story puts a fun twist on cleaning up. I have read many children’s stories from this author. She has taken a child job and made it fun. The story is to the point without leaving the child feeling bad or sad when it comes to cleaning up. She sets the mood and has a positive outcome. I love this story and it may have slipped on to my children’s story shelf.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High School is bad enough, with making and keeping friends. But when you throw a boy into the mix, things change. Friends fight, boys want more and girls are trapped between both worlds. This author has once again impressed me. High School is being brought back in this series. The story is fast paced and once you start you can’t stop til the end. The characters are spot on with their emotions as well as strong within themselves. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute story. This story was so true of children and their first days of school, no matter what age or grade. All parents and teachers are to set the best example to our children. Making their school experience joyful. This author played it out in her story. Shining a well written light on our educators. The story covers all nationalities and sizes of people around the world. This is a must have for all libraries and home bookshelves.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah and Abby are pen pals. Both learning about each other’s lives. While the girls are the same age, they live very different lifestyles. Neyah lives in Africa while Abby lives in a city on the other side of the globe. Abby works on her social life, while Neyah gathers contaminated water for her family. Neyah longs for the days when she can go to school, while Abby goes to school everyday. Such an inspiring story for all to read. I found both main characters to be strong independent young girls. Who strive for a better life for each other. This author has captured my heart in this story. I feel every 12 year and older child should get the opportunity to read this story. To have a pen pal from a different country and to learn how fortunate they are to live without fear. As this story unfolds many lives are touched by the strength of these two girls. Fantastic story to read! It’s fast paced and you find yourself wanting so much more. I feel this to be an excellent read for young teens, teachers, librarians and parents. Let’s open our children’s minds and bring back helping others.

 

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Fun and fantastic story to read to our children. Colleen and her Dad have a special job. But the children are afraid of Colleen’s dad, and tease her. Read what happens when Colleen’s dad puts his hands down. Also who comes to the rescue when things start happening. This author never ceases to amaze me. Her imagination is and ability to entertain our children. Just another example of why I enjoy reading stories from this author.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natalie and Anthony are at the forefront of this story. Anthony is trying to fill his father’s shoes by following in his career path. Being Mayor is a tough job, it also takes Anthony away from his wife and children. Natalie is running her new business with a friend. She is also taking on home duties. Keeping her household running, getting the kids to their activities, shopping, cooking, event planning and not having time for herself or her husband. This puts a strain on their marriage. Can these two people get back the love they once had? Or is it too late? I love this story and all of the characters in this series. While this story could be a stand alone, I recommend you read the series as the characters from this series bring the story to life. This author wrote this fast paced intriguing romance, and kept the interest of all readers. This is a romance rollercoaster when it comes to emotions. A romance worth reading.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This is a romance of a different kind. Celia has a young daughter and her father Kyle has no clue. Knowing time was running out Celia had to come clean. Telling Kyle will be the hardest thing she has ever had to face. Next to breaking up with him. But she had her reasons and I understand them all too well. Kyle is a baseball player who has lost his first and only love. Eight years later both Kyle and Celia are face to face for the first time. Celia and Kyle may love each other in their hearts, but will Celia’s secret separate them?
What a strong independent female character Celia is. Kyle too is so strong in his convictions. This author has brought romance out in this story. Her wording is enough to keep you reading. I was caught up in this story before I ended the first chapter. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in this series.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a refreshing Folktale. This time around the little pigs went to school. They learned how to make their home wolf proof. The wolf on the other hand was hungry. Can the pigs come up with a plan that will benefit both themselves and the wolf? Once again this author retold a story with a twist. Opening up the minds of our young children and encouraging them to think ahead. Great story for both parents and children. This is a must have for all libraries.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hudson is a great helper, until one day he was not. He had forgotten somebody, can you guess who? Reading this story will help other children find their self worth. This author and illustrator had worked well together. It shows in this story, and the pictures. Children could learn from this story. As could adults while reading to their children. Reading is always helpful and encourages children to love books and reading. I truly enjoyed reading this story to my grandbabies. They loved it too.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What fun story to read to the kids. Looking from an animal’s perspective was amazing. A great turn around as far as people go. Made a person think, that’s for sure. The author made note of the different houses and vehicles. I laughed so hard when the deer asked where in the house people poop. The story was well written and easy to follow. Even easier for the children to understand. This may have been a new author for me, but not for long as I will be looking and reading more her.

Review@cinful
View all my reviews
Read more

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This is Sky and Damon’s story. Sky has her work cut out for her. Her friend wants Damon before the year ends. Only Sky has crushed on him forever. Damon, on the other hand, is more interested in Sky. High School is such a struggle to get through. The bullies, the cheerleaders, the nerds and the jocks. This story deals with many teen issues. That’s what makes this author’s story so believable. It is well written, fast paced and easy to follow. All teens would agree this is like high school all over. Enemy’s to Romance is just how this story reads. So many emotions will be challenged, so many secrets will be opened and somebody is bound to find romance. This is a fantastic story for New Adults as well as adult readers.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This retelling of the famous beanstock has a different view of the story. One being it is Jacqueline who takes the cow to market. Yes she comes back with the 3 beans. But this is where the story changes. Jacqueline learned many lessons that day. As will the children that get to read / listen to this story. Again this author impressed me with her Open Ended story. Many lessons are taught within this book. Along with science, and providing food from our gardens. Great book to introduce children to at the beginning of Spring. I look forward to reading the next folktale by this author.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in , /by

This was a hard story to listen to. I generally don’t listen or read historical stories. But this one caught my interest. I am happy I took the time to listen to the story. A story told by a young child of seven. Talks Like Thunder is a remarkably strong young child who had to grow up fast. Her family had been taken from her, then a strange man comes along claiming to be her grandfather. Taking her to a new reservation, where she knows nobody. But that is just the beginning for Talks Like Thunder. Her story is told well and the authors knew their history. While this story was heartbreaking. I felt like I was sitting close by watching and listening. The authors, while new to me, I will be looking for more from them. I am interested to see where they take this series.

Review@cinful

 

Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

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

I love a well written romance. This one was just that kind of story. Ivy has set her mind on saving her grandfather’s ranch. While others doubt she can do it. There is one who knows she can. Ace, a wounded marine has many scars who he battles with daily. But the ones that are visible are the ones Ivy does not see. Throwing Ace into self doubt. Most look at him and stare or gasp. Not Ivy, she loves him, shhhh don’t tell anybody. While Ace helps Ivy out running the ranch, he learns people don’t believe a single unwed woman can do men’s work. Therefore his plan is set in motion. But remember Ivy can do what she puts her mind to. This fake engagement has opened many doors for both Ivy and Ace. To see where this story goes, read the book. What a page turner this story was. I could not put it down. The characters make the story, but the author put it to paper. I look forward to reading more from this author. As well as seeing where this author takes this series.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Meg and her sister are discussing monsters. With Meg being blind, her sister tried to explain the monsters. This is yet another child involvement story. It talks about our senses as well as being blind. This interaction between the sisters, and the humor makes for a fun story to read. I enjoy reading books by this author. So do my grandchildren. Her stories are easy to follow and fun to experiment with. Open-ended books are the BEST! I look forward to reading more from this author.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

The First Sin (South of Eden) Audiobook by Lisa Beth Darling – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in , /by

What a different yet modern day Retelling of the Creation of the world. Lucifer re-enters the world as we know it now. His life is completely turned upside down when his father sends him back to the Garden of Eden. Adam is not who I thought he was. He is abusive and all together needs a backbone of respect for Eve and those around him. As Eve is so much stronger and independent. This Retelling in modern day is spot on. I am a Christian and found this story to be humorous and easy to follow. Some of it was heart wrenching and yet again it was still worth my listening too. The author is creative and knows what she is writing about. Some may disagree, but for me it was well worth reading/listening to. I found this story enjoyable and found it to be informative, LOL. Life is too short to take everything too seriously. We all know the story, this is just a different way of looking at things. A Story reinvented and enjoyable.

 

Review@cinful

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Elle has had enough! Life had to be better somewhere else. Her past 6 years had been horrible for Elle. Now is the time to take her life back. Blake has had his share of heartbreak. His answer was the bottle, so he thought. Both Elle and Blake must take back their lives. Will these two broken people be able to get out from under their secrets and move on? The author has set up a story some of us have lived through. It was hard in the beginning, the emotions were raw, but the end brought forth a new message. I enjoy reading a strong willed woman, and a stronger male character who can fight their way out, and build back their independence. While this was a hard story for me to read, in the beginning. It soon became a must read book, sending out a whole new outlook. The emotions are raw and the events are real. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

review@cinful

View all my reviews

Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Silas Fitzpatrick has had enough of being invisible. As his sixth grade class begins he finds it hard to get adults to listen to him. He is extremely short for his age, due to lacking healthy growth hormones. His grandfather is a great man to email and gives Silas advice as to help him get along at school. Silas also has made friends who see him for who he is, and not by his size. This author has many ways of getting her point out in this story. She helps all the children see that they are so much more. I love how this book is encouraging and would recommend it to all children ages 8 and older. I must say Silas is extremely brave and patient with those around him. I love the interactions between his grandfather as well as his new friend. This should be a must read for all who have or are children. Excellent Story!

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Olivia has had her share of heart break. Garrett left his one true love behind, to follow his musical managing career, and his up and coming band. Now, while both of them fight the second chance for romance. There are still heartbreak feelings. Can the two people work through their delima? Is romance salvageable for them? This was a fast paced romance. It will open many emotions and leave you wanting to read more of this series. This story is a stand-alone but, reading the series only opens your feelings and those we try to avoid. This author is no longer new to me. Her love for rock music is what makes this story fun and easy to follow. I enjoyed reading this story and will be going back to read the others.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miranda Diggs seems to find herself in trouble wherever she goes. Helping out with cleaning homes, she forgets things and even caused a fire that destroyed 3 other rooms. Now there are enough fines she will be paying back forever. She has just not found herself, well until she goes on a mind clearing vacation. At which point she finds herself fighting against crimes that continue to follow her. This is a well written crime based thriller. The events that happen are enough to keep you reading. This author has a way with words and getting her point across. I found this to be a fast paced story. The characters are believable as well as the events. Just the twists and turns are enough to keep your interest. Enjoy! Oh No Spoilers!

Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Cindy Mayberry

/0 Comments/in /by

Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley Scott is a Private Detective who has seen more than her share of ugly. Both in crimes and relationships. She has no time, nor does she want time for another relationship. Tristan Cain the tall blue eyed firefighter. Has his own downfalls in the relationship department. Besides, he has other things on his mind, one being getting justice. That is all I can say about this story. I give No Spoilers! This is a story you need to read. The author of this book is very talented with her words. Her story is clearly written and at times I felt like I was seeing the events in my mind. The characters felt like people I know I would love to be friends with, maybe I already am. The story is fast paced and brings forth many emotions. This author was new to me, but not anymore, she climbed onto my must read list.

Review@cinful

View all my reviews