Posts

Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Code DogCode Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you haven’t read a Lois Wickstrom book before, know you will always go on some sort of adventure. This story follows three kids going on an adventure to find a time capsule to win a prize! One of the kids, Timmy, has to take care of a dog to help out a lady who is injured. Along the way, you’ll discover a lot of really cool things about Cody, the dog. This is a really great book for kids starting out reading chapter books. It is very easy to read and follow along with. I also enjoyed it as an adult.

View all my reviews

The Glow in Loretta’s Garden (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

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

Loretta and her stories always make bugs seem less disgusting. They show a whole new side to them. You see their usefulness within nature and their purpose in the world. You and your child read an entertaining story, and learn along the way. There is always some useful information after the story as well. You can learn more about what you read. My 7yo son and I always love Lois Wickstrom books.

View all my reviews

The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

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

My 7yo son and I have been reading Lois Wickstrom books for quite a while now. We have read so many. There hasn’t been one book of hers that we’ve given less than 5 stars. Caspian and his grandpa have a special bond. The books about them are so sweet and fun. Every year, Caspian gets a special gift on his UNbirthday from his grandpa. This year, he couldn’t find it. Did Grandpa forget?! Is he too old for presents? Read to find another Caspian and Grandpa adventure and to find out!

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

These books by G Pa Rhymes are always full of beautiful illustrations. I absolutely love them. I read these with my son and we enjoy them. They always have a great lesson too. This one teaches about courage and that it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. Cray and Hay are great friends going on an adventure. They also meet some new friends along the way.

View all my reviews

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Nessie and the Celtic Maze (Nessie, #3)Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We always go on some type of adventure with a Lois Wickstrom book. This one is no different. It is filled with magic and monsters! The details given are vivid and really allow the reader, whether young or old, to follow along on the journey through the maze. What a fun read! Will they help the princess? Read to find out!

View all my reviews

The Reluctant Spy by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Reluctant SpyThe Reluctant Spy by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read many of Lois Wickstrom’s picture books with my son. They have always been a hit with us. This is no different! This book was fun and witty. It kept my son’s attention (and mine as well). This book was a great adventure and flowed beautifully. Of course since it is a chapter book, it doesn’t have pictures. It’s all left up to your imagination. The job of an author is to weave details into the story so you feel like you are there with the characters. Lois did not disappoint!

View all my reviews

The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis #1)The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book that was hard to put down. Who needs sleep anyway? I’m not always a big fan of multiple POV’s. However, when it’s done right, I actually LOVE it. This author does it right! You really get the feel for each character and get to know them well. The contrast between Xenobia and Matthew is extremely interesting and makes for a great read.

View all my reviews

Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers Book 1) by L.C. Lewis – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Dark Sky at Dawn (Free Men and Dreamers, #1)Dark Sky at Dawn by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The world building in this story was great. All the details transported me back in time. The characters were so realistic, it was like she was telling a story she heard from a relative who lived during that time. This story was clearly researched with factual themes, yet it was beautifully intertwined with fiction. Very good start to this series!

View all my reviews

The Scottish Play (Polyam Fam Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Scottish Play (PolyAm Fam Book 1)The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I believe this is the first story that I have read that had poly romance. I liked how it was different from the usual romance story. A love triangle with a different kind of ending. There was more to the story besides the romance though. It made for an interesting book. Despite the poly love not being for everyone, you will find yourself relating to the characters anyway. They still have their flaws like every other person.

View all my reviews

Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Treasure HuntTreasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I love all of Lois Wickstrom’s books. This grandma’s closet series is our favorite. It has a special place for us. I think this one was our favorite so far. We loved that Carrie thought grandma was the treasure she was looking for. Her grandma says it is something else. We can’t wait to find out what the treasure really is!

View all my reviews

Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The illustrations in this story are absolutely stunning. The story is another cute rhyming story. My son and I have read quite a few of these stories in this kids series. We love them and they have some great lessons. I love how each friend in the animal group goes through something and their friend always sticks by them.

View all my reviews

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Magic Wanda (Grandma's Closet #3)Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son (7yo) and I always enjoy all of the books by Lois Wickstrom. They are always so much fun to read. The Grandma’s closet series is always filled with magic and fun. Who doesn’t love magic? After reading, you and your kids will find yourself wanting some magic wandas of your own!

View all my reviews

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in this series and WOW! This was a very quick read but it really packed a punch. It was stuffed with a LOT in a little bit. It was intense and emotional. It kept me hooked the entire story and I flew through the pages. The author is an amazing story teller. I cannot wait to read more in the series!

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This was another cute rhyming story by G Pa Rhymes. This is the second book my son and I have read by him and we enjoy them! People crowd a beach and completely trash it! The animals of the beach and ocean are suffering. What can they do?! Read and find out!

View all my reviews

The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is focused on the Rocklyn family. I love how the stories are all different, but they wind together a little as the characters in each story are family. Each story was a pretty quick read and was highly enjoyable. This was a series in which it was very easy to binge read. I just wanted to read, read, read to soak up as much as this family and their lives as I could. They all had their issues, but they were all easy to love.

View all my reviews

A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

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

This was a really cute story. My 7yo son and I enjoyed it. It’s about a bully who starts to lose friends because of always being mean. It is good for teaching about friendship, change and overcoming struggles. This is a great rhyming story with a great meaning. The illustrations are beautiful.

View all my reviews

Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These are really cute stories. I love that they have morals within the fun. Each mini story is a quick read guaranteed to keep young girls attention. The stories are inspiring and sure to make girls feel better about disappointments in life. They also will inspire girls to be true to themselves and not be afraid of showing who they really are. I will be having my 15 year old read these. I believe she will really like them.

View all my reviews

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Nessie and the Viking GoldNessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I have read many Lois Wickstrom books and we love them all. We were excited to see a longer kids book from her! This is another adorable heartfelt story. Despite it being a longer book by this author, it was still a fun and quick read. It kept my son’s attention and he couldn’t wait to hear more.
I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I don’t feel like I was really missing anything. My son and I loved the adventure the kids went on to try to save the Grotto.

View all my reviews

The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We love Lois Wickstrom books. My 7yo son and I read this book together. This is another story about a little girl who misses her grandma. Her grandma moved away, but left some stuff behind. What will she find when she feels sad about grandma not being available? This story has beautiful imaginations!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book so I was looking forward to this one. I was surprised by the space in time between the first book and this second one. I do not think it took away from the story though. I believe you should read the first in order to get the full back story of the characters, especially the main one. The way the vampires are written in this series is very intriguing. I always like to see the different ways authors write about vampires and how they survive. This didn’t capture my attention as much as the first one, but it was still a great story.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

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

The writing in this book is incredible. You really feel like you’re in the story with the main character, going through everything she goes through. You feel all she feels. It can be quite intense but that makes for a great book. I immediately felt for Julia, as my daughter’s name is Julia and is the same age as the main character in the beginning. Help comes from the most unexpected place and Julia’s journey after is surprising.

View all my reviews

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is loaded with mystery and exhilaration. It is one of those books that you keep saying “okay one more page. Okay maybe one more chapter”, again and again until you finish the book at 4am. You really get sucked into the story and at times you forget about reality. Exceptional story telling.

View all my reviews

Alien Redemption by Gloria Oliver – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Alien RedemptionAlien Redemption by Gloria Oliver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced read. It draws you in and keeps you interested. There was great character building. The main character was a strong woman who kept trying to get over the fact that she was screwed over. Things just keep on going wrong. Her fight is one to inspire to. This was a great sci-fi read.

View all my reviews

The Befallen (The Unsung and The Wolf Duology) by Cambria Williams – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a very strong start for this author! It is written so well, as if she has been writing for years. I love fantasy books and have read many. The author was able to create a fantasy world that draws you in. Sloane is a great character and as you are taken through her journey, you are kept on the edge of your seat. I hope this author continues to write because although I can’t imagine her getting better, I cannot wait to see what else she has to bring to our imaginations.

View all my reviews

Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Carrie's FlightCarrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by this author. My son and I always love her stories. This is a beautiful story that was loved by both of us. I am still very close to my grandma. My son unfortunately was born after my mom (his grandma) had passed. This was a lovely story about how important and loving grandmas can be.

View all my reviews

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

/0 Comments/in /by

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

A fun group of holiday stories. This is a great way to be introduced to new authors you may not have heard of or read before. I will definitely be checking out more than a few of these authors other books. They all were well written, easy to follow, and fun to read. There is at least one writing style for every person in this grouping of stories.

View all my reviews

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a short and sweet chapter book for kids. I read it on my own (as an adult), but will very likely read it again with my 7yo son. I believe he will really enjoy this book. It has great characters and a great plot that will keep kids interested.

View all my reviews

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really beautiful kids story. There was so many lessons wrapped up in a cute story. My 6yo son and I really enjoyed it. The pictures were absolutely gorgeous. Then at the end, there are all kinds of fun activities to do. A great book to pick up!

View all my reviews

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A cute and silly story my son and I enjoyed. Lois Wickstrom always manages to wrap science in a bit of fun. We are never disappointed when we read her books. We have read so many of them together. I highly recommend any of her books, especially this one.

View all my reviews

The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Crystal Brehant

/0 Comments/in /by

The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very cute romantic Christmas story. A little different than the usual, as it takes place on a beach instead of a small town. However, it is still the cozy Christmas romance so many know and love. It is well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it!

View all my reviews