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

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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

Cray Saves the Day is a cute book from the Adventures of Cray on the Bay series. The book teaches kids to take care of the earth- don’t litter and clean up after yourselves. It presents an important topic, in a way that is easy for the young readers to understand. It would be great for Earth Day or responsibility topics presented to youngsters. The book is rhyming and has a lot of characters, who each have their own book (we plan to read later). My 7 year old read the book to me without assistance so it would be great for early elementary students. The illustrations are bright and colorful.

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate Book 9) by Sylvia Black – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Master Botosoni (Masters of the Consulate #9)Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Master Botosoni is the 9th book in the Masters of the Consulate series, but the only one I’ve read. I really liked the book, and got sucked in almost instantly. I felt the bdsm aspect was unnecessary and one that is over done. Rich powerful male, youth virgin girl… same old, same old. Once I was done rolling my eyes on that part, I got back to the story, which is well written and developed. There are a lot of characters, but they are supporting roles and focuses on Botosoni and Catina. I assume they are from the other 8 books I have yet to read- so reading as a series would probably make you more invested in their roles. The ending is a total cliff hanger which is frustrating, but the author was successful in guaranteeing a reader for the next book.

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride RomanceDeja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Deja Brew All Over Again is the 3rd book of the Love on Tap series. I really love this series! I read the first book, then this one… somehow I missed Book 2, so I’ll have to go back and catch up. But, the book is enjoyable and perfect as a stand alone.
I instantly got roped into this book and love both Miller and Maisy. The whole family are wonderful characters. Bear is hilarious and I love Ginny. I’m glad to see Miller turned out to be a great guy because he’s painted as the family ‘forkup’ in the first book. This book has a couple steamy scenes, and overall is a great read. I look forward to more.

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The Scent of Snow (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Scent of SnowThe Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Scent of Snow was not my favorite book…. it wasn’t bad per say, but not for me. It is an old time romance, but had a very 50 Shades feel to it. The characters and their situation and the storyline all leaned that direction. I didn’t love the wording for the spicy scenes. It’s the first book I read in the series so I was missing some background events, but it wasn’t bad- The author did a good job providing enough information so it didn’t feel lacking. The book had a good ending but I just wasn’t invested with either character, so I likely won’t read more.

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Portrait of Deception (A Southwest Suspense Novel)Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Portrait of Deception ended up being far better than I expected. I didn’t really know what it was about when I started reading it, I was just drawn in from the cover art. The book kept me engaged until the very end, and was filled with suspense. Margo’s entire life crumbles in one night. Then the little that remains is torn away from a bad decision. However, going through all the drama that results, she changes her view of life and what is important to her. I was happy with the ending of the book, and look forward to reading more by the author. It looks like this may become a series, so I’m excited to see what is to come next.

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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Round Box is part of the Grandma’s Closet series of children’s books. They don’t have to be read in order, each is its own book with the same characters. Carrie’s grandma used to live with them, but moved across town. She left behind some things, which are stored in a closet. Carrie is looking for things to do, and sneaks in to search through some of the boxes. The item she removes is quite fascinating. Its a little bit magical, and makes Carrie’s room do some weird things. While I felt the book was good and magical, my son said it doesn’t make sense. He is almost 8 and a little too practical for kid books- so for this reason, I recommend it for a slightly younger audience. The illustrations are colorful and fun. There are certain action words with different font, which was fun.

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The Human Mating Site, Box Set 1 (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella's 1-4The Human Mating Site Box Set 1 : A Steamy, Dating Humour Novella’s 1-4 by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Human Mating series is a cool idea, not one I’ve heard of before. I have never read a series like this and am curious to see how it plays out. The author plans to write a dozen books, each focusing on a different “Mr Right Now.” We follow Bella as she goes through a breakup/divorce and re-enters the dating world and on a quest to find herself, as well as Mr Right. Each story focuses on a different guy, and each is very different. The series is pretty steamy
Mr Wimp is the first in the series of novellas. The story follows Bella, after separating from husband after 12 years together and re enters the dating pool. She goes through a variety of feelings regarding the breakup, and finally speaks her piece. Her breakup speech was intense, I was not expecting that out of her! The ending was cliff hanger, but luckily I had the first boxset and could see what comes next.
The 2nd book, Mr Smooth is pure smut. Bella is set up with one of Ava’s ex, Liam, who is a for sure thing. He is a smooth talker and takes on the role of coach, to get Bella back on the saddle and see her worth. But things are over just as quick and they began.
Enter Mr. Player, aka Jack. Bella meets Jack on a dating site and there is instant chemistry. Bella has her confidence back by now, but before too long she’s done with Jack and on to Jenson in book 4.
Jenson was entirely unplanned and seemed like divine intervention. Their story felt very 50 shades… giving Bella a look into the dom/sub world. It has a total cliffhanger ending so I hope for your sake, you have Book 5 waiting.

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Lost Property (The Tom Grant Series Book 6) by Samantha Adair – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel (The Tom Grant Series Book 6)Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lost Property is the 6th book in the Tom Grant Series, but the first one I read. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of the relationships… even after finishing, I am struggling to piece together how everyone is related. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the book. It was action packed with crime and suspense. The book is focused around a kidnapping and human trafficking ring, but it isn’t very disturbing. It more focuses on the process of tracking down the missing girls, and trying to figure out the bad guys along the way. I kind of wish the author put a little more recap into the story, as far as why Tom is recently retired. How Martha is related to him. Where he met Mischa and background on their relationship. Tom and James don’t get along, but I am not entirely sure why…. Guess I need to go back and read the first 5 books to get my answers. I enjoyed the writing style and will be adding this author to my read lists.

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew a book about the Loch Ness monster would be a fantasy, but I didn’t think the book would feel so magical. Nessie and the Living Stone is a good beginner chapter book, which I also was not expecting. I have read a lot by one of the authors, and typically they are short picture books. I like that this book was a bit longer, with chapters, but still had the wonderful illustrations. I read it with my 8 year old son, and he struggled with all the talking. I ended up taking over the book, so I could read it outloud with different inflections of my voice. That helped him understand what was talking and what was narration. Once we got over that hurdle, we loved the book. My older 2 even sat and listened some nights.

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Recipe for Revenge is the 2nd book in the April May Cozy Mystery series. I did not read the first one, and felt like I kind of needed to (it is advertised as a stand alone)…There are a lot of references to relationships and things that happened in the first book. I enjoyed the book, but I think I would have liked it more if I knew what was going on, and had read the first book. April May is a reporter, who sets out to solve some local mysteries- including a possible arson, a missing person, and unknown mystery of her past and her father’s past. The suspense was maintained throughout the book, but not to a level of creepy or scary. It was an enjoyable book, and I would read more.

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Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Series, Book 8 ) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Wicked Ends (Hidden Valley Elite #8)Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wicked Ends is the 8th and final book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. It picks up where Wicked Games leaves off, finishing the story of Shane and Winter. I’m so sad this series is over, as I have loved every bit of it, and am so invested in the characters. But I am happy with the way it ended, and glad the author gave us a well rounded epilogue. Shane and Winter were in a precarious situation at the end of the last book, and I was curious where things would go. There was so much going on in this book, and I didn’t expect much of it. I’m glad we got the full story of Winter’s childhood drama. The supporting characters in this book and series are wonderful. This series would make a great TV series- think Riverdale… teenage drama and a perfect friend group where everyone gets along and is dating each other. I hope the author is working on a new series, because my heart is hurting at the conclusion of this series.

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My son and I read a lot of books by this author, and we usually love them. Carrie’s flight was not a favorite of his. He hadn’t heard of a lot of the birds mentioned, and didn’t know how to read their names. I think the story was a little too much of a mix of reality and imagination, and the lines were too blurred for his practical thinking 7 year old mind. I enjoyed the mixed fonts, to help bring focus to certain words along the story. I like that the Grandma and Carrie stayed connected with video chat, and could still have their special time together, when they were across town from each other. It was a cute story, with good illustrations, just not one of our favorites.

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost and Found is the 9th book in the Logan McKenna series, but it can be read as a stand alone. Logan always finds herself in the middle of mysterious criminal situations. She really should be an investigator, but she is a musician, teacher and tutor, as well as a business owner of a musical school. Her husband Ben, and her friend Sam overlap into most of the stories. They are good supporting characters, but there is enough detail in this story so you don’t feel like you are lacking. Logan’s friends are fishermen, and its their busy season. This year is a little rougher, with several deaths, missing persons, and suspected murders. Logan believes the wrong man was arrested for murder and spends her free time investigating and trying to clear his name. This was a good big, keeping me engaged ’til the very end.

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mission target is the 7th book in the Jake Wolf series, but you don’t have to read them all, or in order. Within the first couple pages, Jake and Cody and their jobs and history are already laid out and summarized. This book follows Jake and Cody as they hunt down terrorists who are importing drugs, with the plan to kill millions of Americans. Like the other books, there is added fluff around the other characters to round out the story. Sarah experiences a little bit of drama and threat in this story, which built on her character. Jake’s “cousin” makes several appearances and has an ongoing support role, and the CIA agents are developed a bit more in this story. I’m not sure how much is accurate with regards to the police/CIA work processes, and the trial… but it was a good read. I like the section the author added at the end, summarizing his research that went into the book. I always enjoy this series, but am glad each one wraps up and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Porter and Midge books are educational and fun. Paws and Playtime taught my son so many new activities to partake with our dog. CJ and Lora take their dogs Porter and Midge around their town, learning new activities and ways to have fun with their dogs. They learn how toys and tools can partner with food as a form of play and enrichment. We learned about dog luring, and weaving and tunnels. Afterwards, we looked up videos online to see it in real life. My son LOVED finding the video of the bulldog skateboarding, as it matches the dog in the book. We really enjoyed the different drawings of all dog breeds and learned a lot. My son was happy the book rhymed, and he was able to read most of it by himself. This series is wonderful for kiddos who may have a dog, or plan to get one, or even just want to learn more about dogs.

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Reviewed by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy IV was my favorite of the series, so far. I literally did not put it down, reading it in one sitting. Makayla is back at Grave Digger Academy, but everything is different this year. There is a new headmistress, and a lot of the students didn’t return, or perhaps weren’t invited back, or maybe disappeared….everyone has a different theory. There is so much going on and the plot thickened a lot in this one. Relationships were built with others strengthened and some severed. It wasn’t quite as much of a cliff hanger ending, but left a lot open. I cannot wait for the next book. I need to know where this is heading and ends. Because the things that happened in this book, I did not expect.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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

Luna the Howling Husky Finds her Howl is a great kids book. I picked it out simply from the cover art. I love the northern lights and huskys, so it was a given I would read it to my son. The book tells a great story, but also has good lessons hidden within. Luna is not like her siblings, she can’t howl like they can, and she looks a little different. She is kind of the outcast, Rudolph, Ugly ducking, black sheep etc. She makes a new friend in a neighborhood cat, who makes a surprise entrance at the end of the story. This story teaches kids (and reminds adults) not to outcast those who are different. Everyone has their own talents and charms, and sometimes you need a best friend to help you shine. We loved the photos of the real life Luna and Nemo at the end, and comparing how great of a job the illustrator did. They were spot on, and all the pictures were so colorful and fun. My one gripe is the inconsistent rhyming. Some parts of the book rhyme and flow well, and others, not so much. Overall, I loved it and want a paper copy!

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My son and I are big fans of the author, and enjoyed Raining Fish and Frogs. The illustrations were bright and colorful and some silly. A wind sucked up everything in the lake- water and animals included. It got so strong that it kept sucking things up and spitting them back out all across town. We assumed it was from the author’s imagination, and were shocked to read that its partly true. Upon finishing, we headed over to google and read some articles of this happening in real life. It is a fun story for elementary age kiddos. It could be tied into a science lesson on weather.

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Grave Digger Academy III (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Grave Digger Academy IIIGrave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Grave Digger Academy series must be read together, in order, to fully understand what is going on. The books continue to build on each other and book 3 picks up where Book 2 left off. And similar, it ends in a cliff hanging, urging the reader onto book 4. This book was a short story, and is easy to read in a day or two. It is action packed, and there is a lot going on. Makayla is back at the Grave Digger Academy, and must find new helpers. Her friends have pretty much abandoned her after the drama from book 2. While this sucks, it helps her discover her own strengths and build on them, making some new, unexpected friends along the way.

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Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Woman UnbrokenWoman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first book I’ve read by the author, and upon further investigation, seems like her first book. I have mixed feelings on Woman Unbroken. It is a story about not giving up on yourself, and restarting your life. Devorah has been dealt a bad hand in life, with her parents getting divorced, her father remarrying a much younger woman, and then going to jail. And her mother fleeing the embarrassment in Europe. Then Devorah finds herself in an unhealthy, abusive relationship. She finally works up the courage to leave, but doesn’t have much to run away to, in order to restart. We see her try to start over and pick of the pieces. I like that the author gave her the courage to leave, and the bravery to open herself up again, when she meets Andrew. I was glad to see how she handled that, in a mature manner. However, at the end of the book, I kind of felt… lacking? Like there wasn’t much resolution, or good for her, or feeling of contentment. The story just kind of fizzled out. Despite my feelings, it was still an enjoyable book, and I would read more by this author. She has definite potential.

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Dumpster Dying (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1) by Michelle Bennington – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery (A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery Book 1)Dumpster Dying: A Hazardous Hoarding Mystery by Michelle Bennington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dumpster Dying ended up being far different than what I expected. I chose to read it based on the cover art, and it exceeded my expectations. It follows 2 elderly ladies, Birdie and her sister Oda Dean through a series of excitement. Birdie is a hoarder and goes dumpster diving for treasures. The search for a missing girl they knew, uncovered a whole slew of things I didn’t expect. Birdie is a spunky old lady and reminds me of my grandmother. I am glad to see the book is the start of a series because there was a lot left unsaid. I want to know why Walter can’t move on, and the mystery surrounding his death. I also want to see if Birdie can change her ways and let go of her treasures.

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read This Egg Wont Hatch with my 7 year old son, and we both enjoyed it. He struggled with some of the words, but mostly read it himself. We had to google what a Warbler and a Cuckoo were, because he wasn’t familiar with either bird. We thought the cuckoo was really sweet and protective at first. Then we realized he’s mean and doesn’t want to share his food. What he did to timid chick was sad but we were glad it turned out okay. It was a cute little kid book. We are big fans of the author.

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so addicted to this series, but these cliff hanger endings are killing me! Wicked Games picks up right where Cruel Love left off. We get to know Winter and see a new side of Shane. I can’t wait for the next one so I can see what happens next for them, both individually and possibly together. I hope the author releases a box set or the whole collection together so I can re read all in order. Now not so patiently waiting for November 30 so I can read Wicked Ends. But I don’t want it to end. I love these characters and am so invested.

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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The Christmas EscapeThe Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Christmas Escape was such a cute romance book. While it is a Christmas book, it takes place mostly in Australia so it is summer, and doesn’t have the traditional Hallmark channel feel to it. Lizzie is laid off and conveniently takes her friends ticket to Australia for a vacation before jumping into a job search. A misdirected football on the beach may be fate, when it brings Jaz into her life. As much as she tries to fight it, some connections are too strong to resist. This book has a happily ever after, but also ended in a way that could lead to a sequel. And I am hoping it does…

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is our first Porter and Midge book. I really like the idea of the series, being inspired by the authors dogs and teaching kids dog safety. A lot of dog breeds were represented, and the illustrations were wonderful. We learned some new things and reinforced other lessons. Paws for Safety had a lot of good conversation starters for me and my 7 year old. We liked that the book was rhyming, but some felt a bit forced. I think his favorite was the picture of the dog poop, because, boys…. I like that it addressed a lot of common topics, and explained why children should approach with care, ask for permission, etc. I look forward to checking out the others in the series.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My son and I have read other Caspian books, and we always love them. He is 7 and I read this book to him, because he was a little overwhelmed with how many words were on each page. I thought this book was super creative and magical. Caspian and his grandpa celebrate is UnBirthday. This year he asked for a bicycle, but his UnBirthday gifts are never anything normal. I love that Caspian had to plan how to make his wish come true, and had to put in some hard work to make it happen. The illustrations are colorful and fun. Great story for young readers.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t even read the synopsis on My Murder Year before I started reading it. I just really liked the name and cover art. I am soooo glad I did, I LOVED this book. I thought it was going to be the main character that was murdered, but no. That’s what I get for just jumping right in.
It is a YA book following Stas, into the hardest and most complicated year of her life. She is a normal teenager, arguing with her mom about her clothes and weekend plans. Then her world implodes, when she finds her mom murdered. Things go from bad to worse, when her dad is arrested for the murder, and a complicated custody battle begins. The only stability Stas finds is in a new boy in town, Zane. However, he is gone as quickly as he showed up, leaving her lost. I wish this book ending wrapped things up better. I was left wondering what will happen next, especially with her dad. But even then, I loved this book and look forward to reading more from the author. I refused to read the sneak peak at the back, knowing I will get sucked into that book and I have too much on my TBR list already.

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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My Big Red Monster (Giants and Monsters)My Big Red Monster by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Big Red Monster is part of the Giants and Monsters collection, but they don’t have to be read together. I normally love the authors books, and while this book was cute, it is not one of my favorites. The main character has a monster under her bed, but her brother doesn’t believe her. After having her monster help with chores, she sends him over to her brother’s room. Guess he will learn first hand the monster is real! The book is short, and geared toward preschool/young elementary. My son is 7 and I would say that’s about the max age for engagement. The illustrations are wonderful and bright and detailed. I loved the slobber dripping from the monster on one of the pages.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Faking the Fall is the 4th book in the Bukeye Falls series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone book, but you should read the others- The characters overlap, and they are cute books! I love the small town feel of them, and the characters are all wonderful. I enjoyed this book and seeing Alice evolve. Prior books and the beginning of this one, we get the impression she is a carefree kid. She really buckles down in this book and finds her place. She is part of a powerful family in the spotlight of Buckeye Falls, and she is the black sheep of the family. However, she is really cool and down to earth, although insecure. That was the one thing I didn’t like; how insecure the author made her. She jumped to worse case scenarios every time there was a hiccup with her and James, and plummeting to the deep end. I hope the author writes another similar series, because I loved this one. It has a Gilmore Girls feel to it. Highly recommend for a cute, clean romance series.

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Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast (I am an Alien)Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Zibs for Sale is part of the I am an Alien series, but it can be read without reading them all. The story focuses on Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh. I read this with my 7 year old son, taking turns reading the pages. It is good for that age group. We did not really see it as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but looking back and trying to see it from that perspective, I guess I can see it. Eee-ahh tells Shirl how amazing Zibs are (they seem kind of like cupcakes) and they go to find them from the best bakery in the galaxy. Shirl takes one to taste, essentially stealing it, and then is put to work by the baker to repay her debt. Shirl tries to pay human money, but the baker doesn’t want it. He goes above and beyond with his tasks, but then the book has a surprise happy ending. Overall we enjoyed the book, and it was our favorite in the series. I love the creativity of the author and the colorful illustrations. Good for young elementary or preschool age kiddos.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy