The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful story flows beautifully with a rhyming pattern that is inclusive without sounding forced. A great read aloud for any early childhood environment as an introduction to diversity or even just for fun!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy are off on another heartwarming adventure – this time to Grandma’s house! This beautifully written and illustrated picture book gives the perspective of and attention to the feelings of children who are leaving pets behind whilst on holiday. However it also gives insight into the feelings of Oscar and Emmy too and helps to explain why cats (and other animals) behave the way they do in a new environment! Another great read and I look forward to reading more of what Oscar and Emmy get up to!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lots of books talk about feeding cats and playing with them but this book gently explains what happens when you take your cat to the vet and some finer details of comprehensive pet care. The characters are warm and familiar with the children asking age appropriate questions that the readers may have themselves without making it a dry, how to book. Great for children of all ages!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Falling for a Star in the City: A Hockey Romance by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ll admit at first I wasn’t sure what to make of Paige and Viktor, especially since whilst we’re at admissions, I hadn’t realised they would be college age but it didn’t take long for me to be drawn into their world! In fact, this book soon became unputdownable and I kept wanting to know more about what would happen to Paige’s career and what was really going on with Viktor! I will have to go and read the rest of the series now!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The message behind it, that when we put on the armor of God, we can be brave, strong and courageous, is gently intertwined in a way that makes it’s point but also draws children in. Presented in a way that everyday children can relate to and understand, this book is one I would highly recommend to anyone reading to a child in their life!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the sneak peek into how things like music videos are made and the real goss behind the scenes of the music and video industries. Although a fictionalised version of course, it was a great way to start imagining all the goings on. Plus the whole chemistry aspect between Lucy and Jesse – every girl dreams of growing up to date her rockstar idol don’t they??
Reviewed by @sparkinside
This Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How often do we all wonder what if? What if we could change the past and do something differently? However, it must also be remembered what would happen to our current lives if we did. Josie, when suffering difficulties in her current life becomes overwhelmed and goes back to the age of seventeen. With the benefit of hindsight she sees things differently but will she change anything and potentially alter her future forever?! Read and find out! It’s definitely worth your while!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I so wasn’t ready to let go of Mariella and her family’s story so I was grateful for this 2nd installment. I have always found it fascinating how immigrants brought so much to their new homes especially in the mid to late 20th century so this story really intrigued me. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story swept me away right from the start. Mariella’s story gives a true insight into how many everyday Italians and others around the world had to fight to survive during World War 2. Neighbours spying on each other, very little food, the list goes on. Do yourself a favour and read this book!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book!! Sweetness and spice and all things nice!! A sweet alpha male like Burke and a no holds barred heroine like Shayna make for the perfect combo. Kept a smile on my face reading their story as I cheered them on!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have I mentioned I love this series? So well written, great characters and original plot lines! Justine and Jackson’s story is no different. I love all the twists and turns and just enough of a spooky element to keep you on the edge of your seat but not hiding under the covers! I look forward to seeing what is next for this fabulous author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
4 R’s: Roped, Rescued, Risked, Romanced by Julie Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m glad nobody asked me to choose a favourite out of these 4 books as that would be impossible! From cowboys to PIs to men in uniform and alpha males! Plus strong female characters who often surprise their man and the reader! I look forward to reading more from this author! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another fantastic thriller from this great pair of authors! Marnie and Louise are back along with their families and another medical mystery has manifested in their lives. Once again they are on the case and fighting to find the truth as well as fighting for their lives! Whilst this is a separate mystery, I would recommended reading the series in order as some spoilers are included. Looking forward to more from these amateur detectives!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this book was so much more than I expected. I was thinking of a straight-forward who dunnit, but this mystery certainly had a page-turning thriller aspect with continual twists and turns! I thought I had things solved from the beginning but nothing was as it seemed and the medical aspect resounded considering the past few years and their pandemic status. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and getting to know the characters even more. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was a clean, sweet and wholesome romance with a frenemy trope. Ryan and Meg present as opposite who really do share some goals but will they ever notice or are they too busy fighting? Can they both achieve their aims and work together or will their differences come between them? This story included animals and grandparents that reminded me of my own childhood so that helped with the warm and fuzzies. A great light hearted read!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good fairies, bad fairies, they must all be written about, especially if you want to stay in each of their good books! This story encapsulates the thought process of a child and speaks in that child’s voice! I won’t give away the ending but let’s just say there’s a twist!!! A great title to read with the youngsters in your life!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute little book that reminds us that everything is not always as it seems and that birthdays (or unbirthdays!) are not always about presents. Sometimes they are more than that! What role will Caspian’s grandpa play this time? Has he forgotten Caspian’s unbirthday? Share this delightful tale with a little one in your life and find out!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful picture book both engages children and teaches them about all the responsibilities (and fun) that come with pet ownership! The storyline educates in a way that flows rather than being a list of dos and don’ts which makes it a great way to introduce little ones to what is required to be a responsible pet owner. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is beautifully written and introduces young children to the cultural celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year. The different aspects and traditions are incorporated in a way that explains their significance and detail to the reader without sounding like a documentary!
The family at the centre combine the traditions with their modern lives which makes it even more relatable. A great resource for any library, classroom or family bookshelf!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second book in this gorgeous series that is perfect for any little wanna be detectives out there! Dylan and Emily are the perfect introduction to the mystery genre for preschoolers onwards and even keep the adults guessing as to who the culprits are! A great book to share with the whole family!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Why did Tad (Janie’s ex-husband) turn up suddenly? What happened to him? Why did so many people have a reason to want him gone? These questions and many more weave throughout this page-turner that keeps you guessing as more of the story (and Tad’s history) unravel and Christy attempts to put the clues together. Although this is book 2 of a series, I haven’t read book 1 and was still fine to read this one as a standalone. That being said, I will plan to go back and read more from this series and this author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 2nd book in the Cray series and if possible I think I loved it even more than the first! The prose was beautiful and the rhyming kept a steady pace without being cheesy just to achieve a match! This beautiful children’s book helps people of all ages to understand the vast impact of rubbish on the environment and how it can affect sea creatures for example. Great to read on its own, as part of the series or as part of an environmental unit in an educational setting!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, so much to unpack in this brilliant book. There’s the mystery, the romance, the hidden histories and motivations of different characters. The second book in an amazing series, this one contains references to its predecessor but can also be read as a stand alone. Be warned though, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages and reading long into the night! 5 stars!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A beautiful story that will help kids to understand both the consequences of bullying and the importance of forgiveness and friendship. The rhythm of the story flows well and keeps it simple for younger kids whilst also getting the point across. Would be great to read with an early childhood class.
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another beautiful book from this fabulous author! The next installment of Carrie and her adventures with her grandmother’s hidden treasures. This story shows the power of looking at the same everyday things with a different perspective and how it can make the ordinary extraordinary! Highly recommended to read with all ages!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cash and Hollis’ story is a great one! I actually read book #2 in this series first so it was great to go back and discover the whole story of how this, at first unlikely, couple found each other! The chemistry between the two is sizzling and although Cash pretends he is a tough, alpha male, he really carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Will he let Hollis help share the load – read and find out!!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Miller and Maisy’s story is one that reminds you not to judge a book by its cover! Like the first two books in this series, things are not always as they seem. Add in the character of Bear, Maisy’s brother who provides a laugh a minute and you have yet another great book from this author. Definitely recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another brilliant page turner in this series! Pavlo and Regan are both such interesting characters and their fiery chemistry is electrifying as they learn to get along through necessity! Secrets abound in this story and you can’t put this book down! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Shadowed Obsession: An Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this story drew me straight in and the twists didn’t stop coming! Cade is the perfect strong alpha male, but Keira is no shrinking wallflower and the plot kept me guessing throughout! Definitely going to add this author and series to my autobuy list! Well worth a read!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As an Early Childhood worker this book seems to be a wonderful resource to use in the classroom. It uses beautiful alliteration throughout and allows children to feel affirmed and represented in literature. The illustrations are gorgeous and all in all, this book is a wonderful celebration of culture! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
