Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautiful, whimsical story about dreams, family connections and how love can conquer any distance. With beautiful adjectives throughout, the story captures the imagination of young and old and allows us to imagine what it would be like if we could really have wings and take off to join the birds!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not only does this beautiful book contain many inspiring affirmations for young children, it also links them to the alphabet which has multiple benefits! It helps children to learn the alphabet and alphabetical order but also helps children who already know the alphabet to better remember the affirmations as they can link them to the relevant letters. The affirmations are simple but beautiful and creative. Definitely a great book for the whole family!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a beautiful story about the powers of persistence and flexibility as well as being open to new ideas as sometimes the inspiration for an award winning product can come from the strangest of places!
It would be a great story to read with little ones who are struggling with new situations such as starting school, making new friends or trying something new for the first time.
Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Perfect for this time of year, this 2nd book in a series is a beautiful, cosy Christmas story! I read the previous book earlier this year and loved it so much, that this one was an auto read! I look forward to more from this author and to sharing these stories with my daughter!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a child I always wanted to play detective, and so this book was right up my alley! I loved the characters and the way they played detective to solve the mystery! Looking forward to more in this series and sharing them with my daughter who also loves playing detective!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is gorgeous and teaches dog safety in a fun, child friendly way! The message is told in beautiful rhyme so doesn’t seem preachy but still gets the information across. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My first Logan McKenna book but you can bet it won’t be my last! A definite page turner that has you guessing right from the start! So many possibilities that you get so involved in – could it have been…. I can’t wait to read more in this series – highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was beautiful and made me cry! Such a sweet story of two young people communicating across the world – it just goes to show that children know the true meaning of friendship. I also learnt a lot about the Ukraine and its culture through this story! Definitely recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So his best friend’s a prince but Lev is a man in uniform! Bodyguard to a prince, he certainly catches Daphne’s eye even if they can’t stand each other! It’s always fun to read an enemies-to-lovers story and watch the characters fight their true feelings! Another brilliant book in this series but perfect as a standalone too! Go read it!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This book was smoking! An everyday girl, a gorgeous prince and a whole lot of spice! This is a fairytale romance for grownups! And only book 1 of a series so there’s plenty more to come! I can’t wait to read more – this one is highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love Shots by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yet another fantastic Bluestone Series book! After having read about Teddy in the previous books, it was great to see him get his turn! Summer is definitely a fiery character and I’ve always been a fan of the trope where the leads grew up together and now years later…! Once again, highly recommended!!
Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally read this as the 2nd of my Bluestone Series but it didn’t matter – although there were references to the two characters from book 2, I was still able to become quickly absorbed in the story of Lily and Ace! I love a good fake romance story and this one certainly didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended and I will be reading more from this series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first in the Bluestone Series and my first book by this author, but it quickly became one of many in both categories! Lily is a fiery heroine with a past and Jake is everything you want in an alpha male – strong, working with animals, caring, fights for what he wants… I could go on!
The writing style keeps you reading late into the night and the plot line keeps you guessing! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I instantly fell in love with this story! The adventures took me back to my childhood when anything was possible and I was on the edge of my seat for each of Russell’s adventures! What would happen and how would he get through this one?! I particularly loved the historical aspect of each adventure and also the family sub-plot. I may have yelled at a couple of characters, but that’s a sign of an engaging story in my book! I can’t wait to read more in this series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ll admit this book originally threw me as it was not entirely what I was expecting but then that was a good thing! I fell more in love with the characters as I went along and loved all the sidekicks, plus the fact that the leads were not your typical alpha male and stunningly beautiful but unaware heroine. It was definitely a page-turner with plenty of laughs sprinkled in – a great read!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1): A Small Town Fake Relationship Romance by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Friends to lovers, hidden feelings, relationships of convenience, all of my favourite tropes in one book! So it goes without saying that I absolutely loved this book! Even if I did get frustrated with Phoebe at times, Laurent sounds like an absolute dream!! And so do the rest of his family who I can see a number of set ups already existing for! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say? This book was absolutely beautiful. It captured all the aspects of different teacher styles and most importantly underlined the true essence of a teacher’s heart and why they do what they do. As an Early Childhood Education student myself, I resonated with the thoughts in this book and felt it was perfectly written for its target age group. A lovely gift for teachers or students!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This collection of short stories is so touching and heartwarming. With all the different topics and themes covered there is something for every child and this would be the perfect book for any teacher, parent/carer, counsellor or anyone else who wants to support the emotional wellbeing of a child in their lives. Definitely one to have ready to go!
Review by @sparkinside
Right in Front of You: Volume One: Brinley & Adrian by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brinley and Adrian are brilliantly written! Brinley is no stereotypical, weak female but Adrian is still the strong, male protector which I love! I love the town of Morris Valley and its many characters – young and old, they’re all brilliant! Definitely looking forward to reading more in this series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read with surprising characters that were developed well throughout the story. Even with an alpha male lead, Rae (the female lead) was definitely not a weak, helpless character. I really enjoyed how the storyline built and more was revealed about Rae and Dean. Highly recommend this book and looking forward to more in the series!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What can I say? This was a great book to read and I fell in love with the characters! It was a fun and easy read that could be enjoyed as a stand alone but I loved it so much I need to go back and read the other Pierce brothers’ stories!!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Half-Pint Porky made me laugh as she reminded me of my 4 year old daughter who also hates to wait! The character names are fabulous and the animal/pirate settings help to make an everyday occurrence come alive! This story is one children can identify with as they develop that all important skill called patience! One for anyone to read with the children in their lives!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great, easy to read romance with a suspenseful twist. The twins were adorable and Marley and Max were very likable, complex characters. I loved their nicknames for each other! In reading their story I discovered a great new to me author and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series including book 1!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must admit this book did not go in the direction I thought it would – the storyline is definitely original and kept me guessing throughout! So really it had a twist of mystery behind it as the characters were gradually built and little tidbits about them were revealed throughout. Jasmine and James have a unique story and one that I enjoyed reading – would recommend!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this twist on a well known TV show format! I am a marriage of convenience trope fan and Abi and Finn’s adventure settled just in that perfect sweet spot! As a bonus, you have an Irish hero who is also a celebrity so you get that peek into the personal life of a famous star! I will be definitely be looking out for the other books in this series! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a great story that reminds us all that we need to take the time to enjoy the environment around us and how important it is for children’s voices to be heard. Amaleigha is such a sweet, smart girl and she has some great ideas – one of which is obviously explored in this beautiful story. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a mum to a 4 year old girl, this book got me right in the feels. It echoed everything I wish for my little one and what mum hasn’t wished they had a magic wand to make the world perfect for their son or daughter? This would be a beautiful gift for a new parent or even for that special child in your life as a book to read together! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a beautifully inspirational and inclusive story. Shows the true heart of children and what can happen when adults get on board with the ideas of the children in their lives rather than dismissing them because they are young. The children are the future as the saying goes and they see things so clearly. Amaleigha is definitely one of those children with a beautiful heart and I would recommend this book for all parents to read with their little ones.
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The detail in this book – it’s amazing! The saying ‘show don’t tell’ definitely applies to this beautifully written narrative about the Cold War. Characters from previous titles in this series make appearances but our new heroine Miriam is feisty and brave as she navigates the new world in the decades following WWII. Another great story from this fantastic author!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lily – the heroine of this tale – is brave and daring and the narrative is written in such a way that as the reader you are kept on the edge of your seat by what happens to her! This story reminds us that the end of the war was not clear cut by any means and that there were many parties involved, all with their own agendas. Definitely worth a read – especially if, like me you’re a fan of historical fiction!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
