Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bob has moved to a new place and is beginning to build a life. This small town is such a welcome home, I would love to visit the coffee shop and the tea shop and spend an afternoon with the locals. All of the characters are quirky, and the conversations are funny. Don’t wait, check out this quaint little tale now!
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Better Gnomes and Gardens was a delightful, easy read. I enjoyed the fantasy elements to the book. The characters were well written. If you love cozy mysteries, this is the book for you. Mysty Haven is a place I look forward to visiting again in future books.
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This historical fiction gem takes place in Greenwich Village in 1912 when times were much more conservative. The book follows Lottie a young legal clerk for Justice Goff of the Manhattan Municipal Court but her radical extended family and her sexual explorations have led to blackmail to purposefully influence her actions. Legal clerk by day and bohemian lifestyle by night. When a very high-profile case lands on Justice Goff’s docket Lottie doesn’t know if she can stand by and watch injustice being played out in the courtroom. The trial involves a local police officer named Charles Becker. Becker was the first police detective indite for murder and corruption at the turn of the century in lower Manhattan, an area notorious for graft and exploitation. At the same time, Lottie’s lover goes missing and she begins to receive blackmail threats that involve the trial and Rose.
I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction book. It’s not too often this genre of books can keep my interest but the authors use flashbacks to complete the backstory details of the main character.
Reviewed by @alape
Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Honestly, this is exactly the kind of novel my subconscious needed to get me through my slump. Not only does Devlin and Evelyn have the kind of attraction that really sizzles off the page, but it encourages you to root for them during the duration of the novel. There, of course, are the ups and downs that come with a ‘forbidden office romance,’ but knowing we had a guaranteed happily ever after had me hunkering down and absorbing everything this author had to offer within these pages today. Yes. One day. Read. That is all that you need to know.
I would highly suggest reading this if you’re looking for something far better than wasting your day binge watching a show, even though I happily admit that I am guilty of this habit as well. Reading their story was probably one of the better choices I have made this month. Truly. You won’t regret picking this up. Do it! Highly recommend.
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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a crazy cat lady, I had to pick this up to read. I am so glad that I did. It was such a cute read. I loved the rhymes that told the story perfectly. And the illustrations were superb. The colors jumped off the page. I think that kids of all ages will really enjoy this book just as much as the adults reading it to them. It would really make an enjoyable book to give whether that is to a child, a teacher or even a library. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I think you will too once you read it.
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg is a compelling time travel romance tale and my first time reading one of her books. This haunting tale of love and music transcends time.
Erin finds herself in another time. A dangerous time in the past in France in the midst of WW II. A time when the Nazi’s invaded and occupied France. But she is not the only one that finds themselves thrust back in time.
Travel along as Erin finds herself at the mercy of a German officer whilst trying to help others escape their clutches. There are unexpected twists and moments when your heart is pounding and the narrative makes it feel as if you are right there with them wanting to help in any way that you can.
You will not be disappointed in this winner of a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Kidnapping by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
I have read many of this authors books and have enjoyed them all in one way or another. I was excited to see what she had instore for us this time. I was not disappointed. This is one of my favourites.
The Kidnapping with its gripping tension and suspense and humour had me turning the pages to find out what happened next. It’s not every day you are thrust in to a world not of your making.
Linda has given us a tangled web to navigate this mystery which has been skilfully planned out and well written. There are a few twists and surprises along the way as we navigate the predicament the characters suddenly find themselves in.
One bar, two strangers and one night that will change their lives forever. Now if they can just manage to keep out of the clutch of danger.
Grab a copy of The Kidnapping and enjoy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting historical crime read! Lottie is a strong character that I really enjoyed. She is definitely way before her time. This story has your crime, politics and secrets. This isn’t normally a genre I read but I really enjoyed this page turner. I will definitely be reading more from this author. The author is really good at building the suspense in the story. I also love the flow chart and character reference in the back!
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing! I hated having to put it down. Wednesday and Ryker are the perfect couple! They never knew theu wete mates. The story is a roller coaster of emotions! Highly recommend and WILL be rereading it!!!
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is ADORABLE! I had a cat when I was small child and I always wondered where she ventured off to. This is so cute to see that I am not the only one to be so curious about where kitty cats go!
Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good but a little funny book. This is the perfect book to read when you need to let go of some stress in your life. This story had me right from chapter one and I could not put it down so I read this book all the way through. I can’t wait to see what she will write about next.
Olivia is a well known chef and she is only twenty eight. She loves cooking for people. Olivia had it all: a good career, a husband, and good friends. She is shocked when she finds out her husband has been having an affair with one of her friends. Olivia moves away from them and finds a small restaurant job. She thinks she has life in order to be let go from the restaurant. There is only one other job she can do and that’s being a bartender. Olivia is going to open her own restaurant with the money that she’s going to save. Will she get her dream restaurant or will it be out of her reach?
review by @heatherbass
Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book #2) by Amy Rivers
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Stumble and Fall is the second book in A Legacy of Silence Series. This story follows Kate and her sister Tilly. It’s a hard book to put down once you get into it.
Tilly is a nurse and is good at her job. She is back in New Mexico and the feelings are back as well. She isn’t sure what is going on with her, but she knows that she has to do this. The quote I chose for Tilly is: “Fair enough. It’s a small world after all. We’d better get back to the clinic.”
Kate is still living in the town she was born in. She bought a house and will be starting her own business. In her want to help girls she may be putting them and herself in danger. The quote I chose for Kate is: “I feel like I’m running on adrenaline. More likely caffeine. I haven’t been sleeping well, so I may have overcompensated this morning.”
Highly recommended for Crime lovers.
Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stumble and Fall by Amy Rivers is a fast-past thriller. Kate and Tilly are sisters who find themselves in danger after a family tragedy strikes. This is a very well-written book. I really loved both Kate and Tilly. These two young ladies have been through a lot and risk everything to prevent others from doing the same. The story is a very satisfying thriller that leads you on a fun, suspenseful ride. While it is a quick read, this book is very intense. If you love thrillers with solid characters, you will enjoy this book.
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lucas the Spy Cat leaves at night to go out on adventures. He meets up with his friends to solve mysteries. They celebrate when they finish. Then he goes home. His mom put on a spy cam to see what he was up to… but Lucas outsmarts her! Great kids story, beautiful illustrations and activities are included at the end!
Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom
Just One More Egg is book six in the Science Folktales series. This is a cute children’s book that if your child is like mine you’ll find yourself reading it over and over. What I love about this author and her style of writing is every book she writes has a great message. This one is about a Momma Warbler and her six eggs but one day a Cuckoo lays an egg in the warblers nest and flies off. Momma warbler says it’s just one more egg. I love that no matter what she wasn’t going to get rid of the cuckoo egg no mater what other’s tried telling her. Momma warbler proves no matter what she will love the cuckoo no matter what. I highly recommend reading this book. It’s perfect for preschool aged children through 8 years old. I d recommend reading other books by this author especially if you have younger children/grandchildren/ nieces and nephew’s . My son loves her books and we look forward to reading more from her.
Dia’s Lure by Catherine Peace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an amazing addition to the series and I think it had to be my favourite book out of all of them! I loved the connection the main characters had. Each of them brought something different to the table and the dynamic worked so well.
I loved the overall feel of this book too. The author has created a story that is vivid and imaginative. I was caught up in it so easily. This really is a fantastic book and one that I would recommend highly.
Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1) by E.G. Manetti
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Elemental Fire is the first book in The Hidden Realms Series. The book was such a fascinating story. Fairy tales come to life in this book.
Rad is a fire elemental and interested in Sin. Being an Enforcer is hard work, but worth it in the end. Sin helps him in a crisis and he can’t help but repay her. He is intrigued by her the more he gets to know her. The quote I chose for Rad is: “Sin, you fascinate me. Beguile me. But that is not why. You trusted us over your own kind. On nothing but our word. Within the hidden realms, we owe you an act of similar courage or trust. The monetary reward must equate to the value of the debt.”
Sin is a human who can see the Hidden for who they truly are. She is a PI which is how she meets an Imp she later helps break out of jail. She finds Rad interesting and can’t seem to keep him off her mind. The quote I chose for Sin is: “Whoever is sourcing the dark-b knows it’s illegal beyond the veil. Otherwise, they’d be working with you or another warden. If they are caught, under the treaty, they get handed over to the Elders’Council for trial and judgment. The few criminals who have returned after the Elders’Council justice, aged decades in days. I would want a lot more than a fat bank account to risk a big piece of my life.”
Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.
War Horses Book 1: Chevalier by Scott Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren
Chevalier is the first book in the War Horses Series and is a action packed Sci-Fi Adventure that I truly enjoyed reading. This is my first book I’ve read by this author and I’m fairly new to Mecha genre. The title and the cover totally fascinated me so I had to see what this was all about and Wow not what I expecting but better than I ever imagined. Get ready to be pulled into one fascinating story that will keep you turning the pages till the end. This is a Military Sci-Fi with Mecha soldiers that is packed with action, adventure, drama and so much more. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Its definitely one of the most entertaining I’ve read in a while. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed connecting with the poems in this book. Each one was inspirational, encouraging me to open my mind and dig deeper into my own self-awareness. The pieces in this collaboration spell out survivor and tell the tale of someone who has overcome many obstacles. As a survivor myself, each piece resonated with me and reminded me of the growth I have made. I revisited this book several times and got a little more from it with each read. What an inspirational journey these works will take you on! Well worth the read.
Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance by T.B. Bond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute story. Classic denying of love existing despite it being obvious. This was the 7th book in the series and I have not read the others. I did not feel like I was missing anything. It’s a stand alone book. I do want to read the others though after having read this one! This was a fun quick read.
After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After She Became a Lady takes us back in time to a story of love, danger, suspense, joy, and pain. Laurel is a young innocent girl who falls in love and dreams of happily ever after, but it is ripped away along with her new husband as he has to leave soon after they’re married.
Laurel does a lot of growing up during this time.
I appreciated the time the author took in researching the time, and keeping the language true to the time period. If you are not used to reading period books, it can take a minute to get used to it, but it helps you to feel like you have gone back to that time. This book was full of mystery and intrigue. I liked the story a lot, but I do feel like the ending was rushed. There is all this suspense leading up to what seems like it should be a big reveal, but it just fell a little short. For this reason, I had to take away one star.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Bryce is a quick action packed read with great character development especially for a novella.
Two people who are in very different places in their lives become forever entwined by one night of passion. The danger and suspence will have you on the edge of your seat.
Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Devlin is a really great forbidden office romance. I had never read any of this author’s work so was very unsure what to expect. What I got was a well written story with characters that I really connected with.
Devlin and Evelyn are co-workers who work very well together but away from the office desk, the hatred and the barbs constantly fly between the pair. So why is it Devlin that Evelyn turns to when her long term relationship breaks down? And why is he being so nice to her? (well, most of the time). Not that it matters as their work has a no fraternisation policy.
I really enjoyed reading Devlin and Evelyn’s story. We get to see a totally different side to Devlin that the one painted by Evelyn at the beginning. Although, I’m sure she had never previously seen the real Devlin up until now,
I really liked both characters and found that the story flowed well, keeping me entertained and wanting to keep turning the pages to see how their story turned out. Oh…and just as the story is flowing along so well, the author throws a nice big curveball that I definitely did not see coming.
Definitely recommend.
WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wil and El are magic. I don’t usually like slow burn, but this was done right. Their chemistry is off the charts and the building of feelings each time they interact is perfect.
El is an interesting character. She is a bit self-centered, but at the same time does little things for people like Frank, and bringing food for Wil when they are rehearsing. Her story is heartbreaking and when we finally learn it her reactions to so many things make sense.
I really like Wil. He seems to be cocky and confident, and he can be those things, but it is also a mask to hide behind. His character growth throughout the book was interesting to see. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series to see where WE goes next.
Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a great book and the educational message behind it as well. Mother Warbler is keeping her nest of 6 little eggs nice and warm when a cuckoo bird barges into Mother Warbler’s nest and lays one egg of her own and then up and leaves. Mother Warbler takes care of all the eggs in her nest including the cuckoo’s egg and never waivers. When a neighboring warbler comes by they are insistant that the cuckoo’s egg is anything but the best thing….and just to be gone with the egg. I love that Mother Warbler never gives up….embraces on being a mother to all eggs in her nest and loves that in the end the cuckoo egg protects the warblers.
I loved this story and can be truly enjoyed by young and old and the lesson it teaches…I also loved the illustrations on each page. What a wonderful story.
Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really hot and steamy enemies to lover romance set in an office setting. The author does an amazing job with the characters. From the beginning you feel the chemistry between Evelyn and Devlin. Both of them are very career driven but they also can’t deny their attraction.
Evelyn sees Devlin as a playboy. All he does is sleeps with different women and has no plans to settle down so when she gives into temptation after splitting with her boyfriend she knows its a one night thing. It has to be. She can’t stand him and she won’t allow him to ruin her career.
Devlin on the other hand gets a kick out of pushing Evelyn’s buttons and he knows exactly which ones to press. Devlin is deeper than Evelyn thinks and deep down his feelings for her are strong than he would care to admit. Are they strong enough for him to give up his ways and possibly risk moving up in his career? Can he ever convince Evelyn that he is serious and not just after the next notch on his bedpost? And what happens when both their career progressions are at risk if they follow their hearts? Is love worth risking everything for?
Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book of Poetry. Every poem took me to a place in my life to reflect on. How I handled it and how I have grown throughout the years. The author’s words had you smiling at times and sometimes sad at the state of the world today. The poems are short and quick to read but will stay with you for a while.
The poems are written in a simplest way that you will understand and not complicated like Shakespear. If you enjoy poetry as much as I do. This is a book to get lost in.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I began looking forward to reading this the moment I finished the first book, and all of my expectations I had were definitely exceeded! Picking up right where Flame and Crystal Thorns left off, the battle to save Faerie continues in this book, with Chloe and Quintus working side by side to save the world from iron poisoning.
This book shows a lot of character growth in Chloe, she becomes more aware of how she can help the land and also learns that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. She finds the perfect partner in Quintus, who works tirelessly beside her to help save them from the mortals. I also love all the things we discover about Quintus in the story.
If you’re still on the fence about reading this story, this might convince you: there is a dragon! This book has all the classic fantasy tropes, and the author has become a staple in my reading list due to her exquisite writing style! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must say that this book totally held me to the end. The author certainly has a great writing skill This is the first book in a new series, and I know I will be devouring the rest of the books in the series!
Up front, I loved Jasper. Great character and great ambition. Imagine being in her shoes and living your life, and realizing your more different than you so thought, well, more less in terms of magic! She already had life to get through, but now this was added to her plate! And when a certain group realizes what she holds, everything she knew within herself is put at large! The story was spot on with suspense that certainly brought intrigue to the table! I must also add the mystery and truth that was at large, kept me coming back for more. Twists and turns, definitely kept you interested. I very much enjoyed the author’s writing style as well! Great read that held me all the way through, and left me wanting more! Can’t wait for the next book!
Wonderful read. And great work and creativity by a gifted author!! I do very much highly recommend this book, the series, as well as the author! Definitely a must read that shouldn’t be passed up!
Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Book 2 of the series, I didnt read the first but I was easily able to catch up. It was easy to read, the Characters Kate and Tilly are easy to connect with an you won’t want to put it down! Great psychological crime thriller.
