Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was very cute. I love that it introduces younger kids to science. It allows them to see that there is science all around them in a fun way. I loved the colorful pictures. It makes it easier for younger kids to follow along with the story. I highly recommend this to anyone with younger kids.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have to say that these books are brilliant for teaching younger children science. I think that the author has done a wonderful job of creating a fun way to help kids learn. The characters are well written and the whole story breaks down science for kids and makes it fun. I would definitely get this if I had younger children.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first-time reading, Lang Johnson; Devil’s Breath is a great read. Sera and Cassius have a love story that you aren’t sure how it’s going to end. Sera is a strong female main character. She is strong, sexy, and an assassin to top it off. Cassius is a rich smart man. He is a strong male character to match Sera. If you are looking for a great romantic action-packed thriller this is the book for you. I can’t wait to see what Lang Johnson puts out next.
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book by Carmen Radtke that I have read, but it was so well written that it definitely won’t be my last read from her. She is a master with storytelling and weaved together a story full of mystery, love, angst, and grace. Alyssa Chalmers is a kind heroine who throughout the story charms readers with her elegance and wit. The story is set in 1862 and has all the allure of a historical setting, so much so that I dreamed I was living in the height of the 19th century.
The women of Australia who were bound for Canada have more than just men waiting for them. The story quickly takes off and shows how crafty and cunning people can be even in the past. To avoid giving away any spoilers I’ll just let you know that the mystery in this story is well worth the read and will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Premeditated was a wonderful read full of twists and turns. Although I didn’t read the 1st book in the series it was easy to follow along with all of the characters and their storylines. It has been a while since I’ve read a Christian mystery book and I must say that this book had all of the elements that make for a great read: suspense, mystery, charm, character development, and even scriptures.
I won’t post any spoilers because the whole fun in a good mystery book is discovering things along the way and hoping to figure it out before it is revealed. I was able to figure out what the twist in the story was just before it was revealed and then I spent about 30 minutes in disbelief hoping both the author and I were wrong.
The epilogue was a beautifully poetic ending to the story and I’m looking forward to reading the 1st story for more of a background on the characters that I have grown to know and love these last few days.
If you are looking for a delightful and suspenseful read then by all means read the agents of justice books, you won’t be disappointed.
Deborah White,
June 2022
>
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Morgan Cutler is the charge nurse at Good Sam EC. She had recently had brain surgery and had a possible near death experience that has opened up some special abilities. She had recently learned she is able to see auras and ghosts. Dr. Caleb Lightfoot is the new physician on staff and has a few special abilities from a near death experience of his own. Dr. Savannah Holt is one of Morgan’s good friends and head physician at the EC. Morgan had recently learned that she is not the only person living in her home. Well only living person, the Wilkerson’s have finally come to show themselves to her since her surgery. They say they are there to protect her. Morgan had so many new things going on including the new Dr. Where could all these new things lead?
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was such a lovely read, I really did enjoy every single minute of it. I loved how it was three stories but they were all interconnecting – they really were an absolute joy to read. I think from the title it’s obvious the bookstore is the centre for all of these stories but each one slightly different in its own way. I loved all of the characters, they were so relatable and it felt like I was reading about friends at times. There is one thing for sure with this book it definitely left me smiling once I had finished.
This is definitely a book you can settle down with on a summer evening and enjoy – it is one that I would highly recommend!
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie is a fun, sweet, touching, and delightful small-town contemporary romance. We get three stories in one here, making for lots of fun.
We meet Leona, the local bookstore owner and incorrigible matchmaker who takes it upon herself to match up the locals- but she isn’t quite so lucky finding her own ‘happily-ever-after.
With a well-meaning meddling matchmaker, second chances, new love, finding love unexpectedly, endearing characters, and a ‘feel-good’ story definitely made this one of my favourite reads by Bernadette Marie.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Bernadette Marie.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Prospect of Death by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Prospect of Death is the second book in the Alyssa Chalmers Mysteries series by Carmen Radtke. The story is a well-woven historical cozy mystery, a bit of a ‘whodunit’ set in the 1862 gold rush in British Colombia. With plenty of danger, some crime & investigation, a smallpox epidemic, mail-order brides, secrets and – a devious and dangerous adversary to contend with.
Alyssa is part of the group of brides who arrive to the gold-mining town only to embroiled in a murder investigation. She teams up with some locals to try to uncover the murderer and get to the bottom of the mystery- but things may not be quite so simple.
Even though this is the second book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone, without feeling like you are missing any details. In saying that, though, I will be hunting down the first book to explore before continuing this series.
A great little mystery.
Thank you, Carmen Radtke!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This book was unexpectedly so good! Morning is a single woman in her 30’s and a nurse and the Emergency Center. She experiences a traumatic event and ends up with unbelievable abilities. She has 3 friends and a dog, he’s an English bull dog at that. She prefers tea over coffee and lives like a bachelor when it comes to keeping her fridge stocked and knowing how to really cook. She meets Caleb as well the new doc on the “block. The story is based in Michigan and is funny, cute, thrilling and sweet all in one. It kept me engaged for sure!
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Pursuit Into Darkness is the second instalment in the War of Destiny series by Theresa Van Spankeren. It is an original story- a vampire saga with wonderful atmospheric world building, the paranormal, danger, politics, agendas, dramatic developments, intrigue, interesting characters, layers, and emotion.
This is set seventy years after the event of Book One, so I recommend reading the first book before diving into this instalment. Julia’s life has remained fairly undisturbed during this time while her abilities continued to strengthen. But fate has more in store for her now as new danger threatens. Fleeing is no longer an option- with no choice but to stand and fight Julia will need to confront more than just the powerful enemy. What ensues makes for some intense reading.
If you love an original take on a vampire story, paranormal elements, emotion, and intrigue- then this is definitely the book/series for you.
Bring on Book #3!
Happy reading!
Thank you, Theresa Van Spankeren!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen is a book that has stayed with me long-after finishing the final page. It is a though-provoking, and at times, confronting story that takes us into the mind of former marine, JP Grimm who suffers from PTSD from a mission-gone-wrong that saw his lose his brothers-in-arms. He grapples with survivors’ guilt and incredible shame- feeling like he’s to blame for not taking aim to prevent the blast that took their lives. Being on home soil again hasn’t eased his struggles, which not only takes a massive toll on him, but also his small family.
The story takes us on a journey with JP as he wrestles with the demons that weigh heavy on his soul. Add to this poignant story danger from an impending disaster- and Mr. Patchen delivers a hard-hitting and gripping read.
Emotive!
Thank you, Jacob Paul Patchen!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is adorable! It’s about a woman who has been burned too many times before by her “type” of man. She vows to never go there again, but when you meet a man like this, how can you resist? Read this book if you like romance, wit, and a struggle.
Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute book about a dog who is nervous to go to a new place, and has a friend (a squirrel) who is willing to go with him to help him feel more safe and less nervous. This is a great road map for children to learn how to help friends who are having anxiety and fear issues. My grade school aged girls loved the animals in this book, and the message of this book.
Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a great way to teach kids about inclusion, by using a cute dog they can connect to, to understand that just because something is different doesn’t mean you have to be afraid of it. It also shows kids the effects it can have on someone when you treat them differently just because they are different than you or your normal friends group. My grade school aged girls loved the animals in this book, and related to the story, as they have both felt the way that Jake feels in this book.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a perfect introduction to the author!
It was cute and easy to read, it had love and heartbreak but it had a hook to bring readers in and keep you interested while you read!
I definitely will be finding more by this author!
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great fast paced, page turner. This one has lots of twist and turns and it kept me guessing all the way through. I like how the author draws you in and keeps you with them to the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who just like to read thrillers and crime. Looking forward to reading more of this author.
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kate MacInnis seamlessly takes you into the world of nursing and gives you a main character that is entirely relatable… even when she starts seeing ghosts! This book has a little bit of everything – trauma, healing, life and death, paranormal activity, romance, and more. I highly enjoyed being thrown into Morgan’s life and watching her traverse the unknown. This book is like taking your favorite medical show and combining it with Ghost Whisperer. All of the drama and twists in this book really hooked me! I am excited to continue on Morgan’s journey in the next book.
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a story that took me on NUMEROUS ups and downs and twists and turns! It really kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night. I really enjoyed all the character development as well. This is slated as a brothers best friend and billionaire boss story. I would disagree with that..oh it has a touch of those elements but I feel it is more of a romantic suspense story. Each of the lead characters has a problematic past. Remi and Audri do have that push and pull because of their joint childhood and her brother which I loved.
Overall I really enjoyed this one! I loved the characters, the dramatic suspense plus that sexy romance between the alpha male and his desired lady. One of my favorites things is the whole backstory to these boys/friends. What a wonderful idea to base these books on. I am hoping each of the guys creating the game will get a story! I am SO looking forward to it!
Love is What You Bake of it by Effie Kammenou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a funny rom com that is lighthearted and a super cute read. This novel revolves around Kally, who has gone through so much to just be able to own her own shop and home trying to rebuild after a horrible relationship. She is content with her work and not pursuing anyone until she meets Max. When he comes in her cafe sparks fly and their story begins. This novel includes romance, hope, suspense and kept me wanting more and more as I was reading! I cannot wait to read the others in the series!
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a very believable story about a nurse who suddenly sees ghosts. I loved Nurse Morgan right away. Can you imagine waking up to a party going on inside your house, but no one is there? I really enjoyed where this story went and look forward to the next book. Highly recommend this easy read.
Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Queen of Hearts is a part of a series called Heels, Rhymes, and Nursery Crimes, that is made up of 27 standalone books by various authors. Queen of Hearts is book 21 in the series by Natalina Reis. I absolutely love any rendition of Alice in Wonderland and the Queen of Hearts. This book is devious, dark and twisty, as well as a fantasy romance. One of the main points of the story is that the Queen of Hearts, Mimi, punishes any man that is abusive towards women or a cheater. She does not punish them in the way that you would assume. One would immediately think that she’s an apothecary, she must kill the men, but she doesn’t…. she renders their genitals useless. Definitely a fast-paced story that keeps you on the edge of you seat waiting for what happens next. Mimi has never had any issues with her plans until she meets the richest and by farthest evilest men. She must make him pay, but she has to be smart, meticulous. Will her plan be the cause of her demise, or will she prevail? Definitely a page turner and must read!
~ 
~ 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ☥
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun. She lives in northern France with her husband, two cats and two chickens. They have a grown son.
~ ~ RELEASE BLITZ ~ ~ ~ ☥
N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun. She lives in northern France with her husband, two cats and two chickens. They have a grown son.
Romance Under Aquarius by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I first saw this book, I couldn’t stop looking at the cover! It was what caught my eye. The story is what kept me around though. It was different in a good way. It had astrology and some merfolk too! I loved reading the story from different the characters perspective. I don’t get to read stories like that very often so that was a nice treat. All of the main characters were likeable and I enjoyed the bit of romance that this story had as well. This story is part of a multi author series and I am excited to read more stories in this world!
I would recommend this story to a friend!
Happy Reading!
Human Hearts by Mary Beesley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Human Hearts is the epic conclusion to the Draco Sang series by Mary Beesley. It follows on from Dragon’s Blood (Book #1) and Wolf Pack (Book #2). I came into this series backwards and have read this book without reading the previous two… and I am kicking myself for not realising sooner and for not starting at the beginning. While I did enjoy this book, I feel I would have appreciated everything so much more if I had read it in sequence, and as part of the series… So, in saying that I have decided to go back to the beginning and start the series fresh, and complete. Stay tuned for updates…
This is an epic YA fantasy with superbly detailed and descriptive world-building- and some very interesting characters. It has all the ingredients to keep you glued to the pages, and not want to miss a second. From action and adventure to danger and dramatic developments, the paranormal, dragons, warriors, assassins, conflict and tension, and emotion- all makes for gripping reading. The story is told from several POV’s which really gave the story an extra element of interest for me. I just wish I had been following them right from the beginning, and not wondering what I might be missing by not having read the previous books.
Happy Reading! I am off to explore the series from the beginning…
Thank you, Mary Beesley!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Entertaining introduction
This was a fun read with paranormal and a touch of romance. An original spin on the paranormal aspect I was entertained from start into finish. Morgan is a straight forward, matter-of-fact character especially being a nurse, nothing seems to surprise her until events start to unfold and drama abounds. Will definitely be checking out the next instalment of Nurse Morgan.
Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Beatrice offers her dark sparrows to Oz she had one goal in mind to help him bring down a very evil man. However, can the dark sparrows offer more than their special skill sets? First off we have the gorgeous and talented Deva a physical therapist with a dark past. She is sent to help Oz’s brother Aleksei who has a dark past of his own. As the fight turns intense so do the feelings. The next sparrow to make herself known is Zoe who flies in to help another brother, Archer. As the plot thickens trust and loyalty is called into play and how easy it is to risk everything for the ones you love. However, how do you make that choice when you love both of who are at risk? Next sparrow up is Izzy but what a surprise when the brother she is sent to protect, Kai, is her first love islander who she left in bed years ago. How will this effect the fight and will they be able to look past their past to once again find solace in each other? Next can you truly call her a dark sparrow if she’s found at a Covent? When they bring in an almost nun for Liam, it brings up all sorts of bad truama but even so he fills a draw to Catriona. She’s good with numbers but with God on her side who knows what miracles can happen. When the next brother Sam is ready to give up on everything he chooses to make one last call to Oz to say goodbye. However, one miss dial and he found himself a sparrow of his own. Ellie sounds like she needs someone and Sam is instantly drawn in but when daddy comes back they both get drawn in. Ellie decides to put her life on the line for this stranger but what comes from life altering situations, well life alterations. Last but not least the brother who is out to save everyone from daddy Finch, Oz. When Devas cousin returns home she receives a call from an old colleague to receive help. Dr.King aka Oz mom is ready to implement a sparrow of her own when Oz goes to check on his mom he is shocked to see the women and distraction he didn’t want but maybe needed. Dr. Sofia is back but is it for good and do they finally stop Finch from trying to destroy not only his sons lives but all of Chicago? I once again was drawn into this series. India Kells once again has killed it. She is very quickly becoming on of my favorite authors.
Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not usually a big fan of novellas, mostly because they lack the small details of places, things, people and actions that make a story good. However, I find that is not the case with this story. I actually enjoyed it immensely. Mimi “The Queen of Hearts” is desperately trying to rid the world of evil men, by depriving them of the one working part of their anatomy they like the best. By using herbs she is able to render them impotent. Jac is her new dealer and he also wants to be her partner. Disaster strikes and they must flee. The details in this story are great and you really get to know the players. I am excited for the next in this series.
Trigger warning:
Physical and emotional abuse
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
Cute, feel good read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt like the characters were my old friends! First Maria Jane book that I have read, but certainly won’t be my last. This book is part of the ‘Perfect’ series; although each book can be read as a stand alone, I am looking forward to going back and reading the first 2 books in the series!
Bree Simmons is tired of having her heart continually broken and wonders if a perfect man truly exists! Since Bree finds it’s jocks that she seems to gravitate towards and therefore has sworn all jocks and athletes off her list of potential dates! Deciding that she was in need of a change, Bree leaves the rat race of the corporate world and accepted a job teaching high school & coaching basketball. While playing tennis, Bree encounters Nate—a handsome jock, who would normally check all Bree’s boxes. True to her word, she tells Nate that they would never be more than friends. As Bree dates other people here & there, she finds herself becoming more & more attracted to Nate and wonders if he really could be the perfect man for her!
Sweet, contemporary romance that leaves the reader rooting for their happily ever after ♥️