Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fay the sea turtle is heading for warmer water. Cray is going with her and along the way they are spreading happiness and cheer. They help out many in the ocean making everyone happy.
What a wonderful story for young ones to learn the lesson of helping others around you in need. Love this author’s stories as they are always engaging.
Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book, but I was wrong. It was very sweet. I love the older character learning to live her life for herself, after a loss, and after giving herself to everyone else. It’s amazing to watch her learn to find her voice and her own way in the world. This was a great story. I look forward to reading more from this author as this was my first time reading anything by her.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Marjorie’s life changed the day an accident happened on Dead Man’s Curve. Wolf Creek Hollow is where she lives on a farm with her father and stepmother. She was a typical teenager pushing limits like everyone else, when one day a new boy showed up at school. She is enticed by his smell and she has no idea why. Sparks fly but will the truth of who he really is push her to walk away. The tension in this book will have riveted to the pages. Excited to read the next book.
The Closer: An enemies to lovers dark romance by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Closer (The Hustlers Trilogy) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Jessica Stone
This is the third and final book in The Hustlers Trilogy and I feel like it was a good close out for this series.
I’m pretty big on forced proximity romances, something about the angst that build when forced into close quarters with someone you hate but at the same time want to rip their cloths off, gets me hooked everytime. Which brings us to the premise of this story, our FMC June ends up in a bad situation due to some terrible things going on with her business trouble, and now her only way to fix things and not lose her company lies in the hand of an old flame that burned to hot and scorched her 10 years ago. Meet Dallas, the old flame. At first I couldn’t really stand this guy, he very much started off as a whinny rich guy, complaining a bit and definitely hard headed, but as this book progressed and the relationship between June and him grew, I find myself relating to his pain in a sense and enjoying him immensely. I love June, I do, part of the story I found myself begging her to push everything aside, let the past go and take what/who you love, the other half I was screaming red flagggg leave so my emotions with this particular book were very high.
Im pretty interested in reading more from this author, I feel these books were well written, fun to read and easy to start immersed in. I would definitely suggest if possible to read the first two story’s in this trilogy, but I do believe that this book can be read on its own if you can’t get your hands on or don’t want to read the first two. That being said, this series is really good and not reading the first two books would be missing out.
The Closer, The Hustlers Trilogy, Rowan Rossler, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Jessica Stone, April 2024
Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mistaken Identity is a debut novel and is fantastic!! London Detective Agency book 1.
This is a fast-paced suspense with a budding romance, that will have you hooked right away.
Evelyn is going to travel abroad to start a new chapter and at the airport she gets way more than she bargained for as she bumps into Megan who happens to look a lot like Evelyn, and they end up grabbing each other’s travel bags. Now Evelyn is in a big mess. Lots of twists and turns, full of danger secrets, hate, lies, fear, betrayal, greed, revenge and a little romance. All of the characters are very well written and likeable. I highly recommend this book.
Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Turtle Fay and Cray Crab are back for another adventure in Fay’s Kindness Parade. This is another wonderful story as my great nieces and great nephew enjoy all the books in The Adventures of Cray series. I can say I LOVE these book as well. Colorful and beautiful illustrations and rhyming storytelling really draw you in and you cannot help but not love Turtle Fay with Cray Crab and friends.
It is time for Turtle Fay to travel to warmer waters and invites along Cray Crab. What fun to have is a Kindness Parade before departure. As Fay and Cray start their journey…they meet and help new friends along the way.
Wonderful story and I love all the adventures that Turtle Fay with Cray Crab and friends have. This story made me smile from ear to ear.
Immediate attention grabber! Stephanie R. Caffrey kept me guessing what was going to happen next throughout the entire book. Perfect balance of mystery, drama, and romance. Evelyn aka Evie is in for an adventure of a lifetime after she is mistaken for someone else. I absolutely cannot wait to read the remainder of this series!
Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens is another wonderfully put together story in the series and one not to be missed just like the others.
Oscar and Emmy won’t leave anyone out and help to look after the precious cargo whilst the family learn what is required when a new pet or three come into the home in this next instalment of Oscar & Emmy Cat book series. Everything a pet could want, or need is explored.
This educational picture books guides you through every aspect of what type of pet is right for you and what is needed to care for the pet.
Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens is a well thought out story and draws the reader in.
I have fostered cats and always taken in cats from rescue homes to ensure they are well loved within a forever home with me or another.
Children will delight in the colourful illustrations as well in the story itself.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Kris & The Pirates colourful and imaginative adventure story. Young readers will be swept away and into the story just as Kris does when she sees herself and her crew face off against pirates.
It is full of fun, information and facts that makes the story even more interesting and is brought to life with the complementing illustrations. Learning things about ships, animals and more. Besides the fun the story instils ideals on overcoming fear and perseverance.
Children will love the adventure.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From the first few pages this author had me hooked. This is a great paranormal YA read. The charachters are so well developed and follow the story well with plenty of action, drama, and romance. Kept me reading and on my toes!
Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy by M.J. Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amese of Animalis is the first book in the Borosa Legacy. It is a fantasy tale that is full of wonder and children of this age will enjoy.
MJ Murray writes enchanting and educational children’s chapter books in an easy-to-read format. It is 212 pages full of wonder and adventure, for Tweens around the ages of 10 to 14 years of age.
It is an interesting and fun read and is a unique story. The wonderful narrative brings this coming-of-age story to life.
Amese has the ability to turn into animals. She learns a lot of their culture, their customs, and the importance of telling the truth.
It is a great gift or tool in schools or just in your own home.
Let the adventure begin. It is a fun tale that should not be missed.
Enjoy!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Winter is coming and Fay must migrate to warmer waters. G Pa Rhymes always such realistic situations that Cray and the ocean’s creatures face such as the whale trapped in the net. The always beautiful illustrations of Erica Leigh bring the words to life with vibrate colors. There is always time to help those around you in need as Fay and Cray show throughout this fun read. At the back it has information on why Turtle Fay needed to leave the Bay for warmer waters and how we can help the ocean and its creatures from harmful situations like the whale faced. Fun informative little series that always spreads good values can’t wait to see what Cray and his friends face next.
Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning, creative read. This is the first book I have read by the incredible Suzanna Lynn, and I can tell you know she has a lifetime fan already in me. Mermaid Tails seems like a pretty straightforward book but it’s anything but. Filled from front to back with interesting facts about different ocean creatures followed by stunning creative Mermaid versions by the incredible Suzanna Smith. The beautiful illustrations gave me Thumbelina and Fern Gully feel, two of my all-time favorite movies since I was little. Wonderful book for all ages. I know I’ll be getting a physical copy asap for my shelf for future use.
Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wondering about what mermaids would be like if you saw one. Cleverly written children’s story about Mermaids and pulling other sea creatures and how a mermaid may resemble some of their features. The illustrations are beautiful and highly creative. I think children will absolutely love this book.
Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What another fun chapter in the Oscar and Emmy series. This time, their mom is fostering kittens. Oscar and Emmy want to help her. She teaches them the rules of fostering. The story takes us from 3-4 days old to 11 weeks, after their spay & neuter surgery, when they are adopted. I really enjoy reading these stories because the other does such a nice job of explaining cat care in a way that children can understand. My grandson always loves to have these books read to him. The story is well-written and easy for kids to follow. The pictures are colorful and can hold attention.
The Glow in Loretta’s Garden by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great adventure for Loretta this time in the world of fireflies. An education takes place inside this story about fireflies that every young kid will enjoy! There is beautiful watercolor illustration in this story that really makes it come full circle.
A must read for elementary school kids! My 5 year old loved it!!
Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a thrilling read that was action packed right from the start. The twists and turns in this story kept me hooked and the chemistry between out two main characters is recognisable from the beginning and sizzles throughout the book. This is also the first book in the London Detective Agency Series so I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
Evelyn was all set to embark on her new life and adventure but a accidental collision with another person and picking up the wrong bag has changed her plans and added a whole level of danger to her life.
The problem is the woman she collided with and that she looks almost identical to is a lady on the run. As a witness for PI Patrick Miller against a crime family she decides to flee.
However in doing so she has now placed Evelyn in harms way.
When Patrick catches up to her the chemistry and attraction between them is instant but he knows has to protect her from the family who are looking to get rid of the witness against them.
Together then now need to work together to bring this family to justice while making sure the Fitzgerald crime family don’t get to Evelyn.
This story is action packed and fast paced. I enjoyed how the romance between Patrick and Evelyn was slow burning in the background of this story which only made it better.
The characters are both well written and likeable. Both are strong in their own way and I loved how Patrick was focused on getting justices, you get the feeling that even if there wasn’t chemistry between him and Evelyn he would still protect her with everything he had.
I am really looking forward to reading more.
Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy” by MJ Murray is a magical and enchanting tale that takes readers on an epic journey through a world filled with ancient elemental magic and powerful guardians. The story follows 13-year-old Amese as she embarks on a quest to fulfill her destiny as a ruler and master the skills necessary to maintain balance in the universe.
Amese is a strong and relatable protagonist who must overcome challenges, face her fears, and prove her worthiness to the other rulers. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is both captivating and inspiring. The theme of trust and self-belief is woven throughout the story, adding emotional depth to Amese’s character development.
The plot is engaging, the world-building is vivid, and the characters are well-developed. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for a thrilling and immersive fantasy tale filled with mystery, magic, and adventure.
Make Me Burn by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is he 9th book in the series but have no fear, if you just grabbed this one; you can read it without reading the others first. I alway recommend reading the other books in the series because you can get more intricate details of the characters and the story line. This book hooked me in from the beginning and it kept me entranced through the end. I love a missed connection type of love story. The main characters met before and due to circumstances they couldn’t explore that spark that they both felt. Jump forward some time and they have another meet cute. Guys, this story just melts you into the chair and allows you to just sink your teeth into you lip and read. I could not be disturbed by anything while reading this. Food – I just walked while reading to get something to feed my face. lol. I could not put this book down as the growth with the characters developed so did my grip on the book. It was a quick read for me because of that reason. I feel like this book was very well written and written in such a way that you don’t even realize that you got to the end of the book by the time you finish it. I highly suggest reading this book and the whole series. You will not be disappointed.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Charming Chapter : A Later-in-Life Just Kisses Romance by Lori Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Laura lost the love of her life, but she made him a promise that has her traveling to London to fill in as a dog walker while getting a vacation and researching her family history for free. Laura uses this opportunity as a new chance in her life, while she is an older woman it doesn’t mean she has to throw in the towel and can still enjoy an adventure. What she doesn’t expect is meeting Hugh has her rambling but the second meeting finds Laura enchanted. As they begin to get to know one another it is not a smooth ride as they both had hoped, but can it last between them?
I thought this was thoroughly enjoyable. A refreshing story with older characters who find something remarkable in each other. I thought the chemistry was charming and you are swept away in their story. Will most definitely read another book in this series.
The Closer by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I say that the twists and turns Rossler threw at me in this book had me absolutely blindsided and flabbergasted…I mean it! At one point, my husband looked over and asked why my face looked like that and all I could say was I didn’t see that plot twist coming so…just beware that you will make faces, audibly gasp, and definitely loose sleep reading this book! And if that doesn’t make you want to get it right now then I don’t know what will. Maybe the excruciatingly slow burn between Dallas and June (who’ve been at each other’s throats for years) will intrigue you. Or maybe the inadvertent foray into the seedy underbelly of the South American mafia. Or maybe forced proximity…enemies-to-lovers…a curvy, voluptuous (done perfectly THANK YOU so much Ms. Rossler) take-no-shit FMC who absolutely dominates and can hold her own vs a hot-as-hell damaged MMC who has been pining after the FMC but could never admit it. I mean…what more could you want? And the spice…I mean once we finally get there (and trust me…the burn on the way is so, so good) is just out-of-this-world fantastic. I could not put this book down. It is the third installment in the Hustlers series but you can definitely read it as a standalone…I did. But am I going to go back and read the first two books…abso-freakin-lutely! Rowan Rossler has peaked my interest with this book and she will definitely be on my radar for new releases!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris” by Art Blegen is a thrilling and action-packed story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Kris, who sets out for a fun day at the beach but ends up on an unexpected adventure filled with pirates, danger, and excitement.
I was immediately drawn into the story by the vivid description of the island and the suspenseful encounter with the pirates. The author does a fantastic job of building tension and keeping the reader engaged throughout the story. Kris is a brave and resourceful protagonist, and her determination to rescue the crew and escape from the pirates is inspiring.
The plot is well-paced, and the action sequences are exciting and well-written. The author’s attention to detail and descriptive writing truly bring the story to life, making it easy for readers to visualize the scenes and feel like they are right there alongside Kris on her daring adventure.
Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I just love the Oscar and Emmy series! The way Sabol addresses everyday issues and concerns relating to animals and pets but does it such a way that is age-appropriate for children is simply fantastic. I love that her books are honest yet optimistic and hopeful. I appreciate that she writes from the children’s perspectives but still gives voice to the parents. The illustrations are fantastic. I cannot recommend these books and this series enough!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely adored “Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens” by Terri Sabol. This heartwarming story follows Oscar and Emmy, two loving cats who take on the role of nurturing three bottle-fed kittens from the local animal shelter. The author does a fantastic job of detailing the first three months of kitten development and showing how important it is for people, including children, to play a role in saving animal lives through fostering.
I loved how the family, with the help of Oscar and Emmy, prepare the foster kittens to be adopted by other families. The bond between the cats and the kittens is beautifully portrayed, and it’s heartwarming to see the love and care they provide for the little ones.
Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second installment of the Life is Hell series and I literally read it in one sitting. I could not put this down. I absolutely love how Valkyrie focuses on a set of different characters but we still get glimpses of past and future characters and they are just as integral to the story. In this story, we follow the demon Sheridan as she battles to keep her crush (and one of the three town deputies), Millicent, safe from an unforeseen force. The twists and turns in this story were great and kept me on the edge of my seat and reading well past my bed time. I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. Valkyrie is quickly becoming one of those authors I binge read and add-to-cart as soon as a new book hits the shelves.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the Hani Daughter Mysteries series, and I did not read book 1 prior. I may have had a little extra insight on some of the characters, but it did not really impact my view of the book. This was an interesting murder mystery that takes place in Egypt. You get an interesting perspective as a reader as you follow Neferet and the others as they go on a journey to try to solve a potential murder of a man whose body was found in the water nearby. There are many historical and geographical parts of the book that the author does a great job of including in the story. I felt like I learned a lot of historical information about Egyptian living while reading this book. The story was very interesting and I enjoyed it a lot.
Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Meg Hawke comes from a founding family line for the town of Herd, Montana. While she didn’t grow up there, she did visit her grandparents nearly every summer. As she grew up, she realized that her heart belonged to the town and worked her way to moving back permanently. Her shop, Finders Keepers, is a resale shop of vintage items that she finds. When her neighbor Hank Kincaid asks her to go through his shed of treasures, she cannot help but jump at the chance. Hank is like a bonus grandfather to her and his grandson, Ryan, has taken over the farm for him. She’s always had a secret crush on Ryan and looks forward to seeing more of him. Ryan, however, is not thrilled with having Meg underfoot and is in fact annoyed; until he realizes what life would be like without her. Can he get past himself and his insecurities to find his happily ever after?
I really enjoyed reading this book. The storyline moved along at a good pace and the characters were relatable as well as likeable. I could not help but root for Meg. I thought the author did a wonderful job of developing their love interest and even interspersed some peer pressure that Meg did not capitulate to. I liked that the author had her hold her ground. Hank was a loveable meddler in his grandson’s life. He could see the good thing that Ryan could have if he just got out of his own head. I am looking forward to reading more about the rest of the single characters in the town of Herd getting matched up by Hank!
Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The fast-paced, action-packed journey of Evelyn and Patrick is enjoyable and full of emotions.There’s crime drama, relationship building and drama, international travel drama, suspense, and so much more! Lots of drama, but in the best way! I thought this was a very entertaining story and I will definitely be looking to read book 2 in the London Detective Agency series!
Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom- 5 out of 5 stars
This is a cute kids mystery book. In this book the kids are on the hunt for a 200 year old time capsule that has been moved. The kids have to use their problem solving skills to crack codes and figure out clues. All in all this book was very engaging and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.
Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Managing Mischief is the second book in the Shattered Embrace Series and is a continuation of the couple Zachary and Ashton in book one. The author says it can be read as a standalone, and there is enough details, clues, and context added that would allow you to read it as a standalone, but I always love to read in order as it makes the whole relationship between the two deeper and helps me understand what’s what. Book two focuses on the relationship dynamics, more ‘real life’ over ‘club life’, between the two rather than the club dynamics of the two as book one did, but it was as equally entertaining as book 1. The chemistry between the two was still high, and there was some spice. I loved the point of view being from them both. Overall this was a great follow up and I am excited to see where book three takes us.
