War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone recommended this book to me. I did not know if I would like it. What a strong cast of fantastic characters. There is a great, easy to follow story line. I CANNOT wait to dive into book two! I was MARVELOUSLY SURPISED!!!!
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book! What a fabulous way to teach a child that it is okay to be different. Tricia Gardella has a wonderful imagination. Bar Fabian did a fantastic job illustrating this fine book! I cannot wait to read it to my grandchildren!
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Debbie Sullivan’s Finally Friends is a heartwarming children’s story that explores the importance of social skills and friendship. The book follows Donut Dog and Peanut the Squirrel as they navigate their differences and learn to become friends.
Sullivan’s engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations make this book a delightful read for young children. The characters are relatable and easy to root for, and the story’s message about kindness, understanding, and cooperation is both relevant and valuable.
Finally Friends is a wonderful resource for parents and educators looking to teach children about social skills. It’s a fun and engaging way to help young readers understand the importance of being a good friend and treating others with respect.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tricia Gardella’s A Pig and a Poke is a delightful children’s story that follows Angela, a determined young girl, as she competes in a town-wide contest to win a pig. With a touch of humor and heart, Gardella weaves a tale of friendship, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.
The book’s charming illustrations perfectly complement the story, bringing the characters and setting to life. Young readers will be captivated by the lively town fair atmosphere and the mischievous antics of the elusive pig. Gardella’s writing is both engaging and accessible, making this book a perfect choice for bedtime reading or classroom storytelling.
While the story is simple, it carries important messages about friendship, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. A Pig and a Poke is a heartwarming and enjoyable read that will leave young readers feeling inspired and entertained.
Spook Squad by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Spook Squad is the third book in the series that follows the adventures of young Abbey. Although this is the third book in the series the author has made it easy enough to pick up this book and not feel lost by providing details and a bit of a backstory on each character. It is a young adult paranormal story full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, danger, action, paranormal elements, ghosts, slime, and humor. The story centers around 14-year-old Abby who can see and talk to ghosts, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Most of the time Abbey can use her ability to help others but currently she has attracted some unwanted attention in the form of a domineering federal agent who insists on Abbey helping her. Abbey has a truly amazing support system with her friends who help her on her various adventures. The friendship between Abbey, Kelly and Lexi is truly admirable as they help each other out through both thick and thin. The author has done a great job of creating an intriguing storyline that flows nicely. The characters are well developed, interesting, and a bit quirky. I enjoyed this book so much that I fully intend to go back and read the first two books ‘Abnormally Abbey’ and “Class Clown”. This is a great addition to any library for both young and old alike.
Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A cute little story about a young child who had to get dressed up in a special outfit for every special occasion. As he is getting dressed up to match his brother’s outfit, he asks his Mommy, Am I Indian today?
She goes on to explain to him their ancestory and answers his questions.
Loved the pictures and can’t wait to read it to my grand daughter.
Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have a grandbaby who is about 5 months old and she has a little brother. As I was reading this book I could imagine him saying all these things to his little sister. I will be visiting with them in the next month or so and I will share this book with both of them.
It is important that we teach them that the little brother won’t take their place but what an important part they can be in teaching the little one things. A cute book for little ones or your grands.
Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dylan and his sister Emily were at Camp Leaf waiting for the annual event to start. Every year they come and play the different games that the camp sets up so they can win prizes and the trophy. Now they are lifting the cover to see what this year’s trophy looks like to find that it has disappeared.
Now Detective Dylan and his Assistant Emily will be checking out clues and solving the mystery of who took the trophy. Until the mystery is solved and the trophy is returned the games will not begin.
A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kat and Nathaniel went to live with their grandmother after their parents died in a car accident. Now Kat finds her grandmother has died peacefully in her sleep and her brother Nathaniel is off in the military. The next morning Social Services removes Kat from her grandmother”s house. Since she is only 15 and her brother Nathaniel is her guardian and he still can’t be reached she has to go into custody of the courts.
She is placed with a family that has a 16 year old son and Kat runs away. She doesn’t feel comfortable or safe there. So she run away and lives on the street where she witnesses a murder.
Check out this book, I think you will enjoy it. I know that I did. I have not read this author before but I will be reading more of her books in the future.
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue is such a fun and silly read! Luca is super into his art class but gets distracted by the glue and wonders what would happen if he ate it. This leads to some hilarious moments! The rhyming makes the story really catchy, and the colorful illustrations are so fun to look at. It’s a great way for kids to learn about self-control and making good choices without feeling like a lesson. Perfect for a funny read with kids who love art and goofing around!
Cam Creates a Hero by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cam Creates a Hero is such a heartwarming book! The story follows Cam, a foster kid, who builds a robot to protect children in need after seeing a sad news story. The illustrations are bright and colorful, bringing the story to life. It’s a perfect read for kids who need a little resilience boost and hope. I definitely recommend this one, it has a great message!
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 stars
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn is the first book in the new Ariadne Winter Murder Mystery series by Ellen Butler. I was so excited when I saw Ms. Butler had a new series coming out and couldn’t wait for this book to hit my Kindle. I have read all of Ms. Butler’s books (so far)- and her Karina Cardinal Mystery series is a definite favourite, so I was very intrigued to see what this new mystery series would bring.
It is a little different from the Karina Cardinal series, as this is an historical cozy mystery series- set in 1958. It also gave me Agatha Christie vibes. Again, as with the KCM series, Ms. Butler has cleverly constructed her story, imbuing it with plenty of intrigue and tension, but also setting the scene in keeping with the times. Everything from the cultural/societal norms of the times, language, fashion, transportation, and ‘daily life’, as well as the clever mystery and intriguing developments, are all given Ms. Butler’s meticulous attention to detail- resulting in a rich and immersive reading experience.
Ariadne Winter dreams of being a hard-nose investigative reporter, but being a young woman means that she isn’t taken seriously and is dismissed and overlooked for her male counterparts. So she ends up taking a job with a ladies magazine in the hopes that it will open the door to more ‘interesting’ positions. Opportunity presents itself when she is given a new assignment…. an exclusive interview with a Hollywood movie star who is about to marry a European prince (think Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier type situation). Ariadne recognizes that this is a huge opportunity and sets off to spend the week at the Ivy Tree Inn, to be on hand with the actress, to get all the facts to compile her story. But right from the beginning, Ariadne begins to notice that there is something strange going on at the inn, and things only get more puzzling the longer she’s there. Before the week has even ended, she has a murder to contend with. But getting to the bottom of things might just put her in the crosshairs of the murderer. What happens here makes for a wonderfully intriguing read…
I can’t wait to see what Ariadne gets up to next. Bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ellen Butler!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 – 3.5 Stars
Whisper is the first book in The Entian Curse series by Kay Ross. I was drawn to this book by the fascinating cover, and then got hooked the moment I read the blurb. This is definitely a very original premise…. Ms. Ross had me at ‘sentient curse’…. but the story proved to be even more creative than I had even imagined, in a good way.
This story is brimming with imagination and creativity- pulling me into an interesting fantasy full of adventure, drama, emotion, sorcerers, magic, and complex characters, who continued to develop and grow over the course of the story.
Whisper is a sentient curse- who interacts with the world through inhabiting ‘hosts’…. But Whisper is so much more than a ‘simple’ curse- and as the story evolved, I couldn’t help but become fully invested in ‘it’ and all the developments.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kay Ross!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I missed the first book so I started this then stopped and read the first book and then re started this and man what a treat that was !
The first bit of the book was tough and I very nearly put it down but I’ve got a serious case of FOMO so I pushed through ( the life of a bookworm 🤷♀️🙈🥰📚)
Tommy and Angie were an item before he and his band hit the big time and I felt quite bad for her and then he still asks her not to weigh him down with guilt ?! What a chop !
Chapter 1 picks up 5 years later ….Angie is now married and Tommy has to reign in his thoughts at Calla and Ash’s wedding …..he let her get away …
Time and life moves on and Tommy is now a single dad to a real cutie named Ozzie but with a messy divorce looming over him and the band in a mess life isn’t fun at the moment .
Angie isn’t having it easy either and Tommy is a friend when she needs it most , I really kept my fingers crossed that they’d find their way to each other 🥰
All I can say is be prepared to time hop , keep your Kleenex on hand and make sure you have an ample supply of comfort food and drinks 🫣😉
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
In the vibrant Bay Area of San Francisco, Sheeba Varghese resides with her husband, Santosh, where they indulge in fine dining, embark on exciting adventures around the world, and cheer passionately for their beloved team, the Warriors. As the CEO & Founder of Defining Moments 365 LLC, she leads a coaching consultancy dedicated to leadership training and coaching. A defining moment in her life sparked a profound desire to create children’s books, fueled by her love for simplicity and her experiences raising her own children, now adults. Through her stories, she seeks to impart valuable lessons and spread joy to the younger generation of readers.
•*• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •*••*•
Click here to view the Book Trailer for You Are Not Here by Michael Albanese
A native of New York City, Michael grew up in Marietta, Georgia.
He loves poetry, coffee, basketball, and all expressions of art.
Michael lives and dreams in Atlanta with his wife, actress Wynn Everett, and their two daughters (and two cats).
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Spook Squad by Allan Evans
Author Allan Evans has been finding success of late. His debut novel, Abnormally Abbey, was published in 2020, and the follow-up, Class Clown, came out in 2022. Silent Night, a short story, was in the Haunted Yuletide anthology (2020) and a serial killer thriller, Killer Blonde (the first in this series), was published in 2021.
Son of famed jazz musician Doc Evans, Evans has written advertising and marketing for nearly two decades. A soccer coach, he can often be found on the field teaching kids about soccer and life. Evans lives in the Twin Cities.
Visit evanswriter.com to learn more.
Masquerade by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Liam Quinn and Kate Turner are both living double lives and both are part of a set of identical twins. Liam has an opportunity to make partner at his law firm but he must acquire a deal that requires confidentiality. That becomes hard when he discovers his estranged twins face is plastered on a lifesized billboard across the city. Making partner also requires him to return to practicing environmental law which brings haunting memories and heartbreak. Kate is a researcher but she moonlights as a romance author and she is about to be published. Her father is a well known playwright and despises the kind of novels she writes. Her ex-boyfriend made fun of her and then became her stalker. Her twin, well, she believes that Kate can be both well known yet anonymous and talks her into being on a billboard. These two get thrown together when Kate becomes Liam’s assistant. They come to spend a lot of time together and things start to heat up. Will they be able to put their pasts behind them and build a trusting, loving relationship?
Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Anna has promised reliable and affordable daycare to her co-workers. She found the ideal location and has negotiated an almost flawless lease for her employer, but someone is planning to disrupt the entire thing. Knowing his father’s plans, Hunter thwarts him by buying the building from under him. In the meantime he and Anna meet at a cocktail party where Anna reveals her childcare plan to him. He had already torn up the contract, which makes Anna mad, and it’s for good reason, but he surprises her with a new lease that has them working together. There is an attraction but Anna is not into one night stands and Hunter doesn’t want anything long term. They have undeniable chemistry and are working towards the same goals, even if they don’t see it at first. Will they be able to get along and realize they can be each other’s happily ever after?
Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book three in this cozy mystery for young readers will keep you guessing who’s the thief and what happened to the trophy. There is minimal illustrations but they’re of the characters in the book. This story chapter book has 10 chapters and plenty of resources at the end for classroom learning. Each chapter has ELA and Math curriculum-aligned resources for each chapter. It make a great learning to for class.
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oooo, this one will sneak up on you. While this is the first book, I have read by Bree M. Lewandowski I can promise its just the beginning of a beautiful future. This is a slow burn but is a mix of so many things in one, fantasy, romance, some spice, and of course mystery and so much more.
Petra goes to the royal city for one purpose and one purpose only, to discover the truth about her brother’s sudden death and clear his name so that his memory can be free. Things don’t start out the greatest but one moment of breaking the rules to get some fresh air and sit upright sets everything in motion. In one night, she is suddenly in the courier robes she had been working towards, delivers not one but two scrolls, given two rewards and meets the captivating Captain Rand. She adds vows to herself for things such she wants to achieve, such as getting her friend Winfred out of the washing house and away from the “Pod”. When an ancient incantation links Petra and Rand’s fates together everything begins to shift.
Who is responsible for her brother’s death? What does her fate with Rand mean for them? The slow beginning builds up so much of the world and where Petra enters it. Going through her integration into the Cloistered City and trying to rise while searching for answers. The sudden end made my heart drop and my soul weep a little as I wanted more. No, I need more. Sending out all the good vibes into the universe that Bree will make this at least a duology to give us more, to answer the questions left in our minds and to see how Petra and Rand evolve after what’s happened.
Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hockey Player Niko is focused on his career and his young daughter. The biggest issue in his life right now is his ex who keeps playing games with their custody arrangement. When he meets Chloe at a bar, he tries to ignore her but her unusual banter has them embracing in an unforgettable kiss. Little does he know she is the coaches daughter. Trying to focus on his daughter, he doesn’t want to explore anything with Chloe but when she agrees to be his nanny it becomes even more difficult to stay away from her? Could it be fate throwing them together or will they ignore the signs?
This was so much fun. The first chapter draws you in right away, such a great series that keeps getting better. I felt for Niko, he is trying to do right by his daughter. Chloe is amazing, loved her character.
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I’m always looking for new books to read with my kiddos so we gave it a shot. I’m beyond happy that I picked it up because it is fabulous! The illustrations are fun, vivid, and eye-catching. They helped hold my youngest kiddos attention really well as he tends to wander. We get to learn about Donut, who has been sad since her best friend moved away. She notices a neighbor squirrel, Peanut, and wonders if they can be friends. Every time she tries to start a conversation, the squirrel doesn’t give her a chance and just runs away. Bobo the Bluebird comes by to give Donut some sage advice and it is so good that it might be enough to turn everything around! This book sparked some beautiful conversations around behavior and how perception changes from person to person. I truly loved the information about Social Emotion Learning in the back of the book because it is very helpful. This is a cute and educational addition to your library!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read the previous two novels in this series and definitely felt the need to continue onto the next one. For readers who enjoy clean romance involvements, relatable characters and small country town vibes, this book and series is the right fit for you! I love reading the romantic connections in the past novels so I was looking forward to seeing which characters were involved in this third installment and how their story aligns in this small Montana town. Joe, a local teacher and historian, has a liking for everyone in Herd except for Abby.Abby owns a food truck and has been hiding a secret and time is ticking in making a major life decision. A love/hate relationship emerges between Abby and Joe but with Abby’s secret, it can either make it or destroy what they have. One thing I admired about this couple is the awkwardness that something comes into play where things need to be dealt with and not ignored. Those moments where it can make or break the relationship. Characters show their true colors to test whether this is what they want for their future.
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author became a quick favorite in our household, so I get excited any time I see a new book from them. We also absolutely adore Halloween which meant we jumped for joy when we saw this story! Gadrella loves being a witch, but she’s tired of everything staying the same. The black hats, black cats, and broom are all starting to be a little too boring. She decides that she is going to follow her instincts and wear what she loves even if it is out of the ordinary. The underlying messages throughout the story are beautiful, encouraging the reader to embrace what makes them different and trust themselves. Gadrella decides to show her friends these changes, but how will they react? I also loved the illustrations which added a spunky and fun layer to an already wonderful book. This would make a beautiful addition to any home, school, or classroom library!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
It’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What are you best at? Several friends investigate this question in this very inspiring read. One might not find a way to walk on lava but how about helping someone tie their shoes? That would show a kindness that is rarely found these days.
This is a great read but I do disagree with the last two pages of this book. I do not believe that everyone deserves a trophy in life. Other than that, this was a very enjoyable read.
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler is an intriguing, attention stealing murder mystery, and the first book in the Ariadne Winters Mystery Series. Set in the late 50’s, following a up and coming journalist named Ariadne. There’s plenty of characters and their different POV’s, and if you aren’t paying attention those twists will throw you for such a loop! I genuinely enjoyed putting this mystery together, and I greatly look forward to reading more from Ellen!
The Man Who Dealt in Death by Marlena Frank
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first venture into this author’s work, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The cover looked intriguing, so I took a shot and picked it up. It was absolutely marvelous! It is the first book in the Colten Fen series, and it really started off incredibly strong. I enjoy everything paranormal which made this werewolf detective story perfect for me! It felt like the author kept closer to the werewolf lore as well which gained quite the brownie points. The story flows flawlessly as the characters develop at a very natural pace. The setting is richly crafted as the author skillfully merges the eerie allure of the supernatural with the rugged reality of 1893. The descriptions are vivid, pulling readers into the strange world where the mundane collides with the magical in unsettling ways. The trio consist of Mary, Colten, and Rennick who complement each other well with their witty bantering and entertaining bickering. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a world that is both familiar and astonishingly new. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The South Seas Shenanigans is the fourth book in 1930’s Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery series. This fun historical cozy mystery sees our amateur sleuth Sparky embroiled in another adventure.
I’ve said it before with the other books in this series but will say it again, Rosalind’s descriptive narrative paints a vivid picture of the life and times and makes it easy for us as readers to see come to life.
Sparky has had many adventures that have always led to mischief, mayhem and murder and this time it is no different except she has decided to stow away on a ship and her friends are nowhere in sight. When Sparky is discovered, she comes face to face with a group of disgruntled ex-silent movie actors anyone of which could be a killer.
Let the fun begin.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Masquerade by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Double the trouble is what you find in this wonderful women’s fiction story and contemporary romance. With two sets of identical twins what could go wrong? Jennifer Raines unique stories come to life with original and refreshing storylines.
This is Kate and Liam’s compelling emotional journey. Secrets and lies hurt and these two are no strangers. The couple faces various challenges that they must overcome to be together as they learn to trust again and slowly begin to heal. Although Kate is living a double life research assistant by day, sexy romance author by night.
Masquerade has a bit of everything from fear and angst, passion and compassion, love and loyalty and some humour and more will keep you glued to the pages.
Jennifer gives just the right balance of humour and heart in this heartwarming tale of friendship, family, love and healing. Although I have read a few of her books I look forward to reding even more.
Reviewed by @jennadb