Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a cute little adventure! I love reading with my kiddos so I love a good childrens book! They loved this. Amazing illustrations and all around a cute read. Me and my kiddos are a huge fan of this author.
Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good twisty story! I enjoyed this one because it doesn’t hide too much but still is intriguing and kept me turning pages to find out exactly how everything went down. The author does an excellent job telling this one. It is told from different characters POV so its not all about Logan.
I really liked the content in here. Crabbing and boating is interesting to me and the author does a wonderful job keeping my interest. I feel this is the best in the series and can be read as a stand alone.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute little story. I really like this series about Caspian and his unbirthday presents. I like the relationship between Caspian and his grandfather, it is so full of love. I recommend this series to anyone with children who have an imagination and who love to read.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a good story that held my interest. I enjoyed the characters and the whole “who dunnit”. I did struggle a bit near the end as either it slowed or I just became distracted. I did like the whole raptor center parts of the story. Very cool! I look forward to the next in the series.
Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fatal Legislation is Book Two in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This is a cozy mystery set in the world of politics. It has action, adventure, murder, drama, danger, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Karina is off sleuthing once again as she tries to solve the murder of a senator. A bit of a tricky situation for her as she is also a person of interest in the case. She also has a budding relationship with her old college friend Mike, whom she became reunited with in Book One. Karina is determined to clear her name and delves deep into the case digging for clues as to who the real murderer is. The story takes some twists and turns as the tension builds. A great storyline with admirable characters. Karin is smart, class, courageous, and feisty. I look forward to book three.
Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isabella’s Painting is Book One in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries Series. This book is cozy mystery that centers around the character of Karina Cardinal. Karina is a lawyer and lobbyist working on Capitol Hill. who fancies herself as an amateur sleuth in her spare time. When she goes to a fancy dinner party at the home of her boyfriend’s wealthy parents, she spots something that seems a bit odd. In her boyfriend’s father’s library, she sees what looks like the stolen masterpiece that had been robbed from a museum. Having only caught a glimpse of the painting before it disappeared behind a secret hidden panel Karina is uncertain if this is indeed the stolen masterpiece worth millions of dollars. She wants to investigate farther but is conflicted because not only is this her boyfriend’s wealthy father, but anyone that encounters the painting dies a horrible death. With her every move being monitored, Karina is unsure what to do. A wonderfully written story with an intriguing storyline based on a true event. The character of Karina is smart, strong, independent, determined, and feisty. I look forward to reading book number two.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It is Caspian’s Unbirthday once again, but this time Caspian knows what he would like and so he asks for a bicycle, but his Grandpa says that his Unbirthday present is always a surprise and unexpected, so when Caspian wakes up to find an envelope of Baking Up Dust, he wonders if he can bake a bicycle!
Will Caspian and his grandpa be able to use his Unbirthday present to bake a bicycle, or will it all blow away before he has a chance to even try? This is another fun filled story with plenty of enchantment and magic for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rusty, his grandpa and the rest of the household return and this time it is Christmas time, and everyone is thinking about presents and what to get for each other, but Rusty isn’t sure what he can get, but he knows it must be special.
One day, Rusty gets to go to the strip mall and when he gets there, he is super excited to see a Christmas themed carousel in the central area, so he immediately thinks of the adventures he had with his grandpa on one and heads straight over to see whether he can talk to the animals on this one as well and believe it or not, he can!
As his excitement grows, Rusty is determined to ride the carousel and find the perfect gifts for his family, but unfortunately, this carousel costs money, so as he starts completing jobs for his neighbours, he saves up his money for rides and gifts. As he rides the different animals, what adventures will Rusty go on this time and will he still find the time to work out what the perfect gift is, or will he ignore the lessons and miss out on the true meaning of Christmas altogether? This is yet another wonderful addition to this series of whimsical adventures and meaningful conversations.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love dystopian books and this one did not disappoint. The author did an excellent job of world building. I could picture everything like I was there. Lexi’s character is so close to what I would be like. She is 17 and about to take a test that will determine her future. Her job, her home and her husband will all be decided for her, based on her test results. She knows what she is qualified for, but she doesn’t want a boring life and she sure doesn’t want them to pick a husband for her! If she blows the test, there will be consequences. This was a quick read for me. I read it in two afternoons and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens! If you enjoy any of the other dystopian books, please give this one a chance as well. You won’t be disappointed!
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rise of The Y is Book One in The Y Chronicles. It is a YA post apocalyptic dystopian novel full of adventure, danger, secrets, and a quest to find the truth. It is set in a world where food has been turned into bland bars because humans are considered too wasteful. Decisions on who to have as your mate, what job you have, and where you live are made for you. These decisions are based on tests and genetics. The story centers around a young girl named Lexi who refuses to live her life under a dictatorship and decides to rebel. She is strong, smart, courageous, and pigheaded to a fault as she does what she wants. An intriguing storyline with interesting characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and see where the story goes.
Rise of the Y by Angela D. Shelton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lexi is a young woman of seventeen who lives with her parents and maternal grandparents in the Administration building in the Imperium, a place where order is maintained by a ruling class with a lot of very stringent rules. On her seventeenth birthday, Lexi is to take the mandatory aptitude test and be given her final career, as well as her new living quarters and the name of her mate after a few days.
Lexi has dreams of working anywhere but where her parents do and she has a plan of how she is going to get there, but as with some plans, this one doesn’t quite work out the way she hoped, but she isn’t mad, however, her father is. As she prepares to forge her own path, tragedy strikes and she loses nearly everything and what she doesn’t lose directly, she loses later on, but instead she finds a family secret, links to a rebellious faction called the Y and this calls to the rebel in her and she has to find out more.
This is where Lexi begins to tread a dangerous path, in public, she is a pure example of the Imperium, working hard at her job, getting married, living with her mate and hopefully having the big family the Imperium dreams of, however, in the shadows, she becomes further engaged in the under the radar workings of Y.
Can Lexi continue to live this double life and work out who in the tangled web of her life she can trust, or will she bring tragedy down on herself and those around her? This is an unpredictable story of loyalty and rebellion, where trust is hard to find and loyalty even harder, as danger watches from the shadows while foundations crumble below a totalitarian society in danger of falling into the worst nightmare of their own creation.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As always with this wonderful children’s author the story is captivating and interesting for all who read it regardless of age. I mean what would you think if one rainy day other things fell from the sky instead of rain?? This author always makes you think about so many different fun and creative possibilities.
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m so glad I got to revisit some of my favorite characters, in what has quickly become one of my favorite reading genres. Readers will learn how new societies form. What are the responsibilities of a new government? What so-called freedoms are people willing to give up, and what will they receive in return? All these issues and more, are explored within this futuristic tale.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Rise of the Y” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1698967677l/199686899._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199686899-rise-of-the-y”>Rise of the Y</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22398772.Angela_D_Shelton”>Angela D. Shelton</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6012236870″>3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
3.5/5 Stars<br /><br />I found this YA novel set in a world on the brink of revolution very interesting. The author excellently portrayed the realm of Imperium, vividly portraying its intricate color-caste systems. While the plot kept me engaged, I kept hoping for more character development and relationship building between the characters. The strength of this story lies in its exceptional world-building, allowing readers to envision the world of Imperium. Despite some predictability, my overall experience was enjoyable and I especially liked foundation for the revolution within the story which parallels many contemporary issues in our world today. I look forward to reading more in this series.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lots of emotions will be stirred while reading this book and you will definitely not be disappointed. Eli and Austin are wonderful characters who I bonded with and so wanted to see happy after all they had dealt with. Both characters have a lot to work through from past hurts that is for sure! The Evergreens, Eli’s family, were quirky and I loved that. I look forward to exploring more of this wonderful authors work.
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do like a change in genre once in a while and I really do enjoy this author’s world she has created. I like to venture into dystopian worlds to widen my reading horizons. The author is able to bring the characters to life and really has a well balanced story. I like how the drama and adventure are well balanced. The characters often have great chemistry and there is always a well built up story to go along. I like how this being the second book I have read in this series has a good flow from the first and has left me wanting more. It had me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more from this series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol. This is such a fun story with educational value as well. Its perfect for kids aged 3-8. My 5 year old nephew Miles loved it. Its the story of Ben who has entered the baking contest 3 years in a row and came in second each time. He is determined to figure out a way to make a better recipe than before. He has to beat his friend Sofia because she has won 3 times in a row. This sweet book teaches, perseverance, patience and determination. The pictures are beautiful and there is a great recipe for biscuits as well. Would make a great gift for the child in your life!
Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
What a fantastic conclusion to this series. After reading the previous two books, I could not wait to get my hands on this one. As soon as it hit my kindle I just had to find out his things would end.
This book is easy my favourite of them all. It was exciting to read and had so much going on. It felt like i went on the journey with the characters. I loved watching hing them all drvelop over the course of the series and was desperate to know what the author had in store for them all. This is a fantastic book and a brilliant series.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has been yet another hit by this author in our household. My kids very v so excited now when I tell them we have a new one of her books to read. Personally I think n this has got too be one if my favourites, mainly because baking b is something I do with the kids. Watching caspian navigate this particular journey was heartwarming.
The illustrations are engaging and really bring the story to life. This is a fun and interesting book that was a joy for us all.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom. This is the 7th installment in the Invisible Magic Wand Series and my family and I love them. Lois Wickstrom is our favorite children’s author. My nephews 5 and 10 love all of her books. This story is about Caspian asking his Grandfather for a bicycle for his unbirthday but Grandpa has to explain to him that whatever you ask for may not be exactly what you want because on your unbirthday its never the exact thing you ask for. When Caspian receives a box of baking up dust he figures he needs to bake a bicycle. Read this fun book to find out if Caspian really receives his bicycle! Such a great children’s book and would make a wonderful gift!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren. This is another holiday romance but this one is of the M/M genre. Its the story of Elijah who is a romance writer and very successful until his heart get shattered and he has the worse case of writers block he’s ever had. Elijah normally hates writers retreats and being social but thinks if he attends the retreat at the Enchanted Juniper Resort he may break through his block. Enter Austin who has just landed his perfect job of head chef at the resort and he is on cloud nine. He gets free rent plus beautiful scenery but the only problem is its mostly couples here and he gets very lonely especially since its the holidays. When he and Elijah meet sparks don’t fly but he and Austin hatch a plan because Elijah has no house so they agree to pretend to be a couple so he can stay with Austin until the end of the year. The only problem is love has no pretend clause. Feelings get involved and they become more than pretend. Will they be able to get past their past and make it work? Read this fun story to find out!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dark Moon Secrets is a paranormal romance by Lilliana Rose. We follow Tanjie and Alaric in this story. Tanjie is an orphaned young woman. She lives on her own in an apartment bought after her parents died. Alaric is the alpha of shifters and he hates witches. When they are brought together we get a fun and adventurous enemies-to-lovers story. The story is well-written. The world-building is cool. The characters are well-written. I love the relationship that Tanjie has with Caleb and Mia. I also really liked the chemistry between Tanjie and Alaric. I had a lot of fun reading this story.
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an enjoyable read. It is a MM Romance which was sweet and engaging and at times heartbreaking because both of our main characters have pasts and demons that they are trying to work through. The author does an amazing job of writing about the after effects of an emotionally abusive relationship and how the pain still lingers and affects your life after the relationship has ended.
This is Austin and Elijah’s story. Elijah is a writer who is suffering a writers block. After his last book beared his soul about his past relationship with his narcissistic ex it has left him feeling vulnerable and exposed. So to help with this block he goes on a writers retreat in the hopes that a change of scenery will help. And that’s where he meets Chef Austin.
This is a story of overcoming pain and learning to love again in a healthy way. We join Austin and Elijah as they navigate these new feelings all the while trying to overcome their own demons. Their road isn’t easy and there is plenty of pain and and suffering along the way but one thing is clear is their desire and longing to be together. With the added twist of their fake relationship for Elijah’s family, it just shows them how wonderful things could be. But does it have a chance to actually succeed in real life instead of being a fantasy.
This book is beautifully written. You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and I desperately wanted them to find the love they truelly deserved but will they be able to overcome all the obstacles in their past and the ones in their future to stand any chance of finding it?
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Orenda is the second book in the Latitude Series, which follows on from Antipodes. I’d recommend reading the Antipodes series first for the full backstory of the world the stories are set in, but you could jump in at The 45th Parallel which begins this next generation of the story.
This is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series that draws on mythology and traditional beliefs from around the world to inform a rich and widespread world of connected communities. As the story passes to a new generation, there is a focus on rebuilding the world and making decisions that will set it on a positive course for the future.
I really enjoy this series, and Antipodes, for the way it takes readers to all kinds of interesting places. The author describes these places in great and loving detail, which transports the reader to the place! In Orenda, it’s particularly fun discovering new places through Gio’s eyes who hasn’t spent his life travelling as Caitlin has.
This book gets five stars from me! I’m looking forward to reading more from this world.
Dangerous Rhythm by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fourth book in this series. This is a series that keeps getting better and better with each book. I highly suggest reading the previous books as well to help your enhancement of this author’s writing skills. They can be read as a standalone but they are really enjoyable stories you don’t want to miss. This is a well written story where the author used details to make the story come to life on each page. The characters are connectable, engaging and they certainly bring romance. A story about getting caught between duty and love. Which one will win? Could it be that both situations are a win? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world from the start. They have great attraction and growth throughout the story. A fast paced story that is not only hard to put down but also engaging to the end. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoy reading this author’s children’s books from the first one I picked up. They are colorful, creative and unique. This one is no different. This is an interactive story about Capsian and the bicycle that he wants. When he opens the box, what he found is not what he expected. I enjoy how his story is brought to life with the colorful pages. The illustrations just add to the story. This is a great story for any child and will want to read it over and over. I highly recommend this child’s book.
Review by @bjwagner
SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What has Logan gotten herself into this time. A short family trip to the Oregon coast has gone terribly wrong, and Logan is once again in the middle of it. Spending time with her family is exactly what Logan and her family need, a week away at a friend’s cabin. While they are vacationing, a murder occurs and in true Logan style she is now a part of the investigation. Another wonderful murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat right to the very end.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom is a favorite author in our family with her original stories that often help you learn without realizing it whether it be dealing with everyday issues or science properties like in her mermaid series. She also has some amazing illustrators that do phenomenal work making the stories come alive for the reader to see.
Baking a Bicycle is the seventh book in the Invisible Magic Wand Series about Caspian and the unusual presents he gets from his grandfather for his unbirthday. In this installment Caspian asked Grandpa for a bicycle, but Grandpa tells him if he gets one for his unbirthday it won’t be an ordinary bicycle, because unbirthday gifts are supposed to be different than regular birthday gifts. The day if his unbirthday arrives and the adventures begins! Will Caspian get a bicycle and if so what kind will it be?
Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This set of books was so different for me, but I have loved EVERY SINGLE ONE so far! This is a sequel to another book (The 45th Parallel), but it is also an extension of another set (The Antipodes series). Which was also AMAZING!!! You really have to read the previous books, because there is SO MUCH information you will miss. They connect with this book so you will be lost in many ways. You COULD read it and kind of follow along, but just read the others first!! You will not regret it! Just trust me on this! I found myself lost in these stories. Rooting for certain characters and not liking a couple. Feeling heartbroken for some and wanting to reach into the book and hit an idiot or two. Hehe. The worlds that are created in these book are amazing and really make you think about the possibilities of something like this truly happening. You can just see it all in your mind unfolding. This would be a WONDERFUL show/movies series in my opinion! A virus has wiped out the planet. It’s in the water and kills everything it comes in contact with. Plants, animals, and humans aren’t safe. Scientists and the government came up with a plan to save as many people as they could by setting up bio-domes around the world (you learn about all this in the first series of books). Yes! So interesting right?!?! You HAVE to read these sets!! Both of them!! In this book, Caitlin and her new husband Gio travel to Canada to become new ambassadors for the ACC (Association of Collective Communities). The ACC tries to bridge the gap between communities (not at all easy!), come up with solutions to any problems that may arise (there are SO many!), and offer new opportunities that will benefit all the communities AND all the generations to come (can you even imagine!!). Keeping everyone safe from the virus. but also still growing and thriving is a hard battle, especially when space is so limited! Caitlin proves herself in many ways and is respected by her people. She helps where she can, gives everyone new ideas, and helps make things more efficient. All great for a new leader. But as she builds her family with her husband an old enemy comes along and threatens everything!! Their security, their loyalties, and their lives. You will not want to put this book down! I don’t want to give anything away, but man oh man will this have you on your toes and gripped into your seat. Tragedy strikes (again!), revenge comes about (ugh. again!!), and everything they’ve worked so hard for could be destroyed (again!). The world ended guys! Can’t we just get along! The future looks bleak bleak bleak! I am not at all sad to say that I stayed up a little tiny bit to late, so I could finish this book. LOL! I can’t wait to read more from this author. I am so invested in these characters and world!!
Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sometimes there are books that will drop a nugget of inspiration, an ah ha moment, the exact right feeling at the exact right time. Arriving Home had such a nugget for me:
“Reminding myself how small we are in the expanse of the universe, sometimes it helps calm my overactive mind. Other times, it reminds me how it is all bullshit. Because I’m living and breathing in this moment, and I don’t need to minimize how a situation feels to me. I’m allowed to feel it” -Elijah
This MM story is a hope for love. The romance is sweet, sexy and just what every holiday needs. A quick and easy read, this book takes you to a winter wonderland resort for writers. Picture perfect settings are bound to inspire some romance for writer Elijah, who is coming off an abusive relationship, is having a writer’s block and is wondering if true love exists. The perfect storm. Austin on the other hand is the head chef at the resort and loves love but believes he will never find it. Sure they both enjoy sex but they both also are dreaming, yet unsure of, finding love. The two form a bond almost instantly but this author gives it a slow burn covered by pretending to be boyfriends. We all know that never works out like the characters think it will.
Recommend this book and this author.
