Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this installment of this series. Makayla’s continuing adventure as she navigates the magical world and the issues in that world is very intriguing. The author has created a really interesting world and a story that keeps me interested in how it will evolve. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
4 out of 5 stars
Here we are again with the fun story of the GDA. Makayla is on her 4th year and many things are changing. I think this one has been my favorite book of the series so far. I can’t wait to read the next book. This book has given me such a fun time. Definitely recommend this series.
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
4 out of 5 stars
GDA is the third book in the series. Is best to read the books In order to be able to follow the story line. The characters are so much fun and different from what I expected. The way that magic is portrait is so different from what I’m use to see. I think this books are really good and definitely worth your time.
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This has been a really incredible amazing YA paranormal fantasy series. When Makayla is back at school things are what they use to be, teachers and students a like are missing, and the way things were done are not the way they are now. Makayla decides to figure out what is going on and along the way makes new friends and learns new things. I love how the story just flows together and is easy to follow just like the others. I do believe that if you want to you could read all the books by themselves, but it would be more beneficial to start from the beginning. Makayla has been an amazing character and has really grown in the books, and really takes a leadership like lead. This book like all the others is filled with action, mystery, the supernatural, wonderful quirky characters, dramatic developments, tension, intrigue, danger, and plenty of twists and turns.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My 4 year old like it! Especially the idea of an unbirthday present. The illustrations were cute and colorful. My son loves baking and now wants to also bake cookies into the shapes of his toys. It was filled with lots of imagination. We’ll be checking more books out by this author.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve said it about every one of these books so far. I love them. Yes, it’s young adult but this author knows how to keep you interested and coming back for more. I can’t wait to read book 5.
Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thought this was a great tool to use. It was colorful, fun, great pictures and the kids loved it. Which is a big plus. The kids didn’t see it as a learning tool but more
Of a fun book / game. As a nanny to pre school aged kids, I give this 5 stars.
review by @xchellex
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It’s a great book if you’re looking for a cozy mystery, with ghostly escapades that’ll make you crave gelato.
I loved the great-great-aunt/niece relationship. They made me laugh. Adriana likes to stir up trouble and play match maker. The witnesses in the book were surprising.
I recommend it for anyone who wants to solve murder and take a ride through Italy with a ghostly companion by their side.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy 4 is the next part of the series by C.A. King. I am loving this series so far, cannot wait for part 5 already. This book is the continuation of Makayla’s story, she is back at school for her 4th year but she is not sure who she can trust. The school has changed so much, new staff, new students and new dangers. Makayla has to work our who is on her side before she takes her next step, with a little help from her relatives. This is such a fun series, I hate having to wait on the next book. I need to know how it will end.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was not my normal go-to kind of story, but I really did enjoy it. Ebun and Noah are very likeable characters. I wish I would have understood her family issues more from the beginning. I felt a little lost as to why she was in danger. But over all this was a very good book about chance meetings and fate. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a good weekend love story.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Makayla returns for a fourth year at the Grave Digger Academy, but as soon as she arrives, something is different, there have been some repairs made to the building, but they are only half finished and unfortunately, that can mean only one thing, the rumours she heard over the summer about the Academy are true, but not only that, the loneliness she felt, even though she was surrounded by family is going to continue this year as well. This is confirmed as soon as she walks into the dining hall where the students and teachers are gathered, she can see that they are all staring daggers at her and nobody wants her to sit with them, not even her friends, or at least the ones who are actually there.
This isn’t the only change, classes and teachers are different as well, Makayla is hoping that they will learn something useful this year, but that loneliness comes back when she realises that she cannot summon her helpers again, another drawback to the new changes. There are, however, some positive things for Makayla to look forward to, possible forging a new friendship, answers to her questions and the ability to follow her dreams so that she is able to achieve her goals and make these possibilities, realities.
As usual, things do not go quite to plan for Makayla and her group, but while she is finding the answers she needs, she knows she is being observed and that means that danger is always on the horizon, but can Makayla achieve the answers to her questions and reconnect with her past, so that she can live through the present? This is yet another fantasy adventure across graveyards, both new and forgotten, as well as twists and turns between magical travels and enchanting places.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A rainy Saturday read for me – it was fun. I enjoyed the characters in this story -Karina taking care of her Gigi’s cafe, searching for her lost journal, keeping her cousin in check… it is a mystery waiting to be solved. I loved the small town feel of this novel and the many people that we meet along the way.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this cute story about the wind and rain. This is an author that I have enjoyed every children’s book I have read by her. This is a story about how the wind empty’s the lake of fish and frogs. Just when you thought the wind could hold no more, it started raining. No, not the rain you are used to. This rain is full of fish and frogs. This is such a cute story with cute characters. There is great growth that adds to the story’s entertainment. I also enjoyed the illustrations that told a story without even reading the words. The pages are engaging and a story any child would enjoy reading. I highly recommend this child’s book.
Review by @bjwagner
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263327-quick-affirmations-for-children” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668007112l/63263327._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63263327-quick-affirmations-for-children”>Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19122075.Kim_Ann”>Kim Ann</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5988662845″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a beautifully illustrated ABC book of children’s affirmations.It develops a positive sense of self along with the vocabulary to go with it! This would make a great gift for a young child. At the end of the book there are extra pages to write your own affirmations.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/867231-tanya”>View all my reviews</a>
Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a children’s author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I was excited to see a new children’s book for me to read. Luna is a husky who finds her voice inside herself. She is such a great character. We have seen her in other books by this author which is great to see her with her own book. This is not only a great story but the learning aspect part of the story adds to the story. I enjoyed the colorful illustrations on each page. They are interactive and will keep your child engaged to the end. This is a great children’s story that any child would enjoy reading. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s Caspian’s un-birthday which means something special will happen. This series of book always has a fun twist and an exciting adventure. This one isn’t any different. Caspian gets to make a bike by baking the pieces – one by one. What I love best, is that Caspian and his grandfather make so many memories together through their magic adventures.
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a great fantasy/ paranormal book with witches and shifters, I was excited to read this book. This is the beginning of the second series I have read from this author and was not disappointed at all.
Tanjie is a regular young woman living life with her friends after the death of her parents. She is happy with life and doesn’t want to entertain the lifestyle her parents had wanted to teach her. When her sweet neighbor passes away suddenly, her life gets turned upside down with the bookstore she inherits.
This is a forbidden love story that will cause problems for a witch and a shifter falling for eachother. A suspenseful and intriguing read. Bring on book 2
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose- 5 out of 5 stars
First book in this series and first book I have read from this author. I am not disappointed, in fact I can not wait to read more. I loved the character development and the relationship development was on point. This auther drew me in with the beautiful cover but kept me captivated with the story. I highly recommend checking this one out.
Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging romance which kept me happily turning the pages. When Noah and Kate (Ebun) first meet for Noah it’s a coincidence, the second time it’s chance and the third is kismet. For Ebun, the first time he was her light during a dark time, the second he rescued her but they didn’t swap numbers, and thirdly she blew it. The fourth time they are both determined to stay together, but Ebun has secrets. A heartwarming romance with two likeable and relatable characters in Noah and Ebun. I loved how their relationship developed throughout the story and how their multicultural differences were part of the storyline.
Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is great for helping kids who are struggling with worry and other difficult feelings. I have shared this book with my children who all have struggles with school and stress. The art work is interesting and shows a wide range of ethnicities while being bright and good conversation starters. I would highly recommend this book for any young child who is struggling. This book is meant for younger children, around elementary age, and in my opinion would be helpful and useful within a classroom environment.
Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really sweet romance. I loved the whole idea of the main characters meeting at a young age and knowing they would be together even though they had no clue who the other person was or if they would ever see each other again. But fate and destiny had a plan for them and as their paths continue to cross they finally give into fate.
However the path to their happy ever after isn’t a smooth ride there is a lot against them. From them both being from different cultures, to betrayals, danger and secrets that could tear them apart before they have a chance of letting their love grow.
This book is a great read and I couldn’t put it down. I loved how they kept finding their way back to each other despite their circumstances and obstacles in their way. The connection between Noah and Ebun was beautifully written from the first time they met you could feel the affection and the fact that they cared for each other even as strangers.
I also loved the detail that the author puts into describing the culture differences. It was a beautiful insight into another’s culture and gives the reader a greater understanding of a culture they may no little about.
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As someone who considers her reading tastes to be quite versatile this book hit all the points for me! I so so so enjoy paranormal books and especially ghosts with spunk. This was a perfect novel to read by the pool in sunny Mexico. The author wrote this so smoothly and I enjoyed the twists and turns that kept me wholly consuming it! The characters were a hoot and I fell in love with them so fast! I did not read the first in the series but am Definitely going back to read it before continuing on!!
The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had me wanting to hop on a flight to Australia for a Christmas Holiday. Lizzie and Jaz are a fun and lovable pair that had me rooting for them from the start. From their unexpected meeting courtesy of Lachlan’s football, to navigating a holiday fling between a newly unemployed woman from London and a surfing single dad in Australia, can their two worlds collide (literally) and survive? Read this fantastic book to find out. The Christmas Escape is a quick read, but is sure to capture your heart immediately.
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley
Where the Ocean Meets the Sky is a second chance Romance that will take you on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written. Their style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters make for a wonderful story. This is a fast-paced story that is hard to put down. Can one summer really change everything ? I fear I might give something away im going to say I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Themes of Kismet: A multicultural meet cute romance by A. Akinosho is exactly what it claims. The story follows Noah and Ebun over 15 years of love and loss. An accidental meeting in an airport bookstore is love at first sight. Although they are children, and have no idea how to contact each other, both Noah and Ebun feel the spark. Chance meetings happen again and again until the two truly connect.
The story is told from different points of view and is easy to follow. Not really knowing the cultures spoken of in this book, I found parts hard to understand but the story itself speaks of destiny in love.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
“The first new teacher of the year reared his ugly face. Mr. Ogre looked much the same as storybooks described a male of the fantasy species his name implied. Inhumanly sized both in height and weight. Check. A disproportionately large head. Check. An abundant amount of greasy hair, a fat, round nose, thick eyebrows, and protruding lower jaw. Check, check, check, and check. Of course, he could have been a Neanderthal. Somehow she doubted her new teacher was the missing link to anything though. An actual ogre was more likely, especially given the stench which accompanied him. Curdled milk. Yuck! A growl accompanied a loud belch. “Take your seats. Ahem.” He tugged at the loose skin on his neck. “Ahem. You.” He pointed with a fat finger at a girl in the front row of seats. “Fetch me some water.” A second belch blew her hair straight back. “Quickly.” The girl did as requested. Anyone in the class would have. They all knew what came after burps like that. Stinky gas was one thing. Vomit was another. There’d be a crowd in the sick room if their teacher upchucked on all his students.”
Grave Digger Academy IV is the fourth engrossing story in the Grave Digger Academy series by the talented C.A. King. It follows on from the previous three Grave Digger Academy stories and continues the adventures of Makayla and all the intriguing events at the mysterious Grave Digger Academy.
As we previously discovered, Makayla didn’t really want to attend Grave Digger Academy, at all, but has since had plenty of intriguing and testing adventures. There’s always more to Grave Digger Academy than expected. And in this instalment, Makayla will face some big changes, and more challenges, while also unearthing a few discoveries – about her world, the Academy, and herself – along the way. Welcome to the fourth year of Grave Digger Academy!
As expected, this is a wonderful addition to the series, and with the rest of the series- it is a superbly crafted paranormal fantasy with plenty of adventure, action, mystery, magic, the supernatural, wonderful quirky characters, dramatic developments, tension, intrigue, danger, and clever twists and turns.
Although this is a short story, it has the impact of a much longer novel- which I love. I can’t wait for more. Bring on Book #5!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, C.A King!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First time reading a story by this awesome author, L.R Liverpool. Although M/M isn’t my usual go-to subject to read, but after reading the rest of the synopsis I just had to give it a try. It really peaked my interest 🥰. This was a slow burn read at first but then picks after a couple chapters. Sticking with it will not disappoint in the least. The storytelling was soo good and the characters were built extremely well. I really enjoyed the western theme to it, which is a new topic to me.this book has mystery, suspense ,adventure, action,and romance that will keep you intrigued to the very end, speaking of endings, OMG the feels you feel them all! If you’re on the fence about trying this book, I would definitely recommend reading it! 🥰 I look forward to reading more of L.R. Liverpool work !
The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she has me hooked. I love a good paranormal romance but this one had an amazing twist. I love that this was a short story and it was also in dual pov. I could not help but to fall in love with both characters in this book. I could not put this book down so I read it all the way through. I can’t wait to read some more books from this awesome author.
Lucifer is now in town and he keeps on hearing rumors of the Eden Manor. His friends tell him to stay but he wants to get to the bottom of it. They are only rumors. When Lucifer goes into the manor he sees something very strange but he is almost caught getting out. He doesn’t realize that Mordecai was watching his move and now he wants to make him pay for trespassing. Will Lucifer find out what is really going on in the manor or will he become one of the rumors?
review by @heatherbass
I’ve read Magic-Scars and the entire Crown of Stones Trilogy before but wanted to enjoy the book again; this time in audiobook format.
The narrator, Jonathan Ricardo, brings the voice of Ian Troy to life. The intensity of the book increases from listening versus reading it ten fold. I loved the pacing and cadence of his voice, he portrays Ian perfectly.
Magic-Scars starts two and a half year after Magic-Price (the first book) ends. Ian Troy gets rescued from the mines and has no memory due to Draken drugging him. He has been tortured and forced to do heinous acts. As he slowly gets his terrible memories back bit by bit, he must forgive himself again for the death and loss of those around him. He doesn’t know who to trust or how he acted before and is going solely by instinct. Join Ian on his journey to rediscover his past and to right the present.
This audiobook is only meant for adults due to the graphic scenes, including sex. I loved this book even more than the first book due to feeling a great connection to Troy from the loss of his memories. He keeps trying to do what he believes is right and protect those around him while trying to break the mold he was shoved in. I was shocked towards the end of the book when I believed all hope was lost, I was crushed and cried only to be saved a little towards the end.
C.L. Schneider is by far one of my favorite authors! Any book she writes I want to read and/or listen to. I can’t wait to enjoy the rest of The Crown of Stones series in audiobook format.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mystery grows as everything changes. This book picks up shortly after the previous book. Near the end of the summer break before the next year begins. But the rules that caused her so many issues over break were just the beginning or what was to come.
Makayla has another important dream to a town known as Athenia where people go to be forgotten. Seeing and hearing the name Peacock she feels it’s important but unsure of the reason at first. Mary Meet won’t be taking over Grave Digger Academy (GDA) yet, but the Crones aren’t closing it either, yet. While initially excited and happy when she received her letter to go back to GDA that quickly changes. A bus meant for criminals arrives to take her to the academy, a new Headmistress Ulva Everbleed. The building looked amazing, but half renovated and at a standstill as the Crones took over, putting a stop to everything Mary Meet was doing. More students were present than she had ever seen there before and seeing Leo and Thomas she thinks things will be good. Only they give her the cold shoulder, Cali, and Frankie nowhere to be seen when a bomb is dropped on her emotionally. Only those who received a letter were allowed to return this year, but not everyone received a letter. Most were likely only there as an obligation to protect their families from repercussions if they refused to attend. Everything different, a new set of rules that must be followed and each person assigned to classes and not allowed to change them. Griffin is there and offers a truce, as they seem to only have each other. A warmth fills her with his smile and again as they shake in agreement, he says he will explain things later but then vanishes without a word of explanation. Not one to beat around the bush goes to the new Headmistress, asks about Mary Meet and why helpers aren’t allowed. Told Mary is being interrogated and will return when finished and helpers banned because of control. A parting word of advice to Makayla, stick to classes, slow and steady and watch out for others trying to use her to accelerate their accomplishments.
Why is Mary Meet being interrogated? How can she be used to help others accelerate their accomplishments? Why is she always the villain in the Crones stories and rules? Once again, the author takes us deeper into Makayla’s world where nothing is what it seems, and everything is listening with an agenda of their own. She thought this year was finally going to be her year, she had her friends, her magic had come in and she had eight helpers. Day one, helpers gone, friends gone, and her only ally, she hopes, is a guy no one can remember. The mystery and suspense continue to evolve leading to more questions and some answers can’t wait for the next book. Grave Digger Academy V is coming October 1st, 2024. What will Makayla face next?
