Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This journal book has wonderful illustration and colors that make it feel serene. The positive quotes are uplifting and match the message Han is sharing. Pages with mindful doodling and questions helps the reader dig deep into what’s hurting their heart. This journal is simple and beautiful!
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love everything that Lilliana Rose writes, and this is no exception. This is an amazing start to a wonderful series of witches, werewolves, a somewhat enemy to lovers’ trope, secrets, destiny, lots of action, adventure, and tension.
This is such an interesting forbidden love story. This beginning book to the series is such a great start and for a steppingstone to continue the series. It is such a superb blend of the paranormal genre. The world building was very well thought out, and the plot was written wonderfully as always. I love the way Lilliana writes, it is so personal and easy to follow, but at the same time full of so much information. The end of this story made me wish it hadn’t ended.
Tanjie is a witch but does not know it. When she loses someone very special to her, y. After their death, she finds herself in a new town and in a bookstore. A bookstore that is soooo much more than it seems on the outside. She finds out that there is much more to the world, and herself than she had believed. In order to save the future of the coven, she now must claim her birthright and power.
Alaric, is a werewolf, who loves stalking as much as he can throughout the night. He is ready for the next step on the pack’s life. There is a war coming, but he might just have fallen for the enemy.
Both are terribly stubborn and very ignorant at first, I really wanted to shake them and ask what the heck was wrong with them!!! On the other hand, I did like watching them work through those issues, and then seeing them finally growing together! I feel that their character development and relationship was very realistic and easy to relate to.
Cannot wait to read book 2.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Year four at the Grave Digger Academy is unlike any other for Makayla. There are more students than last year and there is a new headmistress. There are more new rules compared to last year. Some students were not invited back from previous years and it’s unclear why. The Crones are really honing in on Makayla and her movements. She ends up meeting some unexpected people who help her out along the way. Can she survive this year of school?
Another great read! This one was a bit shorter than the others but still covered a lot of ground. I’m looking forward to year 5!
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s the start of Makayla’s third year at the Grave Digger Academy. Things are a little different from last year and Makayla feels like she’s a target. First of all, where are all the students? What’s with all the new rules? Makayla knows there’s about to be an adventure and she’s not sure she’s ready to deal with it or the fall out.
I recommend reading this series in order as the background established in previous books is key to understanding what’s happening. Another great read by C.A. King! Now on to book 4!
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am loving this series so far! I definitely recommend reading the books in order so you have the full story. I love that they are quick reads and still give you a full story. Makayla is back at Grave Digger Academy but things are different. Like really different. The year is not going to go as she had planned but when has it ever. She doesn’t know who she can trust and needs friends now more than ever to help her with her plan. When the person she was able to trust last year is nowhere to be found it makes things that much harder. Some new characters are introduced, some likable, some not so much. There was a plot twist I was not expecting and then another that makes me want to read book 5 now! I cannot wait to see where things go!
Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book five of the series. I highly recommend reading the first four first. I was a little mixed up on some things. Devon and her father are not close at all. He sold her when she was younger. She finally can get her chance at revenge on the guy her dad sold her to, but she has to stay on the down low. If they caught her she would never make it out of that world again.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series! This is book 4, and while I loved the book, I felt there was very limited information on what New has happened.
Usually, C.A. King can write a 100-150 page book, and I feel like I’ve read an intense amount of details, but this book felt as if it was rushed and thrown together. Even with that said, it wasn’t a bad read, just very, very short and not a lot of details.
The Crones are out in full force again. This time, who can she trust? Anyone? This year, she isn’t even allowed to have her helpers! She is being watched at every turn and of course the person she turns to is the one person everyone forgets about meeting immediately. I feel a romance brewing there 👀.
Now that she has chosen to exile herself to a grave yard no one even knows exists, will she have the opportunity to change the magic world for the better? Will she uncover more nasty truths the Crones have made disappear?
Cannot wait for book 5!
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho was a super cute story. It seemed fate always worked in Ebun and Noah’s favor. I could definitely pick up on the differences in language and culture but it made the story that much sweeter. The story was cute but a little confusing at times. Ebun has lost her parents and is forced to move for her safety. Noah is the typical jock in both high school and college. The pair meet a few times though out their lives to realize they should be together. I would have liked a little more information about her background and why she needed to leave and what the deal was after her fathers passing. It would have helped in understanding why she needed protected. I did appreciate the story from each viewpoint. Reading one and then the other. It made it exciting to read what each thought about the particular encounter. Overall I liked this story and am happy that this is the first I read by this author.
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This isn’t my first read by Susan Specht Oram and likely not the last. I really enjoyed Secrets at the Cafe from the very beginning. The opening chapter already evokes emotion and engagement from the very start and the writing kept my attention. I read so many stories written in multiple perspectives I really enjoyed the first person narrative. This author has a talent for writing really great female heroines and this book was no exception. I would definitely recommend Secrets at the Cafe.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It just keeps getting better and better. Mikayla learned about familiars in this book. She meets her grandmother. You’ll have to read the story to find out what happens. A lot of questions and some are answered. The adventure is still absolutely wonderful. Some of her friends part ways. Griffin is still in the picture and I’m waiting for the answer to that mystery. This is a wonderful paranormal series that is a must read. I can’t wait for book 5 to come out.
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, so many more questions brought up now. The mystery continues as Faunia and the Crones are out to get Mikayla. I felt like I was on the journey with them. Feeling left out and not being able to use her helpers, she has to get through a lot of this on her own. She still doesn’t really know who to trust. The adventure is there. She’s learning the magic as she goes. Griffin is playing an integral role and I’m waiting to see what it is. Nobody can remember him. I’m loving the twists and the characters. This really is a series you can dig into. You definitely need to read it in order to understand it.
Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Get ready to hang on for this one. Once again Jake and Cody are out to protect the innocents and get rid of the evils of the world. While Cody is the Dog he plays a big part in this story. Don’t get me wrong, I fell in love with Jake, Cody just brings the story together. This is a match not to be messed with. The action packed events will keep you reading. I do recommend you start the series from the beginning. You don’t have to but you would be missing a lot more adventure. The story is an unforgettable and action packed page turner. The story is well written and keeps the reader engaged. This author brings so much to his series. I am looking forward to book 8.
Review@cinful
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Year 2 and the trouble continues. Makayla is back and finds herself find up for the inter-academy games. Oh man, the pressure keeps adding on and they haven’t even taught them magic yet. No one from the previous year was allowed to transfer so everyone is back. I love this series. You have the home drama with Mom and her lies, and her brothers. You have Professor Woolsey and the Aegis Stones. You have Griffin who noone can seem to remember. So many little subplots, yet they still go so well together. It’s like a paranormal version of Harry Potter, only darker. I love the entertaining characters. Who can you trust? Twists and turns and Crones, oh my. On to book 3.
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Master Sardinia by Sylvia Black is the eighth book in the Masters of the Consulate series. Master Sardinia and the other vampires find themselves with traitors in their ranks while in the middle of the war with the shifters. During this time Master Sardinia comes across Madria and finds himself developing feelings for the infuriating young psychic. Madria finds herself just as attracted and no less infuriated by Master Sardinia. The book is good for those who like the enemies-to-lovers trope and those who like their stories spicy. The war between the shifters and vamps was interesting. There was good action and I really enjoyed a lot of Master Sardinia’s dialogue. He is a very intense and engrossing character. I would be interested in reading the rest of the series as it all seems very fascinating.
Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this different take on a paranormal story. Tanjie didn’t known she was a witch until her neighbor passes away and leaves her what she thinks is a bookstore. Her character is independent and a bit stubborn. She wants to make her own life decisions but it seems more like fate already knows what it wants. Alaric is the Alpha’s son and should be next in line if he can stop chasing skirts and start acting like part of the pack. But it’s next to impossible once he met Tanjie. There’s definitely a pull between them. What will it mean for the witches and the wolves?
The author did a very good job with world building and made me like the main characters as well as a few others, from the start. My only complaint is I still have so many questions! I can’t wait until book 2 comes out!
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Karina’s grandmother passes away she asks Karina to return home and run her cafe. She makes her promise that while she’s doing that she’ll find and read her journal. Turns out running the cafe is more intense than she anticipated and she couldn’t get her hands on the journal immediately. So when a little red journal is found in the dining room Karina is determined to start reading, but when she turns her back to take care of a customer the journal vanishes.
Now Karina has to find the journal and hunt down the flies inside of it to uncover the past (and maybe a few secrets) while rumors are spreading like wildfire around town. In a suspense about families and secrets things are likely to never be the same.
This is unlike anything I’ve read in a while! With twists and turns and all the determination of a granddaughter missing her grandmother, this is a story I won’t forget. It was fast-paced and kept my attention from start to end. If there’s more like this, I can’t wait to find it.
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King is another fantastic YA paranormal fantasy in the light-hearted Grave Digger Academy series. This book carries on from the other three, so I suggest you read them all in order or you are missing out on so much goodness.
This adventurous tale flows well with great world-building, and a set of delightful characters. The series is a complex multi layered tale that is simplistic in its telling. This delightful world is to be peeled back layer by layer and reveal all its secrets.
Each book gets better than the last and the world is unique and original. The plot is well thought out and is an exciting and the Academy is full of secrets where things are hidden within the grounds and in the dark and go bump in the night.
Makayla is back for another year with a new headmistress, new curriculum, disappearing allies, worrying Crones and lots more. But they may not be the answers she wants to hear. Things are never as they seem in Makayla’s world. Grave Digger Academy is where you will find witches, death, graves, deadly foes, deadly secrets, deadly games, twisted turns and mayhem and madness.
Journey along as Makayla is determined to find answers. Even though it is aimed at YA readers I am certainly enjoying this series and I am 61.
I can’t wait for more.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot tell you how excited I was to read this fourth book! This series is so wonderful! I have enjoyed reading this authors’ wonderful books! I could not stop reading this as the story was so good! I cannot wait to read them over and over again!
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is another installment in the Invisible Magic Wand series and Wickstrom doesn’t disappoint! Caspian wants a bicycle for his un-birthday and is confused when his Grandpa gives him baking up dust. We follow along as Caspian (and Grandpa) try to figure out if he can bake up a bicycle. I love the bright illustrations and the premise of this book. Pick it up today and add it to your collection!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
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 is a fantastic book for children! It’s extremely diverse and offers many wonderful positive affirmations for kids. The bright and colorful illustrations will catch anyone’s eye and I love that it’s an A-Z picture book designed to help children learn the alphabet in a positive and happy way. This would make a fantastic gift for anyone with littles!
Reviewed by @meggs1717
View all my reviews
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had everything. Violence to suspense to spice!! I really enjoyed this! It’s a rather large book but it didn’t feel like it because the story and characters pulled me right in and kept me interested every page. I loved the drama and action especially. Wonderfully written thriller with romance and I highly suggest this. Check the warnings.
Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery with our heroine of the series Ivy Stone, and once again set in Hotel LaFontaine. Ivy is now the headmaid at the hotel and her first date with her boss Mr. Humphrey’s also went well, so things are going great for Ivy. The hotel is busy with London’s elite who are arriving for a business conference, but Ivy is dealing with a mysterious guest, a threatening letter and then a murder. Ivy turns amateur sleuth along with her friends, who also work at the hotel but all the cryptic letters and secret codes reveal is that everyone is hiding something. It turns out even trusted members of staff have secrets, and when a direct threat is made against Mr. Humphrey things become serious. As Ivy starts to get answers she realises that she might be in danger herself, but as usual Ivy’s fluffy best friend Monty the Great Dane is helping her to sniff out clues! This can be read either as a standalone story or as part of the series. I loved Ivy, she’s a great main character as she’s so likeable and relatable. Whilst her sidekicks are a quirky mix who all bring their own skills to help Ivy investigate. I was hooked from page one by this ‘whodunnit’, and it kept me happily turning the pages. I look forward to returning to Hotel LaFontaine again soon!
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
Quick Affirmations for Children is great for a quick boost to start the day or as needed. The affirmations are short and sweet and written so 3-6 years old’s can understand what they mean. My children like the illustrations too as most helped show what the affirmation meant.
These A to Z affirmations would be perfect for little posters or trading cards too!
Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Themes of Kismet has so much potential! It has an interesting plot with great characters that you really grow to love (and hate) because they’re well-developed.
Noah and Ebun feel destined to be together after many chance encounters, or maybe it is kismet. Time after time, something gets in the way of them being able to live they lives they so desire. Communication has the ability to make or break their relationship.
Kismet and meet cute really are fun underlying themes. As far as the story goes, it is an easy read. At times, the actions and lack of communication are quite juvenile, but so are the characters.
Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A young man has a hankering for a breakfast of fried trout. What’s the best way to get it? Why, go to Lake Fish-or-Cut-Bait and fish for it yourself! Things got a little interesting for him when the winds picked up, and along with that, all the fish and frogs of the lake. The wind took the fish, frogs, and balls that it accumulated along the way into town until it could no longer hold everything. Then it started raining fish and frogs.
Super cute book about the science phenomena of a water spout. I love that this book was done in black and white (at least my copy was) with a colorful cover. The illustrations were very well done and made the story more entertaining. A great way to teach about this science feature, plus about the safety measures that should be taken should you be involved in or near a water spout.
Absolutely delightful! Luna the Howling Husky by Samantha Shannon is a gem of a children’s book that deserves all the stars. From cover to cover, this heartwarming tale introduces us to Luna, the lovable husky with a unique challenge that sets her apart from the rest.
Samantha Shannon’s writing is not only engaging but perfectly tailored for young readers. The language is simple yet vivid, effortlessly conveying Luna’s struggles in a way that resonates with children. You can’t help but root for Luna as she navigates a world that presents challenges other huskies don’t face.
What truly brings the story to life are the enchanting illustrations. Bursting with color and charm, they add an extra layer to Luna’s journey, captivating young minds and immersing them in Luna’s canine adventures. The visual storytelling is impeccable, complementing the text seamlessly.
And let’s not forget the surprise awaiting readers – Luna’s unexpected friend! The anticipation builds as Luna embarks on this discovery, and you’ll find yourself turning the pages with bated breath to see if Luna conquers her unique howling challenge.
But the magic doesn’t end there! Luna the Howling Husky goes above and beyond by incorporating kindness activities and puzzles. It’s not just a book; it’s an interactive experience that encourages children to engage with the story on a deeper level.
In conclusion, Samantha Shannon has crafted a children’s book that ticks all the boxes – a captivating story, lovable characters, stunning illustrations, and interactive elements. Luna the Howling Husky is a must-read for young readers and their families. Five stars without a doubt!
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Baking a Bicycle is another edition of the Invisible Magic Wand Books. In this edition, Caspian, this year for his Unbirthday wants a bike. However, his Grandfather asks what is so unusual about a bike, it doesn’t fit the unbirthday theme. The next day Caspian’s gift is “Baking up Dust”. He starts baking with Grandpa and sees that the baking is creating bike shapes, but how to turn that into something he can ride? What magic with this unbirthday bring? I do like this Invisible Magic Wand series because it provides a great way for kids to use their imaginations. The fact that they are also always family-oriented makes it feel warm, fun, and full of imagination. I would recommend this series to anyone who knows younger kids who love to play with their imagination.
Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this positive children’s book. This is also a new children’s author for me which I look forward to seeing what next they will come up with. This is a book that provides positivity, messages and a fun way to learn the alphabet. The illustrations tell a story on their own and will keep your child engaged. There is so much that a child will find to enjoy in this book. I highly recommend this children’s book for all ages.
Review by @bjwagner
<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/5985717288″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
A new author to me, an a genre I usually don’t fall straight into; but wow the author builds a dystopian world that not only covers the end of the world, civilisation being run by strict laws and decisions that you would take for granted are removed and they tell you where to work and who to marry, and how humanity can rise above. <br />The author drops you in and keeps you within the world described. <br />We are introduced to Lexi and her high aspiring father and a mother with many secrets. We follow Lexi as she fights with herself for what she thinks is right, we meet Reeves and watch as their relationship grows from one of complete unknown to trust and beyond, <br />Family relationships change as the world about them changes; and the way this is all written keeps you engaged and wanting to know more.<br />I will certainly look out for more by this author.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Secrets at the Cafe by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an engaging Suspense mystery that keeps you gripped and guessing throughout the story. The twists and turns means you can’t figure out what is going to happen which kept me reading more as I wanted to find out the answers.
Karina Walker has had her life turned upside down when her grandmother passes away leaving her to run the cafe her grandmother has made a success but that’s not all. Her grandmother tells her she needs to read her journal. Karina struggles to carry on her grandmother’s work but when the journal is found by customers and then suddenly goes missing Karina goes on the hunt to find who has taken it and why.
The list of suspects keeps growing and as she searches hidden secrets and rumours start to come to life.
Can she work through her families past to succeed in her future? What secrets does the journal hold that someone obviously wants? And will the secrets when revealed turn Karina life upside down anymore than it already is?
This story is an engaging mystery and a page turning read. I felt in parts sorry for Karina as she gives up everything she knows to fulfill her grandmothers final wish and now she has to struggle with the secrets that come to light as well as coming to terms with all that she has lost.
