SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great book in this series. Logan takes a ride with a charter boat captain who is later found murdered. Logan is a suspect as unexplained clues point to her. But, this man had an unhappy wife and a girlfriend who could be involved as well. Could not put this one down!!
The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 5 in the Empire at Twilight series. I have to admit this author is one of my favourites of all time. I love the stories. I find myself completely captivated by these historical stories. The author’s attention to detail and research into the times and the historical happenings really gives this story dimension and makes the reader feel transported back to a different era. The attention that the author pays to the characters making them fit into the time period the story is set into just adds to the incredible world building that the author is able to accomplish.
This is a story full of twists and turns that keeps you hooked. With danger, intrigue and murder all playing a part as well as decit and political alliances going wrong This story has something for everyone.
Ehli-nikkalu is the daughter of the Hittite Emperor. She has considered herself not loved by her family and that is confirmed for her when she is married off to a man who doesn’t care for her either as part as a political alliance. Ehli-nikkalu is unhappy and wants to leave her husband so when she finds proof that her husband is plotting to go against her father and remove him from the Throne she knows she needs to stop this from happening. Can she get word to her father in time to stop her husbands planned attack? Will her family start to see her as a valued member of the family finally? And when the 2 people she entrusts to take the message to her father are found dead does she stand any chance at all of letting her father know before it too late? What danger is she putting herself in and what will be the consequences should her husband finds out she is planning to betray him.
As someone who loves history this author’s books definately speak to me and grip me from the beginning. The author is amazing at bringing the past into the future and allowing the reader an opportunity to experience life in a different time period than our own.
Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing thrilling story! I loved this and sped through it like a demon. The book is filled with many tense times and action/suspense filled moments. I did struggle figuring out who is behind this mess so that even adds more excitement to the story for me. All of the characters are well done and they surprise than excite me as the story progresses. I do have a favorite moment and it’s during a fight between Hannah and Doyle. I won’t say what was said and done but I loved that whole scene.
I did read this out of order for the series. It can be read as a standalone as I had no problem following along. I think the other books characters were filtered in but they are placed as minor characters. I would love to read more in the series.
Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing thrilling story! I loved this and sped through it like a demon. The book is filled with many tense times and action/suspense filled moments. I did struggle figuring out who is behind this mess so that even adds more excitement to the story for me. All of the characters are well done and they surprise than excite me as the story progresses. I do have a favorite moment and it’s during a fight between Hannah and Doyle. I won’t say what was said and done but I loved that whole scene.
I did read this out of order for the series. It can be read as a standalone as I had no problem following along. I think the other books characters were filtered in but they are placed as minor characters. I would love to read more in the series.
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lady Aubrianne is betrothed to Lord Roger as a payback for an old debt from her family. Once she is married its not the happily ever after she accepted, her new husband is cold and not a nice man, but as time goes on she decides to be the focal point of their people but when someone from her past comes into there town she does not know how to process this.
Larkin has been sent to uncover any wrong doings with Lord Roger, but when he enters the palace and sees the woman he has dreamed about ever since the first look he can’t believe it. So when his investigations may led to Anna he confronts her which upsets her and then they become allies trying to find out the real dealings behind Lord Roger.
This is not my normal genre I read and sometimes there is a book which surprises you which is always brilliant to find, this book was one of those nuggets. The story was well written and flowed with the drive of the story and the main characters held your attention while I devoured this book.
The character of Anna was such a strong character and was a great for the passion within the story and the character of Larkin was a brilliant compliment to the character of Anna and there forbidden love angst was great and also heart-breaking. I loved the secondary characters in the book and added an extra layer to this complex story.
As this is the first book I have read by this author, I would love to read the next book in this series and maybe I have found a new genre to read.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Camden Callaghan is a young man with whom fate has not been pleasant and it was when his mother fled their home and his father where this downhill trend began, they left with the clothes on their back and a couple of items of jewellery so that they could them and eat, just as they are about to board a ship and gain their much desired freedom, tragedy strikes and Camden’s mother is killed right in front of him. This is where a pirate becomes his world as his mother requests that he is taken as far away as possible and makes the pirate promise to keep him alive and safe and that is how he became just Camden and quartermaster on a pirate ship and this is where we meet Camden again.
The years have not been kind to Camden, but through it all, he has been as looked after as a young boy on a pirate ship could be and he is good at being the outlaw, one day when frequenting his usual tavern with his crewmates, an opportunity he could not afford to miss drops into his lap, but finding out even what it is could cost him. The people looking for a crew are not of the best reputation out there and most would be too scared to strike a deal with them, but that is exactly what Camden does, behind his captain’s back, all while hoping that this won’t put him too far on the captains bad side, but that was not to be when he explains just what they will be doing and a reluctant captain agrees.
As they near their destination, it has been smooth sailing, but that ends when an enemy ship attacks them, they desperately try to fight back, but they are not successful and those who aren’t badly wounded are kidnapped by the other crew, including the captain and those left are tied to the ship and set alight. This however, is not the end for Camden when he wakes from the ashes of his ship to find that he isn’t dead, but he does have some new abilities which he has no idea how to handle, however, when an opportunity arises for Camden to right the wrong done to his crew and rescue his crewmates, he agrees, although in order to do it he will have to use his true name and that is not the preferred way, but he agrees and sets off on his new mission.
As with the rest of his life, this is not the easiest mission, especially when the person he has been sent to spy on and infiltrate the household of turns out to be a doctor with less than pure intention, despite what his exterior says and the household feels off, but as Camden dives further and further into the depths of this deal he has made, complications arise, but will he be able to stay alive long enough to explore the changes within him, rescue his captain and crewmates, all while navigating a maze the likes of which he just wanted to leave behind? This is an adventure with some bright spots in a land of darkness and shadows where nothing is sure, lies and deceit are the currency and enemies both new and old are on the horizon in this action packed book which will leave you wanting to know what happens next and devour it in its entirety.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a great holiday romance, it has me wishing it was almost Christmas. If you’re looking for a book to put you in the holiday mood, this is it. The idea about needing “cheer” to light up the North Pole is fantastic, I liked Holly’s little stories of places she usually frequents to get cheer. In this book the elves don’t make toys, they make dreams, which I loved. I felt like I was watching a Hallmark movie with how easy the chemistry came between Holly and Ash, it didn’t feel rushed; I felt that seeing Holly interact with other characters made their romance flow nicely. I do wish we could have gotten an answer about the magic in Emerald Hollow but I still enjoyed the book and recommend to anyone looking for a clean romance with a happy ending.
Wild Lavender: The Aurelian Guard – Book One by Nicole Elizabeth Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book bought me to a different time period and I was here for it! It’s beautiful and I loved the story. The characters and the setting really made this more realistic for me. From where it was to all that happens, you’ll enjoy it.
Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Zibs for sale is the authors retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The book uses STEM learning to teach children through a fun and interactive story with colourful pictures.
Love, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Bold Journeys series, I would recommend reading the books in order as they follow the same characters. The focus of this book is Rebecca. I did really appreciate the message this book was trying to get the reader to think about but there were a few things that I really struggled with as a reader. I would recommend reading this book
What We Never Say: Bold Journeys Book Two by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Bold Journeys series, I would recommend reading the books in order as they follow the same characters. The focus of this book is Kyle. This could be quite triggering for some people as it does deal with the subject of male sexual assault. Kyle is such a strong well well-written character, I spent the book wanting to be there for him and hold his hand. Rebecca reaction to Kyle’s assault was maddening I got so frustrated and angry with her. It was a fantastic book and I could not put it down.
Mystical Midlife Mate: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting read. The author has created a world full of magic, mayhem and strong characters. I like Gwen and the strength that she has, she is certainly not a damsel in distress. It was fun to see so many different paranormal creatures in this town. Not only does the main character have a lot to say but the supporting characters make themselves known as well and do not just fade into the background. Gwen is dealing with a lot and she must find a way to save everyone and everything dear to her. This story is fast paced and has some twists and turns that you may not see coming. The author has mixed a good amount of humor into the story as well giving readers a creative world full of memorable characters. I enjoyed seeing a strong older woman as the main character and not some young girl just finding her way. The author writes a strong story that brings you into the world and I am wondering what will happen next.
Zibs for Sale: a retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Zibs For Sale (I Am An Alien) by Lois Wickstrom is another fun children’s fantasy story with Shirl and her alien friend Eeh-Ahh. This is a cute space adventure story with some STEM learning and lessons along the way. Shirl and Eeh-Ahh never have a dull moment, as we discover, when Eeh-Ahh takes Shirl for her favourite galactical treat. What happens makes for an engaging read.
Another cute and imaginative story from Ms. Wickstrom, so get set for a fun, quirky, and entertaining read.
Happy reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder is an emotional woman’s fiction story and my first read by this author. I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but the cover captured my attention enough that I wanted to find out what lay beneath.
This book gave exactly what it promised- a moving story about rediscovering oneself after heartache and pain- and learning to start over.
Devorah has been through so much, and the author writes in such a way that I couldn’t help but feel for her and everything she had been/was going through. I couldn’t help investing in her and the outcome of her story.
Empowering and inspirational.
Happy Reading.
Thank you, Alexandra Fleder!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sucks you in from the first page and doesn’t let you go until the end. The heroine is one a lot of women can relate to and her strength inspires. The romance is just enough and I love the HEA.
Saint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Connor O’Brien is a former priest turned street lawyer and advocate for the homeless. Jessica Knight is a corporate attorney who happens to run into “Saint Con”, quite literally. He’s a bit forward in his mannerisms and before they know it, as soon as they run into each other, they are separated. Jessica has a bad feeling about this and is about to swear men off indefinitely when new information comes to her attention that changes everything. Will Con ever return to her?
This was a gripping novella that keeps you in suspense. The story is intriguing and engaging throughout. One minute I was a fan of Con’s, the next minute I wasn’t. This is one of those I couldn’t put down until I finished it.
Zibs for Sale by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
STEM is important for young people to learn about, and the sooner the better – especially for women and little girls. This book was adorable, had amazing illustrations, and provides a more in depth topic than most other picture books provide. Of course you have the ABC books, the 123 books, and of course the rhyming books, but to have a book published that portrays more than the basics is fantastic. I loved the story line, and the fact that it shows a difference between humans and the outer space aliens takes the book to a whole new level as well. Great read and I highly recommend!
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book has such amazing character and world building. I felt like I could get lost in the world, and like the people there we so well thought out, it made the easy to identify. While this book isn’t something I’d normally read, I thought it was a great story. It’s a bit slow to start in my opinion, but it was a great read, none the less. I do recommend this book if you like a book with western theme, a little romance and mystery.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Charming picture story book.
This colourful and engaging picture book follows Kingston as he and his mum go looking for his favourite animal, the dog. Who knew there were so many different types of dogs out there, but are they really all dogs? Wonderfully written and illustrated this is one that will be treasured by early childhood children everywhere. Recommend.
Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a hallmark of a story this book turned out to be. I loved the fairytale love story within this book. But also the story of bringing Christmas magic to a small town that is a hallmark town already. I could see this book being a movie and brining it all to life.
Holly is in charge of capturing Christmas Cheer and keeping the spirit alive in the North Pole. She happens across a flier for a festival in a small magical town in Oregon. Little did she know how her life was going to change with her arrival to Emerald Hollow.
When Holly fills her Cheer meter so quickly upon her first trip to Emerald Hollow. She agrees to come back and help with the Christmas Faire. Things turn south and the real question is will Christmas Magic be saved? Will love win out and will Holly be able to tell the truth?
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a beautifully tragic story. The story of Deborah’s journey. The writing is so emotional and powerful. I love them the characters. The emotions really take you on a roller coaster. I really couldn’t put this story down. A definite must read.
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was immediately attracted to Wild Lavender because of the beautiful cover. I was really surprised by how much I was captivated by the story right from the start. Aubrianne, or Anna as she likes to be called, a strong, independent, warrior of a woman from Chevlain, was married in an arranged marriage to Lord Roger of Stolweg, in a marriage that was supposed to be mutually beneficial. Roger provided lumber/aid that Chevlain needed, and Aubrianne brought the amazing Chevlain horses for a breeding program. Little did anyone know what a cruel, manipulative, abusive man that was Lord Roger. Definitely look up your trigger warnings if your a sensitive reader before starting this book. Lord Roger ended up doing unspeakably cruel things to Anna, the people of Stolweg, and her family. The book really progressed for me once Anna starts plotting how to save herself and become the warrior she has always been, and when Larkin entered the picture. This was a very enjoyable story.
Wondogfilled: Look, a Dog! The story for children who love dogs between the ages of 0-8. A perfect addition to home and classroom libraries. by Dr. Kimberlie Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you have ever had it spent time around a toddler who has hyperfixated on something you will absolutely laugh your way through this book on your first read! Then go read it with your kids! Our little boy is in love with dogs, to the point that squirrels and elephants are dogs to him. But his mommy just keeps being silly and calling them by other names! This is a super cute book for littles and absolutely represents a toddlers mind!
Killer Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the thrill of cat and mouse during this read! Had my full attention and I needed answers. Every time I tried putting the book down I was picking it right back up, because I needed to know how it ends. Serial killers, thrill of the chase, dual POV’s…I loved it all. And you do not want to be a blonde on this book, I promise you that. If you want a great crime/psychological thriller, this book is for you.
Killer Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely loved this book! Had me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I couldn’t put it down. I love psychological thrillers! Serial killers. All of it. The author did such an incredible job with description it was like I was watching a movie. Book is definitely one of my favorites now! READ THIS!
Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was kind of weary to read this book in the beginning. I am not normally a fan of historical novels but the fact that it also is classified as a fantasy convinced me to give it a go. I am happy I did. The book is set in the Kingdom of Aurelia. My only issue is that it’s a little too political for my liking.
Lady Anna was arranged to be married to Lord Roger. As soon as they wed, he turned out to be an abusive man treating her like absolute crap. This did not make Anna cower, if anything it made her stronger which I really appreciated. She spent a lot of time with her horses to escape the man she married. When Anna was only 16 years of age, she met a man by the name of Larkin and sparks immediately flew. Years go by and she doesn’t hear from him again until he is sent by the King to investigate Lord Roger. The King has reason to believe Lord Roger is committing treason.
I loved Anna as a character. She is strong, sweet, caring and independent. She endured so much in just two years. Most people would break at the treatment she received yet she lived on, raising her horses. She treated them like gold and the way that the author described them, they sound majestic. Who doesn’t love a sweet horse Lady warrior? This book is very well written and very detailed. You could vividly see the world and the characters with the amount of detail written.
What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great continuation of the Bold Journeys Series. I was easily pulled into the story, and I got a lot more from it than I thought I would. I can’t recall reading another book that spoke of something similar, and something not often talked about, but I felt like it was really well done and respectful. I read the first book in the series, but I don’t think you need to if you don’t want to. Although you’d be missing out on an excellent story.
Love, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was interesting and inspiring. A very relatable read and a nice change of pace for me. I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I haven’t read this author before, but this was excellent, and I can’t wait to see what else this author has for us. This is well written, and I think everyone would enjoy reading about Rebecca’s journey.
Devil’s Claw: Logan Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Devil’s Claw
By: Valerie Davisson
I am truly enjoying the Logan McKenna Series. Each book seems to just keep getting better than the last. In each of these books, Logan finds herself deep in a mystery. Each mystery also seems to focus on a social issue or topic. In this case the book focused on sea otters and their rescue. This was a very interesting topic to intertwine in a mystery and I absolutely loved it. I loved how greed was the center of this tale and between that and the sea otters and I definitely did not want to put this book down. Valerie Davisson is a fantastic author who is able to create informative mysteries that have a great pace. She makes it almost impossible to put the book down because you want to find out what will happen next. I will most definitely be reading the next Logan McKenna book because I have loved the first three so very much!
Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Liar, Liar
By: Winter Austin
Once again, Winter Austin delivers an amazing story filled with suspense that will keep you reading late into the night. Winter Austin is one of my favorite authors due to the fact that she writes believable stories filled with well developed characters. Each of these characters is flawed in a way that is believable and you find yourself invested in the characters as well as the plot line. Each book can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend reading each one because there is backstory on the characters that definitely develops throughout the earlier books. Book 4 focuses on Sheriff Hamilton. He was hoping to have some quiet time to himself, however, a body that was discovered has different plans. Liza is an FBI agent who is following a suspect who is taking her back to Eider. Eider is somewhere she’d rather not be. However, she finds herself entangled with this body that was discovered. As she works on the case with Sheriff Hamilton, she realizes there might be something else worth returning to Eider for. I definitely enjoyed this story and truly recommend it as I do all Winter Austin books! I cannot wait to see what will happen next with the cast of characters in Eider, Iowa.
