The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I went into this book blind and have not read any of the author’s other work. It was an easy and quick read. The author pulled me into her characters story effortless and I was unable to put it down. I will be going back and reading the earlier book in the series for sure.
The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Reluctant Suitor
By: Stacy-Deanne
Stacy-Deanne has become an author that I get excited when I see that she has a new release because I know that it will be a book that I will enjoy from the moment I pick it up. She has yet to disappoint me with this. This book is one in a series, and although there is overlap in some characters from book to book, there is no doubt in my mind that each book works as a standalone. Billie Jean is such a fantastic main character who is fighting for the rights of her people, in a time where it can be dangerous to do so. Fisher is a man from a wealthy family who begins to develop feelings for Billie Jean, even though he knows that he definitely shouldn’t. The chemistry between the two of them absolutely jumps off of the page. I also love the historical story line and how this book features a strong female lead. These are stories that need to be told, even if they are fictional,. I love that Stacy-Deanne does not shy away from these complicated story lines and complicated times in history and instead uses them to create fantastic novels that you do not want to put down! Once again, this book leaves me anxiously awaiting Stacy-Deanne’s next release!
I Am An Outer Space Alien by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This fun book following a child that doesn’t feel like she fits in so she thinks shes must be an outer space alien. I loved her experience meeting the alien and how she saw the differences between herself, other children and the alien. We are all different in our own way.
The Anchor Knot: Securing the knot of truth by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
“ Love anchors the soul . An anchor is a reminder of one’s roots and origin” …. I just love this quote that marks the start of a brilliant read
Gabby comes from a wealthy family , her daddy is is a well know and influential oil baron and cattle rancher and he’s also power hungry …..
Richard is in the running to be the next governor of Texas , his assistant Amanda wants to be more than his assistant and is cruel and unkind to Gaby and she gives off negatives vibes , I really don’t like her 🤮
Now Gaby and Richard have history , they were once engaged before but Richard cheated on her so she walked away and fell in love with Brett , they got married and only a few moths into their marriage Brett had a bull riding accident , went into a coma and never woke up and she was heart broken and thanks to her son Matthew she held on to her sanity but I must be honest when I say I questioned her going back to Richard and while I see the method in the madness I wanted to shake her up and tell her to smell the roses ….a leopard never changes it’s spots…
Matthew had a twin brother that he didn’t know about and when Brandon first makes contact with Gaby my heart breaks , I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to miss the person you love and them come face to face with someone that’s his mirror image !?
Brandon dotes on little Matthew and Gabby and he’s also just holding on the family that he’s got left so it really a bittersweet situation
Then we have Stan , the man that’s always been there for Gabby and Matthew but he also needs to move on with his life but Marie isn’t the right woman for him …
This girl is living her version of a dispute with all the love and drama surrounding her but she pulls herself together and realises what and who is right under her nose🥰
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small is the first book in the Brass Ring series. It follows 10 year old Russell as he learns the secrets of the brass ring and the magic carousel horses. He also learns to find lessons and adventures in the not-so-silly stories told by his grandfather. Along the way, Russell learns about himself and his own strengths. This is a great young-adult/coming-of-age story to share with kids as Russell deals with big feelings, bullying, and family.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
Oathbreakers Anonymous by Scott Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the story of Marluck. He is the paladin of the God of Skein. March is half orc and half human and is quite full of himself and his powers given to him.
When his powers are suddenly gone without warning he is left to struggle as he hits a dark bottom. He is saved from living in poverty and squalor on the street and brought to the Oathbreakers. Here he gets the help he needs to travel to lands to try and get his power back.
His travels have not been easy and his unlikely friends join him on his quest.
Lives are at stake. This book will keep you guessing what will happen.
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. Being that this book is part of a series, reading book one will be helpful but not necessary. I love Rockstar romance and this one did not disappoint. We see more into Blu and his bad boy rocker life. He decides to take a break and ends up meeting someone that intrigues him. Ashleigh knows who he is and tries to keep him at arms length due to his colorful past. As they spend more time together they develop a friendship that Blu wants to take further but Ashleigh isn’t quite sure. Will he be able to get through her walls? Can they have a HEA?
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to reading more from this series. If you like Rockstar romance you will want to 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @Mab54615
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Sleeping with the Enemy by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Who doesn’t love themselves an Irish , Scottish or British accent !? My knees go weak 😉and the thought of having Riordan whisper in my ear leaves me with goosebumps 🫣🥰
Priscilla had a major crush on Riordan as a young girl and when she offers herself on a platter and is “ rejected” she goes outside for a walk to clear her head but gets viciously attacked by Russians but Riordan came to her rescue and they paid with their lives ( wish I could use bad language) but she the disappears from his life but he’s always thought of her , always wondered and then one day their paths cross again in the company of Grigori , the Russian mobster …..
Priscilla’s dad worked for Riordan’s dad and their business is in the underworld but that fateful night changed things and Priscilla has now grown up and is out for revenge but in a lawful way as an undercover FBI agent and that is how her path crosses with Riordan’s …..
Priscilla is the reason Riordan is alive she warned him of danger and took a bulleti for him , it may cost her evidence and the chance to prove herself especially if she becomes his “wife” but Riordan won’t let her go but he’s going to help hee get what she wants even if it kills him , which it very nearly did !
Priscilla was “married “ before and her ex husband plays a monumental role in her rescue and safety and he’s also been a good father to her son and she’s got so much to protect that I’m overwhelmed for her but I also admire her strength and determination, she’s a strong and brave woman ❣️
Riordan loves fiercely and I was ready to hand myself over on platter 🥰🫣🤣 but he and Priscilla are definitely a better match , they were made for each other !
Loved every tense moment of this epic read 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Granting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently commented on a read that it was as if the universe knew just what I needed at that point in time and this was one of those reads , it came to help me forget , get lost , cry , get angry , live the story and it’s characters , love and just feel good about people and life and everything involved so what’s not to love !?
Katelyn is an equine therapist but she’s also beautiful , fearless and fierce . When she jumps in to save the day she catches the attention of Jim, he knows of a horse and rider that need her healing touch ………
Grant is troubled and his relationship with his horse Hugh is tense both man and horse are in dire need of healing , Grant is not an easy man but I love his Scottish accent and his butler / friend Jeffers .
I must hand it to Jeffers , he’s a kind and patient man but also humble to love Grant and his ways .
Katelyn loves a challenge and soon enough she’s headed North Carolina to meet Hugh and his master and let’s just say the the equine , troubled ad he is is easier to be with than his owner …
Katelyn has a good , kind heart and is genuinely a hard worker and watching her interact with Hugh , the stable hands , Jeffers and the Sutter family speaks volumes of her character but Grant prickles her a bit and brings out a feisty side to her 😉and it’s entertaining that’s for sure !
This really is like a retelling of beauty and the beast with a twist 🥰and a beautiful tale indeed and I enjoyed it so much that I’ve re read it three times!#truestorythelifeofabibliophile#
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book shares the author’s unique perspective on Tarot and has similar ideologies to her book “Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living.” Both books help you to see that there is magic in everyday things such as books or cards and you can take what comfort and healing you want or can use from them. She stated in Practically Pagan, “that magic isn’t the hocus pocus everyone thinks it is, but rather a way of getting to know yourself.” I love that thought, and how, in this book, “Conversations with the Tarot”, she shows how she draws from the cards along with her interpretations of them. She encourages the reader to not be so rigid and just have a set in stone meaning for each card, but to rather study them, respect them, and learn them in your own way. Her poems for each card were also very creative and gave you a more personal insight into each card, instead of the typical, this card means this and you need to do this course book style of writing that we often see with learning tarot books. This was such an easy-flowing yet informative way to learn and delve deeper into tarot.
I’m a fan of paranormal books and picked this book up after I read her “Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living.” I loved learning a little more about magic in that book and thought it would be interesting to learn about tarot. Being a Christian and reading books of this nature, I have been criticized, but I enjoy learning how different people believe and practice those beliefs in their lives. It is interesting to see different perspectives on the world and to venture out of your comfort zone to see how others view the world and things in it. So don’t be afraid to learn about others’ experiences through creative books like this one.
The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love love loved this book! I read it as a standalone because I did not pay attention to the fact that it was a series. I didn’t feel lost or anything, but I definitely want to circle back and read all of the books in this series now though! This was an emotional rollercoaster ride, and I appreciate the depth of the characters. I feel like Gabby is an incredibly relatable character. I was immediately invested in these characters as well, so the author did a fantastic job creating this story! The flow of the story was just wonderful as I never felt jolted back into reality. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend you pick it up to get lost in the emotional romance!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an easy read as well as fast paced. I recommend it as a beginner book for tarot cards. I will recommend to people I know just getting introduced to tarot. It was a refresher for me. It was a good book I’m definitely will look back at it for references.
The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Magic Carousel was a great read, full of imaginative adventures with Rusty and his grandpa. I loved how in-depth the descriptions of each carousel horse were, and the beauty that was found in such creatures that showed years of wear and tear. Rusty could enjoy the love that all of the younger children felt in seeing within each of the horses’ inner beauty and not the chips and wear and tear that showed the extent of years of bringing joy to young and old. I love that each horse had a different tale for Rusty to live through, which brought him closer to his grandpa, who loved him so dearly. This was such a great story teaching us to appreciate the joy of our youth and to hold those we cherish close to our hearts. What a beautiful story that helps to unlock our imaginations and live the thrill of the ride of such amazing horses on the carousel. If you are looking for a book that has wonderful images, life lessons, and heartfelt fun, then look no further, this is the book for you, it has everything!
@Brandy Rymer
08/2023
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168373494-conversations-with-the-tarot” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1685483481l/168373494._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/168373494-conversations-with-the-tarot”>Conversations with the Tarot: Bewitching Meditations on Reading the Cards</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17535853.Maria_DeBlassie”>Maria DeBlassie</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5796263497″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book provides a unique approach to tarot. Unlike the typical guide book, this is more of a journal of the authors own personal journey with tarot. For each card that was pulled in her tarot journey, she wrote a poem, and insights to each. She also encourages readers to form their own understanding of each card and the symbolism within each. Through her writing, she encouraged me to pull out my deck and create my own tarot journal.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story is different than what I am used to by this author, but this story was very good, a bit heartbreaking and sad but also intriguing with a little sci fi included.
Xenia lives in Pennsylvania along with her mother and brother. Trying to be cautious and careful, Xenia’s mother is undocumented living in the United States. Unfortunately, Xenia’s world comes crashing when her mother is arrested due to being undocumented and faces deportation. Xenia and her brother must live with their aunt and uncle…..and all Xenia wants is her mama back and also to do well in her school science fair so she may win a trip to Hershey Amusement Park. Strange occurrences happen when Xenia and her cousin try their science experiment for the fair that includes sunflowers and ants! Will these ants help out with Xenia science experiment?
This was a very unique story and while the subject of deportation is difficult, especially when a parent has to leave their children behind, the author does a great job on the portrayal of this matter.
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2DXZPLWQBQZDC/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
The Anchor Knot:securing the knot of truth (Knot, #6 by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Anchor Knot was a great read for me. It was definitely a page turner for me. I had trouble to putting the book down, it was THAT good. I would love to check out other books written by this author because I loved her writing style. The details was on point. The characters and world building was on point.
The Anchor Knot: Securing the knot of truth by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly. This is such a good read. Its the story of Gabby who is in a bad time in her life. Her husband is dying and in a moment of weakness she ends up sleeping with a guy from her past and gets pregnant. After her husband dies the father of their baby is running for Governor. Gabby works on a ranch and the owner of the ranch’s father is backing Richard who is now her finance. The ranch owner is the one who convinces Gabby to accept the engagement. The problem is she’s not in love with Richard. She has to keep secrets to keep Richard from losing the election and she hates doing that. She also isn’t in love with Richard. Gabby just wants to live on the ranch and live a simple life. Gabby has also gotten really close with her late husbands twin brother Brandon. Who will Gabby choose to live her life with? Will she choose Richard and live a life of lies or will she choose Brandon and live a life of happiness. Read The Anchor Knot to find out!
Ten Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVE when new children’s books come out! Lots of my friends have kids and I love getting to read these and determine which of my friends’ kids will love these books! I have not read a book by this author before and I fell in love! This is such a great book with cute illustrations and a great story line! I cannot wait to read this book with my best friends’ kids!
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to read this book after reading the first book in the series and it did not disappoint at all. I absolutely loved Lev and Daphne! They really were two of the best characters I have read about in a long time. They hated each other but that hate led to the most electric passion ever! The chemistry between them literally oozed off the pages! Because we had already met the characters in the first book I felt like their story was able to start with a bang and that it did! I loved the first book in this series but I have to admit I think this one has knocked it off the top spot! I was completely riveted form beginning to end – an absolutely fantastic read and one that I highly recommend!
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much! I absolutely adore these authors and I was glued to this book from beginning to end. A wonderful writing duo that you have absolutely no idea who writes which parts because they complement each other’s writing styles so much.
I loved Bridget – she was such a great character to read about and Prince Fynix was one of those characters you fall in love with instantly. I adore stories like this one when a royal falls in love with a normal down to earth person – definitely movie material this book! I loved all the twists and turns in the story and I was rooting for these two the whole way through the book!
Fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next one!
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book, I thought that it was a really good read and I find it easy to read. The characters were easy to engage with and I can imagine many young adult readers would really enjoy it.
There was a lot going on for our main character, Mina. She was the target of many bullies during her younger years and I really did feel for her, school can be an awful time for some people. I liked Wes, I didn’t think I would but he surprised me.
I loved the story was written by two authors and you had no idea! Their writing styles matched each other perfectly.
Overall this was a really enjoyed able read and one I would definitely recommend. I will be looking forward to reading more from these authors in the future.
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautifully illustrative children’s book explains the rainbow bridge for our furry friends in an easy-to-understand and sensitive way. I would recommend reading this with an adult to help guide the conversation. All I can say is please read this book!
Deadly Vengeance by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a captivating, gripping, dark Mafia Romance. As you would expect it is filled with danger, secrets, lies, enemies and death which is always alive in the Mafia world as well as protective, possessive men and the underlining thing that you do what it takes to protect your family.
This is the second book in The Vaccaro Empire series and wow what a read.
In this story we follow Luca and Valenzia.
Luca was raised away from the Mafia world and the rivalry between the Valenzia’s family and his. When he discovers that his father and the rest of his family were wipes out by the Vaccaro’s (mainly Valenzia’s father) Luca decides he will get his revenge. His plan is to take the eldest daughter of the Vaccaro family, make her his wife and for her to produce an heir to his family. All while her family watches on.
Luca thinks his plan is solid and knows once he gets what he wants he will destroy the Vaccaro family like they destroyed his. What he didn’t expect was to actually be attracted to and to fall for his captive.
Valenzia is a strong women but lived a very sheltered life. However when she finds herself in the grasp of Luca she resists him at every turn until he starts threatening her siblings. She knows she must do what’s necessary to protect her family even if it means giving up her life. What she doesn’t expect is for there to be an explosive chemistry between them. Could it be something more or is it just pure hatred that is driving this chemistry.
What will Luca do when he realises that he is falling for Valenzia? If they succeed will their relationship survive? And what will happen between the families if the join together? Will they still be enemy’s who won’t stop until the other is dead or will their partnership but exactly what is needed to repair the damage between the families.
What happens when the vengeance you wanted and planned for isn’t the most important thing to you but the love of the enemies daughter is?
I loved the characters of Luca and Valenzia. My heart went out to Luca after everything he went through but also to Valenzia as she uncovered secrets in her families past she never knew existed. Luca and Valenzia both have a passionate fire inside them but together they seem to soothe each other. I loved their chemistry and spark. It really jumped off the page.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122995200-back-to-the-80-s” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Back to the 80’s” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677105651l/122995200._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122995200-back-to-the-80-s”>Back to the 80’s</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7815704.S_E_Reichert”>S.E. Reichert</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5795321509″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Blaine owns an all 80’s theme store in the mall. The Morales construction company is buying out every building and apartment complexes near by to build the biggest brewery company. Blaine tells Eric and his sister Lorraine to give her a month. Make them fall in the live with the store. They end up falling in love with more than the store. The people, the city, history. All of it.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the second book in the series ans is a great follow up to the first. This is a fun, entertaining rockstar Romance that I enjoyed reading. I thought the characters develop was.great. I loved watching their relationship develop and I also loved watching their interactions with other characters, especially Blu’s mum.
This author is firmly cementing herself as one that I will.happily read. Each of her books are so different and yet I have enjoyed everyone I have read. This was a great book and I look forward to more from this series.
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is slightly unusual for this author. It is longer and aimed at an older age range. However, in this author typical style, it is well written, topical, educational but engaging. It touches on a sensitive and yet highly relevant topic, teaching children about it in a sensitive yet informative way.
I love the way this author doesn’t seem scared or put off by any topic. Her books are a fantastic way to broach difficult subject matters and kick start conversations. Our whole family enjoy her books and we have yet to read one only once. This is another great book to add to her collection.
Russian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant!
Loved this story very much! Engaging, spicy, witty and well written. There was just enough balance between the angst and the romance. The differences between Lev and Daphne were a big sticking point and it was great that this was explore deeper and not just glossed over. Highly recommend!
Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I was in school, I made a pen pal friend from Chile. I learned so much about culture and daily life differences that I “corrected” my teacher about something obscure. This book brought me back to that year in school and reminded me how important it is to know people who are different than you. This story about Amaleigha and Vova is important with current events, making a difference and friendship.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this third book from the Protector Wolf Shifter series you’ll continue to follow Tamaska and her journey into shifting. I recommend reading from the beginning book as these aren’t stand alone books. It is a paranormal love story. It has action and mystery and stubbornness. It is an easy read and allows you vivid imagery.
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a few steps up from the normal Lois Wickstrom books. Still a children’s book but an older child. I believe children in fifth grade to seventh would love this story, maybe even earlier than fifth grade if they like chapter books. It has all the science and imagination you see in all her books. It is a wonderful tale co-written between Milagros Darling and Lois Wickstrom. They do an excellent job of telling the story easy and not getting you lost in the magic or science of it.
