Posts

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

/0 Comments/in /by

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Myself and my kids were so excited to see we had another Lois Wickstrom book to read and it was put straight to the top of the list. This was a great and colourful story, that was entertaining and educational. The topic of the book is one that most kids will experience in one way or another and I think the author has done a great job of touching on this in a sensitive and refreshing way.
The pictures throughout the book really help my kids attention. They have loved to look at them in conjunction with the story and they enjoyed the whole book. This was another success in our house and we are already looking forward to the next.

View all my reviews

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Vanessa Watts

/0 Comments/in /by

A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2)A Way Out by Tami Lund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having not heard of this series before and this being the first book I picked up I didn’t know if I was going to wind up lost somewhere along the way and have to go back and read the first book before finishing this one. Lucky for me these are standalone books that can be read out of order and still understood.

Maria is going through some stuff, after leaving an unhappy marriage she is like a lost soul trying to refind her path in life and with her daughter in tow. She makes the choice to head to her sister’s house for some familial love and comfort only instead of finding her sister there she finds Oz. Her sister is off planning her secret wedding Maria is supposed to be at and Maria just wants a little peace amongst her chaos. Oz, the caretaker of all things including people, offers to go to the wedding with Maria and as the two grow closer Maria decides to finance Oz’s band. Now as the chemistry builds there is just one problem Maria now becomes his boss. Can the two figure out a good balance between work and the budding chemistry between them? Or is this romance doomed before it ever gets off the ground?

I was pulled in by the characters’ story, the drama and challenges faced that really brought these characters to life for me. Now instead of having to go back and read Ms. Lund’s other books to understand this one I will do so by choice because the writing was fantastic and blew my expectations out of the water. I cannot wait to see what other books she has to offer and dive i to more of her amazing writing.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

/0 Comments/in /by

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126095482-talks-like-thunder” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1680879645l/126095482._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/126095482-talks-like-thunder”>Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17088480.Randal_Nerhus”>Randal Nerhus</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5646383544″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This was such a good read! The author had great details and you could visualize the landscapes she was describing. The dates used, the late 1870s, there were a lot of Indian wars happening. Being raised by my grandmother I heard stories that were passed down to her from parents and grandparents about boarding schools, not being able to speak their native language, and getting their hair chopped off. I was fortunate enough to have a history teacher that gave us more than a chapter or a few paragraphs from a text book about these wars. Yes, there are many books out there where you can learn about certain wars but I feel like there was nothing better than hearing what my ancestors had to go through for me to be here today. I especially enjoyed Thunder being able to become a warrior as it was rare for a girl or woman to do so. She was such a strong character and I could only imagine the emense strength it took for her to not give in and forget everything about her language and culture. The only fault I found with this book was the abrupt ending. I do realize it was meant to be short since it’s a novella but it kind of caught me off guard. I look forward to reading more works from this author in the future.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amber Howard

/0 Comments/in /by

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought the story was simple enough for young children to read and understand. My 6 year old grasped the meaning easily and was very engaged. It just seemed to end abruptly. That’s my only complaint. The artwork was lovely. The meaning behind the story was good. I’d recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Amber Howard

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder by far has been one of the most emotionally stimulating stories that I have ever read. I wept for a while after finishing it. The pain that colonialism has caused native Americans and other people of color is sickening. I am an African American woman who has traces of Native American in my family. To think that my ancestors suffered like this on all sides rattles me to my core. I believe this book needs to be on the high school reading list although I’m sure there’s be those against it. This story would serve to remind us all to embrace our differences in culture and love one another while honoring those who fought for that right. Although the story ended abruptly without us knowing Thunders fate I am hoping it will circle back by the time the series is over.

View all my reviews

Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Beverly Finnie

/0 Comments/in /by

Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well I enjoyed this book. And seeing as this is Ladies of the Links 2, this is a series and book 2 in that series. Well I definitely haven’t read book 1, yet. Which tells you I’m going too. It also tells you that you don’t need to read book 1 to read this one. I don’t believe I lost anything. This story was complete from beginning to end.
A second chance romance that involves children. I enjoy second chance romances. However when they involve unknown children, they are a hit or miss with me. This one hit though.
Christy and Ryan were high school sweethearts, till she disappeared. Now she’s back with 5 year old twin girls in tow. I understand it’s a story but it’s not always the easiest story to relate sometimes. I do enjoy how the author approached it. Where he had Ryan step up immediately, no push back or anguish. Which was refreshing because most books like this have both. Including a denial period. That didn’t happen here.
It’s all about navigating life when it’s turned upside down. How one adapts to immediate, but welcome change. Which the author portrays rather well, since it kept me turning the page.
I do thoroughly enjoy sports romances which is what drew me to this book to begin with. And I’m glad I jumped at the chance to read it, it was entertaining and worth it!

@placexba
View all my reviews

Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Kay Stritesky

/0 Comments/in /by

Ways to Improve BaileyWays to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a cute read! I loved the sibling dynamics in it and the way the focus is on improvement. I think even though this is probably YA it was a good read at any age!

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Shannen Kern

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is easily the most powerful and emotionally charged book I have read in quite some time. I was heartbroken and enraged reading this, but that usually means the writers are doing a phenomenal job. While this is a quicker read, you will be taken aback by the amount of detailed storytelling that the authors are able to pull off seamlessly. The flow of the story is amazing, you root for some characters while silently loathe others. I can’t think of anything that I would change about this novella. I am pleased to see that it is only the first in the series, so I will unquestionably pick up the others as well. I highly recommend picking this one up. It isn’t in my normal range of everyday books, but I would have certainly regretted passing on it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter is a story Family, honor, and sorrow all contribute to a girl’s maturation within her culture.

This is the tale of Desert Flower, a small child who is experiencing the biggest nightmare in the annals of our people. Her life as an Apache starts in 1871, when she loses both of her parents to smallpox. She endures famine, boarding schools, reservations, and war as she matures. She grows up to be a strong, proud young woman who works to protect her family, her tribe, and her land despite the hardships she was born into.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into the native peoples world. I couldn’t put the book down.

View all my reviews

Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Kay Stritesky

/0 Comments/in /by

Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering ChoicesLiving With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can’t imagine the strength it took to write this. While it was heartfelt and empowering I still just felt like their was pieces missing or being glamorized.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Melissa Saxton

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. I am not one for historical fiction usually but I decided to give this one a try.
Young Talks Like Thunder lost her father early in life. Though she was without a father her mother cared for her and she was happy in tribe life.
Then her mother dies and everything changes. Her grandfather comes to claim her to take her to his tribe and she is scared and doesn’t want to leave her friends, tribe and start anew. But it’s clear her grandfather does care for her as she is assigned the name “talks like thunder” as part of her assimilation into the tribe.
Unfortunately she’s captured again this time by the white man and put on a reservation and forced to learn their culture and disregard her own.
Many harrowing situations will greet her. Can she grow up to a powerful warrior and seek revenge on those who kidnapped her? Will she make it back to her home and family?
This is a must read. Great strong female lead.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Trista Martin

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author did an incredible job of bringing this story to life. It is a heartbreaking yet inspiring story about a Native American girl who was orphaned early in her life. Yet, that is only the beginning of the trials and tribulations this courageous woman will go through. While this is a fictional book, knowing it is so similar to things, many Native Americans experienced in the past is heartbreaking. I will be reading more for these authors.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talks Like Thunder is the first novella in the Red With Native Blood series. This is a historical fiction story of a young Native American girl in 1871. At only 7 years old, Talks Like Thunder finds herself orphaned. Though her people want to care for her, it is during a time of disease and famine. Luckily, her grandfather finds her and takes her to Chiricahua village. The story seems well-researched and interesting because it is primarily from a child’s point of view. I enjoyed learning more about the culture and lives in 19th-century America of Indigenous people. Talks Like Thunder grows so much in this short read. I am curious as to how the series will progress. I look forward to reading more in this series in the future.

View all my reviews

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

/0 Comments/in /by
Great children’s book. This book help you see chores through the child’s eye. Great characters, and strong storyline. Making normal everyday things fun. Recommended to all readers.

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great children’s book. This book help you see chores through the child’s eye. Great characters, and strong storyline. Making normal everyday things fun. Recommended to all readers.

View all my reviews

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nina Maes

/0 Comments/in /by

Great children’s book. This book takes you on an adventure. Team building and get different perspectives. Great characters, and strong storyline. Recommended to all readers.
Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great children’s book. This book takes you on an adventure. Team building and get different perspectives. Great characters, and strong storyline. Recommended to all readers.

View all my reviews

Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

/0 Comments/in /by

Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is just brilliant with children’s books!
This book you meet Colleen and her dad. Her dad is a giant and holds up the sky as his job. People fear this giant man and claim he’s making up his story about holding up the sky.
Colleen decides to have a party for all the townsfolk who are scared of her dad. Her dad let’s his hands down for a minute during this party and people learn that he is not a scary cruel giant but just another person like them.
Very cute story with lots of good educational lessons built in

View all my reviews

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories)Twisted Proposal by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti. This is a super steamy series about a dominant and a submissive. Ethan has been left humiliated and defeated by a woman named Joyce so he has decided he wants nothing but revenge. When he meets Siena, Joyce’s cousin, he decides to use her to get back at Joyce. Siena is nothing but a victim in this whole thing. Siena needs a investor to get her fashion design brand out there. Her cousin Joyce invested a small amount and she is sad to see that only Ethan agrees to invest in her company but with his conditions. When she finds out her brother Bart, her last hope, is in major debt and owes the mob she realizes Ethan is the only choice she has. Once they begin to spend time together Ethan begins to realize that this is far more than revenge. A real person with feelings and feelings he actually cares about now exists. Ethan and Siena both teach each other a lot about all kinds of things the bedroom being one of them. This story is full of lust, greed, family betrayal and humiliation. You will keep flipping the pages late in the night.

View all my reviews

Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Michelle Troyer

/0 Comments/in /by

Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller (To Kiss a Stalker Series)Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love and hate in one book. A great thriller and love story ending. I can usually guess who the killer is but this one was different. It kept you guessing until the end. Very good read!

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Red with Native Blood series. While I was expecting this to be a powerful emotional read, I don’t think I was fully prepared for the emotional impact it would have.

There is clearly research which has gone into this book and the history that went into it is truly heartbreaking. While I will never know what the pain and suffering they endured feels like, reading this build on my own knowledge making it feel more real and devastating that I could have imagined previously. It’s opened my eyes further in a well-written story following Talks Like Thunder. You can’t help but get emotionally invested in her and root for her beginning to end.

I look forward to getting started on the next book in the series, it’s a powerful piece of writing which highlights parts of history that aren’t always known.

View all my reviews

Undeniable (Central Florida Stories Book 2) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Christine Baranek

/0 Comments/in /by

Undeniable (Central Florida Stories, #2)Undeniable by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Undeniable
By: Victoria Saccenti

This book is filled with so many twists and turns. It is definitely a thriller that you cannot put down until you finish this book. It features a man who suffers from PTSD following his military background. This book is BDSM themed and some of what that entails definitely needs a trigger warning. But I truly loved this book. The characters are very well written, have fantastic depth and are flawed in many ways. These flaws are what make this a tremendous read. It features characters that are reunited after many many years apart (think childhood). There is so much more to this story than the BDSM which makes it even more wonderful. I definitely recommend picking this series up as I definitely don’t regret it at all and cannot wait to read the next book!

View all my reviews

Deception by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

/0 Comments/in /by

Deception (Central Florida Stories, #1)Deception by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 1/2 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is my first book I have read from this author, I was intrigued by the snyposis of the story-line and the cover and decided give it a try. The story of Joe and Hunter gave plenty of intrigue, spice of the charts, seduction, revenge….I wish I had felt a bit more of a connection with the characters. It is a good story to start the Central Florida Stories series and I am already read to continue to book 2.

Joe, a marine hurt in combat, has only one plan when he came home….revenge on a woman that hurt one of his fellow comrades while oversees to the breaking point. The perfect plan is in place when he learns of Hunter, the woman who hurt is friend dearly….seduce this woman and leave….no question and no looking back…..

Hunter is working hard to make herself a better, more stable life so she can have her son be with her after years of running away from danger. Hunter holds some deep secrets and insecurity… but is totally taken back when she meets Joe. Spark and sizzle…the attraction runs deep for both of them.

Will past demons and lies come back to haunt both Joe and Hunter? Will Joe be able to protect Hunter when she needs him the most?

View all my reviews

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenique Bornman

/0 Comments/in /by

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting better and better.
Damon and Sky’s storie continues after the major cliffhanger… and the author did not disappoint.
The angst, tension and you know what kind of tension I’m talking about…. builds to an all time high in the conclusion of their story.
It does have a HEA but first the author takes you on an intense rollercoaster ride.
These two are my absolute favorite characters in this series so far.
Amazing read with top shelf writing!!

View all my reviews

A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Cindy Rushin

/0 Comments/in /by

A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story. I think it is a good story for parents with children who are getting ready to start school as it provides them with the knowledge that although teachers come in many shapes and sizes they all have something in common, the desire to spread knowledge. I think that knowledge will help the kids who have some fear when starting school. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who has children who are getting ready to start school.

View all my reviews

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

/0 Comments/in /by

My Goodbye GirlMy Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So first off, the vivid descriptions in this story were off the charts imagery. I could absolutely picture the characters and the locations that were described in the story. This book was so sweet and just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author threw in a new twist that completely threw me for a loop. Tessa and Simon are absolutely amazing together and while I can’t exactly relate to the jet setting lifestyle they have, the relationship problems they experienced were extremely realistic. I literally couldn’t put this book down until I had finished the last page. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and definitely alternated between laughing and crying throughout the book. I have not read anything from this author before, but I will definitely be checking out her other books, I will just make sure to keep tissues handy. If you are looking for an amazing book that will leave your heart filled, this is a great book to check out.

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Kerry Carr

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood: Novella One)Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. The author does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life and giving people an insight into Native American life.
I loved the character Talks like Thunder. Through her life she had a lot of hurdles to overcome and she takes each one head on. She is a very determined and confident woman who knows what she want and doesn’t let anything stop her.
I loved seeing and feeling the growth of Talk with Thunder. From a quiet and uncertain girl into a confident,determined warrior who will stop at nothing to protect the people she cares about and her tribe.
This is a beautiful written story which will have you completely invested in her life and her journey.

View all my reviews

Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Michelle Austin

/0 Comments/in /by

Stalked by the DevilStalked by the Devil by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. I was pulled in right from the beginning and didn’t want to put it down. Melody gets a creeper vibe from her sister’s boyfriend, Keith. I did not like him at all, she had valid reasons to be concerned about her sister. However things go south when she tries to tell her sister her feelings. Then we throw in a stalker which makes things even more interesting.
The twists and turns kept my head spinning. This was a great romantic suspense and the stalker which kept me guessing until the shocking reveal/. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I was on the edge of my seat until I finished. This author does a great job with her writing and I can’t wait to read more. You can read this book as a stand alone but I suggest starting with the first one. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Maikalani Alexander

/0 Comments/in /by

Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller (To Kiss a Stalker Series)Stalked by the Devil: BWWM Thriller by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh man was this was everything; mysterious handsome bachelor? Or who plays bachelor with skeletons in the closet. Almost literally. What would you do when the devil shows up? Try to warn your loved one that’s warming his bed ?

The intrigue of the stalker just keeps you in anticipation. Steamy, passion and more.

World building was great and details were *chefs kiss*

View all my reviews

Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Amy Dean June 2023

/0 Comments/in /by

Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella OneTalks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One small seven year old’s life falls apart after her parents pass away from deadly disease. This story follows Talks Like Thunder as she grows up being ripped from what she knows not once but twice and how she had to adapt to be able to survive to make it back to her family. This book kept me turning pages as it was unbelievably easy to read and open my heart to the main character. Her triumphant and determined spirit was refreshing to see such a young girl go through her life.

View all my reviews

Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Stephanie Robb

/0 Comments/in /by

Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Helpful Hudson is a sweet story following Hudson and his family as they learn a helpful lesson somethings you can be too helpful. You can help others but first, you need to look after yourself. I really enjoyed the importance of self-care explained in a child-friendly way.

View all my reviews

The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

/0 Comments/in /by

The Messy KidsThe Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another gem from Lois Wickstrom with beautiful illustrations. Chester is very relatable and like most children doesn’t want to clean his room. We follow a very messy tale as Chester meets the messy kids.

View all my reviews