Jaimie Salmon Colburn – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 25, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story was cute once you got into it, but it was a bit all over in the beginning. Give it a chance and get into it some and you will see that it all comes together! Timmy, Beth and Arthur are working on a science project in the woods. A lot of things are going on at once here. Beth is trying to get a soil sample, Arthur is writing a song, and Timmy is looking for a monster in the woods. When they’re heading back towards the well, they get a call about their teacher getting surgery and needing someone to watch over her dog. Her dog Cody can wag her tail in Morse code! How cool is that?! Super fun! At the same time their teacher lets them know about a hidden map to a 200 year old time capsule! There are clues on the map, but no X that marks the spot! Deciphering the clues will take time, but they only have a week! If they find it in time they get a $1000 reward, but what they don’t know is that it holds a 200 year old secret that someone wants kept quite! Danger follows them and they don’t even know it!! Follow these three in their adventure to find a town’s treasure. Super cute story and of course I’d recommend it! I’d say this book is good for any child ages 6-12.

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 22, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Porter and Midge: Paws and Responsibilities: A Kid’s Guide to Welcoming a New Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love all of these books! There are a few to this series and I have read a few so far. If you are even thinking about getting your child a puppy/dog/pet you should definitely read this book with your child! These books teach you so much about the needs of the dog, the responsibilities with having a dog, and everything in between. Which of course you can use as a lesson with any animal you get. In this book you follow CJ and Lora on their quest to learn everything they can about dogs. What they need (food, water, training, vet visits, grooming, personal space, exercise, patience, etc.). They also learned about different breeds (small, medium, big, some that need more space to run, some that are small and need more attention, etc. etc. etc.). After learning as much as they can they go to their parents to ask for a dog and tell them everything they have learned and what they must do to have a dog. The parents believe they are ready and you get to meet Porter, who is a Mastiff and Midge, who is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog. Both different and both have different needs. If you read some of the other books in this set you will get to see them more and learn all about them, other dogs, and all their needs. This is a wonderful set for kids. They will learn all kinds of things! Adults could even learn from this book! I did and I’ve had dogs throughout my whole life!!

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The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 5, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Missing Red Envelopes by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I found this book to be so cute and fun! It walks you through a mystery Lunar New Year adventure with Lorie and Weina. The girls have lost their lucky new year red envelopes that they have been saving up to replace a bracelet for their grandma. This book keeps you on your toes while you follow the girls along their day and also trying to find said missing envelopes. I loved seeing another side of Asian American culture and the different things that they do/celebrate compared to my own family. This book had my children hooked while we followed the girls back through their day. The traditions and holiday excitement was so fun. I really enjoyed the simple illustrations as well. My girls 9 and 12 both enjoyed reading this book with me and learning about others. It also lined up with their cultural days at school so they learned so much this week!

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets Series) by K. Rose – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so funny and steamy! Let me first say, that I haven’t read the others in the series, but I still loved the book and can’t wait to grab the others!! This book made me laugh a few times out loud! The glitter comment being one! I might have even talked a friend into reading this series over that conversation!! Basil wakes up to find herself a vampire. Only problem is that she is a vegan and she doesn’t eat anything that had/has a mother. Not so good for a newly made vampire. Luckily she formulates a plan very quickly. She makes a serum that helps with the hunger, she buys a store with an upstairs apartment, and she leaves town. She moves to Silver Springs. A heavily supernatural town. She opens up a smoothie juice bar with a tanning salon. Opening night is a big hit. Her life has been a world wind of changes and the biggest one yet is all the men! Has she found her mate? And what is a mate? She is so new to EVERYTHING that she needs to do some research! Unfortunately, she’s kidnapped and no one knows by whom! Such a great story! Like I said, I can’t wait to read the others in the set! You can read it as a stand alone, but trust me, you will be just like me running to get the others! If you love a good supernatural romantic comedy with lots of angst, banter, and some steamy parts then this one is for you!

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cray was so excited to be going to a birthday party!! It is Fox Hay’s mamma’s birthday high up in the mountains. It would be a long trip, but also an adventure! They saw animals of all kinds, plants high and low, and they even needed help along the way. It can be scary facing new things, but you can still be brave. Asking for help when needed can make adventures less stressful. This book was so cute!! If helps younger kids build courage through out different obstacles they may come across in life. Being scared and facing those fears. I think that this book is wonderful for kids, BUT it is also great for adults to read too. The tips in the back are so helpful and I encourage adults to read this one!!

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Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story (A Better Man, Book 1) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

March 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Bailey and the CEO: A Corporate Love Story by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hit me on a few levels. It was so adorable first of all! Talk about second chances after kids! And not only second chances but honestly true first loves. This story is about Bailey and Fox. Their story is electric! Fox has become a CEO of a company that Bailey has worked for, for quite some time. She has worked her way up the ladder so to speak. Finally becoming VP in her department! After her husband passing away, it has taken a lot of time to get passed some things. But by chance her and CEO Fox, end up on a plane ride together and hit it off. It’s like they are old friends. Talking about everything. Anything! Finding common ground in so many ways! Both single parents. Trying to navigate the corporate world, but also be mom AND dad at the same time. Kids are a job in themselves. They need to eat right. Get outside and off their devices! Spend time with what family they have. And most impotently be supported by their parent! Right? Fox isn’t your typical CEO. He was brought in to fix issues and he sole focus it his kids and doing just that. Turning the company around will take a lot of focus. Does he have time for anything else? I found the characters so relatable. The author hooks you in with both of their stories that will put you into some emotions!! You can’t help by feel for all of them! The kids and the trauma the adults have fought through! Defiantly a cute romantic must read!

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The Scottish Play (Polyam Fam Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

February 21, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Scottish Play by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first PolyAm Fam book and I am so glad that I gave it a chance! I really enjoyed the story and characters. It was witty and adorable, but also tense and informative. In this book Molly lives with a polycule and is completing her grad school thesis project. A play she wrote is to be cast and shown for a weekend, for her to pass and graduate the program. Thankfully her girlfriend finds that PERFECT guy for her leading male role! Lachlan is even a Scotsman!! Which is perfect since the man in her play is a kilt-wearing Scot! Talk about luck right? Wrong. Unfortunately, even though he looks and sounds the part, he knows absolutely NOTHING about acting and being in a play. Molly is determined to make it work. Lachlan gets roped into helping which he doesn’t mind one bit. He thinks that Molly is cute, curvy, smart, and it doesn’t hurt that she likes his sexy scot accent. Molly starts giving him lessons, but she worries about their attraction to one another. Her polycule pushes her to find out what’s there, but she’s had a line of bad luck when it comes to dating males. Lachlan finds her whole arrangement very odd. Molly has a girlfriend after all. How can he date someone who is already taken, especially because he doesn’t normally date. Maybe a fling is both what they need. After the play they can do their separate ways right. But what about Molly’s girlfriend? Will she be okay with any of this?? Read the book to follow this funny, cute, sassy story!! You will fall in love with the characters and their world. I loved getting a glimpse into a polycule and learning more about their family. If that is the reason you are on the fence about this book, I have to tell you to just give it a chance!! It was a wonderful book!

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

February 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet Book 3) is such a cute book!! Cute story and fun art!! I think that most younger children (under 10) would love this magical story and follow along easily. This book is about a young girl named Carrie. She finds a box in the closet and when she asks her grandma about it, she learns that it has magic Wandas inside it. Not wands, but Wandas. Different right? Well there is a reason for that!! You have to read the book to find out, but let me just tell you that Carrie has quite an adventure with these Wandas! She even almost gets into trouble with her mom!

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

February 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sasha Smart is a wonderful book of short stories. Not only does this set of stories teach young children (I’d say elementary and even middle school aged kids!) how to deal with different types of social encounters they could (and most likely will!) face, it also encourages bravery, confidence, communication, and the power of kindness. Everyday, I’m that parent in the drop off line that lets my children out to “Love you, good luck on your tests, listen to your teachers, learn a lot, and BE KIND.” Raising well rounded kids is hard and this book is great for helping with just that!! Our children need more books like this! I have a 9 year old and a 12 year old, I’m having them both read this book. Throughout this book you follow Sasha as she navigates through school. Each short story is about an issue she has and how she handles each problem. The first she worried about not being cool. The next she learns about making mistakes and correcting them. Then she learns about differences we have that make us all beautiful. She learns a lot from her friends, but she also has to deal with peer pressure and bullying as well. And lastly she learns about the importance relaxing, taking the time to unwind, supporting each other, and kindness. Another super cute and fun thing about this book is the content in the back!! An activity and even a challenge await your children! And the best thing about it?? They are having fun while learning!! I can’t wait to read more from this author and have my girls read them as well!!

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Dirty Heartbreaker (Hamilton Steelhawks Series) by A. C. Sheppard – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

February 7, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Dirty Heartbreaker: Hamilton Steelhawks Book 3 by A C Sheppard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dirty Heartbreaker is book three in the Hamilton Steelhawks Series. You CAN read this as a stand alone (that’s what I originally did), but I honestly suggest starting at the beginning and grabbing them all in order. I can’t wait to read the others myself. This type of Sports Romance isn’t new to me, but I don’t know much about hokey or skating. That didn’t cause any problems for me though. I really enjoyed the love hate relationship between the characters. This book in the series is about Colby and Gabriella’s entanglement and boy oh boy is it a sizzling story. Gabby’s best friend is getting married. She is maid of honor and is helping not only with the wedding, but also making the wedding gown. She’s a former ice skater turned business women. She is determined to make her friend’s wedding the best it can be with the least about of issues possible. Only issue there is that the groom’s best man also happens to be a hockey player that she’s hooked up with in the past. He ignites her at every turn. She has to stay away from him, but how when they have to help with the wedding. Thrust together for wedding prep has them all hot and bothered and of course fighting with sparks flying everywhere. Can these to be adults, put their differences aside, and put their friends big day first? Or will they ruin it all igniting the fires within them both. You have got to try this one out if you like romances. If you aren’t sure because it’s a sports romance let me tell you!! Put that aside and try it out anyways! You will be so glad that you did! This book was cute, steamy, funny, and of course bursting with romance. Don’t let the sport scare you off!! I’d definitely recommend this book to romance lovers of all kinds!

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A Heart So Savage (The Savage Duet Book 2) by April Moran – Review by – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

January 26, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two to this series and I must tell you that if you are not a fan of violence, dark romance, dubcon, mature langue, sensitive content, adult situations, jealous/possessive themes, and the such then this book is NOT for you! If you can get passed that type of content, then check this dark romance out! This also can’t be read as a stand alone. You need to read the first book to fully understand where this one starts and is heading. So Ava is a prisoner. Kidnapped and trapped by Kingston for her brother’s debt (2.6 million). Instead of selling her to the highest bidder he has decided to keep her. She belongs to Kingston now and she rebels at almost every turn. Which makes him want to punish her and break her into submission. She craves his touch just as much as he wants to touch her, but the hate is clear in their eyes. He will have her break so he can put her back together again. All while she tries to win his heart so she can escape. Both falling but both don’t see the danger rushing towards them. This is a book about a villain and his captive. He always gets his way. But will he this time? Such a great story. I wasn’t prepared when I read the first one, but once I started this one I knew what kind of content to expect.

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A King So Savage (The Savage Duet Book 1) by April Moran- Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

January 26, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

A King So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not prepared for this book at all. With that being said, it was wonderfully done!! If you are not a fan of violence, dark romance, dubcon, mature langue, sensitive content, adult situations, jealous/possessive themes, and the such then this book is NOT for you! If you can get passed that type on content then check this out! You might really enjoy it. This book is all about the villain getting what he wants. Which was a great twist really! Kingston is a bully. He gets what he wants or he takes it by force. He protects what is his. He’s a business man kingpin. Ava is a sweet little lamb. So naïve and pure. Ava’s brother unfortunately owes Kingston money. A LOT of money. 2.6 million to be exact! Due to this he has Ava kidnapped and he plans on selling her to highest bidder, if her brother doesn’t pay up. He wants to break her and have her submit to everything he wants, but she’s got a wild-fire streak. He can’t wait to snuff it out while he takes her to new places she’s never even dreamt of. This is just book one to the story and man oh man is it steamy! You can’t help but love AND hate these characters for various reasons. You will want book two asap after reading this one. Trust me! I grabbed them both and can’t wait to read more!!

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The Human Mating Site, Box Set 1 (The Human Mating Site Series) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

January 18, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh was this set so funny! First let me say that if you are not a fan of sex scenes then this isn’t the set for you. BUT if you don’t mind them………., you have to read this book!! It is so good. This book is about a woman named Bella who is in her thirties. She’s been married for 12 years, but they have slowly drifted apart due to various reasons. Him more so than her, but now she’s starting all over! Her life is flipped upside down and now she has to navigate the dating world while healing from a failed marriage and trying to regain her self-confidence back. Her group of friends is awesome! They always banter back and forth, they are SO funny, and the advise! Man oh man! It’s awesome! I have a group of friends and we get together once a week for a ladies night and let me tell you, her friends ARE TOTALLY my friends!! Such a group of personalities! Bella joins a dating app and jumps back into the crazy dating scene. She goes on a few dates and they are all Unique in their own way. They each get their own nickname (LOL!). It gets a little messy here and there, but she is determined to have fun and see who’s out there. I CAN NOT wait to read all of these!!!! This set will have you literally laughing out loud. You won’t want to put it down and trust me, you will want to read the rest, just like me!!! Great funny read with steamy romance. Bella loves steamy romances and she’d love to recreate some of the scenes from some of those books! Wink wink!

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Devil’s Claw (Logan McKenna Series Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan is at it once again in book 3! She just can’t seem to stay away from the murder mysteries! In this book her and her daughter are moving to California. But what happens when there is a fight for the property Lot 429? A gorgeous stretch of coastal property with a Sea Otter rescue center. The center needs help, but will Logan be able to not only save her daughter but bring yet another murderer to justice all while trying to help said center?! A dangerous coastal storm is on it’s way and it’s growing more and more violent as she races to find her daughter and a baby sea otter they were caring for. Finding a student murdered and another victim barely alive, Logan’s worst fears are coming to life. Can she enlist the help of friends and figure out this mystery before more lives are lost? She’s stopped killers before, but now her daughter’s life is on the line! Man oh man! What a great book! One of my favorites so far! I love the little otter twist to the story. You learn so much with these books and they are so fun and of course mysterious!! I can’t wait to read the rest to the set!!

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lost and Found is the latest book in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series and I can’t get enough! I hope it’s not the last!! This WHOLE series has been amazing! Each book grips you into its pages and has you glued to them and your seat until you finish them all!! You COULD read them as standalones, but just don’t! Just read them all and in order! I read the 8th one first and I couldn’t wait to get into the others. So trust me! Read them ALL!! You will not regret it! Now to this wonderful book!! Logan is once again caught in the middle of an investigation of not one, but two murders. Sam’s friend is accused of the second murder, but he swears that he is innocent. Evidence that incriminates him says otherwise though and he’s arrested. Sam asks Logan for help. Logan once again puts herself in danger to help protect and prove innocent, the people she cares about. Things get a bit more complicated with a missing person and no one is at all as they seem!!! The more she learns ,the more confused she becomes. With a target on her back once again, she must find the real killer! Many twists and turns in this book just like the others in the series. I loved learning about the crab fishing in this book! Each book has something that is so cool to learn about. I don’t’ know which one is my favorite!!

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Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy oh boy, does this series just hook you right away and keep you reeling in more and more with each new book!! This is book 7 in the Logan McKenna series and let me tell you that you can’t go wrong with any of them! They are so great. You could read them all as standalones, but I really really suggest that you just read them all. You will not regret it and I personally think that it adds to the world that the author has cast for us all. Poor Logan is defiantly a magnet for all kinds of trouble. With each new book she faces more and more mystery and danger. In this one, she gets away to Oregon for a little while and starts a private school consulting job, but of course she trips over a dead body and it thrown into yet another murder mystery! And yet again she finds herself investigating to prove who the killer is and who it isn’t! Trying to save her friends, once again she puts herself at risk to catch who the real killer is. Just like the other books, this one has some twists. I love reading a book where I don’t know who the killer is right away. I can normally spot it right away with every movie I see. With these books I love that I can’t!! I can’t wait to read finish to this set! It’s coming to soon, but I still can’t wait!

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book to the Logan McKenna series and let me tell you that these books just get better and better. You follow Logan throughout many ups and downs in her life. You get a glimpse of quite a few things along the way too! Logan just seems to be followed by murder mysteries! In this book Logan and Ben have bought a fixer upper (just like her last place) on the Oregon Coast. It’s so neat because this home was owned by a family since the prohibition days!! So many hidden treasures and secrets to be found! Things being in surface after someone is found dead in the Collins Hotel pool. Of course, poor Logan finds herself immersed into yet another mystery. Was this accident or murder?!?! She again finds herself in danger, but things are strange. Maybe she’s cursed! Never a dull moment as she investigates the death, meets her new half-sister, and deals with the house with Ben!! And all at once! Whew! Craziness! You CAN read all the books to this set (so far) as standalones, BUT I really suggest that you just read them all in order! I read the 8th one first and it didn’t hurt, but you will miss the natural flow of the books and all the growth throughout for each of the the wonderful characters. I can’t wait to see what Logan will be up to in the next few books. I’m a little sad that I’m getting close to the end of the series 🙁

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Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Safe Harbor is book 5 to the Logan McKenna series. You could read it as a standalone, but I would personally suggest that you just read them all! They are so good and you won’t want to put them down!! The series gets better and better with every book and I am not at all ashamed to say that I have lost quite a bit of sleep over this series and I would do it all over again!! Grab these books!!!! Once again Logan is dragged into a homicide mystery. This woman just can’t stay away from trouble! Finally on a vacation with her family and Ben, she looks forward to seeing Oregon. So much fun to be had during their summer trip. Maybe?? Visiting an aquarium, ocean walks, a boat fishing charter, and even tickets for a classical concert for her and Ben!! But now she’s a suspect! So of course she is trust back into the life of investigator. Digging into another murder she has to find the killer before she goes down for the crime herself!! This author has hooked me from book one, but man let me tell you that so far they are all so great!!!! You have to read this series!!

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I say that this series is just getting better and better with each book, you just need to take my word for it. But also read this set!!!!! You CAN read them all as standalone, but please just read them all! You will not regret it! Logan has a bad habit of getting stuck in the middle of murders, but she also has a pretty good track record with unearthing the killers. This time she’s so close to the killer that it’s crazy scary. Determined to find the truth Logan yet again dives into the mystery. The police investigation stalls, but that never stopped Logan before and it won’t now. Not knowing she holds the clue to it all, she is sucked into the killers world once again. Can she make it out alive again or will this be the one killer that makes her life vanish! The author has spun yet another wonderful suspense thriller murder mystery! I was on the edge of my seat even more and I can’t wait to dive into the nest book to the series!! Grab this whole set!! You will love them!! Danger, suspense, abuse, family and friends, intrigue, and of course murder!!

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Forest Park (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Valerie has done it again!! Another gripping mystery thriller. Now you don’t HAVE to read the others in the series, in fact I read the 8th book before an of the others. The author is wonderful at sneaking in previous information to keep you caught up. BUT let me tell you that if you don’t read the other books in the series you are MISSING OUT!!!! I have loved them all so far and you will too. In this book Logan is visiting Portland, a small vacation with her new boyfriend and to do a little recon on a school and it’s program that lines up with her own new career. She’s loving the city, the sights, and of course all the wonderful food! But then a horrible explosion destroys a food truck near her hotel and she knows the owner who was killed in the blaze. Of course Logan’s new friend and a Vietnam vet are the top suspects, but she knows better. Not knowing if it was an accident or done on purpose, Logan starts digging into the mystery. Without knowing who to trust she dives in to intestate all while trying to deal with her own personal life, which is also having some issues of it’s own. Secrets and lies unravel and while bringing everything to the surface her own life is once again in the cross fire of the real killer. I’m not going to give anything away, but boy oh boy does this story get good!! I love a great mystery!!

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Shattered (Logan McKenna Series Book 1) by Valerie Davisson- Reviewed by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

December 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a gripping mystery crime thriller with lots of action and adventure!! This set of books had me not wanting to sleep so I could finish them! I, of course had to sleep, so it took me longer than I even wanted, but I was not disappointed at all!! The author weaves these stories so well. I could easily see these as movies! With this first book the author paints you a picture of a local arts festival that is based around glass blowing demonstrations. You are placed into their world of art and music. But then a young glassblower is brutally murdered at the festival before hours. Logan has lost so much. Her husband, the company they built together, her music, and probably her job that she really came to enjoy. Having the summer “off” because she’s a teacher, a couple friends invite her to the festival to help with their booth. She of course is excited to help and to make a little income while waiting to see her fait with the schoolboard. Her friend Thomas is accused of the murder and Logan isn’t convinced. He refuses to defend himself and Logan doesn’t understand why. She starts to look into the glassblowers and everyone connected to them. There is more to this murder and with a slam-dunk suspect the detective isn’t looking elsewhere. Logan digs into secrets while diving into the world of glassblowing. The real killer becomes more dangerous and Logan must find out who it is before it’s to late for her friend, but also herself! With killer now after her, can she find the proof needed to free her friend before she herself is killed? Such a great book!! I didn’t see a few things coming and it was so wonderful! I love it when I can’t guess who the killer is right away. I can’t wait to finish the whole set!!

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This set of books was so different for me, but I have loved EVERY SINGLE ONE so far! This is a sequel to another book (The 45th Parallel), but it is also an extension of another set (The Antipodes series). Which was also AMAZING!!! You really have to read the previous books, because there is SO MUCH information you will miss. They connect with this book so you will be lost in many ways. You COULD read it and kind of follow along, but just read the others first!! You will not regret it! Just trust me on this! I found myself lost in these stories. Rooting for certain characters and not liking a couple. Feeling heartbroken for some and wanting to reach into the book and hit an idiot or two. Hehe. The worlds that are created in these book are amazing and really make you think about the possibilities of something like this truly happening. You can just see it all in your mind unfolding. This would be a WONDERFUL show/movies series in my opinion! A virus has wiped out the planet. It’s in the water and kills everything it comes in contact with. Plants, animals, and humans aren’t safe. Scientists and the government came up with a plan to save as many people as they could by setting up bio-domes around the world (you learn about all this in the first series of books). Yes! So interesting right?!?! You HAVE to read these sets!! Both of them!! In this book, Caitlin and her new husband Gio travel to Canada to become new ambassadors for the ACC (Association of Collective Communities). The ACC tries to bridge the gap between communities (not at all easy!), come up with solutions to any problems that may arise (there are SO many!), and offer new opportunities that will benefit all the communities AND all the generations to come (can you even imagine!!). Keeping everyone safe from the virus. but also still growing and thriving is a hard battle, especially when space is so limited! Caitlin proves herself in many ways and is respected by her people. She helps where she can, gives everyone new ideas, and helps make things more efficient. All great for a new leader. But as she builds her family with her husband an old enemy comes along and threatens everything!! Their security, their loyalties, and their lives. You will not want to put this book down! I don’t want to give anything away, but man oh man will this have you on your toes and gripped into your seat. Tragedy strikes (again!), revenge comes about (ugh. again!!), and everything they’ve worked so hard for could be destroyed (again!). The world ended guys! Can’t we just get along! The future looks bleak bleak bleak! I am not at all sad to say that I stayed up a little tiny bit to late, so I could finish this book. LOL! I can’t wait to read more from this author. I am so invested in these characters and world!!

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book so much! Yes, I bought it for my kiddos (8 & 11), but I also really enjoyed it. I love books that are entertaining, but also a learning experience as well. This book teaches you a TON of safety guides when it comes to dogs. The book follows CJ and Lora’s safety tips with their dogs, Porter who is a Mastiff and Midge who is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They explain different ways to care for your pet dog and how to interact with other people’s dogs. Throughout the book you get to see many types of dogs and how to be safe with them all. The illustrations are super cute and the information in the book on dog safety is really great. I even learned a few things! Such a great book for kids. Learning how to act around dogs is something everyone should, not just kids! I can’t wait to read the next books: The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About & The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Paws at Attention. If you are thinking of getting a dog for yourself or your child(ren) these books are GREAT for learning!! They ALL teach you different things- from safety, socialization, training, and focus.

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

November 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh this book was so good!!! So good that I went right away and ordered book two and three as soon as I finished it! Yes, it was that good!! I love the whole take on the werewolf mate bond in this book. It was a nice twist and I can not wait to see what happens next with all these characters! Jasmine is a good girl. She follows all the rules. She goes to temple. She doesn’t date. She gets straight A’s. She trains more than most. And she is just overall a well rounded good person. Well that all goes flying out the window when she finally meets her mate. Unfortunately, he’s already been with someone else and because of that her whole life is falling apart. Not all wolves follow the strict rules like Jasmine was. She was brought up to save herself in EVERY way for her mate. Blake is the soon to be alpha of the pack. His mate was taken from him before he even had the chance to mark her. It almost killed him to lose her. He’s not the same person at all. Leaving for a few years helped, but now he is back and after meeting a shy quirky girl his world is tipped on it’s axes. His common sense flew out the window. Self-control melted away and who knows where his discipline went!! He can’t help but like her, but she is destined to be matted to someone else and he can’t mess with that gift for the Goddess. Luke messed up. And I mean, big time!! He keeps trying to right all his wrongs, but he just can’t seem to get anything right. He betrayed his mate in HUGE ways. Trying to clean it up just made it worse and worse and worse. What will he do with his life now? The shambled mess that it is! War is coming to their pack and these three must prepare as much as they can, but how do you do that when your world is flipped upside down and sideways? Death is in the air from this 5 year war, and the other clan just won’t give up on seeking their revenge. You HAVE to read this book!!!!!! If you love a good werewolf romance book with lots of twists and turns, grab this one! Like I said I grabbed two and three as soon as I was finished! You will want to too!!

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am LOVING this whole series!!! I can’t wait to read them all! If you haven’t read the others in this series I personally suggest that you do. You don’t NEED to, but trust me when I say you will WANT to. Not only does it give you so many great books to read!! But they also, all give you SO MANY insights into all the other characters and what leads up to this story. When they mention certain people or things you won’t know everything and you’ll miss some great bits!! Trust me just read them all! PLUS the prequels! Again, those are not NEEDED, but they give you some back story each time that I personally really enjoyed. I really hate and love that you are left on a cliffhanger with each book. I hate it because I have to wait for the next one, but I love it because it keeps you clutched into their series wanting more and more. The author, I’m sure, gets this all the time!! Wicked Games is about Winter and Shane. They went to school when they were younger. Before Winter’s life imploded and she moved away. Shane remembers her though and he can’t get past that she was so horrible to him. Now they’re at Thane University together. Shane comes up with a plan for revenge. Pretending to be someone named Landon, he starts to “date” Winter. Winter is at University to work through some things in her personal life. Memories in nightmares that she can’t seem to understand. Memories that she’s scared to even understand. Winter was warned to stay away from Shane, but she just can’t seem to stay away from him. He has this grip around her soul and she can’t place it or him! As they get to know each other and things heat up they both start to really enjoy each other. Unfortunately, things never work the way you plan. I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything, but trust me!! Read this WHOLE series!!!!

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The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Christmas Escape by Belinda Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you lose your job two weeks before Christmas, your about to lose your apartment because your roommate is moving in with her boyfriend, your best friend’s boyfriend cheats and leaves her with a non-refundable ticket, and you don’t want to deal with your family over the holidays because of it all? Well you grab that ticket from her to help her out, and you have a Christmas getaway!!!! Well, that is what Lizzie does anyway. Christmas away in Australia is just what the doctor ordered. She can go, get away, and forget all about Christmas. And avoid her family and their judgement and questions! Right? Well maybe not… She’s checking out the beach and soaking up the sun when she’s hit in the head with a football. And just like that the whole vacation is turned upside down. Getting a black eye at the beginning of her trip was not what she had in mind! Plans shift and she ends up thinking a holiday romance might be in her cards. But can she really have a holiday fling? Loads of people do it. But can she? Jaz is a single father and has loads of baggage. Although he seems sweet and wants to get to know Lizzie, she’s worried things won’t work out the way she had planned. Invited to his Christmas get together is the last thing she expected. What will happen with her non-Christmas vacation? And what about when she goes back to her life with no job and no place to stay? Moving back with you parents is humiliating! Lizzie has her own baggage to unpack. Maybe a fling isn’t a good idea after all…. I haven’t read many Christmas themed books, but I am so glad that I grabbed this one! It was so, so good!! I LOVE watching Christmas movies and this one I could TOTALLY see on the big screen!! You can laugh, you can cry, and you can yell at the characters when they’re being stupid! If you love holiday romances, witty banter, and just an overall cute Christmas story this one is for you!! I didn’t want to put it down and now I can’t wait to read more!!

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Wondogfilled (Boys Unboxed) by Dr. Kimberlie Harris – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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

This was such a cute book! I got it thinking that my 8 year old would like it. She loved the pictures and such, but it was super easy for her. This book is better for younger kids. I’d say this is a 1st library type book for kindergarten and younger. This book follows a mother and her son Kingston. Kingston loves dogs. While on walks and such with his mother they always look at the dogs around town. His mother points out the different ones and any new dogs they haven’t seen before. It’s their little game while out and about. One day his mom shows him a cat, but Kingston thinks it’s just a different type of dog. After his mom shows him a few different animals he thinks that they are playing a game. Mom will call the critter something other than a dog and Kingston will yell dog! You can tell that the mother is worried throughout the book about this. By the end of the book she has showed him animals from hamsters to elephants to a fox. I loved this book. Even though it was easy for my daughter we enjoyed the story and looking at all the animals. So many different types of dogs and I thought that the fox was adorable! Grab this book to read with your little one! You are sure to love it!!

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished this book and let me tell you that I didn’t want to put it down! Of course I had to many, many times for normal life stuff, but every free chance I got, I grabbed it to read a little more. One chapter at a time I slowly finished it. Not because it was slow going, but because I was just crazy busy this week! If I had the time I’m sure I would have finished it within a day or two. Aubrianne (aka Anna) isn’t prepared for her marriage to Lord Roger of Stolweg. The fantasy of a loving home and husband is dashed away as soon as they arrive at the Keep. He’s so cruel to everyone when he’s home and frequently gone to unknown places otherwise. He’s hiding something and she and her new found friends (the servants that keep Stolweg running) fear him and his plans. She knows that her life will be coming to an end soon, just like his first wife. Roger only had two uses for her. Breeding horses and providing him with an heir. She starts a breeding program that flourishes, but providing an heir not so much. When the stable boy is tied to a post for lashes, Anna jumps in and takes his lashes for herself, not realizing that she fuels Roger’s sadist’s desires more. He becomes increasingly ugly and sadistic to her and she has the scares to prove it. Uncovering what he is up to and killing him before he kills her are her focus. When the Royal Guard show up unannounced to look into her husband and his dealings with forbidden realms, she fears she may have missed her chance. Larkin, one of the guards there to investigate Lord Roger, realizes that he knows Anna from years before. He caught her sneaking about court and he’s never been able to forget her since. Unfortunately for her, if her husband is punished for the treason they suspect, she could very well be implicated and put to death as well. Larkin’s gut tells him more is happening at the Keep, but how can he prove it? It’s a race to figure out what Roger is up to and stop him before it’s to late. Lord Roger or the King himself will be the end of Anna if she’s not careful. This book will have you on your toes! Trust me, it is that good! I was sad for Anna, but also wished the best for her and all the Keep’s people. Well, not Roger and some of his men, but the rest of them! I can not wait to read more of this series!! If you like epic fantasies, hot romances, murder, secret passages, love and war, and of course horses you will fall in love with this book too!

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

October 5, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Faking the Fall: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh guys!! You have to read this set!! You COULD read this one without reading the first few, BUT I would NOT recommend it! Just read them all! You will not regret it and you will fall in love with these characters and their cute little town. Plus the other books give you looks into the other character’s lives and small town life. Buckeye Falls, Ohio is a small town, everyone knows everyone, and the rumor mill is QUICK! Alice unfortunately has a bad rep in town. She’s finished with school and traveling and now she’s back living at home. Yes with her parents! In her 30s and still living at home. Something the WHOLE town won’t let her forget. The whole town (especially her parents!) won’t let her be when it comes to her future plans and her love life. “She’s not getting any younger”. She comes up with a plan that might get them off her back, but will she be able to convince James? James is an artist that leaves New York for small town life after his divorce. He’s been blocked when it comes to his painting and staring at a blank canvases all day has him itching for inspiration. Will he be able to get out of his head and heart and make some beautiful art again? When the two of them have a run-in in the library they both light up! James has some inspiration finally and Alice has a plan for the rumor mill of town. Alice convinces James to fake date her to keep the town at bay and James jumps at the chance to be around his new muse more and more. Will these two crash and burn with their little ruse? This book is super cute and so funny. I laughed out loud like ten times reading this! Maybe more!! You can’t help but fall in love with these characters. Each book is so good! I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope she continues the Buckeye Falls series with more characters around town!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

September 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a cute book! I got it for my 8 year old, but after reading it all together by 11 year old enjoyed it as well! I have gotten and read a few of this authors books and I must say that you can’t go wrong with any of her stuff. She’s such a wonderful children’s book author!! I can’t wait to read more with my kids from her. This small children’s chapter book takes place in Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium. This toy shop is a world a magical world where imaginary friends are real. The book follows four children in their quest for imagination and adventure. A world where it’s all four season and there are creatures all around. Lily, Jack, Audrey, and Nick are all drawn to the Emporium in different ways, but their stories slowly connect at the shop. The book is full of magic and adventures, but like everything there is a price to pay for the imaginary friends and it isn’t money! This book captures you in it’s grip and you just can’t wait to read it. It only took a couple days for my children and I to read and that was with us taking turns reading chapter by chapter.

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