If I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful story, beautiful illustrations, very diverse. It’s all the things us parents wish for our children. It would make a great baby shower gift. Definitely recommend this book.
The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am obsessed with dragons so I had to read this book! The way it started, I was a bit confused but it quickly explained things and I absolutely fell in love with it. I loved how the bond between Rilla and Vidar developed, although I was hoping she would have admitted that she loved him. I thought she was a very determined and intelligent main character. I wish they would have explained why she started turning gold, but maybe that will be in book two. This author may very well end up being one who gets permanent real-estate on my bookshelf.
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not your typical sci-fi story. It did take me a little bit to get into it at first, but quickly turned into a book I didn’t want to put down. The author did a very good job world building and making the characters real, relatable and loveable. Looking forward to the next book.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very cute story. It’s obvious Amaleigha has a love for the outdoors. It was wonderful to see what she did with that love. My 4 year old granddaughter loved having me read this book to her. Definitely recommend this book.
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a whirlwind of a short story! I didn’t expect it to flow so well, but it did. The author gave some much needed details and did a good job of world building. I found myself rooting for Quinnlan to succeed. Definitely recommend this quick read.
Lucas the Spy Cat: A Children’s Mystery Adventure with Creativity & Imagination Boosting Activities by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute little story about a family cat and his adventures at night. I like when children’s books have life lessons in them. My 4 year old granddaughter thought this book was funny and she enjoyed trying to find all the animals at the end. I really liked the extra stuff after the story that I can do with her another time.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely loved this book!! So many twists that kept me guessing until the end. I need to continue with this story, because I just have to know what happens next. The characters were very well written and I wish I could visit Mysty Haven! This book had everything I needed in a good book. Wonderful characters, mystery, paranormal, and even a recipe at the end! Highly recommended taking the time to read this book.
Spidersight by Tirzah M.M. Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
O.M.G! Let me start this by saying I was terrified of spiders before reading this book! I didn’t think it was possible to be more scared of them, but after finishing this book in one day, it has happened. I’ve seen 3 spiders since finishing the book and have darn near had a panic attack! Needless to say I loved this story! Yes it freaked me out but when a work of fiction can cause such a reaction in reality, it’s definitely a 5 star book. I felt so much empathy for Missy. She was so strong and had to deal with so much for being so young. I can only imagine the therapy she would have had to go through as an adult. Highly recommend this read!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It started out slow for me but picked up pace and kept me turning the page. Just when he feels he’s about to lose everything, he is swept away by Yasmine. It’s not the typical fantasy I’m use to reading. But I did enjoy this book.
Queen’s Destiny by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was super excited to read this story. Witches, vampires, werewolves, prophecy…yes please! I liked how we learned about the past and the present, but it felt choppy. I had to really slow down with this. I also had to make sure I wasn’t going to be distracted while reading. Other than that, it was a really good book! I am interested in the next book as well.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2 of the Fae and Crystal Thorns series. Hard to put down yet again! Chloe is in Faeire, trying to protect it from humans who are trying to poison the fae. She’s not sure if she wants to return to the mortal world, or stay with Quintus. I really enjoyed reading how Chloe and Quintus progress as characters. The author did a wonderful job describing the world of fae so well that I can picture myself there. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3, and another sleepless night, lost in a book!
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very interesting story. This is not the first book I have ready by Maria DeBlassie, but it is the first short story. It flowed rather smoothly. It was easy to understand how the main character felt. I got to the end and flipped back and forth looking for more! It honestly was great! Go ahead and give this quick read a chance.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Grave Digger Academy series by C.A. King. Makayla and her friends are back at the academy. She’s hoping this year things will be a bit more normal, but it sure doesn’t start off that way! A portal that shouldn’t work, an inter-academy competition, and more stones being revealed…not a simple year once again. I love her character and I’m glad that more questions are being answered from book 1. I would definitely read the first book before getting in to this one. I’m hooked and excited for book 3!
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very interesting piece of work for me. I have slightly been into poetry in the past so I decided to give this a try. Oh what a wild trip it was! I did struggle with a lot of words the entire book and I feel my vocabulary is rather large. I would recommend having a dictionary as you go, although the rhythm flows quite well.
Operation Pinpoint by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by Landra Graf so I really didn’t know to expect. It was short but full of adventure. The characters are well developed and the world was very thought out. The bond between Ravenna and Dravos made me hope for the best for them. I will definitely be continuing to read this series!
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very cute coloring book! Love all the images. It would be suitable for children too since there’s nothing too scary. Perfect for Halloween!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. Yet I’m torn on what to rate it. There were many parts that seemed skipped over, but I feel like it will all be explained as I read more of the series. I’m definitely left wanting more. Makayla’s character was so relatable and complex. At first I thought she was kind of shy and down, but she was pretty spunky while at the academy. I can’t tell if being a 7th born is a good thing or not yet but I can not wait to put my granddaughter to bed so I can start the next book tonight!! Overall very good young adult paranormal book.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s Christmas time, but Evan needs Emma’s help! Ghosts don’t wait for Christmas. This was a great addition to the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. It is a very fast paced, quick read. I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit now!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again I was able to get lost in the world of Emma. Not too often can I completely emerge myself in an entire series and not get bored! This may be a series that I purchase for my shelves, so I can read them over and over. Very good series for any young adult, or older adult as well!
Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definitely read the first two books before jumping in to Emma’s current escapades! This time she and her team head to New York. Then she’s off to Paris! I still love her character, as I really enjoy a strong female lead. I also really enjoy the historic details in this series. I’m super excited to start the next book!
Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emma is now 18 and she needs to make some decisions in her life. She is a woman, making a name for herself in a man’s world. And speaking of men, that’s a whole other decision! I am very much enjoying reading along with Emma as she continues to grow and prove herself. I love all her adventures.
Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries series. It begins the series with Emma’s start as a young amateur sleuth. Her mother was tragically lost in the 1871 fire in Chicago, where she ran the family bakery. Her family continued to run it after they rebuilt. But Emma wants to do more exciting things with her life. This book has great character development. It was also a fun read. I loved having recipes that I can make at home. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Teagan Stone series. She wakes up, locked in a room, with no recollection of how she got there. She is then told she was an undercover agent and they need her back for another mission. All she remembers is being a wife and mother. She is whisked away to another country without talking to her family. I really enjoyed her strong female character and was on the edge of my seat a few times. Very quick read, but a good one. Really looking forward to the next one.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was the first book I’ve read by Valerie Davisson. It is not the first in the Logan McKenna series, but you can read it as a standalone. Very well written murder mystery that was hard to put down. I will be adding this author to my list of favorites.
Blood Sector by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
She sneaks into his territory to offer him herself. To be his mate and the opportunity for him to run a sector. Then she disappears! For 100 years, he chases her. And now he’s got her, and he doesn’t intend to lose her once again. Now he must unravel her secret. Overall I enjoyed the book. I was a bit disappointed in the ending but desperately want to read the next one.
My Darling Rogue by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by April Moran. I was hesitant because romance books are not my cup of tea….unless they are steamy! I was not disappointed. 50 Shades meets ristorical romance!
I loved Celia’s character. Very much the lady she is expected to be with just enough spunk to keep people on their toes. She has a troubled past that she has kept secret, but it makes her feel unworthy.
Gabriel is your typical tall, dark and handsome main character. He’s a bastard, and sticks to the shadows during parties with the nobility. He has his eyes on Lady Celia, even though he feels he’s not suitable for her.
I felt the connection between Celia and Gabriel from their first encounter in this story. It never simmered out. I had a hard time putting this down, and I’m sure I blushed a few times while reading on my lunch break. If you don’t mind some mild S&M, this book is definitely for you!
Goddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. This book was everything I expected from Paul DeBlassie III. A dark telling of a man torn between two women. The love for his wife, and the love for his mother. Just like a horror movie, I wanted to scream at him sometimes. There were some very twisted parts and any time it delt with his mother I got the chills. Definitely recommend.
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the Bake Believe series. If you haven’t read the first two, go do that now. It was a great ending to the series. I really enjoyed all three books. It was very cool to have recipes so we can actually bake these things too. I believe this would really draw in the teenage group, especially those who like to bake and like magic. I think the morals being visited are easy to understand. Definitely recommend this story.
Love in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story but I was pleased. Isabel’s father has arranged her marriage to a knight. She does not get to meet him until their wedding ceremony. She seems like such a timid, quiet girl in the beginning but I love her spunk we get to see as her character progresses. There’s plenty of drama, politics and romance to keep you entertained.
Murder in the Lightning Room: A Historical Mystery by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a very relatable, strong, young female main character. She is given the opportunity to assist Nikola Tesla in his secret lab, just after his last assistant has been found dead. She finds Tesla a strange man, but wants to work with him for a good recommendation. She takes it upon herself to help solve the murder of his previous assistant and find some missing paperwork. Good twist at the end. I really enjoyed this book.
