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Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It was a page turner for me right from the first chapter. Rose is a journalism photographer. She gets injured on the job. At the same time, her mom falls and need Rose to go home to rural New York to care for her. While home, Rose tries to solve more than one mystery in her town and her life. I love Rose. She is so genuine. I could really relate to her having to be there for her mother. I was confused at first by Deputy Sheriff Stover’s presence in the book, but was pleasantly surprised by her character as the story unfolded. At first, I wished Rose could have found a man to be close to, but by the end of the story, I was content with the people she had in her life to love her.

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Vacation Flirtation…or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Series) by Stacey Komosinski – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Vacation Flirtation...or More? (Winter Getaway Romance Book 1)Vacation Flirtation…or More? by Stacey Komosinski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. I enjoyed the chemistry between Giuliana and Landon. The mystery about Landon’s life as “Mr. Parker” was intriguing and kept me reading to find out more. I loved the descriptions of the islands and the characters. I could really envision what the characters looked like and their surroundings. I felt the characters were likable, as well, especially Giuliana. It was refreshing to read a romance about two successful, determined people. I would recommend this book to someone looking for a quick read with steamy romance. I’m looking forward to book 2!

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Sweet Dreams by Claire (Capture the Light Series) by Nanette Littlestone – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Sweet Dreams by Claire (Capture the Light, #2)Sweet Dreams by Claire by Nanette Littlestone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must read for foodies and romance lovers! I couldn’t put it down. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this novel. The descriptions of the characters, setting, and food were exquisite. I could envision beautiful Ireland. I could taste the food while I read. The characters were genuine and loveable. I fell in love with Ireland and Claire and her friends. This is book 2 of a series, but I read it first and was able to enjoy it without reading book 1. Claire and Finn go through some rough times along their path. Will they reconcile by the end of the book? Read this book and find out. You won’t regret it.

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Renewed (Fateful Justice Series) by Sara Vinduska – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book, cowboy Hayden meets Ruby, who is running from her past, in a unique circumstance. The two take turns caring for one another. I loved this book! It is book 6 in the series, but I read it stand-alone and still really enjoyed it. Hayden is every woman’s dream cowboy. Ruby is a sweetheart, though a bit of a damsel in distress. Together, they make a sexy, unstoppable couple. The love scenes in this book were steamy and enjoyable. There was enough other action and storylines to entertain me the entire time. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It was so good, I binge-read the entire book in 2 days. I look forward to book 7!

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Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Unclutter: A Survivor's Story (Inner Voice, #1)Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is about surviving sexual abuse and overcoming the trauma resulting from that abuse. It may be triggering to some readers. The author did a good job of developing the characters. The book was long enough for readers to get to know each of the main characters well. I felt dialogue was realistic and relevant to the story. I loved the main character, Tina. She is such an inspiration to fellow survivors in the story as well as to readers. Tina’s inner voice empowered her throughout the story, something we as readers can learn to tune into in our own lives. I enjoyed the details in this book, especially the descriptions of the many international food dishes and how they taste. It is obvious this author took time to develop this story before publication, and I appreciate that. I recommend this read for older teens and adults.

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is another great read from the “Buckeye Falls” series. First, we read the stories of Ginny, CeCe, and Natalie. Now, we get Alice’s story. Although Alice Snyder grew up in Buckeye Falls, she has just returned to town. She meets newcomer, James Gibson. The two are instantly drawn to one another, but decide to “fake date” instead of dating for real. As the story progresses, they get closer. There are twists and turns that threaten to keep them from a lifetime together.
I love this book! I did read the first three books in this series, but this one is my favorite. I think it could be read alone, but I recommend reading the other books for background on the characters. Alice is complicated – she is educated, intelligent, and somewhat quirky. James is a perfect match for her with his creativity and gentlemanly disposition. I enjoyed reading as the two got to know one another. I was on the edge of my seat as they faced challenges together and apart. By the end, I was even more in love with Buckeye Falls and its characters.

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the fourth in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. I read it alone without reading the prior 3. I was able to follow along with the story, but would like to read the first books for more background into the characters. In this story, Eve and her friends look forward to a winter vacation but it’s interrupted by a potential murder (or was it a suicide?) at the house where they’re staying. Eve tries to solve the mystery. I liked this book. I enjoyed the characters. I love that a dog was the one who discovered the body – it adds a unique touch to the book. I appreciate the length of the book. It was long enough to include relevant details, but also short enough to follow the mystery from beginning to end without days of reading. I recommend this book for those interested in mystery novels, especially if they have read any of the other Eve Sawyer Mystery books.

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A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Melinda Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this book, we meet Mina and Wes, childhood best friends in the fifth grade. Later, they meet again in their senior year of high school. Do they have what it takes to love one another forever?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the author’s details of the characters and their surroundings. I could envision being on the campus of Ridgefield Academy. I liked the characters, especially Mina and Wes. I love how they had a back-story then came together again when they were older. The romance was steamy without being graphic. I was excited for the ending of the book and it did not disappoint me. I recommend this read for older teens, young adults, and anyone else who loves a good romance.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah, a 12-year-old girl from rural Kenya, Africa, befriends Abby, a girl the same age from the United States, via pen pal letters. The girls team up to help solve Neyah’s problem: she travels miles a day to fetch water for her family. This book is superably written! It’s obvious the author took time to research/experience life in rural Kenya. The friendship that forms between Abby and Neyah is a powerful one. This book reminds us of the value of friendship and the problems we can solve when we work together with others. The issues in this book are relevant and demand our attention as a society. I recommend this book for all older teens and adults. May we read it and be determined to take action ourselves.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! In the third book in the Buckeye Falls series, we meet characters Nicole and Anthony again. They are having a rough spell in their marriage and are desperate to reconnect. I read this book after reading the first two in the series, but I feel this book could be read alone. I was so excited to revisit Buckeye Falls! This book features wonderful dialogue and excellent characters. I love the steamy romance scenes. As with the other two books in the series, I love the friendships formed between the main characters. I recommend this book, especially for married couples.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book without reading the first two in the series. I feel like this book can be read alone, but readers would probably benefit from reading the first two books. I felt the writing was good, especially the dialogue and communication between characters.
Cecily Taylor Damone wants to be with her boyfriend, Andrew, and also have a successful acting career. Throughout their relationship, jealously threatens to keep Cecily and Andrew apart. I dislike how jealous the two characters are, but this is a young adult romance and I feel the characters are portrayed well for being young adults. I enjoyed this read even though I am much older than young adults. I look forward to seeing what is in store for Cecily in the next book.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern twist to Jack and the Beanstalk. This book was well written and illustrated. My 8-year-old son enjoyed it, as did I.

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this book without reading the first two in the series. I feel like this book can be read alone, but readers would probably benefit from reading the first two books. I felt the writing was good, especially the dialogue and communication between characters.
Cecily Taylor Damone wants to be with her boyfriend, Andrew, and also have a successful acting career. Throughout their relationship, jealously threatens to keep Cecily and Andrew apart. I dislike how jealous the two characters are, but this is a young adult romance and I feel the characters are portrayed well for being young adults. I enjoyed this read even though I am much older than young adults. I look forward to seeing what is in store for Cecily in the next book.

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White Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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White Picket FencesWhite Picket Fences by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! I especially loved the characters in this story. I could relate most to Julie’s character. Having experienced burnout as a mother and wife, I could sympathize with what she was experiencing. I was amused by her addiction to diet cola as caffeine and motherhood often go hand and hand. I had mixed feeling about Michael’s character. At first, I didn’t like him, but warmed up to him by the end of the book. The twin girls remind me of my own teenage daughter. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional roller coaster I experienced while reading this book. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I laughed, but always I wanted to read more of this family’s story. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling For You is the second book in the Buckeye Falls series by this author. CeCe LaRue is a chef at the local diner. Evan Lawson is a waiter at the same diner. The two are good friends, but they think it could be something more. This book explores the challenges couples face when trying to launch friendship into relationship status. I read the first Buckeye Falls book, but I feel this one could stand on its own. The romance scenes are sweet and sensual, with enough description to make you understand what happens but also leaving some room for the reader’s imagination. I love the characters in this story! Max is the best boss ever. Ginny is kind and thoughtful. Natalie is fun and exciting. CeCe is guarded with her emotions, but is an amazing chef. Even has the personality that could make him the perfect catch. I was excited to read their latest adventures. This book didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend this one.

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Landry is a thirteen (going on fourteen) year old girl who just wants to fit in. She wants a modeling career that will make her famous, friends who will be by her side through thick and thin, and something interesting to talk about with her classmates. She has friends who may not be as loyal as she thought. Throughout this book, Landry learns more about herself, meets new friends, and navigates the difficulties of middle school. I really enjoyed this book! I love the characters and the dialogue. I felt the characters were relatable and realistic. One small criticism was the technology in this book. I feel like today’s teens might not communicate in the ways they do in the book. I would definitely recommend this book to middle school, high school, and even adult readers, and I can’t wait to read the next books in this short series.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! A light and feel-good story. Ginny returns to her small home town of Buckeye Falls, OH, after living in New York City for 2 years. Even though she came home to take care of her father who was having hip surgery, Ginny agrees to work with her ex-husband, Max, to plan the town’s holiday Jubilee. The characters in this story feel genuine to me – they go to work, they need hip replacements, they grocery shop – all things that make them more relatable. I enjoyed the characters’ interactions with one another. Just as the characters feel genuine, so do their interactions. I couldn’t wait to keep reading until the end!

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance Series Book 2) by Jane Suen – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Reckless Heart (Second Chance Romance #2)Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the second book in the Second Chance series by this author, but can be read alone. Mary and Brad used to be friends. They grew apart over the years and recently reconnect, thanks to a mutual friend. Mary was looking for love after ending a long-term relationship. Brad hadn’t yet found someone to share his life.
Can they forget a painful and embarrassing experience from high school and find love with one another as adults?
I like Mary’s character. I find her to be believable and relatable. I don’t care for Brad’s character as much. He seems superficial to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to more stories from this author.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Albert the turkey is a cute character. He has a problem, though – a family wants to buy him for Thanksgiving dinner. I enjoyed reading this book to my son. We were excited to see if Albert found a solution to his problem. I would recommend this book for early independent readers as well as reading aloud to young children.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It’s a cute story I enjoyed sharing with my son. Mama Warbler taught us how far a mother’s love extends to those around her. We also learned how the cuckoo bird lays its eggs. I recommend this book for young children, parents, and educators.

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a feel-good story with excellent life lessons. Moby is sad because she wants to get good grades in school, have friends, and be loved. She studies but doesn’t make the honor roll like she wants. Her father leaves for military deployment and sends her a flute that doesn’t play. Moby eventually fixes the flute and learns important life lessons as a result. I enjoyed this story. I could relate to Moby’s goals and also her disappointments. I was excited by the gift her father gave her and sad when it didn’t work. I would definitely read this story to my children and recommend it for children, especially tween age.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bake Happy is the third and final book in the Bake Believe Trilogy. I read this book without reading books 1 and 2 in the trilogy. I wish I had read the other books first, but I still enjoyed this book on its own. I love the characters in this story! Cat and Robyn have an enviable cousin bond. I love that their families get together often and support both main characters. I like that the author included recipes to go with each chapter of the book. The ending wasn’t how I predicted the book would end, but it was a good ending to the story. Reading this book makes me want to go back and read the first two books. I would recommend this book for my junior high students to read, especially if they are interested in baking.

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Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science, #3)The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“The Mermaid and the Watery Magnifying Glass” was a cute story. Friends, Fig and Maia, are building a stone tower. They get some help from Maia’s mermaid friend, Trezzie. Fig shows them how to make a water magnifying glass to look at the stone Trezzie gave them. I love the characters in this story! Fig and Maia seem to have a close friendship, and Trezzie adds an element of imagination. I did not read the other books in this series, but still found this book enjoyable on its own. I recommend this story for elementary age children, especially children who love science.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog is back for a new adventure. This time, he and his friends have a mystery to solve on Jake’s trail. They work together and discover the answer to the mystery. I love this book! The characters are cute and friendly. They’re sure to keep the interest of elementary age children. Even though I’ve never read the previous books about Jake, I enjoyed reading this one. The back of the book features guides for how to help kids overcome fears and tips for meeting new friends. It also has activities for kids. I feel these activities and guides add to the value of this book and are useful parenting tools. I recommend this book for parents and grandparents as well as elementary age readers.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bree has sworn off dating the “jock” type. She’s looking for someone mature and responsible who wants a long term relationship. Nate, Latvian and a jock, pursues her. Bree continues to brush him aside as just a tennis partner, perhaps a friend, but definitely not dating material. Steven, on the other hand, checks all her boxes. Which man will make the best partner for Bree? Read to find out. I love the characters in this book! I especially enjoy the friendship Bree and Chloe have. This book is a great romantic comedy read that I recommend for anyone interested in a feel-good book.

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a great read! I felt the author described the main characters’ chemistry with one another in enough detail to feel it as a reader. I enjoyed the characters in the story and feel they were well-developed and believable. I fell in love with Gil’s eccentric family. A plot twist near the middle of the book left me wanting to not put down the book until I the end. I recommend this book for anyone wanting a feel-good romance story.

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The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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The Worry KnotThe Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! The author portrays believable, realistic characters. Rourke’s “worry knot” is something I found relatable for both adults who remember the worries of middle school, as well as for pre-teens and teens going through middle school drama. Because of the excellent writing, I could picture the scenes described and envision the characters involved. An exciting and unexpected event kept me engaged and wanting to read without putting the book down. I recommend this book for middle school students and adults.

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No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily – Review by Jennie M Bechtel

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No Names to Be GivenNo Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to read this book cover-to-cover without putting it down! The author takes readers on a journey with three young women from the 1960’s and follows their lives as they grow through adulthood. This book tackles several emotional events in the lives of the women. A plot twist threatens to derail the women’s accomplishments, adding mystery to the novel. I enjoyed the characters and felt as though I was a part of their journey as I read. I recommend this book for adults and older teens.

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