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The Kidnapping by Linda Burson – Review by Julie Johnson

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The KidnappingThe Kidnapping by Linda Burson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Linda Burson is a new-to-me author but not for long as I will be looking for more of her books. I love her writing style!

Jenna has recently left her fiancé Steve. All he wanted was her money but she wanted so much more. Jenna starts scoping out new hangouts and finds a bar where no one really knows who she is or how much money she has. She’s sworn off men but then Andy walks in the bar. Andy’s minding his own business but finds Jenna to be an interesting and slightly attractive woman. Jenna reciprocates the feelings. It’s when Andy is handed an envelope that things start to change for these two strangers. Inside the envelope is a note with a significant amount of cash. Andy has to make a decision as to what to do with this envelope and the knowledge that he now has.

This is the where they mystery begins. I’ll not ruin anything but the reader will be in for a pretty wild ride with these two and this envelope.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Julie Johnson

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Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna ChroniclesMis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super fun, sometimes hilarious, young adult featuring fantasy and loads of fun! One day, Evan is evading the bullies at school, the next he finds himself jumping over a ravine and he’s in a strange land. A land filled with fairies and goblins and the Elven Queen who might be his only chance to return home. In order to return home, he must complete three specific tasks given to him by the Queen. The tasks may sound easy but in reality, they are quite challenging! And if he fails? He owes ten years of service to the Queen. However, time in this new mysterious realm is not like the time we know. Can he complete the tasks and go home? What lessons will he learn along the way?

This is a fun book to read that is pretty entertaining. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

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Scepter of Flint (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 3) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Julie Johnson

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Scepter of Flint (Lord Hani #3)Scepter of Flint by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Many times when a book is picked up for the first time in the middle of a series, it can be difficult to navigate what has been missed out on. This being the third book in the series and not having read the other two previous books, I wasn’t sure if I could follow the story or not. However, the author does a great job of “catching up” the reader making this book able to be a stand alone. I’ll be looking forward to going back and reading the first two books though since finishing this one!

This book is set in Egypt, not a setting you see a lot in today’s literature and features tomb robbing and the plague. Lord Hani is tasked with finding out who’s behind all the robberies while trying to keep everyone safe from the plague. It can be a difficult job when his witnesses keep coming up dead!!

Enjoy this fantastic historical read!

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Mira and Carl are enemies. They are also brother and sister.”

This book focuses on the mutual love that is shared by siblings. By mutual love, I mean the torturous kind where one tries to outdo their sibling(s). Things like fighting over where to sit in the car, what book to read, what activity to participate in, etc. Mira and Carl find that they have so much fun that they want to do it again tomorrow!

This is a cute kids book and another one by a favorite author! Small children who have siblings will be able to identify with Mira and Carl and their daily antics. This book shows who a person can be individual but yet still participate in the activities and lives of others.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When the opening line of the book reads “Dead bodies interrupted my dessert course” the book can’t be anything but good!

Elinor Chalamet is a “ghost talker” and she’s been trying to solve her father’s death for many years. When a local incident arises where a ghost talker might be helpful, she’s summoned and finds herself at the Duke’s residence…held prisoner. The Duke keeps getting in her way and preventing her from doing her due diligence with these ghosts. The Duke is also relying on Elinor’s knowledge of precious gems to help him find a missing piece of the royal gems. Will the Duke move out of the way and allow Elinor to do what she does best?

This was a short little novella that I understand is part of a 6 book series. I look forward to reading more of Elinor’s adventures and seeing where the love interest goes.

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After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Julie Johnson

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After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She’s at the tender age of 17 years old but Laurel Collingsworth knows without a doubt she wants to marry Lord Robert Laningham. Her aunt is beside herself because this just isn’t how things are done! However, aunt Betsy relents and Laurel and Lord Robert are married. Just as soon as they arrive at their manor, things start to challenge their marriage. First of all, Lord Robert failed to sharing his upcoming nuptials with his twin sister, Rhonda. Let’s just say that Rhonda does not handle this news well at all because now there are two Lady Laninghams and Rhonda’s not ready to share that title with anyone. Then, just mere days after their marriage, Lord Robert is called away to fight in the war, leaving his new wife with his hostile and, dare I say, crazy, sister. Will Laurel ever be able to adjust to this new life and deal with her sister-in-law?

This book was enjoyable and kept to a lot of historical speech. I found myself laughing at some of the language used, as it’s not heard anymore and sounded funny. There were parts of this book that were never resolved but maybe that wasn’t necessary because in the end, it’s about Robert and Laurel. I’d have liked to known how certain situations would have fleshed out though. This is a fairly clean read with some romantic scenes, but they are not overly descriptive and could be appropriate for mature teen readers.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.75 stars

I have read quite a few Lois Wickstrom books lately and she has become one of my favorite authors! Most of the books I’ve read by her were for the younger group but this one is more geared for 7-12 year olds. It’s the perfect length for this age group and the story is very engaging!

Gwendolyn has a special inherited trait from her grandmother. When Gwendolyn falls asleep, she becomes a dream-shifter. If she dreams about elk, she becomes one with the elk. Most of the time, she wakes up as a human girl but one night, there is a fire alarm at her home. She’s awakened suddenly to find her home on fire. Being awakened so quickly, Gwendolyn did not have time to revert back to her human form and is now stuck as an elk. She only has 3 months to fix this or she will be an elk permanently. Desperate for answers, Gwendolyn and her family start searching for any answers that might help them out, including finding the local wizard. Can she survive elk season and become the girl she was?

This book focuses on acceptance, love, and science, of which Lois Wickstrom puts into all the books she writes. It makes science more fun and interesting and this time, with a bit of a magical spin. I look forward to reading more of these longer novels by one of my favorite authors!

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Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Julie Johnson

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BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Bycatch”: the portion of a commercial fishing catch that consists of marine animals caught unintentionally. -Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged.

Rex Thompson made a huge mistake while serving in Vietnam and Nguyen Duc Dung not only witnessed the mistake but paid a huge price for it. Many years later and a world apart, their lives would come together again.

Rex wasn’t the best husband, father, employee, or friend and he’s trying to change that. Or at least he thought he was. Ruled by the bottle, Rex ends up making even more mistakes and one day escapes his two teenage sons to try to make amends. Little does he know that Jake and Pigeon are going to follow in his footsteps in an even worse manner.

Dung ends up dead one day and everyone is pointing the finger at Rex, except that he’s nowhere around. The only other logical conclusion is that his son’s have sunk the boat that they fell in love with, but lost, when their dad ran away.

Rex finally returns home to learn of Dung’s death and this stirs up many thoughts of the past. Did this have something to do with him afterall or is he just the bycatch?

This was an enjoyable novel full of mystery and intrigue. I found myself liking Rex from the beginning even though I knew he was not the most reputable person. This is a story of hatred and love, forgiveness and abandonment, of redemption and saving.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Queen Mabel is regarded as the fairest in the Kingdom of Aleta. She judges fairness by using a mirror to see if the eyes of those asking for a ruling had the Sparkle of Fairness. Several people come to the Queen to see if she thinks certain situations are fair or not. One day, the Queen defers to Snow White, who is sent out to investigate the dilemma that the dwarves are having with Pippa. Snow White makes a discovery that alarms Queen Mabel. She vows from that day forward to make some corrections!

This is a super cute book that focuses on the science of mirrors, as well as the moral trait of fairness. The illustrations are very well done and young readers will recognize some of the characters from more popular fairy tales. Not to mention, there is a dragon! Another great read by this author!

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Julie Johnson

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SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This beautiful novel reads like a well-mastered symphony. I was intrigued by the first page and could hardly put this one down!

Erin’s aunt recently passed and she and her sister have inherited her wealthy estate. One day, a young man comes to Erin to deliver a box. Erin thinking that she’s already received everything is very perplexed….even more so when she opens the box to find very beautiful dolls inside. What could her aunt have possibly meant by leaving these dolls behind? There is a note and Erin is still rather confounded by these dolls but soon, she’ll be on an adventure that could change her life.

When one of the dolls falls and smashes to smithereens, Erin finds herself in another place and time. A place of danger, toil, confusion, love, and forgiveness. Erin’s a prisoner but only so her friends can survive. She’s willing to try to meet the demands of the Oberst but not willing to give up her beloved Soliloquy…or is she? Can Erin find her way back home where she belongs? What about those she might leave behind?

Arick is a pilot who’s shot down that Erin and her friends come across. Do they take the chance to harbor him, knowing that if they’re found out, they’ll all be gone or do they send him on his way, injured and possibly without hope? What can Arick do to help this family, if anything? What about the fact that Erin feels like he should know her? So many beautiful angles here!

This is a new-to-me author and I’m hoping for a sequel to this book. I believe a door may have been left open for another story! The things that Erin experiences in this story are pretty realistic during that time frame of WWII. I enjoy reading these period pieces and this one has a time travel aspect to it as well.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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

Albert is a turkey on a turkey farm and it’s November. He’s becoming very concerned that all the people looking him over see him as food and not a pet. Albert would love to live a long healthy life making people happy but not on the dinner table! Then, Albert sees some hope. The President has just pardoned a turkey and wished him a long life. Maybe, just maybe, Albert can be pardoned too!!

This is a super cute book that is very timely! It discusses how turkeys are traditionally eaten at Thanksgiving, which gives the reader and opportunity to discuss with others or think for themselves about other options for a meal besides turkey. It also discusses voting, which also happens in November. The illustrations are very well done with lots of vivid colors. This is one of my all-time favorite children’s authors now that I’ve read several of her books. These are great to share with your kids/grandkids/daycare/preschool/etc and would make a great holiday gift!

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Julie Johnson

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Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you have a cat and ever wondered where it goes in the middle of the night while you are sleeping away? Well, Lucas’s family wondered the same thing so they made a spy cam for him to wear. They are thinking he’s got to be out solving all the world’s problems, helping those who can’t help themselves, or just having some fun. Once he returns home in the morning and while he’s sleeping, the family uploads the video to see what he’s been up to all night long.

This is such a fun book but what really caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous and vivid illustrations!! These really make this book! There are many brilliant colors and lots of different textures captured within these pictures. This book can be used for so many great things…pointing out/teaching colors as well as animals, learning new words, learning about technology, as well as how using imagination can take you many places! The ending of this book has multiple suggestions for creative thinking whether at home, school, or elsewhere.

A beautiful book that would make a great gift for young (and even not-so-young!) minds!

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler – Review by Julie Johnson

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Operation BlackbirdOperation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a riveting follow up to The Brass Compass in which CIA operative Miriam Becker is doing all she can to prevent WWIII. The setting is East Berlin and the KGB is crawling all over the place. It’s her job to rescue a rocket scientist and get out of East Berlin without being detected. She knows that one wrong move can change the outcome of this mission and possibly history itself.

This is another great read with very historically accurate references! I enjoy this author’s writing style and how she chooses strong female leads in her stories. This is a true page turner filled with a lot of action, some romance, and a story for the ages.

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Brass Compass by Ellen Butler – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Brass CompassThe Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy a good WWII novel and this one did not disappoint. Ellen Butler is a new-to-me author and I look forward to more of her work!

Lily Saint James has lived a life of privilege being able to attend the best schools and receive proper training in how to be a lady. Her father’s job has allowed much of this to happen. It’s Lily’s senior year and she’s excited to be able to finish school and be back home with her parents and possibly start searching for a proper suitor. When her mother becomes very ill after an extended stay in Africa, Lily travels to reach her but she’s too late. This absolutely crushes Lily and has her desiring to enter into service to her country, but in a more back door way.

Lily becomes an OSS agent and finds herself in the middle Germany, which she needs to escape, but not before gathering as much intel as possible.

This book is exciting, full of action, a little bit of romance, and great historically accurate references. I found this book very enjoyable and will be reading book 2 next!

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Julie Johnson

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bob McLarney is having a bad day. He was just fired from his journalism position after a measly two weeks. The editor wanted a gripping story and Bob chose to write about the existence of Big Foot. Boss man wasn’t happy so Bob is looking for another source of income. He’s just moved to Mysty Haven and has a few months of free rent so he’s wanting to stay where he is.

Bob frequents the local coffee shop gathering any gossip that’s going on. He’s approached by an elderly man who’s looking for someone to help him find his newest gnome that’s gone missing from his garden. Bob agrees to help out but learns pretty quickly that Mysty Haven isn’t quite the place that he though it might be. He also learns that he’s not who he thought he was.

This was a fun little novella to read on a rainy afternoon. It includes all sorts of paranormal characters, most of which have some comical elements. This was an enjoyable short read.

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Yesterday’s Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade – Review by Julie Johnson

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Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat series, #3)Yesterday’s Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving this series and I’m so glad that Trudy gets her own story! I’ve been following her through this series and she’s one of my favorite characters.

Trudy is the medical examiner and some bones are located the likes that she’s never seen. It’s up to her to find out who this is and to help identify who did this to them. Her services are invaluable to the police department but can her kind spirit endure the emotional toil that it’s taking on her?

Ms. Flade does it again with another great novel full of mystery, suspense, and romance. I found myself on the edge of my seat as I read this thrilling, fast-paced novel. I’ll be looking forward to more great reads by this author!

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Fall to Pieces (Philly Heat Series Book 2) by Becky Flade – Review by Julie Johnson

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Fall to Pieces (Philly Heat series, #2)Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lexi Danvers is still trying to come to grips with the horrible and untimely death of her husband, Robert. On top of that, she’s given a new partner in the homicide division. As a detective, she’s dedicated to her job, sometimes too much. As a friend and lover, she’s not as dedicated and uses people, although it’s not always purposeful.

Xavier Knight is the new detective assigned as Lexi’s partner. He’s not without some skeletons in his closet either, although he keeps that door pretty closed. What he’s not happy about is that he’s been hired to keep an eye on Lexi. She’s a loose cannon and could become a liability to the division. Xavier isn’t sure he can defy the trust of his partner.

There is a child killer on the loose and Lexi is pretty sure she knows who’s committing these crimes. How can she solve these murders when her shield is in question?

I love this author and this is only the second book I’ve read of hers. This story is gritty and covers some very difficult themes that are unfortunately happening far too often in our country. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Flade’s work!

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Julie Johnson

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Borrowed TimeBorrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? If so, what would you want to see or do? I’d love to go back to the Bible times and see Jesus and his disciples. I would also love to go back to the time of Abraham Lincoln and meet his former love, Anne Rutledge (who is a family member!).

Andy Case is a physics professor and well, physics can be a bit boring at times. I personally enjoyed my physics classes and loved seeing this topic featured in this book. His students are losing interest but come up with an idea to create a time machine. Andy isn’t quite sure about this idea but, why not give it a try?

There are many accurately described historical events which makes this book intriguing and fun! I was a little surprised about some of the events that were not changed by the group, but then again, maybe they didn’t need to be. Changing on small little feature of an event can change an entire course of history!!

Finally, this book cover is beautiful! It’s very attractive to the eye and is one of the things that attracted me to this book.

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Julie Johnson

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a pretty interesting read and even though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I do want to go back and read the previous books for more context on this story though. I do get a little confused when there is a dual timeline as I struggle to keep the different parts separate, yet together.

It’s the year 1593 and Christopher Marlowe is in trouble. The playwright is being taken to the White Tower but he’s desperate to get a message to his love, Tam, in the present day. Tam’s a homicide detective who can possibly help him out, but then again, maybe it would be best if he handled this on his own.

This book is about time travel, detectives, love, fae, shapeshifters, and more! It’s full of mystery, intrigue, high stake choices, and more!

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Julie Johnson

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Olivia’s life is perfect…until it isn’t. Her husband cheated on her with her best friend, she loses her job, and her mother….well she’s a fine piece of work!! I mean, we all love our mom’s but Olivia’s mom is a special one. LOL Olivia is at rock bottom and she’s doing all that she can to start a new rise to the top. She loves to cook but is struggling to find a job doing what she really loves so she settles. That is, until her friend Taylor comes up with a plan. Will this work? Does Olivia have it in her?

This is such a fun and relatable book! Olivia’s mom is probably my favorite character mainly because she reminds me of my own mom in a way. She really does love Olivia but sometimes that love can be overwhelming. This is a fast paced and witty book as well! I look forward to reading more books by this new-to-me author!

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Julie Johnson

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Family friendly and full of fun!! Ruby isn’t the most outstanding actress and definitely not the star of the show but she sure loves a good mystery and this boxed set does not disappoint!

I am a musical lover and this series of books is such a happy and sometimes hysterical read! The Sound of Murder is a book based on the Sound of Music. Ruby gets to join a travelling troupe and her first real role is underway. What she didn’t expect is that one of her cast mates would be murdered. All of a sudden, Ruby’s focus is on solving the murder of her friend.

West Side Murder is based on the popular West Side Story. Instead of the Sharks and the Jets, we meet the Golfers and the Palmers. The focus of this story is on a murder that takes place in a local retirement community. While Ruby and her troupe are on tour, she finds herself in the middle of yet another mystery.

Little Shop of Murder is such a fun read!! I love all musicals but this one is a definite favorite and this story did not disappoint. Ruby and her troupe are performing “The Little Shop of Horrors” on stage when some things become more real than just acting out parts.

What I love about these books is the way that Ruby remembers details to solve her mysteries. She attributes them to musical numbers. I found myself singing along with her clues! This is a great cozy and clean set of books that will put you in a sing-songy mood for days!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

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Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie, who is kin to Emma in the Notebook series of books by this same author, is serving as a clerk of the court. There is a high profile case that has come to the judge she is working for and the judge is pushing to get this case through quickly. So many things aren’t adding up to Lottie, and then some pictures arrive at her home. Lottie isn’t ashamed of her bohemian, free-spirited, bisexual lifestyle but these pictures come with a threat. Can she keep her private and personal live separated until this trial is over or is she going to have to disclose some very intimate and private details?

This book is based on actual historical events that have taken place. That’s one thing I really appreciate about this author! This book is definitely more geared for adults as there are some highly sensitive issues covered in it. I love the suspense of the story and how Emma and other characters from the Notebook series make small cameo visits!

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ice DanceIce Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hassan is a unemployed accountant who is about to lose his apartment and disgrace his family. No one knows about his work status until his mom and dad start getting letters at their home. Then, Hassan is scrambling to make sure that no one else knows he’s been struggling for over 4 months. Afterall, he comes from a very successful family and he doesn’t want to look bad.

After a night at a bar waiting on his friend Anthony, and a time slot for the open mike comedy night, Hassan meets Yasmine. All of a sudden, his life will never be the same again. What are those green footprints that keep showing up??

This is a new-to-me author who I really enjoyed!

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The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Julie Johnson

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The IntrudersThe Intruders by Brett McKay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a unique book and a very interesting, new-to-me author! I was surprised to see how this book is set up to include the author’s notes. At first I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it but I’ve decided that I really loved it for this book. It’s great to get in the mind of the writer and see where they were going with something, or why they chose to write the scene the way they did. I really appreciate this unique angle.

Now about the book….wow!!! It grabs you from the first word and just doesn’t let go until it’s over! Dex is a regular ole car salesman, a family man. Regan, his wife is lovely and has her hands full with their two boys. They find themselves abducted and in a weird place, enduring all sorts of torture until they can escape. Or have they really escaped?

This ones got some pretty cool nuggets in it and I think they enhance the story even more. I look forward to reading more of this author’s work!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Julie Johnson

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hester has heard all her life about how she’s not “ordinary people”. Most people don’t know that though. Hester has a strong desire to learn the ways of healing with medicinal herbs and poultices but it’s just not something that her momma would be proud of her for. Hester learns her great grandmother Ellen dabbled in medicinal herbs and that just fuels her even more.

Aaron is a mysterious man who is often not seen walking about. He tutors Hester. It’s when he mysteriously leaves that things start to become more difficult for Hester. Why did he have to go?

I loved this book! It was a fairly fast read and I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are very engaging and the story is quite interesting! There are a few twists and turns but ultimately, I just wanted Hester to get what she desired. I can’t wait to read more works from this new-to-me author!

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Julie Johnson

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Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s the start of Makayla’s second year at the Grave Digger Academy. A big announcement is made that affects the entire school. With budgets being tight, every student will have to compete in the Inter-Academy competition in order for their school to stand a chance to stay open. Makayla was hoping this would be an easy year but she soon finds out that it won’t be. Can she survive this second year of school? Will the Grave Digger Academy be able to make a good showing and keep the school open?

This was a fun, quick read continuing on with Makayala’s story. While this is a book that focuses on supernatural beings, it also includes a lot of humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading this book!

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The Gauntlet (The Soppranaturale Series Book 1) by Ashley Pagano – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale SeriesThe Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine finding out that you are a special species of supernatural and that you are one of the only two left of your kind. You are led to a special place but you’re not really sure why. Ommily has wanted to visit the Soppranaturale hotel for awhile now so she convinces her fiancé to take her there. Only problem is, her fiancé is normal…as in human. Ommily knows she’s special but she isn’t sure how special until she meets Link. He will teach her as much as he can before they are challenged in the gauntlet.

This was a super fast read for me. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but that’s a good thing. This book features multiple types of supernatural beings (fairies, witches, vampires, phoenix, etc.) and is very different from other supernatural books I’ve read like this. It was a welcome change and I look forward to reading more work by this author.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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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

Mama Warbler has just laid 6 eggs and she’s patiently waiting on them to hatch. One day, a Cuckoo flies into her nest and lays an egg, then just disappears. Mama Warbler’s neighbor keeps trying to get her to toss the much larger egg away but Mama insists on keeping it. When the baby cuckoo hatches, it’s much bigger than Mama herself and this baby eat A LOT! Mama is busy collecting food when a cat stops by for a visit. Baby cuckoo protects Mama’s nest but the neighbor looses a baby. The neighbor decides that baby cuckoo isn’t so bad after all and she’s hoping to gain one next year.

This is a super cute book by an author that I love! The illustrations are very well-done as well. This would be a great teaching tool about birds and egg laying, about friendships, loyalty, trust, and the importance of all lives.

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Fallen Star (The Divine Devils Book 2) by R Weir – Review by Julie Johnson

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Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Divine Devils….the kind of guys you definitely want on your side because they are not what you’d expect them to be!! I really wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I picked up this book to read but I sure had a hard time putting it down once I got started!! Action packed from the get-go, Hunter is trying his best to clear his name in a previous incident when the Divine Devils are called back together for a new case. This one involves a very wealthy actress trying to get the extortionists off her back and her out of the lime-lime for nefarious reasons.
I’m going to have to go back and read the first book of this series just to “catch up” with more of the back stories of these characters and because if the first book is as good as this one, well, I just need to read it.

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Julie Johnson

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Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this follow up to Complicit (which, in full disclosure, I have not yet read), Kate and Tilly are even more determined to do right for their communities. Tilly has found a new position as a SANE nurse and she and Jim have found a new place to live. Kate is working on a her fortress to house girls who are needing a place to escape the evilness they are being lured into.

This book is very fast paced, edge-of-your-seat kinda read. Just what I enjoy!! There are questions yet to be answered and I can’t wait to read more of this story! I look forward to finding out answers to some of these burning questions in my mind and I will also be reading the first book to get more context for this one. I don’t feel that it’s necessary to grasp this story….this is a great stand-alone if needed. I’m just curious as to how some things came together.

Is your stumble and fall going to lead you to great places???

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