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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Julie Johnson

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Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second book in this trilogy gives up updates on the leads from book one while taking us on a journey in the life of Rachel.

She was abruptly dumped by her boyfriend at the end of book 1 and now she’s trying to overcome that loss. No one else liked him (well, except for Tess) so they aren’t super supportive. She goes on a dating site and finds someone she’d be interested in. The date is set at her favorite restaurant. She ends up being stood up by her date. Then, the appetizer she’s wanting isn’t available. Nothing is going her way until Miguel shows up.

Miguel is having a rough day too. The kitchen help isn’t paying attention to the temperature of the oil and he’s having major flashbacks. Then he goes to tell a patron that her appetizer isn’t available and next thing he knows, she thinks he’s her date. Long story short, Miguel makes up for the lack of calamari and makes his mushroom ravioli a day early. Miguel joins Rachel for dinner and the start of a new relationship is blooming.

I’m loving this series so far and look forward to book three! The challenges these couples face are real ones experienced in today’s world. I almost feel like a part of this large family!

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas-Review by Julie Johnson

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Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tess gave up all her dreams to follow the man of her heart, only to find out he didn’t really love her after several years of marriage. Tess admits that she wasn’t perfect and has a few regrets. Her newspaper publishing business isn’t near where she’d like but she’s just not finding much happiness these days.

Ryan just got dumped by his business partner and isn’t sure how he’s going to make ends meet by himself. He goes to place an ad in a local newspaper and life changes very rapidly for him. Can he get past his past with Vicki and ever find happiness again?

This book is full of grief, pain, lost loves, redemption, and healing. I love the chemistry between Ryan and Tess even though things moved way too fast in my opinion. I laughed and cried reading this story!

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Oscar and Emmy’s First Christmas (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Julie Johnson

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Oscar and Emmy's First Christmas: An adorable Christmas story of two kittens enjoying the holidays. Christmas cat book.Oscar and Emmy’s First Christmas: An adorable Christmas story of two kittens enjoying the holidays. Christmas cat book. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s Oscar and Emmy’s first Christmas as they can’t wait! There are so many lights and crinkly paper, and milk that gets left out for Santa! They get to participate in the family’s Christmas traditions and maybe a little mischief of their own!

Such a cute story with vivid illustrations!

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Oscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Julie Johnson

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Oscar and Emmy Weather a HurricaneOscar and Emmy Weather a Hurricane by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It’s my favorite set of kittens coming back to help small children and their families understand more about how to deal with inclement weather. This book specifically goes over a hurricane that is close by and how they are going to handle it properly and safely. It goes over the preparation humans should take regarding their safety, as well as that of their four legged friends.

The illustrations will keep your youngsters attention even if the content is a little over their head at their age. This is a must have for any family with pets!

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Julie Johnson

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Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read in this series! While this is the second book, it can be read as a standalone as it focuses on a different set of people. There are appearances from book 1 in the series though so you can continue to catch up on their lives too!

This is an age gap romance that is a very slow burn, yet tender. Stephanie has had a crush on Ted for a long time now. Ted’s a little sweet on Stephanie but he’s afraid that he’d be rejected because of the age difference.

This story reminded me a little bit of my own love story. My hubby and I have a significant age gap in years and we were both fearful of the other’s feelings about that at first.

I look forward to more great stories by this author!

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill Book 2) by David Kummer – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill, #2)The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this follow up story to The Misery House, Allison has been missing for awhile and everyone is starting to give up. That is, except for Kaia. Questions we’ve had burning in our minds are finally getting answered but they also lead to more questions, more mysteries, more missing people, and a whole lot of deep dark buried secrets.

This one is a bit chilling right from the get go. It is slow in some areas in the beginning but quickly picks up and then you won’t be able to put it down until you’re done. This one will stick with you for a bit while you digest all that’s happened and wonder if there will be a continuation to this story!

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Julie Johnson

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Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest Book 1)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun, cozy mystery this is! A great way to start off this series too. While I’m not normally a fan of “talking animals”, I really enjoyed this read and look forward to the next book in this series. This author writes in such a way that you are hooked in and eagerly awaiting the next snafu that might occur. She also infuses a bit of mystery and humor into each story she writes. Ms. Montgomery is becoming a favorite to read!

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Julie Johnson

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun, cozy read featuring Lexie. She loves a good mystery and can’t help herself when a member of her local book club is murdered. She takes it upon herself to investigate and try to find the culprit. In the meantime, other people around here are dropping like flies. Can she solve this mystery before it’s too late?

This author is a great storyteller! She references Agatha Christie a few times. These references flew over my head as I’ve never read any of her work (I need to fix that, right?!?!). However since reading this, I want to go and pick up some Christie and see what I’ve been missing.

I’m looking forward to more of Lexie and her adventures.

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read by a favorite author! My favorite thing about this book (ok, so there are 2 things) is that there is a person in a wheelchair featured. It’s rare that this is seen in a children’s book but so very important as it opens up avenues for conversation. My second favorite thing about this book is the hand drawn and colored illustrations. I feel that it makes this book more authentic.

Dinopotamus is going to school again today but it’s “opposite day”. The teacher instructs everyone to the opposite of what she says. At first, it’s a bit confusing to Dinopotamus, but then it becomes more enjoyable.

A fun way to teach opposites!

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Another great read as this is a continuation of Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story. This second book may be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of catching the reader up on the events of the first book.

Jack and Mariella are finally in the US. It’s not the easiest transition for Mariella as she’s left her family behind in Rome. Jack’s mom isn’t the most welcoming mother-in-law either. Mariella struggles to find her place in the US, while severely missing her family. Will she be able to find a balance and happiness in her new life?

This is another emotionally tugging read that you won’t want to put down!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Julie Johnson

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I’m a fan of historical reads, those set in the WWII area, and ones that have a bit of romance. This is the perfect combination!

Jack and Mariella’s story tugged at my heart strings just a bit. There story isn’t necessarily original but it’s their story and it matters. This author did such a great job of weaving the story, that it was as if I was there watching it all play out in person. The emotions are raw and real and you’ll find yourself not wanting to put this book down until it’s finished!

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Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley – Review by Julie Johnson

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Vague Directions: Into the WoodsVague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a couple of books by this author before. This one was a little bit different than the others I’ve read. It is enjoyable but not my favorite.

I think this short read could have been better by leaving out the paranormal part of it or by making the story longer. Either could have led to some improvements with the story. Still a good read though!

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Purrfectly Framed (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Julie Johnson

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Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read by this author!

Molly, who owns a mobile pet spa, is doing a photo shoot with some of her newest clientele. The photographer, Evan, then finds his art teacher in his studio. Molly can’t stay away from a good mystery and, with the help of her four legged friends, may be able to solve this mystery quickly.

The characters in this book are great but the page stealers have to be the cats! I love the sprinkles of humor throughout these stories. Looking forward to more from this author!

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Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Julie Johnson

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Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new series by an author that I enjoy reading.

Molly owns her own mobile pet spa and upon returning a furry feline to her owner, Molly finds the owner has met an untimely demise in his backyard. Not quite what one would expect! Molly loves animals and she also loves a good mystery. She jumps in and is determined to help solve this case, especially when someone she cares about becomes a suspect!

This is a fun cozy read that has some humor infused throughout. There are also some really cute cats!

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Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another really cute book in this series. This time, sea turtles are being featured. There is a cute little rhyming story to go along with counting the sea turtles on each page. There is even a little song at the end of the book that can be listened to from a QR code.

I love the very vibrant colors in the illustrations!! A couple of pages almost look 3D because they are so well done!

A great addition to any library where youngsters will have access!

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Ten Little Sandpipers (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ten Little SandpipersTen Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun little read that focuses on counting and rhyming. The illustrations are very colorful and fun. This book contains a counting challenge at the end too!

This would be a great book for a new mom or grandmom, or one to keep in a family library for the young readers.

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The Big Book of Booper Snoots by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Big Book of Booper SnootsThe Big Book of Booper Snoots by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We have all, at one time or another, reached our hands out to “boop” the nose of an animal! This book is all about animals from A-Z! I even learned about a couple of animals that I have never heard of prior to reading this book.

Of course, safety must be first in all things and this book will mention this. We can’t just go “booping” any snoot we want or we might find ourselves in trouble.

There is a picture of each animal’s nose with a “who is this?” feature. Turn the page and learn all about that particular animal. Each one contains interesting facts.

The pictures are pretty cool in this book too!

Teach a young reader about animals, the ABC’s, and more with this fun book!

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Julie Johnson

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is heavily focused on some serious mental health issues. Kate and Lydia could be any random two friends in today’s society. They’ve known each other since elementary school. In their 20’s, they went on a whirlwind overseas tour of five different countries. Now in their fifties, both newly single (one by death, one by divorce) ladies decide to revive that tour after Kate has a bout in the mental ward of a hospital. Each country they visit brings about memories, both good and bad, as well as further develops their friendship bond.

This book is very emotional. High highs and low lows. I was sucked in from the first page! Both ladies are running from issues, not unlike many people today! On this journey they find themselves and learn more about each other, sometimes in the most unflattering of ways. The ending was not what I expected but I was not disappointed in it. This one is going to stick with me for a bit!

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Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Flying at RecessFlying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story about Soara, Zanie, and Lulu has some very vibrant illustrations throughout. This is my favorite part of this book.

Soara is a bit unique. She can fly into the sky when she drinks flower nectar. It’s cool and all but her friends Zanie and Lulu really miss playing with her at recess. The bell rings and Soara is nowhere to be seen. Can she make it back to her seat before the teacher realizes she’s gone?

This wasn’t my favorite read by this author, who is a favorite of mine. It was a fun book but just seemed to lack the educational component that I’ve come to love with this author.

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin StoryTroy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a prequel to the Crown of Stones Trilogy. I appreciated this perspective of Ian Troy as it helped to fill in some blanks that I felt was missing, but not necessarily required to enjoy the series. There is actually a bit of a different glimpse of Troy, as this story reflects his younger years. There is a lot of adventure, suspense, magic, and drama in this story as we’ve become accustomed to in this trilogy.

If you’re a fan of fantasy, be sure to grab this one up as well as the following three books!

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Julie Johnson

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the story of RC and Scoob, a brother and sister who are doing everything they can to keep their lives together. It’s been a rough couple of years with their mom walking out and then their dad dying in a freak accident. RC is so excited when he gets a vehicle for him and Scoob and when he picks her up, life is grand. Scoob has good news too but it’s short-lived as RC basically kidnaps her and they head to Montana.

There are so many emotions in this story! One minute, RC is the best big brother ever and the next I want to smack him upside his head. I really felt for Scoob on many different levels as she’s trying her hardest but she’s only 12 years old and doesn’t have the level of maturity to be doing life all on her own. She’s resilient though and I admire her strength and courage.

This is a great read and I recommend it! It’s geared for middle grades but this “old girl” really enjoyed it.

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Percy's Brides: A Double Trouble Romance

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Percy’s Brides: A Double Trouble Romance by Ivy Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I promise, Mother. And who knows? Maybe one day, someone will walk in looking for a hammer and leave having nailed down my heart.”

Percy owns the local hardware store and is very committed to running it smoothly. His mom and sister are very concerned about his bachelor status. They begin to encourage him to write letters to young ladies to see if he can find “the one” in mail order bride style.

Clara is a teacher who’s also very independent. When a letter arrives from Percy and she begins to get to know him better, she makes the decision to leave her job and go to be near Percy to see if their relationship can go anywhere.

Amelia is a seamstress. She’s very devoted to her craft. She too receives a letter from Percy. Having no family per se to keep her in one pace, Amelia finds herself on a train to meet Percy and possibly start a life together.

When both women show up within days of each other, they are all a bit perplexed at first….

I enjoyed this read very much! It’s a novella that can easily be read in 1-2 settings. This is a clean romance that I could safely recommend to anyone looking for something in this genre. There were a few character flaws (names misattributed, family situations) so just know that going in.

Overall, a good book!

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Julie Johnson

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an introduction to a new-to-me author, as well as a new series. This is a romantic suspense featuring Lea Milan. Lea was once known as Michaela Manning but due to circumstances that put her in harm’s way, she’s had to change her name. A decades old murder is still haunting her and now that her dad is rising in power, it’s putting all that she’s worked to move past in danger.

This book has a little bit of everything. Mystery, suspense, romance, lies, betrayal, murder, political tones, and more. It’s a very intriguing book that will hook you pretty quickly.

I look forward to the next chapter in this story. I do hope that we will hear more from Max!

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Julie Johnson

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maddy is a little upset when she sees she’s received a DNA test from her grandmother for her birthday. I mean, what teenager would want to do this? Well, Maddy soon learns that she is one quarter villain. Life changes a little bit.

This is a fun twist on a fairy tale. It’s also a clean enough read that I can recommend it to young readers. I really appreciate that in a book! Prepare to read this in one setting, or at least where you can finish it in one or two because it will take off quickly!

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dragons are usually thought to be pretty scary creatures, but not to Wynnie. She finds a mysterious egg outside the King’s castle. She’s so excited that when it hatches, she names the dragon Mera. Being an untrained baby, Mera starts setting fires so the King gives Wynnie one day to get her under control. Can the love and dedication that Wynnie has be enough to save her new dragon friend?

This is a cute book with great illustrations. Wynnie is a strong-willed young lady who doesn’t let just anyone change her mind. She thinks for herself and sets out to prove that she can do something that others may not have the skills for.

Grab this one today! You’ll enjoy it!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Julie Johnson

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Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For starters, check out this beautiful cover!! I love the colors!!

I am becoming more and more a fan of Susan Specht Oram! I’ve read a few of her books and have not been disappointed yet!

This is a fast paced thriller involving single mom Irena. She’s been waiting forever on her ex-husband to make amends on back child support. He can’t help but keep buying shoes though! When the two exes end up on a boat together, they both go overboard and only one returns.

This is full of twists and turns, most of which you don’t see coming! This held my interest so much that I had a hard time putting it down! I’m looking forward to what’s coming next by this author!

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It’s beautiful!

This is the story of Lily Thompson. She’s a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!

This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.

A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I’m very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Dinopotamus just wants to fit in with the kids and go to school and learn. He follows them to school one day and participates in the class learning sessions. Some things he has to do a little differently because he is different, but he learns new things and looks forward to going to school again tomorrow.

This book subtly focuses on celebrating differences in people. Dinopotamus isn’t able to do things in the same way the school children do but he adapts and finds a way to still participate. The illustrations show a child in a wheelchair, who also has to learn to adapt.

This is a great way to teach children that sometimes learning in different ways is necessary and that it’s also ok! I love how the illustrations look very child-like in terms of the drawings and the crayon colorings.

Another win for this author in my book!

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how this author writes in a such a way that you sit down to read “a chapter or two” and before you know it, you’ve finished the book in one setting. This book is full of twists and turns, some you see coming, others unexpected.

Detective Scala loves the job but it’s really starting to take it’s toll. Work/life balance is in jeopardy and he’s got to find a way to figure it out in the midst of another big crime mystery. Is he going to be able to figure it all out before he burns out?

This book can be read as a standalone, even though it is part of a series. I’ve read one other book in this series and was not disappointed. I look forward to going back and reading the other ones that I have not yet been able to get to!

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author. This book can be read as a stand alone but I will go back and read the previous books are there are a few holes I’d like filled in.

Vivian is a dentist and a self defense instructor. She has a bit of a rocky past and she’s wanting to keep it pretty close to the vest. Arrow (love his name!) is an former Navy Seal who is a now a billionaire wine connoisseur. He spies Vivian and is instantly interested in speaking to her.

There are many layers to this story, as well as many great elements. The chemistry between these two keep things interesting with a mystery and some pretty intense feelings in play.

Overall, great story and I look forward to reading the previous books in this series.

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