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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Julie Johnson

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People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let’s just take a moment and admire the cover of this book. It’s beyond brilliantly beautiful and the illustrations inside are equally as radiant!

This book was a journey…an adventure and was a very fun read! I laughed out loud several times reading this book and I know that kids will find it even more humourous than I did! Some parents may not appreciate one portion of the humor presented but given the story, I found it very appropriate and the kids will love it.

Ranger Marco, who is a raccoon, is helping out the Deer family in teaching their young Fawn about safety in different environments. They journey out of the woods to a nearby town where big yellow tubes suck up children and bring them back at the end of the day. Where there is a lot of noise that’s not heard in the woods. Small animals that are attached to their owners who are covered in strange material. Fawn learns to respect her environment and to accept who she is during this adventure.

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Julie Johnson

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Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was enjoyable from word one! I especially love all the music and television/movie references scattered throughout. I did not realize that this book was part of a series. Reading this one as a standalone worked out well, as there was enough backstory throughout this story to catch me up to date on previous events that took place. I do want to go back and read the first book though!

Darcy is a former drummer who owns a music store. Derek is coming to town and he’s an entertainer that’s got a bit of a tarnished reputation. He’s decided to do an apology tour to make it up to his fans for his past behavior. He purposely chose to kick off his tour in Darcy’s hometown due to some history that they’ve had together. The town is all abuzz about Derek’s arrival and upcoming concert. Then the big night comes, the show is a success, and unfortunately, it does not go on as planned. Derek is found murdered in his dressing room. There are several people that are potential suspects and the police are on it. The question is, can they solve it before Darcy can?

I loved the adventure and mystery in this book. It keeps you guessing right up until the end. The curve balls thrown are very clever! As a lover of music, I enjoyed this even more with all the musical references.

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Stars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover – Review by Julie Johnson

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Stars Like GasolineStars Like Gasoline by Jessika Grewe Glover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this book as they synopsis looked like something I’d be interested in. However, no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get into this book. For starters, it switched back and forth a lot, something that I struggle in keeping up with the storyline. The story took forever to really pick up for me and by then, I was pretty much done. I did want to enjoy this book, and many others have, I just couldn’t get into it.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Julie Johnson

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Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tally’s adventures have taken her, her dad, and her guardian angel Jophiel to India, Canada, and now Japan. I was most looking forward to this adventure! While it’s still really enjoyable, it’s not as exciting of a read as I was anticipating. However, there is a cursed drum, sumo wrestlers, and a ghost queen who will really keep you wondering what she’s going to do next!

Tally meets Miyu and Yoshi when she arrives in Japan. They are just as excited as she is to have a new friend. They speak amazing English and really hit it off pretty quickly. Tally learns that Miyu’s family used to own a museum and Miyu knows a lot of the family history. Yoshi comes from a long line of sumo wrestlers and he’s going for his interview to be accepted into the academy. They spend time outside of their schoolwork playing with a drum that seems to have some sort of special powers.

I was really sad when Jophiel started to act the way he did in this book. I wanted to smack some sense into him!! Overall, I do think he might be my favorite character in all the books that I’ve read in this series.

I do highly recommend reading these books in order, although one could skip around. It would bring about some confusion as to Jophiel’s backstory if you don’t read them in order and some of the character names would be a mystery. I’ve really enjoyed reading this series and I’m hoping that we’ll have more adventures with Tally and Jophiel to read about soon!

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Julie Johnson

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Canada (Tally and the Angel #2)Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do believe this is my favorite book of the series. I also recommend reading them in order although the author does a good job of catching the reader up to speed on how Jophiel came to be.

Tally and her dad have had their adventure in India and now it’s time to move on to Canada. They are in need of a doctor up there and since Tally’s dad is a doctor, they make the trek there. While there, Tally is excited to learn how to run a sled dog team. As a matter of fact, on the first day there, she gets to drive them for a small bit! Tally’s struggling to adjust to the massive temperature differences between India and Canada too. Here she can’t see anything but eyeballs on the people she meets!

There’s this man named Earl and his daugther Amka who come to take Tally and her dad to the place where they will stay. Something is pretty sinister about Earl, at least to Tally and Jophiel. Then Tally learns about a curse and the Gold Rush and things, well, just aren’t as they seem.

This book was so much fun to read and as previously mentioned, is my favorite in this series. There is a lot of mystery in this one, as well as adventure. This is a middle school level book but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a middle ager!

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Tally and the Angel: Book One, India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Julie Johnson

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India (Tally and the Angel, #1)India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun adventure story!! This book is geared towards middle grades, ages 7-12, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult!

We meet Tally at a really bad time in her life. She’s just lost her precious mother, whom she loves so dearly. Before taking a trip, her dad gifts her with a pendant. In that pendant lives a guardian angel named Jophiel. Tally is thinking that she’s going to be sent away to boarding school but instead talks her dad into letting her join him on his journey to India. It’s there that Tally makes two really great friends but they had no idea the horrible adventure that awaited them!

I LOVED this book!! There is mystery and adventure, cultural changes, grief and loss, as well as bravery and compassion in this book. I devoured this book pretty quickly as it was just that exciting! My heart broke for Tally and honestly, I struggled reading this book because I too, just lost my mom recently. I love how this book focuses on having a friend(s) nearby to help in times of sadness. This would be a great book for summer reading!!

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Julie Johnson

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The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional read but one that might help someone struggling with loss.

Krista and Lacey are sisters who’ve lost their way with each other. Life has dealt them a series of blows that have cost them a lifelong friendship, not to mention a family bond. When they are faced with the tragedy of losing their mother, this bond is even further apart.

Mercedes is the daughter of Lacey and made an agreement with her grandmother on her deathbed that she would see to it that the sisters make a trip that they’d been talking about for over a year.

When neither sister wants to make this trip, it’s up to Merci to get them to go. But then, Merci has some secret that she’s keeping that she does not want revealed either.

This is a story of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness. Lacey and Krista are like fire and ice. They clash over so many things but they are ultimately just “things” that get in the way of a great relationship.

I recommend this book for anyone who is going through the fires of loss, disappointment, or feeling lonely/discouraged. This book will bring about a different perspective on life when it can be seen through the eyes of another. This is loosely based on a true story with the author and the way this was penned was just beautiful. There is a religious element that was such an important thread to this story!

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Three Women in November by Jim Shomos – Review by Julie Johnson

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Three Women in NovemberThree Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a based-on-a-true-story of the author’s quest to find love. He’s a divorced dad of boys who lives in Austrailia and he’s ready to move on with his life.

He first meets Zoya, who is a super ambitious business woman. She’s a bit crazy though and has bouts of anger and lashes out at the weirdest of times. Zoya and Leo have good chemistry, until everything blows up and Zoya admits a huge goal that does not interest Leo.

Next is Aysha. She’s a therapist and there is an ethical dilemma with them forming a relationship. However, after the pre-determined time passes, they are free to do whatever they wish.

Last is Jade. She’s still trying to recover from a failed marriage and treading a new pathway for herself. Her kids need to come first and then there’s the semi-ex-husband, who seems to keep popping up.

This book just wasn’t for me. I felt this was really superficial and almost like a bad high school play. I think Leo’s only redeeming grace in this story is his love for music and poetry. He seems like a real romantic but it had a feel to it that just didn’t attract me to this story at all.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois J Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom has done it again! Another classic fairytale with a scientific twist! This is a fun retelling of the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. The illustrations are very well done and are wonderfully brilliant! This is a great bedtime story or really, an anytime story!!

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Future World Changers by Janice Pratt – Review by Julie Johnson

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Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-ChangersBrave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories meant to empower and embolden youngsters. This book is great for self-readers (ages 7+) or for an adult to read to a smaller child. There are stories of loss, bravery, bullying, confidence, and more. The stories sometimes involve animals as the characters but mostly use humans in the story-telling. Children will be able to relate to many of the situations included, as well as the advice given by an elder to help them overcome the issue at hand.

These stories are relatively short, most being only 3-4 pages long. They would make great night-time stories or even as a short storytime read.

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Julie Johnson

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a super hard book to read. It’s not at all what I expected but I did finish it and I’m glad that I did. However, the subject matter is difficult and the language is super strong, neither of which I was thinking this book would include.

Elle Sullivan has had a horrible six years. She’s been through situations that no person should ever experience. She’s back home now and is looking forward to fixing up her grandma’s ranch, not realizing all that goes into being a rancher.

Blake O’Conner is a loser who’s lost everything, including himself. He’s been in the bottom of a bottle for quite some time now and has burned a lot of bridges. No one wants him around and he’s run out of chances. That is, until Elle comes back to town.

This is a story of redemption and forgiveness, a story of lost loves and a loss of self. New beginnings are welcome here. Overall, a decent read, but as previously mentioned, a hard one to read. This book will not be for everyone and I honestly almost gave up on it due to the content.

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Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Teenage War Survival Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Julie Johnson

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Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) (Teenage War Survival series)Ten Thousand Shells and Counting: A Memoir (Book 1) by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nadija Mujagic recounts her teenage years growing up in Sarajevo during the war in the 1990’s. She tells of the harrowing days and nights when the shells kept coming and hearing the next morning of her friends who became casualities of this unnecessary war. The telling of the countless times she and her family had to move, often times seperated, just to stay safe. Nadija was denied an opportunity to attend school most of this time as well.

I am roughly the same age as Nadija and this book really put some things in perspective for me. While I was enjoying life in the US, she and her family were literally fighting for theirs. I had three meals a day while she was fortunate to get a crumb at times. This book will give the reader pause at times, in which time can be spent being thankful for the opportunities that have been experienced in a different place.

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a Cinderella meets steampunk in the 1800’s setting. At first, it’s not easy to pick up the fairy-tale vibe but it eventually plays out.

Benjamin Grimm is a stagehand and an inspiring inventor. He also works in his mom’s bookshop along with the rest of the family. He’s never known wealth but has big dreams of one day inventing something that will change everything for his family.

Eleanor Banneker grew up in a life of priviledge. At a young age, she lost her mother and all of a sudden, her governess is becoming her step-mother. Everything changes and Eleanor loses her social standing and the life she once knew. That’s not all she lost though.

I enjoyed this story even though it’s a retelling of the popular fairy tale. I love the steampunk elements thrown in throughout. I found it to be a very enjoyable read on a rainy afternoon!

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Most kids are scared of monsters under their beds, but what if you can’t see one? Are they still scary? Meg is blind and she’s asking her big sister Sue to describe what a monster is like. Sue describes them to Meg using things that she’s familiar with. Meg gets to learn the best thing about monsters too!

This is a fun book that is very vividly illustrated! It showcases the love of two sisters and focuses on the descriptions of what something looks like. Looking through Meg’s eyes, one might see a monster much differently!

I love books by Lois Wickstrom! They have a great message in them and usually some sort of learning tool as well. These are geared for ages 4-8 but I love reading them as an adult! They’d be great to share with kids, grandkids, daycare attendees, etc!

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A Spot of Earl Slay (Tea Time Troubles Book 1) by Aubrey Elle – Review by Julie Johnson

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A Spot of Earl SlayA Spot of Earl Slay by Aubrey Elle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Naomi Front and her teenage daughter, Ella, are moving to a new town. A place away from Naomi’s ex-husband and Ella’s dad, along with his crazy mother. No more expectations to meet that are somewhat unrealistic for Naomi but rather moving to where she and Ella can make their own decisions about life.

Upon arrival at their new home, which was bequeathed to Naomi from her uncle, they are instantly met with tragedy. When a dead body is found in their backyard shed, they soon become leery of even going into their home. The next door neighbors, Ingrid and Barbara, are quick to invite them into their own home until things can get settled down. They discuss the town gossip over a cup of tea. Barbara and Ingrid come to love Ella as a grandchild and become a source of strength and encouragement to Naomi.

This is a cozy mystery that I was able to read in a few short hours. I do wish that the author would have included recipes for the teas and the desserts mentioned in the book. That would have added an additional layer of fun to this read.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Julie Johnson

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Cabin EightCabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miranda Diggs hasn’t lived the best life. She’s had some childhood trauma that might have prompted her most recent incident. She accidentally sets fire to a motel and subsequently, has a lot of reparations to make. Her mom sends her off to a secluded resort where she can think through her actions and try to get her life together, while avoiding the media. What Miranda doesn’t realize is that the reporter tailing her might be her only hope for survival.

Once at the resort, it doesn’t take Miranda long to figure out that this isn’t your typical location for a private getaway. Things start to go downhill fast and Miranda longs to just be in Cabin Eight.

While this book is part of the Millersville Series, this can be read as a standalone. Of the previous two books and this one that I’ve read, I think this one is my least favorite but it’s still a really good read. There is a lot of twists and turns in this story and it will keep your attention until the end. I look forward to more stories from Susan Specht Oram!

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A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Julie Johnson

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A River of CrowsA River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down!!! I wanted to…to savor the story and have time to digest it but like an addiction, I just had to know. There are so many facets to this story about Sloan, Ridge, and the rest of the Hadfield family that it’s hard to really put into words an adequate review without throwing in spoilers. I don’t want to do that at all!!

Sloan returns to her hometown, in the midst of a divorce, to care for her mom who’s being discharged from a mental health facility. Life for them hasn’t been easy for the past twenty years when Sloan’s brother, Ridge, went missing and was ultimately confirmed to be murdered. Those murderous hands, according to a court of law, happen to belong to Sloan’s dad.

It’s when a body is discovered that has ties to Sloan’s childhood that she starts to do some more digging on her own. Maybe “Digging Up Bones” will leave her “No Stranger to the Rain” but will it help her and others in end or should she just let things go?

Sloan has a love for Keith Whitley and Randy Travis, two of my favorites as well! Her love of music might be the only thing to save her sanity throughout this mess of her family!

I’m very surprised by the level of depth in this book by a fairly new author. This is only her second book but I’ve already got Enemies of Doves added to my TBR list! I love a great book that I can read in one setting that will haunt me for a few days!

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Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl – Review by Julie Johnson

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Healing KissHealing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What would you be willing to do to save someone you loved?

Lillian Milano is a healer. Yes, she’s a nurse but she has powers that go beyond nursing. She’s called to her sister’s bedside when Hannah becomes deathly ill. However, she must come under the guise of being Zoey and looking different.

Tristan King is a billionaire, having built an empire in the gaming/technology space. He’s got an ex-girlfriend who can’t see to understand the “ex” part and only became interested in him again when he came into his fortune. Tristan happens to witness an event with Lillian and now he’s intrigued. Tristan also has a family member suffering with an incurable disease. Can Lillian help him help her?

I loved this book and could hardly put it down. I really enjoyed the character development and how the story progressed. I’m excited to see where the next story might go, as I could see a sequel coming out of this (and I hope it does!). This was my first read by this author but I’ll be looking for more of her work!

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Julie Johnson

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Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Silas Fitzpatrick is starting his sixth grade year at Frederick Middle School. He’s heard horror stories from Grandpa about the sixth grade. Silas has a pretty optimistic attitude about sixth grade and on top of that, at a new school in a new community for him. The first day of school, he finds his way to English class to have his teacher dismiss him immediately. You see, Silas is much smaller than most kids his age due to a growth hormone issue. Things just seemed to go downhill for Silas in his sixth grade journey until he decides to run for class president. A good friend that he makes along the day comes along to save the day and his birthday!

This book evoked many emotions as I read it!! I love the relationship that Silas has with his Grandpa and the emails that they send back and forth. They had an understanding of each other that no one else had with either of them. I love the band of misfits and I understood them all too well, as I am/was a misfit! (view spoiler)[I severely disliked Chad and Kyle but the actions of the English teacher had me incredibly incensed. The nerve of that teacher!!!! ACK!!! (hide spoiler)]

This book is going to stick with me for awhile. I’m not a fan of bullying at all! The medical complexities that this young man, who is inspired by the author’s son, along with those of the Grandfather really tug at my heart. However, there is a happy ending on this one!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones Book 3) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

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Magic-Borne (The Crown of Stones, #3)Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ian Troy is at his lowest low. The entire realm is falling apart and he’s the only one who can do anything about it. Or can he?

This book features elements of time travel and hallucinations. I find that difficult to process when reading (or even in watching something). I struggled with keeping up with aspects of the story for this reason.

This is a series that definitely needs to be read in order as there is too much information carried over from previous books in this series. Fantasy adventure readers will love this series and hope for more!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s two years later and Ian Troy wakes up in a prison cell. He’s been tortured and drugged, all to keep him from using his magic. Little did he know the price he’d have to pay for all this magic!! There are a lot of people wanting or needing him to be free so he’s not without some help.

I struggle to write reviews on epic books because I never want to give anything away. Just know that you should read this but be prepared for the journey ahead!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones Book 1) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

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Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In book 1 of this series, the reader is introduced to Ian Troy, a self-imposed exile. He’s a Shinree and those of his kind are drawn to magic. They become addicted to the use of magic. Ian is different though, after a tragic event changes the course of his life forever.

This book is full of adventure, mystery, magic, and so much more. I loved the character Malaq as he brought some levity to the story.

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Non-Verbal by Molly Zenk – Review by Julie Johnson

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NonVerbalNonVerbal by Molly Zenk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautifully written book about the life of Emerson and her parents. Emerson lost her words at 15 months of age when diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This book chronicles the challenges and victories that she has, along with those around her.

This book had me experiencing a variety of emotions at any given time. As a parent of a young adult with ASD, I could recognize many of these factors that Emerson is going through. It’s difficult to understand ASD at all but for those experiencing it, it’s scary.

I hope and pray that this book can be used to inspire others who are on this journey to never give up on themselves or their loved ones. This ultimately is a story of triumph but shows the scars (literal and figurative) earned along the way.

This book is recommended for young adults with ASD and I agree but would also recommend it for parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, and friends of anyone with ASD.

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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How to Make a Flying Carpet (Alex, the Inventor #2)How to Make a Flying Carpet by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alex is a cool kid who’s looking to turn something old into something new and useful. When a refrigerator magnet breaks, he takes the magnet and tries various things to see if he can create something useful with what’s left.

There’s a key that fell down in the floor grate. Will his magnet pick that up? What about the desk drawer? What will he pick up there?

Alex learns about different properties of magnets during this science adventure.

I love that Lois Wickstrom writes book with a STEAM focus. These are great for ages 4-8 but I enjoyed it as someone that’s a grandma too! The illustrations are also very well done in these books and there is a guide at the end of the book for further learning.

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Unexpected Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Julie Johnson

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Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rowan Kelly has inherited an inn and she’s super excited to host her cousin’s wedding there. Everything has to be perfect and beautiful for the big day. Rowan can handle just about anything that is put in her way but having an extra hand or two never hurts!

Insert Chris Sullens. Chris is a well-known hotelier who is more than happy to dig in and help Rowan make this wedding the best ever. What he didn’t expect is the role that he’d be asked to play in order this wedding to go off WITH a hitch!

This is probably my favorite book of this series so far! There is an overlap of some characters from previous books (it was good to catch up on them!) but this book can be read as a standalone easily. I look forward to seeing where this series continues to go!

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I’ll Love You Tomorrow (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas – Review by Julie Johnson

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I'll Love You Tomorrow (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy, Book #3)I’ll Love You Tomorrow by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This trilogy comes to an end featuring Mavis, Josh, Austin, Casey, Lauren, and Mitch. Lauren, Austin, and Josh are all siblings, with Josh and Austin being twins. They were born into a wealthy, well-to-do family. Mitch and Mavis are also siblings having grown up bouncing back and forth in various foster homes. Casey is Mavis’s former room mate from her Chicago days.

This book focuses on the relationship of Lauren and Mitch. They’ve been married for 7 years but things aren’t going so well for them as of late. Both strongly desire to have a child but things just aren’t working out that way for them. Communication is a core issue that they face, or more like lack of communication.

Mavis and Josh recently married and have just learned that they are going to be parents. This puts even more added stress on Lauren and Mitch but it’s not their siblings’ fault. How will this ultimately affect their relationships?

I strongly recommend reading this series in order, however they can be read as standalones. Reading them in order will give you a better context on the relationships between all of these people and will make some of the dynamics much easier to understand. While this trilogy has come to an end, there is a teaser at the end of this book that another character is getting her own story. I look forward to reading that one!

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Julie Johnson

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I Loved You Yesterday (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy, Book #1)I Loved You Yesterday by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In book one of this trilogy, we are introduced to Mavis, Josh, and Austin as the main characters. Josh and Austin are twins from a fairly wealthy and well-known family. Mavis and her brother Mitch grew up bouncing from foster home to foster home.

Josh and Mavis were designed to be together from the first time they met. One day Josh wakes up to find Mavis is gone. He doesn’t hear from her for over ten years. His brother Austin has heard from her though and he’s known her the whole time.

This book involves a love triangle and secrets galore. Will the right guy win in the end? I’m still a bit conflicted as to how this one turned out. I’m not sure that the right guy did win but, since I’ve read the other books in the same time frame, I ultimately know it was the right guy.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Julie Johnson

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I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book #2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In book 2 of this trilogy, the story of Mavis, Josh, and Austin is continued. Casey is introduced very briefly in book one and this book focuses much more on her, along with the aforementioned.

Austin is a successful lawyer and he’s just witnessed the demise of his “true love” when his twin brother Josh proposes to Mavis. When he goes to Chicago to help Mavis pack up her apartment, he meets Casey, Mavis’s roommate. He’s heard some about her but she’s heard a lot about him. It’s pure torture to Austin to help with this task but maybe Casey can make it more interesting.

When he returns home, Austin is called into the office of his law firm. He’s being asked to head up the new Chicago location and by doing so, it could lead to him making partner in the firm. What better odds since he’s really been missing Casey since leaving Chicago. Can this work out in his favor?

This was an enjoyable read for the most part. I do recommend reading this series in order to know the history in these characters, as it plays a large role in the overall story. I was getting a little tired of the pet names for the girls though. Duchess, Princess, and Peaches got to be super annoying afterwhile. I feel this took away from the overall story. The first couple of times it was endearing but then became overkill.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Julie Johnson

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Little Red gets a call from her Grandma to come for a visit. Grandma is making a new sweater and needs to make sure it’s going to fit properly. Grandma requests that Little Red pick up a certain flower to bring to her for making tea. Little Red has a book that will help her identify the proper flower. Along the way to Grandma’s, Little Red comes across a wolf who tricks her with some flowers. These flowers are not in Little Red’s book so she keeps looking while the wolf pays Grandma a visit.

I found this book to be cute. I even laughed out loud at one point. This book might not be for super young readers though as they may find the wolf too scary. I like how the focus is on using a book to identify different types of flowers. Grandma also uses those flowers to make tea. This is a great book for encouraging nature walks, flower identification, and using natural resources in ways that might not have been thought of otherwise.

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Julie Johnson

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8)Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeline Dawkins and company are at it again with another mystery or three to solve! Just when things seem to hit a lull, MDPI scores three new cases in a day to investigate.

Case 1 involves a girl who is missing. She has recently escaped a cult and is wandering around trying to find a place to fit in while trying not to be found by the cult members.

Case 2 involves a series of mystery letters at a local assisted living home. One of these letters led to someone taking their own life….or did they?

Case 3 involves a crazy soon-to-be ex-husband who is hiding all kinds of treasures from his soon-to-be ex-wife. She’s the one who stands to lose everything but hopefully that can be avoided!

Things are getting a little busy so the team decides to split up to divide and conquer. This is going to take some coordination, lots of coffee, some patience, and maybe the rustling of some feathers to close these cases!

I have only read one other book by this author but she is quickly finding a way to my top list of authors. This book is fast-paced and full of adventure. I could hardly wait to see what was going to happen next with these cases. This book is part of a series but it’s not necessary to read previous stories to appreciate this one. I need to go back and read the first six in this series! If you love a great mystery involving a private eye, this is for you!

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