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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Karen Pearman

Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute children’s story. I loved everything about this book. The illustrations were amazing and went along with the story so well. I loved that the main character loves the backyard and getting out in it. This is an exceptional story to get kids out of the house and into the outdoors. There are some great lessons learned including where to go online for assistance getting a park in your area as well as tips on how to build one. I highly recommend this story for all children, all classrooms, and all libraries.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Karen Pearman

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With the holiday season coming up, this was a wonderful story to get me into the festive spirit. This was another new author for me so I was not sure what to expect, but this would make a wonderful TV movie. I could feel some existing feelings as this was written about the holiday season coming out of the pandemic and I remember last year getting to spend the holidays with my family. While it was fun and entertaining there was also the family drama to go along with it. This story pulled at my heartstrings in so many ways. From feeling lonely, sad, and pensive she decides to write down her thoughts and feelings to help her through the grieving and changes of how her world has changed while she was not around them. I will say that the cabin she was writing in would be a dream come true. I would love to have the opportunity to spend the holidays there. Great read. I highly recommend it.

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

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

This was a book by a new author to me, so I was not quite sure what to expect. I thought the cover was unbelievably cute as it reminded me of a Better Homes and Garden cookbook. It is a cute small-town mystery that involves gnomes. I am so glad that I picked this book up. It is so cute and the gnomes are so adorable. I laughed so hard reading this story. The author pulled me in from the beginning with the wonderful telling of this story. The characters are all so diverse and loveable. I also loved how the writer created such an amazing world different from the normal universe. I loved it. I highly recommend you read this book. And I also highly recommend that you make the recipe that is included at the end. It is delicious.

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

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

This is the third book in this mystery series based on ancient Egypt. As a lover of historical fiction, I have become very enthralled with this series. This book reminded me of “Murder on the Nile” in some ways, but with more historical accuracy. I love her diligence of the excavation sites, artifacts and material remains to help not only solve the mystery but provide you with the knowledge of that era. I must also mention that her maps and “Glossary of Gods” she includes helps to know who and what she is describing. I was never familiar with the Egyptian Gods so that was a nice learning tool. If you are a fan of historical mysteries, please check out this book and the rest of her series. I think you will thoroughly enjoy them.

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Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Karen Pearman

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

What a great young adult story written by a new author to me. The main character is an individual that you cannot help but cheer for and wish that they were your own best friend. I was immediately drawn into this story and could not put it down. There were so many plot twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat. There were a couple of occasions where I laughed until I cried. My family was looking at me like I was crazy so I would explain what was going on to them. In fact, my brother has now asked to read the book because he was entertained by what I was telling him. I highly recommend this book whether you are a young adult or an adult. It was so good. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

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

This is another illustrated book by this wonderful storytelling author that I had to pick up for the kids. This one did not disappoint me either. I loved how she threw in some of the Snow White fable yet managed to make it her own without a wicked queen. In fact, the queen in this story is completely opposite and wants to help the people of her kingdom. As with most of her books there are many lessons to learn. I also love how she included a few science experiments again, but this time using a mirror. Once again, the illustrations were fabulous, and the colors jump off the page. Another terrific book to pick up for your own children or to give as gifts.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom

What a beautiful story this is. And the lesson it tells made me so happy. As an animal lover I fell in love with this book. If only all turkeys had the ending this one did getting sent to a Pardon Park. I thought that the idea of the family making the decision together after voting was a terrific addition to add because you do not see many families doing that. So technically this story teaches not only of how turkeys are pardoned by our President but also about voting to get a consensus. I loved the illustrations! They were probably some of the best that I have seen from her books. That could be because I love fall and since this story takes place in November there is a lot of fall to see. Remarkable story.

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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

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

I am quite familiar with the books that this author writes. This one was longer than most of the other books that I have read and are geared towards a middle school reader and not her typical elementary school readers. This one is quite unique and like her typical stories does have a lesson to learn with it. I loved that the story that she told and how she incorporated the ability to change, or shift, into any animal that she dreams about. I will say that she had me sitting on the edge of my seat during parts of this story because it could have ended entirely different than it did. I would highly recommend this book for any middle school or advanced elementary school reader that you know. It would also make a perfect gift for giving here at the holiday season.

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen – Review by Karen Pearman

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

I am quite familiar with book written by this author so I had a good feeling that I would enjoy this one too. And that was correct. While a little different from some of her previous stories, I loved the idea of time traveling and was immediately enthralled by this book. This author certainly knows how to tell a story set in a different time and era. Her attention to the details is phenomenal and leaves me wanting to step foot into the story. The characters in this story are probably one of my favorite casts because they were so relatable to me. This story really made me question what I would do and where would I go if given the opportunity to travel through time. I loved this book from the beginning, and I highly recommend it.

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Karen Pearman

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

As a crazy cat lady, I had to pick this up to read. I am so glad that I did. It was such a cute read. I loved the rhymes that told the story perfectly. And the illustrations were superb. The colors jumped off the page. I think that kids of all ages will really enjoy this book just as much as the adults reading it to them. It would really make an enjoyable book to give whether that is to a child, a teacher or even a library. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I think you will too once you read it.

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Karen Pearman

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

So, let me begin by saying this book is hilarious. I laughed until I cried while reading this story. Some of the personal issues that the main character experienced were some I have had as well so I could totally relate. It was great to have a book where no matter what was thrown at her she did not give up on her hopes and dreams. Personally, this should be a book on all females “to read” list. It is an easy and fast read as I could not put it down. If you are a female and looking for a book that will make you laugh, look no further. Pick this book up and read it.

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The Kidnapping by Linda Burson – Review by Karen Pearman

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

This is a new author for me, so I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but what I found was a funny book. I laughed aloud so many times that my family thought I was crazy. And wondered why a book titled “The Kidnapping” would be funny. I told them that they would have to read it themselves. The author did a fantastic job telling this story. Her visual description was perfect. I could see this going on in front of me. I loved the characters. They were so witty and charming, and they made a perfect pair. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for funny wit and banter mixed in with suspense.

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More Text Than Sex by Jim Shomos – Review by Karen Pearman

More Text Than SexMore Text Than Sex by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another new author for me, I was not sure what to expect from this book. What I found is a really delightful story told from the perspective of three different individuals. It has drama, romance, and family meddling. Once I got a couple of chapters into the story I was laughing so hard I was crying. It did take me a little to get into the story but once I did I could not put it down. The author did an excellent job making the readers feel as though they were right in the middle of this story. I was also fascinated with the inner workings of a radio station. It made me appreciate what they do because I thought it would be a much easier job. I recommend this story for any readers that enjoy rom coms.

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Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Karen Pearman

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this author’s series. I did not read the first one until after reading this one. I would recommend that you read them in order so that it makes more sense to you. Or at least I wish that I had. This was such a funny, yet gross at times, book. It made me think of Garbage Pail Kids in certain areas. I would not recommend allowing young readers to read this book unless they are into gross morbid oddities. The characters are different. And I mean that quite literally. If you are a fan of horror books or comics like The Walking Dead or Night of the Living Dead then this book is for you. I liked it. I would not however advise giving this book as a gift. It is not a gift giving book. But I do recommend you give it a read if you like monsters, murder, mystery , drama, and laughs.

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Karen Pearman

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

This book was a recommendation from a friend that knows I enjoy reading historical event books. This one did not disappoint me. And it took me to a time and place I was not familiar with reading. I also must say that I enjoyed having the flow sheet along with the character list at the end of the book. That was a nice addition that I could flip over to when I needed clarification about the facts. The story kept me on my toes and the plot twisted and turned along the way. It was interesting to learn the behind-the-scenes information into the legal system during the early 1900’s. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of true crime mysteries with a little bit of romance blended in. It really sucked me in.

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

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author for me and so I was excited when a friend recommended this to me. She blew me away. She drew me in from the beginning and I could not put this book down. I loved the romantic love triangle that resulted in twists and turns especially between twin brothers. But the ending was perfect. If you like romantic, steamy love novels then this is a must read for you. This was the first book in this series, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes us in the next book.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with all this author’s books, she can teach kids a lesson using animals. This one was with birds. It was a nice and different choice of an animal. I love that she taught about love and caring for all animals even if they are not your own. There was a little sadness involved, but it helped tell the story of hope so that made up for the tear that I may have shed. Depending on the age of the child there may be questions of why that you will have to answer, but I think it will provide a parent or teacher with a teaching moment. I love the illustrations that she provides with the story as they are always so cute. The colors are always so vivid which I love.

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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Karen Pearman

Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a huge fan of both coloring books and Halloween I had to pick this book up. It is a terrific book for coloring Halloween pictures. There is not a picture I do not love. It is easy enough for both kids and adults alike. I could see these being used in classrooms for kids to color at Halloween time. Great coloring book that I have been enjoying coloring all the pictures to put up around the house for decorating.

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another book that I picked up for a teacher friend’s classroom and this is a perfect addition because it is two stories in one book. I loved the illustrations and that both books shared the same characters. I loved how they were able to teach one another to solve a problem. I also loved that the friends were able to comfort one another when things were happening, and they wanted to run away. This is a splendid example of not being afraid to confront a challenge head on. This is a terrific book for early elementary readers although there are a couple of words that may be a bit difficult for them. But if you use that as a teaching tool then they will be perfectly fine. Highly recommended for kids and classrooms alike.

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Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Karen Pearman

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

First, let me say that I purchased this book for a teacher friend of mine to add to her classroom book library. It is about a girl with a flute and that reminded me of myself because I also learned to play the flute as a young girl. And just as I was taught that hard work pays off with practice and learning, so does Moby. This is a perfect book to teach kids about not giving up no matter how hard you may want to. The book’s filled with beautiful illustrations and help bring the story to life. Not only does this teach kids to keep practicing, but to keep learning and growing as well. I highly recommend this book for kids and for adults to read to their kids.

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Karen Pearman

Felines and Fatalities (Country Cottage Mysteries #6)Felines and Fatalities by Addison Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a crazy cat lady, I read all things cat related. It’s no surprise that this is a series that I absolutely love. I have read each one and this was just as good. You can’t go wrong with a mystery book that includes cats. It’s a very quick read and I couldn’t put it down. This is another delightful and charming mystery mixed in with a little bit of comedy and romance. If you are a cat lady like me do yourself a favor and give this a read. I think you will become as addicted to them as I am.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Karen Pearman

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to be expecting, but it was recommended by a coworker that was reading it. I am glad that I did because it’s a really good book. It is not what I was expecting to read at all as an adult fantasy book. The author did a great job describing not only the characters but the setting as well. I felt like I could see and picture everything I was reading. I wasn’t quite expecting the mystery that came along with it, but personally I felt that it just added to the plot even more. I really loved how she dived into the herbalism and plant customs relied on so many decades along. Very exciting book to read and I would recommend it.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Karen Pearman

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a fan of the Notebook Mysteries series, I was very excited to have a Christmas book included to read. I highly enjoyed it. You can’t go wrong with a holiday book including a mystery in my opinion. As with all the previous stories in this series, the author did an amazing job pulling you into the story and keeping you on the edge of your seat with all the twists and turns. I personally loved that this book was set in Chicago as that is one of my favorite US cities, and I could see the city in the 1800’s based on the awesome description of the city at that time. I would love to have another mystery set in this city at during the same time frame. Highly enjoyable and recommended.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Karen Pearman

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1)Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being another new author for me, I was excited to read this modern take on Cinderella. Let me first say that I loved the cover. It is very eye catching with the glass slipper on it. Once I started reading the book I was immediately enchanted with it and didn’t want to put it down. It is a very quick read which was a little disappointing because I really wanted more to read. Overall, I loved this book. It was well written; the characters were very relatable, and I could see everything that was going on in the book with my imagination. I really loved how she included all the characters, including the villains, so you could really understand from all perspectives. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Karen Pearman

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, let me first say that I am very familiar with this author as I have read several of her books. This was a first for me to read of an illustrated book by her. It was fantastic! I thought she was able to keep my attention with her wonderfully written story and amazing characters. I personally could visualize everything I was reading without having the illustrations. However, the illustrations were so good that it was an added plus to see them amazing art. I am not a fan of mythology books typically. However, I do love reading about the Spanish culture. The way that she included both into this story made me interested in the mythology that was being explained. It may have me delving into more mythology in the future.

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island Book 3) by R.S. Jonesee – Review by Karen Pearman

Tropical Date (Postscript Island, #2)Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a phenomenal romantic comedy that I didn’t want to end. And it’s a perfect summer read by the pool or ocean. I wasn’t sure what to expect as this is an author I’ve never read before, but I will certainly be looking into her other books now. If they are anything like this one they will be fabulous. I laughed so hard at the sarcasm throughout this book. I loved that the main business is a condom manufacturer. I’ve never read a book with that type of business, and it just made for even more laughs and witty innuendos. I highly recommend this book if you want to laugh your behind off. You will not be disappointed.

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The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Karen Pearman

The Blood PrinceThe Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me but was recommended by a close friend’s daughter. She knows I love young adult books and thought I would enjoy this one as well. She was correct. I highly enjoyed it. Let me first say that I loved the wonderful world building that she created. It was perfect and had me fantasizing it was an actual real place to visit. I found the characters to be relatable especially as a child that helped raise my siblings with frugal means. There were a few spots in the story that I though were missing details that were needed to be told, but once I got to the end of the story I realized that unless she changes her mind there will be a follow up book that should answer any questions I had left. I hope that this is the case. Really good book and I highly recommend it.

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Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Karen Pearman

JesterJester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a completely new author to me and wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I loved the cover and decided to give it a read. I can’t express my love for this story enough, but I couldn’t put it down. I had Alice in Wonderland in New Orleans or Las Vegas vibes. Lots of intrigue and mystery with magic and secrets galore. I could picture the main character on Bourbon Streets in New Orleans performing her street magic for money. The characters are amazing, the writing is phenomenal, and the world building is truly out of this world. I am really hoping that there is second book in this story because in my opinion there just needs to be. Maybe two or three more. Highly recommended book.

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Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Karen Pearman

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

This is another amazing book in one of my favorite book series ever. I think the author was able to end the series in the right way, although I personally will miss these books. And their recipes. In fact, I would not recommend reading this without eating beforehand. Otherwise, you will find yourself hunting in your cabinets for ingredients to make these wonderful goods. Or perhaps that was just me. I love how the chapter title is the recipe is that you get at the end of the chapter. Such a cute and clever way to include that. I love how the author once again was able to make me laugh at all the things these teens did. Not to mention tug at my heartstrings with the morals being taught. There were a couple of times I had tears welling in my eyes at the thought of having to decide if the ability of magic was a gift or a curse. Especially when it involves your family and isn’t something that only one individual has. An amazing end to what has become a book I look forward to reading. I hope that perhaps she will revisit the series later.

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Let It Be Love (A Mustang Prairie Romance Book 5) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Karen Pearman

Let It Be Love: A Mustang Prairie RomanceLet It Be Love: A Mustang Prairie Romance by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very charming, lovable romantic book that I enjoyed very much. I’m familiar with previous books by this author so I was pretty sure I would enjoy it. She did not disappoint. This is book five in this wonderful series. I believe this is my favorite of the series so far because it includes a famous pop star and all the drama and glamour that goes along with it. This interferes with the romantic relationship on so many levels but is so understandable that sometimes you just feel sorry for the two romantic leads. And of course, being a small town, there are even more stumbling blocks in the way they encounter. It’s wonderful. While it’s not necessary to read these books in order I think that you will enjoy it more if you do. And they are all great reads, so you won’t be disappointed.

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