Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A simply fantastic book about raising an Indian child in an American society. How to go about interweaving the two cultures and still embracing the original heritage. Wonderfully educational even for adults. Simply beautiful illustrations and story.
Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children’s Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Courage series just keeps getting better and this book is no exception to that. Beefy is learning how to deal with his emotions and rather than taking things out on others, his new friends invite him to help them.
The illustrations are great and the story is wonderful.
The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 2 in the Fall River series and I honestly had no idea it was the 2nd book in the series. I really enjoyed watching Charlie and Joy overcome their differences and work together on this project that was Joy’s moms home/business. This book was one that I couldn’t put down.
A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Holland is new to school and is running late on her first day. Luckily she runs into Asher who is able to help her find the office and then he gives her a tour of the school. Chandler comes to her aid when she has issues with her locker. Finding out that Asher and Chandler are fraternal twins further complicates things. Both boys are handsome and kind and helpful and Holland finds herself wanting to be with them both.
This book will make you feel like you are BFFs with the main characters are that you are right there in the story. Pull up a comfy chair and relax as you will not want to put this down.
It’s Cool To Be Kind: A Children’s Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is geared to ages 7-9 but I think it should start a bit younger and go older. So many kids can benefit from learning kindness. The illustrations are very cute and will draw your child’s attention. There are interactive and educational games in the back of the book to further engage the kids.
Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story of Angie and Tommy will piss you off, make you cry, make you laugh, and make your heart flutter with happiness and love.
There is so much depth in this book that I couldn’t put it down. You will be on a roller coaster of emotions through out the entire story. I read this from cover to cover in one sitting. This is the 2nd book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone.
I really hope there is another one. (And I am going to go back and read the first)
Gadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A young witch that has decided she wants to modernize and do things she wants/likes. Very colorful and fun illustrations as well as a great story-line. Quick read for young early elementary school aged kids. Perfect for the Halloween season.
Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful illustrations and a great story about how to make new friends. Making them comfortable even though there are differences and overcoming those differences.
Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An adorable children’s book for Older siblings. I read this to my nephew and niece as they will have a little brother in about 6 weeks and they loved it. The illustrations are very well done and the story is very cute.
Down By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Down by the River is a very cute story about the things that happen in and around the river. The catchy rhythm of the words with the rhyming and the repetitive words will have your child chanting along. The illustrations are vibrant and will have you looking for the items described in the text. Very cool book.
Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Detective Dylan and his sister Emily are at it again. Who took the trophy for the camp games? They are on the hunt to find the thief and the trophy. The list of suspects continues to grow, but will they find the trophy in time to save the camp games?
Dylan and Emily are so cute and figure out the clues together with their friends. This is the third book in this series and is a family favorite.
Luca Magoo, Don’t Eat The Glue: A back-to-school tale that encourages positive classroom behavior and creative expression. by Megan Delgado
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So much fun. Full of rhyming words and with a catchy rhythm to the words. This story will make kids giggle out loud at the antics of Luca. However his thoughts aren’t far from what most kids think when they are presented with the opportunity to “try something new”. I enjoyed Luca Magoo and I think you will too.
Cam Creates a Hero by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Foster child Cam, after watching a news report, decides he wants to help others so he builds a robot with the help of his foster siblings.
Wonderful illustrations, wonderful story. This is a real feel good kind of book.
Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The third book in the Match Made in Montana series, this book and all the books in the series follow different couples and can be read as stand-alone stories.
In this book, Unmasking a Cowgirl we meet Abby. her family was one of the three founding families in this town and there was a falling out many many years ago. Well time is running out but she is back to claim her families land. Will she be able to convince the townsfolk that she is not the bad person they think her family is?
Joe is a middle school teacher and a local historian. He is also NOT a fan of Abbys. As time goes by he get more and more suspicious of her and well, read the book!!
This book has a slow start but as you get into it, well it really gets good and you find yourself rooting for Abby and Joe to overcome their issues and differences and find that they can offer each other so much more.
A Pig and A Poke by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
City kids will not get what this book is all about but kids that grow up in the 4H community or in the county surrounded by farm animals and the like will get this book. Perseverance, patience, observation and overcoming obstacles are several of the lessons taught here. Cute illustrations.
Decisions Matter: A picture book about learning right from wrong by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The lessons that are taught in the Blue Corgi series will be forever lessons. This one is no exception to that. Learning right from wrong and that honesty is always the best. Kids will love the illustrations and even while young they will learn the ways of the precious Blue Corgi.
Good Things Take Time by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has fantastic illustrations and a wonderful tale about a Corgi who is still waiting to be adopted after his siblings have already been adopted. Really young kids may not understand it all in the first couple readings but if they are read this book often enough then they will learn and understand about patience.
Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 11 in this series, yet while I have read other books by this author, this is my first one in this series. I was a bit confused with some of the characters and how they connected. But overall I found this book to be exciting and full of steamy bits and there was suspense. So I will be going back to book one and reading through the whole series now. I am definitely intrigued to get the whole back story.
She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Trinity breaks up with her boyfriend Scooter to focus on her goals and dreams. Scooter tries to make it into law school only to not be accepted and is now making a career as a Law enforcement officer. When their paths cross again will they try again? Now that they are adults and life has changed so much for them both can they make things work?
My first read for this author and yes this is the 7th book in the series but I did not feel as I was missing anything from the first books in the series.
Forever to Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have absolutely loved this entire series. Beckett and Mallory are adorable together and this book was a fabulous end to this whole series. Best friends sister; small town; second chance love are just some of the genres that this book falls under. You can read this as a stand-alone but you will miss out on Evan and CeCes build up that leads to their exciting news in this book. I am so glad I found this series. You will get pulled in and feel like you are part of the wonderful Buckeye Falls residents.
The Human Mating Site, Complete Series : A Steamy, Dating Humour Romance by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a complete series of 13 novellas all in one place. This follows Bella along on a journey to discovering herself after divorcing her husband after he cheated on her. There is so much going on here that I don’t even know where to begin to explain. Bella is trying to gain her self-esteem back and she is working on it with all she has. This is the perfect book to help you learn how to overcome your own insecurities and help you learn to put it all on the line to discover who you really are, to heck with what others may think.
I adore this series and I hope you will give it a shot.
The Places We Call Home: A picture book to remind us that home is where all love begins. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful children’s book about all the different places that people and animals can live and call home. The illustrations are great and really show what those places are. The big take away from this book is that everyone has a safe place to go and call “HOME”. A place to feel safe and loved.
Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This young adult fantasy is a really great story. The description of the book from the author is “Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the Beast meet Dragons in this fast-paced fantasy about a young woman caught up in a world steeped in danger and all the power and fiery heat of dragons.”
This book is meant for more mature teens I have a 17 year old and I would not be opposed to her reading this book. The character growth from chapter one is steady and just reading and watching them develop their strengths and overcoming the obstacles that are thrown their way is awesome. I really enjoyed this book.
Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful book for boys!! You see all the “girl power” books out there about self esteem and being strong and overcoming, but, never have I have seen one for boys. This book is wonderfully illustrated and even references the Bible on many pages. I love how at the end there are even scriptures and more references to find in the Bible. An absolute joy to read this book.
Made to Love Her: Romantic Suspense Novella by Michele Sims
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This quick novella is a short read and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Full of love between a husband and wife while they take a vacation. There is action and suspense in this story. It is a short story and yet it is packed with lots of action. If you need a quick lunch break read this will work for you.
Oscar and Emmy Visit the Vet: A book to explain how visiting the vet with your pets can be fun! by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yet another tale about Oscar and Emmy. Two adorable felines that have found a loving home. This time the family is taking the kitties to the vet for a check up, This series is so educational and helpful for first time young pet owners. The amazing illustrations and the short story help children to focus on the topic at hand. I love the extra guides at the end of the story to help educate kids even more.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Pastries: A Kid’s Guide to Homemade Dog Treats by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very cute, highly detailed illustrated children’s guide to feeding pets safe treats. Not only that but it even give you recipe upon recipe to make for your pets. It is a wonderful guide and learning tool for any child with a dog. My daughter LOVES this series.
Back in the Ring by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 4th book in The Predator Series and the second read for me in this series. By far my favorite yet. Bijou and Noah have both lost their spouses and have been alone raising a child for at least a year (Noah).
Will meeting and learning about each other, helping one another with difficulties, and just growing together as friends, and companions lead to more in the future? This book was very hard to put down and finishing it was a breeze. I absolutely loved the characters, especially Mara the quirky best friend of Bijou. This is one of my most favorite reads of this year so far. The highs and lows, the laughs, tears, frustration, you feel it all.
Wildfire Knockout by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The third book in the Predator series does not disappoint. I have NOT read the first 2 books but this book is Scott and Beth’s story. Beth’s past has not been easy by any means, and Scott is just waiting patiently on her to open up to him about all that she has gone through and had to deal with. While training her as a boxer, Scott develops deep deep feelings for her and just hopes that she will open up and give him a chance.
