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“Absurd,” Said Bird : A Fun Children’s Adventure About a Mouse Who Dreams of Travel (Mouse Traveler) by Tricia Gardella – Review by Kerry Baker

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“ABSURD,” SAID BIRD.: A mouse plans a trip to the moon. by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun and entertaining story that helps to teach kids the importance of seeking help from friends. It was really interesting to see the dynamics between the two main characters. I loved what they had to teach and I loved even more how engaged my kids were with the story.
Although different ages, by my children enjoyed the story. They found the adventures to be so amusing and really enjoyed the rhymes within the story. Overall, we thought this was a fun story and it is one that has been read multiple times.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Kerry Baker

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great paranormal mystery story that is easy to engaged with and an enjoyable story. I connect with the characters of this book straight away and loved watching how they all interacted. They were each interesting in different ways and added to the story overall.
I enjoyed how the author developed the story. I was invested in everything happening and wanted to find out what happened to the sister. The book starts of fairly slow, but builds as it goes on. I thought this lent itself to really drawing the reader in even more. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what comes next.

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Dinopotamus Solves a Mystery (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Dinopotamus Solves a MysteryDinopotamus Solves a Mystery by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book takes us on another great adventure with Dinopotamus. This time, he has a mystery to solve. This book was a particular favourite of my sons, probably because it involved some kind of dinosaur reference! He thought it was brilliant watching the children sleep in Dino’s place and kept relating back to his sleep spot at nursery.
This author really has a way of drawing in not only the children, but the whole family who sit down to enjoy it. Her books are always so entertaining yet educational, hitting that perfect sweet spot you could want as a parent. This is a great example of her work and is another we thoroughly enjoyed.

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Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Kerry Baker

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Unexpected HeroesUnexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I first read this book as part of an anthology so when I saw it as a standalone I knew I had to get it and read it again. I forgot just how much I connected with these characters. I loved the fact that they were both so broken and flawed, trying to find their way back to some semblance of a normal life. For me, it was this similarity that drew them together, even though it also almost forced them apart.
This story was so emotional and gripping. The author has created not only fantastic characters, but a story that really catches your attention and keeps you reading from start to finish. I loved the way everything as developed and I was completely invested from start to finish. This is a brilliant book by and incredible author. I would highly recommend this.

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The Predator Part One (The Predator Series) by Brooke May – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Predator Part OneThe Predator Part One by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author is one I never hesitate to buy from and I think this book is the perfect example as to why. It is a brilliant story. From the moment you start reading you are pulled into the story. So much seems to happen as the storyline develops and it kept the pages turning as I had to know what happened.
I loved the characters too. They are probably my favourite park of this book. On paper, they are complete opposites and yet, they someone just work. They connection is believable as soon as they meet and found myself becoming more and more invested in them. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.

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Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Series Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Kerry Baker

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Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) (Alienville Series)Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the moment I read the description of this book I was intrigued enough to know I would have to find out what was going on, and what happened to Claire! I thought the book was a brilliant story. It was exciting, fast paced and I loved the sci-fi edge angle. I was pulled into the story with ease and I connected with it straight away.
I really enjoyed reading about the characters too. There was so much going on that I wanted to know about and I thought the characters navigated everything really well. Their connection was believable too, which made it even more enjoyable to read. As this first book in a new series, this has made me excited to read the rest.

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The Sins of Men (The Peter Smith Chronicles) by Danny J. Bradbury – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War DramaThe Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Historical fiction is a genre I read quite a bit of, and yet I don’t think this era is one I have read much in the region of. I loved the navy angle that the story was initially portrayed from, looking through the perspective of a young boy who is forced into a life he didn’t choose. I thought the author did a great job od developing not only his story but the story overall.
The historic detail in the book was fascinating to read about. It really caught my attention and drew me into the events we were reading about. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to discovering more.

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The Fallen Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read the other books in the series, I was looking forward to reading the final installment. When I read the blurb to this book, I wasn’t really sure how it would all work out, given the characters and their histories. But the author knew just how to tie them altogether into an enjoyable story.
I thought the story was well written from start to finish. I connected with the characters and became invested in their journey. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the other characters from the previous books too. This book is a great addition to the series and one I really enjoyed.

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This Time Around by Kimberly Packard – Review by Kerry Baker

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This Time AroundThis Time Around by Kimberly Packard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book, I expected a lighthearted and fun story that involved reliving teenage years. I thought it would be an easy read with a great romantic storyline. And while it definitely felt like the book delivered on all that, but also offered a depth and emotion to the story that I wasn’t expecting. It added a whole other layer to the story that made it so much more enjoyable to read.
I loved all of the characters in this story. They were so well interwoven and found them all to be so relatable, but in entirely different ways. It was great to see the main character embrace her old teenage life, in a way I bet many of us wish we could go back and do. This is a brilliant book and my favourite from this author so far.

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Orange Forest Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom and Lucrecia Darling – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Orange Forest Rabbit MysteriesThe Orange Forest Rabbit Mysteries by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a family, we picked up this book expecting to be entertained and, as usual, the author did not disappoint! For us, this book was definitely all about the characters. They were so vivid and full of life, they pulled us into the story with ease.
Their adventure was fun to read about. Both my kids found it funny that the carrots had gone missing and enjoyed watching as the Orange Forest Rabbit tried to solve his problem. This was a great story and another hit from this author.

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The Chaos Clock: Tales of Cosmic Aether edited by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Chaos ClockThe Chaos Clock by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I saw a new book by Danielle Ackley-McPhail, I picked it up to read without hesitating. So it was a pleasant surprised to find this actually be a collection of steampunk themed books, all with a common theme of time. It was delightful to discover each new story, and new author for the most part, as I made my way through this book.
I thought this collection of stories all molded together really well. It is a more unusual genre to write about and yet each author added to it beautifully. Each of these stories was unique, interesting to read and thoroughly enjoyable. I had already added a few more authors to me “to be read” list.

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The Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Amanda Mini-MysteriesThe Amanda Mini-Mysteries by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is such a clever idea from an amazing author! It is a collection of science based mysteries that two characters set out to try and solve. The author has done an amazing job of picking things that kids are genuinely likely to ask about, and most adults are probably curious about! This book is aimed at my daughters age range and I can say the author has nailed it! It was lovely to watch my daughter light up with curiosity as we read more of the book and her excitement as the characters set about trying to solve the “mysteries”. Even my son (who is younger, but his favourite word is “how”) enjoyed discovering the things between these pages.
This author has become one of those that I never hesitate to pick up. All of her books have been an absolute success and every new one is met with excitement. Each book is read multiple times and we enjoy each and every one of them as a family. I would highly recommend both this book and the author.

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first book in this series I was excited to pick up the second and discover another reimagined fairytale. This book is a different take on Little Red Riding Hood and I have to say that I absolutely loved it. I thought I knew what to expect from the first book but this one was so much better! I quickly became invested in the story and I loved the addition of the guardian angel.
The characters were interesting and fit the story well. There was more going on with them than I expected which made them even more enjoyable to read about. You do not have to read the previous book first (although you should because it is also amazing!) as this book in a standalone. It is a fantastic retelling and, if this is a sign of what is to come, I cannot wait for the next one this author has to offer!

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Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone – Review by Kerry Baker

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Puzzleman: A NovelPuzzleman: A Novel by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a dark, twisted and intense horror / thriller story that, at times, was quite uncomfortable to read in the best way. This is the first book that I have read by this author and from the description I really did not know what to expect. The idea behind the book and the world created is so imaginative. It is detailed to the point that you can’t help but picture everything the author is describing.
The combination of characters in the book really worked. They were all so different by the very nature of the situation which added even more layers to the book. At times, I think the writing could have done with a little polish. The writing was a bit abrupt in places but overall it was a great story. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.

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Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time (Tally and the Angel Series) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Kerry Baker

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Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time: Thrilling Middle Grade fantasy adventure where Greek Myths come alive!Tally and the Angel, The Sands of Time: Thrilling Middle Grade fantasy adventure where Greek Myths come alive! by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What another fantastic addition to an exciting series! This is the fourth book and I would definitely recommend reading the previous three first. It was so nice to revisit with these characters and go with them on another adventure. Tally is such a fun character to read about. I always become invested in everything she does and I love watching as she discovers so much about herself and the world.
This book is probably my favourite of the series so far. I loved the element of Greek myths. It is something I have always been fascinated with and I really enjoyed how the author weaved it into this book. This is a really exciting story which was a pleasure to read. I would highly recommend this whole series.

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Raccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol – Review by Kerry Baker

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Raccoon ReunionRaccoon Reunion by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We have read a few books by this author recently, all of which we have enjoyed. So when we saw this one we knew we had to give it a go. This is such a lovely, and heartwarming story about getting to know new people and finding things in common with them. This is the kind of book that, even though it is aimed at a younger audience, is relatable to people of all ages. It can be hard to connect with new people and this book does a great job at teaching us how to do just that.
As with her other books, the illustrations in this one really bring it to life. They are engaging and vivid and just really made this book even more brilliant to read. This is a book that we all thoroughly enjoyed and we hope to see more adventures from this raccoon soon.

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Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories Book 5) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Kerry Baker

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Irresistible Bond: Central Florida StoriesIrresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author is one who always knows how to write a gripping and intense book and this is yet another one to add to her list. This story is all about the characters and the undeniable connection they share. Even when they are apart, it can be felt in the pages you are reading. I loved how the author developed this as the book went on and I was completely caught up in their story.
The overall storyline of the book was great. There was a few things going on, which helped to keep the story exciting. It was well written and obviously developed around the three main characters. I was easily engaged with it from start to finish. This is a great book and one I would certainly recommend.

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Amy’s Betrayal (Gemstone Massacre Series) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Kerry Baker

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Amy's Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy (Gemstone Massacre Book 2)Amy’s Betrayal: An LGBTQIA+ Arthurian, Urban Fantasy by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the second in the series and I would definitely recommend reading them in order to understand fully everything is going on. This book is a great addition to the series so far. It is just as exciting and well written as the first one. I was easily pulled back into these characters and the world the author has created.
I love the twist this book gives on a classic story. It is an interesting take on the story and it really feels like the author has made it her own. The characters in the book develop well as the story progresses and I loved to see the journey they went on. So far this is a great series and I am looking forward to what comes next.

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Kerry Baker

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Discovering Desire (Shattered Embrace #3)Discovering Desire by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a hot and steamy romance story that intertwines some fantastic characters and a great story. I loved the dynamic between the characters. They all had such defined parts to play and each added to the story in different ways.
The overall story was really interesting to read as well. It combined a protective alpha male, out to make sure those he loves are safe, with a need to teach and explore. Derek, for me, was definitely he focal point of the book and everything seemed to gravitate around him. I really enjoyed this book and it is a fantastic addition to the series.

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another delightful book following the adventures of Porter and Midge. This time, they need to learn basic training to take part in a parade. As usual, this book takes an important, educational matter relating to dogs and teaches it to children in a fun and entertaining way. Both of my kids loved learning about what is involved in training dogs, and everything they need to learn.
The illustrations fit perfectly with the story being told and really help to bring it to life. Each book in this series is just as good as the last and we definitely enjoyed this on in our household.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is another great adventure of Sparky. It is always nice to get to see more of this character. She is feisty and always interesting to read about. Her latest adventure is just as intriguing as the others. She has to find a way to prove Bookie was framed for murder. But with so much going on around this, it definitely turns out to be a tough challenge.
This is a well written mystery story with a fun and quirky character at its centre. The book (and the series) is truly enjoyable to read and I look forward to each new book that I start. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.

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The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read The Story that Ties Us, I was looking forward to reading this book. This book was even better than the other and I was pulled into this story immediately. The characters were so relatable. Their connection was intense and emotional and yet there seemed to be so much standing in their way. I am desperately hoping they would find their way through it all.
I loved the story the author had created. It really drew me in and was the kind of story that didn’t let go until I had finished the book. I was completely invested in what was going on and the characters journey. This is a brilliant book that I would highly recommend.

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The Story That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Story That Ties UsThe Story That Ties Us by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an emotional second chance romance story about two characters who have to find a way to put the past behind them. From the moment these characters met again, it was obvious they had not left their feelings behind. Even with everything else between them, their connection was undeniable.
With everything focused on the characters, the author created a great story around them. It was easy to read, engaging and lovely to watch the feelings between the characters develop. The whole way through the book I was hoping for their happy ending. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

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Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee – Review by Kerry Baker

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Homicidal InnocenceHomicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a gripping thriller that had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. In fact, I was probably like that from the moment I read the description. I just had to read this story and find out what was going on.
The author takes you on such an intense but well craft journey. There are so many twists and turns thrown in that I never knew where it was going to end up. I became really invested in the characters and I think a large part of that is because of the multiple POV. It allowed you, as the reader, to experience things in much more detail and added to the overall suspense. This is an incredible story and, if all her books are like this, I cannot wait to discover more.

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By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin – Review by Kerry Baker

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By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake, #1)By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the first book in a new series and it a well written an emotional, second chance romance story. The connection between the two main characters develops nicely as the book does. Even though there was history to get past, they were clearly well suited and good for each other.
The story is great to read. It well developed and has a nice pace to it. I found myself been taken long with the story and I really became invested in what was happening. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to book 2!

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Kerry Baker

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a historical fantasy story that is a retelling of Gilgamesh. This is a well written and interesting take on the story and the author has done a great job of making it her own. The characters are interesting and really bring the story to life. There were so many layers to them, I enjoyed learning more about them all.
I thought the overall story was good. It flowed well and had a great narrative to it. I was engaged with the story and loved watching how it all unfolded. The author has taken an already known story and really put a fresh take on it. This is a great book and I am looking forward to the next installment.

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Ten Little Sandpipers (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Kerry Baker

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

We had barely finished the last book by this author when we picked up this one straight away. As we have already come to expect, this book was fun, educational and such a pleasure to read. My kids had never heard of Sandpipers before so it was a great way for them to not only learn about them, but to reinforce the learning of numbers.
Every time we read one of these books, my son in particular will spend days counting everything we come across. It is great to see him take so much away with these books and we will definitely be reading more!

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Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by Kerry Baker

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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

Having read another book in this series, my son was desperate to read another book by this author. Ten Little Sea Turtles is the next one we happened to pick up and I can easily say he enjoyed it just as much as the other one.
These books, although educational, are so much fun to read. The illustrations are vivid and engaging and we definitely got as much joy in them as the actual story. This book has been read multiple times already and I am sure will be read many more.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Kerry Baker

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Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read a few reviews before picking up this book so I expected it to be entertaining. However, this book was so much more amusing and fun than I had anticipated. It is a brilliant romcom story and the characters are right at the heart of this. They are engaging, lively and a joy to read about. I loved watching them explore their feelings for each other and their connection which I definitely became invested with.
The story was just as good as the characters on the page. I loved how the author tied everything together and I found myself being completely swept away with everything going on. This is a brilliant story that I would highly recommend.

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Kerry Baker

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Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a brilliant story that teaches kids about opposites. This is something my daughter has struggled to understand a little bit, so reading this book was a fun and entertaining way to reinforce what she had already been learning. She found the book to be engaging and I could see she really connected with it.
This author knows how to create stories that draw you in and provide a fun way to educate children. This book was an enjoyable story that we all loved to read.

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