Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This topic hits close to home for me. The story does an amazing job when it comes to the genuine struggle with trauma. Kate and Tilly have been through so much, and yet, they still do what they can to help other people despite everything. I look forward to the next one.
Queen’s Destiny by Barb Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ummm… Can I say *mind blown*? Like where has this book been all of my life?! I absolutely love it! The characters are original as hell and just so quirky. I love the twists and turns of the story, and how the focus switches between the different characters. I love watching all of the dots connect too!! I need more haha..
Operation Pinpoint by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Expect the unexpected. This story is one that grips you and doesn’t let go until you’re through. At first, I was surprised that Ravenna’s lover was a woman, but honestly, that built her character more for me. She’s relatable and a badass. Dravos is one of those people you can’t help but be curious about. I absolutely love this story, and I hope to read more soon.
Oliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story about the true feelings of a hurt kid. I loved how honest it was. To know where we come from, and to know where we are is one of the best things in order to keep going. Great story!
Master Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love stories of forbidden love. It gives that feeling like anything is possible regardless of what anyone else says. Raven is the little enchantress who doesn’t believe in division, and Master Romano is one who is about truth and honor. Together, they do an amazing job at dealing with the chaos around them every turn. Absolutely beautiful characters and story. I am grateful that I got to read this.
The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I find it really cool that you never know what you’ll find until you start exploring . The fact that a magnifying glass was made out of a plastic bowl and water? I never would have thought of that. The artwork is adorable, and very colorful too.
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Present for The Volcano speaks volumes about perspective and perceptions. Conifer was worried all day and just wanted to get out of the situation, but her friend did what they could to make the situation better. They prepared and took action, and while it was questionable how it would turn out, Conifer decided to trust her friend and help. And in the end, she was able to see from a different point of view. These stories are adorable. Mama Conifer T-Rex and her ankylosaurus friend work together when a problem comes up. Even when things look dark, they find a way. The artwork is amazing too. I love the textures and the colors. I definitely recommend both!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Callie and Noah are amazing! Callie’s the girl who has had it rough, but she doesn’t ever let it hold her back. Noah is the one with a secret and when they finally give into their desires, their lives change forever. Callie is everything sweet and kind, and Noah is the rough and tough military vet that is almost never without his cowboy hat. I absolutely love them both, and I can’t wait to read the other books in the series!
The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off, this was definitely an interesting one. I’ve never heard of an Unbirthday. And to have a mind reading hat could be very helpful, but I’d hate to hear things that would be too overwhelming. In the end, I’m glad it worked out and helped. The artwork has a more 3D, defined dimension than others I’ve seen, and I thought it was really cool.
Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mafia life… Always having to look over your shoulder and dodge everything coming for and at you everywhere you turn. Mia is a smart cookie and seems to have a good head on her shoulders despite the life she was born into.
The amount of stress anyone would have to survive in that life would bring any weak person to tears. All Mia ever did was fight back. The strength of her character in the midst of abuse and the Mafia life is amazing.
I’ve always enjoyed a good Mafia story with good characters and relationships, and this one does not disappoint!! I loved watching their relationship grow and defeat all odds. Absolutely beautiful!
Blood Sector by Lexi C. Foss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A hundred years is a long time to wait for someone, but these two are HOT for each other. Damn… Quinnlynn still doesn’t know who she can trust and has a mission to complete. Kieran has spent that whole time searching for her, and wondering why she left, while taking up her throne and caring for her people while she had been away. Secrets don’t ever last, and the truth is always bound to come out… LOVE IT!!!
I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once you get into this book, it’s hard to put down. It has everything a good suspense story needs. Watching Fitz track down clues is so cool!! The twists and turns and take-no-shit attitude is amplified when it comes to finding answers for those who can’t do it for themselves.
Action and drama at every turn. You never know where the story is gonna go until you get there. I’m on the edge of my seat… Good stuff, I tell you!
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Romeo and Juliet story that has angels and demons AND promises a happily ever after?! I cannot wait to see how this story goes… Jace sounds like mister all powerful, mysterious in his pain and struggle.. but to see him go on the defense of those being hunted is amazing.
I love how strong and protective a character Jace is with whoever he’s around. Even when he’s with his lovers, he tries to distract them from their pain and help them. Genuinely wants to do better for them than those who came before.
Cyrus is just brilliant, smart, and intelligent. He has that way about him. Everyone loves being around him, and when he and Jace meet they are amazing together.
Like any good romance novel, there’s just the right amount of drama, charm, and action to keep me going. I definitely love this book, and I look forward to the next!
Antipodes by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one is intriguing. It’s in the realm of The Scorch Trials, Fifth Wave, and the Divergent series. Those are the immediate stories that pop into my head as I read this book. Following the main character through the seeming normal morning to something that is beyond grasp, his feelings and emotions are relatable and easy to understand.
Post-Covid, reading something like this is fascinating. Going through something like this would be scary for anyone. Having to choose whether to work harder than you ever have before to save the species or to stay with your family? I’m not sure what my answer would be. But knowing my vulnerabilities, I can empathize with Campbell’s sister, Sorcha. She’s brilliant and intelligent, but he was the one chosen to go. Like having to see someone off to war, knowing you may, or won’t ever see someone again, it takes a deep emotional toll on a person. Especially someone who thinks of everyone else before themselves.
I absolutely love the description of Campbell’s mom. The fiery, five foot woman, who no one wants to trifle with. I couldn’t help but giggle in that moment because I’ve met women like that before and am one myself. Her strength is amazing.
Watching Freyja and Campbell’s relationship grow through the book is such a cool thing. It’s more than just about sex between these two, you can really tell that they truly care about each other. One is more emotional than the other, the other being more logical. It’s just amazing to see how the communities grow and thrive after such hardships and come out working hard as a group to make life worth living together.
The author does an amazing job when it comes to the scientific descriptions of everything and the fact that mental health is talked about too just made it more real for me. Like Campbell’s anxiety, and then, the grief along the way of all of those who were chosen, and those who left loved ones behind felt real and tangible like you were really there.
This story is so cool. There are things all over the book that help you learn so much. I didn’t even know what antipodes were, but man… I feel like I’m learning a lot from this.
Not only is this book an amazing read when it comes to the characters, but the scenery is gorgeous, and the amount of scientific and philosophical knowledge that the author incorporates is fantastic. I found myself in awe about the things I didn’t know that I learned from this book.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5
The writer does an amazing job with the openness during her family’s hardships she shares. I’m an animal lover, and I have three dogs of my own and babysit for friends when they need it. It’s heartbreaking to know that our furry best friends are going through something this difficult with no understanding of what’s happening to them.
I appreciate all of the effort that the author put into her book. And I commend her for open show of emotion. She’s real and open about the pain and how things were when things seemed to be getting better. When it was all falling apart, she still managed to document all of this.
I am just so glad to be able to read this book. Though it’s a hard subject, I hope that it reaches anyone and everyone who needs to know they’re not alone in the hard times with our furry babies.
