The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
On Caspian’s UnBirthday he receives presents that are linked to each other. He receives a mind reading hat, a thinking stone, and a turtle. I love reading this kid stories. There short and sweet enough to keep the child’s attention span. Can’t wait to read another story from this author.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very cute read for kids! This book teaches the science behind ice, and also is creates a great opportunity to teach children water safety and how to possibly prevent drowning. The pictures were very colorful and vivid, and definitely grab the attention. I feel like this is a story for older children, but definitely could be read to all ages.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a wonderful addition to the Mermaid Science series. Maia, Fig, and Trezzie are back with a new project- an ice cube necklace. During this adventure the kids learn about ice and water as well as how the two can different effects when the temperature changes. You even learn one way to help someone that is drowning.
This is just one of the books from this series I have read with my niece and nephew. They loved it as usual and got them asking questions, which I love. The story was well written. I do; however, feel this particular story was geared more to 1st to 3rd grade aged kids not just pre-k and kindergarten aged kids. The illustrations are excellent and make the story come to life for the kids. I would absolutely recommend this book.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A delightfully sweet children’s book! The illustrations are cute and story is creative! Children are sure to love these story about friendship and imagination.
Friends Fig and Maia enjoy a picnic and make an ice cube necklace for their mermaid friend. Though only one girl can see their mermaid friend, Trezzie, the girls enjoy the magic of the ice cube necklace and their picnic by the lake together! The diversity of the characters and friendship between them make this a winning story!
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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a good book. I found the story sweet with its own inspiration. The pictures certainly helped the story come to life. I love the visuals that were used to go along with the story. There was a good character development as well. I loved how the kids learned something not just within one another, but also from each other. I love this book series it has its interesting side as well as its educational side. This is a book and series children should read, and I think truly they will very much enjoy this wonderful book.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Maia, Fig and Trezzie are back in an all new Mermaid Science book. Fig isn’t sure if she believes that Trezzie is there because she cannot see her. She does see the ice cube necklace floating away and jumps in to get it before it disappears but nearly drowns. Trezzie saves the day by giving her the ice cube necklace to keep
Her afloat.
The icecubes in the lake are bigger then the ice cubes in the lemonade because warm water melts ice cubes faster then cold water.
review by @xchellex
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My great nieces, great nephew and I continue to love the adventures of Maia, Fig and Trezzie. This book is about an ice cube necklace that Maia and Fig would love to make for Trezzie the Mermaid. As the story comes along not only is it about an ice cube necklace but the science you learn behind it. I even learned, as an adult reading this, something new!!
This book is totally enjoyable and the pictures are fantastic and engaging. Looking forward to more books from this author!
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great children’s book by Lois Wickstrom! This book is adorable. Maia and Fig are two friends having a picnic. As they are eating, they encounter a mermaid who wants their ice cubes to make a necklace. This book teaches children about science and the different forms of water in a cute and fun way. The book is easy to understand and the characters are adorable. They even manage to have a bit of action. I highly recommend this book for parents to teach their young ones a bit of science.
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller Doris
The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace is a very cute story about 2 girls Maia and Fig who go on a picnic and are visited by a mermaid Trezzie. Trezzie can only be seen and interact with Maia, which makes Fig think she might not be real. Trezzie is very interested in the ice cubes and so Maia uses a straw to blow a hole through them in order to make a necklace for her. This is a cute story with lots of pictures for children to enjoy. The author does a great job of explaining scientific ideas in a way that children can understand. I especially enjoyed at the end of the story where she goes into more details about the different forms or phases of water. She does a great job of explaining scientific ideas in an easy to understand manner that is fun for children!
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great children’s story that any child would enjoy. One of my favorite things about this book is how the illustrations made the story engaging. They allow you to get your child engaged in the story and talk about it. They are colorful and detailed. The characters are strong and supportive of each other. I enjoyed the theme of the story and how it will show the child that it is okay to believe. I really enjoyed this story and how fun it is. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such fun and reminded me of being a kid reading My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Coville.
When alien attack and kidnap the kids at school in order to get glorp, it is up to Sophia, her brother Aidan and the school librarian, Mrs. Booker to save them all.
I loved Mrs. Booker. The way she talked to the aliens, you just knew she was going to be a fun character and not all that she seemed.
I wish this was a series cause I would love to read more of Mrs. Booker.
The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book captured me from page one. The progression of the storyline moved a little slow at one point but was well done. The world building was great, as was the character development. Caitlin took a little bit to warm up to, but Ciaran was fantastic from the start. I can’t wait to read the second book.
Review by @mimimadge
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For the past seven years, Levi has not had a care in the world and gave up his dream job all because his heart was shattered. Levi has everything women want. All the money he wants at the tips of his finger, sexy body, the life of the party every weekend and he has his pick of any woman he wants. Or so he thought! The night he was turned down for the first time ever would be the very same night his whole entire life would change.
Kindle is a drop-dead gorgeous bad a**. Quick-witted with her sassy remarks and hidden under her leather jacket is one fierce lawyer. She has all her ducks in a row, great job on her way to making partner with the law firm, a cozy house with a crazy roommate, Kindle has it all. At least until Levi comes barging into her life.
This is the first book I have read in the series but I was able to follow along rather quickly. It was a great fast-paced page-turner. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
Reviewed by @alape
Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story has an intensity and feeling of realness that could be scary. It feels like a story ripped from the headlines. People are ending up addicted or OD’ing on their medications. Grant and Josh from the DEA catch the case. Greg and Anne are an engaged couple that end up helping. The problem is that Anna has ended up hooked through B12 shots. The story is full of mystery, secrets and some aren’t who you think they are. I love it! The characters all felt separate and had their own either creepy or good personality. They could be people you bump into on the street. They are so relatable. The plot runs smooth with some twists. My favorite interactions are among Grant and Anna. They are friends but their interactions sound like siblings. This was a book I could not put down. I had to find out what was going to happen next. Excellent book that I definitely recommend.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this book! Chloe is a headstrong but compassionate person who cares so deeply about her family. I adore her as a character. The author did a fantastic job of creating the world and illustrating it with their words. I would love to go see Faerie and was fascinated from beginning to end of this book. Quintus is also very headstrong but with such a genuine care for his home. I would love to meet both Chloe and Quintus and talk to them about their different experiences.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Everything to Me is a book about Kendall, a successful marketing associate who is in love with her brother’s best-friend, Pete, a professional baseball player. Kendall had a crush on Pete since she was a teenager, but he has never seen her that way. She tries to push her luck though when invited to stay with him while she is on a work trip in his hometown. Very quickly the two of them have chemistry, but Pete is nervous about this chemistry because he knows his best friend would kill him for sleeping with his sister. However, how can anyone resist a beautiful, intelligent, and cunning woman like Kendall – she basically persuades him a secret fling is a good idea. Is a secret fling ever a good idea, especially when feelings were already there? Will he have those same feelings for her? If he does, will his past allow him to enjoy those feelings? Is she worth losing his best-friend over?
I just loved this book for so many reasons. One, this is one of my favorite tropes – brother’s best-friend, plus it was a quick read. Two, the characters are so loveable. The banter and playfulness between them is authentic. Also, I am not a girl who really enjoys a slow-burn – well, this was far from it. Within the first chapter, shit is laid out on the table and we are moving!!! The chemistry between Kendall and Pete is amazing! I would love to read more of this author’s work!!
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2 of the series but can be read as a standalone. The characters Pete an Kendell were so fun, witty an provided steamy details in the bedroom! All the while hiding it from her brother Ryan. That always makes it that much more fun but dangerous. What happens when he finds out? Must read to find out…
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fantastic author presents us with wonderful, strong heartfelt characters, a fun storyline and enough steam at the right moments to keep you completely hooked from start to finish. What a great book! I loved the characters Pete and Kendall and going along with them every step of the way through this fun and at times emotional story. Their chemistry was absolutely off the charts! I am definitely going back and reading book one while I excitedly anticipate more from this awesome series.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an amazing dark romance with a twist. Sera is sent by her father to fill Cassius but once she lays eyes on him she feels herself being drawn in. The chemistry between the two of them is unbelievable and as much as they both try to keep their distance it’s not possible for either of them. There is so much action, and suspense and twists and turn mixed in with all of the heat and romance that I was absolutely glued to this book! Sera has a huge choice to make, love or family? Will she follow her heart or turn her back on love to please her father? This is one book you are absolutely not going to want to miss and I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author in the future!
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down. Its been a long time since I fell this in love with a book, but this one hit the money spot!
Sera was an amazing female lead, and she did not back down in her professional life or personal. Together she and Cassius take you on an emotional and mysterious rollercoaster ride in which you don’t have a clue where you will end up. Cassius is this successful billionaire who likes to leave on the edge, and had quite the past . Together they had insane chemistry with perfect mixtures of drama, angst, lust, love, deception, and twists that you never see coming.
Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a beautifully written novel with everything you need! There’s action, romance, espionage, and family drama. I absolutely love the main character, Sera. She is a strong woman who has built herself up with a horribly broken foundation. Her best friend and sister by choice, Raine, is almost the same. They have become crime lords of the first order. The only “weakness in their operation is Sera’s father, Lorenzo. He’s an abusive and manipulative man who could destroy everything.
Their most current job involves Cassius, our “Romance novel cover” leading man. He has a penchant for the extreme and he knows things are shady in New York, but when he meets Sera, he’s met his match.
When your past and your future collide and you have to choose, which way will the characters go? I highly recommend you read this and find out.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really enjoyable read and was such more than I expected. The author does an amazing job with the character Grace. She is strong willed and very determined. She also keep her emotions in check. She is always the strong one and since her fathers passing it has been down to her to support her family.
The reader reads and feels the struggles Grace goes through as she battles to keep her family alive and ensure their survival while dealing with the knowledge that she is going against her father’s wishes by fighting.
We follow her from illegal underground fights to earn money for her family to survive to becoming a UFC fighter. Along the way she will meet people who will allow her to feel like part of a family which she desperately needs.
Grace is a very strong, determined woman who comes over all the odds to achieve her goal of supporting her family.
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well this story was not what I expected at all – Grace is probably hands down one of the best female leads I’ve read about in a story for a very long time, she was just amazing to read about. Her inner strength as well as her physical made her such a unique character, I’ve never read anything like this book before and apart being really well written is one of the reasons for the 5 stars, It was so incredibly refreshing to read something different. Apart from Grace who I just loved there was also a few secondary characters who were just as wonderful to read about and I loved the connection that they all had with each other. I am very excited to read more from this author and series in the future and would definitely recommend this 5 star read to other readers!
Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is actually 4.5 stars!! I never thought I’d enjoy a book about a MMA fighter but I wanted to expand my reading genres so I reached out for this one. I’m so glad that I did!
Grace is a 20 year old underground fighter. She’s been fighting her whole life. Her parents are illegal immigrants to the US and her mother has schizophrenia. When she was much younger, Grace’s dad died. It’s not initially known the details but plays a role in Grace’s thoughts about fighting. Grace is left to defend her younger sister and mother. Having to hold down 3 jobs just to support them, Grace really has no time to herself and has never done anything for herself.
When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes around, Grace can’t refuse it. She knows what this could mean for her family…good or bad. She’s a fighter and she’d bound to prove it!
There are elements of romance in this novel but nothing that screams romance novel. It’s all very subtle and I found myself rooting for a certain someone. I would love to read more about Dar, Mason, and Lizzy’s characters and I hope they will get books of their own!!
View all my reviews
Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Terrific glimpse into the mind of Bree, a young woman, trying not only to find her place in life but trying to find love in a world of heartbreak. I truly felt that I was in Bree’s head, understanding all her fears, her guilt, her emotions, her thoughts, her anxiety, her everything.
Belinda Marie “Bree” Simmons just gave up her corporate job to teach high school science and coach basketball. Bree is still unsure about this job, this choice but is doing her best. Bree is coming off the 2nd heartbreak in a row when she meets a tall, pale, blue-eyed stranger with a ‘Dracula’ accent. When Nate Vasiljeva bounces into her tennis club, Bree awkwardly tells him that she isn’t dating.
Nate decides that he and Bree are going to be friends. Bree makes sure that Nate knows that they could never be anything but friends on a regular basis. Bree fights her growing feelings for Nate because she refuses to believe he could be the one for her. You can feel Bree’s struggle with her emotions for Nate.
This was an easy, gentle read. Not bad for a relaxing weekend.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of my guilty pleasure tropes is best friends siblings, and add in sports and I will read with no breaks and be a happy bookworm.
I loved these two, they just meshed. And I liked their friends too! Kept me hooked from start to finish.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
Anti-drug activists are being sabotaged by the very substance they abhor. Anne, former DEA Agent Greg Nelson, is
Someone is targeting anti-drug activists and anyone that has dared to support the war against drugs. DEA Agents Grant Rourke and Josh McKenzie have been assigned to figure out who’s behind it, and take the fatal doses of kronilan off the streets for good.
But, while they work to put an end to the latest string of drug-related crimes, whoever is behind the kronilan distribution begins coming for their friends and family, including Grant’s ex-partner – former DEA Agent Greg Nelson by way of Greg’s fiance, Anne.
Can Grant and Josh get to the bottom of this before it’s too late?
Premeditated is a fast paced, Christian Suspense. That will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end.
Warning: Topics addressed in this novel may be triggering for some readers.
Susanna Haymond is a small town girl who enjoys creating worlds with a pen and weaving suspenseful stories with a bit of faith, and a dash of romance. As a child her imagination was never dormant; a story was always in the making. At the age of sixteen she wrote her first book and later went on to publish a few years later.
When she’s not writing she enjoys baking, relaxing on the beach, and music.
Susanna resides just outside a small city in Washington with her husband and their Bichon Frise fur baby.
Squid by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
Great read. At first I didn’t feel the least bit sorry for Levi and how his life was going thus far. He made his own bed. I can understand losing someone you thought was the love of your life and the way he did could be heartbreaking but, some time has passed, move on, grow up. Kindle and Levi are great together, and I am really happy to see him thriving and bettering himself finally. My favorite part of the book is the character Claire, it blows my mind how much of a psycho and how full of herself she is, it had me cracking up a couple times because of the lunacy that is her.
Tickety Tock: Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dwarf is a man, who is constantly overlooked by women, because of his size. Raven is a woman, who focuses on her work so that she can forget her past. When she inherits her granddaddy’s cabin, where she spent her early years, both good and bad memories start to resurface. Will Raven’s past come back and haunt her. Will Dwarf’s insecurities hold him back? Will these two be able to put everything keeping them apart, and make it through unscathed? This is a book you do not want to miss!
Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
The science that is taught and the little snippet at the end about water is wonderful. I like that we can teach kids these things even at a younger age than they would normally learn them. The artwork is beautiful and the story of making holes in the ice cubes to make a necklace for Trezzie the mermaid is fun. I know as a child I always wished there were mermaids.