Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories with my nephews. There were a variety of different situations addressed. Not only did the stories teach the kids it also got them talking and thinking outside the box. I would recommend this book to others.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson takes us on a journey of family, love, loss, grief, a mother’s last wishes, sister relationship/dynamics, reconciliation, hope, drama, angst, and secrets.
I recommend having a box of tissues close at hand before you dive into this emotional read. This collection of heartfelt and thought-provoking short stories strummed my emotions all the while pulling me further along on this relatable journey of sisterhood, loss, and final wishes.
Well worth the read!
Thank you, Sharon Hughson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Brave Kids: Short Stories to Inspire Our Future World-Changers by K.J. Kaschula
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful book (the stories and the illustrations) offers a series of short stories dealing with big emotions and situations including tragic losses, facing fears, having confidence, meeting those who look, speak or have customs different than you, dealing with neurodivergency, those with special needs, and more. It’s a beautiful way to teach courage, acceptance, coping mechanisms and more.
There were a lot of inspiring stories and good conversations with my kids about what certain story aspects may mean and a lot of wheels turning in little heads. This is a beautiful way to spend some time together and get some important topics out in the open and appropriate either for independent readers or as an opportunity for sharing these beautiful stories together with your kids.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed how easily the story progressed. The characters were very well developed and had great depth. Lillian is a nurse in hiding from the big bad Kinetica who wants her DNA to advance their power. Her sister is ill and Lillian is a healer but needs something more to heal her. Can she find that something or someone and stay off Kinetica’s radar? This is a really good paranormal romance complete with all the magic, mysticism and mystery you would hope for in this genre.
The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grayson is trying to get his life back on track after a devastating betrayal from someone close to him. Natalie is in the US trying to uncover the secrets her father left behind after his death. What neither of them plans on is the hate-love-hate some more relationship that these two find themselves in. While each tries to hide their secrets, and keep their hearts hidden behind the large walls they have built up…they find themselves fighting these growing feelings of lust, protection, and (gasp) love, But, when secrets come to life and shake the foundation they are building, can they stand strong? Or will their trust issues from the past keep them from moving forward?
I really enjoyed both Grayson and Natalie’s characters. They were both so multi-dimensional with secrets and issues as far as the eye could see. However, it made them the people they are. Natalie’s take-no-crap attitude as she stood up to a man that most feared provided some comedy relief. This story is heavy in tragedy and betrayal…so the humous banter between the two was a nice balance. The story unfolded in an entertaining manner that kept my attention the entire time. Their support for each other, while also continuously finding ways to make the other mad, was quite enjoyable. I could not put this book down until the end!
To be a Fae Legend by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another amazing tale from one of my favorite authors. These books are absolutely priceless and make the journey from beginning to end so worth the time it takes to read. I would definitely recommend that you read these in order as you will miss several important details if you don’t. Queen Tatiana is under enormous stress and now believes she is the prophesied one who can end all suffering and save her kingdom. She is in a race against the clock to learn how to use the power she recently discovered, find a husband and save everyone! You can’t miss with this series it is amazing! The details and the storyline are rock solid and produce vivid pictures that enhance your enjoyment.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars
I totally devoured this story up in one sitting…totally engrossed and loved each and every page. This is a great read for anyone who loves paranormal, magic, a little bit of romance and danger and protecting loved ones at all costs.
All Lillian wants is to heal her sister, whom is in grave condition. Lillian tries to use her gift of healing but needs help along the way. When Lillian discovers someone whom may help her and her sister, it is none other than Tristan King, who is highly recognizable in society. Tristan is smart and rich but also dealing with his own family issues when it comes to mortality. When Lillian and Tristan team up, Lillian skirts around the truth while Tristan is suspicious and wants to help. With danger lurking at every corner, Lillian feels like she is looking over her shoulder constantly to make sure her family is not in danger….but will it be enough with the help of Tristan?
This is a great story and I highly recommend this read…….this book took me by total surprise and in a great way. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Innovator: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (WaterFyre Rising Book 3)
I loved this book. The chemistry between Natalie and Grayson was instantaneous and I so enjoyed their verbal sparring. The protectiveness Grayson felt for Natalie was there before he could acknowledge he was feeling anything other than enjoyment of annoying her.
Aside from the love/hate the thing that stood out to me was the friendships the women have with one another. They embraced Natalie and made her one of them. Friendships like that don’t happen very often for everyone.
I love this series so much and looking forward to the next one.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Healing Kiss is a paranormal romance that captured my attention. The story starts strong and keeps up the pace throughout the story. Lillian has a healing power that makes her an amazing nurse. Her powers put her at risk from a dangerous organization. Tristan King a billionaire, knows that something is different but amazing about Lillian. Will they be able to assist each other?
As I mentioned, the story starts and does not stop. I was immediately drawn in and did not want to put it down. The characters are interesting, and Lillian was a mystery to me at first. I wanted to understand her power and what she was hiding from. When you add Tristan’s part of the story, it expands Lillian’s story but also helps to expand the world they live in. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of the story, and it only added to the intrigue of the book. This was my first book by this author, but she hooked me. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
Healing Kiss by Amanda Uhl is a beautiful contemporary love story, with a touch of magic, a dash of suspense, and just a sprinkle of spice. The story follows Lillian Milano (Alias of Zoey). She has the ability to transfer energy in order to heal the sick. Apart form making her a very effective nurse, it also makes her a very large target. Her gifts put her and those she loves in danger from an organization who will stop at nothing to exploit her gifts. When her sister becomes deathly ill, Lillian will do anything to save her. Including excepting the help of a handsome stranger. But when being near Tristan King, the billionaire computer genius puts her at risk of all of her secrets coming to light, will she be able to fight the pull that his presence inspires or will she guard her heart and her secret? This book has great suspense and character development. While maintaining the slow burn of a will they wont they. If you like romance that is light on the spice and heavy on the build up then this one is for you. 4.5 out of 5 Starts. I absolutely devoured this story and loved the relationship between Lillian and Tristan.
The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the WaterFyre Rising series so much! Nadia Han has a way of writing characters that are incredibly relatable, and you find yourself fully invested in the story without even realizing it. Many times throughout this book I found myself gripping the book because I needed to know what happened next! There is a bit of spice, but the author does not rely on this alone to create an inviting and unforgettable experience. The story flows so flawlessly and I bet you’ll be drawn in just as much as I was. I wish book 4 would get here sooner because I can’t wait to continue this series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Obedience is the first book in the series Ties That Bind. It is about a student/teacher romance mixed with a freaking circus! How could it be any more interesting? The student/teacher relationship revolves around two aerialists, the Master and the Protégé. This book hooked me from the beginning. It is well-paced, intriguing, and engaging. The whole story had me captivated, from the romance plot and the aspect of reading about the aerialists. I will definitely be adding more books from this author. It had an intriguing storyline with the circus, many plot twists, a sexy slow burn that turns hot as fire, and plenty of spice! I recommend this book even if you aren’t typically into student/teacher romance. It is excellently written, with a wonderful plot, and surprising key elements.
Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story takes Tally and her father to Japan. When Tally lost her mother, she gained an Angel and he has been with her ever since. As Tally and her father explore Japan Tally finds herself with a mystery to solve. It was nice to see Tally encounter some of the Japanese culture. Tally is a smart and inquisitive young lady; I liked the way she listens and discovers the many Japanese customs. Tally learns many lessons on her travels and adventures and it is nice to see the way she matures through her journeys. Life is full of challenges and Tally takes them full on. This is an engaging read that pulls the reader in. Tally’s adventures are a great way to introduce different customs and lives to young readers as well as giving them an exciting story to immerse themselves in.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book really makes you think. It is full of poetry that delves into the world around us and tries to give us a different perspective that asks us to think about the different subjects. It is thought provoking in a good way. I enjoyed this book and I think many readers will also. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys exploring and expanding their knowledge and understanding.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich: The Silver Blood Knight by Carol McKibben
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story full of magic and paranormal. Alongside Reign are the Morretti brothers and together they must work with and take care of Adam the human mage. Now they must fight the evil and save Italy. This is the second book in this series and it would be good to read the previous book to better understand and enjoy this book. I like the world that is being built in this series but I am having a hard time connecting with the characters, it was nice though to see the way everyone fights together against the evil. There are many different paranormal creatures in this world both good and evil. You never know what they might encounter next. The journey for those involved is not over yet and I am interested to know just what they will do next.
Three Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyone wants to find “the one”. That one special person to share everything with. The one that your heart and mind connects with. In this story, Leo is lucky enough to find that feeling with three different women. Sadly, though these women all have personal matters that need to be dealt with in their lives and for whatever reasons they feel Leo can’t be a part of those situations. Leo though doesn’t give up on love and in the end gets his happily ever after.
This author writes with an easy to follow flow allowing the story to progress naturally. Will read more by this author.
Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book about a circus and circus school, and boy oh boy am I glad that I read it! I was not at all prepared for this book! It was so, so good!! This book will have you wrapped up so quick and tied in for the ride. I did not want to put it down!! And now I need to rush and get the next book in the set when released!! I can’t wait to read it as well. Cassandra grew up with one goal in mind. She wanted to soar through the skies under a big tent with the best silk aerialist in the world! Her parents took her to Chandler’s circus and as soon as she saw him in the air doing a difficult drop, she knew she wanted that life. She wanted to perform with him, she wanted to learn from him, she wanted him as her mentor, and she wanted to do that drop! That trip to the circus changed her life. In more than one way. The next day, her parents died in a horrible fire. A very hard road later, and she gets to start her dream! She made it!! She preforms for the school and she is accepted into the circus school with a full scholarship! To make things better one of her teachers is Chandler!!! She gets to learn from some of the greats, but also her idol! But he isn’t anything like she thought and she sees her dreams going up in flames. Chandler hasn’t felt like himself in a while but after seeing Cassandra in the silks, performing to a song and routine he loved in his twenties, he has a rush of emotions. He gets excited and is wrapped up in the reasons why he loved that one so much. He pretty much accepts Cassandra at her audition! He could see her potential and he felt his longing of finding the right student to take under his wing coming into focus. He’s so surprised by Cassandra though. She bold and outspoken. She puts him in his place even though she’s a student and he’s the teacher! She’d make a great addition to the circus, if only they could stop fighting!! He grumpy and she’s always late! When her best friend volunteers her for a Shibari (tying a person up with visually intricate patterns of rope) demonstration at a club, she quickly feels her world tying up in knots. Unsure of herself she realizes a couple things. One is that it makes her feel alive and the second is who’s really behind the mask. Chandler never planned on bringing anyone into his life, but the closer he gets to Cassandra the more his grandfather’s words taunt him. Now her past and his family are following her and she’s in way deeper than she or he even realized. Lives are in danger and things are catching fire left and right, as they look into her past. Their history’s are knotted together and neither of them know just how much. Will her past come back to bite her? Will his come back and bite him? This is only book one and it is left on bit of a cliffhanger, in France!! Book two has the release date of October 2023 though, so you totally have time to read this one and then go pre-order book 2! I know I will be!!!! You will not regret reading this book. Like I said, it was so, so good!! There is also a full-cast narrated audiobook for this book if you wanted that additional immersive experience. I’ve heard good things and I might be adding it to my list as well. Hehe. Grab this book and make sure you have time, a drink, and maybe even a fan! You won’t want to stop reading until your done!!
Raising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elle has been a shadow of a person since leaving Sweet Valley six years ago. The horrors she endured at the hands of her husband were unbearable and she finally finally escaped back home just in time to save her grandparents’ ranch. She’s determined to live life to the fullest, even if past skeletons haunt her.
Blake hasn’t done anything worthwhile since his heart was broken six years ago. He wants to move on, but the pain of losing his first love was too much. But now she’s back and he’s hit rock bottom.
Elle and Blake have a rocky past and their current relationship is turbulent at best.
Raising Elle is a story of love, loss, redemption, and perseverance. The story keeps moving at a good pace throughout and keeps you on your toes. The emotions are raw and the love is deep. A great read that covers the not so great sides of relationships and the best they have to offer.
Aliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a nice collection of stories. Each author brings readers into a new world and characters. I enjoyed these stories and would find it hard to pick just one as a favorite. Alongside the authors that I read there were a lot of new authors for me to enjoy. This collection has a good variety of characters from an alien dating app to alien mafia and a lot of what is in between. These short stories give you a glimpse into so many worlds and many different relationship, there are also different heat levels and matches that there should be something for just about everyone in these stories. It was nice to find myself immersed in different journeys and configurations but always finding the love shine through it all.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The battle between Cole and Riley rages on. Something is off, even more so with Riley and her mom and Cole will stop at nothing to get rid of them, despite his growing attraction to Riley. That is until Cole learns the secret that Riley and her mom have been keeping. Now, there’s nothing Cole wouldn’t do to protect Riley. This was a quick, suspenseful read that I couldn’t put down!
Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fun and unique way to tell about your life. The poems are enjoyable while also being quite thought provoking. I found myself relating to certain events within the poetry. I really enjoyed the pop culture references mixed within the poems. Definitely do yourself a favor and make sure you have a device or get the boom to experience the colorful pages that go along with the poetry beautifully.
Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It was so nice to read about these characters again and the adventures they go on. I enjoy each book they are part of and never hesitate to start a new one. This book is just as good as the others. It was exciting and fun to read. I think the characters of this book are fun and entertaining.
This series is the only one I have read by this author but I am definitely going to explore more of her work. I am enjoying this series immensely and I hope to read more.
Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Starting middle school is hard enough.. Being the new kid is even harder.. Starting middle school as the new kid who is also different.. Well, the odds are against you. Silas is determined not to let it get him down, though! If ever there was a tale of perseverance, this just happens to be it! This fast-paced read takes you on the rollercoaster that is middle school life. It is relatable and takes you on a ride of emotions. Silas and his grandfather have a beautiful relationship. All in all, this is a fun little read for preteens!
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a beauty story about grief, family and connection. It is such a moving story and emotional on every level. This book is entirely about the characters and their journeys – both individual and combined. Each of them were so different and yet their connection brought them together and forged a story so deep.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am impressed with the level and style of writing. This book drew me in entirely and I had to see it through to the end. It felt like I was there with the characters, going on the journey with them. I loved every minute of this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An emotional and engaging read, which kept me captivated throughout. The storyline centres around a mother’s determination to help her daughters to reconcile, but her planned intervention never happens, and it becomes her dying wish instead. The story is told through a collection of connected short stories and poems. The plot explores a family’s journey through loss, death and grief, and so it does take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. However, the characters are so well defined that I felt engaged with them. Main characters, Mercedes and Lacey Bloom, along with Krista White all go on a journey of discovery as they try and heal their difficult relationships. The setting, which was partially set in beautiful Victoria, BC, was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I found this to be an inspirational story about loss and grief, but overall it’s a story of family relationships, and one which I would recommend.
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris. This is such a fun retelling of Cinderella with a touch of Steampunk thrown in. Its the story of Ellie who has had a spell cast on her by her evil step mother. She and her dad have different spells and her spell causes her to have to live like a servant at her own home. She is friends with her stepsister which made me happy because she had one ally in her home. Her best friend that she hasn’t seen in years, Benjamin, has come back and been reunited with her. Now this story takes place in the late 1800’s so there are strict rules as far as men and women go. Now Benjamin sets out to try to get this curse reversed and he will do everything he can to help Ellie. Now if this spell is not broken by midnight she will forever be a servant in her own home and have no hopes of love or happiness. This is such a fun retelling and I’m sure young adults and even older adults like me will enjoy it!
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a very emotional read but one that might help someone struggling with loss.
Krista and Lacey are sisters who’ve lost their way with each other. Life has dealt them a series of blows that have cost them a lifelong friendship, not to mention a family bond. When they are faced with the tragedy of losing their mother, this bond is even further apart.
Mercedes is the daughter of Lacey and made an agreement with her grandmother on her deathbed that she would see to it that the sisters make a trip that they’d been talking about for over a year.
When neither sister wants to make this trip, it’s up to Merci to get them to go. But then, Merci has some secret that she’s keeping that she does not want revealed either.
This is a story of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness. Lacey and Krista are like fire and ice. They clash over so many things but they are ultimately just “things” that get in the way of a great relationship.
I recommend this book for anyone who is going through the fires of loss, disappointment, or feeling lonely/discouraged. This book will bring about a different perspective on life when it can be seen through the eyes of another. This is loosely based on a true story with the author and the way this was penned was just beautiful. There is a religious element that was such an important thread to this story!
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson. This is such a beautiful set of short stories that are absolutely heartbreaking. Its the story of 2 sisters who have become estranged and their mom makes a plan to reconnect them with her granddaughter but before she can see her plan come to fruition she passes away. The daughters just don’t know if they can reconnect but want to make their mom’s wish come true. Especially when their daughter/niece wants them to make up because she told her grandma she would help. Krista and Lacey are just like any family members that end up not speaking because of something and it hits home so much. They truly want to make their mom’s dying wish come true but its so much work and it just may be too much work. If they don’t reconcile they will end up hurting their daughter/niece Mercy and she will be devastated. Read these heartwarming stories to see if a trip can put this family back together.
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really like to find new authors and new series. This book ticked both boxes. I really enjoyed reading this book as the author brought the characters to life. There is just enough drama mixed in with romance that it was well balanced. I like how the author was able to build the world around a sort of faux pox of student teacher romance. I was drawn into the book from page one and didn’t want to put this book down. The characters have a electrifying chemistry and just jump off of the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Afflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a M/M romance novel and is 194 pages in length. This story follows Kyle and Lyle. Both had a traumatic, abusive past. Once they met, they were inseparable. As they became older, feelings started to emerge. Kyle had to leave but swore he would come back for Lyle. A tragedy in the family brings them back together and it’s time to face each other.
