Posts

Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by M Policicchio

Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Erica is comfortable in her life. She has a good job she mostly enjoys. She doesn’t mind her nosey landlady and likes where she lives. Things are heating up with her husband. He recently disappeared and has been gone much longer than usual. Two goons showed up at her apartment to talk about her husband. They told her things she didn’t know.

Now Erica feels she has no choice but to go home to the two overbearing aunts she left 3 years ago and see if she can convince her attorney to give her an advance on her trust fund to help out her husband. This is where things start to get screwy.

Once she has asked for the money, small things start happening. Erica is nearly run off the road by a man wearing a Darth Vader mask waving a gun. Her best childhood friend starts acting weird. Erica learns that she is about to inherit approximately $20 Million. Erica’s husband is killed in a hit and run accident. Her aunts are bickering and reveal they knew about the trust since becoming her guardians. Erica meets a man that says he was friends with her husband. Erica gets pushed out into traffic, almost getting hit by a car.

As her birthday gets closer, the strange factor just keeps getting higher. The only constant is the stranger that claims to have been friends with her husband. The only problem is Erica’s growing attraction to him. As the near death incidents start picking up, Erica is also growing up, figuring out who she is and who she wants to be.

When it hits the fan, it is the person Erica suspected the least. Betrayal by those closest to Erica hits her hard. Erica’s savior is more than he seems. And things will never go back to where they were before.

This decently paced thriller will keep you wondering.

View all my reviews

Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rita White

What a great informative book. I feel like I just had a science lesson! I loved the rhyming of the story and the little facts also on the page. My 4 year old granddaughter loved me reading her this book. She was more interested in the story and not so much in the facts. The facts will be used and read better by the older children. The illustrations are fabulous and depict the story great.

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ PREORDER ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ PREORDER ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Cozy Mystery
Page Count – 265
Cover Designer – Rowan Prose Publishing
Professor Lexie Driscoll is conducting the first meeting of the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub in her best friend’s swanky mansion when a friend is murdered. More members are knocked off as Lexie unravels secret after secret, leading her to believe she’s living in Christie’s novel, “And Then There Were None.”
Using Miss Marple’s knowledge of human nature and Hercule Poirot’s cunning, Lexie must save her club and reveal the killer.
Tropes: amateur sleuth, quirky characters, red herring, bookclub, reading group

FACEBOOK ~ WEBSITE ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~

 ~WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr

~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~
Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Page Count – 277
Cover Designer – Coffee and Characters

Goodreads – Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr

Bookbub – Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr


When his manager and band mates insisted he needed some R&R, Loch Mackenzie, lead singer of successful rock band The Oath, reluctantly agreed. He wanted to feel like himself again. He wanted not to remember his dead sister’s body every time he closed his eyes. He did not want to spend a month of his summer in a small bed and breakfast in the south. That changed when he saw the sweet chaos of Hailey Prescott sprawled on her kitchen floor.��Hailey Prescott deliberately built her life around her business. She had no intention of falling in love and having a family. Her two best friends were all the family she needed. But she liked being around people, so running a Bed and Breakfast made perfect sense. Everyone she met would quickly exit her life with no fuss. Her life was perfect. She was happy. Until Loch Mackenzie scooped her up off the floor and started bulldozing through her barriers.��Finding Love is a story about healing from trauma and learning how to love after a great loss. There is a difference between being alive and living. To love, one must live.

~ AMAZON ~


Click here to view the Book Trailer for Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr

Author Interview with Lacey Furr

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ TIKTOK ~ GOODREADS ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig

~ ♦ ~ ➰ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♦ ~ ➰ ~ ♦ ~
Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Self Help
Page Count – 246
Cover Designer – Lee Busch
From the author of the bestselling The 7 Secrets of the Prolific.��Can’t finish your work?��Can’t start it?��Feel like your outcomes don’t reflect your potential?��Productivity is Power 2 can help! In it, you’ll learn how “laziness,” “lack of discipline,” and other barriers are symptoms of a deeper problem: disempowerment. That disempowerment is often caused by perfectionism, unmanaged time, an ineffective work process, traumatic rejections, and other factors. Locate and remedy the disempowering factors in your life and work, and watch yourself get more and more productive.��More specifically, Productivity is Power 2 will help you:
Locate, understand, and overcome your barriers to productivity and success so that you can become immediately more productive, successful, and happy.
Start your work on time, work steadily on it, and hand it on time. (Or early!)
Work through problems and obstacles. (No procrastination or derailments!)
Handle mistakes, failures, and other setbacks.
Manage your time well, so that you can succeed professionally while also living a healthy, happy, and balanced life. And,
Work more effectively with others.
And much more! Productivity is Power 2 also offers many unique, and uniquely effective, solutions, including:
Re-Empowerment. How to locate and remedy the specific forms of disempowerment that keep you from doing your work.
Compassionate Objectivity. The mindset that neutralizes perfectionism while maintaining accountability and a success orientation.
Timed Work Intervals, Randomization, Dialoguing with Your Inner Critic, and other solutions to perfectionism.
The Joyful Dance, a highly effective work method founded on principles of personal empowerment and compassionate objectivity.
Values-Based Time Management, which helps you achieve not just maximum empowerment and productivity in the short term, but maximum success and happiness over the course of your career.
Many solutions for common writing and work problems including not finishing, not submitting, over-researching, constantly starting over, and avoidance (of difficult parts of the project). Also, for efficient decision-making both within and around projects.
Solutions for coping with criticism, rejection, and perceived failures. And,
Solutions for “digital distraction,” online harassment, and other 21st Century obstacles to work and success.
…all of which will help you succeed and thrive.
Productivity is Power 2 can help anyone improve their productivity in a healthy, humane, and sustainable way. Get it for yourself, and for the author, artist, performer, entrepreneur, scholar, or community organizer in your life.
Don’t procrastinate on achieving your full potential! Get your copy of Productivity is Power 2 now!

~ AMAZON ~BARNES & NOBLE ~ APPLE BOOKS ~ KOBO ~


Click here to view the Book Trailer for Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig

C.L. Schneider is an award-winning author of immersive fantasy fiction, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. While fantasy is her main focus, she also pens the occasional horror or apocalyptic tale. Born in a small Kansas town, Schneider resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds she creates, please visit her website www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with C. L. Schneider on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.

LINKEDIN ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ GOODREADS ~ PINTEREST ~ TIKTOK ~ YOUTUBE~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed

☆•°•💗•°•☆ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ☆•°•💗•°•☆
Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Page Count – 167
Cover Designer – Emily’s World of Design
Welcome to Woodvalley Pines… where hunky firefighters save the day! It’s time to turn up the heat and hope this smokin’ hot fireman can control the blaze.
Libby hadn’t even been in Woodvalley Pines a day and she was already freaking out. Her kitchen had just set on fire. From toast of all things! That’s right, she was the victim of the elusive toaster fire. Yes, a toaster. Who knew they could just spontaneously burst into flames? She certainly didn’t. If that wasn’t enough to ruin her day, a swarm of hot firefighters seeing her in her pink pajamas would do it.
Zach tried his hardest not to laugh as the woman in the Disney pajamas accused him of keeping toaster fire safety a secret. He didn’t know where in the world this angry green-eyed princess had come from, but he had to admit that he was intrigued. After all, if she had this much passion when it came to talking toasters, what other kind of flames could he stoke in her?
Libby and Zach’s spark was instant, but will the fire burn out or can they keep the flames blazing?

~ AMAZON ~ KOBO ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ APPLE BOOKS ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed

Isobel was born and raised in London. She still lives along the River Thames with her husband and her substantial book collection. Ever the hopeless romantic, she fell in love with the genre from a young age and was inspired to write her own stories. When she’s not feasting on romantic comedies or binge reading her hoard of contemporary romance novels, Isobel is writing.

Author Interview with Isobel Reed

~ FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ BOOKBUB ~ GOODREADS ~ AMAZON ~ WEBSITE ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209065416-the-boss-of-centocelle” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1708690475l/209065416._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209065416-the-boss-of-centocelle”>The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6)</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35797592.P_J_Mann”>P. J. Mann</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6521819785″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Well this one started off with a bang. Detective Scala is on the case trying to find out who unalived two cousins. All of the time he is putting into this case is taking time from his loved ones and his home life is suffering. The more he digs the more danger he potentially puts himself in. As he digs for evidence, he gets deeper and deeper in the underground of illegal activities. Is this where the answer lies? Even though this is book six in the series it can be read as a standalone. I say that as being a reader who picked this up before reading the previous books. If engaging murder myseries are your cup of tea I do suggest giving this a try. It was engaging and the author gets you invested in solving the case.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>

Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous book as well as it is just as great as this one. This is also an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I enjoy their writing skills as well as their ability to make the characters come to life. They are characters that are written with a lot of heart. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A small town romance with a second chance at love. I enjoyed both of these characters and what they brought to the story. They have great chemistry and attraction. They are connectable and relatable and pull you into their world with ease. This is an easy and entertaining story to read and one you don’t want to miss. Find out if Shayna and Burke find their HEA and what fate has instore for them. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed reading from beginning to end. I enjoyed the author’s writing style as well as their attention to details that make the story come to life. I also enjoyed how the author kept the story engaging throughout. There is alot going on in this story but the author did a great job of keeping you wanting to know more. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. It is easy to read and entertaining as well. There is great growth of the plot as well as the characters throughout the story. This is a story about Scoob and how she and her older brother get stuck in a small town. But what happens with the town’s dam leaks and she is left to figure out what is really important to her. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She is a strong character that I had no trouble relating to. She adds so much to the story and is my favorite. I really enjoyed reading this story and it is one you don’t want to miss out on. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Make Me Want To Love You is Book 2 in the Love In Emerald Creek series and after reading the first book I was eagerly awaiting on this story of Burke and Shayna. While this series could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning to get to know the characters and be drawn in to Emerald Creek. I really enjoyed the first book but I loved this story….roller coaster of emotions, small town feel, friends to lovers, romance, drama and can I just say while Shayna is juggling being a single mom and trying to provide for her children, the empowerment she feels after leaving her abusive ex-husband and protecting her children at all costs….Bravo!

Living in Emerald Creek, small town living, Shayna and Burke are best friends. Burke would do anything for Shayna and her children, but develops feelings for Shayna…and ever so patient. Both Shayna and Burke guard their hearts for different reasons, but as they spend more time together, the more feelings develop. When trouble arises…meddling grandparents and secrets rear its ugly head…will Shayna and Burke be able to overcome their own insecurities…or will it tear them apart…

Definitely read and find out! This is a great story….well done!

View all my reviews

The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything and more. This is the first book I have read by the incredibly talented Nadia Han though I have several of her books on my tbr, this was the first and I was over the moon with it. Yes, this is book five in the WaterFyre Rising series, but each book can be read as a standalone. I wasn’t confused or lost on anything, and it was explained what the previous four couples did to warrant the Trogyn being after him and his friends. Dual perspective of Arrow Holt and Vivian Vo.
Arrow has many accomplishments and interests including wine and video games. The one thing he wants is her. Vivian Vo is an accomplished pediatric dentist and martial arts master. Her childhood led her to mastering self defense and teaching others. So much in her life could be different if she and her mother knew those skills back then. After uprooting her entire life and putting it on hold to move across the country to find a kidnapped nine-year-old girl the unexpected shows up along the way. Seeing Arrow makes her have a flutter and spark of something she long thought was lost, something she could never get back when the scars were burned into her body long ago. Arrow thought he could have anything and everything he wanted until he found someone that matched his scarred soul, that awakened a part of him he never knew was there and only there for her. Thanks to Kaylee, the thirteen-year-old girl that Vivian is the guardian of, things progress faster in some ways than they could have. Vivian is forced to feel and not judge with her eyes as she begins to fall for “Bullseye” Arrow, while also battling herself about their actual encounters. Arrow falls for “Tulip” Vivian quickly and goes the distance to prove he is all in. When her past comes knocking, she worries more about how Arrow and those around her than herself.
Will Arrow run when he sees her scars as others had? Can Vivian let her walls down and finally trust someone again? This world is outside, maybe not in my personal experience but with how the world is I feel at least one person has lived this life or is living it now. The characters burrow into your heart, you feel their pain and their fear, but the author also makes you feel their hope and love as they break down their walls. Knowing up front from the tropes on that they get there happily ever after builds suspense and fear on how they will reach it. I cannot wait to see whose story comes next in book six, The Protégé, October 29th, 2024. Now to go back and dive into the other four books and see how his friends found their happily ever after.

View all my reviews

Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loris opens up his heart by Dagmara Sitek was a precious, meaningful, heartwarming, important children’s story. The story focuses on Loris, who is a foster child, who doesn’t want to open up to his new family because he doesn’t feel like he belongs even though they invite him to participate and include him in their fun. It’s not until his foster brother is having trouble finishing a race to raise money for a sick young girls treatment that he uncovers himself, opens up his heart, and finishes the race for everyone. This is definitely an emotional story and could also potentially be a triggering one, but it shows the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, and new beginnings. The illustrations throughout the book were wonderfully done as well. There were a few instances that the dialogue sounded disjointed as if maybe the authors first language was something other than English, but it wasn’t a big deal. Wonderful book.

View all my reviews

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Kay Stritesky

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda's Story, An Echo series novellaHealing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story, An Echo series novella by C.R. Alam
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a nice easy read that combined romance and mystery. It was a nice sneak peak at the full story to come!

View all my reviews

Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Megan Rea

Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Magic and Heartache series by E.L. Roux. I enjoyed this book. I liked the premise of the plot and I thought the characters were off to a good start; however, I felt that both the plot and the characters were a bit rushed. Granted the book was very short. I would really like to have gotten more back story for both of the main characters (the author does mention at the end that we will get that story later). I’m excited for the next installment in the series…I’m hoping it’s a little more substantial. In the first book, we have Jorden and Cane’s story and it’s really very sweet and heartfelt. This is a fantasy romance and is definitely 18+. The spicy scenes are *spicy* and very well executed. I just wish there was more world building because it really lends itself to that as well as more character development. But I’m excited to see what they come out with for the next installment.

Reviewed by @meggs1717
View all my reviews

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Ashley Lape

Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gene Rowland is an ER doctor taking a break from the fast-paced ER department. He is on his way back to his hometown of Gainesville, Georgia. On his way back into town Gene witnesses a single car accident. When Gene tries to help the unconscious female driver, she wakes up in a frantic state.
Amanda was on her way home from a date when she swerved to miss a young running on the side of the road. Amanda was frantic to find the girl. Gene did not see any girl running down the road. After a few days of trying to convince Gene and the local police that there really was a girl running down the road. As the days pass Gene and Amanda start to form a bond.
I really love this author and this series. There was a mystery mixed with romance.

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @alape

Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tausha Treadway

Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom. This is my favorite children’s author and my 6 year old nephew loves when I buy these books and read them to him. This one is all about boo boos and when you have a son, grandson, nephew or brother we all know how boys always have boo boos. This book is about a young boy who scrapes his knee so he needs a bandage. The bandage has to stay on to keep all the bad bacteria out. This author has the magical ability to teach a science lesson in her stories without you even realizing it. They are magical. Teaching us each phase our body goes thru in healing is just wonderful for little minds. Do yourself a favor and pick up this great story for young kids today!

View all my reviews

Not So Little Things Audio Book by Kyle Ann Robertson – Review by Tausha Treadway

Not So Little ThingsNot So Little Things by Kyle Ann Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not So Little Things Audio Book by Kyle Ann Robertson. This is a great story about a 33 year old woman named Tina whose mother shows up at her door telling her she is dying. This is the same mother that left Tina not long after her father died leaving her with an Aunt. Tina was 9 at the time and has years of resentment built up towards her mom. How is she supposed to take care of her now. Tina and one of her best friends make miniature rooms and they do very well at it so when handsome Jake hires them to make them for his B&B Tina is smitten. Jake gives her the confidence she’s always needed and she begins to dig into her family more and realizes with uncertainty that she is not the person she thought she was. No one in her family is who she thought they were! Will Tina be able to figure out this crazy mystery surrounding her family and will she be able to live with the answers? Will she and Jake be able to make their relationship work and what will become of Tina’s mom? Such a good family drama with all the good stuff!

View all my reviews

Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Angela Plate, May 2024

Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun children’s book. Part of a series, this book follows a young lady who shows a great character. This story is a mix of fable and fairytale. Well written, great characters, and beautifully illustrated, this is book that all ages can enjoy.

View all my reviews

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ghostly Diva is the third book in the Divine Vintage series. Though part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone story. Justine is concerned about budget cutbacks and whether her job is at risk. She works as the assistant museum director at a local museum. Justine gets drawn into looking at the vintage clothing of a recently deceased actress, but the task leads to more than she expected.
I enjoyed the story and how it drew me into the mystery. The characters were fun and interesting to learn more about. I had read another book in this series, but this was my favorite. I enjoyed learning more about Justine’s life, but I equally enjoyed the actress and her son. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by AnnaMarie Boumans

Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun story. The little girl, the king’s wise one, truly wise, she shows how judging by appearance is wrong. If you don’t look below the surface you may miss out on a great find.

View all my reviews

The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping Italian murder mystery which kept me hooked throughout. Having read and enjoyed previous books in this series I was looking forward to being back with the stubborn detective, and I was not disappointed. This time State Police Maurizio Scala has an unexpected investigation when the bodies of two cousins, known to be involved in marijuana dealings are found. Scala soon discovers that there is a power struggle happening in the criminal underworld which the cousins murder could be linked to. However, the detectives dedication effects his personal life as he tries to balance his family responsibilities and the demands of his job. Scala’s investigative skills are put to the test when the Centocelle community becomes unsettled following another tragedy. This was a real page turner and the suspense built chapter by chapter making it hard to put the book down. Scala is a great main character who is brought to life alongside the setting through the descriptive narrative. I look forward to being back with the detective soon!

View all my reviews

Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Whisper Hymer

Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can I Keep Her? was written by Lois Wickstrom and illustrated by Timna Green. It is a cute bedtime story that showcases the power of love. When Wynnie and her brother Lem spot an egg on the castle wall they are puzzled. What is it? When a dragon emerges, it’s up to Wynnie to protect the kingdom. Grab your kiddo and learn why love is so important.

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

View all my reviews

Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson – Review by Whisper Hymer

Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J CaféMealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Cafe is a quick read with your kids before bed. Written by James Williamson and illustrated by Ayesha Masood. This book is a great way to introduce animals and food choices while also featuring a lot of kids favorite sandwich – the amazing peanut butter and jelly! The silly story and bright pictures are sure to delight young readers. Grab your copy and your little, snuggle in, and enjoy!

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

View all my reviews

A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin – Review by Whisper Hymer

A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection)A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Song of Salt and Secrets is the second book in the Mythic Academy Collection by Amanda Marin. It follows Corisande – a Siren who is in school to learn to control her deadly song. On a trip to the ocean to safely sing, Corisande lures a young sailor to what should be his death. After rescuing Noah, Corisande must face the consequences of her actions; the sea demands a life payment for the siren song. This was another quick but fun story. The books are stand-alones connected by the mythos and are able to be read in any order.

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer

View all my reviews

The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Dawn Mitchell

The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 5 of the series and I’ve read all of them! This is a great series an I recommend reading them in order. The characters are great, this book is about Aarow and Vivian. Viv has had a very traumatic past and when Aarow asks her out she rejects him. Not once, but twice. He decides he needs a different approach… will it work? Will him an Viv connect on a deep, intense level like never before? This book keeps you on your toes an wanting for more!

View all my reviews

Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Kerry Baker

Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a much shorter story than I was expecting, which is a shame because it is one that I could have read for longer. I enjoyed the characters and the story and I would have loved to see both developed even further.
I thought the story was a really interesting one to read. The characters were the entire focus of this book and it was great getting to know the more. I would have loved to see more about Jordan and Cane as they are the ones who pulled me into this story. This is a great read and one I enjoyed.

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Kerry Baker

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book offers such an incredible story of friendship that preservers throughout the years. It offers the perfect insight into two best friends navigating their way through life and how they find the strength to face everything. This book resonated with me on a level I did not expect. It felt so relatable to my own life and the things that I might have to face moving forwards.
The author has created a story that is appealing and so easy to connect with. It was a well written story that explored the lives of two women and made me feel hope about what the future could hold in the second part of my own life. This is a great story and I really enjoyed this so much more than I expected.

View all my reviews

Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Darla Yocom

Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin StoryTroy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic addition to this series and great prequel. The author’s beautiful writing shines while the story tells us about Troy, a strong minded magically gifted man who has been enslaved by the kind since he was young. His life is difficult but different than others like him, as the Queen has her helping with her dealings but limits, if not dampers Troy’s need to cast his magic which if left undone could lead to disaster.

This adventure shows the many layers to each of these characters as they deal with life as it has been dealt to them and the many obstacles that come their way.

I was immediately struck by the impressive contrast of characters and the amount of detail provided along the way. I think new readers of this series will enjoy this, as would those who have read the other books. There’s plenty of fantasy, mystery and magic to tickle your fancy.

View all my reviews

Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Lisa Helmick

Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin StoryTroy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is quite an interesting story. I liked the world built here by the author. We have the different lands, tools and then we have the characters. Whoa! Those characters are so diverse! At times I really felt sorry for Troy then he would turn around and surprise me with his actions. I love the crew who went on the mission. Then there is that Queen?! Man I am impressed with her leadership but also appalled by it.

This is a wonderful story. I have not read any other in the series and since this is a origin story I had no problem following along. It makes me eager to grab the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Rose McCaskey

Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a human/fantasy story. The humans and the paranormal have been at war for as long as they can think back until a line is drawn and violence stops. With the treat hanging in the balance can a cure be found to prevent more violence in the future?

It’s a really cute paranormal YA. I enjoyed it. I would recommend this for teens and preteen readers as a nice sized chapter book that doesn’t have inappropriate situations. There are situations that are relatable such as bullying for being different.

View all my reviews