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Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Megan Conley

Nessie and the Viking Gold (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second installment in the Nessie series with Craig and Linda along for another adventure! I never hesitate to pick up one of Wickstrom’s books and I love her chapter books as much as I do her picture books. She’s always weaving lessons and learning together in such a way that kids don’t even know they are getting something out of it! This is a book that your older ones can read on their own or you can use this as a family read-aloud. I love the illustrations sprinkled throughout the book and I can’t wait to see what Nessie’s (and Craig and Linda’s) next adventure will be.

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Megan Conley

Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really liked the premise of this short story and I really hope/wish/want/plead with C.A. King to do a more in-depth telling of this story. The Curse of the Forbidden Island is a paranormal/horror/reverse harem/romance that definitely has the potential to be a fantastic book. My biggest issue with it is that I felt rushed throughout and there were some plot holes and parts of the plot that I wish were more developed. I also really wanted the characters to be more developed. I felt that the information we were given was just dumped on the reader (sometimes seemingly at random) and it could have been more developed. I also recognize that this short story is only 52 pages long and there’s only so much time which is why I’d really love to see this developed into a longer story. The plot is there and I think King has the ability and wherewithal to do it. This is a super quick 20-30 minute read (depending on how many distractions you have ;)) and it’s spicy in all the right ways. Like I said, I enjoyed it but I’d just like to see more character development and some of the plot holes filled in and more plot development as well.
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Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen Series) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Megan Conley

Fashionably Fake (Kings of Screen, #4)Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adored Jackson and Ros throughout this book (even though there were times I wanted to throttle them both). I loved the simplicity (ehh…once you get through the whole thing you can reflect) of their multifaceted relationship and the slow burn of it all is most definitely worth while. This is the 4th installment of the Kings of the Screen series and can be read as a standalone. Other characters and their significant others do make appearances throughout the book (which I always thoroughly enjoy seeing what my other loves are up to) and there is some teasing as to who will be the focus in the next book. One thing that I really appreciate about Bevan’s writing is how relatable her characters are. I mean…I’m not an up-and-coming fashion designer in a fake relationship with a hunky Scottish heartthrob BY ANY MEANS but I totally related to Ros and her view (albeit skewed) of relationships and men. And the way Bevan did it just wasn’t superficial and fakey…it really hits home and is raw and emotional and you as the reader can totally put yourself in Ros’s shoes. I definitely can’t wait for the next Kings of Screen installment.
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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Conley

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy reading Valkyrie’s stories and this one was no different. This is a very quick read…I’m talking like 15-20 minutes and I really like the premise of the storyline. I’m definitely hooked and can’t wait to see what Valkyrie has in store for her readers with Xenobia’s story and the House Valdis series. Valkyrie’s ability to get her readers to care so deeply about her characters so quickly is amazing and I loved how she moved the plot line along without really any holes or gapping discrepancies. I’m really excited to start reading the House Valdis series. This short story is a prequel to the House Valdis series.

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Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Megan Conley

Elusive Surrender (Sinful Duets #3)Elusive Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you haven’t read Via Mari’s Sinful Duets collections yet WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?!?! Elusive Surrender is the third set of duets (containing Elusive with Sheldon and Alexis and Tenacious with Nick and Allie) and, dare I say, this may be the best one yet. I cannot tell you how many nights I stayed up way past my bedtime just because I couldn’t put it down. Mari’s character development, her plot lines, her *spice*…ugh…just everything is damn near perfect. And to top it off, you get two books in one! I think these have been, by far, my favorite collections to date. Fantastic reads…you won’t be disappointed.
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Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Megan Conley

Cray Saves the Day (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Cray Saves the Day by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another really cute installment in Cray’s series. This one focuses on how to be respectful to our wildlife and beaches when we visit and not to litter. I love the sing-songy rhythm of the book as well as the colorful illustrations. Cray helps out his friends when they are in need and they in turn help out the beach when the humans don’t do what they are supposed to. This is a great story to read to your kiddos to teach them about respecting nature and wildlife and making sure to pick up after yourself.
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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Megan Conley

Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a MMF, intertwined, connected romance. Overall, I liked it. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs from each main character so we could see what they were thinking/experiencing throughout the book. And the spice…mmmmm…it’s definitely there and it’s explicit. The forced proximity aspect was well done and the character development was OK. Like I said, overall, I liked the book but I don’t think it’s one I would be telling people to read (but I wouldn’t be like don’t read that…if that makes sense). I think the biggest thing I’m stuck on is the fact that I really felt like a lot of the plot was rushed throughout the book and all of a sudden things were happening or like for a few chapters it was a progression of hours or days and then all of a sudden weeks or months went by. So it was really hard to figure out time sometimes in the book and that threw me off quite a bit. And while I liked the spice of the book, I think there was a bit of “shock value” to some of it because I didn’t feel like it needed to be that explicit…it didn’t necessarily fit the vibe of the book as a whole. Should you read this book? Well, if you are looking for something that is quick with some very spicy MMF scenes and you don’t mind a rushed plot, then yes go ahead. If you are looking for something more developed with a slow burn or not so in your face spice, then no, I wouldn’t recommend picking this up.
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The Rocklyns Collection: Books 1-7 (The Rocklyns Series) by Alicia Street – Review by Megan Conley

The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set (Books 1-7)The Rocklyns Collection: Contemporary Romance Boxed Set by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a 7-BOOK COLLECTION (get it now!) of intertwined, yet standalone stories about the Rocklyn family. There is really something for everyone in these stories from forced proximity to grumpy-sunshine to forbidden love and everything in-between. I really enjoyed Street’s style of writing, her plot lines and they way they are driven, and her character development. I think she does a fantastic job of making her characters realistic and relatable. I also love that I didn’t have to wait for the next book to come out AND I didn’t even have to go hunt the next book down because they are all wrapped up nicely in this spicy little bundle. These books are fast-paced reads that you won’t want to put down.
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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Megan Conley

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cute kids book that will teach them the importance of being kind…even when someone isn’t always kind to you. I really loved the illustrations and it has a nice cadence to it that children really love. I really recommend this book if you have a kiddo who may be struggling with how to be kind to someone who isn’t being kind to them.
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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

The Round BoxThe Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute story about using your imagination and I think kids would like it. I also like the idea that Wickstrom is weaving in on how to deal with missing people when we can’t be near them (I always love how she is working in multiple levels of lessons in her books). I feel that the illustrations are a little lackluster with this series. I normally gush over the artwork, but it’s different even from the cover of the book. I love Wickstrom’s work and recommend these books for a good bedtime read with your littles.
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Lost Property (The Tom Grant Series Book 6) by Samantha Adair – Review by Megan Conley

Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel (The Tom Grant Series Book 6)Lost Property: A Tom Grant Novel by Samantha Adair
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would suggest reading the other books before this (this is book 6)…I did not head my own advise BUT I was able to pick up the characters and events rather quickly. I just feel that I would have had a better understanding of the enormity of everything if I would have gone back into the series and started from the beginning. I absolutely loved the characters in the book and while it can get overwhelming hearing from them all…I fully believe it’s necessary to the plot because they just add so much to it and it would be hard to do it any other way. I also liked that Tom is just your typical retired agent who just can’t let the life go and it’s through hard work and dedication that he’s able to do his job. I highly recommend picking this book (and probably the series) up if you like fast-paced, action-packed thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat…and if that’s not your cup of tea…branch out and try it…you might like it 😉
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Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Megan Conley

Auctioned Surrender (Sinful Duets #2)Auctioned Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot get enough of Via Mari’s books. She is quickly becoming an automatic author for me. I absolutely loved the second installment of her Sinful Duets collection (remember…there are two books in here: Auctioned and Relentless) and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the third installment. As with the first collection, I could not put this collection down. Mari quickly entraps her readers and submerses them into the lives of her characters and she doesn’t let you come up for air until it’s all over. I love the dual POV that we get with each book…seeing the timeline from each main character’s perspective is one of my favorite things. I also really enjoy how each of these books are tied together; however, they can be read as standalones. She gives you enough information and explanation without repeating the entire previous story but if you’ve read the previous stories you get to see the characters you’ve fallen in love with and what they’re up to now. These books are *spicy*, suspenseful, angsty, emotional, and eventually happily ever after. Definitely a must read!

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Recipe For Revenge (An April May Cozy Mystery Book 2) by Hazel Smith – Review by Megan Conley

Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery (An April May Cozy Mystery Book Book 2)Recipe For Revenge: An Unputdownable Small Town Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute yet intriguing murder mystery with a dash of romance. This is book 2; however, I read it as a standalone and I didn’t really feel lost at all. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that Hazel Smith brought to us with the FMC April May, who seems to have some of the worst luck around. I also really enjoyed the dash of romance sprinkled throughout the book…nothing too heavy, but it was a nice touch. You can definitely read this as a standalone, but I am going to be going back to read the first one. Pick this up if you are looking for a lighter murder mystery with a dash of romance.
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Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Megan Conley

Whispered Surrender (Sinful Duets #1)Whispered Surrender by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ummmm…mafia, powerful female characters, sexual tension you can cut, AND happily-ever-afters? YES PLEASE!! Not to mention Whispered Surrender is a collection of 2 books, Wayward and Undercover, neatly packaged in the Sinful Duets #1 collection. I could not read these fast enough. There is so much going on in each book that it’s hard to find a place to pause (when the real world calls) and you will literally come rushing back as soon as you can to start reading again. Via Mari just has such a way with words that I loose all track of time when I have one of her books in my hands. I cannot wait for the next installment of the Sinful Duets collection!
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To Catch An Elf by Debra Parmley – Review by Megan Conley

To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter PilotTo Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! I could not put this book down! I absolutely love the different POVs we get and the twists and turns this book throws you for are not for the faint-hearted! I went in expecting a cutesy little holiday romance and boy was I (pleasantly) surprised. I cannot recommend this book enough! If I could give it more stars I would! I don’t want to spoil anything for you but just know you MUST pick up this book today!
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The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 3) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Megan Conley

The Magic Man (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 3)The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic continuation of this series! I love that you can read these as standalones or as the series. I always recommend reading as a series simply because you will get little details here and there that you would otherwise miss; however, with this series, those details are not so important to each plot that you have to read it as a series. I love that we continue to follow the O’Connell siblings and are now focused on David and Maddie (who is also interested in Kilo, the yoga instructor) and their journey to finding out what they all want. I love the setting of this series, the Pacific Northwest, and I absolutely love Treadgold’s writing. You really can’t go wrong with this series. There is intrigue, mystery, love, heartbreak, and so much more. I highly, highly recommend starting this series right now…whether it’s book 1 or book 3!
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The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Conley

The Alien & the Crime BossThe Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy Naomi Valkyrie’s writing and was excited to get my hands on this one. This is the story of Leilphun, who is exiled from his home planet for standing up for what he believes in, and Kasper, the crime boss who is fighting for what is rightfully his. This is a quick read and definitely feels rushed in places, but I believe that Valkyrie could flush this story out more and really develop the characters and plot line. I really enjoyed this story but wish that it was a little more developed…there is definitely potential here. This is a MM romance and there is allusion to spice, but no direct spiciness. A great read if you are looking to dip your toe in the water of alien romance 😉
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Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie’s Grotto) by Lois Wickstrom and Jean Lorrah – Review by Megan Conley

Nessie and the Living Stone (Nessie's Grotto)Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a chapter book, but don’t let that deter you from picking it up for your kiddos. It’s a fabulous read-along for littles or a great read for your older kids to read themselves. It’s filled with underwater adventure, finding magic stones, and the Loch Ness monster. As always, Wickstrom weaves important life lessons into her stories for kids to learn and adults to remember. While there aren’t as many illustrations in this book, the ones that are, are fabulously done. This is a great read.
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Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King – Review by Megan Conley

Tropic HeatTropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun, quick read to take you away from cold winter days to the warm tropics. Don’t let the novella size fool you though, this story is packed full of twists, turns, and the unexpected! I’m a huge fan of C.A. King and she didn’t disappoint with this read! You could easily binge this in one sitting. Daniel is left at the alter with a pair on non-refundable honeymoon tickets that he doesn’t know what to do with. But his best friend Joey does, they are going to take that vacation and have a good time. However, unexpected things happen and things are discovered. Enjoy!

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Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Megan Conley

Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid's Guide to a Happy Dog (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving this series of books that Nevada and Chen are putting out for children, doggos, and owners alike! The concepts are easy to grasp, inclusive, and so well explained. The illustrations are absolutely phenomenal. I really just cannot get over how beneficial this book is not only for the dogs, but also the owners and their children. It is so educational and age-appropriate. This is definitely a must read and should be on your list of gifts to give new dog owners (especially if they have children). I cannot wait to see what these authors do next.

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Carrie’s Flight (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Carrie's Flight (Grandma's Closet)Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Typically Wickstrom’s stories have a very overt lesson to be learned in them. This one takes a little longer to come to the surface. This is not one of my favorites from Wickstrom and it’s because I think that what she’s trying to convey to her readers isn’t overt enough. I understand that she is tackling the IDEA of loosing a loved one; however, it’s not clear and I think it may be hard for children to grasp that concept with the way that it’s been conveyed here. However, I think Wickstrom has opened the door for parents to talk about the loss of loved ones with this book and that may have been her intention all along. I always love Wickstrom’s combination of nature and science and learning into her life lessons. And per usual, the illustrations are wonderfully done. This book is just not as whimsical as her others (and dealing with the topic it does, it makes sense) so that could be why it just doesn’t catch my eye like most of her other books do. But like I said earlier, I think this book can open up a conversation about a very difficult topic.
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Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Megan Conley

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very cute, angsty read that will have you silently cursing at the characters until the very end. It’s a whirlwind of a romance for Claire, the beautiful celebrity heiress, and Nick, the struggling artist, who meet while Nick is serving Claire and her friends all they could want and more at a high-end restaurant. Nick and Claire rendezvous by chance in the hallway that night and things go from there…but little do they realize that they are falling in love and that may pose a problem. I really enjoyed the plot line of this book and I absolutely loved that we get a dual POV in a roundabout way. The story is really sweet and does end in an HEA. The spice is there but it is very behind the scenes. I really recommend this book. It’s quick and great if you are wanting a palette cleanser between bigger reads.
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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Megan Conley

DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second installment in the JJ Morris series and I definitely suggest reading them in order so you aren’t missing any details. Dreamscape is a YA paranormal mystery filled with suspense, danger, and action; however, older audiences will enjoy the twists and turns as well. I really could not see where this story was going because Sheats had me guessing until the very end. I absolutely adore Joey and the way the author develops her throughout the story *chef’s kiss*. I cannot wait for book 3 to come out!

 

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Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3) by Rob Bates – Review by Megan Conley

Slay It With a Diamond (Diamond District Mystery Book 3)Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m a sucker for shiny things and murder so when I had an opportunity to read about diamonds and murder…sign me up! This is book 3 in the series and while you don’t necessarily need to read the other 2, I think it would help. I liked the idea of the plot being a hybrid learn about diamonds/murder mystery and it was done well…but there were parts that were very slow for me and just really kind of overdone. The beginning was hard for me to get into, but once I did, it was able to keep my interest. I also felt that there was a lot of time spent on characters that weren’t necessarily integral to the plot and that slowed the book down as well. I liked it…it was a fine read.

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Sea of Demons (Blood and Sand Book 5) by Heidi Stark – Review by Megan Conley

Sea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia RomanceSea of Demons: A Dark Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Heidi Stark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*TRIGGER WARNING* BOOK CONTAINS DARK CONTENT: references to abuse/assault and graphic violence and sex scenes
Now, if trigger warnings don’t concern you, then grad this book RIGHT NOW! But only if you’ve read the other 4 that come before it. This is not a standalone and you will need to read the other books in the series to fully understand and appreciate the characters and plot line. This is a reverse harem, mafia/gang, dark romance, suspense book. It’s action packed (in more ways that one ;)) and will have you on the edge of your seat. I absolutely loved Angel and her men and the dark, twisted situations they get into. Stark has outdone herself with this one!
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Doombringer by Marcel Liemant – Review by Megan Conley

DoombringerDoombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great, quick read that (hopefully) is that start to something more! I really loved the connection we see between Oden and his daughter, Penny, and how he would do anything for her (as a father should) but that she had her own power and strength and he didn’t diminish that. It did take me a little bit to get into the story but once I did, I flew through the book. This is a fantasy read with LGBTQI+ characters, magic, and so much more! I highly recommend this short novella to anyone looking for a quick read that will immerse you into a world of dark fantasy!

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another installment in the Invisible Magic Wand series and Wickstrom doesn’t disappoint! Caspian wants a bicycle for his un-birthday and is confused when his Grandpa gives him baking up dust. We follow along as Caspian (and Grandpa) try to figure out if he can bake up a bicycle. I love the bright illustrations and the premise of this book. Pick it up today and add it to your collection!
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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Megan Conley

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic book for children! It’s extremely diverse and offers many wonderful positive affirmations for kids. The bright and colorful illustrations will catch anyone’s eye and I love that it’s an A-Z picture book designed to help children learn the alphabet in a positive and happy way. This would make a fantastic gift for anyone with littles!

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Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Megan Conley

Themes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute RomanceThemes OF Kismet: A Multicultural Meet Cute Romance by A Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked the premise of the plot for this book; however, I think that it could have been done better. Overall it just felt a little too adolescent and childish to me. I thought Akinosho’s writing itself was spectacular and I quite like how she developed her characters but there was just something that I can’t quite put my finger on about the plot that didn’t vibe with me. I understand the theory of kismet and the concept of using it for the basis of your writing is fantastic, but there was just something about this book that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That being said, it’s not a bad book. I liked the character development and the writing is great. I’m just on the fence about it…
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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wickstrom does it again…mixing science and life-lessons in such a way that kids will be able to learn about overcoming fear while learning about birds. I love how Wickstrom is able to integrate her love for nature and science and teaching kids lessons…it’s such an amazing concept and she does it so well. I also really love the illustrations. They are bright and eye-catching and well-done. Go ahead and pick this one up to add to your collection of Lois Wickstrom books.

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