The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what an epic read! The details, scenery, and story were all intertwined so perfectly. The balance between humour and fear kept me flipping pages. I loved the characters and found them highly relatable. This is just an iconic gem and I’d highly recommend it to anyone!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another wonderful addition to the ‘Mermaid Science’ series from the author! The story is sweet and has a trust that is illuminated through friendships. The science incorporated through the narration led to another experiment with my niece who loves these stories. We were able to have a great discussion about magnification and fossils because of this book. I will always recommend books from this author and this instalment is no exception- a great read for children!
Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A powerful and heartfelt narrative about the life, love, and death of Kingsley. For the author to share a portion of her life for those who may also be grieving the loss of a pet, I am truly thankful. The story shows the nuances of illness when it happens to our animals. It was a beautiful detailing of his life and is so special for those who need the validation of the experience. A useful story for those in similar situations
The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A steamy romance with a whodunnit plot “The Mastermind” is a powerful read that keeps you pulled in and wanting more. The character development and relationships were so thick and poignant that you were able to seriously envision the back and forth banter, love, and tribulations described throughout. The plot was a typically mystery where some scenes had you holding your breath. The ending of the book is so satisfying and will leave you wanting more from the author. Absolutely recommend!
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This quirky and fun read was enjoyed by my 9 year old niece. There were plenty of face palms as we read along to Toby’s quarrels with the neighbourhood cat. The story provided laughs, moments of nervousness, and a happy ending! It was an enjoyable “tail” throughout and provided the opportunity to expand a child’s vocabulary as well. The biggest lesson we learned from this story is that all dogs are good dogs!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Off is the second book in The Bake Believe Trilogy and it follows the same wit, humour, and challenges the first novel encompassed. With strong characters who hold relatable personality traits, Bake Off provides a wholesome YA experience for readers. The family history, uncovering powers behind baking, and normal teenage drama, ensure readers are held captive to the pages. The exploration of recipes is probably my favourite part of the novel. A great YA read!
Unabridged by Melinda De Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very sweet and quick romance that brings two lovers back together. The main character has a lot of sass and personality which brought her thoughts to life. The interactions between her and the love interest were genuine, powerful, and… maybe a bit cheesy, but I love that. The detailed romance is quite enthralling. I thought that there may be serious secrets to work through or around based on the synopsis, but it wasn’t anything too shocking. Overall a simple and easy read that I fully enjoyed.
The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent and sweet story about a magic pencil. The element of curiosity and mystery kept my niece and I on our toes. Truly a story about doing good in the world, with such a sweet touch. Recommend this book for all young kids.
the mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book, especially because it incorporated science throughout. It took me about 30 minutes to read this to my niece as we had to stop and try out all of the experiments that were presented throughout. It is a great example that anyone can do anything they put their mind to by breaking down some of the stereotypes surrounding “who can do science?” Again, a truly imaginative and wonderful story. Highly recommend!
Apocalypse by Theresa Pocock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An epic sequel, Apocalypse continues the story set in Edenia. With stunning world-building and continued character development, the story of Seth and Miriam fills with more depth and detail. A plot that has you flipping pages will keep you stuck to this story like glue. The continuation of this story will fulfill what you had been left wondering in the first book, but is also easy enough to pick up on its own. Highly recommend.
Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A truly delightful and engaging read, Divine Vintage is bound to keep you wanting more. The world-building between centuries was executed perfectly and brought to life the stories found in each time. The description of the clothing is stunning and the anticipation for the next item, knowing what happens when the pieces are handled, keeps you on your toes. On top of the mystery-packed past storyline, there is a budding romance in the present. This is a book that can be enjoyed by multiple audiences. Overall, a great read!
Doctor D’s Orderly Affair by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Humor, whit, and an exciting plot all enmeshed into this wonderful story. I found myself laughing out loud at Emily and her antics throughout the book as she was written in such a relatable way. The romance was steamy and well worth the anticipation. I especially appreciated the real-world aspect that was written in, I wasn’t sure if it would help or hinder the story but I think it made the story feel more realistic. I wish the end was spread out a bit more, but overall an excellent read!
The View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is an enchanting and mysterious adventure for our protagonists. Full of mind-twisting puzzles, the story will keep you on your toes as you make your way through the novella. It is a touching story that shows the beautiful side of humanity and the desire to help others. It also highlights the friendships you can make and what you can accomplish with two heads on the same team. A extraordinary and well-written story, it is perfect for all ages.
Exiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
“Exiled South” starts as a devastating loss that turns into a narrative of reconnecting with the self. The story is full of rich knowledge, depicting the history of the Southern states. The changing narratives and timelines brought an impactful force to the reader, giving feelings to the facts of history and a face to the people who lived during that time. An easy and good read for historical fiction junkies. My only qualm is some of the language the author used and the implied sympathy for the colonizers. Otherwise, great novel!
Limbo by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A beautifully woven story that examines the meaning of life and death and all the small in-betweens. In Limbo, we see how a plethora of diverse lives comes to be, existing in a place that is neither heaven nor hell, and the ability each individual has to cope with such an existence. The author shows how connection and community uplifts those to give meaning during a time of uncertainty. Together, the community in Limbo is able to reinvent their purpose and identify important details of their lives before death, translating it to the after-life. A wonderful read that will leave your heart feeling full!
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for an intense, mysterious, mind-warping thriller- this is the book for you! I gulped this story down from page one and spent too many “one more chapter” debates before bed. However, even if I wasn’t reading it before bed, it was consuming my thoughts with the intricacies of the storyline. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it. Highly recommend this book, it has a huge impact.
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Practically Pagan- An Alternative Guide to Magical Living offers an opportunity to explore real world magic in a wonderfully written self-care manor that is accessible to anyone wishing to use magic in their life. As someone who is interested in magic, but not sure where to start, I found this guide to be a helpful start. It’s a reminder that we all need to break down the societal rules we take on everyday and unlearn the trauma that we have experienced, to find the spark within us. Although there were some spots of repetition, I found it useful and a great reminder as I worked my way through the guide. Easy steps for each portion of the guide helped to make learning everyday magic do-able and less daunting, especially as a newbie. I truly enjoyed this book and am always excited for new releases from the author, so I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the joy of everyday magic.
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Valkyrie provides a short, but fully intriguing MM paranormal romance. This was my first introduction to the author and I am excited to read other novels by them! The story, while brief, is intertwined with beautiful details throughout. If it was fleshed out a bit more, I know I would have been re-reading it over and over. That said, I wasn’t able to put the book down and felt various emotions in connection to the characters, the setting, and the tension between what the society in this story deems “normal” or not. A beautiful connection at the end has made this a book I will remember!
Weep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A mysterious and gripping read, DeBlassie paints an intricate story full of racial discourse, generational trauma, and strong women fighting against all odds. I appreciated all aspects of this story and was able to easily visualize key elements including La Llorona, the farm, and the tears spilt into mason jars. The power and heartache resounded throughout the story and pounded the implications into my own heart. The scenery and descriptive writing style is absolutely breathtaking. I strongly recommend this read for all and will be looking forward to more novels from the author.
Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent and informative story for ocean lovers of any age. This story had me entranced and wanting to read more (I may have said “okay” to the “one more chapter” request a few too many times). I really enjoyed how much detail was written into the story for the reader to fully grasp and understand the ocean’s ecosystem and beings that live within it. It was a charming read that my niece and I loved. Will be looking for more from this author!
Saratoga Roan by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lewandowski brought a wonderful novel to us with Saratoga Roan. Not only was I reflecting inward with the family troubles described, I was passionately routing for Rhett and Cassandra the whole time. The writing was beautiful and made me miss the farm I grew up visiting. This is a great book that describes the triumph and difficulties that many of us face in real life, without feeling phony or fake. I felt like I was reading a recounting of a friend throughout the duration of this book. An excellent read that makes your heart warm.
Caine by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another excellent book I have been waiting for from Storm. I really enjoyed the storyline and finished this book quickly! I especially enjoyed the character development into Emery as she was only a side character in the first of this series. And talk about SPICY! I will be taking cold showers for a week after this one.
Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was beautifully written and illustrated. It provides the rhymes and images to keep young ones involved. My niece especially enjoyed this story at bedtime. The lesson at the end to accept others who are different than yourself and to celebrate diversity with your friends was very touching. I also enjoyed the validation of feelings throughout the story and the feeling guide at the end. Quite a lovely read for any child.
Hawke by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A “syn”-ful read that is sure to keep you flipping pages for more. This book hooked me from the first chapter and had the spice, romance, and suspense that kept me wanting more throughout. The characters were so well written that I felt as though I was really able to connect with them personally. I loved the writing style and found it to be an easy read that I could immerse myself in at anytime. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next of syn to become available.
The Murders of Lillian Ross by Sirena Van Schaik
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a powerful and heart wrenching page turner for myself. Although I had to take breaks in a few places, due to the detailed descriptions and horrific story, this was a story that I couldn’t stop reading. The adult topics discussed are very real and painful. Van Schaik portrayed these sensitive topics so well, it felt as though it was a true story being replayed. I really enjoyed this book, but I know some readers are much more sensitive to the intense topics and details covered within the story, so please remain cautious if you choose to read.
Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, what an excellent read! This was my first read from Holmes, but it will not be my last as I have to gobble up the rest of the books in this series. Despite this being my introduction to Lord Hani and the suspense surrounding his family, it was an easy read that kept me turning pages at all hours of the night. I appreciate how detailed the characters and setting were laid out, I could really visualize everything that happened in the story. Holmes background in archaeology played a huge role in the setting, politics, and character development. I definitely learned a thing or two throughout this book despite it being fiction. If you want something that will keep you in suspense and wanting more, I highly recommend this novel!
Dragons by Ty Drago
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An immersive and fast-paced sci-fi adventure that is bound to keep you flipping pages. This book builds the scenery, characters, and storyline in an epic way. There is never a chance to stop and reflect on the continuous bombs and cliffhangers thrown your way because you want to keep going (or maybe, that’s just me). I had a hard time putting this book down and appreciate the way it was written, truly a great piece of fiction. Andy, our protagonist, teaches many valuable lessons, and leaves a lingering reflection of hope and courage for our own world. This book is quite literally “out of this world!”
Mornin The Super Bird : Mornin Finds a Way to Stop Extinction by Jules Heartly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Mornin the brave bird takes on an epic quest to save bird species from extinction in the adorable, well-written, informative book! It is very catchy, but gets straight to the point of how to create a better world to protect all living beings on the planet. It was a great book that my little niece loved (she suckered me into two readings before bedtime). Such a simple, yet vast theme that really hits home for everyone sharing space on our planet. Great start to open up big conversations for our future world leaders! Can’t wait to read further titles from the author!
Apocalypse NOPE!! by Deidre Huesmann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! What an incredibly intriguing and entertaining story. I love how Huesmann reflects our current populations within this novel, making it relevant to anyone who reads it. Ivy-Jean makes an excellent lead character who is relatable and spunky. This story had me wanting more and completely fascinated throughout! Can’t wait to read more.
Tapestry of Worlds, Part Two: Running and Gunning by Hadley Thorne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wow, what a great novel. Suspenseful, mystical, and thrilling. I really enjoyed the interlacing of world’s in such a creative and descriptive way. This was my first introduction to Thorne and I am very excited to continue reading more of their stories. I disliked some of the language used to describe characters as it shows a lack of intersectionality, but it doesn’t take away from the story. Can’t wait to read what comes next in the Tapestry of Worlds!
