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The Round Box (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Nicole DeSantis

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

This charming story revolves around a little girl named Carrie, who, feeling bored and missing her grandma, who has recently moved, embarks on a quest to find something that will bring her joy. In her search through her grandma’s belongings, Carrie discovers a round hat box labeled “fascinator” at the bottom of the closet. This marks the beginning of her delightful adventure, where she unlocks the door to imagination.

Lois Wickstrom skillfully captures the enchantment of imagination in this tale. The narrative is infused with a delightful sense of magic and exploration. Wickstrom’s vivid and descriptive language beckons readers to immerse themselves fully in Carrie’s imaginative journey. Accompanied by vibrant and engaging illustrations, the story is elevated, adding an extra layer of magic and playfulness to the narrative.

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Finding Your Heart by Nadia Han – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Finding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your HeartFinding Your Heart: A Journal for Discovering Your Heart by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finding Your Heart is a journal that explores thoughts and emotions, encouraging a fresh perspective. This journal provides the opportunity to document your reflections, read affirmations, and embark on a journey to lighten your mind and heart.
It serves as a valuable tool for self-reflection, allowing you to track your journey from where you began to where you are now. It also makes for a thoughtful gift to a friend simply because it’s a powerful means of self-discovery.
This journal allows you to share as much or as little as you prefer, ensuring privacy for your thoughts. It empowers you to shift your mindset during challenging times or gently reminds you when needed.
This journal book features beautiful illustrations and calming colors that evoke a serene ambiance.
I received this book as an ebook but would suggest purchasing the hard copy to use it to its full potential.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful tale highlighting self-reliant problem-solving abilities and imparting knowledge about baking elements.
Kneading a Winning Idea is a book centered around crafting delectable biscuits. Despite Ben’s annual attempts to clinch victory in the local baking competition, the ideal recipe continues to elude him. However, inspiration from a furry companion leads him to concoct a winning bread that finally secures his triumph. Ben discovers the significance of persistence, regardless of the outcome. The story instills problem-solving skills, emphasizing that experiencing loss or failure is not inherently harmful.
Our feline friends are constant kneaders, making this story particularly endearing to us. I love that it also came with a fun recipe. It’s a wonderful addition to the narrative and a perfect opportunity for my son and me to connect in the kitchen after reading!

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whether you have pets or are considering adding a furry friend to your family, this book is excellent for little ones to learn how to be safe around dogs.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety is essential to every family’s bookshelf, offering the perfect knowledge and entertainment. It will pave the way for a lifetime of joyful and secure interactions between your child and furry friends.
This entertaining children’s book narrates the heartwarming adventures of Porter, the lovable Mastiff, and Midge, the amiable Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Still, it also imparts vital lessons in canine safety that every child should grasp. Through engaging rhymes and captivating illustrations, young readers are introduced to the art of approaching dogs confidently and courteously, underscoring the importance of seeking permission before petting. The book is a delightful and enlightening journey that will instill empathy and responsibility in any child who adores dogs and puppies.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Killer Smile is an enthralling psychological thriller and a worthy sequel to “Killer Blonde.” Following these books in the sequence is imperative, and I unfortunately did not read the first book, but I was able to get right into this story. Within these pages, readers are treated to an adrenaline-charged journey filled with suspense, drama, mystery, and a relentless, fast-paced plot that refuses to let you catch your breath.
At the heart of this tale lies a chilling revelation: a sinister corner of the dark web where serial killers convene to select their next victims. Detective Cade Dawkins, haunted by his murky past, plunges into a life-or-death battle, not just for himself but for the safety of those he holds dear. The price he pays for simply doing his job leads him into the sinister minds of more than one twisted antagonist.
Prepare for a dark and twisted game of cat and mouse, where survival means everything.

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Love, Only Better (Bold Journeys Book 1) by Paulette Stout – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Love, Only BetterLove, Only Better by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In “Love, Only Better,” Paulette Stout fearlessly addresses the lack of orgasmic fulfillment, a topic often left unspoken. Through Rebecca’s narrative, the book offers a relatable perspective for women who carry the weight of shame due to not conforming to societal norms of responsiveness. Rebecca’s journey takes a personal turn as her recent breakup with Ethan, who cruelly labeled her as frigid before leaving, intensifies her self-doubt. She has the feeling of inadequacy seeps into various aspects of her life, including her professional endeavors and interactions with her mother.
Determined to reclaim her confidence and attain sexual satisfaction, Rebecca embarks on a mission to experience the elusive Big O. In a serendipitous twist, an appealing new neighbor enters her life when she’s at her lowest. The mutual attraction between them sizzles, creating a delightful yet perplexing predicament. Past experiences loom large in her mind, igniting the fear of history repeating itself.
Approaching this book, I avoided reading the description or existing reviews, preferring to dive in mindlessly. To my delight, the book’s central theme unfolded before me unexpectedly. Beyond the surprise factor, what truly stood out was the refreshing portrayal of imperfections and the ease with which women can embrace their pleasure. In contrast to the typical romance novels, this book felt like a much more authentic representation of reality.
The protagonist was so relatable that forming a connection with her was effortless, and she became someone I genuinely rooted for. This book is an absolute must-read for women, and I found immense enjoyment in its pages.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Nicole DeSantis

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back to the 80s is a delightful rom-com that transported me to an era I love. If you’ve lived through the 80s, this book will resonate with you and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the fashion, music, toys, and everything that defined that era. The story revolves around an enemies-to-lovers romance, but what sets it apart is its refreshing and laid-back approach compared to typical books of this genre. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing their relationship evolve throughout the book.
Right from the start, I was captivated by the plot and loved Blaine and the other shop owners. The characters were well-crafted, relatable, and oozed creativity, immersing me deeply in their journey. Blaine’s ownership of the quirky “Back to the 80s” novelty shop, passed down from her late mother, adds an endearing touch to the story. Meanwhile, Eric, a developer connected to his family’s construction company, threatens her shop’s existence as he plans to develop the mall where Blaine’s store stands.
The author beautifully blends humor into the narrative, with some lines genuinely making me laugh. In contrast, others brought on a cheesy smile and eye roll—just the perfect ingredients for a rom-com experience. This book was an entertaining summer read, and I recommend it to fellow rom-com enthusiasts who enjoy 80s nostalgia.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Nicole DeSantis

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In “The Misery House,” skillfully crafted by David Kummer, a gripping and chilling tale unfolds as part of “The House on the Hill” series, with this volume just beginning an exciting journey. As a devoted fan of David Kummer’s work, I eagerly anticipate whatever captivating stories this imaginative author has in store for the future.
Set in the quaint rural town of New Haven, the narrative unravels with disturbing events centered around the ominous Misery House. This foreboding structure conceals more than mere secrets within its haunting walls. Amidst the unsettling atmosphere, the Woods family and their dwelling on the hill become central figures, entangled in the web of danger that lurks at every turn.
From the outset, the book enthralls readers with its spine-chilling allure, leaving them unable to resist its gripping pull. Death looms around each corner, infusing the story with an eerie intensity. The journey that unfolds is nothing short of exceptional, capturing attention from start to finish.
“The Misery House” is a masterful blend of thrill and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge until the final page. You are left with unanswered questions since it is part of a series. As much as I dislike this, I look forward to the next book! Its unpredictability makes it the best story, captivating readers with every twist and turn. Once immersed in its pages, it becomes nearly impossible to put the book down.

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills) by B.E. Padgett

The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

B. E. Padgett’s The Guardian of Whispers, the first book in an enchanting series for middle-grade readers, offers a captivating and imaginative adventure that will remind you of the beloved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson stories. Set around the Reed family, including Eugene, mischievous twins Jonathan and Franklin, Peter, Clara, their doctor father Harvey, law enforcement mother Cecelia, and their caretaker, great aunt Gladys, the book takes readers on a delightful journey.
The Reed family’s ordinary routine takes an exciting turn when Dr. Harrison arrives, displaying a keen interest in examining the twins. To their surprise, it is revealed that both boys possess extraordinary abilities inherited from their mother—Franklin has telepathy, while Jonathan has the gift of prophecy. As a result, the twins are enrolled in a specialized school designed to help them control and understand their unique powers.
Once at their new school, Jonathan and Franklin begin forming friendships, but Jonathan soon realizes that his gift is extremely rare among his peers, leaving him feeling isolated. Furthermore, he becomes suspicious of his assigned teacher. Jonathan’s protective nature towards his brother and his fiery temper often land him in trouble. Things take a sinister turn when a valuable artifact goes missing, and incriminating evidence is planted in Jonathan’s house, making him the prime suspect. Franklin and their friends Damien and Nate also find themselves under scrutiny. With only a few supporters believing in Jonathan’s innocence and constant surveillance weighing them down, the children must band together, with the help of Mr. McClery, to uncover the identity of the thief known as the Guardian of Whispers.
From the very beginning, The Guardian of Whispers captivates readers with its thrilling pace, limitless imagination, and sheer entertainment value. While it shares similarities with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, the story weaves its own unique innovations within this familiar framework, presenting a refreshing narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the very last page. The storytelling is superb, ensuring that every moment is enjoyable, making the book a truly delightful and satisfying read. Well-written and engaging, The Guardian of Whispers feature realistically portrayed characters and a plot that holds your interest from start to finish. It’s the perfect book to share with your child and embark on a thrilling adventure together.

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