Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After reading book 1 in the series, I had to immediately start book 2. I’m so glad I didn’t wait. I was so hooked and read this in no time. So much for cleaning, I had better things to do!!! This one was just as good as the first if not better. Don’t miss out on this book or this series, it’s amazing.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While this is the first book that I have read from this author it will definitely not be my last. The dark paranormal novella was definitely one of the more interesting books that I have read this year. While it is a short novella it definitely packs the punch of a full novel. The mystery and suspense grip the reader from the very beginning and take them on a wild ride. Overall this book had so many things that made it great that I couldn’t possibly list them all but I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The suspense really got me. I couldn’t believe some of the things Lily went through and survived. This was such an entertaining read that kept me wondering what else could happen. IF you’re looking for something to keep your mind busy for a few hours pick this up today. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Glass Houses is a fun read. If you like dark paranormal then this is for you. The author knows how to write the words.
Ivy thinks her husband is cheating on her, but that isn’t the case. Well it’s not for long. She finds that her husband has mistreated her in front of everyone. The quote I chose for Ivy is: “Why can’t we get it right, Falcon?”
Falcon once again keeps hurting his wife. He doesn’t like that she thinks that he’s cheating, but he does it just to spite her. The quote I chose for Falcon is: “I know. I hate hurting you, too.”
Highly recommended for Dark Paranormal lovers.
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Final Bite is a short little read and won’t take much time out of the day. I enjoyed the read and if you don’t like male and male then this isn’t for you.
Quinn is back from the dead. He’s got three days to find a mate or it’s back to the dead for him. He is stuck in this small town where everyone knows everyone. When he follows a male who gets beat by a couple of wolves and saves him. The quote I chose for Quinn is: “Maybe we can get your mom and dad to babysit this weekend. I’ll take you to a nice place with room service, a luxurious bed, and a hot tub.”
Garrett is trying to find out what the alpha wants with his mom. He wants to find out what happened to his dad as well. When he finds out that he’s made a mate to Quinn he’s upset. The quote I chose for Garrett is: “Raincheck. It seems grandpa has come to visit.”
Highly recommended for Paranormal Romance lovers.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute story! I was impressed with the level of imagery the author used for this book, so much so that I feel like unless it’s an older child reading this book, it would go over the top of many children’s heads. I really enjoyed how sweet the characters were, and the focal point of the story being nature. There is a good opportunity in this book to teach children about the changing seasons as well. Overall this was a cute story that I enjoyed reading!
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have loved all of Lois Wickstrom’s books, but this one was different than the others I’ve read from her. Dream-Shifter is geared towards kids that are 7-12 years old, and everyone in my household enjoyed it! I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the kids in your life.
Gwendolyn is a middle school dream-shifter. When she dreams, she turns into different animals depending on each dream, which sounds like an amazing talent! Typically, she awakens as a human again but when she is startled awake, she is stuck as an elk. Gwendolyn doesn’t know what to do next and to make matters worse, it’s elk hunting season! Will she be able to find anyone who can help her, or is she stuck as an elk forever?
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I really enjoy Lois Wickstrom’s books and Dream Shifter sounded so promising so I was incredibly surprised by the fact that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. Dream Shifter was still chock full of all the wonderful lessons that the author uses her stories to teach such as learning ways to handle our problems in healthy ways, if you can’t solve a problem one way search for another, we are always learning in life’s classroom, animal welfare for the elks during hunting season, how people should always ask before touching someone, and maintaining awareness. One thing that confused me was how the subject matter switched from middle grade to young adult, for example, I’m not really sure that what I would consider middle grade aged children would be thinking about paying for massages before big races. Second, a middle grade child obsessing over winning the race to earn money for journalism school. Also, once Gwendolyn gets to the magic house I couldn’t tell if the other characters were her friends or if they really didn’t like each other because they seemed to be really mean and manipulative. Gwendolyn’s parents also seemed weirdly detached, and behaved as if she was a much older child. Although I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would I will still be looking forward to this authors other books and stories.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amaleigha is a five-year-old with the world in her hands! She loves the outdoors and wants to share that love with everyone she knows. When she sparks an idea to do just that, her family pitches in to make her dream a reality. Before she knows it, one small girl has made a huge difference in her community!
I can’t say enough how cute this book is. My seven-year-old loved reading it and following along with Amaleigha’s adventure. I had the opportunity to spark conversation and get his mind thinking about what he would do in Amaleigha’s situation. The illustrations are bright and attractive, really helping to bring the story to life. This is a fun and engaging story that I think could be enjoyed by many ages.
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Cozy up with your blanket, hot cocoa and maybe a fire and read away the night. I was heart warmed with all 7 of the stories. I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this, it took me out of my grinch mood and made me look forward to the holiday season. If you’re looking to get into the holiday season pick this up right now!
Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not the first book I have read by this author and not the last I promise. I was completely lost in the world of this book. I felt very connected to the story. Katarina is so innocent and so tempting to Chance. He is her boss but he is so much more than that. Is she strong enough and willing to accept what she wants?
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What more could I ask for from a book. Murder, suspense, Historical setting and all the mystery. I really enjoyed this book and was intrigued by the authors skill at spinning a thrilling tale. I enjoyed her characters and truly enjoyed how this story built. I don’t believe I have read books by I.M Foster however she has won me over completely. I couldn’t put the book down and was thoroughly invested in solving the mystery! Great read, will definitely be looking for more like this!
Master Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black
4 Stars
The hunt for Isala continues. This is the fifth instalment in this series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Master Catteneo is leading the search for Descalia’s mate. Fate has thrown in his path a beautiful psychic that takes his breath away. As frustrating as she is, she evokes feelings in him that he has never felt before. Alessia has always been fascinated by vampires. When Catteneo comes knocking seeking her grandmother’s help, she realizes he makes her temperature rise in more ways than one. Destiny calls but can these two put aside their doubts and survive the danger?
This is an I tense story with danger lurking around every corner. It has a bit of everything; vampires, witches, danger and romance. It will grip you from the beginning and leave you begging for more. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute story. Not really a run of the mill paranormal tale. It was a different kind of a shifter story that I really enjoyed. The story had some adventures and I enjoyed going through them. I have read other stories by this author and like how she weaves her stories. I will look forward to reading more from her.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A tragic, but fast read that kept me hooked! Broken people, broken relationships, lots of drama, and a bit of magic. So much in one novella! I highly enjoyed this book by Sinister Styx and look forward to more.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It doesn’t take much to shatter glass. Ivy is married to her husband of two years, Falcon. They both love each other very much. Throwing lavish parties together is something they normally enjoy, but Ivy is suspicious of her husband seeing someone else and this party does not go the way it normally does. Falcon has taken things too far, and their lives will never be the same.
This was a quick read but such an interesting story. I would love to read another book from this author.
Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amaleigh and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
4 Stars
This is an adorable story that’s geared towards children aged 4-7 years old. Amaleigh is an amazing child of five who loves nature. She loves being outdoors. She comes up with a big idea to share her love of nature with the world. The story shows that no matter what your age is, if you put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. At the end of the book, there is some interesting information on how to do what Amaleigh did. If everyone could see the world through the eyes of a child, the world would be a much better place.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Devlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
What happens when the coworker you’ve secretly been pining over for years, is suddenly giving you attention after your recent breakup? This is exactly what happens to Eve. She is focused on her career and knows that she shouldn’t get involved with Devlin. Devlin is the office eye candy and he knows it. But the women in the office just don’t cut it for him, there’s only one and it’s Eve. Now that she finally got rid of her boyfriend, he can finally make his move. After spending a night together, Eve just wants things to go back to normal. Devlin on the other hand, cannot keep her off his mind. Will the be able to continue working together as if nothing happened or will their office romance turn into something even heavier?
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Well definitely not what I expected. Glasshouses is a short story of deceit, denial, revenge, and murder. A continuous cycle that just keeps repeating itself. What the author wrote easily got that point across even though it was a short story. So much happened in the few pages this story took.
Ivy and Falcon accuse the other of being unfaithful. Falcon, so hurt by this, decides he will make the accusations accurate. In front of everyone they know, he humiliates her by dominating someone else.
The story itself was well written, it just wasn’t for me. Doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy it. It won’t take much time so give it a try.
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read the Dwarve’s Dilemma with my 6 year old daughter and we both loved it. It was a great, unique take on what it is like to be fair to one another. I often enjoy reading this author to my children, especially the stories that have an element for science to them. I love a children’s book that teaches important life lessons as wel. This book has that as well as fun characters and really cool illustrations. Another fun book to add to our bedtime story rotation!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of those books that really has a bit of everything. It is well written, full of mystery and suspense and I thought it was so intriguing. I loved the way the author seemed to connect everything, for me it pulled me into the story so much more. I couldn’t wait to see how things would unravel and what the outcome would be.
As the first book in a new series, I thought this was a really strong start. The characters were interesting, and really fit the storyline well. The author knew exactly how to capture your attention. I am very much looking forward to book 2!
The Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you are looking for a fun romantic comedy that would be perfect to read cozied up with your reading blanket and a glass of wine, then this one is for you!
The Rom Com Movie Club by Bernadette Marie is all about 4 best friends Lisa, Tina, Ruby and Mindy and their love for rom coms. As they continue their monthly rom com movie club, they are also planning a wedding for Tina who is about to marry the love of her life. What they didn’t know is that one fated movie club will bring love into Lisa’s life as well. Only problem is…it’s the brother of Tina’s soon to be husband. Will Lisa’s blooming love interfere with her best friend’s wedding?
This book was so enjoyable. The movie’s mentioned, the strong relatable friendships and the great characters had me rushing to finish but not wanting the book to end. I cannot wait to pick up book 2. I may have to plan a reading slumber party with a few of my besties so we can all enjoy!
Happy Reading
Reckless Heart by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reckless Heart is one of my all-time favourite stories by Jane. I really enjoy her writing. This engaging emotional tale has all the feels. It is a short story that is a sweet second chance romance. I read the book in one sitting as the story just called to me and the characters were wonderful likeable and well developed. It has everything to delight the sense and keep the pages turning. With high emotions, angst, steam, misunderstandings, pain and hurt are just some of what you get. My only wish once again is that it was longer.
Mary is ready to embrace her new life as a sexy single woman and has her sights set on a certain someone. However, it may be more difficult than she thought.
Brad returns for his sister’s wedding and has mixed emotions seeing his lost crush. Does he have it in him to relive the pain from the past and move forward?
You will have to read this beautiful tale to see what happens. A perfect present for someone for Christmas.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do not read many books aimed at teens, but this was such a fun book to read and easy to get into. Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter that changes into the form she is dreaming about, and comes out as an elk, right at elk hunting season. Now she has to learn what it means to be an elk, and try to return to herself, without being hunted. That aside, she is also challenged by time. If she doesn’t find a way to revert to her human form within 3 months, she will remain an elk forever. This is definitely geared towards the middle school chapter book genre, and my kids would easily love this one, but even as an adult it made me smile and appreciate it. I would recommend it to anyone that wants something a little unique.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
More Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Peggy has spent so much effort on being a single-mom to her twins, that she has lost herself in the process. As the twins are getting ready to leave for college, she has to find out how to spend her days. Currently, those days are spent watching a show about a woman connecting with deceased loved ones while eating Pop-Tarts. When her children give her a gift certificate to a boot camp, she is hurt and angry…but, with the motivation of being part of the studio audience of her favorite show (and maybe connecting with her late husband) and all the free-time she has since she doesn’t have to be a mom all day long, she starts going to the classes. What happens during these classes is not only a transformation of her strength and body…but also of her own identity.
I enjoyed all the characters in this story. I could feel the resentment between her and Carmen…and how that evolved throughout the book. As she bettered her health, she also bettered her relationships and outlook. While she may have lost her sense of self, she is slowly finding it through her bootcamp classes (and the relationships she is building along the way). It was a good story of how your life can change when you start putting yourself first.
Master Catteneo by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Master Catteneo was another great vampire romance by this author. I believe I had read most of this series and I just love it. This story starts with Overmaster Descalia (head of the vampires) mate being kidnapped by her sister who is trying to take over the underworld and overthrow the vampires. If you have read any of these stories, you know that the vampire men love their mates something fierce. Master Catteneo is also a head of a vampire territory and is helping to find his leader’s mate. He decides that he is going to get help from a respected “seer” in his territory. What he didn’t expect was the woman’s granddaughter, Alessia. Master Catteneo is not worried about the stories he has heard about the granddaughter because he is known as the life bachelor of vampire masters. Alessia also has many of the “seer” abilities and while trying to help the vampires find the mate, she realizes she has a mental connection to Catteneo. This connection could be the direct line they need to fine Overmaster’s mate. Can they learn to trust each other, trust the love and connection that is developing, and see past the fact that she is human?
I enjoyed this story. I won’t say it is my favorite in the series, but it still had loveable characters and a strong female presence. I liked that one of the characters was human, Alessia was sassy, smart, and assertive. I feel the connection between the two was good but super fast and unrealistic in nature. There was no process of thought before they were getting together physically – even after all this talk about trying to understand what the connection was, etc. I also think is it one of the more sexually tame editions in the series. They also kind of leave it as a cliff hanger. Granted, the story of Alessia and Catteneo did finish, but when I read the last page and turned, I expected more and it just ended. Now, I know I will end up reading the others, but I never felt the other stories ended in this way.
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg. This is not my usual genre but I truly enjoyed it. Its a sci fi wild adventure that is a little hard to keep up if you are not used to the sci fi terms. Once you get used to the terms you are in for a fun ride. Its the story of Nalia and Bishr who are fighting the system to do what they want when they want. They have been busy transporting cargo and people across the the planets and they are doing great until they are tasked with taking care of another ship. The story is relevant even today with people not wanting to be told what to do and how to do it. There are even funny parts like the strange bugs they have. If you love sci fi and adventure then you need to read this fun fast paced adventure.
Soliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Soliloquy is a moving time travel story with a musical thread running through it. After inheriting a mysterious box from her grandmother, Erin is transported through time and space to France in WWII. She has to balance surviving the time she’s in, finding a way to get back to her own time and keeping those around her safe.
It’s a great read! The historical setting is vivid and well-researched, and it’s interesting experiencing it through Erin’s modern perspective. There are plenty of mysteries to unravel, as Erin learns more about her grandmother and great aunt and comes to understand the situation she’s in.
I particularly loved the descriptions of music, as well as the focus on the experiences of musicians in WWII. Erin is valued for her musical abilities and can use them to her advantage, but this is also a source of pressure and puts her in danger.
I would recommend this book to fans of time travel romance, particularly those with an interest in music or WWII. This book gets five stars from me!
The Rom Com Movie Club – Book One by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is from an author I have read many times and who never disappoints. She has an amazing talent of writing fantastic romance novels that I love reading. With The Rom Com Movie Club she certainly does not disappoint. I really, really enjoyed reading this book and I’m sure that it’s a book that I will read again.
While hosting the monthly rom com movie club, Lisa inadvertently gets to meet her best friend’s future brother in Law, Ryan. There is instant chemistry between the two but future bride Tina demands that nothing happens between the 2 of them as it will take the shine of her upcoming wedding.
Needless to say, I really did not like Tina very much. She’s a total Bridezilla who is thinking about herself and not at all for her best friend who has major insecurities.
I really enjoyed Lisa and Ryan’s story. Both are great characters and I loved how they interacted with each other and how Ryan was a total sweetheart and took Lisa’s insecurities seriously and helped her overcome them.
Definitely recommend.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first read by Lois Wickstrom, I think her books are very entertaining, short reads for children of all ages. This one, Dream-shifter is geared towards the older adolescents, but is without a doubt a great story!
Imagine waking up and you are the animal that you were dreaming of!! Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter, she transforms into any animal when she is asleep but turns back into her human form as long as she isn’t startled awake. Well, one night all of that changes and a fire at Gwendolyn’s home startles her awake and she finds herself stuck waking up as an elk. And despite Gwendolyn’s best efforts, she is stuck as an elk for quite some time, will she ever change back into her human form, or will she forever be stuck wondering around as an elk??
Lois Wickstrom definitely covered suspense, adventure, and great character building!
Mary Espinoza, November 2022
