Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The queen, looking into her mirror seeks out who is doing right and being fair. The dragon, the dwarves, others in the land get the twinkle of fairness in their eyes. The queen finds she is the one not being fair. She learns that she must be fair and pay her people what they are worthy of. Then her eyes will twinkle, too.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great children’s book that teaches about pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey! A family goes to buy their turkey. The youngest daughter remembers that the president pardons a turkey at Thanksgiving. Will the turkey they find get pardoned?
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Again, I read this story with my youngest son. He says it’s a good story. He also said it teaches the important life lesson that you should always pay your employees… While I’m glad he got that point, I think the bigger one is to always try to treat any situation fairly. This story helps explain this to the tiny humans.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a cute book! The story of Gwendolyn and her “challenging” events is very entertaining! It will keep you reading just to finish out your giggle.
Definitely a really good adolescent read!
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book teaches a very good lesson. It really points out that you have to look at things from another’s point of view sometimes. Life isn’t always fair but if you can be fair you should. The Queen knew she wasn’t being fair and did what she could to right her wrong. Hats off to Lois for this one!
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a cute story. It held the attention of my youngest autistic son for the entire thing. We typically don’t eat turkey during the holidays either, but he wants us to do the same thing…
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute book! I liked the illustrations in the book and the sentiment of the story. It was cute, sweet and straight to the point. I think this is a cute book for the holidays and I would highly recommend it to read to your kids!
Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Petty’s Crime is the third book in the Satan’s Devils MC Las Vegas series. I really have enjoyed this series. This book does however touch on themes of domestic violence which may trigger some readers. The story follows Petty, who so far has been known for his brash nature in the MC. This book delves into his past as his (ex) wife Britney makes an unexpected return to his life. It also tells the story of RoseLyn, a Vegas singer who is being stalked by her abusive ex and needs the help of the MC. I loved how this story explores the theme of female against male DV, which is something that is rarely found especially in the masculine world of an MC. Highly recommend.
The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining and engaging YA novel, which has me hooked from start to finish. Sixteen year old Miranda Stone is looking forward to a nice, normal summer, but when her magical powers emerge, her summer is anything but normal. However, it’s not just Miranda who’s developing magical powers, it’s happening to women all around the world. Having felt she was in danger, Miranda runs away to New Orleans, where a job singing as the opener for a drag show, leads to new friendships and fun, until her friends start developing powers of their own.
As the world erupts, Miranda and the other supernaturally powerful women, must stay off the radar of the authorities, but this becomes increasingly difficult. When Miranda starts a romance with a young women this adds to her complications. I loved the main character, Miranda and enjoyed seeing how her character grew and developed throughout the story. The storyline kept me gripped and the descriptive narrative brought the world where magic was real, vividly to life. I felt immersed in the story and I liked the magical realism element of the novel. I look forward to continuing Miranda’s adventures with her in the next book in the series.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This second book in the series starts right where the last one left off. Chloe and Quintus are trying to save Faerie from iron poisoning. Chloe starts out as just a mortal who freezes whenever she is scared and starts to learn how to deal with her feelings. Quintus is a fae who protects her and is now connected to her through their tattoos. The feelings between them are swirling! She can only do magic when she is touching Quintus and I love the addition of the dragon who she has a connection with and can control. Ludo and Mishti are also characters who are helping save the land from iron. Most of the book takes place in Crystal Thorn but the world building is so detailed and I learned so much about new lands. A fantastic read and I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delightful book! This book is about relationship and judgement. Great characters and instructions on life lessons. I can’t say enough about this author and how she opens the minds of her readers. Strongly recommend to all.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellent! This book has it all adventure, drama, and fantasy. It is well written that give’s your imagination a good run. Strong characters and very descriptive story line. Fast and easy read that is perfect for young readers. Recommend for ages 7-12.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My 5yo son and I read this story together. He thought the turkey in the story was adorable. He loved that it had a happy ending. He was very happy that we eat ham for Thanksgiving. haha It was a good story with good characters. We loved the illustrations.
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another illustrated book by this wonderful storytelling author that I had to pick up for the kids. This one did not disappoint me either. I loved how she threw in some of the Snow White fable yet managed to make it her own without a wicked queen. In fact, the queen in this story is completely opposite and wants to help the people of her kingdom. As with most of her books there are many lessons to learn. I also love how she included a few science experiments again, but this time using a mirror. Once again, the illustrations were fabulous, and the colors jump off the page. Another terrific book to pick up for your own children or to give as gifts.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finding Bryce was not your normal military romance. I enjoyed it despite feeling it was a little rushed. The author still put a good story on the page. With a slightly dark theme of an abusive spouse, this book has a little of everything. Dark, fun, playful, and serious.
Pippa ran away from an abusive ex-husband to start her life over. Navigating life in fear is not what she envisioned for herself. However her ex could find her at any time.
Diesel is a Navy Seal who is currently stateside waiting to be called for his next mission. Him and his team decide to go to a Halloween masquerade, which is perfect anonymity being he just broke up with someone. He never imagined that this party would lead to the girl of his dreams.
Convinced by her new friend/co-worker Pippa decides this party would be the best way to have fun. No one could see her face so it’s the perfect disguise. It’s been a while so she just lays low and scans the room, till a Gladiator walks in she’s drawn too.
Does she go after him? Of course, but she never gives him her name nor takes his.
Will they ever come in contact again?
Does Pippa’ s ex-husband find her?
How well does Pippa deal with the unexpected?
I don’t feel Pippa had much character growth from beginning till end, maybe if it went longer who knows. Diesel did have some character development, that was nice to see.
Who’s Bryce you may ask? I was wondering the same thing at the beginning. You are just going to have to read to find out.
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was looking forward to this sequel and I was definitely not disappointed. Carrying on from the end of the previous story, I would personally recommend reading these novels in order, especially as the storyline is rather intriguing and complex. Nick and Julia O’Connor have escaped Venice with their lives following their nightmare vacation, and are trying to return home. However, before they can reach the American consulate, they are captured by Interpol and then returned to Venice. While Nick is detained, it’s up to Julia to save her husband, but she doesn’t know who she can trust. Especially when it’s the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order, Salvatore della Porta, who’s behind Nick’s detainment.
Della Porta’s order are the ones who controls Paradise, “Tintoretto’s Renaissance masterpiece that’s also a purgatory for thousands of souls, including Nick’s soul mate from the 16th century”. Della Porta is after a mysterious manuscript which can either end his order or bring him world changing power, and he thinks Nick knows the location of this book. Meanwhile, Julia enlists the help of a young artist, Carlo Zuccaro, but is unaware that he is actually the order’s new Painter and warden of the damned. This is a gripping read, which had me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative brings both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. This was an entertaining and engaging read which I would definitely recommend.
Petty’s Crime by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this book we get Petty’s story. We have met Petty a few times before and he’s not the must pleasant of characters. On fact he’s a huge **** which is purely down to the amazing character writing of this author. I just knew that there would be so much more to Petty than previously met the eye.
Can I just say that Petty’s story tied me up in knots. I cried so much for him. My heart truly broke for him. I love that the author is so brave and handles so many difficult and contentious subjects that other authors would never go near. Not giving any spoiler but I’ll say that it will totally tug at the heartstrings.
I adored RoseLyn and she is just the perfect woman to give Petty his redemption and let us see the true Petty he’d managed to keep hidden for so long. She’s sassy but has a heart of gold and it’s filled with so much compassion.
You don’t get as much of the hot biker sex in this book but I didn’t miss it in the slightest as there was so much else going on that had me totally gripped.
Worth more than the 5 stars I’m allowed to give it.
Shadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J. R. P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the series and it was an enjoyable read. The author does a great job with the world building and characters. I loved how the story contains elements of sci-fi such as worm holes and bugs that we could never imagine but there is also a seriousness to the story as Nialla and Bishr are fighting to do what they want when they want to do it without people trying to stop them. Its about fighting for what you want in life and not giving up.
This Sci-fi story was entertaining and engaging and I felt like I was actually there experiencing everything that they do. The author creativity and imagination really brings this story to life. I can’t wait to see what other adventures Bishr and Nialla take us on
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I was looking forward to reading this one. I enjoy fantasy and the worlds those who write come up with is amazing. Sadly this one did not live up to my expectations. I too often finding myself drifting off and it was easy to put this down and do something else instead. I think it was the flow that bothered me. It is very slow moving and too much time spent describing what is being done. I also felt the author was trying too hard to be witty and the continuous movie/song references were too much. I get he is a movie buff but maybe pick one of each(movie and song) and figure out how to reference a few different parts throughout.
I liked the idea of this story but it just fell flat for me.
Dwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
The Dwarves’ Dilemma: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Dwarves’ Dilemma is a Science Folktales novel. This author sure knows how to keep kids entertained and my daughter can’t wait for the next book.
The Queen is fair and she tries to do what is best for everyone in her kingdom. When the Dwarves come in and they are fighting. She finds that her mirror no longer shows the fairness sparkle in her eye. The quote I chose for the Queen is: “The problem was my mistake, not yours. From now on, I will pay all my servants.”
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. Pardon Me, Please is a fantastic read for families. This book was short and sweet. The author has a way with words.
A family goes to a Turkey farm to get their Thanksgiving dinner. When they get there they find that the President has pardoned his turkey. The little girl wants to know if they can do the same. I couldn’t choose a quote for any of the characters.
Highly recommended for Kids and Family lovers.
Finding Bryce by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Overall, this was a pretty good book. The story is short, which can lead to gaps that make you wonder, but the pacing is very quick. When Pippa meets a man at a Halloween party, she decides to act out of character for herself, and has a one night stand with him. When she discovers she’s pregnant, she has no way to find him as they chose to not exchange any information. She has the baby and raises him by herself for the first two years of his life until her one time lovers father happens across the pair in a local park and realizes that the little boy looks like his son. Tanner’s father tells him of his suspicions, and the pair try to find out more information about Pippa and her son, Bryce. Just as they think they have enough information to possibly consider Tanner approaching Pippa about the little boy, Pippa’s ex-husband kidnaps her and her son. Tanner, along with his other navy SEAL teammates, works to get Pippa and Bryce back.
Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was originally attracted to this book by the witty title and adorable cover art. I ended up enjoying the characters and the storyline along the way. Initially, it took me a bit to get into the book but once I did, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the subtle mystery surrounding Bob, the little town and whether he would fit in or not. I grew to love the characters, especially Aubri and I found myself wanting to get to know their back story more. I liked that at times I was suspicious of just about every character and that what I feared might happen actually didn’t. I am happy to see that the book left us expecting more because I am definitely open to experiencing more of this paranormal town.
Lucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have you ever wondered what your pet does when he goes out on his own? Two sisters have a bright idea. What if they attach a camera to the collar of their cat, in order to learn where he goes on his nightly expeditions? The siblings have several entertaining theories about what their fur-baby gets up to on a nightly basis., Alas, the camera seemingly malfunctioned, and they may never learn the true extent of the kitty’s adventures. Readers are encouraged to use their imaginations.
A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Carina has had her fill of tragedy and heartbreak over the past year. Covid hit the world and in her small world was even worst, with losing her mother, Sister and father in the space of the year and contracting COVID which left her near deaths door her whole world has been drape with darkness.
Carina feels lost and wandering the path of life with no purpose anymore not quite understanding were she fits in; her husband has just carried on with life. Her children have grown and flown the nest a while ago and she is no come to a point where she feels she is does not fit in.
The only thing she looks forward to is her chats with Max a young man who knows the heartbreak of losing someone close to them as his young wife passed away from cancer which has left him lost as well. So, when a conversation occurs, and Max offers his cabin to Carina is she brave enough to take him up and start building her world back up.
I have to admit this book at the start was “Where is this going?” but I have to say the more I read the more I related to Carina in a way I have not thought about. We all struggled through the pandemic no matter where you were in the world and if you lost someone close it must have been a horrendous time. I live in the UK and my father passed away through cancer not COVID but the restrictions around his funeral were more heart-breaking than the funeral itself.
I also related to the fact of trying to “get back to normal” whatever that is in this time now, this book highlighted the struggle some people are having with the life in general. It was a great thought provoking but which I would recommend people to read just to say you’re not alone in this.
Thank you for writing a book with the characters so personable and a story which was well written and flowed beautifully through the thoughts and actions of these characters.
Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
OMG I am obsessed by this series and thought it could not get any better, well I was wrong. This book is the prequel to the night of Marissa’s death and what went down, the only drawback this is too short and leaves you hanging.
This introduces the Princesses into the world and is written with the same intrigue and twists as all the books in this series. The characters are the ones we love and cherish, and it is great to see the characters in a time of free-spirited woman and how the fibre’s such strong friendship was founded.
I hope there is more in the series as I’m not sure I want to say goodbye to the Five Families just yet,
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many twists and turns in this wonderful book! Kept me guessing and reading into the night – nothing was as it originally seemed! Definitely an original plot line and a number of genres mixed together! What an adventure! I recommend it!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book two in the Painted Souls series. Painter of the Damned follows Nick and Julia in Venice trying to save Nick’s soulmate from the 16th century. There is plenty of fast-paced action, love that transcends time, history that jumps from the page with vivid imagery, and characters you can get behind. Book two won’t leave you disappointed!
The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book gave me so much joy. I fell in love with Savannah immediately. She just had this personality and essence about her that pulled me in. Which was the point. Savannah is extremely selfless and has an enormous heart. She really made the perfect Mrs. Claus. I loved that she was the center and not Santa. Like they say behind ever man there’s a great woman. We don’t give Mrs. Claus her props enough. Matthew is a sweetheart as well. He’s shy but caring. Awkward but kind. They make quite the pair. Nothing says the holidays like love! Please read this book it has a the feels!
A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology from 5 Prince Publishing by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Christmas to Remember is a splendid read for the holidays. This collection of short stories are warm, full of the holiday spirit. I especially enjoyed A Rocky Mountain Christmas by Jessica Mehring.
“Amity’s heart beat a little faster at that. She took Hank’s hand again and gently pulled, bidding him to follow her out of the kitchen. She guided him to the front of the house, next to the glimmering Christmas tree. A soft snow was falling outside the window.”
Reminds me of a hallmark movie. I kind of hope it becomes a full novel. If your in the mood for some holiday cheer and romance then this is a great book to read.
