Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A modern day twist on the Cinderella story. Something different and a little left field. Definitely worth a read if you have some spare time!
My daughter loved reading it too – I love it when she finds a book that appeals to her.
Who knew that the modern day Cinderella worked in a mortuary?
I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sucked me in immediately. The need to know what happened between the Duchess and Josh was overwhelming. I guessed the reason she left and I guessed why Austin seemed to have odd behavior. However, after everything was revealed about was still shocked at Austin’s behavior. I also felt like Josh forgave everyone unrealistically fast. I’m not even sure how he forgave any of the parties involved in hurting him. But he did and it made him a better man, he still wound up with the love of his life and by the end of the book everyone was happy. The book was written well, it gave me all the feels and emotions I look for in a good romance story. It ended on a good cliff hanger and I can’t wait to read book #2.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Azreya, Aztec Priestess” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658502599l/61654037._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61654037-azreya-aztec-priestess”>Azreya, Aztec Priestess</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14055439.Tricia_Copeland”>Tricia Copeland</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4979849154″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is a book for YAs aged 12+. It combines paranormal/fantasy, historical fiction, legend, and mythology. The main character Azreya is born marked by a demon. At the age of three, she is placed in the care of a shaman who promises to protect her. When the Spanish come to Azreya’s land, she sees two paths– one of saving her people and another that leads to their end. Can Azreya control her inner beast and convince her people to break from age-old patterns, or will the Aztecs be vanquished by the enemy?<br /><br />I love love love this author’s work. I can always tell that she just loves writing and this illustrated book is no different! The world-building is amazing, the characters are interesting and relatable, and the illustrations are an added bonus!<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/56267508-jasmin”>View all my reviews</a>
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes a more mature approach to fantasy. The writing is easy to follow and the story is multilayered as the adventure unfolds. Unexpected twists left me wanting more and eagerly turning the pages. The characters develop right along with the story and as Hester discovers more about what she wants, Aaron has to come to terms with his past. Hester is an easy to relate to character, her need to stay true to herself is endearing. If you are looking for a fantasy adventure with strong characters and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a new author I haven’t read before. I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel about this book because usually the cover grabs me. This one didn’t but it was a romance book So I gave it a shot.
I’m glad I read this book because it was a very good read. The pages flowed, I loved the chemistry and the fighting between two of the main characters.
San Sity is a small town where everyone knows everyone. Mitchel Scott is a farmer who was raised by his dad and his aunt. His wife cheated on him multiple times and he always took her back. He didn’t like
Anyone talking bad about her until one day when something snaps and he decides he’s done with her.
Mitchel and Jules don’t get off on the right foot but quickly become closer and then Katie shows up again trying to get Mitchel to take her back again!
I thought this was a great read, loved the characters.
review by @xchellex
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great. This was well written. I really enjoyed that the book took place somewhere other than the cafe. I am excited for the romance between Detective Dare and Ellie. I liked who won the competitions in the rescue show. I am happy for Ellie’s best friend.
Reviewed by: @purplesky25276
Hairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was well written and easy to read. The story was wonderful and great. The story was great at being descriptive. I enjoyed how different this story is from other cozy mysteries. I loved how much interaction there was with the cats. I enjoyed how life-like the cats were.
Reviewed by: @purplesky25276
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne is a contemporary western romance with an opposites attract/enemies to lovers element, cowboys, drama, BWWM/interracial romance, chemistry, steam, finding love unexpectedly, challenges, humour, banter, and a small town setting.
What do you get when you mix a Hollywood talent scout, a down-to-earth rancher, a small country town, and a reality television dating show? Well firstly, you get plenty of sparks, that’s for sure….
This is a very short story, which made for a very quick and easy read. I would have liked this story to have been longer as I think I would have enjoyed even more detail, depth, and development and allowed me to really sink my teeth into the story. As it is, this makes for a fun read….
Happy reading!
Thank you, Stacy-Deanne!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
River Witch by Cheryl Burman is the first book that I have read by this author so I was curious to find out what she could do with a story- and I was not disappointed.
This is a wonderful historical fantasy with magical realism, folklore, challenges, drama, plant-lore, herbalism, ‘witches’, suspense, interesting developments, vivid world building, angst, and more.
I was hooked by this story, it cast its spell on me and lured me further and further into all the fascinating details until I lost all sense of time and place, and ended up reading it all in one sitting. I so love it when a story captures me so completely…
Looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Burman’s work in the near future…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Cheryl Burman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a good one. I spent my Friday afternoon reading it and I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read this author before and I have only read a few cozy mysteries before this one. But I am glad I took the time to read this one. It was a fun cozy mystery, with a cat café, murder, and adventure. The main characters were great and I enjoyed all of the funny bits throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading more by this author because I didn’t want to put this one down.
Happy Reading!
Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Emma is the first book in the Notebook Mystery series by Kimberly Mullins. It’s the imaginative start to the adventures of Emma – a young, adventure-seeking amateur sleuth. The book has the feel of a diary with a narrator. This allows the reader more insights into Emma’s world.
Emma makes decisions that are questionable which, consequently, makes her very relatable. Her family and friends are quirky and interesting. The plot twists and builds to an unexpected ending. I found the book to be very enjoyable.
Reviewed by @whisperhymer
Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an amazing collection of stories! I love reading apocalypse stories and post-apocalyptic stories because they have this tendency to be so unique! None of these disappointed in any way, shape or form! One of the themes I noticed was the teamwork, the way that characters banded together, working with each other to survive whatever terror inducing threat they faced. If you’re looking for a new apocalyptic story, look no further because this book has 19 of them!
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a trip! This is my first read by this author and it was fantastic.
I have been going on and on about this book for the last couple days while reading it. This action-packed thriller sucks the reader in and has you turning the pages until the very end. I was on the edge of my seat from the first chapter with my jaw-dropped. This one keeps the foot on the gas all the way through.
The author did an amazing job creating tension and developing the story. I enjoyed that each chapter flows well into the next despite each chapter generally changing the point of view from which the story is told. It is told from the narration of multiple characters, with most being told from the perspective of the main survivor, Angie, Agent Brenda Reynolds, and Jake. It was incredibly unique, however, to also have chapters told from the perspective of other supporting characters, as well as the “bad guys.” I loved the chemistry among the main characters and hope there are more stories to come!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl Burman. The story starts when Hester is only 8 years old, she is at the river listening to it and watching the river nymphs play. A mysterious man appears wearing a yellow waistcoat, he tells her that the river is a goddess named Sabrina. She remembers him over the years, always thinking back to that day, learning the rivers name and the walk home as the man told her the names of flowers and what healing properties they have.
A time jump, Hester is now 14 years old, she is once again stealing a few moments away from her chores at home to watch the river. The river nymphs call out to her and finally she decides to give into them. Running down the cliffs to the water she barely reaches the edge the water crashing around her ankles the nymphs’ arms open wide to embrace her when the mystery man stops her once more. He is friendly at first until Hester says the nymphs invited her to join them, he acts as though he had tasted something sour the words “the nymphs invited her” never leaving his mind as winter comes and goes. Hester learns that her paternal great grandmother healed with herbs and flowers, remembering her first conversation with the mystery man she plans to ask him to teach her the ways. The POV changes off and on between Hester and the mystery man Aaron, we learn he is writing a book about the healing properties of herbs and flowers. When Hester asks him for help in learning about healing others after a 5-year-old little girl from the village dies he has an internal tug of war before telling her no. The phrase “the nymphs invited her” still dancing in his mind as he worried for Hester. Unable to stop himself he returns to a place of great pain for him, speaking to the memory of a person long gone. The spirit tells Aaron “She has the soul of a goddess. Sabrina will not be cheated a second time.”, the spirit talks reason into Aaron asking if he would rather Hester learn from the river nymphs or from him, because either way she would not be denied. Not giving up on the plan of learning about how to heal like her great grandmother, Hester asks about where the mystery man lives, as they still do not know each other’s names at this point in the story. Her brother Reuben tells her and without a second to change her mind she runs to his home, only Aaron has decided he must teach her before the nymphs. Hester entering his home he says “Well, is it too late to start lessons tonight, or do you have to be home for your mama to tuck you in and sing you a lullaby?”
Will Hester succeed in her journey to heal others? Will Aaron teach her all she needs to know, or will he hold back information to protect her? If you enjoy mysterious books that keep you guessing on what is coming next this is the book for you. I couldn’t stop reading as I was hungry for more answers with every page.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Definite enemies to lovers, what happens when two stubborn people come together and try and make things work? Jules is a talent scout in San Sity wanting to find someone for a reality dating show…and as soon as she locked eye on Mitchel, she thought she found her next star….that is until his very stubborn ways being a hardworking rancher and wanting nothing to do with being on any reality TV show. When Jules and Mitchel stop bickering and get to know each other on a different level, feeling change between then and sparks fly. Mitchel had to learn to let go of the past to let Jules into his heart. Will Mitchel and Jules be able to be together even if Jules wants her reality TV show to be her next big hit for a career move?
The banter between Mitchel and Jules had me laughing at many moments…if you love a contemporary romance full of very steamy moments between initial bickering enemies then to lovers…this one is for you!
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ava was a character I loved instantly. The author painted a picture of two worlds in one where I felt as if I was really there. I adore the supernatural and this was a perfect ride of it! The book was well written and easy to follow. It was also equally exciting and had me flipping pages pretty quick in some spots. Not only was Ava a great character but her friends and foes all made the story great! It was well thought out and highly enjoyable!
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My son and I LOVE to read these books together! The stories are adorable. In these stories Conifer and her friend Spike work together to solve problems and learn the meaning of friendship! A Present for the Volcano finds Conifer and Spike trying to figure out how to make the volcano happy so it won’t erupt. Saving Conifer’s Eggs finds them working together to save themselves from a fire. The stories encourage communication and teamwork, which are good skills for children to learn. The illustrations are vibrant and inviting, really bringing the stories to life! I am so glad we discovered these stories! They will be in our regular reading rotation from now on!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! The pacing was kind of slow at the beginning but once I got further into the story it picked up. I really enjoyed the imagery of this one. Everything is painted so beautifully in the mind, I felt like I was right there. The characters were interesting and enjoyable. I was drawn to this book first by the cover, then the synopsis, and the story made me stay. I’m glad I picked this one up and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch is a unique historical fantasy tale. Cheryl’s vivid telling makes it easy to imagine this world of ‘witches’ and plant lore. A place where you can imagine the goddess speaking to you, the nymphs dancing in the water, the forests and the magical gardens. A place where medicinal herbs and potions are carefully tended and crafted.
This compelling tale is cleverly crafted with a mix of magical realism and historical fantasy meshed together to draw the reader in.
Hester grows under the tutelage of one man but that knowledge comes with a cost she could not have foreseen. It is a dangerous time where forward thinking women were a threat to men who blamed things they didn’t know as witchcraft.
The story is fast paced and filled with suspense and tension and twists and turns. This beautifully composed tale is one that should not be overlooked and added to your TBR list.
Reviewed by @jennadb
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61774876-i-loved-you-yesterday” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1659115652l/61774876._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61774876-i-loved-you-yesterday”>I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21857451.Julie_Navickas”>Julie Navickas</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4979291201″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Josh is wife divorce him . He miss his first love Mavis that left him. Austin is Josh’s brother and is close to Mavis . So Mavis has to choose which brother that she wants in here life. You have to read the rest of book to see what happens. I can’t wait to read more from this author .<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/40000500-lacy-mercado”>View all my reviews</a>
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity is a quick and easy read and is not your usual enemies-to-lovers romance tale. They say there is a thin line between hate and love.
Set in a small town there are those who think they know best. It is these quirky characters that gave the story some humour that had me laughing and giving our protagonist a run for her money. Gotta love small towns.
With an eager talent scout and a reluctant sexy cowboy, you are in for a ride. There is lots of sex appeal and chemistry between Mitch and Jules but is their antagonism too much to see past?
This fun read is a nice escape for an afternoon read.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)
By Matilda Reyes
4 Stars
This is an interesting paranormal story filled with drama, adventure, intrigue and magic. I found the story quite captivating. The characters were well rounded, each with their unique personalities that complimented each other. Ava is a mage who runs a detective agency with her two best friends. They take all kinds of cases which keep their day to day from getting boring. Someone from Ava’s past approaches her with a case of a missing, extremely powerful, grimoire . She knows that she can’t trust him but owes him. She takes the case and the adventure begins. There are lies and mystaround every corner.
I love stories with strong female leads. I appreciated that Ava was not all powerful. She got her butt kicked a few times. She is brave, smart and sassy. I love her! I’m really happy that this is book one in the series because I can’t wait to read more.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I ended up buying the book because the ebook version was in black and white on my kindle which was hard for me to read. I knew based on the illustrations and the first poem that I wanted this poetry book anyway.
I’m glad I bought it. The vocabulary throughout this book is LARGE. I highly recommend having your Google app open to the dictionary as you read this. This book was relatable for me once I fully took the time to understand what I was reading and WOW does it flow off of the tongue when read aloud.
If you like poetry and The Beatles, this book is for you.
The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies to lovers, cowboy romance set in a small ranch town named San Sity, in Florida. Hollywood talent scout Jules turns up in San Sity to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed there. One man, a hunky cowboy, Mitchel Scott catches her eye, and Jules decides to convince him that he’s the ‘spark’ needed to make the show a big hit. However, the no nonsense, blunt, rough, rancher wants nothing to do with either Jules or the dating show. At least, that’s what he claims, and what Jules believes, and they continue to fight each other, over everything. Neither Jules or Mitchel are prepared when their growing animosity actually turns into love. The chemistry between Jules and Mitchel sizzled off the page, and I was hoping they would get their HEA. The setting really came to life through the descriptive narrative, and made me feel immersed in the story. I loved the main characters, and liked how Jules and Mitchell’s relationship changed and developed throughout the story. The small town feel really came across in the narrative. The storyline had me hooked, and I was happily turning the pages of this enjoyable and engaging read.
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love reading brother’s best friend’s love story. This book had a nice darker twist compared the typical storylines. The scenes were so steamy! I loved the tension between Callie and Noah. Really great book!
The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Prisoner of Paradise: A Dual Timeline Thriller Set in Venice is the first book in the Painted Souls series. I was interested because of the book description and was not disappointed. Focusing on Tintoretto’s Paradise located in Venice a couple’s vacation becomes much more than they ever expected. There is mystery, history, dual timelines between the 16th and 21st centuries, and much more. I was drawn into this story and didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The setting was absolutely amazing. I look forward to reading the second book in this series and looking out for more from this author in the future.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really felt as though I had Journeyed back in time to unlock the secrets of the Aztec in this YA illustrated novel based on mythology and legends. Azreya has always accepted her place as one cursed by the gods, since she was three years old and placed in the care of Nukpana, a shaman. However, when she has foresight of an impending slaughter, Azreya dares to attempt to reverse the Aztec people’s fate, even though it means clashing with the shamans wishes. Forced to flee, and with her family refusing to take her in, Azreya is determined not to stand by and see the demise of her people, and so begins her quest to enlighten them. She faces many challenges, but the biggest one is the monster hiding under her skin. Azreya has to learn how to control her inner beast, in order to convince her people to break from their old ways, to prevent the Aztecs being vanquished by the enemy. The detailed descriptive narrative along with the wonderful illustrations really bring the characters and the setting to life, and made me feel immersed in the story.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Azreya is a young woman with a strong spirit inside her, she was given by her family to a shaman, Nukpana at the age of three, they were told that unless they did, she could become a danger to those around her, but that she would not be able to see them again until that was accomplished. She was taught to read, write and strengthen her body, mind and soul, as well as learn how to use her gifts, but all was not as it seems when a client comes to see Nukpana, but her advice is not what is given, it was advice which would only serve Nukpana, so when she finds out, she cannot be pacified and neither can the soul inside her, so she packs her things and leaves.
In her vision, Azreya has seen the future of the Aztec people, but if the wrong path of two chosen, it could mean the end of her people, so with the knowledge that her people can survive if they band together she sets off to speak to someone who will listen. She decides to stop by the home of her family on the way, however, the truth she finds there is devastating and she is thrown out by the ones she is supposed to be loved by the most. As she journeys to somewhere she is not known, she is determined to face her cursed birth head on and embrace the demon inside her which everyone seems to hate and fear, but this is only the start of her trials.
Will Azreya be able to control her inner demon and come to find a balance and peace within herself, or will the foretold danger to those around her come to the surface and destroy everything she is working towards? This is an epic tale of one girl, one vision and a whole lot of challenges, as she fights to save her people in a race against time which will keep you intrigued throughout and on the edge of your seat until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Being another new author for me, I was excited to read this modern take on Cinderella. Let me first say that I loved the cover. It is very eye catching with the glass slipper on it. Once I started reading the book I was immediately enchanted with it and didn’t want to put it down. It is a very quick read which was a little disappointing because I really wanted more to read. Overall, I loved this book. It was well written; the characters were very relatable, and I could see everything that was going on in the book with my imagination. I really loved how she included all the characters, including the villains, so you could really understand from all perspectives. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Azreya is the tale of a young girl who was born marked by a demon. Fearing for her future, her parents take her to a shaman seeking guidance, he tells them to bring her back to him after her third birthday so that he can teach her to tame the beast within. Azreya then grows and helps him gain status within their community through her work as a seer, though he tales all the credit. When there is talk of the Spainish coming and impending war, Azreya sees two paths, one is her peoples salvation and the other leads them to their doom. Will they listen to the word of a young girl or will they all perish?
This is the type of book you can finish in one sitting but it sits with you for longer. The mythology and mysticism in this was wonderfully written. Great for middle grade/YA readers!
