Posts

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by M Policicchio

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The author continues the tale of Cat and her discovery of the family secret. This time the family is off to Arizona to visit the matriarch, Grandma Ginny, known to most as GG. GG is the daughter of the original baker in the family, Evie. GG holds the answers to all the questions Cat and Robyn have been asking. However, GG lives with Jojo, Cat’s mother’s sister. Cat’s mom, Bridget, and Jojo had a disagreement 15 years ago and have not spoken since. Getting the answers that Cat needs might not be as easy as pie.

Once in Arizona, Cat is faced with many challenges, getting up at 5 to bake with GG, distance from Tobey, GG’s unwillingness to provide answers, a new mystery man, and a Bake-Off for a huge restaurant contract!! While Cat and the family figure out the perfect recipe for the bake-off, Cat explores the town and her heritage through a scavenger hunt meant to provide Cat with clues to the answers that GG will provide once Cat completes the hunt. Hilarity ensues.

This continuation provides answers to some questions but leaves new ones!! Looking forward to the next book in the series! A great read for all ages.

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Details
Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper. This was such a fun read. Its the 2nd book in the Bake Believe series and I suggest reading the 1st one to get to know the characters first. This is a fun, imaginative, young adult fantasy read. Its the story of Cat Anderson who loves to bake and in the last book we found out when Cat bakes she has a gift. During this addition Cat’s family travel for the Thanksgiving holiday and end up in the middle of a bake off. Of course there are a few mishaps with the baking but its all in fun. Lots of laughs and a little bit of romance thrown in. Great teenage read!

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Gordon

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the series about Cat Anderson and her magical baking for YA, and it was nice being back with Cat. Cat is a very likeable and realistic teenager who not only has the usual ‘growing up’ issues, but she has also discovered that, ‘something’ happens when she bakes, something magical. In this story Cat wants to learn more about her ‘gift’, as now she knows what her baking can do but not why or how. To find the answers Cat and her family go on a road trip to the family bakery in Arizona, for Thanksgiving. However, instead of finding the answers to all her questions, Cat finds herself under suspicion and in the middle of a bakery showdown. Cat and Robyn soon learn that reckless baking, emotions and magic is a recipe for disaster. This is a fun and lighthearted read with a quirky and unique storyline, and a great main character in Cat. I was hooked from page one, and I felt engaged with the characters and immersed in the story due to the descriptive narrative. An enjoyable read for both YA and adults alike.

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Karen Pearman

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book number two is this series and was just as much fun as the first one. I am truly in love with these characters and their story. Once again, there are some amazing “family” bakery recipes included in this book that I intend to make some time this year. I love how the author took this story on the road for some laughs, drama, and lots of baking. I couldn’t put this book down and I highly recommend you read it. This is even a phenomenal story to share with the teenage girls in your life because it is so wholesome. I recommend reading the books in order, so you know the story and how this family baking business works on magic to succeed.

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper- Review by Lauren West

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I originally started the series listening on Audiobook. I fell in love with audiobooks because of the first book. I knew I had to read book 2 once it was out. This is a great kids book and I think it will show kids the fun of reading, and just the fun of being a kid/teenager. A lot of relatable things happen, and I can myself remember being a teenage girl with hormones and angst.
Cat and Robyn are a lot of fun and as Cat explores this new gift more we see her developing into a whole new girl. They of course have hijinks, crushes, drama, and of course delicious food as they navigate these newly teenage years.

View all my reviews

The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Alison Risher

/0 Comments/in /by

The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My absolute favorite era of historical fiction is that which surrounds World War Two! This book juxtaposes strong characters with the stereotypical gender-based roles expected of women in this time period. The postwar years bring tumult of a different kind. Our heroine comes full circle, learning to appreciate the family she was born into, yet still maintain her independence. This is a story about a girl who becomes a woman, and along the way learns some valuable life lessons.

View all my reviews

Bake Believe (Bake Believe Series Book 1) by Cori Cooper – Review by Julie Johnson

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you a fan of the Amazon show, Just Add Magic?? If so, you’ll love this book!
Do you enjoy baking or watching baking shows? Again, you’ll love this book!

This was such a fun read!! Cat’s going into the 8th grade and it’s the last day before summer vacay ends. She’s at the pool with her best friend and cousin, Robyn. They smell something so deliciously yummy that they can hardly stand it. Then this super cute boy walks by with a pretzel. You know the kind…dripping in butter with those little flakes of salt on it? THOSE kind…irresistible!! Cat goes and buys one but not before running into Tobey. All of a sudden, there’s this spark. Oh, why can’t summer last forever!!

Cat’s mom doesn’t ever bake. They eat frozen food all the time. Robyn’s mom bakes all the time. They live next door to each other but Cat is never allowed to eat at Robyn’s. Why all the craziness around that, wonders Cat? Her mom gets all up in arms anytime she’s offered food at Robyn’s. Then one day she eats at Tia’s house and everything changes….

Can you Bake Believe it??

I loved this book from start to finish!! I love the series I mentioned previously but this book is pretty awesome too! This author has a great way of keeping even a non-baker like myself entertained. I mean, I love to bake and cook but my family doesn’t appreciate my northern cooking style in their southern home. 🙂 My favorite part of this book is the recipes at the end of each chapter. Along with all the helpful hints and tons of humor!! What fun is baking if it’s not fun??

Enjoy this one folks but don’t read when you’re hungry! 🙂

Reviewed by: @faithfulgirl4

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Julie Johnson

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Bake Off, we continue to read the story of Cat, Robyn, and their family. This book starts off with a trip to Arizona to Spend some time with GG and Josey to learn more about this weird family stuff. Cat and Robyn have had some adventures and now they are coming of age to learn more about why Cat’s mom won’t bake and why Robyn’s mom loves it!

GG and Josey are ready for the town Bake Off. There are several bakeries in town and there is a restaurant wanting to partner with one of them. How can the family restaurant stand out amongst the others? Cat finally enjoys waking up at 5 am to bake with her GG and she’s loving what she’s learning but what sets their bakery apart? And what in the world is up with Josey and the delivery guy?

This story gives you more background from Evie, the family baking matriarch. Cat and Robyn have some fun adventures in baking during this story as well. I found it as equally enjoyable as book 1 in this series.

I highly recommend this to those who love the show “Just Add Magic” as it follows a similar story line. Like Book 1, this one also includes recipes with a lot of humor at the end of each chapter!

Just don’t read this one while hungry!! 🙂

View all my reviews

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Angela Packard

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vandana is a CEO of a PR firm and her marriage has just ended. Morgan is a PR’s nightmare and a playboy. These two independent people are in for the ride of their lives. They had chemistry that steamed off the pages. The story was well written and I connected to the characters right away. I loved how the destinations that I never thought about visiting were brought to life and made me rethink that whole getting a passport thing.

View all my reviews

Blood and Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau- Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

/0 Comments/in /by

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blood and Ravens is a historically based paranormal romance novel that has a premise that pulled me in from the very beginning. It is book one in a series. Greer is kidnapped and thrown into a ship and taken to New Orleans where she doesn’t know anything or anyone but she is required upon disembarking the ship to stay at a convent and be pushed into an arranged marriage that she wants nothing to do with. Although she keeps having dreams about a man at her bedside that she can barely remember. Enter Theron, the mysterious man at her bedside who can’t help but want her to notice him. I’m a sucker for the rough, tough bad guy who progresses in the story and ‘changes’ or reveals his heart and he’s really a big softie or he has feelings for ‘the girl’ he’s never had for anyone else before. I did enjoy the writing and the story had me hooked from the beginning and I had trouble putting it down, finishing it all in one night. I am looking forward to other books in the series that I hope include at least a little snippet of an update as to how these two are doing with Greer’s deal with Hades.

View all my reviews

Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Series Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau- Review by Lauren West

/0 Comments/in /by

Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved Greer and Theron. The push and pull between them, and the undeniable chemistry made the story magnetic. Greer was a strong and fierce heroine, and you cant help but fall in love with her character. Theron was very much a dark and broody soul with bad boy vibes. Together they are dark, intense, and fearsome. This was a dark tale I will not forget, and I am eager to continue to see if they couple thrives.

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Rayne East

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Magical baking
Book two in the Bake Believe trilogy – Cat and Robyn are up to more crazy mischief. Their magical baking is becoming stronger and family secrets are being uncovered. The story is a fun read with twists and magical mayhem that I have come to expect from this author. The story takes off from book 1, so it does help to read that first. This is aimed at anyone from early teens and up that loves magic and baking. More great recipes in this book too. Bring on book 3.

View all my reviews

The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Jerricka Brown

/0 Comments/in /by

The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing book. I love a good historical romance. I love how the author used some wine terminology in this book. As an enjoyer of wine, I found it very entertaining. This is my first book by this author but not the last. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Jasmin Marie

/0 Comments/in /by

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel is well written and absolutely thrilling! I could not put this down. With every chapter, the author surprised me with twists and turns. The characters were well developed and interesting. What I liked was that I could not read all of the characters and was surprised throughout the novel by what motivated and guided them. In the end, they might surprise you! I highly recommend this book! It will not disappoint.

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Candice Estes

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good follow-up and second book in this series. This book covers Thanksgiving vacation and Cat (along with her family, and Robyn) visiting the family bakery in Arizona and learning more about the family secret and how it works. There was plenty of mystery and fun, along with new information and new characters to enjoy. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.

View all my reviews

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Trish Ann

/0 Comments/in /by

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a very cute story! I’m a cat person but found myself rooting for Toby at times. The first few chapters were well thought out. As the story progressed, I’m not sure if the details were added to plump the story but I didn’t always feel it was connected. I was also frustrated by the ending. Overall, this was a cute story that kids would enjoy reading.

View all my reviews

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Trish Ann

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a cute book. Definitely not something I would normally pick up but I enjoyed it. I thought it was interesting that Cat’s moods while baking were influential of others. This is definitely a good book for middle school age/pre-teen and would recommend it. I also appreciated the recipes!

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Trish Ann

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun sequel to Bake Believe. Again, loved the recipes after each chapter. The relationship of the grandmother with the granddaughters was really special and something I can connect with. This is another book I would definitely recommend for middle school age/pre-teen. I look forward to book three to see where the story goes.

View all my reviews

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

/0 Comments/in /by

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great enjoyable children’s story. This is an engaging story about a dog who is mischievous. He does some things that he blames on others. This is a great story that will take you on a funny adventure. Toby is a fun character that brings the story to life. He is a very likable dog that can teach things to children reading this book. There is also a cat that seems to cause trouble. They are great characters which any child would like. Overall a great child’s story that I highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper

Bake Off is the second book in the Bake Believe Trilogy. This is a cute YA / Fantasy/Kids book that was really fun to read. I truly enjoyed reading this book its got all the ingredients to make a quirky and fun story mixed with a bit of drama, magic and adventure. I do recommend reading the first book if you haven’t already as this book follows it. This author knocked it out of the park with this one. Cat is back and this time we find her and her family going on a Thanksgiving holiday and ending up in the middle of a baking showdown. Cat and Robin find out what happens when you add to much magic and reckless baking together it makes for a nice little disaster. Can Cat figure out more about her baking including the how’s and why’s of it all. I highly recommend reading this book and I cant wait to read more from this Author.

View all my reviews

The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Christine Baranek

/0 Comments/in /by

The Last Cabin GirlThe Last Cabin Girl by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Last Cabin Girl
By: Tom Swyers
5*

This book is amazing. I never read books in one day, but I did with this one. I was absolutely unable to put it down. It is one of the first books that addresses the world with COVID and I have to say, if I didn’t know that part of the story was based in reality it would make for an even more chilling thriller.
Josie is the main character. She has moved to a cabin in the woods along the river along with her children. They are hiding from her husband, well her soon to be ex-husband if he will ever sign the paperwork. They are living in a cabin from her childhood. She was 12 when she saw her first body in the river. She swears it was pink. The town will never let her forget it.
Just recently Josie saw another dead body in pink in the river. She is becoming very paranoid just as rumor is spreading about a new flu-like virus that is killing people in China. Her ex is becoming increasingly threatening and violent.
Josie works as a waitress. Her usual Zumba group is the local gossip mill. That’s where she finds out her ex is dating someone fairly seriously. That is also where she first hears of the mysterious app designer. She never expects that he would come into the diner and sweep her off her feet.
Soon, her ex is missing and suspected to be dead and more bodies are turning up. Unfortunately, she becomes a main suspect which is when the real drama starts.
I truly can’t speak enough for how hooked this book had me. Everytime I thought I had figured out what was going to happen next, there would be an unsuspecting turn of events. This definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I love how the new pandemic was intertwined and how it all played into Josie’s paranoia. This book is definitely one that I recommend.

View all my reviews

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Tausha Treadway

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler. This is a great, sexy, fun read that will keep you flipping pages until you are finished. Its the story of Vandana who runs a PR company. Her business is flourishing but her love life is falling apart. Her husband has just informed her he wants out of their marriage and he is playing for the other team now. Morgan is a Yacht developer and millionaire who is a playboy by all rights. When Vandana is hit up to bring on a new client ( Morgan) she is ready to jump right in especially with her marriage falling apart. What she doesn’t bargain for is falling in love with her new client. Sparks fly when Morgan and Vandana meet but neither one had any plans on falling for the other. Tensions are high and the chemistry is off the charts between the two of them. Will they be able to work together and make a go at a relationship. Read this short, fun, sexy

View all my reviews

Phoenix’s Ascent (Hera Force Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Shelly Kittell

/0 Comments/in /by

Phoenix's Ascent (Hera Force: #2)Phoenix’s Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was intense. I loved the action and thrills. From the very beginning, you were sucked right into the gunfight at the bar. I could just picture it. The scene was set up that well. The character descriptions were fantastic. It was a spy thriller in a book. Tremendous job!! One of my favorites for this year. I started with book 2 so Nadia’s TBI is a little confusing to me. It makes the plot a little choppy but it’s still a great flow. HERA seems to work effortlessly together to find out what’s going down and who is in charge to get them. I was on the edge of the seat the whole time. It would get more than 5 stars if I could give them. Loved it!!!

View all my reviews

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Michelle Mulvey

/0 Comments/in /by

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the book about Toby. He really did try to be such a good dog but that sneaky cat who pretended to be his friend was anything but a friend. Every bad thing the dog did was because of the cat. Dogs have feelings. The love their humans and want to make them happy. Most dogs are very smart and know how to get out of certain situations and they know their humans will always love them even if they can be a “bad dog” great book for children learning how to read!

review by @xchellex

View all my reviews

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Toby the dog reminds me of my dog who likes to have the last say and explain away his antics. The story is intriguing and the animals are funny. I would recommend the story for children between the ages of 6 and 11 but I am sure that children and adults of all ages will enjoy this story. I enjoyed Stephenie’s humour.

I look forward to see what other adventures Toby gets up to.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Angela Hayes

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Bake Off is the second book in the Bake Believe Trilogy by Cori Cooper. This follows on from Book One, so I suggest reading “Bake Believe” before starting this book. I love how original and fun this series is, and as with the first book, this is a clever and imaginative kids/YA fantasy story- with magic, family, humour, recipes, a sprinkle of drama, some teen angst, and a bit of an adventure. I love how wonderfully quirky and endearing the character/s are- they really brought the story to life.
We met Cat Anderson in the first book when her life was turned upside down after she discovers baking, and what her baking can do. In this book she and her family set off on a Thanksgiving holiday and end up in the midst of a baking showdown. Will Cat discover more about her baking talents- especially the how and why of it all? Well worth the read to find out…
Another great little story in this fun trilogy. Looking forward to Book Three!

Thank you, Cori Cooper!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Manipulator’s War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 1) by Elise Carlson – Review by April Binkley

/0 Comments/in /by

Manipulator's War (Ruarnon Trilogy, #1)Manipulator’s War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Non-Binary representation in a fantasy story that doesn’t feel like it’s forced. It’s rare to find that so major kudos to Elise Carlson.

Fans of Narnia will enjoy this fast paced story that shows the power of strength & community. A story that is full of action, betrayal, survival of life, abductions and you don’t want to miss the assassins. This is a fast paced, engaging story that was hard to put down. The plot had great growth which made the story easy to read as well as entertaining.

I’m looking forward to the sequel coming out! I would recommend this to teenagers and even adults like myself who have always hoped for a great representation of us in print.

View all my reviews

 

reviewed by @talamascan

Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cat returns in this YA fantasy that is original, a little quirky and cleverly imaginative sequel to Bake Believe. It’s a feel-good fun and entertaining story. The story picks up where the first one ends. Cori not only entices you with the story but she gives you the added benefit of recipes. The story is humorous and engaging as we journey along with Cat and her family as she learns more about her magic. This is also as story about family and is a captivating culinary delight for tweens and most definitely families.

 

View all my reviews

Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Jenni Bishop

/0 Comments/in /by

Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This is the first book in this exciting new fantasy series. It is full of danger, tension, action and adventure. The story premise is interesting. There are a lot of unique characters with different powers and a lot of information was given for their back stories. Unfortunately, it felt a bit too bogged down with that information and I had to back track and reread bits to try to keep it straight in my mind. It was set in the beautiful country of Ireland which made it easy to imagine.

The Unhidden are now faced with not only dealing with a world in war and chaos but they struggle having to learn what they have become and their new abilities and powers.

I am intrigued to see where Rowan takes us next.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by April Binkley

/0 Comments/in /by

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey

“It’s going to rip my heart into pieces and leave nothing but shreds remaining. And centuries —millennia from now— I will still bleed for you.” – A Veil of Gods and Kings

Ok, I’m still bleeding from this book. Ms. Bailey takes you up and down the range of emotions from sadness to joy and everything in between as you watch these two stubborn men defy Fate & everything around them.

Ms. Bailey put her heart into this retelling of the ancient story. I hope she sticks with this genre a few times as I’d like to see her take on a few other mythos. 5/5 stars

View all my reviews

 

reviewed by @talamascan