Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great book! Summer of Mud is written for middle grade aged kids and I would recommend it for the higher end of that level. The main character is a talented musician with a chance of a lifetime to make her dreams come true. She ends up on a road trip with her older brother and lots of life experience.
A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a ride that was. I love enemies to lovers trope and the author nailed it. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but this read well without having read the previous books.
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Eh its okay. I liked the thought of weird shifters. I struggled with the flow of the story and romance part. I felt for Ducky and her loneliness but I am not sure about the third form. That was different. I personally was unliking of that element of the story but see how it helped move the story another way. The ending was abrupt in the relationship area but came to a conclusion in the secondary story
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance, with a second chance theme which kept me happily turning the pages. Anne was rather cynical about falling in love and Declan didn’t plan on marrying for love, until they met and fell in love with each other. However, Anne’s world was shattered with one text from Declan on their wedding day simply saying “I’m not coming.” Unknown to Anne an agreement that Declan made years before he had even met her resurfaced presenting him with a dilemma, ultimately he had no choice but to hurt Anne. Years later and Declan is back in Anne’s life and is demanding that she give him a second chance, but she’s now engaged to another man. However, having found her again Declan is not about to let her marry someone else, and is determined to do anything to make her give him a second chance. Anne was a very likeable and relatable character, whilst Declan was a more difficult character to like especially as he was a real player at the beginning and slightly arrogant. However, he changes once he falls in love with Anne and the chemistry between them really came across in the story. The storyline had plenty of drama, suspense, angst and of course romance, and along with the plot twists I was hooked from start to finish.
5/5 stars
This was a wonderful story. It’s so beautifully complicated. I could relate so well to it. After my stepfather passed, I found out things weren’t what I thought they were. That really hurt, I thought he was my world. I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer. It’s amazing how much we can relate. I found the characters to be unique and entertaining. Their personalities really showed through. Every personality had so much to work with and on. I really ended up having to listen to this story in virtually one sitting because I was totally drawn it. I found the narration to be good. It’s a story worth using that credit on.
The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Boss of Centocelle is the sixth book in the Commissario Scala Mystery. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone read. However that being said these stories are so good you will want to read more.
This is another gripping crime read that is full of suspense , twist and turns and connections you can’t see coming. It enters the dangerous world of drugs, gangs and the unfortunate consequences of the people who get involved.
What I also love about these books is that the author gives us a deep insight into Commissario Scala’s life and how his job affects his loved ones.
This is a fast paced story dealing with gangs and drugs. And when 2 cousins turn up dead Scala has to unravel a tangled web to find out who was responsible. Was it gang related? Were they killed by a Rival gang or by their own? What was the reason?
As Scala starts to unravel this case another young man is found murdered. He is part of this gang too? If not why was he targeted? And does his death have anything to do with the suspects Scala is currently watching?
This is a story which will keep you gripped, with dangers, jealousy, betrayal, gangs and so much more. It is a very cleverly woven story which I really enjoyed.
Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute little story about a girl who bonded with a dragon. I think many kids will enjoy the story because what child doesn’t dream of owning a pet dragon. I also believe the story shows children how to stick with their beliefs even if everyone else thinks differently. The main character, Wynnie, believes that the dragon can be a great pet and works to prove that. I recommend this story for all the children who love to dream of owning a dragon.
Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another one for my all time favourite reads list !
Meg and Ryan Kinkaid grew up as neighbours and his grandparents loved her like their own , I mean Meg and grandpa Hank were as thick as thieves ! I think it’s her incessant chatter that bugged him but she’s a sweet soul anyhoo she moved away but headed back to her hometown to run an antique store “ Finders Keepers” , she lives in her childhood home , her gran’s actually but she spent summers there , but the land was purchased by the Kinkaids
So Ryan has built yurts for tourists and Hank has come across some old stuff he wants to share with Meg and her quaint store . There are photos which are rather valuable but also hold a sad part of history which Ryan is aware of but he’s trying to right the wrongs of the past , this just makes me love him even more , it speaks volumes of his character …..
Hank and most of the town know these are meant for each other but they don’t 🥰🤣🙈he thought having Meg there might make them realise what they already know 🤣and don’t panic they eventually get there 🥰what a joy it was to be part of their journey I laughed , I cried and I cheered them on their way …
Meg’s dog Colby 🐾🥰also loves Hank and I just love how excited they get to see each other ! There’s just something about a small town and it’s people that gets me 🥰
Love you Hank , Meg , Ryan and Colby 🥰
I can’t wait to read more of Rachelle’s work !
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed
Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series and is a Contemporary Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages, I couldn’t put it down and read in one afternoon. I loved everything about this book and who doesn’t love hot sexy firemen? I sure do. These have sizzling chemistry between them and holy cow did the temperature rise during certain scenes. Whew. Zack and Libby meet for the first time when Libby’s toaster catches fire and Zack is one of the Hot as sin Firefighter s that save the day. She’s a sassy little thing and he loves it. These two banter back and forth and the attraction is off the charts. Can Zack convince Libby to give into a real relationship with him? I loved everything about this book and highly recommend reading it to find out what happens next. I’m already super excited about the next book in this series.
Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summer of Mud was such a heartwarming book about the true kindness of people and a lesson of perseverance. Rebecca Bischoff has written a real tear-jerker novel with such a strong lesson that life may not always bring what we expect, but good things are yet to come if we persevere. As we meet our main characters, Scoob and RC, we see they are doing everything they can to make ends meet for their survival. They had their mother leave them years ago, and after their father passed the year prior, they became homeless, all they had was their musical instruments and each other. Musical talent does not have an age limit, as we see through the brilliant trumpet playing of Scoob, a 12-year-old prodigy who is determined to find a gig playing in a band to help support her and her older brother. Unfortunately, RC has other plans for the two of them, taking them far from home in California, to take a road trip to where he claims to have a big job playing in a music festival. To Scoob’s surprise, they end up in Rexburg, Idaho where they meet up with a girl in a restaurant, Cherish, who RC seems to have a crush on and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave. Scoob and RC meet so many different types of people, from snobbish locals, and suspicious shop owners, as well as police officers looking to question them. They finally come across some nice, good Samaritans who are all about helping those in need with no questions asked on whether they were being honest about who they were or the situation that brought them to town.
This book is a great read that had me in tears by the last few chapters as I followed our characters through their ups and downs. There were times when I wasn’t sure if they would be able to make it through all of the situations that they were caught up in. There were moments when I was in shock by the outcomes that didn’t seem like they could ever survive, it just broke my heart. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would, because it was such a beautiful story showing how strong community is, especially when times are tough.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig is a handy guide on how to become more productive and impowered in your work/life/creativity. It is full of handy tips, insights, techniques, exercises, examples, and strategies on how to achieve a productive life.
It is about stepping out of your ‘comfort zone’ and embracing the changes that will help you achieve your goals whether they be personal, business, or creative- there is something here (for everyone) to help get you out of the rut/block that has you stagnating.
Everything you might want to know, from motivational techniques, to creative prompts, and dealing with deadlines, to taking breaks, becoming effective, setting boundaries, compassion, joyful work, building resilience, abundance, time management (budgeting time, tracing your time, investing your time wisely), the perils of overgiving, how to cope, how to stay ‘safe’ on social media, eliminating, and to not settle into being ‘stuck’— and so much more.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Hillary Rettig!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
What a great informative book. I feel like I just had a science lesson! I loved the rhyming of the story and the little facts also on the page. My 4 year old granddaughter loved me reading her this book. She was more interested in the story and not so much in the facts. The facts will be used and read better by the older children. The illustrations are fabulous and depict the story great.
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story starts off HOT, as in there is a fire in the kitchen. Who knew you had to clean toasters? There is a lot of fun, flirty banter between the female and male main characters. I really enjoyed watching the characters develop and evolve throughout the story. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to more.
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Things start going a little haywire in Irena’s life when her ex-husband falls overboard on a boat trip they were taking with friends. As Irena searches for Jack, the information she finds is not adding up. Jack was in mega debt. He was supposedly running a scam with a friend, Craig. Irena’s boyfriend, Buzz, is not who she thought he was.
As the web of lies starts unraveling, it looks more and more like Jack disappeared on purpose. But maybe not for the reasons everyone thinks. Maybe Jack is one of the good guys after all.
Find yourself wrapped up in this Millersville mystery. It is worth the read.
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! I went into this with absolutely zero knowledge on what this was about, and I was blown away. The way the story unfolds and flows is perfect. I enjoyed every character that was introduced and how they interacted on the page. I absolutely need to go back and read the previous installments in this series.
Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading Can I keep her by Lois Wickstrom, I’ve been hit with a touch of nostalgia. The artwork reminds me of the books we used to read in the 90s /00s, I love it 😀. As we’re reading this my little one asked if we could get a pet dragon🤣 I gotta say it’s a good thing they aren’t real cause I would TOTALLY get one! And tbh we younger folks should be advisors in the real world, they aren’t stuck in their ways and often think outside the box. This was a great story enjoyed by all ages. Can’t wait to read more !
Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Yet again Lois Wickstrom has written a very imaginative tale about finding an egg, hatching a dragon and hoping to be able to train and keep the dragon. Full of great illustrations and a wonderful story. Lois Wickstrom is quickly becoming a family favorite in my house.
The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Strategist: A Forced Proximity Romance (WaterFyre Rising Book 5)
I have been in love with this series from the beginning and that hasn’t changed after five books. If anything I think I might be falling a little deeper.
Arrow and Vivian both have scars from their past, some more visible than others. While there is a crazy attraction from the beginning Vivian is on a mission and that is where her focus is.
Arrow didn’t have the easiest childhood but he had his best friends and we know how much they mean when you didn’t have much else. He has really gone above and beyond any expectations anyone could have put on him.
Once again not a dull moment in this story, while the focus was in Arrow and Vivian we get some time with the others. Now to patiently wait until fall for the next book to be released.
Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I accidentally grabbed the second book instead of book one, but it was written in a way that I didn’t feel that I had missed out on a lot of important information. That being said, I plan to read book one, because I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I want to read more about Molly and her fantastic felines. I am definitely starting to really enjoy the cozy mystery genre and this series is a wonderful fit. It definitely draws you into the action right away and it’s a laugh out loud story with all of the hijinks between Molly and her felines as they attempt to figure out who did it. Molly is a great main character and she is extremely loyal to her friends and her felines. If you like hilarious mysteries with the added bonus of cats, you will love this series!
A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It’s beautiful!
This is the story of Lily Thompson. She’s a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!
This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.
A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I’m very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!
The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Assistant Museum Director Justine Saunders receives a call about a donation that could be a treasure trove of vintage clothing. The caller is Screenwriter Jackson Maddox and first impressions over the phone are little to be desired. Justine will grin and bear it though to be able to glimpse at the outfits and help save her career. A snowstorm, a ghost and a man who is determined to get out of town quick leads to a path neither of them saw coming.
This was a fun one, had a bit of a mystery to it when it came to Jackson’s unknown father. I thought this was a book that was a book that I could easily visualize. Great chemistry between Jackson and Justine.
Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isobel Reed is a first time author for me, but when I saw “hot firefighter” I had to pick it up! Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series. This was such a feel good, quick story but was still fun to read. Libby and Zach’s relationship begins when he rescues her from a burning toaster, and only gets more entertaining from there. Libby and Zach have instant chemistry that Libby attempts to resist for fear of getting hurt. This book has very little drama, lots of humor and wit, and an instant connection. It was a lot less spicy than I am used to, but it was also refreshing at the same time. The characters are realistic, believable, and oh-so-lovable while the world building is well written. I am looking forward to the next book in the Love Burns Series as well as other books by Isobel Reed!
Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Irena is a single mom who’s just trying to make a good life for herself and her daughter while also juggling a business and love life. Her situation is complicated by the debt of child support owed to her by her ex-husband. And then a trip with friends takes a turn for the worst and Irena is left with some difficult questions, and even harder truths. I love Susan Specht Oram’s works, which are always packed with mystery, adventure, and lots of thrills! This new book is told through multiple point of views and follows the unique style of storytelling that leaves you speechless and wanting to read more!
Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this day and age of self-help books, it is nice to find one that matches real life scenarios, both the ups and the downs. Productivity is useful in not only a professional setting, but a personal settings as well. This book helps to motivate and push thru boundaries we may experience. This is definitely a useful tool and a great addition for the self-helpers out there!
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood. This is my first book by this author but wow, it won’t be my last. This book was so hard to put down that I read it in just a few settings. Its the story of Michaela Manning who has lived under a assumed name for over 20 years because when she was 3 she was shot because of her grandfather who was killed as well. Living under the name of Lea Milan as an artist in Europe she has become quite successful and has constantly been looking over her shoulder because of her father and his political aspirations. Maxwell Cole is the security guy who saved Lea at the age of 3 and he continues to look after her all these years later. When her secret identity is in danger of being found out will Maxwell be able to continue to protect her? This political thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat til you are finished. Such a great book!
Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another cute story from this author, I always enjoy getting to check out her books. This is a great book to teach young children not only about counting or other educational skills, but that it’s ok to be different. The children in the book recognize the Dinopotamus wants to learn, but he is a bit different from them. Children will get to see how they embrace the differences between themselves and Dino. I enjoyed the art work as well, it was very cute and young children will definitely enjoy it as well. Definitely a great book to enjoy with young children.
Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First the cover of this book caught my attention then the idea of a duck shifter had my curiosity peaked. The story behind this eye catching cover was absolutely amazing and a fresh take on an animal shifter book.
An odd shifter out as a duckling compared to all the larger animal shifters. Our main character is made to feel out of place and like she just doesn’t belong. Following along her journey to finding herself was and possibly snagging the Prince she has been crushing on?
Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!
Loris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a touching story!
Loris has been in the foster system after a really terrible home life. He has trust issues and refuses to open up to anyone.
He moves to a home with a new family that includes Cam, Inaya, and their foster mom. He initially refuses to open up whatsoever as he doesn’t trust anyone.
His heart however slowly opens the more time he spends with this family and the story illustrates the beauty and bravery of opening up your heart even when it’s scary.
