Posts

Doombringer by Marcel Liemant – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

DoombringerDoombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doombringer is a dark fantasy book full of danger, action, adventure, magic, monsters, secrets, lies, and prophecies. The story centers around the character of Oden who has recently lost his wife and has been left to raise his young daughter on his own. His village has been ravaged by war and their future looks bleak, but Oden is determined to do whatever it takes to shelter his daughter from the doom and gloom of the world around them. He uses magic to keep his daughter’s world looking hopeful but each time he does so he slowly loses a piece of himself. When war looms again, Oden is determined to save his daughter and the world. This was beautifully written story set in a dark fantasy realm with vivid scenes that pull you into the world alongside the characters. The relationship between Oden and his daughter is magical and truly heartwarming. This story had war, loss, hope, love, perseverance, and strong family dynamics. I look forward to reading more by this talented author!

View all my reviews@tarab

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Kerry Carr

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Latitude series. I do definately recommend reading these books in order and if you can start from the Antipodes series as the books all follow on.
This author’s work is always enjoyable to read. The author’s attention to detail means that the reader is captivated by the story and the characters.
We are back in this story following Caitlin and Gio as they learn to find their way in life. Following their hearts they get married but that is the first step in them navigating their journey into adulthood. I did feel sorry for Caitlin in parts. As much as she loves Gio I felt like she has so much pressure placed on her shoulders all at once, from becoming a wife and mother to starting a Ambassadorship. Gio tries to help and support her but wanting to remain a strong independent woman his help isn’t always welcome. This puts strain on their young marriage and with the added dangerous of old enemies reappearing you are left wondering if their relationship could survive. One things for sure Caitlin will fight and stop at nothing to protect what she wants and who she loves.

This is a sci-fi adventure which has twists and turns as well as lies, betrayals and tragedy waiting just around the corner this book will certainly keep you gripped.

View all my reviews

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is part of the Juniper series and follows Elijah and Austin. Elijah is an author and Austin is a chef. Elijah is having problems with writing and Austin, being single, must serve couples. Elijah ends up at the resort Austin works at. Unfortunately, Elijah has nowhere to stay after the holidays and agrees to be Austin’s “fake” boyfriend. Here, he hopes this will be the inspiration he needs.

View all my reviews

Baking a Bicycle, Invisible Magic Wand Series, Lois Wickstrom, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a lovely story, Caspian wants a bike for his unbirthday present but Grandpa reminds him nothing is ever as expected. He wakes up to find some baking dust, can he really bake a Bicycle? Caspian spends the day baking with his Grandpa, can his baking dust turn his doughy Bicycle into a real one?

View all my reviews

I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2023

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. This book shows young boys of Asian decent how they can be strong, courageous and proud of their cultural identity. Affirming where one comes from and the power that we hold within ourselves is important. If I was a teacher, I would have copies of books such as this on my shelf for my students to read.

View all my reviews

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series) by K. L. Small – Review by Emma Samways

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this one, I’ve read the previous ones by this author and this one didn’t disappoint! It follows Rusty as he continues to share a room with Granddad who sadly has Alzheimers. Rusty is desperate to find out where Granddad found the magic brass ring he has but can’t get a straight answer out of him. Rusty does whatever he can to ride on the Christmas carousel in the shopping centre and goes on some epic adventures. Will he learn from his adventures where this mysterious magical brass ring came from? Read it and find out! Highly recommend this and anything this author writes, loved it!

View all my reviews

Bad at Being Good (An MM Brother’s Best Friend Romance) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Barbara Bohls

Bad at Being GoodBad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story really hits home if you have ever dealt with grief of any sort. The way that everyone in the book is reacting and dealing with their grief, allows the reader to see the various ways that grief can be dealt with. Not all of them are healthy ways but that is what really connected me with the characters because everyone grieves differently. There is a twist that happens in this book which I fell really made the story. It wasn’t expected but was so incredibly well done that I can’t imagine the book without it. The growth that the characters have individually and with each other is amazing and shows how having someone to help you through grief can be beneficial. The forbidden romance that happens is amazing it is a slow burn because of the grief that the characters are dealing with but it is there and it seems organic. This was a quick read for me because I got sucked into seeing how all the characters not just the main ones were handling things and if things would get better over time. This book has it all from relatability, raw emotions, love, steam, and growth. Over all, it is a win and probably something I will read again.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

View all my reviews

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series Book 2)Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the author pulled me into the story with their attention to details that made it realistic. This is a well written story that is full of romance and suspense. The twists and turns are like no other and had me turning pages fast. Palvo and Regan are great characters. They are strong, connectable and their attraction pops off the pages. They have great growth throughout which made the story hard to put down. This is an easy, fast paced story that you don’t want to miss. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I look forward to seeing more from this author. I highly recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

Bad at Being Good (An MM Brother’s Best Friend Romance) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Bad at Being GoodBad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is one of my favorites for sure. I enjoy this author’s writing skills that make her characters pop and make the story come to life. This book is no different. It is a well written hard to put down romance story. The characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. They are connectable, relatable and have great chemistry with each other. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout. This is a story about guilt and promises that are meant to be broken. This is a fast past story that had me turning pages fast. An easy to read story that is full of romance and a chance at happiness. I really enjoyed reading this book.. I highly recommend this book and this author.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

This is the second book that I have read by K.L. Smalls and I absolutely loved it. Rusty’s grandpa gave him a brass ring that allows him to on an adventure every time he is on a carousel. He had enjoyed these adventures, so he wants to give his grandpa a gift in return  and Christmas is the best time for that, but with very little money Rusty isn’t sure what to get him, so he finds Santa’s Christmas Carousel at the local mall and hopefully he might come up with the best gift for his grandpa. This an amazing Christmas story and it tells a little bit about another journey that I won’t spoil. It’s a wonderful book and I am glad that I got a chance to read it.

The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book that I have read by K.L. Smalls and I absolutely loved it. Rusty’s grandpa gave him a brass ring that allows him to on an adventure every time he is on a carousel. He had enjoyed these adventures, so he wants to give his grandpa a gift in return and Christmas is the best time for that, but with very little money Rusty isn’t sure what to get him, so he finds Santa’s Christmas Carousel at the local mall and hopefully he might come up with the best gift for his grandpa. This an amazing Christmas story and it tells a little bit about another journey that I won’t spoil. It’s a wonderful book and I am glad that I got a chance to read it.

View all my reviews

Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My kids really enjoyed this book! I love that the author uses science in her books to teach about real life things while also adding in aspects that catch a kids attention to make it fun to learn.
When a water spout comes and sucks up everything from the lake and around it in town and starts to rain all its sucked up, it takes on a new meaning to its raining cats and dogs.

Loved the illustrations and my kids have now read this a couple more times in their own.

View all my reviews

Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off I loved the illustrations in this book very eye catching just made this book even better. I have 3 kids ages 15, 10 & 7 and all of them loved this book. My youngest told his teacher who then told their counselor and I got an email asking what book he was going on and on about and now she is looking into getting this for her counseling sessions she has with each class in the school.

View all my reviews

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Allyson Ware

Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun read. I have never read one of the Jake Wolfe novels before, so this can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed Jake and Cody’s characters. The only reason for four stars instead of five is because I felt like there was a lot of filler that could have been left out. I found myself trying to skip ahead to get back to the main plot.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, the characters, and the world that they live in. I love a good happy ending, and I truly feel like this book deserved the ending it got. I highly recommend for any crime or thriller junkies!

Review by @aware
View all my reviews

Hope For A New World ( The Hope Series Book 1) by Renee W. Peek – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Hope For A New World (Book 1)Hope For A New World by Renee W Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Maddison Bear’s Heart is an environmental lawyer and her life’s work is to protect the earth and those inhabiting it, however, this work is about to be cranked up into a new gear when she arrives at a conference and meets more than just others who share a similar belief. Maddison is approached by two women of Hopi decent who they explain, have been waiting a long time to meet her and now is the right time to speak with her, this is where they explain about the earth as a sentient being named Gaia who has been speaking to them about the end times and usher in a new world and that Maddison is going to be the ones who leads them to safety.

Maddison is understandably shocked by these revelations and at first is reluctant to believe the two women, however, when she realises that this isn’t the first time that she has felt a presence and that this explains a lot of what she has been feeling for a long time. As Maddison is introduced to the other people in attendance, she realises just how much responsibility has been thrust upon her shoulders, however, she knows she isn’t alone in the mission she has been given, but to the outside, she has to project a different exterior so that they can achieve their goals.

This mission is further clarifies when the sister of Gaia, Adelphi approaches Maddison through another voice saying that she will welcome them if they can travel to her, so Maddison is tasked to work with the military so that they can use one of their newest ships to undertake this journey, however, it is not all smooth sailing when people have to be left behind on their own journeys to help in Gaia’s transition and someone sabotages the ship. Will Maddison and her colourful group of women, men and some animals be able to survive the journeys they are on, or will the military and those associated with it destroy their chances before they can even begin? This is a journey which is filled with twists, turns and an unprecedented level of unpredictability in this adventure to a new planet where hope is the only sure thing which everyone is relying on.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

Christmas Cove by Sarah Dressler – Review by Jules Herbert

Christmas CoveChristmas Cove by Sarah Dressler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good Christmas themed story this time of year to help boost my Christmas spirit and this absolutely did not disappoint with it’s wonderful story filled with great characters and all the Christmas feels! America and Leo completely weaved their way into my heart and will stay there for a long time. I will definitely be looking for more books from this fantastic author.

View all my reviews

Encounter With Old Coyote by Laura Koerber – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Encounters with Old CoyoteEncounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andrea is a woman at the end of her days, she has been an atheist all her life, however, when she dies, she is astounded to find that she becomes a ghost! She is even more confused after spending the night alone and desperately seeking answers to meet a being with the body of a man, the face of a coyote and antlers, especially when he begins to make coffee and introduces himself as Coyote.

Andrea immediately starts asking questions about God, the afterlife and why she is still there, however, the Coyote isn’t as forthcoming with the information she wants, but what he does do is share a story and that is where this story really begins. Andrea and Coyote begin a journey where they share stories from their lifetimes and these range from youthful adventures involving indulgence and vomit, to observations of the world including spiders in showers, losing a bra in a truck stop and the existential questions of existence.

In this story, filled with stories you will be inspired to think of your life and what you will leave behind, as well as the stories you will tell in the future, but most of all, it will make you think about what you can do to create more stories in the future, as you make your way through a gentle, yet thought provoking journey of reflection.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

I Am A Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This charming book is all about encouraging young Asian boys to be themselves and find the beauty, courage and brilliance of their culture and everyday life.

With the lovely illustrations, this book is suitable for everyone and will bring a positive look at life which is not just limited to the targeted audience as anyone can learn from the messages within.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

View all my reviews

Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Rayne East

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in The Latitude series, Orenda follows Caitlin and Gio as they continue to bring together the community and face unexpected obstacles and tough challenges.
I fell in love with this world from the very beginning in The Antipodes series. The author draws you into a world that is reflective of our own and makes the reader vested in each outcome. Immersive, creative and unpredictable this whole series is amazing. Eagerly awaiting the next book. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews

Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Angela Hayes

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Unexpected by Laylah Abrams turned out to be quite the unexpected read- in a great way. With such an unassuming, although somewhat charming cover, I really didn’t know what to expect – but the blurb sounded promising, so I snapped up a copy and set off to explore.
What I discovered was a fun story with a bit of a fairytale-esque vibe to it. With plenty to keep me flipping the pages of this feel-good romance.
-Celebrity heiress meets waiter/struggling artist ✔
-Different worlds collide ✔
-Opposites attract ✔
-finding love unexpectedly ✔
-Sweet story ✔
-chemistry ✔
-Character growth and development continues over the course of the story ✔
-a dash of drama ✔
-a sprinkle of angst ✔
-Light-hearted ✔
-Memorable ✔
This is my first read by Ms. Abrams, but after enjoying this story more than I expected, it certainly won’t be my last.
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Abrams does next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Laylah Abrams!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book #2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Angela Hayes

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Orenda is the second book in The Latitude series by T.S. Simons. This story/series is an extension of the Antipodes series, and is quite an intriguing read.
As with the rest of the series, this is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic, sci-fi story with action, adventure, romance, challenges, danger, drama, tension, suspense, surprising developments, mystery, emotion, family, friendship, community, betrayal, tragedy, revenge, and more.
As expected, Ms. Simons once again put her characters to the test. Caitlin and Geo take us along on their adventures as they work towards community harmony- but things aren’t going to be smooth sailing- especially when they get bind-sided by an old enemy putting them, and everything they’ve worked so hard for, at risk.
Looking forward to seeing what the next book has in store for us!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, T.S. Simons!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Angela Hayes

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars

 

I Am A Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmations Book For Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu is a cute and inspiring book that teaches children the benefits of daily affirmations. And although this is aimed at Asian boys- I think the affirmations are applicable to all children, with a little re-wording.
The affirmations are accompanied by some seriously cute, charming, interesting, and colourful illustrations that easily captures the reader’s attention, whilst also engaging the imagination, and thus helping to reinforce the affirmations..
Affirmations are a great way to build confidence, mindfulness, and possibility. This is full of many wonderful affirmations that will help nurture happier children.

“I’m a brilliant Asian boy
I’m curious and love to learn
I know it’s ok to be wrong
I can always take multiple turns.”

“I’m a balanced Asian boy
I’m excited for what my day brings
From school to play to family
I can juggle many things.”

This is an imaginative, fun, engaging, and enjoyable children’s picture book that helps develop confidence.
Happy Reading!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Ghost Takes A Vacation (Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Ghost Takes A VacationGhost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series Genie and Adriana Darling Cozy Paranormal Ghost Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone novel. This cute cozy mystery will keep you guessing and turning the pages. I liked the idea of a side-kick sleuth is a ghost! It makes the novel interesting and fun to read!

View all my reviews

Unexpected by Laylah Abrams – Review by Beverly Finnie

UnexpectedUnexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How many romances have we read where one character is wealthy and one is living in poverty? How many of those are the billionaire male and the struggling female?
Well Unexpected is the story mentioned in the first question, but the roles in the 2nd question are reversed. The author put together a sweet heartbreaking story of two people who see one another but let things hold them back from who they truly are. The growth displayed within the 2 main characters was frustrating at times and beautiful at others.
Claire is a socialite that wishes to be more than a pretty face. A former model who has extensive business zeal and knowledge in engineering & programming, but no one sees it. They see what she wants them to see. The many masks she uses to navigate a very publicized life. Thanks to the paparazzi. That is until she meets Nick, her waiter, a one off stranger. Yet this stranger can see right through her masks to who she truly is. Well at least the parts she will share. She wants him but could she ever really have him as more than just a fling. He’s an artist that is below her social standing, but she doesn’t want to let him go.
Nick never expected Claire to ever show an interest in him. What started as a fling turned out to be a lot more. With a fear of losing his grad school scholarship due to his lack of/confusing paintings feelings. Claire’s presence in his life even as a random night here and random night there has had a profound impact on his work. She’s his muse. He’s taking risks, using bold colors and strokes, and not being as precise and detailed as previously perfect his landscapes used to be. And those higher ups/visitors at school are starting to notice.
However the social standing between the two of them is a glaring fact, that’s staring them in the face.
Can they get past it?
Will they finally admit how they truly feel about one another?
So many questions and plenty of answers. No romance is ever just pretty with no conflict. It’s how the conflict is handled that determines the outcome. The conflict in this one is heartbreaking because you as the reader want these two to defy the odds, you’re rooting for them.. And the need to continue to see what happens will have you saying “just one more chapter” when you have something to do and should be going to bed.
Me, well I’m going to be looking for other works by this author.
You will be making sure you carve out a window to read the book in one shot. Because you won’t want to put it down. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

@placexba
View all my reviews

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Lucy Machard

Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What I expected with this book was definitely not what I got with it. Bear with me, that’s a good thing. In my honest opinion, there aren’t enough well written, well developed, and just… over all good MLM books. RWRB; was good. SoA; also good. I loved those stories. I love reading them. But a lot of the lesser known MLM books I’ve read have either turned into DNFs or were less than what I expected.

This book exceded my expectations. I was expecting a cute little fluffy romance with some character background for some light development here and there. Some decent smut here and there, with the typical moment where they fall in love and push each other away, and then everything’s all right in the end.

That’s not what this book is.

First of all, huge props to the writer for the way she wrote this. Also in my experience, a lot of gay romances and sapphic romances are written a certain way where they don’t exactly feel the most realistic, and they just… they don’t feel right.

This book was nothing but perfection. Austin and Elijah fought each other and everything from the very get go, and both had so much trauma to heal from before they could be healthy together. It was written beautifully, with amazing character moments that genuinely made me cry. It took me a lot longer to read than I expected; partially because I just got over being ill, and partially because I found myself needing to absorb more and more of the book to take in every detail. It’s raw, powerful, and a book of healing and love. Elijah’s moments with his family and how they treated Austin were top tier. I immediately ordered a second copy of this book, and I’m sure I’m going to get more as a gift to give to all of my other queer and LGBT friends. I’m not a large part of the queer community, but as I member, I fully think this should be talked about MORE than RWRB, and damn near as much as SoA.

Highly, highly, highly recommend.

View all my reviews

The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Amelia Stansell

The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was good. It showed us what our future could be, technology wise anyways. Frankie wants to be a superhero, but in order to do that she has to go to a poverty zone. She knows whoever goes there never comes back. Does she pass the test? Is she finally able to be a superhero?

View all my reviews

I Am A Bold Asian Boy (Asian Family Series) by Yobe Qiu – Review by Gabrielle

I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys (Asian Family Series)I Am a Bold Asian Boy: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Boys by Yobe Qiu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice book that helps to give young Asian boys a way to feel strong and self-assured. It helps to show that they can be proud of who they are and their culture. Each new page gives a new reason for them to be strong. It also contains nice illustrations of different cultures and different activities. It is a good way to give young children positive support. It is a quick read with colorful picture making this a good book for young children.

View all my reviews

Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Michelle Austin

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good 4 star read. If you like second chance romance, you will enjoy this quick read. I really liked both characters. These two have a history that includes a huge misunderstanding. Years later they are brought back together to work on the same case. The more time they spend together old feelings start to come back. Can these two move forward from the past? Overall, I enjoyed this book. We get romance, love and so much more. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. I look forward to reading more from her. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Cindy Rushin

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story about a boy who wants to be a detective. I found it a very interesting story. If you have any kids who find doing detective work fun and interesting then I highly recommend this book for them. I liked how Dylan included his sister in his adventure, it was nice to see them working together. The book is funny and I really recommend it for your little detectives as a fun read.

View all my reviews

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Jennifer Crain

Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“A Knight in Peril” by Alice Bienia is a gripping and thrilling mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story centers around PI Jorja Knight, who arrives in Istanbul only to discover that her best friend Gabriella has vanished. As Jorja delves deeper into the case, she is thrust into a dangerous world of lies, secrets, and corruption.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is its atmospheric setting in Istanbul. Bienia’s vivid descriptions bring the ancient city to life, immersing readers in its rich history and mysterious allure. The author has clearly done her research, and the attention to detail shines through in the way she portrays Istanbul’s dark underbelly. Readers will feel as though they are walking the streets alongside Jorja, navigating the twists and turns of the city. And humor along the way, for example, a character who speaks Turkish and English can’t think of a “bucket list” and calls it a “pail list,” lightening the mood. (Side note- I also learned about another version of Cliff’s Notes, called Cole’s Note!).

The pacing of the story is excellent, with Bienia expertly balancing moments of high tension with quieter, introspective scenes. The sense of urgency is palpable as Jorja races against time to find her missing friend. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end, making it a truly gripping mystery thriller.

View all my reviews
@bookworm1909