Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a GREAT children’s book about self care. We teach our littles to be helpful to others, but we forget to teach them to know how to take care themselves because if we don’t take care of ourself, we can’t help others! The illustrations and overal theme of this book is fantastic! LOVE!
The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Synchronicity of Love is a memoir based on one man’s journey as he worked to transform himself and his life after a series of devastating blows and losses. After standing by his wife through her cancer journey the author finds himself alone and now a single dad. He is severely in debt and finds himself sinking deeper into despair as he struggles with the debt and fear of not being a good enough parent to his children. He is angry at his wife for leaving him and consumed with the crippling fear of death coming for him. The author feels bitter, sad, distraught, and overwhelmed at the circumstances that he finds himself in. To move forward he finds ways to cope and goes to a retreat that leads him on a journey of Unconditional Love that transforms his life.
This was a beautifully written, poignant, and thought-provoking memoir that many will be able to relate to and find inspiration from. Many of the stories are open, honest, and filled with raw emotions that will have you reaching for the Kleenex. Others are inspirational, encouraging and will have you looking at your life in a whole new perspective. Overall, this collection will pull on your heartstrings and reach into the very depths of your soul as you take the tumultuous journey with the author through his transformation. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the author for your courage and strength in sharing your journey and innermost thoughts and feelings with us.
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had a hard time getting into this book, but once I did I really enjoy the characters. It kept my attention an was funny.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Editor Kill Fee is Book Three in The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries series. It is a beautifully written cozy mystery about the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the president of the Sante Fe Wine and Crime Book Club. While on her way to the book club Anita Juarez somehow manages to take a wrong turn and for the life of her cannot figure out how it happened. Anita is now on the infamous forest road 63A which has been nicknamed Devil’s Road by the locals. To get back on track she tries to turn around but in doing so she gets stuck in the ditch. She climbs out of the vehicle and intends to walk back to town to get a tow truck but feels inexplicably drawn into the woods.
When Anita does not show up at the Wine and Crime Book Club meeting her friends become worried and honorary member Taylor Browning contacts Detective Sanchez of the local police department. Taylor Browning is no stranger to the police as she has been in the wrong place at the wrong time in the past and has spoken with Det. Sanchez so frequently that she has him listed in her contacts. As it turns out the area Anita disappeared from has been notorious for numerous disappearances over the years. Taylor is now determined to figure out where she went and to solve the mystery of Anita’s disappearance. This leads to Taylor going undercover as a delivery driver and discovering the disappearance of a local restaurateur. Things begin to surface, and the mysteries intensify but Taylor is determined to get to the bottom of who or what is doing this. Things heat up and someone seems unhappy with Taylor and her friend’s interference and snooping around. When their lives are at risk it is up to Detective Sanchez to solve who is behind everything and save them.
This was a great book with an interesting storyline that pulled me and from the first few pages I was hooked. I loved how the author immediately lends an air of mystery, suspense, and intrigue with the setting of Devils Road and Anita being drawn into the woods by a mysterious force. It gave me goosebumps and I could not wait to read what happened next. The characters are well rounded, lovable, and relatable. Taylor is one smart cookie who is ambitious and determined to get to the bottom of a mystery. I loved how she was relentless in getting to bottom of Anita’s disappearance and unravel the truth behind what was going on. A great book with mystery, drama, suspense, intrigue, and twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end.
Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, this story has Jacqueline with her mother trying to sell the cow for money for food. Meeting a stranger who gives her three beans to plant with her mother upset she was so careless, it isn’t until morning when things change and Jacqueline and her mother get the surprise of a lifetime.
This was a fun retelling. I liked the illustrations. I think children will enjoy this one quite a bit.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A Monster for Meg” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1681534608l/120498400._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/120498400-a-monster-for-meg”>A Monster for Meg</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5575714644″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Sue is trying to explain how monsters are to her sister Meg. Meg happens to be blind so she can’t see any monsters, so her sister Sue tries to explain monsters and Meg always comes back with a question or statement to Sue. This was an adorable story and explaining adaptations.
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
This is my first audiobook by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I enjoyed how the narrator used different tones to make the story engaging. They had me coming back for more, just to see what would happen next. It is a story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty. There is an entertaining value to this story that makes it easy to listen to. This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I highly recommend this audio book
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first children’s book by this author which I enjoyed reading. This is a great older child’s book about Taylor and his friend Jim and the trouble they find themselves in. They are not sure who to trust on top of that it is a race against time for them to be saved. This is an engaging story that any older child/young adult would enjoy reading. It takes you on an adventure that you will have to find out how it ends. An engaging story with characters that are connectable and made the story easy to read. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first children’s book by this author which I enjoyed reading. One of the things that I enjoyed about this story is the meaning behind it. Children will learn about social skills and how important it is to take care of yourself. This book has great colorful pictures that will help keep the child engaged throughout the story. It is one that they will ask you to read over and over again. This is a great book that any child would enjoy for sure. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Trapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by her yet. I never hesitate to pick up this author’s books. I enjoy her writing style and attention to details that give the stories a realistic feel. This book is no different. This is a well written story that takes place in the 1920s. A story that has some suspense and romance combined. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. An engaging story where the characters pull you into their world from the start. They are connectable and added so much to the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. There is great growth of the plot throughout. There are twists and turns will have you coming back for more. I really enjoyed reading this story and one you should not miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Review by @bjwagner
The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more from her. I found this book to be well written and engaging. A story about boys trying to break out of prison. But they neglect to think about the consequences of their actions. Is escape or freedom a dream for them? I enjoyed these characters and what they added to the story. They are connectable and made the story come to life. A fast paced, hard to put down story that has a lot going on. I enjoyed how the author did a great job of keeping things engaging which helped me from getting lost in the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. You don’t want to miss what happens to these boys. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it
Review by @bjwagner
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by her. I never hesitate to pick up her books. I enjoy her writing skills that are used to bring the story to life on each page. This book is no different. This is a well written romance paranormal story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world from the first world. They have great chemistry and an attraction that is undeniable. I enjoyed watching their growth throughout the story. Rose has a plan but what she didn’t expect was to be attracted to the enemy.. What will fate have in store for Rose and Titan? This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss for sure. It is engaging where the characters will have you coming back for more. This is a great story that I highly recommend.
Review by @bjwagner
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve not read fantasy in quite a while and I had a few reservations but I must admit I’m grateful I got the chance to read this , cover-art is just amazing 😉
The Shinree are a suppressed nation and “bred” as slaves and to serve and wait upon others ( this really saddens me )
Ian is a Shinree and cones from a family of warriors so it’s pretty much expected that he’s pulled into the ongoing war with the Langorians ….
Ian has a good heart but at times it felt like his goodness was being taken for granted and what’s a good story if there’s not a dash of romance 😍 all in all a magical welcome back into a world of fantasy 🍄
A Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! It was such a great read, my girls enjoyed it as well. The way Meg’s sister describes the monsters o her because she is visually impaired is unique and also informative.It’s well written and unique. Definitely going to read more from this author.
Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis is different take on Sleeping beauty with a mix of so much to make it a good read. I find this book such a good mix of magic, drama, family, friends to lovers, shifters, and so much adventure.
Ayo, saved the man of his dream with a kiss but that’s where the drama and the adventure just begins for him and Yi. Two friends that grew up together find love and the evil king takes away the magic fro Ayo and sends him to prison. Yi the prince simply wants a good life in the arms of the man he loves. Can the journey save Ayo?
This is my first book by Natalina Reis but I found the world she created addicting. Very strong characters that you can help but like, and a world that draws you in. This is one of my first male romance and it did not disappoint in any way. I strongly recommend this book and author, you will not be disappointed in any way!
What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can never decide which books by Lois Wickstrom are my favorite because every time I read a new one, I love it. This is an Alex the Inventor book and it’s one of my favorites. I love the science involved and how everything is explained in a way a child would understand and wonder. Lois Wickstrom has a way with teaching children the things that you don’t think about teaching them.
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.This is a sweet little book. I’m not too sure that young children know quite what self-care is but I think this is a good teacher for helping them know what to do when they maybe feel grumpy. Either way, it can start a discussion. I love how the story brings the whole family together. Family is important, especially in today’s world. The pictures are bright and engaging. A very sweet book that can be enjoyed by many.
Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this remake of Sleeping Beauty, you’ll fall in love with the characters. Ayo and Yi are the perfect romantic couple. Is a kiss just a kiss or is it love? This story has action, adventure, friendships, and of course love. It takes a few chapters to get into the story and then you are hooked.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was my first read by the author and I can say…I wasn’t disappointed at all! I found this book to be a thrilling murder mystery mixed with quite a bit of movie and musical references, which just made the book that much better! Darcy finds herself in a unique situation as being a number one suspect to murder! Darcy just can’t fathom how this predicament came about, but the one thing that she knows is that she needs to find a way to prove her innocence. This was a fun small town mystery that had plenty of twists and turns! I enjoyed every second of reading this book. I found out that this book was part two of a series, but not once did I feel lost, the author did a great job of writing the backstory into this book. I will be going back to read the first book because this one was so good! I definitely recommend reading this one as it was definitely enjoyable!
Mary Espinoza, May 2023
Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, what a tale of twisted love this is. Rose and Titan aren’t necessarily meant for each other but, dog gone, the sparks and chemistry pull them together like two magnets. MMMMM, the steam coming off those two. A tale with a little bit of a fairy tell retelling. It’s delightfully entertaining with characters that are quirky and twisted, cranky and odd. Rose and Titan have issues and baggage but can they work it out to break the curse? Not telling, you have to get the book and read it. This author does a fantastic job with writing a story that will pull you in, give you the giggles and make you sweat. Not to mention, look at that eye candy on the cover. This is a paranormal romance with a twist of suspense that will make you want to hide in the tower just to read it by your lonesome.
Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a very cute book! Helpful Hudson is so many of us in the world no matter the age anyone could learn from this book. You have to remember yourself when you constantly help others. Definitely recommending this to everyone I know.
Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has a lot going on. There is an overuse of detail but it doesn’t harm the story. This book reminded me so much of Missing 411 and kept me entranced to every word. It’s a quick paced book with tons of knowledge to be learned. A modern mystery on the shoulders of a young editor.
The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every story digs deeper into your soul and reminds you how small you can be. John told the tales of his life and the way things happened to him perfectly. You’ll keep turning pages to find out what he is going through. The book teaches you to love more boldly and how well life lines up for that love. Great book to read, even more than once if you’d like.
Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney
Concert Hall Hit is a Cozy Mystery that will have you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what happens next. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely going to check out what other books they have written . This is the perfect Cozy Mystery to curl up on the couch on a rainy day and get lost in the pages. The characters are developed, relatable and real and make the story come to life. I was so invested in Darcy and what was going on in this story that I had no idea of the time. What would you do if you were the last person to see someone alive? What if you were considered their number one suspect? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Consigliere’s Revenge by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love all these dark mafia romance books, they are some of my favorites to read. This one was exceptional from the get go.
Lorenzo is the consigliere to the Larussio mafia family, whose job it is to ensure the Larussio family maintains their position in the crime world. So when an innocent family member is kidnapped he knows retribution must follow and is planning on how to execute that so everyone knows not to try something like it again. Then in walks Izzy, a reporter who is hell bent on uncovering and reporting all of the mafia’s dirty little secrets. She is not even on Lorenzo’s radar until he spots her in the VIP section of the Larussio property. This becomes a battle of not only attraction but wits as Izzy aims to expose the mafia for what it truly is. The attraction is palpable between them and with Izzy being a thorn in their side she is offered a job to write the stories they want her to publish. It definitely starts out as a love hate relationship that quickly evolves but there are enormous trust issues on both sides. Can Lorenzo trust someone who is determined to air the mafia’s secrets? Can Izzy trust someone whose past is as dark as his eyes? Will they ever be able to find common ground to make a relationship work or is it doomed to fail?
This was an amazingly well written book that I for one could not put down. The characters are well thought out and diverse. The action starts from the very first page to keep the reader immersed and engaged throughout. This book is a keeper and I will recommend it to everyone I meet that enjoys reading any type of book because this has a bit of everything in it!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63117069-underboss-s-retaliation” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666945808l/63117069._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63117069-underboss-s-retaliation”>Underboss’s Retaliation</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5574078187″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The second book in the series is an amazing continuation from Bosses Vendetta, In this book we follow Dominic as he finds his place as the underboss of the family, starting with the destruction of the home of their rival family. <br /><br />Emilia, thinks she can escape the Larussio family when they stormed her family home, her, and her brother escape, but are they safe? <br /><br />Taken hostage, kidnapped, held against her will, all of these are all thoughts that must run through Emilias head when she is really being protected. <br /><br />Truth can hurt when it is spoken by those that should protect you with their lives, Emilia finds her family is not as close as it should be, and her parents lie. <br /><br />I found this book a joy to read, the characters continue to grow and the world around them is well described. I cannot wait to read more
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) romance, with a bit of an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, lies, jealousy, friendship, intrigue, emotion, and much more.
The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Damon and Cole, and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are the football stars of school, and every girls dream- and they know it. The final year of high school means that plans are afoot- bucket lists are made, and Skylar has an important quest that she has been tasked with. But Damon has an agenda of his own. Soon, sparks fly, and things heat up- and you guessed it- things take an intriguing turn that you won’t want to miss.
Damon and Skylar’s story is set to continue in the next instalment- “Brutal Nights” (Book #4). So I can’t wait to see where we go from here. I am also excited to know that each of the elites are set to get their own book/s as well, so we will have more books to sink our teeth into.
This is the third book in the series, but the first book in Damon and Skylar’s story, so it could be read as a standalone if you wanted. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous three books (prequel, Book #1, Book #2) before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, and other ‘groundwork’ which knowing will definitely help elevate your reading experience of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! Brutal Days was explosive. Damon was so one dimensional and angry in the Cole and Riley stories but to get inside his head and to see his passion in general is wild. Seeing his relationship with his cousins shows more of who he is and watching passion for football and for Skylar definitely switches it up. He doesn’t get told no very often, so what happens when he finds out Skylar hates him and all he represents?
Skylar is the school journalist who hates sports and athletes, especially the elites, with a passion. While she remains professional in her job, one of the only things she really loves beyond that is her best friend Gia. Gia and Skylar couldn’t be more different, other than being outsiders to the popular kids. While Skylar sees that as a pro, Gia has a 4 stage plan for her senior year that includes no longer being an outsider, or a virgin. While Skylar does NOT have any interest in the 4 things Gia is planning, she does love her best friend and wants to see her happy – and that’s how she makes a deal with Damon, who Gia has set her sights on.
Trying to help her friend and trying to swerve Damon’s advances just leads to lie after lie and Skylar isn’t sure what she wants, anymore.
I love the writing style and how engrossed I am with this authors work. There is a ton of information woven into the story without feeling like it’s tedious, or like it’s an afterthought. Psyched for more of Damon and Skylar!
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Savage Truth is book 2 in a set including a prequel and book 1. I’m not sure how easy to follow book 2 would be without reading the other two prior. It picks up directly where book 1 ends.
Riley is a high school student who has spent her entire life on the run with her mother, from her incredibly dangerous father. This means a lifetime of sticking to the plan, changing appearance to blend in, using fake names and running cons.
Riley and Cole already loved to hate one another, but living together has really put it over the top. Book 2 brought no less passion, but less in the form of hatred between them. Everything is a game of cat and mouse and along the way, they discover some things and make some real connections. I’m making an effort not to post any spoilers but it doesn’t leave much specifically to say.
Book 2 was good and I was pleased with the ending. In comparison to the prequel and book 1, which felt more that I was totally engrossed and couldn’t put it down, this felt rushed. So many things happened that answer a lot of questions, and it was well fleshed out in terms of sharing the entirety of what the author envisioned, but with a ton of conclusions fitting into a very small section of the book – as though everything had to fit into (x) number of pages. Until I hit the part that felt rushed it was completely enjoyable to read. Descriptions are easy to follow, backgrounds of favorite areas are clear, looks and emotions and experiences are still a fun read, I just feel the author didn’t do her talent justice to rush some pretty conclusive sections. Definitely worth the read, starting with the prequel. Looking forward to reading Damon’s story next!
Obedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First time reader of this author Liza Snow. Honestly I found the book to be an awesome read. A real emotional thrill ride. I have not had the pleasure of reading a book where they were an Aerialist until now. It added a real layer of intrigue for me especially after finding out that he was interested in Shibari. I find it truly interesting how they do that. Some will say its artistry work, tying one up like that. The cover really drove me to try this book. I loved it. It was beautiful. It has some real spice between Cassandra and Chandler. I would highly recommend reading this book.
