Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fun little spin on the story of Chicken Little. Lois Wickstrom does not disappoint when writing children’s books. The text is written in a fun manner that engages the person reading and makes it exciting.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I’m sure we have all heard this story. We love the rhymes with the names of each character. But this author took this story so much further! She turned this rhyming story into a Science Investigation. WOW! She did a fantastic job with sounds, adventure and investigating. I could not wait for my grandchildren to hear this version of Chicken Little. We had so much fun dropping things as well as going for a walk to find some of the things the characters had found. What an adventure we had. This author has become one of my favorites, as she has fresh ideas and makes reading so much more fun for children as well as adults. Fantastic Story!
Review@cinful
The Summer I Went Crazy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really emotive read. The author does a great job with the characters. While the subject matter is a bit hard to read the author handles the subject in a way that is respectful but allows the reader and insight in the thoughts and feelings of the people involved and the repercussions of the incident that took place. This story is fast paced and has turns in I didn’t see coming.
When Ben finds a young girl at a party, naked and very drunk he is horrified to discover that in her drunken state there was guys taking advantage of her. Unsure of what to do to help her being in a drunken state himself he locks the bedroom door to stop anyone else entering the room.
Since that night Ben has been terrorised with images about that young woman. Did she consent to what was happening to her? Was she even aware of what was going on? And if she wasn’t aware or didnt consent does that mean his best friend is a rapist?
This story is seen through the eyes of a privileged young man with the world at his feet and feeling untouchable with his friends. After what happened with Claire his world starts to unravel as the guilt of what he had witnessed starts to eat away at him.
This book is very emotional and the writers writing will make you feel every emotion that Ben is going through. All the anger, angst and guilt really jumps off the pages at you.
Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story picks up right after the events of the first book. As with the first book, be aware of content warnings. This story deals with some heavy subject matter that may be difficult for some readers.
I felt like this book is actually better than the first one. Where the first one was a good story, it didn’t have the overall feel of a usual MC tale. This story brings the atmosphere you would expect from an MC book. The intensity was higher. The suspense was better. You get to see how strong the women are to a better degree. Shadow’s character felt more real to me.
The one thing that I didn’t care for is there were times it felt like Panther’s heritage was fetishized. I’m not sure if it was written that way on purpose to reflect something about the characters since most of it was in dialogue, or if it is the way I interpreted it. Example: One of the characters says, “I’m assuming he’s Native by those awesome cheekbones and beautiful long, black silky hair… Can I have one of those for my next birthday?”
Overall, I enjoyed the story!
Tink by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First, know going in that, as mentioned in the book description, this is not a sweet romance. There are no specific content warnings listed, but this story deals with some heavy subject matter and some on-page scenes that may be difficult for some readers.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story, but in just a few pages, I was hooked. It didn’t feel like the usual MC tale, but the world-building is great. The characters have good dimension. The story has suspense, danger, and romance. Even though I had it figured out shortly into the book, I enjoyed that there was a good story line with the romance. The one thing I didn’t care for was how some of the guys don’t view the women’s MC as a true club.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Looking forward to the next book.
The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Empty Box (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom is another cute and fun children’s story. Caspian is celebrating his unbirthday and receives another fun, silly gift from his grandfather. The box is empty when Caspian opens it but his grandfather says it is an invisible magic wand.
This book has a great lesson and cute illustrations. My sons really enjoyed the story. I feel like it really helped us fire up our imaginations. It also helped reinforce the lesson of waiting for rewards. I highly recommend this book to young children.
Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderful small town love story that that includes family, betrayal, love, and romance. Walt and Elyse are a match made in heaven but will they be able to survive along distance relationship?
Mission 3047 by Stuart Ledwith PhD
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ok I have to start by saying Science Fiction is definitely not a genre I normally go for so it took me a little while to find my groove with it but I am very glad I took a chance on something out of my automatic comfort zone with this book and this author. I enjoyed the fun characters and adventurous storyline even though the relationship or Partnership or however you want to class June and Sarge was difficult for me to wrap my head around. I guess it weirded me out because it isn’t something I could ever imagine doing but then when you think about it reading is a chance to experience things, places and adventures you normally wouldn’t right?
Chicken Little Investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a fantastic read with great illustrations to further enhance the wonderfully written story from this very talented author. While the character names are the same as the original chicken little story, this wonderful telling takes a different, far more scientific look at chicken little at first thinking the sky is falling. I highly recommend giving this a read! I am sure it will become a favourite.
Shadow Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Humans, Shifters and Vampires was all I needed to know in order to pick up this book and start reading and I am so glad that I did. This is the first book of this new series and it will leave you with a lot of questions unanswered at the end BUT this will definitely keep you intrigued and I am sure not so patiently waiting for the next book. I know I will be more than happy to return to this storyline and cast of characters because I need to know more! I have to say I was hooked and intrigued with Kodiak right from the very start. There was just something that drew me to this character while it took me a long time to come around to Tamaska. I still have mixed feelings about her but I am sure as this series continues and we learn more that I will grow to understand her more. This is also a new author for me and I am now officially a fan and looking forward to more.
Master Calabrea: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
– [ ] Another amazing story! As the series continues each vampire couple continues to raise the bar with how far they will go for immortals and each other. Calabrea and Tansia have a pull to each other from day one. Tansia is absolutely amazing and captivating. Beautiful woman with a brilliant mind. As she immerses herself more within the task she’s given she learns that she has higher calling within the paranormal world, and this new life is just beginning. Calabrea is set in his ways and stubborn, but can only deny their situation for so long! Just like the others this book is a must read. Whether you start from the beginning or the end, you just wanna make sure you read it.
Shore Lodge: A high-stakes psychological thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I started this book , finished it and then took a few days and read 2 others on between and then re read it ! Why ? My mind was so absorbed with the cruelty of Jaclyn’s kids that I couldn’t give an honest opinion of the story as a whole , I know , I’m strange but it is what is , right ?!🤷♀️🙈🤣📚❣️
Jacklyn and her husband are celebrating their anniversary and he literally drops dead ! Everyone grieves in a different way and my heart aches for Jaclyn and I think it’s because I’ve experienced loss and it feels like your heart is outside your body and you’re just this shell so when she has a mental breakdown I just want to hug and tell her it’s going to be on and help her through it but I kept telling the empath side of me to stop 🙈 then her it’s decide she needs a retreat and my shackles went up 🤬
While I was mad the kids I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Rose to a degree because she’s got enough on her plate as it is and it seems Dusty has altering motives and doesn’t want to be saddled with the burden of his mother 🤬 and he’s pulling the wool over Roses eyes
I felt murderous as n Jaclyn’s behalf when she realised that her retreat wasn’t what it was made out to be and man this woman has a fighting spirit despite the crippling heartache and that made me love her so much more !
A brilliant read that had my emotions all over the place 😉
The Empty Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was very cute! The lesson of imagination in this book is wonderful and it is not limited to age. The relationship between Caspian and his grandfather and mother is very nice to see. I like how Caspian was a sceptic at first but his grandfather assured him that if he just used his imagination, he would enjoy his present.
Reviewed by @jaderockslife
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A BWWM historical romance. Greta Fay has fallen in love with a man at first sight but it is going to be frowned upon by everyone in their town. Christopher is supposed to be marrying Minnie but he doesn’t love her and doesn’t want to marry her just for her money, but feels obligated to do so for his father. But meeting and admiring Greta Fay for her stance or equal rights for people of color has Christopher falling in love with Greta Fay. This is a good story for a quick read.
saving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hansel and Gretel went on a picnic with there father. He taught them to leave crumbs for animals so the animals can lead them back. Well Hansel and Gretel hear a sound and go looking for what it is. Gretel puts into action what her dad told her about crumbs. After a lot of roaming around she finally finds her way back to her dad. Fast pace children’s book. I highly recommend.
Chicken Little Investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was really cute. It gives a great lesson for kids and shows how important and helpful friendship can be. Chicken Little is also teaching her friends about gravity without even knowing what it’s called. While they are learning about something new they are also learning that they are free to be creative and have different opinions about the same thing and none of them are wrong. The value of friendship, creativity, and lessons is prominent in this book.
Ruthless Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read the prequel and absolutely loved it. This book couldn’t come fast enough. I could not put this book down. I read it very fast, in about 1 day because it was too good. This book lacks nothing. This is a must read! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Shadow by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book blew me away! The second of the series, this one is incredible. Female MC club and these women are insanely strong characters. This book took me on a ride through all the emotions in my wheelhouse. I felt wrung out after reading this, and was struck by how profoundly this author was able to reach me as a reader and allow me to feel, and almost experience this storyline alongside the characters. Panther and shadow were amazing and their dynamic was powerful. Great book!!!
saving the gingerbread house by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can never rave enough on how much I love Lois’s books!!!!!
This one is the cutest play off of the original children’s story of Hansel and Gretal that I have ever read.
I read this one out loud to my 18 month old daughter. And she just sat and listened. She also really liked the pictures. Kept pointing out the animals.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another enjoyable short novella in the Studs of Clear Creek County series. These can be read as standalones; you don’t miss anything if you choose not to read the first book.
I have previously said that I enjoy the fact that the author does not shy away from the racial divide and difficulties faced at the time this series is set. I find this quite refreshing as I have often come across the typical idea portrayed that the wild west was a brilliant time.
I love the writing style the author uses, its flows so well and makes the reading experience more enjoyable. The descriptions bring the scenery and mannerisms of the characters to life and I feel as though I am transported there standing alongside the characters as they navigate their surroundings and relationships.
I was a little concerned prior to reading that this book would be similar to the last and I would have difficulty separating the two, but I’m so pleased to have been wrong! The storyline does have some similarities, but the characters and their story are vastly different, and this makes the characters more alive in my eyes.
Their personalities and ‘quirks’ really shine through in the way the author is able to portray the emotions and circumstances of the characters through description alone without the need to state it outright. Greta Fay is a strong female character, and I absolutely loved her attitude and passion for the fight for the rights of the black community.
I do wish the book was longer but I’m happy to have been able experience Christopher and Greta Fay’s story unfold.
Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good grump & sunshine trope… and this book did not disappoint! This was my first time reading Belinda Williams, but I loved her style of writing and found this book so easy to breeze through. I will definitely be looking at the rest of this series! This book, however, was perfect as a standalone too. I definitely recommend this if you like HEA and easy-to-read books.
The White Knight Cowboy Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a short but enjoyable historical romance with cowboys, what more do you need?!
I found myself drawn in within the first couple of paragraphs. The scene is set, characters briefly introduced and the danger that Lovely Jo is in is make clear very quickly – I was gripped. I found myself needing answers to my questions about what happened. I could not put the book down until I knew everything.
The desperation Lovely Jo feels about her situation is portrayed well through her body language and actions which I liked, it built the tension for me.
It is a talent when authors are able to show you someone’s emotions or circumstances without outright saying it.
Dusty’s own situation is also made clear I don’t know what it was about him but I loved him instantly. As the story progressed, the love I had for him only grew. I found his reactions and thoughts relating to his predicament and the options available to him believable and I pondered whether I would make similar decisions in his place.
Their chemistry was clear and the way they both grew/developed as people made sense in relation to their growing relationship and their individual circumstances.
I love the writing style used in this novella, it was easy to follow and flowed so nicely. The vivid imagery created by the author was able to convey so much and I was transported from cold wet England in 2023 back in time to California in 1895. The racial divide was not overlooked to make it an ‘easy’ love story, so it was refreshing to see that the historical time portrayed was shown not just as the amazing, great wild west often seen in films.
I wish the book wasn’t as short, so I could enjoy their story a little longer, but honestly it is written so well that the book isn’t lacking even though the story is a short one.
The Forlorn Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a western feel to it. The storyline has interracial, age gap and forbidden love themes, and cowboys! Rancher Christopher falls in love with the much younger Greta Fay, but unfortunately for him he’s already marrying socialite Minnie Locke. To complicate things further, Greta Fay is a black activist fighting for the rights of Clear Creek County’s black citizens. Christopher has to choose between his growing love for Greta Fay, and the fact that if he marries Minnie he will become a very rich man. Meanwhile, Greta Fay’s dreams of fighting for Negro equality have put her at odds against her parents and the law. However, it’s her growing attraction to Christopher that threaten everything she stands for. I felt the chemistry between Christopher and Greta Fay, and liked how their relationship developed. The descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story.
5 Stars
The Thieves (The Millersville series) Audiobook by Susan Specht Oram
The Thieves is the second book in The Millersville Series. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely a fan. I read the first book in this series and I definitely recommend reading or listening as its just as great as this one. I listened to this in one sitting,the narrator’s voice lured me in and kept me glued to the story till the end. This is a fast paced thriller about recovery mission and determination to save her father. I highly recommend listening to this book to find out what happens next.
How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I do not normally read non-fiction books but this one piqued my interest. I have always wanted to write but never knew where to start. I have always enjoyed historical romance books and wondered what the process was like to write one. This author did a wonderful job at laying everything out for you and what the process looks like from start to finish. There are even examples of making your writing better. They are also very encouraging throughout the book which I really liked. This book is a great resource to utilize regardless of where you are in the writing process!
Chicken Little Investigates: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is very good for the little ones. The characters have a lot of curiosity and intend to find out the answer. The characters are very relatable to young children. I love how certain words are more artistic than the regular words. It makes the words more noticeable and very appealing to the eye.
Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars!!
CeCe LaRue is familiar with the heat of a kitchen but she’s not about to be burned by another man in her life. She’s quite content working at Max’s Diner in Buckeye Falls. When an opportunity comes up to enter a cooking contest, CeCe is hesitant but interested.
Evan Lawson is that friend that everyone wants to have. Always a smile or hug to share, Evan is a remarkable guy. Is he perfect? No…show me a perfect guy please and I might change my mind. Evan is finding an attraction to CeCe though as they work side by side at the diner everyday. He’s actually been crushing on CeCe for quite some time and when the cooking competition comes up he’s hoping it’s a chance to get even closer to her.
A past flame in CeCe’s life could scorch any hopes of this relationship ever going anywhere if things don’t change fast!
I loved this second book in this series. I did read the first one as well and equally loved it. This can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoy the style of writing in this series and the stories come to life before you as you read. I found myself tearing up and angry and then the next minute I was fist pumping and hollering for a victory! I’m excited about the next book but was a bit surprised as to the characters in the next one!! I was just sure it would be someone else featured but hopefully their story is coming soon too!
The Summer I Went Crazy by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read by Laura and it was absolutely amazing. The main character, Bennie is trying so hard to enjoy summer before he heads off to college. After one horrible drunken night, everything that Bennie thought was true is twisted around. This summer is going to be one to remember and change everything. If you like coming of age stories, then this is the book for you.
Chicken Little investigates by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lois Wickstrom has done it again. Chicken Little investigates is a very cute tale. Chicken Little and his friends decide to investigate items falling and the sound they make. As they make their way to see the King, they pick up more friends with different sounding items. All that they want is for the king to name the sound for them. If you love cute children’s book, then this is the book for you.
Echoing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An amazing story of both sides of love being a failure, but crazy how Rea’s best friend has to be part of this crazy love and wants to be part of the ride.
Dean never cared when he was dumped at the church and Rae had never wanted to do with love in the beginning since her mom had problems but like they say love will always find its way back to you and will bring a whole lot of problems.
Brandon is longing to be with Rae but does not know how or when to put himself out there.
