Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Williamson is a first-time author in my house but will definitely be a repeat. My niece and nephew loved reading a story about two of their favorite things – animals and food, especially peanut butter and jelly. I would absolutely recommend this book to others.
Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My band- aid obsessed neice couldn’t wait for us to read this book. While there might not be something going on under each of her many band-aids, she was excited to learn what happened when there was really a real boo boo as she put it. Wickstrom did an amazing job of balancing the information in a way that could engage with both the older kids and the younger teaching them the healing process in a way that would relate to their understanding. Between the writing and the illustrations, I would absolutely recommend this book.
Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Master Oradea and Natalia’s is the tenth in the Master of Consulate Series. Each book adds to the main story that carries through the series as well as has the focus of a couple. It really is best if read in order. In Oradea and Natalia’s book, the Masters are still focused on finding the traitors and rougues. Natalia seeks out Oradea when her life is threatened.
Will they find the traitors?
Can Oradea keep Natalia safe?
Will they get their HEA?
Touched by Skye Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Better than expected!
I was not really sure what I expected with 10 authors writing on one book, but it drew my interest, I had to give it a read. I ended up really enjoying the overall story. A few places did lull for me, but the overall concept kept me intrigued and turning the page. I can not wait to see what happens. The overall story is well written, flows well, and the characters are well developed. I would recommend this book to others.
Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Finders Keepers, Cowboy is the first book by Rachelle Paige Campbell I have read. Set in small town, Montana Meg and Ryan’s relationship will have you shaking your head one moment and the next, hoping the two are able to make things work. Will they get their HEA? Give thier story a read, it’s worth it.
Detective Dylan and the Hunt for Home Plate by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Detective Dylan, his little sister, Emily, and their dog, Theodore, are back on the case! The three work as a team to solve the case of the missing plates. This is the 2nd detective Dylan book in the series, but honestly, I think it was a bigger hit than the first with the niece and nephew. They love these books. I love the fact that two kids who normally are not readers will sit down and read these books! Between the story and the illustrations, there is enough to keep the kids engaged and learning along the way. I would absolutely recommend this series.
Hood of Sedna by Mina Skye
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This paranormal has a bit of everything for you- witches, shifters, fae, and more. The main character Stevie, reborn from a tree, with no memories figures out she must move around because she is not aging. She cares for herself by thieving. She eventually meets 3 strangers who could hold the answers to her past. But is that a good thing, or will it get her killed a second time? This book was a quick, well written, pager turner read. Though it does end in a cliffhanger, it is still worth the read. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Fuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While the synopsis on the back is what had me saying, ” Why not, it could be interesting.” It was Stone’s writing that kept me reading. I really enjoyed this thought-provoking book. It had me looking at some things in a different light. I would highly recommend this book.
Nessie and the Celtic Maze by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is Wickstrom’s third book in her Nessie’s Grotto series. My niece and nephew couldn’t wait to see what would happen on Craig and Linda’s summer adventures this year. They have enjoyed several of Wickstrom’s other books, including the first two in this series. They have really been drawn into each book in the series, looking forward to the next. The illustrations are well done and engaging. I would recommend this book to others.
Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic and imagination!!! This story is full of a bit of both. This is the perfect book to share with the kid in your life who still takes all those adventures without every really leaving home. Wickstrom has continued to paint a story showing you can have a strong bond with someone even when they are not with you all the time, which is what Carrie and her Grandmother have. When she moved, she left 4 boxes each that have contained items that have helped on the other adventures Carrie has already been on. I would recommend the whole series! You won’t be disappointed.
Fashionably Fake by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jumping on mid series, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised to figure it could truly be read as a stand alone; however, rven with that being said I will be going back to read the previous books in the series just based solely on the little tidbits you get on the previous characters storyline throughout the book.
Suckered into helping a friend, Jackson, after he tells a lie the will majority affect both thier lives. Once Ros agrees to help keep up the ruse, things really get interesting. Will the two be able to stay just friends? Get a HEA? Or ruin a great friendship forever? Pick up the book and give it a read to find out. I would recommend it.
Nessie and the Viking Gold by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another Wickstrom story, well loved by my niece and nephew. She has become one of their most asked for authors. Craig and Linda’s adventures with Nessie have become their favorite. They can’t wait to see what adventure they all have next. While this story is geared more toward the 8 to 10 year old range, it can easily be enjoyed by younger children. My family would recommend this book as well as the author.
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another intriguing story in the Masters of the Consulate series. I have loved each of the books in this series, which surprises me. I’m usually done after book 4 they just don’t have the same quality, but that isn’t the case here. Black has kept the story so interesting that you are cursing the end of the book and waiting for the next. The main love story of book nine is Master Botosoni and Catina. Will rules and expecting of the others keep them apart? Or do they get thuer HEA? Read to find out – it’s worth it.
Group Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When life took an unexpected turn, leaving Weston with expenses he could not pay, he decided to rent out a couple of rooms to make ends meet. Enter Callum, a bisexual chef , looking to be closer to work and Petra, who needs out of an unhealthy leaving situation. None are looking for love, but sometimes you find it when you least expect it
Talix is an amazing job developing the characters, even the 🐶’s! The storyline was well written. I had a hard time putting this book down. If you are into MMF, I would recommend it. I can’t wait to pick up another book by Talix.
The Round Box by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another adorable story by Wickstrom, like all the others I have gifted to my neice and nephew. They really enjoyed the imigatry that was painted when we were reading. I appreciate Wickstrom’s ability to teach life lessons at a level that is understandable to the kids. I would recommend this book.
Good Enough — The Deadman’s Tribe Book 1: A Protector Romance / Romantic Suspense by Nicole Craig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this debut novel. The characters had depth. The storyline is well written. Who doesn’t love a strong female and an alpha man finding love. I would recommend reading this book.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
King has done it again; given us a quick, enjoyable read that draws you in and keeps you turning the page. Getting left at the alter on his wedding day wasn’t what Daniel had in mind when he booked a non refundable honeymoon. So when that happens, his best friend convinces him to take the trip anyway. Will he spend his time drowning his sorrows, throwing a pity party, a sting of one night stands, or maybe, just maybe, will he find someone whom Sparks fly with? I recommend picking up a copy to find out.
Nessie and the Living Stone by Lois June Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was another cute story from Wickstrom. Same as all the perivous I have read by her there is a lesson to be learned. She does it with a cute, easy to follow storyline , keeping your child interested. The illustrations also paint a picture of the story. I would recommend reading this book.
Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another great read from Raine. This book really drew you in quickly, keeping you entertained to the end. Lela and Hamish each have their own plans, not expecting the other. Will they make adjustments that will give them a HEA or stick to their current ways? I recommend reading to find out.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story is a quick, enjoyable read. While part of a series, I found it easy to read as a standalone. Hayden and Ruby each have their own reasons for being how they are; however, being stuck together during a storm might just start them down a new path. Could it lead to their own hea? I would recommend this book if you’re looking for an easy read.
Bad at Being Good by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Having read other books by Morrow, I knew this book would draw me in almost from the beginning, which it did. The characters are well developed, making it easy to picture the different ways they are dealing with the terrible loss they all experienced and well as things in each’s personal life. I would recommend this book, but make sure to take the triggers mentioned by the author into account.
Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was another hit with my niece and nephews; Wickstrom is one of their favorite others. They love the invisible wand series and can’t ever wait to see what new adventure Caspian is going to have on his unbirthday. I would recommend this book to others; it’s well written and illustrated.
Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was adorable. There was the obvious kids working as detectives, but it also had so much more. You siblings working together, interaction with thier community, thinking outside the traditional and others. I also really appreciated the interactive section that was included for teachers to use with thier students I thought that was a really nice touch!
Spectral Revelations: A Karina Cardinal Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was the first for me both from this series as well as by this author, but it won’t be the last. The sixth in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone but if I had to guess it would be even better read in order if for no other reason than the character development you gain as the series develops.
I found the writing to be well developed, humorous , laugh out loud at moments , easy – to – read , and not wanting to put to book down. I can not wait for the next book book by Butler. But while I am waiting, I will be going back to read the rest of the series.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an adorable short story lightly touching on caring for and interacting with pet dogs. I really liked that the illustrations also covered both do’s and don’ts making the points even easier to understand for some children. I would recommend this book.
Fractured Hearts-Prospect by D.M. Earl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Celee and Dingo’s story. Earl really continues to keep you drawn into the world ahead had created for this series. This was the 2nd book of the seven from the series I have read, as they can be read as stand alones, but I plan to go back and read the read because there is back story that is referenced/ implied to from the previous I think would just make the story that much better. I would recommend this book.
The Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I almost did not give this book a chance due solely to the length – I rarely read books this long anymore, I am glad i decided to give it a go. It took me a while to really get into the story, but if you can give it a little time to draw you in, it is totally worth it. The characters had great depth, the storyline keeps you entertained, and once you’re interested, you may well find yourself reading every chance you get because you want to know how the story ends.
Wild Lavender, Book One of Heart and Hand Series by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, the first in its series. I can’t wait to see how the next book plays out. I loved Anna’s strength. I would recommend this book to others. However, mentioning the treatment of Anna by her husband as well as those under him may be triggering for some.
Vixen: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Mira and Lucus’s story. Mira’s strength in willing to expose herself to her negative past to help a friend really drew me in. The whole dynamic with the other women in her life has me excited to go back and read the rest of the series while I am waiting on the next book in the series. I will warn there are several potential triggers in the storyline including assault, human trafficking, and death of a child.
Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This novella was a quick enjoyable read. I wasn’t sure what I was really expecting having never read anything from this author before, but I am glad I gave the book a chance. I can not wait to read more from Wilde.
