Posts

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short novella is part of the Notebook Mysteries series and makes for a quick and easy read. This can be read as a standalone, but to truly appreciate the background and characters I recommend reading the rest of the series.
Emma and Jeremy are once again set on solving a mystery, this time at Christmas after being invited to a party. Emma begins investigating almost immediately, sensing something is off which is just one of many reasons I love her.
As per usual when reading this series, the author’s easy flowing writing style heightened my enjoyment by painting vivid imagery of both characters and scenery.
As always I eagerly await more from the series!

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Crain

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second Notebook mystery, I chose this for the cover- not only does it show a stunning Victoria era dress, it is very festive. Normally I don’t read a ton of Christmas novellas, but this one was intriguing, especially because it centered around Emma, a character I very much enjoyed in A Parisian Intrigue.

The entire story line revolves around the 5 W’s of the party- the who was pretty easily figured out, but the rest took until the end of the novella to uncover. I enjoyed how this was kept down to a novella- I think the idea, while great in the less than 150 pages, would have suffered in a longer text.

I enjoyed finding out more about Hen, and can’t wait to figure out if her story line continues. Like A Parisian Intrigue, the pacing and world building of this novella made it a one night, but rememberable read. The only thing I wish was stronger was the conclusion, which I thought was rushed.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I rated this a star lower than the first book, 4 stars instead of 5, because I personally didn’t care for the brutal descriptions of the murders, and felt it wasn’t needed in parts to allow the story to keep on moving. I felt the story dragged at times; for example, it was obvious from the get go there were two killers, but the time it took to get there was slow.

I did enjoy the comical name and reoccurring jibes of the task force name (Five Below). My favorite quotation from the book was”The other two grad students grinned. One said, “Murder vacation: band name.” because it comically relieves a relatively dark book (I felt this one was darker than book #1). I did think the reoccurring stereotypical cop jokes got old after the first few references to donuts. Although I did connect with Cade in his dislike of elevator music.

All in all, I would read book #3 of the series when it comes out and see where it is going.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This romantic thriller is the first book in the McIntire County series, and I was hooked from the start. It’s a well-written novel that you can’t help but try to solve the mystery alongside the characters and the well-placed twists throw you for a loop in the best way.
The best display of the great writing is in the character of Nic and her battling with PTSD. Now a Sheriff’s deputy she begins investigating a string of apparent suicides, but her PTSD is affecting her worse as her past is brought ever closer to the surface. As someone familiar with the effects of PTSD it was interesting to see how this would be written and I must say that I was impressed. Obviously not everyone’s PTSD is the same, but this showed a deep understanding of how it can affect the person suffering and those close to them.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship develop between Nic and Con, his understanding and patience as she resists his help and eventually seeing the relationship become more was rewarding among the negativity being faced.
This was a great read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

View all my reviews

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Jennifer Gordon

When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romanceWhen We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance with a rockstar second chance at love theme. Band Idol Rev’s frontman Jordan and tour manger Lex have a complicated history, but now they are having to work together on the bands comeback tour. Whilst Jordan is determined to win Lex back and change his behaviour to make their relationship work this time round, Lex is just as determined not to fall for her ex again. However their undeniable chemistry is still there and so are their old feelings and soon they both decide that their relationship is worth a second chance. Then someone from Jordan’s past starts playing hell with his life which leads him on a path of self destruction, threatening both his future with the band and his relationship with Lex. When Jordan’s past demons come back to haunt him Lex is worried that he’s going to break her heart for a second time. The angsty storyline along with the realistic characters kept me happily turning the pages. The chemistry between Lex and Jordan sizzled off the page and I liked how their relationship developed throughout the story. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life and made me feel immersed in the couples world.

View all my reviews

Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Jennifer Crain

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From right off, the cover builds suspense and intrigue- whom is the attractive woman in the red dress, and why is she standing on a parapet off a building?

First impression of the book was this was one I was going to stick with, because it was well written and fast-paced, and in a style that I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next. For characterizations, I loved how the governor gives Investigator Cade Dawkins the hardest time, only in order to build his own importance and build confidence in his constituents for the next election. I felt for the citizens of Minnesota as Cade works to find the killer.

I enjoyed the soccer-loving authors’ reference to the game, although dislike his taste in the English Premier League and his key players, but thought he wrote about the passes/plays in soccer quite effectively. For whatever reason, I laughed over the line “The killer goosed the gas pedal,” I don’t know if that is regional slang or not!

I can’t wait to read book #2 of this series, and I would recommend this one to anyone that enjoys fast-pasted, thriller-style mysteries.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2023

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is like watching Criminal Minds – if you like that series, you’ll enjoy this read. Out on the dark web, there is a challenge for serial killers to come and outsmart the detective that took down the Blonde Killer. I wasn’t sure I was going to get into the story at the start, but I kept reading and was glad I did – the ending took me by surprise! I didn’t read the first book in the series, but was able to get up to speed in this sequel pretty quickly.

View all my reviews

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Tausha Treadway

Amaleigha Makes a New FriendAmaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt. I enjoyed this book so much. Its a great kids book but even as a old lady, I enjoyed it. Amaleigha’s class has decided to be pen pal’s with kids from other countries. When Amaleigha picks a young boy from Ukraine they become fast friends. Vova is 9 years old and loves going to school and playing with his friends. No one had a clue that while they were pen pals that a war would break out in Ukraine and Vova would go from a happy go lucky child to a child scared to death for him and his family. Bombs are going off all around him and his dad has signed up with the Ukraine Services. No knowing what might happen to his dad scares Vova the most. This is such a great book for ages 4 to 8 but like I said I think all ages will enjoy it. Such a educational, emotional read.

View all my reviews

Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a gripping first book in a new series and I was hooked throughout. Former marine sniper and current McIntire County deputy Nicolette Rivers is investigating a rash of unexplained suicides in the small town of Eider, Iowa. Nic suffers from PTSD and has her own deadly secrets, but things become dangerous for her when her investigations result in her becoming involved in a devious killer’s twisted plot. Eider police detective Con O’Hanlon is also assigned to uncover the truth behind the suicides, but Nic keeps refuses his help. However, when tragedy strikes Con is willing to help cover up the fallout, whilst ‘The Priest’ is keen on exposing Nic’s secret. This was a romantic suspense with plenty of drama and plot twists that kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The small town setting came alive though the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I felt engaged with the main characters, Nic and Con and found them both likeable and relatable. Nic’s PTSD was dealt with honestly and sensitively as part of the storyline. An entertaining and enjoyable read and I look forward to book two in the series.

View all my reviews

A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Tausha Treadway

A Forever Kind of ThingA Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris. This is a great young adult romance. Its about Mina who is a odd girl that hates school because she is bullied and treated horribly. This small town has treated her nothing short of inhumane. She feels like she is all alone in the world until 5th grade and a weird boys shows up for his first day of. They become instant best friends. They do everything together and eventually fall in love. They have both been handed hard losses in life and they are surviving the best they know how. Now they found each other everything seems a little easier. When out of the blue Wes and his family move with no notice to Mina. She is lost again. Going on without Wes is hard but she manages and has a pretty successful ride. Her mom marries someone that has money and Mina inherits the benefits of that. She’s wearing cute clothes, got all the cool friends and even has a boyfriend when Wes shows up at her college after getting transferred. What will Mina do? Will she give up her new friends and life to go back to Wes? Such a heart wrenching young adult read.

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jules Herbert

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young girl Shirl and her Alien friend Eee-ahh go to school together and the lesson is about constellations. This is a fantastic read to engage young ones in science and learning with fun illustrations from a very creative author.

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great artwork, I love how colorful the book is. This is a fun book to teach kids about stars and constellations, especially the with the back of the book listing different constellations and the shape they would appear in the sky. Very informational and fun to think aliens are out there.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries – A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jules Herbert

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fantastic Christmas Novella has the feisty Emma handling lots as she always does when an invitation spikes her suspicions and you immediately know a new mystery is on the way.
This amazing author continually draws me into her world so effortlessly with each and every book I read. The Creative storylines, wonderful characters and descriptive writing of this truly talented author can not be missed! Do yourself a huge favour and read all her fantastic books.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and this little novella didn’t disappoint!

It’s Christmas time…a time of cheer, happiness, and overall well wishes for everyone. Parties are in full swing and Emma and Jeremy receive an invitation to a local party. Others in their company do as well. However, the invitation is not sitting right with Emma. Something just seems off about it.

As life goes on, there are some insiders scoping out the party location. Certain aspects of the location change over a few days and Emma receives word of it. She’s prepared for the party and whatever will happen therein.

These stories are just great little cozy mysteries with historical aspects thrown in. Some of the books in the series are full-length, while others are more novella style such as this one. There is always at least one adventure taking place, and usually more are starting in the background. Emma is a strong character to endure all the things that are thrown at her, often times last minute.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is yet another great book to add to a series of great books. It was lovely to reconnect with the characters that we have become so familiar with over time. As usual, it took no time at all to become invested in their story and what was going on. It always feels like you have never been away from these characters each time you pick up a new book.
The story was well written and enjoyable from start to finish. It is rare a series has the longevity like this one and yet the author shows no signs of slowing down. Each book is as good as the others and this one is no exception. This is a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

View all my reviews

Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Tonya Merritt

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast paced suspense book is just what you need. I loved the story line. Murders, cops, blondes! It was action packed with some romance thrown in too! I can’t read the second book!

View all my reviews

Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Tonya Merritt

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Allan Evans did it again. Another great action packed story following Cade and others. There are some new characters but they blend in well with the original ones. Who is this new killer? Will Cade survive an attack?

View all my reviews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Katie Matthews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really great read. I was hooked into what I was reading quite early one. This is the first time that I have read a book by this author and I loved how engaging her writing style was. I really liked Blake and I did feel for her at the beginning of the story, for her husband to do what he did was awful but the sexual chemistry between her and Morgan was so hot! I was so, so hoping for them to end up together, in my opinion they were both what each other needed in their lives. I really liked all of the characters I the tory, well some more than others!
The story had a really good pace and flow to it and I would highly recommend it to other readers. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author in the future.

@katiem
View all my reviews

This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Katie Matthews

 

This Time Around Audiobook

By Jane Suen

5 stars

 

I LOVED this book so much! I have read lots form this author and I love how versatile she is but I have to say I think that this is definitely my favourite form her so far. I fell in love with the characters straight away. Katie was just an amazing character, I loved her so much, she was relatable, I connected with her – she was just a genuinely lovely person to read about and then add in Chase! Perfection the two of them! The way he stepped up and took in his nephew and the relationship that they had was wonderful. I loved every minute of this story and would highly recommend it to others! The narration for the story was wonderful, they both really brought the story to life.

 

@katiem

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Carr

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a festive novella that is part of The Notebook Mystries series. It can be read as a standalone however I do recommend reading the series so you get a complete idea of the characters and how they are connected. This is a great historical mystery which yet again sees Emma and Jeremy trying to solve a crime and stop the bad guys.
There is a lot happening in this story. From the marriage of Savannah and Ethan and Emma and Jeremy becoming guardians to little Henrietta everyone is distracted.
When they all get invited to a party the day before Savannah and Ethans wedding everyone decides to go. However Emma can’t help but feel like something is off with this party. That it isn’t the fun evening they want and that something sinister is about to happy.
Is Emma’s instincts and gut feeling right? Or is she just being paranoid and looking for danger where none exists.
I have grown to love Emma’s characters through all of these books and I love that fact that it’s a historical story however Emma is respected and listened to when she speaks about her gut feelings. She is a strong and determined character who is like a dog with a bone when it comes to getting to the bottom of a mystery.

View all my reviews

Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such an informative children’s story. A story with learning and fun, for both adults and children. Eee-ahh goes to school to learn, but the teacher wants to know where she lives. Therefore the lesson begins for all, including you the reader. I absolutely love this story. As well as the author. Her imagination opens so many doors for children. Creating so many projects and activities for all who read her book. The story is short enough to keep the children’s interest, and includes so much more. I hope you and your little ones enjoy it as much as my grandchildren do.
Review@cinful

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Party To Remember is a festive novella in the Notebook Mysteries series. I’d recommend it to fans of the series looking for an enjoyable holiday read. If you haven’t read this series yet you should start with Emma to get to know the characters and their circumstances! It’s a fun historical mystery series with a great cast of recurring characters working together.

A suspicious party invitation has Emma and her friends curious and excited. On the one hand, it’s a chance to wear the fabulous dresses they bought on a recent adventure in Paris! But the strange choices in who has been invited, and the private or secretive nature of the hosts means they have a feeling something isn’t quite right.

There’s plenty going on in this book as characters have lots to prepare for – a wedding, the party, performances. Add in a young girl that Emma and Jeremy have suddenly ended up responsible for, everyone’s got a lot on their plate!

This book gets five stars from me. A great addition to the series!

View all my reviews

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is so beautiful, and my heart really hurt reading this one. Putting your pet down is very heartbreaking not only for you as the human but for any pet friends they had. I teared up on this one, but it is a great learning tool to explain to children why their pet would have to be put to sleep permanently.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Carrie Reed

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great short add on to the Notebook Mysteries series. Finally Savannah and Ethan’s wedding has arrived, but not without some mysterious goings on. It was nice to see Emma and Jeremy being parental, I can’t wait for them to finally get married, and that John Harden and Emma kind of buried the hatchet. She is of course still wary of him but he was just as shocked as she was at the party. Gregory is a little mad and it was time he was stopped.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. Her books are full of mystery and characters that bring life to the story. This book is no different. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series as well. They will help your enhancement of the characters and series. This is a shorter Christmas mystery that you don’t want to miss. A story about Emma and an invitation to a party that she is confused about why the invite was sent. Emma is my favorite of the characters. I enjoy her determination and what she adds to the story. This is a fast paced story that I read in one sitting. It is hard to put down and kept me engaged to the end. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book and this author.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Angela Shirley

When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romanceWhen We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alexis is worried about taking the gig as Tour manager for a rock group, not that she could not do the job but her ex is still the front man to the group, can she keep her feelings in check or will the memories of the past be too much for her?

Jordan is in one of the most popular rock groups in the world but when he realises his ex girlfriend will be the tour manager his thoughts went to the time they spent together and after spending time with her on tour his feelings start coming back and he is determined to win her back.

So as they start to become more than friends and the relationship is growing but will someone in his past derail his career and his future with Lex.

This is the first story I have read by this author and I loved every minute of it. Jordan and Lex’s chemistry jumped off the page and with there history you get the understanding that these two were destiny to become one. I loved the secondary characters in this story as they gave the book another dimension and drawn you in from the first word.

The story was well written and the characters were well developed with always makes a book more interesting to read. I look forward to reading more books by this wonderful author in the future.

Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I enjoyed his attention to details that made his story feel realistic and easy to read. A well written story where a detective is in a race against time to find some serial killers. Cade has found a web site for serial killers, not only that but they are targeting him as well. Find out what happens to him. He is a great character that is strong and determined. He is relatable and my favorite of the story. The characters add so much to this story’s entertaining value. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. An engaging story that is full of mystery and suspense. I highly recommend reading this book.

View all my reviews

Review by @bjwagner

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Carrie Reed

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, good read. This book is so informative and scary. I really liked learning the history of the atomic bomb and nuclear weapons, some of which most already know of, dating back to Madam Curie. Hiroshima and Nagasaki still weigh on me and I can’t comprehend all of the death. I really like the glimpse into having bomb dropped in New York, how far it’s reach would be and what would occur afterwards. It was nice to see the breakdown of what to do in the event of a nuclear fall out as well. The whole book was very well researched and thought out, and a very intriguing read.

View all my reviews

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading Ignite My Heart. Being a nanny myself, I can totally relate haha! I liked the 2 main characters along with Ciara. This book is about a woman named Blake who has had nothing but bad luck for as long as she can remember. Her marriage fell apart, her husband decided he wanted a divorce when she could t get pregnant and then married another woman who was pregnant with his baby.
Blake was laid off and now she is staying in a dark dilapidated backwoods cottage of a friends for free.

Blake’s brother decides to introduce her to his friend Morgan who is looking for a live-in nanny. At first, Blake gets annoyed and walks out but after
getting home to a leak, she decides maybe it’s not such a bad thing after all.

Morgan has big baby mama drama. His daughter is 9 years old and now all of a sudden, Fawn wants to see her daughter and wants custody of her.

Morgan and Blake have so much sexual tension that they try so hard to fight until they can’t anymore. Will Blake just be a nanny with benefits or will Morgan finally show her how much she means to him and have a real relationship with her? This is the first book I’ve read by this author and thought it was a good read.

review by @xchellex

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! I feel like Aspen is just continually let down by her friends, family and Phoenix. She feels like nobody is there for her and she is alone, but she can’t keep away from Phoenix, they have this pull between them. I hate how he treats her when we all know deep down he cares for her more than he thinks. The ending is a cliff hanger and I’m dying for the next book!!

View all my reviews