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Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Shannen Kern

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Lap Baby: Emotional Women's FictionLap Baby: Emotional Women’s Fiction by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I picked this book up because the cover was gorgeous, and the name intrigued me. After reading the synopsis I knew I would love this book, and I was right. This was such an emotional rollercoaster and took turns that I wasn’t expecting at all. I definitely sat on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. My heart broke, I cried, I yelled, and I smiled along as each person told their perspective of that tragic day. I don’t want to give any important details away, so I will just say that you should definitely give this one a chance. You won’t regret letting it touch your heart and give you a new way to look at events in your life. I highly recommend this book!

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Trapping the Butterfly (Butterflies Fly Free Series Book 1) by Debra Parmley – Review by Shannen Kern

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Trapping the ButterflyTrapping the Butterfly by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed all of the books I’ve read by Debra Parmley, and this one is no different! I was quickly pulled into the 1920s alongside Bethany who is trying to find her way in a world that has always been dictated for her. As she turns 18, she begins to learn of the opportunities and endless possibilities in her life. The author did such an amazing job truly setting the scenes of this era, and the story flowed so seamlessly. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series to continue the adventure!

 

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Shannen Kern

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Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6)Earl of Griffith by Aubrey Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this in one sitting unable to complete any other tasks as it had my complete and undivided attention! This is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone and didn’t feel lost at all. However, after reading this book I am absolutely picking up not only the rest of this series, but other books by this author as well. I am addicted to their storytelling capabilities. I felt like I took an emotional journey along with Helen and Conway, twisting and turning in a will they, won’t they read. Maeve is also a gleeful addition to the story as most children tend to be. I loved every scene she was in! If you enjoy romances on the cleaner side but still full of the raw emotions of a second attempt at love, please pick this one up. It’s a quick read and given the chance, it will sweep you off your feet!

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The Hussar’s Duty (The Winged Warrior Series Book 3) by Griffin Brady – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Hussar's Duty (The Winged Warrior #3)The Hussar’s Duty by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although this book is the third in its series, I took a chance to read it as a standalone and still loved it. I’m so glad I did because it led me to pick up the previous books as well since the author’s writing style is just magnificent. I don’t typically read this genre, so I was taken by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. The flow of the story, the incredible details, and the thrilling adventure of it all were fantastic! I also enjoy it when there are maps placed at the beginning as I am very visual, so a big bonus there with me. It did take me slightly longer than usual to find my groove with this book, but I still give it 5 stars because I blame that on my not reading the previous in the series first. I absolutely recommend picking this up if you are at all interested in historical adventures because this will be right up your alley! Even if that’s not your thing, like me, you may be pleasantly surprised with the story.

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and AwakenThe Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir and was glad to have picked it up as soon as I was drawn to it. I love reading all different genres, but something about memoirs deeply touches my heart. This is my first read by John David Latta but I hope to see much more from him.

The state of his life felt eerily similar so when he started opening up about loneliness, being a single parent, and still wanting some kind of connection, I had tears in my eyes. His way of writing is completely engaging. I felt like I was going on this journey with him and appreciated every moment of it. If you are looking for an emotionally raw, captivating, spiritual and inspiring story, this is the one for you. I highly recommend picking this up and reading his touching and eye-opening journey.

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 3) by KG Fletcher – Review by Shannen Kern

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Breathless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #3)Breathless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Breathless Love is part of The Bennetts of Langston Falls series, I read it as a standalone and still enjoyed it without any confusion. Even though I read it as a standalone, it gave me a peek into K.G. Fletcher’s writing style, and I am in LOVE with it!

The author really put my emotions through the ringer with this book. I laughed, cried, yelled, and then repeated all over again. The chemistry is absolutely palpable, it just jumps right off the pages. I’m also a country girl at heart, so I’m a sucker for a good old-fashioned country romance. I instantly fell in love with Hank and Ella Mae’s story. The author has such a brilliant way of drawing you in as if you’re experiencing everything firsthand. I am on my way to pick up all the previous books in this series so that I’ll be fully prepared when the fourth book drops!

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson – Review by Shannen Kern

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Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy #2)Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is nothing about Secrets of the Sorcery War that I would change! This is the second book in the Ruarnon Trilogy, and I really didn’t think the author would be able to top the first book. Somehow they seamlessly pulled it off! I always love it when authors put things in the front to help give you a cheat-sheet, so to speak. Elise puts a map in the beginning as well as a list of characters to help get you on track. That being said, I would say it’s best to read the first book before jumping into this one because this is an incredibly in-depth world with multi-dimensional characters and plenty of drama. We continue the magical adventure with plenty of action, a diverse crew, and all the secrets being revealed. I highly recommend this YA fantasy trilogy. I just can’t wait to get my hands on the last book!

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The Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Boys of Alpha BlockThe Boys of Alpha Block by Nancy Nau Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Boys of Alpha Block as it is the first book I’ve read by this author. The cover grabbed my attention, and the synopsis sealed the deal, so I gave it a go. This is an emotional read as the author really does their best to show the realities of a correctional facility for young boys. The drama will have you flipping pages as quickly as possible to find out what happens next. The boys will do whatever is necessary to escape, but will any of them make it or will they all suffer the worst consequences imaginable?
I couldn’t put this down as I was completely invested in these characters. I am definitely keeping an eye on anything this author releases as their writing style is mesmerizing and engaging. I highly recommend picking this book up to go on the emotional and dramatic rollercoaster that is The Boys of Alpha Block.

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Seen by Lori Nelson – Review by Shannen Kern

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SeenSeen by Lori Nelson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE to read sci-fi and dystopian books, so I wasn’t going to let this one pass me up. I was blown away by how quickly I was absorbed into Mouse and Meph’s world. I read this in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. It’s filled with action, drama, suspense, mystery, and kidnapping! I thought I was in for another run of the mill dystopian world with a storyline that would be easy to guess, but this is an absolute original with twists and turns throughout. The author did a fantastic job with developing an incredibly detailed world, in-depth characters, and gripping suspense. I highly recommend picking this up even if it isn’t your usual genre because it will take you by surprise. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us!

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Editor Kill Fee (The Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries Book 3) by GG Collins – Review by Shannen Kern

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Editor Kill Fee (Taylor Browning Cozy Mysteries #3)Editor Kill Fee by G.G. Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a really fun read right from the beginning. I read this as a standalone and felt like I had a good grip on the storyline, but I am sure going back to pick up the two previous in the series. I found Editor Kill Fee to be very entertaining the whole time and never felt a lull at all. The author knows how to weave humor into this whodunnit, and the cats absolutely add to this read. It’s interesting to become attached to these effervescent and whimsical characters. I hope you pick this up and enjoy the mischievous mystery Taylor and her cats find themselves in.

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The Wandering Isles: A Crown of Stones Novella (Soulbound Journeys Book 1) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Wandering Isles (The Crown of Stones)The Wandering Isles by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved The Crown of Stones trilogy, so naturally I couldn’t let this novella slip by. I wasn’t sure how much I would like it as sometimes novellas seem like unnecessary spinoffs, but The Wandering Isles stopped me in my tracks. It’s a quick read but don’t let that fool you. The author has a distinctive style of writing that grabs your attention until you’re completely engrossed in their world. Sorry for any responsibilities I skipped out on while I devoured this book! Lovers of dark fantasy will 100% love this book, especially if you enjoyed The Crown of Stones trilogy as well. Don’t skip out on it or you’ll regret it!

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Hope and Lies (The Abredea Series Book 1) by C.H. Lyn – Review by Shannen Kern

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Hope and LiesHope and Lies by C.H. Lyn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a jaw-dropping beautiful start to a series! The author does such a perfect job painting each scene in your head with elaborate details. I feel like each page provided vivid imagery with only text which is incredibly difficult to do. I always love it when maps and descriptions are displayed in the beginning of books to help set the stage so to speak. Each character felt relatable in their own way, and I was completely invested from the beginning. While this is a long read, there is no way you will leave disappointed. I am already eagerly anticipating the second book in an already flawless series!

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Shannen Kern

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Fireflies (The Physical Collection)Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fireflies was my first read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised! I absolutely loved reading about Dane and Mike’s open-minded, polyamorous relationship and how well they communicated. There is plenty of drama, and the author makes they don’t show only the pretty parts. Vy felt hard to connect with, but people can be that way in life so in a way it made it even more relatable. I felt like the chapters were a bit short, so I was jolted out of the flow a little bit, but overall I enjoyed reading about this adventure. If steamy, spicy M/M and M/M/F scenes are your jam, this is most definitely the book for you! I can’t wait to pick up more books by A.R. Hadley.

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Shannen Kern

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PROOF: People SafariPROOF: People Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My kiddos and I thoroughly enjoyed People Safari and its gorgeous illustrations! We immediately picked up other books by this author as soon as we finished this one. It will have you giggling and give you a whole new perspective of nature, animals, and our environment. I thought it was a very cute book and definitely made my kids pretend to be animals observing me for the rest of the day! I highly recommend picking this up and sharing it with the younger ones in your life.

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome to Knollville Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Shannen Kern

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Truly Unfortunate (Welcome To Knollville #1)Truly Unfortunate by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing read to get lost in! I couldn’t read it fast enough and was constantly surprised by what would happen next. The way this author creates Truly’s world is nothing short of incredible. I’m not often taken by surprise by books as they can be fairly predictable, but this one delivered. The blend of paranormal and crime was so superb I am searching out others that fit this bill as best as possible! The chapters themselves are a bit shorter than most books I read, but they flow so well together that I barely noticed. I highly recommend picking this up and answering this question yourself…is Truly really unfortunate?

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shannen Kern

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Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor Dixon does it again by creating a magical addition to this series! I read this with my 11-year-old daughter, but I really did enjoy it. Even though the author tries to catch you up with what happens in the previous two books, you should really read them to get the full background and experience. The cultural background is amazing, and I found myself fascinated by each piece of information provided. While the previous two were more of a fun adventure with some real lessons being learned (grief, safety, etc.) this one felt scarier than the others. I still enjoyed it as the author really knows how to make the story flow incredibly well while they tie in the cultural references and life lessons. I highly recommend picking this series up and going on an amazing adventure with Tally and Jophiel.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shannen Kern

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Canada (Tally and the Angel #2)Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not many series get better as you continue, but this is definitely one of them! I would recommend picking up the first book in order to follow along well and get the best experience. Tally has gone through so much in her life already, but her angel Jophiel has helped her through it. Now she must lean on him again in order to get back to her father. This story flows just as amazingly as the first one did! Eleanor Dixon has become an author to watch for sure, and she’s already one of my daughter’s absolute favorites. Even if the synopsis doesn’t sound like something you would enjoy, I’m telling you…it will catch you off-guard! Highly recommend this book and this series. Onward to book number three!

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Tally and the Angel: Book One India by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Shannen Kern

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India (Tally and the Angel, #1)India by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know this book was written for kids, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with my 11-year-old daughter! The author so expertly and flawlessly covers a very difficult topic for everyone, let alone kids, and that is grief. I enjoy the way they covered different cultures and really paints a beautiful picture of India as a whole. Tally definitely goes through some of the most difficult times in this story, but having a friend to lean on makes such a big difference. What a magnificent start to the series, we can’t wait to see what’s next!

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Promised Plan was my first book by this author, and it was an absolute whirlwind of emotions for me. I loved the flow of this story and the way that the characters felt incredibly real. You really go on this journey the moment you open the book. I feel like every family has their own issues and works through them accordingly, but this story tells of a beautiful redemption and strong bonds. Prepare yourself for an amazingly woven journey where the deepest parts of their faith are tested. I highly recommend picking this one up. I can’t wait to see what Sharon Hughson has in store for us next!

 

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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What Do the Plants Say? (Alex, the Inventor)What Do the Plants Say? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful book by a beloved author! My two kiddos are always so excited when I bring in another Lois Wickstrom book, because we enjoy the stories and illustrations, but they always start an unexpected discussion. I feel that there could have been a little more depth, but my kids loved it. I enjoyed the scientific side of Alex the Inventor exploring different options to help the plants and communicate with them. I highly recommend picking this one up and letting your imagination collide with the little ones in your life!

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills Book 1) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Shannen Kern

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The Guardian of Whispers (The Reeds of West Hills #1)The Guardian of Whispers by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun read! My 11-year-old daughter and I read this one together, and we both really enjoyed it! I think the story flows flawlessly and draws you into what the twins, Frank and Jon, are going through. I really enjoyed the imagery created around the Perceptually Gifted West Hills School as well. I feel like I would have read this even without my daughter, so we can’t wait for The Reeds of West Hills series to continue!

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Sleeping Love by Natalina Reis – Review by Shannen Kern

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Sleeping LoveSleeping Love by Natalina Reis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

YES! I absolutely LOVED this different view of Sleeping Beauty and how the author made it their own. I have enjoyed other books by Natalina Reis but was still unprepared for how much I was going to fall for this one. The flow of the story took me a little bit to get used to, but once I found the rhythm there was just no letting go. I love the characters and how deeply invested I became throughout the book. I can’t wait to see what our amazing author has in store for us next!

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Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Shannen Kern

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Cecily in the CityCecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first time I had read a book by this author and read it as a standalone as well. I am going to pick up the previous books in the series as well because this was a super fun read! I feel like the characters are incredibly relatable and the flow of the book was wonderful. I sped through this in one afternoon because I was completely engrossed in this world.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans (Science Folktales)Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful story by Lois Wickstrom! My kiddos and I absolutely loved this spin on a much-loved children’s book. The illustrations are beautiful, and all of the dialogue leaves room for scientific discussions that we had fun with. I also liked that kindness played a very important role in this story. I highly recommend picking this one up and sitting with the young ones in your life to read it together!

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Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Shannen Kern

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Punk (Popov Bratva #6)Punk by Leslie Georgeson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book far exceeded my expectations! I don’t typically read this specific genre, but I am so glad I decided to pick this up. I read this book as a standalone and felt like I got through with little to no confusion. After finishing it though, I’m going back to pick up all the previous books in the series because it was *that* fantastic. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone, so all I will say is that this is an absolute must read. Leslie Georgeson has made it to my author watch list after this amazing book. If you enjoy romantic suspense books with a Mafia theme, you will absolutely love Punk!

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shannen Kern

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yes! I love the story of Lily and Jake! This is a quick love story that I lost myself in for the afternoon. There are plenty of emotions, but the main theme is romance with a western, ranch vibe. The author does an amazing job weaving the funniest quips throughout the story, and I was laughing out loud at some points. I love anything to do with cowboys so this was right up my alley. If you’re looking for a feel-good, contemporary western romance, pick this one up! You won’t be disappointed.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Shannen Kern

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the third installment of the Bluestone series! Ace and Ivy have an amazing chemistry from the beginning, and I love to see the way things progress. The author did a great job drawing these characters towards each other and creating their own little world. I enjoy the dual point of view, but it did feel like sometimes the view switched too quickly which drew me out of the story for a moment. Once I got into the groove though, it was a cute and fun read for the day. I recommend picking up this series, especially if you enjoy contemporary romance with a western theme!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

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Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been one of my favorite series this year, and Brutal Days has pushed it to the top of the list! The flow of this story follows the others well, so definitely pick up the previous books in the series. You’ll enjoy the storyline much more as Isla Vaughn exquisitely weaves everyone together. I really see no improvement for this book because the author did an amazing job creating these characters and the world itself. I was immersed in the teen angst, drama, and baffling lies that seemed to change my opinions of everyone involved. Prepare to be perplexed as each character reveals more secrets and twists the reality of their lives. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store because I can’t get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series!

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Concert Hall Hit (A Darcy Gaughan Mystery) by J.C. Kenney – Review by Shannen Kern

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Concert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan MysteryConcert Hall Hit: A Darcy Gaughan Mystery by J.C. Kenney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book first before realizing that it was the second book in a series. I didn’t feel lost at all, so it can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed it so much that I’m picking up the first now though! The author did a great job building a realistic world and taking you on a fun mystery adventure. Darcy has her work cut out for her because a famous musician ends up dead in his dressing room…and she’s the suspect. This book really keeps you on your toes with the guessing game of whodunnit. I highly recommend this cozy mystery for a quick and fun read!

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of our FAVORITE authors in our home because we always love the interesting stories that are told. The illustrations are beautiful and really add depth to the story. A Monster for Meg helps kids reimagine the scary, hairy monsters in their imagination and relate them to not-so-scary things of everyday life. Meg is blind and doesn’t understand why monsters are so scary. Her big sister, Sue, tries to paint a picture as best she can with her scary, creative voices, but Meg just says that all the scary depictions sound like normal life. My youngest is 7 and sometimes still has trouble with monsters, but this sparked a great conversation about how to reframe those thoughts. I enjoyed the diversity and inclusion in this book as well. Another favorite in our house for sure!

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