Posts

Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Order of VespersOrder of Vespers by Matilda Reyes

The Order of Vespers by Elyse Reyes is an interesting, creative story. Jasper Andrews is in high school but does not live a normal life. Eighteen is rough enough but Jasper has some unique problems. She is involved in a freak explosion that allows a secret group to find out about her powerful abilities. When her family is killed suddenly Jasper takes off to protect herself. She is led into a powerful play between the group searching for her and The Order of Vespers. Can Jasper figure out if she should battle in vengeance for the death of her family or for the greater good?
Jasper is a tough, smart girl who has lost everything she ever knew and is on the run of her life. Her powers are still developing. She is not quite in control of herself and the world around her. The hardest part is that she was raised trying to hide her powers. Now everyone wants what she has. Jasper is caught between two groups and must decide which group has the better interest for everyone.
The writing is good and I always enjoy a creative story. The beginning was a bit confusing to me but I quickly caught what was going on and got deeply involved in the story. The characters were well developed and relatable. The story once it got going was well paced and interesting. It was a quick read that was fun. I enjoyed the book and will look for more by this author.

View all my reviews

The Second View (The View from Here Trilogy Book 2) by Leon Stevens – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

The Second View (Book 2 of The View trilogy)The Second View by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Second View is the second book in The View from Here Trilogy. The book picks up right where the first book left off. It had been a while since I read the first book and I worried I would be lost. Luckily I was not, and I was brought right back into the world contained in the story. Thomas and April are back, trying to find their friend Flick but nothing is the same. Will they find their way? I enjoyed the story-building and the characters. April and Thomas grew as characters and I liked the directions they were taking. I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

View all my reviews

Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES Book 2)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. is the second book in The Cool Thing series. I recommend reading the first book in this series before this one. When I thought the story couldn’t get wilder, the story was continued. This has more twists and turns, fun dialogue, and more. I enjoy the author’s sense of humor and how it is used in the story. For example, I never would think slime could be a character in a story but guess what it can be! If you like a fun, out-of-this-world read then grab this series. I will give look out for more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Divided Lives is a historical fiction tale set in early 20th New York. I have read books by this author before and was intrigued by the blurb about the story. I enjoy stories set in 19th-century Britain but this did not disappoint. Lottie works as a court clerk and wants to keep her professional, and personal life separated. As she becomes embroiled in a high-profile court case, this separation becomes more difficult.
I liked that the author’s information about a real court case during this time period made the story all the more interesting. I enjoyed learning about Lottie. She is intelligent and multi-faceted. I hope that there are more books to continue Lottie’s story. I can imagine that they would be quite interesting.

View all my reviews

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 has books 1-3 of the series. The books included are The Sound of Murder, West Side Murder, and Little Shop of Murder. The series follows musical theater actress Ruby Ecco who has a knack for finding dead bodies in the most unusual circumstances. I have enjoyed this series, and I look forward to more adventures with Ruby in the future.
The Sound of Murder is the first book in the Musical Murder Mystery Book series. I was excited to find this new series by the author. I always enjoy her books, and this did not disappoint. Ruby is part of a traveling theatre troupe, and murder is afoot. But will Ruby find the culprit?
I love the theatrics of the theatre troupe and what this brings to the story. Also, I liked the character of Ruby. She wants to succeed but seems to get overlooked often. So it is a mixed bag when she gets to step up and take on a more significant role.
West Side Murder is the second book in the series. The actors are preparing for their tour of West Side Story, and Ruby is getting some time in with her grandparents in their retirement community. Ruby stumbles across an old unsolved murder. I enjoyed the development of Ruby’s character and getting to know the actors in the troupe.
Little Shop of Murder is the third book in this collection. In this story, Ruby is hired to help figure out a sticky situation. What later turns into a murder mystery and a more complex case for Ruby and others in the theater troupe. I enjoy the secondary characters and reading about Ruby’s budding romance with Rudy.

View all my reviews

Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles #4)Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nightfall in Deptford is the fourth book in the Crescent Moon Chronicles series. I grabbed this because of the blurb involving Christopher Marlowe and time traveling. Little did I know that this was part of a series. This read well, considering I had not read other books in the series, and it has left me wanting to know more of the story but past and upcoming. Tam is a Philadelphia homicide detective that finds her way to England and Christopher Marlowe. Will she be able to change history, or will he meet his ending?
I enjoyed the writing and that not only is the story historical time-travel but there is a paranormal side to the story as well. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed looking differently at the past. I am greatly intrigued by what the rest of the series holds in storytelling. I look forward to grabbing more books from this author soon.

View all my reviews

An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

An Inheritance To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For, #4)An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An Inheritance to Die For is the fourth book in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series. I was delighted to see a new book in this series. For those who haven’t read the previous books, this can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading the earlier books first. Beck is excited to be on the case again. This time it takes her to Miami and the family upheaval of a former college roommate.
I enjoyed this book as I had the earlier books in the series. This one deals with relationships and how they can influence perceptions and events. I liked seeing how Beck has grown and how she is coming into her own. It was also interesting to see some people who knew Beck while in school versus those who know her now. I look forward to reading more in this series and author in the future.

View all my reviews

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hate You Later is the first book in the Lit Lovers series. The blurb sounded like a fun rom-com, and the story did not disappoint. Of course, there is a happily ever after but I enjoyed the realistic dialogue between the main characters. This is a fun, enjoyable getaway read that had me laughing at the story. I also enjoyed the cats and dogs. What better way to get to know someone than through the cats and dogs in their lives?
Georgia is a relatable character to me having difficulty asking others for help. Hudson was a good counter to Georgia. I enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them.
I look forward to reading more in this series soon.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries: Emma is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries series. I have read other books in this series and was glad to pick this one up. Set in 1881 Chicago, we meet Emma a teen who works in her family’s bakery. She wants to do more than work in the bakery and finds herself on quite an adventure. I really enjoyed this series, and this book did not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know the characters especially since I know where the series goes in the later books. This is a great series for young adult and/or cozy mysteries book readers. I look forward to reading more books in this series or from this author.

View all my reviews

Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Grave Digger Academy IIGrave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy II is the second book in the Grave Digger Academy series. Makayla and her classmates have returned to school and are in for a challenging year. There is competition between the academies and the Grave Digger Academy students are the underdogs. I enjoyed the further escapades of Makayla and the gang. They are learning more about their capabilities and growing into them. I also liked that there were interactions with students outside of their school. The teachers are enjoyable as well, and got a bit more time in this book. I enjoyed this book even more than the first and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

View all my reviews

River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

River Witch is my first book by this author. I was interested because of the blurb on the cover. I was not disappointed. The story follows Hester, a farmer’s daughter intrigued by the river, Sabrina, and the river nymphs. I liked that this story was a bit magical while having realistic characters. I enjoyed reading how Hester developed into a young woman. The story has twists and is filled with lore and world-building. The story develops slowly and creates a beautiful dialogue between humanity and nature. I look forward to delving into more books by this author soon.

View all my reviews

Hairballs and Homicide (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Hairballs and HomicideHairballs and Homicide by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hairballs and Homicide is the first book in A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series. I read these out of order but recommend best enjoyed reading them in order. The series is a lighthearted, cozy mystery series that is a fun, quick read. Ellie owns a cat cafe and runs into trouble when a body is found behind the cafe. Can Ellie solve the mystery with the help of her cat and the detective?
I enjoyed all of the characters, even the furry ones. The story is a nice break from the everyday. This book is for you if you enjoy a cozy mystery and like animals. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felines and Fatalities is the second book in the A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery series. I hadn’t read this author before but was not disappointed with this introduction. Ellie, her cafe, and her cats make for a fun, quick read. I enjoyed Ellie and how she goes about solving the murder of a competition judge. The story is lighthearted and fun. The characters, especially the cats, are an entertaining bunch that adds to the story.
I thought this was a nice cozy mystery, and I look forward to reading more from this author soon.

View all my reviews

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas is a short novella part of the Notebook Mysteries series. If you need a bit of Christmas mood but want a good mystery, this is the novella for you. Emma is back at it trying to help Evan answer questions about his father’s death and a bit of a haunting.
I have read several books in this series (not necessarily in order) and have enjoyed the characters and the stories. The snowy weather and historical references to A Christmas Carol are set in Chicago. Everything combined creates a fun read. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more in this series.

View all my reviews

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise: A Dual Timeline Thriller Set in Venice is the first book in the Painted Souls series. I was interested because of the book description and was not disappointed. Focusing on Tintoretto’s Paradise located in Venice a couple’s vacation becomes much more than they ever expected. There is mystery, history, dual timelines between the 16th and 21st centuries, and much more. I was drawn into this story and didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. The setting was absolutely amazing. I look forward to reading the second book in this series and looking out for more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy is the first book in the Grave Digger Academy series. I always enjoy books by this author and this one did not disappoint. Makayla did not get into the first three schools she applied for and is now at Grave Digger Academy. This is the bottom of the barrel of anyone’s choice of school.
I really enjoy the character Makayla and look forward to seeing how she develops in this series. I also enjoyed the antagonist to her character.
This book is a fun, quick read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series soon.

View all my reviews

Together We Stand Volume 2: A Charity Anthology for Ukraine by C.A. King, JA Lafrance, Rose Bak, A.N. Waugh, AM Cosgrove, Crystal St. Clair, Sky Purington, A.L. Morrow, TL Mayhew, C.L. Collier, Jordan Leger, Zorha Redwolf Edwards, Emery LeeAnn, Pandora Snow, M.A. Abraham, Tricia Daniels, Raven Belasco, M.K. Moore, KL Fast, Illustrated by Mikki Noble – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Together We Stand, Vol. 2Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Together We Stand Vol. 2: A Charity Anthology for Ukraine is a collection of 18+ stories by various authors. Some are USA Today Bestsellers while others are new authors. I picked this up because I saw several authors I have read before and it has the added bonus of giving to charity to help those in Ukraine. I have only just started in on this book but have gotten a couple of the stories read. Each I have read is a wonderful story and I enjoy that each story is unique.
The first story I read is Clara’s Story by C.A. King. I have enjoyed many of her books and looked forward to digging into this story. The story is a quick read but definitely throws an emotional punch. How does a family, and especially the mother move on after a tragic accident? The characters were relatable which helped make this story so emotional.
The second story I read was Hidden Treasures by M.A. Abraham. This story is completely different from King’s. The story follows the Drakaina girls, protected by the Drakes. Every summer they go to private schooling that prepares them for living successfully in a world of humans and dragons. I really enjoyed the fantastical elements of this story and how the Drakes were explained. There was a lot of information for a shorter story but didn’t feel bogged down. I also enjoyed all of the characters and their interactions. This was a new author to me but I will look for more to read by them.

View all my reviews

Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

JesterJester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jester is a magical fantasy that will transport you. The land is full of magic, but some stipulations to being magical. What is Lisette to do when her father passes before he can hand down his power? I enjoyed this story of a determined young lady. She is dealt a tough hand and has to make her own magic to survive. At times I disliked Lisette and her choices, but this is part of why I enjoyed this story so much. The author gives truly human characteristics to her characters, making them relatable but also unlikable moments. The story is nice and complex but not to the point of being overwhelming. It left me wanting more and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy Or Not is the first book in The Cool Thing series. Let me tell you, I was intrigued by the blurb, but it does not prepare you for this book. The story is a fun, sci-fi, romance, and adventure rolled into one. The story is really creative, but what did it for me was the elements of dark comedy. The descriptions and dialogue were unexpectedly amazing. I wasn’t sure where the story would take me, but I was not disappointed.
I look forward to reading the next book in this creative series and reading more from this author soon.

View all my reviews

Stitch by Stitch by Marie-Therese Hernon – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Stitch by StitchStitch by Stitch by Marie-Thérèse Hernon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stitch by Stitch is a murder mystery that kept me reading to the end. Elizabeth Candew is newly divorced and trying to dig herself out of a financial hole when things turn darker for her when starting a new adventure. I enjoyed this story and Elizabeth’s story. She is relatable and realistic. I also enjoyed the humorous bits of the story. I think they helped with the relatable aspects of the story—also, a look at MLM’s in a different way. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

The Vilification of Aqua Marine (Working Mask, #1)The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Vilification of Aqua Marine: Superhero Slice of Life Misadventure is the first book in the Working Masks series. I have enjoyed other books by this author before and was glad to see she had a new series. The story is a delightful look at an upcoming superhero or supervillain. Aqua Marine is challenged in deciding what route she will take in life. I enjoyed her character, interactions with her parents, and potential archnemesis, The Overlord of the Dance.
The story is original and interesting. This is a quick read, and I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to how they progress in this series. I think this can be enjoyed by teens and older. I am looking forward to grabbing the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Death & Mirrors (All Things Dark & Deadly Book 1) by SF Benson – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book OneDeath & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Death & Mirrors is the first book in the All Things Dark & Deadly series. I was intrigued by the cover and synopsis of the story, and I was not disappointed. Evaline Wainwright is a delightful character, and she helped draw me into the story. I liked the nods to Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes. The mirror world concept was fantastic and helped guide the story’s fantastical elements. The story was a quick read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and reading more from this series soon.

View all my reviews

Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1)Murder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder Most Pemberley is the first book in the Eliza Darcy Mysteries series. I always enjoy a new take on Austen’s works, and this was a fun read. This story is set in modern-day times with the ancestors of Darcy and other characters from Pride and Prejudice. Eliza is American and has skipped across the pond to meet her father’s family in England. What starts as curiosity about her family turns into a murder mystery.
I enjoyed the characters and the story. It was a fun, light-hearted read, which leaves me looking forward to the next book in the series. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series soon.

View all my reviews

Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Key to His Heart is an emotional read. It is told from a dual point of view through the eyes of TJ and Katrina. The story is sweet and touching. I enjoyed getting the story from both of the main characters. It was great to see how the same story is seen through the eyes of the different characters. Love stories often deal with the situation’s timing, which this one also did. I enjoyed that the story was not outlandish or off the rails with unrealistic scenarios. I haven’t read much from this author, but I look forward to reading more from her in the future. This is a great read to grab if you need some realism and a HEA.

View all my reviews

Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Paige and the Reluctant ArtistPaige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Paige and the Reluctant Artist is a delightful story of a successful gallery curator and Mark, a reluctant artist. I enjoyed the New York art gallery aspect as well as the Montana ranch setting. Paige and Mark are an exciting match that, at times, mirrors the different locations of the story. I like the tension between the characters and how the story develops. This book was my first read by this author, and I really enjoyed the story. I like that the story read quickly but did not feel lacking in any aspect. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enchanted in Time is a wonderfully woven story. I will not say anything specific because I do not want to give anything away. The story is multifaceted and brings all the feels. I laughed, cried, and ripped through the pages of this book. I enjoyed the characters and how their stories wove themselves together. The story read quickly and left me wanting more from the story. I haven’t read much from this author before, but now I will be looking for more from her. I was absolutely enchanted.

View all my reviews

Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan series is the second book in this delightful series. I recommend reading the first book before this one since the story picks up where it left off. Nurse Morgan has got the spirits in her home under control. The ground rules have been laid. She’s in a romance with Dr. Caleb Lightfoot. But now there are some new challenges presenting themselves. The story is full of laughs, some thoughtful emotional moments, and more. I really like seeing how Nurse Morgan is developing as a character and the spirits in her home make me laugh. I look forward to reading more about Nurse Morgan’s life soon.

View all my reviews

One in A Billion (Pierce Brothers Book 3) by Belinda Williams – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

One In A Billion (Pierce Brothers, #3)One In A Billion by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One in a BIllion is the third book in the Pierce Brothers series. The series does have connections from book to book, but each can be read as a standalone book. I have read the previous two books and was glad to see another from this author. The story is a sweet romance that throws a twist on the office billionaire trope. I enjoyed the banter of super organized Victoria and businessman Seth. The book reads quickly, and I didn’t want to put it down. This book is a great grab if you need a sweet romance on a hot summer day. Make sure you grab the others in the series once you read this one. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews

Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes Vol. 21) By Natalina Reis – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

Queen of Hearts (Heels, Rhymes & Nursery Crimes, #21)Queen of Hearts by Natalina Reis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Queen of Hearts: Heels, Rhymes, & Nursery Crimes Vol. 21 is part of a multi-volume series reworking classic nursery rhymes. I was excited when I saw this author had a new book out. The series is standalone stories, but I want to read at least a few more to delve further into this world. I enjoyed the main character, Mimi, and how her story was built. Men might find her evil, but she is just trying to punish those that are cruel and make things better for the ones they torture. I like the twists and turns and the pace of the story. I look forward to this next author’s read and exploring more of this intriguing series.

View all my reviews

The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Sheri Schrader

/0 Comments/in /by

The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Happily Ever After Bookstore is a lovely read. Centered around the Happily Ever After Bookstore owned by Leona, we see three love stories come together. The stories are sweet and tie together seamlessly. I enjoyed the individual stories and characters and how they all tied together. I have a hard time picking my favorite part because they all drew me into their stories differently. I also enjoyed the bookstore being a central location of the story. One of my favorite places to go is my local bookstore. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

View all my reviews