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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Handle With Care (Chase Care Book 1)Handle With Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a first book in a series about Hunter – a doctor and head of a hospital. It is a love story… one between Hunter and Selma. Both are afraid to get close because of past relationships gone wrong. But when Selma finds herself in a third world country alone, pregnant and sick – she hopes that Hunter will be there to help her. I enjoyed the story line – the one of helpers helping helpers and going against the odds for love/friendship. At times, I got distracted by the story line with the background stories. But all in all, a good romance read!

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Chatroom with a ViewChatroom with a View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Chatroom with a View is a story with a ton of twists and turns. The main storyline is about Troy and the idea that he inherited a gene that makes him evil like his father and grandfather. The story starts out with a grisly scene in a cabin in the woods. It then morphs into Troy getting revenge on two girls who bullied him in high school while a psycho girl falls for him and is intent on making him belong to her. Through it all, he has a great friend in Stitch who helps him through many unfortunate events. This book is a litte far fetched and at times seems like there is just too much going on, but overall the story line is interesting and the characters are well developed.

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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My Pearl HeartMy Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you like angst and drama this is a read for you. The three main characters are Jasmin, Cadence and James. They each have secrets and desires that you discover as you read the story. I found the story interesting, but struggled connecting with the characters – especially Jasmin. I did enjoy the author’s style and kept reading as I did want to see how it ended. Romance, drama, roxic friendships, and so many ups and downs .

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Prequel) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Night Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation #0.5)Night Hawke by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a prequel to the Hawke Family books. Warning- it is a very steamy book…wow! We meet Issac, who has just graduated from law school and will join the family business in New Orleans and the beautiful red head named “Jack.” They meet up at a bar and go spend two nights in the throws of steamy escapades… they are both sad to leave each other in the end. If you like books with lots of sex and action, this book is for you. While this type of genre is not my go to read, I kind of want to read on in the series to see how their relationship grows.

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Things are ShakingThings are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Last year Caspian received a Magic Wand from his grandfather. It could speed up and slow down time. In this story, his cousin Belinda asks for a Magic Wand because she wants to be able to do the same. It is pretty cool to speed up time through things you might not like so much and slow down time to enjoy the things you love. Speeding up time through an earthquake, getting out of the house safely, and running fast are just some of the things Belinda does in her adventure.
As always, Lois Wickman’s books are a great read for children!

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reality tv in book form! This book is book two of the series and can be read as a standalone.
The two people in our story are Abi and Finn. Abi is struggling making ends meet and finding a man. She finds an ad for a reality tv show and throws caution to the wind. Finn is a well known actor who needs to clean up his image. He decides the tv show might be exactly what his reputation needs. When they meet they find they are a match. This is a well written read and I really enjoyed this book.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan An Alternative Guide To Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a book I wouldn’t have thought to pick up and read – I’m not a practicing magic type of person. However, this book was quite surprising and I made tons of connections within it to my own life. A couple of quotes from the book that spoke to me: “Look for the beauty in the little things too often overlooked in our rush to get from one place to the next.” “The Divine Feminine is the nurturing and creative energy within all of us, regardless of our gener – she represents healthy sexuality and relationships…”
This book is about the five major parts of everyday magic… “radical self-care, routine as ritual, pleasure magic, synchronicity, and exploring the energies of the un/expected.” It talks about tuning into yourself and your connection withe universe instead of manipulating things to get desired outcomes… to trust the path you are on is the correct path. As an educator, wife, mother, woman, the idea of self care and self love is so important. So be okay to find the quiet time to focus and practice listening to your mind, body and spirit.

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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tanya Wall, January 2023

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Practically Pagan An Alternative Guide To Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie is a book I wouldn’t have thought to pick up and read – I’m not a practicing magic type of person. However, this book was quite surprising and I made tons of connections within it to my own life. A couple of quotes from the book that spoke to me: “Look for the beauty in the little things too often overlooked in our rush to get from one place to the next.” “The Divine Feminine is the nurturing and creative energy within all of us, regardless of our gener – she represents healthy sexuality and relationships…”
This book is about the five major parts of everyday magic… “radical self-care, routine as ritual, pleasure magic, synchronicity, and exploring the energies of the un/expected.” It talks about tuning into yourself and your connection withe universe instead of manipulating things to get desired outcomes… to trust the path you are on is the correct path. As an educator, wife, mother, woman, the idea of self care and self love is so important. So be okay to find the quiet time to focus and practice listening to your mind, body and spirit.

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Revenge Never Rests (Tallie Brown Suspense Book 2) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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Revenge Never RestsRevenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in a series. I did not read book 1. While it was good as a stand alone, I think it would be better for the backstories to read book 1 first. In this book we meet Tallie. She is a strong woman character who is on the search for the answer to the disappearance of a missing girl and then of a General Kaswell. Jackson and Tallie have a strong connection and have to make a decision as to whether they should work together or separately. This happens just as she discovered who her real father is.
Throughout this story, there is intrigue, conspiracy and high action. It kept my attention and was a good read on a really long car ride over the holidays. If you like this type of genre, you would rate it much higher than a three.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ginny goes back to her small hometown to help with father due to him needing surgery. The only problem is she left that town and her ex-husband, Max, two years prior. Ginny’s ex-husband whom she hasn’t spoken to since she left two years prior. OF course, being home at Christmas time brings back nostalgia and second thoughts. Max finds he still has feelings for Ginny – will she find those feelings are still there for Max? This is a sweet Christmas romance – giving off vibes of a Kristin Hannah story.

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Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta's Insects)Ladybugs for Loretta by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving Lois Wickstrom’s children’s books. This one is a great learning book with beautiful illustrations by Francie Mion. Loretta takes us on a journey of the lifecycle of the ladybug. From working in her garden through the seasons, to taking some ladybugs home to keep safe – we learn that they hibernate in the cold months, lay eggs when it begins to get warm and then they take care of our gardens. Loretta’s mom is great because she allows Loretta to keep the bugs in the fridge and teaches her how to keep them safe so they can do good things for our environment.

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Tanya Wall

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Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was the first book I have read by this author. While romance – especially steam romance are not my normal go to, I did enjoy this book. Teegan and Tenley find each other in this holiday romance. They are able to banter back and forth and set up some really spicy scenes! The Hawaiian resort and the holiday setting were a plus.

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautifully written and illustrated story. The story is what a parent/caregiver would wish for their baby – from filling the heart with love, beauty and kindness, to faith and courage, to peace and love and protection. All of the things a new parent wants for their baby. But – in the end, there is no need for magic- because the magic is the new baby and all that it brings into the world. The illustrations in this book are gorgeous and diverse – representing mothers/fathers/caregivers from all over the world and the joy that a new baby brings into their lives.
This is a great bedtime story – one that will bring sweet dreams.

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Did you ever wonder where pirates go on vacation? Do they do the things that non-pirates like to do? Will you find them at the beach, on a boat, in the mountains? Or are their lives so much fun they don’t need to do anything else? This a cute children’s story about pirates. The illustrations are gorgeous and it is fun to read. It would be a good read aloud book to young children and will start some conversations about what Pirates really do in their free time!

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a 6 year old with a big heart who likes to spread kindness and LOVES books!! One day she noticed that her library didn’t have a lot of books for kids who speak a different language. So she came up with a plan to solve that problem and she enlisted others for help. She enlisted donations at school and in the community to raise money to purchase more books and make a book box that would be open for kids to get books even when the school and library were closed.

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I Love You Today (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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I Love You Today (The Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 2)I Love You Today by Julie Navickas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick read and enjoyable – it was my airplane read this last weekend. I enjoyed the characters and thier connection with each other. Austin leaves his broken heart behind and moves to Chicago for a new job. While there, he finds new love in Casey – a friend from the past. They will have to learn to grow together… but they are really good for each other. This is a second book in a trilogy – I didn’t read book one, but wished I had. I think the story of Austin would have been more meaningful to me if I had.

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, December 2022

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The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caspian uses his magic socks from his grandpa to help keep a sneaky little kitten safe – safe from being in a tree, on a log in a river. When they go back to the tree where the Frisbee is, the kitten jumps on the Frisbee and a bubble grows around it. The kitten zooms around on his little Frisbee ship. Caspian is sad that he didn’t get to play with the Frisbee or rescue the kitten. Grandpa points out that the day was fun anyway – and that is what matters.

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a 5 year old who notices things… she takes time to enjoy her surroundings. Amaleigha’s grandma knows she is going to do great things in her life because of this trait – even though her brother thinks it is just weird. So when she goes outdoors, she stops to enjoy the wildlife, the weather, the grass inbetween her toes. Then one day she has an amazing idea- one that will help her share what she loves with the people of her town! With the help of her family, she creates an outdoor space called the Barefoot Park, a place where others can come to feel the nature between their barefoot toes!

Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mira and Carl are the typical brother and sister in this children’s book by Lois Wickstrom. They are always arguing, trying to one-up the other, and get the best of each other. Whether it be board games, books, who they want to be when they grow up – it turns into an arguement. Going to the beach and building sandcastles is the where the action happens. Carl building and Mira finding ways to ruin it… over and over again. At the end of the day, when it’s time to go home and the last castle is built, Mira and Carl ask their dad if they can come back and do it again. Brother and sister fun!

Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Dream-ShifterDream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a middle grades chapter book. I enjoyed it!
Gwendolyn, the main character is a dreamshifter. While in her journalism, she is assigned to interview a funeral director. After she meets Marjorie a fire erupts in her home and Gwendolyn finds herself waking up as an elk. Now Gwendolyn is having to live life with her family as an elk. She has to learn to adapt to her new form (those growing antlers!) and finds that everyone accepts her as an elk.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a timely book, as I am watching the snow fall outside and am ready to put up my Christmas decorations! Reading A Crossbow Christmas reminded me of a Hallmark movie. All the feels with all the characters. Having just come off of having Covid, Carina is ready to celebrate the holidays with all the people she loves. But after having lost her parents and sisters all within a few years, she is also ready for a vacation. Max offers up his cabin to her. She met Max in a grief support group, so they share much in common. This holiday story is a story of emotion, connection and learning to care for ourselves and others.

 

Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest, I was drawn to this little story by the cover of the book. I have a heart for gnomes. Bob moves to a new town and gets his first job – writing stories for the local newspaper. What he doesn’t expect is that his first story (a bigfoot sighting) was not what his boss really wanted. Bob finds himself out of work. But what happens next is about to change his world! A guy at the diner asks Bob if he will track down the culprit who has stolen a gnome. Once he starts being a detective, he finds out more about this charming little town then was evident. This was a very quick, fun read.

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Rainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Rainbow's Red Book of PoetryRainbow’s Red Book of Poetry by Lily Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There were many poems in this book that spoke to me. Awakening – “We woke up this morning. We have much to be grateful for.” and Hold On – ” “Keep holding on.” This is a short book of poetry and while poetry isn’t on my list of things to read in general – I’m glad I picked this one up. I like Ms. Lawson’s style of writing, her topics and her ability to make the words in the poems connect with the reader.

Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery)Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest, I was drawn to this little story by the cover of the book. I have a heart for gnomes. Bob moves to a new town and gets his first job – writing stories for the local newspaper. What he doesn’t expect is that his first story (a bigfoot sighting) was not what his boss really wanted. Bob finds himself out of work. But what happens next is about to change his world! A guy at the diner asks Bob if he will track down the culprit who has stolen a gnome. Once he starts being a detective, he finds out more about this charming little town then was evident. This was a very quick, fun read.

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The Dwarves’ Dilemma (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, November 2022

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Dwarves' Dilemma, TheDwarves’ Dilemma, The by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The queen, looking into her mirror seeks out who is doing right and being fair. The dragon, the dwarves, others in the land get the twinkle of fairness in their eyes. The queen finds she is the one not being fair. She learns that she must be fair and pay her people what they are worthy of. Then her eyes will twinkle, too.

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Pardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall November 2022

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Pardon Me, PleasePardon Me, Please by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great children’s book that teaches about pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey! A family goes to buy their turkey. The youngest daughter remembers that the president pardons a turkey at Thanksgiving. Will the turkey they find get pardoned?

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Soliloquy by Janet Fogg – Review by Tanya Wall November 2022

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SoliloquySoliloquy by Janet Fogg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

WWII is my favorite genre to read. This is a love story about a pianist who is gifted some figurines. When one breaks, Erin finds herself transported back in time to occupied France. While there, she attempts to save herself and others from a German Officer. Erin also meets a British pilot who she feels a connection to – we learn of their bravery and willingness to stand up for what is right. I enjoyed the characters and setting of this story. Time travel is “meh” to me, but it did add something to the story.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Tanya Wall November 2022

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Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I haven’t read a poetry book since my elementary school days. At first glimpse I was uncertain I would make it through this book, but as I continued in and took time to really listen to the message in each poem, I found myself enjoying it! I loved the colored pages with each poem. I liked the references to the Beatles. It has challenging vocabulary but the words painted a picture of meaning. If you want to read unique poetry, you might like to give this book a try.

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her LidCooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it! Olivia is the main character. She leaves her husband after finding out he had an affair with her best friend. Shortly after she loses her job at the restaurant that she ran. After living at her mother’s house (who is quite dramatic and needy) and in a tiny apartment, she is invited to live at her other friends house. Olivia has her eyes set on making a go of her own company, cooking for others and catering. It’s hard, it becomes her life, but while doing so she meets quite a cast of characters! If you are looking for a light hearted fun to read book, this one is it!

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Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

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Lucas the Spy CatLucas the Spy Cat by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucas the Spy Cat leaves at night to go out on adventures. He meets up with his friends to solve mysteries. They celebrate when they finish. Then he goes home. His mom put on a spy cam to see what he was up to… but Lucas outsmarts her! Great kids story, beautiful illustrations and activities are included at the end!

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