Posts

The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The IntrudersThe Intruders by Brett McKay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Intruders is a supernatural thriller – not a genre I usually pick up. With that said, it is action packed and suspenseful. Dex, the main character, is a car salesman. While at work, he notices someone strange hanging around. This leads to him and his family getting abducted. His abductors know everything about Dex’s life. Dr. H wants more information from Dex. He has to find a way to save himself and his family. They must escape and stay away from danger.
If you like the supernatural, and you like thrillers – you will enjoy this book!

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a three book set – fun musical mysteries with likeable characters! I found myself singing my way through each story! Ruby is part of a musical theater troupe that travels and performs. The trouble is wherever she goes, she has a mystery to solve. In book one, be ready to to hear the Sound of Music as Ruby and Nova solve the mystery of a death! In book two, West Side Story is the story – and guess what – another murder to solve. The Little Shop of Horrors brings back Rudy from book 1 – the mystery is one of catfishing.
These are lighthearted, fun reads. A go to if you are looking for something entertaining and fun!

Fallen Star (The Divine Devils Book 2) by R Weir – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2Fallen Star: The Divine Devils Book 2 by R. Weir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Megan Getz is a celebrity who lives the posh live. Hunter is a Private Investigator. When Megan becomes the victim of blackmail scheme, Hunter is hired to investigate. Megan has a secret of a past discretion that she doesn’t want it to be public knowledge. Megan desires Hunter in ways that are not in his duties as a PI. He denies her advances. Throughout the story you learn more of Hunter’s life as a US Marshall and how he feels about things he had done.
This story is fast action and suspense, with some steamy sides. It is part two in a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers Series Book 1) by Ciara Blume – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Hate You Later (Lit Lovers, #1)Hate You Later by Ciara Blume
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a sweet light read – a romcom. Georgia runs a business that makes costumes for dogs and supports a pet rescue. Hudson is the family that owns the building that her business is in. What they don’t know is that they have been paired up in a pet owner’s contest – so while bad news comes through the business side, they are flirty and interested each other via their pets! This is a great light read – sweet and quick. I enjoyed this as a palate cleanser between some heavy reads. If you love romance, this is a good one to pick up!

Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rex Thompson is a Vietnam Veteran. While stationed in Da Nang, in 1970, he steals money the U.S. government has earmarked for South Vietnam. Captain Nguyen Duc Dung, who caught him in the act, is blamed for the crime. Rex has regretted this act for years but the crime comes back to haunt him, and we see the negative impact is has had not only back then, but now, 24 years later.
While working in shrimping industry in Biloxi, Mississippi—the two families from long ago meet up and there are grave consequences that impact all involved. Through this story, we get insight into choices, their ramifications, cultural conflict and redemption.

View all my reviews

Bycatch by Alexander Blevens – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

BycatchBycatch by Alexander Blevens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rex Thompson is a Vietnam Veteran. While stationed in Da Nang, in 1970, he steals money the U.S. government has earmarked for South Vietnam. Captain Nguyen Duc Dung, who caught him in the act, is blamed for the crime. Rex has regretted this act for years but the crime comes back to haunt him, and we see the negative impact is has had not only back then, but now, 24 years later.
While working in shrimping industry in Biloxi, Mississippi—the two families from long ago meet up and there are grave consequences that impact all involved. Through this story, we get insight into choices, their ramifications, cultural conflict and redemption.

 

Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Defying EllaDefying Ella by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a book in a series, but can be read as a standalone – the love story of Ella and Jared. Ella and Jared are in a push/pull relationship. They are attracted to each other, but yet not. Throughout the story, we learn about Ella and Jared understand why they act the way they do – the fact that they both want to be part of a relationship but are afraid to take the risk to fall in love.

Ella struggles with her feeling for Jared because he isn’t kind to her. Jared isn’t kind because he is fighting his attraction toward her. It’s like if he pushes her far away, then he doesn’t have to worry about her rejection.

But what happens next? Trapped in a storm they have to come to terms with their feelings, but will they last past the snow melt?

 

Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting take on science fiction. It has dark humor and an interesting plot. The story goes between the ship and Roaton, has creatures, fast paced action, interesting characters a bit of a love story. Lab Spill is a second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. While parts of the book were a bit much for me, it was readable and entertaining. If you are a sci-fi fan, you will probably enjoy this read.

Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall, October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale (Science Folktales)Just One More Egg: A Science Folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Science is cool. Mama Warbler had 6 eggs that she was sitting on when a Cuckoo dropped an egg into her next. Mama took care of the egg even when her neighbors questioned it. What she learns in the end is that by taking care of the egg, the hatchling took care of her babies. If we all take care of each other, things work out in the end.

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) by Amy Rivers – Review by Tanya Wall October 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Stumble & Fall (A Legacy of Silence, #2)Stumble & Fall by Amy Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stumble and Fall is a great read! It is a second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone – although it will make you want to read book 1! Tilly and her sister Kate have been through a lot in their lives – and those experiences make them darn good at their jobs. Tilly is a nurse that assists in forensic evidence in rape cases and Kate is a counselor who is building a safe house to help young girls. After surviving their own traumas they have a sense of justice to make things safe and right in their hometown.
I really enjoyed getting to know Tilly and Kate in this book – they were well written characters and kept me reading on to find out how they were going to handle the situations they both found themselves in. I was rooting for healing and justice for them both. I am definitely going to read book 1 and keep my eyes out for book 3.

Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom reviewed by Tanya Wall September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace is a science based story where two friends learn that cold water doesn’t melt ice cubes as quickly as warm water. When two friends decide to make their mermaid friend a necklace made from ice cubes by blowing on them through a straw to make holes in them, they learn that the ice cubes float. This book is a fun story with an educational base. The illustrations are great and the topic is relevant to young scientists.

View all my reviews

The Mind Reading Hat by Lois Wickstrom and art by Nicolas Milano Reviewed by Tanya Wall, Sept 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great children’s book! Caspian receives to “unbirthday” gifts… a thinking stone from him mom and a Magic Hat from his granddad. He hears messages from others through his hat, and his stone helps him solve a problem – he rescues a turtle! What a good gift for an unbirthday!
I love the illustrations in this book – they are beautiful!

View all my reviews

A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

A Love RestrainedA Love Restrained by Becky Flade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Police officer Kylee Parker and drug dealer Jayson Donovan meet each other in an alley. Busted!
Then you find out they know each other from high school – crushing on each other then.
Their growing up years took them both into different adult paths. Kylee grew up in a traditional family with lots of support and love. Jayson was in the opposite situation… abuse and struggle.
After their encounter in the alley, they realize their feelings for each other still exist. But as you can see, their jobs and differing morals may cause some issue with pursuing the relationship.
This story is told from different points of view and goes back in forth in time – past to present. The characters are well developed and the story line is good. I gave it a three only because romance isn’t my go to genre. But don’t let that stop you from reading it – you will enjoy this book!

Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Moby Plays the FluteMoby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moby is just a regular girl who didn’t like attention. But she wanted to be a good student, but it was hard for her. She wanted to be successful, so she could be happy. But she was miserable. UNTIL, her dad gave her the best gift – a flute! But, she couldn’t get it to work. She thought it was broken. Her dad told her to keep trying. But she put it away and didn’t think of it again until the next year. She finally got it to play when she found a note from her dad inside! From then on, she made beautiful music and learned to believe in herself and to never give up!

View all my reviews

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ellie, the owner of the Kitty Beret Cafe is asked to put on a cat show for rescues. Kitty Beret Cafe is the ultimate cafe hosting rescue cats. The show itself is a job, but helping to solve a murder is a whole ‘nother job in itself! One of the judges of the show is found murdered and both Ellie and her handy sidekick cate, Templeton jump on board to lend a hand to solve the case!
This is a quick read – if you love cats, you’ll love the story!
This is book two in the series. But you can read it as a stand alone.

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tanya Wall, September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nike and Julia head to Venice for vacation. While visiting the palace, Nick finds a painting he really likes by Tintorento. It’s intriguing because Nick hears the voice of a woman speaking from the painting. Then to make it even better, he can understand Venetian and finds he has memories of a past life.
This takes Julia and Nick into finding the story of the past which alerts the Venetian Order, who wants the eliminated from the story.
The story is full of danger and suspense and reminded me of reading Dan Brown.

The Colors of Love (The Colors Trilogy Book 2) by K.R. Raye – Review by Tanya Wall

/0 Comments/in /by

The Colors of Love (Colors Trilogy, #2)The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book 2 in a young adult romance series. I recommend reading book 1 before getting into book 2. I didn’t and I think I would have been more involved with the characters had I done so.
This is a story of friendships and life of young adults moving through their college years. The main characters are Melody, Imani and Lance and each come with different life perspectives. There is a lot going on throughout The Colors of Love including (possible triggers): suicide, racism, domestic violence, and kidnapping.
It begins with Lance becoming a protector of his friends (and his desire with wanting to be a pro athlete) due to a traumatic experience that Melody goes through with an ex-boyfriend. Then we learn about Imani’s love life – wanting to falling love but not allowing herself to do so. She has opportunities to find the love of her life, but she seems to back them off. What does this cause? Drama! Imani’s lack of commitment to men who wanted to be committed to her drove me nutso.
A theme in this storyline was race. It becomes an issue – Imani can’t see past race in her own life, which hinders relationships.
I wasn’t sure who the story was going to be about – it seemed like Lance, but Imani jumped out as the main storyline for me. But overall, a pretty good read – and it covers a lot of important topics that young adults face in today’s world.

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tanya Wall September 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dinosaur Friends are stories about two sweet friends named Spike and Conifer. In these stories, you will see how friends can help each other not be afraid, to problem solve, and to beat the outside elements that can be scary.

The characters are delightful and the illustrations are gorgeous. This is a book I will read to my great-niece – she will love them!

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 Tanya Wall, August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Together We Stand, Vol. 2Together We Stand, Vol. 2 by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is an anthology that contains many stories by different authors. It isn’t my cup of tea usually. However, the fact that this was written specifically for the Ukraine and address the themes of survival and hope, I was able to give it a chance. You will find stories about persecution, loss, struggles. The endings of each show the positive outcomes. I could outline each story contained in this book, but will just choose a couple that I enjoyed.
1. Artem Dimitri and Elina (Saving His Own) – Artem left he Ukraine to study in America. Elina was not happy with the decision. When he returns, he is at the same hospital as her. It is a love story in the making!
2. (Happy Hour) – Mari is a middle school counselor just returned from a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The person hired, Mitch, to take over while she was gone, was hired to stay on as a second counselor. Mari finds Mitch very attractive. Is it appropriate that they act on their sparks? Will it cause issues or be happily ever after?
3. (The Shimmer) – Blindsided by the ex that packs up and leaves, Grace wonders what she did wrong to turn her husband away and moves back in with her parents. Two years later, she is still living there and learning to find a new view on life. How can she live in the moment and enjoy life’s simple pleasures? It is at this moment that her best friend made in elementary school walks into her life. Sawyer. Tragedy strikes – and Grace’s life is turned upside down again. Will Sawyer be there for her? Will it be enough to heal her heart or will her heart be broken again?

Stitch by Stitch by Marie-Therese Hernon – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Stitch by StitchStitch by Stitch by Marie-Thérèse Hernon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a small town mystery that introduces us to Elizabeth Candew who is a newly divorced mom. She finds herself with a boatload of bills, not much money in the back and an ex who is delinquent in his child support. She needs a job and finds one in “Lady Lily Wear.” She charges up her card and knows she will make bank on the deal. However, she finds that to be untrue when her “mentor” comes up murdered and there is no one to help her. After reaching out to the next person up on the pyramid, she finds she is dead, too. Arriving on the scene is an old boyfriend – the detective assigned to the case. Once upon a time, he broke her heart and left town. Will the murders get solved? Will love be rekindled?
Read this story for a mix of murder mystery, life in suburbia, drama and suspense.

Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1)Ritual Obsession by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A supernatural murder mystery with a bit of romance. New York City is under siege, by a serial killer designated as The Bathtub Murderer. Roberta is NYPD Detective and Max is a veteran detective, who team up to solve the case. As the story progresses Bobbi (Roberta) and Max begin to have feelings for each other. They must be careful that this doesn’t complicate the situation and put Bobbi in harms way. But she is faced with walking the line with life and death – between two worlds.

Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Murder Most PemberleyMurder Most Pemberley by Jessica Berg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a contemporary cozy mystery starring Eliza Jane Darcy – a descendant of the original Elizabeth Darcy Eliza goes to England to attend a family reunion. While there she finds out about a secret involving her absent father. Most of the people at the reunion are strangers to Eliza.

During the trip, Eliza becomes an amateur detective, looking to solve a murder. Eliza is quite obvious about her snooping and funny enough, she keeps things from the police and leaves her fingerprints all over a missing person’s room. She does find some interesting things out – like a hidden tunnel system going around Pemberley.

The solution wasn’t obvious to me as I read this book. AS a contemporary cozy mystery that namedrops Austen character names a lot, I enjoyed the read. And if you haven’t read Jane Austen, you will still enjoy this story, too.

The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good and intense read! During spring break, Angie Taylor escapes an abduction. Her three roommates did not. Shock has rendered her speechless. Police think that she killed her friends and then had a mental breakdown. In comes, FBI Special Agent Brenda Reynolds. This case is bigger than just Angie and her friends, and will make your blood run cold.
I liked that the main characters brought something different to the overall story. And of course, the addition of a dog makes it even better!

Bake Happy (Bake Believe Series Book 3) by Cori Cooper – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Bake HappyBake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is book three in a series. I did not read the first two books and was able to still enjoy this little story. It is a YA book filled with recipes, relationship drama, and how to deal with teenage troubles.
Cat has a passion for baking, a passion she inherited from her grandma. She has realized that the things she bakes are impacted by the feelings she has while preparing them. In comes Nate – joining a family dinner celebration, he and Cat get into it. When this happens – they experience something that comes right out of the movie Freaky Friday! If you have seen that movie, you know what I mean! When Cat and Nate flip abilities, Cat finds she can’t bake her feelings and Nate goes wild and crazy with his new ability. It is up to Cat and Robyn to find a way to get him to use his powers for good.
This book is a book for young adult/teen readers. It has all the feel good loaded inside of it!

Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Tanya Wall August 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Roxanne takes a job as a caregiver to Claudette Grayson, an author who is on her deathbed. Claudette asks Roxanne to be a ghost writer and finish her final book. Prior to this, Roxanne was reeling from a loss so great, she was struggling to get past it. She is hoping this new job will help.

As Roxanne begins to read through notes and get things in order for writing, she finds strange things happening in the house. The music box plays music, a fresh rose is left behind…she hears voices. But whose? Could it be the character from the book she is helping to write? Is it someone else who has passed?

This is a book with quite a few twists and turns – ones you would never guess! The ending was not what I anticipated – good one, Nikki Barrett!

The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Tanya Wall July 2022

/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: 3 of 5 stars

A couple gets into a UFO and tries to sell the items they take from the UFO to make a quick buck. They get caught and find themselves in big trouble. How are they going to get themselves out of this predicament? A scared female and a blundering fool… so many experiments, aliens, monsters, madness and love. Is there escape from pain and possible death?

A story told from many perspectives makes this an interesting read. You’ll want to keep reading as it keeps you laughing throughout. This is a book like I’ve never read before.

The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie – Review by Tanya Wall July 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The Vilification of Aqua Marine (Working Mask, #1)The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this author or this genre- it definitely isn’t one I would pick up at the library. But, I’m glad I took a chance! This story will make you laugh out loud!

Rhainnon/Aqua Marine comes from a family of a superhero and a supervillain. This leaves her wondering where her place is in this labeled world. She feels like she is an imposter because her superpowers aren’t good enough in her eyes. She wants to leave an impact in this world and to just make her mom proud of her. She isn’t sure how to make this happen with her power to lift only one cup of water at a time.

This entertaining and fun read will have readers from the younger end of the YA audience to adults engaged and willing to see what happens next.

Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Tanya Wall July 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a tale of wo brothers, Joel and Clancy Fitchett. The story line takes us into two worlds – from WWII to 1992.We learn the story of Joel, Clancy, and Lorraine, the girlfriend of Clancy. And of Garrison Stark, who thinks that Clancy is his grandfather. Joel and Clancy’s father is a dentist and a tough man, abusive to the boys with words and actions.

In 1932, Joel is found badly beaten and carrying his brother Clancy. The police think they know who did it, but with neither boys talking there is a mystery that surrounds what happened that fateful day.

In 1991, college student Garrison Stark is trying to uncover the history of Joel Fitchett as well as finding out if Clancy is his grandfather. You will have to read to find out if Garrison figures out what really happened and if Clancy is who he thinks he is.

This book tackles topics such as abuse, PTSD, and addiction

I’m Not Your Difference (Fitz Series Book 4) by Theresa Sederholt – Review by Tanya Wall, July 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

I'm Not Your Difference (Fitz, #4)I’m Not Your Difference by Theresa Sederholt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is book 4 in a series. I was able to read it and enjoy even though I haven’t read any of the first books. It is an emotional story – from happiness to sadness, love and betrayal, and danger but underneath it all is family love.

This book deals with some very sensitive subjects, the main one is the targeting of people due to their sexuality.

Andy partner leaves Andy and their adopted deaf daughter. He has to try to do what’s right for them both, even when dealing with pain of loss. After facing the loss and getting back on track, his partner returns. Andy has to decide if he can build trust again.

In the world around them, there is a serial killer on the loose killing gay men. Andy’s brother in law is on the case of trying to stop the killer. – understanding that Andy could be a target.

This is an action packed story.

The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Tanya Wall, July 2022

/0 Comments/in /by

The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

World War II Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. This book did not disappoint. It is based on the real life experiences of Michelle Naget, 11 yrs old, and her family. The story starts with Michelle and her family are fleeing to safety from the Germans who have invaded France. Unfortunately, they are captured by the Nazis. They return to their house to discover their home has been commandeered. The Germans require that they serve for them. They live for four years with the Nazis under their roof which causes neighbors to question their loyalty to France.
Under the Nazi’s rule, the family is put through much torment and Michelle find that she is determined to do whatever she can to protect her family. The theme that I found in this reading was the theme of hope. Michelle and her family have faith that they will come out of this alive and together.