From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The main character experiences a character growth spurt throughout the course of this book. He learns that friends are worth sacrificing for. He learns that secret desires, even when not acted upon, can become deadly. He grows to appreciate his mom. He even learns to accept help. I would definitely read another book by this author!
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emma is hired by a fellow co-worker to examine the circumstances around his father’s death. Along the way she is attacked like two other women, but she survived the attack. Now it is time to really solve who is after the family fortune and who is haunting the house. Of course, along the way we are privy to the relationship Emma has with her family and how together they all form a solid unit and help to solve the case of Haunted Christmas. Again, such a great strong lead character in Emma and her love interest is just the sweetest love ever. I love the historical aspect that comes into play and the traditional recipes that are made and given recipes for. Who could ask for more than to sit down with a great book, a cup of coffee, and the thought of yummy recipes to try to make upon finishing the book!? A winner in my eyes!!! I am one of this author’s biggest fans! Such a wholesome read and very well-developed plot and finish.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In the Notebook Mysteries series A Haunted Christmas is a feel-good, cozy, Christmas Carol ‘esque mystery novel that has a bit of a sinister edge. Ethan has been tasked with cleaning up, decorating, and holding the annual Christmas party at his old childhood home after the death of his father. Servants are running away claiming the mansion is haunted because of weird noises and apparitions that they have seen and in the beginning of the book we are greeted with a scene pulled straight from a Christmas Carol. What really happened to Ethan’s father? That’s the question that Ethan has tasked to Emma and her Scooby-Doo gang type family to answer for him.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Things are certainly not what they seem in this series, and the fourth book isn’t any different. I really like reading books that are exciting from the first page, and author Kimberly Mullins seems to have that down to an art. Emma and Jeremy are in a train wreck, a strange woman is dancing with Emma’s Papa, and Emma is adding more and more to her resume. I love reading about the family dynamics. The writing is very true to the times. I am not very big on romance books, but the Notebook Mysteries series is perfectly balanced for me. There is more mystery than there is lovey dovey, and those are my kind of books! I am going to be sending the whole set to my fifteen-year-old granddaughter.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Haunted Christmas is the latest book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. Our young sleuth Emma is busily preparing for the upcoming holidays. Still working part-time in the family’s bakery gives her the opportunity to work on some holiday baking while still having the time to solve the odd mystery here and there. When Emma is approached by a friend who wants her to investigate a haunted house Emma is skeptical. She does not believe in ghosts, but her friend is unable to believe it could be anything else after hearing rattling chains and seeing things that are not there. Add to that a mysterious death ruled as a suicide and Emma starts following a trail of clues that unravels further mysteries to be solved.
Once again, the author has done an amazing job of creating an historical mystery full of twists and turns. Young Emma is as tenacious and determined as ever to get to the bottom of another mystery while danger lurks around every corner. The author does an amazing job of describing each scene in such detail that you can feel the cold in the air, feel the ice under your feet, and feel the sense of danger lingering in the air. The Christmas backdrop to the story and the baking made me excited to start prepping for the upcoming holidays. I could almost smell the delicious scents of fresh baked goods coming from Emma’s family bakery. Huge thank you to the author for including recipes at the end of the book for some of those delicious baked goods I could smell throughout the book.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire Notebook Mysteries Series. A great addition for anyone looking for a cozy historical mystery with a holiday backdrop.
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
From Brick to Darkness is the first book that i have read by this Author. This Young Adult Fast paced book is a great read. I Really Enjoyed this read and it keep me wanting to read more. I loved reading about Bax and his friends. The story line was well written and the action in the book really keeps you sucked into this read. I can’t wait to read more books by this author. Thank you to this Author for a great read and look forward to reading more book by you in the Future.
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Emma’s business is going brilliantly at the moment and with her relationship with Jonathan also going well, she feels at peace with life, so when a friend asks her to investigate the death of his father she instantly takes up the investigation to help find out what really happened.
So as Emma arrives at the manor this are not quite what they seem, the whole place is like Charles Dickins “Christmas Carol” and when strange things happen she may think the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future have arrived to help solve the mystery, but she discovers more mundane reasons within the family. Can Emma and her team solve the mystery and help her friend, you will have to find out.
I love this series it is well written and the characters are just adorable to read with there interactions and chemistry with each other. As this is one of the short books in this series you could read as a stand alone as the characters do offer some back story to them but it may be advisable to read the full series up to now to get a better overall insight into the characters but with that said the wonderful worlds the author creates in each story is just breath taking,
I loved the interaction between Emma and her team and you can see how they work seamlessly to try and solve the mysteries which have been put in front of them. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series and see what next adventures Jonathan and Emma are plunged into.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49995288-grave-digger-academy-ii” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Grave Digger Academy II” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577480642l/49995288._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49995288-grave-digger-academy-ii”>Grave Digger Academy II</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6993053.C_A_King”>C.A. King</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5025411106″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This is the second book in the series. This story about Makayla life as grave digger . This book tells more of story about Makayla life. You have read the book to see what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this author. Great story line.<br />
<br/><br/>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/40000500-lacy-mercado”>View all my reviews</a>
Notebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I rarely have favorites of anything, and I might have to declare Kimberly Mullins as one of my favorite authors! Here we have another fast-paced adventure with Emma and her special team. She’s added another job description to her ever growing resume, and is becoming quite the sleuth. In book one, Emma would write her observations down in her little black notebooks, and then solve mysteries no one had even asked her to solve. In books two and three, she is becoming more and more involved with a detective agency, and in this Christmas Novella she is asked by a colleague to investigate his father’s death at his haunted house.
Emma is an independent, strong-willed woman that has many talents. This would be a great book, and series for that matter, for young and old alike. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the lovely recipes!
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Imagine finding out that you are a special species of supernatural and that you are one of the only two left of your kind. You are led to a special place but you’re not really sure why. Ommily has wanted to visit the Soppranaturale hotel for awhile now so she convinces her fiancé to take her there. Only problem is, her fiancé is normal…as in human. Ommily knows she’s special but she isn’t sure how special until she meets Link. He will teach her as much as he can before they are challenged in the gauntlet.
This was a super fast read for me. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but that’s a good thing. This book features multiple types of supernatural beings (fairies, witches, vampires, phoenix, etc.) and is very different from other supernatural books I’ve read like this. It was a welcome change and I look forward to reading more work by this author.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was the second book to the series. I absolutely loved the first one and this one did not disappoint. The way the author writes is really easy to follow, and the paranormal aspect is really intriguing. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time, from the action, suspense, and kids getting into shenanigans. These kids getting into some interesting situations, with mischief, making new allies, and bumping into old enemies. It really kept you not knowing what to expect. Absolutely loved this author and her amazing writing, can’t wait to see what be in store next time.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy is a new series to me, and I’m loving it. It is easy to read, but holds my interest. It is written for young adult, but I enjoy it in my 30s. This book continues where book 1 left off, as Makayla and her friend return to Grave Digger Academy for their second year. I think you need to read book one to understand what is going on, its not a stand alone. But the books are quick enough, just read them both. The 2nd book had just as much excitement as the first book did. I wish there was more details revealed around the Academy Games, but it was enough to understand the gist and enjoy it. I wish there was more description of how the treasures were discovered at the other schools, and more story to the secondary characters. We really only see what Makayla is doing. I want more on Griffin too!! I want to know his backstory, and look forward to book 3.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved these! I often color to relieve stress and these had such a variety to choose from my daughter was able to enjoy them with me.
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story was incredible from beginning to its conclusion. It was full of intrigue, and characters that held strong character development and personality, but as well as greatly adding to the story.
The book had a good mix of things. Romance, dangerous suspense, twists and turns, battling for what you hold dear, and etc. I loved Ommity as a character. She was strong and someone that was impossible not to admire. She was new to the game, but she still gave everything she faced, her all. Loved Link as well as a character. When they both had “scenes” together, I was constantly rooting for them! I enjoyed the writing of this wonderful author very much. They knew how to draw you in, and this book was mesmerizing, and intense at times. It really was a great and valuable read. It was epic, if you want to use my dictionary! Loved it!
Fantastic read that really satisfied your mind. I could not get enough. I will be reading more by this author for sure! Definitely a must read book and author! Highly recommend both! Truly a rare gem of a read!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
MaKayla and the rest of the group are back for year 2 at Grave Digger Academy, which means, no one has been able to transfer out. Eh- that’s probably a good thing since this year, the inter-academy games are happening and with Grave Digger Academy being small, but also on the Crones’ radar, they’re going to need all hands on deck-er-shovels?
Winning the games is really the only way to keep the doors of Grave Digger Academy open, so the choice isn’t really there for this group of students but when the game starts it’s clear something isn’t right. Can the competition end before it’s too late or are the gravedigger’s going to have a new job coming up?
Book 2 was so fun! I really enjoyed reading about year two, but it felt very rushed. The timeline with this book made the school year feel like it started and ended within days of each other, which according to the ending, isn’t what happens.
I would have loved to have more preparation for the competition and more character interactions throughout this book, but overall I’m quite happy with book 2 and can’t wait to see what year 3 brings!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second book in the series picks up where the first book left off. I liked this book a little better than the first; the characters have more depth, the story doesn’t feel quite as rushed overall, and the reader learns a little more about the other Academies. I really liked that Makayla’s brothers make more of an appearance in Grave Digger Academy II. While Makayla is the youngest and the only girl in her family, she seemed extremely isolated and lonely in the first book; but in this second installment the reader sees that’s not really the case. Her brothers seem to be very protective of Makayla. I love C. A. King and can’t wait for the next book in the Grave Digger Academy series!
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book pulled me in right away and kept me entertained. I had a hard time putting this book down. There were some twists and turns, suspense, wonderful characters and so much more. There are some definite lessons to be learned from this story. This book is a great read for all ages. The author weaved a wonderful story that kept me on the edge of my seat and made relatable and believable characters. You don’t want to miss out on this story.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
Grave Digger Academy year 2 is the continuation of this fun new series by C.A King. The story follows Makayla as she begins her second year at her new school, after the drama of the previous term she is hoping for a quiet year however that is not to be. The Inter Academy Games are about to start, and Makayla and her friends become reluctant participants but there is a gate crasher that is determined to change the rules. I liked this book, it is a fun concept and I really liked finding out more about the other characters such as Frankie and Makayla’s brothers, you also learn a little more about some of the other academies which was a good way of expanding this new magical world. I just wish this book had been longer, I got so engrossed in it, I wasn’t prepared for it to end. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I didn’t expect to love the second book just as much as I loved the first! Following Makayla and her friends as they navigate through second year kept me glued to each page. I loved the plot and how it all played out. I look forward to picking up the next book!
The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book certainly had the wow factor going strong. The book mesmerized me as I read, and I could not put it down. I was intrigued all the way through. The book gave so much! Amazing read!
I loved the take on the story that this book held. I always loved contents of magic and witches. The issue with the witches in the book, was very intriguing and something I have never had the pleasure to read on. The author wrote and created good and strong characters, that were all different, but greatly added to the story I was intrigued and held with my own suspense all the way through! Loved it!
Great and amazing read. It was different, which made it more awesome. I was pulled in and kept in suspense as I read! Greatly enjoyed it! Highly recommend this author and book without a doubt!
*¨*✶*¨* BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE *¨*✶*¨*
Ugliness is power, and the Virus of Beauty is spreading causing panic throughout the witch population.
Wilf Gilvary is a teenage wizard who is terrified of using magic. When his father dies under mysterious circumstances, the same day the Mages Crystal shatters, Wilf is plunged into the middle of a political struggle between the witches and wizards in the Magical Realm. He’d rather play soccer than practice magic, but he’s forced to make a choice between the life of a normal Hong Kong teen and one of wizardry after a powerful virus begins to decimate the witch community. The cure is spellbound in a journal Wilf inherited from his father and when his friend Katryna contracts the virus, Wilf understands that he must overcome his fear of magic to unlock the journal’s secrets – but will it be too late to save her?
CB Lyall is in full possession of her English accent, even after spending half her life living in exotic locations – New York, India, Belgium and Hong Kong. Despite her undiagnosed childhood dyslexia she finally developed a deep love of books and writing. She has published two novels in The Virus of Beauty Series and numerous short stories.
She currently resides in Westchester, New York, but who knows how long that will remain true. Her passions are her husband, three sons, her grandchildren and golf.
To learn when her next book will be released, or to get updates on other magical things in the works and life, sign up for her newsletter at cblyall.com.
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
Hidden in plain sight, is a mysterious hotel that doubles as a supernatural refugee: The Soppranaturale.
Each supernatural inhabitant has a specific purpose, job, and destiny. All to keep the hotel running and its secrets safe.
Vampires exist. Werewolves exist. Witches exist. Shape Shifters exist. And now Faeries exist.
The last two Faeries, once unified, could be the most powerful forces on Earth. Ommily, newcomer to the Soppranaturale, offensively manipulates the four elements; Fire, Earth, Wind and Water. While Link defensively uses their energy to shield Ommily and himself from dark magic.
They could protect all others. But first, they must defeat the Gauntlet.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Gauntlet (The Soppranaturale Series Book 1) by Ashley Pagano
Ashley Pagano has always dreamed of being an artist both figuratively and literally. Her love of art was instilled by her mother who always inspired her to be creative either with a paintbrush or with a pen and paper. As far back as she can remember her life was always centered around introspection, storytelling, and imagination. Because she is so artistic, she took to the idea of creative writing very passionately. Her ability to describe a scene, person, or place, she compares to painting a picture, where she can describe every detail vividly in order to make the reader feel like they’re truly living in the story. Her works of writing usually center around a powerhouse female protagonist (which reflect her own personality), who progresses through many wild and extreme obstacles. Ashley loves to write stories that end with a cliffhanger, that have the reader begging for more and questioning what happens next. Her most recent novel sets the stage for the supernatural romance of the century and includes fairies, vampires, werewolves, witches, and shapeshifters who just love to get in the way of true love. Ashley has won awards for her design, art, and writing.
Ashley doesn’t believe in down time whatsoever and actually loves having a full “To-Do”list. Ashley is a wife to her wonderful husband, Eric and a mother to two beautiful girls named Dakota and Ember. She is also a Graphic Designer and a health and fitness coach. Her husband and daughters inspire her to be the best person she can be and encourage her to pursue any of her dreams (no matter how extravagant they may be).
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a cute set of coloring pages! Coloring is one of my favorite self-care activities. The mention of using a paper to prevent bleed throughs and to test colors out is so practical. I’m excited to share these images with my teenage daughter who also enjoys coloring.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Makayla is in year two of the paranormal academy, she knows she is not going to be placed anywhere other then the Grave Diggers. She has accepted her fate but when the headmistress signs her up for the inter-academy face off she knows trouble is just beginning. Will Makayla survive year two?
Another terrific story in this series. I like Makayla, she has grown from book one to two. I think she i s a great character who is finding herself while growing up. A really entertaining series that has me curious as to what is next.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars!
This is such a cute coloring book! This book has 30 pages of beautifully drawn artwork to color, well 31 if you count the cover sheet too. I like how this artist and author put a warning at the front to make sure to put something under your page if you don’t want the colors to leak through, and a whole blank page to test your colors. I don’t know how many times I have had to color on something else or off to the side of my masterpiece to test a color. The little characters are so sweet and it is fun to color them in the different halloween costumes, and of course who doesn’t love a Hocus Pocus inspired scene.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good coloring book with cute illustrations! Coloring helps me get rid of anxiety and negative thoughts and allows my creativity to flow. I have not seen coloring books by this author before and I am happy that I found these ones to color!! I love anything and everything Halloween and these are the icing on the cake! I cannot wait to finish coloring these and hang them in my home office.
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but the description intrigued me. It turned out to be a great read. The characters were easy to connect to and the story moved at a good pace. I loved the distinctions between the djinn. The way everything played out kept me turning the pages. Definitely recommend!
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a super cute coloring book with Halloween pictures that is suitable for children and adults. Get lost coloring these super cute, original pictures!
Mary Espinoza
September 2022
View all my review
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My daughter, my niece and my young cousin all LOVE LOVE LOVE this coloring book. The pages are adorable and super fun. Kept us coloring and comparing our pages for quite a while. A must have for all Halloween parties and get-togethers.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats
Dainty Damsels is a super fun coloring book filled with 30 different interactive pages. We not only love to color but my four year old loves Halloween. The illustrations are amazing and coloring is not only a fun family time but for me its relaxing. I highly recommend this coloring book.