Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grave digger Academy is book one in the series by C.A. King. It is great YA paranormal fantasy; it has everything you want. Its light-hearted and a little spooky. Absolutely a fun read, with great characters and fantastic world building.
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is an interesting story that contains some parts that are based on the mythology from the Aztec people. A young girl is born with what some believe to be a curse but there are those who understand and know the truth. As we watch Azreya grow and learn we see the strength she finds in herself. Her story is one of survival and belief. Lessons are learned and friendships made. Azreya’s life has its ups and downs as she learns to use her gifts. Those that enjoy YA and mythology will not be disappointed in this book. The story moves at a good pace and is full of adventure with a depth of characters and meaning.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this modern twist on Cinderella. Ashley has such a good heart. I rooted for her and Harry from the moment they met. Every time something happened that made it harder for them to be together I groaned lol. Ashley step family shocked me the most. The lengths they went through to get her trust was insane. I cannot wait to read the next installment. If you’re into fantasy, fairy tales, action with a bit of mystery then this book is definitely for you.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fabulous story! I loved the characters, I laughed, and I cried with the characters. There is young love, with all the ups and downs that accompany teens on the cusp of adulthood. There is suspense, an evil stepmother, a pair of evil-in-training stepsisters, and a funeral home/ crematorium. Throw in a fairy godmother and a charming prince of pop- I can see where the series derives its name. I definitely can’t wait for more installments in this series.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A retelling of Cinderella and I LOVED it! The main character is Ashley Adams. After her dad passes away she is stuck with her stepmother, Veronica, and her stepsisters whom she refers to as the M and M’s. Veronica decided to open a funeral home where Ashley does the make up for the deceased and tried to keep to herself. She is an outcast at school except her one great friend Laura. Harry James is a pop star who caught his chemistry lab on fire and now has to attend regular school to finish his senior year. As he is running from a mob of girls he runs into Ashley and into the funeral home. They hit it off, but then school starts and there are many things that go wrong. The characters are so likable and I was rooting for them through the entire book. The setting is in Washington, my home state, so I always love that connection! There are twists and turns and it is a total page turner. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Notebook Mysteries: Emma
By: Kimberly Mullins
5*
This story takes place in 1881. Emma’s mother has died in the Great Chicago Fire and her family is picking up the pieces the best she can. They are also carrying on the legacy of her mother’s bakery. Her cousin is running the bakery, but she has a desire for more. Truthfully, she has always had a desire for more. She is fashion conscious and very observant. She goes nowhere without the red hat on her head and her skirts, while still following the dress code, have a long slit in them. Emma also is incredibly observant. She goes nowhere without her trusty notebook, which is where she records all her observations. With her desires for a larger, more adventurous life, she asks her father for permission to ride along with the delivery boys. He agrees with the caveat that she stay safe and careful. To agree with her father’s wishes, she decides the best way to do this is to dress like a delivery boy, with her hair braided on top of her head, underneath her hat. While on her delivery routes, she finds that her keep observance will come in handy. She is able to solve many crimes and mysteries throughout the city. Including a possible robbery. She is definitely trying to stay safe, however, she hopes that the lessons her father has given her will help her if needed.
This book is full of twists and turns. I truly enjoyed it and it kept me guessing. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am obsessed with fairy tales being retold. In all sorts of ways. Cinderella I feel is one that has been done in the cinematic world over and over again, as well as the literary world, but I can’t say I feel it’s been overdone. I especially loved this one, and the authors way of weaving the tale to add in some aspects that make the reader hold their breathe, think they know what’s coming, and end up being turned around over and over again. I felt like I was really able to connect to the characters, especially some off the original path character that I won’t spoil for you!
Overall, immaculately woven world development, character building and suspense, and of course, the beautiful romance and the many kinship’s shared too. I very much look forward to reading more of these Modern Day Fairy Tales by this author, and imagine most would feel the same. Highly recommend!
Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series has always been very entertaining. This is book 1. You can read them stand alone but I recommend reading them in order. Emma is a very courageous and independent young woman. She may have some fear but she doesn’t show it. She’ll get to the bottom of mysteries. In this one, she’s working to figure out what happened to her momma. I love the characters. They are so well-written. Dora, Jeremy, Tony, etc. are relatable and feel like they could be your family. Some delicious recipes are also included with this book. The plot can get you right in the heart because it will get all your emotions. This is Emma’s family mystery that we are solving. A wonderful book that will be a classic. Meant for the younger crowd but the older people will love it too.
Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The fourth book of the Notebook Mysteries, unexpected outcomes, continues to follow Emma – a young, observant sleuth. This book is a good end to a fun series!
Emma has grown and matured through the books to get to this place. The mysteries are as tangled as ever, the costs even greater. It’s fun to see the events from Emma’s perspective and I love how familiar the characters have become.
The story does build on itself so I suggest you start with book 1. You won’t regret it.
Reviewed by @whisperhymer
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this story from the start to finish. The way in which the author created a world for magically academies for students was unique. Who wouldn’t be interested in learning more about an academy of magic for keeping the undead from rising. The way she revealed different important bits of information was synced perfectly with the story line. You are never left without some fact or plot moment to keep you interested and needing to read on for the answer. Cannot wait to continue on to the next book in the series!
Makayla finds herself at an important milestone that all six of her brothers before her have already reached; starting an academy in the magical world. With everyone before her, parents included, successful in their schooling paths it comes as a surprise that she ends up at the school which takes all those rejected from all other academies…Grave Digger Academy. A school that teaches students how to keep the dead from rising up. Will Makayla successfully complete her first year and make it out to another school? What does a year of Grave Digging classes consist of? What will her prestigious family think when they find out?
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Set on finishing high school, Ashley does not have time for the famous musician enrolling in her school. All Ashley does have time for is school, working at the family mortuary and avoiding her stepmother and stepsisters. That all changes when he runs into her, literally.
Harry did the crime and now has to pay the time by attending a brick and mortar school for the next six months. He expects it to be rough with the expectations his publicist has put forth. When he runs into Ashley, the time doesn’t look so bad.
Opinion
This modern day fairy tale is charming. Obviously set off of Cinderella, Ashley needs to learn to stand up for herself. The prince, aka Harry, needs the same. While reading it, I was entranced by the update to a classic. This book will appeal to teenagers and adults alike.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ll admit, when this book first crossed my path, I dismissed it as just another retelling of the same story that I’ve heard for years. Boy, was I wrong! Yes, this is a retelling of the Cinderella story but with some very interesting and exciting twists and turns!!
Merilee has been in training for over 70 years. It’s going to take her 100 to really get the hang of things. When the Queen Godmother announces an opportunity, Merilee is excited to take it on. Then the ground rules are laid….can Merilee carry out her task without breaking the rules??
Ashley is over love. Her dad is dead and everyone at school hates her. She’s a freak because she lives and works in a funeral home. Her life is in turmoil living with her step-mother Veronica and her step sisters, the M&Ms. School is all abuzz one day when the principal announces that they will have a celebrity in their midst. Everyone needed to treat Harry as a “normal” person and not be grabbing his clothes or trying to get his autograph, or even worse, a date. Ashley has no cares about this said celebrity and just wants to go on with her life.
Harry is running for his life. He’s tired of constantly being told who to hang around with, how to act, etc. It’s when he gets in trouble for setting a fire in a school that he and his friend are sentenced to a small town high school to serve out their probation. What’s six months in a drab, boring ole small town high school versus prison time?
I devoured this book in a mere few hours. It was a very fun read and the ending has me really looking forward to the next book in this series. Not at all what I expected but I am very happy that I gave this book the chance that it deserves!!
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this young adult coming of age fantasy adventure. The author does an amazing job of mixing magic with everyday life and the teachings I got from this book were be careful what you wish for as its not always what you need.
The author does an amazing job of mixing the life of a teenager today with the mythology that exists around djinn.
I really love how at first Bex thinks the ring and Djinn are the answers to all his dreams but what he doesn’t realise is the damage that will be caused when the Demon decides to twist his wishes/dreams into something that puts everyone and everything he cares about in danger.
It is a gripping story that will have you turning the pages till the end to find out of Bex actually learns the lessons and can solve the crimes before its too late. With all roads leading back to his guilt is it possible for him to prove it wasn’t him but the influence of a djinn or will he suffer for the twisted wishes that the djinn believes he wanted?
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Be careful for what you wish for, for you may get more than you thought.
From Brick & Darkness is a debut YA urban fantasy. For a debut book this is one author that you should keep your eye on. This engaging dark tale has a ring and something of djinn/genie mythology which makes for an interesting read. JL has created a mysterious mystical world that is a page turner. The world building is cleverly woven and well done as is his writing.
Journey along with Bax as he finds himself in a strange and dangerous world he doesn’t understand and a wish that was more than he bargained for.
YA fantasy lovers will enjoy this story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am enjoying the Notebook Mysteries but just realised I missed the first book and have gone back and finally read it. This book is titled Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma and is where it all began.
This is a YA, historical cozy mystery tale where a 16-year-old spirited Emma wants more in life. She fancies herself a bit of an amateur sleuth and the adventure begins. She finds herself caught up in danger, crime, dark secrets, corrupt officials and mobsters.
Emma is a delightful and a fun read. It is not just a cozy mystery it is also a bit of a recipe book included throughout to delight the senses.
Notebook Mysteries is a for those who loves super sleuthing and who love a good mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great fairytale retelling of Cinderella! Very modern but with keeping the same concepts of the original Cinderella we all love and know. This modern fairytale is focused around four main characters, Ashley, Lauren, George and Harry. Ashley’s dad recently passed away and she is left in the care of her evil stepmother Veronica, and her two stepsisters, the M & M’s. Harry is a big-time pop star and has fallen into some small criminal trouble with his best friend George, this lands them in the same new school as Ashley and Lauren. Ashley has COMPLETELY blocked off any type of love or affection, that includes even friendships, that is until she meets the other new girl, Lauren. It is up to the fairy, Merilee, to save Ashley and help her find her true love as well as love for herself. There are a lot of twists in turns in this book, but it is such a great and easy read for a large range of ages. There is SLIGHT mention of drugs and attempted murder, but they do not go into any detail whatsoever. I absolutely ADORE that the main male characters, both Harry and George, have great character development and are not the typical prince charming where absolutely nothing is wrong with them, and they seem perfect. Every character in this book grows tremendously and I love how the author depicted their growth through their experiences. It definitely is a feel good, down to earth, but modern fairytale. I cannot wait to read the sequel “Red” which follows their life after high school graduation.
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love books that make you think and your mind wander as you read through them, This book did just that. I felt a lot for the characters and the story that surrounded them. The book immersed me and intrigued me!
First off I loved the eerie sense of this book. Bax was such a character that had a lot of heart that you could easily feel for and connect to.through out the story. His friends were connectable as ewll,. I loved how realistic the story was and how easily you can picture yourself in the characters shoes. Something else I loved was the wish making part of the story, we are all vulnerable at times, and sometimes something as a wish granting thing can change it for the better or very much fool us and take advantage. The story was gripping and held me tight as I read. Its something everyone would enjoy I would say. I personally loved it!
The book was such a good and compelling read. I was hooked and immersed all the way through. I could not put this don. Needless to say, a very much high recommendation from me for this must read book!
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Be careful what you wish for. Bax wanted something remarkable to happen in his life. A creepy looking homeless guy gave him a ring and now all kinds of drama is coming into his life thanks to the Jinn. This is quite the entertaining story. For YA Fantasy, it will keep them enthralled. I couldn’t put it down. I had to finish it in one night. It was that good. I love how the young man was attached to him family. He wanted to do the right thing but still messed up. He tried to to fix things. The tone of the story keeps you interested and involved. The characters are very well-written. Overall, its a terrific story that anyone who reads it will enjoy. I’ll be passing it on to my friend’s son.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW WOW WOW!! C.A. King has done it again! I was floored by this novel! When I was reading the synopsis before purchasing the book, I was drawn to the story because it was giving me “Harry Potter” novel vibes and I was not disappointed! This book was revolving around Makayla, who is staring her first year in school learning potions and how to become a grave digger. She is met with many obstacles as well as trials in the story. I read this book in one sitting and was so entranced I did not put it down once. Reading this story was wonderful as it was original and such a great read. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next books and see where she and her friends go and what they learn or accomplish. If you are looking for another GREAT read, then look no further because this book is AMAZING!!!
~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~
The saga begins in Chicago in 1881; when the city was just recovering from the great fire of ’71. Emma works at her family bakery but wishes for more adventure. There is an opportunity for her to have more adventures by working with the boys on the delivery wagons.
Her observation begins to pull her into cases ranging from robbery to murder. One case becomes more and more complicated and pulls in her family; To protect them and herself-will her skills with knives and self-defense see her through?
Kimberly Mullins is the author of a series of books called Notebook Mysteries. Her stories are base in historical events occurring in 1880’s Chicago. She holds a BS in biology and a Masters in business. Her favorite classes were in history. She lives in Texas with her husband and son. When she is not writing she works as a Process Safety Engineer at a large chemical company. You can connect with her on her website at kimberlymullinsauthor.com, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Bax always fantasized something remarkable would happen in his life. So when a decrepit man with glowing purple eyes offers him a ring intended for his estranged father, Bax accepts.
The ring speaks to Bax in a dream, tempting him with a vision of a powerful djinn. Desperate to make his fantasies a reality, Bax unleashes a creature called Ifrit, but soon learns this djinn isn’t what the ring led him to believe. Feeding off the depths of his subconscious, the sinister demon fulfills what he thinks Bax wants by manipulating, threatening, and murdering. With everyone he loves in danger and a trail of crimes pointing back at him, Bax must scramble to solve the puzzle that will banish Ifrit forever.
L. Sullivan writes young adult stories inspired by gritty urban environments and the fantastical tales that percolate within abandoned buildings and desolate alleys. In high school, he wrote for a local newspaper before venturing into creative writing in college and currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two daughters, and a dog named Princess Penelope Picklesworth.
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bake off is a great book for all ages. It gives delicious recipes, allowing you to bake right along side of Cat and her family.
In this book, Cat and her family travel back to Arizona to learn more about the family secrets. Cat knows what she can do, now she must know why she can do it. She is hoping this vacation will give her all the answers. While searching for answers, cat helps her family prepare for a local bake off with the surrounding bakeries. The girls go out and do some investigating, only to come up with a lot of information on the other bakers. Once again, the family finds our real quick what happens when you don’t “Bake Happy”.
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in the bake believe series! I highly recommend reading this series in order to fully understand what is happening. This was a great read, even though I was sad to see it all end.
After Cat finds out about Aunt is marrying into her nemesis’ family.. that means Cat and Nate Walker are stuck being together for dinners and events. After a heated argument, there are some major consequences. Read to find out what happens.
This was a great ending to the trilogy.
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has a little bit of magic and a whole lot of baking in it! It’s the perfect cross between a cookbook and a (mostly) relatable story. It captures your attention and gives you the recipe for everything they talk about!
This story follows Cat and her joy of baking explode – along with her love life. From making frozen meals to baking, Cat discovers not only who she is, but more about her family history as well. This is a great read and a great way to get yummy recipes!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Maryn Belling
Were you less than thrilled with Neon Gods or Electric Idol? Are you too old for My Sister the Vampire or Monster High but still looking for a fun read where the clique is seen for who/what it truly is? Do you miss being able to watch Shrek and not feel like you should be analyzing it for your PopLit or Global Studies class?
MK Harkins delivers with this debut YA fairy tale. Even if you’re a former high school teacher or mom of a kid who’s trying to figure out who she is after her dad has passed away, you’ll feel a connection with Ashley.
Those connections are even stronger if you’re a teen facing hideous high school popularity issues while working and preparing for college while dealing with a family situation that amounts to the absolute worst of foster-care complete with court-ordered therapists and more road-blocks than the PCH during construction season.
I’m not saying you should throw cinderblocks at your stepmom when she commands you to schlep them around before school; but if you know why that would feel good this book might be a boost. Especially if your mandatory therapist disagrees with your coping skills or your after-school job includes being a cosmetologist at a mortuary.
In a world where good & evil aren’t always clear and social media has obscured magic, this book is a nice glimmer of hope.
Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Fairy Tale
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have always wanted to learn how to bake, so the title of this caught my attention.
Though I haven’t read the other novels in the series, I still enjoyed this novel.
Seeing people come together through baking, just makes me happy. No wonder people would bring over baked good to neighbors like I’ve seen in some movies. It conveys you were thinking of them and wanting them to feel welcomed in the neighborhood.
There is some drama with family curses being swapped and Cat trying to fix it before anything bad happens.
I will have to read the previous novels and this one again.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Entertaining, Interesting, Heartbreaking Romance! In this modern day rewrite of the Cinderella tale the author takes us through the adventures Ashley has in outwitting her evil stepmother and step sisters. I enjoyed the twists in the plot and the strong character development. All in all this was a good book and is very clean so it is great for fairy tale lovers of all ages.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a modern day retelling of Cinderella! We start in a court of fairies discussing a love life that must be fixed! And then we are immediately met with Ashley. She lives with her terrible stepmother and step sisters in a local mortuary.
Ashley is struggling through friendships in highschool with her best friend Laura. They hear of a pop star and his friend serving out some community service in their school. Although Laura is excited for it. Ashley not so much. How great can Harry and George be anyways?!
This was a wonderful young adult read and it was a super adorable time! And the end?!? You just gotta pick this up
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jessica Stone
This book is a modern take on Cinderella, and wonderfully done in my opinion. With out giving away to much Ashes, is about a young girl named Ashley(ironically enough) who if forced into serving her wicked step mom and step sisters and work in her stepmothers recently acquired mortuary after her fathers recent death.
Harry is a handsome and troublesome bad boy musician who is being forced to attend her school after getting into some legal trouble and this is where their worlds collide. It is a classic, she doesn’t want anything to do with him, and he wants no one’s attention but hers, which she obviously won’t give to him, everyone is fighting to keep them apart troupe.
Ashley is strong independent and snarky and hilarious trying to navigate losing her father who was her world, and Harry is a bad boy rockstar, who may have a strong exterior but inside he’s fighting his own battles.
All and all very well written, I always find quick witty banter between characters to be refreshing, it helps for me to fall in love with them.
The author did a wonderful job in bringing just enough information about each character (including the side characters AND villains) to build the story but not make it feel like an overload of unneeded information. I believe this book can be read as a standalone but I’m hoping for more in this series, for me it was a quick read but that’s because once I started, I couldn’t stop. So if you’re looking for a good, YA, Cinderella, modern day retelling give this book a read, you won’t be disappointed.
Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Fairy Tale, Jessica Stone, August 2022
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great way to end the series. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. The author really knows how to draw you into the story. The characters came to life more and more with each page. It made me want to do what really makes me happy in life. I highly recommend this book.