The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom

 

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

So many great things to say about this book! The illustrations are beautiful and very colorful, first and foremost. They will capture the eye and grab the reader's attention! I love the story too! Maia and Fig are having a picnic and Maia is showing Fig how to make an ice cube necklace. Fig has a lot of questions about the ice cubes....why are they getting smaller...how do they float on water...how to blow the hole to add the string. Then, Fig falls into the water and the necklace is thrown to her to help her to safety. I love how the author intertwines science with safety in this cute little book! The last page goes into more scientific depth about ice and water. There are elements in this book that will appeal to all young learners!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane

 

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bree can't seem to catch a break in the dating world. She's created her dating criteria list and vows to never deviate from it again. After all, the list is a compilation of those men who have crushed her! She is trying to put herself out there and enjoys playing tennis. While playing, she meets Nate and they become best friends.

Nate is everything on Bree's "do not date" list and then some. She keeps him friend zoned while dating a couple of other guys. Nate is always there to pick up the pieces though! Bree's dad sets her up with Scott and she meets him at one of the basketball games she coaches. They totally hit it off and Nate backs away to give them space. However, the reader can sense that he is totally heartbroken!

After a few family get-togethers, dates, out-of-town excursions, Bree is finally starting to see what it is that she wants out of life. Can she ever find her perfect man?

I enjoyed this contemporary romance novel and read it in two sittings. It is a fairly fast-paced read that will keep the reader entertained, always wondering what will happen next. The characters are very likeable and relatable.


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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond

 

Premeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anne's very dedicated to her work to keep drugs off the streets. She's organizing this huge event that will help to teach kids alternatives to a life of drugs and addiction. It's after a doctor's appointment and finding out that she needs to start taking B12 shots that she doesn't feel well.

Grant and Josh are DEA agents assigned to this case to try to bring down this drug lord. Grant's super interested because Anne is one of his closest friends. Grant's former partner, Greg, is engaged to Anne, adding yet another layer of importance.

Becker is the drug lord of the past but has this person resurfaced again? Did they ever really go away? It's up to Grant and Josh to get all of this figured out and before anyone else becomes addicted to this drug kronilan.

Premeditated was gripping from the start! I only put it down once and that was difficult! The characters and the story is very relatable, yet very scary. This is a very clean, inspirational read that does quote some scripture and has religious themes throughout. I appreciate this author writing such a gripping novel in a way that doesn't make me cringe with horrible language!

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Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane

 

Caging Grace (Grace Series, #1). by Carsen Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is actually 4.5 stars!! I never thought I'd enjoy a book about a MMA fighter but I wanted to expand my reading genres so I reached out for this one. I'm so glad that I did!

Grace is a 20 year old underground fighter. She's been fighting her whole life. Her parents are illegal immigrants to the US and her mother has schizophrenia. When she was much younger, Grace's dad died. It's not initially known the details but plays a role in Grace's thoughts about fighting. Grace is left to defend her younger sister and mother. Having to hold down 3 jobs just to support them, Grace really has no time to herself and has never done anything for herself.

When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes around, Grace can't refuse it. She knows what this could mean for her family...good or bad. She's a fighter and she'd bound to prove it!

There are elements of romance in this novel but nothing that screams romance novel. It's all very subtle and I found myself rooting for a certain someone. I would love to read more about Dar, Mason, and Lizzy's characters and I hope they will get books of their own!!

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Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater

 

Illegal by K.J. Gillenwater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hold onto your passports!!! This book gripped extremely hard and was very difficult to put down the couple of times I had to!!

Selina has self-deported back to Mexico from her home in Tucson. She wants everything to be on the up-and-up, especially after finding out her entire life has been a huge lie. She doesn't know the language and is struggling to go through the proper channels when her life changes drastically.

Wyatt isn't loving his job but knows that the work he is doing at the Embassy could lead to something better. It's when the beautiful woman walks into his office and a mysterious phone call is made that causes life to get interesting.

What lengths would you take to protect someone you just met?

Be ready to sit down and dive in because this one grabbed me from the first line and didn't let up until the end. I've still got some questions though....

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson

 

The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Imagine being a third-grader and getting to go on the weekly trip to the library!! I personally remember those days because they were my favorite school days! Any great bibliophile knows that making a friend with a librarian is making a friend for life! Sophia does just that and during one of her weekly visits to the library, it is invaded by aliens!! The aliens have a bubble shooter that captures Sophia's classmates but she is able to avoid it and does what she can to save her librarian. Come to find out, the librarian is a true friend indeed!

Super cute book with an awesome cover!

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A Long Kiss Goodbye (Onyx & Mercury Book 2) by H.D. Thomson

 

A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an interesting take on this fabulous and gripping paranormal romance!! This book is the 2nd in a series but I do not feel as though I've missed any aspects regarding the storyline by not reading the first book. Rest assured, it's on my list now and I've found another author that I enjoy reading!

Avery goes out with some friends to a local bar but finds herself waking up naked in her apartment covered only by a sheet. She hadn't been drinking. How did she get here? She does remember someone over in the bushes...but who? How long has she been unaware of her surroundings?

Luys lives in the same condo building as Avery and when he sees her stumbling around aimlessly, he can't help but step in to see what he can do. He knows better than to get attached though...his past could put both of their lives in danger. He can't just let her wander around or worse yet, get in a car and have an accident.

Mayor is a rather interesting character. I am intrigued by her entrances and exits. It reminds me of someone rather green with envy. ;) She's a character that I wanted to hate but couldn't. I found her very intriguing!

The paranormal aspects are unlike anything I've read before. I found the ties to Aztec history to be very interesting!! I appreciate that there is still a bit of mystery to the paranormal aspect as well and the book isn't heavy on the paranormal until things really heat up. Even then, I found myself almost forgetting that I was reading a paranormal book. Very nice touch!

I had a hard time putting this one down, as the author really keeps the reader engaged with appropriate bits of action and some romance. There was a beautiful blend of all aspects throughout the book without any super heavy overtones that are seen in some more common works. This was an extremely enjoyable read!!

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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good historical romance...they are among my favorite genre! This was a bit of a learning curve for me on this one though because I do not drink. I was lost on a lot of the wine references but I did learn a few things about how wine is made and found it interesting.

This book is set in Portugal during the 1800's and is centered around a plague that attacked vineyards during that time. Mrs. Julia Costa is one of those vineyard owners, after being left a widow and a single mother. Women were not looked highly upon as business owners during this time so she faced increased scrutiny due to her standing in life, as well as her occupation.

Griffin Maxwell is an Englishman who is really good at keeping books. When his business partner suggests that he checks out this particular vineyard, Griffin obliges. The findings he uncovers will be the end of someone in this story though!

Julia and Griffin eventually meet and the sparks pretty much start flying right away, however very subdued. I love how the author allowed the character development to take place before the romance really heated up. There's a few extra players involved too...so scandalous! ;) In the end, can different cultures comingle and create something more beautiful than the vines themselves or will dedication to culture win out?

I'm excited to read the next book in this series, although I already don't like a particular character and the way he behaved in this one. We'll see if he will have any redeeming qualities about him!

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Phoenix's Ascent (Hera Force Book 2) by Winter Austin

 

Phoenix's Ascent by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fast-paced military romance novel will keep you on the edge of your seat! Nadia, aka Phoenix, is back at it again after slashing some no good bad guys at a local bar, which prompts a huge backlash from the rest of the goons. Mitch, who is a former SAS operative, gets wrapped up in all the drama and falls back in love with Nadia. She doesn't remember him though after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Lots of action back and forth, along with a crazed doctor with some "lifesaving" drugs and a super cool dog will keep the reader entranced in this story!

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom

 

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

The bonds between grandparents are super special and Caspian is no exception! It's his un-birthday and he gets not one, but two, special gifts!! The first is a hat that once belonged to his grandpa. The other is a very uniquely shaped stone. Caspian learns really quickly that when he's wearing the hat, he can hear the thoughts of others in their own voices! The rock gives him great ideas and helps him to solve problems.

What I wouldn't give for a hat like Caspian's! That would make life interesting for sure!

This is a super cute book and I wish I had a little one to read it with. This book would be enjoyable for those early readers. The illustrations are very bright and vibrant. The story is one that children would be able to easily enjoy.

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson

 

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super fun book that dog lovers of all ages can enjoy. Toby is a really good dog but this pesky neighborhood cat is set on making sure to make Toby look bad. She paws her way into his life and he just can't resist chasing her through the neighborhood. Then he gets picked up and ends of in a vet's office were some destruction takes place. He meets his new hu-mom and she loves him but Toby really doesn't like it when hu-dad goes to work. Toby really is a good dog, it just takes some time for his hu-people to see it!

I recommend this super cute read, especially if you have budding readers!

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Bake Off by Cori Cooper

 

Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Bake Off, we continue to read the story of Cat, Robyn, and their family. This book starts off with a trip to Arizona to Spend some time with GG and Josey to learn more about this weird family stuff. Cat and Robyn have had some adventures and now they are coming of age to learn more about why Cat's mom won't bake and why Robyn's mom loves it!

GG and Josey are ready for the town Bake Off. There are several bakeries in town and there is a restaurant wanting to partner with one of them. How can the family restaurant stand out amongst the others? Cat finally enjoys waking up at 5 am to bake with her GG and she's loving what she's learning but what sets their bakery apart? And what in the world is up with Josey and the delivery guy?

This story gives you more background from Evie, the family baking matriarch. Cat and Robyn have some fun adventures in baking during this story as well. I found it as equally enjoyable as book 1 in this series.

I highly recommend this to those who love the show "Just Add Magic" as it follows a similar story line. Like Book 1, this one also includes recipes with a lot of humor at the end of each chapter!

Just don't read this one while hungry!! :)

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper

 

Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Are you a fan of the Amazon show, Just Add Magic?? If so, you'll love this book!
Do you enjoy baking or watching baking shows? Again, you'll love this book!

This was such a fun read!! Cat's going into the 8th grade and it's the last day before summer vacay ends. She's at the pool with her best friend and cousin, Robyn. They smell something so deliciously yummy that they can hardly stand it. Then this super cute boy walks by with a pretzel. You know the kind...dripping in butter with those little flakes of salt on it? THOSE kind...irresistible!! Cat goes and buys one but not before running into Tobey. All of a sudden, there's this spark. Oh, why can't summer last forever!!

Cat's mom doesn't ever bake. They eat frozen food all the time. Robyn's mom bakes all the time. They live next door to each other but Cat is never allowed to eat at Robyn's. Why all the craziness around that, wonders Cat? Her mom gets all up in arms anytime she's offered food at Robyn's. Then one day she eats at Tia's house and everything changes....

Can you Bake Believe it??

I loved this book from start to finish!! I love the series I mentioned previously but this book is pretty awesome too! This author has a great way of keeping even a non-baker like myself entertained. I mean, I love to bake and cook but my family doesn't appreciate my northern cooking style in their southern home. :) My favorite part of this book is the recipes at the end of each chapter. Along with all the helpful hints and tons of humor!! What fun is baking if it's not fun??

Enjoy this one folks but don't read when you're hungry! :)

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