Lucas the Spy Cat (Jake the Growling Dog) by Samantha Shannon

 

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

Do you have a cat and ever wondered where it goes in the middle of the night while you are sleeping away? Well, Lucas's family wondered the same thing so they made a spy cam for him to wear. They are thinking he's got to be out solving all the world's problems, helping those who can't help themselves, or just having some fun. Once he returns home in the morning and while he's sleeping, the family uploads the video to see what he's been up to all night long.

This is such a fun book but what really caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous and vivid illustrations!! These really make this book! There are many brilliant colors and lots of different textures captured within these pictures. This book can be used for so many great things...pointing out/teaching colors as well as animals, learning new words, learning about technology, as well as how using imagination can take you many places! The ending of this book has multiple suggestions for creative thinking whether at home, school, or elsewhere.

A beautiful book that would make a great gift for young (and even not-so-young!) minds!

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Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 2) by Ellen Butler

 

Operation Blackbird by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a riveting follow up to The Brass Compass in which CIA operative Miriam Becker is doing all she can to prevent WWIII. The setting is East Berlin and the KGB is crawling all over the place. It's her job to rescue a rocket scientist and get out of East Berlin without being detected. She knows that one wrong move can change the outcome of this mission and possibly history itself.

This is another great read with very historically accurate references! I enjoy this author's writing style and how she chooses strong female leads in her stories. This is a true page turner filled with a lot of action, some romance, and a story for the ages.

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The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler

 

The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy a good WWII novel and this one did not disappoint. Ellen Butler is a new-to-me author and I look forward to more of her work!

Lily Saint James has lived a life of privilege being able to attend the best schools and receive proper training in how to be a lady. Her father's job has allowed much of this to happen. It's Lily's senior year and she's excited to be able to finish school and be back home with her parents and possibly start searching for a proper suitor. When her mother becomes very ill after an extended stay in Africa, Lily travels to reach her but she's too late. This absolutely crushes Lily and has her desiring to enter into service to her country, but in a more back door way.

Lily becomes an OSS agent and finds herself in the middle Germany, which she needs to escape, but not before gathering as much intel as possible.

This book is exciting, full of action, a little bit of romance, and great historically accurate references. I found this book very enjoyable and will be reading book 2 next!

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Better Gnomes & Gardens (Mysty Haven Mystery Book 1) by Casey Cardel

 

Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bob McLarney is having a bad day. He was just fired from his journalism position after a measly two weeks. The editor wanted a gripping story and Bob chose to write about the existence of Big Foot. Boss man wasn't happy so Bob is looking for another source of income. He's just moved to Mysty Haven and has a few months of free rent so he's wanting to stay where he is.

Bob frequents the local coffee shop gathering any gossip that's going on. He's approached by an elderly man who's looking for someone to help him find his newest gnome that's gone missing from his garden. Bob agrees to help out but learns pretty quickly that Mysty Haven isn't quite the place that he though it might be. He also learns that he's not who he thought he was.

This was a fun little novella to read on a rainy afternoon. It includes all sorts of paranormal characters, most of which have some comical elements. This was an enjoyable short read.

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Yesterday's Over (Philly Heat Series Book 3) by Becky Flade

 

Yesterday's Over by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving this series and I'm so glad that Trudy gets her own story! I've been following her through this series and she's one of my favorite characters.

Trudy is the medical examiner and some bones are located the likes that she's never seen. It's up to her to find out who this is and to help identify who did this to them. Her services are invaluable to the police department but can her kind spirit endure the emotional toil that it's taking on her?

Ms. Flade does it again with another great novel full of mystery, suspense, and romance. I found myself on the edge of my seat as I read this thrilling, fast-paced novel. I'll be looking forward to more great reads by this author!

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Fall to Pieces (Philly Heat Series Book 2) by Becky Flade

 

Fall to Pieces by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lexi Danvers is still trying to come to grips with the horrible and untimely death of her husband, Robert. On top of that, she's given a new partner in the homicide division. As a detective, she's dedicated to her job, sometimes too much. As a friend and lover, she's not as dedicated and uses people, although it's not always purposeful.

Xavier Knight is the new detective assigned as Lexi's partner. He's not without some skeletons in his closet either, although he keeps that door pretty closed. What he's not happy about is that he's been hired to keep an eye on Lexi. She's a loose cannon and could become a liability to the division. Xavier isn't sure he can defy the trust of his partner.

There is a child killer on the loose and Lexi is pretty sure she knows who's committing these crimes. How can she solve these murders when her shield is in question?

I love this author and this is only the second book I've read of hers. This story is gritty and covers some very difficult themes that are unfortunately happening far too often in our country. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Flade's work!

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Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen

 

Borrowed Time by Lane Cohen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? If so, what would you want to see or do? I'd love to go back to the Bible times and see Jesus and his disciples. I would also love to go back to the time of Abraham Lincoln and meet his former love, Anne Rutledge (who is a family member!).

Andy Case is a physics professor and well, physics can be a bit boring at times. I personally enjoyed my physics classes and loved seeing this topic featured in this book. His students are losing interest but come up with an idea to create a time machine. Andy isn't quite sure about this idea but, why not give it a try?

There are many accurately described historical events which makes this book intriguing and fun! I was a little surprised about some of the events that were not changed by the group, but then again, maybe they didn't need to be. Changing on small little feature of an event can change an entire course of history!!

Finally, this book cover is beautiful! It's very attractive to the eye and is one of the things that attracted me to this book.

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Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne

 

Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a pretty interesting read and even though it's part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I do want to go back and read the previous books for more context on this story though. I do get a little confused when there is a dual timeline as I struggle to keep the different parts separate, yet together.

It's the year 1593 and Christopher Marlowe is in trouble. The playwright is being taken to the White Tower but he's desperate to get a message to his love, Tam, in the present day. Tam's a homicide detective who can possibly help him out, but then again, maybe it would be best if he handled this on his own.

This book is about time travel, detectives, love, fae, shapeshifters, and more! It's full of mystery, intrigue, high stake choices, and more!



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Cooked: The Chef Blows Her Lid by Cari Schaeffer

 

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

Olivia's life is perfect...until it isn't. Her husband cheated on her with her best friend, she loses her job, and her mother....well she's a fine piece of work!! I mean, we all love our mom's but Olivia's mom is a special one. LOL Olivia is at rock bottom and she's doing all that she can to start a new rise to the top. She loves to cook but is struggling to find a job doing what she really loves so she settles. That is, until her friend Taylor comes up with a plan. Will this work? Does Olivia have it in her?

This is such a fun and relatable book! Olivia's mom is probably my favorite character mainly because she reminds me of my own mom in a way. She really does love Olivia but sometimes that love can be overwhelming. This is a fast paced and witty book as well! I look forward to reading more books by this new-to-me author!

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Musical Murder Mystery Boxed Set #1 Books 1-3 by K.L. Montgomery

 

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

Family friendly and full of fun!! Ruby isn't the most outstanding actress and definitely not the star of the show but she sure loves a good mystery and this boxed set does not disappoint!

I am a musical lover and this series of books is such a happy and sometimes hysterical read! The Sound of Murder is a book based on the Sound of Music. Ruby gets to join a travelling troupe and her first real role is underway. What she didn't expect is that one of her cast mates would be murdered. All of a sudden, Ruby's focus is on solving the murder of her friend.

West Side Murder is based on the popular West Side Story. Instead of the Sharks and the Jets, we meet the Golfers and the Palmers. The focus of this story is on a murder that takes place in a local retirement community. While Ruby and her troupe are on tour, she finds herself in the middle of yet another mystery.

Little Shop of Murder is such a fun read!! I love all musicals but this one is a definite favorite and this story did not disappoint. Ruby and her troupe are performing "The Little Shop of Horrors" on stage when some things become more real than just acting out parts.

What I love about these books is the way that Ruby remembers details to solve her mysteries. She attributes them to musical numbers. I found myself singing along with her clues! This is a great cozy and clean set of books that will put you in a sing-songy mood for days!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins

 

Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lottie, who is kin to Emma in the Notebook series of books by this same author, is serving as a clerk of the court. There is a high profile case that has come to the judge she is working for and the judge is pushing to get this case through quickly. So many things aren't adding up to Lottie, and then some pictures arrive at her home. Lottie isn't ashamed of her bohemian, free-spirited, bisexual lifestyle but these pictures come with a threat. Can she keep her private and personal live separated until this trial is over or is she going to have to disclose some very intimate and private details?

This book is based on actual historical events that have taken place. That's one thing I really appreciate about this author! This book is definitely more geared for adults as there are some highly sensitive issues covered in it. I love the suspense of the story and how Emma and other characters from the Notebook series make small cameo visits!

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Ice Dance by Vik Azeem

 

Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hassan is a unemployed accountant who is about to lose his apartment and disgrace his family. No one knows about his work status until his mom and dad start getting letters at their home. Then, Hassan is scrambling to make sure that no one else knows he's been struggling for over 4 months. Afterall, he comes from a very successful family and he doesn't want to look bad.

After a night at a bar waiting on his friend Anthony, and a time slot for the open mike comedy night, Hassan meets Yasmine. All of a sudden, his life will never be the same again. What are those green footprints that keep showing up??

This is a new-to-me author who I really enjoyed!

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The Intruders by Brett McKay

 

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

What a unique book and a very interesting, new-to-me author! I was surprised to see how this book is set up to include the author's notes. At first I wasn't sure how I would feel about it but I've decided that I really loved it for this book. It's great to get in the mind of the writer and see where they were going with something, or why they chose to write the scene the way they did. I really appreciate this unique angle.

Now about the book....wow!!! It grabs you from the first word and just doesn't let go until it's over! Dex is a regular ole car salesman, a family man. Regan, his wife is lovely and has her hands full with their two boys. They find themselves abducted and in a weird place, enduring all sorts of torture until they can escape. Or have they really escaped?

This ones got some pretty cool nuggets in it and I think they enhance the story even more. I look forward to reading more of this author's work!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman

 

River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hester has heard all her life about how she's not "ordinary people". Most people don't know that though. Hester has a strong desire to learn the ways of healing with medicinal herbs and poultices but it's just not something that her momma would be proud of her for. Hester learns her great grandmother Ellen dabbled in medicinal herbs and that just fuels her even more.

Aaron is a mysterious man who is often not seen walking about. He tutors Hester. It's when he mysteriously leaves that things start to become more difficult for Hester. Why did he have to go?

I loved this book! It was a fairly fast read and I didn't want to put it down. The characters are very engaging and the story is quite interesting! There are a few twists and turns but ultimately, I just wanted Hester to get what she desired. I can't wait to read more works from this new-to-me author!

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Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King

 

Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's the start of Makayla's second year at the Grave Digger Academy. A big announcement is made that affects the entire school. With budgets being tight, every student will have to compete in the Inter-Academy competition in order for their school to stand a chance to stay open. Makayla was hoping this would be an easy year but she soon finds out that it won't be. Can she survive this second year of school? Will the Grave Digger Academy be able to make a good showing and keep the school open?

This was a fun, quick read continuing on with Makayala's story. While this is a book that focuses on supernatural beings, it also includes a lot of humor. I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading this book!

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The Gauntlet (The Soppranaturale Series Book 1) by Ashley Pagano

 

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.

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Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom

 

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

Mama Warbler has just laid 6 eggs and she's patiently waiting on them to hatch. One day, a Cuckoo flies into her nest and lays an egg, then just disappears. Mama Warbler's neighbor keeps trying to get her to toss the much larger egg away but Mama insists on keeping it. When the baby cuckoo hatches, it's much bigger than Mama herself and this baby eat A LOT! Mama is busy collecting food when a cat stops by for a visit. Baby cuckoo protects Mama's nest but the neighbor looses a baby. The neighbor decides that baby cuckoo isn't so bad after all and she's hoping to gain one next year.

This is a super cute book by an author that I love! The illustrations are very well-done as well. This would be a great teaching tool about birds and egg laying, about friendships, loyalty, trust, and the importance of all lives.

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