True Colors (Landry's True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager

 

True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Landry just wants to fit in with all the other girls. When an opportunity comes up to go and audition for a modeling agency, she and her friends all go together. Landry started finding out who her true friends were when she was the only one to make the next cut of auditions. All of a sudden, her besties got all weird on her and other people started gravitating towards her.

This story of Landry and her friends would best appeal to younger teens (ages 8-12). I felt like I was watching and listening to my daughters all over again! This story is full of teenage drama, shopping trips to the mall, and boy talk. There are some unresolved issues amongst the friends that kinda left a feeling of incompleteness. Overall, a decent read.

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin

 

Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 3 in a series. However, this could be read as a standalone. There will be bits and pieces that might be confusing so I do feel it best to read the books in order.

I read this book in just under 5 hours in one sitting. It's gripping and will have it's hooks in you from the start. Prepare accordingly with your favorite beveridge, a snack, and a blanket. You're not going to want to put this book down.

Elizabeth Benoit is still a fairly new sheriff and, while she's seen her share of things going on in her little county over the past couple of years, she was not prepared for a 25 year old bandaid to be ripped off. Elizabeth's best friend, who is also Deputy Kyle Lundquist's sister, was murdered 25 years ago. The case had essentially gone cold until recent events started looking a lot like what occurred back then. Deputy Detective Lila Dayne is on the case as an outsider, not really being privy to the previous event.

Is it possible that Elizabeth can finally put away the dirty, crooked former sheriff? His hands could be all over this but then there are new but old faces popping back up in town too.

I can't say enough about this book but I also don't want to spoil anything. Just do yourself a favor and carve out the time you need to read this one in one sitting!

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl

 

Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Half-pint Porky is very excited about the opportunity to go to pirate school like her older siblings. She's got a bit of a wait though. Half-pint Porky does NOT like to wait! When she's finally able to go to pirate school, she can't wait for it to end.

This is a super cute children's book! Kids will love the pirate language as well as the vivid imagery in the pictures presented. There are a few fun alliterations to enjoy too! I would recommend this book for children of all ages, including us more seasoned! My favorite aspect of this book is the focus on patience and how being patient can bring a bigger reward in the end.

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Chasing Redemption (The Quimby Grove Series Book 2) by Shannon Nikole

 

Chasing Redemption by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one grabs you right from the get go and I read this entire book in one sitting!!

We get reacquainted with Max, who we met in Finding Starlight. I'm excited that he is featured in this story while still learning more about Beckett and Ellawyn. Max is on the beach playing his music and a drop dead gorgeous woman with a bottle of wine saunters his way. Marley is over it. She's not only been the maid of honor but also the wedding coordinator for her ex-boyfriend. What a drag!

Before they know it, Max and Marley are all tangled up on the beach in a one night stand. They don't know each other's names, where they live, or anything about the other. They part ways and don't think they'll ever see each other again but neither of them forget the other.

Marley is back in Quimby Grove when she sees him and he sees her. She's working so she's not able to talk to him right away but when she finally does, she has news for him. He's a dad.

Max realizes his life just took a MAJOR turn and he's hoping it's one for the better. Can he be a good dad to Jax and Izzy? What about a supportive significant other to Marley?

Life throws all kinds of curveballs as there are several different crimes being committed all of a sudden in Quimby Cove. The subject of the crime? Marley...but she's innocent in it all.

I enjoyed this book but would have enjoyed it much more without all the unnecessary language. It was a bit excessive. The story in itself was intriguing and I look forward to hearing about Avery and Keenan!!

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Bees in Loretta's Bonnet (Loretta's Insects) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Bees in Loretta's Bonnet by Lois J. Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta is picking up logs to bring in to place in the hearth when a mysterious tube falls out. Come to find out, Loretta has found a nest for leafcutter bees. Loretta is all excited and asks her mother what she should do. Loretta finds a safe place for the nest until the weather is warmer and the bees begin their work.

This book focuses on the science of bees and pollination. The end of the book has directions on how to make your own bee nest.

The bee on the front cover of this book almost looks 3D!! It's super cool looking (at least it is on my Kindle!) This book would be great for a library in a school, homeschool, co-op, daycare, or a personal one! I love this author and the science subjects that she covers.

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review is going to be hard to write without spoilers but I'll do my best!

First of all, this is a stand alone book but I HIGHLY recommend reading book 1 (The True Purpose of Vines: An intoxicating historical romance about wine and love.) so you can have a proper understanding of Pedro. Reading this book first will probably ruin a lot of things for you!

I HATED Pedro in the first book. I mean, a deep loathing for the man. I can't say that now. He's found a way to redeem himself with the way he's handled Anne. It took me awhile to be able to say that but he's earned his redemption!

Anne is helping out her sister-in-law with the vines and dealing with an outbreak of Phylloxera when she meets Pedro. Anne is a polar opposite of Pedro, along with several years younger.

Can Anne show Pedro how to be a decent human being? Will Pedro find his redemption and deal with his past?

There's a little bit of everything to love in this book. A great historical based story that includes some humor, spicy romance, and a redeeming heart!

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan

 

Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Abi is pretty deep in debt due to her sister's cancer diagnosis. Unsure of how to pay all these bills, a friend suggests to Abi to apply for the Married Blind television show. Abi thinks about and decides she really has nothing to lose. For 3 months she is going to hang out with a complete stranger who she'll be married too. However, should she choose, she can walk away at the end and still get paid.

Finn is a television celebrity who's had his share of scandal and controversy. The solution to repairing his reputation, according to his agent, is to secretly join the show Married Blind and get married. They'll keep things on the down low while the show is taping and then once they've had time to get to know each other somewhat, they can go public. Finn's not the least bit thrilled with this idea but knows he needs to do something to save his career.

Is it love at first sight? The attraction is there but not sure one could say it was love. Join Finn and Abi as they learn to be husband and wife while just meeting for the first time at the alter. Bonus feature is that Finn is Irish and his friends are all European. The author is also British and uses language from that part of the world. I learned a few new terms! This book is spicy and full of a story of love and redemption.

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker

 

A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's a wedding in the village and Rhiannon's not happy about it. Actually, no one really is! Due to some poor mismanagement of his territory, Mr. Caddell is having to marry his daughter off to the King's son. One would think that this would be a fantastic arrangement, especially for Rhia, but the King has six sons and she's to marry the sixth...a rogue named Emerys.

Rhia and Emerys know nothing about each other before exchanging "I do's" and it doesn't seem like they are going to get to know each other if Rhia has anything to say about it. She's doing everything she can to push Emerys away, not realizing that he feels the same as she does about many things.

Can they overcome these differences and save the land from the King's clutches?

I loved this read! It's a bit of a rom-com with a medieval twist. There are several very funny expressions and the way that Rhia acts...well I found myself giggling. She's very independent and strong willed! The story kept me engaged the entire time.

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Things are Shaking (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Things are Shaking by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last year, Caspian received a very unconventional gift on his un-birthday from his grandfather. It was an invisible magic wand. Today, Caspian decides he's going to use it during breakfast time to change the speed of what's happening in the world. Caspian's cousin Belinda becomes very upset and decides she must have an invisible magic wand from grandfather as well. As soon as grandfather hands her a wand, everything starts shaking and the trio is trying to figure out how to stop it using their wands.

This is a super cute book and I love the illustrations. They are very colorful and vibrant. Lois Wickstrom writes engaging stories that often times have a scientific lesson in them. I would recommend this book, as well as others by this author, to have in your personal/school/daycare library. These make great books for learning!

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My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats

 

My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jasmine (Jazzy) Hayes is a dedicated business woman in her event planning company, Divine Events. Her business partner, Cadence, is also her best friend. It's never good to mix business with family or friends and Jasmine is learning her lesson pretty quickly.

James Conner is a bad boy and Jasmine kicked him out of his own parents' anniversary party. James is incredibly attractive though and keeps coming on to Jasmine. However, he's engaged to be married to another woman. It's a crazy business deal, this pending marriage. He's engaged to Cadence and Jasmine is responsible for planning the wedding. How is Jasmine ever going to plan this wedding with James coming on to her so much?

This novella was enjoyable. There is a lot of back and forth drama involved in the relationships that form/are forming and it times it seemed a little overdone. But overall, an enjoyable read.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay

 

Falling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This first read of 2023 was not disappointing!! Ginny needs to go home to take care of her dad with his upcoming hip replacement surgery. Going back home to Buckeye Falls comes with it challenges though! Max is still there and so are the feelings of love...love for Christmas, his diner, and his ex-wife Ginny. When Ginny finds out that Max is spending time with her dad, more issues come to light. How can Ginny survive this trying time with Max around? It's also Christmas and the holidays are special in Buckeye Falls.

This is a sweet, second-chance romance novel that will have you cheering from the beginning all the way to the end!!



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