Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher

 

Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I almost didn't pick this book up. I am ever so glad that I did though!! This book has elements that I love in a great story. There is mystery, intrigue, romance, horses, castles, Lords and Ladies, and more!

This book sucked me in from the very beginning. I instantly fell in love with Lady Aubrianne and her assertiveness as a young lady. Her mysterious meeting in the hallway started it all. Then there was the wedding that lacked all the luster a girl has ever dreamed of on her special day, not to mention the cold shoulder of her new husband. Lord Roger was an enemy of mine from the get-go!

The writing in this book is masterfully done, especially considering this is the author's debut book. I do look forward to going on more adventures with Nicole E. Kelleher in the near future!

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Beautiful Dangerous (Philly Heat Series Book 4) by Becky Flade

 

Beautiful Dangerous by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this one down!! Right off the bat, this one had me hooked. I love the characters and how they all come together to find the creep that has been stalking Hannah. So many elements go into this story and solving not only one crime, but several all at once.

There is a great balance of romance and mystery with this one. Not a dull moment throughout the entire book. I can't wait to read more by this author as she weaves some engaging tales that will stay with you.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider

 

Chasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew this book was going to be a great one when the dedication says, "To everyone who starts listening to Christmas music before it's socially acceptable."! This book was just what I needed today as I plan out putting my Christmas tree up next week (October 1)!!

Holly Claus is responsible for gathing all the Cheer and bringing it back to the workshop each quarter so the work can proceed without interuption. She's thrilled to travel the world doing "market research" while accomplishing this task. There are trips to Disneyworld where she rides the ride that plays the song that will be an earworm for awhile. It's a trip to Finland that changes everything though. Seeing an ad for a festival in Oregon, USA has her intrigued and having to go and check it out.

Ash is a business owner in Emerald Falls, Oregon. He owns an inn attached to a restaurant and he's very well known and respected around town. He works hard to keep his family's legacy going. He's super excited that Hallmark is going to come and check out the festival that he's planning. This could be the break he's looking for in acquiring more excursions for his business customers.

Holly finds herself in an inn with a quaint restaurant and the best hot chocolate she's ever had away from home. The owner of that inn, Ash, is impressed that she's impressed with his hot chocolate. Afterall, it's a family recipe!

I just loved this story. It's very uplifting and happy, and full of cheer!! I am really hoping that this isn't the end of this story with Holly and Ash though...especially Ash!

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Henrique the Viscount is a scientist and an extremely playful rake. Isabel is a prude and proper princess. Two very unlikely people to ever want to be in the presence of another. When Isabel is sent to Portugal by her brother, the "bodyguard" assigned to her is none other than Henrique. Let the adventures begin!!

This book is romantic, funny, and a wee bit spicy! Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I've not been disappointed by a book from this author!! Looking forward to more!

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Mr. Barsins' Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom

 

Mr. Barsins' Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is a middle grade read by Lois Wickstrom and was a very fun read! You must, however, have an imagination to really enjoy this book! It's what it's all about!

There are 4 youngsters who will become unlikely friends through a series of challenges placed on them by Mr. Barsins after they wander into this Toy Store. All the kids are fascinated by the word "emporium" (I mean, it *IS* a pretty cool word) and his "wall that isn't there". This is an adventure full of fantasy and wonder!!

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin

 

Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series, even though I'm only 2 books in, is quickly becoming my favorite series of this year to read. I do highly recommend that you read these books in order. There is a lot of context in Atonement that will help make this book much more understandable.

I love that I'm kept guessing the "whodunit" right up until the end! There are twists and turns that are unforeseen, which makes this story even more engaging. The character development is on point so much so that you might feel like you're a part of the family.

I'm really looking forward to the next books in this series!!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins

 

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series and this little novella didn't disappoint!

It's Christmas time...a time of cheer, happiness, and overall well wishes for everyone. Parties are in full swing and Emma and Jeremy receive an invitation to a local party. Others in their company do as well. However, the invitation is not sitting right with Emma. Something just seems off about it.

As life goes on, there are some insiders scoping out the party location. Certain aspects of the location change over a few days and Emma receives word of it. She's prepared for the party and whatever will happen therein.

These stories are just great little cozy mysteries with historical aspects thrown in. Some of the books in the series are full-length, while others are more novella style such as this one. There is always at least one adventure taking place, and usually more are starting in the background. Emma is a strong character to endure all the things that are thrown at her, often times last minute.


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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen

 

A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eve Sawyer is a journalism student and is excited that she gets to house sit with a couple of friends over the winter holiday. Everything goes south really quickly though when a neighbor out walking his dog comes across a body hanging in a tree...and it's in the yard of the house where Eve and her friends are staying.

This was a great little story that I read in just about an hour and a half. It kept me engaged in what was happening and I enjoyed the little twists and turns throughout. While this is part of a series, this book can easily be read as a stand alone. I look forward to reading more work by this author.

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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin

 

Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite things about this book: a female Marine sniper, a retired military war dog, and an author not afraid to tackle the very difficult topic of PTSD.

This book had it's hooks in me from the get go. There is a series of suicides happening in the small community of Eider and they all seem to be connected. It's up the sheriff's department, along with the feds, to try to figure this out. Nic is bound and determined that she's going to be the one to crack this case. Her demons keep getting in the way and putting her in harm's way too.

Eider Police Detective Con O'Hanlon (I laughed everytime I read his name even though it's shortened...a con as a police detective) may be the only thing that can stand in the line of fire when these demons come back to haunt Nic. She's got to be willing to let him in to do that though!

Very well written story that has your turning pages as quickly as possible, yet also not wanting the story to end!

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The Mother's Threat by Susan Specht Oram

 

The Mother's Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book will grab you and won't let up until the words "the end" come up!

Violet is setting up her own security company after years of working for others. She's amassed a team that has experience covering all the major facets of security. When a prominent business owner approaches her for her services, she's thinking that this will be a very easy first job. The contracts are signed and everything suddenly changes.

Violet finds herself in the midst of a battle to save not only her client, but the town in which she lives. Rioters find their way to town and just about do them in. Violet and her team are on the case, even if other officials are not.

This book has strong political undertones dealing with corruption in some of the highest local offices. It was almost impossible to put this down as the story just grew more complex with each chapter.

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Murder Creek by Jane Suen

 

Murder Creek by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eve Sawyer is coming up on the end of her semester in her journalism class and she has a final paper due. Her paper is completed but on a recent trip, she crossed Murder Creek and became intrigued by the name. As she researched the area, she learned of a cold case and decided she wanted to further investigate it. She approaches her professor, asks to take an Incomplete for the time being on her paper, and proceeds to find herself researching the case of Lacey Walken.

Eve has no idea the clues she's going to unravel and finds herself possibly in harm's way too.

This short little read took me just over an hour to complete. It held my interest the entire time and the story was very well written. I look forward to more reads by this author!

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Children will love reading this book, especially if they are interested in the patterns amid the stars!! I loved this book and I'm not a child!

Shirl takes Eee-ahh to school with her where they hear stories all day long. When the teacher asks Eee-ahh where she is from, Eee-ahh proceeds to draw a series of stars and then connects them. The class learns all about constellations and the different names for them.

This is beautifully illustrated and is recommended for all ages, but especially those in the 4-9 year old age group.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol

 

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional book but one that should be shared with all young pet owners. In this story, Shadow, who is the stray cat that keeps showing up, has stopped eating like normal. Oscar and Emmy's owners notice a lump on Shadow's belly, so they take her to the vet. The news is not good and now they must all say goodbye to Shadow.

Very gently written in a way that young children can have a better understanding of what happens when pets become too sick. I would recommend this for all pet owners, especially those of the younger generation.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett

 

The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story picks up on year 2 at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for the Reed twins. It's going to be a better year because everything is better then the first year!

The big announcement is the Zodiac Games. They only come along every 3 years and this happens to be that year! A mixture of physical skills and intelluctual abilities will be the focus of this super fun event. When a handful of students start getting sick, the Games become a low point of priority. Bigger issues arise when the military becomes involved and Jon and Frank find themselves under tight scrutiny.

I loved this book and read it pretty quickly in one afternoon. It will hold attention and is really hard to put down! While this is the second book in a series, this could be read as a standalone with minimal loss to the back story. I am super excited to read the next book in this middle grade series! This is great for fans of Sky High, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games!

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