Saturday, December 21, 2024

Notebook Mysteries: The Twelve Days of Murder by Kimberly Mullins

 

Notebook Mysteries: The Twelve Days of MurderNotebook Mysteries: The Twelve Days of Murder by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This series is very enjoyable to read and this little novella put me a little more into the holiday spirit. There are 12 days until Christmas and there is a murder to solve. Little does Emma and Jeremy know, there's a lot more to come with this murder! Emma figures out that this must be linked to the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas", even though the timing is all off. Can they solve this murder and thwart others before they can occur?

As always, there are great little historical tidbits spread throughout this work of fiction. I love seeing how they are integrated by reading the author's notes at the end. It's also fun reading about the kids growing up!

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Thursday, December 19, 2024

An Oracle's Handbook by B.E. Padgett

 

An Oracle's Handbook (The Reeds of West Hills, #3)An Oracle's Handbook by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very enjoyable series and young adults will love the adventures that Jon and Frank find themselves taking. They go to a school for perceptually gifted kids and it's a pretty cool place. There are mysteries galore and this time is no exception.

I do recommend reading these books in order as they build on themselves. This series would make a great gift for the middle school reader!

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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

A Buckeye Falls Christmas (Buckeye Falls Series) by Libby Kay

 

A Buckeye Falls ChristmasA Buckeye Falls Christmas by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great little "family reunion" to pick up and read! I have absolutely loved this series and I'm sad to see it ending but I'm also feeling okay with it because it all ends up so nicely. There are some great sounding recipes in this book, along with a lot of love, laughter, and seeing how the relationships of the couple of Buckeye Falls have grown in the ebbs and flows of life. A great, short read that will put you in the holiday spirit!

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Monday, December 16, 2024

A Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships Series #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships, #1)A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a truly enjoyable book to listen to! The narrator was very easy to hear and follow along with on this story of Mercy and Joseph. I probably shouldn't have listened to it while driving though because there was a spot or two were it started raining on an otherwise very sunny day! This book tugged at my heartstrings a bit. I could identify with Mercy's struggles as a nurse and the situation with Sara really got to me. I wanted to smack Joseph for not being more aggressive, but I also highly respected him for his actions as well.

Overall, very enjoyable and I look forward to reading other titles in this series!

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Saturday, December 14, 2024

Three Days to Be Ruined: A Victorian Historical Romance (The Winemakers Book 5) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

Three Days to Be Ruined: A Victorian Historical Romance (The Winemakers Book 5)Three Days to Be Ruined: A Victorian Historical Romance by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am a lover of historical fiction and this one does not disappoint. I recommend reading this entire series as it's very well written and enjoyable. This story can be read as a standalone (as can all the books in this series). There are several characters from previous novels that make appearances in this story so having a bit of their background could add to the enjoyment of this story.

This one is set during Christmas time and features a ruggedly handsome Scotsman along with the beautiful Lady Beth. There is holiday spirit(s), some spicy romance, and a proposed marriage of convenience to keep you turning the pages on this one! I'm not a wine drinker so I was lost in some of the terminology and means but other than that, I enjoyed this book!

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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued: A fun story about rescuing, adopting, and adding cats to your family by Terri Sabol

 

Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued: A fun story about rescuing, adopting, and adding cats to your family.Oscar and Emmy Get Rescued: A fun story about rescuing, adopting, and adding cats to your family. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book to read with kids of any age, but especially young ones and especially if you're looking to adopt a pet. Done through rhyme, this book tells of how Emmy and Oscar were born to a stray momma cat, then sent to an animal shelter, and then finding their fur-ever home with a new family.

The illustrations are also very well done and young children will enjoy seeing the playfulness of Emmy and Oscar throughout the story.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Lights, Camera, Murder!!! by Kimberly Mullins

 

Lights, Camera, Murder!!!Lights, Camera, Murder!!! by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a page turning read! I have enjoyed this author's works and this one might be my most favorite read yet!

Merle and her sister Jean find themselves running to Hollywood in 1913. There they begin to look for jobs but Merle is looking for something, or someone, else.

Characters from previous books will pop in and make you chuckle while there is murder, romance, blackmail, sabotage, and more happening in the background.

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Monday, December 9, 2024

Santa Claws by Tricia Gardella

 

Santa ClawsSanta Claws by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book that could be read anytime of the year but especially around the winter holidays. Claws loves living at the North Pole. Who wouldn't, right? He gets a lot of attention and has Santa and Mrs. Claus to play with, as well as the reindeer and elves. It's magical and exciting, even in December. That's when the attention to him goes away and in fact, he feels ignored. He decides this year will be different though! Read the book to learn what happens!

The illustrations are wonderfully done! The colors almost jump off the page! Kids of all ages will love reading this story together with their family!

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Saturday, December 7, 2024

Direct Threat (Protection, Inc. #1) by Kimberly Rose Johnson

 

Direct Threat (Protection Inc. #1)Direct Threat by Kimberly Rose Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love finding a new series by a new-to-me author! This was a great start to this series and I look forward to reading more about Carissa (CJ) and her Protection Inc. Her first client is a young lady named Olivia who's just as feisty as CJ is. Her work is cut out for her with this one. Then Marc comes on the scene and fireworks ensue. Can the two of them together do what's best for Olivia and keep her safe from those who are out to harm her and her parents?

I did have a pretty good idea fairly early on who the culprit (or at least one of them would be). It still made the story very enjoyable though!

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Friday, December 6, 2024

Vanishing Act by Lois Wickstrom

 

Vanishing ActVanishing Act by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this newest book by Lois Wickstrom, we read about a boy who feels like he's invisible. Drake has an interesting appearance and he's a bit mystified by it.

This is a good book to start a conversation about noticing others. It's a bit quirky but could be a good starting point. I love the way this author incorporates some type of learning experience into each of her books.

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Thursday, December 5, 2024

Silent Legacy: Midlife Romantic Suspense by India Kells

 

Silent Legacy: Midlife Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 2)Silent Legacy: Midlife Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's nice to read a series that features "later in life" characters as the main focus. This is the second book in this series. They can be read as standalones. You'll feel like a part of the town in this story about Lena and Garrett. There is plenty of suspense, drama, romance, and more to keep you entertained until "the end".

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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Rafaela (HeartStrings #5) by Brooke May

 

Rafaela (Heartstrings #5)Rafaela by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun series to read and I'm already looking forward to the next book! These can be read as standalones but you'll find yourself wanting to read about the others working with Cupid to bring people together. Rafaela definitely has her work cut out for her in this assignment and she's going to have to bring in some other resources and reinforcements to make this successful.

A quick, light hearted read!

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Sunday, December 1, 2024

Loretta's Stick That Walks by Lois Wickstrom

 

Loretta's Stick That Walks (Loretta's Insects)Loretta's Stick That Walks by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loretta loves to be in her garden and in nature in general. She's enjoying watching the ants when she notices a stick that walks. I personally am a bit terrified of walking sticks but Loretta is not and shows the proper appreciation for this interesting design of nature.

The illustrations are very well done in this book. They are vibrantly colorful! This author places a focus on science in a way that is appealing to all ages and teaches many STEM/STEAM concepts as well.

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Friday, November 29, 2024

Look Again (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 10) by Valerie Davisson

 

LOOK AGAIN: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 10 (Logan McKenna Series)LOOK AGAIN: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 10 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite mystery series. I highly recommend checking this series out and reading them in order so that you have consistency amongst the characters. The way that the author writes these stories, you can input yourself and take part too! Logan is a great character who finds herself in some of the most interesting predicaments that she has to find a way out of before her favorite people suffer. Check this series out! You won't be disappointed!

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Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Sea of Death (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Series) by Mark Nolan

 

Sea of Death (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 8)Sea of Death by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a truly enjoyable series! Each book may be read as a stand alone but I encourage you to read them all!!

If you're looking for action, adventure, a thrilling mystery, and a dash of romance, then Jake, Cody, and Sarah have you covered. I love that there is a retired military dog as a part of the cast of this series and he really steals the show!

I'm ready for the next one in this series to drop!

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Monday, November 25, 2024

Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal by Amanda McCabe

 

Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal (Matchmakers of Bath, 2)Their Convenient Christmas Betrothal by Amanda McCabe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

This was a great read to help me get into the holiday spirit! I love a good Regency style romance and this did not disappoint.
Mary is a fun character who loves to put her matchmaking skills to the test. However, she's in need of some of those skills for herself!
Enjoy this quick read set in Scotland!

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Saturday, November 23, 2024

Dressing Up A Corpse (A Spicetown Thanksgiving Cozy Mystery) by Sheri Richey

 

Dressing Up A CorpseDressing Up A Corpse by Sheri Richey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun and entertaining story leading up to Thanksgiving week here in the US. It's a quick read that you can most likely finish in one setting. The residents of Spicetown are a bit quirky but that makes for some fun, along with suspense, of this cozy mystery read!

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Friday, November 22, 2024

Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 

Until Leaves Fall in ParisUntil Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a beautiful, yet at times tragic, story. I love historical reads and this one did not disappoint. I don't believe I've read anything by this author before (if I have it's been many, many years) and I can't wait to get ahold of another one of her stories.

I loved so many things about Lucie and Paul's story. I can't imagine the fear that they both lived in during that time of life. The secrecy and lies that had to take place just to survive all the events of the time in Paris. Then, there's Paul's daughter, who stole my heart right away when I thought her dad was being a jerk....she's precious!

A great clean Christian romance novel set in Paris during World War II. A few tears were shed during the listening of this audiobook.

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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Chasing Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 3) by Julie Navickas

 

Chasing Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 3)Chasing Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*Sigh* It's so much fun to read a series that just leaves you feeling good at the end of it. Even when the bride-to-be has cold feet and says and does silly things that she'll one day look back on and possibly regret. This entire series is great and the conclusion leaves you feeling satisfied. Each book can be read as a stand alone but you'll miss some character development reading them out of order. I love the fact that Cole and Rose have been committed to each other from such a young age. It was cute learning more about their back story and how they've made it to present day.

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Monday, November 18, 2024

A Garland at Bitterbark Creek by Tammy Mannersly

 

A Garland at Bitterbark CreekA Garland at Bitterbark Creek by Tammy Mannersly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one will tug at your heartstrings a bit and you won't want to put it down. There are so many wonderful elements to this beautifully written story. Lots of ups and downs, twists and turns, but overall a great story to read!

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Friday, November 15, 2024

The Nice List Checklist by Brittany Plumeri

 

The Nice List ChecklistThe Nice List Checklist by Brittany Plumeri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book that should be on your shelf and pulled out and read yearly. Utilizing rhyme, kids can learn more about how Santa checks his list and how he knows who's on it. The illustrations are great and will bring a smile to everyone's face.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Match Made in Montana: The Complete Series by Rachelle Paige Campbell

 

Match Made in Montana: The Complete SeriesMatch Made in Montana: The Complete Series by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite series that I've read this year! If you enjoy a slow burn but clean romance with a enemies to friends to relationship kinda trope, be sure to check out this series. Each book could be read as a standalone but it's more fun to read them as a boxed set! Hank is my absolute favorite character in this series and I think you'll love him too!

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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

A Chance At All by Angela K. Parker

 

A Chance at AllA Chance at All by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I seem to be drawn to books about second chances! This was an enjoyable read about Nalah and Nicoli. I love the fact that the characters are a bit older than is usually seen in books of this type. They have life experiences that the younger set hasn't generally had yet and I love how the author made them so personable. If you're looking for a "feel good" book, this one might just cure that ache!

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Saturday, November 9, 2024

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

 

The Silent PatientThe Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read. There were times when I felt like I couldn't put it down. Other times I couldn't wait to finish a chapter and put it down for a rest. The storyline is difficult to follow at times but I thoroughly enjoyed the major plot twist at the end. I thought I had it all figured out but nothing is as it seems with these characters. The author does divulge into multiple subplots which can make it challenging to keep up with the train of thought going on. Overall, a good book.

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Friday, November 8, 2024

A Catch In Time: A Macabre Novella & Short Stories by Christopher Alan Broadstone

 

A Catch In TimeA Catch In Time by Christopher Alan Broadstone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The writing in this book is among some of the most unique I have ever encountered. It sucks you in pretty fast and takes you for a ride through various short stories set in the time of WWII. There are twists and turns and gruesome tales of the horrors of war. With the writing style being so unique, this book might not be for everyone but I encourage you to give it a chance!

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The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly

 

The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraintThe Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in a series but these books can be read as standalones. I enjoyed the storyline of this novel, although it deals with the challenging topic of human trafficking. The tale of Stan and Marie is a very believable one and this book is hard to put down once started.

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Thursday, November 7, 2024

The Trinity Knot: releasing the knot of silence (The Knot Series Book 1) by DonnaLee Overly

 

The Trinity Knot ( The Knot Series #1)The Trinity Knot by DonnaLee Overly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Some will find this to be a challenging read as it deals with the topic of sexual assault. There is a theme of redemption and forgiveness throughout but the experiences that Gabby has had are very trying and difficult. This has a good ending but will send you on an emotional roller coaster ride along the way.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2024

One Night in Amsterdam (One Night in… Series) by N.D. Jackson

 

One Night in Amsterdam (One Night #1)One Night in Amsterdam by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick little novella that had my wondering if the story would be complete in just a few short pages. I was not disappointed! Trish and Nate were best friends who lost touch for awhile. They meet up in Amsterdam and they find themselves building into something more. A sweet story with a HEA.

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Tuesday, November 5, 2024

I'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's Story (Axel's Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights

 

I'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's StoryI'll Find My Way And That's Okay: Axel's Story by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Axel lost his buddy while on the plane to Italy. He isn't sure he can make it without his best stuffy friend. However, a well-meaning soul helps him to find him and they are soon on some pretty fun adventures.

The illustrations are beautifully done and there is a section of Italian words to learn too!

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I Miss My Friend And That's Okay: Axel's Story (Axel's Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights

 

I Miss My Friend And That's OkayI Miss My Friend And That's Okay by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Axel has been in Italy for awhile but he misses his friend Kerrington. This book is a series of letters written back and forth between the friends. The focus of this book is to remind readers that it's ok to make new friends and to keep the communication lines open with already established friends.

A very sweet book about two friends exchanging messages across the ocean and keeping lines of communication open.

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I Move A Lot And That's Okay: Axel's Story (Axel's Story Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights

 

I Move A Lot and That's Okay: A Book for Military FamiliesI Move A Lot and That's Okay: A Book for Military Families by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Axel has to move a lot and he's ok with that. Axel's mom is in the military and they are now having to leave their home in Ft. Benning, GA to go to Italy. This book talks about the changes that Axel is having to go through.

This would be a great book for any military family, but could also be useful for a family who is moving for job reasons that are not military related as well.

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Monday, November 4, 2024

Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Series) by India Kells

 

Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense (Lone Wolf Heroes Book 1)Midnight Deception: Later-in-Life Romantic Suspense by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's a rare treat to come across a book that has main characters of a more mature age. This one does not disappoint!
Sabrina lives a double life. By day, she's a "mousy" looking receptionist for billionaire Brent and by night, she's an emcee at a burlesque club. What a contrast! Sabrina's son makes a bad deal and now Sabrina finds herself in a bit of a quandary.
This book is full of mystery, twists, turns, secrets, and more keeping you turning the pages!

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Sunday, November 3, 2024

Evergreen Academy (Society of Magical Botanists Series) by Heather Schneider

 

Evergreen AcademyEvergreen Academy by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fans of Harry Potter will love this series! This is a fun, cozy read about a young lady and her adventures in Botany School with a magical twist. Join Briar on her journey with her friends and watch their relationship develop into friendship, and for some, romance. It did take several pages for me to get into this story but once it picked up, I didn't want to put it down.

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Friday, November 1, 2024

Dead Late (Things Unseen Series) by Anise Eden

 

Dead Late (Things Unseen, #3)Dead Late by Anise Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great ending to this series!! These books can be read as standalones and you'll find yourself wanting to read them all. There is so much excitement and drama in this one that it will keep you engaged from start to finish. The threats facing Con and Neve are more intense than ever and the mystery will have you second guessing your theories.

I look forward to more from Ms. Eden!

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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Knight On Edge (Jorja Knight Mystery Series) by Alice Bienia

 

Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery (Jorja Knight Mystery Series Book 7)Knight On Edge: A female detective mystery by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an amazing series and I think each book just continues to get better and better. One doesn't mess with Jorja Knight! She's going to solve the case no matter the cost. This time around, the cost is a bit higher with so many different things at stake. It's hard to put this one down so just go ahead and settle in to read start to finish!

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Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Orion the Lion Meets Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon

 

Orion the Lion Meets Jake the Growling DogOrion the Lion Meets Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orion is a defender of his family and he keeps a lot of his worries and concerns to himself. He's not very trusting of Jake the Growling Dog when he comes to stay at his house. Jake just wants to be friendly but Orion wants to be alone...or does he? A storm brews up and Orion becomes very scared. Jake does what he can to help.

A super cute book that has great illustrations! It's a great way to talk to kids about sharing their feelings with someone they trust.

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Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker

 

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tasha is a nurse and a bird enthusiast. Caleb is a biologist and a researcher. It's only natural that these two souls would be mildly attracted to each other, just based on professions. Caleb has sworn off ever dating and marriage is completely off the table after enduring a recent divorce. These two have sparks right from the start though and watching their relationship develop made for a great read.

This is heartwarming read that will leave you with a smile on your face. The characters are very relatable. You'll probably find yourself falling in love with Barnaby too!

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Monday, October 28, 2024

Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese

 

Mommy, Am I Indian Today?Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a good story about a young boy who is dressing up for a wedding. He asks his mom, "Am I Indian today?" as he puts on his ethnic clothing. His mom explains how his family came to the United States from India and how he is always Indian, not just when wearing the colorful clothing of India.

This is a cute book that touches the hem of teaching about cultural traditions. I did find myself wanting to know more and I feel like the book ended rather abruptly. It's a great start on cultural diversity for a young child and then hopefully it would prompt them to want to know more!

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Sunday, October 27, 2024

Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines

 

Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anna Turner and Hunter Thompson are an interesting couple and watching them grow in their relationship is fun to read about. This is the third book in a series but it's not necessary to read these books in order. The characters flow throughout the series and you'll want to go back and catch up on those you've missed but it won't take away from this book if you start here. There are a few twists and turns that will keep you turning pages and you'll fall in love with this couple, as well as others from this series.

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Masquerade (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines

 

Masquerade (Choosing Family Book 1)Masquerade by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun, page turner of a read about Liam Quinn and Kate Turner. Both of them have identical twin siblings which adds some adventures to this story. You'll love the characters and how they work through the situations they are faced with. They are very identifiable and you'll love reading their story!

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Saturday, October 26, 2024

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

 

The Happy Life of Isadora BentleyThe Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have not read anything by Courtney Walsh prior to picking this one up but I guarantee this won't be my last read by her! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! There are several funny incidences and I found myself in some of Isadora's 31 steps to happiness that I need to get done. Such a fun, mostly lighthearted, very clean romance read! May everyone reading this find happiness!

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills (Donut & Peanut Collection) by Debbie Sullivan

 

Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social SkillsFinally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills by Debbie Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Donut the Dog is wanting to make friends with Peanut the Squirrel. Donut does all sorts of things to try to get Peanut's attention, but it's just not working out. Peanut runs away every time Donut comes around. What Donut doesn't realize is that she's scaring Peanut. With the help of a new friend, Donut and Peanut are able to forge a wonderful friendship!

Such a cute book that teaches about learning social cues when interacting with others. This would be a great book to read with your favorite youngster!

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Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

 

GadrellaGadrella by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun book!! First off, the illustrations in this book practically jump off the page!! They are very brilliant and vivid, very eye-catching and colorful. Next, I love the play on words for this character from the author's last name!

Gadrella is a witch but she's tired of the same old look. She doesn't want a pointy hat or a black cat or all the typical things that a witch is "supposed to have". She starts to make some changes and at the next meeting, her friends think she is a monster...that is until they try her new potion!

Kids will love this holiday themed book! It's a great way to talk about differences and how it's ok to break the mold sometimes.

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler

 

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great historical fiction read with a bit of an Agatha Christie vibe. Ariadne (love this name!) wants so desperately to be an investigative journalist. However, this is set in 1958 when women were expected to have a far more different role than the women of today. A unique situation presents itself for Ariadne and she's able to be a journalist, but is it going to be without controversary? You can bet not!

A very enjoyable read by an author that I'm becoming more familiar with. I've read two other books of hers that I've enjoyed. This is the first book in a new series and I look forward to reading more!

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade

 

A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been a fan of this series since the very first book I read in it! If you love suspenseful books with a romantic storyline, I don't think you'll be disappointed! It's great if you can read these in order as there are details that will make more sense that way but if you come across any of them and have to dive in, you'll be ok and wanting even more to go back to the beginning.

I've learned to clear my schedule for the day when picking up one of Becky Flade's books as I can't hardly put them down once I've started.

This book is full of twists and turns and made my eyes leak a couple of times. My heart really goes out to Kat and all that she's been through. Maddi has a heart of gold and I found myself wanting to pull her out of the pages of the book at times. Nate? Well, who wouldn't want to fall for him!

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek

 

Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying (Courage Tales)Beefy Goes From Bully To Buddy: Children's Book About Bullying by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a heartwarming story!! Things are not always as they seem and sometimes people project things differently because of how they are treated by others. In this story, Beefy has good things happening but he's mad. Really and truthfully, he's probably more hurt. He takes these feelings out on others instead of directing them towards the offenders. When the foster sibling crew get ahold of Beefy, they learn a lot from him, and they from him. Love, courage, and friendship can never be over rated!



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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

London Detective Agency (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey

 

London Detective Agency: The Complete SeriesLondon Detective Agency: The Complete Series by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great series of reads. I found the characters to be very identifiable and the storylines believable. I love the level of suspense throughout, along with the romance that played out as well. Ups and downs and lots of chemistry will have you wanting to read more from this author!

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Monday, October 14, 2024

Railway to Murder (A Buck Greene, Railroad Special Agent, Mystery) by Danny J. Bradbury

 

Railway to MurderRailway to Murder by Danny J. Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author. I grabbed it up as I enjoy a good historical read and I also enjoy westerns to a point. The chapters are relatively short, making this seem like a quick read. The characters are believable and you almost feel as if you are in the pages of the book with them at times. I love a good murder mystery too, and this one will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat.



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Sunday, October 13, 2024

Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

 

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They are very colorful and well done! The story is a good one, that focuses on the nature surrounding the river. It has a rhythm throughout with the wording that will make it a fun read. Use this book to teach new words and about environmental awareness!

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Friday, October 11, 2024

Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis

 

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a sweet book and would be great read to a young child who is about to be promoted to the oldest or older sibling. This book speaks of how the new baby brother will be much loved and what all they will do together. While most siblings will have some rivalry, this book will help keep the focus on being kind and sweet to each other, while sharing their things.

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