Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek

 

Loris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional read! This is a book that I would STRONGLY recommend reading with your youngster, at least the first time they read it. It's a story that really needs to be told but is highly emotional as previously mentioned.

Loris is in foster care and this books focuses on the emotions that he goes through with each move he has to make. It takes a lot of courage to be Loris but there are so many of them out there! It's important to have conversations with kids reading this story to explore their emotions and feelings after hearing Loris's plight.

The illustrations in this story are very colorful and really add to the story more. To see Loris's transformation is pretty cool.

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Love on the Mend (Full Steam Ahead #1.5) by Karen Witemeyer

 

Love on the Mend by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great read from one of my all-time favorite authors!

Jacob Sadler is looking to settle down and to deal with some past grievances. He returns to Cold Springs, Texas, after serving in the War Between the States. It's been 17 years since he's been here. The first day he's in town, he finds himself rescuing a young lad who broke his leg. He also meets Mollie Tate, who will eventually become Dr. Sadler's nurse.

Mollie was a difficult child who lived a difficult life. That is, until Uncle Curtis came in and rescued her and gave her a home. Mollie has a tender heart and tries to only see the best in others. She has Uncle Curtis on a pedestal, but not everyone sees him in that way.

A budding romance ensues between Dr. Sadler and his nurse Mollie, but can they put their personal differences for Uncle Curtis aside or will it destroy their relationship?

I loved this short novella! It's very short and sweet, but chocked full of adventure and a heartwarming story.

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Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Cafe by James Williamson

 

Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute rhyming book about different ways to enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! It features different animals and how they'd prefer to have their sandwich served. The illustrations are fun to look at and very colorful. All ages will enjoy this book that has an underlying theme of accepting the differences in others.



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More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1) by Karen Witemeyer

 

More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great book!! It starts out with gut wrenching information about Evangeline and her family. Then things seem to smooth out and be alright. Then more drama ensues with a very sweet ending. I was all over the place with my emotions in this book. There is prejudice, there is murder, there is gambling, there is redemption, there is romance, and so much more!

I'm looking forward to reading book 2.5 in this series as I read book 2 before reading this one. Thank you, Karen Witemeyer for writing such amazing books!

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom

 

Unicorn, Don't Do That!: It's okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The kids are going to love this one!!!

First of all, I love the illustrations in this story! They are so colorful and bright!

This story, like many of Lois Wickstrom's stories, has a great moral. This book is also very funny, most especially to little boys! They will want this book read to them and they will want to read it to you over and over again! Dinosaurs, unicorns, and poop....what's not to love?

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Stop that Lion (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this is my favorite Lois Wickstrom book that I've read so far! Many of her books are among my favorites but this one really stands out.

Using the premise of critical thinking and strategy, this is the story of two kingdoms. One has sheep, another a lion. The kings want to be friends but the lion keeps getting the sheep. It takes a brave girl named Wynnie to make a difference in the lives of those in the kingdom. Patience and persistence do pay off!

This is such a great book to read to and to have read to you! I highly recommend this one for all ages! The illustrations are also very well done in this story!

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Amese of Animalis (The Borosa Legacy Book 1) by MJ Murray

 

Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amese has some big shoes to fill and she's not sure that she really wants to take on the responsibility. The orchid bees have given her a series of assignments or trainings that she needs to complete in order to become the next potentate. Amese has to make some critical decisions as she goes through these trainings.

This was a very enjoyable book and I look forward to more in this series. Check out the beautiful cover of this book as well! I love the vibrant images and colors!!

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

 

Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The reader is introduced to the world of ballet through the eyes of Elena. For someone who is not familiar with ballet, or any dance forms really, this was pretty interesting. This story is filled with secrets, twists, turns, a little bit of levity, and lots of intrigue. It was hard to put this one down and I look forward to future books in this series!

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider

 

Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm ready to move to Emerald Hollow!! Holly Claus is back in this book and things are looking like spring. Sofia is also back and she comes across a man in the woods who isn't sure who or where he is. Isaiah could be a con man in Sofia's eyes but she's also hoping that he's legit.

This is a very sweet, mostly clean (there is "mild" swearing) romance novel. I do recommend reading the first book so you get a full background on Holly and Emerald Hollow but it's not absolutely necessary in order to enjoy this story.

This is a fun series and I'll patiently wait to see who we will get to meet next!

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Texas Winds by Dana Wayne

 

Texas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is such a beautiful, emotional story! I was immediately drawn in and my heart broke for Jake. Just as I was learning about him and falling in love with him, we meet Lexie. She's a ball of a mess after being left at the alter but she's a hoot too! I love her expressions and her strength.

Read this story and fall in love with falling in love. Katie will totally steal your heart though so be prepared!

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Perfect (Perfect Series) by Tricia Copeland

 

Perfect by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fun story to read! I love how Chloe grows and matures throughout and oh the choices she has to make!! This is a clean romance novel that you should probably devour in one sitting! I highly recommend this one!

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The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi

 

The Winemakers - Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a compilation of reviews that I've written on these individual books.

The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers #1) 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!

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers #2) 4 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!

The Truth about Myths (The Winemakers #3) 4 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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England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series) by Christy Nicholas

 

England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have had a desire to travel abroad for many years. The likelihood of actually travelling abroad for me is pretty unrealistic, however if anyone wouldn't mind tucking me into your suitcase, I'll gladly go!

When I came across this book, I was excited to see that it is a true hidden gem. I feel like I've travelled to England through the pages of this book! The author has compiled an extremely thorough book of everything you need to know if you were planning a trip to England. She covers various legends and myths, hidden gem locations, the best places to eat and times to go, places to stay, how to manage converting money, best times to travel, best ways to travel and so much more! Terminology used there that might not be familiar is also defined.

Great resource and I'll refer to it again if I ever do get the opportunity to actually travel there. In the meantime, I'll live vicariously through the pages of this book!

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Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom

 

Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A young girl is writing a story about the Queen of the Fairies. She starts questioning how the Queen would respond to different events. She doesn't want to offend anyone either. How does one go about writing about someone so unique?

The illustrations are very colorful and vibrant. The images are also very well done. This is a story that boys and girls alike will enjoy! It has a theme of being respectful to others while also respecting yourself.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell

 

Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg and Ryan have known each other for the majority of their lives. They are officially frenemies. When Meg shows up at the farm, Ryan has a fit because she's always in his way. Little does Ryan know, Hank, his grandfather, has invited Meg over. Both families are suffering in similar ways so maybe if they can get it together, they can help each other out.

I love Hank! He's my favorite character in this story. He gets it and wants the best for both Meg and Ryan. He stole my heart from the get go!

I'm looking forward to more stories in this series!

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Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Though Yoga by Janice Pratt and Lenora Degen

 

Planting Seeds: Growing Mindful Children Through Yoga by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a pretty cool lesson planning book for teachers, parents, grandparents, etc that is geared towards those ages 5 to 13 years of age. It's set up as a 6 week program but could be adapted to last longer. They are fairly simple lessons about engaging the mind, body, and spirit through growing plants, mind activating activities, and yoga poses. There are also recommended daily affirmations.

I found this book to be very informative and interesting!

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Medals in the Attic (Annie's Attic Series book 2) by Cathy Elliott

 

Medals In The Attic by Cathy Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been looking for a series of books about crocheting or knitting. I meet with a knitting group at a local library and this series happened to be on display! I started with book 2 but I don't feel like I'm missing a whole lot. I do plan to go back and read the first book.

Annie is going through her grandmother's attic and comes across some medals from WWII. They are enclosed in a beautiful case and have been well cared for. The mystery comes in when Annie realizes that her grandfather's medals are on display in the living room downstairs. Who do these belong to? It's a mystery that Annie needs to unravel.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery about Annie and her friends, along with their crocheting group, The Hook and Needle Club.

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Kris & The Pirates (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen

 

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's a costume party and Kris isn't wanting to go. She's engrossed in her book and on an adventure! She's swimming with dolphins and teaching a sailor to swim when all of a sudden, they are surrounded by pirates. The entire crew of sailors, except for Kris and her friend James are captured by the pirates. Kris finds herself running through the jungle and making friends who will help her and her crew out.

This is a super cute book that is full of adventure! Young readers will love to tell this story so sit in your comfy chair and ready yourself!

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Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol

 

Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charlie and Abby learn that there is a need for families to foster kittens at their local shelter. They ask their mom for help, and along with Oscar and Emmy, the family helps to get the kittens off to a great start. Charlie and Abby are responsible for feedings and teaching the kittens to use the litter box. Oscar and Emmy help support Peach, Pear, and Plum as they navigate the world at large.

This is a great book to read with youngsters who may be interested in having a kitten. It could help them realize the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, while also encouraging a fostering situation to begin with to make sure that the placement is a good fit for both parties. This book also briefly discusses spaying/neutering.

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An Ivy Hill Christmas (Tales from Ivy Hill) by Julie Klassen

 

An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun little novella that I had intended to read during the Christmas season but just now got around to reading it. My favorite characters in this book are Wally, the terrier, and Jaime. I loved hearing about the outfit that Wally was wearing and it just made me chuckle as I was diving into this story. I pictured Richard to be a bit like Scrooge with his attitude but his heart was more like Tiny Tim. Most didn't see Richard as a kind individual but he's more likely to do things behind the scenes. They also hold his past against him.

This is a heartwarming holiday story that is sure to delight no matter what time of the year it's read.

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