Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dragons are usually thought to be pretty scary creatures, but not to Wynnie. She finds a mysterious egg outside the King's castle. She's so excited that when it hatches, she names the dragon Mera. Being an untrained baby, Mera starts setting fires so the King gives Wynnie one day to get her under control. Can the love and dedication that Wynnie has be enough to save her new dragon friend?

This is a cute book with great illustrations. Wynnie is a strong-willed young lady who doesn't let just anyone change her mind. She thinks for herself and sets out to prove that she can do something that others may not have the skills for.

Grab this one today! You'll enjoy it!

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The Teacher by Freida McFadden

 

The Teacher by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first introduction to Freida McFadden and I will definitely be reading more of her books! My sister recommended this one to me and she has a great taste in books!

Addie is your typical teenage girl, going through all the emotions and dealing with bullying girls at school.

Eve is a math teacher who is married to Nate. Eve has a very (un)healthy obsession with shoes.

Nate is an English teacher and is dubbed the "hottest" teacher at school.

Kenzie is a very popular girl at school. She bullies Addie. She's also hanging out with Addie's only friend, Hudson, which means he's not hanging out with Addie either.

This is full of twists and turns. Some of them I saw coming but most I did not. The ending...well let's just say I'll be talking about it for awhile.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I borrowed this audiobook on my Libby app. I'm finally getting to where I enjoy audiobooks while I'm crocheting!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram

 

Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For starters, check out this beautiful cover!! I love the colors!!

I am becoming more and more a fan of Susan Specht Oram! I've read a few of her books and have not been disappointed yet!

This is a fast paced thriller involving single mom Irena. She's been waiting forever on her ex-husband to make amends on back child support. He can't help but keep buying shoes though! When the two exes end up on a boat together, they both go overboard and only one returns.

This is full of twists and turns, most of which you don't see coming! This held my interest so much that I had a hard time putting it down! I'm looking forward to what's coming next by this author!

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman

 

A Patriot's Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It's beautiful!

This is the story of Lily Thompson. She's a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!

This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.

A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I'm very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom

 

Dinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Dinopotamus just wants to fit in with the kids and go to school and learn. He follows them to school one day and participates in the class learning sessions. Some things he has to do a little differently because he is different, but he learns new things and looks forward to going to school again tomorrow.

This book subtly focuses on celebrating differences in people. Dinopotamus isn't able to do things in the same way the school children do but he adapts and finds a way to still participate. The illustrations show a child in a wheelchair, who also has to learn to adapt.

This is a great way to teach children that sometimes learning in different ways is necessary and that it's also ok! I love how the illustrations look very child-like in terms of the drawings and the crayon colorings.

Another win for this author in my book!

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann

 

The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love how this author writes in a such a way that you sit down to read "a chapter or two" and before you know it, you've finished the book in one setting. This book is full of twists and turns, some you see coming, others unexpected.

Detective Scala loves the job but it's really starting to take it's toll. Work/life balance is in jeopardy and he's got to find a way to figure it out in the midst of another big crime mystery. Is he going to be able to figure it all out before he burns out?

This book can be read as a standalone, even though it is part of a series. I've read one other book in this series and was not disappointed. I look forward to going back and reading the other ones that I have not yet been able to get to!

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han

 

The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author. This book can be read as a stand alone but I will go back and read the previous books are there are a few holes I'd like filled in.

Vivian is a dentist and a self defense instructor. She has a bit of a rocky past and she's wanting to keep it pretty close to the vest. Arrow (love his name!) is an former Navy Seal who is a now a billionaire wine connoisseur. He spies Vivian and is instantly interested in speaking to her.

There are many layers to this story, as well as many great elements. The chemistry between these two keep things interesting with a mystery and some pretty intense feelings in play.

Overall, great story and I look forward to reading the previous books in this series.



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

 

Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed reading these adventures of Kris! She's a pretty cool young lady who has a very vivid imagination. When her uncle won't let her go on a cattle drive, she imagines one! What a fun adventure she has involving a mountain lion, a rustler, and more.

This book is geared towards readers 6-10 years of age but I truly believe that any age group can have an appreciation for this fun adventure story!

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam

 

Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series and I was sad to see it end. I had a few questions about some back stories and then I see this come across my TBR pile and knew I had to complete the story. This is the story of Gene and Amanda. They showed up in other novels in this series but we never really heard their story until now.

They have a rather unique relationship from the beginning, with Gene witnessing Amanda's accident. Then there is a mystery aspect to it, as well as healing all around.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about their meeting and watching their relationship grow. I look forward to more books from this author.

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A Song of Salt and Secrets (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin

 

A Song of Salt and Secrets by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in a series but can be read as a standalone easily. This little novella will not disappoint!

Corisande (what a beautiful name!) is a siren who is trying to learn how to control her song at the Magwich Academy. For someone who LOVES to sing, this is not an easy feat for her. One day, things get out of control and she causes a neighboring school's student to crash his boat. Rage and fury are unleashed and Corisande sinks further into guilt and a low self-worth.

A great read that you won't put down until you finish!

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The School of Nine (Mythic Academy Collection) by Amanda Marin

 

The School of Nine by Amanda Marin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great little novella featuring muses, something that isn't written about much in the paranormal world, at least from what I've found.

Bianca is attending the Brightling Academy for Muses to learn how to fine-tune her powers. One day she returns to find a boy at the school. Because Bianca is struggling in her "Poise and Charm" class, her instructor assigns her the duty of showing Sebastian around the school. Mystery, drama, action, and a clean romance makes this book a very enjoyable read.



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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young

 

The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and this one is no different. While each book can be read as a standalone, why miss anything good? Go read them all!

This is lighthearted humor with a mystery. Enemies to lovers and ghosts are also in this book. I love all the references to vintage fashion, as this is something that I'm finding myself becoming more interested in. You'll follow Justine's path of discovery and deal with Jackson's anger issues. Can these two put differences aside and forge a path ahead together?

Great story and series! Cozy up and enjoy!

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Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD

 

Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great medical mystery author!

I love that this is written by a doctor who uses correct terminologies and has a first hand knowledge of how the medical field works. You will feel like you're part of the story as you read about Marnie and Louise and their quest to find out what happened to their friend and colleague Gen.

Prepare to read this one in one or two settings because you won't be able to put it down!

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD

 

Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good medical thriller and this one did not disappoint!

Marnie finds one of her clients, a veteran, while on her shift. It's not immediately clear if this is the result of a suicide or something more sinister. Marnie and her co-workers are conducting trials on PTSD with the veterans and now have growing concerns for the rest of the clients.

This is very well done and is the second book in the series. I strongly recommend reading them both but make sure you set aside ample time because you won't want to put this down!

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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom

 

Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annabelle has a major sweet tooth and loves to visit Mr. Bonbon's candy factory. Mr. Bonbon learns that Annabelle is pilfering his candy and this makes him very upset. He sets up a trap to catch Annabelle in the act during one of his tours.

This is a cute book but not one among my absolute favorites from this author. It has a Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory air to it. The illustrations are very well done. My favorite page is the one showing Mr. Bonbon laying in his "too small" bed.



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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom

 

Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you read any of my reviews, you know I'm a huge fan of Lois Wickstrom! Of all the books I've read by her, this one is, hands down, my ABSOLUTE favorite....so far!! She writes so well that this one might be demoted at some point but it will take a lot.

This story features a young boy who loves toy soldiers. One day he has a boo-boo on his knee and his mom puts a bandage on it. The story talks about how the toy soldiers and engineers are working to put his skin back together.

I absolutely love the analogies used and I wish I would have had this book back in my nursing days. I would have read this to every one of the kiddos I took care of! The author goes a little further in depth in this story by telling about some of the bacteria that invade the body. There are some larger words here but it's great learning for kids and adults alike! She also stresses the necessity of handwashing!

I love that this book releases today in the midst of National Nurses Week too!

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Murder on West Main (A South Shore Mystery) by I.M. Foster

 

Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed so far, even though this is only the second book. The author keeps you guessing with what will happen next! It brings a bit of nostalgia with the historical aspect and how they ever did any kind of police/detective work prior to DNA and all the technologies of today.

This could be read as a standalone but I always recommend having the context of previous books in a series to have a full comprehensive of all the players involved.

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Will You (Pretend) Marry Me (Swan Cove Series) by Christi Barth

 

Will You Pretend Marry Me by Christi Barth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really fun read! I've not read this author before but I'll be looking for more of her work.

There are double lives and secrets abounding in this rom-com. It was like peeping through the lives of Kaia/Abigail and Everett. Their relationship is a love-hate right from the start but can they continue to deny their true feelings?



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A Cowboy Unmatched (Archer Brothers #2.25) by Karen Witemeyer

 

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neill Archer is looking for a way to fund his dream of a ranch and land to go with it. He starts asking around about work available in the area while at church and before he can leave, he finds a note in his Bible with an opportunity for an interview. There is a widow needing a new roof put on her house. When Neill arrives, he doesn't receive the warmest welcome and then is surprised to learn who the widow is. He's gonna fix her roof but there might be more involved than originally intended.

I LOVED this novella but I didn't want it to end when it did. It was a super fast read and I kept wanting more of this story. I have really enjoyed this series from one of my all-time favorite historical fiction authors!

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Kris & The Missing Prince (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen

 

Kris & The Missing Prince: The Adventures Of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kris is going to spend some time with her grandmother while her dad is away on a business trip. Kris begins to explore the woods and meets some new friends. One day, one of her new friends is missing and then she hears of another missing person...a prince! Kris and her friends go on an adventure to find the prince and her missing friend and add more new friends along the way.

This is a super cute book that, in a way, kinda reminded me of the Wizard of Oz. Kris is picking up friends along the way, all of whom are looking for something. Kids will enjoy using their imaginations to see these characters in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this read!

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson

 

Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most newlyweds enjoy spending as much time together as possible, but that's not true for the Parkers. In nine months of marriage, Terry has spent a good bit of time away. He tells Erica it's for work but when two unsavory looking individuals show up on her doorstep and start demanding money, she's not so sure she knows who she married. Then when she goes "home" to her aunts, she finds out even more family secrets abound. Whatever has Erica found herself into?

This is my first read by this author but won't be my last. This book is full of twists, turns, deceit, secrets, some romance, and more. I'm looking forward to my next read by this author.

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