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

 

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!

View all my reviews

Orion the Lion Meets Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon

 

Orion 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.

View all my reviews

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

 

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!

View all my reviews

Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese

 

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!

View all my reviews

Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines

 

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.

View all my reviews

Masquerade (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines

 

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!

View all my reviews

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

 

The 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!

View all my reviews

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 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!

View all my reviews

Gadrella by Tricia Gardella

 

Gadrella 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.

View all my reviews

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

 

Ink 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!

View all my reviews

A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade

 

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!

View all my reviews

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

 

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!



View all my reviews

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

 

London 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!

View all my reviews

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

 

Railway 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.



View all my reviews

Down By The River by Tricia Gardella

 

Down 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!

View all my reviews

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. 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.

View all my reviews

Heaven Only Knows (A Silver Buckle Romance Series Book 3) by Laurie Lewis

 

HEAVEN ONLY KNOWS by Laurie Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read in this series! Each book is a stand-alone but it would be beneficial to read these in order to learn the family dynamics between these seven very handsome Brockbank brothers.

This book is primarily set in New Orleans so you will get to experience some of the history through the eyes of our cast. I absolutely love Agata's name. I've never heard that before but I love the name and her story will tug at your heart. Barrett is loveable as well!

I recommend this and look forward to the next book in this series!

View all my reviews

It’s Cool To Be Kind by Shermaine Perry-Knights

 

It's Cool To Be Kind: A Children's Book on Kindness and Friendship by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What are you best at? Several friends investigate this question in this very inspiring read. One might not find a way to walk on lava but how about helping someone tie their shoes? That would show a kindness that is rarely found these days.

This is a great read but I do disagree with the last two pages of this book. I do not believe that everyone deserves a trophy in life. Other than that, this was a very enjoyable read.

View all my reviews

Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray

 

Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a fan of Detective Dylan! He's a super sleuth who uses clues and his notebook to find the culprit and solve the mystery. He's at camp with his family and friends and a trophy for the Camp Leaf Games goes missing. Dylan is determined to find who stole the trophy so that it can be returned and the games will be played.

This is a great book with very short chapters. It would be great for those 8-12 to read independently or for any age to read aloud. The end of the book has different words that might be new or difficult along with their definitions. I highly recommend this book!

View all my reviews

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts

 

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you're a fan of the Wizard of Oz, you will love this story! This is told through the perspective of Maud Baum, the wife of L. Frank Baum. I learned so many interesting things about the making of the movie, as well as how the books came about. Maud was a force to be reckoned with and worked very hard to make sure the story her husband wrote was told properly! I love the stories of Maud and Judy Garland and their meetings.
The things that I learned have given me a greater appreciation for this movie and the work of Mr. Baum. The struggles he and his family faced will make you want to do a fist pump next time you see the movie or read the books.
I highly recommend this great read!

View all my reviews

A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper

 

A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love stories by this author! They are clean, quirky, and full of fun! You don't have to be a young adult to appreciate the writing style and stories either! Holland just moved from Arizona to Colorado and the adjustment is a bit. The climate change alone would do me in but add in teenage angst, trying to fit in, and life in general. It's a familiar scene for anyone who's been a teenager before! I felt like I was there in the hallways with Holland and her friends, but I really never ever want to go back to high school!

View all my reviews