The Bystander (The Lemaster Files #1) by John P. David

 

The Bystander by John P. David
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Prepare to read this in one sitting or you'll be distracted by life until you can finish it. This book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and before I knew it, I was finished. It feels a little too realistic in today's world and it gives a perspective on things I've wondered about. Yes, this is a work of fiction but could easily be a real life situation. People constantly have their phones out these days and when TV reporter Pete Lemaster catches something on video, everything changes.

This is my first read by this author and I'll be looking for more of his stories for sure!

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Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler

 

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle: Ariadne Winter Mystery by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is set in Ireland. I've always wanted to go there and I felt like I was there in a way as I was reading this story.

Ariadne is visiting with her cousin to celebrate her engagement when a body is found on the grounds of the castle. Ariadne is a journalist and an "amateur" sleuth. The actions that Ariadne takes has me believing that she's more than just an amateur and that maybe opening a PI business would be in her best interest.

I struggled a bit with the different POVs presented, simply because Ariadne's was in first person and everyone else's was in third person. I struggle with these formats but it did not take away from me enjoying the overall story.

There were a few times I thought I had it figured out, but in true Ellen Butler style, there is always a fun and exciting twist that will throw off the most discerning sleuth readers.

I'm looking forward to more stories about Ariadne and her adventures!

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The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

 

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable book to listen to while I was out getting some fresh air. The narrators did a great job conveying the story of their characters. There were times that I became a bit confused about the storyline but overall, it was still enjoyable. The quest to find the missing manuscript was my favorite part of the story.

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The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships #2) by Jody Hedlund

 

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in a series but they do not necessarily need to be read in order.
Arabella is running away from a horrible situation and finds herself on a bride ship in British Columbia. She has no intention of becoming a bride...life has taught her that this probably isn't in the cards for her. Enter the baker, Peter, alongside Lt. Richard Drummond. They both begin to vie for her affection. Arabella befriends a young lady who has been left by her tribe to fend for herself. She seeks advice from others and chooses a course of action that can change all their lives.

This was an enjoyable read. The narrator had a pleasant voice and was easy to follow along with. I look forward to more books in this series.

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The Trick or Treat Checklist by Brittany Plumeri

 

The Trick or Treat Checklist by Brittany Plumeri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a cute book that has very vivid and attractive illustrations! I think that's my favorite part of the book. The story is one that is great to share this time of the year. It's full of tips for a young trick-or-treater including to be kind when approaching a home, look for the lights on the porch or don't approach, sharing porch space, not littering, and more. This would be a great book to read with your youngsters before they go venturing out! The main focus is using manners and being respectful.

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A Budget for Bingo by Tori Filas

 

A Budget for Bingo by Tori Filas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fizzy and her family are interested in getting a new family pet. In order to do so, Fizzy's mom tells them that they need to come up with a budget to find out if they can afford a pet in their family. It's through this process that the kids learn all about making a budget and then how they can best apply the budget to fit their needs.

This is a great book for kids and adults alike! It would be a great book for a family to read and discuss together.

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The Melody of Money: Singing, Saving, and Smiles by Tori Filas

 

The Melody of Money: Singing, Saving, and Smiles by Tori Filas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great book for kids of all ages, but especially for those who are starting to become a bit more independent. Fizzy wants to go see her favorite person in concert but she doesn't quite have the money to go. With some help from her mom, she finds a way to come up with the funds to be able to attend the concert and learns some valuable lessons in the process.

There are great lessons in this story about money management and the value of working for things you want. There is some financial math, as well as a vocabulary page for different terms.

Overall, an excellent book that I highly recommend!

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