Shadowed Designs: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 7 by Mavery Ellscott

 

Shadowed Designs: A Shadow Defense Security Thriller Book 7 by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of my favorite series to read and this author gets better with every book. This can be read as a standalone but you'd be missing out on some pivotal characters that would make this more understandable.

There is a lot that I would love to say about this book but I really can't say much without giving it away. I will tell you to prepare to read this in one sitting or you'll be finding ways to revamp your schedule so that you can. This is fast paced, intense, suspenseful action with Olivia, Josh, and their K-9 trying to bury the people in the past and look forward to the future.

I look forward to more from this author!

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Children of the Wandering House by Lois Wickstrom

 

Children of the Wandering House by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've read any of my reviews, you know that Lois Wickstrom is a favorite of mine. This book is a little different than her norm, as this one is a chapter book. She mostly writes very short stories that are beautifully illustrated. This one does not have any illustrations and I so wish it did!

Berry has become separated from her house and when she gets to the Gathering, her house is nowhere to be found. Skew has picked her up and then her friend Invert and Invert's brother Hasty join in their house. What's to come is a lot of adventure, a little bit of a mystery, and a quest to keep the forest from being destroyed.

As I previously mentioned, this one is a bit different than the norm for this author. I did find the storyline enjoyable, if a bit strange. This one is more geared towards older chapter readers and the story will likely intrigue them!

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A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs (Stephanie's Stories) by Scott Sollers

 

A Tall Tale: How the Ostriches Got Their Long Necks and Long Legs by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's a tale of two towns that are very different from each other. One town is lush and vibrant while the other one barren and practically lifeless. Chief Nobody and Chief Somebody were at odds with one another. Chief Somebody and his Have-Alls had pets called Squatz and Chief Nobody and his No-Haves have no pets at all. A plan is hatched for the No-Haves to steal the Squatz from the Have-Alls and what ensured was a competition of will and a lot of stretching. Thus, Squatz became Ostriches.

This is a cute book that kids will likely love for the humor in the story. It's definitely a true TALL tale!

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Adventures at Lake Omigosh (Stephanie's Stories Series) by Scott Sollers

 

Adventures at Lake Omigosh by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Camp Horizon is just for kids, no parents allowed (although the pictures do depict adults!). It's a fun summer camp for kids to get away and give their parents a break. Around a campfire, they learn that Lake Omigosh got it's name because a mysterious turtle like creature has been seen in the lake and when people see it, they say "Oh My Gosh!". The name stuck. Felix and Harry decide to take a boat out one day. There are three rules that must always be followed and in their haste, Felix and Harry don't follow any of them. What happens next will have them saying, "Oh My Gosh!".

I enjoyed this book but I took off a star because I feel the ending was very rushed. There could have been many more details added but it seems like it just stopped very abruptly. I feel that a child reading or hearing this story might also feel the same way.

The illustrations are very well done in this story. Bryan Janky, the illustrator, deserves a shout out for the vivid depictions of the scenes that he created for this book!

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Ellie's Dancing Shoes (Stephanie's Story) by Scott Sollers

 

Ellie's Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes all you need is confidence, and that is especially true of Ellie. Her whole life's dream was to become a ballerina. She gave up time hanging out with her friends to rehearse the steps she needed to take to be a famous dancer. A lot of the time she ended up on the floor though. One day her parents heard her sobbing and gifted her a pair of magical ballet slippers from her grandmother. All of a sudden, Ellie was dancing well and she was excited. That is, until the day she lost her slippers right before a huge audition. How would she ever be accepted without her magical slippers?

This was a nice read and can show how a little confidence can go a long way.

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Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thriller Series #9) by Mark Nolan

 

Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you've been following along with this series, this is book 9 and each one just keeps getting better!! Jake is wanting to get his winery up and running but, like always, there is a monkey wrench in his plans. This book has many twists and turns involving crime, murder, a ruthless motorcycle gang, and an adorable K9 named Cody. Just when you know what's going to happen next, a new twist comes in the story goes into a different direction all together.

Stay along with Jake and Cody and I can't wait to see what comes next with them!

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Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter

 

Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet read about Sophia and Aiden and their second chance at love. They dated back in high school but parted ways eventually. Sophia raised her siblings after the passing of their mother and is just now getting to a place of doing what she's been wanting to do....open a bookstore. When Sophia's sister announces that she's getting married, Sophia is excited for her and then finds out that Aiden is the best man. What are the odds that they might have that second chance?

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