On the Run: Giovanni Madia's Saga Begins by P.J. Mann

 

On the Run: Giovanni Madìa's saga begins by P.J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw an author that I am a huge fan of was writing another series, I was eager to get my hands on it! There's nothing like settling down with a great book and realizing you've just finished the whole story in one setting!

This one is fast paced and features Giovanni Madìa. He's a respected clan member but when his boss double crosses him and his family is now in peril, Giovanni doesn't play. There is mystery, intrigue, and lots more in this riveting story! I'm super excited to read the books to come in this series!

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Dream Big: A Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Adversity (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg

 

Dream Big: A Heartwarming Story on Overcoming Adversity (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book focuses on overcoming adversity in life. There is a caterpillar who wishes to fly, a tadpole who wishes to walk, a flamingo who wishes to be pretty, as well as a termite and baboon who wish for different things.

Confidence is hard for kids, especially if they've experienced negative thoughts and actions throughout their entire life. This book will hopefully encourage them to reach for the stars!!

At the end of this book, there are suggestions for activities that can be done with family and friends to extend the book's ideas of dreaming.

My favorite part of this book is the beautiful, vivid illustrations!! They are extremely well done!

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Think Big: A Story about Believing in Ourselves and Working Together (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg

 

Think Big: A Story about Believing in Ourselves and Working Together (The Live Big Series) by Kat Kronenberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a nice book about believing in yourself and working together to help others believe in themselves as well. The illustrations are my favorite part of this book. They are so bright and colorful that kids will be drawn to the story because of them.

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Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander

 

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence by Julie McDonald Zander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that you read that stick with you for awhile. This is one that I believe will stick with me. I normally struggle with reading dual timeline books and I did have some difficulties with this one in keeping things in line. However, this storyline grabbed me from the get go and wouldn't let me stop until I finished.

There are so many emotions in a book like this. It's based on a true story so knowing that made it even more real. There were moments I felt like I could have been Colleen in this book and going through the things that she was experiencing. This was a very intriguing story to me, and being a lover of WWII history, I learned a few things I didn't know much about.

This author, who is new to me, did a great job of explaining things and keeping them in perspective considering the dual timeline she wrote in. I am interested in reading more of her work!

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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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