Queenpin Chronicles Books 1 & 3 by L.L. Kirchner

 

Florida Girls by L.L. Kirchner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I truly love historical fiction, especially in the area of World War II. Thelma is joining a group of traveling and competing swimsuit models in an attempt to get away from her criminal past. What she didn't bargain for is finding herself deep in mob activities.

This book showcases the strong stands that the women of the 40's took when the men started coming home from the war.

The author has done a great deal of research to ensure that the elements of this story are historically accurate. It has enhanced the story more and I look forward to reading more in this series.

View all my reviews Havana Girls by L.L. Kirchner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book much more than the first one in the series. I skipped over book 2 (VegasVegas Girls so I felt a little lost in some areas but I still found this story enjoyable.

This one does have a dual timeline, which I do struggle with in keeping up with the details. Sally is on a quest to find out what her mother was researching back in the 1940's. The mystery has her encountering people that she never expected and learning more about her mother's devotion to her career.

Again, well researched by the author and an enjoyable story.

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The Duke's Dream by Giovanna Sinischalchi

 

The Duke's Dream by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

I struggled a bit with this book. I have typically enjoyed Giovanna Siniscalchi's work but I'd have to say that this is probably my least favorite so far. There are elements to the story that I really enjoyed, especially the character of Helene. There were parts of the story that I became very bogged down in and felt that they could probably have been left out. This is also a little spicier that I tend to like when reading a novel.

I do appreciate the research and the backstory that was incorporated into the timeline of Helene and William. This author does take care in making sure that her stories are as historically accurate as possible.

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The Odd Dog by Leia Barrett

 

The Odd Dog by Leia Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Odd Dog is finally adopted into a new family. They don't understand his love of climbing, swimming, and playing. It's not until a trip to the park that Odd Dog doesn't feel quite as odd anymore.

This is a pretty simple, basic book with a repeating focus. It's a great book for a budding reader to focus on common words. I wasn't overly impressed with the story itself but see value in this story as a teaching tool for reading and for encouraging kids not to give up too easily.

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When Grifters Come Calling (Madeline Dawkins #9) by Cynthia Hamilton

 

When Grifters Come Calling by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun series and book nine does not disappoint. One thing I love about this author is that these books can be read as standalones. She does a great job with character development in each story and making sure that there is enough background information covered.

In this book, Madeline is faced with a situation that she didn't ever want to go back to. Her ex-husband is also resurfacing adding another layer of difficulty.

The story is very engaging and hard to put down until the end. If this is the first one you've picked up to read in this series, you'll find this one so good that you'll go back and catch up on the others.


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The River Queen (River Romances #1) by Stephenia H. McGee

 

The River Queen by Stephenia H. McGee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First, let's talk about this beautiful cover!! I love Anola's dress in this picture!!

Anola is doing everything she can to keep the family business afloat....literally. The Mississippi Riverboat show has been dwindling in attendance but Anola is determined to keep it going one way or another.

Emmett is rescued by the The River Queen after pirates attacked him and took over his ship. He is enamored with Anola and her singing voice. He's concerned about her losing her family business and vows to help her save it.

A great read (or listen to in this case)! I am a lover of historical fiction and I felt as though I was on the river with these characters.

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Hi Little Sister, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Sister to the Family by Deniese Dennis

 

Hi, Little Sister, I love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Sister to the Family by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a super sweet book geared for a young girl aged 1-4 who is being promoted to a big sister. The illustrations are very colorful and well done. This book is to reassure the new big sister that her little sister is a part of the family just like she is and that she will have a new playmate and friend. The book goes over a few suggestions for how she can be a big help in her little sister's life.

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The Know It Owl by Terri Sabol

 

The Know It Owl by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Owl is a wise and sometimes witty woodland creature who is setting out to educate other animals about themselves and their origins. In this story, we are introduced to Owl who is educating other owls about their history and some fun facts. He also sets out to dispel any myths that are commonly believed.

This is a great series! Parents and grandparents alike will enjoy reading these books to and with their young ones.

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The Know It Owl and the Otter by Terri Sabol

 

The Know It Owl and the Otter by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series would make a great gift to a new mom or grandparents. Kids and adults alike will love the wittiness of the Owl as he corrects misconceptions about various animals. This story features the Otter and things that people may have thought about them.

A very sweet, cute, witty book full of vivid illustrations sure to keep all engaged!

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The Know It Owl and the Kangaroo by Terri Sabol

 

The Know It Owl and the Kangaroo by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun series about an owl who knows it all and makes sure to correct those around him when they are wrong. In this story, Owl is focused on the facts of the kangaroo and through a set of witty sayings, let's others know the facts about kangaroos.

A super cute fun read that kids and adults alike will enjoy!

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The Know It Owl and the Giraffe by Terri Sabol

 

The Know It Owl and the Giraffe by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a super cute and fun book about giraffes! I learned a few new things that I did not know about these beautiful creatures. The Know It Owl makes learning fun in this book with his quick facts and a bit of humor too.

Great read for kids of all ages!

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Hot in the Pot by Lois Wickstrom

 

Hot in the Pot by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lois Wickstrom has done it again! I love this story about Squilla Balloo and her little experiment gone wrong. The name Squilla makes me smile every time I say it too! Squilla has an enemy and she thinks she knows how to change that but when things don't go as planned, the outcome changes too!

Super cute book that kids will love! It will help teach them a lesson in kindness too!

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One Wrong Turn at a Time: How We Navigated Fifty States, Forty-Five Years & One Marriage by Jan Heidrich-Rice

 

One Wrong Turn at a Time: How We Navigated Fifty States, Forty-Five Years & One Marriage by Jan Heidrich-Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun and witty book to read about the adventures of Honey and Rice as they take road trips and navigate through marriage. I wasn't sure I'd love this one as much as I did but I'm glad that I gave this one a chance. This story will take you on adventures that you might have been on yourself. You'll laugh and maybe even tear up.

A great summertime read!

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The Case of the Missing ID (The Not-So-Lost Series) by Shermaine Perry-Knights

 

The Case of the Missing ID by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story, set in Italy, is great for kids ages 7-11. Grace is so excited because she is finally getting her first official military ID. That excitement falters when she loses it but with the help of her friends, the mystery of the missing ID will be quickly solved.

This is a great story that provides information on Italy and what life on a military base can be like.

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Perfectly Polished (Keeney Builds #2) by Lynne Hancock Pearson

 

Perfectly Polished by Lynne Hancock Pearson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great read by this author. This series can be read as standalones but to get a better grasp of the nuances of the town of Keeney and her inhabitants.

Fiona is recently divorced and now defying her mother's wishes to move back home. Tomas is an ex-con who just so happens to show up in Fiona's board room.

A love of building affordable housing will bring these two together but can trust be built back for Fiona to open her heart once again?

I'm looking forward to the next book as there is a new relationship budding in this one!

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The Order of Obsidian (The Reeds of West Hills Series) by B.E. Padgett

 

The Order of Obsidian by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this series and this book has me eager for the next book right now!

It's another year of classes at the West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted and twins Jon and Frank Reed are clinging to any hope that they can find. Jon's visions are becoming more powerful and Frank has a new power that he's having to learn to control.

It's hard to put this one down to take care of "real life issues" when Jon and Frank are in such peril!

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