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I review all genres and I post them in 30 spots. Check out previous posts and I'm sure you'll find several books to catch your interest. I am a published reviewer and an award winning one. I am one of the best reviewers around. CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF BOOK REVIEWS!!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Falling For Niagara by Susan Jean Ricci

     Niagara Falls, one place most honeymooners visit. It's romantic, powerful and a force of nature. It also may have a bit of magic mixed in. Two single people show up at the Falls. Each one for their own particular reasons. Destiny, fate or something, alerts one of these people to the other. From that moment on this person knows they are meant to be. They are forever linked. How about you? Think destiny or fate lends a hand at times?

     Such a romantic book. It will pull you down in your chair on page one and won't let you go until THE END. It's touching and beautiful while still being funny. Well written and characters you'd find in anywhere USA, this book will lighten your heart considerably. Ms. Ricci seems to be able to put words to thoughts in a way that will have you shaking your head in agreement. Just a touch of whimsy keeps you involved.  I really like this one.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it will resonate with all of you.

Mabel and the Queen of Dreams by Henry L. Herz (Goodreads Author), Lisa Woods (Illustrations), Josh Herz, Harrison Herz

     Mabel doesn't like going to bed. There are always reasons why she should stay up just a little longer. Mabel thinks she might miss something if she goes to bed. Then Mother tells her a bedtime story about a Fairy Queen who paints children's dreams. She only visits when children are sound asleep. Mabel wants to have terrific dreams and she drifts off.

     Well written and perfect for the child who doesn't want to settle down at night. It's a relaxing and sweet way to help them off to dream land. The characters your child will relate to and the story make this a must have for your child's library. I adore this one.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's an easy way to settle children.

Little Red Cuttlefish by Henry L. Herz (Goodreads Author), Kate Gotfredson (Illustrations), Joshua Herz, Harrison Herz

     Little Red Cuttlefish's mother sent her with a basket of crab cakes to her grandmother's house. She enjoys everything along the way. Little Red Cuttlefish  surprises grandmother with the basket of goodies. Just as they decide to enter her house, a tiger shark appears. It takes all of their skills to send him on his way.

     What a fun take on Little Red Riding Hood. Children who enjoy fish will enjoy this book so much. It teaches children to be alert and that they may be able to help more than they realize. The writing is clean and fantastic. The characters just adorable. Your littles will want this one read again and again.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it really does have a message and fun.

One Last Spell: Paranormal Witch Cozy Mystery & Romance by Raven Snow

     Castlerock is a small town. People there like things slow and "normal". No outsiders or those they perceive to be outsiders.  Zelda became an outsider the last time she tried to help the police, and her friend Jessica, with a murder. Everything went wrong  everything went wrong. Now Jessica is back to ask for more help. Should Zelda help her?

     This author's book intrigues me and reels me in every time! She's really a fantastic story teller. The characters seem to be people I grew up with. I recognize neighbors among them. *smile* Twists and turns, a unique setting and fun make this a book you'll enjoy over and over. It's short, so you could read this in no time. You'll be telling your friends to check it out too. 'One Last Spell' is not your mama's mystery.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I laughed over and over again.

A Murder Most Rosy: Supernatural Witch Cozy Mystery (Harper "Foxxy" Beck Series Book 3) by Raven Snow

     Foxxy is back! She wasn't sure she wanted to come back to Waresville, but here she is. Foxxy seems to have a habit of attracting dead bodies although no one is sure why. When a body is found at the local school, Foxxy is the first one to investigate. Will she be able to find the murderer before someone kills her? 

     An absolutely fun book! The characters are well developed and so much fun. I really like this book. It isn't your typical mystery. It has a little bit of everything in it. It's well written and plotted. You'll zip through this book before you know it. I've been recommending this book to everyone. The twists and turns keep you glued to your seat. One thing is certain, you will adore Foxxy. I can't wait to read more works by this author.

     I didn't find any issues. Would like to have had a longer book but that's a personal preference. *smile*

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I could so be friends with Foxxy.              

Thursday, June 16, 2016

The Purple Heart by Christie A.C. Gucker

    Sydney is a psychologist. Her work has her dealing with soldiers returning from war. She confident she can help these people get on the right track and make an easier transition home. When she meets Sargent Aiden Thane for the first time, she feels drawn to him. Unsure of the chemistry they share, she decides to take a slow, but personal interest in him. 

     First let me say, you will need the tissues for this book. Extremely well written and plotted, this is a must read. Ms. Gucker is very creative in the way she presents this story. You'll feel something nagging at you as you read, but like our leading lady, you'll overlook it for awhile. When it finally hits home, you'll be upset for her. I can't praise this book enough. It's a very real look at life for the soldiers after the war.

     I did find a couple of issues. Some spots seem a little dry. It's almost as if Ms. Gucker was afraid she was sharing too much. The other issue is the transitions from one subject to another. They sometimes read as incomplete. Still, this book is one you'll be talking about.

     I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 for the two issues I mentioned. 

Greensmith Girls: Supernatural Witch Cozy Mystery (Lainswich Witches Series Book 1) by Raven Snow

     Lainswich is a very small town. EVERYONE knows your business. When Rowen gets a panicked call from her aunt, she knows she'll have to go back. Her boss is thrilled because he wants her to report on whatever is happening. Rowen knows this is not going to be an easy trip. Her family is, well, different than most. Knowing she has no choice, Rowen heads to Lainswich.

     I really love this book. It's a quick, humorous read. The writing is outstanding and the characters you'll enjoy immediately. Ms. Snow is a very creative story teller. She doesn't waste time either. Once you open this book, you will finish it because you'll be curious to know what's going on. The plotting on this story is spot on. Nothing left to chance, Ms. Snow buttons it all down. You'll re-read this book because it's that funny and delightful. This is one to start when you just want a relaxing and easy read. I can't wait for more of this author's work. I'd like to see this series as a TV show. It would be hilarious. 

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a keeper.

Staking a Claim by Devon McKay

     Samantha Held works for one of the top advertising companies in Miami, Florida. When she finds out the next job is in Alaska, she knows this is her chance to shine. She and her boss haggle about the job and what rewards she expected. He finally gives in and sends Samantha to Alaska. When she arrives, she thinks she's in over her head. 

     This book includes a refreshing main female character. She's strong, beautiful and gets straight to the point. This well written book will bring Alaska alive for you. The descriptions so vivid you can close your eyes and see them. The characters are well developed. It's fun to read how they interact with each other. I do like a female main character who can hold her own. While reading this book, you will laugh out loud and you'll worry a little over the characters. "Staking A Claim" is a relaxing, easy read. This should be on your TBR pile. This authors work is well worth your time.

     I found no issues in this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I really did laugh out loud in some parts.

Dance with Deception (Scandalous Secrets #1) by Tracy Goodwin

     Gwendolyn MacAlistair just received some disturbing news. Her father is dying and he wants her married before he dies. He's already chosen the man to be her husband. Gwen is shocked by this news. She's not quite ready for a husband. She ponders how she can get out of this mess. She might even have some help.

     Well written and plotted, this book has a nice steady pace to it. The characters are three dimensional and so much fun.  I enjoy the fact Gwen isn't going to just let her father marry her off. She's a strong woman and it makes the book even better because she is.  Secrets are the down fall of many marriages. Ms. Goodwin hooks you with page one and then leads you through the book. While reading, you can feel things building to a fever pitch. What an exciting read this is. You must check out Ms. Goodwin's wonderful book.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because you'll be thrilled you read it.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Indiana Belle (American Journey, #3) by John A. Heldt

     It's 2017 and doctoral student, Cameron Coelho, just received a package from Indiana. The package was information he needed for his dissertation. Cameron can't wait to read through the materials. The 1920's were a time of strife, prohibition and jazz. Cameron is all set to work on his dissertation when he meets Geoffrey Bell. Mr. Bell is a likable man and just the person he needs to speak with to learn more.

     The American Journey Series by John A. Heldt, is well written and has some really fantastic characters. It's a unique take on time travel. The descriptions are so vivid, you'd swear you were in the 1920's. You will find, in this book, how easy it seems to be to time travel.  Some of the parts of the book will make you cringe. It makes you cringe because it's during a time in our history where horrible things happened. I'm not a real fan of time travel but Mr. Heldt does such an amazing job with this book. I was swept away from page one.

     I found no issues in this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it would be such fun to time travel this way.

Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 43-45 by Werner Stejskal

     Oliver and Jumpy meet the most interesting people when they have adventures. They enjoy traveling and learning from others. Story 43- Flying Carpet takes them to Africa. There they find a princess who is danger. A man in the market place gives Oliver and Jumpy a flying carpet to rescue the princess. Story 44- Birthday Party-Guess what? It's Oliver's birthday! As soon as he and Jumpy arrive from their latest adventure, his friends throw him a birthday party. Story 45-Magic Berries-Once again the two friends are headed to Ghost Castle.  They always have a unique adventure there. After they arrive, Joey finds some berries. He's so excited to have a snack. The berries are dangerous.

     This series is one of the best on the market. They are well written and the plot is solid. The characters become instant friends with your child. Oliver and Jumpy love to share the new things they've learn on their adventures too. I'd like to see this series as a kid's show. I'm very certain it would gain a loyal and large following. Mr Stejskal books are just the right size for nap time or bed time. You can't go wrong with this series or author.

     I found no issues in this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it works the imagination.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Oliver and Jumpy, Stories 40-42 by Werner Stejskal

     Oliver and Jumpy continue to have new adventures all the time. They are such good friends and enjoy helping others. Story number 40- Elephant Heaven- We find Oliver and Jumpy back at Ghost Castle. They always have fun adventures there. This time an elephant is waiting. Jumbo needed a cat to lead him and his friends to fertile land. Story 41-Waking the Princess- A mean old witch put a spell on the princess. She must have a prince cat save her. Three challenges and a kiss were the key to unlock the spell. Story 42-Space Ball- One night, a star fell to earth. Oliver and Jumpy saw it and went to investigate. Once there, they find Blupsy. Blupsy is an alien. He is lucky to have met Oliver and Jumpy because they introduce him to Halloween.

     This collection would be and outstanding addition to any child's library. The characters are so friendly and helpful. The writing is spot on. I enjoy the fact each book, each story, Oliver and Jumpy meet new people. They learn about others and they teach others about themselves. Your child's imagination will be on overdrive. The stories are the right length for a nap read or bedtime read. These are perfect books to "act" out. It allows your child to become even more involved in the story. You'll be happy you invested in these books, they grow with your child.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because your littles will get such a kick out of these characters.