I have read several Notebook Mysteries books and this one was my favorite. They are all good, well written, thought out cases and good characters. SusI have read several Notebook Mysteries books and this one was my favorite. They are all good, well written, thought out cases and good characters. Suspicions was a little more focused. There were 3 cases going on throughout the book but they were organized and tied in together. I love Emma and her bravery and wit, and sense of adventure. Her relationship with Jeremy has matured over the years, and I am happy to see her stick to her own personal morals and feelings. The ending was perfect, wrapped up all the cases and could be a good ending for the series. However, if the author chose to write more, I'd be happy as well. Seeing what Jeremy and Emma do on their next adventure....more
I read Chicken Little Investigates to my 7 year old. We both enjoyed the book. He laughed at the names and said they were silly. He guessed the king'sI read Chicken Little Investigates to my 7 year old. We both enjoyed the book. He laughed at the names and said they were silly. He guessed the king's final answer. The pictures are colorful and unique style- almost like a sketch colored with water colors. I liked that the sounds had a different font, to stand out. It was a cute book overall. I always enjoy this author. When asked if he thought his friends would like the book, he said maybe and they would probably laugh and the characters names....more
Falling for You was such a cute book. I loved it more than Falling Home, the first book in the Buckeye Falls series, which is saying a lot. This serieFalling for You was such a cute book. I loved it more than Falling Home, the first book in the Buckeye Falls series, which is saying a lot. This series gives me a Gilmore Girls feel- the small town, where everyone knows everyone. I have CeCe envisioned like Sookie- the amazing chef that is a little quirky but everyone loves. Evan is a few years younger, and landed in Buckeye Falls a couple years ago, and has has a crush on CeCe ever sense. He finally makes his feelings known, and hopes the feelings are reciprocated. CeCe carries a bit of baggage from her previous relationship, which she has hidden well... That is until said ex, brings a cooking competition to Buckeye Falls. Things heat up in the kitchen, and outside... and I loved it. I hardly put this book down, I love all the characters, and Evan is wonderful. I am glad the previous characters from book 1 continued to make appearances throughout. Please let there be more to come!!...more
The Thieves left me feeling similar to Shore Lodge, another book in the series. I can't really describe it, a feeling of incompleteness.... They are sThe Thieves left me feeling similar to Shore Lodge, another book in the series. I can't really describe it, a feeling of incompleteness.... They are stand alone and non-overlapping characters. This book, while exciting and entertaining, ended too abruptly. The wrap up was too quick and clean. The characters were wonderful, and there was a lot of unexpected reveals along the way. Some parts had me on the edge of my seat and other parts I was laughing. I'm glad how Dan turned out... I was worried for a while I would hate him. I don't want to reveal too much but this book was worth the read. I look forward to the next book in the series. ...more
Shameless Love is the 2nd book in the Bennetts of Langston Falls series. I did not read the first book, and still enjoyed this, however, I felt like IShameless Love is the 2nd book in the Bennetts of Langston Falls series. I did not read the first book, and still enjoyed this, however, I felt like I was missing quite a bit of backstory. The focus of the story is on Elyse and Walt, and their story is a stand alone. However, there is a lot of background family drama at the start and end of the book, that I felt lost regarding. I assume Teddy and Glen's drama unfolded in book 1. This book did not go the direction I was expecting. The story starts out talking about Walt buying a house, in a questionable way, with some background drama. And then shifts to his sister Becky, and being approached by a cable network Cooking show. Walt offers to chaperone her, and up to this point, is portrayed as a southern country gentleman. However, things turn around at the New Years Eve party, and the book turns to a bit of smut. The focus for the bulk of the book is their building relationship, which was a good story. But, I feel like the beginning and the end, with Walt's home, and Glen, is a whole other story, that didn't seem to flow well. It was a little more steamy than I expected, but the author did warn us of that! Overall, not bad, and I would read the others in the story or by the author. I like the close family dynamic the author created....more
Ale's Fair in Love and War was such a good book. It was a good romantic comedy, that had me laughing out loud. The story focuses on a back and forth pAle's Fair in Love and War was such a good book. It was a good romantic comedy, that had me laughing out loud. The story focuses on a back and forth pranking between Hollis and Cash. They both are small business owners, next door neighbors. Cash and his brothers operate a bar, and Hollis has a pet spa. They instantly have a rivalry that starts over something as silly as a trash can, and it escalates from here. Their banter is hilarious and their chemistry is off the charts. Hollis decides she needs to help Cash increase business, to make some money to settle some debts that have arisen. During this, they cannot deny their attraction forever, and they soon realize their prejudices about each other are far off base, and they have a lot in common. This book was great, and I look forward to the next one. Highly recommend this book. ...more
The cover art drew me in. I don't think I even read the synopsis of the story, but really loved the cover art and spooky feel of it. Straight for the The cover art drew me in. I don't think I even read the synopsis of the story, but really loved the cover art and spooky feel of it. Straight for the Kill is the 3rd book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. I have not read the other 2 books, but I kind of wish I did. I felt very confused and frustrated the first part of the book. There are a LOT of characters, and some being deputies, are often referred to by their last name, and others their first name, and some nick names. I felt like I had names swimming in my heard and hard a hard time connecting who was who and what was going on. It was prob 1/4 of the way through the book before it all clicked for me. The book is well written and high stakes mystery. There is a lot going on, and the mystery remains throughout. We know that some characters know more than they let on, but not all is revealed, and that kept me engaged because I wanted to know how everything unfolded. The "who done it" if you will.... I will likely read more by this author, as the story was well developed....more
Shore Lodge was a good book that kept me engaged. It is a story focusing on Jacklyn Stone, a widow trying to re-center after the loss of her husband. Shore Lodge was a good book that kept me engaged. It is a story focusing on Jacklyn Stone, a widow trying to re-center after the loss of her husband. Like all deaths, she is feeling off kilter, but also was left with some shocking news. Her adult children convince her to go to a "retreat" to get some time to herself and try to get back on track. However, things are not what they seem. It is not a resort, but rather a psych facility and she has been admitted without her knowledge. The story continues as we see what her children are doing now that Mom is locked up, and Jacklyn's fight to break out of Shore Lodge. The book is pretty messed up, but not gruesome, more just makes you think... because stuff like this probably happens more than we realize. I felt bad for her being tricked, and was rooting for her the whole time. I felt a little let down with the ending, and I am not entirely sure why. It wrapped up nicely, I just expected something bigger, I guess? The characters are good, and i like that we get to see into the personal life and thoughts of all of the Stone family, to give us a better picture of how things got to that point. I do plan to read the next book in the series. ...more
I know nothing about farming, milking, or cheese production. That being the framework for Grace Uncer Fire had me questioning if I would enjoy it. ButI know nothing about farming, milking, or cheese production. That being the framework for Grace Uncer Fire had me questioning if I would enjoy it. But I took the chance and glad I did. The book was a little slow moving, but it did have a lot of drama that kept the story going. I was a little frustrated by how long it took Grace and Ryan to own their feelings for each other and Danny and the past. I think they didn't quite realize their own feelings until far too long into the story. And I felt the info surrounding Danny was developed and revealed too slowly. We find out he died. Then much later we learn how. Then much later we learn the circumstances of why. Then nearly at the end, the full feelings and actions that day. So overall I feel like the author drug their feet a little and made the story much longer than needed... but overall I liked it. The characters and the past drama, the closeness of the families, etc were all likeable. I am happy that there is a pre story for Ella- I felt like there was a lot of details from the past hinted. So I look forward to reading Taylor's law....more
Savage start was so so good! I hardly put it down, finishing the same day I began. The author is wonderful at creating a story, characters and a bit oSavage start was so so good! I hardly put it down, finishing the same day I began. The author is wonderful at creating a story, characters and a bit of mystery with the plot. We don't know much about either of the main characters, Riley or Cole. But it's enough to have sucked me in. They both have a lot of baggage with their family, and a bit of mystery surrounding their life. The ending was such a cliff hanger, it was frustrating... but the author did warn us of that! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I am sure this will be a series I love!...more
Upon reading the description of True Colors, I thought it would be good for my 13 year old. I wanted to read it first, to see how it approached the toUpon reading the description of True Colors, I thought it would be good for my 13 year old. I wanted to read it first, to see how it approached the topics outlined. I really enjoyed the story line, and it was relatable to middle school life for a girl. It addresses topics of parent separation, friend betrayal, jealousy, peer pressure, self esteem, first crushes, and more. I liked that the author showed how these things made Landry feel, and the different friendship styles among the girls she hung out with. Each girl had her moment, where she was supportive, or not such a good friend, and how each girl handled it. It made me remember how mean kids can be and how hard the teen years are. The only thing I thought was unrealistic was the financial aspects- Landry makes comments about her mom being tight on money, but then Landry is at the movies or mall every weekend. It was a well written book, and I will be suggested it to my daughter to read. ...more
I went back and forth if I wanted to read Chat Room with a View. I liked the synopsis, but it also sounded kinda creepy. I ended up giving it a try, bI went back and forth if I wanted to read Chat Room with a View. I liked the synopsis, but it also sounded kinda creepy. I ended up giving it a try, because I kept coming back to it... I had a hard time getting into this book. I really liked the plot of the story, but I felt it was a little much. It got pretty dark and twisted in places, so a little of a warning on that for readers who are iffy. I also felt like there was too much psychological issues... like every main character seemed to have something.... off... about them- paranoid, dangerous, killer, bipolar, schizophrenic, depressed, something. Not all are clearly identified, but the author did a wonderful job giving us a view into their feelings and actions, which I was happy about. It gave more detail and depth to the book. The bark started dark, and seemed to get worse and worse... It was like watching an episode of Law and Order SVU mixed with 13 reasons why. There was just so much trauma and bad things going on. I did like how it addressed the nature vs nurture topic, and whether some things are learned behaviors, or genetic. Makes you think and wonder......more
I had no idea what this book was about when I opened it. I just really loved the cover art. That being said, I have mixed feelings about My Pearl HearI had no idea what this book was about when I opened it. I just really loved the cover art. That being said, I have mixed feelings about My Pearl Heart. The first half of the book I was really annoyed at what was happening and feeling like I was missing information. The whole relationship between Jasmine and James really didn't sit right with me. They were expressing interest right under the nose of Candice. However, as the book goes on and we are given more details, things start to fall into place. Once all was revealed, my feelings switched to justifiable karma and I ended up liking the ending. I thought the author did a great job bringing everything together and wrapping up the story nicely. I would read more by this author, and recommend the book. But, give it a shot. I wasn't feeling it in the beginning, but I liked it at the end. ...more
Night Hawke is a prequel to the Hawke Family Second Generation series. I have not read any of the others and it didn't seem to matter. The author did Night Hawke is a prequel to the Hawke Family Second Generation series. I have not read any of the others and it didn't seem to matter. The author did a really good job of giving you just enough information to draw you in and keep you wanting more. The book was a little steamy for my liking. While I want to say that I won't read anymore, that's probably a lie. I'm pretty drawn in and want to know who these characters really are. So I will likely skim over those particular scenes, so I can continue the story. Both characters use fake names and very little detail is given about their lives. It is hinted at them both coming from pretty important families, and I want to know more about "Jack." In reading the description of the next book, it makes me want to know that much more! ...more
Underboss's Retaliation is the 2nd book in the Dark Mafia Romance series. I did not read the first book, and still enjoyed this one. I could tell it wUnderboss's Retaliation is the 2nd book in the Dark Mafia Romance series. I did not read the first book, and still enjoyed this one. I could tell it was an ongoing story, and there was references to previous events. However, the author provided enough detail that it wasn't lacking. It is similar to other mafia romance books, but I really enjoyed it. The characters are well written, and their love and devotion to the Family is undeniable. It had a good balance of suspense and romance. Dominic is strong and loyal, but can be sweet under his terrifying outside. Emelia is feisty as all get out, and I love how strong females tend to be written in these books. I look forward to reading the rest of the ...more
Falling Home is one of the cutest books I have read in a while (and I love that it is a clean romance). It is the first book in the Buckeye Falls seriFalling Home is one of the cutest books I have read in a while (and I love that it is a clean romance). It is the first book in the Buckeye Falls series, and I am so excited to see there will be a 2nd book. At the end of the book, I was hoping CeCe would get her own story, and then there it was- a sneak peak at the 2nd book. This book is an adorable story with a happily ever after. It takes place in a small town in Ohio, and gives a second chance at love for main characters Max and Ginny. I loved that the story had lingering feelings and confusion for both characters, so it was not one sided. Max is a total sweetheart and anyone could fall in love with him. Ginny is a woman determined to not follow in her mother's footsteps, to the point that she may find herself there anyway. The supporting characters are wonderful, and I would love for Harold to get his own story as well. Highly recommend and look forward to book two....more
Revenge Never Rests is the 2nd book in the Tallie Brown series. It picks up shortly after the first book finished, which I was happy for. Tallie had aRevenge Never Rests is the 2nd book in the Tallie Brown series. It picks up shortly after the first book finished, which I was happy for. Tallie had a bomb of information dropped on her in the end of the first book, and she is still sorting it all out. There is a bit of struggle, as she tries to compartmentalize her life. The book had a good recap of the information from book one, although not the full story... enough as a refresher. Likely couldn't be enjoyed without reading the first book. This book was much more clear, and written better than the first. I really like the characters of these series and the author did a good job of representing Tallie's (and sometimes Jackson's) feelings. There is so much suspense in this book, and it is action packed. I like that Tallie continued to refer back to her childhood teachings, despite the new heartbreak and inner struggle she is weighing. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to more from the author....more
Secrets Never Die is the first book in the Tallie Brown series. The book is pretty complex and has a complicated storyline. In the beginning I was reaSecrets Never Die is the first book in the Tallie Brown series. The book is pretty complex and has a complicated storyline. In the beginning I was really confused, and struggled to follow the story. The characters don't seem to be related, and made it hard to understand what was going on. However, stick it out... it comes together, and all makes sense in the end. Still, a very complex story, but it was really good. I didn't really like how Jackson's story was revealed... the whole book, it seemed like we were missing details from a previous story. There was a lot of references to a previous event without much back story. Tallie is a really amazing girl, with so many skills and a tough life. I felt bad for her but also was very impressed by her. I hope the 2nd book continues the relationships that were developed in the end of this book. First read by this author, but I will be reading more....more
I read Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation with my 6 year old son. He liked the book and that it rhymed. He liked the pictures and said they were very creI read Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation with my 6 year old son. He liked the book and that it rhymed. He liked the pictures and said they were very creative. They are so bright and colorful, with a wide variety of pirates drawn, so everyone can feel represented. My son thought it was cool they drew one of the pirates in a wheel chair. I think the last page should have been a statement rather than a question... but overall it was a cute book. ...more
Love Tools is a sweet romance story with a happy ending. I really enjoyed the story, and loved both main characters as well as the supporting siblingsLove Tools is a sweet romance story with a happy ending. I really enjoyed the story, and loved both main characters as well as the supporting siblings. Lily left England and moved to a small town in the US, after inheriting a hardware/tool store. Jake is a cowboy who lives on a ranch with his sister, and is a smart a$$ but also very sweet. There are parts that made me laugh out loud, and others that had me saying awwww. I enjoyed the tidbits about Lily getting to know her dad, after he passed, as well as Jake giving his mom a second chance. Their love story, while a bit predictable, was sweet and funny. I am looking forward to the next book, because Alice seems to be even more of a firecracker than Lily....more
Amaleigha Loves a Good Story is a cute inspirational story. I read it to my 6 year old and he loved it. He said it was a really good idea and she was Amaleigha Loves a Good Story is a cute inspirational story. I read it to my 6 year old and he loved it. He said it was a really good idea and she was smart to think of it. He likes that it gives you the steps to make your own little free library. I think this book is a little intense for young children to read themselves. But it is a good book to read to them. Any elementary age would enjoy the story. It really makes me wonder if it's a true story- seems advanced for a 6 year old though process, but it wouldn't surprise me either. I love the networking shown to children, to get the community involved in their projects....more
I read The Sneaky Kitten to my 6 year old. He said it was strange, but good. He loved the pictures and kept pointing things out in them. He rememberedI read The Sneaky Kitten to my 6 year old. He said it was strange, but good. He loved the pictures and kept pointing things out in them. He remembered Caspian from previous books and now wants to read the one where he got his hot cocoa socks. Stuck is a silly kitty with special powers. I love how colorful the pictures are, and that the book is multi generational....more
My son and I really enjoyed Amaleigha and the Big Idea. Before we even got to Page 2, he stopped me and said "there are so many words and I didn't expMy son and I really enjoyed Amaleigha and the Big Idea. Before we even got to Page 2, he stopped me and said "there are so many words and I didn't expect that. I visioned all the stuff without it being in the pictures." Despite being 6 years old and not knowing the right words, he it not wrong. There are a lot of words for a children's book- so this is more of a parent or teacher read story. Not so much a beginning reader, but it was a great story. The idea was a big idea for anyone, let alone a 5 year old. But it was a good idea and cute. I love the resources at the end, in case you and your child want to create their own version. The illustrations were bright and cute. We have another of her stories on our TBR list....more
Snow in Love is a cute winter romance story. Grab a blanket and a cup of coffee or cocoa, and curl up on the couch for a quick read. The progression oSnow in Love is a cute winter romance story. Grab a blanket and a cup of coffee or cocoa, and curl up on the couch for a quick read. The progression of the story is predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. Connor and Sienna are professional skiers who meet at a private training at an abandoned lodge. I love the little details the author put into the story. Each character is well written with a back story and family connection. Sienna is at a turning point in her career and needs time to discover what she wants for herself and stop living for her mom. Connor is struggling to find himself again after an accident that claimed half of his leg. I love his brother Colby and how helpful he was, while still being a typical college boy. I look forward to reading more by this author. She has a way with words and the book is short but sweet....more
I found If I Had a Magic Wand to be a very cute story. My 6 year old didn't love it. He sat through it but said they should do cooler stuff with a magI found If I Had a Magic Wand to be a very cute story. My 6 year old didn't love it. He sat through it but said they should do cooler stuff with a magic wand. Even after I explained the book, he still didn't seem too interested. The rhyming was good and made the story flow. I love love the illustrations. I love the parents passing the wand, to what I interpreted as other parents as well as their kids. I love that different nationalities and genders and ages were represented throughout the story. ...more
Road to the Mansfield is a 3 part story. Francie is the first story we read. If you have ever heard Fancy by Reba McIntire, that's basically the plot tRoad to the Mansfield is a 3 part story. Francie is the first story we read. If you have ever heard Fancy by Reba McIntire, that's basically the plot to the story. She is basically sent to a whorehouse when her mom is dying where she is expected to work for her room and board. She has a beautiful voice and negotiates her freedom, by being the entertainment instead. She has a hard life but remains strong and breaks free. She then negotiates a deal for herself to be a singer in a nightclub. We then hop to the next story, of Rose. Rose is young, just 18 and is blinded by what she believes to be love. She is desperate to leave her Podunk town, that she runs away with a man she's known less than 3 weeks. He turns out as we expect and treats her badly. Both Rose and her husband end up working at the Mansfield. As we see Rose's marriage deteriorate, we see her friendship grow with Ruby. The last part of the story is quite different. It focuses on Beau, a lawyer. His story is a bit shorter, but eventually he too winds up at the Mansfield, but not yet meeting Ruby and Rose. The book was amazing and I loved it. I am not happy with the ending. Total cliff hanger.... but Book 2 comes out in 1 week so I don't have long to wait for the continued story. While researching, I saw the author was inspired by Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson music video for Because of You... and it all makes sense. I can see it and she did wonderful expanding a 3 minute music video into what I anticipate to be a wonderful series....more
Reckless Heart is the 2nd book in the Second Chances romance series. It could be enjoyed as a stand alone book. There are crossover characters and refReckless Heart is the 2nd book in the Second Chances romance series. It could be enjoyed as a stand alone book. There are crossover characters and references, but there is enough background details provided that it doesn't feel lacking. I really loved this book. Brad and Mary were friends in high school, and both had crushes on each other, but Mary ended up with one of Brad's friends. A wedding brought them back into each other's lives and a mutual friend pushed them together. They spent a holiday weekend reminiscing about the past. Will they both speak up about their feelings, both past and future? Or dwell on the hurt from teenage stupidity? Or perhaps bury the past and start over? Wouldn't you like to know...... ...more
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