Man I just can't get enough of Miss Vivee!! I think I would find an early grave if I had her as a friend
The synopsis was promising on this one and sounded like it was right up my alley, but the writing is choppy and doesn't flow well at all. I'm 25% through and the story doesn't make sense and lacks any sort of direction as to where it's going.
I also couldn't connect with the characters shown so far. They are pretty immature and unlikeable for where and who they are supposed to be. I don't have any interest in continuing this one so I sadly have to DNF.
I received this E-Book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
3.5 Rounded to 4
As a teen, in love, with a father who is hard to please Eliana has her work cut out for her...as does Julian. When their beloved school is threatened with closure they must band together, along with Ethan & Naomi, to try and save it. Maybe along the way, Julian will earn Eliana's father's respect and they will be able to declare their love openly.
Very cute, quick and enjoyable read. If you enjoy sweet reads, with a slighy younger appeal, this would be one to look at.
I like that the first one in this series has been redone to make Eliana and Julian in high school. It fits better and makes this follow up fun to read.
I appreciate the publisher for providing a copy of the E-Book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Hmmmmm I'm not sure what to think about this one. I didn't hate it but I also didn't love it. No way in Stephen King was this anything remotely like The Shining. It would have to be scary and mentally freakish for that to happen.
The story itself was an interesting concept but the way this was written was bland and not thrilling or scary in any way. I guess I went in expecting too much from it. I wasn't exactly thrilled when I read Baby Teeth either but I always like to try and read more than one book by an author before I dismiss them entirely. Sadly I just don't think this author for me.
I appreciate NetGalley for providing me with this E-Book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
A fire has been set in one of Macy Atherton's cottages and thankfully none of her guests were hurt. Macy is a dedicated customer of Tea for Two, a tearoom owned by cousins Jan and Elaine. When Macy appears in their kitchen asking for their sleuthing skills, they can't say no.
While Jan and Elaine are inspecting the aftermath they notice that a vase that has been in Macy's family for a long time has disappeared. Who could have set the fire? And why? Is the missing vase the reason? Does it hold more value than Macy is aware?
Grab a cup of hot tea, a warm blanket and snuggle up to this fun cozy mystery. I love Jan and Elaine and the trouble these “nosy old biddies” get into
Is it too early to start planning those Spooktober lists?
For those who want a good haunting, make sure to add this one to those lists for October! Can horror be fun to read?
For as long as he can remember Garrett has been training...in secret...and not just physical drills but also intelligence and weapons training. That in itself is strange enough...but even stranger is that he isn't allowed to talk about it...to anyone. He has to follow a very strict set of rules and never break them, otherwise he would face dire consequences. What is going on in this small town of Petersburg where children secretly train? What exactly are they training for?
Meanwhile, Breanne and her father, Dr. Charles Moore, have been hired to take over an archaeological dig site on Oak Island, Nova Scotia with the promise of making history. Backed by an unseen benefactor, cost is no object and everything they need, they are given. During this dig, an extraordinary treasure is unearthed and it seems the legendary Knights Templar are involved.
Breanne has an ominous feeling that they are messing with things best left alone but her family's inquisitive nature won't let it rest...so they keep going. Exactly what else will they find? Why the secret behind who this benefactor is? Why does Breanne get the feeling he knows more than he's sharing?
I LOVE stories with secret societies and most especially the Knights Templar. This one fed my love for the subject wonderfully. I also love treasure hunts and archaeological aspects in books. I am a huge fan of movies like this (Indiana Jones and The Mummy being my favorites) so any time I see books like this I try to snag them.
This is another one I finished in less than 2 days
We return to Castleton Manor at the start of the Nancy Drew Clue Colloquium where fans of the sleuthing queen are converging for some fandom fun. However, things take a wayward turn when one of the guests is found slumped over in her car...dead.
Now it's up to Watson (the handsome and debonair detective cat), Faith (his almost feline human) and the Candle House Book Club to solve the case and make Lighthouse Bay safe once again.
I just can't get enough of this series. This is Book 12 and I'm still in love. It was so much fun to see Watson's personality emerge more in this one as he gets involved in sleuthing. I think this would make a fun TV series. It sure makes for a cozy, lazy Sunday.
There is a wedding going down in the small town of Yasamee! While checking on the gazebo and the preparations, Logan comes upon a dead body. Murder sure does seem to follow her wherever she goes! With the wedding only 3 days away can she and Miss Vivee solve it in time without nuptial interruptions?
Man this series has me laughing every book! Such a fun cozy read! I think this series is a must for any cozy enthusiast.
Magnolia Harbor Inn is the place to stay when visiting the small, quaint town. Some say it also holds a little magic. Guests come to enjoy the beautiful views, wonderful food, and quiet rooms while finding peace and healing during their stay.
Grace & Charlotte have a full house and with the Strawberry Festival going on they also have a full plate. Anne & Davis have come to Magnolia Harbor to spend some quality time together, while getting a needed break from Davis' mom. Bridget is writing a book and secretly researching her family's history in hopes of locating her birth mother. Curt has hopes of finding and reconnecting with Presley, the love of his life who he let get away. Can these guests find what they are searching for and heal the past at the same time?
This series seems to blend genres. It's a cozy mystery but at the same time has elements of women's fiction. The story hones in on relationships, healing of those relationships, and bringing the mystery to a happy, tear-filled ending. This makes for a perfect blend and one that's heartwarming and leaves me with a happy sigh. Definitely recommend this series as it's a great change up between reads.
Shenanigans is the perfect part of this title. Miss Vivee is something else and she just keeps me laughing. I can't believe I have to wait for the next one in this series lol
I just love how I learn something new with each book in this series. You can tell that the author puts a lot of thought into the murders and their causes. It's always interesting to see what the cause is and learn about it.
These are so fun and quick to read. I love a good cozy that is packed full or corniness and an easy flow. This series is one of my cozy favorites.
This story, told by Karina's Babushka, gives a small glimpse into a piece of her life that was horrific and heartbreaking. Even though it is a sad, but necessary story, it also shows how her Babushka had the strength to endure.
This is a book I think every little needs to read. Too often (I feel), children grow up not understanding people from other cultures or the hardships they have had to face. Perhaps if children learned of other cultures and people when they are young...they would be kinder and more accepting when they are older. Then maybe...just maybe...we can ALL treat each other with kindness and make our world a better place.
This is definitely a story I recommend and one I will be sharing with my grandbabies.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy of this E-Book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Shelby Cox is taking a hiatus from work and heads to Alexandria Bay to help her Aunt Edie, who is recovering from knee surgery. Shelby has been asked to temporarily take over Bayside Books' seasonal location on Blye Island for the coming tourist season. What's better than a bookstore on an island? One that's also in a castle.
During the set-up, Shelby meets Loreena, one of the castle's head volunteers. Loreena tends to rub people the wrong way and when she is later found dead, the word murder is whispered throughout the town. Shelby sets out to investigate and ends up drawing the wrong sort of attention. Can she solve the mystery before she ends up dead herself?
This is book 1 in a new cozy mystery series and I'm already in love. First off bookstore. Second...castle. Third a bookshop INSIDE a castle. Also small town setting by the water and a kitty named J.T.!! Can I just go live there
Castleton Manor is hosting a horror retreat with promises of all things spooky and tricks galore to keep you up at night. Faith is less than thrilled as she is not a horror fan and likes things calm and serene.
True to times of late, a murder pops up during the retreat with a threat of more to come. Is this part of the many tricks planned during the event? Or is there something more sinister at play...
Ok this just might be one of my favorites of this series. That's saying a lot too because I've loved so many already
I have always wanted to read a novel by Jane Austen and plan on it this year. When I saw this series of women in history which has a book dedicated to Jane Austen's life I just had to read it.
While at times this could be a bit tedious to read, it was still fascinating. It takes you into the world and mind of Jane Austen and the daily life which shaped her novels.
I am definitely looking forward to starting her novels this year.
This is Book 2 in the Harry Potter: Film Vault series. I love learning about what went into making the films and learning little tidbits about each place covered. The illustrations, concept art and photos from the movies are amazing.
When I was asked to review this book I wasn't sure what to expect. Color me shocked when it seemed like every poem was speaking to me in some way. I've been redefining myself, my thoughts and how I process. The poetry in this book reflects all that I'm feeling and going through. How absolutely perfect.
“The ego paints with contrite limitations Using a prescribed method on imprinted canvas, Repeating the cycles of monotonous, self-defeating patterns.”
“She has wisdom from life experiences, and is astute beyond her years. She has a heart as vast as the ocean, with strength and resilience to face her fears.”
I appreciate the publisher and @blackthorntours for providing this E-Book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
The New England Whaling in History and Literature Conference has come to Lighthouse Bay. Castletona Manor has been thrust back into 1800s and Faith couldn't be more delighted.
Raymond Prather is rumored to have a rare piece of scrimshaw from the Essex (a legendary whaling ship). He is unwilling to show it to anyone and becomes rude and mildly hostile towards anyone who asks to see it.
When Raymond is found dead it's up to Watson, Faith and the Candle House Book Club gang to get involved and sniff out the murderer.
I really enjoyed this one and loved how Watson went above and beyond in finding clues to solve this crime. He even went so far as to bring in an accomplice...Captain Boomer, a Dachshund. This series is such fun to read.
“you are the breath of life you are the beat of the heart
you are my life's journey and every destination is you”
Though sometimes repetitive (expected since the poems are all about love) this was an enjoyable break from my normal reads. It's February, the month of love, so what better way to spend an hour reading about love in all its forms.
I received this E-Book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Johnny is recovering from the loss of his friend Stephen and by association to the catastrophic event...Cassie. He is adrift with heartache and grief. Grief which only gets added to...
His father, Michael, who disappeared from his and his mother's life and cut all contact has called and wants to see him. Reluctantly Jonny agrees.
While visiting his father, he notices Bella (his father's girlfriend) has been acting strange. Determined to find out why he summons a spirit and what he learns can only lead one direction...to a mystery that needs solving and to setting things right.
This series has been an enjoyable one and is one I think young readers will enjoy. The writing is easy, fun and quick. It's hard to put down once the story gets moving along. I have enjoyed watching Jonny's growth and look forward to more.
I received this E-Book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein and mine and mine alone.
I haven't read much YA Historical Fiction but I do enjoy the genre itself. When I was asked to read this one, I couldn't resist.
The best thing about any historical fiction is learning something I didn't before. I had no idea how valuable Amber was or how hard it could be to not only find, but to shape. This was an extremely interesting and fun part of this book
I LOVE a dual timeline, and with this one it's done so well that when you leave one for the other you quickly want to go back to where you left off to see what is happening next.
Another thing I love in books is time travel, so the format with this dual timeline was perfect for me. It's not often a YA keeps my attention the way this one did.
I think this is perfect for historical fiction fans and would definitely recommend this one for the younger fans as well. Well-written, engaging story.
I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Black Coffee Book Tours for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Piper Dunner's dream of being a star faded into the background after winning season 7 of the American Star. What started as a quick rise to the top quickly turned into “Piper who?” when multiple destructive events happened that knocked her out of the limelight.
Years later, she has a chance to be in the spotlight again as a judge for American Star. When she begins receiving letters that are essentially threatening her if she doesn't back out...Piper has a decision to make...give in or fight back, even if fighting back might put her in harm's way.
Even though I figured out early on where part of this story was headed (mind you I said part, not all) this was a fast-paced, easy and fun read. This author has a knack for taking sub-genres of thrillers that don't usually work for or interest me and I end up really enjoying them. The Last Star Standing is a mind-twisting thrill ride that I'm sure will leave some heads spinning. Definitely recommend.
I sincerely appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this psychological thriller. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Maddy's mentor has left her a cryptic file of documents with what is essentially a goodbye note and a plea to dig deep and figure out the mystery he's left behind. As Maddy begins researching the paperwork Elliot left behind...she begins to see a connection with what she is reading and with recent deaths in the news. What is Elliot doing? Can she piece together the puzzle in time and find him before something terrible happens? Or is it already too late?
The Bosnian War is the setting behind the scenes in Something for BeBe. Events that occurred during that time is what fuels Elliot's cryptic message to Maddy. There are some heavy hitting parts to this story and many times my heart broke. This accurately reflects my feelings: “There's no end to humanity's depravity when given half a chance to justify their actions.”
I really enjoyed Maddy's character and loved her tenacious attitude. Despite what she endures as a young woman journalist, she stays strong and true to herself.
The only issue I had with this one were the chapters. I don't feel they were broken out very well. One minute you are reading about Maddy and her guide while she is searching for Elliot and the next sentence it's completely switched to another character. Sometimes that character hasn't been properly introduced first so there were a few times I had to go back and reread to understand what happened. It threw off the flow quite a bit.
Other than that, this is a very well thought out and written YA thriller. I don't believe this is a time period often touched upon in fiction and recommend this one.
I sincerely appreciate the author and Blackthorn Book Tours for providing me with this E-Book. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.