The Wild Path by Sarah R. Baughman

The Wild Path by Sarah R. Baughman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @sarahrbaughman, #BookJunkies, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for allowing me to be an early reader of The Wild Path by awesome author, Sarah Baughman, in exchange for an honest review. Oh, did I love this book! I read this sad, ultimately hopeful middle grade novel in one day which crushed me and pulled me back to a positive place; I could not put it down! Readers will love Claire; how she deals with the loss of her brother, Andy, the angst of the support meetings she must attend, her quest to find out more about twelve-year-old Jack Hamilton and his horses, and her resolve to win first place in her History Project to save her beloved horses. Claire is truthful, introspective, and doing her best to weather a storm. With parents who care but are dealing with their fear for their son and their inability to pay bills, Claire understands but fears life without her beloved horses, Sunny and Sam. Sarah Baughman’s detail to plot and characters dealing with challenges, the depth of these characters, the beauty of nature, tackling drug addiction and family dynamics, proves this is an authentic book. Claire’s epic struggles with family issues, how she deals with her grief and pain while her brother is in rehab, the imminent loss of her beloved horses and finding an old box containing mysteries, and maybe answers, make this a must-read book!

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The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVED this book!!! So many novels now in this time of the virus sometimes take me some time to read because I stop when the story becomes too heavy. But indomitable Nina who is a shy librarian who really loves books is optimistic, honest, and a romantic. Hustle and Bustle Edgbaston is a big city and now they have a new view of what a library should be...and her beloved job is not more because the library powers that be have a new vision called Mediatech Services. Nina's love of books has nurtured a secret wish, to have her own bookstore. When she decides to act on this, her life is forever changed---buying a van, loading all the books in her apartment and moving to a vast farming community in Scotland called Kirrinfief. The beauty is breathtaking, the people all know each other, and Nina is lucky enough to rent a gorgeous barn that has been refurbished. I loved Nina's pairing of books with her buyers, her ability to jump in and help others, and her crazy friend's romantic advice. Just a wonderful book about the beauty of books, farms, animals, and life in a new place, if you haven't read it and want to be uplifted and to laugh, now is the time! Highly recommended!

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Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt

Redwood and Ponytail by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to Jennifer LaGarde @jenniferlagarde for recommending this middle grade novel in verse by the spectacular K. A. Holt, novel in verse queen! Kate and Tam have always gone to the same school but it is in 7th grade that they notice each other, become friends, and find out who they really are (except Tam has always known who she is) and if their friendship can surmount obstacles. I also really liked Holt's Author Notes at the end! A must read!

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After This Night (Seductive Nights, #2) by Lauren Blakely

After This Night by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Julia and Clay have fallen deeply for each other, Julia trusts him enough to tell him about her debt. I loved their growing relationship and can't wait to read the 3rd and final in this steamy romance!

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Night After Night (Seductive Nights, #1) by Lauren Blakely

Night After Night by Lauren Blakely
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Julia is a no nonsense bartender and 1/2 owner who has problems that she keeps all to herself in San Francisco. She is working off a debt to a smarmy loan shark and she refuses to tell her sister, friends or anyone else she gets close to. Enter Clay, an entertainment lawyer, who stops in at Julia's bar because her sister's fiancee recommended the bar and Julia. Sparks fly and continue to fly through this slim but chemistry driven romance. I can't wait to read the second book in this delicious romance!

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In the Dark (Jonathan Stride, #4) by Brian Freeman

In The Dark by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loving this series; Jonathan Stride, Serena, and Maggie continue to wiggle their way into my favorite characters; especially with this book; Jonny revisits his teenage years and time on the police force. Cindy's sister, Laura was murdered on the beach on July 4 and now 30 years later, a old friend, Tish is writing a book on Laura's murder and needs answers. But what transpires are lies, mysteries, and betrayals! Also Jonathan and Maggie are investigating a peeper who is terrorizing teens, all the while Tish continues to lead Jonny with clues, etc. I could not put this book down, will be reading #5 soon enough----love Brian Freeman's plots, suspense, characters! I am also going to try the Frost Eaton series as well.

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The Deal (Off-Campus, #1) by Elle Kennedy

The Deal by Elle Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first Elle Kennedy romance I have read and oh did I enjoy Hannah and Graham. They were both believable college students, Graham the jock and Hannah a music Major. But they bring their real selves to their friendship which begins with Graham stalking Hannah to tutor him so he won't get kicked off the ice hockey team. As Captain, Graham has lots of friends and girls who chase him. But Hannah works, is a good student and is in the annual music show, and she does not have many friends, does not drink and does not go to frat parties. I liked the slow way their bickering friendship proceeded and as they begin to tell each other things that they have not told to too many people, my fingers were crossed. A really great book to begin the Off-Campus series, I can't wait to read more Elle Kennedy romances!

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The Shadowshaper Legacy (Shadowshaper, #3) by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper Legacy by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this series so much and this 3rd book did not disappoint! Sierra has so much going on as the Lucera, in charge of all things in her world of Shadowshaping, while her brother and boyfriend and another girlfriend, Izzy are in jail. This book also takes the reader and Sierra back to the history (her history) in the world of the Shadowshapers. I could not stop turning the pages as all hell breaks loose, betrayers try to take over and Sierra's control of the Deck of Worlds Cards. Hang on to the edge of your seat for the past colliding with the present. I loved the author's word choice, his world building, the good vs bad fight---if you have not read this series---you must NOW because this is the final thrilling book in the series!!!

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It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time by Kylie Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this romance between Adele and Peter. Switching back and forth in time, Adele has always been best friends with Pete (also in love with him too) who works in construction with her father (eventually become partners)but only visits summers because she lives with her mom (divorce). Adele waits until she is 18 years old to reveal that she loves Pete and that is a huge mistake. What happens is that Pete won't forgive her, Adele does not return for seven years and it is her father's marriage to Shanti that brings her back to Pete. I rooted for Adele and Pete, but Pete has issues and it takes alot to become friendly with him, having best friends talks again in the short time Adele has before she goes back home. A great cover and a burning romance!

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Season of Fear (Cab Bolton, #2) by Brian Freeman

Season of Fear: A Cab Bolton Thriller by Brian Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this 2nd Cab Bolton detective mystery! As the book begins a political fundraiser turns muderous as three a gunned down by a masked man in black. Fast forward 10 years later and Diana Fairmount, like her husband, is now running for governor, but the threats begin threatening revenge. Who is doing this and is it the same person from 10 years ago. I love Cab Bolton as much as I love Jonathan Stride- they are both very good at what they do as detectives and they have messy lives, but this means the reader will be turning those pages as the mystery, lies, suspense, murders add up. I loved Peach Piper, her secret relationship with her coworker, Justin and ached for the awful life she had as a child and how this impacts her (no friends, trust issues, secret squirrel) but the mystery was deep and I lost myself in this page turner. Looking forward to more Cab Bolton thrillers, for now I will pick up more Jonathan Stride mysteries!!!

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The Empire of Dreams (Fire and Thorns #4) by Rae Carson

The Empire of Dreams by Rae Carson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I loved The Girl of Fire and Thorns series, oh did I really LOVE Red Sparkle Stone. She was a dynamo who survived so much in her life, that she has some left over issues like startling when she hears loud sounds, sleeping on the floor or not sleeping at all. As her life with Elisa and Hector and Rosario and Mena is upended when her adoption is thwarted; Red decides to join the elite Royal Guard while the Queen takes a journey. Leaving behind Rosario on the throne, Red pledges her support while she trains for the guard. But something is wrong...and it takes all of Red's strength, fighting ability, and sleuthing to find out what is going on. What I liked about her training with the guard: many were against her for being a woman, being part of the royal family, and people assuming she is part of a lower caste, but Red's fighting ability soon begins to help her recruit friends and garner her some admiration. Even though Red is prickly, she can't tell a lie, so I enjoyed getting to know her from her past up to her time with Elisa and Hector. She is a strong presence, she fights for what she believes in, yet she also doesn't see herself the way others see her and that trait helped her time and time again as she tried to help Rosario and her friends in the Royal Guard. Can't wait to read the next book!!! Rae Carson has done it again!.

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The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts

The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to @joshwhowrites (Josh Roberts), #BookJunkies, Owl Hollow Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles, for allowing me to be an early reader of The Witches of Willow Cove by debut author, Josh Roberts, in exchange for an honest review. I loved this middle grade magical mystery! Best friends, Abby and Robby, get the surprise of their life on Halloween when they ride a witches’ broom through the sky! Quickly Abby finds out she is a witch from Miss Winters (a witch herself) but posing as a substitute teacher. With Miss Winters urging Abby identifies five other witches, but everyone must keep this secret, which is a problem for Abby because this secret causes a rift in her friendship with Robby. Robby is perplexed by Abby’s behavior and they grow apart. What I totally enjoyed about this debut novel was the quick and suspenseful pace of the plot; I could not stop turning the pages. As Abby and her “new” witch friends learn more about their powers from Miss Winters, Abby is also trying to figure out what happened to Robby’s mom and most recently, the disappearance of Robby’s stepmom. At the same time, Robby is trying with two friends to find out more about the Abby, the witches and their history in Willow Cove. Is the disappearance of his mom and stepmom connected? The pacing of the plot, the mysteries as they are revealed, and the friends’ relationship drama was authentic and gripping. Readers will relate to the friends’ drama; both Abby and Robby do not want to expose their friends to any danger, so they keep secrets and this causes judgments on both sides. I really enjoyed this debut novel, the teen witches, and the past of Willow Cove which definitely includes witch history. What will happen to teen witch Abby and her witch friends? Readers will be treated to an exciting, suspenseful read; highly recommended!

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The Way We Fell by M.J. Fields

The Way We Fell by M.J. Fields
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Kendall Ross and Ben Sawyer run into each other in Dublin; sparks fly. Not only has Kendall crushed on Ben since forever but they are now in their 20s and Ben is a singer/song writer in Dublin, who sees a girl dancing in the crowd and falls hard. As he pursues her, they finally realize they know each other. Ben falls hard and Kendall is adamant they not date because she has two years of school left; he is famous and very experienced. I loved Ben's strong, confident personality when it came to Kendall. But he also had family drama he contends with as well. But Kendall is herself confident, attracted to Ben but wants to wait until marriage, besides she is going to be in school for the next two years. I loved the story of these two people who were meant to be together and all that they did to make it happen. A great romance, sizzling chemistry and great family support!

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The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must admit I was getting really uncomfortable with Beatrix's meanness and her best friend, Meg's fear of getting on Beatrix's bad side because of a freeze out the year before middle school begins. But I also knew Gillian McDunn was spot on writing about the drama and bullying that can go on in friendships and middle school. With the introduction of Hazel as the new girl, Beatrix's anger and hostility knew no bounds, worse yet, her mother fanned the flames of keeping Hazel friendless. Readers young and old will see the real world in this book about friendship, being true to yourself, feeling alone (in the classroom, being bullied with words, actions, and buzzing). I was glad to see the different types of teachers represented in Meg's school- Ms Dupart, the advanced science teacher who does not put up with any student drama while a male teacher will not even listen to Meg as she tries to tell her teacher about the problem between Hazel and Beatrix (I found it interesting that Meg later realizes if she wanted to tell that teacher about boy problems, he would have listened and not shut her down while girl problems were DRAMA). I loved the way McDunn writes---the science project, Hazel and Meg's growing friendship (because they talk out problems, likes & dislikes, unlike with Beatrix) and Meg's supportive family. I rooted for Meg and was in awe of her speech about the positives of bees! A must read!

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Yhe Princess and the Fangirl (Once Upon a Con, #2) by Ashley Poston

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Geekerella and this 2nd book in this series is just as good! Jess is Princess Amara of the Starfield series but she only sees the harsh side to her fame while Imogene is a start struck fangirl who wants to make sure the Princess is brought back from the dead in the final episode. At the annual ExcelsiCon, look-a-likes Imogen and Jess clash, decide to change places and the fun, suspense, drama begins! I loved the old friendships ((Ethan and Jess (who is really Imogen)) and the new friendships (Harper and Imogen (who is really Jess) as well as the cloak and dagger mystery to prove who is leaking the new script at the con. Poston really knows how to "retell" stories and the surprises were delightful! I loved all the costumes, Imogen's moms and brothers, the world of nerd culture, the good and bad of fandom.

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Winter in Paradise (Parasie, #1) by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first Elin Hilderbrand novel and oh did I love it!!! The family of Russ Steele is completely blindsided with his New Years Day death in a helicopter in St. John. Once Irene and her sons go to St. John for the body, they are even more horrified to learn he owns a palatial villa, has a woman on the side who is an island girl, Rosie,she also perishes in this crash. I loved the plot, the characters and the beauty of St John---Elin Hilderbrand crafted a suspenseful novel with so many questions and feelings crashing into Irene, Cash and Baker. But once they reach the island, they are not the only ones with questions---Huck, Rosie's stepfather to Rosie and grandfather to her daughter, Maia and Ayers, Rosie's best friend realized Rosie kept her lips tight about her Invisible Man, but now has become the time to try to deal with Rosie and Russ' secrets. The beauty of the island, the beaches and the local points of interest were awesome, I want to live there too! A series I can't wait to delve into more, I have the 2nd in the series, What Happens in Paradise on my kindle to read next!

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When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Salter

When You Know What I Know by Sonja K. Solter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such an important book to read; Tori is eleven years old when something awful happens to her by a favorite uncle. At first her mom does not believe her and also her grandmother; devastating to say the least and the author does a great job in her novel in verse with the many stages that Tori experiences within herself (fear, loathing, anger), her family, in school, and with her best friend. Tori for the longest time can only think about and agonize over it; she is frozen in time, back when it happened. She languishes more and more each day----until her mom believes her (sounds the alarm to school and officials) and when Tori begins to get help, resources (a therapist), confiding in her sister, slowly Tori begins to hope. A must read for all- kids, parents, teachers!

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All of Me by Chris Baron

All of Me by Chris Baron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ari is a big boy; he is big like his mother and grandmother, bullied, self conscious with few friends. I was compelled to journey with Ari as he sees his artist mother and salesman father's marriage fall apart, how he cherishes friendships with Pick, Jorge and Lisa and his summer with them in a seaside town. But as he is bullied Ari struggles with his image, is set upon by bullies (but does nothing to stop their punches and kicks) Ari descends even further into depression. Ari's relationship with the rabbi as he readies for his bar mitzvah was hopeful since his parents were never around and the few times he talks to the rabbi help him through his agonizing self hatred. I rooted for Ari in a world where he receives little parental help and care but finds support and worth in his friendships and himself. Deeply unsettling, compelling and much needed reading; highly recommended.

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A Perfect Storm (Men Who Who Walk the Edge of Honor #4) by Lori Foster

A Perfect Storm by Lori Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this 4th book in romance author Lori Foster's series Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor. Spenser is a bounty hunter and has helped Arizona before in exposing human trafficking. When he wakes up and finds Arizona has broken into his house, the chemistry that was there before continues. But Spenser knows Arizona is not like anyone he has met before---she has been on the end of human trafficking and suffered as a result. She has become tough, standing on her own 2 feet and still out to prove herself. She offers to partner with Spenser to expose a human trafficking ring she has tracked to a dive bar; will he help her? I could not put this down, Lori Foster's romances always have me turning those pages and this book was suspenseful, riveting and the chemistry between Arizona and Spenser continued to ratchet up with each page!

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