One Acre and Insecurity: A Single Parent’s Account by Lara Bonnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After 10 years of marriage and four kids, she decided along with her Army husband that they had grown too far apart, and a divorce was better for them both. Against the advice of lawyers and friends, she decided to ask for little in child support and other alimony, so that when all this all was settled, and she had little to provide for her four children, reality sunk in. Desperate to find a way to support them all while still following her dreams in finishing her Masters, she starts to work as a librarian and turns to a book called “one acre and security” that touts the benefits of growing all your own food on only one acre of land. The results are funny, heartfelt and eye opening. (There is also a little interlude with a pastor as well). I found the book to be refreshing story wise. It was well written, entirely in first person with little to no errors in terms of grammar, spelling or syntax. We don’t get to know the name of the woman who this is all happening too, but the stories are funny and well wroth the read. Lighthearted loving and sweet.

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Onward: The Art of Leadership by Mark Joseph Huckabee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Broken down into 7 sections from starting strong to building teams and finally changing the frame, the author takes classic and timeless leadership advice and rebrands (or reframes) it in todays cultural language so that the new generation of leaders might better grasp the concepts and be able to build them into how they operate as leaders. Some of the concepts that are explored are owning your work, downsides of technology, knowing your audience, the art of empathy, working the plan and so many more. The real difference in this book is that he takes movies and books such as Cloverfield, Jurassic Park, Rocky, Game of thrones, Wall Street, Alien, Inception, Black Panther and so on an he recounts pivotal moments of this work. In doing this, he ties this pivotal moment to a leadership advice and so makes it relevant in today’s world.
I think this book is really well written and its almost exciting in its reading. I felt as if I was on the edge of my seat, and that’s not easy to do in a book that’s supposed to be about leadership. I think this is a phenomenal book told in a gripping way which is unusual for this genre, but it absolutely works wonders!


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My Daddy Might Be A Wizard by J.J. Hebert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oh, my kids loved this one! They really were entranced by the story and the illustrations. This book, “I think my Daddy is a Wizard”, is told from the viewpoint from the daughter and she tells the reader about her father, who she suspects might be a wizard. She recounts all the wonderful and amazing things he can do, like change channels, get boxes of surprises delivered to their front door, or give her potions (medicine) that will cure her of her sickness. I read these to my kids and my 5-year-old really loved it. My 7-year-old liked it a little, but it may be a bit young for her, only the 5-year-old and my 3-year-old asked for me to read the story multiple times. I think that the author has a good book here and other books might be a good thing to check out if you have young children.

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The French Orphan by Michael Stolle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The decadence of France in the 1600’s has been detailed before, but in this book our main character is the orphan Pierre who is enrolled in a theological school along with other orphans and wealthy boys of the nobility. He becomes friends with a wealthy and popular boy Armand and the two of them steal away from the school to find their own adventure and truths. The parentage of Orphan Pierre is called into question at one point and it seems as if not everyone is as they appear.
There is a lot of plots and twisted intrigue in this book that took a little while to unravel. At the end of the book, there were still some points not answered, but I presume the next book will address them. I found the dialogue to be awkward and the character development wasn’t as well done as the world and timeline that the characters existed in. I ultimately wanted to love it more than I did.


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What Makes America Great by Bob Dowell
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bob Dowell dives into history, into the time of John Winthrop and Thomas Jefferson. He also takes a look at Abraham Lincoln and even Martin Luther King. What do all these great men have in common? For starters, they all advanced America into the direction of acceptance and greater understanding of our neighbors. They also gave us guidelines in the form of the Declaration of independence, the Gettysburg address and the “I have a dream” speech on how to live our lives, and how to fight for what is right. A religious undertone is strong in this book, so if you do not like to read about such things, then this might not be the book for you. The author clearly believes in a strong presence of God within our nation, from Government to individual homes. One thing to keep in mind (that was to most extent glossed over in this book), is that our founding fathers did advocate for a separation of church and state. “In Everson v. Board of Education (1947), Justice Hugo Black wrote: "In the words of Thomas Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect a wall of separation between church and state.”.
This needs to be kept in mind when we state that the only way America is great, is if the church and the state are united. I am a religious person, and I follow scripture, but I do believe that the church has no place in our government. I suppose that I may not be the right audience for this book, but I did enjoy reading it.


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Women Are Creating the Glass Ceiling and Have the Power to End It by Nancy E Parsons
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a really interesting book. It looked at the proverbial glass ceiling and what is actually keeping that ceiling in place. What I found really interesting is that the author puts forth the idea that it is actually mainly women themselves who keep that glass ceiling in place. She then follows it up with arguments and facts stemming from her research and experiences. Then, the book takes a look at the #MeToo movement and how it has set women’s equality back and hindered women in the workplace due to male resistance in hiring, meetings, and promotions. I am not completely convinced that women’s thinking and tendency for worrying is at fault, but the author does make a compelling argument for this case. She also gives advice for women who are in leadership positions and others who want to enter the leadership ranks. Advice regarding in how to counter the glass ceiling effects and how we can collectively change it.

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Cold But Not Forgotten by Rj Waters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Detective Carson is looking forward to a routine day at the range with his squad, but when they arrive nothing goes as planned. For starters, they find the body of the wife of the local dentist, Mrs. Diane Morrissey. She is covered in blood, with no obvious wounds. This propels Detective Carson into a whirlwind of mysterious leads in the case. This small town has been harboring some convoluted secrets and the books turns into a veritable “Who done it” type of mystery. Her husband is cheating, that person is embezzling her husband, Mrs. Morrissey was being slipped arsenic by her doctor, another person was jealous of her sports trophies, and on and on.
This book, even with the darker theme and mystery, was pretty light read for me. I enjoyed the small-town mentality and humor in the situation. I really enjoyed the book, it was well written and free of errors (important to me).


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Take Care of your People: The Enlightened CEO'S Guide To Business Success by Paul Sarvadi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One big fact that many CEO’s forget in their business operations and forecasts is that their people are one of the most important assets in the company. Without developing, supporting and advancing the right people, you will lose valuable capital and ultimately profits. This book is written by the cofounder of Insperity Paul Savardi, a successful businessman who has an extensive background in business, from operations to HR. This book doesn’t talk down to you, rather Mr. Savardi has written a book that gives valuable guidance about how you can take care of your people. One of the areas that is stressed and that I think is a good reminder for us in the HR world, is that you can only develop someone so far. If you are hiring the wrong people, then you are setting both the company and the new hire up for failure in the long run. We need to first focus on hiring the right people for the right position before we can then move into fostering growth and loyalty to the company.

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From Stressed To Centered: A Practical Guide To A Healthier And Happier You by Dana A. Gionta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From Stressed to Centered offers is a uniquely different approach to stress management and self-care that helps you understand and tackle your stress at all levels. If you are feeling more tired, overwhelmed, distracted, or overextended lately, this book might be able to help you take the necessary steps to figure out what the problem is and how to solve it. Self-care is so important and most of us neglect it because we need to be strong, or we need to care for others first. The disservice this does to us (and yes others) is great.
I know that there were some great tips in here that I am able to use. Hopefully this will help me make time for myself on a consistent and regular basis. The information in here will not go over your head, it is written in a simple manner, easy to be understood. Even if this type of book is not normally your thing, I think you could benefit from it.


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The Ghosts of Notchey Creek by Liz S. Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harley Hendrickson is the proud owner of the shop Smoky Mountain spirits. She loves mixing cocktails, her pet pig, the town she lives in and “some” of its residents. When Beau Arson moves in to the Briarcliffe mansion, things start to get a little weird around town. Beau suffers from ghostly visitors; a ghost hunter shows up and start preaching stories to whomever will listen. And when Harley finds a woman’s body and the local antique dealer is murdered, Harley sets out to figure out just what is going on around town.
I found this was a really well written murder mystery. Its timely for right now as the story is set in December right before Christmas, so the setting and timing was perfect as I read it. I really enjoyed the story and Harley was a competent and intelligent character. Her pet pig made for some funny scenes that broke up the dark mood sometimes.


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The Ex-Princess by Fiona West
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This love story full of magic and intrigue and fighting amongst countries in this parallel realm is interesting and quirky. On the run for 5 years, Princess Abigail is finally found and coerced to return home to fulfill her end of the engagement contract and marry Prince Edward. The two meet up and travel back towards his kingdom all while trying to convince each other, they are the one in the right. He for wanting to uphold the marriage contract regardless of her Lupus, and her, for wanting to dissolve it and be left alone. It’s a sweet romance in a intriguing new type of world.
The worldbuilding was very confusing to me. Even Abbie, was confused and you would think she would know more about the Veil and the people who live there. A background, glossary or something would have been very beneficial.
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Synchronicity: A Novel by Tyler J. Yates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Renowned Thinker, Carl Jung wakes after his death in the Archetype Room with God. After an enlightening discussion over various themes and frameworks, God informs Jung that he is needed to explore the concept of synchronicity in greater depth. This is where Travis Alva Edison comes in: Travis still lives in his mother’s basement. He is a mid-twenties old man who recently realized that his life is going nowhere with no end in sight. He starts an epiphany list which he hopes will help propel him onto a meaningful life path. He meets Meg, a girl who is successful in her life (in his eyes), and they plan to meet up again soon. Throughout this all, Carl is “upstairs” watching Travis and how his life is unfolding in both expected and unexpected ways. At one point, Carl must make a decision that will have the power to alter Travis’s life forever.
This story was well written and had no grammatical errors (important to me). I thought this was an interesting concept to explore and the author did not disappoint. He fleshed out the characters, and they were well though out in terms of relationships and reactions. The pacing was steady in the beginning and then it started to pick up with the addition of the diamond find and the introduction of the Skinwalker. It certainly was an interesting book.


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Barefoot Under The Moon: A Trash To Treasure Romance by Richard Devall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So, if a book has the tagline: A Trash to treasure Romance, you know you just have to get it! I loved the characters and the story; the quirky dialogue and the even quirkier characters were awesome! Great writing and the chemistry between the characters as they traipsed about was palpable.
Poor Toby, a man recently released form prison, finds a job in a diner and subsequently finds himself in the middle of a love triangle with the two waitresses. What might seem like a great thing for a guy goes wrong hilariously when Ashley, who is gifted with seduction, gets Toby to fulfill her every fantasy. After Ashleigh returns from out of state, she is determined on seduction again, but this time she sets her sights on the third in this triangle, the other waitress. Will she be successful? Will everything fall apart for Toby? I really liked the laugh out loud moments and Toby. I felt bad for him as he was trying to navigate the world after prison and got caught up with these crazy ladies.


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SLAM DUNK: The True Story of Basketball’s First Olympic Gold Medal Team by Beth Fortenberry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The true story of the first Olympic Gold Medal Team takes us to the beginnings of the game in 1891. We learn about James Naismith who wanted to play a game that would allow him to play between the football and the baseball seasons. A Presbyterian Minster, and passionate Rugby player, he thinks of a game not seen before, and proposes to the local YMCA. As we follow him through the years, we see how his passion for the sport and the people he meets help turn the little game he invented into the powerhouse it is today. The parts about the hazing and roadblocks in Berlin were great to read, simply because it showed all the things, they overcame to still win the Olympic gold.
Well written and easy conversational style. Even though this book is based on true events, the Author Beth Fortenberry was able to make the story seem like something out of fantasy complete with highs and lows, drama that sucks you in, romance that plucks at your heartstrings and action that has you rooting for the home team of USA.


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A Rose to the Torch by Bartholomew Lander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carol is a high school student who is a secret Hemomancer in a world where being one is a certain death sentence. When she is stalked by a dangerous stranger, she stumbles into a world and war she never wanted to enter. Cast out by her family and friends, and on the run from the infamous Rosarium who wants her blood. Coral has no choice to accept the help of a mysterious group called the Orchid Veil. But are they any better than the Rosarium? And will she ever find her confidence and self-worth?
This was a fast-paced book that sweeps you up into a world where blood can be a commodity if it has the right compounds. A battle for someone’s blood can get dark quickly and we do enter some dark corners in this story. Very well written and edited, I liked Coral and am impressed with her growth throughout the book. Well Done.


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Woodrow's Wings by Mary Carlsson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wings, Wings, Wings, well we loved, loved, loved this book. I read it at bedtime a few night ago, and it has quickly become a favorite book to read even during the day. My 1st grader likes Woodrow because he is so focused on building his pair of wings that will allow him to fly. She was quick to point out how he misses out on playing with his cousins since he is so focused. I think this story is sweet and endearing and is a playful way of showing kids how practicing and sticking with something can pay off when it goes right in the end.
Woodrow wants to fly, and he is determined to build himself a pair of wings. So determined in fact, that he misses out on games and races with his cousins that are over for the day. He ends up building the wings, and figures out how to attach them to himself, but will he fly? And if he does, has he figured out how to land?


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A Journey Down Under: We live. We love. We stay. by Ace Campillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Is the grass truly greener on the other side? A young man finds out that it might not be when he travels to Australia to immigrate. With the help of his parents, he leaves the Philippines and sets his sights on the land of down under where he thinks life will be easier than he’s had so far. When he gets there, he faces hardships based upon his chosen profession (nurse) and his own insecurities that come to the fore since he is now dependent upon himself. As he grows more comfortable with his life in Australia, he must face the age-old question of: Who am I, and what will I do with my life?
Very easy to read and great editing, I found no mistakes regarding grammar or syntax. That always throws me when reading so this was very well written. I enjoyed the story and laughed and cringed along with our main character as he went through embarrassing and painful situations. A very nice story about finding yourself.


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Spirit Runner by Richard Ferguson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

2018 International readers favorite competition winner, this book is about the strength of the human spirit and grit and just what can be achieved if you truly believe in accomplishing the impossible. Ron Campbell has had an uphill struggle each day of his life after a horrible accident has mangled his legs and left them paralyzed. He has a dream of competing in the Olympics and will fight each day to achieve it. Ron, with the help of two close friends, works to overcome everybody’s stereotypical reactions and negative outlooks.
I found this story to be well written. Although there were plenty of moments I was tearing up over the bad luck and circumstances, I was heartened by the indomitable spirit of Ron. He never gave up. He never let the talk and comments get to him. This is such an uplifting novel of perseverance and hope. I truly enjoyed reading it.


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Lean On: The Five Pillars Of Support For Women In Leadership by Andreas Wilderer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gender Roles are shifting today, and the traditional view that the man goes to work, and the woman is the home maker is rapidly losing traction, especially amongst gen X and millennials who are at the ages where family life is becoming important. There is much research showing that more women in Leadership roles is beneficial to both the company and the family if done right, and in this book, the author gives us his feedback and thought on how it went when his wife went back to her executive function and he stayed home to raise the children and manage the household.
This might seem unorthodox to some, but it is possible, and it can be successful if you are both committed to fully supporting each other. The author gives us a roadmap in how we could pattern our lifestyle and he givers us tips in how to deal with common questions that will inevitably come up.


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Posted as per my oldest child's request.....

The Rise of a King: Fallen Angel, Immortal Romance Book #2 by Azriel Hope
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series, and it does not read well as a standalone. Farrow and Rayelynn of the first book were present as prominent supporting characters to Prince Drayden and the backdrop of the Cirque. Much of the decadence of the first book has been improved upon and it draws you even deeper within the mystique of this new realm. Rayelynn is pulled between her love for Farrow and her desire for a lifestyle that she cherishes. Will Farrow be able to keep Rayelynn? Or will she succumb to his brother and the fairy realm?
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.


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The Menopause Myth: What Your Mother, Doctor, and Friends Haven't Shared about Life After 35 by Arianna Sholes-Douglas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m 35 and have not yet gotten my menopause. However, I am extremely interested in this time of life as I have heard all kinds of things, from horror stories about your hormonal fluctuations to “Girl, its nothing”. My doctor says don’t worry about it until it hits me. I like to be prepared and this book seemed the right thing at the right time. The author is a MD who has changed her focus from High-Risk pregnancy to the menopausal years.
Essentially, we women are getting advice from another woman who has the experience to guide us through this turbulent time. Emotions will run high; tempers will flare and through it all you might ask yourself just who am I becoming? What is my body doing? I found that this book was extremely helpful in calming my anxiety and answered many burning questions I had in a dignified and interesting manner. I highly recommend this to all the women in my life and I will most likely be giving this out for xmas gifts.


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The Outbreak of a Monstrous Infection by Afshan Naheed Hashmi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A very timely book, in the world today with the advent of the super bug and antibiotic resistance of many other viruses. In this book, a horrific infectious disease is spreading across the globe and India gets hit especially hard. When a large group of people who attended the same wedding fall ill, the CBI steps in. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of India requests help from the FBI in determining the origin of this disease. Is this biological warfare? An unlucky natural mutation of an existing virus or bacterial strand?
There were very many people involved and the ultimate reveal of just what happened, and how it unfolded according to plan was very satisfying to read. There was a bit much going on in terms of number of characters and keeping track of how each person was involved, which did not lead to this being a book to read if you are trying to have a light read. This is a clear mystery with a thrilling background.


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Surviving her Dominant by T.E. Kessler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

So, first, don’t read this book if you didn’t read the first. The author throws you into the story with no explanation of just who these aliens are, how they came to be on earth, how much integration (or lack thereof) has gone on, that sort of thing. I ended up just reading this as if both men were human and ignored the weird stuff. The writing was good as well as the editing.
I did not like Courtney, frankly I was sorry for Aldran that he was in love with her and had to deal with her. Yes, she is a victim of abuse and that is tragic. Her lying to everyone around her did not help her, nor did the constant apologizing and explaining away of abusive behavior that was directed at her. Greg was controlling, and stalking her but t a lesser extent, so was Aldran. The ending was open ended, so I’m assuming there will be another book in the series. On the fence whether I will get the next book.
I received a free ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Hostile Takeover by Cristelle Comby
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oh, I wanted to love this one. Gritty urban fantasy in a world much like ours but is yet so much more. A hero who is not lily white and yet still strives to do the right thing. Even if sometimes he goes about it all wrong. This book has this, crime, drama, action, a dash of romantic tension. However, the pacing in the book is off. It goes from racing to dragging in areas which makes it very hard to read. The main character, PI Bellamy Vale has a serious chip on his shoulder in regards to his near immortality that he got when he made a deal with the devil.
Overall, this is the first in a series and the book certainly has potential from a storyline point of view. I think that the pacing needs some editing to at minimum even it out so that you do not lose readers in the middle of the book.
I received a free ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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In Between Days by Anne Jamison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was born in 1984, so all this was done and over by the time I entered high school in the 90’s. However, I loved the 80’s culture, movies (but I hated the style, ha-ha). This book brings me to my younger years and reminded me of my own tumultuous high school years. Sammie is well off and doesn’t care what anyone thinks, especially not what bad boy Jason thinks.
The dialogue was witty and at times cringeworthy as teenagers swing from one extreme to the other. Hormones are raging out of control and one moment you hate someone’s guts, only to like-like them later. I’d certainly recommend this book to the teenagers in my life now. I think it will be relatable to them as well.
I received a free ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Fallen Love by Alex Stargazer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An urban fantasy with angels, demons, a brutal class system and then throw in intriguing, and strong characters. This is what you get in Fallen Love, a book about love in unexpected places if you only allow yourself to be open to finding it. Conall is the upper classman, he is surrounded by powerful people and he himself wields a great deal. Mark is a fallen, as far from power as one can get in this post-apocalyptic world. When the two meet they will have to make some hard choices and underneath it all come to terms with their feelings for each other in a world that forbids them from even frequenting the same areas.
This was interesting, I am slowly discovering more M/M authors and this one will certainly be included in my to-read category. The writing was a little rough to get into, but I found the authors rhythm around the 25% mark and was able to follow along. The characters were definitely in the “opposites attract” category but that did not lessen the appeal of the book.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Mink Eyes by Dan Flanigan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peter O’Keefe is a private detective who is on the case. The case of the Ponzi scheme with Mink up in the Ozarks. But things aren’t always what they seem, and when this battle-scarred Vietnam Vet starts digging deeper, he finds a disturbing amount of drugs, smuggling and murder intertwined in this entire operation. As he investigates, O’Keefe comes across Tag Parker, a woman who haunts him with her beauty and who is hopelessly entangled with “Mr. Canada” who is the reputed owner of the Ponzi scheme.
The story was centered on a mystery with a bit of crime thrown in. The plot meandered in places but overall it held together. Not many spelling, grammar or syntax errors which are my sticking point with a book, so that was good. A Vet myself, and my Grandfather a Vietnam era Vet, I was pleasantly surprised by the portrayal of Peter O’Keefe. He was jaded but not a caricature of Veteran stereotypes. I think that this book is a good read, it was light enough that I could enjoy it without having to think too deeply about the story to follow the plotline.


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Fire, Fog and Water: Mike Martin by Mike Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picturesque is how I would describe the latest installment of the Sgt. Windflower mystery novels by Mark Martin. The 8th book I the installment keeps us right in line with the other mysteries, on the eastern coast of Canada. Sgt. Windflower is having a bad day when he discovers a body rolled in a carpet – what a cliché, but he has yet to figure out that this is only the beginning of a mystery that will lead him on a merry chase of clue after clue until he can apprehend the culprit all the while trying to enjoy as much food as he can.
Witty dialogue and enchanting descriptions of the coastline, this book was a wonderful read, it was lighthearted and yet had substance and the characters were smart, not dolts stumbling about. Spelling or syntax errors were nonexistent, and it shows that the writer is competent and loves his characters with the effortless writing here.


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Army of God by Dennis Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Noah's Ark meets Game of Thrones” is what the blurb said, and this is an apt description. Complex, intriguing and fantastical, this twist on the Bible tale of Noah and the Ark he builds will grip you and keep you spellbound until the end. I have yet to read a story that takes a biblical tale and can twist it into something so detailed and entertaining. In this twist, Noah and his family live in Eden, when a plot to kill him is thwarted by a young woman. Fleeing the city, they set out to make their own way in the world and try to survive. When they receive the order from God to build the ark, Noah faithfully adheres to this command with his family, even as they once again face attack by the city of Eden.
I am not a religious person and yet I found this to be a highly intriguing take on the tale. I know the story from reading it as a child and teenager in the bible and the various short versions of it, but this was truly unique in the plot elements the author chose to utilize. I think this will appeal to anyone who likes a good vs evil story line.


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Falling from the Light by Adam Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Doyle, a perpetual drunk, rushes his 10-year-old nephew who has just been hit by a car to the hospital. When he arrives, major damage is found to the boys’ brain and he is in a vegetative state. Did Charlie cause more damage than was there in his rush to the hospital? Wracked with guilt, Charlie descends into a downward spiral when the gossip mongers blame him, and his family life starts to unravel at the seams. Adultery, crime and more make their way into his home and he is hanging on by a thread when he is offered a job to spy on his neighbors to prevent them from committing insurance fraud. But Charlie gets the idea to search for the hit and run driver who struck his nephew, and this starts Charlies descent into an even darker spiral. Interesting suspense and who done it book, the characters were interesting, and the writing was great.

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Matt Monroe and the Haunted House by Edward Torba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The community of Kingston is on edge. There have been unexplained, strange sightings at the Payne Mansion and disturbing incidents in the countryside further set the spooky tone of the book. We follow along with Matt, as he and his friends set out to solve the mystery of just what happened here. And if possibly the portal, that transported them into the past had also let something else through when they came back. A great haunted spooky story or kids and adults alike. My 7-year-old liked reading this book with me over the past few nights, getting ready for the Halloween spirits. This book is the second in the series, but I did not read the first. It was still easy to follow along and the writing was accessible, even if my 7-year-old were to read this on her own. I also liked that the main character was not the only one with special talents, lets hear it for the side kicks who can hold their own!

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# Side Hustle | An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Building Passive Income From Unexpected Ideas by James Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If you are tired of your 9-5 job and are ready to get some serious cash for some extra time spent on the side, this book might be for you. The Author, James Bradley give us the tools and the knowledge on how to turn a side hustle into a successful business that can eventually replace your regular job. This way you will be doing something you love while earning money. There are hundreds of different freelancing websites out there, Etsy, Freelancer, Fiverr just to name a few and they can all help you make money. The first thing is to figure out what you enjoy doing and then if there is a market for that thing/service.
While I found that there is good advice in this book, and valuable information within the story of the author himself, I have seen much of the information in other books before, albeit packaged a little differently. Still, this is a good book if you are new to this genre.


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Their Special Agent by Mel Gough
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A love story that s set in a murder mystery. Much action and intrigue are strewn throughout, enough the keep the story moving quickly to the conclusion. I suspected about ¾ of the way who the culprit was, but it was still a surprise on the motive. The love story does turn into a sort of reverse harem, but there is some MM action so I would classify it as a Polyamory group, rather than a reverse harem. The love scenes, while moving the relationship of the four ahead, does not detract from the overall story. I was a little unsure of her relationship with her daughter, it seemed as if the girl was sort of an after thought and thrown in, if her parts were taken out, it would not have detracted from either the story or the character development. I did enjoy the story and I will look for more books by this author.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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The Healthy Habit Revolution: Create Better Habits in 5 Minutes a Day by Derek Doepker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My husband is currently obsessed with how to books on how to build healthy habits and so I got this book for him. Here is his take on it:
It was easy to read, a big plus in its favor. The advice given made sense to him and encouraged him in feeling that he could actually build better habits and end up sticking with them. The author gives us a 21-day step by step approach to changing our brains and way of thinking through cues and rewards. The author starts off with his turning point, when he decided enough is enough and he needed to make a change. One piece of advice I thought was very good was that at first, practice was more important than performance. Too often I got discouraged thinking that I wasn’t doing enough, while I was not recognizing that sometimes it is better to take small steps before I run marathons.
I think that this book can be very helpful to those who are thinking of making a change and are willing ot listen to advice on the topic.


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A Spell of Murder by Kennedy Kerr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect for the season, this enchanting book will keep you spellbound as you turn the pages. Each page will leave you with a desire to turn more until you reach the inevitable conclusion at the end. Temerity Love is a psychic detective and just enjoying her morning scone when she is quite literally blown into an investigation of the murder of local schoolteacher Miss Molly Baliss. Temerity knows that this is her area of expertise and she will not let anyone get in the way of her investigation, not even the local hunk of man and Police Officer Angus Harley. He is almost as stubborn as she is and has not patience for her meddling. But with a dangerous killer on the loose who has knowledge of the occult, will the two be able to play nice and solve this murder before something else happens?
Awesome book, my first by this author and it was such a pleasure to read. Temerity is such a self-assured and sassy young lady that I was rooting for her from the beginning!


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Coin for a Dream: Stories from My Early Years by Mae Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve ever been curious to hear about life in North Korea from someone who has actually lived there, then I suggest getting this book. This is a collection of short stories surrounding the authors life as a young girl in North Korea. The stories have one thing in common, they are presented as oral stories told to a young girl by her grandparents. These types of stories always have morals and I was not disappointed to see the North Korean culture, religion, superstitions and customs that come to light throughout the stories.
They were very interesting to read, and I certainly would recommend this book to others. I found no issue in the presentation of the book, grammar or sentence syntax as can sometimes be seen in books that touch on foreign cultures which was promising. The pacing was good and steady throughout and the order of the stories was well thought out.


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The Gifts I'm Given: And Those I Give by Guy Wheatley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5 in a sci fi series that was very interesting and carried a deeper meaning than we at first thought. In this book, Emily has now recovered from her mortal wounds. Her husbands sacrifice weighs heavily on her and it causes her to spiral into a depression. Her young daughter is dependent on her and Emily has to again make a hard choice when she realizes she would be able to give her daughter immortality as she herself once had. Should Emily go through with the procedure and let herself as well as dear friends fall into the hands of an evil corporation? Or should she instead teach her daughter how to live life to its fullest and treat each day as their last?
This book again forces the reader to contemplate mortality and the sacrifices we are all willing to give for our loved ones and even ourselves. Written in an easy and accessible manner, even though this is a Sci Fi novel, you do not feel as if you are lost in technical jargon. A worthy addition to the series.


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UNFU*K YOUR LIFE: Achieve Success and Peace in 30 Days on Your Own by Aslan Mirkalami
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book certainly has an eye-catching title which might give you incentive to buy it for that alone. As there are hundreds if not thousands of self-help books on the market, they certainly need to stand out from each other in order to catch a reader’s attention. This book promises that it can help you to transform your life and help you out of your struggles with relationships, your career, finances, health and so on. What we actually get in this book is a clever way of reminding us that negativity in our lives can so often become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The author poses questions for us that are meant to give us pause and think deeply about the before we answer. We are also treated to some of the authors own experiences that showcase how he wants us to be more mindful in our daily lives instead of running on autopilot as we do.
I am uncertain if this book is a standout best seller, however, there is solid advice herein and the questions are very well written and I think that many people can benefit from being more mindful in their life.


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The Kalis Experiments by R.A. Fisher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complex, intriguing, extensive imaginative and most important: coherent. All adjectives that can be used to describe this book. I liken it to the mortal engines’ series, a bit steam punk, a bit daring, and then add in some mystery and espionage and you have a recipe for greatness. To be a Kalis means to be female a master of espionage, hand to hand combat and the deadly arts. Syrina is a Kalis and she serves at the pleasure of the High Merchant Syndicate. Her newest mission brings her in search of the fabled Time Works and its controller that keeps the planet livable. She starts to question things when events do not add up and her suspicions prove to be right one too many times which eventually puts her own life at risk.
This is one of the good ones, a book that will grip you and not let you go until you have burned the midnight oil devouring the pages to get to the truth behind people’s actions. Fantastic Book!


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Rage by Melody Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book follows Jessie after an encounter with an Alien breed of man in the science lad she is a cleaner at. She reports what she sees to the media and then we meet up with them again a while later. Several different time frames are given, so I cannot be sure if it’s a few months, a year or several years later. The Aliens have all been given compounds at live at on another planet and us humans “oversee” their lives. Jessie meets the alien who she saw in the Lab, but he absolutely hates her. He blames her for his torture and wants nothing to do with her regardless of the magnetic pull they both experience.
I liked the book, there were some issues with errors and plot inconsistencies (as mentioned), but overall, this was a good book to read and escape. It certainly was entertaining and had some humorous phrases..
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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House of Ash & Brimstone by Megan Starks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It has been awhile since I have been so caught up in a story. World building on par with Mercedes Lackey and Marion Zimmer Bradley, the intrigue and action reminiscent of Seanan McGuire, this Author is new to me, but she is certainly not lacking in the talent department.
The main trio of characters, Gisel, Shade and to an extent Beast, were well thought out and their relationships and interactions with each other were what made this story for me. The tension and the anguish over certain decisions, the intrigue that keeps haunting them and the visions that Gisel suffers from. All of this helps propel this story into a must-read phenomenon. The ending while somewhat of a closure, leaves plenty open ended that can be picked up in the next book. I hope the author can deliver again in the next book in the series as high hopes are pinned on her.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.


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Pretending To Be Rich by Weston Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite in this series

This was by far my favorite book in the series! Eliana was relatable even in her insecurities, but she was not over-the-top and she wasn't giggling all over the place she was more of a real character. Cade was sweet and gentle except when he was not! On the whole I was waiting for a book from his point of view for a while, and I am so glad that I got it! It certainly makes me want to read more books by this author.

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The Underground by Roxanne Bland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, where do I begin. Thinking this was a tame book, maybe a bit of action, but not a big deal. Well I was so wrong. We start off with Parker, the Were Alpha of Seattle, who is dealing with crap from the Head Vampire Kurt and his Freya Garrett who is a powerful witch. Later thrown into the mix is a demon who is repeatedly summoned to kill humans, an Alien Queen who suffers from amnesia and so much more. There are so many twists in this story as Garrett, Parker and Kurt each try to avoid a full-scale war between the super naturals or “Exo’s” and Humans.
Is there a lot in here? Yes, the blend between all these different genres can leave you a little scratching your head, but it is worth it to stick with it, even if it is just for the bits with Melera the Alien Queen. I think Parker redeemed himself in the end, and Kurt was just an arrogant ass who did not amount to much in paper. Garrett was power-hungry for a witch and blinded by her obsession with accomplishing a tryst and the power it can give her.


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Gritty Tales by Tyler Mathis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We certainly get crime, mayhem and terror in this collection of 13 short stories. In the authors own words, gritty tales are: “Simply put, it is a story of harsh and uncompromising realism, the fiction of friction between characters driven by their very basest motives”. Bank robberies, Hustlers, psycho authors and so on are all contained in this book. There is something for everyone. I was not expecting humor, not to say these are comedies, but if you can understand some black humor, and dry wit, you will be snickering to yourself along the way.
Most of these are really stand out stories that could do well if fleshed out into their own books. I think the author should consider that. The story I picked this one up for was the one about the author who abducts his own fans. I really got a kick out of that story, and I really do feel that it was worth it.


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The Duke and the Imposter by Michael Stolle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pierre, now a Marquis after his poor upbringing in an orphanage, lives in France with his wife and young son. On a normal outing to have a picnic in the countryside, they are attacked, and his wife and son are abducted. When Pierre is found near death by his friends, he is patched up and they begin the long arduous journey to figure out who has abducted them and why. Their journey takes them all the way to England and Pierre will have to face an old and bitter enemy if he wants to retrieve his family.
The writing was good, it was at a very slow pace and much detail is given into the worldbuilding. As this is the 5th book in the series, I don’t think that the author had to go into such detail, much could have been abbreviated while not detracting form the story. It is still a good book if you wish for something at a slower pace.


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Coinage of Commitment by Robert Costelloe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wayne and Nancy come from two very different backgrounds and social classes along with two separate corners of the country. When fate brings them together in the turbulent 1960’s while they are attending college, they will soon realize that to be together, they will have to fight for it. The expectations that society, not to mention their families set upon them both is at odds with what they want and so begins the first in a series of strife’s that will test them throughout their relationship. Will they be able to stand the test of time? Or will the hardships ultimately drive them apart?
The romance in this book was sweet and steady, Wayne and Nancy were both easy to like and love as they grew together against the odds. I always love a story about people who strive against the norm, so I really enjoyed this book. I read it all in one sitting, so it certainly will keep you entertained for a bit.


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Caché Caché by Peggy A. Edelheit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mystery is paired with romance in this captivating novel. On his deathbed, David gives his wife Sarah a golden key and proclaims that they are now free with his death. Sarah is puzzled and becomes consumed with solving that sentence and what is locked by the golden key. She turns to the past, the only place where she might dig up some answers in her quest for closure.
This is my first book from Peggy Edelheit that is not part of the Samantha mysteries Series, and just like Samantha, Sarah is a novelist. But there are marked differences, Sarah does not write about crime and her husband is who sparked this quest. Sarah like Samantha is a strong and willful woman, so she was an easy character to like. This is a standalone as of yet, and the author was able to move past the other characters. This did not feel like a rehashing of any of Samantha’s storylines. I think if you are a fan of Mrs. Edelheit, you will certainly enjoy this new book in her stable.


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The Voice of Death by Lawrence J. Epstein
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 5 in a mystery series, this book is about political fixer Danny Ryle, who is called up when his friends’ wife is murdered. Following the clues, he enters a race against an unknown player who is out to prevent his solving of the murder. Written in the style of the old detective novels, the world Danny Ryle lives in is gritty and full of mysteries and backdoor deals that are carried out by middlemen. Danny, meanwhile, strives to stay out of his father’s criminal legacy and is only willing to stay on the right side of the law.
Compelling writing style will draw in even the most reluctant fans of mysteries. The details of detective work give us the impression that the author has done his research on what it is truly like on the job. Even paced and very descriptive, it is easy to be transported into this world and feel as if you are right next to Danny, pursuing the criminals who murdered this lady.


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Perfect and Forgiven: Discovering Your Freedom From Shame, Guilt, and Sin by Zach Maldonado
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Life is filled with shame, regret, hurt and guilt. A Powerful statement in the blurb about this book. Within, the author seeks to help us find peace in life by discovering who we are when we are free form all the shame and hurt and regrets. This book at face value is a memoir, where we follow the Author in his journey of self-discovery. When you look a little deeper, you will find a book that is full of scripture and anecdotes that help you realize just who you are once you have accepted Jesus and God. Sin is within us, but it does not have to define our actions and our life. We can rise above it and life free from sin if we choose.
The author chose a good way of presenting his message, through the stories of his life and childhood, he made it easier to read and the list of Scripture that he has used is helpful for those wanting to read them at a later time.


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