The Remains of the Fae by Demitria Lunetta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Paige is faced with the VSK, and then later jets off to Fairyland with her Ex-husband to get their marriage annulled. But nothing is ever so simple with faes. Throw in Nico and some Truth potion, and you get a wild ride.
This was certainly not my favorite of the series. Paige seemed even more inclined towards knee-jerk reactions and then was surprised when no one liked the results. Also, the plot was all over the place. The VSK was hyped up so much over the previous 4 books that this conclusion seemed a bit of a let down. It was almost like two novellas were smooshed into one book. And, Paige and Nico's "romance" has officially entered a "Glacial-pace burn", its not even slow since nothing has changed and we are at book 5 now. I hope the next book will be better, or I might abandon the series.
I received an ARC and voluntarily decided to leave a review.

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Knock Three Times by Colleen McManus Hein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A story about relationships and how the pandemic of 2020 has affected them, both good and bad. Following various characters in a roundtable of ever changing POV’s, Stephen, Claire, Rose, Luke, Reagan and more. All struggling with their own issues, infidelity, pregnancy, loss, marital strains, etc, and then the pandemic as the cherry on top.
I like human stories and drama, but these characters were so self-centered and only worried about their own internal issues and what they didn’t like about the others. This made it very hard to connect with them and care about them. The story itself is well written, and there are interesting developments throughout the book, however, I didn’t feel entertained or excited about learning new tidbits.


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Trenouth by Bea Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elinor Campbell is staying at her uncle’s house along the shore in Cornwall. Struggling with grief, Elinor’s uncle Leo, tries to coax her back towards the land of the living and out of depression by introducing her to the locals. Elinor begins to learn how to surf and make new friends and eventually opens up her heart again.
An empowering tale of loss and love, I liked the way the author handled Elinor’s journey through her grief. Not a linear path for anyone, this book shows how acceptance and gentle perseverance can make all the difference. Well written and great character development.


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Iris: A fleeting tale of love, murder and betrayal by Chand Ghei
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“What makes me shiver at night is the fear I might get too complacent of laziness, hence imprinted in the present.” This book follows Special Detective Kenneth Johansen through poignant moments in his life. The book is told through the lens of a narrator, telling us what happens as the story unfolds and Kenneth attempts to unravel a case that also has him looking into his own psyche at the same time.
This was a bit harder to read, the narration writing style isn’t my favorite. Kenneth’s journey is not strictly linear as it only covers highlights in his life that influenced him the greatest on the journey. As such, it can feel a little disjointed. The story is not bad, it was simply a bit hard to get through for me.


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Crystal's House of Queers by Brooke Skipstone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set during the pandemic, this book explores the difficulties and challenges that many (if not most) teenagers and young adults who identify as Queer have to endure. In Alaska, Crystal reconnects with a dear friend she has loving feelings for when she rescues her from man abusive Ex. Together they set out to discover what it means to be true to oneself and live without worry about others views.
This book was a great book. There are not many out there that will speak to those in the LGBTQ community that portrays characters outside of a trope or stereotype and gives them a voice as a major character. I see this book as valuable for younger readers especially, as well as adults. I really liked it.


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Isle of Dragons by L.A. Thompson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Intermingling Steampunk with magic and dragons, in this ambitious book, the author gives us a world of mystery, filled with a major power intent on suppressing the populace. Young Jade sets out to rescue her father who has been imprisoned and gathers supporters along the way.
The authors debut novel is pretty good. There is a solid worldbuilding and plot development and the adventure was certainly intriguing. I did find the character development to be a bit superficial, but that can be overlooked. I think that a YA audience will be a good fit for the book.


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The Crystal Rings by Christine E. Schulze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Three stories are in this book, about 4 incredible young women who have to navigate a world that pushes them to figure out their true selves by placing obstacles in their way. The main theme here are the crystal rings that are central to each of the stories and have hidden meaning to each princess.
A great new addition to the series of this wonderful world, I like that these books are suitable for young adults while still being entertaining enough for adults to enjoy. There is not much world building beyond basics (it is the third in a series), but it is solid enough to read this book on its own. I liked the story development and the overarching themes of friendship, love and courage.


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La Finca by Bea Green
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Las Nevadas, of southern Spain, Sebastian Ortez is determined to return a dilapidated and run-down farmhouse and the surrounding olive farm into its former glory. He meets several characters throughout the novel, one of the most poignant one being Nuria, the Head Gardener and he struggles with his immense feelings for her when he simply wants to finish this project.
The beauty of rural southern Spain is brought out in this novel, a romance gives some tension to the story of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. This was not a thrilling tale, but a slow and steady story about human nature. I liked it very much.


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Generation AI: The Rise of the Resilient Entrepreneur by Katerina Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book covers the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its influence in recent years over various industries, even ones that we do not immediately think of (such as Automotive). With a look into the future and a possible “unemployment Tsunami”, the author gives us ideas about what we can do to get both ourselves and our families through a possible uncertain time ahead.
I liked the possibilities the author gives us. Obviously, nothing is certain, however, for those astute enough to read between the lines it is easy to see what needs to be done, esp. in terms of retraining and reskilling ourselves as well as accepting that AI is here to stay in various forms. I liked the book, it gave some new perspectives, furthering my knowledge I got in some college courses previously.


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Can-Do Real Estate: Stable Success From The Ground Up by Ali Jamal
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The author Ali Jamal recounts his early days as a teenager as he is given advice from his family who steer him away from buying items that quickly depreciate (like a car) and towards real estate. HE then goes on to share all that he has learned in his years of investing in real-estate. He gives pros and cons, and even debunks some common myths.
This is certainly a great book for anyone with some starting capital and looking to invest in the real-estate market. I don’t think anyone looking for pointers to save money to start will get anything out of it. As such, it was nice to see the American real-estate market through the eyes of an immigrant and how they can bring their unique spin to things.


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Keeping A Secret: The Foundling's Path – Part 3 by Jemima Brigges
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the years 1817 and 1818, this book continues the family saga of the Linmore family and those surrounding it. Specifically, we follow Nell Walcote, who is a nurse working at the Middlebrook Surgery. She becomes entangled within a conspiracy to conceal the truth when she attends the birth of Lady Althrope’s child.
One thing leads to another in this book, and the historical setting is meticulously researched and many of the characters have hidden depths (as I have seen in previous books of the series). Full of drama, spiteful Nannies and subterfuge, this is sure to tickle the fancy of many a historical fiction fan.


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Restarting Your Life When You Are No Longer A Wife: One gal’s tale of humor, tears, and hope after being Left at 50 by Diane Burroughs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Starting out anew after you have been married for years, especially after your husband leaves you for a younger “version” would be difficult for anyone. The author went through such an experience and chose to share her journey with us in hopes it will help others.
I haven’t gone through this (and hopefully I won’t), but I have friends who came home to find out their husbands have left them for the secretary. This happens all too often, and I found the book to be emotional, humorous and in general like the straight-shooting best friend you can talk to, in order to get good advice. I liked the book and the advice was good and the unique perspective on a woman’s life after 50 was insightful.


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Overliked: Finding Direction, Courage, and Meaningful Relationships in a Society Crippled by Social Media by Rob Singleton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In today’s world of narcissism, where we as a society have become obsessed with how we look virtually, rather than physically (in the real world, or in real time), the pressure to conform to something perceived is extremely high. The author makes many points about how we can try to mitigate these pressures and how to bring our life back to God.
I wasn’t aware this was a religious book. Although, the references to God and religion can be overlooked if you choose. There is plenty in here that is thought provoking and valid concerns in our hyper-connected day and age. I liked the book, and think that this is a helpful tool to help us overcome some of our issues with social media.


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Apotheosis Now: Rabbit Hole to the Beyond by Yanhao Huang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is our identity really tied to security because we finally “became someone”? How many lies do we tell ourselves that only truly limit us? So many questions are discussed in this book by the author, and while he gives us some answers, and guidance, much of the book is a guide for us to consider working through ourselves.
I liked that I had more of an input. While the advice helped, there were certain sections I hadn’t even considered that were helpful to ponder. Where I thought I was a truly selfless being, some of the thinking’s reveal that we are all guilty of egoic thinking in our mind every day. Very good book!


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Know Your True Self: The Formula to Raise Human Consciousness by James Petrossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Using visually appealing graphics, the author gives us his formula to increasing your peace and ability for self-discovery. From Self-awareness, to willpower and even gratitude, each step is explained and demonstrated.
I found the book to be interesting and some of the information is certainly helpful. I think it will appeal to a younger audience more than an older audience, simply based on the graphics that are on essentially every page. Other than that quirk, this is a good book to help you on your way to a better mindfulness.


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6 Mega Power and Influence Hacks by Mirza Barlas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the most difficult lessons to learn as a leader, mentor, or simply a good listener, is how to read non-verbal cues. This book doesn’t solely focus on this, but it is a big part of the book. The book also teaches how to spot coercion attempts and how to resist them.
I liked the book, I found the part that dealt with understanding non-verbal cues the best and most informative, followed by the section on how to resist coercion. I found them informative and well written in a way that would let me understand and actually feel like I could apply the information.


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The Recipe For Empowered Leadership: 25 Ingredients For Creating Value & Empowering Others by Doug Meyer-Cuno
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Author Doug Cuno pens his recollections of lessons he has experienced during his growth from a small-business owner to the leader of a multi-million-dollar company. His faults and his successes are here to give you an idea of areas that can use improvement in your own leadership skills.
While informative and well written, the information was not new, nor was it presented in a thought-provoking way which would prompt me to reach for this book again to reread certain sections. So good book, but not one that will be very memorable.


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The Cabin at Jackson Hole: A Frontier Story by Kari August
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A reluctant romance that brews between two very different people thrust together and who must survive extreme difficulties. Independent Ava is quite unlike the other women around her in 1885. Taking on a grand new adventure in the wilds of Wyoming, she is forced to seek shelter with a reclusive rancher after getting lost.
I really liked this book. The heroine (Ava) was strong and able to do most things herself. She didn’t need to become a wilting flower, in order to attract her man. Hesh is the typical gruff mountain man, but he had that softer side and that protective streak that is very attractive. A sweet ending after a tumultuous book.


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Pride of Ashna by Emmanuel M. Arriaga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Continuing on in the same world as Foundra, the first novel, the author yet again delivers an exciting, detailed and expansive universe for us to explore. This book centers around Serah’Elax who enlists into the Ashna Maidens, a zealous and extremely effective police force. Amidst Pirates, Founder’s Elites and even an ancient interdimensional threat, the Ashna Maidens will be tested like they have never been before.
I really liked the first book, and this one is no exception. The author continues on with the great writing and pacing, bringing us through action and dramatic scenes with skill. This is a detailed and heavy book, perfect for losing yourself in a new universe.


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Vade Mecum: An Always-Present Guide to Your Divine Path by Carla Camins Macapinlac
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The author delves into many different mystical practices, such as numerology, dreams and visions, and energy healing to name some. She uses this knowledge to guide her through her life towards a better future. Leaning on her own personal experiences as well as teachings from others, the book gives an interesting overview of the various mystical branches in the world.
Well, I think it was interesting, and although I am religious and somewhat spiritual, I must not be ready to receive the “guidance” in the book. I found it to be a bit all over the place in some places as she goes from one mystical practice to another pretty quickly. Not completely my cup of tea.


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Beyond Balancing the Books: Sheer Mindfulness for Professionals in Work and Life by George Marino CPA
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the beginning of the book, we see the life of two different CPA’s, one who is distracted by his work, simply goes through the motions and though he is successful, he is not mindful, the other CPA is very mindful of her day and her work and is happier in her life. This is the basic principles of this book. It is a book dedicated to teaching us how to be mindful and apply it to our lives and work, and yes, there is some emphasis on CPA’s as the author is one, however it is easily taken and applied to other situations.
I liked the exercises and the case studies that were included in the book, it made it easier to visualize how we are supposed to practice the mindfulness mentality. It was interesting, educational yet easy to understand.


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The Doomsday Machine: Space Scrap 17 Book 1 by Erick Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Space Scrap 17 has a new Captain and XO: Daisy Daryl and Michigan Jones, ex-lovers, and now unwillingly reunited co-workers. Sent on a dangerous mission (one fully out of their normal day to day operations) that will determine the fate of the galaxy, the two must learn to work together and fast before the Doomsday Machine can end their lives prematurely.
While the premise might seem more of a doom and gloom scenario of Sci-Fi, there is a wealth of humor, puns and jokes in this book that run the gamut from snarky to slapstick. There is certainly a plot here, and the story was good. I was not overly enthralled with the story, but I was entertained and sometimes that is all that matters.


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Replaced Parts by Stephanie Hansen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sierra is not your typical 16-year-old. She is a staunch believer in rights, whether human or animal and will do almost anything to defend them. On her way to the planet Nexus in search of her Father, Sierra and her friend Yesha find out that not everything is as it seems. A fast-paced young adult Sci-Fi novel that is well written and well defined.
I liked Sierra, she was mature and determined in pursuit of her goals and even when she receives shattering news regarding her own families, she still does what she believes is right. I liked the plot and the undercurrent of danger that ran throughout the book. Great Book!


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Mistress Suffragette by Diana Forbes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Before the Great depression, the United States had The Panic of 1893. This is the backdrop to the story in this book, that follows a young woman, Penelope Stanton, as she navigates the society in which she lives, trying to balance the search for a husband with her ambitions and support for the Suffragette cause. In the end, which will win out?
While I liked the diary style presentation of the book, I was not able to truly connect with the main character. Penelope was not interesting, and I found the “love interest” Mr. Daggers much more interesting. The historical background was also more interesting than Penelope and made the book readable.


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The Leader Within Us: Mindset, Principles, and Tools for a Life By Design by Warren Rustand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the most important lessons came early in the book: “A leader must avoid being overwhelmed by the constant distractions of the day- and must make time to think”. I think that sentence, out of most of the book, resonated the most with me as I often found myself overwhelmed by the many tasks when I was a manager. Many of the stories in this book are from great leaders of the past, they dealt with and overcame extremely hard situations in the past, with much less than we have at our disposal, and they were able to achieve greatness. A rousing book, this is less of a self-help book and more of a collection of stories that will give you insight into the minds of great leaders and hopefully find the leader within yourself.

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The Bully - A Paranormal Thriller by K.J. Kwon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

We’ve all had those bosses that we didn’t like, and if you are a woman, maybe you were even harassed, but in this book, the roles are twisted, the boss is a demanding and unpleasant woman. The victim is a young man, fresh to the city and simply wanting to start his career by doing a good job. Declining her advances do not work and when she sets her sights upon him in more ways than work, his life becomes a hell of her making. Gripping story and I am grateful to see the tables turned, not many books will approach the topic of female abusers. There is a satisfying ending and I liked the pacing; it was a very good book.

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The View From Breast Pocket Mountain by Karen Hill Anton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometime the road less traveled will bring us to the most unexpected places. In this touching memoir, we see the life of the author, from a young girl growing up in New York, to her worldly travels all throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia before settling in Japan. The honesty that she writes with was refreshing. She describes her encounters with new societies and locals, both positive and negative encounters which many books can leave out. I enjoyed the unique perspective she brings and this book renewed my desire to travel to Japan and experience the lifestyle myself.

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The Currency Of Gratitude: Turning Small Gestures Into Powerful Business Results by Michele Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gratitude and expressions thereof may be seen as personal and private endeavors; however, the author makes a big case for them being part of our busines models and operations. She focuses on two challenges, inward facing (Employee engagement, retention, etc.) and outward facing (Brand awareness, customer satisfaction) challenges a company might face.
All throughout the book, I found the personal experiences by not only the author, but others as well, to be informational, uplifting and a reflection of the overarching topic of the book. I think that the tools given in each chapter (the questions) will be helpful for most who might want to further their exploration into this subject.


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The Forgotten Queen by Matt Glicksman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The forgotten Queen might be dead, but she has put certain failsafe’s in place which will allow her soul to carry on her dark ambitions. The Priests guild strives to stand in the way as the populace begins to lose faith in the increasing evidence of the demons’ powers. A dark fantasy world will get even darker before the light will emerge.
I found for a second book in the series, that this book was much too complex. Complex can be good, however, a new cast of characters were introduced, each with their own histories that we went into as well as everything else about their personalities. The plot itself was satisfying, however, it was a slow read with me putting down the book a few times simply due to the information dumps we got.


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