Book Review: He Walks Among Us by Christy Barritt

 

He Walks Among Us by Christy Barritt - 4 Stars 

Book 2 in the True Crime Junkies Series

Members of the Arctic Circle Murder Club are BACK together to discuss their next case! Things get derailed though when 3 bodies emerge from an icy river nearby and a friend of one of the victims pleads for help. 

I really enjoyed this one, it reminded me of a TV show you might see out there. Amateur detectives, crime podcast, side mysteries to solve - really liked it. Would like a bit more details to progress on the side mysteries but all in all - not bad. Also, if there is going to be a romance....hinted at, let's solve what needs to be solved to get the romance going LOL

I like the characters in general - the mystery was a bit unsettling with the POV of the killer. Who the killer was surprised me, as usual - since I never guess these things. 

Enjoyed the faith elements sprinkled throughout. Looking forward to reading the next one.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6282147757
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47Iiv3D

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links. 

Book Review: Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom

 

Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom - 4.5 Stars 

Sugar Birds is a beautifully written story that combines elements of suspense, emotional depth, and a profound connection to nature. Set in the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the book explores themes of survival, healing, and human resilience.

The story follows three central characters: 10-year-old Aggie, who runs away into the forest after accidentally setting a fire that threatens her family’s farm, Aggie's brother Burnaby and Celia, who is visiting her grandmother's nearby farm. Burnaby and Celia eventually meet and have an instant connection together. Celia helps in the search party to find Aggie as she goes missing in the forest for many weeks. We see Aggie's POV as she tries to survive and hide from the others, too afraid to return to the aftermath of what she has done. We also see Celia in a tough situation with a dangerous guy and Burnaby - with a bit of a love triangle as they get to know one another. 

One thing that always stands out to me in Cheryl's books is how she has such rich elements of the natural world. Her descriptions of the forests, rivers, and creatures of the Pacific Northwest are vivid and atmospheric, immersing readers in the beauty and danger of the environment.

This book is also strong in emotional depth. She delves into difficult subjects like grief, guilt, and forgiveness, but she does so with a light, empathetic touch. The book doesn’t shy away from the pain of the characters’ experiences, yet it also offers hope and redemption. There’s a light faith element woven throughout the story that adds a layer of reflection and healing.

I also really loved the portrayal of Burnaby. He is autistic and as an Autism Mama, I loved seeing him as a younger teen and how he interacted with Celia and others in the story. After reading Leaning on Air by this author, which is more of Celia and Burnaby's story, going back to Sugar Birds was a beautiful experience to learn more of how they met and interacted.

I have to say the suspense in this one was very good, we were needing to see how Aggie was doing throughout the story and Cheryl did a good job with the pacing to give enough backdrop of what was happening while our main characters were on the search for her. The ending was fast paced and I liked how it went. 

Overall, Sugar Birds is a heartfelt, deeply moving book that leaves a lasting impression. Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction, character-driven stories, and those who enjoy themes of survival and personal growth will find much to love in this book.

Thank you Tyndale House for a copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6842497256
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ejYL8T
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/522932

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Book Review: A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker

 

A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 4 Stars 
Book 4 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series

Another great book in the cozy Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I just love these characters so much. Not a whole lot to say, but we continue to follow Everly Swan in her Tea shop on the beachside in the great small island of Charm, North Carolina. The whole town in excited because an iconic Hollywood actress is in town. Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping. When the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the island and disrupt the peaceful lives of the townspeople. Everly combs through the evidence to help detective Grady Hays figure this one out. :)

This series is just so much fun. I love the vibe it gives and just overall coziness of the characters and setting.

Continuing on in the series :)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6841520076
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gJ8Ops

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin

Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin - 4.5 Stars

Wow, what a powerful story! Dangerous Beauty is a Christian, romantic suspense story that follows Liliana, a young woman who escapes human traffickers and is pushed into a world she is unfamiliar with. As her journey towards safety unfolds, she meets Meric, a wealthy, mysterious man who offers her protection through marriage. However, Meric's past harbors is own dark secrets, which could threaten their future. 

Melissa did a great job portraying Liliana's resilience and courage, allowing readers to witness her inner transformation. The trauma Liliana carries is dealt with sensitively and Melissa handled the topics in this story with such care, I really appreciate that. Liliana's gradual steps toward healing are a key element in the story. The growing relationship between Liliana and Meric builds tension, keeping the reader engaged as the plot deepens with layers of intrigue, especially as they grow to know one another and gain trust of each other. 

This book balances action, romance and suspense well, with a pace that keeps you engaged and eager to see what unfolds next. You really feel for both Meric and Liliana as they have been through so much and need to process through their healing. Recommend for readers who like the marriage of convenience trope and a good Christian romantic suspense that graciously handles important topics.  I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!

The only reason this is 4.5 and not 5 is because I would have liked a little more in the ending with Meric's healing and faith journey - maybe an epilogue here or another chapter if possible. I loved his character SO much and how he really protected her.

*Trigger warnings for: human trafficking, SA, abuse, but all was handled well and there was not explicit details. Enough to have you empathize with the situation and characters but not too much detail in my opinion.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4904721399

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TLyJ6h
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/433709

 

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

 

The Elite by Kiera Cass - Book 2 in The Selection Series

3 Stars

Ok, it's been a few days since I finished this one so I am finally writing a formal review :) 

This series is a YA dystopian spin on a "bachelor" style competition. We continue where we left off in book 1 by following America - our main girl - as she navigates the pressures of being one of 6 remaining contestants. She is so indecisive as we see her vying for Prince Maxon's heart and a place as future queen but readers also see her past love feelings for Aspen continue to flare up - leaving a love triangle set up. 

What works for this book? 

- The unique system and political unrest in this world - it adds depth to the fairy-tale like setting.

- High DRAAAMAAA! LOTS OF TEA YALL. You want that YA TRASH type book (clean, but still, YA trash LOL) - pick this up! It's giving what it needs to give in the drama department.

- Fast-pace and quick to read - these books are always very quick, easy reads. Pallet cleaners style books, that ---even if I get annoyed with the characters or decisions, I need to know what's happening. 

What ain't workin':

- America's indecision - GIRL ...let's move. LOL --- one of the most frustrating things of this book is how America is constantly leading these boys on - emotional flip flopping between Maxon and Aspen is repetative. (Even if the drama is hilarious and entertaining)

- Maxon is messy - looooook. what he be doin' yall. The scene where she sees somethin' and she like WHAT is he doin'....let's just say I was SIDE EYIN'. right there with her. lol

- Yet Aspen is also just as messy lol - he keep poppin up and Im like what you even doin' here son (bookloveramanda voice)

EITHER WAYYYY yall, this is a fun series, I ain't here to bash it or anything, its written in 2012 and a FUN time for those who are looking for a YA dystopian romance and the nostalgia of 2012 time when these type of stories were all the rage. I really appreciate the content being clean - outside of language here and there. 

Excited to read book 3 and see how all this plays out.

I will add this has been fun to buddy read with my friend Lauren too :)

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6868828448
Amazon series link: https://amzn.to/3BkvtbD

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Reel Love by Savannah Scott

 

Reel Love by Savannah Scott 
5 Stars 
(Book 5 in the Love Trippin' Series but can be read as a standalone)

WOW, what a fabulous ending to the Love Trippin' Series! I absolutely have loved reading through this series this year. Filled with banter, great friendships, sweet romance and a great island setting, this series is everything I needed this Summer!

Reel Love follows Stevens and Alana -- one of my favorite couples now in the series! We see Stevens, a Marine Biologist and Alana, an Actress in Hollywood who play a word game online together without knowing they're chatting with one another. To him, she is SaturdayIslandGirl and to her he is Wordivore. They get to know one another through the app chatting back and forth with great banter! It's only a matter of time before their identities are revealed....

We see them meeting each other in situations in the book without knowing who each other is from the app - loved those interactions leading up to the big reveal!

If you love You've Got Mail like I do, pick this up. Their chatting back and forth was chef's kiss* and I loved their interactions, chemistry and banter! I loved the words they would put down too in their game, I laughed several times!

As always, being back on Marbella Island was a delight - seeing characters from the other books in the series was wonderful. 

Alana's personal assistant, Brigette was HILARIOUS and Ben and all the other guys were cracking me up AS USUAL! I also loved that we got to see a glimpse into Savannah's future Tennessee Fireman Series to come in 2025!

Seeing Alana struggle to navigate through Hollywood life and truly realize what mattered most to her and trying to make decisions the best she could was good to see too. 

Overall, HIGHLY recommend this series. It's been so great! Thank you to the author for a copy of the book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*Romance is clean with kisses only. No language.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6712058386

Amazon: https://amzn.to/47A7Doe
Series Link: https://amzn.to/3XOV3OF

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Christmas at Harringtons by Melody Carlson

                               Christmas at Harringtons by Melody Carlson 

5 Stars 

What a wholesome Christmas story! I loved this one. I find I love her Christmas books with family and redemption elements more than the ones she writes with romance and this one had great family elements and faith threads of forgiveness, second chances through Jesus 💛

In this story, we have Lena Markham and she finds herself broke and with no where to go after being released from prison from false accusations made by her ex-husband. She is trying to start over and lands a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, due to her wonderful red coat. She is trying to keep her past a secret the best she can and start over. She meets a beautiful young girl with her Mama and helps them out along the way, and makes several friends from the very beginning in this new small town. We see the true redemption, forgiveness and second chances shown in this story and it's filled with great holiday spirit.

No real romance in this book, which I prefer in Melody's books honestly. She writes great family Christmas stories and redemption in Jesus well. Highly recommend.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6844845902
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XBSsGx
I could not find this one Baker Book House's website.

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

 

The Selection by Kiera Cass - 4 Stars 

Book 1 in The Selection series

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass is a popular young adult dystopian romance novel, the first in a series that follows America Singer, a young girl living in a future society where people are divided into castes. Set in the kingdom of Illéa, the story centers around a competition called "The Selection," where 35 girls from various castes are chosen to compete for the heart of Prince Maxon and the chance to become the next queen.

The main character of America enters the competition to please her family and earn money to support them, even though her heart belongs to Aspen, a boy from a lower class family. Unexpectedly, she is chosen and whisked away to the palace, where she meets the charming Prince Maxon. Despite her initial disdain for the competition, America begins to form a friendship with Maxon, which slowly develops into something more complicated as she navigates palace politics, jealousy among the girls, and her conflicting feelings for Aspen and Maxon.

My thoughts: I haven't read a book like this in some time and it was fun going back to my YA roots with something like this. I buddy read it with my friend Lauren and we both really enjoyed the premise. There is a big love triangle in this book and I was here for it LOL -- full of DRAMA! I don't love America kinda leading both guys around by the nose but in the circumstances, I'll move on from that. Very engaging story and people who like light, romantic dystopian and entertaining fiction would like this. It might not be the most groundbreaking entry in the genre, but its engaging characters and fast-paced plot make it a fun read for those who appreciate a mix of fairy-tale romance and social commentary.

Excited to read book 2!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2140971137

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4grmHsa

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman

 

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman

4 Stars

I really enjoyed this biblical fiction story of what it could have been like for Martha, Mary, Lazarus during the events that happened in the bible with Jesus. Part 1 is more about Martha's life and what things could have been like for her as a child, life with family, first love, etc. Then part 2 is more of the details of her life when Jesus comes and the events leading up to meeting him.

Martha is a character I found myself really relating to. She is always worried, helping others, upset, impatient --- ME! Conviction was hitting me in some parts of this book for sure. Seeing her relationship with her siblings was also very relatable and great to see. Inspiring to see Mary too and her reactions, decisions made, etc. Martha is always so busy doing all the things, yet Mary is listening and really paying attention and being patient. I find myself being so busy all the time like Martha in life without really taking the time to sit down and pray and listen to what God may be trying to tell me in certain situations. This book reminded me of those things in my own life.

I loved the second part of the book the best as it follows the events we know from the Bible. The scenes between Mary and Martha were great, and the big lead up in the end with Lazarus and Jesus that we know all about -- really liked how Heather Kaufman depicted those events. Martha's faith and devotion to Jesus highlighted was inspiring.

Despite Martha's worries and concerns, she is a woman of strong faith, hospitality and devotion, who demonstrates a deep belief in Jesus as the Messiah and this book did a great job showing that.

This was my first Heather Kaufman book and I am looking forward to reading more by her in the future.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6017706000
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4giaCWe
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542795

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Waiting for Christmas Lynn Austin

 

Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin 
4 Stars 
A great companion story to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

 “Maybe that’s all God asks of us. Some people are given the opportunity to do grand things in life, but if we just make a difference in the lives of the people God puts in our paths, I think He’s pleased with that.” 

What a sweet Christmas story set in 1901 during the Gilded Age. All My Secrets was a favorite of the year for me this year and we follow Adelaide and Howard from that story. We see them as newlyweds together and they find Jack, a young boy who is missing from his family and says he is not an orphan. We see the journey of Addy and Howard trying to do the right thing and help this young boy and reunite him with his sister and family. Finding this young boy on her doorstep changes their lives completely. 

This novella was filled with the spirit of Christmas. Addy and Howard working together as a newly married couple on something very serious really brings them together in showing their support for one another. We see some details surrounding women's suffrage and her husband's support for her efforts.  Howard really is a hero for Addy who really supports his wife in everything she wants to do.

If you're looking for a novella that really captures the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season, check this one out. It's definitely going to tug at your heart strings and Lynn Austin never disappoints in her storytelling!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6712104596
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47ef2JI
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/580038

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills

 

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills - 5 Stars 

"God does hear. He cares. The one thing I feel in my bones is His love.”

Talk about a WILD ride! My first DiAnn Mills book and will NOT be my last! This had everything you want in a good romantic suspense. Great balance of romance and suspense in my opinion. Characters you connect with, faith content you love to see and it's quite the page turner. DiAnn's writing is wonderful and I highly recommend you check this book out if you love a good romantic suspense story.

In this one, we follow Carrington and Levi. Carrington is a hostage negotiator and Levi is an investigative reporter. They are both on the scene of 15 hostages being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in South Texas. The brothers are armed and dangerous and refusing to let them go. Things start off from here as we have this great story that keeps you connected, invested and needing to know all the twists and turns Carrington and Levi take along the way. 

The romance depicted in this book was developed and layered - they really communicated well and didn't rush through things since there was so much going on. We have so much backstories too between the two and I loved learning about them along the way, from Levi's family issues due to his faith and Carrington's guilt and health journey - so much depth with these characters! Levi's faith was also encouraging and seeing him talk to Carrington about it was beautiful - especially how everything wrapped up for her faith journey in the end. I loved the dual POV between Levi and Carrington too, I think it really added to the story.

The pacing was perfection in this book and DiAnn really keeps you engaged! I cannot recommend it enough! I think it's safe to say, I'll be reading all of DiAnn's books I can going forward!

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy of the book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6680367898
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3AVFH1V
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/580073

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson

 

Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson ❤️
4 Stars  

Well, this was adorable and put me in the Christmas mood! What a fun surprise! I may just have to read some more Christmas books early this year! Whitney is working to enter culinary school in the spring, but first she needs to sell enough pies at the local Christmas markets to pay her tuition. Her oven has other plans though and breaks down, so she asks Marie Sloan, proprietor of the Red Door Inn, to use the inn's kitchen to keep up with her orders. She agrees and we see so many cute moments of Whitney watching the three Sloan children and cook breakfast for the guests in return. The inn has many guests--including Aretha Sloan, our main guy's Aunt. She is in the business of matchmaking her nephew Daniel with Ruby, a businesswoman who is a bit too serious for Daniel. Aretha is determined to match up Daniel with Ruby so she makes Whitney an offer she can't refuse to help her with the matchmaking scheme.....little does Whitney know....her heart has some unexpected plans for Daniel herself... ❤️

The ending pushed this to a 4 star for me. I really liked the romance that developed between Daniel and Whitney. I am not always a matchmaking book girly, but this had some great cozy Christmas vibes that made it just fine. ❤️ The kiddos really stood out for me too, I loved their characters here. They really remind you of the innocence and sweetness of children, especially at Christmastime. 

Honestly, the matchmaking made me laugh because it was so obvious Ruby and Daniel did not go together, even other characters noticed it, so it was more of a light play on matchmaking that was funny. Daniel had been through heartbreak before so he was not quick to give his heart away but the connection between him and Whitney was very clear to him. 

There was some nice faith moments with Daniel and God too---he realizes God has not left him all from the sweet words of young Julia Mae. Loved that moment. 

If you like matchmaking stories, small towns, cute Christmas inns and markets, plus sweet faith moments in books - give this cute Christmas romance a try this holiday season. (This also made me really want to read the Prince Edward Island Dreams series now!)

Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6738130339
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ALPpUm
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579830

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: Tide and Punishment by Bree Baker

 

Tide and Punishment by Bree Baker

4 Stars

Book 3 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series

What can I say? Another solid book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I love this cute cozy mystery series yall. In this one, we have all the Christmas and beachy vibes! We are back in Charm, North Carolina with that small town southern feel with Everly Swan's iced tea shop and cafe for it's first holiday season. Her Great-Aunt Fran decides to run for mayor against her long-time nemesis, but when the other candidate turns up dead just before their first scheduled debate, all eyes point to Fran. Everly works to clear her Aunt's name and the handsome Detective Grady Hays continues to stick around to help out on the case. 

These are just some great cozy mystery books that I love listening to on audio. Very quick listens and always a good time. The characters and the town really make the book. Everly and Grady are my favorite (Wyatt needs to take a hike LOL). I like the romance subplot and the last line of this book was CHEFS KISS ;) 

Highly recommend, looking forward to the next one!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6714482166
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47bwdvq

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Book Review: The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander

 

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander - 3.5 
Book 1 in A Secret Bookcase Mystery series

This is the start to a new bookish cozy mystery series. This had some really great bookish elements. We had a great bookstore and Agatha Christie vibes, details about publishing and author, events, and a fun mystery festival that the bookstore was going to start in an effort to get more business and help the bookstore financially. I thought this was an excellent way to portray support for local bookstores, I really enjoyed the details surrounding the book elements in the book vibes, however, the mystery itself was lackluster. 

We start off with Bookseller Annie Murray, who is super excited to work on the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to help revive the bookstore financially and in its author events, marketing, etc. Things take a turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves that wasn't meant to be a part of the festivities....even worse, it's Annie's old college friend. So, we continue on in this story of college friend drama with lots of jealousy, bitterness etc.

Things go on from here. While there were things about this I enjoyed, we have this cold case murder of their friend from many years ago, thrown in there as a mystery subplot and I didn’t really care for that. The characters were very dramatic throughout the story some were holding onto grudges or other traumatic things that felt a bit overdramatic for me personally. I will admit, I rolled my eyes several times. The ending ends on a cliffhanger also, and it wasn’t my favorite.

It’s not a bad cozy mystery, the more that I read the more difficult it is to become a new favorite cozy mystery for me. I have just become more picky when it comes to my cozy mystery books. 🤭💛 So I guess I am being a bit picky on this one, many of you would probably enjoy it if you can look past the character work here.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6790339662
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cQb0IS

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.