THE HAUNTED LIBRARIAN by Auralee Wallace
Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy
4****

Blurb: A lonely librarian finds love, friends, and a few ghosts between the shelves in this cozy, paranormal tale from beloved bestselling author Auralee Wallace.

It’s a dark and stormy night…and Amelia Bates is caught in the rain. Life hasn’t always been kind to her, and being a ghostseer certainly doesn’t make things any easier. Glowing warmly through the autumnal downpour is her safest the library. Amelia, the newly hired librarian, has always relished the comfort of curling up with a novel, vastly preferring it to the company of humans (alive or ghostly). But Amelia is shocked to discover the building is full of more than quiet stories and warm cups of tea. There are curious, talkative patrons, a shy, bespectacled head librarian who makes her heart skip a beat, and three quirky spirits causing paranormal havoc that endangers the future of the library. To help the ghosts and save the building, Amelia will have to gather all her bravery and wits, because learning to trust others might just be the first step to a happily ever after she only thought was possible in books.

THOUGHTS: This was a fun book to read, especially since I’m a librarian who worked at one time in a haunted library! Amelia is a great character with a rough background that has caused her to be extremely introverted. She was abandoned as a baby, grew up in the system, and was always thought of as “odd” because she talks to the air – except for her, there is a person there. A ghost. So in order to seem “normal” she comes up with three rules – don’t look, don’t talk, don’t interact. And it works well until she gets a job at a special library where three ghosts live. They can’t leave and can’t move on unless she helps them, so she must break her rules and they have to work together before the building collapses from a cosmic maelstrom. Oh, and there’s an adorable main librarian – Simon – who makes her heart throb, but she can’t let him know what she can do or he’ll treat her like everyone else does.

While I really enjoyed the story, especially the interaction between Amelia and the ghosts, I thought the relationship between her and Simon could have been better. There was really no build up at all until the very end which was a little hard to accept. I liked the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and how they related to the chapter. But I really loved the subtle reference to “The Wizard of Oz” and the Cowardly Lion – “I do believe in you (spooks). I do. I do. I do.” I had to laugh at that. There are other little subtleties like that throughout.

Still, even with the relationship issues, I really enjoyed this book. It brought back a lot of memories of that old library (housed in an 1800s mansion) and the idiosyncrasies that go along with old buildings.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books for providing this ARC.

DAUGHTER OF STARLIGHT by Molly M. Hammond
Fantasy, YA
5*****

Blurb: Luma was six years old when she was found wandering alone with no memory of a family or how she got the strange scars that crisscross her palms. Now, twelve years later, Luma is summoned across a magical bridge to another world: a world where the decimated population of elves suffer under the ruthless wizard army. Luma’s appearance is a ray of hope for the elves, who believe she is their prophesied “Daughter of Starlight”, the only one whose powerful magic can heal their broken defenses. Luma just wants to get back home, but the wizards discover her, and soon Luma is in the fight of her life. As she flees a mighty adversary, Luma struggles with hints of a strange power from deep within, a power she can neither control nor deny any longer. Desperate for answers, Luma joins a group of elf resistance fighters on a perilous journey in search of the exiled elf mage. Along the way, Luma begins to realize there could be more truth to this prophecy than she first thought, and that just maybe, she has a family after all.

THOUGHTS: Wow. This book grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the last. Luma is a good character, as are the others in the story. She is the one the elves have been looking for for twelve years—the one who will help free them from the wizards of another world who want to take over their world. There is action (a lot!), treachery, friendship, and even a dragon! She has to figure out how to come to terms with the fact that she is an elf and her life on Earth was an unfortunate accident of fate. She has no memory of before she got there, or of her powers, or how to use them, but everyone is depending on her to save the elf world. Unfortunately, there are just as many people who don’t want her to do it.

If you’re looking for a decent fantasy story with lots of twists and turns, treachery and friendship, long lost love, and a war that could end multiple worlds. Or help them. Then you need to pick this one up. Definitely worth reading.

And definitely recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

HOMETOWN HALLOWEEN HOMICIDE by Rosalie Spielman
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Hometown Mysteries #7
5*****

Blurb: It’s the spookiest time of year in New Oslo, Idaho, and retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Tessa Treslow is looking forward to spending time with her aunt and their friends as they give away candy at the New Oslo community Trunk-or-Treat event. But first she agrees to accompany local salon owner, Becky Baker, to a funeral home to style the hair of a recently deceased woman—where they are both in for a surprise! There’s a note addressed to Tessa in the decedent’s bouffant do, asking Tessa to solve her murder. But was her death even a murder? As odd as that is, things get weirder when the woman’s body disappears…and then another body disappears from the funeral home as well! Where did they go? Who would take them? Tessa has barely has time to wonder before she and boyfriend, Nick, stumble upon yet another body—only this one is fresh, wearing a creepy clown mask, and has clearly been murdered. As Tessa realizes she knows the victim, she also realizes Becky’s husband has a connection to all three of the recently deceased. Is it a coincidence or something more sinister? It’s up to Tessa to find out before more any more bodies pop up…or wander off. Between a trio of “Grim Reapers” haunting the town, a glowing orb floating in the fields, a mysterious skeleton left on Tessa’s front porch, and a pup dressed like a hot dog, Tessa’s hometown Halloween could not be wackier. Will Tessa and her friends find the murderer…before the killer makes clowns out of them all?

THOUGHTS: Tessa and Aunt Edna are at it again! I love Tessa. She’s not your usual cozy mystery heroine. She’s ex-army, a mechanic with her Aunt Edna, has a boyfriend but is in no hurry to make their relationship anything more than what it is – friends with benefits. And he’s good with that too. Magnus the Moose is back too!

In this mystery, there are multiple dead bodies and way too many suspects. And multiple Grim Reapers are all over the place. Tessa just hopes one of them isn’t real and after her – but that gets iffy when she and Edna are caught by the villain. I love these stories. Tessa is not a twenty-something bakery owner. She has aches and pains that come with getting older, an ancient dog, and lots of friends. The stories are fun, challenging, and with good endings that satisfy.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

WILD’S SCAR by Saria Bryant
Fiction, M/M, Fantasy, Book #2 in Elemental Things
4****

Blurb: Vesryn Rydel has a new Fate string—a magical bond tying him to his soulmate. Unfortunately it’s to a fae who lost all memory of his name to the human who enslaved him. He gives himself the name Fated to die. Neither want a Fate bond—Vesryn because he is a guard to the heir of the Sun Throne, and Fey because he must venture north to seal the veil between realms that ripped open with his return.  On their journey through the Wound—the barren, magic-void, lifeless wasteland that tore across the center of their continent—they must learn to trust each other and accept the memories of their past selves in order to restore both the Wild Throne and balance to their world.

THOUGHTS: This takes place in the same world as “Shadow’s World” but with different main characters. Like the first book, this has excellent world building and characters. I loved the imagery. The story is excellent – Vesryn is an elf who can’t do magic, but he is a really good royal guard. but when a “fate string” appears on his finger and is tied to the mysterious fae, he wants to fight it. But you can’t fight fate. At first, when the raven-feathered fae orders him not to follow him, Vesryn finds a way around the order. They finally meet up and fight their way across the Wound (wasteland) to the Wild Throne. They need to restore the throne, but have no clue who is going to sit on the throne. They are up against monsters as well as other fae. When they finally reach their destination, they discover what Fate has in store for them – and it’s nothing like they thought.

I really enjoyed the story. The play between Fey (the Raven) and Vesryn is really well done. My biggest problem was with naming the fae, Fey. I kept getting confused. And although the story ended… the book definitely did not. There were a lot of dangling threads, so I see a third book coming (at least). Still, if you like fantasy with a few hot M/M scenes, you’ll like this one.

Recommended – but read “Shadow’s Wound” first to get the full story of what’s going on.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

SHADOW’S WOUND by Saria Bryant
Fiction, M/M, Fantasy
4****

Blurb: With the realm teetering on the brink of magical annihilation, Callith Ratearynn, the reluctant heir to the Sun Throne, is thrust into power centuries too soon. With his father dead and corruption tearing the kingdom apart at the seams, Cal must battle rising racial tensions and unravel a dark conspiracy. Justice, a manipulative human official, has stirred hatred between humans and the magical community, using enslavement collars and control over the Black Sun—an elite group of soldiers loyal to the Shadow Throne. Just as civil war seems inevitable, Cal’s Fate string—a magical bond tying him to his soulmate—leads him to a grim prison where he finds Haru, his bonded, broken and tortured. But Fate has more in store. Cal discovers he is bound not to one, but Rashi, a fox shifter, and Haru, a fierce dragon warrior. Together, this reluctant triad must face cult attacks, dark rituals, and the creeping Wound, a void threatening to consume their realm. Cal’s new reality is one of impossible choices—between duty and heart, loyalty and passion. As war looms, the only hope lies in Cal’s ability to trust in his newfound soulmates and uncover the depths of the corruption before it’s too late.

THOUGHTS: This was an excellent fantasy with great characters and incredible world building. I especially loved Rashi, the fox shifter! Magic is core to the story as is the relationship between Cal (the king), Rashi (fox) and Haru (dragon shifter). I will note that there are three very hot bedroom scenes. The biggest problem I had with the story was the incredibly long lives of most of the characters. That’s not a problem, but… are the humans also so long-lived? If they are normal like most humans, they’re not. Which means… (a problem with the story I won’t go into here since I don’t want to give anything away). But there is a paradox.

Cal has a lot of problems. In addition to being newly crowned, he has to find out who is creating havoc in his kingdom, who is tearing his kingdom apart. He also has to figure out how to fix the “Wound” an area of devastated land that is growing. Cal has so many problems, he doesn’t know where to start. And that’s part of the problem. The “villains” are well-organized, having had many years to prepare. It seems a lot of the time, Cal is chasing his tail. The story has a good ending, though there are several strings left dangling that show us there is more to come.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

A Pinch of Assault 

Sunny Side Up Mysteries book #3

With things at her Sunny Side Up Diner sailing along smoothly for once, Jax Tapman has turned her attention to her personal life. It’s time to meet the boyfriend’s mother in person. And while Jax isn’t totally certain she’s up to the challenge, she agrees to show Eliot’s mom around a local retirement home. It sounds innocent enough, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to sell the woman on the idea of moving to be closer to her son. But instead of making her case, when Jax enters the model apartment, she and her potential in-law find one dead body and a whole lot of secrets! Suddenly it’s up to Jax to discover who the retirement home killer is—a task that only gets harder when someone from Eliot’s past shows up and might know far more about the crime than she’s letting on. The Sunny Side Up Diner is jumping with gossip, Jax and her best friend Dani are running interference, and Eliot’s mom is calling all the shots. But sorting out chaos and minimizing damage is something Jax has grown accustomed to, if she can only get a clue.

Gemma Halliday Publishing

https://www.amazon.com/Pinch-Assault-Sunny-Side-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0H2JLVGK3/

Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one on her list, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock. Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time. Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com.

Connect with Misty

THE CALL TO WITCHERY by Lorraine Johnston
Fiction, Contemporary Paranormal
5*****

Blurb: A reluctant witch. A powerful amulet. A family legacy that refuses to stay buried. Abigail Winslow is perfectly content hiding from her magic. As an accountant in the quiet town of Farmridge, she’s built a safe life far from the shadow of her parents’ legacy. But when her Light Amulet unexpectedly awakens, so does the hidden power she has spent years denying—and it draws the attention of someone who won’t take no for an answer. Harmon Slade—celebrity philanthropist and Dark Witch—wants her amulet for himself. When Abigail refuses, he sends harpies to retrieve it by force. With the help of her fiercely loyal friends, a blue jay spy, a busybody squirrel, and a scholar still deciding whether Abigail is worth the trouble, she must learn to wield the magic she tried to deny. As grief, memory, and magic collide, Abigail must fight not just to survive, but to protect the people she loves and control the power she never wanted. Will she reclaim the magic she buried—before Harmon Slade takes it from her by force? For readers who love reluctant heroines, emotionally grounded magic, supernatural suspense, and a dash of humour amid danger, The Call to Witchery is the first spellbinding instalment in a contemporary fantasy trilogy.

THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book! It made me cry (and laugh). Which means the author did her job of pulling out my emotions. The main character, Abigail, wants nothing to do with magic, but if she doesn’t activate her amulet soon, she will lose any chance of ever having it. So she does. And wow, do things start to really happen then. Her grandparents and cousins try to help her learn how to use her magic, but it’s a rough road with plenty of “Oops! Sorry!” happenings. She also has two beings who have been watching her all her life and now, they become her friends–a squirrel and a blue jay–who can talk to her. The squirrel is hilarious! I love him! And then there is the villain. He comes across as all kinds of friendly and suave – but he is definitely not!

This is a book full of emotions, action, a little humor, a lot of danger, suspense, magic, and more. It’s also obviously the first in a series as it left more than one thread dangling. So beware. Abigail’s story is not over by a long shot.

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

THE OXFORD DETECTIVE SOCIETY by Faith Martin
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, British
4****

Blurb: As the Oxford Detective Society tackle their first case, someone is determined that a long-buried mystery should stay hidden… Oxford biographer Lyssa Moore is delighted to be commissioned to write about Amelia ‘Monty’ Montrose, the 1960s music icon who died mysteriously at her birthday party in 1966. But as Lyssa delves into Monty’s past, she discovers the wild child portrayed by the press was hiding far more than anyone knew. And someone is taking a very keen interest in Lyssa’s research. Her flat has been broken into, her phone is acting strangely, and she has a feeling she is being followed. Is Lyssa getting too close to a dangerous truth—was there more to Monty’s death than a tragic accident? With the help of her cat Bibbie and her Oxford friends, who form the Oxford Detective Society, Lyssa must uncover what really happened sixty years ago. Because in Oxfordshire’s country houses and picture-perfect gardens, the past refuses to stay buried…

THOUGHTS: The best part of this book for me were the references to ’60s music bringing back a lot of great memories (yes, I am that old). Every time the author mentioned another group or song from that era, I had to play it just to remember. So that part was great for me.
As for the mystery – it was a little slow, but interesting with all the twists and turns it took. The characters were unique, including the cat Bibbie! I think Lyssa was a good character, but she needed a little more backbone for me. Still, this was a good beginning to a series.

Recommended if you like British cozy mysteries.

SHARKS PRESCHOOL ACTIVITY BOOK by Chelsea Black
Nonfiction, Early Learning
5*****

Blurb: Kids ages 3–5 can splash into the busy world of sharks in this fun preschool activity book filled with sharks of all shapes and sizes, scuba gear, and ocean adventures! Preschoolers will have fun sinking their teeth into Sharks Preschool Activity Book and everything that has to do with shark exploration—learn what scientists wear underwater to study sharks, trace a path to help hammerheads migrate and color in deep-sea habitats, and more! Filled with activities like tracing numbers and ABC’s, matching, pattern recognition, mazes, and spot-the-difference pictures, readers will discover the essential building blocks of learning through their love of sharks. This shark book for kids features: ABUNDANT ILLUSTRATIONS: Engaging visuals for kids to color, fill in, and expand their imaginations! EVERYTHING SHARKS: Unique activities to highlight sharks from A to Z—including angel sharks, tiger sharks, and whale sharks and everything in between—kids will explore these incredible creatures and the worlds they live in. KID-FRIENDLY SHARK SMARTS: Written by a real shark expert, these pages are filled with fun facts and age-appropriate science designed to fuel kids’ love of the underwater world—a fin-tastic gift for kids to get excited about learning. 80+ PLAYFUL ACTIVITIES: Mixed assortment of puzzles for kids to engage, have fun, and practice fine-motor skills. FUN LEARNING: Educational activities introducing the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, opposites, and more to foster curiosity.

THOUGHTS: This is 112 pages of fun with learning. In addition to having colorful illustrations, there are practice pages for learning letters, numbers, colors, shapes, matching, learning opposites and same, mazes, and more. Although I received the ebook ARC for review, I do not recommend this version. The paperback would be much more useful and fun for the child. It would be a fun activity for parent and child to do together. I wish I had a little kid to do this with!

Definitely recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Zeitgeist Publishing and Netgalley for providing this ARC.

WOULD YOU RATHER? SILVER
Nonfiction, Trivia, Fun & Games
5*****

Blurb: Start lively conversations with these nostalgia-filled “Would You Rather?” questions for seniors! Take a trip down memory lane with entertaining “Would You Rather?” questions that invite you to play, remember, and imagine. Would You Rather? Nostalgia Edition is a game designed to challenge and engage readers of a certain age with questions that spark memories, laughter, and conversation. Would you rather sing along to Elvis or the Beatles? Would you rather watch Babe Ruth set his all-time home run record or Hank Aaron break it? Would you rather find meat loaf in your TV dinner or Salisbury steak? Only you can decide! These fun-filled pages 160+ “Would You Rather?” Keep your mind sharp with these thought-provoking, funny scenarios.A deep dive into Relive moments from your life through this entertaining memory game for seniors.Great conversation starters: Reminisce about topics including entertainment, history, sports, everyday life, and more.Fun for multiple Seniors can reminisce while younger generations can learn about their seniors’ lives—a perfect activity for older parents.Easy-to-read format for senior Large-print questions make the game accessible to all readers.
Your answers will turn this book into a delightful activity—one that will stir your memory, ignite your imagination, and remind you of moments that make you smile.

THOUGHTS: This is a fun book that is presented as a game, but also works as just a conversation starter. For instance, would you rather have Tang or Ovaltine? The book is divided into “trivia” sections like Entertainment, history, sports, around the world, inventions and innovations, food, adventures, and everyday life. There are over 160 prompts. I also liked that, even though I had the e-book version, the font is larger so that it wasn’t hard to read — a necessity for some older readers. For this type of book, though, I would really recommend a physical book. But either way, it’s a fun read and entertaining.

Definitely recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Zeitgeist and Netgalley for providing this ARC.