Mariella and Alex have a history – and it isn’t a nice one. It might not have been so bad if they still lived in the big city, but somehow they both ended up in Magnolia, North Carolina, a small town, and it’s a lot harder to avoid each other. And not only can they not avoid each other, but somehow they end up working together on a project. A project that features part of their not-so-nice history.

This isn’t the only thing seeming to pull these two together. On every page, it seemed like fate was going to drag them into each other’s arms even if it killed them. And they may just need to figure out how to put the past behind them so they can both move on with their lives. Because along the way, they find out it isn’t just their lives they’re impacting anymore.

Mariella was a wounded character. Her past weighed very heavy on her shoulders, and it seemed to consume her every moment. While I understand the concern over her reputation coming back to hurt her new business and friends, she just wouldn’t let it go. Her struggle was very real but was too much of the main focus at times.

Alex has similar issues. And they really interfere with him running his company successfully – mainly because he refuses to take advice and hire Mariella to help. But he can’t seem to stop thinking about how hot Mariella is, and how attractive he suddenly finds her. It was a lot superficial at first. In the end, he learns she is a really great person though.

While I enjoyed a lot of the story, there was a little too much of the main characters hating on themselves for things in their past. Too much avoiding the issues. I think the best part of the story wasn’t the romance but wrapped up in a side character with unexpected connections.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

This book got off to a terrific start. I really loved the pull of the bakery and Adam's somewhat clueless state on why he loved it there so much. It was the perfect set-up for everything to come.

Paige was a lot of fun. She was one heck of a baker and had a HUGE crush on Adam - but he didn't know and she liked to keep it that way. But of course, fate has to stick her nose into everyone's lives and mix them up a bit. It's almost too late by the time Adam finally realizes just what Paige may be to him.

In fact, towards the end was the one part that I think was just a little too much. We broke the lore. I don't like it when an author has to break their lore in order to make a story work. The authors did a good job trying to give a reason and adding some genuine confusion on the part of the characters - they don't know why it broke either apparently. But it just seemed like a bit of a cop out.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

Prediction Murder: The Magician is the first book in a slightly-paranormal cozy mystery series featuring tarot cards. Harper doesn’t start out really believing in tarot cards or magic, but when she returns to her hometown for a funeral, things might change her mind. I had a bit of a hard time relating to Harper. She upended her life with almost no warning or second-guessing herself. When she inherits her cousin’s store (and dog) she just jumps right in.

I really loved Einstein. He seemed to have his own role to play, and often pointed out something important. Although most of the time people didn’t notice it right away. I can picture him trotting around town in his little outfits, visiting all of Harper’s friends with her.

The town. Well, that wasn’t quite as well done. I was so confused by the people. There are so many cousins and friends and co-workers introduced all at once that I couldn’t keep any of them apart. The fact that so many started with the same letter (I get that it was a family tradition thing) didn’t help.

I had a hard time following the bouncing ball of the mystery – although once I stopped reading and put the pieces together in my head a few times, things made more sense. I would have really liked this story better if it was a little more cohesive and gradually introduced me to more of the characters.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

I really enjoyed listening to House of Teeth by Dan Jolley. Josh Hurley was a wonderful narrator that expertly gave voice to the characters’ personalities. And there are some really great personalities. Henry and Wren make an amazing team, but you can still see the family disagreements that so often occur between cousins.

The entire concept of rootcrafters and using teeth to work magic was new to me. And I found it fascinating. There was much thought put into the various aspects of each tooth. The entire magical system was one of the most creative I’ve read. I do not know if it’s based on a real mythos. I’d love to learn more about it if it is.

The action is just about non-stop. There is always something exciting or new happening that will keep not only the interest of middle-graders but any adults listening along as well. The story was left open for more some day, but it also reaches a very satisfying conclusion wrapping up the major loose ends.

At first, you might not think that Juliet and Jake have much in common. The grumpy mountain man that lives all alone and the sociable nurse looking to find a home and a family don’t sound too much alike. But this is truly a case where two people find that they are exactly what each other needs – even if they didn’t know it’s what they were looking for.

Juliet is a huge caretaker, and she struggles to accept the fact that she may need care when she falls sick on the trail. While she and Jake take turns caring for each other, they bump heads and build grudging respect for each other. This forms the basis for their relationship, but they both have a lot of caring to do for themselves as well.

Throughout the whole story, God’s hand can be felt gently guiding Juliet and Jake towards each other and back to his light. His hand was lightly seen, but definitely there. Juliet and Jake’s friends and community may have had a little something to do with it as well. I hope I get a chance to come back and visit as the series continues.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

If you enjoyed Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you will love this comical fantasy story of Jason Cosmo. A woodcutter by trade, forced to be a hero by destiny and possibly a case of mistaken identity. As Jason flees his hometown of Lower Hicksnittle, he finds unlikely allies in a wizard, Mercury Boltblaster, and the seductive twins, Sapphrina and Rubis. A very entertaining tale with all the classic fantasy elements.

4/5

"The Snow Queen" was always a favorite of mine growing up. I had several different versions that I just couldn't get enough of. Anne Ursu's version live up to all that I remember "The Snow Queen" ever being. Hazel is a fantastic character, and the world she trales while trying to rescue Jack is full of surprises and fantastic characters waiting to either help her or hinder her. Hazel needs to use her wits to try and bring Jack back from the clutches of the Snow Queen.


This is a must read for lovers of fairy tales everywhere.

I loved Stella - she completely stole the show! I found myself reading passages outlout to my co-workers the next - her insight and humor was amazing. I Thought You Were Dead has all the makings of a timeless classic. I laughed outloud, I cried, I couldn't put it down. Growing up with animals I totally understood the relationship Paul has with Stella and why she was such an important part of his life. She was there for him through everything and always stayed by his side. She was the ultimate best friend.

Warning: While this book contains some m/m sexual situations, don't be afraid of it - or you'll miss out on an amazing story.

Marked by Odin brings most of the lead characters from book 1, Broods of Fenrir, back to help Brand claim his new inheritance. Focus moves to Gunni and his utter devastation from losing his mate. Gunni has refused to change out of wolf form for a long time and Brand is worried that they may lose him forever. When Gunni finds himself in quite an embarrassing predicament (I was laughing so hard) he changes his tune and returns to human form - only to have his life turned upside down.

Brand's new brood is a mess - and that's putting it nicely. While he has his hands full trying to change their ways Gunni develops a relationship with a strange man they rescue from a barn cellar. But this isn't just any man and Gunni finds him irresistible - which is very taboo in brood society.

A very sweet love story between two people that care very much not only about each other, but everyone that touches their lives. A huge surprise waits for you at the end - I finished the book with quite the jaw-drop when I discovered exactly what "Marked by Odin" means.

Megan has a creepy feeling about her mother's new boyfriend, Armando. But then there's also the new boy at school, Guy. Megan is right to have that creepy feeling - they're both not quite what that seem at first. Megan's quest to uncover the bad guy underneath is very inventive and interesting, but some of the characters that were helping weren't. The story had tons and tons of potential and didn't quite make it where I thought it was going to go. There is a little twist or two at the end that helped make up for it though.