Search

Search only in certain items:

Another sweet Easter story I found. This one is about Ava and Aaron Easter. The Easter story is something I haven't seen in a children's book yet. Children will learn some teachable moments and learn about teamwork. There is rhyming throughout the book, and this is book nine in the series. Suppose you remember Ava and Aaron's, Christmas Story. Well, this is the third book about them. Only this one is about their Easter.

Will Ava and Aaron learn to take turns and help find each other out to find all five Easter eggs for their team? Children will love reading and learning to read as well. Throughout the book, there is strong teamwork, with Aaron and Ava working to solve the clues.

There may be some fun and enjoyable idea for parents to come up with for the Easter hunt or another way to celebrate Easter with the children and learn about teamwork. What Easter ideas or fun things can your child or children come up to do with others and learn about teamwork?

Children can learn to read with this rhyming story. What adventure did Ava and Aaron go on? Will they win their contest? I hope they enjoy and see that having fun is better than winning. This book does focus on teamwork and solving the clues. Can your child or children solve the clue to find the hidden easter eggs?
  
The Secrets of Jane (Improper Bastards #1)
The Secrets of Jane (Improper Bastards #1)
Charlotte Mallory | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE SECRETS OF JANE is the first book in The Improper Bastards series and, if you're a fan of #Dark #Fantasy #Romance, then this is just the book for you.

Both the FMC and MMC are what you might call morally grey! Jane is certainly one to attack first and think later. Soren is more the one with the plan. That is, unless you touch something (or someone!) that belongs to him, and then all bets are off.

I loved Jane's history here and, whilst I don't fully understand the fuss, I'm looking forward to reading the next book to get the answers to my oh-so-many questions. The thing is, even with questions, I still enjoyed every single moment.

Not only do the supporting characters do their jobs incredibly well, but I'm also invested in them too. I'd Bones and Kathleen to have their story told. Anya, too. And Tempest. And… you get the idea. This is a world I'd love to return to and see just where the author takes me.

With an ending that will definitely leave you wanting more, I have no hesitation in HIGHLY recommending this book, and I can't wait until early 2024 to read the sequel!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 2, 2023
  
Abandoned Things
Abandoned Things
Chani Lynn Feener | 2023 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
ABANDONED THINGS is a standalone book that I loved from beginning to end.

Frankie is an author, trying to finish college and his series. He goes incognito to book signings. Everything changes when Rook, a character from his book turns up. That can't happen, right? Wrong!

There is nothing about this book I didn't like. Frankie - prepared to stand by those he cares for and stand up for what is right. Rook - a grumpy a$$ who is able to see when he's made a mistake and change (a little bit). Together, they are just perfect. I loved how Rook was so grumpy with everyone else and, yes, even Frankie at times, but how caring and gentle he was too.

The other characters were just as good, doing what they do best and providing support to Frankie and Rook and letting the story move along. I can't say the twist was a surprise but I loved how it came about and the excitement it brought.

This was a fantastic story and I would love to see more from these characters. I have to say, I love this author's imagination and her stories never disappoint!

Absolutely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa

Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong (The Lost Arts #2)
The Lost Art of Finding Where You Belong (The Lost Arts #2)
Ellie Ash | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE LOST ART OF FINDING WHERE YOU BELONG is the second book in The Lost Arts series that gives you Brannal and Perian as the main characters. It does follow on from the first book, so I would absolutely recommend you read that one first.

This book is told from Perian's perspective, and you find out just how he's fitting in at the castle, what others think of him, plus his relationship with Brannal. Now, I may be jumping to conclusions, but I am picking up hints about what the future might hold! 😁 I'm keeping everything crossed that what I'm thinking comes to pass, but I'm also happy to go wherever this story arc takes me.

This book isn't full of action and adventure, but rather seeing more of the day-to-day routine and different relationships Perian has. The one with Renny is so sweet, and I love how fiercely she defends him, even when it shouldn't be necessary.

I am loving this world and the characters who are there. With some seriously spicy scenes, this was a delight to read, and I can't wait to return and find out more. Definitely recommended by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2025
  
A Clash of Kings (Reissue)
A Clash of Kings (Reissue)
George R.R. Martin | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.4 (30 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! This book was much darker than the first. It seemed like nothing good happened. Don't take that wrong...the book itself was wonderful! There was just a great deal of death & destruction in this one. Of course, when all the castles in the realm head to war & there are now 4 kings instead of 1, what else should 1 expect?
I must say that I have decided on 3 favorites in all the characters I've met so far: Tyrion, Bran, & Areya. They are all so well written! Tyrion the Imp is so twisted. I never quite know what is going to happen to him. 1 minute he's tenderhearted, the next he's riding to battle with an axe in hand. Bran is so brave but he just doesn't know it. Areya is just such a stong, anti-female character. She is a little warrior, but also very cunning too.
I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store for me!
  
Dragonfly in Amber
Dragonfly in Amber
Diana Gabaldon | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.2 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow! Just wow! Talk about a cliffhanger. As I said when I read Outlander, I am by no means a fan of the "romance" novel. That's why I waited so long to dive into the series. But let me tell you, these books are so much more than that. Just like the first installment DiA has its typical romance novel elements but it has much, much more than that too. This book delves much deeper into the history of the time period that Clare falls in to. It took me awhile to really get hooked on this book, but I did. Gabaldon is a wonderful storyteller! She writes with so much detail & passion, not to mention what must be a HUGE amount of painstaking research. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book. Hopefully it won't be as far between the 2nd & 3rd as it was between the 1st & 2nd!!
  
Renato Jones: The One%, Season 1
Renato Jones: The One%, Season 1
Kaare Andrews | 2017 | Comics & Graphic Novels
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Renato Jones was born into privilege, died because of that privilege, was reborn again through that privilege, and now he spends his time between being one of the ONES, the top 1% wealthiest people in the world, and the Freelancer, making sure that the ONES still know their place in the world. Making definite nods to Frank Miller (I'm not familiar with Andrews work, so I don't know if his artistic and writing styles are usually this influenced by Miller, but it is quite clear in this book), this first volume of Renato Jones is a hyper-stylized, hyper-violent, hyper-sensational free for all that seems eerily prescient of today's political atmosphere. The book is cleverly constructed, with fake ads throughout that mock the ridiculous over the top nature of the super rich in the book. Personally, I'm thoroughly intrigued to see where Andrews is going to take this series so will be following along for sure.
  
When Lightning Strikes (1-800-Where-R-You, #1)
When Lightning Strikes (1-800-Where-R-You, #1)
Jenny Carroll | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I hate Meg Cabot. she is a terrible writer. she doesn't write sentinces, she writes fragments and then puts more fragments at the end to clear up what was perfectly clear in the first place. she leaves out things that are important. she doesn't describe stuff. her prose stinks. how on EARTH she became a best selling and popular author, i have no idea.

<b>but. </b>

i read the first book of her series here, "When Lightning Strikes," and seriously had to read the others. i still haven't read the last book, my library doesn't have it in right now, but this book got me hooked to a story that was written by (excuse me) a sucky writer. it was wild, weird, crazy, funny, and had some very creative twists in it. great story.

now if only she could learn to write. sentinces, i mean. (<-- example of what she does. i swear i don't write like that normally.)
  
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the second one came out last August. I love this series! The tension starts at the very beginning and follows through the entire book, to the last page. I love the characters (Charlie is my hero) and I was furious about what happened at the end (in a good way. I have to read the next book now!).

I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.

If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!

Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
  
Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire, #1)
Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire, #1)
Sherry D. Ficklin | 2014 | History & Politics, Romance, Young Adult (YA)
9
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book tells the story of a young Sophia on her journey to Russia where she will hopefully marry Peter to become queen one day.

I didn’t realise it was telling the story of the young Catherine the Great and how she came to be ruler of Russia.

I found Sophie’s character to overall be very enjoyable as she was badass and would take care of herself whilst also having a kind and caring side. However she was a bit annoying at times with how naive and idealistic she could be.

What was really great about this book was at the end of most chapters there was a link to a short video. In this the author would give some extra information and sometimes explain differences between her story and known historical facts and the reasons behind them.

Overall I enjoyed this book and decided to buy the rest in the series and that is saying something.