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Going into this book I was not sure what to expect, as I do not often read books where the main character is in middle grades. It is the first book in a series about Ginny West and the adventures she goes on while growing up (think Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn, only geared toward a younger audience. So, the book is filled with real-life examples, valuable lessons, and interesting dialogue between Ginny and her crew of characters. This book deals with Ginny figuring out how to get a new mom and making a packed with her best friend Tilly over how to accomplish this goal. It was cute and a good lesson in second chances, dealing with your emotions and growing up.

I enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series to learn more about Ginny’s adventures. 4 out of 5 stars for the creative storyline, fun characters, and applicable life lessons.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
I haven't read anything before about World War II from the German perspective and therefore was very interested to see how this is portrayed from that angle and whilst I found this book definitely provided insight of what it was like from Raffeiner's eyes, from what I have read in other books and seen in documentary's, I'm not sure how much was "missed", "forgotten" or "locked away" as the memories are too painful or too awful to talk about.

This is however a valuable read if you want to get some idea of what it was like for a "simple" German soldier; the vivid descriptions of the hardships of being on the Eastern frontline and how luck played a huge part in his life are well documented and it also gives a really good account of Raffeiner's tough early years growing up and the choices he had to make.

Whilst this isn't what I feel a comprehensive book on this subject, it is an important individual and personal story that is captivating and I need to thank Pen & Sword Books and NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
  
The Galaxy and the Ground Within
The Galaxy and the Ground Within
Becky Chambers | 2021 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I’ve held off reading this book, even though I’ve had it since the release date, purely because I just really didn’t want the series to end. I love The Wayfarers series, and this last instalment is no different in that respect.

The Galaxy and the Ground Within is another look into the lives of a diverse group of people. Apart from a technological failure that strands the Five-Hops guests, nothing much actually happens in this novel (ok, something does happen about 3/4 of the way through, but I’m not saying what it is!), but what I really love about these books are the characters and how they’re explored and developed. The fact that they’re aliens is by-the-by. They have their own hopes and fears, cultural expectations and taboos.

Oh how i adore these books - it’s everything that I love in literature, be it science fiction, literary fiction or ANYTHING!

If you haven’t read The Wayfarers series (lucky you!), I’d say that you need to. And if you have and like me, you’ve been putting off reading the final book, it won’t disappoint you.
  
The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel
The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel
Mike Berenstain | 2016 | Children
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Are you looking for another good faith-based book for your child or children around Christmas? Well, The Berenstain Bears and the Christmas Angel will not disappoint. It is sweet as the cubs wait for snow and then get it. They head outside and play in it. They start to wonder what kind of snowman to create.

Children will enjoy this and want to reread it as they continue to be well. This one is a bit different from your typical building of a snowman. Mama and Papa help teach the cubs about their chosen snowman once they have built it.

Children will learn about the Christmas angel named Gabriel. I love how the cubs help each other and bounce off ideas. Their littlest one helps by just being herself. She gives them the idea when she does this.

This book is another classic book for any favorite fans of the Berenstain Bears. These books stand more based on faith and teaching of the Bible so children can learn it. I love these books the best. The author does a beautiful job with this book.
  
The Great Maple Mistake (Love in Maplewood #8)
The Great Maple Mistake (Love in Maplewood #8)
Beck Grey | 2025 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE GREAT MAPLE MISTAKE is the eighth book in the Love in Maplewood series, although you don't have to have read any of the others.

Alex is a photographer, born and bred in Maplewood, with no plans to go anywhere else. Cody is a firefighter/EMT, newly arrived in Maplewood. He is having a private conversation with Alex and his best friend, Finn, about not liking Maple, when he is overheard and mistakenly assumed to be allergic to Maple. This is a running theme through the story.

Events move slowly but firmly in the right direction, with neither Alex nor Cody playing games. They are honest and open about what they want, and are happy to be together.

As with all books set in Maplewood, this is sweet enough to give you toothache, with little to no angst. A feel-good story that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend.

** 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 4, 2025