Search
Search results
Merissa (14198 KP) rated A Cowboy Holiday in Books
Dec 15, 2025
A COWBOY HOLIDAY is a standalone story, but with crossovers to another of the author's series. In this story, Axel is a single dad who is a qualified vet but also helps out on the ranch doing odd jobs. Tanner is the co-owner of the ranch. These two meet when Tanner wants to buy a herd of cows, and Axel is the vet caring for them. It is set at Christmastime, and they visit Christmas Town.
This is a well-written and well-paced story. Axel and Tanner get together fairly quickly, and the majority of the story isn't whether they love each other or not, but will Axel stay on the ranch, or will he go to Texas as planned? All in all, it is fairly low angst, with medium heat.
Told from both Axel and Tanner's perspectives, they are also ably supported by a great cast of characters, and most of them have four legs! Throw in some Christmas magic in the shape of a mysterious Santa, and you have an easy Christmas read that I enjoyed and can 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!
Dec 15, 2025
This is a well-written and well-paced story. Axel and Tanner get together fairly quickly, and the majority of the story isn't whether they love each other or not, but will Axel stay on the ranch, or will he go to Texas as planned? All in all, it is fairly low angst, with medium heat.
Told from both Axel and Tanner's perspectives, they are also ably supported by a great cast of characters, and most of them have four legs! Throw in some Christmas magic in the shape of a mysterious Santa, and you have an easy Christmas read that I enjoyed and can 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!
Dec 15, 2025
Merissa (14198 KP) rated Demon Marked (Everwood Falls #4) in Books
Mar 16, 2026
DEMON MARKED is the fourth book in the Everwood Falls series. Although you could read it as a standalone, I would personally recommend reading them in order. This town is very friendly, so that way, you would know more about the characters that pop up when needed.
Norah is the detective of Everwood Falls, keeping the town and its occupants safe. Ember is a Fae princess who adores the Mundane world (and Norah). When a curse reactivates, and Ember is in danger, Norah will do all she can to find out who did it and to find a cure.
This story definitely has golden retriever/black cat energy! Norah is all bite, black, and sharp edges, whereas Ember is fluffy, pink, and glitter. Throw in a dragon pregnancy, a bake-off show, curses, and a hellhound who keeps bursting into flames, and you have a story to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
I love returning to Everwood Falls and seeing all the old friends, while enjoying the story for the new ones. I can't wait for Bryce and Ryker's story! 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!
Mar 16, 2026
Norah is the detective of Everwood Falls, keeping the town and its occupants safe. Ember is a Fae princess who adores the Mundane world (and Norah). When a curse reactivates, and Ember is in danger, Norah will do all she can to find out who did it and to find a cure.
This story definitely has golden retriever/black cat energy! Norah is all bite, black, and sharp edges, whereas Ember is fluffy, pink, and glitter. Throw in a dragon pregnancy, a bake-off show, curses, and a hellhound who keeps bursting into flames, and you have a story to keep you entertained from beginning to end.
I love returning to Everwood Falls and seeing all the old friends, while enjoying the story for the new ones. I can't wait for Bryce and Ryker's story! 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!
Mar 16, 2026
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2666 KP) rated Welcome to Cozy Town in Books
May 29, 2026 (Updated May 29, 2026)
Pitch Perfect Send Up of Cozies
Violet has just inherited a bed and breakfast from a great-aunt she didn’t know she had in a town she’d never heard of before. But, considering she’s in need of a fresh start, the timing is perfect. However, when her first guest is found murdered in his bed, Violet can’t help but wonder what is going on. Especially since everyone in town seems to be taking it in stride. What kind of town has Violet moved to?
The teaser doesn’t really give you a feel for this cozy short story. It is a giant wink and nod to fans of the genre, filled with humor at the tropes we all know. You can’t help but laugh as you read, especially since it is obvious that this all comes from a love of the genre. The mystery is solid. It might be a little out there, but it also works for this story. My only complaint is that the characters are a little thin, but given the page count, I’m being picky. I read the story in about an hour, so it isn’t super long. And, of course, there’s a recipe at the end. Cozy mystery fans must read this story. They will laugh their way through it.
The teaser doesn’t really give you a feel for this cozy short story. It is a giant wink and nod to fans of the genre, filled with humor at the tropes we all know. You can’t help but laugh as you read, especially since it is obvious that this all comes from a love of the genre. The mystery is solid. It might be a little out there, but it also works for this story. My only complaint is that the characters are a little thin, but given the page count, I’m being picky. I read the story in about an hour, so it isn’t super long. And, of course, there’s a recipe at the end. Cozy mystery fans must read this story. They will laugh their way through it.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Skinny in Books
Feb 13, 2020
I think the first time I read this book was in early middle school. I think I bought it from the Scholastic Book Fair in our library, though I am unsure. All I know is that for the last almost 10 years, this book has followed me from house to house, from Colorado to North Carolina and finally, at almost 21 years old, I've opened it again and read it.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
It's definitely a book written for younger readers, that's for sure. Probably about 6th graders, which is fitting for the time that I think I read it the first time. Ever's story is a coming of age one - a story about learning to be confident in yourself, that everyone is going through different things, that what you think everyone thinks of you isn't always the truth. Ever's story is about learning to accept yourself and love yourself for who you are, not what you look like, and allowing people to be close to you. It's about a million things - some I'm sure more relatable when at Ever's age and in her similar situation, but also some that are just themes of life and love.
I think, as far as the story goes, it's a good one. I know there's always a risk when writing about body image in any facet, but I think this is one that does it well. I think the characters are interesting and for the most part, robust. Some of the themes and dialogue are a bit on the nose but I think that's to be expected for a book meant for younger readers. Overall, I think this is a good book. One I'm sure I'll come back to eventually, but probably not for another 10 years.
Passionate Amateurs: Theatre, Communism, and Love
Book
Passionate Amateurs tells a new story about modern theatre: the story of a romantic attachment to...
A Very Queer Family Indeed: Sex, Religion, and the Bensons in Victorian Britain
Book
"We can begin with a kiss, though this will not turn out to be a love story, at least not a love...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated An Amish Picnic: Four Stories in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Baskets of Sunshine was a sweet book about finding love right in front of you and having the courage to walk in faith. Both of the main characters were fun and relatable, I enjoyed seeing their perspectives on age difference in a relationship. They both overcome the obstacles set before them with minimal fuss and a good dose of forgiveness.
Candlelight Sweethearts had an interesting storyline. The characters had very vivid descriptions and were both very shy and sweet, which made it an obstacle for them to overcome. The characters in this book really grow into themselves by the end of the story.
Reeling in Love was my favorite book in this collection, probably because I can see myself doing several of the things that the main character does. The story was well written, the scenes believable and it made me smile. I can totally see the situations presented happening in real life. Both the characters have struggled to overcome things and hurt feelings to mend, in the end, though they rely on God to help them muddle through.
Picnics and Prospects This was a fun mini mystery story! The characters played well off each other and I really enjoyed getting to know them (I do wish it could have been a longer story, just so I could have gotten to know the characters' stories a little better). Overall, though this was a fun read. Both of the characters had to come to the realization that sometimes first impressions can be wrong and everyone deserves a second chance.
I give these stories 4 out of 5 stars for their creative picnic ideas, the interesting characters, and the themes of faith and forgiveness.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Candlelight Sweethearts had an interesting storyline. The characters had very vivid descriptions and were both very shy and sweet, which made it an obstacle for them to overcome. The characters in this book really grow into themselves by the end of the story.
Reeling in Love was my favorite book in this collection, probably because I can see myself doing several of the things that the main character does. The story was well written, the scenes believable and it made me smile. I can totally see the situations presented happening in real life. Both the characters have struggled to overcome things and hurt feelings to mend, in the end, though they rely on God to help them muddle through.
Picnics and Prospects This was a fun mini mystery story! The characters played well off each other and I really enjoyed getting to know them (I do wish it could have been a longer story, just so I could have gotten to know the characters' stories a little better). Overall, though this was a fun read. Both of the characters had to come to the realization that sometimes first impressions can be wrong and everyone deserves a second chance.
I give these stories 4 out of 5 stars for their creative picnic ideas, the interesting characters, and the themes of faith and forgiveness.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Mornings On Horseback
Book
The National Book Award-winning biography that tells the story of how young Teddy Roosevelt...
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why in Books
Jan 6, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I first read this novel almost 7 years ago, I think. Maybe 8. Either way, it's been a decent amount of time since I last read this book and to be honest, I've been really nervous to revisit it. I know that there is a lot of controversy about it, and even more when it comes to the show, and ever since I first read the book, I've always been very protective of this story, these characters, this novel, all of it.
I find it incredibly amusing to read reviews of the show and the book of people that hate it and don't understand Hannah and think she just blamed everyone else and never took responsibility for her actions, and I partially understand. I can see why they think that but I think what makes this book so special and this story so special is how relatable it is. I think that unless you've been in Hannah's shoes, in her mindset, in that place than you can't understand. I think what people are most afraid to admit is that when someone dies by suicide, they do it for a culmination of reasons, and a lot of them are because of people - what they said, what they did or didn't do, what they say behind another person's back, etc. You hear stories in the news all the time about kids dying by suicide because they were bullied or because a bunch of people told them too, over and over and over again. People are mean and cruel and they do things that affect other people and it resonates. Each of the 13 people on her tapes all played a part. You can say she was blaming them or whatever you so please, but each of their actions created the circumstances for her to feel like she had nowhere else to go.
Again, I love this book. I love these characters, I love this plot, I love how real it is. I love the show, I love everything about it. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me. I'm sure there are people who vehemently protest this novel and its corresponding series, but I think this is a book that I will forever love, reread, and protect.
In a lot of ways, I am Hannah Baker. I think everyone is a little bit.
I find it incredibly amusing to read reviews of the show and the book of people that hate it and don't understand Hannah and think she just blamed everyone else and never took responsibility for her actions, and I partially understand. I can see why they think that but I think what makes this book so special and this story so special is how relatable it is. I think that unless you've been in Hannah's shoes, in her mindset, in that place than you can't understand. I think what people are most afraid to admit is that when someone dies by suicide, they do it for a culmination of reasons, and a lot of them are because of people - what they said, what they did or didn't do, what they say behind another person's back, etc. You hear stories in the news all the time about kids dying by suicide because they were bullied or because a bunch of people told them too, over and over and over again. People are mean and cruel and they do things that affect other people and it resonates. Each of the 13 people on her tapes all played a part. You can say she was blaming them or whatever you so please, but each of their actions created the circumstances for her to feel like she had nowhere else to go.
Again, I love this book. I love these characters, I love this plot, I love how real it is. I love the show, I love everything about it. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me. I'm sure there are people who vehemently protest this novel and its corresponding series, but I think this is a book that I will forever love, reread, and protect.
In a lot of ways, I am Hannah Baker. I think everyone is a little bit.
The DREAM, Kids Story Book & Learning To Read Time
Book and Education
App
The Dream is no ordinary kids story book. It's a magical book app where children can explore a new...