Book Review, Books and Reading

Book Stats of 2023- 4 Star Books

Hello everyone,

As I sit here working on this post, it is pouring outside. We are in the midst of a rainstorm that is said to last all day. This is one whacky December, for sure. But enough about the weather, we are here for the books! The books I will be sharing today are the ones I really, really enjoyed. The ones I recommend to my reading buddies, and that includes you.

“Thumbelina” by Hans Christian Anderson was such a sweet tale. I bought the complete works of Hans Christian Anderson and have been slowly making my way through the fairytales. I loved this story of the little girl no bigger than your thumb. A definite recommend to fairytale fans.

A fun laugh out loud rom-com.

Oh, what fun this was to read. This misunderstanding between Henry and Edith causes quite the interesting, humorous, comments. Once they realize their mistakes and things progress from there the entertainment does not stop. Scones, Epi-Pen.. just to name a few (you have to read the book to figure those out.). And the friendship between Henry and his physical therapist was great, loved the sass. I am so glad I picked up this book.

Ms. Eason has done it again. I could hardly put the book down, it pulled me in so tight. The action and high-intensity never stopped. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. Grace does a great job at her work, as does Sam. There is history between them that makes things awkward for them for a while but they push it aside for the sake of the job. But don’t let that fool you, they make sure to take time to reevaluate their relationship. This is a heart-pounding action suspense that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is Book Three of the “Extreme Measures” series and I recommend reading them in order.

These fairy books are adorable. The illustrations are lovely and I find the entire series to be comfort reads. They are a series (each book set in the four seasons) I reread to match the season we are currently in.

I love reading Becky Wade novels and this was no disappointment. I loved the relationship between Ty and Celia, and their daughter was such a cutie. She was well-written, I easily pictured a young one. I am a fan of second chance romances and this one was a delight.

This story closes out the Porter family series and one thing I love about Becky Wade’s writing is that I feel like part of the family. I feel what the characters are feeling. I laughed with them, I hurt with them. I rejoiced with the Porters. The story was sweet and real and a keeper. Ms. Wade continues to prove why she is an auto-buy for me.

This story kept my attention. There was drama and action at every turn. Lynn Blackburn also adds a mystery to the daily events- as if there was not enough going on! To the very end I was guessing who the perpetrator was. The relationships between Zane, Tessa, and their friends was remarkable, the best kind of friends to have. Ms. Blackburn did a great job. I am looking forward to reading more from her.

Do I still believe in fairies? Yes. Yes, I do. *Clapping my hands*

Elizabeth Goddard is becoming a favorite author of mine. I like her writing style, how it captures my attention and keeps it. Her attention to detail is well thought out. I enjoyed the characters, they felt real. I also felt like I was right there in Alaska with Autumn and Grier. This is book one in Ms. Goddard’s new series, “Missing in Alaska”. I am looking forward to reading the other books.

This is the first of Becky Wade’s new series- “Sons of Scandal”, and I was all for it. Everything from the cover design to the story inside. It was an adventure I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the banter between Remy and “Jonah”, as she called him. Their dynamics were great. How each of their stories unfolded not only filled in puzzle pieces but showed yet again how talented Becky Wade is. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I have never been interested in graphic novels but when I saw this one I thought, why not give it a try. I am so glad I did. The illustrations are so beautiful and the storyline sticks to the true novel plot well. I definitely recommend this.

The beach, a book box, a struggling novelist, and a mystery? Yes please. Add in a love story and we have a winner. Denise Hunter continues to delight me.

This is a book I recommend for anyone with young girls in their lives. A beautiful book. Express who you are!

This is book one in the “Defend and Protect” series and I read the complete trilogy this year, I enjoyed it so much. Lynn Blackburn is on my radar. I enjoy her plots, the action and suspense, and the relationships within her characters.

This is an action-packed story. From the beginning it had my attention and held it all the way through. There is a mix of mystery, action, and romance. A little bit of everything I like. Her style of writing drew me in and her characters felt real. An exciting read indeed!

I received this book in my Literary Book Club box (a seasonal subscription I am really enjoying!). This painted edition is absolutely beautiful. And, of course, the story itself, indeed a classic. Four sisters navigating life during the 1800’s. School, friends, work, family, limes…. I am here for it.

This book brings the “Extreme Measures” series to an end, and what an ending it was! Edge of your seat, stay up late, non-stop action. This series follows a group of friends and this specific book focuses on Raina, a girl with a tough history. Ms. Eason wrote her story so well it felt real. I admired Raina’s determination. A definite add to my collection.

This is a dual-timeline story revolved around Foxglove Manor, a stone house set upon cliffs. In modern times, it has been turned into a senior living facility and there are rumors of a hidden treasure. I am a big fan of dual-timelines and Ms. Wright does it very well. The mystery good and as always, Ms. Wright continues to be a favorite author of mine. What she writes is not what you expect it to be….

I am becoming a fan of mysteries set in Alaska. There is something raw and edgy about the setting that draws me in. Ms. Goddard does this very well, I think. There are locations with no communication to the “outside world”, the unpredictable weather patterns, and, of course, the story itself. A mystery that kept me engaged until the very end. I am looking forward to Book Three.

This is book three in the “Redwall” series and I am having more fun with it than I expected. I love reading stories with animals as the main characters. It must be the Disney girl in me, lol. I like reading about the relationships between the different animals and how they interact with one another, how they care for each other or defend their families. This is a series I will continue on into the next year.

So ends my long list of 4 star reads of 2023. I hope you found some that interests you, perhaps to add to your TBR stack. What books did you really enjoy this year? I would like to hear about them.

Happy Reading,

Kymberli

Book Review, Books and Reading

“Shadows at Dusk” by Elizabeth Goddard

Detective Trevor West desperately wants to know what happened to his sister who disappeared in Alaska over a year ago. He hires experienced bush pilot Carrie James, hoping she can help him. She, however, has her own agenda- She will help Trevor find his sister if he helps her track down her friend’s killer.

I am becoming a fan of mysteries set in Alaska. There is something raw and edgy about the setting that draws me in. Ms. Goddard does this very well, I think. There are locations with no communication to the “outside world”, the unpredictable weather patterns, and, of course, the story itself. A mystery that kept me engaged until the very end. I am looking forward to Book Three.

*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*

Book Review, Books and Reading

“Cold Light of Day” by Elizabeth Goddard

Life in Police Chief Autumn Long’s quiet Alaskan town turns upside down when an officer is wounded and a strong of murders occur. She finds help in new-comer Grier Brenner, but senses he has secrets of his own. Secrets that could prove to be deadly.

Elizabeth Goddard is becoming a favorite author of mine. I like her writing style, how it captures my attention and keeps it. Her attention to detail is well thought out. I enjoyed the characters, they felt real. I also felt like I was right there in Alaska with Autumn and Grier. This is book one in Ms. Goddard’s new series, “Missing in Alaska”. I am looking forward to reading the other books.

*I received this book free from Revell in exchange for my honest review. What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*