Jak Barley Private Inquisitor and the Case of the Dark Lords Conspiracy by Dan Ehl

      Jak Barley has recently gained success as an Inquisitor and he's fully enjoying it.  He'd waited a long time to be recognized for his talents but he figured now he could lay low for awhile. It was not to be the case. Someone contacted his office and asked to meet him to discuss a new mission.  Jak, his half brother Olmsted and one other friend met with Wizard Beammond.  The newest mission involved the Dark Lords locating items to help them take over the world. Jak hated quests. Would he take this one?

     This book is full of imagery, magic and humor.  It is very well written and the characters are fun to read about.  I enjoyed the fact, not everyone was perfect and the way they sort of stumbled onto information.  It's an unlikely alliance between an Inquisitor, a witch, an Alchemist and many others. You wouldn't expect this and you can see why it may not work for them. I liked learning about the quirks of these people as well. Made them less scary. 

     I found no issues.

     I gave this one a four out of 5 cheers because it's not something I would normally read.

Where Lemons Bloom by B

      Eve spent the last few years caring for her father. When he passed away, she knew she needed a fresh outlook on life.  Eve lost weight and bought herself some new clothes but she still felt a little lost.  Her sister and brother-in-law told her to take a vacation. Go have some fun. So, that is exactly what she did. She'd spent overnight in Barbados and then board a ship for Lisbon.  Eve's plans from there on went a little haywire.  The rhythm of her life would change forever.
     Adamo de Leone was enjoying the beach and wondering where life would take him next.  He was headed home to Italy.  One thing he knew for sure, he wasn't ready for another woman to enter his life.  Could he stand by that thought?

     This unique story is one everyone should read.  It's well written and the characters are fully defined.  It was one I enjoyed because we all want love.  We want to know we "fit" with someone and somewhere.  I was delighted that this book didn't take the normal romance route. It gave you more of everything. More fun, more romance, and more acceptance.  You'll find this an easy read but it will leave your heart bursting with happiness. I also enjoyed the locations in this book. Not something you see in others.  This book should be part of your library.  It's a book you'll read and re-read for years to come. The perfect all weather book.

     I found no issues.

     I gave this book 5 cheers out of 5 because it stays with you long after you've finished it.

      
   

Taming Lo by Melissa Toppen

     Lo lives by her own rules and those that don't like, well tough.  She's wild and impulsive. Sweet and caring.  She also works as a dancer at Allure. One of most prestigious underground clubs.  Everyone thought they knew best for her, but did they really know Lo?  They'll all find out when her past comes calling.  
     Dax doesn't do close. He doesn't let any woman in. His rules of life are firm, sorta. His temperature rises each time he gets near Lo. She is so hot, he just wants to kiss her once. Wait, Dax, slow down. Think of your rules.  What a dilemma.  

     This story just flows from the first page. Ms. Toppen knows just how to keep a series interesting and how to keep your attention.  HOT and sensual, this book will engage all of your senses.  The sexual feelings consumed them. Then love spreads like wildfire.  I could understand what happened to Lo to make her the way she is. I can also  see why Dax came up with his rules. Perfect for adding a little heat to your life!  You have to get this book.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave them 5 cheers out of 5 because we all have things in our past we don't want to share. 

Manhattan Madness by A. R. Alan

     Matilda comes from a poor family in Arkansas. Her dream was to just get away from the family. She ended up on a bus to New York City.  She was excited but also a little scared. Lucky for her she met Olivia.  Olivia's story was similar to Mat's but she has an older sister already living in the city.  Matilda hadn't planned too much.  She knew she wanted to paint portraits and study in Paris.  Olivia didn't have that much worked out. As the bus pulls into the terminal, both girls leave the bus and start on their next journey.  The next journey? Finding Olivia's older sister's apartment.  From there anything is possible.

      This book is one you'll get lost in quickly. In a good way. I enjoyed the well written story and the characters who were well defined. I can imagine two girls going through these situations. It brought back my first time in leaving the nest. The story is unique in many ways but I won't give too much away.  I know I can't wait to read more by this author. She hooked me from the first paragraph and I know you'll enjoy it also.   It's a light read that will really make you think. 

     I found no issues with this one.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it really does happen to some people.

Jivin' Tango by Connie L. Smith

     Thomas Jefferson High School never had a better dance team than Lila and Trent. Best friends since forever, they were like one well oiled machine.  Dance is the reason Lila stayed in Colorado when her parents moved to Arizona.  She was staying with family friends until she graduated from high school.  Lila had no way of knowing her sophomore year was going to be one of change.  Question is, can she keep up with the changes?

     This book involves several lessons many women need to learn.  It's also a well written love story.  The characters are relate-able and fun.  The energy is palpable. I could feel Lila's determination and love of dance.  Ms. Smith gives us a front row seat to events pretty common in the high school world.  You'll enjoy being right there cheering Lila and Trent on as they dance.  The realization of heartbreak and relationship problems are made clear in this one.  Grab your copy and let me know what you think.

     I didn't find any issues.

     I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because I think the life lessons are important ones. 

Transcending Queen by S.K. Thomas

     Melissa is still trying to come to grips with the death of her husband. It was shocking and violent.  Jack, her friend, asks her to help him with a case.              There is a priest who isn't who he says he is. Jack and Melissa use the fact she'd just lost her husband as their "in".  She needed counselling.  Things seldom go as planned.  No one expected her to fall in love with the questionable priest.  The next question is, can she still do her job effectively? 

     This story is a good one, it just needs a little help.  I applaud Melissa. She's trying to deal with her personal issues and work a case. It is difficult at best.  The lessons herein, whether she can remain on the side of law and order, or will she protect her priest. I felt her pain and her joy. It's a very quick read.  

     I did find issues.  Conversations need to be made easier to read. Start a new paragraph for each person talking. It makes it hard to follow the way they are now. It also needs to show more clearly Father Clayton's misdeeds.  

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because the story is a good one. 

COMING SOON FROM: PAUL M. KRAMER

     Dottie is three now and it's time to start potty training.  Daddy bought her a brand new, red and white potty. They explain number one is potty.  Number two is poop or doo doo. Dottie seems to get the hang of potty pretty quickly but is scared to try number two in her new potty.  Mommy and Daddy decide to let her sit on her potty for five or ten minutes, several times a day.  They found allowing Dotty to watch Mommy was helpful too.

     This is a great help book for parents. It's never easy to potty train every child. As a mother of 3 and Aunt to 12, I know first hand how different they can be.  You'll like how easy this book to share with your child. It's one you'll want as part of your parenting section of your library.  

     The only issue I had was when Dottie got scared to poop in her potty. I think I would have handled it differently. Removing all fear.

     I gave this one 4 out of 5 because of the fear portrayed inside.







GRANDMA WENT TO HEAVEN 

       Grandma joins Grandpa in heaven. We love and miss Grandma very much. She was our best friend, best secret keeper and she always had a special smell.  We needed each other. Grandma knew all my favorite foods  and stayed with me when Mom and Dad went out or away.

     I love this book! What a wonderful way to keep Grandma alive.  Having lost one grandma before I was 2 and another in my 40's, I know how it can affect littles. This book has a beautiful poem in the back. It should be framed and posted on the child's wall. This is another great addition to any library.  

     No issues with this one.

      I gave this book five cheers out of 5.




Thumb Suckers

      Would you suck on a carrot or a plum? Then why suck on your thumb? Germs are on your thumb and then get into your tummy. Suck on a flower. Does your thumb taste good?  

     This book is cute and will help some, but don't expect a lot from it.  I have two younger sisters, both who sucked their thumbs. My mother tried everything. Now in their 40's at times they still suck them. *smile*  This is not an easy thing for parents to deal with. I had one child who used a binky (pacifier) for her first 1 1/2 of life. The other two couldn't be tempted with either.  Still your kids will begin to get the idea with this book.

    I found no issues.

    I gave this one four cheers out of five because it's adorable.