Hello Book Lovers!
I'm Yaritza from NY. I'm an avid reader who loves books and traveling to book events to meet authors. I find reading a great escape from reality and a way to expand my mind. Books mean so much to me that I will forever have an unlimited TBR list. Eight years ago, I opened a Facebook group where I could share my love of books with other readers, and I have made wonderful friends for life. The book community is so loving, charming, and caring. Books are a huge part of our lives and have a profound impact on each of us. My favorite genres are Mystery, Thriller, Romance, and Young Adult. My mission is to spread the love of books to all ages.
Let's turn the page together!
Barnyard Bully is about the importance of friendship and is told by the animals that live on a farm. It begins when a small horse named Jake arrives at the farm and turns to bullying to try and fit in. Through a course of events Jake finds himself in terrible danger and badly in need of friends. Barnyard Bully offers excitement, humor and insight into the daily lives of the barnyard buddies while teaching about friendship and lessons learned.
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Won this book from GoodReads. I really enjoyed this book of how a horse was a bully in a barnyard and later on found out that the way you treat someone will be the way you will be treated. He needed help, and no one wanted to help him for being a bully. It’s a great book to read to elementary children. It’s hard fitting in at school, work, and society at times. People who are lonely and have been mistreated will tend to be a bully because it’s there way of standing up for themselves and showing people that they are the leader, while oppressing all their fears and hurts. There have been a number of suicides in the past years because of people getting bullied at school. Kids and teenagers want to fit in and not look like an outcast. They want to be with the popular crew so that they are accepted. I love that Donna added references about the different animals. The cover really reflected the characters in the book. I recommend this book.
Nothing brings a family together like a murder next door.
A lighthearted whodunnit about a grandmother-mother-daughter trio of amateur sleuths. Gilmore Girls , but with murder.
High-powered businesswoman Lana Rubicon has a lot to be proud her keen intelligence, impeccable taste, and the L.A. real estate empire she’s built. But when she finds herself trapped 300 miles north of the city, convalescing in a sleepy coastal town with her adult daughter Beth and teenage granddaughter Jack, Lana is stuck counting otters instead of square footage—and hoping that boredom won’t kill her before the cancer does.
Then Jack—tiny in stature but fiercely independent—happens upon a dead body while kayaking. She quickly becomes a suspect in the homicide investigation, and the Rubicon women are thrown into chaos. Beth thinks Lana should focus on recovery, but Lana has a better idea. She’ll pull on her wig, find the true murderer, protect her family, and prove she still has power. With Jack and Beth’s help, Lana uncovers a web of lies, family vendettas, and land disputes lurking beneath the surface of a community populated by folksy conservationists and wealthy ranchers. But as their amateur snooping advances into ever-more dangerous territory, the headstrong Rubicon women must learn to do the one thing they’ve always depend on each other.
My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars
A murder mystery that will bring a family together to sleuth their way to finding the murderer. The trio of grandmother, mother, and daughter will work on their relationship while helping to clear Jack of any suspicion. Lana Rubicon, who is the grandmother in the story, is a strong woman you don’t want to mess with. She will push all the buttons to find the truth. Beth and Jack have developed a close bond as mother and daughter, living a life free from secrets. Sometimes, secrets need to be kept to help solve this murder.
After Jack and a group of tourists find a dead body, the Rubicon family will work together to find the killer. This story features strong female characters who develop a close bond through their shared experiences. For years, Lana and Beth have grown apart. Lana’s cancer diagnosis and the surrounding murder mystery brought them closer together, rebuilding their relationship. The story was slow, yet it left you wondering about multiple characters and trying to determine who the real killer was.
Author Biography
I write crime stories about strong women. My first novel, MOTHER-DAUGHTER MURDER NIGHT, is a New York Times bestselling mystery about a grandma, single mom, and teenage girl who come together to solve the murder of a naturalist who washes up in the Monterey Bay.
Writing has always been my joy. In college, I was an electrical engineering student by day and a slam poet by night. After a brief stint at NASA, I started designing interactive exhibits and eventually became a museum director. I wrote two books of nonfiction about creating participatory, relevant cultural institutions. Nonprofits were my “real” job; writing was on the side.
Then, my mom got sick. I quit my job to help care for her, and I found myself turning to fiction as a way to escape and find some pleasure during a hard time. My mom and I both always loved mysteries, and I decided to try to write one myself, with a detective/hero based on my mother. Now, my mom is doing better, and I’m gratefully spending my days reading, writing, and caring for my family.
A passionate journey through private emotional moments, Diana Raab’s Lust voices the pain of loneliness and the heart’s yearning for love while transcending the depths of human desire.
In her fourth book of poetry, Raab employs narrative verse that is alive, titillating, and seductive. Lust examines the emotional and physical complexity of love, helping readers navigate the risks of intimacy as we move toward the realization that every experience enriches our lives, whether we perceive it as joy, pain, or out of the ordinary. Yet for all their psychological richness, the poems’ simplicity and accessibility will resonate with women and men across all walks of life. Lust is a book you won’t put down and won’t soon forget.
My Review: Rated 5out of 5stars
Won this book from GoodReads. Wow, this book of poems really went deep into my soul. It brought me sadness, heat, excitement, love, and surrender. Diana really can put words together that make you feel like you’re in the book feeling all these passions and desires. We are sexual beings who lust for love and hope that love is given back. In our society now, real true love is hard to find. While reading this, I was hoping to find that same passion and want for that special someone. I highly recommend you read this book. Lust is out there. Just have to open your eyes and be willing to love and be loved.
Author Biography
Diana Raab, PhD is a memoirist, poet, essayist, thought-leader, and speaker. She presents workshops in writing for healing and transformation. She has a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in Transpersonal Psychology with a research focus on the healing and transformative powers of memoir writing. Her educational background also includes health administration, nursing, and creative writing.
She teaches two courses on “DailyOM: Write. Heal. Transform: A Magical Memoir Writing Course“ and “Therapeutic Writing.”
She’s an award-winning author of 13 books, and her articles and poems have been published and anthologized worldwide. She’s also the editor of two anthologies, “Writers on the Edge: 22 Writers Speak About Addiction and Dependency,” and “Writers and Their Notebooks.”
Raab’s memoirs include “Regina’s Closet: Finding My Grandmother’s Secret Journal” and “Healing With Words: A Writer’s Cancer Journey”. She has 5 poetry collections, including her latest, “An Imaginary Affair: Poems Whispered to Neruda”.
Her writing workshops and inspirational speaking engagements are based on her books “Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life” and “Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal”.
Raab’s latest memoir, “Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, a memoir with reflection and writing prompts” was released in January 2024.
She writes for Psychology Today, Thrive Global, Medium, The Wisdom Daily, Sixty And Me, The Good Men Project, and many others.
My friend Jennifer Schiano has created the cutest bread devil you will ever see. She needs our help to help support her Kickstart project for her book The Bread Devil’s Guife to Gluten Free.
Below is more content on this adorable book and the link to the Kickstart project. You have a choice to do a one-time pledge or choose to order the book or book packages.
Meet the Bread Devil! Your friendly neighborhood devil equipped with the expertise and quirk to bring awareness to Celiac disease.
You’re invited on an adventure to learn about the basics of Celiac disease and how to ease the challenges living a strict gluten-free lifestyle.
He may look a little scary but underneath the red cape and pointy horns, he’s just a silly, squishy soft piece of bread, here to help you on your celiac journey.
The Bread Devil provides practical tips for navigating daily life and expressing your needs, along with bite-sized facts about food safety, eating out and more.
Meet the Creator + Fellow Celiac
Hi, I’m Jen—a multidisciplinary artist, illustrator, and member of the gluten-free community. I was formally diagnosed with Celiac disease in my late 20s after navigating a lifetime of health troubles and autoimmune conditions without answers.
Getting diagnosed brought relief, but it also opened up a whole new world of challenges. From battling cross-contact at home to being excluded from celebrations, and constantly needing to explain that no, I can’t “just eat around it”—my journey has been one of trial, error, frustration, and deep learning.
That’s why I created The Bread Devil—a cheeky, misunderstood character born from my personal experience and artistic exploration. What started as a doodle to cope with the pain of being “glutened” turned into a character that resonated deeply with others in the Celiac and gluten-free communities. From educational illustrations to pins, stickers, and a plushie, the Bread Devil has taken on a life of his own.
Now, I’m bringing him to the page in a fully illustrated children’s book: The Bread Devil’s Guide to Gluten Free — a heartfelt, humorous, and educational story that helps kids (and grown-ups) understand the complexities of living with Celiac disease.
This book is designed to: Empower children newly diagnosed with Celiac to feel seen and supported Educate friends, family, and the public about the realities of cross-contact, and how to avoid them Replace shame and isolation with humor, understanding, and advocacy I’ve poured my heart into writing and illustrating this story. The manuscript is complete, and most of the artwork is done—I just need your help to bring it to life.
Danny the Wizard Lizard goes on a fly-free diet as he sets out to prove that he is not like all the other lizards. During their quest for friendship, Danny the Wizard Lizard and Bli the Fly encounter the Lousy Lizard Gang, a no-good group of bullies. Danny the Wizard Lizard gives the first glimpse into why he is a Wizard Lizard by exhibiting special powers to stop the bullying that goes on at the movie theater. Witnessing his heroic act, Bli the Fly’s mother, Mrs. Fly, realizes that she misjudged this lizard, and Bli the Fly gets her first lesson in giving second chances.
Don’t Judge a Lizard by His Scales, Book One in The Principle Gang series by Dr. Dan and Bli Dugi, delivers lessons in anti-bullying, prejudice, and the value of friendships. The Principle Gang series introduces the foundational principles that guide families, relationships, and communities.
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Won this book from GoodReads. This book is just the cutest. Little kids learn not to judge a person by appearance. That bullying is not tolerated and to stand up for yourself and others. It also let us see that even though someone was a bully or not nice to you, you can forgive and set an example of helping them when they are in need. It’s definitely a book you want to pick up for your kids. It sets great example and lead them into understanding and not becoming a bully to someone else.
Twin Princes of Mirraccino duet: Book 1 – A Princess by Christmas (Prince Alexandro & Reese) Book 2 – The Prince’s Christmas Vow (Prince Demetrius & Zoe)
A royal kiss under the mistletoe
Prince Alexandro Castanovo arrives in snowy New York intent on protecting his royal family from scandal. And when Reese Harding—down-to-earth and heart-stoppingly beautiful—finds room for him at her inn, it seems like the perfect twist of fate.
Not long ago Reese’s world came crumbling down, shaking her foundations. But this enigmatic stranger intrigues her! She’s learned to be wary of secrets…but when she discovers Alex’s true identity, might there be enough magic in the air to make this regular American girl a princess by Christmas…?
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I am so happy I was picked to be a reviewer for this amazing book. After I finished this book, I got all teary-eyed because I was so happy that Alexandro and Reese found true love. I was so happy that Jennifer used How The Grinch Stole Christmas in order to show Alexandro that there is more to life than just worrying about his royal duties. That is my favorite Christmas book. The whole entire plot of this book was just perfect. I loved all the plot twists coming from both families. It shows that no one is perfect even if you have everything you are looking for. The cover of the book is beautiful and depicts both characters.I loved that I was able to picture being at Marraccino, with that beautiful beach, garden, and castle. I love holiday books because they bring family together. You definitely need to pick this book up. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for giving me a chance to be part of your royal romance.
Author Biography
Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. With more than a million books sold, she is internationally published with books translated into more than a dozen languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards. Now living her dream, she resides with her very patient husband and two spoiled cats. When she’s not plotting out her next romance, you can find her curled up with a mug of tea and a book.
January 1942. The Avallon Hotel & Spa has always offered elegant luxury in the wilds of West Virginia, its mountain sweetwater washing away all of high society’s troubles.
Local girl-turned-general manager June Porter Hudson has guided the Avallon skillfully through the first pangs of war. The Gilfoyles, the hotel’s aristocratic owners, have trained her well. But when the family heir makes a secret deal with the State Department to fill the hotel with captured Axis diplomats, June must persuade her staff—many of whom have sons and husbands heading to the front lines—to offer luxury to Nazis. With a smile.
Meanwhile FBI Agent Tucker Minnick, whose coal tattoo hints at an Appalachian past, presses his ears to the hotel’s walls, listening for the diplomats’ secrets. He has one of his own, which is how he knows that June’s balancing act can have dangerous consequences: the sweetwater beneath the hotel can threaten as well as heal.
June has never met a guest she couldn’t delight, but the diplomats are different. Without firing a single shot, they have brought the war directly to her. As clashing loyalties crack the Avallon’s polished veneer, June must calculate the true cost of luxury.
My Review: Rated 2 out of 5 stars
The Listeners fell short of keeping my attention. It was slow and confusing. I read this book because it was part of the Barnes & Noble book club. I was excited to read this book because it took place during WWII and in a luxury hotel. Maggie added historical details and described the hotel in a way that allows readers to picture the hotel. The magical realism of the Sweetwater made the story come alive. The hotel was not just glorious, but it was alive. Every corner of the hotel seemed to listen and wait to create chaos if given the opportunity.
June Porter Hudson was a strong female character who ran the hotel smoothly and kept the Sweetwater at bay. The Sweetwater was a threat to all but also could heal. The story included romance, an unexpected group of diplomats being observed by the FBI during their hotel stay, and an interesting little girl who needed protection. The ending was interesting, but I wish the story grasped my attention.
Author Biography
New York Times bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy, The Raven Cycle, and The Scorpio Races. Artist. Driver of things with wheels. Avid reader.
Maggie Stiefvater plays several musical instruments (most infamously, the bagpipes) and makes art in several media (most generally, colored pencils).
She lives in Virginia with her husband, their two children, many dogs, a bunch of fainting goats, and an irascible tuner car.
This delightful little book provides the ideal pause for contemplating the special qualities and values of Yosemite National Park, as well as other parks and wilderness. Each dazzling full-color photograph, many of them new for this tenth anniversary edition, is paired with an original quote or newly selected classic quote about nature, the environment, or America’s national parks. Includes a new foreword by former Yosemite National Park superintendent Mike Tollefson and the insights of writers, scientists, poets, and leaders such David Brower Gary Snyder Rachel Carson Bernard Devoto John Muir Albert Einstein Diane Ackerman Terry Tempest Williams Edward Abbey Franklin D. Roosevelt Fyodor Dostoevsky Cedric Wright Marcel Proust Shelton Johnson Julia Parker Pete Hamill Sir John Lubbock Dayton Duncan Robinson Jeffers Margaret Eissler Wallace Stegner Ralph Waldo Emerson Henry David Thoreau Baba Dioum Margaret Murie Rainer Maria Rilke
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Won this book from GoodReads. This book was amazing. The images are so captivating and peaceful. Yosemite is magical. There is no place like it. Michael did an exceptional job capturing such vivid images. There is one image that was so captivating to me. The image with the spotted owlets, if you look closely, it seems like an image of a woman next to the tree. I’m not sure if I am the only one to see it. Each image was accompanied by an inspirational quote that closely resembles the image. I hope that someday I will be able to visit Yosemite and be sucked into its beauty and magic. I was so happy to have received such an amazing book. Thanks so much for making this book. I recommend you pick this book up.
Photographer Biography
I’m a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature.
I live in Mariposa, California, just outside Yosemite National Park with my wife Claudia (our son Kevin is just out of college), and have lived either in or near Yosemite since 1983.
I thoroughly enjoy teaching photography, sharing what I’ve learned over the years, and helping others express their photographic vision.
Bianca Wallace has finally found her rhythm—her business is booming, her daughter is back home, and Detective Lamar Sims might just be ready to take the next step. But when the police receive a chilling set of photos—images of a murdered woman—her sense of security vanishes. The victim? Alana Rivera, a former college friend Bianca never expected to see again… especially not like this.
The investigation leads straight to SoulSync, the hottest dating app, promising love but delivering something far more sinister. As Detective Sims peels back layers of deception, Bianca is drawn deeper into a deadly web of secrets, lies, and betrayal. Someone is watching. Someone is waiting. And if Bianca gets too close to the truth—she’ll be next.
Murder isn’t a game, but someone is playing to win. If you love gripping cozy mysteries with twists that keep you guessing, A Criminal’s Game is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of small-town secrets and amateur sleuths!
Daria has lived in Texas for most of her life. She never liked reading as a kid. In fact, she almost hated it. However, as she grew up that all changed. Though she received her degree in healthcare management, Daria kept her writing as a hobby. She meant it to be private and her own way of expressing herself. It never crossed her mind to publish until she was in college. So, she took a chance and self published. It worked! Starting off as a sweet romance writer first, Daria branched out in 2020 with books in cozy mystery and Christian fiction. She even has nonfiction titles in the works, reflecting her Christian faith and work in ministry. She currently lives in New York with her husband.
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