Review: A Princess by Christmas by Jennifer Faye

Goodreads Blurb

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.

Review: The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

Goodreads Blurb

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.

Review: Yosemite Meditations by Photographer Michael Frye

Goodreads Blurb

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.

Cover Reveal: A Criminal’s Game by Daria White

BOOK DETAILS:

A Criminal’s Game

by Daria White

(A Bianca Wallace Mystery, #5)

Publication date: August 5, 2025

Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

Love is just a swipe away… until it turns deadly.

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!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237420683-a-criminal-s-game

Pre-order: https://amzn.to/44DLwfz

AUTHOR BIO:

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.

Author links:

https://www.dariawhite.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dariavips

https://www.instagram.com/dariawhite90/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7751720.Daria_White

Review: A Case In Candy Land by Michelle McBeth

Goodreads Blurb

Henry, his twin sister Holly and their friends live in Sleuthville. On the most boring day in history, they become the first ever kid sleuth team. Traveling through the Hall of Travels brings them to their first case. A case in Candy Land. Do they have what it takes for success? Can they do what no other kid has done before? Come join the fun on this Hall of Travels adventure.

This Edition is no longer in Print.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this cute book from GoodReads.I loved this book because it reminds me of Candyland the board game. Let’s not forget candy is my favorite entree day and night. Just keep that between me and you. The illustrations in this book complemented the story. Would really love to see the next book to have the images in color it would make it easier for the young readers to really see the images in their true colors. I really enjoy that these young kids develop a strategy to accomplish something they wanted to do. That helping someone find something that is very dear to them is very important. This is just a perfect book for young children, and they will enjoy the land of candy.

Author Biography

Books that have influenced me the most as a child were Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, and Little House on the Prairie. I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen. I love reading children’s picture books as well as any novels that have pictures as an integral feature (such as Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children). I love well-written Regency Romance and mysteries. I love just about anything that has a hint of romance and a happy ending!

Review: Cookie Meets Peanut by Bethenny Frankel

Goodreads Blurb

From self-made businesswoman and mom Bethenny a story inspired by her own life about two siblings–a new baby and one diva dog. Cookie the dog is Mommy’s Furry Baby and everything is just the way Cookie likes it…until one day when Mommy comes home with a real baby! Little “Peanut” is suddenly getting all the attention, and Cookie gets left behind. As Peanut gets older, and walks and talks, Cookie is forced to make room in her doggy life for the little girl. After throwing Mommy a tea party, Cookie and Peanut realize they can have a lot of fun together. Cookie is a furry big sister now!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is such a cute book. Love the illustrations and that Bethenny added skinny margarita advertisement. I got to meet Bethenny and Cookie, and it was so much fun. She read the book to everyone there. Cookie is just the cutest, and Bethenny is such a nice and fun person. You should pick this book up. Your kids will love it.

Author Biography

Bethenny Frankel is the four-time bestselling author of Skinnydipping, A Place of Yes, Naturally Thin, and The Skinnygirl Dish. She is the creator of the Skinnygirl brand—which extends to cocktails, fitness, and health—and in 2013 she will take the stage as the host of her own talk show, “bethenny”. She has been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Celebrities by Forbes magazine and is regularly featured in both Health magazine and Glamour. She is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts. Bethenny lives in New York with her daughter, Bryn, and dog, Cookie. Visit http://www.bethenny.com.

Review: Pitch Black Dark: A Short Story by Steven K. Smith

Goodreads Blurb

Are you afraid of the dark? Not the regular dark. The pitch black dark. Yes? Well so is nine-year-old Harry when his older brother Randy locks him alone in the dark basement. Oh, and did I mention the fire-breathing furnace? But that isn’t the end. Harry vows to get even and teach his older brother a lesson that he will never forget. Pitch Black Dark is a fun, light-hearted, (only a tiny bit scary) short story that late elementary and early middle school age kids will love.

Also by Steven K.

The Virginia Mysteries – Adventures with a twist of history
Book 1 – Summer of the Woods
Book 2 – Mystery on Church Hill
Book 3 – Ghosts of Belle Isle
Book 4 – Secret of the Staircase
Book 5 – Midnight at the Mansion

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. I could relate to this book. I had a creepy basement just like the one discussed in this book, and I know how it feels when someone turns the lights off while you’re in that creepy space. I am scared of the dark and totally understand the fear you get and how your imagination tries to make out figures in the dark. Randy was such a bully, and he deserved the fear he got. Sometimes you have to put people in their place. I bet he learned his lesson. Great short book to teach kids not to be bullies, that what comes around goes around.

Author Biography

Won this book from GoodReads. I could related to this book. I had a creepy basement just like the one discussed in this book and I know how it feels when someone turns the lights off while your in that creepy space. I am scared of the dark and totally understand the fear you get and how your imagination tries to make-out figures in the dark. Randy was such a bully and he deserved the fear he got. Sometimes you have to put people in there place. I bet he learned his lesson. Great short book to teach kids not to be bullies that what comes around goes around.

Review: Mistletoe in Maine by Ginny Baird

Goodreads Blurb

MISTLETOE IN MAINE (Holiday Brides Book 3)
A single mom takes her kids on vacation in Maine and meets a handsome innkeeper, a young widower with a teenage son.
A winter wonderland love story about faith and new beginnings.

MISTLETOE IN MAINE
A third bestselling Holiday Brides novella on Kindle!
#1 Hot New Release in Single Women Fiction
A Bestseller in Humor (Top 10)
A Bestseller in Single Women Fiction (Top 10)
A Bestseller in Contemporary Romance (Top 100)

MISTLETOE IN MAINE
Believe in magic…

Single mom Carol Baker has the goal of providing an old-fashioned, white Christmas for her two kids. She’s been divorced and the kids’ dad, sadly, hasn’t been the most attentive father. So, Carol takes her crew to New England, hoping for a happy holiday and a chance to make her small nuclear family feel whole. Little does she know that a series of mishaps and adventures will land her in the handsome innkeeper’s arms, and cause her to rethink the meaning of faith.

With his only child headed to college, innkeeper Paul Love plans to sell his establishment and take an early retirement in Montreal, where he can live out the solitary life of a bachelor. Though his son and mom have other plans, including a surprise visit from Paul’s old high school sweetheart, Beth. But it’s hard to focus on Beth, when an offbeat brunette from Virginia captures his imagination. After so much time alone, can Paul open himself up to a little Christmas magic? What’s more, can he convince Carol to believe, as well?

A sweet, traditional PG-rated romantic comedy.
Standard novella-length, approximately 25,000 words.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was a short story but very romantic. Love that both adults were able to find love again. It’s tough to raise kids all on your own and try to make them happy. I love that both characters were Beatles fans. I love the Beatles. It was wonderful that she decided to choose Maine to vacation and found wonderful adventures.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ginny Baird writes heartwarming contemporary stories filled with love, laughter, and happily ever afters. Visit her website to learn more about Ginny and her books. http://www.ginnybairdromance.com

Review: Magic Circles: The Wonders of My Pond by Cindy Mock

Goodreads Blurb

A young girl’s creativity merges with her natural surroundings as she encounters real and imaginary pond dwellers in MAGIC CIRCLES by Massachusetts native, Cindy Mock. As the days and seasons pass, our serene and visionary protagonist observes the changes in her backyard pond while also creating intrigue by introducing imaginary creatures and scenarios. It’s a truly delightful tale, brought vibrantly to life by the expressive watercolor illustrations of Heekyung Hur. “On the pond in my backyard, the lily pads are surfacing. It is getting warmer outside. Sunfish are making their white, round nests in the muck. Spring ducklings are hatching.”

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. It was the cutest book ever. Loved that it took place at a pond with ducks, fishes, and thoughts of being a mermaid surrounded by turtles. There are a few ponds by my house that I love to go walk and take pictures of all the birds, turtles, and water lilies. It just feels like home. It’s peaceful seeing all the animals and fishes giving life to a pond that you could go and find peace in. The book cover was lovely, and so were the illustrations. Perfect book to read to children, especially if they love the out doors and have an imagination. I love that the story went through the different seasons, and the changes really made the pond seem more magical.

Author Biography

Cindy Mock grew up near Cape Cod and lives in the area now with her husband and three girls, as well as a beagle and pomeranian. Growing up, Colors, her cat, was her faithful companion as they explored their surroundings together. The house where she grew up has remained in the family, so she still visits the family pond, taking her children to fish and skate there. Ms. Mock enjoys swimming and tennis.

Review: Maya & Filippo Visit a Glacier by Alinka Rutkowska

Goodreads Blurb

Embark on an exciting adventure with Maya and Filippo as they travel around the globe on board the Fun Princess, a cruise ship full of surprises. Discover their fascinating ports of call, join them in activities at sea and explore the remarkable world they create for themselves through their thoughts and feelings.

The ship takes the kids to Juneau. Maya and Filippo see Mendenhall Glacier and learn about melting ice, bears, fish and flowers. They discover how feeling grateful brings wonderful things into their lives and they are in for a big surprise!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Totally loved this book. I read the book to my boyfriend as I was reading it myself for the first time. Loved the illustrations they made me laugh. The bear and crab were waving. The dolphin was clapping in the water. It was educational, and I learned a lot from this book. You get to learn that koalas aren’t bears and don’t really drink because of the plants they eat. Bears in Alaska hibernate all winter. Excellent book for children. Thanks for letting me read your book.