Review: The Diamond Looking Glass: Cleopatra’s Legacy Book 3 by Dorine White

Goodreads Blurb

Beauty and the Beast.

The world knows it as a cartoon with dancing teacups and broomsticks. To twelve year old Claire La Fleur, it is family history, and the power behind Belle’s mirror is real. Every ten years her family gathers to see if the mirror will awaken, and for the last two hundred years it has slept.

This time, Claire’s touch awakens the magic within the diamond looking glass, a direct portal to the past and a way to communicate with Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt. The lure of power brings with it many perils, and a betrayal close to home thrusts Claire into a treacherous underworld. To protect the mirror, she travels into the Louvre museum in the dark of night, searches abandoned subway tunnels, and walks the catacombs of the dead.

Welcome to Paris, France – where danger follows in every step.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

This was such a great adventure taking place in my favorite city, Paris. I loved the fun and interactive plot. It was great to see that the mirror would only choose one person, and they would interact with Cleopatra. It was filled with mystery, kidnaps, and spies. It is a quick read.

Goodreads Author Biography

Hi, my name is Dorine White and I love books, reading and writing them. I am the author of several middle grade and YA fantasy novels including The Awakening and The Cleopatra’s Legacy Series. I am a member of the SCBWI, ANWA, LDS Storymakers and the PNWA. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Humanities.

Review: The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

Goodreads Blurb

A story of scorned witches, sinister curses, and resurrection, The Bone Witch is the start of a dark fantasy trilogy.

When Tea accidentally resurrects her brother, Fox, from the dead, she learns she is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy means that she’s a bone witch, a title that makes her feared and ostracized by her community. But Tea finds solace and guidance with an older, wiser bone witch, who takes Tea and her brother to another land for training.

In her new home, Tea puts all her energy into becoming an asha—one who can wield elemental magic. But dark forces are approaching quickly, and in the face of danger, Tea will have to overcome her obstacles…and make a powerful choice.

The Bone Witch Trilogy:

The Bone Witch (Book 1)

The Heart Forger (Book 2)

The Shadowglass (Book 3)

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I loved the beginning of this book and was thrilled to read but wasn’t amazed at how the story formed throughout the book. It had a great plot, and you get to learn the back story of what happened to Tea. It had a magic and creepy monster who needed to be awakened by dark Asha in order to kill the creature before they attacked the human. I felt like it lagged a little. It resembled a little to Memoirs of a Geisha, which made it fun to see Tea transformation to an Asha.

Review: Beauty of the Beast by Rachel L. Demeter

Goodreads Blurb

A BEAST LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF HIS PAST

Reclusive and severely scarred Prince Adam Delacroix has remained hidden inside a secluded, decrepit castle ever since he witnessed his family’s brutal massacre. Cloaked in shadow, with only the lamentations of past ghosts for company, he has abandoned all hope, allowing the world to believe he died on that tragic eve twenty-five years ago.

A BEAUTY IN PURSUIT OF A BETTER FUTURE

Caught in a fierce snowstorm, beautiful and strong-willed Isabelle Rose seeks shelter at a castle—unaware that its beastly and disfigured master is much more than he appears to be. When he imprisons her gravely ill and blind father, she bravely offers herself in his place.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Stripped of his emotional defenses, Adam’s humanity reawakens as he encounters a kindred soul in Isabelle. Together they will wade through darkness and discover beauty and passion in the most unlikely of places. But when a monster from Isabelle’s former life threatens their new love, Demrov’s forgotten prince must emerge from his shadows and face the world once more…

Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty of the Beast brings a familiar and well-loved fairy tale to life with a rich setting in the kingdom of Demrov and a captivating, Gothic voice.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Love over come’s all!! This was one the best retelling of Beauty and the Beast. This was the first book I had read from Rachel, and I just couldn’t put it down. It was a dark retelling that filled my heart with sadness, strength, love, perseverance, and loyalty. Adam and Isabelle were totally made for each other. Adam was badly scarred from his past and was viewed as the beast because of his disfigurement while having a beast of a dog as his companion. Isabelle was filled with hurt and worry but together took down Adam’s fear of the past and brought happiness to each other. Rachel is a true storyteller who grasps the reader attention by her intense moments of fright and helplessness to some hot, intense lovemaking. I highly recommend this book with Prince Adam and Isabelle true love story.

Goodreads Author Biography

I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I’d narrate stories to my mom and she’d record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

I’m passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

My dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through my words.♥

Review: Just Call Me Goody-Two-Shoes by Julie Gorges

Goodreads Blurb

Jade Haddock, 15, wants life to be perfect. Her room is kept immaculate, clothes are always pressed, and lists are an addiction. So how did her life get so messy? As Jade comes to grips with the trauma of an older brother’s addictions and falls for the guy her flirty best friend is dating, she discovers life isn’t always neat and orderly and choices aren’t always simple.

Mt Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

This was a good book that showed real-life issues that families and teenagers go through. It was nice to see that the family worked together to help Justin get back on track. Alcohol addiction is very difficult to let the person see the issues they are going through in order for them to seek help. Julie did a great job in creating a story easy to follow and was nicely plotted. It’s a great book to teach us all not to brush off these serious issues. When you see someone going through this, you need to assist.

Goodreads Author Biography

Julie A. Gorges is an award-winning author of six books and a member of the Authors Guild. Hundreds of her articles and short stories have been published in national and regional print and online magazines. She received three journalism awards from the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. Her blog, Baby Boomer Bliss is recognized as one of the top 25 boomer blogs on the web.

Cover Reveal: Selecting The Wrong Love by E. Masson and Julie G. Henry

BOOK DETAILS:

Selecting The Wrong Love

By E. MASSON, Julie G. Henry

(The LoveWade Tale Series, #1)

Publication date: February 20, 2026

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Love can turn your life upside down.
Sometimes more than once…
Just ask Amber…..
Amber thought she knew exactly what she wanted.

She was wrong.

Medical school. Career. Success. Everything mapped out perfectly until three men walked into her life and turned her world upside down.

James crashed into her on campus and never really left. Sweet, steady, completely devoted. He became the friend she couldn’t live without, even though his eyes promised so much more. But Amber had bigger plans than falling for a business major student.

Then Levi appeared like a gift from the universe. Gorgeous, brilliant, medical school’s golden boy. When he chose her out of everyone else, Amber felt invincible. This was it. This was her perfect match.

One positive pregnancy test later, and Amber’s carefully constructed future crumbled. Medical school could wait. Dreams could be rebuilt later. She married her prince and prepared for happily ever after.

What she got instead was a nightmare in designer clothes.

Years of trying to save a marriage that was doomed from the start left Amber broken and questioning everything. While she was busy playing the perfect wife, the perfect man had been waiting in the wings. Still single. Still hopeful. Still completely in love with the woman who’d shattered his heart.

But some chances expire. And Amber’s running out of time to claim the love she was too blind to see.

Will she wake up before it’s too late?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242921989-selecting-the-wrong-love-book1-of-the-lovewade-tale-series

Pre-order: https://amzn.to/47osfBs

AUTHOR BIO:

Hello lovely readers! Welcome to my corner of the literary world, where fiction comes alive in all its glory! I am E. Masson, a captivating romance author with my pen dipped in dreams and a heart full of romance, I set my readers on the path of unforgettable journeys through the depths of the human heart. From whirlwind romances to slow-burning love stories, each page of my books are infused with warmth and emotion, leaving readers yearning for more.

I have a talent for creating characters you’ll adore while feeling like old friends and settings that transport you to new worlds. I am here to sweep you off your feet with every word. So, get ready to rediscover the joy of falling in love with my enchanting romance novels. Welcome to the adventure!

Author links:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEMasson

https://www.instagram.com/authoremasson7

https://www.authoremasson.com

New Book: The Bread Devil’s Guide to Gluten Free

My friend wrote and illustrated this beautiful book about gluten-free. Please consider ordering a copy to support my friend Jennifer. She also makes amazing pet drawings and paintings. I will post my review soon.

Here is a link to her store https://www.jenniferschiano.com/shop/the-bread-devil?fbclid=PAb21jcAN6KOBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaf4FB5GOWzytxEal1B_CxzJmS7bJxSrPqoDtrKU-lNiBFTw-Ovz7OXxhBNMKg_aem_cT1L0erMIFIheC1ImphRaQ

Review: The Truth about Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo

Goodreads Blurb

A theme park princess must put her life back together after her happily ever after falls apart in this contemporary YA romance from Karole Cozzo, author of How to Keep Rolling After a Fall and How to Say I Love You Out Loud.

Everything was supposed to be perfect. Alyssa has a job she loves, working as Cinderella at her favorite theme park; a fantastic group of friends; and a boyfriend who will no longer be long distance. But as the summer progresses, her prince becomes less charming and more distant, and Alyssa’s perfect summer falls apart.

Forced to acknowledge that life is not always a fairy tale, Alyssa starts working to pull her herself back together. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her friend Miller’s support, she’s determined to prove that she’s more than just a pretty princess. And with his help, maybe she’s finally ready for something better than dreams. Maybe she’s ready for something real.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When Disney becomes a theme for a book, Yay!! Sometimes, fairy tales don’t play out like you dreamed them to be. Alyssa has the perfect life and her dream job. She gets to be a princess for a theme park. Who doesn’t want to dress up like a princess while making other little girls’ dreams come true. Unfortunately, life isn’t as simple as we could plan it. Sometimes, your dream fairy tale turns to shreds in a heartbeat. We sometimes don’t see how close love is until you open your eyes. Princesses know how to keep their heads up high so their tiara sparkles and shines. I truly recommend you read this wonderful fairy tale and see Alyssa transform from princess to… you will need to read to find out. Love this magical book cover it really gives the reader the fairy tale dream.

Goodreads Author Biography

Karole lives outside of Philadelphia, PA with her loving husband, exuberant little girl, and smiley little boy. She adores YA Romance, because it would be awesome if life in general had a requisite feel-good happy ending rule. Vices include obscene Haribo gummy consumption, addiction to Starbucks NF vanilla lattes, and tendency to hoard Bath and Body Works 3-wick candles.

Review: The Whole Thing Together by Ann Brashares

Goodreads Blurb

Summer for Sasha and Ray means the sprawling old house on Long Island. Since they were children, they’ve shared almost everything—reading the same books, running down the same sandy footpaths to the beach, eating peaches from the same market, laughing around the same sun-soaked dining table. Even sleeping in the same bed, on the very same worn cotton sheets. But they’ve never met.

Sasha’s dad was once married to Ray’s mom, and together they had three daughters: Emma, the perfectionist; Mattie, the beauty; and Quinn, the favorite. But the marriage crumbled and the bitterness lingered. Now there are two new families—and neither one will give up the beach house that holds the memories, happy and sad, of summers past.

The choices we make come back to haunt us; the effect on our destinies ripples out of our control…or does it? This summer, the lives of Sasha, Ray, and their siblings intersect in ways none of them ever dreamed, in a novel about family relationships, keeping secrets, and most of all, love.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Life comes full of surprises. This was the first book I have read from Ann. I was lost halfway through the book, going from character to character. It started getting interesting halfway through the book. This book brought two families that share kids in common but live their separate lives. Two of the kids, Sasha and Ray, are not related but never met even though they share Ray’s sisters. This book is filled with love, secrets, courage, and strength. The two families can’t be together until an unexpected tragedy brings them all together. I learned that we need to all love and care for each other because tomorrow isn’t promised.

Goodreads Author Biography

Ann Brashares is an American young adult novelist. She is best known as the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.

Review: Two Days Gone by Randall Silvis

Goodreads Blurb

What could cause a man, when all the stars of fortune are shining upon him, to suddenly snap and destroy everything he has built? This is the question that haunts Sergeant Ryan DeMarco after the wife and children of beloved college professor and bestselling author Thomas Huston are found slaughtered in their home. Huston himself has disappeared and so is immediately cast as the prime suspect.

DeMarco knows—or thinks he knows—that Huston couldn’t have been capable of murdering his family. But if Huston is innocent, why is he on the run? And does the half-finished manuscript he left behind contain clues to the mystery of his family’s killer?

A masterful new thriller by acclaimed author Randall Silvis, Two Days Gone is a taut, suspenseful story that will break your heart as much as it will haunt your dreams.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wow, I am speechless. Randall is truly a gifted writer who writes stories that make you struggle with your belief in good people. His writing makes you see, feel, and place yourself in the story. This is the first book I have read from Randall, and I just found another favorite author to read. This story really tore my heart apart. His writing really grasps the reader from the very beginning, making you feel sadness, hope, strength, weakness, and death in the worst ways. Life is precious but can disappear at the blink of an eye. Each word I read leads me to more mystery, secrets, and revelations. I loved both Ryan and Huston as strong-willed characters who are in search of answers and freedom. I truly was captivated by how this story unraveled and set the reader and characters free of the torment. This thriller mixed with poetry and mystery will keep you wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

Goodreads Author Biography

Randall Silvis is the internationally acclaimed author of over a dozen novels, one story
collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a
produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in
virtually every field and genre of creative writing. His numerous essays, articles, poems and short stories have appeared in the Discovery Channel magazines, The Writer, Prism International, Short Story International, Manoa, and numerous other online and print magazines. His work has been translated into 10 languages.

Silvis’s many literary awards include two writing fellowships from the National
Endowment for the Arts, the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, a Fulbright Senior Scholar Research Award, six fellowships for his fiction, drama, and screenwriting from the Pennsylvania Council On the Arts, and an honorary Doctor of Letters degree awarded for “distinguished literary achievement

Review: Without Words by Delancey Stewart

Goodreads Blurb

After an accident in the line of duty, firefighter Roberto DeRosa’s life is turned upside down. His career fighting fires is over, and he’s left with an uncertain future and an injury that makes communicating difficult for him. The only time words flow easily is when they’re lyrics and he has a guitar in his hands. Talking to women is definitely out, especially if they have bright blue eyes that seem to see right into his soul.

Dani Hodge is on the brink of realizing her dream of opening a small combination wine and book store in San Diego’s funky Ocean Beach neighborhood. But before she can open the doors, there’s work to be done, more work than she can do herself.

When the tattooed guy who completely ignored her at a bar walks by and offers her a hand wrangling a tile saw, Dani can’t afford to say no—and why would she say no to Mr. Strong and Silent when his stare conveys more than words could?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It is a wonderful book that sparks love at first sight to a full-blown lust and desire. I loved how both Dani and Rob had many scars from previous relationships. This made the story more fun since they were so attracted to each other but were so worried about how either one would leave. Rob was a character with many flaws who had a huge heart. I loved that Dani, though scarred from her past family history, was able to succeed and had a clear mine of what she wanted in life. This was a wonderful romance filled with love, hope, and determination. I assure you that wine and chocolates truly make this the book extra enjoyable.

Goodreads Author Biography

I’m USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It’s a guarantee.

I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there’d be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)

I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher… I’m not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don’t forget to join my newsletter!