Book Review - The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm

Photo Credit - Amazon

Ellie's grandpa Melvin is a world-renowned scientist with two PhDs who is stuck in the body of a fourteen-year-old boy. Ellie is happy to have her grandfather around even if he eats all the food in the fridge. Melvin doesn't exactly fit in middle school but, Ellie is excited for them to team up together in the county science fair. No one could expect how groundbreaking their experiment turns out to be when they may have discovered the formula for eternal youth. However, when Ellie's cat, Jonas Salk, becomes sick, the stakes become higher. Is the key to happiness eternal life?

This is the second novel in the series, but, I only read this book. It seems that each book can be read as a standalone. However, I would recommend reading the books in order because I felt like I was missing something. I can't say that I liked any of the main characters. I thought Melvin was quite abrasive at times.  I didn't really feel connected to any of the characters and didn't really care for them. I did think the novel teaches some good lessons about life and I appreciate the science infused portion of the book.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Photo Credit - Amazon

Darcie and Walter Goodwin decide to join the local Shaker village when a new cholera epidemic hits their area. The Shaker village seems to be immune to the disease and once, the threat passes, the Goodwins will leave the community. During a routine trip into town, Walter is killed in a riverboat accident.

Darcie is devastated by the news and but, she has nowhere else to go. She has no family and money along with being pregnant with a child. The Shaker community is celibate people who believe in marital relationships to be sinful.  Darcie feels isolated and alone because of her pregnancy. However, when Darcie crosses path with Flynn Keller and his daughter, will Darcie be able to find her path to happiness?

This was the first novel I ever read about the Shaker community. I thought some of their ideas were a bit "strange" especially, the procreation portion and referring to our parents as "sister" or "brother". However, I also like many of their ideas, such as, providing a haven for everyone, being an inclusive community, and ensuring everyone having a role to play. I liked all the characters except for one of the characters, who tried to murder someone and nothing happened to her. I liked that each of the characters was flawed but, found someone else or a community to help bring out the best of themselves.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Reunited with the Cowboy by Claire McEwen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maya Burton is finally returning home at her grandmother's behest. While tracking local wildlife, she runs into Caleb Dunne, the last person she wanted to see. She blames herself for surviving the car crashed that killed his sister. Given their troubled past, she has to convince Caleb that he needs her help to save his ranch. Will Maya be able to earn his trust and his heart without running away again?

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read. I love the Old Biddies and felt that they were the best part of the book. I like the themes of redemption and how Maya used a bad experience to become a better person. She used all the "bad energy" to do something with her life.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy

(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

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About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

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Book Review - Sea Sirens by Amy Chu

Photo Credit - Amazon

Trot is a Vietnamese American girl who is an avid surfer that loves the ocean. She is usually accompanied by her grumpy one-eyed cat, Cap'n Bill. While surfing one day, Trot wipes out on a big wave and is transported to a magical underwater kingdom. She realizes that she is in the middle of ancient deep-sea battle. The Sea Sirens are being invaded by the Serpent King and his minions. When someone gets kidnap, Trot must risk everything to rescue someone she loves dearly.

The beautifully drawn graphic novel is colorful and easy to read. The book weaves mythology, mystical ocean creatures, and quirky characters together. While I enjoyed reading the book, I felt that there wasn't much of a plot and it was mostly fluff. I thought there was going to be a great big battle or an epic surprise at the end. The novel does leave an opening for more books but, I am hoping the next graphic novel has more going on.

**Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and Fortune by Roselle Lim

Photo Credit - Amazon

After news of her mother's sudden death, Natalie Tan returns home. Natalie left home in anger seven years ago and hasn't spoken to her mother since their disagreement over Natalie's career choice. Natalie wants to become a chef like her grandmother but, her mother wants Natalie to follow her own path. When Natalie returns back to her childhood home, she is shocked by how the once vibrant neighborhood is suffering from failing businesses. 

The neighborhood fortune teller reads Natalie's fortune in the leaves and tells Natalie she has the power to help the neighborhood succeed. She has to cook three recipes from her grandmother's cookbook for three people who need help. Unfortunately, Natalie struggles to find three people to help and she is hesitant because she resents the neighbors for not helping her and her mother in the past. During her quest to save the neighborhood, Natalie realizes that she has people who care about her whether she realizes it or not.

The novel was an interesting and magical read. I love how the author weaved a creative tale of friendship, family, and having a place to call home. I liked that the author included recipes that Natalie made but, I think it would have been better if she added it in an appendix so, it wouldn't take away from the story. While, I enjoyed the story and found Natalie to be a relatable main character but, I wasn't blown away. Mostly because I felt that Natalie gave up on her dreams easily without trying to fight for her passions. The twist ending was partially predictable but, it was emotionally satisfying. However, I would be open to reading another one of her novels.

 **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat: Enemies #2 by Johnny Marciano

Photo Credit - Amazon

In this second novel of the series, Klawde and Raj explore the delicate relationships of childhood friendship. As Raj begins his first day at a new school, he is worried about making friends. When both Klawde and Raj acclimate to their new environment, they get a surprise visit from someone from their past. Will Klawde and Raj be able to overcome their differences and become allies with the people from their past?

I thought this novel was enjoyable like the first one. It had the same amount of humor and illustrations. I like that even though Klawde and Raj were going through something similar, they both had different outcomes and ways of coping. I hope there are more books to the series as I am looking forward to their friendship continue to grow.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.** 

Book Review - Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat #1 by Johnny Marciano

Photo Credit - Amazon

Klawde had it all. He was the High Commander of his planet, he had sharp claws and fine fur, along with loyal followers. However, all that changes when he was betrayed and sentenced to the worst punishment possible. He was exiled to a small planet named Earth.

Raj had everything he wanted. He lived in a cool apartment in Brooklyn and his friends lived in the same building. All of his favorite stores were in walking distance. Then his mom gets a new job in Elba, Oregon and then he is forced to move. Then the summer begins and Raj has no friends. His mother encourages him to join a nature camp to find new friends.

I thought the book was a fun read. I enjoyed that the book switched back and forth between Raj and Klawde. The dialogue between Klawde and Raj was witty and funny. It was funny seeing everyday human interactions and things from a different perspective. I thought the illustrations were a nice added treat. Overall, a fun and interesting read especially for fans with feline companions.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.** 

Book Review - Bus! Stop! by James Yang

Photo Credit - Amazon

One early morning a little boy misses his bus causing him to yell "Bus! Stop!". Unfortunately, the bus does not stop and he has to wait for the next one. However, the next bus and the ones afterward look nothing like his bus. The little boy is confused on why none of the buses look familiar until he decides to take a chance and try another bus!

I read this cute picture book to the little tots I volunteer with and it wasn't a big hit. The book didn't have much dialogue and drawings were "weird" (according to one child). I personally wasn't a fan of the book on the "base level" because it seemed very sparse but I feel that the underlying message of finding something that fits your personality is worth waiting for or letting children experiment with different things.

Engagement Activities -
1. What are some favorite locations you can go to by bus? 
2. What would your ideal form of transportation look like?
3. Can you draw what your bus would look like?
4. Can you tell us time when you tried something that you didn't like but now enjoy?
5. What is your favorite activity to do on a bus?
6. What is one thing that you didn't like but like now? 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Rescued Hearts by Hope Toler Dougherty

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mary Wade Kimball was looking for a quiet retreat from the demands of her everyday life. While picking up supplies and returning home, she sees a kitten stuck in a thorny bush in front of an abandoned house. She decides to help the kitten when she is taken hostage by two criminals.  Mary  Wade is worried when a third criminal returns with supplies for the storm.  However, the third criminal is actually an undercover agent, Brett Davis. Deciding the woman's safety was more important than his three month investigation, he risks his mission to help Mary Wade escape. Will Mary Wade and Brett be able to escape the criminals?

The novel had an interesting premise, but it failed to keep me interested. I found myself glazing over portions of the book because the plot was predictable and the dialogue felt stilted. I found bits of the story on the topic and quite silly, like Brett who managed to calmly think through things to rush into a known ambush and Mary Wade seducing one of the criminals. The mini story about Brett's stalker was also very predictable and could have been left out. It didn't really add anything to the story other than making the book longer.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - Max at Night by Ed Vere + Giveaway!

Photo Credit - Amazon

A cute story about a little black kitten who is about to go to sleep but can't find his beloved moon to say good night.  Max has many nighttime rituals before going to bed; brushing his teeth, drinking milk and saying good night to the moon. However, tonight Max can't find his moon and goes on a journey to find the moon. Will Max be able to find the moon?

A darling book with gorgeous illustrations. A great addition to your little ones' bookshelves and it teaches about bedtime rituals. My nephews enjoyed reading along to this!

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Max at Night landing page: http://books.sourcebooks.com/maxatnight/

Download the activity kit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bx4ZhGcf82dneVdyYlBJUzdNMUk/view?pref=2&pli=1 

Author Links:

Website: http://www.edvere.com/

Twitter: @ed_vere

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_vere/

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