12 to 22: POV you Wake Up in the Future

About the Book:

12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future! by [Jen Calonita]

Title: 12 to 22: POV You Wake Up in the Future
Author: Jen Calonita
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: August 16th 2022
Genre: Middle Grade

A smart and funny modern day 13 Going on 30 from New York Times bestselling author Jen Calonita! A tween girl finds out it is like to be 22 when she jumps in time with the help of a mysterious TikTok filter.

Turning 12 1/2 shouldn’t be the most exciting birthday in the world. It’s a half birthday after all. But Harper is thrilled because she is getting the biggest gift of all: her parent’s approval to finally get social media accounts.

Except when she goes to post her first photo, there is a filter she has never heard of before. One that shows you what you will look like when you are older. Curious, Harper clicks on it…but ends up flash forwarding in time to when she is 22.

She will quickly find that being in her twenties means the freedom she always wanted, money for the glow up she didn’t know she needed and working for her idol! But Harper soon discovers a lot more has changed than she expected—including the person she wants to be. Will Harper be able to use the filter to get the life of her dreams? Or will there be more glitches?

Book Review:

This was a super fun, light book! I have to admit there’s something about middle grade that is just so satisfying. And this book was simply perfection! It’s not super angsty, but it still has some of that fun middle school drama 😉

I was honestly a little worried when I saw that this was based off of 13 Going on 30. That romcom was a lot of fun, but I thought that there would be some inappropriate and unnecessary content for kids. Thankfully, this is a super clean read with only a sweet, barely mentioned kiss. Now, on to the actual story.

Harper was a relatable protagonist. She was trying to learn how to stand up for herself and be herself. I think a lot of girls will relate to her desire to be popular, and I think in some ways important. She wants to be grown up, but as she goes throughout the book, she realizes being 22 is not what she thought it would be. I think it’s an important lesson for kids to learn especially since Harper’s really into social media. I love the fact that Calonita doesn’t totally hate on social media or even try to make a huge life lesson about it. But throughout the book, Harper realizes that no one’s life is perfect even when it looks tlike it, and she gets to choose how she lives her teens.

This is a fast paced book, and a lot of stuff happens quickly. But Harper has her little sister, Reese to help her along the way. I liked Reese, and it was sweet to see her help Harper. She definitely had a strong personality, and her honesty helped Harper be better. I was happy with how Ava and Zach came back too! It was sweet to read a middle grade book more about sisterhood and friendship rather than boys. Zach played a small role in the story, but Harper’s crush on him wasn’t the biggest deal.

Celia was definitely a piece of work. I would have liked a redemption arc for her, but this is a short book. I loved Saya’s arc though. I think it’s cool to see the stereotypical sidekick have a heart and a brain 🙂 I loved this book! I would totally recommend it to any tweenage girls. It was exactly the light, fluffy read I needed!

Highlights:

No language

Light romance (one sweet kiss)

No innuendos

Conventional family values

Importance of speaking up/learning how to communicate with authority

Sweet female friendships

Excellent redemption arcs

Positive but practical spin on social media

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss

About the Book:

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss: A Sweet Romantic Comedy (How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother Book 2) by [Jenny Proctor]

Title: How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss
Series: How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brother #2
Author: Jenny Proctor
Publisher: Four Petal Press
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Perry Hawthorne is my boss. Only my boss. And I do NOT have a crush.

When one of THE Hawthorne brothers—known by their chiseled jawlines and their family-run farm and event center—hires me to be his virtual assistant, I do everything I can to keep him firmly in the work zone.

His grumpy demeanor helps.

His smoking hot profile picture does not.

But even if I do have a crush (a very tiny one), I can’t catch real feelings for a million different reasons.

Besides the whole business part of our relationship, I’m a single mom. I have to think about what’s best for my son, Jack. And my grumpy, divorced, humorless boss isn’t exactly giving me “ready to be a stepdad” vibes.

When Perry upgrades me from virtual to in-person assistant, I wonder if I’ve gotten him all wrong. He’s actually pretty great with Jack. And with me? Let’s just say the chemistry crackling between us might vaporize all my reasons for keeping my distance.

Trouble is, after his messy divorce, I’m not sure Perry’s ready to bet on a new relationship. But it isn’t just my heart that’s on the line. It’s Jack’s, too. And after everything we went through before my husband died, I’m not sure that’s a gamble I’m ready to take, no matter how desperate Jack is for a daddy.

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is a sweet romantic comedy with all the sizzling kisses you want in a closed-door romance but no explicit scenes.

Book Review:

This was such a fun book! I mean I was really excited for it but it exceeded my expectations. I love the grumpy/sunshine trope and this book was perfect. How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is the second book in Jenny Proctor’s How to Kiss a Hawthorne Brothers Series. This series has been wonderful and I am super excited for the next book.

Oh, Perry. I felt so bad for Perry, he was just trying so hard to control things. But life was throwing him upside down. Perry was the grumpy brother but he had a heart of gold and he loved his family. He fell hard and fast for Lila and she really managed to shock up his world. Perry had to learn that he didn’t have to be perfect to make things work with Lila. He had to learn to enjoy life and just hope for the best.

Lila was also an amazing character. She was so funny to read about. She was a single mom just doing her best to care for her kid. She never expected to fall for her virtual grumpy boss, but life had other plans. She met Perry and she was smitten but she was also careful because of her son, Jack. I really liked Lila and how she was reasonable but she also saw the best in life. She cared for Perry but she also had to put her son first, which I admire. Lila had to learn to trust Perry and maybe learn that her wishes could come true.

Lila and Perry were so cute together! I really enjoyed their interactions and their fun banter. Jack was just so sweet and I loved reading about his interactions with Perry. He was a fun little kid. The Hawthorne family really just adds to the story and I enjoyed reading the sibling banter and advice. I love books with siblings that love each other and honestly want the best for each other. The story was sweet and I was rooting for Perry and Lila as they tried to work out their relationship.

How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss was even better than the first book! I would definitely recommend it! I would recommend it to those at least 13 years and up because it is a closed door romance. I am also beyond excited for How to Kiss Your Enemy! How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss is a closed door contemporary romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Call of the Sea

About the Book:

The Call of the Sea by [Sian Ann Bessey]

Title: The Call of the Sea
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

A Viking Historical Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter—Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

Book Review:

First of all, this cover is stunning and of course the story was amazing! Sian Ann Bessey is a wonderful author and her books are always awesome. I was excited to read this book and it did not disappoint. The Call of the Sea is a Norse Romance and oh so exciting.

Rhiannon was lovely. She had gone through much, losing her parents and yet she still sought to be kind. Rhiannon was trying to figure out what was going on in her life, she had lost not only her father but her home. Rhiannon was an easy character to read about, she felt relatable. Rhiannon had to learn to forgive those who had harmed her, never knowing that there might be some good in the Vikings.

Lief was just a wonderful character. I loved his growth and his kindness. He knew that plugging a place was evil so he tried to change and make amends for his mistakes. Lief had to learn to look towards the future, learning from his mistakes in his past. I love how Lief still tried to help others and how he sought to do what was good even when he was trying to figure out what he believed.

I liked the romance between Rhiannon and Lief. Although they were basically enemies, it did not feel rushed or stilted. Rhiannon had to learn to trust Lief before they could even hope to be friends. The plot was also so interesting and I was engaged in the story the whole time. There was so much going on and I wanted to see how the story was going to end.

This book had it all, excitement, mystery and romance. The characters were also a lot of fun. I loved reading about the character’s growth. I also love how Bessey was able to weave faith into her book. This was just a stunning story. The Call of the Sea is a thrilling book and it needs to be on your TBR. The Call of the Sea is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a321/?widget_template=5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff

Once Upon a Royal Christmas

About the Book:

Once Upon A Royal Christmas by [Teri Wilson]

Title: Once Upon a Royal Christmas
Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Release Date: November 1st, 2022
Genre: Romance

She pretends to be a princess at children’s parties.
But can she melt a real prince’s frosty heart?
Get swept away by a Christmas story from Hallmark
and bestselling author Teri Wilson—
the queen of royal romance!

“I’m Prince Nikolas of San Glacera. Oh, you’ve never heard of us? Well, you’re not the only one. Our country relies on winter tourism, but we’re attracting fewer and fewer visitors. I admit it’s a problem. I just don’t think the solution is an American who likes to play dress-up.

You see, while I was away on a trip, my younger sister convinced the palace to hold a contest. The winner gets to star in our annual Ice Village festivities and accompany our royal family to holiday events.

And who did they choose? Gracie Clark, who runs a children’s party business and performs as—I kid you not—‘Princess Snowflake.’

Of course, I do respect the fact that she volunteers at children’s hospitals. I suppose to some, she might have a certain charm… But the whole cheap spectacle is beneath our dignity.

I’m not going to shirk my duty to my kingdom. I’ll go to every event with her. At least, once Christmas is over, she’ll be gone…”

Book Review:

This was just too cute! It was honestly the perfect Hallmark romance read! Once Upon a Royal Christmas is the second Teri Wilson book that I have read and I loved it! First off let me say that it is from Hallmark and it is a total Hallmark book. I was looking for a light and fun read and this was just what I wanted.

Gracie was so fun and full of life. She was trying her best to get her business going . She never expected to find herself playing a Christmas princess in San Glacera, spending time with the crown prince. Gracie was a sweet character, I liked how she looked out for others. She worked hard and she was kind. But Gracie was also working through her own fears of failures as she tried to keep her business afloat. I liked reading from Gracie’s perspective, it was also cute to see how she saw Nikolas.

Prince Nikolas was just trying his best. He truly cared for his people and he wanted to be the best prince that he could be. I really liked Nikolas especially as he tried to help his people. He was kind but he did have a bit of a grumpy exterior. Nikolas had to learn that he didn’t need to shoulder the burden of the world. Gracie helped show him how to live and enjoy life.

Nikolas and Gracie were a wonderful couple. They really balanced each other and helped each other be better. I loved reading about their easy interactions. The story was fun and easy to read with little stress. The side characters were a wonderful addition and I also loved the pets in this book too!

Once Upon a Royal Christmas is a must read. It is an easy relaxing read! Once Upon a Royal Christmas is a clean Christmas romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Jasmine Toguchi Brave Explorer

About the Book:

Jasmine Toguchi, Brave Explorer by [Debbi Michiko Florence, Elizabet Vukovic]

Title: Jasmine Toguchi Brave Explorer
Series: Jasmine Toguchi
Author: Debbi Michiko Florence
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Release Date: October 18th, 2022
Genre: Children’s Fiction

With more than 130,000 copies sold, this award-winning chapter-book series starring a spunky Japanese American heroine returns with four new standalone books set on a family vacation in Japan!

Toothbrush? Check. Her special journal? Check! Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi—flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch messmaker—can hardly wait for her family vacation to Japan, and by the time their plane finally touches down, she’s ready to dive into their new adventure. There are so many things to see in Tokyo: Ramen Street, which she learns is not a whole street made of ramen; old temples with fancy gates; and Tokyo Tower, where you can even spot Mount Fuji on a good day.
But when they arrive, Jasmine finds herself unable to get away from her older sister Sophie’s crabby attitude. Plus there’s so much about Japan she didn’t know, and she seems to be getting in trouble right and left. Will Jasmine be able to cheer up her sister AND find her footing in a new country?
With her trademark humor and warmth, Debbi Michiko Florence weaves family drama and a fun introduction of Japanese culture into this delightful next chapter in Jasmine’s world.

Book Review:

This was such a cute, elementary grade book. Jasmine is a super, likeable character that I think a lot of kids are going to be able to relate to. It’s also a quick, simple read written in a way that they can easily understand.

Jasmine is super excited to go to Japan, but she’s frustrated because her big sister is constantly being grumpy. She wants her sister and her to be friends again. As she continues her travels, she and her sister slowly start to bond as she learns more and more about Japan and its culture.

I think one of my favorite things about this book is how it celebrates Japanese culture in a very authentic way. I think a lot of Japanese kids will appreciate being able to see themselves on the page. Also, even if they’re not Japanese, it’s a really good opportunity for kids to learn a little more about Japan. The author even included some easy Japanese words that are woven throughout the story in a genuine way.

I’m sure they will understand the struggle Jasmine faces with her know-it-all big sister. She learns to appreciate her sister a little bit more. But it’s done in a very realistic way because there are still sisters who are going to fight and disagree. It wasn’t mushy or too adulty.

I would definitely recommend this book to any elementary grade kids. I think they’re really going to love it!

Highlights:

No language
No innuendos
Conventional family values
Sweet sister relationship
Learning to not push others if they don’t want to do something
Easy to read writing style
Diversity!
Kids will learn about Japan

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Danger with Diamonds

About the Book:

The Danger with Diamonds by [Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey]

Title: The Danger with Diamonds
Series: Falcon Point Suspense #1
Author: Sian Ann Bessey and Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: October 11th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Suspense

When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

Book Review:

Wow! Another amazing book by two awesome authors. The Danger with Diamonds is a companion novel to Heirs of Falcon Point. I was beyond excited to hear that there was going to be another book. I knew that some of the characters still had a story that needed to be told. It was fun to see Lars and Cole again and get to read their story.

Cole was a CIA Operative. He was used to being undercover and working under pressure but he was not used to courting a girl. It was sweet to read about Cole fighting for Isabelle, but Cole also had to figure out how to find his family’s jewels. Isabelle was so cool. I loved how she was able to handle herself and yet she knew when she needed help. Isabelle was hurt when Cole ghosted her but she was willing to put aside her feelings to get to the bottom of the heist. However, as Cole and Isabelle spent time together, they found themselves falling for each other.

Lars was a sweetheart. I really liked him. You didn’t get to see much of him in the last book so it was cool to learn more about him. He wasn’t an operative but he wasn’t willing to let his family’s jewels just be taken. It was cool to see Lars step up and fight. Marit was also wonderful. She was one of Lars’ closest friends and it was sweet to read about them falling in love. Marit had to learn to trust Lars and his family especially as things got complicated. Marit and Lars always had a connection but as they interacted, it grew to more.

It was interesting to read about Cole and Lars and see them falling in love. I loved both of the characters and reading about their romance. They were both unique characters and they made the book fun to read. All of the characters had a part to play that was exciting to see. The characters were likable and I was able to connect with them. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how this story was going to end. The plot was engaging and I didn’t know what they were going to find out about the bank heist.

The Danger with Diamonds is a must read! It is an exciting suspenseful romance. I felt as if this was the perfect blind of romance and suspense. I am crossing my fingers that there will be more books to come in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a319/?widget_template=5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff

Forget Me Twice

About the Book:

Forget Me Twice: A Romantic Comedy by [Carina Taylor]

Title: Forget Me Twice
Author: Carina Taylor
Release Date: November 10th, 2022
Genre: Romantic Comedy

Have you ever brought your ex-husband home and pretended to still be married?

Yeah, me either.When my local hospital calls to say “I’m sorry to tell you this, but your husband has been in an accident” I try to explain the basics to them.

I am not married—anymore. (Archie Dunmore is a thing of the past.)
If there’s a husband in the hospital, it’s not mine.

Except Archie is back, and he’s been in an accident. One that has left him with amnesia. Yup. He believes we’re still happily married. Oh joy.

Too bad for me, the doctor believes it would be best for Archie to remember things on his own. He needs familiar surroundings to heal.

No big shocks.
No emotional trauma.
Which means I can’t tell him the truth.

Archie bursts back into my life with all the warmth and joy of a freshly married man, confident that I’m the love of his life, and determined to fix the rift between us.
Except how do I tell him that he walked out on me?
Especially when Archie is desperately trying to remember what I’ve worked so hard to forget.

What’s a girl to do with an amnesiac ex-husband at her breakfast table?

Content TW: Adult conversations discussing substance abuse and assault.

Book Review:

I loved this book! I have read all of Carina Taylor’s books, and I have enjoyed all of them. But I think this one might just be my favorite. It was sooo funny, and there were several times when I was giggling to myself as I read:)

I really liked Meyer. It was interesting because in some ways she really couldn’t handle confrontation. However, at the same time, she was constantly bantering with Archie. I loved that though, it was so cute! I felt like I understood Meyer, and her inner voice was hilarious. She was trying not to freak out while simultaneously freaking out.

Archie was a sweetheart! I actually really liked him. Honestly, I was a bit worried that he would be a jerk, but he was incredibly sweet and kind with Meyer. I think they both had issues to work through because he was all out there with his thoughts and feelings while she kept things inside. It was fun to watch them connect and figure each other out.

The pace of this was awesome! I couldn’t put it down, and I was so intrigued to see what would happen next. It didn’t feel stressful though which was really nice. It was a fun, clean read that I would recommend to any romcom lovers!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

In the Shadow of a Queen

About the Book:

In the Shadow of a Queen by [Heather B. Moore]

Title: In the Shadow of a Queen
Author: Heather B Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

As a young woman, Princess Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She is also strong-willed and resists following the queen’s rigid rules and strict protocols for a princess.

After her father’s untimely death, Louise’s life is upended by the inconsolable grief of her mother and the rippling effect that rocks the British Empire. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control, attend balls, or have any kind of relationship outside the royal family. She is relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters without Queen Victoria’s approval, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy and resources to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of an epic battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

Book Review:

I have been trying to read more historical fiction and broaden my horizons, so I was excited to try out this book. In the Shadow of a Queen was a fascinating book about Princess Lousie, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s daughter, by Heather B Moore.

This book was really interesting to read and learn more about Princess Lousie. I had actually never read or seen anything about her so it was really cool to read. Princess Louise was trying to balance being herself and being a princess. This book takes us through many movements in Princess Lousie’s life, the death of her father, her sister’s marriages, starting school, and even getting married herself are some of the things that this book takes us through.

I really enjoyed the way this book was written, it was easy to read and understand. It did drag a bit more for me but that could be because I am just slowly getting into historical fiction. However I feel as if I learned a lot about Princess Louise, her family, and the time that she lived in. The Princess was truly amazing to read about, she stood firm in her ideas and beliefs and did many great things.

In the Shadow of a Queen was a good book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction or those who are interested in learning more about Princess Louise. It displays a world that seems so far away and different and yet it shows how these people were just human too.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Worst Villain Ever

About the Book:

Title: The Worst Villain Ever
Author: Amy Bearce
Publisher: Snowy Wings Publications
Release Date: October 18th, 2022
Genre: Children’s Fiction

A good villain is the worst.

When eleven-year-old George Pruwell is finally admitted to the Academy of Villainy and Wrongdoing, he has big plans of making his family proud, especially his older brother Alex. Unfortunately, unlike his brother, George is anything but villainous. To secure a slot in the school’s best class roster and prove himself worthy of his family’s wonderfully wicked name, he takes on a nearly impossible assignment: defeat Captain Perfectus, the world’s greatest superhero.

Now, George has to figure out how one too-nice-villain-in-training can defeat the most impressive superhero of all time. Alex offers his help, but George isn’t so sure he wants to use his big brother’s methods. And when Captain Perfectus turns out to have some seriously big problems of his own, George must choose whether to follow his instincts and help the superhero or crush him and become the most villainous Pruwell ever.

Book Review:

This was a fun, quick read! Most of the MG fiction I read is more geared towards girls, so it was fun to read a book with a boy main character.

George is a total softie who wants to be a villain because it has been in his family for generations. So he’s ecstatic when he gets admitted to the Academy of Villainy and Wrongdoing. But in order to get into the best class roster, he has to defeat the best superhero of all time, Captain Perfectus. But what happens when Captain Perfectus turns out to be different than he seems? Will George trust his instincts or become a villain worthy of the Pruwell name?

This is a silly, quirky read. The villains are not scary and are actually quite comedic. Everything is quite over the top, and I loved learning about this different world. I think Bearce did a great job crafting a hilarious universe in this book.

I loved George! He is such a nice kid which is not good for a supervillain. I loved watching him find himself and figure out who he wanted to be. I think Bearce did this in a very entertaining way, so it wasn’t too introspective for younger readers.

I would recommend this book to younger middle schoolers or anyone looking for a light read. I had a harder time getting into it, but I think that’s partly because it’s not my usual genre. So I think middle schoolers will love it! We all need a book that makes us laugh and reminds us to be kind.

Highlights:

Funny
Appropriate humor
No cursing, innuedos, romance
No scary fight scenes or any scary content
Conventional family values
No romance – importance of friendship
Reminder that no one’s perfect
Importance of being kind

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

The Holly and the Ivy

About the Book:

The Holly and the Ivy by [Sarah M. Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker]

Title: The Holly and the Ivy
Author: Sarah M Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, Anneka R. Walker
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: October 3rd, 2022
Genre: Historical Romance

Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

The Holly and the Ivy by Sarah M. Eden

As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on Nurse Robbie’s heart.

Hiding Christmas by Esther Hatch

Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine’s English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg for the help of the one man she cannot abide.

A Twist of Christmas by Dana LeCheminant

A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

A Season to Love by Anneka R. Walker

Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

Book Review:

Um, all of these authors are amazing so I was just beyond excited to read this collection! And all of these novellas were just so good! The Holly and the Ivy is written by Sarah M Eden, Esther Hatch, Dana LeCheminant, and Anneka R Walker. I mean what a stellar line up.

So this first one looked good and it definitely did not disappoint. The Holly and the Ivy is written by Sarah M Eden and it is Adam, the Duke of Kieder’s nursemaid, Robbie. Mr. Simpkin was an interesting character, I had to warm up to him but I still liked him. This was cute and sweet. I loved getting to see Lucas and Julia again, it was fun to see them through different people’s eyes.

Hiding Christmas by Esther Hatch

The concept seemed a bit awkward for me, but I ended up really enjoying this one. Hiding Christmas is written by Esther Hatch and it is the second novella in the book. Kirstine did not like Isaac but she needed his help to get to England to celebrate Christmas. I liked the characters and enjoyed the story. It was fun to read about the characters getting over the past and starting over.

A Twist of Christmas by Dana LeCheminant

I adored this one! It was so sweet and fun! I loved the concept, two people pretending to be someone else and falling in love. A Twist of Christmas is by Dana LeCheminant and I loved the characters. I really wish that this novella was longer; it was just so fun to read. Beth and Graham were characters that I could relate too and I wanted to see how they would end up together. They had a lot of roads to cross but it was definitely a wonderful story.

A Season to Love by Anneka R Walker

I had a harder time getting into this one, but as I read more I grew to love the story. A Season to Love is written by Anneka R Walker and it is the last novella in the book but still wonderful. Alice and Thomas were such wonderful characters. Alice was looking for a husband and Thomas was the clergyman helping her in her search. I really enjoyed their interactions and the easy banter. I liked how they were both unique characters and it was sweet to read about them falling for each other.

All of these stories were wonderful and I would definitely recommend them. They were such fun Christmas historical romances. They reminded me of the Christmas spirit and I enjoyed reading about the characters connecting and fallin in love. The Holly and the Ivy is a wonderful book with engaging novellas.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Giveaway:

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