Gritty Southern Christmas Anthology

by Vanessa Griggs, W. R. Benton, M. E. Hubbs, Laura Hunter, Jennifer Horne, Peter Last, C.R. Fulton, Mike Wahl, Ashley Jones, Gayle Young, Pete Black, Karen Allen, Christal Cooper, Bill King, Ann Nunnally, & Gus Guess.

Pub Date 08 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 30 Oct 2021

Bluewater Publications, Gritty South

Literary Fiction |  Multicultural Interest

4 Stars

Definitely in agreement that the book is not exactly the normal Christmas stories which can be written delving into romance to give the readers warm and fuzzy feelings from the forming of new relationships and romance. Some of the stories yes! Do delve into the romance, friendships and relationships full of the warm and fuzzy feelings and emotions while others are very gritty, gripping yet finger nail biting. Whereas majority of the stories could give the reader a sense of being on an emotional roller coaster as we read through the strong emotions of grief, daily struggles of life, lost loved ones. Definitely a book to cuddle-snuggle rugged up in the Christmas winter warmth or the Christmas Summer sunbathing on the beach, poolside or at home. As a reader who has suffered from trauma, should be aware that it story or two might cause triggers please tell yourself it’s just a story or seek help if badly effected.

 #GrittySouthernChristmasAnthology #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bluewater Publishers, Gritty South via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

I Mean You No Harm

A Novel

by Beth Castrodale

Narrated by Christine Williams

Pub Date 03 Aug 2021 | Archive Date Not set

Imbrifex Audio

General Fiction (Adult) |  Mystery & Thrillers

4 Stars

A strange story about a death of a criminal brings together two half sisters who may or may not known of each other. The inheritance enforced Layla to take to her half sister Bette; their trip helped bring them together emotionally. A book for readers who like to read mysteries and thrillers. For an audiobook it’s a great listen. As I go to sleep listening to audiobooks which helps me to keep a calm mind from wool gathering, listening to negative thoughts and emotions including childhood traumatic memories which can lead to nightmares. So if I wake during the night I can hear the book and it’s very important for the times of sleeplessness. So listening to one audiobook is something that takes a number of nights until I understand and have knowledge of the entire story. It’s certainly a audiobook to keep on hand for when I have trouble sleeping.

 #IMeanYouNoHarm #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Imbrifex Audio via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Aloha Alibi

Charlotte Gibson Mystery #1

by Jasmine Webb

Narrated by Khristine Hvam

Pub Date 12 Aug 2021 | Archive Date 19 Dec 2021

Blueberry Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Audiobooks

Mystery & Thrillers |  Women’s Fiction

5+ Stars

Charlotte opted to return back to her home town Maui, Hawaii to keep herself safe and sound away from a mobster. While at her new job, Charlotte met a business man who sometime later was found dead and his company posted a reward for those who could locate the killer. The story about starting life anew in the home town, renewing old friendships and forming new friendships. A very interesting story about friendships and solving murder mystery. A book for readers who love the combination of finding love, friendships and solving murder mysteries.

#AlohaAlibi #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blueberry Books , Independent Book Publishers Association and Members’ Audiobooks via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook

From The Viscount’s Mushroom Miniatures and The Royal Wedding Oysters to Debutante Punch and The Duke’s Favorite Gooseberry Pie, 100 Dazzling Recipes Inspired by Bridgerton

by Lex Taylor

NetGalley Shelf

Pub Date 23 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 23 Dec 2021

Adams Media

Cooking, Food & Wine

3 – 4 stars as the non recipe pictures was a letdown.

“The Unofficial Bridgerton Cookbook” is as described, a well written recipe – cookbook that you have the opportunity to recreate and eat certain recipes from the show. Recipes range from drinks, pre dinner snacks, meals and desserts including items served at the balls, picnics. The cookbook is similar style to the cookbook in the older times but with a couple pictures of what the item should look like; whereas to compare to a modern times styled cookbook should contain a picture of each recipe. The cookbook isn’t what I expected but still ideal book to recreate the recipes from the timeline of Bridgerton.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Adams Media via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

The Quokkas’ Christmas Quest

by J. Macpherson

Narrated by Aimee Horne

Pub Date 03 Dec 2021 | Archive Date 17 Dec 2021

JFM Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Audiobooks

Children’s Fiction

5 Stars

The Quokkas’ Christmas Quest is a fun and unique Australian styled Christmas story; due to a little accident caused presents to fall out of the sleigh. Two little quokkas take up the challenging task to ensure that they keep some human children happy on Christmas Day to receive their gift from Santa. The two quokkas work together on how to make it happen, with the help and suggestions from other Rottnest Island animal inhabitants they work out what they should do and how. Some funny and courageous moments of consequences occur from their actions. They learn as they go, escape from the bullies with the help from another family of quokkas as they return a favour. Certainly a book for the young and old as the Christmas story teaches about the meaning of Christmas, working together for a common goal, family and friendships.

 #TheQuokkasChristmasQuest #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook from JFM Books; Independent Book Publishers Association {IBPA], Members’ Audiobooks via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the audiobook.

Grumpy Goes Home For The Holidays

a Grumpy the Iguana and Green Parrot Adventure Book 4

by Susan Chapman

Narrated by Trevor Goble

Pub Date 17 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 20 Dec 2021

ListenUp AudioBooks, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Audiobooks

Children’s Fiction |  Outdoors & Nature |  Parenting & Families

 5 Stars

I listened to the audiobook Grumpy Goes Home For The Holidays to see if it’s a book that my 7 year old Autistic son would listen to. Grumpy an Iguana who leaves his home to travel back to his childhood home in Florida Keys. Grumpy isn’t certain how to get home so he needs to rely on help getting there. So he asks his friend a green parrot and other friends help Grumpy in finding gifts for his family. It’s such a heartwarming Christmas story that demonstrates to children that by asking for help in getting home for the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t do something for yourself. #GrumpyGoesHomeForTheHoliday #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook book from ListenUp Audiobooks via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

THE HOLY TRUTH

by Abdulilah Hamadi

Narrated by Mathew Welding, Carol Carpenter

Pub Date 15 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 09 Feb 2022

BooksGoSocial Audio

General Fiction (Adult) |  Mystery & Thrillers

5 Stars

For an audiobook it’s a great listen. As I go to sleep listening to audiobooks which helps me to keep a calm mind from wool gathering, listening to negative thoughts and emotions including childhood traumatic memories which can lead to nightmares. So if I wake during the night I can hear the book and it’s very important for the times of sleeplessness. So listening to one audiobook is something that takes a number of nights until I understand and have knowledge of the entire story. The Holy Truth was certainly an interesting, unique and unexpected listen; even though I felt that the story at times felt backwards going forward as you listen to the characters different views and reflection of what has occurred and happenings. I liked the way they had gotten together to solve the criminal and dangerous situations and mysteries that they embarked on.

#THEHOLYTRUTH #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial Audio via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

The Great Christmas Jelly Cookie Hunt

Christmas Cookies

by Rena Leith

Pub Date 25 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 31 Dec 2021

The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Humor |  Romance |  Sci Fi & Fantasy

5 Stars

The Great Christmas Jelly Cookie Hunt  in itself the book is very unique,  interesting, fast paced, hard to put down book which is not suitable for fast readers. The story shows that some women do not like the unexpected occurrences or visitors as it is surprises them. A demonstration on how some siblings who do not get along well and some that do. It’s good to see that Gina accepts the unexpected guest and wishes her brother informed her that he was bringing someone else as Donal is all alone for Christmas. In a way that it’s fate that Donal is visiting as maybe he can show Gina how to love and believe in the Irish supernatural.The book has funny moments, can have teary moments or even moments where you just want to yell out certain things towards the characters. A great book for readers of Christmas romance stories, romance, humour and the supernatural.

 #TheGreatChristmasJellyCookieHunt #NetGalley. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Stinky Feet

by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs

Pub Date 16 Aug 2021 | Archive Date 04 Jan 2022

BooksGoSocial

Children’s Fiction

5 Stars

Such a cute book “Stinky Feet” is rather funny story about a little boy with stinky feet to which I feel that even with clean and washed feet they are stinky. I’ve noticed that the boy is laughing with his parents and big sister as they state stinky feet; this demonstrates that they are playing a game with the little boy as they all are laughing together. It also shows the funny side of teasing to which this demonstrates to children who are serious and have autism or ADHD that parents or siblings are playing and making light of the situation. It can be seen as a teaching tool for children with ADHD and Autism who don’t like having a bath. That if they don’t have a bath or shower to become clean they will have stinky feet. Ideal book for toddlers, as a first reader including a way to impel children to have a bath. Ideal for any age. I read the book to my 8 year old son who’s autistic and doesn’t like baths; after reading he suddenly said I need a bath so no stinky feet for me.

 #StinkyFeet #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Christmas Candy Corpse

by Rosemarie Ross

Pub Date 30 Nov 2021 | Archive Date 03 Dec 2021

Kensington Books, Kensington

Mystery & Thrillers

5 +++++ Stars

A Christmas who done it and I was thrilled with the title and knowing that something dramatic and murder mystery called Christmas Candy Corpse .. I love it a page turner mid to fast paced and I had to read straight through to the end as I was unable to put the book down. A spectacular spine-tingling sensational crime story that left a reader confused and keep guessing on who the murderer is. A gripping story which follows a number of characters, their relationships, secrets kept and are told. A book that contains a couple of genres such as romance, mystery-thriller and cooking; to which Captivated me from beginning to end. A great book for readers who follow Blake Pierce.

 #ChristmasCandyCorpse #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley for my honest review of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.