Kingdom of the Cursed (Book 2) - Review

By: Kerri Maniscalco

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Publication Date: October 26th, 2021 by Hodder & Stoughton

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon

Book Summary:

After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.

She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria... even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.

The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world... or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature?

Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves...

One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge… Welcome to Hell.

My Thoughts:

Book two did not disappoint. It's kept me on the edge of my seat and flipping pages the entire way through.  Loved the scene and world-building. All the characters were wonderful. Especially all the princes of Hell. The tension between Emilia and Wrath is just awesome. 

Now to wait for book three! It will not be fun...

A Mermaid in Middle Grade: The Talisman of Lostland (Book 1) - Review

By: A.M. Luzzader

Genre: Children, Middle Grade

Publication Date: June 29, 2020, by Knowledge Forest Press

Rate: ♥♥♥♥

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Book Summary:

 A Magical Mermaid Fantasy Adventure for children ages 8-12

A young mermaid. A sea witch out for revenge. Can Brynn Finley become a sea guardian and help humans in danger when she just barely started the sixth grade?

Brynn Finley is the only mermaid in class who hasn't been able to learn mer-magic. Without it, she can't be a guardian of the sea with her parents and friends. On her quest for answers, Brynn encounters a loveable sea turtle, a pair of selkie sisters, and Phaedra, the great and terrible sea witch. Soon Brynn is over her head in trouble, and she must learn to ask for help if she's going to follow the merfolk oath to be a protector of the ocean and a guardian of the sea.

The Mermaid in Middle-Grade series is a fantasy adventure and coming-of-age book series appropriate for preteens and all who enjoy middle-grade books.

Educational topics: Ocean and marine life, environmental conservation, honesty, friendship, mindfulness, middle school, and interpersonal skills.

My Thoughts:

Another wonderful story I read to my daughter at bedtime. It only took a few days and we were finished. It was full of adventure, life lessons, and love. The characters were wonderful as well as the villains. We both enjoyed it would recommend it if you like mermaids.

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures: The Mount Rushmore Calamity - Review

 By: Sara Pennypacker

Genre: Children, Fantasy, Adventure

Publication Date: April 21st, 2009 by Harper

Rate: ♥♥♥♥

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Book Summary:

Saddle up with Flat Stanley!

Ever since Stanley was flattened by a bulletin board, every trip is an adventure!

The whole Lambchop family is off to see Mount Rushmore. But when Flat Stanley and his brother, Arthur, team up with a scrappy cowgirl named Calamity Jasper, their vacation turns into the Wild West experience of a lifetime. Pretty soon, they find themselves in a real tight spot—even for a flat boy like Stanley!

My Thoughts:

I read this to my daughter at bedtime and was able to read the entire thing in one night. It was filled with adventure and we learned a couple of things. She and I both enjoyed it and would recommend it.

The Gathering Table - Review

By: Kathryn Springer

Genre: Romance, Christian Romance

Publication Date: September 28, 2021, by Love Inspired Trade

Rate: ♥♥♥♥♥

Goodreads│Amazon│Audible

Book Summary:

Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard-pretty, but for chef Jessica Keaton it’s also the last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for.

But instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful visitors who draw her back into the world. As Jess contends with local teenagers, a group of scrappy women, and a charming football coach, Elaine faces some battles of her own that extend past her physical challenges. For both of them, all the ingredients for a fulfilling life are within reach, if they’re willing to take a leap. And maybe Jess will start to see that it’s not just what’s on the table that matters—it’s the people gathered around it.

My Thoughts:

This is a women's Christian small-town romance. It's filled with lots of wonderful characters and a great storyline. The main character is Jessica, a chef who lost her job, must get over past tragedy, and learn to trust again. She takes a job as a house keeper-cook for Elaine. Elaine recently had a stroke and ends up in rehab. She will need assistance when she heads home. Elaine's neighborhood is filled with all her friends and they quickly welcome Jessica. She doesn't know what to think of that and must work through all of her past issues and come to terms with starting a new life or going back to the old one.

I loved the storyline it was filled with hope and blossoming friendships. I cried a few times so keep the tissues handy. I highly recommend it.