The Big Bad Wolf (Grimmworld #2) By Michaelbrent Collings-Middle-Grade Fantasy Review

  Book Synopsis

Willow and Jake have done the impossible by saving Hansel and Gretel from the witch in the woods, they brought the first “happily ever after” to Grimmworld. But in the real world, their father is still missing, and the boundary between universes has grown even more fragile. Determined to reunite their fractured family, the twins return to Grimmworld to find their dad, their great-to-the-tenth-power grandfather, and the perpetually befuddled, acorn-loving, naked mole rat, Chet. But Grimmworld is a treacherous place, and soon, Willow and Jake are captured by fairies, who are less innocent and more dangerous than expected, and forced to make an impossible Steal the golden claw of the Wolf King and return it to the fairy queen in exchange for information about their father, or refuse and become the fairies’ eternal, soulless slaves. But to steal the Wolf King’s claw, Jake and Willow will have to undergo the Wolf Trials, a perilous series of tests and traps that will push the twins to their limits and beyond. It will take Willow’s strength, Jake’s intellect, and the love and friendship they share—and maybe a few treats from Red Riding Hood’s magical basket—to defeat the Big Bad Wolf, find the next clue to their father’s whereabouts, and perhaps even bring another “happily ever after” to Grimmworld.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (March 4, 2025)
• Series : Grimmworld {Book 2}
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933808
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 9

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I enjoyed the first Grimmworld book and this second one is even better. Willow and Jake return to Grimmworld where they must use their smarts and strength. They are searching for their dad and Grandfather Grimm who are needed to save both their world and Grimmworld.

Adventure fills every page of this book. This makes it a hit with kids, tweens, and adults. The twins battle evil fairies and huge, hungry wolves. There is a perfect balance of description and witty dialogue that envelops you and brings you along to Grimmworld for a wild adventure. 

My favorite part of this book belongs with the wolves. Willow and Jake find themselves having to strengthen their own relationship to survive the tests the wolf pack gives them. It’s inspiring when the twins learn to trust themselves and each other. Great lessons are hidden for readers as they enjoy the story.  There were many clever ways that Willow and Jake used their "powers" to defeat the evil Wolf King. 

The Big Bad Wolf is an excellent sequel to a wonderful first book. I'd love to listen to the audiobook too. This novel would make a great read-aloud at school and also a family book to read together. I loved the book club questions at the back to make kids and adults bring the life lessons the twins learned front and center. The Big Bad Wolf is easily a 5-star book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. 

****Meet Author Michaelbrent Collings ****

One of the most versatile writers in the world, Michaelbrent Collings has written bestsellers for adults, teens, and children in nearly every genre. Thrillers, mysteries, horror, sci-fi and fantasy titles, even humor and non-fiction--Michaelbrent has found success in each, and continues to write stories that surprise and delight fans all over the world.

In addition to popular success, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award (twice), a Dragon Award (twice), and a RONE Award, and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR.

An engaging and entertaining speaker, he is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, Writing Excuses, and others; and is a mental health advocate and TEDx speaker.

Michaelbrent is also the owner of Bestseller Life, a comprehensive writing and self-publishing course that transforms storytellers into storysellers, and teaches authors how to become their own best story.

~*~*~*~*Purchase The Big Bad Wolf 

(Grimmworld #2)   ~*~*~*~*

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Bake My Day A Rom.Com By Em Tate-Romantic Comedy Review

 

 Book Synopsis

In the quirky town of Havana Heights, the annual Spring Festival is in full swing—until the Golden Acorn trophy mysteriously vanishes, leaving the entire town in chaos. Enter Lola Bramble, the whimsical bakery owner with a knack for solving problems—and stirring up a little trouble along the way. When she teams up with Oliver Pierce, the brooding private investigator hired to find the missing trophy, sparks fly... but it’s not just the mystery that’s heating up.

As they race against time to uncover the truth, Lola’s sweet charm and Oliver’s gruff demeanor lead to unexpected chemistry—and a whole lot of cake. But can they solve the case before the town turns on them? Or will love be the most surprising twist of all?

Sweet treats, sizzling romance, and a mystery that will keep you guessing—this cozy, charming romcom is the perfect recipe for a fun, feel-good read!

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (March 29, 2025)
• Genre: Rom-Com/Romantic Comedy
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 278 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8316053049

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

Bake My Day is a charming mystery with a sweet romance. The story takes place in Havana Heights during its Spring Festival. The Golden Acorn trophy vanishes, throwing the festival into chaos. Without it, the festival may not happen.

Lola Bramble owns a cute bakery. She counts on the Spring Festival and tourists for money to run her business. She meets Oliver Pierce, a private investigator. They work together to find the missing trophy. They interview quirky townspeople, and it gets pretty funny. Lola and Oliver run all over as they try to solve the mystery. It's fun watching them fall in love.

The mystery deepens as the thief gets desperate near the end. The culprit's reveal was a bit of a surprise. You can expect an exciting and happy ending. Bake My Day is perfect if you enjoy a sweet romance with a puzzling mystery.

****Meet Author Em Tate****

When Em Tate isn’t busy whipping up sweet romantic escapades, you can find her dreaming up love stories over a steaming cup of coffee (or maybe three), crafting the perfect meet-cute, or rescuing her houseplants from the brink of demise—don’t worry, they’re all thriving now, mostly!

Her novels are sprinkled with just the right amount of wit, charm, and a dash of awkwardness—think of them as the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter (or a freshly baked cookie with sprinkles, because why not?). Em believes every love story should have a quirky twist, a couple of misunderstandings, and a whole lot of heart.

Her motto? If you’re not falling in love with the characters, you’re probably not reading one of her books! When she’s not writing, Em enjoys perfecting her dance moves in her living room (to the confusion of her cat, Smittens), collecting vintage coffee mugs, and binge-watching romcoms for “research purposes.”

Join Em on her hilarious journey through the ups and downs of love, where every story is a sweet escape and every page is infused with her infectious laughter. Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of something warm, and dive into the delightful world of Em Tate—where love is always a little playful, and happily ever after is just a page away!

~*~*~*~*Purchase Bake My Day ~*~*~*~*

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Sunrise on the Reaping By Suzanne Collins {The Hunger Games #0.5}-YA Dystopian Review

 

Book Synopsis

When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press (March 18, 2025)
• Genre: YA Dystopian/Fantasy
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1546171460
• ***I bought my own copy to read and review***

3

My Review

I've always loved this series for its raw look at war and real emotions. When I learned Haymitch would get his own story, I was sold. He was a sad, broken winner, wasting his life in isolation and drinking. Sunrise on the Reaping shows us why he became the man we met in the original trilogy of The Hunger Games.

Prepare yourself, this story is intense! We know the winner, but the road is full of heartache and tears. The author did a great job with new and known characters telling each unique story. I also enjoyed discovering Effie Trinket's rise, which was fascinating.

Seeing how the Hunger Games' history connects was my favorite part. Some questions got answered, but more popped up. The first half builds to the games; the second puts Haymitch in the arena. I felt that the pacing was spot on.

Sunrise on the Reaping isn't a happy book, so grab your tissues. I'll remember these words: "I love you like all fire" while trying not to cry. Just know, you'll be hooked, shocked, horrified, and in the end, happy you read it.

****Meet Author Suzanne Collins****

Suzanne Collins has had a successful and prolific career writing for children's television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains It All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Collins made her mark in children's literature with the New York Times bestselling five-book series for middle-grade readers The Underland Chronicles, which has received numerous accolades in both the United States and abroad. In the award-winning The Hunger Games trilogy, Collins continues to explore the effects of war and violence on those coming of age. Collins lives with her family in Connecticut.

~*~*~*~*Purchase Sunrise on the Reaping ~*~*~*~*

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The Gorgon's Fury (Tales of Newel and Doren, A Fablehaven Adventure) By Brandon Mull-Middle Grade Fantasy Review

 Book Synopsis

A New York Times Bestseller! Debuted at #4

#1 New York Times best-selling author Brandon Mull returns to Fablehaven with a brand-new story starring the comedic satyrs, Newel and Doren, and their battle against a gorgon.

Starred Review: "The novel’s plot is well-written and engaging. Newel and Doren are humorous, well-rounded, and believable, and their unique dynamic is strongly crafted . . . For fans of fantasy, adventure, and mythology, this is a must-read. Recommended for most library collections." -School Library Journal

Everyone’s favorite satyrs are back at Fablehaven after helping Dragonwatch put an end to the dragon rebellion. Truth be told, with everything they’ve been through, Newel and Doren are maturing into more responsible citizens. The thought of growing out of adolescence has the two goatmen in crisis mode. If that isn’t enough to worry about, there’s a new threat at Fablehaven. A few unlucky inhabitants have been found petrified, turned to stone, including some of their fellow satyrs. Could a rampaging gorgon be on the loose?

Newel and Doren become intrigued after an informant divulges information about a legendary listening doll—a talisman with the power to reveal the antidote for any magical malady—hidden somewhere in the Florida swamplands. If the mystical doll can solve any problem, maybe she has the answer of how to turn back the clock, so they won’t have to grow up.

Perhaps a trip to Florida is just what Newel and Doren need to get their mojo back in time to win the annual Satyr Games. Two new challengers, Barrett and Hoff, are talking smack about dethroning Newell and Doren as perennial champions of the games. And the new opponents have a smartphone!

Finding the listening doll and saving Fablehaven is important, sure. But Newel and Doren are also desperate for a smartphone of their own. Let the adventure and the games begin!

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Shadow Mountain (March 4, 2025)
• Series : Tales of Newel and Doren, A Fablehaven Adventure
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 192 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639933794
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 18 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 12

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I get so happy about anything related to the Fablehaven books! "The Gorgon's Fury," book one of the Newel and Doren series, was a great surprise.

I've loved Newel and Doren since the first Fablehaven book. They are funny satyrs living at Fablehaven a magical preserve. Their words and actions always make me laugh. These jokers added comic relief to the Fablehaven and Dragonwatch books. They've become more mature in this new book.

What's in store for readers? Newel and Doren go on an adventure to fix a problem at the preserve. Some Fablehaven folks have turned to stone. They seek a talisman, the Listening Doll, in Florida's swamps. Newel and Doren hunt for magic items. They also want smartphones and you have to read the book to see why they need them.  Plus, they are competing in the Satyr Games and have some strong rivals to take the crown away from them. 

Kids aged 8-12 will love this book but teens and adults will also enjoy it too. Brandon Mull has written another book that will excite a new generation of readers.

****Meet Author Brandon Mull****

Brandon Mull is an American author best known for his children's fantasy series, Fablehaven, as well as Dragonwatch, The Candy Shop War, the Beyonders trilogy, and the Five Kingdoms series. He also began the Spirit Animals series.  Brandon won a Whitney Award for Best Youth Fiction.

~*~*~*~*Purchase ~*~*~*~*

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Traitor in the Scottish Isles By Paige Edwards-Romantic Suspense Book Review

 Book Synopsis

An intercepted message. Missing MI6 agents. And a traitor hiding in plain sight.

Reader’s Favorite Five-Star Review: "A modern-day spy thriller set amongst the windswept and remote Scottish Isles of Uist. Fun and exciting! A fast-paced, riveting story."

To secure her inheritance and escape a scandal not of her making, wealthy socialite Cairstie Henderson relocates to a small town in the Scottish Isles, far from the city lights and runways she once frequented. There, she encounters the Irish spy responsible for the public breakup that made her the laughingstock of the Scottish Borders.

Sheridan, a hardened MI6 agent, is on an undercover assignment to locate missing operatives and the mysterious traitor leaking top-secret information to the Chinese. Unfortunately, there’s one hitch: Cairstie Henderson knows his true identity—and she detests him.

When Cairstie surprises an intruder, she seeks out Sheridan, the one man who can protect her. Over time, these opposites give way to an attraction that eventually blossoms into love. But with a dangerous criminal stalking their steps and intrigue

Book Details

• Series : Roxburgh Scions
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DSLPWWJ8
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Balquhidder Books, LLC (March 18, 2025)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 18, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review  

"Traitor in the Scottish Isles" is the fourth book in the Roxburgh Scions series. The previous stories set a high bar for excitement. This book takes the action even further.

Lady Cairstie Henderson wants to claim an inheritance in the Scottish Isles after her godmother's death. She must stay six months to claim it. A scandal forced her to leave her modeling career. Soon, she encounters Sheridan. He is an MI6 agent working undercover to find a traitor. Their connection sparks right away. The story shows their relationship develop from dislike to love. The story balances danger, humor, and love well. The many twists kept me hooked. I loved seeing Cairstie grow with Sheridan's patient help. His humor was great. I liked him from the start.

The Scottish Isles setting came alive. I felt like I was really there. The town's quirky characters made the community fun. Danger lurks, keeping readers on edge. It was hard to put the book down.

If you know of Author Paige Edwards, you'll want to read "Traitor in the Scottish Isles." If you're new to her work, this book works alone. Still, reading the series in order is best because it adds depth to the characters. This book is a must-read for romantic suspense fans.

****Meet Author Paige Edwards****

Paige Edwards is an award-winning and best-selling author of inspirational romantic suspense novels. Due to her strong British roots, Paige’s books are often set in the UK, and she hops the pond whenever she gets the chance. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and kayaking the lake. She is currently converting a Sprinter van into a camper so she and the hubs can visit every National Park. Paige is a member of ACFW, FHLCW, and ANWA. She loves to connect with her readers, and you can reach her at authorpaigeedwards.com.

All the Books in the Roxburgh Scions Series

~*~*~*~*Purchase Traitor in the Scottish Isles   ~*~*~*~*

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