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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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The Scarlet Ribbon By Naomi Stephens-Historical Christian Romance Review

 Book Synopsis

As the Revolutionary War unfurls around her, Rebekah Stanton is abandoned by the man who once claimed to love her. Shunned by her father and forced to give up her child, she finds herself thrust into prostitution at the local boarding house.

When the British seize control of the nearby fort, she gives little thought to the officers who frequent the boarding house. Men are men regardless of the color of their uniform…or so she believes. But then a young man—a Patriot spy named Benjamin Renshaw—stumbles upon her in the darkness, and she saves him from a group of pursuing Redcoats.

With an attack on the fort brewing in the background and the father of her child returned to serve with the British, Rebekah is torn between old dreams and new hope, struggling all the while to find peace and forgiveness in a place of rising conflict.

Book Details

• ISN ‏ : ‎ B0DN78VKB9
• Genre : Historical Christian Romance Fiction
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ WhiteFire Publishing (February 17, 2025)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2025

• ****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

Naomi Stephens' novel, "The Scarlet Ribbon," reimagines the biblical story of Rahab during the Revolutionary War. Rebekah is banished by her father after an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Her child is taken from her, and she becomes a prostitute to survive. Wartime danger and intrigue fill the pages of this book.

Rebekah's life intertwines with two men. Ben, a Patriot spy, and Mason, a British Royalist who fathered her child. Protecting Ben forces Rebekah into a web of lies. She keeps secrets from Mason, which could ruin their future.

Forgiveness, grace, and faith are woven throughout the story. The scarlet ribbon Ben gifts Rebekah beautifully connects to Rahab's tale. One favorite quote reads, “As her fingers fastened around the ribbon, she sensed that first quiet glimmer of answered prayer, of two people woven together and held fast by the grace of God.”

This engaging and clean novel is perfect for adults and mature teens. The harsh realities of war are depicted throughout. Stephens' historically accurate and beautifully written novel will capture your heart. 

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and a positive review is not required.***

****Meet Author Naomi Stephens****

Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
​
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
​
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London. 

https://naomistephens.com/

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Date With Danger: A Killer Romantic Comedy/Mystery and Suspense (CAUGHT IN CHAOS COLLECTION Book 1) by Jenessa Fayeth-Review

Book Synopsis

I, Amelia Quinn, am dating again.

I must be out of practice though because I sat down at the wrong man’s table…and kissed him. And now I’m wrapped up in the middle of an FBI case… DREAM COME TRUE!

Except the super sexy agent doesn’t want my help solving this case.

I, Caleb Harris, am a stupid, stupid man. Nothing says rookie agent like kissing a civilian just to get rid of her.

But somehow that didn’t even work because she keeps showing up wherever our suspect is. And now, I’m not so sure she’s innocent in all this. Especially when someone ends up dead.

Date With Danger is a closed-door, light-hearted, romantic comedy with mystery and suspense.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (May 23, 2024)
• Genre: RomCom, Romantic Suspense
• Series: CAUGHT IN CHAOS COLLECTION Book 1
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 305 pages

• ****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

Date With Danger is a total package! This book blends comedy, mystery, and romance perfectly. Amelia, the main character, is extra, yet hilarious. Her knack for trouble keeps things exciting. FBI agent Caleb is great. He protects her despite his reluctance. The witty banter between Amelia and Caleb is pure gold. The story balances humor and suspense with skill.

The cover is fun and eye-catching. Amelia wields a blow dryer like a weapon. Caleb is armed, ready for action. It's fun seeing the trouble Amelia drags them into. The story moves at a good pace. A huge twist at the end caught me off guard! The ending has many "Aha!" moments that are surprising. A bonus chapter shows what happens to Amelia and Caleb later. If you love romcoms, read this book.

****Meet Author Jenessa Fayeth****

Jenessa Fayeth doesn't remember the last time she got a full night's sleep. But she does know how late she can stay up reading to survive the next day. In college she majored in Family Life and Human Development, and she now uses that knowledge to convince herself she isn't crazy while raising her wild children. Her hobbies include reading, writing, sleeping, eating, and running. She writes all night and is a mom and wife all day. She is constantly exhausted, but she wouldn't change it for the world. In her opinion, peanut butter is the most important food group.

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