#BookReview ~ Fling of Hearts by Victoria Jayne ~ Dixie Mafia, Book #0.5 #Mafia #Prequel

 

 

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0FF2CTRB1

Publication date: ‎ July 1, 2025

Print length: ‎ 60 pages

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Is there a better way to stick it to your ex than to have a fling with the hot mafia guy?

Fresh out of a relationship, Harper was ready to get out of Oklahoma and away from outlaw bikers. All she had to do was pass her LSATs, get into law school, oh and convince her crazy ex-boyfriend things were over.

Totally doable.

The family business had grown with their casino in the laundromat’s basement. Paul settled into a groove until Harper came along. Driven, foul-mouthed, and addicting. Of course, she came with baggage.

Listen. It was never that serious. She wasn’t his problem. Right? When the bullets flew, they find out.

My Review:

Harper Myers is just trying to get out of Dodge and away from her father's crooked biker club and her psycho ex-boyfriend. She didn't know she'd land in the sights of the local mafia...and like it. Too bad she brought her trouble to his doorstep.

Fling of Hearts is a very quick introduction to the Dixie Mafia and the Roughneck Riders. The main characters are Paul, a member of the Mafia and Harper, the daughter of the president of the Roughneck Riders. Their unlikely attraction heats up, delivering a spicy dynamic between the two. I loved watching them dance around each other until they couldn't contain their desire.

I enjoyed this novella and started book one, Queen of Blades, almost immediately after completing Fling of Hearts.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ The Mystery of the Blue Train (Mini Mysteries) by Marci Kay Monson; Illustrated by Greg Paprocki #AgathaChristie #ChildrensBook #Mystery

 

About the Book:

This retelling of Agatha Christie’s The Mystery of the Blue Train is the second book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children.

“The second charming installment in the Mini Mysteries series makes murder feel marvelously cozy. The playful rhyming text is a pleasure to breeze through....Bustling, vibrant illustrations are packed with detail....A wonderful way to get young readers hooked on whodunits.”—Booklist

The Mystery of the Blue Train is one of Agatha Christie’s early detective novels (a cozy mystery—no violence or gore), and where she continues to use the fictional detective Hercule Poirot as a major character. The story, set on a train bound for the French Riviera, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters, missing jewels, and teasing clues. Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it in a way that is fun for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of terms and French words.

My Review:

The Mystery of the Blue Train is not just a #MiniMystery but an activity book. Developed for children, this book features vibrant illustrations, enrichment activities, and a shortened but engaging mystery.

I love the introductions of the players, the development of the mystery, and the solution to the mystery. The author also includes a glossary of English and French terms.

Children will enjoy working with Hercule Poirot to solve The Mystery of the Blue Train.

My Rating:

Amazon

  

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#BookReview ~ An Apple Butter Christmas by Terry Lynn Thomas ~ Small-Town Christmas Romance #Christmas

 An Apple Butter Christmas

From the USA Today Best-Selling Author Terry Lynn Thomas
An Apple Butter Christmas

A Heartwarming Small-Town Christmas Romance

About the Book:

Coming home for Christmas was supposed to be temporary—until love, legacy, and one unforgettable orchard changed everything.

Welcome to Hartstone, where the snow is deep, the secrets are deeper, and love might just get a second chance under the twinkling lights of the town Christmas tree.

Diana Marchcroft didn’t plan on returning to Hartstone, but when her beloved aunt is injured, Diana leaves the city behind to help save her family’s struggling apple orchard. What she doesn’t expect? The fight of a lifetime and the survival of her family’s heritage. The orchard is at risk of being developed into an exclusive golf course and destination wedding venue.

Alex Kelley thought he'd buried his feelings for Diana after their relationship ended abruptly on the night he planned to propose. When he unexpectedly bumps into her, he realizes that some embers never go out.

With the town busy with visitors for the annual Apple Butter Festival, Diana and Alex discover that sometimes Christmas miracles come wrapped in second chances.

My Review:

An Apple Butter Christmas is a cozy romance with a tad bit of drama. I love me a good second-chance romance and this story fits the bill. Diana has returned home to help save her family's orchard from greedy real estate agents and developers. As Diana faces the possible sale of her orchard, the reuniting with her ex-boyfriend, and coming face-to-face with the town bully, her stress levels increase. Thank goodness for being part of a close-knit community of family and friends. They rally behind Marchcroft Orchard in hopes to deter any sale, development, or cancellation of the annual Apple Butter Festival. What ensues is a myriad of misunderstandings, relationship challenges, and lies. I enjoyed watching the story unfold, the misunderstandings get set straight, relationships shift and evolve, and the deceit revealed.

This is a sweet, small town romance and I felt like I was walking into a movie. The setting is magical, well-described, and vivid. I enjoyed the characters and interactions, including the not-so-nice ones. They all have a part to play in An Apple Butter Christmas. If you're looking for a magical second-chance romance set during the holidays, look no further. Grab yourself a copy of An Apple Butter Christmas.

This was previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon US

Visit the Author:

Facebook

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#BookReview ~ A Quarterback for Christmas by Linda West ~ #SportsRomance #Romance #Football #Christmas

When pro quarterback Nash Jordan tears his ACL, he gets drafted to his hometown team the Buffalo Bills. Humiliated, broken and in need of healing, he finds the perfect solution to his problem is the girl that broke his heart...

Title: A QUARTERBACK FOR CHRISTMAS

Author: Linda West

Publisher: Independent

Publish Date: October 14, 2025

Pages: 177

Genre: Holiday Romance

Format: Kindle / FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Book:

He’s Buffalo’s hometown hero. She’s the one who got away. When fate and a little Christmas magic bring them back together, love might just score the biggest comeback of all.

When Buffalo’s hometown quarterback Nash Jordan gets traded back just before Christmas, his career—and his heart—are both on thin ice. A lingering injury threatens his future, until help arrives in the most unexpected form: Eden Landers, the woman he never stopped loving.

Eden’s a talented chef with a hint of magic in her kitchen, and healing others is what she does best. But moving into Nash’s guest house to help him recover stirs up more than old memories. Between snowstorms, laughter, and late-night meals, love begins to simmer again.

Can they trust each other enough for a second chance? Or will fear and fame keep them apart once more?

Heartwarming, wholesome, and full of Christmas cheer, A Quarterback for Christmas is a cozy holiday romance about love, forgiveness, and finding your way home.

My Review:

A Quarterback for Christmas is a delightful sports romance filled with magic. The story is filled with misunderstandings, longing, and hopefulness. I love the second chance romance trope and this story delivers. I really loved Sir Wolfgang. He has his own sections at the end of some of the chapters and love his POV. As a Michigander, it was exciting to "watch" the Superbowl in this story. I may not be a sports fan but I still love it when my state is represented.

This is a heartwarming tale that kept me entertained from the very beginning.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

A Quarterback for Christmas is available at Amazon.

Visit the Author:

 http://www.morningmayan.com

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Anthology #Review ~ Handbook for the Dead by Jacob Floyd, Jenny Floyd, Pamela K. Kinney, Mark Rivett, Heddy Johannesen, Carol Smith, Jim Towns, Julia Hebner, Holly Wholahan, and Susan Schwartz

Book Details:

Print Length: 126 pages
Publisher: Anubis Press; 1 edition
Publication Date: October 2, 2019
ASIN: B07YNZJ13V

Purchase Link: Amazon

About the Book:

DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDBOOK…Welcome all spirits! The Frightening Floyds present to you, Handbook for the Dead – a guide to help all new manifestations realize their functional perimeters. Within this anthology, you’ll read paranormal accounts from individuals who have experienced phantoms and disturbances that have not only chilled them, but also left them with some new insight into the supernatural. Now, they want to share their stories and wisdom with you. That way, if you’re feeling a little flat, or even if you’re a lost soul, you won’t have to draw a door and knock. Handbook for the Dead is sure to please the strange and unusual in everyone, and we promise it doesn’t read like stereo instructions.

My Review:

Handbook for the Dead contains real-life encounters and stories of the paranormal. I was drawn into the paranormal accounts and mysterious happenings provided throughout the book. You travel to various destinations including hotels, graveyards, theaters, insane asylums, and homes throughout the world. The book is a wonderful look at supernatural happenings in everyday places. As a fan of ghost hunting shows and novels (fiction and non-fiction), this book is another wonderful collection of stories fitting for lovers of paranormal.

The book is written in a conversational tone. Each story is written like an open discussion, not scripted and flat. It was exciting, and chilling, to read stories from folks who came face-to-face with spooky events, dark entities, and unexplained happenings. Each tale also includes factoids at the end with history of the location, sighting reports, and other interesting pieces of information.

I enjoyed Handbook for the Dead and encourage anyone with a love for the paranormal to grab a copy.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Reviews by Saph.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Halloween is Coming! by Cal Everett, Illustrated by Lenny Wen @Sourcebooks #Halloween #ChildrensBook

 

About the Book:

A fun, rhyming read-aloud Halloween picture book that starts a new holiday tradition. Perfect for kids 4-8 or any young child wanting to celebrate the spookiest season of the year!

Marching in the school parade
in frightening costumes that we've made;
Look around, the signs are clear,
Halloween is getting near!

Halloween is Coming is a lyrical celebration of the building excitement that children―and adults!―feel as the magical and mysterious night of Halloween approaches.

Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ Sourcebooks Jabberwocky 

Publish Date: August 3, 2021
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1728205867
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1728205861
Reading Age: ‎ 4 - 8 years
Grade Level: ‎ Preschool - 3
Amazon
Goodreads

My Review:

Halloween is a vividly illustrated, inclusive children's book. Perfect for children just learning to read, the book has fun, rhyming prose about upcoming Halloween. I enjoyed it also, as an adult. This would make a perfect gift for your Halloween-loving children and grandchildren.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Reviews by Saph.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Ghosts and Legends of Genesee and Lapeer Counties: Haunted America Series by Roxanne Rhoads and Joe Schipani ~ @RoxanneRhoads

Ghosts and Legends of Genesee and Lapeer Counties

Haunted America Series

Roxanne Rhoads and Joe Schipani

Release Date: August 29, 2022

About the Book:

Ghost stories and urban legends lurk throughout Genesee and Lapeer counties.

A Clio man's spirit is thought to still reside in the junkyard office where he was murdered. For almost two centuries, the Flushing area has been fascinated by tales of the wealthy Brent family whose land is connected to numerous tales of murder, mystery, and ghosts.

In Lapeer County, the Bruce Mansion's unnerving façade hints at the specters inside, and the land and buildings once belonging to the Lapeer State Home are plagued by haunting cries and ghostly activity.

Join the authors of Haunted Flint, Roxanne Rhoads and Joe Schipani, as they take you on a tour of Genesee and Lapeer counties’ most haunted locations.

Saph's Notes/Review:

Most people don't know this but I was born in Flint (and no, I never use that as an answer to a security question) and raised in Montrose, MI - just off of McKinley Road and about 2 miles away from Mt. Morris Road, near Brent Creek. This is significant when you read the first few stories in Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties. I had heard stories about the ghosts in Brent Creek but had no idea the history or origins. I know exactly which dangerous curve on McKinley Road this book references and am thankful I never fell victim to any shenanigans during the many, many times I drove along.

When I was married to my first husband, we lived in the house directly behind the Linden Hotel. His mother owned the house for several years and when she remarried after divorcing his dad, she left Michigan to live in Ohio and sold the house to us. I lived in Linden between 1996 and 2000. In that time, I'd also heard of ghostly tales but despite living directly behind the establishment, we had never gone into the Linden Hotel.

Yes, the Fenton Seminary was creepy. No, I never set foot on the property. My first husband and I would just do drive-bys occasionally. I was always curious but never enough to do anything more than look as we drove by.

Shout out to the Fenton Hotel - they have great food and a wonderful atmosphere. Apparently, they also have ghosts. I've only been in the building a couple times and never experienced or felt anything supernatural. My sister, on the other hand, has seen things. She and a group of friends were taken on a tour of the Fenton Hotel and as the group descended the stairs, she looked back behind her up on the balcony and right at an apparition. He was watching the entire group tromp down the stairs - and according to her and her friends, they were the only ones on the second floor.

I absolutely loved this book. I love learning the history about the locations, buildings, and people. I find ghost stories, sightings, and paranormal events exciting. When the information shared includes places I've lived, visited, or seen, I can't help but dive right into the content. This book gave me the chills as I learned about the history behind places I grew up around. Thank you so much Roxanne for providing me a copy of your and Joe's book to read.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Head Witch in Charge by Avery Flynn ~ #PNR #HeadWitchinCharge #Witch #Witches ~ @BerkleyPub #BerkleyPublishing

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DPH1D85Y

Publisher: ‎Berkley

Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Print Length: ‎372 pages

Amazon

About the Book:

When two witches with a tangled history are forced to team up, it spells disaster in this steamy rom-com from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

It’s the curse of every family’s heir to be the responsible one. My family being the most powerful family in all of Witchingdom doesn’t eliminate that fact, it only makes it worse—and that’s why I, Leona Amber Sherwood, never do the unexpected. Except for that one time I did.

Believe me, I have rued the day that I got married in a midnight ceremony under a full moon to Erik Svensen, the heir to my family’s deepest, bitterest enemies, and now, he won’t agree to a divorce unless we return an ancient spell book to his family’s secured facility.

But on our road trip to return the book, I learn more about Erik as we encounter trolls, nymphs, satyrs, and more. The longer we work together, the more I’m convinced that he might not be the evil trickster I assumed he was. Any more time together will leave me even more enchanted with my husband and that’s the last thing I want. And if I keep telling myself that, maybe I'll start to believe it.

My Review:

Head Witch in Charge is a masterfully crafted second book in the Witchingdom series. This book is filled with mystery, romance, deception, and magic. Starring Leona Sherwood and Erik Svensen, enemies from two different prominent magical families, this book is all about the pressures of being next in line – the heirs of each magical family. Leona is good and wholesome; Erik is as devious as they come.

When a girls’ trip to Vegas ends with Leona married to her archenemy, she desperately tries to convince Erik to agree to a divorce. Something he is not having. Not until they return a spell book to his family’s estate. The close-proximity cross-country trip opens the eyes of both Leona and Erik, unraveling preconceived ideas. As they face mounting dangers throughout the trip, Leona and Erik have hard decisions to make, ones that may make or break any chance at happiness.

I really love me some Avery Flynn. Her books are phenomenal. I love how the characters occasionally turn, look, and talk to the reader. Head Witch in Charge is a fun enemies to lovers paranormal romance. The book is perfectly paced, written well, and the setting and world building expertly described. I read this book in one day because once I started, I was hooked.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Witcha Gonna Do by Avery Flynn ~ #PNR #WitchaGonnaDo #Witch #Witches ~ @BerkleyPub #BerkleyPublishing

Book Details:

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date:‎ December 6, 2022

Print Length: 332 pages

ISBN-13: 978-0593335222

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

She's Charmed, He's Sure

An unlucky witch and her know-it-all nemesis must team up in the first of a new, spicy romantic comedy series from USA Today bestselling author Avery Flynn.

Could it possibly get any worse than having absolutely no magical abilities when you’re a member of the most powerful family of witches ever? It used to be that I’d say no, but then I keep getting set up on dates with Gil Connolly whose hotness is only matched by his ego. Seriously. I can’t stand him. Even if I also can’t stop thinking about him (specifically kissing him) but we’re going to pretend I never told you that part.

So yeah, my life isn’t the greatest right now, but then it goes straight to the absolute worst hell when I accidentally make my sister’s spell glitch and curse my whole family. And the only person who can help non-magical me break the spell? You guessed it. Gil the super hot jerk.

Now we have to work together to save my family and outmaneuver some evil-minded nefarious forces bent on world domination. Oh yeah, and we have to do all that while fighting against the attraction building between us because I may not be magical, but what’s happening between Gil and I sure feels like it.

My Review:

Witcha Gonna Do is a masterpiece of mystery, romance, and deception.

Tilda Sherwood is part of a huge and prominent magical family. Except, Tilda is magicless. Not a magical bone in her body. All she manages to do is become fodder for Wichingdom's busybodies, and embarrass her mother. And for some reason, her matchmaker continues to set her up with her nemesis, Gil Connolly.

Gil Connolly is not who he seems. He has secrets and reasons for trying to get close to Tilda. Only, he's not supposed to catch feelings for her. He's an egotistical jerk and not at all the type of guy Tilda should be interested in dating. Things get even worse for Tilda's attraction to Gil when her non-magic causes one of her sister's spells to fail, epically. Now, the only person she can turn to for help is the one person who drivers her crazy....Gil Connolly.

Boy do I love me some Avery Flynn. Her books are phenomenal. I love how the characters occasionally turn, look, and talk to the reader. Witcha Gonna Do is a cute enemies to lovers paranormal romance. The book is perfectly paced, written well, and the setting and world building expertly descripted and set up. I read this book in one day because once I started, I was hooked.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: Haunts of the Headless Horseman Haunted America by Sam Baltrusis ~ @SamBaltrusis ~ #HeadlessHorseman #Halloween #Ghosts #Hauntings

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: 

Haunts of the Headless Horseman

Haunted America

Sam Baltrusis

Genre: Ghosts & Hauntings

Publisher: History Press

Date of Publication: September 23, 2024

ISBN: 978-146715802

Number of pages: 144

Word Count: 32,500

About the Book:

Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are steeped in history and ghost lore. Famous for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the storied Westchester region also has a dark history of witches, spies, and pirates. 

Rumors of Headless Horseman sightings surge during spooky season while visitors flock to the Valley’s haunted hot spots like the Old Dutch Church and the famed writer’s Sunnyside home. 

Join author and journalist Sam Baltrusis on a bone-chilling journey through the streets of Sleepy Hollow as he breathes new life into the legendary village’s long-departed souls.

My Review:

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow is such an interesting book filled with history and legend. I've always loved everything Sleepy Hollow. One day I'll make it to the real Sleepy Hollow but until then, this book took me on an amazing trip. I enjoyed the history, the town in the present, and the paranormal elements. 

The book has so much information and I devoured everything. I love that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was used in two Dark Shadows movies. Jonathan Frid's Barnabas Collins is my favorite iteration of that character. Ben Cross's run as Barnabas is my second favorite and I'm still bummed there was only one season. 

I love to read about ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal activity. This book fulfills that love and is about a legend I've also enjoyed and in a location that intrigues me. The author does a wonderful job creating the perfect atmosphere for the reader while taking them on a historical and paranormal journey. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Flesh by Laura Bickle ~ #YA #Horror ~ @Laura_Bickle #Zombies #Ghouls #SoftHorror

Flesh

Laura Bickle

Genre: YA Horror

Date of Publication: September 19, 2017

ISBN: 9781537857992

ASIN: B074XBJ697

Number of pages: 307

Word Count: 76,573

About the Book:

The dead are easy to talk to. Live people, not so much.

Charlie Sulliven thinks she knows all the secrets of the dead. Raised in a funeral home, she’s the reluctant “Ghoul Girl,” her reputation tied to a disastrous Halloween party. But navigating her life as a high school sophomore is an anxiety-inducing puzzle to her. She haunts the funeral home with her parents, emo older brother, Garth, their pistol-packing Gramma, and the glass-eyeball-devouring dachshund, Lothar.

Chewed human bodies are appearing in her parents’ morgue…and disappearing in the middle of the night. The bodies seem tied to a local legend, Catfish Bob, who has resurfaced in the muddy Milburn river near Charlie’s small town. When one of Charlie’s classmates, Amanda, awakens in the cooler as a flesh-eating ghoul, Charlie must protect her newfound friend and step up to unravel the mystery…and try to avoid becoming lunch meat for the dead.

My Review:

Charolotte “Charlie” Sullivan just wants to be a normal teenager accepted by her peers. Unfortunately, when your family owns the funeral home you also live in and your mother is the coroner, classmates tend to make assumptions, jump to conclusions, and stereotype you. It was so easy to relate to Charlie in the teenager wanting to be accepted aspect. All teens want to be popular, belong, and feel accepted. When bodies start appearing with weird types of damage, and then they start to disappear from the morgue, any slight change of normalcy evaporates. This is especially true when one of the bodies is a girl from school and she awakens in the morgue right in front of Charlie. Is she hallucinating or is there something sinister going on in their town?

I don’t normally read books that focus on zombies or ghouls - they just aren’t my thing. I made an exception because I love Laura Bickle’s writing. She tells great stories that are engaging to the point I’m almost obsessed with the books. I don’t want to adult because I want to finish her books. Flesh is no exception. I was enthralled with Charlie, Garth, Amanda, and Lothar. Charlie is a wonderful character trying to make her way in the world while being an outcast because of the family business and being constantly harassed by a very controlling mother. She’s not a strong character at the beginning and it was fun to watch her kind of toughen up as the story progressed.

The story that’s told in Flesh has horror undertones but isn’t the “scare the daylights out of you” kind of book. The story features creepy events, sinister happenings, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I mention these things because I don’t particularly like horror (think Stephen King, whoever thought the Saw movies were a good idea, and Friday the 13th). I do, however, like soft horror (is that even a thing? If not, it is now), which is how I would classify Flesh. Flesh also has moments of joy, the rekindling of old friendships, and the coming together of some unlikely allies to combat the mysterious ghouls with ties to an urban legend by the name of Catfish Bob. I love the balance that the author used. I enjoyed the story, characters, theme, and pacing of Flesh.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ Pumpkins and Party Themes: 50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life by Roxanne Rhoads ~ #Halloween ~ #DIY @RoxanneRhoads

Pumpkins and Party Themes

50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life

by Roxanne Rhoads

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Skyhorse

Release Date: August 25, 2020

ISBN-10: 1510751165

ISBN-13: 978-1510751163

About the Book:

Bring your Halloween party theme to life with these quick tips and tricks!

Pumpkins and Party Themes features ten unique party themes with five do-it-yourself pumpkin designs for each theme. The pumpkin projects have a variety of decorating ideas that include carving, painting, and mixed media craftiness and easy-to-follow steps on each creation. Author Roxanne Rhoads also includes quick ideas on how to bring the theme to life through décor, costumes, and activities. These fun party themes range from gothic elegance to Edgar Allan Poe, under the sea, let's get literary, and more!

With beautiful full-color images to illustrate the tools needed, steps to follow, and final products, this book makes for the perfect gift for Halloween enthusiasts and party hosts alike!

My Review:

Pumpkin and Party Themes is a book full of great Halloween party, celebration, and just plain fun ideas. The book includes a brief history of pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns. I enjoy historical aspects of holidays and this book delivers.

The book includes pumpkin carving basics, tricks, and tips. Written in an easy to understand way, the book will be a wonderful addition to anyone's crafty, DIY bookshelf. The author even includes step-by-step instructions on how to create some of her designs. The end of the book includes stencil patterns, as well.

My favorite parts of the book are the steampunk and coffin sections. I can't wait for everyone to have the chance to grab this book. You will love it and be as excited to try some of the projects as I am!!

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ The Twelve Days of Christmas Dogs by #AmandaSobotka and illustrated by #ChrisDunn ~ #TheTwelveDaysofChristmas #Christmas #ChildrensBook #Dogs #DogLovers

 

#TheTwelveDaysofChristmas #Christmas #ChildrensBook #Dogs #DogLovers

5/5 Stars

I absolutely adore this take on The Twelve Days of Christmas. As a lover of dogs, this was right up my alley. Children, and adults alike, will love this version. The illustrations are vibrant and eye catching, the artwork is creative and nostalgic, and they lyrics are a fun twist on the original.

This story will be a hit with anyone, but especially for those who love our canine friends.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

https://amzn.to/46ZnjDm

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#BookReview ~ Haunted House (Krewe of Hunters #35.5) by Heather Graham ~ Novella #HauntedHouse #Halloween ~ @heathergraham

Strange things are going to happen and every year, while loving the holiday, members of the Krewe of Hunters also dread it.

Haunted House is a spooky novella in the Krewe of Hunters Series from New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham and 1,001 Dark Nights.

About the Book:

Something somewhere is bound to happen.

And it does.

Krewe member Jon Dickson’s fiancée Kylie Connelly is contacted by an old friend who has just moved to Salem, Massachusetts, when the unimaginable happens as the holiday approaches.

Brenda Riley has just managed to buy the historic home of her dreams. But it comes with far more history than she ever imagined—the skeletal remains of two victims interred in the old walls of the house years and years before—along with a threatening curse.

And strange things are happening in the city. Bizarre attacks…murders that mimic days of old.

With Halloween on the way.

Kylie has a history with the city of Salem, and her strange talent for being within the minds of those under attack—first realized in the city—remains sharp.

But the situation is far more dire than what they have discovered, with strange events and attacks occurring.

And with all their talent for crime solving—with help from the living and the dead—it still remains to be seen if they can solve the murders of the past before Halloween, and the bloodbath that just might occur if the sins of a time gone by cannot be brought to light.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

My Review:

Scary things are happening in Salem, Massachusetts. When Kylie's friend Brenda finally purchases the home she's always dreamed of in historic Salem, dead bodies in the walls were not disclosed on the purchase agreement. Kylie and her FBI agent husband, Jon Dickson know they need to leave Virginia and head to Salem to help Brenda figure out who the bodies are why they are there. As they investigate, weird events continue to escalate and danger continues to escalate. Kylie and Jon need to solve this mystery before more bodies show up.

Haunted House was a suspenseful and action-packed story. The length of the novella was short enough to be read in a short time span, yet long enough to provide character development and allow a newbie to get a taste of the series. I enjoyed the author's writing style and world-building. I was able to visualize everything scene like I was there. Kylie and Jon are likable characters. Both are competent, strong, and capable investigators. The story was engaging and I enjoyed every minute.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Review:

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#BookReview ~ It's Time for Halloween ~ Illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl #ChildrensBook # BoardBook #Halloween #GibbsSmith

An ode to Halloween and the joys of trick or treating, this colorful, chunky, die-cut board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out on nursery bookshelves.

Book Details:

Book Format: Board Book
Publisher: ‎ Gibbs Smith
Publication Date: ‎ July 8, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 12 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1423668502
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1423668503
Reading Age: ‎ Baby - 3 years

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Goodreads

About the Book:

Follow along for trick-or-treating through the neighborhood on Halloween night!

Grab your hat, vampire bat
Fill your tummy, mummy

Dress it up, little pup
Howl at the moon, big baboon

Let’s raise a scare, grizzly bear

Now we’ve made a masquerade,
A spooky Halloween parade

No matter how you scare, I don’t care,
You’re my little boo and I love you!

Every page turn reveals a new layer to Kathrin Fehrl’s adorable illustrations of kids dressed up as ghosts, pumpkins, cats, witches, mummies, and fairies, with a fun seek-and-find for each scene. Perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages, this sweet story is a celebration of one of the best times of the year.

My Review:

It's Time for Halloween is a beautifully illustrated children's book. The story is simple and cute. The illustrations are vibrant and adorable. Everything about this book will fascinate youngsters.

Fitting for a quick bedtime story, this board book can also be read anytime - even outside of Halloween. Each layered page of the book includes questions, encouraging interaction from those of appropriate age. This would make a perfect gift for your Halloween-loving children and grandchildren. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thank you Gibbs Smith!

My Rating:

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