BOOK REVIEW: Katy on Broadway by Ella English

Katy on Broadway

Author: Ella English

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 25th May 2022

Book Description:

I’m a Superstar!

Katy loves to sing and practices every day. Gerry says she can’t, and Lilian says New York is too dangerous for such a small kitty. But now she’s ready to try! She escapes her yard and makes it to the city. But it IS a big scary place! Now she’s all alone and lost. How will she find her way? Can she really become a superstar? 

This is the first of the Kitty in the City series! Be on the lookout for more adventures as Katy explores New York!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

Katy Cat wants to be a singer on Broadway, but all the other animals mock her when she sings and tell her she will never be a superstar. Unexpectedly, Katy arrives in the city, though it's not quite what she had imagined it to be, and she soon starts to feel lost and alone and misses her home. But when she encounters a friendly stranger willing to show her the ropes, she embarks on an adventure that lands her on the doorstep of Broadway. Will Katy finally get the chance to be a performer and prove everyone wrong?

This was an enjoyable read, however, it wasn't as exciting as I had imagined it would be. I thought it could have done with a few more illustrations. Overall, it was an okay read with a positive message of never giving up on your dreams.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Reluctant Hearts by Linda Griffin

Reluctant Hearts

Author: Linda Griffin

Published by: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: April 24th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again. Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation. David Early and Kate Howard meet in the Laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility. Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance. Can they all overcome the obstacles to love?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Grand Gestures by Lynne Hancock Pearson

Grand Gestures

Lynne: Hancock Pearson

Publication Date: April 15th, 2023

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

She will grit her teeth and smile at the snobby and suspicious CFO if it means landing the contract. But she won’t put on a dress and definitely not heels.

Event planner Jane Beckett has big dreams for her small company and is bending over backward to accommodate demanding clients. Jane doesn’t have to like them. She doesn’t have to spend her free time with them. But she wants to tease the grumpy pencil-pushing executive who always seems to be in her way, muss up his hair and show him that there’s more to life than boardrooms and bottom lines. That is, when she doesn’t want to yell at him. Or punch him.

Liam Cross believes every woman has a hidden agenda, one that involves taking advantage of big hearted, clueless billionaires like his best friend and co-worker. He’s watching Jane and her sister to ensure that party-planning is all that’s going on. Even though she manages to steal his assistant, he likes what he sees in the smart-mouthed brunette, admires her stubborn independence, and wants to help her fledgling firm succeed despite his misapprehensions.

Paintballs, punches, and sparks fly when inflated egos and miscommunication threaten relationships between friends, family, and partners.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Love on Target by Shanna Hatfield

Love on Target

(Pink Pistol Sisterhood, #2)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: April 10th, 2023

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Book Description:

Will romance hit its mark when true love is the target?

Desperate for a fresh start, Rena Burke journeys from Texas to Oregon with only her father’s pistol and a plodding old mule for company. She takes a job working with explosives at a mine, spends her free time emulating her hero Annie Oakley, and secretly longs to be loved.

Saddle maker Josh Gatlin has one purpose in life and that is his daughter. Gabi is his joy and the sunshine in his days. Then he meets a trouser-wearing woman living life on her own terms. Rena is nothing like his perception of what he wants in a wife and mother for his child, but she might just prove to be everything he needs.

When tragedy strikes, will the two of them be able to release past wounds and embrace the possibilities tomorrow may bring?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

BOOK REVIEW: Jimmy the Firefighter by J.P. Anthony Williams

Jimmy the Firefighter

Author: J.P. Anthony Williams

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 14th March 2023

Book Description:

"Jimmy the Firefighter: A Dream Adventure" is the perfect bedtime story for young children who aspire to be brave and adventurous!

This heartwarming tale follows Jimmy as he dreams of becoming a firefighter, fighting fires and saving animals.

With vivid illustrations and simple yet engaging storytelling , children will be enthralled by Jimmy's journey to fulfill his dream.

The book is not only an exciting adventure, but it also teaches valuable lessons about nature and courage . Parents will love reading this book to their children and watching their imaginations soar. Get ready to ignite your child's imagination with "Jimmy the Firefighter: A Dream Adventure."

This inspiring book is sure to become a bedtime favorite and instill bravery and determination in your child.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

This was an enjoyable tale about a young boy named Jimmy who dreams of becoming a firefighter. The book is full of amazing illustrations that do well in capturing the mood and theme. I do admire the fact that it encourages children to face their fears and be brave, and while it was depicted as a dream, I did, however, feel there were moments where a sense of precautionary measures and safety could have been implemented to highlight the danger of the situation and remind the readers that although Jimmy is a brave young lad, doing good to fight raging fires to save animals, the act of what he is doing is very dangerous and certain measures need to be taken to ensure Jimmy himself is safe from the danger surrounding him. Maybe a little mention about his gear would have been nice to showcase the need for proper fireman equipment and uniform.

Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable read. I liked the simplicity of the language used to convey the message, and I loved the illustrations.

RATING

Source: BookSirens

BOOK REVIEW: Lost and Found by Natalie Shampanier

Lost and Found

Author: Natalie Shampanier

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 24th December 2022

Book Description:

Forgotten toys at a summer camp ground

Are tossed into the camp’s Lost and Found.

But Dino Boy refuses to spend his days on a shelf

He sets out to escape and find a home for himself.

A ballerina, a hippo, and a mood ring tag along

On this great adventure to find where they belong.

Award-winning screenwriter and family therapist Natalie Shampanier draws from her experience with adopted children to create a poignant rhyming tale about determination, friendship and the search for love. This beautifully illustrated book is a perfect read-aloud for early readers and shared family story time!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

This was just a fabulously effective and appropriate portrayal of mental health disorder. It's not the easiest topic to address with young minds, however, I thought the method and approach taken by the author was necessary and adequate in highlighting the various ways mental health can affect people and also exploring coping mechanisms to help handle those difficult times. The lost and found theme of toys being tossed aside and forgotten and then being claimed by new owners was great and well executed.

The story and the characterisation were great. It's very relatable and suitable for the whole family. I loved the colourful illustrations and the fact that it was set in one location. It's a book about family, friendship and love. I think everyone would be able to find something to relate to with this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Beast's Secret Baby by Grace Goodwin

Beast’s Secret Baby

(Interstellar Brides Program: The Beasts, #7)

Author: Grace Goodwin

Publication Date: March 30th, 2023

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance / Science Fiction

Book Description:

Atlan Warlord Velik is hanging on to sanity by a thread. His mating fever rages. His beast fights him every moment. The beast needs to hunt. To kill. To find their mate or surrender to a glorious death in battle. He volunteers for a mission so dangerous, he knows he will not return.

Waiting to deploy, he is lost, keeping distance between himself and those his tormented beast could destroy. His fate is sealed…until his beast picks up her scent. Sees her face. In an instant, the beast knows this human woman belongs to him and no one else.

Until he sees the diamond ring on her finger and overhears a discussion about her wedding, the event mere weeks away.

He is honorable. He is desperate. He will stop at nothing to seduce her. Claim her. Steal her heart and keep her for himself.

When he disappears on a secret mission, she has a decision to make; play the fool and hope for a dead Atlan’s return, or marry another and ensure the security and safety of her true love’s unborn child.

Buy Links:

Amazon US