Now in My Bookbag: The Bells of Herkimer, by Natalie Merheb

This book has been on my TBR list for a while. I truly wish I had read it sooner.

I am a huge fan of this work. It is imaginative, suspenseful, and well-told. Author Natalie Merheb has created characters that are truly interesting. The story itself brings me back to my love of Nancy Drew, only this book feels so much more sophisticated… perfect for the older reader. I really could not have predicted all of the great twists and turns.

I highly recommend this read, however I am currently unable to find this book available from any retailers. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Golden Anklet, by Beverley Hansford

I find this read to be positively riveting. The writing is engaging, and the storytelling is well done. The original tone of the book is set to the budding romance between Jane and Bob. As Jane’s story evolves, so does the tone of the book. As a reader, it is rare to be so invested, that the transition from budding romance to mystery and suspense, is unexpected.

That said, I do feel that the foreshadowing feels a bit too obvious. The only other advisement to offer the author is to mind the two or three typos. Even so, finding so few typos is very rare.

The ideas that author Beverley Hansford uses to fuel the suspense of it all are well thought out and expertly told. Saving the real significance of the golden anklet until near the end of the book is well devised. It is just another piece in the puzzle that is built upon throughout.

Though there are some twists as the story progresses, the final chapters of the book deliver twist, after twist, after twist. It is definitely a story that keeps me thinking about it long after the last words are read.  4 1/2 Stars

Now in My Bookbag: Cursed (Book One of The Watchers Trilogy) by S.J. West

This review is long overdue. I realized yesterday that, though I have rated this book in the past, I never actually did a written review of this series. This gives me the awesome excuse to read these books again.

West does an excellent job telling the story of Lilly Rayne Nightingale and her introduction to the paranormal world of the Watchers. Lilly is a strong, compelling character with a kind heart and an abundance of love and friendship within her circle.

Characters from Lilly’s circle, (including Will, Brand and Malcolm), bring reminiscence, romance, friendship and heat. They also come with secrets. Lilly’s best friend Tara is tough, funny and loving. These characters are all lovable, and their different personalities flavor the Watchers’ stories in a very enticing way.

The story is well written and complex. With precision, West weaves together a fabric of new adulthood, new love, mysteries, thrills and an exciting new paranormal world.

This read is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

Although it is listed as a Young Adult book, I would classify it more toward Coming of Age or New Adult due to some mature content. 

Now in My Bookbag: INDULGE (INFINITUS BILLIONAIRE 2) by E.B. Walters

An advance review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Walters has delivered a hot, steamy, contemporary romance that is extremely well-told. The heat generated by Lex and Jillian could melt my Kindle. Then there is the love story of ‘Jex’, unconventional and captivating as they draw even closer together. 

The love story is brilliantly woven together with a who-done-it style mystery, where almost everyone is a suspect at one time or another and an evil villain seems unstoppable. 

Indulge is well-written and thoroughly engaging. I highly recommend with 5/5 stars.

If contemporary romance is a genre you read, you must read the Infinitus Billionaire story, Impulse then Indulge.

Now in My Bookbag: Seeds of Discovery (The Dusk Gate Chronicles Book 1) by Breeana Puttroff

This book is very enjoyable and a treat for the imagination. There are many elements reminiscent of children’s fairy tales, though it is written for the young adult audience. It also provides an escape into a fantasy world for those in older demographics who enjoy the occasional light read from the YA genre.

The characters are very likeable, with one exception, and adventures are fun. Quinn, the main character, has a very inquisitive nature and feels compelled when there is a mystery to solve. William, another primary character, is an enigma. She can not control the urge to figure him out. There is even more to William than Quinn can image.

She is blown away when she discovers the truth. A whole new world, Eirentheos, opens before her. Quinn’s time with William’s family creates a lasting bond, and she is introduced to a side of him that she has never seen before.

Puttroff weaves an entertaining, fantastical tale of stepping into the imagination only to find that it is real. Through the content in Quinn’s dreams, and the hint that William’s parents are privy to some underlying knowledge, Puttroff creates a whisper of coming plot twists and revelations. This is a delightful read although, due to a specific plot point, this story is appropriate only for the older end of the YA spectrum and up.