The Dog Next Door by Sean Michael

May 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Dog Next Door by Sean Michael
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ, Paranormal
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Keifer’s a vet with a secret. Felix is his hunky next door neighbor. One weekend when they’re both out enjoying a beautiful Saturday morning, Felix asks Keifer out for dinner and ice cream. One thing leads to another and the two discover they’re very compatible, in and out of bed.
Keifer’s got that secret, though, and he’s not sure exactly how to tell Felix about it, and he’s more than a little worried about how Felix is going to take it. What happens when the truth comes out unexpectedly, and that truth has a tail?

Keifer and Felix are next door neighbors who hit it off in and out of the bedroom. But Keifer has a secret and despite his relationship with Felix deepening he’s not quite sure how to explain it. Can these two men move to the next level together?

I found this to be a fun and lighthearted short story. While a little predictable I thoroughly enjoyed watching Keifer and Felix begin their relationship together and learn to trust each other. There is loads of deliciously hot – and explicit – intimacy and while this takes up a large part of the story I was delighted to find the deepening of their emotional attachment to each other was equally front and center throughout the story.

I could understand if some readers found Keifer and Felix’s relationship moved a little fast, though I feel the fact they’d known each other for quite some time (over a year as neighbors) and both were in a healthy and happy place to enter into a romantic liaison together this coupled with the short length of the story had be satisfied that it wasn’t really unusually fast or illogical. I was pleased both that Keifer felt he could trust Felix with his secret and that Felix didn’t over-react when Keifer opened himself up and made himself vulnerable with his lover and friend.

While it didn’t have many unexpected twists, I found this to be an enjoyable, satisfying and happy short story and a great, albeit quick read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

A Little Bit Cupid: Valentine’s Day Blues by J.P. Bowie

May 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


A Little Bit Cupid: Valentine’s Day Blues by J.P. Bowie
Publisher: Pride Publishing, Totally Entwined Group
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, LGBTQ
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Alstroemeria

From the A Little Bit Cupid collection

What does it take for Valentine’s-Day-hating Bryan Colby to discover that he really loves it? Meeting Officer Ben Collins, of course.

Bryan Colby doesn’t like Valentine’s Day. Despite being told by his close friends that he’s silly to fester over something that happened five years ago, he just can’t get excited as yet another Valentine’s Day approaches.

Bryan, a rising star at the local real estate office, prefers to work instead, but is assaulted while showing a vacant property. In the ambulance, he meets Officer Ben Collins and Bryan wastes no time in letting Ben know he finds him attractive and would like to get better acquainted with him, in every possible way.

At first wary of Bryan’s flirty, come-hither attitude, Ben eventually warms to Bryan’s charm, and agrees to meet him for a coffee. But circumstances outside their control change that date to a much more sensual meeting.

After all, it is Valentine’s Day week, and romance is most definitely in the air…

Hesitation does not last long in J.P. Bowie’s Valentine’s Day Blues. When I tell you that reading this novel flew by, I mean it boarded a plane at noon and arrived at 12:10 p.m. This might be due in part to the bold and incorrigible main character Bryan Colby, a man who has sworn off Valentine’s Day, but drops lines smoother than creamy peanut butter. This does not go unnoticed by our slightly more cautious romantic interest, Bennet Collins.

After a scary run in with some local car thieves, Bryan is happy to find himself in the care of the one and only Officer Collins. He wastes no time in trying to win his affections, possible closed head injury aside. Though reluctant at first, Ben starts to enjoy Bryan’s very forward nature. The men do a bit of dancing around their personal issues, not wanting to move too fast, but sometimes when you know, you know.

The plot was very fast paced, leading perfectly into those heated moments that the readers anticipated from the characters first meeting. Very loveable side characters made me wish there was more book to really get in the heads of the lives that surround the main characters, but I will say that this sexy little glimpse into Ben and Bryan’s lives was a really great treat, and the perfect length to get that steamy fix.

The sensual scenes were hot, hot, HOT, made even more so by the wonderful open communication between Bryan and Ben. J.P. Bowie absolutely delivered a quick and spicy romance, and gave us all a little more appreciation for surprises on Valentine’s Day.

If you are looking for a quick and sexy feel-good read, then A Little Bit Cupid: Valentine’s Day Blues is the story for you!

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Home Run Cowboy by Gemma Snow

May 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Home Run Cowboy by Gemma Snow
Publisher: Totally Entwined Group
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Larkspur

The only thing better than riding a cowboy is submitting to one.

On her own for the first time, Skylar Wedgeworth has no idea what to do about it. She’s torn between behaving like the hard-working mom she’s dedicated her life to being…and embracing her fascination with the erotic world of lust and submission she has long put second.

That’s where The Ranch comes in. And with it, Caleb Cash.

The injury that cut short Caleb’s pitching career just before he joined the majors, then his wife walking out on him have made Caleb question everything about himself, and he hasn’t had a partner since.

Until Skylar.

There’s no denying the heat between them when Skylar checks into the erotic lifestyle club Caleb and his six best friends opened in the Montana mountains, but for things to go further than their physical connection, Skylar has to learn how to put herself first and Caleb must be willing to trust a new partner with his heart…

Home Run Cowboy is an endearing and passionate story about two people who have given up on finding love. The plot immediately drew me in and I was transported to The Ranch, where all your erotic dreams can come true. I enjoyed the heat shared between Caleb and Skylar and found it easy to relate to them. They are both down to earth, good people who have been hurt in the past. They are vulnerable, but somehow are able to open their hearts up again. I was invested in their story and wanted everything to work out for them.

Caleb and Skylar meet when Skylar decides to visit The Ranch, owned by Caleb and his friends. Caleb and Skylar are taken by surprise by the instant attraction flowing between them. Unfortunately, they know their relationship can’t last because Skylar lives on the other side of the country. Caleb is also concerned about some unscrupulous people who are trying to force him to sell his land. This adds drama and intrigue to the story, as Caleb tries to discover who is trying to buy up all the property in the area.

What I enjoyed most about this story were the characters. I was invested in them and wanted them to find their HEA. Caleb is a moody cowboy who lost his baseball career when he was injured. Skylar is also feeling discontented with her life. She is a submissive and now that her daughter has gone off to college, she wants to explore this side of herself.

Caleb and Skylar lead full lives, but don’t have anyone they can share it with. Plus, they have particular needs and not everyone understands or has the same interests.

When Caleb and Skylar meet they find it easy to open up to each other and everything just seems to click. If you enjoy hot and spicy stories, be sure to read Home Run Cowboy.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Protecting Terra by Desiree Holt

May 20, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Protecting Terra by Desiree Holt
Special Forces: Operation Alpha – The Protectors Book 5
Publisher: Aces Press
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Erotic Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

When Terra Oenning and Griffin Dunne were paid in a Department of Homeland Security Op, neither of them expected the heat that exploded between them like the cabin they were surveilling. Personal relationships have no place in their lives. Ever. Period. That’s it. Except the night the cabin blows up so does their restraint, the sex between them so hot it sets fire to the sheets.

When the trail they are following takes them to the frozen north of Maine, even that isn’t enough to cool them down, but like experienced DHS agents, they never take their eyes off their assignment. Terrorists, computer hackers and the Croatian Mafia are combining to destroy the United States and Terra and must focus on destroying them. No problem. Despite the addictive, off-the-charts sex, they are trained agents who do their job, surveilling key players and helping to set up the takedown.

But when it goes awry and Terra is caught in the crosshairs, it will be up to Griffin to rescue her, a wake-up call for both of them that maybe, just maybe, what they have between them is real.

I stayed up until 1 a.m. to finish this book in one sitting. I was not going to bed until I knew the outcome. If I had known that I wasn’t going to be able to put it down then I would have started the book earlier in the day. Oy vey, I’m so tired this morning. Happy Mother’s Day to me, lol. If only reading a good book late into the night was my only problem, then my life would be golden. Ha, ha.

First off let me point out that there are plenty of warnings that this is actually an erotic book. It says so in the synopsis when you read “the sex between them so hot it sets fire to the sheets”. It’s on the cover of the book “Hot sex and terrorists lead to a combustible situation.” I typically don’t read books of this level of chemistry but I knew going in that it was going to be eye opening, to politely put it. I still chose to read it because I loved the last Desiree Holt book I read and I felt in the mood to read something suspenseful with a bit of mystery.

Desiree Holt didn’t disappoint my craving for something to put me on the edge of my seat. I will say that the writing style for this book was quite different from the previous book I read by Desiree Holt, “Unexpected Risk”. I mention that because “Protecting Terra” had several repetitions, almost to the “head banging point”. I didn’t need to be reminded of his Navy Seal training and discipline as much as I was. Also, the terrorists’ possible intentions and actual intentions were repeated several times. It became a bit redundant. Fortunately, the plot twists had me bumping past those hiccups.

Protecting Terra is the fifth book in the series, “Special Forces: Operation Alpha” yet it can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books in this series but I’m tempted to read them now.

The synopsis pretty much sums up the book so if you are intrigued as I was then I do recommend picking up a copy. The heroine, Terra Oenning, is a typical trained agent paired up with Griffin Dunne, a typical Navy Seal, where they use their skills to save the day while opening up their hearts to one another. What wasn’t typical was the terrorists’ plot. I appreciated the element of surprise when the takedown went awry.

The setting for Protecting Terra led them to Maine during the winter season on a ski slope. I enjoyed that element since I grew up in New England and skied in Maine. Here is a funny share: When I first read the author’s name, Desiree Holt, I thought it said “Desire Hot”. Very appropriate mistake on my part. Anywhoo, Protecting Terra was a fun, fast and furious read.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett

May 19, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Hollywood Homicide by Kellye Garrett
A Detective by Day Mystery, 1
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

The Surprise Hit of the Season!

Actress Dayna Anderson’s Deadly New Role: Homicide Detective

Dayna Anderson doesn’t set out to solve a murder. All the semifamous, mega-broke actress wants is to help her parents keep their house. So after witnessing a deadly hit-and-run, she pursues the fifteen grand reward. But Dayna soon finds herself doing a full-on investigation, wanting more than just money―she wants justice for the victim. She chases down leads at paparazzi hot spots, celeb homes, and movie premieres, loving every second of it―until someone tries to kill her. And there are no second takes in real life.

Dayna is an actress looking for work and wanting to help her parents who are about to lose their home. One night when she’s out with friends, she sees a woman get hit by a car and killed. The driver flees. There is a large reward offered to find this person.

Set in Hollywood, the investigation begins. Dayna follows the leads and finds herself dealing with celebrities. She goes to the places they do and finds damning evidence. She calls a tip line leaving information about whom she believes is the killer. However, the story is just beginning. She got the wrong person and must continue her search. It seems fun at first, but then someone goes after her. Now it gets real.

Dayna is intelligent and spunky. Her sassy humor is great and adds layers to her characterization. It is enjoyable seeing things through her eyes. Watching her follow clues will spark one’s curiosity and creativity. Can the reader solve the crime before Dayna or the police?

Dayna makes a great amateur sleuth with strengths and charming flaws. Her friends make for good support or foils. They go about within this glamorous world, with its superficial values in order to achieve a commendable goal. Hollywood Homicide is compelling, and I would highly recommend it.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Weatherman by Price Doom

May 19, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Weatherman by Price Doom
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Heart and her father are on the run from God. At least, that’s what her father, Sonny, tells her. Young Heart believes Sonny’s stories of dying suns and scientists with tranquilizer guns, parachuting out of planes in pursuit of them . Sonny believes only the elements in his body can save the sun, and Heart grows up in fear of the boogeymen from Sonny’s stories—and Sonny himself. After years without proof and questions about Sonny’s mental stability, Heart makes her escape.
Imagine growing up while on the run from people with unlimited resources.

Sonny was an excellent example of how to write a deeply unlikeable character. There were very few complimentary things I could say about him as a parent or an individual, and yet I was fascinated by the way his mind worked. This was especially true when he was confronted with evidence that contradicted his beliefs about the spirit world or what the limits were of his magical powers. He had an uncanny ability to explain everything in a way that fit his version of logic. That made me want to learn more about him.

The mystery elements of the storyline were confusing to me. There were multiple hints pointing at one solution, so I wasn’t expecting the ending that happened at all. It seemed to point to a completely different resolution than the one that the narrator had spent so much time building up to, although it was also vague enough that I was never entirely certain which option the author wanted their fans to think was most likely to be true. I generally enjoy ambiguous endings, especially in these genres, but this one left so much up to the imagination that I never felt satisfied by it.

There was a plot twist about two-thirds of the way through the book involving Heart’s past that I was pleased to see. It helped to answer some important questions that both the audience and Heart had been pondering for a while at that point. After all of the hints from earlier scenes, I was happy to see these things being resolved as much as they could.

I also struggled with Heart’s contradictory character development. She wasn’t written consistently enough for me to figure out if her occasional but dangerous lapses in judgement were out of character for her or if I’d misjudged her personality entirely. It was also hard for me to figure out why her opinions on certain topics like searching for her mother changed so rapidly. I understood why that topic was a sensitive one for her, but it seemed odd to me that she’d feel a deep yearning for answers about her origins in one scene only to give up on it in the next.

The horror elements of the storyline were well done. Heart’s childhood was so out of the ordinary that her innocent descriptions of things that would frighten anyone else made me shudder. The author did a good job of showing just how much humans can adapt to their surroundings and find meaning almost everywhere. That isn’t easy to accomplish in horror at all, but it’s one of the things that keeps pulling me back into this genre from time to time.

Weatherman was a thought-provoking tale that was equally at home in the science fiction and mystery genres.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

May 19, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold (Author and Illustrator), Skip Hinnant (Narrator)
Publisher: Scholastic Audio, Cartwheel Books; Illustrated edition
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xerantheumum

Tedd Arnold’s hilarious HI! FLY GUY, originally published in 2005, is now available in paperback with foil on the cover!

Boy and fly meet and so begins a beautiful friendship. Er, and so begins a very funny friendship. Using hyperbole, puns, slapstick, and silly drawings, bestselling author/illustrator Tedd Arnold creates an easy reader that is full of fun.This book is a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book!

This cutie-patootie short story about a pet fly is unusual, clever and fun. This little audio book is filled with music, laugh tracks and sound effects. The narrator, Mr. Hinnant, has an expressive voice and does a convincing buzz and burp. I got a peek of the illustrations of the paperback version and they’re quirky and amusing.

I liked the basis of the theme – friendship contrary to grown-up norms. All the adults say flies are pests, not pets. Buzz, the boy and hero of the story, saw no reason why a fly couldn’t be a pet, especially since his fly was actually Smart! Amazing enough to be taken to a pet show competition to show his stuff kind of smart.

Fly Guy was clever because he understood that his friendship with Buzz was worth fighting for, so he did things only a fly can do to prove to the grownups how right Buzz was to call him his pet. It has a happy ending and Fly Guy has a new home.

I didn’t know what to expect when I chose this story but I am delighted to say that it’s humorous, silly and fun. I think the moral is that friendships should be based on who you are, not what you are. Fly Guy proved he was pet-worthy, even if he was a fly. Buzz gave him a chance, believed in him and the rest is history – a pet for Buzz, and friend for Fly Guy. What’s not to like?

Because this audio version of Hi! Fly Guy is chock full of music that underscores plot points, action and transition, sound effects that charm and entertain, and a narrator who really gets into character, I believe the audio version is probably a lot more fun than the print version – although I’d recommend looking at the pages of the paperback along with listening because the illustrations are cute and funny too.

All in all, I think kids will get a chuckle out of Buzz and his pet, Fly Guy. It’s whimsy at its best.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert

May 18, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E. Reichert
Publisher: A Jove Book published by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Jobless and forced home to Wisconsin, journalist Sabrina Monroe can tolerate reunions with frenemies and kisses from old boyfriends, but not the literal ghosts that greet her in this heartwarming tale of the power of love and connection from acclaimed author Amy E. Reichert.

For Sabrina Monroe, moving back home to the Wisconsin Dells–the self-described Waterpark Capital of the World–means returning to the Monroe family curse: the women in her family can see spirits who come to them for help with unfinished business. But Sabrina’s always redirected the needy spirits to her mom, who’s much better suited for the job. The one exception has always been Molly, a bubbly rom-com loving ghost, who stuck by Sabrina’s side all through her lonely childhood.

Her personal life starts looking up when Ray, the new local restaurateur, invites Sabrina to his supper club, where he flirts with her over his famous Brandy Old-Fashioneds. He’s charming and handsome, but Sabrina tells herself she doesn’t have time for romance–she needs to focus on finding a job. Except the longer she’s in the Dells, the harder it is to resist her feelings for Ray. Who can turn down a cute guy with a fondness for rescue dogs and an obsession with perfecting his fried cheese curds recipe?

When the Dells starts to feel like home for the first time and with Ray in her corner, Sabrina begins to realize that she can make a difference and help others wherever she is.

Can someone make a movie based on this book? I am not overstating when I say that this novel is seriously wonderful – it made me feel cozy warm and happy all over. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is charming, funny, emotional, romantic and incredibly well written. The characters are solid, well-developed and full of personality; truly full of life; even the ghosts.

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Most of the story is told through Sabrina’s point of view, but the hero, Ray, has his moments too. There are also a few flashback scenes in this novel plus sized story, one being Molly’s, that flesh out the background of the characters so a reader can better understand the driving force behind everyone’s current state in life, or unlife.

Erika was a convincing thorn in Sabrina’s side. She’s the rich high school bully who never outgrew her cattiness and continues to torment the heroine. Erika instigated a continual state of anxiety and was a stress attack trigger for Sabrina. Oftentimes I felt miffed and angered on the heroine’s behalf. People like that really do exist and I totally understood all the emotions and frustrations that Sabrina felt because I had experiences like it. Not to the degree the heroine did, but those moments never seem to lose their bitter flavor no matter how much time has passed. I got it.

The absolute best part about Erika’s moments on stage is when Ray reacts and makes it plain under no uncertain terms that Sabrina counts and is worthy of respect. How he does it, what he says, the decisions he makes and the action he takes made me cheer and want to hug him. Ray is completely, totally, beyond super awesome as a hero in this book. His little quirks, his drive to stand on his own two feet, to honor his uncle and his role in the community, all are commendable. But, the most romantic of all was his restrained passion for Sabrina. He is a man. By that I mean that he has self-control, self-respect and respect for the heroine. The almost kiss, the first taste of passion kiss, the second that is hotter than Sabrina can handle, all lead to that just-right moment when everything comes together. The bedroom door is completely closed but I was not left in any doubt that not only did their chemistry explode but it was satisfying and eye-opening for Sabrina. I guess all that describes a sensual level of heat but the way he looks into her eyes, I felt the hotness. So sigh-worthy, it was awesome.

As for seeing ghosts – I know it’s been done before but the books I’ve read in the past didn’t have the emotional, poignant and charming effect that The Kindred Spirits Supper Club had on me. There was a bit of angst but it didn’t overshadow and darken the tone of the book. The author kept it low key by involving Sabrina’s whole family. The heroine’s adorable cousins helped keep the cool factor alive by treating it with awe, excitement and normalcy. The scene when Ray, the hero, puts two and two together, and his reaction to realizing ghosts can be seen is romance-story-genius.

Oh, I have to mention Ray’s parents. The author is a clever one. First impressions are not always the full story and Ms. Reichert totally surprised me. Surprised the heck out of Ray too. It was actually kind of funny.

I really could go on and on. There are so many more things I could mention, like Frank the dog, the recipe at the end of the novel, the importance of cheese, Sabrina’s emotional growth, the mystery of the diary, duck boats – seriously, this book is chockful of details, wonderful descriptive prose, excellent dialogue, healthy family dynamics and a romance with a happy ending that totally satisfied on so many levels.

Like I said in the beginning, The Kindred Spirits Supper Club should be made into a movie because it’s that stunning, special, heartwarming, fun and complicated. I adored this story and I heartily encourage fans of feel-good romances to read it. The paranormal element just adds to the fun but I assure you that the focus is on the growing romance between two people ripe for falling in love and the people and ghosts around them who know they are perfect for each other and want to help them along. This is a great read!

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

I’m Going to Start Here! by Raye Springfield

May 18, 2021 By Leave a Comment


I’m Going to Start Here! by Raye Springfield
Publisher: Stonebrook Publishing
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

After twenty-five years, I’m Going to Start Here! is the delightful response to the very popular Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Like that best-seller, this book appeals equally to the young, those in the middle and to the ones who do not accept that a number defines age. With humorous verse and vivid pictures, it encourages kids, and kids at heart, to step out and reach for the stars. I’m Going to Start Here! invites you on a journey that’s fun, upbeat and inspiring. And chances are you’ll discover that indeed you already have within all you need to succeed in life. Now, everyone, get ready, get started and Come Fly with Me on this great adventure.

I’ll walk across that stage and go out with a bang.
I’ve learned my lesson. I’m ready to spread my wings
I have the power to make this life a stupendously, beautiful thing.

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One of the most important things one can do in life is decide who to surround themselves with and count on for emotional support. Ms. Springfield mentioned this topic more than once and gave her audience some age-appropriate tips on how to decide who would make a good confidant. The repetition of it was a great choice for these age groups, especially on the pages that had slightly different but complementary messages for older and younger kids. That isn’t an easy thing to accomplish, but there is definitely something to be said for writing a picture book for kids of all ages that also appeals to adults.

I also appreciated what the narrator had to say about failure, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. Everyone must deal with these things at some point in life. There are many good coping techniques out there to handle setbacks and disappointments, and the narrator shared a few of them. It was the positive attitude they encouraged their audience to cultivate that was most important, however.

It was delightful to see how the characters struck a balance between reaching for the stars and remembering where they came from. The lines that talked about reaching out to home and keeping in touch with the people who have always loved you made me smile. This was definitely something that is just as important for kids to hear as it is for adult readers.

While the narrator never mentioned self esteem specifically, they did have some important things to say about knowing one’s worth and learning to trust one’s gut when trying to make a decision. Yes, it’s good to ask for advice from trustworthy people, but there’s also something to be said for listening to one’s intuition as well.

I’m Going to Start Here! was a delightful read for people of all ages. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! By by Jane O’Connor

May 18, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! By by Jane O’Connor (Author), Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator), Chloe Hennessee (Narrator)
(I Can Read Level 1)
Publisher: HarperCollins; HarperAudio
Genre: Contemporary, Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in this festive fall adventure story from the beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.

Join Fancy Nancy on the perfect fall field trip—to the apple orchard. Fall is an extra-fancy season. Even the trees wear fancy colors! Nancy is determined to find a perfect Gala apple for her dad—it’s his favorite kind, and even the name sounds fancy. But what if the perfect apple is just out of reach?

Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

I decided to try this little book in the audio version and I’m glad I did. The only thing I missed was seeing the illustrations, but I could tell by the cover that they’re colorful, busy and active. Listening to the story was delightful and charming.

The audio publisher introduces and concludes the story with a chipper musical melody. Young Ms. Henessee’s narration was clear, adorable and easy to listen to. I thought it was really cool when I heard the tree branch sound effects. I didn’t expect that and it added to the level of interest and engagement.

Lionel’s antics reminds me of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, so it’s a wonderful way to teach kids about the consequences of practical jokes that aren’t funny at all. If a parent chooses to use the audio version of this short story, listen for the other sound effects. It took me listening three times in the process of writing this review to hear that the tree branch sounds aren’t the only ones that enhance this story.

I also liked how the story teaches new words by incorporating them naturally during the storytelling and adding “That is a fancy way of saying…” and they’re recapped at the end of the book under Fancy Nancy’s Fancy Words. My favorite is Orchard, a garden of trees. That’s the cutest description I’ve ever heard and I really liked it!

It wraps up with Lionel doing something goofy and the little heroine finding the perfect apple for her dad.

I wish they had audiobooks like this when my kids were little. I could do voices but I know I wouldn’t have been able to do the kind of cool sound effects I heard in Fancy Nancy: Apples Galore! It’s like a mini play and gives a child a well-rounded word experience. So, my recommendation is that parents do both – read the story and have their kids listen too. Since Ms. Hennessee’s voice is young, bright and energetic, I think kids will be able to relate and engage with the heroine’s apple adventure.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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