Tag Archives: love

I’ll Melt Your Heart: An Opposites Attract Winter Romance Story by Alena Ryu (Book Review)

Sienna lives in a world where magic is a privilege for the rich and noble.
And Sienna is neither.

She is hunted by people who want to take away her powers; if they succeed, she will lose her ability to feel emotions. Then one fateful day, there’s a knock on her door…

As she escapes, Sienna falls into the arms of a handsome and mysterious man, a noble count who has no reason to help her. Or does he?

The count offers Sienna a deal—the kind she can’t refuse.

I’ll Melt Your Heart is a cozy romance story about two unlikely companions embarking on a journey to change their past and find their future.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Sienna Lynn, aka Catherine Starr, has been on the run from the Seventh Division since she was sixteen. Why? Because she was illegally in possession of magic. Magic was only intended for nobility to use. Anyone else caught using magic would arrested and turned into a “pacified one.” This means the purified ones couldn’t hate or love after the Rite of Purification. They were described as the living dead, obedient only to the imperial house. 

Sienna/Catherine, a witch, tried to hide from Nelson, the exorcist, and the gendarmes, but they still caught up to her, thanks to her so-called friends. Since she couldn’t trust her “friends,” it was no wonder she didn’t trust her savior, Count Adam Darkwood. Adam was upfront that he was using her for her fire magic. No, he didn’t want to stay warm 24-7 like her. Instead, Adam needed Catherine/Sienna’s magic for the wishing well. Adam’s wish will remain hidden until you read the story. I will say this much: at Darkwood Hall, there laid a wishing well surrounded by demons. A wish is granted if you’re willing to pay the price: give up your magic. Adam wanted to offer up Sienna’s magic instead of his own.

A spark began to form as the count and the witch traveled on a train and then on foot. Of course, they didn’t truly realize how much the other meant to them until their backs were against the wall and demons attacked from all sides. Speaking of demons, I would love to see a sketch of the huge gray lizard with orange crystals protruding from its back. Just a sketch, though. I would not like to face off with it or any other demon found in the “cursed ruins.” I would, though, like to possess Sienna’s power since I always have trouble staying warm.

I’ll Melt Your Heart is a cozy, opposites-attract romance story that has magical elements and evil in the form of humans and demons. There are zero curse words and explicit scenes, making it perfect for teens and adults. It doesn’t have a cliffhanger, either.

If you love reading fantasy, romance, or magical stories, check out I’ll Melt Your Heart! Watch as Sienna/Catherine melts Adam’s frozen heart without using her fire power and as Adam shows Sienna/Catherine that it’s okay to trust again. 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤1/2

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Meet the Author

Alena has always been passionate about books and wrote her first fantasy novel when she was fourteen. Alena has lived in Japan, Turkey, and Russia before moving to the United States. Her international experiences are reflected in the captivating stories about finding love, friendship, and purpose.

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Mama’s Love Language by Elisa Stad (Book Review)

The Flavor of Belonging in Culturally Diverse Families

Jade is a girl who lives in two worlds and, coming from a multicultural family, she’s on a quest to understand her identity and where she truly belongs.

She is trying to find her place in the world but feels different from the other kids at school. Back home, Jade’s parents have their unique approach to love and care. Sometimes Jade is embarrassed by Mama’s accent and she can’t understand why she is not just like any other mother she knows.

The real adventure unfolds when Jade starts rebelling against her mother’s traditional ways of showing love, especially through food. It’s a struggle that takes her on a path of discovery, as she learns about her family’s rich heritage and her mother’s challenging past in Vietnam and as an immigrant.

Jade then discovers that even though Mama doesn’t hug or say I love you, the healing aroma of ginger, green onions, and chicken broth does.

“Mama’s Love Language” is a heartwarming children’s book that addresses the universal theme of belonging and the beauty of cultural diversity. Through Jade’s story, children will learn that being different is not only okay but something to be celebrated, and that love can come in many shapes and forms.

This book is ideal for children the ages of 4-9

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

It can be challenging to find your place in the world. People raised in interracial or multicultural households often question their cultural identity. Jade felt like she lived in two worlds since her mother was Chinese and her father was American. She wondered, Who am I? As Jade ponders this question, we gain insight into how she viewed her parents and, subsequently, how she viewed herself. 

Jade mentioned that her dad works late but is always there to tuck her in at night. He loves giving hugs, unlike her Mama. Jade notes that her Mama isn’t a hugger. She does, however, pick her up from school every day. She ensures homework is completed, bellies are full, and vitamins are consumed. Jade mentions being embarrassed by her mother because people had trouble understanding her due to her accent. Jade was annoyed her mother couldn’t pronounce the “d” in her name and always called her “Jay.”

The illustrated group shot of the children’s self-portraits expresses Jade’s need to look and act like someone she’s not. Like Jade, people often try to alter themselves to fit into what society calls “normal,” but that rarely leads to happiness. This scene would create a great talking point with your child or class. Ask them if they ever feel like they don’t belong.

Voices were raised. Tears were shed. However, once tempers calmed down, the family had a real eye-opening conversation. Jade discovered why her Mama was vigilant in making sure her daughter studied hard and ate well. She learned that parents can show love in many ways. Some give hugs and kisses. Some show love through food and caring for you when you’re sick. Jade came to appreciate her Mama and embraced her Chinese heritage, which made everyone happy! 

The story includes a few challenging words that children might need help understanding or pronouncing. But this gives children room to expand their knowledge, which I loved! Share this story with your family and teach children to love where they came from and who they are!

The author’s recommended reading is 4-9 years. 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

Elisa Stad, for the majority of her career, was a brand and international business executive for luxury goods and consumer product companies. After experiencing working in over 40 countries, she acquired a passion for globalization and the sharing of cultures based on her experiences. Elisa is also focused on inspiring the youth through her efforts in healthcare inequities through Stad Center of Pain, Palliative, and Integrative Medicine and serves on college boards at USC, UCSF and Harvard.

Elisa grew up in a mixed-race household, as a daughter of a Vietnamese refugee mother and American father. She grew up in a multicultural home, searching for identity. She also moved homes often in her childhood including to Asia and within the US to Idaho and California.

She always wanted to share with other young children the beauty of humanity and how we can celebrate our unique gifts. You can find her enjoying ballet, visiting local Asian street markets, practicing yoga, and focusing on her spiritual practice. Elisa lives in Southern California with her husband, 3 children and a bernedoodle.

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A Little Something About Me by Karlene Y Murray (Book Review)

Dreamers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ability levels. Children have different abilities and face different challenges. Some may have obstacles that limit them a little or a lot, but ALL can be empowered.

The children featured in A LITTLE SOMETHING ABOUT ME offer empowering stories of hope and inclusion that emphasize the importance of having choices, taking risks, being supported and listened to, thinking and speaking positively, and treasuring happy moments.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Karlene Murray brings together a diverse cast in her children’s book, A Little Something About Me. First, we’re introduced to Julia, a young girl with Down Syndrome. Julia may learn slower than others, but that’s okay. What really matters is how she treats others, and it’s with kindness.

Jae-won explains that he’s adopted; his biological parents gave him up for a better life. The decision to give up your child is never an easy choice, but it’s a reality many parents face. Jae-won felt what others would face in similar scenarios: nervousness and fear of the unknown. However, they reassured young readers walking a similar path that, with time, those negative emotions will be replaced with joy and love. Plus, a family isn’t defined by shared DNA. It’s about the people you can count on and who make you happy. 

Children will read about Lisa, who longs for the day they are cancer-free. They want to stress that while they have Leukemia, it does not define them. Their positive attitude is inspiring! While many children might’ve heard of cancer, dwarfism or achondroplasia might be a foreign terminology. The illustration did a decent job showing the genetic condition; however, a child might walk away assuming people with dwarfism only have enlarged heads.

As the book continues, we meet Kimmy, who’s more comfortable with fictional people. Then there’s Marcos, who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was happy to see Taylor representing the hearing-impaired community and Jiyaan, a paraplegic boy who doesn’t let his physical limitations keep him from doing what he loves. His ball-playing and chair-maneuvering skills were impressive! I’m sure he’ll reach his goal: medaling in the Paralympic Games. 

Children reading this book might see themselves (physically or mentally) among the thirteen characters. Maybe for the first time! 

I recommend sharing this informative and diverse book with your family and school. Also, utilize the links featured on the “Additional Information” page and expand your knowledge regarding every topic shared in the mini-stories. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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Meet the Author

Karlene Murray is the author of Best of Both Parents. She is an avid lover of reading, travel and cooking. It has been a dream for a very long time to write and publish a children’s book and that dream has finally come true.

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Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow (Book Review)

If you liked Bridgerton, you’ll love Gamble of Hearts! A regency romance laced with adventure, an arranged marriage, a love triangle, and more!

When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother’s arrest, she becomes the duke’s ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever.
The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew’s death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain’s sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

I don’t typically reach for historical romances, but I’m glad I read Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow. 

Action.

Adventure.

Suspense.

Multiple kidnappings.

Arson.

Secrets. 

Secret identity.

Surprise developments.

Strong heroine. 

Loving hero. 

Multiple villains.

Blackmail. 

All these elements made this a book I could not put down! 

 

Alexander and Amora did not have a meet-cute moment. She was given to Alexander by her brother, Nathan. As the story unfolds, readers will be shocked to discover her despicable brother used her as collateral multiple times. Nathan deserved everything that came to him. His sister, Amora, did not deserve all the evils she encountered at her brother’s hand or the hand of other men. However, she did deserve all the love and loyalty of her true love, the Duke of Ravencroft. 

Amora and Alexander did not meet under ideal situations, but their love, their passion for one another, is something people yearn for. Their relationship as a whole is one that people dream about. Who doesn’t want to find a life partner that is loving, supportive, makes you laugh, and brings you endless joy?

I recommend reading Gamble of Hearts. It has numerous surprising moments that will keep you turning the pages. Sex scenes that will have you fanning yourself or reaching for a cool drink. Sweet and tender moments. And scenes filled with pain that will have you wishing for Amora to finally get her happily ever after. BTW – she does. That’s not really a spoiler; I’m sure you already assumed she would. 

Read the book; I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters.They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye.Sometimes I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL

I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.

My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.

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Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe by Aloha Pickles (Book Review)

The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a beautifully designed notebook that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It features a heartfelt message on the interior page, wishing him a Happy Fathers Day and saying “I love you” on the back in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe. The notebook is handmade and features a durable cover that ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Highlights:
This notebook is a handmade paperback and features a beautiful design that celebrates the unique bond between stepfathers and their loved ones. It has lined pages with small illustrations accenting the pages of a Hawaiian Dancer and a Hawaiian Dog both with a bright yellow hibiscus flower. The greetings Aloha and Mahalo are on the top and bottom of each page and the right corner features an image of a Paniolo Cowboy.

Usage:
The Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook is a versatile notebook that can be used for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, and documenting aspirations.

Give him the Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook Let him know you love him in the beautiful Hawaiian language of love, Aloha wau ia’oe.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” is dedicated to fathers, biological or not. It’s filled with (roughly) eighty-lined pages, offering fathers ample opportunity to journal their thoughts and feelings, chronicle their life’s journey, write down their goals and aspirations, or keep miscellaneous notes. Gift givers could also use the pages to write a message to their father, listing how they impacted their lives. Share favorite memories. The touching sentiment will brighten any recipient’s day.

Buyers will discover three images on the writing pages: a Hawaiian dancer surrounded by flowers, a Paniolo cowboy, and a Hawaiian dog sitting next to a bright yellow hibiscus flower. There’s also “aloha” and “mahalo.” at the start and end of each page. This format is the perfect incentive to write a (paper) letter—revive a dying art form.

While I did like the artwork, the notebook could’ve benefited from more images. Hawaii has much to offer in wildlife, plants, flowers, and scenery, and the artist missed the opportunity to make each page or group of pages stand out from the next. To repeat, what was presented was very lovely.

“Hau’ oli’ La Makuakane Notebook: Aloha wau ia’oe” (Happy Father’s Day Notebook: I love you) is a lovely present idea for any holiday or when you want to say “I love you” or show your dad that you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. Its durable cover ensures it will be a cherished keepsake for many years.

If you want a handmade gift for your dad, give him the” Hau’oli’ La Makuakane Notebook.” Express your love using the Hawaiian language: Aloha wau ia’oe. While the book’s intention was explicitly for fathers, anyone can use the lined pages for daily writing, journaling, capturing memories, expressing gratitude, personalized letters, and documenting aspirations.

Check out Pixie Publishing House’s other journals if you like this notebook. You’ll find a gift for every occasion!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

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