What an Animal Challenge 2023 Wrap-up

 

My goal for 2023 was Level 2 which was 7-12 books. I succeeded with 15 books. I have listed them below.

Untamed by Renee Rose and Vanessa Vale

Under a Harvest Moon by Julie Trettel

The Nine: Zane by Elle Arroyo

To Reject a Mate by Poppy Ireland

To Save a Mate by Poppy Ireland

Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper

The Surfing Mouse by Stefan Piccione

Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean

To Claim a Mate by Poppy Ireland

Rascal Cat Brothers by Lisa Jacovsky

Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson

Sammy the Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol

Twiggy and the Lost Socks by Renee DeVincent

The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin

Clash of Kings by Faith Gibson

I had hoped to read more paranormal romance, but I hope to do better in 2024.

Book Review: Twiggy and the Lost Socks by Renee DeVincent

 

Blurb: 

Colorful illustrations and cheerful rhyming, this engaging story will leave both kids and adults feeling uplifted and connected.

This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a young squirrel and his family. One day, Twiggy finds something soft and fuzzy. A treasure that will keep him warm during the winter. Unknown to him, it belongs to a girl who is searching for her lost sock.

What will happen when the girl discovers Twiggy has her sock? Will Twiggy get to keep the sock? Follow along as Twiggy navigates the complex emotions that come with meeting new people and having unexpected experiences. Cheer Twiggy along as he learns, with the support of his Mama, essential lessons about judging others.

Amazon: Twiggy and the Lost Socks - Kindle edition by DeVincent, Renée. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Twiggy and the Lost Socks by Renée DeVincent | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Goodreads: Twiggy and the Lost Socks by Renée Devincent | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. This was a cute read. I loved the illustrations that backed up the rhymes. Curiosity brought Twiggy to the attention of the little girl. I enjoyed the extra bit at the end. A fun book to read to little ones.

I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin, illustrated by Sophia O'Connor

 

Blurb: 

“The world is big and there’s much to see,
and a bear must go where she wants to be.
And a bear as curious as me longs to gaze at the starlit sea!”

A book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing—her Bear’s Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures, each needing her help, she discovers that books aren’t just brilliant at fixing problems–they can also help you make new friends. And if you’re lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed . . .

Amazon: The Bear and Her Book - Kindle edition by Tosdevin, Frances, O’Connor, Sophia. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin, Sophia O'Connor | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: The Bear and Her Book eBook by Frances Tosdevin - EPUB Book | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin - BookBub

Goodreads: The Bear and Her Book by Frances Tosdevin | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

Interesting tale. Bear traveled and found situations that need fixing. She found the knowledge in her book. I loved how it ended with her getting Volume 2. The illustrations were delightful. A good bedtime story with a little education thrown in.

I received a copy through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Tour: Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! by Phyllis Schwartz with a giveaway and my review

 

Mom Wombat Says Make War No More!

by Phyllis Schwartz

Children’s Fiction

Date Published: Sep 22, 2023

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

 

Mom Wombat says, “Make friends, not war!”

“Try to get along and don't keep score… It doesn't matter who has more toys, just have fun, my girls and boys. Don’t YOU be a bully, not even now and then, not even to a foe or friend.”

Known as Mombat to her kids, she has plenty of ideas on how everyone can learn to get along with others and have fun. Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.

 

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A fun way to discourage bullying. I loved the rhyming scheme and the illustrations. Having had a child bullied, I highly recommend that this be a learning tool. It would make a great bedtime story.

About the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood.

She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

 

Contact Links

Website

Goodreads

Instagram

 

Purchase Links

Amazon 

B&N

                                                         a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Mom Wombat Says Make War No More by Phyllis Schwartz

 

Blurb: 

In another beautifully illustrated collaboration by author Phyllis Schwartz and artist Siski Kalla, we meet Mom Wombat, known as Mombat to her kids.

Using her wit and insightful wisdom, Mombat aims to make the world a better place by teaching positive communication skills and the importance of friendship.

Try to get along and don't keep score.
It doesn't matter who has more toys.
Just have fun, my girls and boys.
Don't YOU be a bully, not even now and then,
not even to a foe or friend.

The wise Mombat shares plenty of ideas on how to get along with others, whether it’s across the street or across the sea.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! eBook : Schwartz, Phyllis, Kalla, Siski: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Mom Wombat Says Make War No More by Phyllis Schwartz - BookBub

Goodreads: Mom Wombat Says Make War No More! by Phyllis Schwartz | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

A fun way to discourage bullying. I loved the rhyming scheme and the illustrations. Having had a child bullied, I highly recommend that this be a learning tool. It would make a great bedtime story.

I received a copy through RABT Book Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Sammy the Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol

 

Blurb: 

This book is a fantasy about a little sea turtle that is born different, and an "Only." These are things he is teased about by the other "littles" in Sea Turtle City society. He overcomes this teasing/bullying with the advice of his two wise friends, Rainbow, a parrot, and Magic, a dragonfly. He also makes friends with two beautiful dolphins. He learns to look for the reasons other littles are bullies. In the end, Sammy becomes an important and loved hero in his Sea Turtle society. I wrote this story to show young people today they can become more than their disabilities if they work hard and don't give up.

Amazon: Sammy The Sailing Sea Turtle - Kindle edition by Gwendol. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Sammy The Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Goodreads: Sammy The Sailing Sea Turtle by Gwendol | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

How to be a little sea turtle. I loved it. I enjoyed this story with its lessons in being different, hurt feelings, and doing the right thing, helping out others. Samuelson was born different than the other little turtles. As he found his way to his parents, Sea Turtle City, and school, he found unusual ways to accomplish tasks. The illustrations were beautiful and added to the story. A good story to read with your children as a family.

I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: To Claim a Mate (Redwood University #3) by Poppy Ireland

 Blurb: 

Welcome back to Redwood University, where nothing is as it seems…and I’m stronger than anyone expects.

My nineteenth birthday awakened something within me, revealing truths I could've never imagined. My new powers do not come without risk, though, and the future of shifters everywhere rests upon my shoulders.

As my mate is preparing to challenge his father, the evil alpha proves he has a few tricks up his sleeve that could destroy the entire supernatural community.

It’s a fight for our lives, but as Alexei and I have learned, we are stronger together. If Alpha Jones wants to steal our fate, then we’ll band together and take him down.

Because no one is going to deny us our happily ever after.

*To Claim a Mate is the third and final book in the Redwood University Trilogy. It is not a standalone. If possessive heroes who occasionally turn into wolves and sassy, headstrong heroines are your jam, you’ve come to the right place. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the conclusion of this exciting paranormal story.

Amazon: To Claim a Mate: A Fated Mates Shifter Romance (Redwood University Book 3) - Kindle edition by Ireland, Poppy. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Bookbub: To Claim a Mate: A Fated Mates Shifter Romance (Redwood University Book 3) by Poppy Ireland - BookBub

Goodreads: To Claim a Mate (Redwood University #3) by Poppy Ireland | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars -

I enjoyed this ending to the trilogy. I loved how all the factions worked together to defeat Alexei's father. It was interesting to learn how some protected their own with misdirection. Nicole came into her power and learned how to control it. The connection between her and Alexei was very strong, pulling them closer. As well, I loved the interactions with secondary characters, family, friends, and new acquaintances. Definitely worth the read.

I received a copy of this story through Chaotic Creatives, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean

 Blurb: 

Small dog . . . Big adventure

“When the wind blows and the door opens wide,
He seizes the moment and scampers outside.”

A tale of adventure, love, and redemption about a mischievous dog who bites off more than he can chew.

Amazon: Jack the Runaway Terrier - Kindle edition by McLean, Gill, McLean, Gill. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Jack the Runaway Terrier eBook by Gill McLean - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean - BookBub

Goodreads: Jack the Runaway Terrier by Gill McLean | Goodreads

My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was a wonderful story. Jack wanted to see more of the world. When he got what he wanted, he wanted to return home. The illustrations were very beautiful and captured the spirit of Jack.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Where the Wild Things Bite (Half-Moon Hollow Series) by Molly Harper

 

Blurb: 

In Molly Harper’s witty new paranormal romance, a rare-book expert is delivering a package to Half Moon Hollow when her plane goes down, and a sexy vampire comes to her rescue. He’s clearly got ulterior motives, but does he want to date her…or devour her?

Delivering a rare book to a valued customer is definitely part of mild-mannered archivist Anna Whitfield’s job description. You know what isn’t? Protecting her precious cargo from mid-flight theft by the very pilot who is flying her to Half-Moon Hollow…while trying to appear as unappetizing as possible to the only other passenger, a vampire. Undead bookstore owner Jane Jameson could be waiting a very long time for her book. Possibly forever.

Fortunately, Anna’s dashing fanged companion Finn Palmeroy helps her fend off the attack, but not before their plane crash lands in the forest hundreds of miles from civilization. Great, now she’s stranded with a priceless tome and a rakish vampire whose bedtime is fast approaching. Why does everyone want this book so badly, anyway? Anna just wants to get it to Jane before Finn decides to turn her into dinner—or sweep her off her feet. Okay, the second option is really tempting. But they’re not out of the woods yet…

Amazon: Where the Wild Things Bite (Half-Moon Hollow Series Book 14) - Kindle edition by Harper, Molly. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper - Audiobook - Audible.com

B&N: Where the Wild Things Bite (Half-Moon Hollow Series #5) by Molly Harper | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Where the Wild Things Bite eBook by Molly Harper - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper - BookBub

Goodreads: Where the Wild Things Bite (Half-Moon Hollow, #5) by Molly Harper | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars for me. I enjoyed this story with several interesting characters. Anna tried to do her job and ended up in the middle of nowhere with a vampire and other paranormal/fantasy beings attempting to stop her. Finn was a serious vampire, a bit of a con artist, yet protective of Anna while taking care of his own problems. Enemies became friends, and work relationships proved to be friendships. I recommend this story and will look into the series.

The narration by Amanda Ronconi brought these characters to life, full of humor, seriousness, and more. She gave a different feel for the different characters. Enjoyed listening to her.

This is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: To Reject a Mate (Redwood University #1) by Poppy Ireland

 

Blurb: 

Welcome to Redwood University, where the creatures that go bump in the night really do exist… and they’re hiding in plain sight.

Attending a small college in the middle of nowhere was never my plan, but when I was offered free tuition and the promise of an excellent education, that plan changed.

It would’ve been nice to know I would be one of the only humans on campus.

It’d be even better if a certain bossy shifter didn’t claim me as his fated mate.

Alexei is arrogant, acrimonious, and the worst A-word of them all: an alpha.

But I can’t deny the way my body responds to him. No matter how many warning flags are waving around in my head, we gravitate toward one another. It’s primal. Passionate.

Painful.

Because regardless of what the fates think, or the supposed destiny we share… Alexei and I could never be.

So, if Alexei won’t reject our bond… I’ll have to do it for him.

*To Reject a Mate is the first book in the Redwood University Trilogy. It cannot be read as a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger. If possessive heroes, who occasionally turn into wolves, and sassy, headstrong heroines are your jam, you’ve come to the right place. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride into this exciting new paranormal world.

Amazon: To Reject a Mate: A Fated Mates Shifter Romance (Redwood University Book 1) - Kindle edition by Ireland, Poppy . Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Bookbub: To Reject a Mate: A Fated Mates Shifter Romance (Redwood University Book 1) by Poppy Ireland - BookBub

Goodreads: 

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This story had quite a few twists and surprises as it played out. Nicole learned some things about herself, but she accepted what little information given. She was strong and determined, and relatively innocent. Alexei fought what was fated until the pull was too strong, though he got caught up in others' plans. I found him quite arrogant but ultimately protective and loyal despite the shenanigans. The story did not end here, but I loved how Nicole steeled herself for the upcoming fight.

I received an ARC of this story, and this is my unsolicited review.

Book Review: Meringue Snowflake Magic (Christmas Cookies) by Tena Stetler

 Blurb: 

After being in the wrong place at the wrong time Wynter Dahl finds herself with a new name and new home. Whisked into the Witness Protection program she finds herself in the Podunk town of Raven’s Hollow, Colorado. She has more than one secret to keep and is not sure who she can trust, though the deputy sheriff is hard to resist.
Braydon “Blaze” Nightwing, owns Dragon Fire Pizza and takes his job as deputy sheriff seriously. He means to protect his town and its residents, including the mysterious newcomer. He rescues her after a tumble and finds himself in over his head. He senses she’s more than she seems but so is he.
When her cover is blown and her life is in danger it will take the whole town to save her and their annual holiday festival and cookie contest. What is Christmas without a little magic?

Amazon: Meringue Snowflake Magic (Christmas Cookies) - Kindle edition by Stetler, Tena. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: Meringue Snowflake Magic by Tena Stetler | eBook | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Kobo: Meringue Snowflake Magic eBook by Tena Stetler - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: Meringue Snowflake Magic by Tena Stetler - Books on Google Play

Bookbub: Meringue Snowflake Magic (Christmas Cookies) by Tena Stetler - BookBub

Goodreads: Meringue Snowflake Magic by Tena Stetler | Goodreads

My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

A rather sweet and fun read. Wynter was hiding and found more than she could have imagined. She was smart but had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. I enjoyed her journey to safety and love while bringing her family together again. I loved Blaze with his protectiveness and rascal-like behavior. Secrets, danger, surprises, magic, and cookies made this an enjoyable story.

I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

Audiobook Review: Under a Harvest Moon (A Westin Pack Prequel) by Julie Trettel

 

Blurb: 

Love takes time, patience, and work. A true mate doesn’t mean true love.

From the time she was a little girl, Mary loved Jason. He was her knight in shining armor. Her first crush. Her first kiss. Her first everything, until he broke her heart and she vowed to hate him for a thousand lifetimes.

Jason is the future Alpha of Westin Pack. As an only child, he’s under extraordinary pressure to find his one true mate and carry on his family’s legacy. When he returns home from college after years away, he finds her in a pup he had always been protective of and attracted to, despite their age differences.

Now, Jason knows exactly what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, but Mary carries years of resentment towards him and proves far more stubborn than expected. Can Jason find a path back to her heart and rekindle a flame he had fought to put out?

If you’ve read Westin Pack, you may think you know how this story goes. They seem like the perfect parents and grandparents today, but there was a time when Jason and Mary didn't exactly get along. We go back to the 80's when hair was long, music was loud, and Mary was devastated to find the egotistical future Alpha would be her one true mate.

Amazon: Under a Harvest Moon (Westin Pack) - Kindle edition by Trettel, Julie . Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Audible: Under a Harvest Moon by Julie Trettel - Audiobook - Audible.com

Bookbub: Under a Harvest Moon (Westin Pack Book 6) by Julie Trettel - BookBub

Goodreads: Under a Harvest Moon: A Westin Pack Prequel by Julie Trettel | Goodreads

My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars for me. I enjoyed the introduction and that the story was the meeting of her mate. Mary had her doubts about herself, but the Pack Mother took her under her wing. She was a natural as well as had a strong wolf. Jason left for college with occasional trips home. When he saw the more-grown-up Mary, he was stunned. They tried hard to fight the mating for what they thought was practical reasons, but circumstances changed. They were a great couple, very caring and protective of the entire pack. I really enjoyed it and will look into more in this series.

I enjoyed listening to Carly Robins and Joe Hempel. They did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life.

This is my unsolicited review.

Reading Challenge 2023 - What an Animal Reading Challenge

 Another reading challenge to complete this year for me. This one is What an Animal Reading Challenge.

For this one, I am aiming for Level 2 which is 7-12 books. I may have to step up my paranormal reading to complete this one.