Here are the great books I read in February (or were released in that month) that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.
Barty Barton: The Bear that was loved too much
Barty was a fluffy brown bear that was loved by Thomas. Time passed, and Thomas left, while Barty stayed. When Thomas was about to have his own baby, he rejected his old friend because of his appearance. This is when Barty and his friends are offered a makeover. This was a sweet story that kind of reminded me of Toy Story and the toys’ loyalty to their child. Colorful illustrations and the story drew me in, and I can see a beginning reader loving it, too. This would also make a great family-time read. I can easily recommend this story!
A Spooky Tale: A walk with our teacher
By Sue Wickstead
This is a charming book for beginning readers or for family reading time. A class doesn’t want to go on a walk, and we soon find out why they don’t feel so well. They run into a ghost, crocodile, dinosaur, a slippery waterfall, and many other things. I loved the students’ response, but I especially enjoyed how the teacher reacted at the end—I don’t blame her! Included is a map of their walk. The book’s illustrations are beautiful, and I read it on my phone to appreciate the colors and details. It would make a fantastic gift or a wonderful addition to any family’s collection of children’s books!
By Teri Polen
“The Gemini Connection” is an engaging YA science fiction novel. Evan and Simon are twins who share a unique bond while living on a dying planet. Simon is talented and favored by their parents. He is recruited to help save their world. Evan is well-liked, but deep down, he feels his parents’ disapproval. When Simon disappears after his mentor is imprisoned in another realm, Evan feels guilty and lost without their connection. He becomes a bender who enters people’s minds to help heal them if possible. Still, his main focus is to find his brother. His brother’s partner, who happens to be his worst enemy, is someone from whom he will need assistance. I appreciate the relationship between Simon and Evan; it embodies pure love that, although severed, remains. While Evan lacks support from his distant parents, he does have his best friend, Syd, and a job where he flourishes. I also like how the narrative shifts perspectives between Evan and Simon, providing a comprehensive view of each character’s thoughts. This story explores not only family and brotherhood but also themes of power, corruption, and unique abilities. I found it to be a real page-turner, making it difficult to put down. I can easily recommend this!
By T.W. Dittmer
I loved the first book I read by Mr. Dittmer, “The Valley Walker” and was eager to read “Five-Toed Tigress.” This story took off as an FBI thriller with paranormal and sexual tensions mixed in. Hawke is a vet recruited into the FBI. He is introduced to his beautiful new boss, Tulene, and an equally attractive chain-smoking partner, Gundrum. Hawke tries to keep things professional as he learns about his new job, while deeply yearning for a woman from his past. He is quickly thrown into a case where his military background is a tremendous asset in saving Tulene and Gundrum. There seem to be ties to Cambodia and characters from “The Valley Walker.” There is also a group that wants to cause harm, a rich man no one can touch, and something stalking humans in the forest. The attention to detail, including the military, made this feel even more real to me. I enjoyed the relationship between Hawke and his partner and was sometimes confused by his boss, which left me wondering how it would all play out. The best part was the unknown and how that weaved into Hawke’s life. A strong man, bearing life’s burdens, he consistently strived for righteousness. This is a very layered and unusual story that held my attention from the first chapter to the very end. I can highly recommend this one, especially to those who love a good thriller with paranormal mixed in.
Spellbound The Box Under the Bed #4
By Dan Alatorre, Robbie Cheadle (Editor/Contributor), M.D. Walker (Editor/Contributor), Ellen Best, Kaye Booth, Alana Turner, Christine Valentor, Nick Vossen, Anne Marie Andrus, Adele Marie Park, M.J. Mallon, Dabney Farmer, Ernesto San Giacomo, Betty Valentine, Geoff LePard, Frank Parker, Joanne R. Larner
A wonderfully scary collection of authors and stories. There are many stories I enjoyed consisting of authors I was familiar with and some new ones. Here are a few examples, “I watched as his arm changed into a wing, large as an angel’s, black as onyx. The other followed, and he transformed into a grotesque thing, unnatural and twofold. Half man, half swan.”—The Most Valuable Skill by Christine Valentor. “I woke to the sound of my own shrill screaming. The same nightmare, the one that constantly haunted my dreams when the climate control was out, now entrenched the strange images in my head. I was staring out a window, unable to breathe, as my parents’ bodies drifted through the cold, dark space.”— Holly and George by MD Walker. “Today was the day. In all technicality, it would be tonight, but that didn’t matter. It had been a month since the last time. The Beast was clawing at the walls to be free once more. It would get its way tonight. It would only have to be patient, twelve more hours. I would bide our time until then.”—The Killer Wolf by Alana Turner. “Some one comes. Yes, yes. No, not mistress. She is gone. I told you she is beyond our reach. Be quiet! They come. They will see us. Back. Back.”—Mirror by Adele Marie Park. Here’s the one that still haunts me with its stark reality, “The emperor’s main advisor, the High Priest of the capital city of Cusco, addressed the deity. ‘The mountain gods are angry and need to be appeased before they will send rain and restore life to our crops. A Capacocha ceremony is necessary. You must advise the chiefs to bring their sacrificial offering to the city at once and I will arrange their distribution through the empire. I will lead the ceremony at which the purest and most beautiful children will be offered.’” —Death is About Choices by Roberta Eaton Cheadle. This is a good anthology for those who enjoy short horror stories where you get sixteen different styles presented to you.
Everyone Hates This Restaurant: An illustrated children’s book
Mr. Rossis dedicated “Everyone Hates This Restaurant” to his daughter, who loves sweets. The illustrations are vivid and fun, adding to the delightful theme of the story. The family dislikes a restaurant, and it’s explained why, but still the daughter insists on going to it. It isn’t a place I’d like to eat at either with the things described, although I can fully understand her reason for wanting to go there. They have the best desserts. Who doesn’t love a good dessert? This is a story that parents can read to their children or it’s suitable for beginning readers. This would make a great gift for younger readers, and I can easily recommend it.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book or two! D. L. Finn
Brilliant reviews Denise across the genres and congratulations to all the authors.. xx
Thank you, Sally 🙂 Reading good books sure makes it easy to write the reviews. Always fun to read different genres. Hugs xo
Aww 🥰 what a wonderful surprise for my birthday today!
Thank you so much for sharing your book reviews for my children’s story books, I’m glad you enjoyed them.
They were both medal winners in the wishing shelf book 📕 awards. A Spooky Tale a silver medal 🥈 winner.
Thank you once again , from Barty Bear 🐻 too
Oh wow! Perfect timing! I hope you are having a happy, happy birthday, Sue. Congrats on the awards, I can see why. Enjoy your day. Xo
I had a lovley birthday week thank you for your start and the reviews
Yay!
Happy Birthday Sue!
Great reviews, Denise! Thanks for sharing!
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thank you, Yvette 🙂 Always happy you share my good reads xo
An amazing array of excellent reviews, Denise, and thank you for bringing these to our attention!
Thank you, Grant 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them.
All wonderful reviews, Denise. You have given me lots of new authors to explore. Congratulations to all these talented writers!
Thank you, Joy 🙂 Always fun to find new authors to explore! Xo
We read a few of the same books in February, Denise. 🙂 Love your reviews, but I skipped over the “Five Toed Tigress” as it is coming up soon on my TBR list! Thank you for sharing and congratulations to the authors!
You read some good ones, then Jan, and have one you will enjoy when it comes up on your TBR list! Xo
Great reviews, Denise! It is an honor that you wrote such a wonderful review for Five-Toed Tigress and shared it. I’m very happy that you thought well of it.
Thanks, Timothy:) It was an honor to be able to read and share it. I like the blend of military and paranormal.
“Everyone Hates This Restaurant” is a fun title for a kids’ book. I think I’d enjoy the book too!
It was a fun one, Priscilla that I enjoyed and know kids will.
Fabulous reviews, Denise! Thanks so much for your hard work. xxx
Thank you, Colleen 🙂 Never hard work to read and let others know how good it was xo
A lot of varied reading last month, Denise, and fabulous reviews. I’ve polished off all of these and couldn’t agree more with your thoughts. You nailed it. Congrats to John, Nicholas, Tim, Teri, Sue, and to all the contributors to Dan’s collection.
Thank you, Diana.
Yes, a very nice variety for sure, Diana 🙂 I’m sure I was reminded to read them or picked up a couple from your reviews! Xo
Lol. That happens to me all the time. 🙂 I choose all my reading from blogger reviews.
Well done, Denise. You had a productive week. We’re in Sonoma right now enjoying our grandson and the beautiful spring weather.
Thank you, Pete 🙂 Very productive! I love Sonoma and bet it’s very green and beautiful, especially after the rains. Enjoy your visit and grandson.
Good list! I share your enthusiasm for a few and am intrigued by others. Thanks, Denise.
Thanks, Jacqui 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them xo
Great reviews, Denise. Thank you so much for including Detour on the Eternal Road and these other fine books. I love your review and appreciate the fact that you took the time to let others know you enjoyed the story.
Thanks, John:) It was a great story and series that provided hours of entertainment with some leftover thought after. Hope it gets lots more readers.
Wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them with us. I’ve read several of the books, and now have the urge to read the others. 😊
Thank you, Gwen 🙂 All good ones and you have some nice reading ahead! Xo
You read and review such awesome books. Thanks.
Thanks, Darlene:) So lucky to be surrounded by such talent that I can read. Xo
Hi Denise, I am pleased you enjoyed Spellbound. I think it was the best book in that series. I also enjoyed Sue’s and Nicholas’ children’s books and Teri’s sci fi novel. I have John’s and Tim’s on my TBR.
I did enjoy it, Robbie. You had great stories in it! Glad I started off with the best in the series 🙂 It’s such a great way to meet new authors. You have some good reading ahead. Xo
I’m thrilled you enjoyed my twins, Denise! Thanks so much for reviewing a backlist title that’s been out for a while. I’m hoping the redesigned cover gives it a new life. Congrats to all the authors on their reviews!
I did enjoy it, Teri 🙂 I do hope it gets more reads with your new cover! Xo
A wonderful group of book reviews! Congratulations to the authors. Sharing.
Thank you, Liz 🙂 it was a great reading month!
You’re welcome, Denise.
They all seem like great books. You wrote very helpful reviews. I read Detour on the Eternal Road and I loved it and I bought Everyone Hate this restaurant for the children of friend’s of ours but read it too and it is a lot fun.
They were all great reads, Thomas! Yes, Detour is a fantastic one for sure. What a great book to share as a gift!
Thanks for sharing these great reviews.
Always happy to share the good books I’m reading, Craig:)
I love these reviews for children’s books. There are a few I am interested in myself 🙂 Congrats to the authors and thanks for sharing, Denise!
Many Blessings
Lisa
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 I love sharing and reading them! Blessings back
Wow, Denise. You’ve been doing some serious reading. Kudos to all the authors. Several of these piqued my interest.
Definitely some good reading, Sandra! All good ones xo
Excellent reviews, Denise. This looks like a great group of books. Congratulations and good luck to the authors.
Thank you, Dan 🙂 Can’t go wrong with any of them.
Denise, I’m impressed and inspired by all these reviews. You’ve made everything sound wonderful. I’m enjoying John’s book right now. He never disappoints. I love Teri’s new cover for Gemini! I loved the story. Now, between your review and the new cover, I want to read it again. 😀 Congrats to everyone here. Hugs all around.
Thank you, Teagan 🙂 My reviews are only possible because I read books from such talented authors. I agree, John, nor you ever disappoint. It is a great new cover, and it’s fun to reread books. Hugs back, Xo
Wonderful reading and reviews, Denise! Thanks a bunch for sharing. Bravo to all!
Thank you, Natalie 🙂 All good ones! Xo
What a great group of books. Spellbound is on my list.
You have a good read ahead, Brenda 🙂
These are terrific reviews, Denise, and I’m going to check up on the ones I haven’t read yet. I’m another one who reads reviews like these from the community and I’ve come across so many great books this way! 🙂
Thank you, Alex 🙂 It’s a great way to find our next read. Hope you enjoy your next one xo