KJK Reads

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I did enjoy this book with the mystery of what happened to Genevive and to Jessie and it definitely had me guessing and second guessing most of the way through. I did like the banter and rapport between Braddock and Tori but I’m not sure how necessary the romance element was although I’ll admit it did make for a sweet ending. I also found that it was wayy longer than necessary with the details of the other case Tori was sent on in the middle and the one nearer the end of the book weren’t really important to the overall plot and did lead to the book feeling dragged out at points.  Favourite Quote: “We'll just have to put everything back together, It'll define us only if we let it”

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Abuse  Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is quite a difficult read but one that’s really worth it for the insight it gives if you can make it through. Jonah and Solly really do have a rough time of it throughout the book from the beatings to the loss of hope and the death of a dear friend but their strength and resilience throughout gives us a sense of hope. Whittenberg does a good job getting across the need to be on alert at all times and the knowledge that today could be your last day really well. She also does a good job of conveying the need to persevere and the fear of being separated. I was really glad the mum stepped up towards the end by calling a lawyer and I have to admit with the type of person Nick is and being on the run I have a feeling they may just get away with it. The ending was a bit of a tough pill to swallow but it’s quite a realistic one ...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Romance, Short Story, Brothers Best Friend/Best Friends Sister, Dual POV, Christian Romance Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a cute quick romance read. There’s only kissing which leans into the wholesome vibes between Blake and Ryder though it is also hinted they’re waiting till marriage due to religion as their motive. The two really overcome quite a lot in such a short book in order to establish a relationship and make it work. I’m really glad that there was a character arc with the dad as he was so pig headed I wanted to throttle him at times but at least he came to his senses at the end and I’d love to hear more about the charity in other books since there’s already a prequel so there could be more in store for that fictional universe. I did guess who Reggie was straight away which made it even funnier seeing the characters speculate on something I had sussed out so well.  Favour...

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Cozy Mystery, Short Story Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I read these out of order so it’s great to finally find out how Leigha and Calvin met and got into their swing. This is an interesting first installment to the Victims on Vacation series and is a great way to slowly reel us in with a cozy mystery and a less intense crime than those that come later in the series.  Favourite Quote: “Don't let yourself feel behind for any reason. You are right where you should be.”

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Psychological Fiction, Feminism, Third Person, Women's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am lucky to have never had to experience the predatory nature of religion or MLMs so this book at first was quite unnerving as I went in blind (read a few months after reading the blurb and requesting so I had forgotten what was coming) and had no clue where the story was going to go. However, as the story went on and Anna started to come into her own I really enjoyed it. I loved the strong female characters and how they managed to come together by the end of it to do what’s best for the victims of Christian. 

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was quite an interesting book seeing how children handle the pain and then the attention of a bloody injury at primary school age. And then how they can handle the difference of healing and what will come afterwards. I think it perfectly depicts the drama and fuss of an injury at that age, especially from the memories I have of classmates of that age getting injured. 

Rating: 5 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is such a beautiful book about Tali and her Nona cooking together, exploring family and the way in which Dementia/Alzheimer's impacts their interactions. It’s lovely to see Tali trying to figure out what is meant by the timeless time and keeping her on track and I think it’s actually a really sweet way to look at Dementia/Alzheimer's as a condition as well. The illustrations were also well done with some great detailing.

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Children's Fiction Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book to start to explain politics to children. It shows the importance of thinking critically about the people you vote for and also the power that people can hold when they come together which is awesome for kids to learn about their power.