Tome Winners of 2023

When Love Comes by Penny Zeller

If you want to read a book about an unlikely match this is the one for you. Charlotte and Tobias's banter was so funny at times. It almost seemed like they wouldn't click, but you could tell their was something more to their antics then they wanted to admit.

It was sooo sweet (pun intended) when they started falling for each other over Charlotte's gingerbread cookies. I 🩷LOVED it when Tobias took the cookies and put them beneath the table so no one could buy them. I also 🩷 LOVED the perfect use for Aunt Myrtle's cookies. That was a fun and exciting scene. The author just writes the scenes so well it is like you are there.

I do think it started to drag near the end, but it did pick up when the situation with Tobias's niece started. I won't spoil anything though. I MOST DEFINITELY recommend this read.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

The Runaway Prince by Ashton Dorow

So much action and intrigue in this story. There were so many twists I didn't see coming. You really feel for Roland, but also Elyse. You see both sides to the story the side that wants to make decisions, but you also see the selfishness of it when it causes grief to others. I 💚 this story of forgiveness and healing. Roland had so many issues, but through it all God was with him. Elyse's 💚LOVE for Roland was beautiful and so was her faith in God and in Roland. This is the first story of the Prodigal Son retelling I have read and it will be so hard to top this one. If you are a fan of Melanie Dickerson books or Rachel Skatvold this one should be next on your list. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

*** Venus posing with the book in the photo

The Shadow Elf's Mission by Elisa Rae 

You can feel the powerful chemistry between the two main characters. It was so swoony at times. I just 💙LOVED Favia and Cersei's scenes together. They were such an even match. She was dealt a harsh blow when she was younger and Favain struggled with who he was. They bettered each other and made such a good team, especially in one scene I won't spoil. It was WOW!!! I will say it involved a troll

I 💙LOVED how characters from past books where in it, especially some of my favorites. There was so much, mystery, intrigue, and adventure in this book it kept you wondering what will happen next. Another thing I loved was the different magic Cersei had and how unique it was. It really made the mistreatment of her feel so unjust from who she was loyal to. I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

The Serenade Song by Evelyn Vicario 

My Review
I so wish they made this into a movie. I💕LOVED IT!!!!! Rothbart coming back and having such an original storyline was amazing. The originality part was how he planned to get the kingdom this time. Music is such a big part of the Swan Princess , so it was an almost perfect plan. Another thing I 💕 LOVED about this book is I never would have thought of waking Prince Derek up that way. Also I 💕 LOVE how much of a team they can all be when they work together. Puffin had such a wonderful quote. This book teaches you not only to believe in yourself, but to help others also. I cannot recommend it enough I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

A Fated Quest by Selina Gonzalez 

My Review
I couldn't put it down. I 🤎LOVE how the moral of the story is not everything is black and white. People are flawed, but what they do with those flaws is what matters. I won't spoil anything, but Callista's promises were what I meant. She didn't even know what she was promising for one.

I also 🤎LOVE that it is filled with mystery and several different kinds of magic like dark magic and love. I 🤎LOVE how it shows not only romantic love, but love for family. This has action adventure and so much more I HIGHLY recommend it.

The Cloud Castle by Thea Stilton

My Review
I 💖LOVED this book. I Very Highly Recommend it. I 💖LOVED how it was hard to put down, due to all the action and mystery surrounding the storyline. I also 💖LOVED the illustrations, mythical creatures, power of friendship, power of love, and the other mythical stuff. I can't wait to see if Paulina and Will Mystery get together.

Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller

My Review
Tyler and Paisley were beautiful together. They both needed healing from their past. One had an ailing father and one just had a need for adventure. I ❤️LOVED how prayer was a powerful driving point in the story. I also ❤️LOVED how Tyler went to seek advice on helping his marriage instead of trying and fumbling. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this book. I just wish there was some twist in the story.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Bergen

This is such a sweet adorable book about a mama bear teaching her cub about God. I ❤️LOVED the illustrations so colorful and fun. I also ❤️LOVED the illustrations in the house it looked so cozy compared to the cold outside.

I have read the Easter one and ❤️LOVED it, but this is now my favorite. I VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. It is for everyone who wants to know the real reason to celebrate Christmas and to find God in a lot of stuff

The Littlest Reindeer

My Review

This is so precious with such a BIG message!!! It is about waiting for stuff and not wasting time not having something at that moment. The little reindeer just wanted his antlers, but because he didn't have them when he wanted them he didn't think he would ever have them I ❤️LOVE despite feeling sorry for himself he began to get closer sound. I also ❤️LOVED the illustrations and that polar bear scary. I VERY HIGHLY recommend this book if you can find it. I believe the setting is in Alaska due to the Artic Circle reference and Northern Lights. So if you like books about artic animals this is a MUST

 Love Most Certain by Penny Zeller

My Review
This book is all about God's timing and the plans he has for you. Genevieve thought she cared for one man, but when the right one came along she realized what real love was. The thing that stood out was the main characters. I just ❤️LOVED their characters. Oliver and Genevieve were so sweet together and their personalities meshed well. I ❤️LOVED how smart Genevieve was, because poor Oliver was listening to her friends.

I wish there was more quotes and one background character I didn't like. Besides that I Definitely recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal 

 I 💜LOVE the illustrations. They are so adorable full of color that pops out at you. The designs on the horses are so beautiful they look so real, but also fantasy like. I 💜LOVE the storyline in believing in something you can't see. I just wish they had met together in this story the unicorn and the girl. But now I know why their is a whole series on it. I would definitely want to read the rest of the stories if I get the chance. I MOST Definitely recommend this, especially since it is the start to the series.

The Unseelie's Wallflower by Elisa Rae

Don't let the begining deter you, because all that political stuff has a MAJOR part to play in this story. The way the author weaves it together like Lyra sews a dress is so impressive. I 💚LOVED the interactions between Lyra and Greyson. So much so that I wanted to tell her master to shut up so she could see Greyson again😂. Greyson is so intelligent how he helps Lyra out. I 💚LOVED how he could of helped her at first, but he gave her a chance to get to know him. Lyra and him where fated mates, but he didn't want to push her into a marriage. Especially when she just wanted freedom. Greyson was so sweet despite his intimidating demeanor. I 💚LOVED how he eventually did save her and finally let her decide on what she wanted. It was soooo AMAZING. THE SCENE THAT PLAYED ALMOST MADE YOU WANT TO SCREAM GO GREYSON. I was not expecting that to happen at all. I just 💚LOVED it, and I don't want to spoil anything. I will say it involves a horse, finding Lyra, and saving her. That is all I will say. I VERY HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS STORY.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

The Elven Healer's Apprentice by Elisa Rae 

Such a beautiful story about finding where you belong and trusting in others. I ❤️LOVED the main couple, because they are a perfect match. They both decided to be healers after what they went through as children. They also strengthen each others weaknesses. Adela is compassionate while Merlon is reserved. Adela also helped Merlon get over his fear, while he helped her find a trusting and loving family. I ❤️LOVED the side characters too they where so funny, especially Sage the unicorn. So much adventure in this story you just keep wanting to know what will happen next. I HIGHLY Recommend it

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

No wonder it is a classic. Very informative and inspiring. Instead of waiting for help to arrive they made the best out of their situation. I 💚LOVED the illustrations, especially of the animals.

Most definitely recommend, especially if you are like me and have trouble reading the non condensed version.

Bella's Beast by Marie Higgins

The cover is beautiful and the beast is not what you expect. I ❤️LOVED who the author put as the beast, but I won't spoil it. I felt sorry for Bella, because of her memory of what happened. All because she loved someone. I also ❤️LOVED the quotes in this and about dealing with what you have been dealt. Also I ❤️LOVED how they talked about God in this one it was beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend this one.

The Enchanted Wreath by Brittany Fichter 

Magic, animals, and romance whats not to 🩷LOVE!!! This tale of the Enchanted Wreath is a mix between Cinderella, Sleeping beauty and the Swan Princess all in one. So much action, twists, and turns that you are just glued to the pages anxious to know what happens next. I 🩷LOVE the chemistry. Julian is the strength to Gisele's weaknesses. She needed a way out and Julian gave her the courage to find it. Gisele is so strong in other ways in how she doesn't let her stepmother and stepsister get her down. She is also so smart and kind. She helped little birds when she herself needed help also. Julian is so fun. I just 🩷LOVE his character. He is funny, cunning, and loves with all of his heart. Such good qualities in a prince.

Also in this book I 🩷LOVE how you feel what Gisele is feeling. When she first meets the witch you feel a sense of get out of their, and relief when she finally does. When Julian and Gisele are talking you want to shout shut up and get going before the stepmother sees you two together.

This book is AMAZING🤩!!! I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.

Little Black, A Pony by Walter Farley

This is such a precious story about not taking for granted what you have for what you think is better. I ♥️LOVE the illustrations and the storyline flowed so well. The poor little pony just wanted to make his buddy happy by being something he wasn't. The boy finally realized in the end what he had was what he needed. It was a good friend. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

The Best Christmas Present Ever! by Richard Scarry

It has been a long time since I have seen busy town, so I have been excited about this one and it didn't disappoint. The illustrations where spot on with the show and the storyline was so adorable. I ♥️LOVED it. I even ♥️LOVED the map, but I always love it when books have maps. I HIGHLY recommend it

Flutterby by Stephen Cosgrove 

Flutterby is such an adorable book about a unique pegasus trying to find her way in the world. The ending is so precious despite the other creatures who laughed at her . If you need a good quick story with beautiful pictures and unique storyline this could be a good pick. I♥️LOVED the pictures the illustrations where so colorful and eye-catching. I seriously recommend this book. The only thing I wish she would of found some creature like her just like Thumbelina did.

A Curse of Gold and Beauty by Mary Mecham 

It is about love conquering all and listening. If Meg's father listened to Rhys from the beginning then everything would of been different. I did ❤️LOVE that the king got what he deserved at the end. I felt bad for poor Rhys all that spinning took its toll on him. The ending was so sweet I ❤️LOVED it. It wrapped up the story so beautifully. I Definitely recommend this book if you love fairytales with twists to them

Grimkeeper by Everly Haywood

So many things to ❤️LOVE in this book and it has things for everyone to love....

Light in the darkness, fighting for those you love, cats cats and more cats🐱,magical beings, and love conquering all. This is another unique Beauty and the Beast Retelling. It is now my fourth favorite of my least favorite fairytale. Dagmar and Peregrin are such an unlikely match, but perfect for each other. They both cancel out each others flaws. Perrigrin helps her to keep her sharp tongue in check when needed. And Dagmar helps him stand up for himself against a King. Plus I can't help, but mention I❤️LOVE the cats. They are not only magical, but talk in a unique way.I Highly recommend it.

My favorite Beauty and Beast Retellings;

1)The Thieving Curse by Selina Gonzalez
*** A prince turned dragon
*** Was the reason to give more Beauty and the Beast retellings a try, so it is going to stay at the top😊
*** Alex is 😍😍😍 and humorous
2)Stone Heart by Maegan Simpson
*** 2023's Top Romance Tome
*** Beautiful Romance with Powerful Chemistry
*** Love is Sacrifice and Fighting for those you love
*** Tearjerker the author does good job with the feels
*** Hero is apart of something big🤩🤩🤩🤩😍😍😍😍and swoony with how smart he is at times despite his mistake with the curse
3)Masquerade by Kimberly Rogers
*** Perfect Match
*** Both Starved for Company
*** Fighting for those you love
4)Grimkeeper by Everly Haywood
*** Fighting for those you love
*** Turning Darkness to Light with love
*** Has bits of humor throughout

Stone Heart by Maegan Simpson

Wow!!! Just when you think you have something figured the author throws not only a twist into the story, but a big one. Wow this author is brilliant in her storytelling. You can feel the chemistry between Dyre and Ember just as much as they feel it.
I ❤️LOVE the meaning in this book. Love is sacrifice and if you aren't willing to sacrifice for it then it wasn't worth it. They were both willing to give themselves up for one another and it was almost tear jerking. This beauty and the beast retelling sort of had a Sleeping Beauty tale thrown in at least to me. I just ❤️LOVED it and couldn't put it down (except when it made me hungry😂). I also ❤️LOVE that this is a very inspiring faith filled fairytale for any age group. I VERY VERY HIGHLY recommend it.

The Princes Dangerous Wish by Brittany Fichter 

When this book picks up it gets really good. The story had so many twists and turns. I really didn't see a lot of them coming. Rolf and Bethan's chemistry was so strong. She was just what he needed. I ♥️LOVED the ring part, because it reminded me of a Nutcracker retelling I have seen. It was also really smart of Rolf to think of. I wish the part on his mother was shorter, but that is the only thing. I would tell more about it, but I don't want to spoil much. Oh also I must mention without spoiling is how much I ♥️LOVE the details of stuff, especially the stag the faeries love. I know that is weird considering my issue with too many details, but the magical aspects are so vivid and not complicated you can actually picture the glowing stag🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

I MOST Definitely recommend this book

Goose's Story by Cari Best

This is such a beautiful story based on true events about perseverance, kindness, hope, and friendship.You just feel for the little goose just like the girl does wondering if she would be okay or not. I VERY HIGHLY recommend this book. The illustrations are not my favorite, but the story is the main thing and it is beautiful.

The Pooh Sticks Game by Bendon Books

Got this at Dollar Tree the Saturday before last!!!! It was so adorable when I glanced at it in the store, but the storyline was even more so. I ♥️LOVED this book. It was basically making light of a bad situation then fixing it. Poor Eeyore needed cheering up so they made a game from the sticks that used to be a part of his house. I don't want to ruin anymore, but I ♥️LOVED the colors of the sticks. I know that sounds weird, but don't want to spoil anything. If you are fans of Winnie the Pooh this is A MUST. The pictures are just like the older Pooh books I remember when I was a kid. I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE

Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller

I🤍LOVED how fast paced it was, along with the suspense and mystery to it. You won't guess at all the turns and twists in this one. I thought I had it figured, but didn't. I also 🤍LOVED how faith filled it was and about God's will and His answers to prayer in unexpected ways. John Mark and Hannah where such an unlikely couple. I couldn't help but laugh at the scene where Hannah tried to help John Mark get ready for church. His comment was hilarious. I 🤍LOVED It. Her need for protection, love, and trust was matched with John Mark's personality. He was very protective of those he loved plus being a deputy he had to be trustworthy. I have to mention again at that rooster. I 🤍LOVED Hannah's name for it and how it acted like a cat actually that wanted to show people he runs the place. Cats are actually really protective and it made sense that this cat like rooster wanted his people to know when intruders where trespassing. I VERY HIGHLY Recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and was not obligated to like or dislike it. I am saying this in accordance to Federal Guidelines about Advertising.

The Battle For Starlight Beacon by George Mann

 Wow!!!! First book read of this year and boy was it a good one. Action, intrigue, critters, and mystery all wrapped up in one in this book. It flows so well together and it keeps you hooked from page to page. I just ♥️LOVED this book!!! If they had this for the first one I would of been hooked on this new series. Now I cannot wait to read the next one. It just keeps getting better and better. However, it would be really hard to top this one. I ♥️LOVED how noble the Jedi where and the charhound was so cool. The bad guys where so smart and it was very interesting how they planned things. I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.