Bring On Lemons

 5 Stars for Flowers for Gaia About the Book: Call her Earth, or call her Gaia, years from now, our planet is almost uninhabitable as a result of environmental chaos and war. In the middle of the ocean, two small, conjoined islands still thrive and serve as home to a unique population of survivors, the Wiconi. These peaceful, agrarian-based islanders have genetically evolved affinities that allow them to influence earth, water, air, and fire, talents they use to protect and aid Gaia, the Earth Mother. They are her Guardians.   When three technology-laden ships from the dying outer world land on the islands, cultures collide. The newcomers, Terrans, build industries that quickly threaten the environmental health of the Wiconi lands. The island Guardians stage protests and increasing resistance to these destructive practices. The Terrans, blind to the dangers of their industrial expansion, put a bounty on the troublesome natives and begin hunting them like animals.  ...

    Thank you immensely to author Kim McCollum and WOW! for letting me join in the book blog tour for  Harriet Hates Lemonade!  It's perfect for readers who have loved similar books like A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.    Before we get to my 5 star review, here's more about the book: Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you.  Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules and judgmental opinions are not her own. Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet's door seeking help because the girl’s...

 5 Star Review of...   Michael R. French’s  THE GOOD MOTHER TEST What makes a good mother you ask?  That’s a great question and we ask that YOU leave your answer in the comments - thanks!  And now onto Crystal Otto's 5 star review as part of the WOW! Women on Writing book blog tour for author Michael R. French with his latest book The Good Mother Test!  About the Book: When Emily, a bright but impulsive UCLA student, gives birth to her daughter Violet, she vows to be the kind of mother she never had: endlessly loving and fiercely protective. But single motherhood is a test with no right answers.  As Violet’s brilliance and independence unfold, Emily’s instincts clash with a world obsessed with achievement. Then Violet’s father, Doug, returns, now partnered with Amanda, a celebrated therapist unable to have children of her own. What begins as an amicable co-parenting plan becomes a psychological struggle for Violet’s heart and future.  Told thr...

  Thank you,  WOW! Women on Writing for the invitation to participate in the book blog tour for The Reckoning of Grace by author Ronald Chapman.  This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys mystery, action, and/or psychological thrillers. Read on to find out why I recommend this book so much and why giving it 5 stars was a no-brainer! Here's a bit more about The Reckoning of Grace:  The Reckoning of Grace is an exceptionally timely novel that captures the deep spiritual reckoning behind America’s political and cultural unrest. This third installment in the Saga of Grace series showcases Ronald Chapman’s inspirational fiction at its finest—an exploration of post-traumatic growth, emotional healing, and spiritual courage. Through unforgettable characters and profound narrative arcs, the novel invites us into the heart of reconciliation, challenging us to become agents of grace amid turmoil. A powerful and thought-provoking read for anyone navigating transformation...

    About the Book:   A poetic memoir on living with and loving rescue dogs.  Barth started adopting dogs to heal after the loss of her husband in 2008. In nine months, she went from one dog to six, all older dogs needing love as much as she did. From larger dogs to downsizing to Chihuahuas over the years, always five to six dogs sleeping in her bed. Each dog with a unique set of quirks but finding its place in the pack. Barth has captured the essence of their personalities in her poems. Sadly, dogs leave us too soon. Barth believes in honoring a lost dog by adopting another, giving it a safe-haven.  Meet a few of the pups. Queen Chloe, the first Chihuahua who ruled the larger dogs in her leopard print dress. Annabelle, the grumpy, pudgy cocker mix. Dumb and Dumber, the bonded father and son Chihuahuas who quibble then make up. Carmella from Animal Control who doesn't like other dogs. And the PS as of publishing this, Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, a two-year ...

    Thank you WOW! Women on Writing for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for   Side Hustle & Flow: Shape-Up , where author Cliff Beach shares the seven essential steps to achieving a fitter, happier you. It's perfect for people looking to lose weight, get in shape, and overcome disease and setbacks. This is a delightful audiobook I am happy to give 4.5 stars!  xoxo Crystal More about the audiobook: Welcome to "Side Hustle & Flow: Shape Up!"—the second book in Cliff Beach’s acclaimed series. Following the success of "Side Hustle & Flow," nominated for a World Entertainment Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2024, Cliff Beach returns with a powerful guide to transforming your health and fitness journey. Discover the seven essential steps to achieving a fitter, happier you: The Deciding Factor: Uncover your personal motivations and use them to fuel your transformation. Checking Your Numbers: Learn the importance of tracking key health metric...

  Today, I'm thrilled to share my 5 star review for Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's second Sweet Dreams Mystery, Pralines and Creamed .     About Pralines and Creamed :  It’s the spooky season in Pinewood, Arizona, and when Genevieve Winterland isn’t creating killer new recipes for Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlour, she’s helping BFF Brandon Summers prepare for the party of the year. Brandon’s parents own Hidden Treasures Bookstore, where famed horror writer Jack Kelley is launching his latest novel on Halloween night. Brandon’s dad isn’t thrilled that the arrogant Kelley, who was once sweet on Mrs. Summers, has chosen their store for his big event. Still, there’s no denying the author draws a huge crowd. Which makes it hard to narrow down a suspect list when Kelley drops dead onstage—the victim of a shocking murder straight out of his own book. Fresh off Pinewood’s last cold case, Genevieve is happy to let the police handle this one. But when frosty Detective Christie zeroe...

 I was gifted several books this holiday season and two of them were by the lovely author, Sarah Morgan. I thoroughly enjoyed both books but wanted to take a moment to give " One More for Christmas " 5 stars. One More for Christmas is a quick relaxing read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. The plot was fun, there was just enough romance, the characters were believable and well-written, and Morgan brought the scenery to life. I can see why Morgan is a best selling author - her books are very enjoyable. I look forward to passing along One More for Christmas to my adult daughter as well as my mother in law; can be enjoyed by adult readers of all ages! May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and books that make you smile and warm your heart! xoxox Crystal