Park Avenue Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jia Song has always been destined for greatness. As the daughter of Korean bodega owners, she promised herself that she would have every Fifth Avenue luxury when she grew up, and it is all finally within reach. She has just made junior partner at her prestigious Manhattan law firm, she can count on her two best friends to have her back, and she is about to score the ultraluxe gold-on-gold Birkin bag of her dreams. So, when her boss asks her to sit in on the hush-hush family implosion of a high-level client, she accepts without hesitation―only to find out that it is one of the most famous Korean families in the world.

The Park family’s net worth is estimated at a billion dollars, and their megasuccessful Korean beauty brand has shaped the culture for the past two decades. But the patriarch is filing for divorce while his wife is dying, and their three children can’t stop snapping at one another. With both the family fortune and legacy under threat from the worst kind of scandal, it’s up to Jia to set things right―and she only has a month to do it.

As Jia sorts through the lies and subterfuge, chasing the truth across the globe on private jets, she finds herself falling for this broken, badly-behaving family in ways she can’t quite explain. But it is also becoming clear that the Parks are hiding dark secrets. Can she find the truth in time to protect the Parks’ fortune and secure her success at the firm? And can she hold on to what’s most important, even if it means admitting that what she's always wanted isn’t what she actually needs?


REVIEW
Jia Song worked hard to become a successful lawyer. Her dreams of becoming partner are within her reach especially now that her newest clients are members of one of the richest Korean families in the world. However, she quickly discovers that her newest clients have dark secrets and manipulate those around them for their own means.

I enjoyed this book. The main character was likeable, and I felt like her inner struggles were relatable, balancing between culture expectations and her own, wanting to succeed, and figuring out what success means to her. The story has intrigue and twists and turns. The plot kept the reader interested and I found it to be a page turner and fast read. Overall, it was a fun summer read. Learn more here.

 An advanced copy provided by Flatiron Books. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

A Bachelor's Lessons in Love Book Review

About the Book

Former military officer Edward Halstead never imagined his quiet bachelor existence would be upended by the unexpected guardianship of a spirited young lady. When his late comrade’s daughter, Daphne Price, is placed in his care, Edward is faced with a challenge unlike any battlefield he has ever encountered, especially with her fiercely protective aunt, Felicity Price, staying in his home to ensure he doesn’t fail in his duty.

Felicity has dedicated her life to her beloved niece, and she has no intention of leaving Daphne in the hands of a gruff and emotionally distant bachelor. If Edward Halstead believes he can simply house, feed, and marry off her niece without regard for her well-being, he is sorely mistaken. Felicity will remain at Briarwood House as long as necessary to ensure Daphne’s future and to make certain Edward doesn’t ruin it. After all, she doesn't want her niece to end up a spinster...like Felicity.

With Felicity and Edward at odds over Daphne’s upbringing, propriety, and the girl’s future, tension sparks and tempers flare. Yet, beneath the clashes and differences of opinion, an undeniable attraction grows. As Daphne’s entrance into Society looms and Edward’s past resurfaces in unexpected ways, Felicity and Edward must decide if their partnership is merely one of convenience or if love has been the lesson they’ve both been waiting to learn.

Perfect for fans of witty banter, slow-burn romance, and fiercely independent heroines, A Bachelor's Lessons in Love is a Regency romance filled with heart, humor, and unexpected love. Part of the Bachelors of Blackstone's series, the books may be read and enjoyed in any order.

Review

Edward Halstead is charged with an unexpected guardianship of a young lady. Her fierce aunt, Felicity, arrives with her to ensure she receives the proper care. Edward finds himself at odds with the aunt and overwhelmed with his new duties. As he comes to get to know the aunt, he finds an unexpected romance.

I didn't read the description of the book before diving into it, and I was surprised by the plot as it unfolded. The author does a good job at developing her characters and she doesn't shy away from their mistakes or misunderstandings. It makes the characters come alive and seem realistic. She also uses minor characters to help continue the story forward. It's a fun, easy-to-read, and entertaining read. I was a little disappointed that the series was with other authors. It would have been interesting to see what the author would have done with this as a series. To learn more, click here.

Please note this post contains affiliate links. I received a free ebook copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion.

The Art of Us Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty-three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me." The America Library Association listed “Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me” in their 2020 top ten best romances and "A Captain for Caroline Gray" in their 2021 top ten best romances. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist. She has one husband, five kids, two grandbabies, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition). She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner. She used to speak fluent Swedish but now speaks only well enough to cuss out her children in public. She hates mayonnaise.

REVIEW

In The Art of Us, Ireland Raine lives with a secret - she's homeless. As she juggles a new boyfriend and school, her secret is exposed. Ireland has to decide if she can forgive or if she's better off on her own.

I enjoyed the storytelling in this book. The author does a good job at addressing hard teen issues from homelessness to bullying to harassment and shame. The characters are realistic and grow as the story progresses. The author does a good job at developing the story and characters. The story not only addresses problems but different methods to solving them from reaching out to an adult, to being a friend, standing up for yourself and learning when to let go. I thought this book was amazing and the writing was very strong. It felt like a literary fiction for YA audiences. I look forward to reading more YA books from Julie Wright. To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links to help support this blog.

The Adventurer's Guide to Dragonwatch Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

WELCOME TO THE GUILD OF DRAGONWATCH

Millions of Fablehaven fans will be eager to examine this illustrated field guide and learn what dragon slayers and other members of Dragonwatch have known for centuries.

Many adventurers risked their lives gathering the information found within this one-of-a-kind book—a compendium of the most dangerous mythical and magical creatures around the world, including invaluable illustrations that reveal for the first time what these creatures actually look like.

You will learn secrets of the magical realms, including the history of the five great monarchs: The Underking, the Fairy Queen, the Demon King, the Giant Queen, and the Dragon King. In addition, you will learn about the priceless stone called the Ethergem that powered the five crowns of the monarchs.

By the end of the book, you will know more about dragons and giants (and a host of other mythical creatures) than your average dungeon master. Make yourself familiar with an invaluable study of magical items and artifacts, including the five legendary swords, never-before-revealed in any other publication known to man or woman. This information alone is worth all the gold in your pockets.

In addition, you will find a personal letter from the world’s greatest adventurer, Patton Burgess. Take heed to what he has to say, and you may live to the ripe age of sixteen.

You are now part of a consortium of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who risked everything to free the world from the tyrannical rule of dragons. A word to the wise: If you are being hunted by a dragon, no stronghold or castle will hide you for long. The best way to survive a dragon is not defense, it is offense. Use the information inside this book and go forth and hunt!

BOOK REVIEW

The Adventurer's Guide to Dragonwatch is a reference book for the Dragonwatch series. My kids have read the whole series and really enjoy themed reference books. They check out themed reference books from the library quite a bit. I think this book is also beneficial for adults. We had listened to an audiobook of Dragonwatch in the car and I had forgotten some characters, but I didn't want to necessarily reread the whole series again. This book comes in handy if you want to refresh your memory. It also comes in handy if you haven't read the books and want to know what your kids are talking about. I like that there are illustrations in the book that help you visualize the characters.

To learn more, click here.

Please note that I received a free copy to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links.

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City
Written by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay
Illustrated by Sanna Sjöström
Ages: 3-7 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Kendam Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8-9900050-0-6

Publisher’s Book Summary: Charlie Wags is a seemingly ordinary pup. He sits on demand, is appropriately needy, and only sometimes begs for treats.

But Charlie has an extraordinary secret. He loves to travel the world and has a special trick to do so: his wagging tail can whisk him away to far-off places.

This time, he’s off to the Big Apple!

Embark on a panoramic tour of New York City led by ever-curious pup Charlie Wags! From the serenity of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, Charlie explores the city that never sleeps before returning home for bedtime.

Wherever you may be, The World Is Just a Wag Away.™

Available for purchase here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sister-author duo Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay form the writing team behind The Tales of Charlie Wags picture book series.

As daughters of immigrants, their family heritage exposed the sisters to the importance of cultural diversity early on. Their parents prioritized showing them the world, even on a tight budget, instilling in them the idea that travel is one of the best forms of education.

Knowing that not all children had the chance to explore the world firsthand, they put pen to paper to create a tale about a globetrotting dog. They hoped their story would allow young readers to experience the wonders of the world without ever having to leave their homes.

Their series mission is simple: provide a conversational understanding of the world’s most famous cities through charming stories that make far-off places accessible to every child and family.

For more information, check out charliewags.com, Instagram, or Facebook.



ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Sanna Sjöström, known professionally as Sannadorable, has loved art her whole life. With an extensive background in watercolor painting, she found it increasingly difficult to find the time and energy for her art after having children. Realizing how quickly she could access her iPad, Sanna began experimenting with digital art, skillfully mimicking the look of watercolor.

Today, Sanna illustrates children’s books and also creates posters, cards, and digital illustration tools. Through her creations, she aims to bring joy and smiles to people’s faces.

Sanna’s distinctive style—rooted in her deep appreciation for nature and her love for finding beauty in the ordinary—brings iconic cities to life in enchanting, rose-colored hues throughout The Tales of Charlie Wags series.

https://www.instagram.com/sannadorable/

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this story?

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay: The idea for The Tales of Charlie Wags has been with us for years—long before either of us had kids. Growing up in a family of immigrants, we were surrounded by diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and foods, thanks to our Greek, Argentine, Spanish, and Italian roots. Our parents believed in the educational power of travel, so even on a tight budget, they prioritized family trips around the world. These experiences instilled in us an appreciation for different cultures and gave us a broader view of the world.

But as we went from children to adults with our own kids, we realized that not everyone has the opportunity to see the world firsthand. We wanted to share the cultural insights we gained from our parents and extended families so that kids, no matter where they live, could experience the world from home. Through Charlie’s adventures, we aim to open children’s eyes to the world’s wonders—without them ever needing to leave home. Our goal is to equip kids with the knowledge to talk about places they’ve never visited. While you and I might be familiar with Broadway, many children across the country may not even know what it is. Charlie helps break down that barrier, introducing young minds to iconic locations they may not have the chance to experience firsthand. It’s all about sparking curiosity and making the world feel more accessible, one adventure at a time.

Life Is What It's Called - What do you think readers will enjoy most about this book?

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay: Aside from the gorgeous art and breezy rhyme, we wanted to create a book that is a fun, family- centered experience. The Tales of Charlie Wags is something that parents can enjoy right along with their kids—reading, learning, and bonding over Charlie’s adventures. At the back of each book, there’s a special Paws and Learn page that offers kid-friendly fun facts about each site, as well as questions to spark meaningful conversations between adults and children. This page invites families to dive deeper into the city and share the joy of exploration together.

Life Is What It's Called - If this book was a place, what would it be and why?

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay: If we did our jobs correctly, this book is New York City! New York is the perfect blend of energy, variety, and wonder—much like Charlie himself. It's a city full of iconic landmarks, exciting experiences, and a sense of endless adventure. Though Charlie can whisk away to any part of the world with a wag of his tail, New York offers its own sense of limitless possibilities. There's always something new to discover around every corner.

Life Is What It's Called - What lessons will readers learn from this book?

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay: Our series introduces children to the world’s most famous cities in a fun, easy-to-understand way. In New York City, kids will learn about iconic landmarks, and with the help of vivid illustrations, they’ll be able to connect the names to the places themselves.

One of the deeper lessons we hope to convey is that, despite all the amazing places Charlie visits, his favorite place in the world is still his home. We loved the idea of Charlie exploring the globe, but always returning home each night with a grateful heart. In a world where it’s easy to compare and wish for what others have, we wanted to emphasize the value of appreciating where you come from. Each of Charlie’s journeys ends with the reminder that home is where the heart is.

Life Is What It's Called - What can you tell us about your experience as authors?

Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay: Self-publishing is a rewarding but challenging journey. We started this process 1.5 years ago, drafting the first three manuscripts (NYC, London, and Paris) in 2023. It took a lot of poise to wait to release New York City with London (March 2025) and Paris (June 2025) right behind it, but it was the right strategic decision for us.

Writing the stories is just the beginning (and often the quickest part of each book’s process). We handle every aspect of our business—from hiring an editor and illustrator to managing logistics, legal, accounting, and marketing. But we’re also both mothers with full-time jobs. We’ve had to work on the series during naps, post-bedtime, weekends—anytime we could squeeze in a moment. That’s how you know you love what you’re working on—when you’re willing to give up the little free time you have to invest in a passion project.

The beauty of being hands-on with every aspect of the process is that we’ve learned so much, not just about writing, but about the business behind it. We also get complete control of the execution of this series, which was really important to us from the jump.

Self-publishing isn’t easy, but when you believe in your story and are willing to put in the effort, it’s incredibly rewarding. We’ve learned that you’re the one driving your success, and though it’s challenging, the satisfaction of seeing everything come together exactly how we envisioned it makes it all worthwhile.

GIVEAWAY

Enter our giveaway for a chance to win a hardcover copy of The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City, personalized by Charlie Wags himself! One lucky winner will also receive Charlie Wags greeting cards, coloring pages, and a $100 gift card to Amazon.

The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City: Book Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view.

A Gentleman for Lady Juniper Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lady Juniper Amberton is content to live in the shadows of high society, much preferring the company of a good Gothic novel to the endless parade of suitors. Her creative spirit and quiet charm make her unusual among the ton, but Juniper knows the rules of her world: daughters of earls marry well, not for love. That is, until the son of an earl—once the humble servant to a duke—steps back into her life.

John "Jack" Sterling has spent years guarding nobility, never imagining he would one day become part of their ranks. Now, elevated to a new social station, Jack finds himself navigating the murky waters of London society, where his family is closely scrutinized. He never expected to cross paths with Lady Juniper as equals, but the same woman who once painted his portrait is now the one captivating his heart.

As their worlds collide once again, Jack and Juniper must walk the fine line between what society demands and what their hearts truly want. But with gossip swirling around Jack’s family and the weight of their past roles looming over them, can they find the courage to rewrite their futures together?

This novel is a sweet Regency romance that can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, but readers of the previous books will delight in seeing familiar faces and settings once more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sally Britton is a wife, mother, and author who loves the world of romance, earned her BA in English in 2007, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back. Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, two Australian Shepherds, and a queenly cat. She loves researching, hiking, and reading YA Fantasy novels. Follow Sally's adventures on Instagram and Facebook and check out her website! www.authorsallybritton.com.

REVIEW

Jack finds his world turned upside down when his father inherits a title. He tries to help his family navigate society and gossip. Lady Juniper comes to his aide and helps him and his family. As Lady Juniper and Jack get to know each other better, they learn to appreciate and love each other.

This is a sweet romance. I love the way the author tries to show the challenges that people may face when moving up in society. The book's theme of looking beyond class and being kind set the stage for the novel. The main characters are likeable and grow as the book progresses. It was a cute and fun book to read. I've enjoyed this series so far. The books can be read in order or as a standalone. To learn more, click here.

Please note this post contains affiliate links that help support this blog. I received a free ebook to review, however, this is my honest opinion.

Joseph, Where Are You? Book Tour and Giveaway

About the Book

Discover early Church history with prominent members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints like Joseph Smith, Jane Elizabeth Manning, and Brigham Young. This inspiring book will help children develop a love for Church history. Learn more here.

About the Author

Sandra Meaders studied English and minored in creative writing and history at Southern Virginia University and earned her master’s degree in literature from the University of Akron. Her work background varies from marketing, freelance editing and writing, and substitute teaching. She lives in Idaho with her adorable husband and three amazing children. Sandra is the author of Lehi, Lehi, What Do You See? And Joseph, Where Are You?.

To learn more about Joseph, Where Are You?, click here.

Blog/Instagram Tour 

Learn what book bloggers/bookstagrammers have to say about this book - 

Jan 6 - Heidi Reads

Jan 7 - Singing Librarian

Jan 8 - Sierra Wilson Author

Jan 9 - Reading_Past.Bedtime

Jan 13 - My Book a Day

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Please note this post contains affiliate links.