It’s no secret that I love Jayne Castle and her off planet Harmony series with those adorable, yet deadly dust bunnies. Ravenna Chastain, a fire witch and Ethan Sweetwater’s fake date, turns complicated when someone tries to kill them. Humor, suspense and swoons await you in Sweetwater & the Witch.

Sweetwater & the Witch
by Jayne Castle
Series: Ghost Hunters #15
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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Welcome to the world of Harmony, where—despite its name, things are anything but—danger lurks just beneath the surface in this new novel by New York Times bestselling author, Jayne Castle.

If there’s something Ravenna Chastain knows, it’s when to end things. And after she almost winds up the victim of a cult that believes she’s a witch, it’s easy to walk away from her dead-end career, ready for a new start. But where to find a job that would allow her to use her very specialized skill set? The answer is clear: she becomes a matchmaker.

But even a successful matchmaker can’t find someone for everyone, and Ravenna considers Ethan Sweetwater her first professional failure. After nine failed dates, Ravenna knows it’s time to cut Ethan loose. But Ethan refuses to be fired as a client—he needs one final date to a business function. Since Ravenna needs a date herself to a family event, they agree to a deal: she will be his (business) date if he will be her (fake) date to her grandparents’ anniversary celebration.

What Ethan fails to mention is that attending the business function is a cover for some industrial espionage that he’s doing as a favor to the new Illusion Town Guild boss. Ravenna is happy to help, but their relationship gets even more complicated when things heat up—the chemistry between them is explosive, as explosive as the danger that’s stalking Ravenna. Lucky for her, Ethan isn’t just an engineer—he’s also a Sweetwater, and Sweetwaters are known for hunting down monsters…

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Sweetwater & the Witch may be the fifteenth book in the Ghost Hunters series set on the planet Harmony, but each book features a romance, suspense and its own story. Readers can jump in and join in the fun. I must warn you though, chances are you’ll go back to read the rest.

The story opens deep in the tunnels under the surface where Ravenna posing ironically as a witch is being held by a group determined to rid the planet of witches. Ravenna is actually undercover with the Paranormal FBI (FBPI), but her backup is late. She, along with a fuzzy dust bunny who she later names Harriet, are going to need to save themselves. It is here we get an inkling of the power Ravenna wields.

After the events in the tunnel, Ravenna left the agency and took her skill set as a criminal profiler and applied it as a matchmaker. Her client, Ethan Sweetwater, isn’t satisfied with her service, and none of the women who went out with him were impressed. Ravenna wants to discharge the contract, but Ethan is requesting she accompany him on a fake date to assess where he is failing. I love the fake troupe and immediately snuggled in. She reluctantly makes a deal with him, a tit for tat, if you will. It’s a good thing to, because her employer indicated a failure with this high-profile match might mean the end of her career.

The tale that unfolds delivers suspense and a wonderful romance. Ethan is donning his ghost hunter skills as a favor and investigating a casino owner. Ravenna finds past dates trying to kill her. As always, we have a feisty dust bunny. Harriet has a fondness for pens and sweets.

The mystery was well done, with plenty of action and twists. It helped force the couple to spend more time together. Both have powerful abilities, and those skills will be needed. Ravenna struggles with people, fearing her skill set, but Ethan doesn’t seem deterred. Family, sexual tension, and a little heat gave way to a delightful romance.

I loved the back-and-forth banter between them and the reader’s awareness that Ethan is quite smitten. The author delivered allowing both to shine, while having room to grow and trust.

For those who don’t know, Jayne Anne Krentz writes of this paranormal world and investigative teams that began with the Arcane Society. She writes historical stories as Amanda Quick where it all began in Second Sight, modern stories as herself and off-planet adventures as Jayne Castle. All of them deal with artifacts that contain some sort of power, people with abilities, suspenseful stories, and delightful romances.

As always, I loved my trip to Harmony and encourage fans of romantic suspense with paranormal elements to add this to their bookshelf.

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Sweetwater & the Witch by Jayne Castle delivered another suspenseful, swoon-worthy off planet adventure in the #GhostHunters series #ArcaneSociety #Harmony #NewRelease #bookreview
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/09/sweetwater-the-witch-by-jayne-castle.html

The Awkward Dinosaurs identifies the lesser known fictional dinosaurs of the world who have awkward characteristics making them less popular. What was the inspiration for this picture book?

I was drawing dinosaurs for fun, trying to make ones with silly personalities, and the more I thought of silly backstories, the more I thought this would make a fun book!

Shyladon is one of my favorite awkward dinosaurs. Do you have a favorite?

This feels a little like choosing a favorite child! I chuckle every time I read the Blankasaur page, so I’ll say that’s my favorite today.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I’ve tried to make sure that my books have a moral undercurrent, something that is subtle but concrete to help teach important lessons. In The Awkward Dinosaurs, it’s all about self-acceptance, even when you feel awkward, strange, or weird.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am working on two projects, but both only in the planning phases – an unnamed llama project and a tattooed dad project. I would’ve loved to had either available by Christmas, but most likely we’ll see one or both in 2023.

Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/19/its-all-about-self-acceptance/

Pearl’s Life is the second book following Welcome Home, Pearl, which tells the story of Jacob, the older brother of Pearl, who experiences big changes in life after her arrival. As Jacob prepares to start school, he wants to include Pearl in his new experience. He asks his family to bring Pearl when they drop him off at school. As a child with disabilities, Jacob’s parents are initially unsure if Pearl can handle such an event or if bringing her to school to see her big brother make an entrance would be too much for her.

This children’s book provides a great opportunity to discuss the challenges of welcoming a new baby into the home and how a child with disabilities can handle some of the same experiences and activities differently. Jacob asks many helpful questions, as he sincerely wants his baby sister to play a pivotal role in his life, but doesn’t always understand how her abilities and special needs may impact how she interacts with him. As his family listens to Jacob’s concerns, they provide the best and easiest explanations and solutions while discussing how Pearl will be a part of every new milestone in his life.

The author does an exceptional job of tackling difficult questions and the emotional, real-life situations that accompany a family, especially when learning how to love and care for a child with disabilities. The story illustrates how important it is to not let the opinion of other people determine how to live your life or the compassion you have for others, including your family. Just because Pearl has a disability doesn’t mean she can’t come with Jacob to his first day of school. The boy sees this as an opportunity to show off his sister and normalize her condition by opening answering questions and inviting people to meet Pearl.

I really enjoyed author Tuula Pere’s carefully and beautifully written story and the illustrations by Catty Flores. I found each scene brought a sweet and heroic nature to Jacob. He’s a curious but compassionate child who makes a great role model for children. He shows readers how to discuss friends and family members with disabilities. I recommend Pearl’s Life for its excellent message to accept others and start a meaningful and heartfelt discussion about family and friends and their disabilities in a way that educates and increases compassion.

Pages: 16 | ASIN: B07NKF91BL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/19/pearls-life/

Life Magic is an empowering guide dubbed the “Life Mastery Conquer Kit Program”. It covers the seven master gifts of mindfulness, knowing, intention, gratitude, love, forgiveness and belief. It does this by establishing a self-contract with the reader to agree to embracing new experiences openly, then providing the tools, steps and activities to train the reader to adopt more positive energy.

Beginning on beautiful pages of deep green and intrinsic gold mandalas we are met with encouraging messages of a promise to awaken the reader into realization of internal power and capability that can only come within one’s self. Author K P Weaver has written a captivating book that is engaging and easily creates a bond and a sense of trust between the author and the reader.

Weaver shares her journey at each stage by transparently articulating key actions she herself undertook in order to understand the laws of energy, trust in faith and goal setting, and then including the benefits she experienced personally.

This enlightening book uses what is labelled as life hacks, personal tips and tricks, which have been incorporated through diagrams so the reader can easily follow the interactive sessions. Doing this provides a visual path for the reader to identify their stage without pressure. Weaver’s tone is uplifting and supportive throughout the book which encourages her readers to activate their own awakening and reap the benefits of self-love through activities like the building confidence challenge which require the reader to come out of their comfort zone.

Life Magic by K P Weaver is a phenomenal book that introduces readers to the Alchemy of Life Magic Course series. This book will guide readers to a gentle awakening through progressive steps that lead towards a more positive life where readers will gain the confidence needed to pursue their goals and ambitions.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/19/life-magic/

Field of Sky, by Sarah Ferguson and Micelle Worthington, is the second book in the Southport Series. This book picks up with Cecelia “CeCe” Wakefield returning to her London home from Australia. Once home, she is forced into a relationship with Gerald Wentworth. When CeCe feels stifled, she runs back to Australia and her boyfriend with a stolen credit card and meets a new friend along the way.

This emotionally-resonant novel contains a well-narrated story that follows CeCe who is trying to figure out who she is and what she wants while making a series of difficult and sometimes frivolous decisions along the way. I thought the plot was sentimental and focused on the emotional turmoil of the characters, which is used to drive the story forward, rather than using dramatic plot twists. The author does a great job of illustrating CeCe’s inner conflicts and how she handles situations involving jealousy, shame, family relationships, and whether she must decide what’s best for her or follow what her family and friends think is best for her.

While CeCe comes from a privileged upbringing, she may not feel relatable to readers initially, though once you get familiar with her dilemma and crisis of identity, she becomes more human and endearing. CeCe struggles with one of the most common challenges most people encounter in life, which is finding a path that leads to happiness and satisfaction, even if it means living outside of their comfort zone. The character development is fantastic, and I especially found River most relatable and unique.

The story’s overall theme is compelling and grounded, with a clear message: a happy ending for some people may not be the same for others. CeCe must first define who she is and what she wants, so she can find her home and place in society. The character’s drive to find her purpose in life is what kept me engaged throughout the book. I recommend Field of Sky for its layered, relevant and touching story.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/19/field-of-sky/

Annie Gibbins’ Twins: Double Trouble, Double Treat is an informative book about living with twins. From the start, readers will realize that the author writes this book as a labor of love. The story is told from the perspective of a woman who is comfortable sharing vulnerable and candid thoughts and experiences as a mother of five.

Imagine having two sets of twins and navigating the many challenges that most mothers and parents face while also gaining a new perspective of the mysterious yet fascinating world of twins and multiple births. Gibbins offers a refreshing look at what most people worry about while highlighting the importance of parenting and how this relates to the often complex yet rewarding experience of raising twins.

I enjoyed the book’s educational style, providing interesting trivia and random facts about multiple births, which is fun to share with family and friends. The author brilliantly uses bullet points to highlight important points, which help them stand out as helpful advice and reassurance.

While this book is focused on the author’s first-hand experiences, it is a great read that any parent can relate to and enjoy. It’s a fantastic book for anyone who is curious about twins, pregnancy, and parenting in general. Gibbins has a direct way of starting each chapter and addressing the content so readers can benefit from her knowledge and experience while dispelling common concerns. Despite the challenges of raising a big family with twins, the author urges women to take it easy and give themselves credit for all they are capable of, which makes this book a celebration of parenthood and motherhood. I found the direct style of Gibbins’ approach refreshing and to the point, which is essential considering how little time many parents have to spare.

I give this book, Annie Gibbins’ Twins: Double Trouble, Double Treat, a 5 out of 5 stars for its candid and helpful advice that’s based on real-life experiences on the joys and challenges of parenthood. This book does a fantastic job of distilling the early years of raising multiple children into an exciting journey of memories, laughs, bumps, bruises, diapers, patience, and valuable lessons.

Pages: 181 | ASIN: B0B9XG5XT2

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/09/19/twins-double-trouble-double-treat/