Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jamie Burns

The book Shalom Israel takes the reader on an adventure to Israel, get ready to say Shalom, “hello!” To a new country! I love how the illustrations in this book are both real photographs and illustrations. It is wonderful to see a book that is easy to understand that takes children around the world to see what it is like there. From what I saw online, many of the things that are in this book are prominent to Israel. The words used help children and adults alike understand words used within the story. I really like that the book also has a glossary that includes interesting facts. This is such a wonderful book!

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Robin Rankin

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)

Baseball, animals and love make for a good story in my opinion and this has all three of those qualities.

Heath starting pitcher for LA has a pretty good life. His team won the championship the previous year, has a great group of friends and family including a new baby in the family. But he realizes he is missing something or someone. Enter Grace and her animals at the animal shelter she is in charge of.

They didn’t start off on the right foot, but slowly things shifted much to her dismay. She didn’t want a relationship and fought it in every imaginable way.

They fit together in my opinion from the moment they met and I was hoping they would find a way to make it happen.

I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by Ms. Kraemer and have no doubt I will enjoy all of the future books I will read.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Shannen Kern

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE Heath and Grace so much! It shouldn’t come as a surprise to me since I love this author, but this was such a cute sports romance. I was immediately pulled into the story and relating to the characters even though I’m far from athletic. Heath seems like the nice, respectful young man who lets Grace knows his feelings but doesn’t pressure her into making any decisions right away. You’ll feel the chemistry jump right off the pages. This is the third book in the series, and although it can be read as a standalone without confusion, you’ll be running back to grab the previous books anyways! I highly recommend reading Grand Slam even if sports aren’t your thing because this author knows how to pull you in.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Shalom Israel by Melissa Lavi – Review by Shannen Kern

Shalom Israel: A place like no otherShalom Israel: A place like no other by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book we’ve read by this author, and my kiddos and I loved it so much! They are both bookworms at the ages of 7 and 11, and they loved the illustrations and really enjoyed learning about a culture that differed from their own. I can say that I also learned some things I didn’t know which is always lovely! Both of my kids love to dig deeper into anything they hear about, so this book started a nice conversation that engaged us all. We will definitely be looking for more books by Melissa Lavi!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Shannen Kern

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read anything by this author before, and what a way to introduce themselves! The Misery House is definitely a psychological thriller you won’t want to put down. It twists and turns, making you change what you think the outcome will be (which you’ll never see coming anyway!) I love the flow, the characters, and the fact that it is told from multiple points of view. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was that there wasn’t more to read! But that just means I get to continue the adventure when the next book comes out, and you better believe I’m keeping an eye out for that one. I need to know what happens next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Robin Rankin

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel

I think anyone who has been married has felt the disconnect in there marriage even if it was a fleeting moment. Throw in a kid or two or in some cases more and there no time to be a couple. I have been where Anthony and Natalie were in this book and I could relate in so many ways.

They are in a never-ending loop, kids, work and sleep then repeat day after day. They know they are in this rut but not too sure how to fix it. Thankfully Grandparents step up to help along with the fun Aunt (which every family should have and my family has two).

I was pulling for them from the beginning after not being too fond of Anthony in the beginning. I laughed and cried on and off throughout the book.

I’m pretty excited for the next book. Looking forward to seeing what happens with Alice.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

This is my favorite of this series so far. Each of these can be read as a stand alone but it would be helpful to have some background information on the relationships between all the characters.

A mysterious invitation has appeared Emma, Jeremy, Tim, and Dora. They are expected to leave the next day for a 5 week vacation in Paris. Everything is paid for and arranged….not one bit weird, right?!?!? Of course, Emma’s hackles are immediately up but she’s not one to turn down a challenge.

The group arrives in Paris but not without some unexpected and uncomfortable situations. There are 3 people from the ship over that are becoming rather clingy to the group, but not all at once. Julian is more concerned about Emma and Jeremy, while Lenora and Michael buddy up to Tim and Dora.

Next thing, there is the girl in the lobby who looks scared. Then someone comes up missing, a few bodies are found, and the trip is in full swing work mode for this group. Will they ever get to enjoy the City of Lights and the Paris Expedition?

Lovers of crime set in historical settings will love this book!! It was an enjoyable afternoon read. There is plenty of action involved along with a smidge of romance (nothing overly done at all). I love reading about Emma and her clothing and how she uses it to her advantage and has taught Dora the same. I am excited to read the next edition of this series!!

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jennifer Ramos

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a quick short read, possibly a beach read for those needing a good book for beach days!
Absolutely love this author and need to continue reading her series. Even though this book is number three in the series, this one can be considered stand alone. Heath appears to be a cocky, baseball player who ends up with a fixation on the one girl he can’t stop thinking about.Grace meets Heath at a work event and although he appears arrogant, she can’t stop thinking of him. Kraemer definitely has a way in her words to give characters depth, relationship connections and humor. I truly enjoyed the entire series!

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Rise of the Hunter (Blood Prophecy Series) by Barb Jones – Review by Valerie Anderson

Rise of the HunterRise of the Hunter by Barb Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rise of the Hunter is the 4th book in the Blood Prophecy Series, and you cannot read this series out of order. There is so much back story and build up of the plot to keep track of. There are loads of characters in this story to love and love to hate. This story does not only continue with all the characters from the first three books but adds in so many more. This book is full of shocking twists that keep your head spinning. At the end of book 3 you thought they finally took care of the Tall Dark Man but he’s back. The book we find out how he survived being thrown in the pit and what his plans are to take vengeance on the queen and her people. This is a wonderful story, but you really must pay attention as the pieces of the prophecy come together, but it’s anything but predictable. Not only does this story jump from character to character but from lifetime to lifetime. Now I need to go back and read the Novella stories of the Queen and other leading characters.

Reviewed by @valerieanderson5121

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Shannen Kern

Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The third book in the Buckeye Falls series is a beautifully written clean romance. I have loved this author’s writing style and fell in love again with this read. Almost immediately I was fully invested in these characters because they were so relatable. Doesn’t everything look pretty from the outside when you don’t know the blood, sweat, and tears behind the scenes? I enjoyed the flow of this story as the characters try and find their way back to each other and the love that has gotten further away from them over the years. You can read this as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the entire series in order. You will get more background in each book, and everything ties together quite nicely. If you like sweet and clean romances, this is definitely for you!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Shannen Kern

Falling for You (Buckeye Falls, #2)Falling for You by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first read by this author, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a sweet and clean romance with a wonderful storyline. This is also the second book in the Buckeye Falls series, but I happened to miss the first one. I’m sure there are things tied in that I didn’t catch (my own fault) which leads me to recommend reading these in order. After I caught up, I found an emotional and romantic read that made my heart full. If you love grumpy/sunshine romances, please give this a chance. It definitely made me smile more than once.

 

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Candida Hopper

A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley, #1)A Toast for Laurent by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this second chance romance story. Phoebe ran and broke Laurent’s heart and now twenty years later she walks back into his life. You can feel the chemistry between these two as soon as they are in the same room. Phoebe has some issues that she needs to face because of tragedy from her past. There are other problems as well that have affected her relationships. Laurent has become a successful man in the family business but has always felt like he’s missing something. The author definitely made you feel many different emotions while reading this book. This was a quick read for me because I didn’t want to put it down. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser Review by Tabitha Montero

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kia has made a comfortable life as a single mom with her son. Her son starts teeball and can’t stop talking about his coach Smitty. When Kia goes to pick up her son from practice, Smitty, is Kias one night stand from six years ago and the father of her son.
Professional ball player Jake smith, “Smitty” is giving back and enjoying coaching for the little league. A blast from the past shows up and he’s excited to reconnect with Kia. Until she drops a bomb on him.
Kia doesn’t trust that Jake is going to stick around and the “newness” wears off and Jake is trying to convince Kia that he’s playing for keeps, not just the novelty of being a dad and committed relationship.
Even though this a part of a series, you can read as a stand alone and not feel like you are missing anything as each book features a player. Great fun read

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Damon the demon and book nerd Skylar. Two of the most unlikeliest people to be together. Although, Damon hooking up with Skylar’s best friend is even more unlikely…isn’t it? This story has the naughtiest of blackmail possible. This entire story is horrifying for a high schooler to have to deal with. High school sucks, parents suck…people in general suck. This story however does not suck!

The Hidden Valley Elite series is broken down into duets. Each duet must be read in order because the characters overlap and blend together so well. Brutal Days and Brutal Nights is the 2nd duet in this series.

Looking forward to following this group of highschoolers into young adulthood.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Notebook Mysteries Parisian IntrigueNotebook Mysteries Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. This is the sixth book in this series which I highly suggest reading the previous books. This will help with your enjoyment of this series as well as the characters. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. Emma and her friends are back with another mystery full of suspense. She is my favorite character in this series. She is a great character that adds so much to the story. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and plot throughout the story. They pull you into the story with ease and keep your attention there until the end. This is a hard to put down, fast paced, engaging story that the author used their writing skills to not only bring the story to life but realistic as well. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it

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Review by @bjwagner

Taz (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter Book 3) by D.M. Earl – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

MG!!!! This book had me in tears for a majority of the book. I couldn’t put this book down, I had to at times but I really didn’t want to. D.M. Earl has really got a knack for these books and connecting each character with its own story. You don’t have to read the series in order but I think if you don’t, you won’t understand how each character got where they are and why they are meant to be there. This is the 5th  book that I have read. With each book, I realize that I want to read all of them. Now each book, belongs to a series, so there is a lot to read. However, I know that I will each story just as mulch as the previous one. I honestly feel like if you haven’t read them, you NEED TO!!!!!

Taz: (Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter)Taz: by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG!!!! This book had me in tears for a majority of the book. I couldn’t put this book down, I had to at times but I really didn’t want to. D.M. Earl has really got a knack for these books and connecting each character with its own story. You don’t have to read the series in order but I think if you don’t, you won’t understand how each character got where they are and why they are meant to be there. This is the 5th book that I have read. With each book, I realize that I want to read all of them. Now each book, belongs to a series, so there is a lot to read. However, I know that I will each story just as mulch as the previous one. I honestly feel like if you haven’t read them, you NEED TO!!!!!

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Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Tonya Merritt

Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is based to entertain more middle school aged children. Nonetheless it is a fun little read even for me as an adult. The story is witty and full of adventure. As an adult, I’m not sure it’s the best choice but as a pre teen or teenager it would be an exciting read full of excitement.

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A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 2) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Rosanna Ingram

A Match Made in Montana (The Millers of Marietta, #2)A Match Made in Montana by Elsa Winckler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie has always dreamed of running a Bed and Breakfast. She has fixed the place up but is not getting the customers she needs. When her friend, and future family by marriage, offers Craig to help with her marketing, Annie is quick to turn down his services. She can’t afford him and her hormones won’t let her concentrate when he’s around.
Craig is attracted to Annie…but he is in town to help out her business since he is not a relationship kind of guy. But, when these two can’t keep their hands off of each other, he comes up with a plan that they could both benefit from. What he doesn’t expect is are feelings, and the town’s gossip mill, to get involved.
These two characters were enjoyable. It was comical the way Annie would get get flustered and Craig would know just what to say. Both of their pasts have shaped their feelings on future relationships and have closed them off to that happily-ever-after ending. However, the heart wants what it wants and it’s a battle that these two are trying hard to fight (even if it means getting in their own way time and time again). I also enjoyed the secondary characters. Annie’s brother sure needs his own book and happy ending!

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Falling Again by Libby Kay – Review by Enisha Reeves

Falling AgainFalling Again by Libby Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a book that will give you all the feels, leave you crying, smiling, and wanting to keep turning the pages, then this book is for you!

Falling Again by Libby Kay is part of the Buckeye Fall series and follows the mayor of Buckeye Falls, Anthony and his wife Natalie as they find a way to rekindle the love they have for eachother that has taken a back burner due to careers, parenting and being spread way too thin.

Although it’s the 3rd book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone and be thoroughly enjoyed but the feel of the book will be more complete if the series is read in order.

I loved the fact that the characters seemed real, flawed, and nuanced but still kept the fun of a romance. The book felt realistic and left you feeling all the warm and fuzzies! I can’t wait to pick up the next book by this author.

Happy Reading!

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Tonya Merritt

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed parts of this story but was not a fan of the way it was written. It was a bit fast with not a lot of detail but then tons of detail that wasn’t needed . I feel like it has a great idea there but there is too much of the extra detail that isn’t needed thrown in but if you can get past that a great story to read and enjoy. The trials of falling in love.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Trisha Cargile

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The suspense and imagery in David Kummer’s The Misery House was as intense and satisfying as you can imagine this type of booking being. It left you with the tension and awareness of the layers he was creating as an author. The storyline was compelling and leaves the reader eager for the next chapter. If you like to read suspense and thriller novels, this novel is right up your alley. It portrays the creepy effect, the relatability factor, and the ‘this could happen to anyone’ factor which definitely makes for an enthralling book!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

Parisian IntrigueParisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 6th book in the series and it’s still going strong. Once again there are mysteries which the group help to investigate, this time in Paris.

Once again, the author’s writing style makes the experience so much more enjoyable. On top of the great plot, the descriptive language paints vivid pictures of both scenery and the characters. The writing flows well making it easier to follow and research was clearly conducted into the era.

There are twists and turns to leave you guessing and you can’t help but try to piece everything together with the characters.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

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Love Is What It Is by Marina Hanna – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Love Is What It Is: A holiday RomanceLove Is What It Is: A holiday Romance by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Is What It Is was the first book that I read by this author, but it will not be the last. It is a contemporary romance full of passion, chemistry, romance, angst, bitter ex-lovers, rivals, and drama that all unfolds in a tropical location. When Toni goes on vacation with her new, not quite boyfriend, Clive, that she has only been seeing for three weeks she is expecting fun in the sun as well as between the sheets. Instead, she ends up in a dive of a motel with dirty sheets, broken bedsprings, and creepy crawlies skittling across the floor. Added to that Clive is being a total jerk to her and she regrets agreeing to go on vacation with him. Deciding to make the most of her trip alone, she leaves Clive sleeping and finds classier accommodations. While enjoying the new hotel she runs into Mickey, a drop-dead gorgeous guest staying at the hotel who comes to her rescue when Clive confronts Toni. Mickey and Toni are instantly attracted to one another and are enjoying each other’s company until his ex decides to interfere and ruin things for them. Toni falls hard for Mickey, but he is not keen on doing the love thing which breaks her heart. Can Toni and Mickey have any chance at a future together?

This was a great read with a beautiful tropical setting and characters that are easy to become invested in. Both Toni and Mickey have less than perfect track records with past relationships and the whole love thing. Past relationships also seem to be part of the present, interfering in any chance they have for love or a future together. It was interesting to see how Toni and Mickey navigated through these issues that popped up as they were getting to know one another. I loved this author’s writing style and the dash of humor that was sprinkled throughout. A great read that I highly recommend!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Kerry Baker

Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance (Playing for Keeps Book 3)Sliding into Home: A Secret Baby Sports Romance by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great second chance romance, secret baby romance that fits perfectly with the overall feel of this series. This book was a great story from the moment I started reading. I loved the characters in the book and how they discovered each other after so many years.
This book is one of my favourite tropes and the author has done it so well. I was engaged with the story and the characters and wanted them to figure everything out. It didn’t take me long to read this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Kerry Baker

Notebook Mysteries Parisian IntrigueNotebook Mysteries Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first started reading this series I would never have guessed it would sustain such a lifetime of books. And yet, here is another fantastic one the author is adding to the collection. It is always so easy to jump straight back into these books and the characters. I love the adventures they go on and the mysteries they solve. This book in particular really made me want to be there right alongside them as they figure out the next puzzle to solve.
This author has created a series of strong YA stories that appeal across the ages. They are interesting and well written and something I would highly recommend. This book is a brilliant addition that was just as good as the rest.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Logan Yoder

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was okay. Pros: it’s cute, it’s a sports romance

Cons: the chapters are titled with names like dual POV but it’s written in third person. If you’re going to have a dual POV book then make it from their POV. I also found it a little strange that the MMC was getting a hard on just from thinking about a girl in the room he was about to walk into when his sister was in labor.

All in all I’d give it a 3.5/5 stars. It’s a cute quick read.

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Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Jules Herbert

Grand Slam (Ground Rule Book 3)Grand Slam by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great read!!!!….I instantly loved Heath from the very start and Grace soon followed….they are wonderful characters and the author created a fantastic storyline for all her readers to enjoy. What more can I say but that I love this series and this author.

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Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines ( Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Caralee Loonat

Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines (Science Folktales #3)Goldilocks and the Six Simple Machines by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to say that this author does such a good job of making learning fun for children. I just wish my children were young enough for these books. The author is able to take science and make it fun for kids to learn so that not only are they learning to read but also another subject. I like how the characters are relatable. The books are easy for kids to understand and also make it interesting. I would definitely recommend these books to anyone with kids.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Anna Hirsch

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
4 Stars

This book is like taking a sip of water when you’re dying of thirst. It is a short novella, a prequel to Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. It is the brood the love story between Aspen and Phoenix. It may be short but it packs a punch! I fell in love with the two main characters. Aspen is beautiful and courageous. Phoenix is driven and determined. He seems like a jerk but he really isn’t. His heart is in the right place . I was so absorbed in the book that I was surprised when it ended. It ends on a cliffhanger which really sucks. I will definitely be reading the next two books in the series. I need to know what happens!

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Notebook Mysteries Parisian IntrigueNotebook Mysteries Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series I was looking forward to being back with Emma and solving crimes and mysteries with her, and I was not disappointed. I think this series is getting better and better! The storyline centres on detective Emma, along with Jeremy, Tim and Dora accepting an invitation for an all paid trip to Paris. Although they are slightly suspicious of this offer, they can’t turn down a trip to see the City of Lights. Emma and her team also get to experience the 1889 Paris Exposition and spend time with family. As well as enjoying the demonstrations of innovations which will change their world, there are also two mysteries to solve.
Emma and Jeremy try to help a mysterious girl who appears and then disappears, whilst Dora and Tim try to get to the root of a secret that could affect everyone at the Exposition. They do get to do some sightseeing and even make some new friends, however not all of them turn out to be real friends. As usual the characters and settings are brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I also felt transported back to Paris during the 1889 Paris Exposition due to all the added historical details. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story and as usual I was hooked throughout. Another enjoyable and engaging novel featuring Emma and her team, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

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