Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Rayne East

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creative storytelling
The second book in Soulbound Journey Series, Fortune’s Favorite is an engaging tale. Ian and Jarryd have escaped only to find themselves adrift. What follows is a compelling adventure, told with brilliant imagery and layers of intrigue. I am totally hooked and eagerly await book 3. Definitely read book 1 first. Highly recommend.

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Stephanie Robb

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful story with beautiful illustrations introducing correct pet care to children. I loved this story and the approachable way it introduces strays and neutering your pets.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Kerry Carr

Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of steamy romance reads about guys who are everyday hero’s. It is a collection of 13 stories and all of them are unique and different. I loved them all but my 2 favourites are:

Unexpected Hero’s by Naomi Valkyrie
I always jump at any stories this author has because I know I will really enjoy them and this one was no exception. This is a MM Romance. It is a second chance small town romance with danger and Suspense inside. It is definately a page turner.
Elijah has moved with his son after problems in his past. Now he’s starting again and isn’t planning on a relationship or romance until he meets his neighbour Jude.
Jude is struggling with coming to terms with his past after losing his husband. So far he has his work and the bottle keeping him going but that all changes when he meets Elijah and his son. But things aren’t going to be plain sailing and when something from Elijah’s past returns threatening his and his sons safety, Jude is going to use all his skills and training to protect the new man in his life.

Broken Pieces by Amelia Hayden
This is a story that was very emotional to read. It was beautifully written and the author does an amazing job of showing the reader that not everyone comes back from war the same as they were when they went. This is a MM Romance and is a story about dealing with the aftermath of war, of finding your broken pieces and trying to put yourself back together again and also finding love along the way

Crossing the Lines By: Anne M. Scott
This for me was also a great read as I love anything crime related and this had it all. Danger, intrigue, chemistry and more. When a FBI agent and security expert are thrown together to go against a Russian mob, this story really gets fast paced and full of action.

All the stories are unique and different and all of them are great reads. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, some will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be burning up with the passion and chemistry that are between these pages. If you love stories of hot men in uniform overcoming odds and finding love then this is definately for you.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. On the first page, we meet the giant depicted as an alien, the story loosely follows the Jack and the Beanstalk traditional story but with a modern twist with illustrations to compliment it. I would highly recommend this story.

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Saved by the Everyday Hero (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Naomi Valkyrie & Various Authors – Review by Jules Herbert

Saved by the Everyday HeroSaved by the Everyday Hero by Amelia Hayden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is such a fabulous collection of stories with a wide variety of characters and experiences. My favourite was definitely “Unexpected Heroes” by Naomi Valkyrie which is a M/M Story that is so well written you just want more and more. Elijah and Jude are wonderful characters that weave their way into your heart right from the start. I will 100% be searching for more from this fabulous author. I am hoping there is more to be read not only about these characters but other side characters that we met because they have me intrigued as well. “Quin to the Rescue” by L.A. Remenicky also had me turning the pages quickly to find out what would happen next. Mirra and Quin are neighbours who click immediately but Quin soon learns he needs to tread carefully with Mirra and her heart. I really enjoyed this anthology and I know you will too!

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Brandy Vaughn

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of magic infused fairy tales. Each story is a noir adventure uniquely written and keeps the pages turning. The effort of rewriting the stories so they have their own personality instead of being a standard retelling. The creative nature of these modern stories is what you’ve been looking for!

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Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Beverly Finnie

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: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read a few sports/baseball romances recently, and Sliding into Home is one of the better ones. The author wrote a wonderful story about two people given a chance to get to know one another & have a redo on life together.
Jeff and Kia have been given a second chance, however it’s not just the two of them anymore. Max is an important part of the equation and all their decisions are made with his happiness in mind.
But where does that lead them?
This is not the first book I’ve read in this series but it’s probably my favorite. Though I do look forward to when the author gives us Gonzo’s story. He makes a good secondary character, but his story has lots of potential.
I’m a sucker for a good sports romance, especially baseball. I love baseball and reading and when the two come together it usually leads to a smile throughout the whole book.
I look forward to more books by this author. They definitely make for some good entertainment.

@placexba
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Dirty Dozen by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Dirty Dozen (A J.J. Graves Mystery #11)Dirty Dozen by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talk about dramatic and theatrical. We have a suspect who seems to want to be a copycat killer. Things, however, may not be as they seem as each stage of the murder has everybody confused on who the killer is and what his or her endgame is. This one hits close to home and reminds every one that they are always in danger. We are coming to realize there is something serious going on with Ben Carver and I can’t wait to find out what that big secret is.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Santana Hicks

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Magic Calls is a collection of fairy tales that were modernized. I enjoyed most of them, some were exciting, some were boring. To each their own. The author did an amazing job delving into old tales and turning them into something more relatable.

My favorite story was ‘Borrowed Skin, Borrowed Year”. It was about a girl, named Cassidy, who found out her boyfriend was cheating on her and all her friends weren’t good friends. There was a tradition she learned from her grandmother to open the front and back door on New Years to let the old year exit and the new year enter. After doing so, Cassidy met a strange naked man injured on the beach. She brought the man home and this started a year of friendship. It is hinted throughout the story that the man is a selkie.

There are also tales of sirens, changelings, human/wolf hybrid, and so much more. There is a tale for everyone!

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Firewall by Jessica Mehring

FirewallFirewall by Jessica Mehring
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jessica Mehring weaves a beautifully written thriller with a playful splash of romance. Firewall is told in both of the main characters POV. This book took me a 24 hour period to finish, I just couldn’t put it down.

Imagine going to work thinking it’ll be just another day, when suddenly your whole life gets flipped upside down because you took your IT security seriously. Not only are you being threatened but your family is also is danger.
Veronica Clark is in the IT security Business, a world dominated by men, she has struggled in her career to be heard and taken seriously and her new CTO and CEO are the kind of men that make you fight harder. After a set of events Veronica needs protection, the brother of Veronica’s Best friend Cara, Angus Miller a firefighter in San Francisco agrees to do so. But that action entangles all them as well, in something that is more than just the security of data.

Reviewed by @MelancholyRose

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Dirty Martini by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Dirty Martini (J.J. Graves Mystery, #10)Dirty Martini by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In Dirty Martini, we have an unusual case that plays out with 1000’s of people watching and so many suspects. The mystery is surrounded by college students and any one of them who could be a murderer. I enjoyed how this book played out, even though I had figured it out about halfway through. I thought that it gave a new twist to what we usually get with this series. More and more you get to learn about each of the characters that have now joined Jack and JJ. I especially like Lily, Carver, and Carver’s nephew, who makes me laugh.

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Playing Dirty by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Playing Dirty (J.J. Graves Mystery, #9)Playing Dirty by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The aftermath of the dirty tricks that Floyd keeps using against Jack and Jaye are getting more and more extreme. Can Jack still win as sheriff? Can JJ and Jack find their way back together without irreparable damage done to their marriage? This time it seems as if all could be lost and this mystery is surrounded by all kinds of political and family connections, it will be interesting to see where it takes us next.

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Dirty Devil by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Dirty Devil (J.J. Graves Mystery #8)Dirty Devil by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back from the craziness of the mortuary convention, Jack and Jaye are trying to recover. However, there is a new case with a new murder victim, and this one it seems had it coming. The victim in this story was not a great guy, and so the number of people who could have committed the crime seems to be the length of your arm. As the usual team comes together to figure out the puzzle, you will find yourself wondering what’s around the corner and then BAM you are hit with a big secret that has Jaye and Jack on the rocks! Can their relationship survive? Is this the end of our favorite couple?

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Fortune’s Favorite (Soulbound Journeys Book 2) by C. L. Schneider – Review Ayla Phipps

Fortune's Favorite (Soulbound Journeys #2)Fortune’s Favorite by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mysterious dark intrigue. Once more, the talented C.L. Schneider’s ever-expanding world knows no bounds. Ian Troy and Jarryd Kane escaped the Wandering Isles only weeks ago and have arrived at the pirate haven, Maldarehm.
Ian is perfectly happy on the open sea, especially after the nightmare-inducing world that was the Wandering Isles. Unfortunately, they need to resupply their stores and must port. Jarryd is excited to finally see Maldarehm, the pirate haven that he has heard about. After hearing the story of the twins Ian prefers the longer road to also allow Kya some fresh air and exercise, while Jarryd wants to take the ferry not worried about being judged by the twins. The land is otherworldly, the snow-white sandy beach, the lush dense jungle, and the steep cliffs towering overhead. Since the wandering isles, things have been different, Jarryd prefers to keep his side of the link closed more often. Ian enjoying the memories now, prefers to keep it open now. The land may seem ideal and picturesque but there is darkness, and strange vibrations that come off the land making Ian tense and hesitant. The port full of comradery but the unabashed looks of some of the locals, they are not afraid of him but are afraid for him. Mystery unsettles him at the meaning of the looks but Jarryd’s enthusiasm and desire to see the city make him set aside the feelings but not for long.
Will Ian and Jarryd find a way back to the friendship they had before? How can Jarryd fix “everything”? What is responsible for the deep feelings Ian has felt since arriving? The author’s detail is in the next universe. While the world is well established not only in book one of this series but the previous original trilogy, she continues to build upon it. Not just with simple details but each place becoming its own world within the realm. More so the characters never stop evolving, morphing as their experiences become deep reminders of what they overcome. A brief pause to awe once more at the stunning cover, as it has become my favorite cover so far this year. While I continue to let my heartrate slow down, I will impatiently be waiting for book three in this soulbound journey that never eases up on the mystery and intrigue as you race through the pages to see what happens next.

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A Dirty Job by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

A Dirty Job (J.J. Graves Mystery #7)A Dirty Job by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this eighth book of the series, it seems as if Jaye and Jack might finally have a chance at happiness, and be able to move on to the next step of their life together. However, as is always the case with this twosome, going to a mortuary convention could not just be as simple as going to a convention. First they are trapped in a tropical storm, and then there seems to be murder everywhere that they turn not to mention poor Sheldon has his whole life thrown in upheaval. Watching these two put together all the pieces and yet another mystery will bring you more of what you’ve come to love about them and about this series.

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Book Lovers by Emily Henry – Review by Colleen Noyes

Book LoversBook Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book Lovers by Emily Henry was my first book by this author. I read it because it was part of our book club pick. First off, this book is multi-faceted with numerous characters and stories which I enjoyed a lot. I really love the way that they describe Sunshine Falls, North Carolina the author does a great job of vividly making you feel like you were right there. Nora is definitely not your normal type of heroine and Charlie is not the kind of “hero “that you typically find in these types of books. This story starts out with Nora‘s sister Libby begging her to go away for sister trip, and Nora is not necessarily excited that Libby is making her go on this trip with the sole purpose of finding, a storybook ending for Nora. All of the characters in the story are both realistic and adorable, and as you watch everything unravel, you find yourself in a very happy place within a giant “family”. I was pleased with all of the little golden nuggets throughout the story and that this does not have any Instalove. I think that you will find yourself glad you picked up this book.

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Dirty Money by Liliana Hart – Review by Colleen Noyes

Dirty Money (J.J. Graves Mystery #6)Dirty Money by Liliana Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor Ben is not in good shape and JJ and Jack are worried. They know this has to be the work of Malachi, but how can they prove it?

Jaye is feeling all the guilt and taking it on her shoulders. Jack is starting to get a little concerned, fed up, and showing signs of anger because of the situation.

This series continues to captivate me and bring me such joy while reading. There is always a case of murder in addition to the story of Jaye’s parents and their crimes. In this instance what’s causing the murders is a nice little hook. Malachi is getting closer and closer to ending this cat and mouse game with his daughter and Jack. However, there’s still another surprise in store for the couple and how it all plays out will have consequences for probably months and years to come.

Even with all of the stress, chaos, and mystery, this couple finds a way to make me laugh and root for them. I love all of the sub characters and how this couple has built a nice little family around themselves. I appreciate that while this book has some romance it is not the main focus of the book and you just get to enjoy a well thought out, well written, story of pure enjoyment.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 6)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unfortunately for me the last book was just completely anti climatic. I didn’t feel as if there was any real big mystery or that it was presented in a way that grabbed me. I ended up not liking any of the characters at all which is unusual. I have read other books by this author and thoroughly enjoyed them so was let down. I felt that the story had great potential in the first three parts, but the last two just fell apart. I look forward to reading other sets by her and hope they showcase what I have grown to like about this author.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 5)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As the journey and mystery continue, I found myself not enjoying this book at all. I felt like this particular book focused more on Julie, and the fact that she whines and throws fits like a teenager especially where Lacey is concerned instead of a grown adult. I disliked that Julie acted more like a “high school” bestfriend who was jealous and didn’t know how to handle her feelings. This book also didn’t have much more to the mystery until the last couple of pages. I’m hoping that the author will redeem herself in the sixth and final part. I do like the budding relationship of Thomas and Lacie.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 4)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With each new book a new mystery unfolds within the big mystery itself. Lacie is starting to question who she really can and cannot trust. Are the people who have been helping her truly there to help her or is there something mysterious going on behind their show of support? Each person in the town of Southport seems to have something to hide, and when the whole town appears to turn on Lacie you have to wonder how she might make it through. As she continues to unravel, each thread more and more comes into view, as well as more hurt, frustration, and even a little devastation.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 1)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

They say a picture is worth a 1000 words, for Lacey McNeil that picture could be worth a thousand heartaches. Lacey, is a recent empty nester with her twin boys off to college. She is at a crossroads of what is next when a mysterious photo shows up at her doorstep. Desperate to prove what she sees can’t be right she starts a journey that may turn her whole life upside down. This first short book is the start of what is looking to be a great little set.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 2)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Right from the beginning of part two we get to see just how much of a narcissistic jerk Robert is, and how much Lacie has put up with, and given up for his every demand and whim. He apparently thinks the vow “obey” is literal.

The way that he acts and treats her throughout this entire book is frustrating. She’s trying desperately to figure out the secrets and mystery that is going on and then gets hit right upside the head with his next move. As the secrets unfold little by little you start to get a sense of where it’s all going.

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The Southport Secret by Sage Parker – Review by Colleen Noyes

The Southport Secret (Autumn Beach Book 3)The Southport Secret by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being a 40-year-old woman who is a recent empty nester and now having to deal with the huge secret cannot be easy. As Lacie and her two friends, Julie and Thomas embark on their investigation to find out just what is going on you get to see the sweet side of the camaraderie that they have built.

You start to learn more and more just how much damage Robert has done to Lacie over the course of the 21 years of marriage. It’s hard to read and watch the self destruction and low self-esteem that she has at this stage in her life. I’m hoping that as each book goes on, we see her find some type of strength and inner self worth. The lies continue to pile up and you wonder how how did she not know?

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Trista Martin

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun and creative retelling this book is. This is the first book of the authors I have read and I went into it blindly. I was not expecting a Jack retelling, not only was I surprised but what a wonderful surprise it was. I can’t wait to read this to my granddaughter.

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Back to the 80s by S.E. Reichert and Kerrie Flanagan – Review by Jennifer Crain

Back to the 80'sBack to the 80’s by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading some heavier texts, this one did not disappoint- a lighthearted romcom type book that had a succinct plot, likable characters, and an interesting premise (I grew up mostly in the ’90s, but was familiar with many of the 80’s references in the book).

My favorite part was the character development. Oftentimes, one or both of the couple falls flat for me, but that was not the case with Blaine and Eric. They were both well rounded and irritable at times, but a likable irritable. I also liked the juxtaposition of the two because they had such different upbringings yet found each other in an interesting way. I will read more from this author.

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@bookworm1909

Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Santana Hicks

Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jessica calls herself a fixer. If you need property, she’s your girl. Documents delivered discreetly and prompt, she’s your girl. Her only rule is no drugs.

When a rich tyrant hires her to find his missing daughter, it hits a soft spot Jessica didn’t even think she still had. Her parents abandoned her when she was only 15 years old and she has been on her own since. Jessica starts to look into the disappearance of the missing girl, meeting dead end after dead end. Things are looking grim in more ways than one.

Was the missing woman kidnapped? Murdered? Or did she just escape the clutches of her controlled life living under daddy’s thumb. Jessica will find out what happened to this girl if it’s the last thing she does, even when danger strikes.

I loved Jessica’s character from the beginning. Used to being on her own, she shuts everyone out, including people who love her and want to help her. She is closed off and drowns herself in alcohol and one night stands. I loved watching her grow into a stronger woman than she already was. The author did a great job describing an emotionally damaged woman who put walls up all around herself to prevent further hurt.

The plot was also a selling point, there was intrigue and mystery everywhere you turned. Danger around every corner with the main character diving in head first.

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Julie Johnson

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Imagine having the weight of the world on your shoulders your senior year of high school. Responsibilities include keeping grades up, picking the right college, cleaning house, taking care of your baby brother, and taking care of your mother. That’s Claire’s situtation and she wasn’t given a lot of choices as she entered into what should have been the best year of her life.

Claire’s parents divorced a few years back and her mom went on a business trip earlier in the year. A few weeks after she returned home, she found out she was pregnant. She refused to tell Claire who the dad was and even left that spot empty on Harry’s birth certificate. Everything changed when she got pregnant and Claire had to start picking up the pieces.

Claire’s friends come to her aid but they have limited resources, especially when Uncle Pat starts to stick his nose into everything. Claire will stop at nothing to keep her little brother and mom together with her. Her senior year is nothing like she expected but she is also learning valuable lessons along the way.

This book was a challenging read for me. Maybe it’s because I had to grow up fast and have “adult” responsibilites at a young age. Claire’s story really resonated with me though. I found myself becoming angry at all the people around her who were letting her deal with all of this alone when some of them could have stepped up and helped her. Claire became so much stronger through this experience and learned to love, forgive, and plan a future that she wanted, not what others expected of her.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Shannen Kern

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My entire family and I love this author’s work! We know that we are in for a fun adventure when we begin reading one of their books. This one is a twist of a classic Jack and the Beanstalk, and we absolutely fell in love with it! The illustrations were super neat, and I thought it flowed just perfectly for a kids book. It held the attention of my hyperactive 7-year-old, and even got some conversation going with my 11-year-old as she doesn’t think about the older fairy tales as much. This book is original and incredibly unique. I highly recommend picking it up and sharing it with the younger ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Shannen Kern

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this one up, but it really blew us away! The cover pulled me in as it is just beautiful, and the synopsis painted a cool picture as well. I read this with my middle schooler, and we were pleasantly surprised to see the different kinds of fairy tales that we aren’t accustomed to. I loved that each story we read felt like jumping into a completely different world. Even though this is aimed towards a teenage audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone that likes a collection of creative folklore!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Jo Wright

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love short stories! This is an awesome set of short stories, but I would have to say my favorite was the last one called Bones of the Soul. I was nowhere near ready for it to end the way that it did. This set is not what I was expecting, but instead it was so much more! These otherworldly tales roped me into Berve’s imagination and let me tell you, I was not fighting to get back out!

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@jowright