Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love getting to read books by this author, she always does such a great job writing stories that children will enjoy. She always writes her stories in a way that kids learn new and fun facts, but in a way that is fun and engaging. We have a kiddo who gets a scrap on his knee and he loves playing with his toy soldiers, so soldiers become the metaphor for his injury healing. Kids will enjoy the writing style and the illustrations are definite going to be a great way to keep kiddos focused and excited to learn and see how things turn. As always from this author, another fan favorite story.

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What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Angela Hayes

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 – 3.5 Stars

 

‘What Lies Buried…doesn’t stay buried.’

What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain is the dramatic sequel to ‘Secrets in the Mirror’ where we continue Gavin’s journey, and although it could be read as a standalone if you wanted- I feel that knowing what happened in the first book will give you a better understanding of Gavin, and a better appreciation of the story. This is a bit of a psychological suspense with emotion, twists, secrets, action, suspense, tension, drama, complex characters, and more.
Gavin struggles with his mental health, his PTSD complicating things deeply. He yearns to move on, to shake off his demons and escape the shackles of his PTSD to enjoy his life with his wife Katie. Their marriage is feeling the strains that his mental health has placed on it. Katie, who has done her utmost to support him through everything, has her own needs which aren’t being met. But what lies buried, seems to always find a way of coming to light- which makes this an intriguing read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Leslie Kain!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J CaféMealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought this was an absolutely adorable children’s book. It had the cutest illustrations and I love how the story is told in rhyme. It’s definitely the type of book to keep younger children engaged and focused as they follow James the monkey, who is delivering lunch to the different animals in the zoo. It’s very cute how the different animals enjoy the meal and some of the extras that are added in for the different animals so they will enjoy it! This will be a story younger children will delight in reading again and again. I look forward to seeing more work from the author.

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Secrets in the Mirror by Leslie Kain – Review by Angela Hayes

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Secrets In The MirrorSecrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Secrets In the Mirror by Leslie Kain is a dramatic family saga/thriller that made for an intriguing read.
Gavin and his twin brother, Devon, couldn’t be more different. They’re opposites of one another and travelling on two very different paths. With some serious dysfunctional dynamics to their relationship makes for some very challenging situations. Add in family tensions, the mob, self-worth/confidence issues, mental health issues, abuse, danger, culture, and complex characters- and things take a serious turn.
‘What Lies Buried’ is the sequel to this story, which I have already embarked on.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Leslie Kain!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So I had accidentally read book 2 and loved it, so I definitely had to go back and read book one to get a bit more information. Elinor is a fantastic character, she is bold, clever, and not afraid to get into trouble if it means finding out answers. Her interactions with everyone just crack me up, but especially with the Duke de Archambeau. The author creates a very real world with the added mix of the supernatural that everyone treats as regular every day norm. I enjoy that we have the current mystery that the Duke needs her to solve, but we also have the 20 year old murder of her father that I imagine will follow and tie the stories together. Definitely a wonderful read and a great series!

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Beverly Finnie

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ghostly Diva is a fun paranormal romance. Bring us back to a world where a character communicates with those who have passed on. The key is having something belonging to that person who has passed on.
We are back into the vintage clothing scene with Justine leading the way. She’s been tasked to go out to the house of a client to see what they can donate to the local museum to showcase. The client is the grumpy son of a woman who left town for hollywood. She was never a big time actress but to a small town Liza’s small screen credits could be just what it needs.
Jackson never expected to meet a woman who was stirring something inside of him. He was meant to have her come out and get out of there. He has no plans of keeping her around. He wants to be around her but he also knows that it’s not in his best interest.
Will Jackson and Justine give into fate?
Will Liza have a strong influence on Justine leading her son in the right direction?
What happens when they uncover Liza’s secret?
Those questions and so many more come up as one navigates their story. The author wrote two brilliantly conflicting stubborn characters. That keeps the reader from putting the book down. I don’t know about you, but I can say I look forward to more stories from this author.

@placexba
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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Mandy Ott

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Troy (The Crown of Stones)Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C. L. Schneider delivers, once again, with Troy! It is the prequel to the Crown of Stones trilogy and incorporates the same amazing world building, breathtaking storytelling, and perfectly flawed, realistic characters as the other books! Troy has so much adventure, distinctive magic, suspense, drama, and more. I found the character growth very touching as Ian Troy learns that some preconceived notions about him have changed over the course of the book, as well as some of his own beliefs changing. There are so many emotions swirling around, mistrust, danger, and bloodshed. But there is also a rawness and closeness formed between the mishmash of companions chosen for the Queen’s secret mission. There is a lot of backstory, not only concerning Ian Troy, but also about the other nations fighting alongside the Rellan army against the Langorians. Exactly what I wanted in a prequel! C. L. Schneider is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Can I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir seriesCan I Keep Her?: 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can I Keep Her? Is the 2nd book in the Kingdom of Mir series. I read it with my 8 year old, and he enjoyed it- loved guessing what would happen next and looking at the illustrations. Wynnie spots an egg on the wall, and wonders what it might be. When it hatches a dragon, she instantly falls in love. But the king and other town folk warn her about the destruction they might cause. Wynnie uses her power of words and trains the dragon to stop lighting fire to everything. Cute book for young elementary kiddos.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Michelle Austin

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a good 5 star read. This story pulled me right in and is a prequel for the series and a quick read. I really liked the characters, they all added a great element to the story. The author does a great job with her writing. I enjoyed the mystery and the twists and turns. My emotions were all over the place. If you are looking for a great series to read, 1-click and get started on this one today. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Felicia Bates

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Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Come Home to Death is my first introduction fo Marilyn Levinson and I would definitely read another novel by this author again. I enjoyed Erica as the main character and found myself surprised a couple times throughout the storyline. I think the story was really well written with enough twists to keep the reader entertained and engaged without being over the top.

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Nina Maes

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Marvelous Mystery! This read is a nail bitter and page turner novel. This author will pull you in and grab you to the very end. You can read this one as a standalone but better when read together. Full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery novel.The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marvelous Mystery! This read is a nail bitter and page turner novel. This author will pull you in and grab you to the very end. You can read this one as a standalone but better when read together. Full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery novel.

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Candida Hopper

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me engrossed from the start. This story has romance, friendship, danger, trauma, mystery, bad guys, family, healing, drama, and great characters. This is the 5th book in this series but it can be read as a standalone, but my advice is to read them all. This book is Arrow and Vivian’s story. Arrow is an ex navy seal, entrepreneur with a traumatic past. Vivian is a dentist who also has a traumatic past. Vivian is looking for a missing girl and it’s bringing her past into her present. The chemistry between these two is undeniable but Vivian isn’t ready to date at this point in her life. Arrow isn’t giving up on her that easy. This is a must read to find out what happens between these two. The author had me reading late into the night turning pages needing to know what happens next. This story kept me captivated the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

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Kris & The Cowboys (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Julie Johnson

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Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed reading these adventures of Kris! She’s a pretty cool young lady who has a very vivid imagination. When her uncle won’t let her go on a cattle drive, she imagines one! What a fun adventure she has involving a mountain lion, a rustler, and more.

This book is geared towards readers 6-10 years of age but I truly believe that any age group can have an appreciation for this fun adventure story!

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Meal Time at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson – Review by Emily H

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Mealtime at the Zoo: PB&J CaféMealtime at the Zoo: PB&J Café by James Williamson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James, the monkey butler, shows how all the animals eat his PB&J sandwiches. Vibrant colors help add to the story throughout. I think children will be delighted to read this one and would be a fun picnic book to read with a PB&J.

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Kris & The Cowboys (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Kris & The Cowboys is Book 3 in The Adventures of Kris series full of fun and adventure at every corner. This story chapter book is for ages 6-10 and perfect for any beginner reader who is ready to start reading chapter books….or even for the young at heart to enjoy.

As we follow Kris, who is at a ranch with her father and great uncle….Kris wants to learn how to ride a horse. Of course her great uncle is ready to teach Kris each step as it is learning process from the saddle, reins and even how to get on a horse properly. Kris is anxious to accompany her great uncle on her first cattle drive, but she has much to learn and must stay at the ranch. When a cow names Patches goes missing, it is up to Kris to be brave and try and help find the missing cow.

Saddle up for an adventure Kris is with her horse, Apples, and on the way to help find a missing cow meeting new friends, find friendships that help her in dangerous situations and being brave when a flood hits the encampment area. Will Kris be able to rescue Patches…definitely read and find out.

This is a fun book and I really enjoy every story so far in this series and already looking forward to more. I love being pulled into an adventure of this story

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Shannen Kern

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Immediately drawn in by the cover, I read the synopsis and knew I needed to grab it! It is a pretty quick read but doesn’t compromise on the storyline or character development. I loved seeing the chemistry pop off the pages between Jorden and Cane and getting to know them a bit was really fun. There is plenty of steam within this story, but the plot doesn’t rely on only spiciness to keep it going. The mythical world feels incredibly real as if you’re right there experiencing it firsthand. I am on my way to pick up the next in the series. If you’re looking for a fun paranormal romance for your afternoon, look no further than this book!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Shannen Kern

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn’t hesitate for a split second to pick up this book because the first one, Secrets In The Mirror, was extraordinary. Somehow the author surpassed even that with this phenomenal sequel. There are many conditions talked about that hit close to home for me, so I definitely shed some tears throughout, but it was well worth it. I always love dual points of view because it makes you feel like you can get into the characters’ heads just a little bit more. Gavin is fighting for his life opposite the hands of his complex PTSD from childhood trauma. Katie is the immovable force in her relationship with Gavin, but she will be put to the test once old trauma resurfaces. The author again grips you with their ability to expertly craft the story and allowing it to unfold naturally. As you can imagine, there are difficult topics detailed within these pages, but the author has kindly provided a content warning in the beginning. I highly recommend giving this a chance if you’re able to because it will captivate you as well as give you a deeper insight into C-PTSD. I will be picking up the next book as soon as humanly possible!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a prequel to a series I read a bit ago. I really enjoyed the story but I am not sure how it ties to the rest of the series. Amanda is in a car accident one night and wakes up to see Gene (Dr. Rowland) trying to take care of her as he was the car driving behind her. She swears that she swerved so she didn’t hit a terrified girl but no one really believes her and just thinks she had hit her head. She doesn’t have anyone to take care of her and talks Gene into staying overnight to watch her. He has a doctor’s mind and keeps assessing her as a patient but he does have some feelings stirring as does Amanda. Gene is just coming home after taking a sabbatical at the ER and spending time in Costa Rica. He is going to be working with the small town doctor and is not really sure what the next steps are for him. Gene and Amanda become friends and have some memories pop up from their high school days as they keep searching for the girl. This was more than a romance, it was also a suspenseful mystery.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Natalia Gonzales Castrejon

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w Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was just so cute! I love the way everything looks! It’s such a fun book and I love happy endings! I hope to see more about the little dragon. This is one I will be reading to my 3 year old! He loves books with dragons in them.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Alison Risher

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has many interesting elements. It has ghosts, which the reader may surmise from the title. It has royalty. It has international intrigue. It has dragons! Also, it has illegitimate royal family members. All in all, a cleverly crafted tale that I very much enjoyed reading.

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Secrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain – Review by Shannen Kern

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Secrets In The MirrorSecrets In The Mirror by Leslie Kain
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am completely floored by this book! This is the first time I’ve picked up any work by this author, and they completely knocked me off my feet. It was incredibly intense with family drama dynamics and suspense throughout the entire read. It gripped me from the very first page and never let go, leading me to read the whole book in one day. Brace yourself as you dive into an marvelously twisted plot with our twins, Gavin and Devon, who couldn’t be more different other than their looks. Even if you’ve never experienced anything similar to what the author describes, the way they craft the story gives you the ability to feel all of the different psychological dilemmas. The characters were incredibly well-developed and relatable. I think this was a phenomenal thriller because it never pushed the plot out of the realm of believability. If you’re looking for a compelling read that will keep you turning the pages, this should be the next book you pick up!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young – Review by Juls Dick

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The Ghostly Diva (Divine Vintage)The Ghostly Diva by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Ghostly Diva, by Sandra L. Young, is a contemporary paranormal romance with a touch of glamour. When Justine is contacted by Jackson, the son of a recently deceased local celebrity, she can’t wait to get into the star’s wardrobe to see what finds she can bring to her museum. However, Jackson’s gruff attitude and derision doesn’t set them on the right path. Trapped together due to a storm, they discover more than clothes, letters regarding Jacksons’ potential father lead them to try to uncover the mystery with a little input from the ghost of Jackson’s late mother. I quite liked this book, it was a fun story with an interesting setting. The writing painted a very descriptive picture. I would be interested in reading other books by this author.

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Katie Turner

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lydia and Kate are two very different individuals, and lead very different lives- which often seems to be the case between true best friends. When both of their lives seem to be in different layers of complete shambles, they join together for support and embark on what they hope to be a soul healing adventure. But things do not go quite as they had initially planned.

Five Tries to Get it Right by Kathryn Dodson was my second book by this author. And while I knew I enjoyed reading her work, I still did not expect to love this story as much as I did! I loved and resonated with both of the main characters. What they were going through are such realistic feelings and tribulations for so many women entering into the second half of their lives. I am very pleased I chose to read another of her books, and I will continue to do so every chance I get!

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Bobi Wagner

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book. I enjoy their writing skills as well as the attention to details that make their stories fast paced and hard to put down. This is the sixth book in this series which is just as great as the previous books. I highly suggest reading the previous books as they are just as great as this one. Scala is back in another mystery. This time he finds himself in the criminal underworld. With another tragedy, will Scala’s instincts prove to be right? I enjoyed how he pulled me into the story from the start. He is a connectable character that adds to the story. He is my favorite and I look forward to seeing what is next for him. This is an engaging story you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Bobbi Wagner

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate #10)Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a series that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up by this author. I enjoy how this series keeps getting better and better with every installment. I enjoy this author’s writing style and her creative details that bring her characters to life. This is a well written story that is full of steam, fated mates, witches and vampires. Their story is one that is hard to put down and fast paced. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. They are connectable, relatable and my favorite yet. They bring so much to the story which makes it easy to read and entertaining. This is a story about destiny and what it will hold for these characters. I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book and the previous books in this series. A series that you don’t want to miss.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

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This is book #6 of the Scala Series. It’s one of the best ones so far that I have read. If you love murder mysteries this is the book for you. You see Commissario Scala is hunting down a killer of two cousins who were dealing illegal things all while trying to spend quality time with his family. There are a lot of characters in this particular book but I feel like it made you really think what each character was up to and how they all tied together. Can Scala find the murder and still be able to spend quality time with his family? I think you should read it to find out, because I am definitely not giving any hints to that question. Of course, I will tell you that you won’t be able to put it down just like any of the other books that P.J has written, at least I couldn’t.

The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book #6 of the Scala Series. It’s one of the best ones so far that I have read. If you love murder mysteries this is the book for you. You see Commissario Scala is hunting down a killer of two cousins who were dealing illegal things all while trying to spend quality time with his family. There are a lot of characters in this particular book but I feel like it made you really think what each character was up to and how they all tied together. Can Scala find the murder and still be able to spend quality time with his family? I think you should read it to find out, because I am definitely not giving any hints to that question. Of course, I will tell you that you won’t be able to put it down just like any of the other books that P.J has written, at least I couldn’t.

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Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider – Review by Naomi McDonald

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Troy (The Crown of Stones)Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, let me say that I love the detail in this cover. It’s superb, as is the story itself.
Detailed world-building. Excellent character development. Creative story line. All woven together to create a story that sucks you in from page one.

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Angela Hayes

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 – 4.5 Stars

 

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson is a heartachingly great women’s fiction story, that comes with an emotional wallop, friendship, sisterhood, heartbreak, grief, personal challenges, 2nd chances, love, travel, drama, angst, hope, and learning to ‘live again’ after loss. The story also touches on some sensitive topics which the author wrote with much heart and soul.
These two women, Lydia and Kate, are such complex characters- lovingly crafted with their own unique personalities, quirks, and flaws. Their bond of friendship/sisterhood spans time and brings them together in this poignant tale. One of Ms. Dodson’s best yet!
Well worth the read…
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Dodson has in store for us next.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Kathryn Dodson!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Hannah Porter

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book of the WaterFyre Rising Series. Having read the previous books, this release was much anticipated. Nadia Han is like an insanely talented author. With every book I read by her gets better and better, truly captivating. Arrow and Vivian’s story has romance ,suspense,action,forced proximity, intense chemistry, mystery, passion, trauma and so so much more in it. I was so happy that we finally got to see them get their story. I highly recommend reading this one and this series, but be warned be ready to binge read this whole series 🤣 i can’t wait for Protégé: An Opposites Attract Romance to come out in October and the next book after that the Maverick.

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