Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Trisha Cargile

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this day and age of self-help books, it is nice to find one that matches real life scenarios, both the ups and the downs. Productivity is useful in not only a professional setting, but a personal settings as well. This book helps to motivate and push thru boundaries we may experience. This is definitely a useful tool and a great addition for the self-helpers out there!

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Tausha Treadway

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood. This is my first book by this author but wow, it won’t be my last. This book was so hard to put down that I read it in just a few settings. Its the story of Michaela Manning who has lived under a assumed name for over 20 years because when she was 3 she was shot because of her grandfather who was killed as well. Living under the name of Lea Milan as an artist in Europe she has become quite successful and has constantly been looking over her shoulder because of her father and his political aspirations. Maxwell Cole is the security guy who saved Lea at the age of 3 and he continues to look after her all these years later. When her secret identity is in danger of being found out will Maxwell be able to continue to protect her? This political thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat til you are finished. Such a great book!

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another cute story from this author, I always enjoy getting to check out her books. This is a great book to teach young children not only about counting or other educational skills, but that it’s ok to be different. The children in the book recognize the Dinopotamus wants to learn, but he is a bit different from them. Children will get to see how they embrace the differences between themselves and Dino. I enjoyed the art work as well, it was very cute and young children will definitely enjoy it as well. Definitely a great book to enjoy with young children.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Ayla Eddy

Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First the cover of this book caught my attention then the idea of a duck shifter had my curiosity peaked. The story behind this eye catching cover was absolutely amazing and a fresh take on an animal shifter book. 

An odd shifter out as a duckling compared to all the larger animal shifters. Our main character is made to feel out of place and like she just doesn’t belong. Following along her journey to finding herself was and possibly snagging the Prince she has been crushing on?

Cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

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Loris Opens Up His Heart (Courage Tales Series) by Dagmara Sitek – Review by Melissa Saxton

Loris Opens Up His HeartLoris Opens Up His Heart by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a touching story!
Loris has been in the foster system after a really terrible home life. He has trust issues and refuses to open up to anyone.
He moves to a home with a new family that includes Cam, Inaya, and their foster mom. He initially refuses to open up whatsoever as he doesn’t trust anyone.
His heart however slowly opens the more time he spends with this family and the story illustrates the beauty and bravery of opening up your heart even when it’s scary.

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

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

Once again, the beautiful classic golden book type illustrations bring this unique story to life. Lois Wickstrom’s main theme to this book is just because something has always been perceived as bad doesn’t mean they are born that way; love can change everything and everyone. Wynnie continues to prove why she is the wisest adviser the king has ever had and that thinking differently than others is a great reward.

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Melissa Saxton

A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hadassah, a angel made a choice to help her brother save a demon but it had consequences. She was made a fallen angel and sent to earth to await her judgement. She struggles though as shes living with her brother and he lives with demons and she finds herself judging all of them as bad people before she even gets to know them and hides in her room and doesn’t interact anymore than necessary which breeds discontent by all the others at the house.
Someone however goes missing and she has a choice to make. Does she stay out of it and just await heavens decision on her behavior and angel status but disappoint her bother in the process, or does she choose to again help her brother but take the risk that she will never enter the world she loved to help her brother who’s helped her the entire time she was on earth awaiting her fate?

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

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

Information on the science of the human body is told in a way to help younger minds understand. Lois Wickstrom astonishes me once again in the way she gives information to young minds. Her creative easy to understand comparisons of how a wound is healed related to war and rebuilding is wonderful. With the extra big words in boxes along the way this book helps have informative moments with your little one in a fun educational way.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Lisa Helmick

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

The way this story is told is so different. I kept waiting for the “story” to start but little did I know the author smoothly snuck the story in while I was waiting. Next thing I knew I was half way through the book. I became so interested in what Madame Chalamet was doing and how she does what she does. I enjoyed the secondary characters especially that Archambeau.

This has a really nice flow to the story making it easy to read. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this one and look forward to the next one. I am curious what other powers she has as well as how and why she is doing this for a living.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Kerry Baker

The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book isn’t quite what I expected it would be when I first started reading. I thought it would be the typical second chance romance and yet this story seemed to have so much more about it. the age gap also wasn’t quite the gap I was expecting and I actually think that made it better for me overall. I connected with the characters more and felt like I really became invested in their story.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed the writing style used. It had a natural and easy flow about it that just pulls you in slowly. I found the story to be engaging and I thought it was one of those that is easy to read as it flowed so naturally. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Purrfectly Framed (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having just read the first book, I was excited to see what book two would hold for Molly and her feline companions. This book is just as good as the first one and I loved Molly possibly even more. I couldn’t wait to see how she would navigate her way through this new mystery and I was not disappointed at all.
Books like this are definitely becoming more common and yet this author has created a series that will definitely stand out from the market. They are funny, entertaining and hold enough twists and turns to keep you engaged and wondering what might happen. This book was thoroughly enjoyable and I can’t wait to see what is next in Molly’s adventures.

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Brushed up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun and entertaining murder mystery story that is definitely made even better by the feline help the main character receives. Molly was brilliant to read about. She was the perfect lead for this kind of story.
I enjoyed how the author introduced enough characters who could be the suspect to keep it interesting. This kind of story I usually find quite predictable when it comes to guessing who is responsible but there was enough mystery involved, with a few twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I am going to read the next book straight away.

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

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

The main character is a detective in Italy who struggles to find a healthy work to life ratio. This is an issue with which many people of today certainly struggle.He loves his family and he excels at his job. This could be considered a cautionary tale, as he learns that the choices he makes in his professional life could have unpleasant win his personal life. Will he solve the crime? Will he still still have a family when he does so? Read on to find out.

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Finding Love (The Oath Series) by Lacey Furr – Review by Kerry Baker

Finding Love (The Oath Series)Finding Love by Lacey Furr
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great story about two characters who are emotionally broken due to their past and the connection they forge. I felt the chemistry between them immediately and it only grew as the book went on. I found myself really becoming invested in their story and looking forward to seeing how they would work things out.
This book is well written and has a great pace. The author knew exactly how to develop it and which direction the story needed to go in. I enjoyed everything about this story and would definitely recommend it.

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A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Kerry Baker

A Patriot's TaleA Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is an interesting tale set in US revolutionary war. The main character is the one who makes this story. Despite everything she goes through, she shows strength and has so much about her. For me, she is what pulled me into this story. I connected with her before the main storyline and wanted to see the kind of journey she would go on.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it has certainly left me intrigued. Overall I think the story would have benefitted from extra development but I enjoyed what the author had created.

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The Boss of Centocelle by P.J. Mann (Stephanie Tellas)

“In a night of mid-October, the stubborn detective at the State Police Maurizio Scala is thrust into an unexpected investigation. When the bodies of two cousins involved in marijuana dealings surface, Scala’s intuition is challenged to place together the facts and figures. This will bring Scala to navigate twists and turns. But Scala’s dedication takes its toll on his personal life. Balancing his job’s demands with family responsibilities strains him and despite moments of tension and heartache, he persists. As the investigation deepens, Scala uncovers a power struggle in the criminal underworld that will test his instincts. Another tragedy in Centocelle rattles the community, putting Scala’s investigative skills to the ultimate test. With danger lurking and time running out, Scala races to uncover the truth before it’s too late.” This is book 6 in the series, do not have to read in order, can be read as a stand alone. Great storyline, great thriller and suspense, great characters, story flowed very well, kept my attention the whole time, looking forward to reading more from this author . I give this book 4 stars.

Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Jessie Hopkins

Holy Cow, Susan has done it again. I had the hardest time putting this book down. If it weren’t for other life commitments, I would have read it in one sitting.

I was so invested in Kelly finding out what happened to her dad, Jack, and cheering her on as she stood up to her Mom, Irena, and her Mom’s boyfriend, Buzz, when they would try to hide things from her. She had a few moments where she did act her age, but through the majority of the book she really showed how mature and wise beyond her years that she really was.
Irena and Kelly really deal with a group of men that think that they are females that need to be protected and sheltered from things, however they ontinue to show how strong they both are.

After 3 books, I am absolutely invested in Millersville and want to read more about every person that lives in the town.

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

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

The main character is a detective in Italy who struggles to find a healthy work to life ratio. This is an issue with which many people of today certainly struggle.He loves his family and he excels at his job. This could be considered a cautionary tale, as he learns that the choices he makes in his professional life could have unpleasant win his personal life. Will he solve the crime? Will he still still have a family when he does so? Read on to find out.

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Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Moonlight DriveMoonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Moonlight Drive by A.R. Hadley

Moonlight Drive is wonderfully written story that I absolutely loved reading. From the first page I was hooked and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I will say parts of this story wrecked my emotions and boy were they all over the place. My heartstrings were pulled in every direction and I loved every minute of it. This author puts her heart and soul into every book she writes. This one is definitely my favorite yet. The characters are complex, raw yet fully developed and relatable. They made the story come to life and their growth throughout the story was epic. This is a story about finding yourself when you believe you’re lost and the struggles of making it in the music industry. I’m not going to give anything away but I do highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

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

This is a fantastic way to teach children about the battle between germs and our antibodies when we have cuts or grazes. I absolutely loved the rhyming prose and colorful illustrations that accompanied this fun story. A fantastic book by Lois and highly recommended for all ages.

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Marshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

Marshmallow RabbitMarshmallow Rabbit by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr Bonbon wants to catch Annabelle stealing sweets from him so he makes a tempting giant rabbit for her take. I loved this modern alternative take on the old tar baby story. Its a fun story for the young and old alike with bright and colourful illustrations.

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Stephanie Robb

Unicorn, Don't Do That!: It's okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstepUnicorn, Don’t Do That!: It’s okay if a Unicorn poops on your doorstep by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a funny tale for all ages with an unusual storyline. As always Lois engages the reader with incredible writing and beautiful images. Highly recommended as always with another book from Lois.

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Unicorn, Don’t Do That! by Lois Wickstrom – Review by

Touched: Elemental Passions Book One by Skye Turner, Sloane Nicole, April D. Berry, C.J. Pinard, Danielle Jamie, Darlene Tallman, Julie Morgan, Livell James, Machelle Hanleigh, and Melissa MacKinnon – Review by Stephanie Robb

Touched (Elemental Passions #1)Touched by Skye Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have never read a book like this! These authors have come together to co-write this amazing story. It is a story of epic proportions where the cast must come together to save the world.

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Purrfectly Framed A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Reviewed by Phylis Carpenter May 2024

Purrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer MysteryPurrfectly Framed: A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We get to visit Molly, her friends and her cats to help solve another murder.
I always enjoy coming back to visit characters from previous books that I enjoyed. This one did not disappoint either.

I enjoyed it as much as I did the first book. This time Molly and her cats were trying to solve the murder of Agnes Temple that the Sheriff thought Evan, their friend and photographer committed because it took place in Evans shop.

I enjoy the storyline and helping solve the mystery but in both this book and the one before it I did not quess correctly who committed the murder. I think you will enjoy the story and trying to solve it yourself.

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Secrets, Lies and Betrayals: A Maxwell Cole Novel (Protect and Honor Series Book #1) by Lynn Wood – Review by Angela Hayes

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1)Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 – 4.5 Stars

 

Secrets, Lies, and Betrayals: A Maxwell Cole Novel is the first book in the Protect and Honor Series by Lynn Wood. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Wood, so I really didn’t know what I could expect from one of her stories- but as I love a great romantic suspense, I took a chance that this would live up to my expectations and one-clicked a copy to explore.
The story snared my attention right from the beginning, and held me tightly in its grip, right through till the end. It proved to be a tense and engaging romantic suspense with political conspiracies, intrigue, agendas, secrets, betrayals, lies, tragedy, grief, heartache, loss, mystery, danger, dramatic developments, action, emotion, and more. The story is told from multiple points of view, which gives us, the readers, a very in-depth perspective of all the developments.
Lea (Michaela) has experienced much trauma and grief in her short life, surviving against the odds. But her survival has come at a cost- having to live her life in secret, behind an assumed identity. So, what happens when her father’s political aspirations thrust her into the crosshairs of danger once again? Maxwell Cole managed to save her once, many years ago- but things have gotten much more complicated since then, so there’s no guarantee he will be able to save her again this time. So strap yourselves in for a bit of a gripping ride, as Lea faces secrets, lies, betrayals…. And danger- but discovers much along the way.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading Book #2. I will say though, as this is supposed to be a ‘Maxwell Cole’ novel, and while he did play a major role in the story, there were only a few chapters from his perspective- and being the first book in the series, I would have liked to have gotten to know him better. But this is just my personal preference and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. Maybe we will get to ‘hear’ more from him over the course of the series.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Lynn Wood!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Brushed Up On Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery Book 1) by Ruth J. Hartman, Reviewed by Phylis Carpenter May 2024

Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1Brushed Up on Murder (A Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery, Book #1 by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Molly owns a salon for cats. She also has a mobile service that she takes when she goes to her clients house and grooms their cats at home for them. This is good for the Seniors who, for whatever reason, are unable to go to the shop to get their cats groomed.

Mr. Durbin stopped by the shop and got a text while he was there so he left his cat their and asked Molly to bring it home for him when she was done. Which she did, or at least tried to do until she went around the back of the house and found him stabbed and deceased.

Molly and her cats with the help of some of her friends are solving mysteries. Since they can’t count on the Sheriff to do it. Check out the book I think you will enjoy it.

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Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a must have book for people who want to be more productive in their lives. The author gives realistic examples and how the reader can bust through what’s blocking productivity. The exercises were easy to do and were designed to make you think. This book is a great addition to the self-help genre.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Shelby Wilson

One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A marvelous book! Truly a unique story. I loved the character development the author greatly displayed. Full of twist and turns with a fantastic ending. Definitely worth the read!

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Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Beverly Finnie

Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller (Beyond the Bridge Book 1)Under Jackson Bridge: A thriller by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love that this is a spinoff of one of my favorite series. If you’re looking for a good suspenseful thriller, Under Jackson Bridge is great. It’s a great beginning to a new series. Any book I’ve read by this author series or not reads extremely well as a standalone novel. Trust me when I say if you haven’t read this author before, once you do you’ll want more.
Irena and Jack share a daughter and a group of friends despite being divorced. Though their marriage didn’t work they still remained good friends. A group of friends that were going to celebrate a mutual friend’s promotion on his boat. It was meant to be a great celebration and turned into a tragedy.
Jack was acting strangely yet was still there for his friends. He was in trouble and decided to do something about it. Yet he didn’t let anyone into what was going on. Though right before the accident happened he let his Irena know he owes someone a lot of money, a bad investment. Next thing they knew they were tossed overboard and Jack was gone. But is he really?
While Irena and her daughter enlist plenty of people to try and find Jack. They begin to unravel a dangerous second life Jack was living. Putting them in danger.
Will they find Jack alive?
Will Irena and Kelly be able to stay safe?
This author keeps you on the edge of your seat. Keeps the reader turning the page. And I personally can’t wait for more!

@placexba
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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Hannah Porter

A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ohhh nooo this is the fifth and last book of the Life is Hell Series, now i gotta find another book by her lol. It’s very bittersweet. I’ve really enjoyed reading this whole series and I’m not ready for the end, but I couldn’t wait to read Jezebel and Hadassah’s story. Love coming back to Juniper lakes and all its paranormal goodness or badness they’d say lol. This is a f/f enemies to lovers trope with fallen angels, necromancer ,demons and much more. It’s funny and action packed with a kidnapping. I think it became my favorite one. If you have read this or the other, I highly suggest you go and read the whole series. It’s that good. Thank you for another great series, Naomi Valkyrie!

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