Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this book as I didn’t think it could be as good as the first one. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was wrong because this book absolutely surpassed my expectations. I truly loved Jack and Mariella in the first book, so I enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve even further. There was even more emotion, turmoil, and drama included, so prepare yourself in advance! You may be able to read this as a standalone, but I think it would be a mistake to miss out on the background of Jack and Mariella. They’ve been on quite a journey before this story, and while the author tries to provide as much information they can as a catch-up, it can only contain so much. I highly recommend this book and this series, so pick it up and get lost in a historical romance for the weekend!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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

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Powerful! This is a excellent self-help book. Empowering and encouraging read. I love how you can get a different point of view on procrastination and other areas that will be effective. Also, this has different tools that you can use to overcome your obstacles. Definitely will be keep this on my desk for reference and examples to go back to. Recommend this for anyone’s home library.

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

Powerful! This is a excellent self-help book. Empowering and encouraging read. I love how you can get a different point of view on procrastination and other areas that will be effective. Also, this has different tools that you can use to overcome your obstacles. Definitely will be keep this on my desk for reference and examples to go back to. Recommend this for anyone’s home library.

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Shannen Kern

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a beautiful and emotional story! It is set in World War II which is apparent in the way the author portrays amazing imagery with their words. The character development is quite incredible as they are relatable even from a different time period. Mariella is a teenager, but like so many during WWII, she was forced to be very mature for her age. Jack is a nice soldier that gives her hope until he gets stationed far away. While my heart felt squeezed through many of these pages, I still highly recommend it. If you enjoy historical fiction with romance and drama, please pick this up and give it a chance! I am eager to read the next book in the series.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Ayla Phipps

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

What’s a fairy tale without a villain? This is the first book I have read by the imaginative and amazing Cori Cooper, and I kick myself for not reading one sooner. Officially one of my new favorite authors of 2024 and one of my new favorite books.
Maddy is like me, always follows the rules, ALL OF THEM. Never doing anything outside of them. At least that was before the gift that changed everything. Every teenager thinks about their birthday and getting closer to being an “adult”, but Maddy’s seventeenth birthday changed everything. Grams got her a DNA test. Strange but okay she’d always wanted to do one and now was her chance to finally know what she was made of. How is that even tested for and what does it all mean. Living your life dreaming about happily ever after and then being told you’re a quarter villain makes Maddy question everything. Is it even possible to have a happy ending when you’re a villain? Just as she was trying to understand what she was her best friend Leo is banished to another realm. Once again everything changes but she is ready to do anything to get Leo back, even if it means being a villain.
How can the villain save someone? Is Leo her happy ever after she always dreamed of? What does “being a villain” truly mean for Maddy? The world the author creates is breathtaking. The way she weaves different fairy tale aspects together but also brings in some modern-day elements and truly brings this world to life. Maddy’s journey leading to the test and navigating the results is inspiring. Just because your DNA says your something doesn’t mean that’s what you’re destined to be. I truly cannot wait to see what Maddy and Leo conquer next.

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Susan Ratchford

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Wasabi (Evil Sushi Book 3)Wasabi by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wasabi
By: C.A. King
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

Wasabi by C.A. King was a brilliant ending to her Evil Sushi Series. From the beginning these books have been quirky, fun, and engaging. I love the humor that King brings to not only this series but a lot of her other books as well. I will never hesitate to pick up a C.A. King book because I know it will be a gem. That being said, the Evil Sushi series is unlike anything you’ve ever read! I highly recommend giving it a try!

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

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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

When it comes to books on motivation and productivity, I enjoy giving the book a try in finding new ways to propel myself to a better future. Rettig was quite insightful on the approach to productivity in seeking the essence reason behind one’s procrastination lying within our circumstances or past life rearing experiences to help us solidify our own motivations to better productivity. Another great tool in this book was how Rettig validated how many will negate their past procrastination experiences but when journaling, use a power solving technique in seeking those negative notions. It has really helped change my thought process in viewing my own situation and moving toward being able to tackle my tasks and completing them. Great selections for individuals, recent graduates, and book clubs!

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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

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Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading anything by this author! This book kept my attention from the start, when I was worried for Helo when she was caught stealing and finding out about her PTSD. I appreciated the care Chaz, the Wretched Souls MC Prez, shows for Helo. As I was reading, I worried a bit for Helo as the guys find out she has a large bounty out on her. But the guys don’t disappoint their Prez or Helo. What a great story and a happy connection for two souls who didn’t think they’d ever find a soul mate.

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Whiskey Throttle by Brooke May – Review by Stephanie Tellas

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“Anyone could look at Parker Bartin and see a man who has it all. The fame, fortune, and the family to make his world complete. But Parker’s life is far from perfect. Where once he was a party boy, drowning himself to due away with the traumas of his past in a completely different way than his sister, Paige, he’s gone off the other deep end so completely he’s just as lost. Trying and failing at being everything he thinks he needs to be; Parker doesn’t see what is happening right in front of him. He’s on the verge of losing it all; the amazing career, money to do with what he likes, and a woman to go home to every night. All of it starts to slip right through is fingers, causing him to grab hold of the throttle too tightly. Will whiskey throttle be all Parker knows for his future or will he let go and find a way to overcome all the odds stacked against him? It’s either the bottle or help, what will Parker choose?”
This is the 6th book in the series, I recommend reading the 1st in the series as it suggests getting to know the characters and how they related from the beginning. I plan on going back to the beginning and reading the rest of them. This story was quirky, intriguing, funny, great storyline, fast paced. First time author to read, cannot wait to read more from her. I recommend this book for readers 18yr and older. I give this book 4 stars.

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series) by Lynn Wood – Review by Melissa Fink

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https://www.amazon.com/review/RH4P70DJNYRIK/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

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

This is my first book I have read by this author. She didn’t disappoint. The author grabs your attention from the very beginning. The story had me on edge and had me kept reading to know what happened next. This is definitely a page turner. If you love a suspenseful romance, I highly recommend reading this book.

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Double Delight (Double Delight Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Double Delight: The Complete SeriesDouble Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Double Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle. This is a book with 2 stories inside. The first story is April Love and its the story of April Brooks who is a 28 year old who has just left her cheating boyfriend. She is also a virgin. She has always had a crush on a guy named Will Shepard and she has decided he will be the one to take her virginity. He gladly accepts and decides to give her lessons beforehand. In the second book Monica’s Manhunt, Monica has decided she needs to settle down and find her a partner. While she is hunting she is also doing wedding things for her boss who is getting married. While working on the wedding stuff she has to work alongside the best man Matt. They begin to feel major chemistry between each other but realize they want different things. Matt is a player and Monica wants to settle down can Matt change his ways? There are both sweet love stories that are a joy to read.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Tausha Treadway

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper. This is a really good young adult fantasy that is a spin off of a fairy tale. Its the story of Maddy and on her 17th birthday she gets a DNA kit from her grandma. She does it and sends it off but doesn’t think anything else about it. Her mom practically had to bribe her to send it off. When she gets the results back she is horrified, it tells her she is part villain and what does that even mean. She is suddenly thrown into another realm to save her best friend and she realizes what being a villain entails. Her best friend has been mistakenly sent to this other realm so Maddy has to find him and get him home. Maddy ends up working with the other realm because there is a problem with it and they actually listen to what Maddy has to say about the two realms not working together. Maddy is determined to save her best friend and will do whatever it takes to find him. Such a good story full of twists, turns and major chaos. It will have you flipping the pages late in the night.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Santana Hicks

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

On Maddy’s 17th birthday, her grandmother sent her a DNA kit to submit. Maddy doesn’t understand why it would matter. She knows who her parents and grandparents are so who cares about the rest right? Maddy forgets about the kit until a few weeks later when her mother confronts her about it and tells her that since it means so much to her grandmother, Maddy should just get it over with and do it. After threatening to withhold a fun trip Maddy has planned with her friends she finally does it.

When her results come back, Maddy is confused when it says she’s 25% villain. Is it a typo? Must be. Based on both her mother and grandmother’s reaction, she isn’t so sure. Then the phone calls from a strange organization start up. Maddy’s views have always been black and white. There is good and there is evil. No one can be both. Now she has no idea what to think. She is one of the most trustworthy, rule following, goody two shoes. No way can she be part villain.

Then her best friend and potential love interest gets banished to another realm and it is up to Maddy to go and save him. She will have to let go of everything she has once known to do this.

I really enjoyed this book. Just the premise of finding out if you are a villain via a DNA test was intriguing enough to me to pick this book. The author did a wonderful job portraying a confused teenage girl on a journey of finding herself while trying to find someone else. There is action and adventure around every corner. I could not put the book down once I started it.

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have devoured every book I have picked up by this author! The characters are real with messy lives and emotions and they are older, like in their 30s and 40s. Kenna learns that her husband has been cheating on her and her aunt passed away right before a big promotion meeting. The meeting doesn’t go well and she ends up threatening her boss. She ends up heading to Florida to meet with her aunt’s lawyer and also ends up meeting Dec. Dec has been living next door to Maeve, Kenna’s aunt, for 10 years and they have become close friends. Kenna is a hot mess and angry and Dec is sarcastic and rude, obviously they do not hit it off. Kenna and Dec learn that they have to run Maeve’s boat club for a year before selling. Without much happening in San Francisco she decides to stay and fix up her aunt’s house, learn how to run the boat club, and get to know herself in this new life. Dec is a fisherman and trying to live a quiet life. He is hiding a big secret that only a few close friends know. Of course he is also a protector and seems to keep helping Kenna. I loved the Florida setting and would really enjoy visiting a place like Sunshine Key or any of them really!

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Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Kimberly Filer

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Salt Love: A Summer Romantic ComedySalt Love: A Summer Romantic Comedy by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The perfect amount humor and romance. Kenna thought that her life had hit rock bottom, he husband is having an affair with someone Kenna is convinced works with her. The hits just seem to keep coming for Kenna and, she sets off to the small town of Sunshine Key, Florida to deal with her late aunt’s estate. It’s there that her life is turned totally upside down, when she comes face to face with a grumbly Dec Boggs her neighbor and new business partner. A great summer read, with just a little bit of everything.

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

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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

As someone who can give advice on how to be productive, yet has a hard time being productive herself, I found this book extremely helpful, relatable, and educational. The way Rettig talks to you throughout is so calming and serene that you really feel she understands what you are going through. It was so validating to hear someone else say things that I, myself, have said and then she turned around and gave you very real ways to overcome and work through whatever is holding you back. I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with getting stuff done (even if it’s temporarily) because it’s a great one to have on hand. She never once made me feel bad for putting projects off or anything like that. This book really is phenomenal and it’s one that you can skip around to certain chapters (especially after you’ve read it through once) to find ideas and motivation.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Opposite Day for Dinopotamus (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Opposite Day for DinopotamusOpposite Day for Dinopotamus by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Opposite Day for Dinopotamus is a book that is all about opposites. As you turn each page, you learn what fun it is as it is opposite day!! Learning the opposite of what the teacher is staying makes this fun to learn and the illustrations bring the story to life.

This book is more for ages 4-8 full of fun and creativity. I love Dinopotamus!

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

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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

Sometimes, in life, you come across a book and it feels like it just speaks to you – like it was written just for you. For me, this is one of those books. When reading it, I honestly felt as if I were reading the encouraging, knowledgeable words of a trusted friend or mentor. I have struggled with procrastination and self-starting since childhood. I appreciated that the author relates it to disempowerment, rather than laziness or failure; that in itself was seeing procrastination through a new lens in which there was nothing inherently wrong with me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels they need a little help and encouragement to get started on the things they want to accomplish in life. I will definitely be checking out more books by this author and mentioning it to the people I know and love.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Kelsie Wheeler

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Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Catch a Cowboy is perfect for those that love small town romances featuring an age gap. Ted and Stephanie’s story was great and you could feel the hesitation they felt about finding love with each other. My only regret is not reading Finder Keepers Cowboy (Book 1) first!

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill Book 2) by David Kummer – Review by Kerry Baker

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The Silent Forest (The House on the Hill, #2)The Silent Forest by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a follow on from The House on the Hill. I would highly recommend reading these books in order to fully understand and enjoy the events of this story. As soon as I started reading I was pulled right back into these characters and everything that happened. This story is just as gripping and exciting as the first book. I was completely caught up with everything happening and couldn’t wait to see how things would play out. I was never fully sure where the author would take us next and that for me made this book even better to read.
I loved seeing the character development from the first book into this one. I really felt like I got to know them even more. This whole series is such a thrilling read and I would highly recommend it.

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

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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 was actually really great read. its about how you can power thou procrastination and also with perfectionism since they do go hand in hand. If you procrastinate about something it could be because you want it perfect. It talks about how to use different technique that could help. Even pinpointing things that might be a reason for the procrastination. The ideas that are created in this book show a way of how to use disempowerment towards perfectionism and how to use the process to kind of get out of your own way and stop procrastinating. Highly recommend if you might be dealing with things that need to be perfect and procrastinating things.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Reimer

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

This book was an amazing retelling of beauty and the beast. This had a few different twists and turns into it that really kept it entertaining. One aspect that I thought was interesting was that being a villain actually was in your DNA and can even show up. This book was also had a magical twist to it and caused so much mayhem that it was interesting to know if this would end in happily every after or not. This book also had some references to all the other fairly tales that we all know and love to read. it was so entertaining that I couldn’t put it down, filled with adventure, action, fantasy, magic, mystery, 9and so much more it really had me hooked till the end. Maddy and Leo really bring the story together, banished to another world, and to try and save themselves and figure out how and what to do really made this a really great read.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Kerry Carr

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional story about one woman’s journey leaving the home and family she loves and moving to a different country to start a life with the man she loves. I didn’t realise this was a second book, however the author does an amazing job with the story that it can be read as a standalone and still appreciate and understood.
My heart went out to Mariella as she struggled to find her way in this new world, struggled to build relationships, struggled with challenges that faced her. Despite all of this is her strength and resilence shone through.
Even though you could feel the pain and sadness over her missed family and home she always tried her best to love forward and be the best wife she could be for the man she loved.
When she has to return home she is faced with reminders of her reasons for leaving. Faced with the decisions she had made Mariella is again forced to choose between the family and her home Italy or returning to the man she loves and the life they are building together.
I can’t imagine being in that position of having to choose one or the other.
This is a very emotional historical story which will tug at the heart strings but also shows how one woman’s strength and determination and resilience can change and shape their live.

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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K. S. Gantt – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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The Book of Fears: A Collection of Short StoriesThe Book of Fears: A Collection of Short Stories by K.S. Gantt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about getting the bagesses scared out of you. Each story takes on a new phobia, each story scarier than the last, each story just as grand as the last. I loved reading these short stories. The author can speak to your mind and just with her words do more than scare you. I have never read a book so intense. Nor do I ever read from this genre. Taking a chance I loved my selection. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. I love well written spine chilling stories!

Review@cinful

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the start of the series and it starts with a bang. I couldn’t put it down. I read this book in a day. It was a quick read for me because it flowed really smoothly all throughout the book. The meet cute in this book is so worth it. It brings a whole new meaning to the title. lol. This boo had me giggling and on the verge of tears at one point. I feel that it was really well written in order to pull all of those emotions out of me. The characters are well rounded and have development throughout the story. I feel that the following books in the series will be about the supporting characters in this book, so it is laying a great foundation for the rest of the series. There is steam in this book, which I love to read. Hands down this book did not disappoint on any level and I am excited to read the next one in the series.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Rose McCaskey

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really cute story with a different take on fairy tales. The main female character, Maddy, is given a DNA test by her grandmother. When she gets her results she finds that she is one quarter villian. This throws her and her best friend, the main male character Leo, into a story of their own. This is a great story for younger kids just starting out with chapter books.

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One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Finn Cunningham

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One Quarter VillainOne Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper was a wonderful YA Fantasy read. I’m not joking when I say this book will keep you hooked from start to finish. The concept of this book is simply one of a kind, and is absolutely fascinating. Maddy’s growth throughout the book was beautiful to read, and the adventure kept me glued to my screen! I definitely recommend this book, and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more content from this author!

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Karrie Sears

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

From the start I was hooked into the book. It’s a very well written fairytale romance and just a touch of suspense to keep the reader fully submerged into the story. I could feel George’s sadness and despair pining over a possible “one that got away”. Then seeing George open his heart to love made my heart swoon. Even though this book is part of a series, it’s written well enough that it can be read as a standalone also. I cannot wait to see what happens next for this book series

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Italian American by Luigina Vecchione was a very much anticipated read for me! After reading Greetings from Asbury Park, I just had to know how Mariella and Jack continued their story! While the author does a beautiful job of connecting these two books, you could definitely read this as a standalone but I would definitely recommend them both! Emotions were all over the place while reading this, but it was absolutely worth reading through the tears! I cannot wait to see what else this author has for us!

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Greetings From Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Finn Cunningham

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greetings from Asbury Park: A WWII love story by Luigina Vecchione, was a wonderful read. I absolutely love historical fiction, and anything to do with Rome, so of course I picked this up! A beautifully crafted story of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. The characters emotions and interactions were so vivid it was as if Mariella was sitting beside me, telling me herself. A truly beautiful book, that I honestly wish I could experience for the first time all over again!

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Greetings from Asbury Park (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love storyGreetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an epic historical romance which held me captivated throughout. The wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative along with the added historical details made me feel both immersed in the story and transported back in time to WW2. Main characters Mariella and Jack are so likeable and relatable that I felt invested in their journey. Mariella is living in Rome and has had to grow up quickly due to the war, having been denied an education she has had to care for her siblings. Mariella is also haunted by a horrific childhood trauma, and then the Germans occupy Rome. Along with the other Italians she then lives in daily fear whilst starvation and brutality have become normal. Mariella is dreaming of a new life when she meets an American GI Jack and despite the language barrier they have an instant connection, but they only have one day together before he ships off to Japan. Although they promise to keep in touch they are both aware that anything can happen during a war, but they will both try and get back together once the war ends, if they both survive. This really is as the blurb says, “a gripping, romantic, and emotional novel” and the mix of the storyline, the characters and the historical elements all had me gripped from page one. Life for the Italians in Nazi occupied Rome and the horrors they suffered really came across in the narrative. However, despite it being a difficult read, emotionally, at times the overall feeling of hope and the pursuit of true love makes this a heartwarming and inspirational read.

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