Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Mandy Ott

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree InnInk and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ellen Butler is a first time author for me, but I can’t wait to read more of her books! Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn is a cozy mystery full of drama, intrigue, secrets, murder, and a nod to historical events. The world building is great, allowing the reader to be transported to 1958, where our strong main character, Ariadne Winter, finds herself in the middle of a reunion of sorts. The other guests at the Ivy Tree Inn are all connected to the owner. The characters are all realistic, believable, and oddly lovable. The story did start off a bit slow, but picked up fairly quickly. Overall, a great, medium-paced read, full of interesting characters, many secrets to be had, and lots of twists and turn. I was left guessing till the very end! I look forward to reading more books by Ellen Butler.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Julie Johnson

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My favorite part of this book was the illustrations. They are very colorful and well done! The story is a good one, that focuses on the nature surrounding the river. It has a rhythm throughout with the wording that will make it a fun read. Use this book to teach new words and about environmental awareness!

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Productivity is Power: 5 Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College StudentsProductivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig

Having read a previous book by this author, I was excited to see what she had to offer specifically for college students who were struggling with their schooling and homework. I thought the author did a wonderful job in breaking down the five practices along with sharing anecdotes to make it more relatable for the students. I would recommend reading it in order, but if you are looking for a specific topic, you can definitely jump to that section. I think this would be a great book for new and veteran college students, as well as anyone else who is struggling with procrastination. The book is well organized and easy to read and follow. I look forward to checking out more books from the author.

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Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Santana Hicks

Whisper (The Entian Curse, #1)Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Whisper is a sentient curse. Being the cause of someone’s death causes Whisper to hate death and want to stop it from happening again. Whisper has the ability of connecting with humans by touch, they then have access to the person’s thoughts and memories. The sorcerer who has created Whisper, wants to team up together to try to access a tree that has different countries’ sources of magic pouring into it.

Whisper doesn’t want to cause any harm and it has actually formed a relationship with a couple of its hosts. Unfortunately, not everyone sees Whisper as a good thing and they want to eradicate it. Whisper has to make choices, some good, some bad, some that might result in the very thing they want to stop. Can death be stopped is the question..

The premise of this book was so unique and weird that I could not put it down once I started it. A sentient curse who is good hearted and quirky. A small girl, barely 18, who almost instantly becomes Whisper’s best friend and mentor. A battle hungry barbarian of a man. The relationships are so different from each person but still so wholesome in their own ways. I thought the relationship between Whisper and Ethene was cute. You could tell that the author put in a lot of thought and time into the creation of all who is mentioned in the book.

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The Trouble With Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar – Review by Candida Hopper

The Trouble with PossibilitiesThe Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good and interesting read. This book is about second chances. Del goes to Africa in hopes to find herself and open herself to more possibilities. She has been through a lot and her life hasn’t turned out the way she has hoped. This story has some drama, friendship, family, hope and of course possibilities. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this story but I’m glad I took the chance. I enjoyed this author’s writing style. The author made the characters relatable and easy to connect with. I recommend this book, I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

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Spook Squad by Allan Evans – Review by Trisha Cargile

Spook SquadSpook Squad by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Spook Squad” by Allan Evans is a thrilling supernatural adventure that expertly blends ghostly encounters with high-stakes danger. Fourteen-year-old Abbey’s unique ability to communicate with the dead thrusts her and her friends into a dangerous hunt for powerful relics, guided by a mysterious federal agent. Evans crafts a fast-paced narrative filled with suspense, as Abbey and her “spook squad” navigate some of Minnesota’s most haunted locations while being pursued by a sinister force. The richly detailed world-building, combined with well-developed characters, brings both the supernatural elements and the emotional stakes to life. “Spook Squad” is a captivating read for young adult fans of paranormal mystery, offering a fresh and engaging twist on ghost stories. I will also add that this is the third book in the series, and I have not read the first two. This was an easy-to-pick-up read that was easily able to be read without reading the prior two.

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The Fixer (Fall River Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Rosanna Ingram

The Fixer (Fall River, #2)The Fixer by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joy finds herself returning to the small town she grew up when her mother passes away and she must handle matters, including run-down building that was her mother’s shop. The memories the building holds make her want to just demolish it and move on with her life back in Chicago. However, the town’s contractor does not want that to happen.

Charlie has grown up in Fall River and enjoys restoring the historic buildings around town. But, when a city girl drives into town wanting to demolish one, he puts his foot down. The two have to work together to restore the building while also fighting the attraction building between them.

But, will Joy leave and return back to her busy city life? Or can Charlie show her that they can create new memories in Fall River?

This book felt like reading a romance movie. I found myself enjoying the banter between the characters and feel the frustration (and chemistry between them). As the second book in the Fall River series, you do not need to have read the first book to understand this one (although it will give the reader insight on the family history).

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The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

The Crown of Stones Complete TrilogyThe Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Trilogy was so good!!! I read through it pretty quickly because I just needed to know what happened! I plan on re-reading them and reviewing each book individually, but for now the review for the whole set! This book will immerse you in this world. It gripped me so tight that I stayed up reading it through a hurricane and finished it not shortly after. Stayed up a few nights in a row to finish this series. You start off with Magic-Price (book 1) and you get to see a the huge downfall of Ian Troy. He’s only know slavery and war his whole life. He just wants peace, but using magic is forbidden. Unfortunately he pays a huge price when he finds a crown of stones and he uses it. With one reckless spell he ends the war, but at what price? He goes through a LOT with battles, magic, addiction, wars, and man does he hit hard emotionally too. They strip him of everything he is. By the end of this book you are hooked!! I didn’t even wait and jumped right into book two (Magic-Scars). This one was hard. You learn really fast how bad things really got for Troy. He was drugged and made to do some ugly things. None of which he had control over. Trying to piece back his whole life a few memories at a time. Some memories he wishes he didn’t get back, but he struggles along. Learning who he was and who he needs to be. While in prison all those he cared for have been suffering as well. Fate hasn’t been kind to any of them. Draken has named himself High King and he’s dispirit for the knowledge Ian has locked in his mind. The crown of stones is “broken” and he will stop at nothing to get it back. Ian is part of the rebellion now and finding secrets buried for generations has him staring down his magical inheritance. Now book 3 (Magic Borne) is the final book of The Crown of Stones Trilogy, BUT the adventures still continue into the Soulbound Journeys Series. These are set after the trilogy but they are still in the Crown of Stones world. But back to book 3! Epic. Every use of magic brings Ian closer and closer to becoming more beast than man. He’s marked by the Crown of Stones and he knows it’s just a matter of time before he is gone. The resistance is shattered and hope and peace are so far away. Knowledge of the future his him dispirit to save those he cares for. Reckless and desperate Ian returns to the past, but in seeking for the answers he sets of events he never even thought about. Going places he never thought about. But he’s only one man who is cursed with the transformation spell in the Crown. So so good!! You have to read it. I can go on and on about what happens, but I do not want to give much away. Just read the set and then go start The Wandering Isles too!! You won’t regret it!!

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@jaimie0459

War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Sheri Schrader

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

War Bunny is the first book of the War Bunny Chronicles. Humans have been extinct for 300 hundred years, and animals control the world. When a young bunny starts to question the role of rabbits in the natural order of things, she is shunned by her warren. What happens when you are the prey and lose the little protection you have in life?
War Bunny is a post-apocalyptic story examining the roles of ” animals ” in society. The story is a clever look at society and how those who buck against what is expected from them. This can be enjoyed by a teen audience, but with the warning that there are some deaths. I liked that the author used animals to discuss societal questions that plague the world. The themes are common and will be understood by a broad audience. I enjoyed the book and am curious about the next book in the series.

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The Crown of Stones Trilogy Box Set (The Crown of Stones Series) by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jayme Raffauf

The Crown of Stones Complete TrilogyThe Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Crown of Stones Trilogy is a set of 3 books: Magic – Price, Magic – Scars, and Magic – Borne. This set of 3 is a great set for fans of dark fantasy. It is full of Kings, princes, magic, war, witches and so much more. The books follow the main character of Ian Troy as he goes on his journey of finding a balance between using his magic or not due to the consequences it has on the people and the world around him. All three books have great world building and deep casts of characters. After reading the whole series, I would strongly recommend reading the books in order. Overall, I enjoyed all three books in the series.

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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Tale of Two Crushes had me rolling with laughter from start to finish. I really loved it, and am trying to get my teen daughter to read it too (She isn’t a reader, but I know if this was a movie/show, she would be all over it). Even describing the story to her, SHE was cracking up. I love the little details the author added to let us get to know each of the characters. Holland is just as unique as her name. She is quirky and fun, and her mom’s imposed diet is unique as well. She moves to a new city (which I love is in Arizona, because like the author, I live in Arizona) and soon starts crushing on 2 boys. Then, in the funniest (to us, awful for her) twist brings a whole new level of hilarity. Asher is such a sweet boy, and Chandler has his moments… but I was Team Asher all the way. I don’t know if the runway careers project is real or not, but I absolutely love the idea and want it to be real. Highly recommend this book. Probably one of my favorites of the year.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

War Bunny (War Bunny Chronicles) by Christopher St. John – Review by Alicia Furlan

War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny ChroniclesWar Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a post-apocalyptic world humans have been extinct for 300 years. The animals have all begun to have more human attributes. Anastasia, a curious rabbit, begins to question her elders which results in her banishment from the Warren. Out in the wild and alone she begins to meet other outcasts and they band together in a revolution. Can rabbits and foxes coexist in peace?

An original and refreshing concept that is for the most part well executed. The concept of predator and prey is explored and how it mirrors human behavior. I found the start of book a little slow but methodical and it quickly morphed into an action packed story full of world building, drama, and some humor as well. Looking forward to the next books in the series.

Reviewed by @aliciaknoke

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A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Lisa Helmick

A Safe Place (Philly Heat series, #6)A Safe Place by Becky Flade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another great book in this series. I really enjoyed all the action and suspense. I could not turn pages fast enough always trying to figure out who and why this is happening. The characters are wonderful and they have quite the backstories. I was really tooting for Madison to finally stop thinking “Everyone leaves”. Those two words really bring a lot to the table and can easily mess with your thoughts. I loved the addition of dog and the child since they both bring a lot to the story and build good relations with Madison. Overall I enjoyed this immensely and look forward to more from this author!

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Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Nina Maes

This is a fun story with problem solving and character building. Very engaging and a fast read. Can be read as a stand alone or with the series. I recommend this book for early readers and teachers to read out loud.Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series 3)Detective Dylan and the Thief of Camp Leaf by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun story with problem solving and character building. Very engaging and a fast read. Can be read as a stand alone or with the series. I recommend this book for early readers and teachers to read out loud.

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Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family.Hi Little Brother, I Love You: A Sweet Gift Keepsake Book Welcoming a New Baby Brother to the Family. by Deniese Dennis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hi Little Brother, I Love You is a super sweet book that would be perfect for any young child welcoming a new sibling. It demonstrates the love and bond that little brothers or sisters can create early on. The older brother is such a good brother, teaching the new baby all the fun games. The book has key words written in different fonts and colors which made the reading fun and mixed up. The full page illustrations are bright and full of color and texture. My favorite is the ownership page in the beginning. I remember loving a book with my name when I was a kid.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

The Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar – Review by Jules Herbert

The Trouble with PossibilitiesThe Trouble with Possibilities by Nancie Abuhaidar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you love a good women’s fiction story filled with emotion, some humour and second chances with a slightly older lead character dealing with real life basically, then this wonderful book is definitely for you. This may be the authors first book but I know with talent like this it is sure to be the first of many.

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The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic, #1)The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an amazing story. I really liked the fast pace to it. The whole premise to the story was well done. It had a nice flow. The switch between times went smooth. I really liked the nice variety of characters and how they fit in. I really couldn’t put this one down. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in book 2.

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Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Juls Dick

Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Betrayal is the third book in the Choosing Family series by Jennifer Raines. This is the first book in the series that I have read and, although I liked it, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books in the series. The story follows marketing executive Anna, who is trying to develop her company’s day care initiative, and Hunter, the architect/business mogul who is seemingly in the way of Anna achieving it. When Anna and Hunter meet by chance at an event, Anna is initially hesitant to give in the Hunters advances, but as she gets to know him, and discovers the truth about his intentions she begins to fall for him. Of course, it doesn’t all go smoothly with the interference of Hunters estranged and despicable father interrupting their plans. I liked this book, I felt it took a few chapters to get into it, but I think that might be because I started the series on book three. I think I will go back and read the first two though as I enjoyed the writing style and the characters in this book.

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Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers, Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance (Fall Lake Ballers Book 1)Quarterback Keeper: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Fall Lake Ballers series. I was really excited to see another series by this author as I loved the last one and just as I thought this didn’t disappoint.

This is a sport romance where a fake relationship turns into something more and the two main characters get hit by love when they least expect it. As you can imagine with a romance that’s fake there are obstacles, lies, betrayal, emotion and drama which drags the reader into the story and doesn’t let go.
In this book we meet Kylian and Gia.
Kylian has no interest in relationships, he just wants to focus on his career and that’s it but with his mother being seriously ill and having not long left to live her one wish is to see Kylian settled with a woman who loves him.
Gia is running away from her ex. She is desperate to stay off his radar so she breaks into a boat not knowing that it belongs to Kylian.
When Kylian finds her he comes up with a plan that could suit them both. If Gia agrees to pretend to be his gf and then his wife to make his mother’s wishes come true the he will give Gia a place to stay and money to start a new life. Sounds simple right? No strings, no emotions just a business arrangement. However what will they do when they realise that they stop playing and actually start feeling for each other?

This is a really moving story, emotional story as we watch Kylian try to make his wishes come true and then as he and Gia slowly find themselves falling in love. I can’t wait to continue this series.

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Unexpected Revival (Revived Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Shelly Kittell

Unexpected Revival (The Revived)Unexpected Revival by E L Roux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It’s an interesting story with unique characters. The flow is pretty smooth. There are a few parts to be smoothed out in the premise of the story but overall it’s okay.

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Spook Squad by Allan Evans – Review by Shelly Kittell

Spook SquadSpook Squad by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loving this series. Abbey and her squad have their hands full with this one. I get little goosebumps reading this. I love this author’s writing. It’s wonderfully creative and I think it’s just right for his target audience. Deliciously spooky with wonderful teen characters. Being a GenX, I love the 80’s references. This is another winner in my book. Keep them coming.

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Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Shelly Kittell

Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance (A Better Man Book 2)Tasha and the Biologist: A Heartwarming Small Town Birding Romance by Amy Q. Barker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Beautiful story. This author really has a wonderful way with writing. Her stories have a very real and contemporary feel to them. You just want to fall in and not come back out. These two had had bad experiences with love and really weren’t looking for another relationship. Funny how love finds you. It was a delight to watch them fight it and have to work through their feelings to end up together. I loved the flow and the chemistry. The characters were absolutely beautifuly done. This story has such a wonderful flow that it’s a true pleasure to read.

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Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Shelly Kittell

Love and Fate (Braebeach Rockstar #2)Love and Fate by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was so well done. Trauma right off the start with drama put in later. Tommy and Angie have to deal with some very realistic problems coming at them from all corners. The story just pulls you in right from the beginning and you won’t want to put it down. Beautifully written characters that feel like they are your friends. They are so easy to relate to. The story has a wonderful flow even with all the drama in it. This has been a beautiful series so far. I hope to read more from this author.

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Strings Attached (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Shelly Kittell

Strings AttachedStrings Attached by Loriana Cappello
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really loved this second-chance romance. What a beautiful love story. It has a little of everything in it. A bit of worry, romance and, yet, they were somehow able to get through it. I found the writing to be very engaging. You felt like you were right there. You were part of the gang. The characters are easy to relate to. There is so much chemistry between those two. It’s a wonderful read.

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Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Brittany Adams

Down By The RiverDown By The River by Tricia Gardella
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really sweet story. My kids loved the almost repeated verses/words. The illustrations are beautiful and my kids enjoyed looking to see what they could find on each page. We have enjoyed all of the books we’ve written by this Author. My 3, 6 and 8 year olds enjoyed the story a lot.

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The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Lauren Griffin-Scudari

The Final BiteThe Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars. This is a MM paranormal romance short story. It was a captivating, quick read. It had a very enjoyable plot, a vampire who was killed has a chance at redemption, if he can find his fated mate in three days. Will Quinlann find his second chance at life and love? You can find out!

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Betrayal (Choosing Family Series) by Jennifer Raines – Review by Beverly Place

Betrayal (Choosing Family Book 3)Betrayal by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m a sucker for books like this! Betrayal starts with tension, anger, lust, frustration, and of course a sense of betrayal. The author wrote a story that sucks the reader right in. The main characters may have started off as enemies but that quickly changed.
Hunter and Anna are both guarded people. They keep everyone at arm’s length. Letting someone close is how one gets hurt. Easier than taking the risk. But despite their business disagreement(Hunter ruined her plans), there’s a lust amongst the tension. A chance to make things right, Hunter goes to Anna & her boss, with a proposition. A proposition Anna is reluctant for them to accept. But as she peels back Hunter’s layers she softens towards him. A constant give and take of information between them, as their lust/feelings for one another increases.
But are they willing to take the risk?
Unfortunately there’s the unexpected twist that Anna is aware of Hunter’s father from her past.
Will he become more than Hunter’s problem?
All that and so much more as you navigate this story. I love the tension, but will you?

@placexba
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Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Sharon Funkhouser

Night Sweats and Hockey Nets (Hot Flash Hookups #3)Night Sweats and Hockey Nets by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My only regret is not realizing this was the third book in a series when I started it! (Although, truth be told, I can’t find anything that made me think I needed to have read the first two books prior; I’m assuming there are some character cameos that happen, but plot lines weren’t unclear)

I love me a good rom-com story, and while hockey isn’t MY favorite sport (it is my bestie’s), you can’t go wrong with a good hockey rom-com! My favorites are the ones that bleed over into real life, when you feel like the characters could be real people, people you’ve met or are already friends with. While I can’t say I know what it’s like to be a wealthy athlete!, I can say I’ve met people with challenging divorce and child custody situations, and people trying to start over, professionally and romantically “later in life” (which sounds ridiculous, because 40 year olds aren’t old!)
I loved the reality of peri-menopause that was dribbled in the story as well. Not there yet, but gosh, it’s on the horizon, and the way the authors presented these life changes was so tastefully done, you can’t help but love everything about the story!

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Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Mommy, Am I Indian Today?Mommy, Am I Indian Today? by Sheeba Varghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We can all learn a thing or two about the cultures around us. Learning about our heritage and cultural identity is so important to our families. The more our children know the better we will all be. The author shares a question in this interesting story. I really enjoyed this story. It was informative as well as captivating. What a pleasure to find out such interesting information about my own niece and nephew. Family history is so very important in society today. Our children are our leaders and can learn from every story they are allowed to read. I hope to discover more from this author. A must read!!!

Review@cinful

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Sarge: Going Deep by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Felicia Belcher

Sarge: Going DeepSarge: Going Deep by PhD Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Had no idea what to expect, but BUTTERFLY EXTRATERRESTRIAL??? 🤯🤯 A whole “guardian” group that keeps E.T.’s a secret! Mother, Sarge’s alien ship friend helps get the crew into a submarine below water!

Men on the submarine are affected by the Butterfly beings and essentially put in a coma, but somehow survive for FIFTEEN YEARS! They have to be rehabilitated back to health after being found!

Sarge’s crew must vet new nurses to help take care of them without spreading the secret that aliens DO exist!

 

Review by @fbelcher93

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