Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Emily H

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Makayla is not sure what school she will be chosen too, there are so many options in the paranormal academy but the one no one wants is the Grave Digger Academy. Her first day is met with confusion and when she finds out she is assigned to the Grave Digger class, she is less then thrilled. That being said, none of her talents appeared until her class and now she seems a bit ahead of the curve. Something is going on though and only Makayla seems to be able to unravel it but could it end up costing her more then she thinks?

I thought this was really good. I felt for Makayla, she is trying to find her footing and with a bunch of older siblings to live up to it is even more pressure added on her. Well written and was one you kept reading until the very end.

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kimberly Wilkinson

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Easy reads

The Aloha Series Box Set has three wonderful stories. Each set in the beautiful tropical islands of Hawaii in the 1960’s. Jills’s vivid writing makes you actually feel like youbare there. They are fun anf quick easy reads. Learning about how the Hawaiians live and their cultures was amazing to learn.

Try Easy is the first book in this box set and is Keoni and Lou’s story. Keoni has an easy life and everything going for him. He is a pro at surfing and it’s his life. He can sing and play guitar and also sexy. Lou is a Photographer and gets a trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. It’s here that she meets the charming and charismatic Keoni. But what does she still have her boyfriend back home, what about him? This book has very likeable characters but what really happens with the couples?

Try Me is the second book and is Pearl & Declan’s story. Pearl wants to be just like her mother. Declan and Pearl have this chemistry about them, they don’t know it but everyone around them sure do. Declan is a surfing pro and finding it hard to return to the place he lost his best friend. They pretend to be in a relationship. This story is full of emotions where there is guilt and heartbreak, loss and grief and lots of chemistry. This book makes you want to try for what you want and what you believe in.

Try Right is the third book and is Claudia & Henry’s story. Claudia was once the most sought-after actress who is now only a bit part actress and looking for the one that got away. Is trying to recapture something really what anyone really needs? Henry is a stuntman who was captured by the beauty to turn up for filming and for better or worse he decides to help her. What starts as friendship has the potential for so much more. With some angst, a little drama, and lots of chemistry, this tale will delight the reader.
These books have a lot of chemistry and romance and a lot of drama. But a good read.

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kerry Baker

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was great to be able to get back into this story and the characters. It is such a quirk type of mystery story that I really just can’t help but enjoy it. This is quick a quick book, easy to read and it has the element of fun running through it that I came to expect from the first book.
The story was well developed and I thought a great way to bring the characters back. It was light hearted and entertaining the whole way through. This is a great book and is shaping up to be a great series.

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Mercedes Jones

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK TWO! Dexter’s life is a mess. He is separated from his family and his best friend is dead. He finds out that he has been living in The Void, kind of like the regular world but not. Mortals are not aware that they aren’t where they think they are. Dexter is trying his hardest to right wrongs and stay alive. Through many challenges, he just wants to become free and save his family and friends.
This was a good read, action packed, supernatural beings, and testing oneself. Please read the first books of the series!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Mercedes Jones

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What’s worse than dating? Dating during the zombie apocalypse! You’re trying to avoid the undead but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. She is looking for love not to be someone’s meal. Her only solstice in this forsaken love game is a fat cat across the street that she watches every night.
This was such a fun read! A quick story, but it was well written. And such an interesting spin on the dating game. I will be reading more from this author!

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Mercedes Jones

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bax has been waiting for an adventure his whole life. As it’s just him and his mother, he spends a lot of time with his best friend playing video games. He also frequents the comic book shop, as in a way to be close to his dad. When a mysterious man gives him a purple ring, the life Bax knew is changed.
Go on this fantasy ride that also is dark and twisty. What a great read.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Shannen Kern

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This thriller was a jaw-dropping adventure that never let up throughout the entire book. I can’t believe I read through this so quickly, but that’s what happens when you forgo sleep to reach the end. I am absolutely thrilled that this is going to be a series!

As you stare down two different timelines throughout the book, the author does an amazing job weaving the two together with such intricate yet seamless detail. Nick is finally taking his wife to Venice, her dream trip, not long after he is injured. During their trip, a painting seemingly reaches out to him and the voice he hears is soul-stirring. Julia is terribly worried about her husband, but Nick believes that the voice is his love from a past life. Will he be able to serve what he believes is justice for the past souls or will his injury prove too much for his current wife to take?

Rob Samborn has released such a brilliant start to the Painted Soul Series! I am already pre-ordering the second book now. You won’t regret this elaborate time-travel experience.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Trish Ann

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The history in this book was beautifully written. I am a big fan of mixed timelines and past lives. This book hit the mark! Some very beautiful love notes and quotes in this story which kept it captivating. The ending left enough for the reader to wonder and need to know what happens next!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Trish Ann

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not usually one for zombie stories but the cover of the book drew me in. I really thought it was a good story. The plot kept me invested which was good for the shortness of the story! Very clever and well written in such a short amount of pages!

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Rebecca Hill

NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely hated this book! You might be asking why I gave it 4 stars then? Ok fine; I hated that it ended with a mother’s sacrifice for her daughter! The writing was so good, and it pulled me in right from the beginning. This book is a post-apocalyptic book about a woman named Amy and her daughter, Lila. I loved how it was told from Amy’s perspective and the reader gets to hear her thoughts. I related to her desire to protect her daughter and talking herself into doing things she didn’t want to do. I thought her struggles were quite realistic and grieved the choices she had to make. This is a short read and was well written!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Emily Nolden

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great quick read, with a happy ending.
I am not one for mysteries but reading Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins makes me want to continue reading mysteries. This was a very quick read, but I loved every minute of it. Seeing the different relationships between each character was a great addition to the story.

I loved the strong female lead, who did not need any help. How she defended herself in every situation, especially towards the end.

Being a large romance person, I would have loved to see her and Jeremy’s relationship more, but hopefully that is shown in the other books of this series.

Another favorite part of this book, is how each person or situation is given background information. So, even if you missed other books of this series, you still get to know parts of information from those previous books.

I also would love to keep reading about Emma’s past. Her past is explained a little in this book, but does not go into great detail.

I cannot wait to try the recipes at the end of the book, especially since it is apple season where I live.

Thank you Kimberly Mullins for a great read, I cannot wait to read more!

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Kimberly Filer

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect summer reads. Get swept away by romance, the descriptive scenery is breathtaking, and you can almost picture being in Hawaii with these characters. Super easy reads that lock you in from the first moment you crack open the book. Try Easy is the first book in this box set and is Keoni and Lou’s story. Try Me is the second book and is Pearl & Declan’s story. Try Right is the third book and is Claudia & Henry’s story. Perfect for a weekend on the beach or cuddling up on the couch with a cup of your favorite drink.

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful novel that brings you along on a journey and the dual timelines were easy to follow.

Nick and Julia were on holiday to Venice…..taking it all in sightseeing and coming upon a famous painting that would lead Nick into hearing voices from a woman from long ago. He is driven to find out about this voice he hears from the past…..Isabella…and what this painting has in store for the action and suspense with trying to free Isabella but knowing that other entrapped souls can be impacted and that The Order will have something else to say about that.

Wow what a story….I love the intrigue and adventure that this author took me on as I turned the pages and I am looking forward to reading book 2!

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Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga Book 1) by A.E. Bennett – Review by Rebecca Hill

Gathering of the Four (The Serrulata Saga #1)Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the first in a series, and I cannot wait until the next one comes out! It will be on my calendar! This book was unique in its story while still having a Hunger Games Capitol vibe. The main characters are Leora, Roland, Aurora, and Leopold. Each one has their own section with backstory and are quite different from each other. They come together to run from the evil sovereign, Alrich, along with his henchman, the White Riders. There is a bit of mystery about a Border and The Realm. It is hinted at, and I’m looking forward to those revelations in future books. The only downside, for me, was the unexpected explicit scenes in the later parts of the story. It didn’t add anything to the story, in my opinion. However, it was a fantastic book and well worth the read!

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Shannen Kern

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel like I was transported back to the 60’s to Hawaii, where the author describes in the most gorgeous detail. I have a major impulse to hop on a plane now. You may as well grab the box set because once you read the first one, you’ll want to devour them all!

Book #1, Try Easy describes the complication of a love triangle on vacation, which definitely sounds like a double-edged sword. What could go wrong if it only happens on a trip? The obvious and palpable chemistry between Lou and Keoni is irresistible. Will Lou remain faithful or is the attraction just too strong?
Book #2, Try Me goes into the tragically beautiful story between Declan and Pearl. On the surface everything looks as it should but hiding underneath are the ever-evolving feelings that Declan shouldn’t have. This is supposed to be a fake relationship, just for show, so why are these emotions getting stronger? Another couple with amazing chemistry, you’ll breeze right through this book.
Book #3, Try Right. When Henry sets eyes on Claudia, a breathtaking movie star, he knows he’ll do whatever it takes to be close to her…even if that means helping her rekindle a lost flame. Will he be able to resist his own feelings and help Claudia follow her heart?

I connected with each character so easily which can be such a difficult thing to do, especially with an entire box set. I’m so glad I picked these up and can’t wait to read more from Jill Brashear!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Sara Grantham

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! I adored this series. I breezed through all three books and highly enjoyed them. I felt myself getting sucked into the story more and more as I went on. While Book 2 was definitely my favorite, I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of the characters and the setting.
This series made me want to throw on a bathing suit and learn to surf. It also made me crave living in Hawaii and getting to experience the beautiful ocean there everyday. Within this retro romance, there was all sorts of love, lust, tragedy, drama, and happy endings.

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Lisa Helmick

From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well this went a way I did not think it would..it is a but darker than I expected. It says its a teen adult story but I would lean more toward adult. This covers a few topics that are a bit much, in my opinion, for teens. I struggled when reading late at night with the visuals this projected. I felt sorry for Bax multiple times. He is young kid who gets into trouble and all he wants is for it to stop or to figure out how to quit. He is curious as all kids are and it got him into a bit of trouble.

Overall its a good story that mostly kept my interest. It really picked up towards the end and of course I was glued to it then. I would recommend this for an older crowd and for people who like a little darkness mixed in with the story.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Cindy Mayberry

Ashley is a quiet young student who just wants to finish high school and go to college. At home she is treated like Cinderella, by her step mother and 2 mean step sisters. She also works at the mortuary putting makeup on the dead.  Then there is Harry forced to go back and finish high school. He’s a bad boy rock star and all the girls are after him. This is it! No spoilers. This is one of those stories you need to read. The author has written this fast paced teenage high schoolers story. There are bullies, mean girls and a mean step family. What a great coming of age story for the teens. Adults will enjoy this too, I did. I’m looking forward to the next book in this exciting series.

Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Ashley McMillon

Destiny's Daughter: It was the best of times.Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author pens a beautiful naked/transparent memoir of her path through life. This is a book I didn’t know that I needed to read! It’s a page turner that will keep you truly entertained and pleased during the read. Her perspective on Dr. Wayne Dyer was refreshing to read, and understand how important he is to the author. I love how her perspective has continued to draw people to her, and I’m drawn to her as well, and she uses her natural abilities to give help to others. I often find myself doing this and I could identify with how much feedback she received on her first book. I’m looking forward to reading her first book to learn even more about and from the author.

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Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery, Book 2)Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As you can probably guess from the title, Felines and Fatalities is a cat-themed cozy mystery. It’s the perfect book for when your cat has decided that your lap is the most comfortable place in the world and you’re forced to sit still for the foreseeable future! It’s the second book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone if you don’t mind a few spoilers for book 1.

Ellie has plenty on her plate running a cat show – so many logistics to worry about and fussy pet parents coming to her with requests and complaints. If you’ve ever been involved in running events you’ll feel a lot of sympathy for her! And of course, one of the judges has the audacity to get himself murdered. But the show must go on…

The star of this series is, of course, Templeton. Ellie looks after many rescue cats but Templeton is hers, the one she will carry around everywhere to keep out of trouble. The detectives doubt Templeton’s ability to contribute to the mystery-solving process, but Templeton would never let a human dictate what he can and can’t do.

This is an entertaining read that will particularly appeal to animal lovers. It’s a five-star read for me, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book, Meows and Mayhem (which I might save for next time I’m cat-sitting…)

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Chrissy Spulak

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not always one to pick up a book of poetry. I am not a poet, by any means, so in order to grab me and pull me in, the words have to create an epic visual in my head. The cover was what caught my attention, initially. I was hesitant because it was poetry, but it had to do with music, so I gave it a shot. I’m not gonna lie, the Robin Williams quote was what got me excited. He’s one of my favorite humans. Y’all, this is amazing. While taking in the words, I couldn’t help but envision them how they would appear on sheet music. To be clear, I cannot read notes or music to save my life, but I do have rhythm – and these words are music in my mind. This is different than any book of poetry I have read before, and I’m glad I did not pass it by. I love words, and I love music, so I ended up really loving this book. Highly recommend.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Karen Pearman

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to be expecting, but it was recommended by a coworker that was reading it. I am glad that I did because it’s a really good book. It is not what I was expecting to read at all as an adult fantasy book. The author did a great job describing not only the characters but the setting as well. I felt like I could see and picture everything I was reading. I wasn’t quite expecting the mystery that came along with it, but personally I felt that it just added to the plot even more. I really loved how she dived into the herbalism and plant customs relied on so many decades along. Very exciting book to read and I would recommend it.

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Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Katie Turner

Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the MindEuphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have never read a full book of poetry before, so I was not entirely sure what to expect. Poetry can be a very deep and personal form of artistic expression and, for me, can also be very difficult to interpret if not the composer. However, I felt like I was able to maintain a fairly good sense of understanding throughout.

While many of the poems were deep and seemed to come from a place of depression, annoyance and anger, the emotions were beautifully captured by the author’s gift with words. And not all of the poetic writings were desolate. Some were light, or heavily influenced by music the author loves. And some even made me giggle. Dark or light, I caught myself nodding in understanding or relating to many of emotions shared. I also quite enjoyed the periodic journal-type writings tucked in between.

I am very glad I tried something new and gave this compilation of poems a chance. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed the works of Ryan Becker and I hope there is more to come.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Kerry Carr

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this story. I wasn’t to sure at the start as I know little about art or history in Venice but that didn’t matter. The author does an amazing job of making the story enjoyable for everyone. The writing and description of the events and areas and characters really brings the story to life.

I especially love the mix of the past and the present and the feeling of love lasting through decades, that was a very heartwarming touch. This story has everything from danger and mystery, to romance and heartbreak. It had historical and mystical elements that make the story unique. I especially loved how even years after the fact the spirit of the lover that escaped lives on and is still set on setting his lover free from the painting.

However that spirit is now with a guy called Nick, and while on holiday with his wife his life gets turned upside down when he hears a voice call to him from the painting. Is it real or his imagination? Who is it? Why are they calling to him?

With the help of his wife Julie they set out to uncover the secrets and set free the souls trapped there but there are people that don’t want that to happen and they are set to stop Nick and Julie anyway they can.
It becomes a race against time to.unravel the story and free the souls before the people behind the painting capture Nick and Julie.

It was a fast paced Thriller that I couldn’t stop reading.

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Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Shelly Kittell

Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This is a fiery elemental romance. I found it to be full of fun, adventure, drama and romance. Chaos was definitely around causing a bit of war. The Elementals were supposed to be protecting the Earth and not falling for a human. A big challenge is what they have to work through. The story is well written. The characters blend into the story so well. It all flowed together so magnificent. I was engaged from the moment I started. I could feel the sparks fly between the two of them. Watching their relationship develop and work it self out is a large part of what makes this book so amazing. This is right up there on my list of favorite romances for the year

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Michelle G

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved that this was 2 books in one. It was colourful and engaging and was a nice easy read. My 12 year old loved it and loved the underlying messaging contained within it; teaching that it is worth working through your problems and patience is a virtue!

The illustrations were great and suited the text well.

Highly recommend this book for your young booklovers.

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1-3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Jules Herbert

Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This box set of 3 books is a wonderful way to be able to read the series all in one go because once you start you definitely will want to do just that! They are written by a very talented author who now has a fan in me for sure. She very creatively draws her readers into the world she has created set in Hawaii during the 1960s. As you read through these books your imagination will be filled with beautiful, vivid images and great characters. You truly will feel as though you are right there with them. While each book in true romance style, does have two people brought together, each book draws each couple together in different ways and I just know you will be unable to resist caring about them and wishing for their happy endings. I recommend you grab your set today and get reading!!

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Lauren West

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was like nothing I have read before. It’s a passionate, haunting, mysterious, thrilling suspenseful tale with so much what if attached. The anticipation and twists were unpredictable. Nick and Julia were amazing. The story itself was front seat to explore history, religion, and faith. It was hard to put down and was pure excitement every step of the way!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Lauren West

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a fascinating story. It was more than witches and magic. Hester gave such life to the story with her determination and independence. Her desire to follow her fate and heed her calling was refreshing. The nymphs and river Sabrina believed she was meant for more and it was not to be ignored. Aaron was the mysterious stranger who would teach her the lore, and he would wear many hats within his time with Hester. Together this is fantastic story of fantasy, love, faith, forgiveness, and strength.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan’s father has passed away and Evan believes his spirit is haunting the family home. Trouble has come to Emma once again and this time it threatens to ruin the holidays. Evan’s father is thought to have taken his own life however he thinks differently. Will Emma and her team be able to find the culprit before they open their gifts? As ways this author does a great job pulling you, the reader, into the story and making you feel all the feels.

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