Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57433184-notebook-mysteries-emma” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1615909711l/57433184._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57433184-notebook-mysteries-emma”>Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20991006.Kimberly_Mullins”>Kimberly Mullins</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4987991691″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I started this series with book two, but this one was every bit as good. Emma is working in the family bakery but finds herself wanting some adventure. When one of the cases she is looking into turns serious she must decide what will happen with her family. How will she be able to keep them safe? This book is easy to read. I myself had a little difficulty getting used to the style of writing, but the story flowed well and of course the characters were great.
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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Betsy Melano

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

The book got me hooked in the first section taking place in 1589 A.D. in Venice. Angelo Mascari is fleeing his city and never expected to see a nobleman sacrificing his life to get Angelo away safely. As he is fleeing in a boat, Angelo is trying to make sense of what happened to his lover.
The author does a great job of world building, bringing us to imagine being in Venice with all its old world architecture and museums. The story is interesting in that it connects generations of family through a painting that using magic is keeping people hostage. Nick & Julia are visiting current day Venice and touring art throughout the city. Angelo and his lover Isabella are connected to the Americans in a way I didn’t expect.
I enjoyed reading this book and hope to find books by this author in the future.

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I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Torey Foster

I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats TrilogyI Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Loved You Yesterday was the first book in a trilogy and it was difficult to put down. The story follows a love triangle that started back in high school and after years apart, it starts back up again. Mavis finds herself caught between twin brothers, Josh and Austin. Josh was her high school love, but happily ever after didn’t involve sleeping with his brother and getting pregnant. How could she admit the truth and break his heart? Instead, she finds herself running away. Years later with both brothers back in her life, the past catches up fast. Lessons are learned, secrets exposed, and choices have to be made.
This is a great book with good character development. You find yourself lost in this love story. laughing with the characters at some times, and heart breaking with them at others. This story is well written and has you frustrated with the characters for some of their choices, while at the same time feeling for them and understanding their struggles. I enjoyed every minute and am glad it is a trilogy because I am not ready for the story to end. I would definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of them.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Rayne East

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

Mini Christmas Mystery
The Notebook Mysteries series is brilliant and is even better with this bite-sized Christmas themed novella. This book brings Emma’s crew together to solve a crime based at a haunted house. Even though this is a quick read, it is written with depth and includes suspense, action and adventure. It can be read as a stand-alone but is so much better if read within the series. I have loved every book in this series – absolutely recommend!

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

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

5 Stars

Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie

Hungry Business is a short story about Zombies and I loved everything about this book. This author has a very unique style of writing along with characters that blow me away make for a very intriguing story. I’ve read other books by this author and im definitely adding this one to my re-read list. This is such a short story that one can literally read it in ten minutes or less. I wished it was longer and want more. I highly recommend reading this short action packed story to find out what happens next I definitely can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book 3) by K.R. Raye – Review by Heather Goodman

True ColorsTrue Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author did it again. I have never been disappointed with one of her books. This book is definitely the one with the most twist and turns and surprises out of all of the books in this series. She draws you in from the beginning and never lets you down. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and be taken by surprise.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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

I have read every book in this series and I just simply can’t stop. While this book is a little shorter than the others it is still a great fast paced story with plenty of suspense and mystery to keep you interested. While I love authors series, this one has become my personal favorite purely because it’s Christmas based. The characters are amazing, the plot was intriguing and full of suspense, but overall the writing style just really blew me away. So whether your looking for a good story or a good series make sure you pick up this one today.

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The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Beverly Finnie

The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Lonely Hearts of San Sity was cute. It made you feel what the characters were feeling, with a little bit of humor thrown in. I know I chuckled to myself a few times. The author writes a sweet fast paced mixed race romance. Time just disappeared but the content worked.
Jules is a talent scout looking for the next big reality star in middle of nowhere Florida. Not being used to the small town feel, she seems uncomfortable every time approaches her about their new reality show. Very overwhelming, especially when the one person she wants, is the one person who wants no parts of it. She might be attracted to him too!
Mitchel, loathes the fact this reality show and talent scout are coming to his small town. He thinks they’re trash. What he didn’t expect is that the one person he wants to not like turns his world upside down. Nursing a broken heart, is Jules the woman that will bring him back to life?
I enjoyed what the author wrote. Left me wanting more!

@placexba

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True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book #3) by K.R. Raye – Review by Angela Hayes

True ColorsTrue Colors by K.R. Raye
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

True Colors is the third and final instalment in the Colors Trilogy by K.R. Raye. As with the other two books in this series, this is a contemporary New Adult story with romance, emotion, challenges, friendship, drama, angst, and humour.
As this is the conclusion to the series, I highly recommend reading the first two books before starting on this one- as knowing what happened previously will help you to better understand the characters, and their motivations- while also providing important backstory/storyline information (etc) that will definitely enhance you reading experience of this instalment (and the series as a whole).
Imani, Melody, and Lance have been through quite a lot since the beginning of the series. Together they have faced some serious challenges as they navigated their way through life. Their friendship was tested, and cracks opened up. In this book they are working at rebuilding their bonds, but it’s not quite that simple. We follow all the highs and lows and what happens makes for a great read, and is a fitting conclusion to the series…
Happy Reading!

Thank you, K.R. Raye!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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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 Angela Plate, September 2022

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

These 2 books are a cute read. Two friends working together to solve different problems. It’s definitely for a younger audience but my Autistic son liked them.

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Susan Ratchford

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

River Witch
By: Cheryl Burman
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

River Witch by Cheryl Burman tells the story of Hester, a farmer’s daughter who wants to learn about herbs and be a healer, like her grandmother, to help the people she sees suffer. The river Sabrina whispers encouragement in her ear while her mother plans a marriage she hopes will settle Hester. Her only hope is Aaron, a powerful man who taught her the river’s true name. Will he teach her or cast her away to be Ordinary Folk?
This was such a good date night book I highly recommend it! For one thing the cover art is absolutely ethereal and really drew my eye. It was also a wonderfully relaxing read with a nice flow and dynamic characters that you can’t help but adore. The language Burman uses is absolutely beautiful and easily transports you to Shiphaven and the River Sabrina. The personification of the river herself and her secret name that only the wise unordinary folk know, was a really interesting way to bring life and magic to an otherwise ordinary world. I loved Hester’s blinding strength and determination through adversity. It was so motivational, it’s no wonder Sabrina spoke to her. I also really enjoyed Aaron’s character, every time I thought I figured him out something else would surprise me! This is a book that is so easy to get emotionally connected to with magic, mystery, love, herbal lore, and so much more that will make you want to fight for your own dreams!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Heather Watson

Unearthly MagikUnearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book by Matilda Reyes that I have read. I was glad to dive off into this book. I can’t wait to get into the next installment. This supernatural world that she has created and the mysteries she leaves you guessing. Ava, Nadia, and Lucas work well together and that shows that the writer wrote the characters well. Reyes set up the scenery as well as the drama around these characters. I am ready to read the more by this author.

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

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

If you are looking for a book with mystery, a muder, a dash of romance and a whole lot of kitty cuteness, then this cozy mystery is for you.

Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman is about Ellie, the owner of the Kitty Beret Cafe which is a cafe that serves up delicious cafe treats while housing rescue cats. When Ellie is asked to put on a cat show for rescues, she knew it would be a task but had no idea that while hosting the show, she would be helping solve a murder.

I found the book to be a quick, fun read full of quirky characters and adorable cats. It definitely made me want to cuddle my feline buddy a little closer.

So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket and your furry friend and try to solve the mystery along with Ellie and her kitty Templeton.

Happy Reading!

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

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

This is a very quick read, but it is worth every word! It is a horror comedy and I can’t think of a more fitting genre. Maria DeBlassie will have you hooked from the very first page to the very last.

Our main character is on a date with a dead guy. Literally. She’s hoping that maybe this one will work out and have some semblance of a brain. Maybe a spark or two to help keep his lifeless body warm. But just like dating the living, something is just missing…besides his pulse. It is easy to correlate the zombie dating life with our current situations. A woman must be careful in both worlds. Can our main living lady find someone that makes her heartbeat faster or will she be destined to see the end of the world alone?

Who knew dating would be such a riveting story during the zombie apocalypse? I love Maria’s books and this one is no different. She nailed it again on a topic that never even crossed my mind but surely won’t leave it anytime soon. You know you’ve got the time for this short story so pick it up! You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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

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

Felines and Fatalities is the 2nd book in the Kitty Beret Cafe series. It could be enjoyed as a stand alone. There are references to the first book and overlapping characters, however, the author provides enough details you don’t feel like you’re lacking information. This book is full of humor and quirky characters. Ellie is a cat fanatic and her employees are too, with their own crazy quirks. Her grandma is a hoot and her cat Templeton’s behavior is hilarious. While this book is a mystery, surrounding a murder, it is light hearted and not a hair raising suspense. I did enjoy it and was happy for the progression between Ellie and Simon. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jamie Truex

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

It’s Christmas time, but Evan needs Emma’s help! Ghosts don’t wait for Christmas. This was a great addition to the Notebook Mysteries series by Kimberly Mullins. It is a very fast paced, quick read. I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit now!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Vanessa Watts

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are some books that come and go without a second glance and others like this book that keep you coming back for more. I am already a self described fantasy junky, throw in a good mystery and some romance and that’s seriously unforgettable!

Ava is the perfect character, the one you love to cheer for. Throw in some good friends and their banter is hilarious and reminds me of that of my friends and I. The black cauldron agency just pulled themselves out of the black thanks to the case of a family friend. Soon becoming the agency that every magical being needs including her nemesis Tasis. Who reaches out calling in the last favor she owes him and that’s to find the Lauret Grimoire which holds secrets of the magical underworld that could be disastrous if in the wrong hands! The more that’s uncovered the more confusing the case. Will Ava and her squad ever be able to make the pieces fit together to discover the location of the Grimoire? What happens when a kiss with a mysterious man seems to spin Ava’s world on its head?

This is a book I found incredibly difficult to put down. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series and continue to follow what this author puts out!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jamie Truex

Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again I was able to get lost in the world of Emma. Not too often can I completely emerge myself in an entire series and not get bored! This may be a series that I purchase for my shelves, so I can read them over and over. Very good series for any young adult, or older adult as well!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jamie Truex

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries book #3)Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely read the first two books before jumping in to Emma’s current escapades! This time she and her team head to New York. Then she’s off to Paris! I still love her character, as I really enjoy a strong female lead. I also really enjoy the historic details in this series. I’m super excited to start the next book!

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Ashley Hasting

Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ava is a gray mage. That is a high level mage. Her and her agency work hard on each case they work on. They finally given a case that is getting hard to crack. The adventure, drama, and friendship in this book is great. Now to the next book!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jamie Truex

Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries, #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Emma is now 18 and she needs to make some decisions in her life. She is a woman, making a name for herself in a man’s world. And speaking of men, that’s a whole other decision! I am very much enjoying reading along with Emma as she continues to grow and prove herself. I love all her adventures.

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Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate Book 4) by Sylvia Black – Review by Anna Hirsch

Master RomanoMaster Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Master Romano (Masters of the Consulate Book 4) by Sylvia Black
4 Stars

Although Romano and Raven are supposed to be enemies, there is no stopping love. Romano is a Master Vampire of the Consulate sent back to his territory in Romania to end a centuries old feud that the vampires and witches are having over the land. Raven is a young witch that is too curious for her own good. One evening she is caught by Romano lurking on his property. The attraction flares and they can’t stop thinking about each other. Raven unknowingly puts herself in a dangerous position caught in the middle of a feud she tries to understand. Despite the hatred she’s been taught to have towards the vampires, she finds herself wanting to help stop the war. After meeting Romano, she realizes that they are not all horrible creatures.

The story is interesting and filled with danger and intrigue. Although it’s book four in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. The author tried to meld the modern world with the old world in this book. I feel it didn’t always work but it didn’t take away from the story. Having not read the previous books in the series, I was happy to not be lost. I enjoyed the book and will probably go back and read the rest.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book 3) by K.R. Raye – Review by Jerricka Brown

True Colors: Book Three (Colors Trilogy)True Colors: Book Three by K. R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me in my feelings while reading. And I love it! I was taken on an emotional journey. So many ups and downs. I felt this book spoke to me personally. Such a great way to end the series. The author knew exactly what they were doing to keep you wanting more until the end.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Maryn Belling

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

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Maryn Belling

Entering this book with high expectations is unfair to the author & the story. Save yourself the disappointment. Instead, you can enjoy this book by forgetting everything you know about Venice, history, art, civilization, or historical fiction. Infuse yourself with “the girl has no name” Arya Stark storyline from Game of Thrones; layer in Beasts of the Frozen Sun (book 1 of Frozen Sun Saga), and a heaping portion of The Lost Apothecary.

If you enjoyed Lauren Groff’s Matrix or Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, this book is for you. If you’re old enough to have read Time Traveler’s Wife in the mid-aughts when it first was published, you’ll probably do well with this text. If you’re more a reader of Sarah Dunant or Tracy Chevalier’s style of historical fiction, perhaps this book is better suited for other readers.

An admirable first in a series that’s sure to expand the libraries of ambitious readers.

The Prisoner of Paradise, Painted Souls Series, Rob Samborn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Historical

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

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

This is a memoir, from an author who has previously written two other memoirs. I’m intrigued enough that I might go read her other ones! I truly enjoyed the author’s take on living in foreign countries. The author hunkered down during the worst of the pandemic, and shared some of her experiences. What I enjoyed most were the photographs that were interspersed amongst the memories.

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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 Sarah Devereaux

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: 5 of 5 stars

These were really cute books! They are not the first I’ve read by this author and I always get excited seeing new content from her! Overall I really enjoyed these books. The illustrations are beautiful and the story in both can be very relatable for children of a young age.
In both the books the main characters Spike and Conifer work together to overcome each other’s fears and problem-solve to help one another. I read both of these books to my daughter and she loved them. She loved looking at the pictures and pointing to the dinosaurs while I read the stories. They caught her attention as well as my own right away and as an early childhood educator, I am looking forward to introducing these well-written and illustrated stories into my classroom!
I would highly recommend these books to anyone with children or as a gift for a child who loves dinosaurs and reading!

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

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

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Notebook Mysteries – Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Emma is a young woman is 1881 who lives in Chicago, she has always had an analytical and logical mind, but it goes into overdrive when tragedy strikes the family during a large fire in the centre of the city ten years before. As Emma struggled to cope with the loss and even though it was over a decade ago, she still remembers what happened that night.

Nowadays she is older and working in her families bakery, she enjoys the works, even though it is hard and has some early starts, but she also is also wants more adventure in her life and so she asks to go out on the delivery wagons with the boys. Her father reluctantly agrees and she goes out with two of the ones her family trusts the most, but as she goes on the rounds and notes down her observations in her faithful notebook, she starts to notice patterns emerging, the patterns show everything from robberies to murders and eventually, she acts on these inconsistencies and makes the business owners aware of what she has discovered and then leaves it up to them to do their own investigations.

However, she can’t leave certain ones alone, especially when she gets closer than her family would like and finds that all the individual observations lead to something which endangers not only herself, but her family as well. Will Emma be able to solve the case using her skills and smarts, or will danger come in and sweep the investigation and maybe even her life away? This is a mystery with a female detective who is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and not afraid to get her hands dirty to solve the cases she becomes involved with, it is a story which will captivate all audiences and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Erin DeRoma

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was immediately transported back in time, it didn’t even take me a couple pages to be fully engrossed in this book. The writing style almost like stories inside of stories, not only was different but it kept me entertained throughout.
I really appreciated that it is easily a book for teen/young adults to enjoy along with adults of all ages.
I also hope you are ready for a baking frenzy when you are done reading because not only does it give you the urge to bake, it provides the recipes to do so! I immediately updated my shopping list once I finished the book.
This was a quick cozy read that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to jump into the next one.

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The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne is a story of love found in a small town. While scouting for talent for her upcoming reality show Jules meets Mitchel and thinks he is just what the show needs. Unfortunately for her, Mitchel wants nothing to do with the show or her. This story is a quick fun read. I really enjoyed watching Jules and Mitchel warm up to each other. There was good chemistry. I think there was room for more fleshing out of the story. It was over way too quickly but it was very enjoyable!

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