The Vardoger Boy (The Forerunner Saga Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series)The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was looking forward to reading this second book in the series, and I was not disappointed, as the epic adventures of the Agneson Clan continued. Set in Danelaw England, in 878, and the Vikings are at war with the last Saxon Kingdom, and as the Danish forces assemble for war on Wessex, the loyal Agneson Clan heeds the call to join the Great Viking Horde. This entertaining and enjoyable epic saga is a mix of historical fantasy and supernatural suspense, and it had me gripped from start to finish. Forerunner Thorfinn has his own adventures and dangers to overcome, as he learns that the Nine Realms are full of surprising hidden folk, and to earn his place aboard the Viking’s ship he must accept a mast troll’s quest. I was fully immersed in this story as the descriptive narrative along with the historical details really brings the setting and era vividly to life. This is a fast paced and exciting read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Paula R Sayers

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book for children combines mermaids and science. The mermaids learn about ice cubes through a cute story that will keep kids interested. I love books that are able to teach kids without them realizing that is what is happening!!

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The Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Darla Yocom

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This adorable book is such a fun learning experience for children. Not only is this an easy and interesting read but I loved that the story teaches the reader a bit of science in the midst of the small adventure.

The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. The overall story is well written.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Alison Risher

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a suspenseful thriller! The author is confident in her ability to deliver, and what an amazing delivery of conspiracy, activism, and good versus evil. I particularly like the way the main character battles with things that are beyond her control. I appreciate the glimpses into the world of addiction. Best of all, the author does not have to resort to the low-hanging fruit of “bedroom scenes” that too many authors today use when they don’t have a good story.

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PREMEDITATED: A Trust Betrayed, Lives Sabotaged, A Love Undaunted (Agents of Justice Book 2) by Susanna Haymond – Review by Shannen Kern

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PremeditatedPremeditated by Susanna Haymond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a Christian-based mystery and though it isn’t what I typically pickup, it was quite entertaining! I enjoyed it more than the first book in the series which is rare. The author does a good job of keeping you on your toes the entire time you’re trying to figure out who could be at the center of everything. It gives a startling view on what could really be in your medications which was scary! How much can former DEA Agent Greg Nelson and his fiancé, Anne, take before it’s all too much? This is a great story full of suspense with twists and turns at every chapter.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace (Mermaid Science) by Lois Wickstrom by Gabrielle Lee

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Mermaid and the Ice Cube NecklaceMermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is an easy-to-follow story about two young friends and a mermaid. It was nice to see how parts of the story involve science. While the story is easy to follow, I found it a bit choppy in parts and not flowing easily for me. I love how it explains science in an easy to learn way for kids. Mai and her friends give young readers a great science lessons with this adventure.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Sara Grantham

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story made me feel ALL of the emotions. I fell in love with the characters; I cried when they cried, laughed when they laughed, and felt each heartbreak and trauma with them. This story truly has it all – overcoming hardships, finding yourself, finding love and friendship and family, and, of course, a small town with a quaint bookstore full of coffee, pastries, and twinkling lights. Through each loss and gain, I could not help but have my eyes glued to Shannon Nikole’s words and now I cannot wait for the next installment! I already want to be transported back into Quimby Grove and continue on Ellie and Beck’s journey.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Kylean Sprosty

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not exactly how I thought this book would go. At first I was sure this was going to be more of a struggle between committing suicide or not, but JP’s story was more about over coming the demons inside yourself. JP is much like a friend of mine in his struggles and self destruction so it was interesting to see how JP was changed and his thoughts. I’m excited to see the second book and how/if JP and Adin renew their relationship. I do think Lisa is my hero in this story though as she tries everything in her power to help her husband until she has no choice, and even then she still tries to help JP from a distance. Grandma was my favorite character, strong and witty and demanding respect.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Jerricka Brown

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book by this author. I could not put it down. I found myself going through many emotions while reading this book. I normally do not read books based on the military but I am so glad I read this one. I have seen so many of my relatives in this book dealing with the same issues. I enjoyed this so much.

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No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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No Pistol Tastes the SameNo Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen

Wow ! What a ride! No Pistol Tastes the Same is the first book in the PTSD Disaster Series. This is a wonderfully written story that I felt down to my soul. I was taken on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride that made my heart break. So many of our men and women suffer PTSD and don’t know how to cope with it. They don’t want to look weak but let me tell you one thing. I’ll never look at them with anything other than respect?, gratitude. In my profession I work with Veterans everyday and my heart breaks hearing there stories. This is one of those books that will stick with you long after you’re finished. This is a fairly new author to me. This author just gained a new fan. I’ve already looked at other books he’s written. His style of writing is raw uncut and real. His characters are much the same, raw uncut and real. They were very well developed and relatable. It’s a fast paced story packed with action, raw truths, nightmares and fear. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trails by Samantha Shannon – reviewed by Tanya Wall

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sweet children’s book addressing the idea of being different. As an educator, building up the social emotional awareness and skills is so important! Children may get confused, or fearful of those who seem different. Jake shows them that we are all different and that’s okay! By celebrating what we share in similarities and appreciating our differences we learn that the world isn’t scary! In this story, Jake finds a different set of paw prints on his trail. This makes him scared. It becomes an adventure to find out where the prints came from, and if they need to be worried. The book also hosts a variety of activities to do with your preschooler or little. Highly recommend!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Sarah King

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Out on the trails Jake the Growling dog is off on another adventure. This time when Neet and him explore the trail they find tracks they have never seen before and that scares them. Later Jake continues trying to discover what created the tracks. Jake makes new friends along the way learning things he didn’t know before.

As with the other books in the series, this story is well written and well illustrated. I would say the story is appropriate for all elementary school aged children. I personally think the entire series would make a good class story time book. It really opens the door to conversations with the kids. Love this series, worth the read.

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Lyndsay withey

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I started reading this with my 11 year old and she loved the story and all the details. It was a little longer than our typical bedtime story but definitely worth it. There were so many fun activities and extras at the end of the book. Great theme and awesome story! Can’t wait to read others!

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail (Jake the Growling Dog Book 3) by Samantha Shannon – Review by Christen Ware

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Jake the Growling Dog Shares His TrailJake the Growling Dog Shares His Trail by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This lighthearted book with lovely illustrations highlights very important themes that young children, and even some adults, can have integrated into their experiences to help deal with real-world scenarios. Fear of the unknown, recognition and acceptance of different individuals, and knowing when to speak out vs. internal situation resolution. All these complex themes and situations are presented in a simplistic version designed so children can learn in a non-judgment and open way while still seeming fun and age-appropriate. It was a quick read that hit heavy in terms of message, and that is something that is never too early to experience.

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Jake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon – reviewed by Tanya Wall

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is a dog with a fluffy tail! He growls when he sleeps, when he eats, when he plays… but that doesn’t mean he is unkind! When you find a friend who might do something different, like Jake, just ask him why! Then you will find out, like Jake, they are happy and that is how they show it! Be kind to yourself, your friends and others – then you and they will be happy! And the world around us will be a better place! I can’t wait to learn more about Jake and his friends in this cute series!

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare: A Kids Books About Friendship, Kindness, Facing Fears, Stress Relief & Relaxation for Kids by Samantha Shannon – Review by Sarah King

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the growling dog is back with an all new adventure; he is off to daycare. Jake does not know what daycare is which makes him nervous. His best friend, Neet the squirrel, tries to help and ends up going along. Jake quickly learns he had nothing to fear, and makes new friends quickly.

This story is the 2nd in the series. The story and illustrations are well done and this story is really appropriate for the whole range of elementary aged kids. I would give this whole series a read!

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Jake the Growling Dog goes to Doggy Daycare reviewed by Tanya Wall

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Jake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy DaycareJake the Growling Dog Goes to Doggy Daycare by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is worried about going to doggy daycare, and his fears are the typical fears! Will he have fun? Will he have friends? His friend Neet hatches a plan to help Jake feel less worried. Friends give us comfort and remind of us home- they help build our confidence and help us feel safe. Daycare wasn’t as scary as Jake thought – he had fun and enjoyed his stay! What I love about this book… the colorful illustrations, the story that we can all connect with, and the activities at the end – something every parent can use when they are introducing something new to their littles!

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Jake the Growling Dog A Children’s Book about Kindness, Diversity, Dogs, and Friendship by Samantha Shannon – Review by Sarah King

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Jake the Growling DogJake the Growling Dog by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake the Growling Dog is an animal character-based story that teaches about individual differences, acceptance, kindness, and friendship. Jake the dog is a growler. He growls all the time not just when he is mad or scared. The others don’t understand this at least not at first. As the story continues he and the others learn to accept differences, be kind, as well as form friendships.

The story is well written and illustrated. The book could considered appropriate for a wider age group. The illustrations are well done so a child on the younger end could easily make up their own story, a pre-k to 1st grade range would benefit from this being a family time or class story time book and for kids who are reading on their own this would be a good book for him to practice with.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Whitney Morrison

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great small town romance book! I got all the feels from this book too which I absolutely loved. It kept my attention and wanting more. Ellawyn and Beckett were absolutely amazing and perfect for each other. Just all around a super good book and I can’t wait for more of Quimby Grove.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Trish Ann

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Ellawyn was a relatable character. Her friendship with Benji was beautiful as was her developing relationship with Beckett. There definitely were some trigger themes in this book that tugged at parts of the heart and mind. I really like dual point of view stories. I would definitely read more of this series.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole. This is such a heartwarming contemporary romance. Its the story of starting over and learning to stand on your own two feet. Benji owns Starlight Books and Ellawyn finds it as soon as she hits town. She becomes a frequent customer and ends up becoming friends with Benji. When Benji is diagnosed with cancer she calls her grandson Beckett home to help her. There is an attraction between Ellawyn and Beckett as soon as they meet but Ellawyn has all her walls up due to the past relationship she escaped from. As the three of them deal with Benji’s illness and their own emotions due to it Beckett and Ellawyn become closer. Will Ellawyn let her walls down so that she can be loved properly or will she let her past keep her from happiness. Great debut read!

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by stephanie nicole

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This small town contemporary romance really blew me away. When I first saw the cover to this book I simply knew that I had to read it before I even read the synopsis. But from the very first chapter I knew that this romance was going to have me hooked. Filled with relatable characters, twists and turns, and of course romance I just simply couldn’t put it down. So make sure you run out and pick this one up today.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Rachel Moss

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book! I wasn’t sure what exactly to expect, but I loved the cover and this one wasn’t a disappointment! Just as a warning, this book does cover some domestic abuse/violence so it may possibly contain triggers for that. The writing was so well done with this book, I was instantly drawn in to the story and didn’t want to leave. There was a small twist but to me it was predictable, I guessed it pretty early on. Overall though I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next installment!

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing read from start to finish! This was a book that literally had me hooked from its opening statements on the first page! I did not know really what I was into as I started to read, but none the less, it was a thrilling read that made me feel many things! I really enjoyed this novel!

Ellawyn as a character really called to me for things she faced and got out of. As I too was in a similar situation. And she loved to read books! How could I not feel a connection to this character? I loved the moments she shared with Benji. He was a wonderful character. I loved the sweet moments they had and how their chemistry never felt forced. It just flowed. Their story was beautiful. The whole story was in truth. I loved the descriptions of the town as well; it really was immersive with the thoughts and how I pictured it! I truly loved this book, that goes without saying! I can’t wait for the next in the series!

This was a wonderful book that truly touched me. I am very happy I had the pleasure of reading this book that touched my heart strings. Wonderful read. Highly recommend this author/novel/series!

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love Love Loved this book!! So glad I picked this book up to read. The cover is stunning and I was also drawn in so quickly by Ellawyn and Beckett’s story. When Ellawyn escapes to Quimby Grove, leaving her family to stay safe, she has a friendship with Benji that is so endearing, otherwise, Ellawyn stays to herself and has many walls up to protect herself. Benji is the owner of Starlight Books and when he requests his grandson to help out, Beckett comes to help his grandfather. Piece by piece Beckett tears down Ellawyn’s walls around her heart …. but there is definitely someone who is totally cruel that tries to come in between Beckett and Ellawyn. This story definitely is a roller coaster of emotions of running from your past, the love of a grandfather and a grandson, moments that I wanted to scream and cry and the heart felt moments I loved between Beckett and Ellawyn.

I loved this story so much…and I recommend this read highly!

P.S. I loved when Beckett arrived to Quimby Grove via coming from the Harrisburg Airport …the airport is local for me :).

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Lauren West

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ellawyn and Beckett have a sweet story. Boy meets girl at the most opportune time. Beckett’s love for his grandfather brings him to try to save the shop and Ellawyns love for the shop brings her right by his side to help. Small town love story but it takes on some tough topics that only love can help navigate and conquer. This was my first read by this author but she hit the mark and I truly enjoyed it.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Kerry Carr

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is such a moving and emotional story. It is such a deep story and deals with many elements such as grief, domestic abuse, learning to trust again and danger. The author does an amazing job of dealing with topics such as grief, abusive trauma, domestic abuse in a way that shows the serious impact they have but in a respectful way.

When Ellawyn moves to Quimby Grove she is looking to escape her abusive ex boyfriend. All she wants is a quiet life and to feel safe again. And she finds safety in the little bookstore in town. It’s her haven and she feels like Benji the owner is family.

However Benji is ill, he calls his grandson for help while he goes through treatment. When Beckett arrives the attraction between them is immediate, but Ellawyn is afraid of their connection because of her past.
As time progress, and they learn to trust and rely on each other more their relationship gets stronger. But with a dark shadow hiding and preparing to pounce will Ellawyn be able to remain safe? Will she finally get the love she deserves?

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Kerry Baker

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For a debut novel this book was surprisingly good. It was well written and showed some amazing character development. These are the kind of characters you can easily get behind and want them to find a way.
This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster with ease. This is a brilliant first book and I am exciting for the rest of the series.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Julie Johnson

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is gonna stay with me for awhile! Ellawyn (I love that name!) is suffering at the hands of her abuser. She needs to get away but she’s scared. One day she musters up the courage and finds herself in Quimby Grove. Ella spends her time in the local bookstore, Starlight Books, eating lemon blueberry scones and drinking her vanilla latte. Benji, the elderly bookstore owner, takes a particular liking to her and they strike up a friendship. Things take a turn for Benji and he mentions that his grandson, Beckett, will be arriving soon and he’d like for them to meet up.
Beckett owns an advertising agency but truly misses his home at Starlight Books. He’s ecstatic that his grandfather has called him home for a visit, but at the same time very apprehensive. What could this visit mean for them? Beckett learns the reason and decides he’s going to stay on for awhile and conduct his business affairs remotely. Then he sees her…the girl who stays in Starlight all day long and he has to meet her.
From the moment they meet, Beckett and Ellawyn have explosive fireworks all around. Then the messages start up. The threatening calls, notes left on doors…Ella thought she’d left all that behind. Can she open up her heart to someone else? Is she ready to make the next step in her life?
This book, as I previously mentioned, is going to stick with me for awhile. These characters are very relatable and loveable! I laughed, I cried, I even wanted to throw my book a few times while learning more about the residents of Quimby Grove. Benji completely stole my heart and I really hope the next book in this series is about Max.

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove #1)Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely immersed in this enjoyable and engaging small town romantic suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this contemporary romance in which Ellawyn Calloway moves to Quimby Grove, in Pennsylvania to make a fresh start, having left her old life behind. Ellawyn becomes friends with Benji, the elderly owner of ‘Starlight Books’, a quaint bookstore café, where she spends her time. When Benji’s grandson Beckett Walden returns to Quimby Grove for a visit, she can’t deny their connection, especially when Ellawyn learns of a devastating threat to Starlight Books, and so offers to help Beckett run the store.
As the couple get closer, Ellawyn finds herself letting her guard down, however, unknown to her a stalker is wanting to get her alone and she is in danger. I loved the characters, especially the likeable and relatable Ellawyn, and I thought Beckett was perfect for her. Their chemistry really sizzled off the page, leading to some steamy scenes. The small town feel of Quimby Grove really came across in the descriptive narrative, bringing the setting vividly to life. The storyline was full of drama, suspense and plenty of romance keeping me happily turning the pages. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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