Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartwarming and at times heartbreaking story celebrating female friendships and women choosing their own destiny’s. I was captivated from start to finish by this book about two friends Lydia and Kate, who decide to retrace their wild youth and go on a worldwide voyage. Lydia is a widow living and working as a teacher in a small town but is feeling lonely following her husbands death. Having married and built a successful career Kate is now divorced and facing professional failure, having hit rock bottom she believes she has only one option. However, her longtime friend Lydia offers her a different option, and with one hoping to heal her heartache and the other needing to find a meaning in life again, they travel to all the exotic locations they visited when they were younger. Amidst the heartache and loss their passion for life and love is reignited, but Kate still has plans to end it all. When a surfer from Lydia’s past offers her a second chance at romance and love she is forced to choose between saving herself or Kate. This heartfelt story took me on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey and it does deal with some upsetting and difficult themes. However, these are handled with sensitivity and honesty and overall I found the storyline to be an inspirational one. I found both Lydia and Kate likeable and relatable and I felt instantly engaged with them and invested in their journey. The wonderful places they visited came to life through the descriptive narrative and I felt fully immersed in the story.

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Dinopotamus Goes to School (Dinopotamus Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Dinopotamus Goes to SchoolDinopotamus Goes to School by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super cute children’s book. Not only does this story encourage going on school, it also teaches children about differences. While the dinosaur is very different he is still the same. This story also encourages counting and playing together. Once again this author has given children another cute story with teaching hidden within. A must have for your child’s library.

Review@cinful

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Cold Day in Hell is the 5th book in the Life Is Hell series. I personally can’t wait to read the rest of them!! I didn’t want to put this book down. A couple nights I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. I just wanted to finish it! I read this as a standalone, but because there are so many characters you meet quickly, I suggest reading them in order. I am sure there are some back stories in some of this that I might have not picked up on because I haven’t read the rest. YET! In this book you meet Hadassah who is an angle that is on probation for sharing her power with her brother (Malakhi) who’s an exile from Heaven. Her punishment is to live on Earth for whatever period of time the Heaven council sees fit. Helping her brother save a demon has turned her life upside down. Hell on Earth. While she stays with Mal and his chosen family she keeps to herself. She doesn’t want to be included. She wants to get through her sentence and be gone. As to not disappoint her brother more she makes a small attempt to hang out with Jezebel. Thinking she can get out of it easy and go back to being a shut in alone in her room backfires though. Jezebel ends up going on the run from some dangerous people and Hadassah goes with her. Stuck with a shifter who hates her and annoys the crap out of her, but hey maybe Mal will be grateful. IF they don’t kill each other! When Jezebel disappears Hadassah must make a few choices that are going to piss off a lot of people. Will she be able to give up her old life? Will she even have a life once everything settles? This book is so so good!! Slow burn for sure! Paranormal Fantasy that’s definitely a frenemies-to-lovers romance.

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@jaimie0459

What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Megan Rea

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very complex story that comes with trigger warnings and I suggest you read them. This is also a sequel and I would recommend reading the first installment before taking up this one because things will be some much more clear if you do. Kain takes us on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entirety of the book both with Gavin and Katie. This is a really fast-paced novel and the characters are fantastically written and developed. My heart broke so many times for Gavin, Katie, and Maggie throughout the book. There is just so much in here that it can be overwhelming at times so it’s very important that you, the reader, understand the trigger warnings and take breaks when needed. There were parts in the story that triggered me quite literally out of the blue so this is definitely a read that you need to take caution with when going in to it. But don’t let that deter you. Kain has done a remarkable job representing C-PTSD authentically and her writing is so deep and rich.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Mary Espinoza

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

P.J. Mann has done it again with another great book in the Detective Scala series! I have read some of the other books in this series, but not all of them and this one may have been my favorite one! P.J. has a unique way of writing about mystery and not making you feel lost as the story unfolds. This time, Detective Scala is trying to find the balance between work and personal life, and man can this be a challenge! From the time you read the first page, you will find yourself lost in the world of Detective Scala and all of the adversity that comes his way! I definitely found this book to be a page turner that I couldn’t put down. Just like with any other books in this series, you can read it as a stand-alone or you can read the whole series to get the full effect of Detective Scala and his world full of mystery. This book was full of emotion with its fair share of twists and turns! I am sitting here impatiently waiting to see what else P.J. Mann will create for us to get lost in for a moment in time! Happy reading!

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Mary Espinoza, May 2024

Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am giving this book 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed reading the first book in this series. It is a good starting point for the whole series. It is a really quick read, a little short. I am giving it 4.5 stars because I feel the author could have gone further with the story line and the characters to make it seems not so rushed. That being said, this is a very good book. It was a great easy read in one day. All the elements are there for it to be an amazing series based off of the start of this book. The mythical world that the author creates really does give the reader a great visualization of where this story takes place. The romance and steam in this book are tastefully done and the story line itself isn’t based just around those elements in the book. I just wanted more and maybe that is what is going to happen with the other books in the series. It did feel a little rushed in the middle of the book, like the author was trying to keep the book at a certain word length or page length. I would have liked to go more in depth but again, this might be fixed in the next book in the series. Either way, it is a good read and I did get caught up in the story which is always the goal. I look forward to reading the rest of the series because it is a great start. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a quick supernatural escape and a book they can finish in a day.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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

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

A wonderful and simply perfect small town romance. I love how Libby and Zack chance meet, due to a house fire caused by her toaster. That cracked me up, especially her thinking and taking allowed about the toaster. Zack is infatuated right away and I fall in love with the way he falls in love with her. His possessive moments of her are also super hot. Her reasons for not wanting a relationship are valid but, all the “love” she saw growing up was with her mom and her boyfriends, never her, she needs to take a chance. Her friends Rachel and Cat are the perfect girlfriends to have in her corner and to give it to her straight. I really look forward to Cat and Cody’s story. From the way they interact at the end of this book, I know it will be a fun ride.

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What Lies Buried by Leslie Kain – Review by Rose McCaskey

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What Lies BuriedWhat Lies Buried by Leslie Kain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I almost didnt read this book because of the content. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for years and a few years ago witnessed a shooting that left me traumatized so I wasn’t sure how I would handle this book but I did enjoy reading it. There was so many aspects to it from childhood trauma, ptsd, anxiety, and depression that are real and people struggle with every single day. Those things made it a great read because it made it relatable.

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Ayla Eddy

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked up this book as C.A. King has become an auto read author for me after reading several of their other works. The cover was also eye-catching and as an individual allergic to the majority of Sushi a way to interact with it without dying. That said I did not die from reading Evil Sushi but did enjoy this book. There was a lack of character connection and depth. The premise of the story was different from other books I have read. 

Two fishermen in a world running low on resources find the catch of a lifetime! If only they knew the truth to these fish from down below. What waits in the dark depths of the ocean? Pick up the book for a most unique reading experience and find out!

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising, #5)The Strategist by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
The Strategist (WaterFyre Rising Book 5) by Nadia Han

The Strategist is the fifth book in the WaterFyre Rising Series and is a Romantic Suspense that will have you turning the pages till the end. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages. I however read it in one afternoon sitting because I had to know how things were going to play out. These two definitely have chemistry between them. Vivian and Arrow, he’s a navy seal with a very haunting past and she’s a dentist who doesn’t make time or have much time for romance. Can these two get a second chance at Romance even after only one night? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m looking forward to reading more from this Author.

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The Handshake Agreement (Book #1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Angela Hayes

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The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Handshake Agreement (Book #1) by A. Akinosho is a contemporary romance with second chances, age gap, angst, drama, emotion, pain, heartache, challenges, family, possessive alpha-type MMC, sister’s best friend element, an agreement, tension, chemistry, and spice.
Fate has a plan for our MC’s even if they don’t fully realise it. But, as expected from Ms. Akinosho, she doesn’t take it easy on them- dragging them through the wringer and putting them and their love (and determination) to the test- and making them work for their (second) chance at happiness.
I really did want to love this story much more than I did, as Ms. Akinosho a great tale- but this time around I found it hard to connect with the characters, which made it difficult to immerse myself in their story, or invest in them and the ultimate outcome. Because of this, I found myself really frustrated most of the time. But I put this down to a ‘me’ thing- so we’ll see what Ms. Akinosho does with the next book.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, A. Akinosho!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Under the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Heather Bass

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Under the BandageUnder the Bandage by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a few of these authors’ books to my niece and she loves them. This book teaches you what happens when you get a boo boo. . My niece loves that the pictures for the story go so well with each other. She also loves that it makes learning fun.

A little boy loves to play with his toy soldiers. He trips on one of his pieces and he skins his knee. He goes to mom and she puts a bandage on his knee and tells him not to touch it. Then the story goes into how your body is healing his knee. Will he leave his bandage alone or will he not listen to his mom?
Review by @heatherbass

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache Series) by E.L. Roux – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Unrequited Love (Magic and Heartache, #1)Unrequited Love by E.L. Roux
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unrequited Love is a cute supernatural romance. The author gives the reader a brief overview of the characters, though the development is a little rushed. Overall I thought it was a good story despite the minor forced scenarios.
Jordan, a “Cafe owner” gets annoyed that her ex-fiancé is bugging her every day and blaming her for it. Jordan isn’t quite human which leads to her sensitive things not always being cut and dry. When Cane approaches her with a proposition. He needs her to help with a ceremony, unfortunately for Jordan, it’s the woman that’s currently with her ex. Jordan has some reservations but ultimately accepts his request. Now can they keep it professional.
Jordan is beginning to realize that Cane is a good looking man. One she’s been silently pining for.
Will they be successful?
Will they acknowledge the elephant in the room?
Again this is a short story that leaves the reader wanting more for these characters as well as more throughout. I enjoyed the dynamic but I wanted more. I look forward to more by this author in the future.

@placexba
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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rosanna Ingram

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Toasted (Love Burns #1)Toasted by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Libby’s welcome to town is a toaster fire…which brings the local firefighters right into her kitchen. Zach, a responding firefighter, and Libby have instant chemistry. While Libby is trying to protect her heart, Zach’s determination to break down her walls and win her over may be just what she needs!

This is a light-hearted story with humor and, let’s not forget, hot firefighters! It was quite entertaining and kept me reading from beginning to end in one sitting. I enjoyed Libby and Zach’s characters…and we are introduced to other firefighters that I could see being the main characters in future books.

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Tausha Treadway

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann. This is the newest addition in the Commissario Scala Mystery and it was just as good if not better than the other 5. I do recommend reading them all in order however they can be read as standalones. This edition has Detective Scala in Italy investigating the death of 2 cousins who were up to no good. These cousins are deep in the drug underworld and when he starts investigating he realizes that there is trouble in the drug world. They are fighting among themselves and that’s always good for the investigators! What Detective Scala doesn’t account for is this case taking him away from his family more so than usual and they aren’t happy about it. Will he be able to figure out how to have balance where his family isn’t missing him and still be able to get his job done? This thriller will have you flipping pages late in the night on the edge of your seat. I love this series so much!

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Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Five Tries to Get It Right is a heart-wrenching and yet tugged at my heart-strings story of love, friendship, loss, grief, promises and mental illness. The author did a great job navigating the friendship between Lydia and Kate in this story that really brought issues to light. What would you do to keep hope to save your best friend…..this story really brings that question to mind as Lydia and Kate pack up and explore Spain, Amsterdam, the Caribbean, Australia, and Costa Rica in hope to rekindle their bond of friendship.

Going on an adventure is all Lydia wants to do after dealing with the death of her husband and her daughter leaving to study abroad, Lydia is grasping to help as well with Kate as she does not want to feel that she will lose her as well. Kate is dealing with her issues of her divorce and losing her own company….the will to live is no longer there. Lydia will do anything not to lose Kate as well and with their time together on their trip, Lydia hopes that Kate will regain the spark she always had.

This story really is touching and while the topic is difficult, this story is very well written and I highly recommend this read. Another great story by Kathryn Dodson!

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Make Me Want to Love You (Love in Emerald Creek) by N.D. Jackson – Review by Amy Sprau

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Make Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald CreekMake Me Want To Love You: Love in Emerald Creek by N.D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a second book in the series. I did not read the first, but I plan on going back to do that next! I can’t wait to see more books this author writes, and hoping that this series will continue.

This is the story of a single mom, Shayna and her best friends business partner, Burke. Right from the beginning, the chemistry is off the chart! One of the best parts though, is the relationship that Burke has with Shayna’s children. Shayna has to decide if she can be with someone that treats her the way she deserves to be treated. The story has a slow burn, and I’m here to tell you that you want to be there for it all. The author does such an amazing job of making you feel like you are in the book with them. This was one book that I could not put down!

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour Series) by Ava Bond – Review by Trista Martin

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The Rake (Daughters of Dishonour #1)The Rake by Ava Bond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fast-paced historical romance. The author quickly grabbed my attention in the beginning but struggled to keep it about the middle of the book. I’m glad I stuck with it because I did end up enjoying it. If you enjoy mystery and historical romance I would recommend giving it a shot.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Trista Martin

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! Summer of Mud is written for middle grade aged kids and I would recommend it for the higher end of that level. The main character is a talented musician with a chance of a lifetime to make her dreams come true. She ends up on a road trip with her older brother and lots of life experience.

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell Series Book 5) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Trista Martin

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A Cold Day in Hell (Life is Hell #5)A Cold Day in Hell by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a ride that was. I love enemies to lovers trope and the author nailed it. I haven’t read the other books in the series, but this read well without having read the previous books.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eh its okay. I liked the thought of weird shifters. I struggled with the flow of the story and romance part. I felt for Ducky and her loneliness but I am not sure about the third form. That was different. I personally was unliking of that element of the story but see how it helped move the story another way. The ending was abrupt in the relationship area but came to a conclusion in the secondary story

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The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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The Handshake AgreementThe Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance, with a second chance theme which kept me happily turning the pages. Anne was rather cynical about falling in love and Declan didn’t plan on marrying for love, until they met and fell in love with each other. However, Anne’s world was shattered with one text from Declan on their wedding day simply saying “I’m not coming.” Unknown to Anne an agreement that Declan made years before he had even met her resurfaced presenting him with a dilemma, ultimately he had no choice but to hurt Anne. Years later and Declan is back in Anne’s life and is demanding that she give him a second chance, but she’s now engaged to another man. However, having found her again Declan is not about to let her marry someone else, and is determined to do anything to make her give him a second chance. Anne was a very likeable and relatable character, whilst Declan was a more difficult character to like especially as he was a real player at the beginning and slightly arrogant. However, he changes once he falls in love with Anne and the chemistry between them really came across in the story. The storyline had plenty of drama, suspense, angst and of course romance, and along with the plot twists I was hooked from start to finish.

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The Boss of Centocelle (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Boss of Centocelle is the sixth book in the Commissario Scala Mystery. Even though it is part of a series it can be read as a standalone read. However that being said these stories are so good you will want to read more.
This is another gripping crime read that is full of suspense , twist and turns and connections you can’t see coming. It enters the dangerous world of drugs, gangs and the unfortunate consequences of the people who get involved.
What I also love about these books is that the author gives us a deep insight into Commissario Scala’s life and how his job affects his loved ones.

This is a fast paced story dealing with gangs and drugs. And when 2 cousins turn up dead Scala has to unravel a tangled web to find out who was responsible. Was it gang related? Were they killed by a Rival gang or by their own? What was the reason?
As Scala starts to unravel this case another young man is found murdered. He is part of this gang too? If not why was he targeted? And does his death have anything to do with the suspects Scala is currently watching?

This is a story which will keep you gripped, with dangers, jealousy, betrayal, gangs and so much more. It is a very cleverly woven story which I really enjoyed.

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Rushin

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Can I Keep Her?Can I Keep Her? by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a cute little story about a girl who bonded with a dragon. I think many kids will enjoy the story because what child doesn’t dream of owning a pet dragon. I also believe the story shows children how to stick with their beliefs even if everyone else thinks differently. The main character, Wynnie, believes that the dragon can be a great pet and works to prove that. I recommend this story for all the children who love to dream of owning a dragon.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff Review by Heidi Woodring

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff is emotional coming of age story about Scoob and RC whom are siblings and Both are very talented musicians but who has also been dealt with so much from losing their parents to being homeless. RC decides to take a road trip to a festival where a job awaits him and he must bring his sister with him. Along the way they get stuck in the small town of Rexburg, Idaho. This town is buzzing with drama over the new dam that was built and so many worried about its safety. Scoob is all about wanting to get back to finally be able to play for band leader hoping this could be here big chance and just as she was about to get her way back, all heck breaks lose in Rexburg and the town is being flooded.
This book is filled with so much emotion, devastation, lessons, bad choices, and forgiveness. I could NOT put this book down and read it In one sitting. I was fully thrown into the world of RC, Scoob, and Rexburg and did not want to leave. Truly a great read and HIGHLY recommend this!!!

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Heidi Sturgess

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another one for my all time favourite reads list !

Meg and Ryan Kinkaid grew up as neighbours and his grandparents loved her like their own , I mean Meg and grandpa Hank were as thick as thieves ! I think it’s her incessant chatter that bugged him but she’s a sweet soul anyhoo she moved away but headed back to her hometown to run an antique store “ Finders Keepers” , she lives in her childhood home , her gran’s actually but she spent summers there , but the land was purchased by the Kinkaids

So Ryan has built yurts for tourists and Hank has come across some old stuff he wants to share with Meg and her quaint store . There are photos which are rather valuable but also hold a sad part of history which Ryan is aware of but he’s trying to right the wrongs of the past , this just makes me love him even more , it speaks volumes of his character …..

Hank and most of the town know these are meant for each other but they don’t 🥰🤣🙈he thought having Meg there might make them realise what they already know 🤣and don’t panic they eventually get there 🥰what a joy it was to be part of their journey I laughed , I cried and I cheered them on their way …

Meg’s dog Colby 🐾🥰also loves Hank and I just love how excited they get to see each other ! There’s just something about a small town and it’s people that gets me 🥰

Love you Hank , Meg , Ryan and Colby 🥰

I can’t wait to read more of Rachelle’s work !

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Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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

5 Stars
Toasted (Love Burns Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed

Toasted is the first book in the Love Burns Series and is a Contemporary Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages, I couldn’t put it down and read in one afternoon. I loved everything about this book and who doesn’t love hot sexy firemen? I sure do. These have sizzling chemistry between them and holy cow did the temperature rise during certain scenes. Whew. Zack and Libby meet for the first time when Libby’s toaster catches fire and Zack is one of the Hot as sin Firefighter s that save the day. She’s a sassy little thing and he loves it. These two banter back and forth and the attraction is off the charts. Can Zack convince Libby to give into a real relationship with him? I loved everything about this book and highly recommend reading it to find out what happens next. I’m already super excited about the next book in this series.

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Summer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Summer of MudSummer of Mud by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summer of Mud was such a heartwarming book about the true kindness of people and a lesson of perseverance. Rebecca Bischoff has written a real tear-jerker novel with such a strong lesson that life may not always bring what we expect, but good things are yet to come if we persevere. As we meet our main characters, Scoob and RC, we see they are doing everything they can to make ends meet for their survival. They had their mother leave them years ago, and after their father passed the year prior, they became homeless, all they had was their musical instruments and each other. Musical talent does not have an age limit, as we see through the brilliant trumpet playing of Scoob, a 12-year-old prodigy who is determined to find a gig playing in a band to help support her and her older brother. Unfortunately, RC has other plans for the two of them, taking them far from home in California, to take a road trip to where he claims to have a big job playing in a music festival. To Scoob’s surprise, they end up in Rexburg, Idaho where they meet up with a girl in a restaurant, Cherish, who RC seems to have a crush on and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to leave. Scoob and RC meet so many different types of people, from snobbish locals, and suspicious shop owners, as well as police officers looking to question them. They finally come across some nice, good Samaritans who are all about helping those in need with no questions asked on whether they were being honest about who they were or the situation that brought them to town.

This book is a great read that had me in tears by the last few chapters as I followed our characters through their ups and downs. There were times when I wasn’t sure if they would be able to make it through all of the situations that they were caught up in. There were moments when I was in shock by the outcomes that didn’t seem like they could ever survive, it just broke my heart. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would, because it was such a beautiful story showing how strong community is, especially when times are tough.
@Brandy Rymer
05/2024

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Can I Keep Her? (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Rita White

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What a good little book for ages 4-8. The illustrations are remarkable with bright colors and with great detail. I read this story to my 4 year old granddaughter, and she loved it. This story is twofold for me. It teaches a child that sometimes you have to try something (under adult supervision) that an older person might not think is the best. It also teaches children that if you work or train something (the dragon) and take time to help and make it understand to follow rules or commands that it makes all the difference in the world.
#canikeepit
#4-8yearoldlifelessons
#repeatauthor
#loiswickstromauthor
#timnagreenillustrator

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

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Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig is a handy guide on how to become more productive and impowered in your work/life/creativity. It is full of handy tips, insights, techniques, exercises, examples, and strategies on how to achieve a productive life.
It is about stepping out of your ‘comfort zone’ and embracing the changes that will help you achieve your goals whether they be personal, business, or creative- there is something here (for everyone) to help get you out of the rut/block that has you stagnating.
Everything you might want to know, from motivational techniques, to creative prompts, and dealing with deadlines, to taking breaks, becoming effective, setting boundaries, compassion, joyful work, building resilience, abundance, time management (budgeting time, tracing your time, investing your time wisely), the perils of overgiving, how to cope, how to stay ‘safe’ on social media, eliminating, and to not settle into being ‘stuck’— and so much more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Hillary Rettig!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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