Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman – Review by Angela Hayes

Swallowed by a SecretSwallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman was such a surprising read- in a great way. It is a highly emotive story aimed at tweenage children (9 – 13), but can also be enjoyed by older readers, like me, too.
Rocky’s life is turned upside down by the death of his father. He and his mother have to move house, and he has a new school to adjust to. But on top of all that, there’s quite a big secret surrounding the death of his father, and that everything he though he knew, may not be true. He is determined to uncover the truth and get to the bottom of it all. And so starts his ‘adventure’. Along with his friend Olive- they set off to unravel the mystery and find the truth.
This is such a relatable story. Rocky and Olive are really wonderful characters. Rocky’s story is very engaging and I was totally invested in the outcome of it all- but I think that Olive really stole the show. She was that extra ingredient that took this story from interesting, to impressive.
The story includes some sensitive and difficult topics- which I think the author handled in a considerate, yet realistic way.
This is definitely worth the read. But, be sure to have some tissues on standby, as you are going to need them.

Thank you, Risa Nyman!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Winter’s Wolf (The Cursed Series Book 1) by Lou Grimes – Review by Jonell Collins

Winter's Wolf (The Cursed, #1)Winter’s Wolf by Lou Grimes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Its not like I don’t already have enough series that I must keep up with, but, Winter’s Wolf (The Cursed Series Book 1) by Lou Grimes has been added to the list. This is a great shifter story and if the next ones are as good as this one this will shape up to be a really good series. The characters are all interesting and well tailored. Although there are many characters the focus is on the main ones with just enough information to start your anticipation for the next book in this really excellent series. The romance between Louvette and Arsen is very palpable and so very sweet. Some good clean love without the icky factor, may be what I love about this book the most. A very enjoyable read.

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Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot – Review by Jonell Collins

Love the Way You DanceLove the Way You Dance by Allison M Boot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot is another winner. This is just a very heartwarming feel good tale. The characters in her tale have such strong individual characteristics and they are so well described; you almost feel like you know these folks. I love the encouraging story that Ms. Boot has woven for us. A tale about possibilities, and so much that is positive in a world that is all too negative these days. You get all the warm fuzzies with this one.

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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jonell Collins

Boundaries (Scope of Practice, #1)Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was immediately hooked into Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall. Because I am a survivor. Even though Val is the star of this show, Maggie’s story was similar to my own. This book can seem quite raw for those that have never faced these ghosts, but people cannot write about things they do not know. You should know you are not alone. If you are a survivor this story will resonate with you. I had to keep checking myself to make sure I remembered who I am today. A survivor. Great book, it will make you think.

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Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Rachel Moss

Girl TrapGirl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Girl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton was a great read! Another great addition to the madeline Dawkins mystery series. I was instantly grabbed into the story, just as I was with the other two books in the series. Great plot, great characters, this was a super easy novel to read that was full of all the emotions. I enjoyed following more of Madeline’s and Mike’s adventures, and seeing the story progress. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait to read more!

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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Meg Tyrrell

Boundaries (Scope of Practice, #1)Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boundaries: Scope of Practice Book 1 by Jessica Aiken-Hall is the first book I’ve read by this author. The cover, blurb, and teasers sold me on this book pretty fast and I am very happy that I decided to read it. I loved how I was so consumed by these words that I found myself reading this in one sitting. I know for sure I will be back for more in book two as soon as it is available. I know this is one that any crime novel person will want to devour, so if that is your thing this is a book you have to have! I can’t wait to see what we will get next!

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Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Kayla Interdonato

Girl Trap (Madeline Dawkins #3)Girl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Girl Trap is the third book in The Madeline Dawkins Series by Cynthia Hamilton. Madeline Dawkins is an event planner and private investigator in Southern California. Madeline and her partner Mike Delaney must work on two cases that seem fairly straightforward at first. While Madeline investigates an estranged heiress in San Luis Obispo, Mike is on his way to Los Angeles to look for his cousin’s missing girlfriend and her sister. They are both about to uncover a terrifying world where the criminals will stop at nothing to keep what they have. Cynthia Hamilton writes yet another thrilling mystery in this series. The author does a wonderful job portraying two different mysteries at the same time. There are difficult topics discussed in this book, such as sex trafficking and mental illness, but the author does so in a tasteful way. I have thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the last story in the series.

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Blind Magic: The Sanctuary Chronicles by India Kells – Review by Meg Tyrrell

Blind Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles #2)Blind Magic by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story Blind Magic: The Sanctuary Chronicles by India Kells is a paranormal romance book and my second book by this author. I loved reading about the characters of Sera Dover and Ian Macon. A unique and fascinating twist on paranormal romance, witches and shifters. Blind Magic is a suspenseful, thrilling story combined with a sexy forbidden romance. I was hooked from the first page. I’m on to the next!

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Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot – Review by Anantha Rusum

Love the Way You DanceLove the Way You Dance by Allison M Boot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love the way you dance picks up where the previous book, Just the way you are finished. In this book, Kara, an orphan adopted by Misty and Derrick in the previous book, takes the center stage. What seemed like fairy tale with the prince and princess marrying and adopting an orphan isn’t happily ever after as it was supposed to be.
Misty gets pregnant with twins, leaving Kara with pangs of insecurities. The revelation of the family secrets and the magical powers of the royal family to combat the evil troll make Kara feel more insecure. She starts feeling out of place. She tries to focus all her energy and time in her passion she loves the most, her dancing. But unfortunately, things don’t turn out well when her dance instructor pairs her with a boy she does not like, Tyler. Soon, she gets an idea of pairing up orphans with their forever families in the kingdom. This is not taken very well with the royal family. Kara is now disheartened in all aspects of her life. To top it, the troll on the loose does not make her life any easier.
Now Kara’s loyalty to the royal family is put to the ultimate test and she has to prove herself to them.
It is a very heartwarming story for young readers and adults alike. The theater in the palace, lots of varieties of delectable chocolates, the flexible wheelchair which follows the command of the dancer sitting on it, are delightful episodes to read.
I felt that the book could have been a little shorter, but considering the depth in which Kara’s emotional turmoil and the upheavals are described, it is understandable.
I enjoyed the book overall. It is a delightful read.

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Winter’s Wolf (The Cursed Series Book 1) by Lou Grimes – Review by Heather Lovelace

Winter's Wolf (The Cursed, #1)Winter’s Wolf by Lou Grimes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grimes is a new author for me and I loved every page of this book. Although intended for a YA audience, it is so well written I believe readers of all ages (including this middle age woman) will thoroughly enjoy this paranormal adventure. Louvette is a strong and feisty character that I immediately like from the first page. She has fire and spirit and I immediately wanted to know more about her and her relationship with her mom and her background. You knew it was going to be interesting. But I never quite anticipated each turn the story took. I really enjoyed the story pace and the author’s ability to keep things fresh. Fantasy lovers – this is a must read!

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Golden Void (Black Blade Book 3) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Kerry Baker

Golden VoidGolden Void by Alexander Charalambides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Golden Void by Alexander Charalambides is the third book in the Black Blade series. As with previous books I found this one to be exciting and fast paced. The author creates an interesting story that has strong characters and a well developed plot.
I really found myself drawn to Megan. She has such a depth about her, and a strength that really comes through. It was really great to see her journey throughout the book.
I was pulled into this story immediately. I had to keep reading as I wanted to know what was going to happen, to see how things were going to turn out. This is well written and was a brilliant story. I would definitely recommend this book!

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The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods Book 2) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Heather Lovelace

The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods, #2)The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a huge history fan with a soft spot for mythology. And when this book fell into my hands I couldn’t believe my luck. I jumped into the series with this book (and now will be running to pick up book one) and was immediately transported to ancient mythology. I was fascinated by Evan and his struggle (and what an understandable struggle it is). The quest was epic, which when involving mythology it always should be. I was riveted and very much pulled into this epic adventure. Again I can’t wait to go back and read book one. And I look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Deleted by Ruth Mitchell – Review by Jennifer Gordon

DeletedDeleted by Ruth Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an original story, set in the near future, in the 2040’s and as well as having me hooked from the start it also makes you think. Technophobe and college freshman Lucy learns to ‘mindhack’ and then along with her boyfriend they solve small crimes however Lucy is then deleted from his mind everyone else’s. Lucy is then in a race against time to stop a mysterious young hacker who erases memories for profit and is looking to wipe out all her memories. It’s not only Lucy’s memories at risk because if Lucy doesn’t find the hacker and stop him, no one will even know that minds can be hacked and therefore lives rewritten. This has a fast paced and exciting storyline and great characters that really come alive. I felt completely immersed in the world author, Ruth Mitchell has created in Deleted. I recommend this book as a real page turner and a great read.

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Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot – Review by Finn Cunningham

Love the Way You DanceLove the Way You Dance by Allison M Boot
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love the Way You Dance by Allison M. Boot is an enchanting 5 star read! This story follows Kara, a young princess who was adopted by the King and Queen of Starrycrest. I absolutely loved Kara, a relatable character who struggles with deep insecurities due to her disability. I very much enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend this wonderful 5 star read. This book is very inspiring, and I look forward to reading more by Allison!

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Bottomed Out (Moto X Series Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Heather Bass

Bottomed OutBottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have from this author and she blew my mind. I absolutely love sports romance but this author exceeded all my expectations. This is the fourth book in the Moto X series. You can read this book as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I was so excited to read this story. I dropped everything and started it right away. I fell in love with these characters right away. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.

Jax Hunt was on the top of the world of Moto crossing. He was the best of the best and one race changed all that. Jax is in a serious accident that causes him to be bound in a wheelchair. He now has a totally different life. Jax works for a company that plans events for Motocross racing but he knows he will never get on a bike again. He is living his life and then the gorgeous Lennox comes into his life. She is unique, beautiful, and very bold. Jax is instantly attracted to her but her brother is standing in their way of true happiness. Will Jax be able to get a woman to love all of him or will he be alone for good?

Review by @heatherbass

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Grace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Erin Wolf

Grace's GhostsGrace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give Grace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson Peterson, 5 stars.

This book was fantastic! Yes, the main character is twelve, so this is technically for older children, but really it’s great for all ages. Grace is entertaining and real. Children can relate to her problems and adults can remember not really fitting in as a child. The secondary characters are all fantastic too. Being a cat lover, Midnight is of course my favorite.

The story itself is interesting too. Grace learns more about herself as well as trying to figure of the puzzle of the trapped ghosts. I have read many paranormal books, and I cannot say I have read something like this before. I could not put it down until I was done (and I am many, many times older than 12). I was so intrigued and I hope there will be more books with these characters in the future.

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Deleted by Ruth Mitchell – Review by Kerry Carr

DeletedDeleted by Ruth Mitchell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great adventure set in the future. In this age of modern technology and all the advancements that happen its a very thought provoking book. It leaves you thinking could this happen one day.

The year is 2040 and everyone is wearing Spex and mindseye. Everyone that is except Lucy. Lucy is concerned that this new technology could lead to someone hacking her brain. Everyone tells her she is wrong but she is more right that they realise.

When her sister Mollie figures out how to delete her husbands memories she shares this knowledge with Lucy and her boyfriend Marco.
They use this knowledge to help stop people commiting crimes and students from cheating. It seems an amazing thing until Lucy looks into the Mayors memories and sees Nick.

Little is known about Nick apart from the fact he how the knowledge and means to delete memories. People hire him to remove problems they don’t want and after he removes himself from their memories. He is able to clear his image from everyone apart from Lucy.

Now starts a chase as Nick tries to find her as she is the only link to stopping and identifying him. With Marcos memory gone so he has no memory of her and everyone else’s memory cleared she is on her own in trying to survive and bring Nick down.

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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Boundaries (Scope of Practice, #1)Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star
Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall is a fast past mystery that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. My emotions were all over the place I felt like I was right there with them. Valerie is a woman who has had trauma in her life. She’s a Social worker and is actually more comfortable with the dead than living. She’s been asked to run a trauma support group. She finds her boundaries are tested . Find out what happens next in this absolute must read. I truly enjoyed this Book and look forward to reading more from this Author.

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Boundaries (Scope of Practice Book 1) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Sunday Barnaby

Boundaries (Scope of Practice, #1)Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boundaries by Jessica Aiken-Hall
Four Stars

Boundaries is the first book in the Scope of Practice series by Jessica Aiken-Hall. This is the first book I have read by this author, but definitely won’t be the the last. The story flowed and the characters were relatable. I was suck right in from the very first page and didn’t put the book down until the last. This story was full of suspense and has many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I love a mystery that is predictable and this really hit the spot. Valerie Williamson is a very original character that I found very interesting. I look forward to reading what comes next by Ms.Aiken-Hall. If you like a good mystery this is a great book.
Review by @sunbarn

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Swallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman – Review by Candida Hopper

Swallowed by a SecretSwallowed by a Secret by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swallowed by a Secret
by Risa Nyman

This was a well written emotional story. Rocky is a 13 year old boy whose life is struck by tragedy. Rocky now finds himself in a new town and a new school. He meets Olivia at his new school who ends up helping him on his journey to find the truth of his father’s death. I enjoyed reading this story. This book is gripping, heartwarming and drew me in from the beginning. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more. I highly recommend this book

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Bottomed Out (Moto X Series Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Bottomed OutBottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a good one! It wasn’t my first book by this author and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the charcters and the i was pulled in by this authors writing style. Jax and Lennox are our main characters and they were amazing. They had so much to overcome and get through and it was a great story to watch unfold. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and i would recommend this anyone that likes a good heartfelt story.

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Stepbrother (Step Dilemma Series Book 1) by Stacy McWilliams – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1 by Stacy McWilliams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a guilty pleasure in step romances and I don’t know where it started! This book was to be right up my alley and it was for the most part.
Bailey and Cooper are who this is about and the story itself was good but the actions taking place didn’t sit well with me. I like my heroines to be strong and have some sort of a backbone and she just took whatever attention she got, good or bad. I know it’s played off of how her father wrote her off as a kid but I just wanted to shake them both and say you’re being idiots.
This ends on a cliffhanger so I’ll be waiting for the next book. Just all seem immature and I hope with their age now at the end it changes in the next book.

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New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy (Carolina Kisses Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Jana Teppih

New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy (Carolina Kisses Book 2)New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

New Jerk in Town: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy is the second book in Sylvie Stewart’s Carolina Kisses series. I have read her Carolina Connections series before so it was good to bump into some familiar faces as well. I have always loved spin-offs/series where we meet the old favorites! You can read the story as a standalone but if you love Carolinas and the small towns and feeling good, I suggest that you don’t only read the first of the Carolina Kisses series but also dip into Carolina Connections!
We meet a grumpy Milo who is raising his teenage niece after returning to his home town … he is also trying to figure out what to do with his life and then, suddenly, a blast from the past, Jill, has also returned to the town … it blows one’s mind how their story is filled with misunderstandings and it is going to take quite a bit to sort them out as both of them are stubborn like hell and can argue until the cows come home and then leave again! There are so many other supporting characters that make the story a charm to read and I promise you will not want to put it down until you have come to the end AND you will want to go and check out the other books that are ‘related’ to Milo and Jill’s story so plan some binging time!

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Stepbrother (Step Dilemma Series Book 1) by Stacy McWilliams – Review by Madison Degraffenreid

Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1 by Stacy McWilliams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stepbrother (Step Dilemma Series Book 1) by Stacy McWilliams

5-Stars

Stepbrother (Step Dilemma Series Book 1) by Stacy McWilliams had me hooked from the start. It was a complete emotional roller-coaster. Holy cow! I fought my tears so many times while reading and I could not put this book down. The storyline was addicting and I felt like I was stuck in Bailey’s world. The ending was wow! I can’t wait to find out what happens next. This book was an easy 5-Stars.

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Bottomed Out (Moto X Series Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Michelle Mulvey

Bottomed Out (Moto X Book 4)Bottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bottomed Out by Brooke May is such a great read. I enjoyed this book from the first page. I loved how strong of a character Jax is. He definitely defied the odds. He may not have his dream career but he has a great job and is great at it. His friends cheered him on every step of the way.
When every thought he couldn’t do it, he did it and did it well.

He was always a stud but now, his luck has changed. When he meets Lennox, his luck changes. Jax and Lennox have chemistry right away. The only issue is her brother!!! He tries everything. He’s a very overprotective brother but, is Jax willing to give up and let him win?
I loved the characters in this book and I loved the storyline.
This was a great feel good read to show the average person , no matter what happens, you can always overcome just about anything.

Review by @xchellex

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Bottomed Out (Moto X Book 4) by Brooke May – Review by Caralee Loonat

Bottomed OutBottomed Out by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bottomed Out (Moto X Book 4) by Brooke May
4 Stars!!!!

I really have a bad habit of reading series out of order. This is the first book I have read from this author and I was not disappointed. I didn’t find it hard to keep up with what was going on or felt like I had missed anything. I really found the author’s style refreshing and the whole concept unique.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jax and Len. The characters really just came to life and I felt as though I was there as the story unfolded. There was just the right mix of drama and the romance. I found that everything just seemed to come together and I could not put the book down. I like how the author was able to incorporate Jax’s condition after his accident and how he was able to get back to his life. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and this series.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Girl Trap (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery Book 3) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Chantelle Smith

Girl TrapGirl Trap by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cynthia Hamilton has once again captivated me with her Third Read in the Madeline Dawkins Series Girl Trap! This book had me hooked from the very beginning. It’s a mentally visual read that has me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns throughout. This read definitely needs to be read as part of the series, for the complete full effect of the storyline and characters and that you do not miss any vital information. This was an excellent read and can’t wait for more from this series!

Reviewed By @tillytillzz

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Grace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Liz Vrchota

Grace's GhostsGrace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grace’s Ghosts by Stephenie Wilson was my first experience reading anything by the author and I was really happy that I found her when I had finished this novel. I read it hoping this would be something I could also share with my twelve year old and was so excited when it read like a cute and sweet young adult read with a wee bit of suspense thrown in to entice the older children crowd. While this is a young adult novel or categorized as a children’s book I really enjoyed reading this as an adult and would love to find out what else is available from the author.

The story follows Grace, a young girl who sees ghosts and is perplexed by the vast amount that her town in particular has. She is determined to find out what is wrong and to help the spirits that she interacts with. I really enjoyed the mysterious and adorable ghost cat that seems to be her sidekick too. I think this is a fun story to share with my kids and look forward to finding her other novels soon!

Review by @lizaileen
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A Book Signing To Die For: Beach Reads by Judy Moore – Review by Juls Dick

A Book Signing To Die ForA Book Signing To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Book Signing to Die for by Judy Moore is a cosy mystery set on the Florida coast. Beck is a small business owner, running a book shop and café with her Granny, with some help from little sister Lizzie. They regularly host book signings with celebrity authors. One fateful night one of the customers is murdered after a signing and Beck takes it upon herself to investigate the incident as she feels that the police are on the wrong track. When Beck’s investigation starts to produce results, she needs to decide if justice is worth her own safety. I really liked this book; it was entertaining with some unexpected twists. I would recommend.

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Stepbrother (Step Dilemma Series Book 1) by Stacy McWilliams – Review by Juls Dick

Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1Stepbrother: Step Dilemma Series Book 1 by Stacy McWilliams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stepbrother: Step Dilemma series book by Stacy McWilliams is a heart-breaking novel. I don’t think that a book has made me feel so many emotions in a long time. Bailey hasn’t had it easy, she has lost her brother and her dad doesn’t want any contact with her so it is just her and her mum, however when she find outs that her mum has met someone new and wants to start a new lift with him Bailey is thrown into a brand new family, complete with two new step brothers. Cooper and Bailey do not get off to a good start but when their relationship starts to evolve Bailey is subjected to so much heartbreak. I loved Bailey; she deserves so much more from life that what she has but I have to say I despised some of the other characters (it’s a good thing though as I was so emotionally invested in the story!) I loved this book, I went from swooning, to angry, to livid, to worried, to shocked all in a few pages. I highly recommend and cannot wait until book 2 comes out.

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