Mr. Barsin’s Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Alison Risher

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an atypical story concerned with a toy store for atypical toys. There is nothing mundane or ordinary in this story. What you will find are interlocking tales of families working together and children learning to make difficult choices. Characters learn to work together, sometimes reluctantly, to help themselves and others out of a catastrophic situation amidst a hurricane evacuation. Themes include man versus man, man versus self, and man versus nature.

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy

The Hand of God is history suspense that teaches us the history of nuclear weapons and how they can be used. I was fascinated by the cover but a little hesitant about reading as nuclear weapons isn’t really my thing. But I’m glad I did. It’s a fast-paced eye opener and a bit scary at the same time. Its thought provoking and really makes you think. I know know and understand more about nuclear weapons and the power behind them and of course the political side. I’m glad I jumped into this not knowing what exactly to expect because I learned so much. I recommend reading this fast-paced book. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

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This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Kayla Octaviano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Omg how adorable!! Such a great story! It’s not a long book, but that’s what makes it perfect. It’s like a movie. Romance in a little town with an adorable family setting, and the perfect little kid to round out the story. Read this book if you like happily ever afters, kindness, joy, and small towns.

Lies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna

Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlucky in love Olivia needs a date for a family wedding. Her and her best friend, Lucy, concoct a plan. Olivia gives Lucy a list of traits that her date must have and Lucy sets Olivia up on a series of blind dates to find the right guy to take to the wedding. While on one of the blind dates, Olivia meets Ethan. Ethan is not her date but a frequent visitor to the tea shop where the blind dates happen.

Ethan saves Olivia from a particularly bad date. After that, Ethan and Olivia start talking and become friends. Friends lead to lovers. A series of misunderstandings, stubborn refusals, and prideful dismissals lead to a break up. After a couple of grand gestures that flop, things are looking brighter until someone steps into traffic. Will Ethan and Olivia ever find their way back to each other?

This darling tale of wires crossing is a delightful read. Lots of humor and wonderful characters to go around. Take the time to enjoy this one!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Angela Hayes

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

The Calamities of Camden Callahan is the first book in the Revenant series by Brittany Tucker. This was a really fun, action-packed, YA adventure that had me hooked from the moment I saw the cover. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Tuckers books, but this is definitely my favourite (so far).
I love Ms. Tucker’s dynamic and immersive world-building skills, she easily transported me into the story as I followed along. I could see this making a great television series, too.
I definitely have a taste for her work now and I can’t wait to read more books set in the Revenant world… or anything else she produces.
If you love original YA adventures, then this is definitely the book for you.
Happy Reading…

Thank You, Brittany Tucker!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Anastasia Dodson

This was a quick read and i enjoyed it. It was a aweet clean romance that i spend my afternoon listening to. The narrators are great! They worked well together and i enjoyed the alternating povs. Chase and Kate were high school sweethearts and things between them didn’t end on the best of terms. Years after they parted ways they’re pushed together as each others plus ones at a friends wedding. Even though its been years, there is still tension and hurt feelings between them but when they start to look closer, that also realise there is still love there too. I enjoyed this book even though it was a clean(er) romance than i normally read. I thought the author did a great job with this story and the narrators did an great job bringing this story to life. I will be listening to more by this author in the future!
Happy Listening!

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Ayla Phipps

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life. Death. Revenge. This is the first book I have read by Brittany Tucker and lord how mercy at the talent she has. I haven’t read many pirate books, but they have a lot to live up to when I come across one again. Told from the dual perspectives of Camden and Annie, this book takes you on a journey of rescuing, surviving, and thriving.
Camden was just nine years old when his mother was assassinated in front of him. When a random man saves Cam from the same fate his mother begs the man to take her son, raise him and keep him far from his father. Annie is from the North but after being sold by slavers to a Lord of the South she is raised as their daughter and “safe” if she doesn’t ask too many questions. Lockdown of a Port leaves Cam desperate to escape the “prison” he is trapped in leading to him making a risky move by accepting a red card job from a Stripe or Revenant. His reasoning is that he wants to buy his own ship, have Nathan, current ships navigator, as his quartermaster and allow Captain Resh to retire comfortably. Captain Resh was the man who saved him when he was younger. Annie isn’t like the others in New Havana, since the moment she arrived she has seen the ghosts of the island, they follow her and sometimes visit her in the night for help. Camden dies defending his job of transporting six barrels, only after he is spit back out and reborn as a Revenant himself does he learn the truth of the “job” he was on. It was a trap, a mission to prove the guilt of an once friend of the men who gave him the job. Now he has only one mission, to save his friends, and get revenge for his death on the man that caused it.
Will Camden succeed in his mission to save those he cares for? What does his newfound powers truly mean by living his true life? How will the truth of his identity affect himself and those around him? This world was beyond captivating. I often found myself lost in the visual and having to reread a sentence or two to remember what was happening. The characters are complex and never skin deep though they seem that way at times. Kept on the edge of my seat and sometimes holding my breath this was an amazing read to start the week kept me engaged and guessing what would happen next. I hope the author makes more books in the Revenant world.

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This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Laura Jones

I enjoyed listening to this book and found it a more wholesome and refreshing story line. I liked the fact that it didn’t have an in depth sex scene as those make me uncomfortable. But I do enjoy a good love story and this one was one I could picture being the next Hallmark movie. I found the characters to be endearing and loved how important family was to the main characters. One of the best parts was when Katie finally realized what was most important to her and she stood up for herself against her BFH. Well written, and quite enjoyable!

The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Brandy Vaughn

The Mother's ThreatThe Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read several other books by the author and this book doesn’t disappoint. The Mother’s Threat is based on a small waterfront town in the Pacific Northwest among the San Juan Islands and goes into Washington state. This book does a great job of showing character emotions through their actions. There’s an investment in the characters that makes you want to keep the pages turning to see what happens!

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Katie Kearney

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story really just opened the door to my heart walked right in and made its self at home. From the very beginning I knew I was in for a story that would have me in all my feelings. This story touched a bit close to home for me in a way and with that connection I truly appreciate the story this author gave us. The characters draw you into their world effortlessly and I was sad when it was time to say goodbye. Each character was easy to find a connection with in one way or another. This author truly wrote a story with so much heart investment I believe and I easily give it five stars. Highly recommend this story and this author.

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Vanessa Watts

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. From a terrible marriage dissolving to rebuilding her life Blake has definitely been through the wringer. Now after losing her job, and the rent free dilapidated cabin she was living in almost homeless she is introduced to Morgan. He has sworn off falling in love after the catastrophe of his first relationship. But when he needs a nanny for his daughter he hires his friend’s sister which just so happens to be Blake. Blake only takes the job as a temporary position until she finds a teaching position. However, Blake fits so smoothly into Morgan’s and his daughter’s life that soon he can’t picture her not in it. Blake has secrets of her own that she deems make her unworthy of a relationship. Can Morgan help her discover she is worthy of love and some other reason caused the pregnancy issues in her last relationship? Can Blake fight for what she truly wants?

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Erin DeRoma

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although book 2 in the North Fork Series, I read Ignite my Heart as a Stand Alone.

This was a fantastic contemporary romance. Well written plot, realistic storyline, and well developed Characters. This was a quick read, It was great escape from a stressful work week and reality.
I read this in one setting, it moved quickly from beginning to end.
5 out 5 stars.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Donya Pedigo

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Much like the first book in this series, this book is engaging with well-written characters and a magical story that will keep you glued to the page. We revisit Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for their second year. These 11-year-old twin boys who have special gifted talents aka powers are eager to participate in the “Zodiac Games” in hopes of winning for their house, bringing prestige unto them all. This would be an easier feat if they both weren’t faced with mysterious challenges and fear. Will they overcome everything and find glory or will the shadows and other magical dilemmas overtake them?

This book with its Harry Potterish feel is aimed at middle-school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but I enjoyed it and think both younger and older individuals could as well. If you want an entertaining read that is right up there with other great books like the Percy Jackson series and the Harry Potter series, then definitely give this series a read, as I’m sure you will enjoy this incredible big family and their ever-growing adventures.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Calamities of Camden Callahan is A Revenant Novel. The story focuses on 19-year-old Cam, a pirate. Cam has had a disastrous run of luck, with his crew killed and his captain missing. He has to figure out what his next steps will be in his life. Cam is a great character who has lived through a lot in his youth. The story has a lot of different layers with interesting characters. Cam develops a lot in the book and leaves me hoping for more books about everyone. The twists and turns kept me reading late into the night. I enjoyed this book and have recommended it to my niece for a new read. I think she will enjoy Cam and his adventures during this book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Death on Fools Lane is the fourth book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. It’s loosely a festive murder mystery, set between Christmas and New Years, but can be enjoyed any time of year! It can be read as a standalone but is a nice continuation of the series, with the return of some familiar characters.

Eve and her friends have taken on what seems to be a simple bit of housesitting during the holidays. It’s a chance to get away and have some time together. But, of course, there’s a body in the yard, so now there’s a murder (or suicide?) to investigate.

Eve makes a good investigator. Her strength is her ability to communicate with people, making them comfortable enough to share with her. This means she gets into the personal stories behind the victim and those connected to him, picking up on clues to what’s been going on.

It’s an entertaining mystery! Even near the end I wasn’t sure what had actually happened, until we got the final clue. This story will keep you turning the pages!

A Death on Fools Lane gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to mystery fans, particularly if you’re looking for a good Betwixtmas read!

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Lies Truth Love by Marina Hanna Review by Candida Hopper

Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful read. This story had everything I could want in a good romance book. There is drama, chemistry, love, a little danger, and some great characters. The author pulled me into this story and kept me hooked throughout. I became completely invested in the characters and the outcome of their relationship. There are some emotional and intense moments in this book. This story was well written and the characters were well developed. This was a quick read for me because I couldn’t put it down needing to know how it ended. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I highly recommend this book.

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been obsessed with this series!! The third book was just as great as the first two! I could not put this book down and was absolutely enthralled! I cannot wait to read more books by this author. I felt as though I was in the action with the people and I couldnt believe all of the twists and turns. You need to add this to your list of books to read you wont regret it!!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a well-written fantasy which I couldn’t put down. I enjoyed the adventures the characters were led down, there was danger, secrecy and suspense which kept me engaged and guessing throughout.

The characters were well-crafted, I particularly liked how their backgrounds influenced their actions and beliefs in a believable way, especially as they attempt to protect their loved ones. Both Camden and Annie are strong, capable individuals, determined to get the answers and outcomes they’re working towards.

This was a fun read which kept me turning the pages and wanting more and I will be looking for more from this author!

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Mertz

Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Hate by Isla Vaugn is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Cruel Hate is the fifth installment of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla Vaughn writes romance novels full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and fierce women. The story of Aspen and Phoenix is exactly that. Aspen is level headed, deals with no nonsense and knows exactly what she needs to do in life to deal with an unexpected pregnancy. Phoenix is a jock, falling behind in school, dealing with family drama, and trying to figure out how he can financially support a newborn. Will the two of them be able to work out their differences for the sake of a baby?

This was a very short, 189 page, quick read full of drama, steam, and what the heck kind of moments. I have a love/hate relationship with these characters. Depending on the moment, I am rooting for one over the other. The end leaves you with a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my hands on Cruel love. The name alone gives me hope that my love/hate relationship will take a turn. I highly recommend reading this ENTIRE series. Isla Vaughn is a wonderful author who knows how to draw her reader in leaving you craving more at the end EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

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@ashleysbookobsession

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Mertz

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn is available now in eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Cruel Start introduces us to the story of Phoenix and Aspen. This prequel is a super quick read full of hot, intense, chemistry between these two characters. I have never read a book by Vaughn that I did not like, and this one just made my skin crawl. I am super excited to read Aspen and Phoenix’s duet. If you are passionate about enemies to lovers, college romance novels you will NOT want to miss this one.

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Wild for Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson

Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wild for me by Tam Derudder Jackson

Wild for me by Tam Derudder Jackson is about Dakota Perri and Annabelle Stewart. This story follows the timeline of the Balefire series and their band members. It can also be read as a stand alone.

If you thought sing for me was good, then you’re gunna love this installment to the balefire series. Dakota Perri really turns up the heat in this installment with a beautiful women who rocked his world one night after a certain red rocks concert. Reconnecting 2 years later he runs into her again and constantly looks back at that memorable night often making it hard to let her slip his grasp this time. Dakota does everything he can to make sure she doesn’t get away. With this crazy story and plot twist that follows will he get the girl of his dreams?

This book was definitely the life of a rockstar who falls for “the one”. It’s cute and keeps you smiling the whole read. I loved the sass that Annabelle delivered to Dakota and how Dakota didn’t miss a beat. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance with a “tinge” of attitude.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Calamities of Camden Callahan
By Brittany Tucker

The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker is a thrilling adventure about a boy who has a tragedy happen to him as a child, but grows up a pirate by a man who saved him from the same fate.

Camden has been on many adventures and missions growing up after losing his mother at a young age and saved by a pirate captain. Captain Resh gave Camden a second chance at life, and in return once Camden was older made a life changing decision. This decision cost a lot of people their lives including his own, well kinda. Death spit him back out and he came back as something different. A stripe. He is then found by a man who puts him on another mission and things really start to get interesting from there.

If you get the chance to pick this book up, it’s definitely a wild journey. There is so much that happens in this book and I couldn’t put it down. Every page was sparked with details and events. Brittany did a marvelous job putting together this pirate fantasy, even in 3rd person you could feel the characters emotions and you felt like you were apart of the action.

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Ashley Sugar

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the first book of this series and loved every page! So i was eager to start this one and I was not disappointed. I love a good crime thriller that keeps me on my toes! The twists and turns kept me turning the pages and every time I stopped reading to go do something else, I went right back to read more because I needed to know what happens next. You can read these as a standalone but I highly encourage you to read the first book! You won’t regret it. Great story line with amazing characters! I can’t wait for the next book!!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Amber Howard

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read every book this author has put out so far and this by far is the best one. Although I’ve read enjoyed all of them, this one had an extra emotional element tied to it that drew me in. It does touch upon death and a few other sensitive topics. it has action, drama, romance, and sci-fi. The character development of Camden is superb. The plot twists are fantastic. To the author, I’m so glad you didn’t listen when they told you this book wasn’t good. It may be the best book I’ve read this year so far. I cannot wait to see what you come up with next!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Kerry Baker

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book piqued my interested from the moment I read the description. It sounded intriguing and I just had to know what it was all about. I was pulled so easily into the story the author created. It was wll written and paced just perfectly to move the story on.
I really enjoyed the main character, Cam. His past plays such a big factor in the book and it was really interesting to watch his character confront this as he developed. You could see his growth as the book goes on and I found myself liking him more and more. Overall, this book was a really good book and I would highly recommend it.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book. What an adventure it was to follow Camden and Annie. It’s a pirate’s life for him. His journey is hard and I was engaged from the moment his mom was murdered and put him into the life. I love the storytelling. The characters were quite entertaining and had me giggling in some parts. I will be reading this to my grandson when he gets a little older.

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Tina Vega

A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This wonderful cozy mystery is perfect for the Christmas holidays. While there is a murderer on the loose, it still checks all the boxes for warm and cozy reading. The main character, Eve Sawyer, is invited to house sit. As a journalist, her curiosity pulls her into a murder investigation that happens to be just a little to close for comfort. The story reminds me of those mysteries we all enjoyed reading growing up. A page turner that will keep you guessing!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Kerry Carr

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story.i love fantasy adventures and I was gripped from the beginning and it didn’t let me go. The author does an amazing job with our main characters of Camden and Annie. Both of them have troubled pasts and things they are running from but both of them are survivors and they will stop at nothing to protect and save the people they care about.
Camden has had it tough after losing his mum and hiding from his father. When a captain takes him in he changes his name all in an attempt to hide from his father. Why is his father so dangerous that his mother died trying to get him away?
When Camden’s captain is kidnapped he knows he has to save him before its too late. What if the captian reveals Camdens true identity? Would his life be at risk?
How do you deal with things when the one person who should have protected and defended you is the person who betrays you?
This is an action packed story filled with drama, danger, secrets and lies, Suspense that keeps you turning the pages.
Camden is a strong character who fights against adversity despite the costs to himself.
Annie is the same, strong, independent and does stop asking questions but will she like the answers she finds?
This was a great read and I can’t wait till the author produces more work and more adventures for me to lose myself in. This is a story about being strong enough to face your past head on and work through the problems instead of continuing to hide and run away from them and also learning to fight for the people you care about no matter the cost to yourself

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This Time Around Audiobook by Jane Suen – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is an author that I have enjoyed reading and listening to from the first book. I enjoy how the narrator uses different tones of voice to change characters.  I also enjoyed how they made the book come to life.  I found this to be an engaging story that is shorter but packs a punch. A story where two people have great chemistry but life gets in the way. Will these two figure out things and be able to have a life together? Katie and Chase’s chemistry and growth is off the charts and you don’t want to miss their story.  I really enjoyed listening to this story and I highly recommend it.