Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Valerie Anderson

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this story so much I wish there was more. I was in a serious book coma when this one ended. The way Claire steps up to take care of her little brother is so amazing and to see the lengths she is willing to go. I love the strength and understand she finds in her friends. Nyman does in incredible job as showing that sometimes family can hurt the most when the claim to have the best of intentions and friends can be closer than blood. This girl has her priorities straight. I think this is an great story for adults but would also encourage young adults to read it as well. And the shocker at the end!! Wow. Great work, please write more like this.

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@valerieanderson5121

Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story follows Lizza and her family on their “adventurous move.” Lizza’s dad has a taxidermy business and ultimately decides to move the family into a cave. A cave where the family is on display for tourists. All Lizza wants to do is move back into a normal house. My tween loved reading about all of Lizza’s schemes in an attempt to get her family back to “normal.”

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Jennifer Crain

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute story and illustrations. Appreciate the fact that the mom warns the kids the feral cat may not like human interaction, which might help emotionally regulate a child that becomes upset with a feral cat in real life. The book also realistically discussed TNR programs, which was nice it mentions real-world programs.

As an educator, I appreciate the use of dialogue- so many kids books don’t have dialogue for teaching grammar and what quotation marks mean, and the conversations contained within the book are authentic!

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the secrets they hide by pj mann – Review by Stephanie Tellas

“Detective Maurizio Scala sworn to protect the citizens of his city and help deliver justice to the victims of crimes. When a young man is found dead in a cemetery with a note mentioning his dark secrets.
As the detective digs deeper into the victim’s life, unconnected murders begin to reveal a tangled web of lies and corruption. Will Scala be able to identify the killer before more victims will fall?”.
This is the second book I went and read the first one before this. Think this book could also be read as a standalone. Engaging story, and a quick read from beginning to end.
I give this book 4 stars.

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is very beautiful to look at, and definitely draws my eye in to read the story. I love this story and being taught about TNR, like the characters in the book, I was unaware of this program and think it is great. I hope this book can reach many that will be willing to look into the TNR program and help other stray cats. I kind of wish I could have found out what happens to the kittens in the end, where did they go? But happy that the momma cat still comes back around.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Jenique Bornman

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1)The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Silent Woodsman by Cat Treadgold, narrated by the author herself, is a distinctive and charming audiobook that leads listeners on an unexpected journey. This audiobook provides a wholly immersive experience thanks to its vivid storytelling and compelling narration.

The protagonist’s silence develops into a potent narrative device that enables readers to learn more about the character’s feelings and inner struggles.
The story gains depth from Cat Treadgold’s masterful narration, which also enhances the mood of the story’s woodland setting.
The subtle exploration of more profound themes, such as the value of silence in a noisy world and the impact of human connection, is one thing that distinguishes “The Silent Woodsman” from other books. These introspective components enhance the narrative and take it beyond the level of a straightforward story.

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Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend by Terri Sabol – Review by Rayne East

Oscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-ReturnOscar and Emmy Gain a Friend: A Story About Trap-Neuter-Return by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Informative and engaging
This is a great educational yet entertaining story book that teaches children about responsible pet ownership. The message is about the TNR program and the importance of controlling the stray and feral cat population. The language is easy for children 6 years and over to engage with and the illustrations are so cute.
A great addition to a school or home library. Highly recommend!

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Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Rayne East

Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance (Masters of the Consulate Book 7)Master Campania: Dark Vampire Romance by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliance
The seventh book in the Masters of the Consulate series and I am still hooked. With each new book I am just blown away. Vampires, witches, alpha males, steam and such a strong storyline keeps the reader glued from start to finish. This is Master Campania’s story and he is so headstrong and as alpha as they can get. Even though this can be read as a stand alone, it would be a shame not to read all the books in the series – they are just sinfully delightful. Highly recommend.

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The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

5 Star’s

The Silent Woodsman (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1) Audiobook by Cat Treadgold

 

The Silent Woodsman is the first book in The Olympic Peninsula Series (Audiobook) by this author with narration by Cat Treadgold.  This is my first Audiobook by this author and I’m a fan already. She did a wonderful job with narrating the characters really came to life with the different tones of her voice. I’m fairly new to this author and her work .She pulls you in from the beginning and it’s hard to stop listening.  A storm brought them together but their worlds are keeping them apart. I highly recommend listening to this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give to much away. This is definitely worth listening to. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Hole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Heidi Sturgess

Hole in the RockHole in the Rock by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this and then re read it with some of my little bookworms that visit my library and I must be honest it was a lot more fun the second time round because I could see through the eyes of a child ❣️📚

Being an animal lover I can imagine that having a dad that’s a taxidermist must be an absolute nightmare for Liza but when he decides to put the family on “ display” in a cave i think that was the last straw for her and she makes a decision to rescue herself for. This situation but for every action there’s a reaction right !? The latter isn’t always fun though and more often than not what we expect isn’t what we get and our decision don’t always only affect us but those around us and this is where myself and kids had great discussions and while they enjoyed the story they walked away feeling like they’d learnt something ❣️📚

A fun and interactive read for em and my little friends ❣️📚

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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson is a great suspense novel.

Texas. Jessica Watts is determined not to be harmed once more. The tough cross-border trader drowns her anguish in the bottle and closes off her heart, scarred by her parents’ corruption and lack of affection. But when a Mexican tycoon with questionable ties begs her to find his missing daughter, the tough-as-nails woman softens. Jessica begins her investigation by speaking with the missing woman’s acquaintances, but when her probing questions result in her being battered and drugged, she worries whether she has embarked on a fool’s errand. Furthermore, the tenacious detective worries that finding her target may further exacerbate the dangerous situation given that the winding trail runs from Boston to Central America.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4)Forbidden Blood by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden Blood (The Shadow Chronicles Book 4) by CR Robertson is a great paranormal experience.

Shamans had kept watch over the globe for ages, using their power to maintain equilibrium up until the time when the boundaries between the realms started to fall down. Even the oldest organizations get tainted by evil when given too much power. Kimber’s magical abilities were kept a secret by her family until she was old enough to be drafted into the vampire army, at which point her coven commander learned about them. In a dangerous game where souls are the ultimate money, she is but a pawn. That pawn became a queen when a sinister magical king invaded her life.As the eternal races start to attack each other instead of one another, magic is changing. Together, they form an army that, alone, is able to fend off the hellspawn and keep them in the underworld.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique vampire series. The story really brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have binge read the series at this point and I absolutely love it.

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Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Forbidden MoonForbidden Moon by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden Moon (The Shadow Chronicles Book 3) by CR Robertson is a great paranormal vampire series.

As the vampires and lycans build a new army to combat a threat they were not aware of, former rivals become partners, and the power dynamics of the new allied forces are precarious.In the struggle for independence, magic has returned, and when the truth is revealed, secrets start to fall apart. Tasha and Levi are in danger because they have the key to solving the last puzzle. The reappearance of an ancient force and his disclosures might demolish everything they took to be true. Evil wants to keep Tasha and Levi apart even though their combined might is greater. at order to discover each other at their most trying time, they must have trust in the power of their fated connection.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique paranormal series. The story really brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have binge read the series at this point and will continue on book four.

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Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Forbidden MateForbidden Mate by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden Mate (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2) by CR Robertson is a great paranormal romance,

Vampire Tasha and Lycan Levi were destined to be adversaries from the start. Their only hope of survival now, as an external threat tests the nascent partnership between the species, is working together. The mysteries that lurk around every corner threaten to shatter all they have ever believed as each step they take draws them further into a web of lies and deception that spans decades. The only way to save the situation as time runs out is to solve the puzzle of lycan and vampire DNA. They were characterized by evolution, but they also produced a monster that was capable of wiping them all out. Even if Levi and Tasha’s love violates every rule that their species had to follow, it might not be powerful enough to protect them from the Hellspawn.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique romance vampire series. The story really brings passion into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. I have binge read the series at this point and will continue on book three.

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Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Forbidden WolfForbidden Wolf by C.R. Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forbidden Wolf (The Shadow Chronicles Book 1) by CR Robertson is a great vampire/wolf experience.

Levi and Tasha must continue to be sworn enemies in order to survive—one is a lycan and the other is a vampire. However, one night causes things to change, and the two begin dating. Either should be caught in a relationship that could result in execution. Their warring species will never accept their love because it is fed by hatred and stoked by territorial disputes. However, as Levi and Tasha prepare to flee, a fresh threat materializes and puts both of their worlds at risk. The two quickly realize their own secret might be the key to their species’ survival when they learn why their species has actually been kept apart all these years. But if the wrong people find out about their devotion, they can find themselves dead before they have a chance.

Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a unique vampire series. The story really brings excitement into your life. I couldn’t put the book down. As the story progressed, it made me glad I got the second one to get started on it right away.

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Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Kelli Harper

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful adventure finding the starfish and counting them. I can picture there being many readings of this story frequently. wonderfully detailed illustrations. Fun will be had when reading this story.

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Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book #2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Angela Hayes

Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend's Older Sister Forbidden Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2)Reticent Hawke: A Billionaire Reverse Age Gap Best Friend’s Older Sister Forbidden Romance by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

Reticent Hawke is Book #2 in the new Hawke Family Second Generation series by Gwyn McNamee. I was expecting to love this book, because hello, it’s Gwyn McNamee— but I really didn’t expect to FLOVE it so very very hard. Even having Ms. McNamee play her version of whac-a-mole and pinball with my heart and emotions – making me reach for the tissues, more than once- while I was sobbing my heart out and trying to read through all the tears — she wrung me out and I FLOVED every second!
GAH, this is going to be a short review, because how can I ever hope to capture PERFECTION in a few short paragraphs??? Seriously, if you haven’t read this book yet, do yourself a favour and grab a copy and dive right in- you won’t regret it- I cannot recommend this book/series/author highly enough! You NEED her and this book in your life!
I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us in Book #3- Relentless Hawke.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Gwyn McNamee!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Beverly Finnie

Murder in a Gated CommunityMurder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Murder in a Gated Community was different. It was written from the point of view of a few people that could sometimes be confusing. The way the author wrote the characters at first I thought it was a retirement community. But then there was a family with a child. Even then the characters reminded me of the ones who always yelled at us when we were outside playing as kids. Because we were running around, our ball/frisbee ended up on their lawn, ect. Older grumpier people, hence why I initially thought it was a retirement community.
There’s a lot going on in such a short story. Jane is trying to deal with her ailing wife while moving on. Hazel is fighting for her garden plot, I wonder why? And Theresa is dealing with the backlash of it all.
So when the community is rocked it’s a question of how to move forward.
It’s not a basic whodunnit type story. It’s one with a lot of “Karen’s” people constantly complaining about little things to the community board of directors and how they handle the outcomes.

@placexba
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Love Bites More (The Darkness & Light Duology, and the Love Bites World) by TL Clark – Review by Shea Gilkerson 7/30/23

Love Bites MoreLove Bites More by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not read the first installments of the Darkness and Light set, so this felt a bit overwhelming at first. However, the world is so immersive that I think I would have felt that way at the beginning of book 1, as well. The characters are well rounded and described and you get pulled into this elinefae world.

Arwyn and Elan are the best of friends, and always have been, along with their friend Pryderi. When P finds his fated soulmate while out on a mission, things feel a bit off with the old friends. They are just missing time with the third part of them, but they also hold feelings and desires for one another that they hold secret. Instead of enjoying their time together, it starts to become a form of torture, almost. When Pryderi’s mate, Keira, goes on a mission and returns with Hassan, it starts to become understood.
When Hassan and Elan are found to be mates, Arwyn loses his mind a bit over lost opportunities, and before you know it, they feel their triad bond click into place.

There was fun banter amongst friends, vivid worlds, interesting differences between what I normally read and some very intense scenes amongst the mates.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries #6)Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Parisian Intirgue is the 6th book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. While it could probably be read without reading the other books, I wouldn’t recommend it. The series is really great, and I’ve really gotten to know the characters over time. This book takes place in Paris, during the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower, where Emma and Jeremy, and her sister Dora and her husband Tim have gone on vacation. They received a letter with free tickets, and while they assumed there was ulturior motive, they decided to go. Like all the stories, Emma is found in the middle of drama and crime and saves the day. I love seeing the strong women characters, and the support she has from her family. Emma goes way against the norm of women at her time, but her family and friends are beyond supportive. This book is a page turner, and I love that there is a little bit of history tied in. I loved that the author made Dora and Emma’s dad part of the Eiffel Tower building committee, and the tie in of electricity. Can’t wait for the next book. Keep them coming!!

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Anantha Rusum

Ten Little Starfish: A Counting BookTen Little Starfish: A Counting Book by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a cute book for toddlers and pre-kindergarteners. Each page contains beautiful illustrations of ocean creatures like star fish, crabs and the beach as the children learn to count from one to ten. The rhymes in each of the book are very entertaining and easy for children to grasp. I would definitely recommend this book.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Melissa Saxton

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a cute twist of Jack and the beanstalk this author retells the well known story but from the giants perspective. He lures boys by selling magic beans and a harp. Etc. As the story goes on Jack climbs the stalk and the giant thinka hes trapped him but Jack manages to outsmart the giant in the end.
This is a cute story with engaging illustrations that my daughter loved and may open up conversations about topics that may be harder to address with kiddos.

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How to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Anantha Rusum

How to Catch Little Boys and Eat ThemHow to Catch Little Boys and Eat Them by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a pretty cool retelling of Jack and the BeanStalk. This is told from the perspective of the giant.
The giant lures little children to come to his castle, and sells them the magic beans, the golden harp and golden eggs. When Jack comes up to the castle, the giant tries to play the same trick on Jack.
But Jack plays a counter trick on the giant. He offers to do an infomercial for the giant to lure more little boys to come up the castle. The giant believes him , oblivious of the tricks Jack has up his sleeve.

I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of my favorite fairy tale with bright illustrations.

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Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Daryian Lucas

Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5 stars
This book gave me all the nostalgia of young love! It’s well written and enjoyable even though I’m not in high school any longer. It’s a great read for both older adults and young adults. It’s sweet and entertaining and a nice break from adulthood.

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Tia Martel

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A girl in Nee Mexico steals a magical artifact. A man in the Rocky Mountains studies a girl in the wild. A raging storm wakes a boy. What do they have in common?

Fairy tales are everywhere and are constantly being altered to match the modern world. Watch closely because you never know what fairytale you might find yourself in.

“When Magic Calls” was far from what I was expecting, but in a good way. I love a fairytale retelling, but this took telling tales to a whole new level. It was a magical twist and turn in directions I never would’ve predicted with each story told.

This collection of fairytales is different than the usual tales we hear and was truly engaging and magical. You won’t want to miss it!

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Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Ayla Eddy

Sage AdviceSage Advice by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable YA romance book. It follows the main character Pyper over senior year with Prom as the big focus of her year. She wants it canceled, but her efforts backfire. For Pyper having all the answers is normal, but this moment of not having them is breaking her. With the help of friends and family she works through this dilemma called Prom and learning that it is okay to not have the answers. It was a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages. It was easily a one day read. A great story with likable characters in a familiar highschool setting that makes connecting to them easy. I would highly recommend picking up this YA romance! I cannot wait to pick up another book by this author.

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Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers Series Hockey Romances Book 9) by G.K. Brady – Review by Kristan Anderson

Guarding the Crease (The Playmakers #9)Guarding the Crease by G.K. Brady
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guarding the Crease is part of The Playmaker Series by G.K. Brady. I’ve enjoyed other playmakers books so I was excited for another. But this book can be easily read as a stand alone. Wyatt is honestly…. Terrible, a jerk, not someone you think you’ll like. It’s pretty known he uses who he is to his advantage. Serena is in PR for one of the high ranking hockey teams. And she just so happens to meet the one who is Wyatt on a night out. Though they are clearly attracted to one another, Serena isn’t so sure she can help his image, plus just because it’s her job, why should she want to? Except she owes him. And now it’s going to get messy. I enjoyed these two characters. The redemption was there and the chemistry between them was evident. Things could have moved a bit faster but overall I liked the book and hope there’s more!

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Complicated Choices by Risa Nyman – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Complicated ChoicesComplicated Choices by Risa Nyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Complicated Choices will reel you in fast and not let go. My heart burst with emotions from page to page. This is a story of strength, determination and growth. Claire is a teenager with typical high school drama, but home life weighs heavy. As someone forced to grow up a little faster than I should have, I resonate with Claire. The complexity of her character is beautifully woven, and you connect to her as she develops throughout the story. I did not want to put the book down and found myself a little sad when it ended. This was the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author, but it will certainly not be the last!

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The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 1) by K.L. Small – Review by Julie Johnson

The Magic Carousel (The Brass Ring #1)The Magic Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in one sitting and I imagine many others will as well.

We meet Russell right away. He’s in the 5th grade, and well, it’s just not his year. So many changes have occurred over the past year that it’s really affected his performance in school. Grandpa moved in, resulting in his room to change, his dad starting drinking more, and Tyler became a bully. That’s a bit much for a young man to have to take on.

Grandpa loves going to the carousel everyday, much to Russell’s chagrin. One day, that all changes for both Rusty and Grandpa though. Things will never be the same again…and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

This book is pretty deep and one that teenagers could likely relate to. There are some intense topics covered and there are ways to help those issues throughout the story. I’ll also admit, I cried at the end!!! Have a box of tissues handy if you’re soft hearted!!

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When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

When Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy TalesWhen Magic Calls: A Collection of Modern Fairy Tales by Caitlin Berve
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a very unique and enjoyable collection of fairy tales for adults. The author was extremely vivid in her characters and you definitely could feel the magic within! Some of the stories I couldn’t quite place how they related to other fairy tales, but it did not make them less enjoyable. My absolutely favorites were, “Letters from a Wu”, “Borrowed Skin, Borrowed Year”, “A Love to Sleep for”, and “Bones of the Soul.” This was definitely a wonderful collection and I greatly enjoyed all of the stories. If you are a lover of fairy tales, this is a diverse collection of magical tales.

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