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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series Book 2) by K. L. Small – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Christmas Carousel (The Brass Ring Series, Book 2)The Christmas Carousel by K.L. Small
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful continuation to The Brass Ring Series. I loved that this book picks up right around the time that we had left off in the first book of this series, not leaving us waiting any longer to hear more about Rusty and Grandpa. This book is such an amazing read, it has action, adventure, feel-good moments, and lessons to learn about the benefits of doing good deeds. I love the beautiful bond that is built within this series between a boy and his grandfather, and the joy that they get to share in their bonds over a mysterious brass ring. The tales that they both share from their experiences and the love that they develop are so magical all in themselves. I highly recommend this book series to anyone young or old, who enjoys a story that takes them to mythical times and places, where anything is possible, and choices made do not go unrewarded. The descriptions within the book are so detailed, that it’s easy to draw a picture within your mind as if you are the main character experiencing all of the magic around you. I love the illustrations as well; they are such a nice touch to bring the story to life. What a great book to read during this holiday season!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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The Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Catford Catastrophe ZoneThe Catford Catastrophe Zone by Petra Jacob
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a very interesting read, based far into the future where the world is very technologically advanced. The world is split into those two areas, the one where everyone works hard and lives richly. Then there is the other area where the people who are deemed lazy, sickly, or just incompetent or bad are sent, where they live impoverished and are exposed to so many illnesses and creatures that are poisonous. Frankie is an undercover police officer who dreams of becoming a superhero and is given advanced technology to become a superhuman. She is sent on a mission in the Catford Zone where the people are impoverished, but there are suspected rebels planning something that needs to be discovered and stopped. Frankie goes on the mission she is asked to take on but has no idea what kind of situation she is being sent to; it is far worse than her worst nightmares. She must learn to adjust to the living situation that she is thrown into while doing her job without being discovered by her roommates or any of the other residents. Will Frankie be able to solve the mystery she was sent to uncover, or will the environment kill her first? This is a great scientific thriller that has surprises around every corner.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Porter and Midge (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Emmye Marihugh

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Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety: A Kid’s Guide to Safe Dog Interactions by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Me and my daughter both loved this book! Great advice on different situations and some I hadn’t thought of. Made for a great learning experience!

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Brandy Rymer

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The Ocean in His Veins (The Ocean)The Ocean in His Veins by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book after reading The Ocean Meets the Sky and I am glad that I did. Not only did it help me to understand why Cal is the way that he is, but if I’d read this book first, I would have been way more biased against his character when he meets Annie. This was an amazing story about Cal’s life from a young teen boy to the 45-year-old man that we learn to love in The Ocean Meets the Sky. This book is definitely a must-read if you loved reading the prior series, because it gives you a peak into the life that Cal had lived, all of the love and loss that he endured throughout his life, and the treatment that he received to develop him into the person that he is. I loved reading this book and am glad that I read it in the order that I did, without this book I would always have been left wondering about what Cal’s past experiences had really had such a huge effect on him. Getting to read about them was such an eye-opener and really added a whole new depth to this book series. I am now a huge fan of this author’s work and am excited to see what else may have been written. This book is highly recommended by me, it is a true look into the life of a boy who becomes a man through all the trials life throws at him.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series) by A.R. Hadley – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Where the Ocean Meets the Sky (The Ocean Series)Where the Ocean Meets the Sky by A.R. Hadley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cal and Annie’s romance in this story was truly written in the stars! I loved the fact that this book was rewritten to put all three stories into one book, I had not read the prior versions, but there is so much to these characters’ stories that it just needed to be a long read, which I love. There are so many dynamics to Annie and Cal’s backstories that you pick up as you get farther into the story. The side characters are all so amazing, in the fact that you have the fun-loving best friend of Annie, who is an amazing performer, and then you have Annie’s drunk mother and her highly intelligent father, and of course, her foster parents who were more like her real parents, and the reason for her meeting Cal in the first place. Whereas Cal has her older cousin who is more like a big sister or a mother figure to him, his amazing household helper Rosa, who practically raised him, and his mother, a character that truly explains why Cal is the way he is. The settings are described beautifully, I’ve never been to Miami or South Beach, but from the descriptions I can picture them perfectly, hearing the waves of the ocean crashing on the beach. This love story is just phenomenal to read, don’t let the number of pages scare you away from reading this book, they literally just fly by as you engross yourself in the pages and lives of these characters. This is going on my want to read again list it was so fabulous!!!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1Joy’s Christmas Escape: The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1 by P. Creeden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Joy’s Christmas Escape was a great book, P. Creeden is an amazing author who brings such a sweet romance with a beautiful gospel touch to it. It made me feel so good to read of how important Joy’s religious beliefs were to her, and the power of her faith in every trial that was thrown her way. She was such a strong woman to have gone through everything that she did and still endured through it all like a warrior. Marshal Bolling was the perfect companion to be matched with Joy, his mail-order bride, and what better timing couldn’t have come for both of them? I adored the attention to detail that the author took in developing the characters, and showing how much, they needed one another, whether they knew it or not. The setting in this story was one of my favorite time periods, when the world was so much more relaxed, and you could feel the friendliness of everyone around the town. The whole atmosphere reminded me of small-town living back in the days when everyone was neighborly, and you didn’t have such a huge issue with crimes. This was a great book to enjoy during this holiday season, it just warmed my heart. I have already started on the next book in this series and am excited to read about the next mail-order bride’s story.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This paranormal romance had everything I could ask for in a great first book of a series. Witches, wolf shifters, intrigue, forbidden romance, and so much more! We first meet Tanjie when we learn about the death of her parents and the bond that she has with her two best friends, and her elderly neighbor in her apartment building with whom she spends a day once a month chatting about things of her past that her parents held dear. When Maria, the elderly neighbor, is found to have passed on by Tanjie and her friends, it is such a shock and a sad reminder of the loss of Tanjie’s parents. Leaving her with so many unanswered questions about her life, and the path that she is supposed to take. To Tanjie’s surprise, she starts hearing Maria’s voice in her head, which reminds her to get the envelope that was left for her to open upon Maria’s death. This envelope contains Maria’s last will and testament, which will change Tanjie’s life in so many ways she could never imagine. First of all, Tanjie must move away to take care of the bookstore that Maria has left for her, and this is where Tanjie meets Alaric, the boy she is advised to stay away from because he is a troublemaker. Of course, this makes him all the more appealing to Tanjie, who is in denial of anything that is starting to happen to her, wanting everything to go back to the way it was before Maria’s passing. Tanjie learns quickly that life as she once knew it, will never be the same, and that she needs to learn to embrace change or lose her own life. This book was such a great read, I am impressed with the extensive attention to detail that the author has put into her writing. This book was such an exciting experience, I cannot wait to see what comes next in the 2nd book in this series.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite #7)Wicked Games by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book; it started right off where the last book in the series had left us hanging on the cliffhanger! Isla Vaughn is one of my favorite authors, she is an absolute genius when it comes to keeping you engaged in a book, that you never want to come to an end. The fact that every single major character that we met in the very first book in this series continues to get their turn at being the star of their mini-story in the Hidden Valley Elite series is so amazing. Not only do you get to know and understand them as if they are the stars, but their story does not end when their mini-stories, they continue to develop and grow as the story progresses in this series. Wicked Games allows us to get to know Shane, one of the twins, stories, as we learn about his struggles from childhood with the mysterious Winter. As Shane seeks to exact his revenge on his childhood bully, he doesn’t realize that he is starting to fall for her, all while dealing with his trial from a fatal accident he caused. I could not put this book down and am dying to see where the next book in this series will pick up, there are so many new questions that are left unanswered. I love the intrigue and the mystery that this latest installment in this series brings, from the twin’s dad and the role he’s trying to take in the boy’s lives. Aspen’s pregnancy is coming so close to her due date, the mystery behind Winter’s sister’s death, and her mother’s impending parole hearing. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book to come out!!!
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Dark Moon Secrets (The Witch Moon Series Book 1) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Emmye Marihugh

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Dark Moon Secrets (Witch Moon #1)Dark Moon Secrets by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like the different take on the supernatural! The setting being in Australia is a new one for me as well and I really enjoyed it. I do feel like there are a lot more unanswered questions than most of the time when there’s going to be another book but that could just be me. I feel like the character development and relationships are very realistic and I was sucked in immediately. Can’t wait to learn more!

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Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Almost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love RomanceAlmost and Forever: An Emotional Second Chance at Love Romance by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Almost and Forever, by Angela K. Parker, was such a touching book all about loss and love. I was so enthralled with the characters as they met at the water fountain, feeling a deep pull between the two characters who met while making wishes in the wishing well. What a shock to find out that Adam (Ace), our leading male character, was there with his girlfriend, Ivory, and not with Hope (Ava). As I read deeper through the book, I got more and more invested in the lives of Hope and Adam and was rooting for a second chance at love for the poor guy who’d lost his love in the saddest way possible. As we get to see more of who Ivory was, it amazes me how much no one knew about her or what she had been planning before her tragic end. The title of this book is so appropriate, it is such an amazing story that speaks to the true romantic. I am hoping that the author will write more books like this one, it was such a refreshing change to the usual romance books that I usually read.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Whisper Creek (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another thrilling continuation of the Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson. Whisper Creek is the 7th book in this series, and it continues to blow my mind how intriguing each new book is building upon the excitement of the previous books. Life looks like it is finally settling down for Logan and Ben, their relationship is going so well that Ben has proposed to Logan, which she accepted of course. Logan’s musical career is soaring, and life seems to be going smoothly for the happy couple, maybe a little too smoothly. As Logan takes a break to clear her head and get some much-needed space for herself, she gets involved in yet another investigation, there is already one body, and four suspects, will Logan be able to help clear her friends from being suspects or will she get pulled too deep into another investigation that may put her own life at risk once again. This book series has been absolutely amazing, I am hopeful that there will be more books to come in this series. The author has done such an amazing job inventing new ways to draw our heroine into crazy situations, each one even more thrilling than the prior one.
@Brandy Rymer 11/2023

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 (Logan McKenna Series)Lies That Bind: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series just keeps getting me drawn deeper and deeper in, wondering if Logan and Ben will ever be able to find some peace to build their lives together. This 6th book in the Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson is just fabulous. Lies That Bind does not hold anything back, from secrets, old journals, a death, and a new fixer-upper home for Logan and Ben. Logan’s about to meet her half-sister Olivia for the first time, hoping for a little break in the excitement of her life, but of course, things never go as planned for Logan. Logan and Olivia must work together before it’s too late, to try and solve the mysterious death of Charlotte “Charlie” Collins. They are thrown into trying to figure out what the cause of death was, whether it be an accident or something far worse. To Logan’s surprise her and Ben’s new fixer-upper may hold more secrets to this mystery than they ever expected, but will they all be able to solve the mystery before it’s too late?
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5(The Logan McKenna Series)SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful read this book was, it was so well written, I truly enjoy reading The Logan McKenna Series by Valerie Davisson. Safe Harbor, unfortunately for Logan McKenna, is not all that it promises. As a suspect in a murder and being the next in line for the actual killer, she’s got her hands full, when all she wanted to do was take a much-needed vacation with Ben and her family. This is the 5th book in this series, and I can honestly say I am having a hard time putting it down. It is such a magical book to read, it has so much drama, thrills, and excitement that you are scared to walk around in the dark wondering what may be hiding around the corner. Not only does Logan suffer from being accused of murder, but she also must face her past, and wade her way through trying to stay on her two feet, without being dragged down by everything happening around her. Every book in this series just keeps taking it up a notch, getting more and more exciting as the series goes on.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Vanishing Day is the 4th book in Valerie Davisson’s Logan McKenna Mystery series. This book was a continuation of the story of Logan McKenna and the excitement that seems to follow her around like no other. This book promises you excitement, mystery, and a fast-paced thrill ride, and it lives up to everything promised and so much more. You cannot help but grow to love and feel invested in the characters that you’ve met in the past books, as well as gain a deeper understanding of their characters as Valerie continues to masterfully build upon their true natures. This story does touch on some very touchy subjects including spousal abuse, but it’s so ingeniously approached that it doesn’t overshadow the true purpose of the storyline. Once you start this series, you will not want to stop until you get through all of the books, it is so amazing, I’m so excited for the next book.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Master Sardinia (Masters of the Consulate Book 8) by Sylvia Black – Review by Emmye Marihugh

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Master SardiniaMaster Sardinia by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really didn’t know what I was getting into with this book and I loved it! Even though I have only read this one and didn’t even realize there were SEVEN previous novels in the series I didn’t feel lost or confused at all. I love the different take on vampire culture and mortals being aware of their presence and attempting to live in harmony. I can’t lie the ending was very abrupt and it surprised me. I was all hunkered down to keep reading and then I couldn’t turn the pages anymore. I said out loud “ Oh! It’s over?!?!” Can’t wait to find out the rest of the story!

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane Series Book 1) by Celia Hart – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Wolfbane (Wolfbane #1)Wolfbane by Celia Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an amazing book! I loved that you never know what to expect, there are so many surprises on every page, and it was exciting. I love that the characters are so dynamic, and each has their own uniqueness about them. I loved getting to know Jasmine, and seeing how completely opposite her best friend, Lucy, is from her. Jasmine is our main character who begins this story as the werewolf who lives her life as close to the rules set by her parents, as she possibly can, following strict religious beliefs that had been taught her whole life until she meets the soon-to-be alpha werewolf, Blake. He is your typical bad boy, conceited, lady’s man, party boy who isn’t used to being told no by anyone, especially the ladies. This makes the chase for Jasmine’s attention a challenge he’s excited to take on. Luke, who is Lucy’s attractive boyfriend at the beginning of the story, also happens to be someone that Jasmine has a major crush on. Once Lucy turns of age for the mate bond to take effect, she is sorely disappointed that Luke is not her mate. Luke also happens to be Blake’s soon-to-be beta. What happens when Luke finds his mate, will he be able to give up on his love for Lucy to follow the mate bond, or will he be willing to reject his mate and stay with the woman he loves, Lucy? Will Blake be able to seduce Jasmine into a relationship based more on friendship, if so, what happens when she finds her own mate? There are a lot of circumstances that are hard to take within this book, but it all helps to build up the character’s personalities, as well as the depth of their feelings. I was so happy to find out that there are 2 more books in this series because you do end on a cliffhanger, which leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait to start the next book and read further about the fates of our four friends.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Brandy Rymer

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Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was most definitely one of a kind, I absolutely loved it! Never have I read a story so intriguing that it had me questioning my beliefs in ghosts, and what life is like after people pass along to the other side. Debbie Hibbert is an amazing author who truly brought a whole new meaning to necromancy, taking something so dark and eerie and making it so cool and interesting. I love that our main character is a teen whose dad not only works investigating murders but brings his daughter to work with him in the morgue to help solve the crimes that he is working on, brings a whole new meaning to bringing your kid to work day. There are so many hilarious scenes in this book that just bring back fond memories of days long past, thank goodness we never have to relive our teen years in this day and age. The characters are so exceptionally developed, each having their own special characteristics that make them their own kind of person. I loved that CeCe, our main character, has pink hair and looks like such a punk rocker, yet she has a personality that portrays her as more of a shy type. Whereas her best friend is so outgoing and loves to be her own kind of fashionista, always looking her best, and having fun doing it. This book is like a cross between a mystery book, and a summer musical camp, it is such a great read. I cannot wait to see if there are going to be more books to come for our illustrious CeCe and her friends.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7) by D.M. Earl – Review by Emmye Marihugh

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Fractured Hearts-Prospect (Grimm Wolves MC Book 7)Fractured Hearts-Prospect by D.M. Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book. However I was unaware that there were 6 in the series prior to reading. I did get lost in the details of who was who and where things were happening. Despite that I really loved the relationship between Celestina and Frank, how they grew together throughout and eventually came together in the end. Hopefully I will be able to read the rest of the series in the future and connect the dots.

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The Podcast Chronicles Audiobook by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Brandy Rymer

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What an inspirational story of a mom who wants to fight to save the community that she calls her hometown. Sue Cleary retires from being a forensic accountant for the sake of raising her four sons and wants to help save her community from the evils of the politicians. Sue tackles the world of social media with the assistance of friends and family and creates a podcast in order to spread the word about what is going on. What a great, heartwarming book to listen to, it is so inspirational that we can make a difference in the world by doing our part and spreading the word about the woes of the community we see happening. Sue refused to stand by and watch as her hometown tried to become a tourist trap for travelers instead of the community she knew and loved. This was a great book to listen to while I was at home relaxing, or any time I was in the car driving around, or even riding as a passenger. What a great option it is to be able to enjoy the tale of a great book, and what a wonderful job they did with the volume and sound recording, in getting the characters to shine through with their personalities. Kathryn Dodson has written a wonderful book; I am looking forward to hearing more from her in the near future.
@Brandy Rymer
11/2023