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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Super EnemiesSuper Enemies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carl and Mira are not just brother and sister, but they are also enemies. They squabble over everything, cannot agree on anything, and are constantly bickering. When their dad takes them both to the beach one day, Carl builds a sandcastle that Mira quickly destroys. Carl keeps rebuilding the sandcastle, making it better and stronger, but Mira keeps finding ways to destroy it.

This book was clearly written with the intention of showing that siblings can disagree, bicker, have different likes and dislikes and still love one another. However, the entire book was based around Mira and Carl arguing without there being any resolution and without there being any displays of affection between the two of them. I have absolutely loved other books by this author but found this one missed the mark and needed to have the story built up on a bit more.

As I was reading through, I could not help but wonder why the parents never said or did anything to discipline the children or get them to engage with one another in a more positive manner. While at the beach, Mira just comes across as a huge bully to poor Carl who only wanted to build a sandcastle. Mira did everything she could to destroy all the hard work Carl had put in to building his sandcastles. I felt terrible for poor Carl who had to rebuild time and time again because his sister was so cruel. And why did the dad not step in and stop Mira? He never tried to intervene or stop Mira from being so cruel. The dad never explained that what Mira was doing was bullying and that bullying was wrong.

The premise for the story was a good one because all siblings have arguments and will disagree. In the end the love they share for one another usually will come to the forefront. As an adult reading this I questioned why that aspect was not written into the story. I feel that the author could have added a bit more to the story and built on it just a bit more. It seemed to be missing important things that as an adult I can see and would know are wrong. As a child reading this though, it might come across differently and bullying may be perceived as being okay. Maybe I am being too critical and that certainly is not my intention. As I said earlier, I think this author is amazing and have loved other books she has written.

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Freedom Rings (The Circle Book 3) by Brenda Hardwick – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Freedom Rings: Book Three of The CircleFreedom Rings: Book Three of The Circle by Brenda Hardwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soraya has no choice but to take over leading The Circle after the attempted murders of many of the Elders. She must work on harnessing new powers while trying to present a strong front in an attempt to prevent farther attacks. Those attacks are being orchestrated by Shawn who is intent on destroying The Circle. Soraya and The Circle must work together to destroy Shawn and save themselves.

Shawn is CEO and owner of DNAgen Biolabs who has discovered his own unique abilities. He has had his lab create a pill called Melacrit that will eliminate races of color once he releases it into the world. When he discovers that his girlfriend Madeline is pregnant with his child time is of the essence and he must destroy The Circle before his son is born.

When I started reading this book, I did not realize it was part of a trilogy, so I had not read the first two books. Despite that I found the book easy to follow and was able to read it without feeling like I had missed something. The story was unique, the storyline was entertaining, and the characters were relatable and lovable. I was especially intrigued by how the characters were able to walk the Dream Plain. I will definitely go back and read the first two books in the series and then read this book again.

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Brittany Angel

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Married Blind: A Marriage of Convenience Hollywood Romance (Kings of Screen, 2)Married Blind: A Marriage of Convenience Hollywood Romance by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Married Blind is about two people, Abi and Finn, who find themselves needing to take part in the reality TV series, Married Blind, for very different reasons. Abi, who is working three jobs to help pay off her sister’s medical costs from cancer treatment, applies for the series celebrity edition with the plan to use the paycheck she will earn, to pay off her sister’s debt. Finn, an actor with a bad playboy reputation looking to rebuild that reputation and get more work, is forced into the show by his agent. They are selected to marry each other at first sight and must remain together for at least the three months of filming. They run into a lot of issues along the way, including meddling producers, dangerous outings, one bed and a marriage of convenience. This was definitely entertaining and heart wrenching at times in all the best ways.

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Delicious Death by Byrd Nash Reviewed by Jessica Pritt

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this cozy. This story is different than normal cozies and I enjoy that. I can’t wait to find out more about the romances in the next book. Exciting ghosts , possible murder, and slow burn romance! This is a great addition to the Ghost Talker series.

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Reviewed by @purplesky25276

Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25799832-ladybugs-for-loretta” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Ladybugs for Loretta” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435330323l/25799832._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25799832-ladybugs-for-loretta”>Ladybugs for Loretta</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5200747648″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Loretta was out collecting pine needles for her strawberry mulch, when she came across ladybugs. Her mother told her that ladybugs are friends and they will help with spring harvest. That year they had the best harvest, and as winter approaches, the ladybugs go and hide away to help again next year.<br />Lois did another amazing book! Between the descriptions of the story and the art of the book. It was such a cute and quick read. We really enjoyed this one.
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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63224010-where-do-pirates-go-on-vacation” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1667631114l/63224010._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63224010-where-do-pirates-go-on-vacation”>Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19122075.Kim_Ann”>Kim Ann</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5200731546″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
My daughter absolutely enjoyed this book. it was a super fast read, and enjoyable. The details of each page is stunning.
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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61919054-what-actually-happened-to-isaac-moore” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660071467l/61919054._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61919054-what-actually-happened-to-isaac-moore”>What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20324251.Samantha_J_Rose”>Samantha J. Rose</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5199029763″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Isaac is used to the open sea and the canvas sails, but he didn’t expect to find himself standing at the edge of the River from the storybook he had as a child. This book is full of laughter, then tears, it has all the twists and turns. It’s such an exciting wonderful adventure!<br />It was a fast paced easy read and really enjoyed this book!
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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review byTori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56387837-hanging-softly-in-the-night” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Hanging Softly in the Night (Detective Nick Larson #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608712489l/56387837._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56387837-hanging-softly-in-the-night”>Hanging Softly in the Night</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7093896.Maria_Elena_Alonso_Sierra”>Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5199014966″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
First thing- I loved that the author gave us all the codes at the start to help understand. This book was amazing, full of twists and turns.<br />Detective Nick and Victor get handed a case, suicide? But with all the clues it definitely seems like it’s something else. Will they be able to solve the case. Who was out for the victim? Laura Howard is a cake whiz, even though she’s still dealing with her crazy twin- but she’s in prison but still making Laura’s life hell. Laura and Nick are still trying to figure out where they are going. If they are going to start a relationship or be friends. Can they make it work between Nick’s case, and Laura’s twin?
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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Brittany Angel

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What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore is a fantastic fantasy novel that gives you everything you expect in a fantasy novel. You have pirates, magical creatures, far away lands, and battles. You meet a lot of characters a long the way and I will have to say that Nothe really stole the show for me on this one. It was wrapped up nicely but boy do I wish there were some novellas with additional adventures for each of the characters.

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Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the second book in the series, and I could not put it down!! The chemistry between the two main characters was sizzling! Dominic and Emilia are both from different rival gangs, but they form a bond that is undeniable between them. The way the author wrote this book had me thinking I was involved in the action and not just reading it off of the page. I cannot wait to read more books from this series, and I cannot wait to read more from the author! My coworker has already bought this book because we read the same things and she was in awe of how great the sample was!

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Underboss’s Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2) by Via Mari – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Underboss's Retaliation (Sicilian Gods Book 2)Underboss’s Retaliation by Via Mari
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. You will find yourself invested in the characters from the very beginning. If you didn’t read the first book in the series, I would recommend it but it isn’t necessary as you will pick up things along the way to fill in the blanks. I think that this series is amazing and is really well written. There is the danger that you would expect in any mafia story but the twists and turns that this books takes are things that even someone like me who reads everything mafia didn’t see coming. The passion that takes place between the characters will have you fanning yourself and blushing at the same time. This book has it all, mystery, conflict, romance, steam, danger, and an everlasting love. If you are a fan of mafia books or just a really good love story, I highly recommend this book. Enjoy reading this book as you wont able to put it down once you start and be prepared to feel all the emotions as the characters, that is how you know it is a good book.

Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first thing that drew me in for this book was the cover and the title! It was fun, inviting and engaging, which are ALL important things that you need to have to get a child interested in reading books. The illustrations are very colorful and bright. The story was something that an adult would enjoy reading along with the children. This book allows for creativity and creates an air of wonder and mystery. I cannot wait to read this book with my friend’s children as I know that they will love this book as much as I did, if not more!!

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What Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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What Actually Happened to Isaac MooreWhat Actually Happened to Isaac Moore by Samantha J. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isaac Moore is a sailor who has devoted his entire life to the sea. Growing up poor he learned to have a vivid imagination and wove grand tales of his life and adventures. Isaac never expected to become part of one of his own fairy tales and he certainly never expected to end up in the storybook his mother gave him as a child. After being drug away by a green fairy with hair made of vines, he finds himself standing at the River that was in the storybook his mom used to read to him. As he stands and watches it flow from world to world, he finds it hard to believe that he is now a part of one of his magical fairy tales in his favorite storybook. Suddenly Isaac is on adventures with giant flowers with eyes, enormous worms, and a man called Snowman that frightens poor Isaac.

This book was absolutely brilliant and imaginative. When I started to read it, I was not sure what to expect but was not disappointed. The book sucked me into the storyline, and I wanted to know where Isaac Moore would end up and what (mis)adventures he would go on. This book was colorful, fun, intriguing, full of adventure and mystery. Highly entertaining! Give it a read!

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Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Hanging Softly in the Night (Detective Nick Larson #1)Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, seem to be one of only a few cops that have not been hit with the flu at the 16th Precinct in Manhattan. This means that they are under a heavy workload that requires them working around the clock. The stress is bad enough from work but on top of that Nick is also having issues in his personal life.

When Nick’s boss hands him a case that seems like a straightforward case of suicide Nick cannot help but feel like something is not right. When similar cases pop up Nick begins to feel like this is a homicide and not a suicide. Nick is beginning to suspect that there might be a serial killer on the loose.

This book was action-packed from the first few pages. The characters were intriguing, and the storyline stood out as being different and interesting. It is obvious that the author did her research because of the attention to detail in the characters and the storyline. I look forward to reading another Nick Larson mystery.

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Revenge Never Rests (Tallie Brown Suspense Book 2) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Barbara Bohls

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Revenge Never RestsRevenge Never Rests by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not sure where to begin with this book because so much happened. It is amazing and really well written. Everything is in the details. There are so many twists and turns in this book that once you think you figured things out, plot twist, and you are back to square one. This book kept me on the edge of my seat constantly turning pages to see what was going to happen next. The suspense in this book is a slow burn that build throughout the book. This book has so many things going for it that you don’t miss the graphic scenes or foul language, which are normally on my must read lists. I was able to keep a steady pace reading this book. I was able to get sucked into the story line and wasn’t able to stop reading until I was done. This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a stand a lone, I would highly recommend reading the first book in the series. It will allow you to be able to keep up with characters in the book faster. This can be done without reading the previous book but it will take a few chapters to really understand what is going on. If you do go in without reading the first book in the series, don’t worry the character development and the way the author goes in depth will bring you up to speed. I just recommend it because everything just builds with the characters. If you are looking for a fast paced suspenseful read, I highly suggest this book.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an entertaining read about pirates and what they do when they are not sailing around the world looking for treasure. What do pirates do on vacation? Do they sing? Dance? Have campfires?

The rhyming really made the story fun to follow along with and the illustrations really brought the story to life. An entertaining read for children of all ages and will surely captivate children’s imaginations. A book worth reading over and over again!

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The Sneaky Kitten (Invisible Magic Wand Book 4) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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The Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book FourThe Sneaky Kitten: Invisible Magic Wand Book Four by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Caspian spots a kitten stuck in a tree, he wants to rescue the kitten. He goes home and puts on the Hot Chocolate Socks that he received for his Unbirthday from his Grandpa. He sets off on his flying broom to rescue the kitten from the tree. When Caspian gets back to the tree the kitten takes off in a flying saucer.

This was a cute little story about trying to rescue a kitten from a tree. The illustrations were beautiful and helped to bring the story to life. The general idea of saving the kitten from the tree was good, but I thought it was odd to pour hot chocolate on the socks. I also got a bit lost and confused at the end of the book when the flying saucer suddenly appeared. Kids would probably find the kitten to be funny with his antics. Overall, it was a cute story.

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Ladybugs for Loretta (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Ladybugs for LorettaLadybugs for Loretta by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw this one was being released by this AMAZING author, I knew that I had to read it too! I have read many of this authors books and I have loved every single one of them. The story line is for children, but anyone can read it and love it! My favorite thing that is evident in all of her stories is a wonderful storyline that anyone can read and enjoy. I cannot wait to let my friends with children know about the latest story that was written by this author to read to them as well. I highly recommend this author as she is one of the most talented authors that I am absolutely obsessed with!

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is so beautiful and heartwarming! If I had a Magic Wand is a book about wishes for our babies and children of the world. The magic wand is handed from parent to parent and baby to baby throughout the pages. With each pass there is another wish/dream for our babies. It’s also a rhyming book so kids can learn at the same time as reading a book for bedtime. This magical book shares messages for all parents, soon to be parents, and anyone who believes in the magic of our children’s futures. I got this book for my girls who are 7 and 10. Of course with them both it was an easy read, but they enjoyed the pictures and the wishes as the book went along. I think this would be a wonderful baby shower book or maybe even a 1st birthday book for kiddos. So pretty and inspiring!

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Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Amaleigha Loves a Good StoryAmaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a six year old who loves to help and be kind. She thinks of others and helps when and where she can. She is always having big ideas and some of those ideas turn into big plans! Her grandparents always say she will change the world with her ideas someday! Well, Amaleigha loves to read. She likes to visit her school library when ever she can. It’s a wonderful place to find new books. She loves all the different stories that she is able to read because she has them in their library. But she notices a problem with some of the selections and guess what? She gets an idea! Her community is made up of people who come from different countries and they don’t have much for them to read in their own languages. She couldn’t imagine not being able to read some of the wonderful stories that she’s been able to read, just because it wasn’t in her language. Well Amaleigha comes up with a plan! She takes her plan to some of her family and friends for help. Some of the community member even get involved! Read this super cute book to see how she solves this problem in her community. And how she is going to change the world one big idea at a time! I read this book with my seven year old and she loved it! We have read a couple of them from this author and she has liked every one so far. She was the perfect age for them, but I really think that younger kids would enjoy them as well, with a little help with the bigger words.

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? by Kim Ann – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade.Where Do Pirates Go on Vacation? : Fun pirate story that encourages imaginative and creative thinking. Ages 3 to 8, preschool to 2nd grade. by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where do Pirates go on vacation? Do you know?? Do they sail the seven seas? Or maybe they head straight for the highest ground! After sailing all around the world and having no more treasure to find, what will these sea loving friends do? Vacation adventures await! Ready for new adventures, wind in their sails, seas at their fingertips, and lots of friends for fun times they are ready!! But where will they go, what will they do, and what will they see? Can you guess?? So much new fun stuff to try!! Read this super cute fun book with your kiddo(s) and find out what these friends have planned! Pirates, rhymes, and wonderful pictures make up this great book. My seven year old enjoyed it, but I can easily say that younger kids would love it too! The pictures are fun to look at and kids are learning rhyming words throughout the book too!

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Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Amaleigha and the Big IdeaAmaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amaleigha is a five year old who has some big ideas. Her grandparents always say that she will change the world. After spending a lot of time in her backyard barefoot doing things she loves, she has an amazing idea. But ideas need plans and actions! Which means she needs help! She brings the idea and plan to her family. She just has to share all the things she loves with them! And maybe even the world!! With the help of her family, friends, and even the community those plans are put into actions! They open something that will change their community for the better. Read the book to find out what her big idea was and how with help, she makes the world better one big idea at a time! This was such a cute story. I read it with my 7 year old, but younger kids would defiantly love this book too!

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Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday RomanceKamana Wanalaya for the Holidays: A Grinchy/Sunshine Holiday Romance by Susan Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tenley Shay does a podcast under the name TJ On Par and is the voice of practicality in relationships. In her podcasts seem she seems to be a bit of downer on the concept of love and instead feels it is better to remain single. Tenley believes that people should be realistic about the concept of love and relationships.

Teagan is the exact opposite of Tenley and believes in the concept of love. After all, he does call himself the Love Guru so he must be an expert on the subject. When the Love Guru publishes an article about a romantic couple’s retreat at his favorite Hawaiian resort Tenley quickly becomes his biggest critic.

The Love Guru puts TJ On Par on the spot and offers her an all-expense paid trip at the Kamana Wanalaya resort believing that he can get her to fall in love. If he cannot then he will donate $10,000 to her podcast. Tenley reluctantly agrees feeling that it is a win-win situation for her. A free vacation and money for her podcast.

When Tenley arrives at the resort Teagan cannot deny his attraction to her witty sense of humor and her feisty attitude. Tenley also feels a twinge of attraction to the drop-dead gorgeous Teagan. Will they give in to their attraction to each other? Will Tenley drop her guard and finally believe that love is real?

This book had me chuckling from the first page with the witty remarks. The banter between Teagan and Tenley was witty and amusing. The chemistry between them was sizzling. The book was well written, witty, light-hearted, and romantic. A great read! PS: Am I the only one who picked up on the book’s title and how it sounds when pronounced slowly?

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If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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If I had a Magic WandIf I had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful collection of wishes for our babies. It was truly heartwarming to read and gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. The illustrations were beautiful and really pulled the collection together. I loved how the magic wand was passed on from parent to parent and baby to baby throughout. I wish that I had this collection when my (now grown) sons were babies. This is a must for any parent, soon-to-be- parent, or even grandparent, aunt, or uncle to add to their library. I highly recommend!

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Return to Gallanvaig is Book Two in the Quirk of Destiny Series. It has now been two years since the destruction from the outbreak caused from genetically modified food. The Genies are intent on increasing their race while another group of enemies also presents itself. The new group is determined to cause death and destruction while trying to take over the world. The GM-free survivors are the only hope for humanity, but will they have what it takes to save the world?

This was an interesting take on the destruction caused by the widespread consumption of genetically modified foods. The author has done a spectacular job of creating a vivid picture of a world in which the evils of genetically modified foods are taking over. It contained, action, suspense, intrigue and good versus evil while also portraying a message about the importance of caring for our environment. A great read!

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daniel is frustrated with his job working as a coroner’s physician in 1904 New York. After two years at his job the authorities have no interest in listening to his findings and he sees no future working there. Then his fiancée decides on their wedding day to call off their wedding, so Daniel takes it as a sign that he needs a fresh start. He accepts a job offer in Patchogue as assistant to their local coroner.

Daniel is barely in Patchogue a month when Kathleen, an attractive librarian, asks him to look into a murder that took place in New York two years ago. Daniel agrees to help her because it just happened to be a case that he worked on, and he was never happy with the verdict in the case. When a murder occurs in the peaceful little village Daniel cannot help but feel that the two cases are somehow linked.

I absolutely adored this historical mystery. It was impossible to put down and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The writing was superb, and the author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. I anxiously await book two!

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Private Investigator, Jorja Knight, is asked by her friend to investigate her father’s death Jorja expects it to be a routine case. Although her friend’s father’s death has been ruled an accident there appears to be more to it than that. The more investigating Jorja does the more it leads her to believe that her friend’s father’s death, and several other mysterious deaths that occurred around the same time are somehow linked to an ancient jade statue.

Jorja attempts to retrace the last steps of her friend’s late father and determine what he had uncovered that led to his death. Her investigation takes her into the heart of Alberta’s Badlands and has her coming face to face with a killer.

Knight in the Museum was an intense read from the first few pages. It was packed full of action, suspense, and twists and turns throughout. The more Jorja Knight dug into the mysterious death of her friend’s father the more questions she had that remained unanswered. Numerous times it seemed that Jorja was going to give up because the answers she was coming up with did not seem to make any logical sense. How on earth could one jade statue be linked to so many deaths? Was it really cursed as legend had it? For Jorja it made no sense, but she relentlessly pursued the investigation and did not give up until she unraveled the mystery.

I loved this book and did not realize that it was part of a series when I started reading it. Although, it can easily be read as a standalone, I know that I will be ensuring I read the other books as well. The author is a truly talented writer and I found it refreshing to read about cities in Canada. I loved how the author utilized Alberta’s badlands as a backdrop for where the mystery unfolded. I highly recommend this book!

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

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Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was just the holiday romance that I needed to read to really get in the spirit of Christmas! I love the fact that this was a book about characters that are in the Paralympics and that it really gave insight into their preparations/thoughts about the competition. I have not read a book that highlighted characters that both are overcoming body differences compared to others. I found myself devouring this book on my breaks and lunches when I was at work. I even found myself wondering what would happen next in the story and daydreaming of different scenarios. I cannot wait to read more books by this wonderful author!!

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Super Enemies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tori Mitton

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61393519-super-enemies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Super Enemies” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656956346l/61393519._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61393519-super-enemies”>Super Enemies</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5151729722″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Mira and Carl are siblings. They disagree on EVERYTHING unless it’s about their dad. They want to do everything together with their dad. They are always arguing who’s better at what in everything. The kids go to the beach with their dad, Carl keeps having to rebuild his sand castle, because of course Mira destroys them all. Carl finally builds the best sand castle that can’t be destroyed, it’s time to go home and they are ready to start over again tomorrow.<br />This was an absolute adorable read especially for kids that have siblings because everything is so true!
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Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Helen Dawkins

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Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful and interesting book, not only for those who practice Paganism and/or witchcraft, but everyone. It shows that magic is everywhere and how to use certain objects, plants, things in healing and comfort. I absolutely love how she states that magic isn’t the crazy evil thing that people make it out to be, but instead that it is more so getting to know yourself and the earth more intimately. The book reads like a self-help book more than anything else. Would be great for anyone who practices paganism, witchcraft, beginners or more skillful, and even those who just are looking to make changes within their lives and connect to their feminine divine.

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