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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Megan Rea

Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral MysteryRhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra

If you are looking for a suspenseful, mysterious, thriller with a dash of romance and more twists and turns that you can count then you’ve found it! Alonso-Sierra had me hooked from the first page and I had to force myself to put it down and be a “responsible adult.” The way she writes and develops her characters is superb. I didn’t see the twist at the end until Elena saw it herself and I was still like, “No, it can’t be.” The story revolves around Elena del Carral who has been invited to dance at the Gala Performance at Terpsichore Ballet, where Elena used to dance previously but moved onto bigger and better things. However, Elena is unaware of the secrets that Terpsichore and it’s owner, Derek Michaels has…but Elena has secrets of her own that just might turn Terpsichore on it’s head. And while all of this is happening, Elena is falling for the dark and handsome Jake. Such a fantastic piece of writing. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Shannon Fowler

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a cute frenemies story about Meg and Ryan. They have been neighbors and rivals since childhood. Just because their grandparents were friends back in the day doesn’t mean Meg and Ryan have to like each other. But of course with age comes knowledge and wisdom. Maybe their grandparents were on to something.

This author’s writing style made this story an easy to read and enjoyable story. The characters were believable and the descriptions of the ranch and shed project made me feel like I was there with them. Close or even forced proximity is one of my favorite troupes.

I recommend this author and look forward to reading more from her.

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Fay’s Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Shannon Fowler

Fay's Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray)Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a super cute ocean short children’s story about kindness. The story follows Fay as she spreads joy. She is nice and helpful and encourages her friends to be the same. Pictures are fitting and adorable.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Angela Shirley

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meg is in a funk, her shop is not really doing that well and she is determined not to give up just yet. Until one day her 80 year old neighbour and friend asks her to help him clear out the old barn where he has tinkered for years, what could go wrong? Meg is in the process when her enemy Hank’s grandson decides to dampen her excitement by telling her to leave, but Hank is more experience and sees a spark that neither one of them are ready for.

Ryan has lived on the ranch most of his life and enjoys the hard work it needs to run, after selling off the cattle he has turned it into a tourism trap and is happy what is happening, although there is always a bane in his life. Why does his grandfather insist that Megan the neighbour from next-door comes over, see never shuts up and is always in his way but when his grandfather decides to clean out his converted barn but only lets Meg in which frustrates him.

Although they are frenemies something changes between them and the feelings which are blossoming between can they bloom or do they need to part ways forever?

This is the first book I have read by this author and I found it well written and the characters brilliantly developed, although at times the story felt a little clunky it did not detract anything away from the story.

I loved the character of Megan she was sweet and enjoyed life with a spring in her step and she was I think the brilliant heroine to Ryan’s rather grumpy, melancholic character who needed some lighter energy to enter in to his life. The story was full of light and a lovely read with some interesting secondary characters. Although I loved the character of Hank, the cankerous old man with the heart of an angel was brilliant to read and see him weaving his web around the two of them to understand that one day they would be great for each other.

I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this series.

Texas Winds by Dana Wayne – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Texas WindsTexas Winds by Dana Wayne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Overall, this is a great read for one to use to get away from the busyness of the world. The author does an awesome job in keeping the flow in the story. There is just enough drama but not too much to keep things interesting. The development of the main characters is gradual throughout the book. It’s amazing how one can be grateful for the little things in life and have one to change their ways just because of how they deal with things that will affect others, especially the little ones.

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series Book #3) by Paulette Stout – Review by Angela Hayes

What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

What Eyes Can’t See is the third book in the Bold Journeys series by Paulette Stout. It is a women’s fiction story with a contemporary spicy romance, drama, angst, social issues/commentary, opposites attract, slow burn, fling to enemies-to-lovers(ish) storyline, BWWM (interracial romance), discrimination & racism, a quest for justice, emotion, finding where you belong, and a journey of self-discovery.
While this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are ‘missing’ anything, as this book focuses on a different ‘couple’.
Barbara Washington is a hardworking and ambitious attorney whose plans for the future went up in spoke the moment she caught her fiancé cheating. With her own plans upended, she gifts her destination wedding to a friend, and attends even though her heart is heavy. There, she meets Sebastian, who is also an attorney- and they have an immediate connection- soon the sparks fly. Barabara returns to New York, expecting to get a promotion that was all but promised to her- only to find the position has been given to someone else—- a newcomer to the firm – and to make matters worse the ‘new-hire’ just happens to be Sebastian – awkward much. When she is then fired, discriminatorily, Barbara embarks on a quest for justice.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Paulette Stout!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Gillian Fawell

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was a clean, sweet and wholesome romance with a frenemy trope. Ryan and Meg present as opposite who really do share some goals but will they ever notice or are they too busy fighting? Can they both achieve their aims and work together or will their differences come between them? This story included animals and grandparents that reminded me of my own childhood so that helped with the warm and fuzzies. A great light hearted read!

Reviewed by @sparkinside

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t wait to dive into this book. I read the first one and can say it was incredible, so I just had to read the next one. Plus, I absolutely love series books, so this was just icing on the top. I did find these books quite a fast read, which made me a little sad but also happy, because my TBR pile is huge. This was a paranormal romance which I have been finding more enjoyable as each one I grab. this had everything I loved to a demon woman, no pun intended, that tries to make a relationship work. The book continues from the first one, so I highly suggest reading the first. Once again, the characters are hard not to fall for and enjoy reading about their adventure togethers. So, if you like reading paranormal, romance, drama, demons, witches, magic, angles, chemistry, suspense and so much more this is your book. But first read the first one you wont regret it.

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lord how mercy that doll, nope. This is the second book in the Life is Hell series, and yes to get the full understanding of the book and the story I would highly recommend reading book one, No Rest for the Wicked, first. It helps the story be more understandable as everything started in book one. Hell Hath No Fury, begins in the weeks after the conclusion of book one, before the epilogue of book one. Dual perspectives of Millicent and Sheridan.
Millicent is a deputy in the little town of Juniper Lake. She once thought that it was a safe place to live until two murders and a disappearance rocked the little town and her to their core. While she is quickly filled in by her boss Sheriff Malakhi on the truth of what happened in book one, including that Delilah and Sheridan are demons she is filled with anger. She questions how long or if they would have told her the truth if she didn’t ask. Paranoia fueled by mysterious, magical gifts that disappear once she has opened them only make her feel more unsafe. Sheridan enjoyed life in the city until her best friend and boss Delilah decided to take a hiatus that led to her selling her bar and moving to Juniper Lake. With no choice Sheridan pops into Delilah’s cabin in need a of new place to live. The moment she first sees Deputy Millicent Casey she has her heart, and she suddenly wants to know what it’s like to care about someone and be cared for. After a week of being tormented by a porcelain doll that keeps coming back Millicent gives up her plan of ignoring it and it will go away and goes to Delilah for help. She can’t live like this anymore. Instantly defensive Sheridan is forced to face her feelings for Millicent and stop trying to be subtle. Given an unwinnable ultimatum everything comes to light with the fates of Millicent and Sheridan in the air until the dust settles.
Can Sheridan protect Millicent? Will they get a chance to see if they can work? The world of Juniper Lake continues to get more complex as Sheridan and Millicent’s story builds from Delilah and Malakhi’s. Favors called in once more and secrets weave a bigger web of mystery that builds to the end. I am caught in this world and can’t see what happens next. Teivel and Oren’s story is next in Hell in a Handbasket. I’ll see you there.

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Julie Johnson

Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow #2)Finding Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m ready to move to Emerald Hollow!! Holly Claus is back in this book and things are looking like spring. Sofia is also back and she comes across a man in the woods who isn’t sure who or where he is. Isaiah could be a con man in Sofia’s eyes but she’s also hoping that he’s legit.

This is a very sweet, mostly clean (there is “mild” swearing) romance novel. I do recommend reading the first book so you get a full background on Holly and Emerald Hollow but it’s not absolutely necessary in order to enjoy this story.

This is a fun series and I’ll patiently wait to see who we will get to meet next!

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Kris & The Pirates (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is one of several books in The Adventures of Kris series. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending them to my son and his friends! A great chapter book for young elementary readers. The storyline was also really exciting, fun, and full of adventures. Kris is a great lead character and uses her imagination and her love of books to bring the reader along with her on some great adventures. I loved the connection with all the characters and animals in the story. This is a definite book recommendation for young readers. Well done!

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Finding Cheer (Magical Emerald Hollow Series) by Heather Schneider – Review by Jessie Hopkins

I read this as a standalone and was not confused but it was great book I will be going back and reading the first one.
I was invested in the book, cheering for Sofia, curious about Isaiah, fawning over how cute Ash & Holly are. I loved how the chapters were told by their different point of views so that you could really tell how they were all feeling. By having the multiple points of view you see why Sofia is apprehensive to have feelings for another person, especially someone with no memories prior to when she found him in the woods, you know how Isaiah is trying to figure out who he was while also realizing that maybe he was found here for a reason. Plus you get to see a little behind what is going on with Ash and Holly, and how they are also supportive of Sofia.
I personally love when a story brings together multiple genres, with this book having romance, mystery and magic, it was a fun read.

Kris & The Pirates (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Shannen Kern

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a delightful chapter book to read with both of my kiddos! I read it through once, and then we read it altogether. It felt like we were going on the adventure with Kris which was an absolute blast! My kids are 8 and 12 years old so they’re close to the target audience range. My 8-year-old has a bit of trouble getting through some chapter books as he loses interest quickly, but he stuck with this one and said the pictures were fun. We go on an adventurous journey through the high seas that have none other than dangerous pirates! Even though I am much older than who the author is aiming for, I truly enjoyed journeying with Kris. I highly recommend having this in your classroom or at home for the young ones in your life!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray – Review by Kat Mellon

Amese of Animalis (Borosa Legacy, #1)Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amese of Animalis: The Borosa Legacy was such a good book! I was reading it to my girls before bed and my son even crawled in to listen! It follows the story of Amese, who is set to take over as potentate for her mother, but is extremely reluctant, but also doesn’t know what else she would do. This book shows her confidence grow as she learns about animals, and discovers who she is. All my kiddos loved it, would definitely recommend.

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Shannen Kern

Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I never hesitate to pick up a book by this author because I know I’m in for an amazing ride! The first book in the series was incredible, but this one surpassed it which caught me off guard. It’s a pretty quick read that you can fit into your afternoon, which is literally my only complaint because I want these to last so much longer! The author has an unbelievable way of expertly crafting the story to encompass everything you’d get in a longer book, even down to the development of the characters. I always love seeing the LGBTQ+ in any genre, but paranormal romances are definitely my jam. I can’t wait to see what the next book in this series has in store! I highly recommend picking this up if you enjoy short paranormal/fantasy romance that still feel incredibly detailed.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Kris & The Pirates (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Nina Maes

Grand Adventure! This is a great for first time chapter reading, fast paced and adventurous. Strong characters and engaging storyline. I love how this author taps into your imagination and keeps you to the end. Looking forward to reading more from this author.Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grand Adventure! This is a great for first time chapter reading, fast paced and adventurous. Strong characters and engaging storyline. I love how this author taps into your imagination and keeps you to the end. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Shannen Kern

Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first book in this series was incredible, but this second installment left me absolutely reeling! It was an emotional rollercoaster and threw in unexpected twists and turns. This one is also fast paced which left me forgetting about sleep completely because I needed to know what happened next. It does not start off slow by any means, and by the first few pages you will be absolutely enthralled. I truly appreciate that it highlights PTSD as I don’t feel like it is talked about enough, and these authors captured the heartbreaking points that some experience. There are some steamy romance scenes woven in as well, and the entire story flows flawlessly. Both of these authors are definitely on the top of my list of books to pick up, so I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Break Bone Fever (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Shannen Kern

Break Bone Fever (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #1)Break Bone Fever by Mary Rae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I hadn’t read anything by either of these two authors before, but the cover drew me in immediately. Once I started this book, I was completely captivated! I read this all-in-one sitting because it had me hooked with the twists and turns that I never saw coming. I truly enjoy mysteries but hadn’t ventured too far into medical mysteries yet. That has absolutely changed now. The fact that this one was based in Galveston, TX was super cool as we visit quite often. The plotlines are incredible, and the characters are not only well-developed but felt entirely relatable. The cataclysmal health crisis these authors painted a picture that is so familiar with the recent epidemics which made it all the more believable. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that you won’t be able to put down, this should be your next pick hands down. I can’t wait to see the next book in the series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Charlotte’s Control (The Control Series) by Maggie Sims – Review by Rebecca Hill

Charlotte's Control (The Control Series)Charlotte’s Control by Maggie Sims
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is about Charlotte, the Dowager Countess of Peterborough, and William Stanton, the young earl of Harrington. When William sees Charlotte for the first time, he believes her to be the most beautiful woman on earth. Neither of them want to attend the balls and parties, but they meet there and quickly become intrigued with one another. This book was not your typical historical romance. Some might call it steamy, but to me, it was more than that. Overall it is a love story that overcomes societal expectations.

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Jamie Truex

Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell #2)Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book two in the Life is Hell series by Naomi Valkyrie. It was just as good as the first book! This time we get to learn more about Millicent and Sheridan. Millicent has a magical stalker and turns to her friends to help. This book is another from this author that keeps you turning pages until the end. It’s full of action and wonderful characters. I would recommend reading the books in order but absolutely pick up this wonderful paranormal story and settle in for great afternoon read.

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Hell in a Handbasket (Life is Hell Series Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rose McCaskey

Hell in a Handbasket (Life is Hell #3)Hell in a Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hell In A Handbasket is the third book in Naomi Valkyrie’s Life Is Hell Series. This one follows Oren and Teivel. The characters from the first two books are supporting characters throughout the story this time. Oren is a demon hunter who didn’t grow up knowing he was a hunter. He is looking for information about his legacy. Teivel is a tracker demon Oren is attracted to. Naomi Valkyrie did a great job with these characters. I recommend checking out not only this series but her other series as well.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Katy winter

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was actually a very well written and heartfelt story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Friends- to enemies to lovers, loved that it told stories from growing up and their development as adults independently but also together.
Quick and easy read, under 24 hours because I needed to know how it was going to end. Plan to read the rest of the series.

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Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen-Review by Victoria McQuigg

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kris & The Pirates: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen is an elementary early reader’s chapter book. This is a cute and fun story about Kris that takes getting sucked into a story to a new level. The characters are fun and the story is truly enjoyable. Perfect for any young reader. 4 out of 5 stars.

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Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Tausha Treadway

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana #1)Finders Keepers, Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finders Keepers, Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell. This is such a good friends/enemies romance. I’m not a huge romance fan but when you throw in a hot cowboy I can manage! Meg is a antiques dealer and when her business becomes in danger of closing her sweet old neighbor, Hank tries to help her. He has a ton of stuff in his shed that he wants her to sell. The only problem is his grandson Ryan. Ryan and Meg have known each other for years but have always disliked each other. Meg is as sweet as they come but she is a little hard headed and talks a lot. Ryan is the hot cowboy next door but he has never like Meg and she has no clue why. When she begins to work in the shed at Ryan’s farm she sees him a lot more than she intended to and while there Ryan thinks maybe he has labeled Meg wrong. The only problem he has with Meg now is she’s a distraction away from the Ranch and trying to make the Ranch a successful business is hard enough without wanting to be around some girl all day. Will they be able to save Meg’s business, make the Ranch a viable business and fall in love? I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

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What Eyes Can’t See (Bold Journeys Series) by Paulette Stout – Review by Jenni Bishop

What Eyes Can't See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging (Bold Journeys)What Eyes Can’t See: A spicy contemporary fiction novel of love, social justice, and belonging by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What Eyes Can’t See is a women’s fiction story in Paulette’s Bold Journeys series. Paulette is known for writing stories that are often outside people’s comfort zones. This contemporary fiction story is fast paced and filled with lots of emotions, betrayal, pain, angst, disgust, drama, steam and laughter and lots more.
This is a thought-provoking story is that of two people both Lawyers who grew up on different sides of the track. One with money and one without. One white and one black. One a woman and one a man. But two people who fight for justice.
Barbara’s journey takes us along as she tackles issues of infidelity, being a black woman in a high demanding role and family issues, multi-cultural relationships, courtroom drama, and racial discrimination. It’s a wonder she’s still standing but along this journey she grows in strength and self-worth.
Sebastian’s journey is just as hard as he has had to fight for everything including for his life. Now he finds himself in a position that no man in love should find themselves and has to once again fight for what he wants.
I like Paulette’s writing style and it is an interesting story that kept the pages keep turning.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Breaking Apart (Finnerty and Liccione Mystery Series) by Wanda Venters, MD and Mary Rae, MD – Review by Jenni Bishop

Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery, #2)Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Breaking Apart is the second engaging book of the Finnerty and Liccione Mystery series which I discovered when I was halfway through so I will have to go back and read the first book in the series. What a formidable writing team this duo is.
This expertly crafted medical thriller had me on the edge of my seat as I navigated the emotions, the ups and downs the frustrations, the struggles, the pain, the lives of military men and women centred around a VA medical centre. Having PTSD myself it was easy to relate to. The characters are complex, real and raw and well written. The plot is a complex weave of threads making the mystery as interesting as it is intriguing with some action thrown in as well as we race against time to solve a murder. Or is it? I was unable to put it down and it stayed with me long after I had finished it.
I absolutely look forward to reading more from this talented duo.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Better Man (A Silver Buckle Romance Series) by Laurie Lewis – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Better Man (Silver Buckle Brides, #2)The Better Man by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
The Better Man (A Silver Buckle Romance Series) by Laurie Lewis

A Better Man is the second book in the A Silver Buckle Romance Series and is a wonderfully written Inspirational Romance that once you start reading there’s no putting it down until you’ve finished. I loved everything about this book from the amazing characters that make the story come to life to the Author’s attention to detail. This author never ceases to amaze me with her creative characters and epic writing skills. This second chance romance just about broke me . Man did they pull at my heart strings. My emotions were all over the place with this story. Laramee left home years ago but finds herself going back home because her parents are about to lose it. What will happen when the past and present collide? What will Laramee do when two men want her? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Perfect (Perfect Series) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Kerry Baker

Perfect (Perfect, #1)Perfect by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a great story by and author that is one I have really come to enjoy. I connected so easily with the characters in this book. They were believable and relatable from start to finish. I thought Chloe was fun to read about and I loved watching her try to find herself.
I thought the story was a fun and lighthearted romance story. This author always seems to have an easy to read writing style that makes the book that much more interesting. I engage with her stories and this one was no exception. This was a great story that was a perfect Saturday afternoon type book.

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Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Katie Turner

Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral MysteryRhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery, written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, is a very intriguing mystery thriller as well as a tribute to the author’s mother- a former ballet dancer and teacher named Elena del Cueto. Our main character, Elena del Carral, is invited back to Terpsichore to audition for the Black Rhapsody ballet. While some of Elena’s former colleagues are genuinely happy to see her again, others are clearly offended by her return. When a series of events begins to unravel after Elena’s return, it becomes clear who the perpetrator is really targeting. But why? And what is this secret that Elena has been keeping?

I loved getting a glimpse of the dedication of these dancers as well as what the competitive ballet world can be like in this fast-paced thriller. The way the author brought this story to life with exceptional writing and well-developed characters kept the pages turning and my interest piqued from beginning to end. This is not the first story I have read by the author, and I felt that she has once again succeeded in executing a great suspenseful story. I highly recommend!

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Amese of Animalis (The Borosa Legacy Book 1) by MJ Murray – Review by Shelly Kittell

Amese of Animalis (Borosa Legacy, #1)Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Geared for the younger kids, I really enjoyed this book. Amese is having a hard time deciding if she wants to step up into her predestined role to help her mom. Throughout her story, she is training. This training consists of turning into different animals chosen for her by special bees, the orchid bees. I found it is really kind of relatable because you can feel the family dynamics, the pressure she’s under. It’s very well written and I do believe the target group will enjoy it. I started reading this to my grandson, he’s 10. He was very interested in how the bees connected Amese to the animals. I hope we’ll get more from this series. I’m looking forward to sharing this with my grandson. It’s a good story.

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