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The True Purpose of Vines (The Winemakers Book 1) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Audrie Harrington

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The True Purpose of VinesThe True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great introduction to Portugal – the people, the wine, and the land! The main character, Julia, is a widow who is running a vineyard during a time when it was done only by men. It is 1870 and she is looked down upon for running the vineyard and speaking up to other men doing the same. She is independent, tough, headstrong, and willing to do anything to keep her vineyard going. When Griffin Maxwell comes to town to check in on his own vineyard, there is an instant connection. Julia teaches him about the culture, the stories, the food, and the grapes. Griffin is helping her find a cure to the plague spreading through vineyards, teaching her son how to ride a horse, and opening her up to new love. The setting is beautiful and the characters are very relatable. This was a page turner and I had to keep reading to see what decisions would be made and what obstacles they would have to overcome. All you need is a perfect glass of wine or Julia’s favorite, port!

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Return of the Elf Lord (Kingdom of the Elf Lords Book 1) by Heidi Vanlandingham – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Return of the Elf LordReturn of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have never read a story like this. It is fantasy but also historical fiction as it mixes magic and mythology with the destruction of Pearl Harbor. I’m glad the author put a glossary in the beginning of the book because I needed to reference names and places as I read. The characters drew me in and I wanted to learn their stories. Alva didn’t grow up with her queen mother or sisters but comes back when trouble arises. She is a Huldra who uses the male life force to live. Alva went against the norm and did not kill her partner, but helped him win a war. Bernard, a resistance soldier, is grieving the loss of his family and is willing to do anything to bring them back. Bernard changes one event in history which alters the fate for all. He knows one small change can make a difference in the future so now he has to go back and fix it with the help of Alva. Something seems to be working against them and Bernard and Alva need to figure it out so they can change the past and put the timeline back right.

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The Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind – Review by Audrie Harrington

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The Thunderbird Academy TrilogyThe Thunderbird Academy Trilogy by Valia Lind
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started this one and was hooked by the characters right away! Maddie is a typical teenage girl except she is a witch with magical powers and attends a magical school. She helped her sisters battle evil over the summer and doesn’t like all the stares in the halls. Aiden is a hunky teenage boy who is also a wolf shifter. He is new to the school and there is tension right away. Maddie and Aiden become sparring partners as they learn combat training and it is fun to watch them deal with all their feelings. The world building is really well done and described in detail: the school grounds, the Spring Court in the land of Fae, and all the travels through the forest. Maddie and Aiden are fighting each other and the dark forces around them. They are surrounded by really great friends who are constantly trying to help them understand their feelings and how to figure out the conflicts. I got hooked and finished the entire trilogy in just a few sittings because I couldn’t put it down and had to know what was going to happen next! This is a YA paranormal romance and I loved that it was clean and definitely could be enjoyed by all levels of readers.

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The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Audrie Harrington

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The Worry KnotThe Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really great middle level novel that I will be reading to my 6th and 7th graders! The main character, Rourke, describes a worry knot building in his stomach. He worries about his friends, a new girl at school, and mostly his brother who has autism. Rourke is a 7th grader and his brother is a 9th grader so they are attending the same school this year. This book deals with mean girls, bullies, and many middle school issues that all kids should read about. I loved that each chapter started with a worry from different characters, it was a great way to get insight for the characters and some secret worries too. This book really shows that you never know what people are going through. A great book that I couldn’t put down and will be sharing!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Audrie Harrington

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The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fantasy mystery with a new take on magical abilities that I had not read before. The story takes place in a royal court where Adrijana has come to visit her best friend, Simeon, and also try to work for or befriend the princess so she can stay. The story unfolds as the Mesmers discover her true identity which her father had been hiding using a plant they grow and deliver to the royal court. Mesmers had been mostly killed off in the kingdom and are often thought of as having terrible magic and powers. Members of the royal family are dying and Adrijana is trying to help solve the mystery and the murders, while also learning the new powers that come with being a Mesmer. There are wonderful characters that are easy to follow as the story is told and there are mysteries and plot twists that keep you guessing as you flip the pages.

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles Book 2) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Audrie Harrington

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To be a Fae Guardian (Realm Chronicles, #2)To be a Fae Guardian by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book just as much as the first in the series. There is amazing world building and the description of the kingdoms are very well detailed. Dark evil lies below and the humans walk above, the fae live in Middle Earth between the two. The characters are easy to relate to even though they are fae and fly everywhere. Sometimes I forget that they are living and flying in Middle Earth and not humans walking around the castle and gardens! Queen Titania is strong willed and determined to keep her kingdom safe. I want all teen girls to read this series to learn what a strong and independent woman is capable of – even when others have doubts! There are ups and downs and it is an action packed page turner. I couldn’t put it down and hope another book is coming soon so I can stay in touch with some really great characters.

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I LOVED this book! There were many similarities to the world we are living in right now which made it interesting and also a little nerve wracking. A pandemic hits the United Stated and Kella, Huck, and Jumper need to get CDC data north to help save the mutations. So they start hiking the Appalachian Trail. I loved the characters and their personalities! Kella writes in log books and draws fun stick figure drawings while trying to figure out who she is. Her brother Huck is on the spectrum and compares the hike and their world to a video game with constant chatter and updates. They meet up with other survivors and hike and hike. The setting is described in great detail, the characters have great traits and personalities, and the twists and turns are constant. I LOVED this book and read way too late into the night hoping I wouldn’t have nightmares about “hyenas” coming after me!

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author did an amazing job of describing every setting in this book, which made me want to hop on a plane and go visit! I was instantly connected since it starts in Washington State close to my hometown. Lizbeth Gordon is a school counselor in a small town that she moved to after marrying her husband Dan. She has twin boys that attend Western Washington University a few hours away. After the tragic death of her husband, she decides to move back to South Carolina. The descriptions of South Carolina and the coasts sound breathtaking. With the help of her cousin Charlotte, she is able to enjoy the family home and the beach it sits on. I had not heard of the term “roots research” until this book and it intrigued me. Lizbeth is doing her own roots research and trying to learn more about the Gordon family going back for generations. She has Charlotte, her aunt, and some headstones and photographs to start. There are many dead ends but I couldn’t stop reading to find out about her family!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Somehow I started on book two so I will need to go back and read the first to learn more about Emma and some of the events that are talked about throughout book two! Even not reading the first book, I have been able to easily follow the story and the characters. Emma is a teen detective who graduated from business school and has been working with local companies to find women jobs. She also solves crimes that arise and that are brought to her. I love Emma and the group of friends and family that she is surrounded by. I liked the idea of growing up in a boarding house and like getting to know the characters that were part of the day to day. The crimes don’t seem ridiculous for a teen and even though some are dangerous, Emma always walks though the steps so she knows how to get to the bottom of them. The story is set in the 1800’s, but it doesn’t feel out of date even though Emma rides her bike everywhere which is also a fun element. What I loved most about the book was how the author portrayed this young girl as so strong, independent, and capable of anything she put her mind to – a great way to show a strong young woman protagonist!

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Audrie Harrington

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A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, #5)A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed every single page of this book! I love a good holiday story and this one did not disappoint. The author did a great job describing the small town of Cold Creek. It makes me want to visit during Christmas so I can join in the fun too. The pub, the Italian bakery, the bookshop and main street are all given so much detail. The characters are all really likable, especially the petite and sassy bar owner, Amber. Gio and his great-grandmother have such a special relationship and I love their story. I will now need to go back and read other books by this author who really hooked me into a book that I couldn’t put down.

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was looking for a book that I could share with my son who is on the cusp of not believing in Santa. I wanted a fun way to tell him, but still needed a way for him to not spoil it for his younger brother. This book, like many of the Christmas stories and movies, starts with a friend telling the main character that Santa isn’t real. In this book the mom talks about the child being a dream keeper and that those believe keep the dream alive. The boy becomes a dream keeper so that his brother still believes. A great way to help tell your child about Santa, I just wish it was longer!

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Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairing Series Book 1) by Parker Fairchild – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship (The Perfect Pairings Series Book 1)Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship by Parker Fairchild

I really enjoyed reading this book and it makes me want to decorate for Christmas and turn on the holiday music! The author was able to mix a holiday feel, Christmas magic, and a Caribbean cruise, and make it feel like one amazing vacation. This romantic comedy was filled with fun characters – Olivia who is on the cruise to avoid Christmas with her twin sister and Jace who is a Commander in the Navy and on the cruise for a wedding of his friends. Santa, Mrs Claus, Jace’s friends, and all the elderly friends are so much fun! I felt like I even got to know the waiters because Jace always calls them by name. The description of the cruise ship, the drinks that were consumed, and even the music playing were all so detailed. I smiled, I teared up, and I laughed a lot as I read. This was a wonderful and feel good read that I devoured in one day!

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Audrie Harrington

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had so many elements that I love reading! Magic, the magic used to shape the elements was so interesting to learn about. Training for the elements and learning how to shape them at an elite academy that takes ten years. Learning the theory behind the shaping of elements. The people living in different rings of the empire: the Storm, the Gate, and the Crown. A competition between classmates and enemies who need to work together to survive. Seeing the love and mark a family can leave on a person even when they aren’t around all the time. I couldn’t picture the rings of the empire very well so I wish there would have been a bit more world building. Overall, this book is great and includes action, fighting, romance, humor, family connections, and so much more. I loved it more and more as I read!

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Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing world building! I loved the description of the trees they lived in, especially the Royal Tree, and the magic used to make them expand or hide rooms and halls. The book also talks about other ways elves build house with wood and bricks – the non-elf way to do it. Which seemed funny since that is how all our buildings are built! The idea of the different realms and the rivers that connected them, I was learning so much about their world as I read! The main characters were very likable and I was rooting for them throughout the book. Nix is the prince of the Twilight Realm and saw his parents, the king and queen, killed when he was 13 and went into hiding. I had not read many elvish stories before so I loved learning that they are still considered children until they turn 100! Zoe’s parents tricked and killed the king and queen. She was used as a canvas for her mother’s dark magic and tattoos and escaped when she was young. Her magic helps her tattoos come alive and I love her dragons! Nix and Zoe have to work together to make things right in the Twilight Realm. I enjoyed getting to know the nurturing brownies who took care of everyone and Nate the royal advisor. Overall really amazing book!

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Born to Fall (Can’t Resist You – Book 2) by Brittany Anne – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Born to Fall (Can't Resist You, #2)Born to Fall by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love getting into a series and reading a different point of view for each book. This book followed Derek and Julia’s story. We met them in book one but they weren’t the focus. After the fall the resistance is trying to help the people. They have taken over a UNR compound that has become their new base and their new home. Derek is a resistance leader and the youngest of the “brothers” in charge. Derek saved Julia from the UNR and is still trying to make her feel comfortable and safe in the resistance. Julia is terrified of everything and isn’t sure who she can and cannot trust. The resistance is looking into a town that killed two of their men and learn that their leader is good at hiding the truth. It looks like a great community with caring people and leaders, but is it? This book is action packed with plot twists and turns and there is even some romance thrown in too. It was a great read and I can’t wait until the next one comes out!

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas Book 4) by Marianne Rice – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Snowflakes & Stockings (A Wilton Hills Christmas, #4)Snowflakes & Stockings by Marianne Rice
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a good holiday book and this one did not disappoint. This is the first book I have read in the series and I now NEED to go back and read the others! Liberty is an investigative reporter and is looking for Maine’s Secret Santa. She meets Sawyer Campbell, who owns and runs a huge technology company and she thinks he may be the Secret Santa. The story is light, fun, romantic, and funny. I loved every character in the book and I want to sit down for family dinners at the Johnson house.

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Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven Book 5) by AJ Renee – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven, #5)Cursed Luck by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So happy to finally read about Edward and also check in on how all the other family members are doing! He is the quiet, brooding brother who doesn’t have magic like the rest of the family. He can be a bit cocky and often sticks his foot in his mouth. He seems to be good in business and we do find out that he has magic powers just like the rest of the family. Edward still struggles with the loss of his father and keeps his distance from the family. I was happy to get to know Mia since we saw just a little of her in Cursed Touch (book 4). I love her earthly magic and can just picture all of the beautiful flowers described throughout the pages. This was another steamy love story and I hope this isn’t the last book to be written about the Broderick Coven.

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven Book 4) by AJ Renee – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Cursed Touch (Broderick Coven, #4)Cursed Touch by A.J. Renee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another page turner in the Broderick Coven series! This book follows Carter, the brother who is a doctor and can heal people. There were sometimes I was a little lost with all that was happening, but the story pulled me in and I finished it in a few days. Vanessa is tough and just what Carter needs in his life. This book was full of even more magic, new characters to learn about, and the big family dinners that pull the characters together. This story turned the steamy romance up a notch too.

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Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven Book 3) by AJ Renee – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Cursed Whispers (Broderick Coven, #3)Cursed Whispers by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A new story focusing on another brother from the Broderick family of witches! In each book the author changes point of view to a different brother and the magic that they are learning to use. Max can speak to animals which is a fun way to see into the minds of the animals he treats and the werewolf he finds in the woods. This one was interesting with the werewolves so involved in the story and learning more about the pack life. I like the large family dinners and how they are so protective of each other. I can’t wait to read the next book!

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Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven Book 2) by AJ Renee – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Cursed Sight (Broderick Coven, #2)Cursed Sight by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first book that I read in this series and will need to go back and read book one to learn more about the family and the back story. The series is about a family of witches who just learned that they have powers. This book follows one of the brothers, Ethan. I love the family and all of the characters. I also loved learning more about the high priestess since I haven’t read much about them in other books. If you like witches, werwolves, magic, and some spicy romance then you need to read this book series!

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Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the start and finished this book in one sitting! A post-apocalyptic story after “The Fall” where the UNR controls the communities and the people live like slaves. Hunter, one of the main characters, is part of the Resistance, which is trying to help the people. Rain, the other main character, is living a solitary life hidden in a bunker. When they meet the story takes off and is full of action, fighting, humor, and steamy romance. I liked the flashbacks to learn more about the characters. I liked picturing the bunker, the resistance HQ, the UNR compound, and the forests. An overall great read!

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Audrie Harrington

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To be a Fae Queen (Realm Chronicles #1)To be a Fae Queen by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the best books about fae I have read! There was so much background information that I learned about fae, their powers, and the magical life they live. The author really puts the visual of fae life in your head and you want to live in their kingdom. I loved the idea of the setting of lower, middle, and upper Earth with the fae living in the middle Earth. This story has it all: action, adventure, fantasy, and even romance. The teenager fights for her right to rule and all the obstacles she has to overcome. Such a good story to the very end.

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Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by Audrie Harrington

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Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle

I loved this book and was hooked from page one! Rowan, the main character, is a princess in a fictional country. She is sassy and bold and a lot of fun to spend time with as I read. The tunnels collapse as she is trying to smuggle vodka with her cousin and she is picked up by an enemy clan. The description of the setting and the different clans is outstanding and really put me in their world. I can’t wait to read the next book!

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