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The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Betsy Melano

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The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky #4)The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleven year old Sparky is on a new adventure, finding a place that’s hopefully safer but her luck seems to be on the wrong side. As always, I enjoy reading about Sparks’s life and all the adventures she seems to get into. This 4th book in the series doesn’t disappoint. The world built by the author is spot on and the characters that are around Sparky help make thieve books fun to read.

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Sarge: Going Deep by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Betsy Melano

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Sarge: Going DeepSarge: Going Deep by PhD Ledwith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sci-fi series that brings the reader to new experiences, finding out more about Sarge and Scully as they get into covert operations and experience extra terrestrial beings. The story has suspense, intrigue, and so much more while at the same time the characters learn about other beings and how they help the main characters. The author brings a world I didn’t expect but one I’d like to learn more about. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

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She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy Series) by Brooke May – Review by Betsy Melano

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She's My Rhinestone Cowgirl (My Cowboy #7)She’s My Rhinestone Cowgirl by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author of this book is new to me. From the beginning, the story captured my interest. Trinity Redhawk always wanted to be a rodeo queen. But as a teen she had to give up many friendships and potential boyfriends. As she finds herself in her last year of being the rodeo queen, she’s looking forward to being a strong woman and finding a more normal life.
The story is easy to read and follow. The author did a great job of world building and I could imagine the rodeo arena, the rodeo royalty, and spectators. I didn’t realize the book was part of a series. I had no problem following the story even if I didn’t know the names of all the characters.

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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Betsy Melano

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Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the series. In this book we get to know Abby Whit who moved to Herd Montana to reclaim family land. She got to know many of the town folk and really loved the location that her food truck is located, but she has a big secret. One person in Herd, Joe the school teacher and novelist, has felt something was off with Abby. When Abby’s secret is revealed, she finds herself in a situation she didn’t consider. Will Abby be able to continue on the path she envisioned alone or will some friends help her through this difficult time?
This is a story about a small town life that has deep roots and memories. The book is a wholesome story of people and friends who support you at your lowest moments.

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

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Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading books written by this author. She creates interesting worlds and characters that are relatable and make the story interesting – like Vulture and Jackal shifters. This book is a shorter story filled with some loneliness, angst, and romance. It’s an easy read that you won’t want to put down even after you realize the story is finished. This kind of story might not be what you’re used to but the author’s imagination and writing style will connect with you in ways you don’t expect.

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RELEASE (REWIND Series) by Rowan Shaw – Review by Betsy Melano

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Release (Rewind #5)Release by Rowan Shaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author to me. I also did not read the rest of the series, only picked it up with the 5th book in the series. From what I could piece together, the 5th book is a mixture of the earlier books and a short story of each of the main characters a few years after the end of the first 4 books. I like to keep an open mind whenever reading books. This one can be a trigger for some so keep that in mind before deciding if you want to read it. To me it was a bit rough reading trying to figure out all the characters (again, I didn’t read the rest of the series). The parts I appreciated the author for writing us the use of he/she and they/them. I do my best to understand where people are coming from and this book made me understand things better. It was a bit of a tough read for me but I definitely learned something.

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Falling Down (The Rockstar Series) by Anne Mercier – Review by Betsy Melano

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Falling Down (Rockstar, #1)Falling Down by Anne Mercier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A teen crush of a rock band member turns to romance. When Lucy and Sera are waiting for their flight to California, they meet Jesse Kingston, the lead singer of Falling Down. The girls can’t believe Jesse is on the same flight as they are although he’s in first class and they’re in coach. Years later, the girls are hired for a rock video session for Falling Down.
The characters we meet in this first book are awesome, talented, fun, and easy to connect with. Many moments throughout the book that had me laughing or giggling. The world the author created is great. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

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Oscar and Emmy Visit Grandma (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Betsy Melano

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Oscar and Emmy Visit GrandmaOscar and Emmy Visit Grandma by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A book about how pets are taken care of when the family goes on vacation. Oscar and Emmy are staying with Grandma while the family is away. The cats might be unsure of the new location but soon find their way with Grandma’s help. Oscar and Emmy not only visit grandma but also meet some animals they’ve never seen before during their visit.
This book would be great for families to read before an short or extended trip. Love the illustration and story that I feel kids will relate to.

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The Rebirth Part 1 (Planet Amazon Series) by Crystal Dawn – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Rebirth: Part One (Planet Amazon #0)The Rebirth: Part One by Crystal Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book by an author I haven’t read before. It’s a great book based on the lost city of Atlantis and a portal that brings Andrea, to another civilization. Andrea has been planning on opening the portal since she was a child and found an ancient book that explains how the portal works. Although Andrea isn’t sure how she may get back to Earth, she is excited to have made it through the portal. This sci-fi story has danger, romance, and uncertainty. The characters are easy to connect to and world created by the author is amazing.

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate Book 11) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master Bistrita (Masters of the Consulate #11)Master Bistrita by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great book by the author. I have read most if not all of the series. Each time I picked up a book, I enjoyed the story and learning about the different pure blood vampires masters and their mates throughout the series. The connection the couples have with each other and with the others in their master group is fighting the rogue vampires. I suggest the books be read in order as much as possible to be able to connect the story from the beginning.

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Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Series Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Betsy Melano

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Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) (Alienville Series)Lost Hollow : A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great story by an author that’s new to me. The beginning started in an interesting way as Claire is traveling to visit her twin sister. Claire ends up in the outskirts of Alienville where she goes missing. When Claire doesn’t show up when expected, her twin Moira travels to Alienville to find her. What Moira doesn’t know is that her showing up is the start of something unexpected! The author did an excellent job of writing a story that kept my attention and made me want to keep reading more. The characters and world building made the story that much more exciting. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill MysteryThe Monkey Island Murder: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery by Rosalind Barden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sparky is once again finding herself in a situation, figuring out why her criminal boss Bookie has been arrested on Monkey Island. Sparky is certain Bookie isn’t the murderer. It’s time for Sparky to use her wits, her street knowledge, and friends to find the actual murderer. At the same time, Sparky has not quite gotten used to the care and benefits she receives from her benefactor Tootsie and Tootsie’s employee Gilbert. The author writes in such a way that you can picture the setting and connect with Sparky.

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Unexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

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Unexpected HeroesUnexpected Heroes by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed reading many books by this author. This book is a second chance MM romance which I don’t always read but I really enjoyed this story. Elijah and Jude meet each other when Elijah is trying to calm baby Griffin so they can get some sleep and be ready for Elijah’s first day at his new job. Jude ends up helping calm Griffin. As Elijah and Jude get to know each other, Jude notices weird things happening around Elijah. Great world building by the author with a mix of mystery, new friendships, new jobs, and even Jude finding a reason to live again.

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The Music That Ties Us (Love Ties Us Series) by Nicolette Terry – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance (Love Ties Us)The Music That Ties Us: A Rockstar Romance by Nicolette Terry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cadence is stuck in a relationship with her boyfriend she met in college. It isn’t until her sister talks her into going to a local bar to see a rock group perform when she realizes she isn’t living her life but her boyfriend’s life. What she didn’t expect was a connection she felt with the lead singer of Rebel Rebellion Damien Walker who also feels a connection. The story of Cadence and Damien spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect and I read it all the way thru in one evening. The characters were very relatable and the author did a great job world building.

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Love Rinkside (The Playmakers Series) by G. K. Brady – Review by Betsy Melano

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Love Rinkside (Playmakers)Love Rinkside by G.K. Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read some of the Playmaker Series and always enjoy them. This book didn’t disappoint! What a fun “Halloween Costume Requirement” having everyone dress up as a mascot! The story starts with Drew kind of hiding away during the Halloween party and Katie finding a quiet moment away from the party. They soon realize that they not only have friends in common but also really “click” with each other. These two are super like able! I loved this novella that included family members of the Hockey players connect.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Betsy Melano

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Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stephanie is a kindergarten teacher during the school year and a yoga instructor at the Kincade Ranch during the tourist season. She loves living in Herd and being part of a community. Ted is the staff supervisor at the Kincade Ranch. Whenever Stephanie is near Ted, she can’t seem to speak, mainly because she has a huge crush on him! What Stephanie doesn’t realize is that Ted really likes her too but can’t figure out why Stephanie won’t talk to him. What can help these two finally connect? I’ll let you read the book to find out!
This is the second book in the Match Made in Montana Series. I enjoyed the story, had fun getting reacquainted with the main characters from the first book, and loved the story of Stephanie & Ted. Great characters and world building by the author.

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The Fallen Man (The Olympic Peninsula Book 5) by Cat Treadgold – Review by Betsy Melano

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The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s (The Olympic Peninsula series Book 5)The Fallen Man: A Heartwarming Holiday Romance Set in the 1990s by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Fallen Man is the fifth book in the Olympic Peninsula Series. This is about Edward the oldest of the O’Connell siblings. These books are well written and have wonderful world building by the author. Edward is the son that joined the priesthood but after a possible attempt to undermine Edward’s knowledge of a scheme he finds himself heading home to be with family and also meets a beautiful woman named Lisette. The family can be overbearing but many of the extended network of friends, lovers, and others connected to the O’Connell household/compound bring joy and happiness to a family that has struggled. I enjoyed this series and recommend it to friends.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Betsy Melano

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Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stephanie is a kindergarten teacher during the school year and a yoga instructor at the Kincade Ranch during the tourist season. She loves living in Herd and being part of a community. Ted is the staff supervisor at the Kincade Ranch. Whenever Stephanie is near Ted, she can’t seem to speak, mainly because she has a huge crush on him! What Stephanie doesn’t realize is that Ted really likes her too but can’t figure out why Stephanie won’t talk to him. What can help these two finally connect? I’ll let you read the book to find out!
This is the second book in the Match Made in Montana Series. I enjoyed the story, had fun getting reacquainted with the main characters from the first book, and loved the story of Stephanie & Ted. Great characters and world building by the author.

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thought the title was good and figured maybe this will get me to try reading some Agatha Christie books. I enjoyed the characters and definitely enjoyed the mystery. A good summer read for those really hot days. Interesting turn when some of the book club members are murdered. What a good way to solve the book club murders using Agatha Christie books. Glad I took a chance, I’ll be reading some more mystery books soon.

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Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Betsy Melano

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Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading anything by this author! This book kept my attention from the start, when I was worried for Helo when she was caught stealing and finding out about her PTSD. I appreciated the care Chaz, the Wretched Souls MC Prez, shows for Helo. As I was reading, I worried a bit for Helo as the guys find out she has a large bounty out on her. But the guys don’t disappoint their Prez or Helo. What a great story and a happy connection for two souls who didn’t think they’d ever find a soul mate.

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Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Betsy Melano

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Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues…Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful story of family and love. I missed reading the first book but had no issue reading the story of Jack and Mariella. Jack met Mariella years before when she was selling postcards at the Colosseum in Rome when he was stationed there. Jack returned to the states with the plan to bring Mariella to the States after World War Two. They continued to write each other and the day finally came when Jack could return to be with Mariella and ultimately facilitate Mariella’s immigration to the United States. The book takes you on an emotional ride as the young couple realize that they both need to transition to their new lives as a couple and help each other as cultural differences pop up. I really enjoyed reading the book and connected to the characters.

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters Series) by C.A. King – Review by Betsy Melano

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Just Ducky (Weird Shifters)Just Ducky by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to think about this book at first. Ducky seemed to be a low level shifter that wasn’t going to amount to much. However, as soon as I got further into the story the more I smiled and even giggled when Ducky came face to face (kind of lol) with The King! This story is pretty different from other shifters stories so it really clumsy attention. The author did a fantastic job creating the characters, not just Ducky but all of them. I really liked the King’s mother Trisha.

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Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Betsy Melano

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Come Home to DeathCome Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Erica finds out that her husband of only 9 months has been lying to her about his “work.” terry actually isn’t working at all but finding trouble like owing gambling debts to a gangster. When Erica finds out she decides to find a way to help Terry. What she didn’t expect was her life being in danger as she returns to her childhood home. Who is targeting her and why?
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I really enjoyed her writing and world building. Erica is a character I could connect with and understand her struggles and frustration.

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Healing Hearts: Gene & Amanda’s Story (The Echo Series) by C.R. Alam – Review by Betsy Melano

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Healing Hearts (Echo #0.5)Healing Hearts by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Echo Series is one of my favorite series I’ve read in the last year or so. Each story shares the lives of a couple, how they find each other and figure out what life living with their soulmate means. In the series prequel, we meet Gene and Amanda. Gene has just returned to his hometown Gainesville Georgia when he sees a car veer off the road. As a trained ER doctor, Gene Rowland can’t just leave someone who is hurt. The person behind the wheel he meets is Amanda Garner who definitely needs care and an ambulance. The reason Amanda had the accident was because she almost hit a teenager. No one believes Amanda actually saw a real girl, they think it was the town ghost that people swear they see dressed in blue. Amanda and Gene find a connection with each other but like many couples, they have some disagreements and setbacks.

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Betsy Melano

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate #10)Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read several of the books in this series. I have enjoyed reading them and learning about the couples that come together to support each other even if they are witches and vampires working together. In the 10th installment we learn more about Master Oradea and the vampires interact more with the syndicate members. The connection between Master Oradea and Natalia Benzini seems to come together quickly even though the oldest Benzini brother threatens Oradea to keep Natalia safe. The vampires are working to uncover where Lucas may be hiding with the shifters. A great continuation of the struggle and I can’t wait to read the next installment.

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups Series) by Sylvie Stewart and Marika Ray – Review by Betsy Melano

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Mood Swings and Hockey Flings (Hot Flash Hookups #2)Mood Swings and Hockey Flings by Marika Ray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun read! I like to mix up genres when I finish a book that is longer. This book was the perfect change of pace for me. I loved that the author wrote a bit about the history between Kaitlyn and Banks so we have an idea about the dynamic between them. As we meet them again 10 years later, the two of them are finding out more about each other than they ever expected as Kaitlyn takes Banks on as a client! How will these strong willed professionals finally find what they have been searching for? The author did a wonderful job world and character building. I will be checking out more books by this author. I connected with both Kaitlyn and Banks as they go through the ups and downs of relationships.

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Oscar and Emmy Foster Kittens (Oscar and Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Betsy Melano

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Oscar and Emmy Foster KittensOscar and Emmy Foster Kittens by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well written book about fostering kittens that children can read and understand. Abby and Charlie hear about the need for people to foster kittens. After talking about it with their parents, and discussing how their cats Oscar and Emmy might react, they foster 3 kittens to help the kittens get used to being around people and other cats. The kids in the story understand why fostering is needed and learns how rewarding it is while it also can be a lot of work.
The illustrations are beautiful and make it easy for the kids to follow. I have read a few books by the author and appreciate how well written it is for young readers.

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

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

Meg Hawk has known her neighbors the Kinkades, ever since she spent her summers with her grandmother at the family’s ranch in Herd, Montana. She loved the ranch life and how friendly the Kinkade family was with the Hawk family. The only one that seemed to dislike Meg was Ryan Kinkade, the quiet silent type even as a kid. Ryan seemed to consider Meg a pest who talked too much.
Meg decides to move to Herd permanently after her grandmother died. Meg is living in the Hawk home she loved so much as a child that has fond memories of her time with her grandmother. Meg opens a store in town called Finders Keepers selling antiques. Unfortunately, Meg seems to still be considered a pest by Ryan. When Hank Kinkade, Ryan’s grandfather, asks Meg to help him with a project, she’s happy to help but Ryan isn’t happy and lashes out to Meg like he has since childhood. Will Hank’s project help Ryan and Meg find a way to be friends or more?
I enjoyed reading the story and appreciated the wholesome story. The author did a great job creating the town of Herd and the characters. With all the extra town folks mentioned I’m sure the next book in the series will be fun to read.

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Stars in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Betsy Melano

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Stars in the CityStars in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed reading books by this author in the past. I specifically like that she writes YA books that are clean that I feel comfortable getting for my daughter. It is fun learning about Valeria Joseph, how she feels about her life in New York, what happened with her on set boyfriend Lance, how things didn’t quite work out like she expected with him. To read how Valeria truly feels as she realizes how lonely a big city like New York can be and missing many of the life long friends she used to confide in. It has to be tough for a young actress to keep going!

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Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden – Review by Betsy Melano

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Family Ties Family LiesFamily Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A page turner that kept me wanting to find out more. A family’s secret that’s been hidden comes to light when Rose gets a call that her mother Carly isn’t doing well and needs Rose’s help. Rose has her own issues due to getting injured on the job as a photojournalist. When Rose gets to her childhood home in upstate New York, she soon finds out how sick her mother really is. Rose tries to get her big brother to come up to help with their mother but as a lawyer with current open cases, he can’t get away.
Being in her childhood town and home brings up some things that have been secret for years. The story brings drama, intrigue, danger, hurt feelings, and so much more. But family can still be strong even after some hidden lies are brought to the surface.
I did cry a bit as I read the book, I could totally connect with Rose as she tries to be there for her ailing mother.

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