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Shattered Snow (The Mirror Chronicles Book 1) by Rachel Huffmire – Review by Betsy Melano

Shattered SnowShattered Snow by Rachel Huffmire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story takes the traditional fairytale and turns it into a new and fresh remix. The time travel and the spin on an old classic makes everything fun again. Lilia, living a hard life in Russia, finds a way to travel back in time to make a difference in a girl’s life. It is a risky thing to travel back but Lilia knows this is her only chance to change her life and also make a difference in a young girl’s life.
I’m glad I picked up this book and took the time to read it. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I’ll be looking for future books. I enjoyed her writing and how she approached this story. As a mother of a preteen, I really appreciated that this was written for the younger age group and for all readers to enjoy.

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Thunder on the Moor by Andrea Matthews – Review by Betsy Melano

Thunder On The MoorThunder On The Moor by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love books like this that include time travel where the the main character Maggie goes back in time. And not only is Maggie a time traveler but her Father Time travelled into to future and has been living here for 25 or more years. What a treat! I can tell that the author really put a lot of heart and soul into the book, making sure we could imagine being in 16th century Scotland. The language, the romance, the betrayal all helps to connect you to the story which adds to the enjoyment of the book. There were a few spots that kind of got lengthy but overall, I really enjoyed this book.

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The Fire God Tour (Moore Family Saga Book 3) by Michele Sims – Review by Betsy Melano

The Fire God Tour (Moore Family Saga)The Fire God Tour by Michele Sims
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A story about unexpected attraction to a person who isn’t your usual type. At least that’s how Miles (aka Ari the superstar) and Bella feel about each other. I could really get how they were feeling about each other and how much they cared for each other. This book is well written with wonderful characters, suspense, loyal friendships, and so much more. Once I got started, I had a hard time putting it down. Although this is the third book in the desires, it was easy to catch on to all the characters. I’m so glad I came across this series and can’t wait to check out the other books to get to know more about the characters.

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The Lies Between Us: A Psychic Romantic Suspense (Deadly Secrets Book 4) by Cynthia Cooke – Review by Betsy Melano

The Lies Between Us: Deadly Secrets Book 4The Lies Between Us: Deadly Secrets Book 4 by Cynthia Cooke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lies Between Us: A Psychic Romantic Suspense by Cynthia Cooke is action packed, has dangerous moments, and includes romance! Once you get started, you’ll have a hard time putting it down. Even though this book is part of a series, I had no trouble figuring out the characters and how they related to each other. I especially liked learning about Cat and Tom’s relationship. The book starts out with Cat finding out that her husband Tom is in danger, is not a pharmaceutical rep like she believed, but is actually an undercover FBI agent. Tom found out not long ago that Cat is not only an intelligent woman but also has psychic abilities. What will all these secrets mean for their marriage?

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A Beach Wedding To Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 2) by Judy Moore – Review by Betsy Melano

A Beach Wedding To Die ForA Beach Wedding To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beck O’Rourke is at it again! This time we find her at a wedding for her childhood friend Amelia. It’s the brides’ 3rd wedding and Beck has been in each of the previous weddings as a bridesmaid where Amelia has made a scene and left the groom at the alter. Beck can’t believe it when she sees not one but both of the jilted grooms from the first two weddings lurking around the beach watching wedding. The wedding ceremony finishes without a problem and everyone seems relieved. Several hours later after the dinner when everyone is dancing the night away, there’s a scream. Beck’s little sister Lizzie runs towards the sound and is one of the first guests to find that Amelia has been stabbed to death. Will Beck be able to stay out of the way of the police while she solves the mystery of who killed her friend Amelia?

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Love Surreptitiously by Tarrah Anders – Review by Betsy Melano

Love SurreptitiouslyLove Surreptitiously by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story about Sidney and Quinlan starts with a chance meeting. Sidney could have never guessed the tall, handsome man she met on the train one night would turn out to be her new boss the next day. Can their chance meeting be for the best, could it turn into something more? How can they manage to keep their attraction a secret from their coworkers? Do they really have what it takes to make it through a rough situation from Quinlan’s past? All these things and more will hook you into the story from the beginning. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. If the rest of her books are this good, I’ll be sure to check out her other books.

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Faerie’s Magic (Seasons of the Fae book 2) by Jessica Feyden – Review by Betsy Melano

Faerie's Magic (Seasons of the Fae Book 1)Faerie’s Magic by Jessica Feyden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A tale of a Fairie Princess named Mira and Cadoc a shifter who happens to be the Wolf King. A wonderfully written story full of action, betrayal, loyalty, and love. It took me a few pages to really get into the book but once I got reading I had a hard time putting it down. There are some great characters in this story that I really got interested in finding out what would happen to them. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

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Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1) by C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author – Review by Betsy Melano

Shattered Reality (Summoned Book 1)Shattered Reality by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A retelling of the Medusa & Perseus in a, updated and original way. Medusa has left her hometown, become a well established psychiatrist, and tried to move on from her past. But an unexpected call that her parents have been killed brings her right back home. Oh, the things that come up in this story. You will be enthralled and won’t want to stop reading. I hope you like it as much as I did. Looking forward to the next book for sure.

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Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks – Review by Betsy Melano

Kickflip SummerKickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kara is hoping to spend a fun filled summer with her best friend Toby before they start their studies at University. Although she worries about leaving her sister and her family she helps out as much as possible, her sister knows she needs to have this summer of fun. Toby and Kara find summer jobs at Blue Oaks Theme Park but are assigned to different areas of the park. Kara ends up working with Bear, who she met earlier when Bear was traveling with a friend running a summer program teaching kids about skateboarding. Will the spark of interest between Bear and Kara that started when they met earlier grow now that they work together?

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EAST BEACH (Red Farlow Mysteries No. 3) by W.F. Ranew – Review by Betsy Melano

East Beach (Red Farlow Mysteries: #3)East Beach by W.F. Ranew
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Red Farlow Mysteries series is well written and the characters are written in well too. I love reading what mystery PI Red Farlow gets involved in with each book. In the 3rd book, Red gets a call from a friend who is hurt and rushes out to help him. What does Red find? His friend has been shot and there is blood all around him. Now we know Red will keep searching for what happened and find answers about what happened. The story is so good, you won’t want to stop reading.

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Tidal Love by KM Lowe – Review by Betsy Melano

Tidal LoveTidal Love by K.M. Lowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Harleigh is on a once in a lifetime vacation thanks to her family’s generosity. She is moving on to better things while recovering from her scars (physical and mental) from her abusive ex husband. This is her chance to really find herself. She never could have imagined she would love Bulgaria as much as she does. Not only that, she meets Giovanni when she arrives at his hotel. Giovanni hasn’t had the best of luck with relationships either. Neither ones is looking for a romance but they help each other as they get closer?

What a beautiful story of how love can heal people. I hope you will love this book as much as I did.

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Curse of the Sands (Relic Hunters Book 2) by Martin Ferguson – Review by Betsy Melano

Curse of the Sands (Relic Hunters, #2)Curse of the Sands by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Curse of the Sands is the second book in the Relic Hunters series. The book is action packed and Adam Hunter, a teenager who’s working for the British Museum, is heading into a ski town. This town in Colorado is about to be destroyed. Adam is not listening to sound advice from his confidants. Instead he starts going towards the trouble…

Honestly, this series is amazing and the author is really good at painting the picture and putting you into the book. The series is action packed and keeps you moving along. You won’t regret reading these books.

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Rookie Moves: A Quick Snap Novella by Tarrah Anders – Review by Betsy Melano

Rookie MovesRookie Moves by Tarrah Anders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a sweet romance. A rookie football player gets into some trouble and needs to clean up his image. A volunteer opportunity is suggested, he meets a beautiful woman who is also volunteering. A chance meeting again at a charity dinner gives them more time to get to know each other better!
Sometimes, I’m in a mood for a quick story to read in a couple hours. This definitely hit the spot.

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Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Betsy Melano

Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily ConjuringsEveryday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A unique book full of the wonderful, magical things we see but really don’t see in everyday life. Ms. DeBlassie brings awareness to the small things that make up the beautiful world we live in. It’s such a magical book that you might wonder why you can’t put it down. But as you read it, you find the joy in the things and beings around you.

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IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5) Anthology – Review by Betsy Melano

IRRESISTIBLE - FALL INTO ROMANCE (Irresistible Romance Book 5)IRRESISTIBLE – FALL INTO ROMANCE by Tamara Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am actually new to this Anthology, if the rest of the books are anything like this one, I’m sure I will love them all. I had no problem following the story and figuring out how the characters were connected. This is one of the best romances I’ve read recently. Jeff & Amanda dated back in high school. Like many young loves, they didn’t last. They continue to be in each other’s lives but don’t realize that each one was still attracted to the other. Will they make it past the reason they broke up?

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THE PATIENCE OF KARMA (A Madeline Dawkins Mystery #5) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Betsy Melano

The Patience of KarmaThe Patience of Karma by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Madeline Dawkins and her husband Mike Delaney are at it again! They each have a case to solve for their PI business, and even one that hits close to home for Mike. As always, the characters and the story brings you right into it. Madeline and Mike grow stronger together and have each other’s backs, plus the way they solve the crimes sure get you interested in the cases and their life. This is the 5th book in the series – I’ve read them all and I can say they get better in each installment because of the back story. Don’t get me wrong, they can definitely be read as a stand alone book. Just don’t be surprised if you pick up the earlier books once you’ve finished this one.

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Her Blackened Heart (The Blackened Series Book 2) by Isra Sravenheart – Review by Betsy Melano

Her Blackened HeartHer Blackened Heart by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You will definitely want to read the first book in the series before reading this one.

I love this series because it’s such a refreshing but dark twist on a fantasy book that has witches, danger, love, adventure, and so much more all rolled into one. Lady Isra is back at it causing problems, having set her eyes on a good witch Contessia to make her stray from all the goodness she believes in. The characters Miss Sravenheart shares in this book keep your attention and help you relate to them.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)

It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This whole series is worth the read – you will definitely want to read them in order. I love Sci-Fi/Fantasy books and Miss Valkyrie has done an amazing job with the multiple storylines, the characters, and keeping the reader wanting more. Xenobia is a woman who is strong, independent, empathetic, and kind to those around her. In this book, we see the strain Xenobia is under as a leader to keep her business going.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

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True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 4) by India Kells – Review by Betsy Melano

True Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel #4)True Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started the book and quickly got distracted by kids…to be honest, I’m sad this happened. Restarted the story and it got me as soon as I had my full attention on it. It’s so good, I couldn’t put it down. Liam the cop and Catriona the little nun, you can immediately tell the attraction between the two and you won’t want to wait to see what happens. Add in Liam’s brothers and their girlfriends/families, the book just gets better and better. This book is great alone but I sure can’t wait to read about the rest of the brothers!

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I’ll See You Again: A Scottish rock star, standalone opposites-attract romance (Reigning Hearts Book 4) by K.G. Fletcher – Review by Betsy Melano

I'll See You Again (Reigning Hearts, #4)I’ll See You Again by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author conveys the characters feelings so well, you can’t help but get sucked into the story. Nicky a wedding planner meets Rock Star Reid (Mac) Macpherson by chance at her friend’s bar. Instant chemistry brings them together in a way they never expected or experienced before. I loved this story and was so engrossed in it I can honestly say I cried at one point (I don’t want to spoil it for others.) I would recommend this book to all romance lovers! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.

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Build-A-Book Workshop (The Literary Handyman Book 2) by Danielle Ackley-McPhail – Review by Betsy Melano

Build-A-Book WorkshopBuild-A-Book Workshop by Danielle Ackley-McPhail
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great information

Build-A-Book Workshop (The Literary Handyman Book 2) is a book full of great information for someone planning to self publish a book. The sections are well laid out, with terms discussed in the section are clearly defined at the beginning of each section.
Although I’m not planning on writing a book in the near future, I really appreciate the way this book is organized. I will be grabbing this book if and when I decide to write a book. I would definitely recommended this book.

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On With the Butter! Spread More Living onto Everyday Life by Heidi Herman – Review by Betsy Melano

On With the Butter!On With the Butter! by Heidi Herman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book full of ideas to change your outlook on life and find ways to make it fulfilling, especially for those that are ready to retire. I am not quite in that category but I enjoyed reading this book. I especially loved the quotes the author added to each chapter that gave you a sense of what the chapter is about. The examples and ideas the author shares are written to make you feel like “Hey, I could do that with my friend…” or “I can see my daughter and I having that kind of fun!” I would suggest this to friends and family as a good suggestion to add life to your years at any age.

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Accountability (Scope of Practice Book 3) by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Betsy Melano

Accountability (Scope of Practice #3)Accountability by Jessica Aiken-Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series! Valerie (Val) Williamson Phillips is working with the ladies in her “trauma” group in a way, but the group is now more like a group of close friends. They support each other through rough times, some more than others. As Val is working through her loss of her Gran, she finds herself finally ready to press charges against her childhood abuser.

Make sure to read the books in order, the characters and story build from one book to the next. Each of the characters will connect you more to the story and keep you wanting more.

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Lucky at Love (Some guys just never give up) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Betsy Melano

Lucky at Love: Some Guys Just Never Give Up...Lucky at Love: Some Guys Just Never Give Up… by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book got me hooked right away. It starts out with Allison, the journalist for a magazine, pitching her new story idea about a man who has been married & divorced 7 times. Jake who Allison met at his sisters wedding doesn’t believe he is a failure at marriage. Instead, he feels lucky to have loved so many different women. Jake definitely has an interesting take on marriage and love. I also appreciated that Allison started to really think about her marriage. Books that make you think about your own life are the kind I love the most.

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House of Illusions by Pippa J. Frost – Review by Betsy Melano

House of Illusions: A Dark Fantasy RomanceHouse of Illusions: A Dark Fantasy Romance by Pippa J. Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fantasy hooked me in with in the first page and I couldn’t stop reading it. The story has wonderful characters, it is is well written, and I liked that it clearly shows the points of view of the different characters. Valentina works hard to survive but realizes she needs to find employment somewhere other than at home after her parent’s disappearance. She finds herself working for a lord taking care of his twin daughters in a house that is protected by magic. This book is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Frost and I cannot wait to read more of her books.

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Alligators in the Trees by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Betsy Melano

Alligators in the treesAlligators in the trees by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The three main characters, Priscilla, Phil, & Tobias, meet in a diner in Manhattan. Each of them have different life experiences and issues they are struggling with and this chance meeting starts their healing process. There were some parts that seem to take it slow, which make it a little hard to keep reading but it didn’t make me stop.

I have read several books by Ms. Hamilton. I love how she creates characters who are interesting, believeable, and hook you into the story because you can connect with them so well.

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Alamir (Blood of Kaos Series Book 1) AUDIBLE BOOK TOUR by Nesa Miller – Review by Betsy Melano

Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series: Volume 1Alamir: Blood of Kaos Series: Volume 1 by Nesa Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alamir: Blood of Kaos, Book 1, Audio Book
By Nesa Miller

I love listening to audio books and this was no exception. The story caught my interest right from the start. The main character Etain is a girl I admire who I could could see myself befriending for her strength and courage after she loses her family. All the characters that come into play are well thought out. I can’t wait to listen to the next book in this series.

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Rose by Any Other Name (The Sisters, Texas Series, Book 10) by Becki Willis – Review by Betsy Melano

Rose by Any Other Name (The Sisters, Texas #10)Rose by Any Other Name by Becki Willis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brash deCordova is the sheriff in The Sisters, fondly called that by the residents of Juliet & Naomi (the towns are on each side of railroad tracks!) who gets multiple calls about a suspected murder…but was there really a murder? How can he be sure with the multiple stories that don’t quite match from the witnesses and no body? You’ve got to love a mystery that starts out like this!! The characters in this book have depth and love and respect for each other. It won’t take long before you get sucked into the story. How have I not found this author before? I have a lot of books to read to get to know more about what happens in The Sisters Texas Mystery Series.

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Solstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller by Avanti Centrae – Review by Betsy Melano

Solstice Shadows: A VanOps ThrillerSolstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller by Avanti Centrae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie is an Aikido black belt who teaches at a local dojo. She also works at her own computer company. She finds that someone is in her apartment and has stolen an important old star chart. She finds herself joining forces with the VanOps to get the relic safely back and save the world.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters, the thrilling locations, and saving the world all make a huge impact on the story. I will definitely read the first book in the series and can’t wait to read more from this author.

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Betsy Melano

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Xenobia has been living with other girls who are all constantly being watched and thought to do what their masters expect. In comes Urd, a new girl and Xenobia tries to keep her distance…but soon she finds Urd has become important to her. Now what can they do but hope to escape! I was so engrossed in the story that I can’t wait to read more of Ms. Valkyrie’s books. If her other books are anything like this one, I will have a hard time putting the books down. I love finding awesome book series!

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