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Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a beginning scribble page to test out your art media and what to do if your coloring bleeds through. This is a great idea! Faces look like anime anime artwork and the damsels are age appropriate in design. The characters don’t look scary and are adorable. There are enough details in the pictures to keep you interested and keep coloring for any age group. I like to do adult coloring and this is a wonderful book!
Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mind-Reading Hat, Invisible Magic Wand book 6, is a cute children’s story about Caspian who gets a hat and a thinking stone for his birthday from Grandpa. The hat leads him on adventures and the thinking stone helps him think about ways to help others. Read previous books in the series to find out what other magic things he’s received as gifts! Unique and wonderful idea for a children’s story.

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn
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We Blend (Falling for the Rockstar’s Daughter Book 1) by Willa Drew – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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WE Blend (Falling for the Rockstar's Daughter Series #1)WE Blend by Willa Drew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the series and a fun, flirty romance filled with secrets. It’s nice the romance plot isn’t over mushy. What seems like an unlikely romance becomes an alliance and love is tested. I like how the author keeps the music world in all of the settings. This helps keep the reader immersed in the story. If you like paparazzi, rocker lifestyle, and romance thrown in the mix, this is the book for you. Rock on!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first page brings me to the world of TWD. Excellent backstory and character development! Vanished fragments of humanity, committing necessary evil, desperation, and trying to keep your child alive in an apocalypse is excellent story telling. I was drawn in and couldn’t put the book down! A definite must read!

 

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in The Notebook Mysteries series and the third book I’ve read in the series. The story starts in the preface sometime in the future, where the narrator (we aren’t told the name) is deciding to write a book, but doesn’t know where to begin. After going through the collection of notebooks, she decides where to start the story. Throughout the book the reader is interrupted by the narrator and Dear-one as she’s writing the story. This is an interesting way to tell the story of Emma. Even though each book can be read as a stand-alone novel, this book gives the majority of backstory of the characters, as well as more details into setting. The author also includes recipes mentioned in the book. German chocolate cake wasn’t made the way it was made when I was young. I felt more pulled into the historical time in this novel. It was a nice cozy mystery for the young adult genre!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn

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Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse CollectionFractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolute read for dystopian lovers! I have a spot for dystopian stories with characters that show us what humans can endure birth good and bad. This collection doesn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the first story and couldn’t put the book down! Each segment gives you different scenarios that could potentially be the downfall of modern society. I’m hooked!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the first book in the series, The Cool Thing, and was excited for the second! Continuing from the first book, the dark twisted humor doesn’t disappoint! I laughed out loud in several parts of this book and love the way the vivid details captured my attention. The Lab Spills abandoned in the Waydown, along with RL and Jayderay, will keep you laughing and entertained! This is a must read!

Review by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Notebook Mysteries Haunted ChristmasNotebook Mysteries Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my second book in the YA Notebook Mysteries series I’ve read, and enjoyed the Christmas mystery. There are the same characters readers enjoy with a few new ones. This cozy mystery will sure delight testers of all ages. I enjoy the recipes the author adds at the end of the book so the reader can also enjoy the goodies! The German Apple cake sounds so delicious and I plan on making it for my family!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Prisoner of Paradise is a love story that crosses space and time, combining art and history, and a refreshing unique plot. There are vivid descriptions of Venice that pull you into the story as if you were there. At the beginning I was thrown by the dual timeline, and play-by-play action scenes, but as the story progessed I found myself drawn to the mystery surrounding the characters and the painting. The plot builds as Nick and Julia uncover age old secrets. The end leaves you wanting to know more. I’m sure book two will be just as good!

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Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book four in the Forerunner series. The Preface chapter gives you the background information from the other books up until this point in the series. There are maps of Eire (Ireland) and The North Way (Norway) at the beginning to help orient the reader to place. Woven into the story are real figures and places from Viking-era history even though this is a fantasy novel. This was a daunting read for myself due to not reading any of the previous books in the series or fantasy writing, however, Bautista writes with excellent vivid imagery in each scene. He uses details consistent with the time period and weaves Viking culture and mythology throughout. This makes the story believable and real to the reader. If you like Norse mythology, Viking history, with an unpredictable adventure, this is the story to read!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 8 in the series but reads as a stand alone novel. Love how this is set on the Oregon coast, places I’m familiar with and miss. I liked reading the point of view of the antagonist in parts, it gives increased tension to the story, and an insight on how he feels entitled to Evka. The plot keeps you turning the page guessing at who the killer is and what will happen next! I enjoyed this novel and will likely read more of this mystery series!

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Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

 

Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer's EggsDinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an adorable double dinosaur adventure! Having 2-books-in-1 is a wonderful idea. The graphics used for illustration give the pictures texture and make for a more interesting story. I read both stories several times to my grandkids and they were captivated by the dinosaurs adventure. A recommended read for your little ones!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Letter CarrierThe Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of 12 year old Michelle Naget, as the Germans march through France during WWII. The Naget family’s life is turned upside-down when they are forced to endure the Germans taking over their home and becoming servants to the enemy. I was hooked on this story from the beginning and couldn’t put the book down. The reader is shown what the family went through in the ravages of war without the explicit details, but lets us in to the emotional experience. The story is also brought to life knowing it is based off of the stories and French documents from Michelle Naget. It’s hard to imagine what it was like for the Naget family, but the author does a wonderful job bringing it to life for the reader. This is definitely a book you should read!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022

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Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Rivals (Mafia Elite, #7)Rivals by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rivals is the last book in the Mafia Elite series, and I found by the end of the book I wanted the story to keep going.
At the eginning of the book there is a breakdown of who’s who in each Mafia family, which is great if you’re not familiar with this type of crime drama, or haven’t read the provide books in the series. Rivals can be read as a stand alone novel.

The chapters written from the two main characters, Mia and Nico, point of view written in first person. This makes the story interesting as The reader can see how the story unfolds from each person. I found this technique pulled me into the plot and wondered what was going to happen next. The story is a fast paced romantic suspense novel with just the right amount of romance thrown in the action. I will be going back to read the other books in the series!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries book #4)Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This fourth book in the Notebook Mysteries, Emma and Jeremy are in a train wreck just outside of Statesville and find out there is a mystery to solve. Throughout the book, they end up working on several mysteries both together and apart. The story is a fast-paced rollercoaster as Emma finds herself in one situation to the next. If you haven’t read the previous books, this one reads fine as a standalone. I found this cozy mystery a fun reading appropriate for a young adult audience. There is plenty of knife fights, gun battles, dangerous actions, tender reconciliations, lost love found and restored, and threatening thugs! There is also a fabulous recipe for Heidesand, German marzipan butter cookies included at the end of the book! Like the previous books in the series, this story is a quick, fast-paced read with Pinkerton’s thrown in the mix.
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Ritual Obsession (Blood Obsession Book 1)Ritual Obsession by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

New York City is under siege, by a diabolical serial killer designated as The Bathtub Murderer, which I thought was unique. This mystery-romantic suspense gives the reader plenty of action, romance, voodoo rituals, graphic depictions of both consensual and nonconsensual sex, and murder.

This story has excellent strong female lead characters. You empathize for them when they go through heartbreak and traumatizing experiences. The storyline is sometimes emotionally intense, as it touches on the subject of murder, sexual assault and the aftermath of surviving sexual assault. Please be advised that many readers may find the story disturbing and/or triggering. The author does include a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, which is appreciated.

This is an excellent start to the series and reminds me of the In Death series by J.D. Robb without the setting in the future! I look forward to reading more in the Blood Obsession series!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything is jam packed full of magical realism, horror, suspense and religious ferver. DeBlassie brings the desert of New Mexico alive in the mind of the reader. His judicious use of metaphorical writing brings the characters and setting to life in the story. This is a beautifully written psychological thriller and I couldn’t put it down! I look forward to more work by this author!
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Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Book 1) by Armand Rosamilia – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Shake Down (First Coast Thriller Series)Shake Down by Armand Rosamilia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the series and I enjoyed this gripping crime thriller, which had me hooked from start to finish. Shakedown is full of action and suspense that kept me engaged without missing any details. It is a well-written plot with murder, mayhem, and intrigue. With FBI investigations and cartel boats, you know there will be twists and turns with lives in the balance. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022

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The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Girl Who EscapedThe Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the research that went into the writing of this book. This helped bring the characters alive and the events plausible to real life. Some chapters are written from a different character view point, or continues the same viewpoint. This gives refreshing insight into what propels the story forward.
I liked the idea of the therapy dog helping the main character through her trauma and the FBI having a victim’s unit. The apple airtags was something my daughter told me about when she bought some to use. Thank you to the author for adding a section to let the reader know what was fiction and what was fact.
There is plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning. I enjoyed the book and will go back and read others in the series!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not.The Cool Thing: A Dark Comedy. Or Not. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was AWESOME! Going back and forth between crazy, hilarious, and dark humor kept me turning the page until wee hours in the morning. I laughed out loud in several parts of this book and love the way the vivid details captured my attention. There’s spooky, whacky, and sci-fi suspense with characters that had me shaking my head at times. Even though the characters are messed up themselves, I couldn’t help but laugh at the misfortunes each one went through. This is unique writing that I can’t wait to read more of! It reminds me of Stephen King mixed with Kurt Vonnegut and Thomas Pynchon. An amazing book and I can’t wait to read more from Robert Rife!

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Brandy Vaughn, July 2022

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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex Book 1) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex chronicles Book 1)Tale of a Body Thief by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has some excellent world building that enhances the story. Although I’m not familiar with the demon hunter sub-genre within the fantasy genre, there was wonderful description to help the reader follow along. The main character, Rovena, has depth and an attitude to match that I found likeable. Once I started reading, I wanted to know more about this world of demons and hunters. The hierarchy became clearer for me and I was able to visualize what the characters looked like. I appreciate how the author took the time to paint a word picture of the story setting. Even though this isn’t my go-to genre, I’m looking forward to more books in this series!
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Brandy Vaughn, July 2022
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Enemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Enemies of DovesEnemies of Doves by Shanessa Gluhm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Enemies of Doves was difficult for me to put down! I kept thinking of the characters and what would happen next. This wonderful character focused story has every element needed to keep the pages turning to see what happens next. A beautiful, emotional story arc comes full circle with an unexpected ending you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this exceptionally written book!

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A Quirk of Destiny (Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting take on the dystopian genre and had me turning the page to see how the story unfolds. The story is told from a third person point of view, based in the UK, and is written in British English. There’s some slang as an American that I didn’t understand, but figured it out as I read on.

I haven’t read a novel with this type of outbreak leading up to a dystopian future and it’s a distinguishing feature- something I wouldn’t have thought of! If you like dystopian stories, this would be a fantastic addition to the TBR pile!

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Brandy Vaughn, July 2022

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Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge – Reviewed by Brandy Vaughn

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Caring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your WorldCaring for Kingsley, Believing in a Better Way When Canine Cancer Comes Crashing Into Your World by Alli Eldridge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No one wants to hear the diagnosis of cancer whether it’s for a human, or your furry family member. It’s a numbing and terrifying moment. Caring for Kingsley is a poignant journey into the world of canine cancer. I am delighted this book was written! Having a senior dog myself, and my daughter having a Llhasopoo that looks so similar to Kingsley, made this story feel closer to home.

The emotional rollercoaster of wanting everything to be okay for your four-legged family member is felt through these pages. I wouldn’t know where to start if a cancer diagnosis was given to one of my fur babies. Finding hope in Kingsley’s journey and what his parents do for him is inspiring! If you have fur-babies that are like your children’s to you, this book is a must read! Thank you for sharing this painful journey and spreading your light in the darkness.

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Brandy Vaughn, July 2023
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Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Enchanted in TimeEnchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first couple of pages had piqued my curiosity about the story. So much so, that I didn’t notice my grandson attempting to steal my cup of hot coffee. This paranormal romantic suspense story feels like it would be almost any book lover fan’s dream- to be able to spend time with your favorite author over the summer as their caregiving companion. I know it would be mine!

The creative tapestry this text is woven with a part of the paranormal narrative one wouldn’t expect to see in this genre, but it works exponentially. Love across time and space, memories that feel like dreams, and love that feels like home. Enchanted in Time will draw you into the energy of the characters and the paths taken to find love and forgiveness.

Brandy Vaughn, July 2020

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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Distant Memories by Kate MacInnis is the second book in the Nurse Morgan series. Just like the first book, Distant Memories is filled with humor, ghosts, mystery, and a bit of romance. This text gives a good deal of summary about the first book so you can keep track of what is going on.

It seems things have started to settle down with Morgan as she has accepted her new psychic gifts. A new ghostly seductress enters the picture with her sights set on Caleb, Morgan’s new man. The plot brings to life some mischief with new adventures that cause some craziness in the spirit world as well as in real life for Morgan. I look forward to book 3 when it comes out!

Brandy Vaughn 06/2022

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Distant Heart Sounds: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book 1 by Kate MacInnis – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds: by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Distant Heart Sounds: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book 1, by Kate MacInnis, is the first book in the series that will keep you wondering what will happen next. A little bit of romance mixed with ghosts and a tad bit of mystery will keep the pages turning. I enjoyed guessing which paranormal element the main character, Morgan would experience first hand and what ghost she would meet next. This is the first time in a long time that genre fiction has been able to hold my attention past the first 5 chapters. I definitely recommend reading this book!

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