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Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series) by MJ Murray – Review by Carrie Reed

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book SeriesDetective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great kids book. This book sparks imagination, creativity and teamwork. Dylan wants to find out who stole Mrs. Lane’s mail and doesn’t really want his younger sister Emily tagging along. Surprising to him, Emily has a great idea, and one that helps Dylan solve the case. I love the images interspersed through the book to give the child reading a picture of what is happening, it really helped in my mind as well to picture the whole scenario.

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Doombringer by Marcel Liemant – Review by Carrie Reed

DoombringerDoombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very interesting book. It did take me a bit to get into the story, but alas, I did. The way the mage’s song was described, I can only image how terrifying that would sound. Watching the adventure and life and death situations Oden encounters trying to protect his daughter and the world she lives in was nerve wracking and brave. He wanted to ensure her future even if it meant he was going to be taken from her. Penny is a strong little girl, Oden doesn’t give her enough credit, but I think by the end he realizes just how much Penny understands and can help. It feels like more is coming for the town of Shard Moure, it feels like the mages have just retreated for now.

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Be True with Me (Be with Me Series) by CA Miconi – Review by Carrie Reed

Be True with Me (Be with Me, #3)Be True with Me by C.A. Miconi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little cheesy and a whole lot of beautiful. This couple, Lauren and Jason, were wonderful together, but their misunderstanding during their college days really messed up what they could have had with each other. I can imagine Lauren’s heartbreak. Seeing them meet up again after so long seems like fate to me. I love Lauren’s heart, she is so caring and passionate about helping others. Her taking in the twins for the Christmas season, and Jason helping out really rekindled the love they had for each other. Sweet romance, sweet couple.

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Baking a Bicycle (Invisible Magic Wand Book 7) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Baking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book SevenBaking a Bicycle: Invisible Magic Wand Book Seven by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Caspian unbirthday series. This book was so imaginative with baking a bicycle by molding the dough into parts and then of course it wouldn’t be a grandpa unbirthday present without a little magic. I love the art in this book, the vibrant colors and creativity.

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This Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

This Egg Won't HatchThis Egg Won’t Hatch by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adorable! It was sweet reading about mama warbler and her chicks. The cuckoo baby made me mad trying to steal food but I guess I understand since it was a bigger bird. I was happy to see the timid bird and mama able to finally bond. Lovely artwork.

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Raining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Raining Fish and FrogsRaining Fish and Frogs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great concept. I was excited based on the colors of the cover but was sad to see the inside is black and white. While that is also appealing, color usually catches children’s eyes. I do alway love the end of Lois Wickstrom books because, there is always a scientific lesson to be learned or something to teach, and in this case we get to learn about waterspouts. I think this book also gets kids interested in what trout would taste like.

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Quick Affirmations for Children (Quick Affirmations Series) by Kim Ann & Yobe Qiu – Review by Carrie Reed

Quick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days - Positive Affirmations for Happy ChildrenQuick Affirmations for Children: A to Z of Easy Motivations for Creating Better days – Positive Affirmations for Happy Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Not only is the book beautiful it is very helpful for adult and kid alike. Giving yourself daily affirmations is good for the should, young and old. This book has an alphabet full of helpful affirmations for kids to use in their own lives, as well as empty pages at the end to write some extras down. Again beautiful book.

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Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon – Review by Carrie Reed

Luna the Howling Husky Finds Her HowlLuna the Howling Husky Finds Her Howl by Samantha Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is absolutely beautiful. I can’t say enough how visually this book caught my eye, with the colors, style and the characters. Luna is a sweet husky who can’t howl and is kind of isolated from the other huskies at the home. Luna meets a cat that can’t meow and they become best of friends. Love can conquer all, including helping a young husky find her howl. I love that this book shows Luna getting adopted even being different. The extra fun pages at the end for kids makes this book so much better.

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The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Carrie Reed

The Men of Eden Cove ManorThe Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super interesting! I was very drawn into this story, wondering what was going to become of Lucifer and finding out what the men of Eden Cover Manor were hiding. This was such a fun take on vampires. Lucifer is a stubborn one and luckily for him Mordecai seems to have taken a liking to him. At first I was confused about who was who with, Cristoff, Asa, Luthor, Emory, Mordecai, and Darius. In the end it all clicked for me once Lucifer made up his mind. I really hope there is going to be a follow up book because, I would really like to see where life takes Lucifer and the other men.

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Kneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

Kneading a Winning IdeaKneading a Winning Idea by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great story about not giving up! I love that Ben kept trying out new recipes to find out what would make his biscuits different from he year before and better. Sofia encourages him, which is what we all should do in a competition, encourage each other. I can’t wait to try out the recipe at the end of the book! Beautiful art work and story.

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Heart’s Escape (Fallen Hearts Series) by Meredith Hart – Review by Carrie Reed

Heart's Escape (Fallen Hearts)Heart’s Escape by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Rowan and Arryn’s story and meeting Rowan’s brother Phaedron, I was hoping to get a book for him. Alindra has been through a lot, being a magician in the Kingdom of the Summer, a life altering secret and an escape plan foiled by Phaedron showing up in her room. Phaedron while searching for his brother stumbles upon Alindra and she agrees to help him find Rowan if he helps her flee her kingdom. Along the way Phaedron drove me absolutely nuts. I could tell Alindra really fell for Phaedron, but he was too stuck in his own insecurities about his arm that he couldn’t look at the woman who saw him for who he was. Rowan in this book really goes through the ringer, I am so sad to learn of his role in bridging the kingdoms, and how he was used by his own father. Even with an appearance altering injury he was still upbeat and fun loving. This has been such a wonderful series, very enjoyable.

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Necromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert – Review by Carrie Reed

Necromancy the MusicalNecromancy the Musical by Debbie Hibbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is super entertaining. I wasn’t sure at first how I was going to feel at first based on the synopsis, but I was quickly hooked. Necromancy here is not viewed as icky, it is viewed as a power for good, and Cece uses her power to help her dad. The amount of awkwardness she has around her new “friend” Zach was cracking me up, and mad her character that much more lovable to me. The whole book I was playing detective myself trying to figure out who the castor was that was messing with Cece and I was surprised and not surprised at who it turns out to be, but the story behind his harassment and connections to Cece, and why he wanted her magic was icky. Zach and Cece’s relationship is sweet, and I really loved watching their interactions. Portia, her best friend is a riot and a truly good friend. The ending, there was no cliffhanger, but I am left wanting to know what will happen next with Cece’s mom. And will her dad ask out the FBI sketch artist!

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Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Carrie Reed

SargeSarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read Mission 3047 before this book, and I do recommend reading Sarge first as it gives insight as to who Sarge is. I really enjoyed a look back in time to how Sarge grew up, and what he went through to get to the place he is today and how he came into his line of work. It is nice to see he had Mr. Blackburn and Miss Hattie supporting him and encouraging him, I don’t know if he would be who he is without them. Sarge’s love story is sweet and devastating, and his life story is very entertaining and interesting.

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Saint Con by Seelie Kay – Review by Carrie Reed

Saint ConSaint Con by Seelie Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. Con and Jessica’s romance was quick but romantic. I was concerned about how fast they were moving, but could tell Con was super into Jessica and that wasn’t going away anytime soon. When tragedy struck, my heart kind of broke a little wondering how things would play out with their future. I was confused about how Jessica’s friend Syd and Con’s brother knew each other but, it didn’t deter from the point of the book. The thoughts behind the book and the concept of the story was great. I like how this author worked, helping the homeless into this book, it flowed so nicely and really makes you think how you can help in your own area.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Carrie Reed

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful book. I did not read the first book, and while I was able to follow along, I do recommend reading in order to meet all the characters. The relationship between Mia and Gumshoe is so fun to watch grow and the banter between them is entertaining. This is the first book I have read that even mentions a Quinceanera and I found that refreshing and a great way to introduce different customs and cultures to others. Following along with this duo to discover who the murderer is will leave you laughing, and anticipating what comes next. A truly fun and fast read for all.

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Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Carrie Reed

Mr Wimp by B.L. Wilde My rating: 5 of 5 stars Joel is a standard turd! I can’t believe he had the nerve to lie to Bella twice on why he wanted to get divorced! I am so happy that Bella has such good friends on her side that are there for her through every […]

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite #6)Cruel Love by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful book! I really loved Phoenix and Aspen’s story. After the cliff hanger in the last book, I was dying to find out what was going to happen with these two. Their relationship has been through the ringer, and poor Phoenix has a tough time healing from the accident. I was so sacred that Jillian and Phoenix’s grandfather were going to influence his decisions moving forward but, I was pleasantly surprised with how he handled himself. Phoenix and Shane’s grandfather is a real piece of work, and I really can’t wait to see him get what is coming to him, especially for the way he has treated his daughter and grandkids over the years. This book definitely will leave you begging for the next book, Shane’s story, and I am excited to see how things pan out with him and Tracy.

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Chasing Cheer (Emerald Hollow Book 1) by Heather Schneider – Review by Carrie Reed

Chasing CheerChasing Cheer by Heather Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Any book about Christmas and the holiday season and, mixed with romance, I am all for it. This book, to me, felt like a hallmark Christmas movie, small town with romance AND an inn, what more can you ask for! My heart ached to watch Holly struggle at first to meet her cheer quota, and comparing herself to her dad and the way he was always able to get the cheer needed. The interactions and romance between Ash and Holly are sweet and innocent, it wouldn’t be a Christmas theme without an immediate draw towards each other for the two main characters. This book just made me feel very warm and happy, like the Christmas season usually does for me. I look forward to what comes next in Emerald Hollow.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Carrie Reed

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun and interesting world. Arryn is a strong woman, stronger than she thinks, I love that she stands up to Rowan. But Rowan also treats her well and realizes he’s slowly falling for her. I felt so terrible for Rowan’s brother especially for the reason he ends up in his state. I like how Arryn’s eyes are opened being in the Lands Below. Although a different climate, look and feel, she feels freer than she does back at her home in the Worlds Above. The king of the Lands Below is a sneaky one, and I was very happy with how everything played out, especially with her mess of a prince.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book as an adult, definitely a middle school aged book. I liked that Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick were able to form a friendship over their battle to keep their imaginary friends and defeating Mr. Barsin. It seemed like Lily’s Sylphs and Audrey’s dragon were the only imaginary friends that wanted to help and weren’t trying to force their human friends to do something bad. Very imaginative and fun story.

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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Carrie Reed

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved the story of Morgan and Blake. The way in which they meet is just cute and funny, and the fact that Blake and Morgan’s daughter Ciara get along is just perfect. Of course it is a guarantee in this situation that they would fall in love, but not without some headaches along the way. I like that the added drama of Morgan’s ex Fawn was put in the story, it added so much extra and made my love for Blake and Morgan grow because of my irritation for Fawn and all her ridiculous antics. Sweet ending and lovely ending.

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Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations (I am an Alien)Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great artwork, I love how colorful the book is. This is a fun book to teach kids about stars and constellations, especially the with the back of the book listing different constellations and the shape they would appear in the sky. Very informational and fun to think aliens are out there.

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Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Carrie Reed

Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5.Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The art in this book is so beautiful, and my heart really hurt reading this one. Putting your pet down is very heartbreaking not only for you as the human but for any pet friends they had. I teared up on this one, but it is a great learning tool to explain to children why their pet would have to be put to sleep permanently.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Carrie Reed

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great short add on to the Notebook Mysteries series. Finally Savannah and Ethan’s wedding has arrived, but not without some mysterious goings on. It was nice to see Emma and Jeremy being parental, I can’t wait for them to finally get married, and that John Harden and Emma kind of buried the hatchet. She is of course still wary of him but he was just as shocked as she was at the party. Gregory is a little mad and it was time he was stopped.

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Carrie Reed

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, good read. This book is so informative and scary. I really liked learning the history of the atomic bomb and nuclear weapons, some of which most already know of, dating back to Madam Curie. Hiroshima and Nagasaki still weigh on me and I can’t comprehend all of the death. I really like the glimpse into having bomb dropped in New York, how far it’s reach would be and what would occur afterwards. It was nice to see the breakdown of what to do in the event of a nuclear fall out as well. The whole book was very well researched and thought out, and a very intriguing read.

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! I feel like Aspen is just continually let down by her friends, family and Phoenix. She feels like nobody is there for her and she is alone, but she can’t keep away from Phoenix, they have this pull between them. I hate how he treats her when we all know deep down he cares for her more than he thinks. The ending is a cliff hanger and I’m dying for the next book!!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nice start, I am already pulled in and wanting more. Aspen seems like real sweetheart, I am hoping things go well for her. I used to like Phoenix until now, I hope he improves on being snippy to Aspen. Their situation isn’t ideal but could be what both of them need. Tracey is the worst! I’m so tired of her hanging around! Can’t wait to see what comes of Aspen and Phoenix.

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Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Carrie Reed

Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3)Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I know a book is excellent when I am so aggravated with all the characters! Tamaska was obnoxious trying to get answers and at some times seemed petulant. On the other hand Kodiak was making me mad not answering any of her questions, so she was left completely in the dark about everything. Her new friend in the pack, Ash, also would get snippy and it all just made for drama that was not needed, all anyone had to do was talk! I did feel bad for her when she did have information that could help and nobody too, the time to listen until it was too late. I think this one was my favorite of all 3 books so far just due to all the heartache I felt through Tamaksa when it came to her relationship with Kodiak and her status in the pack.

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Carrie Reed

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book had me speed reading to find out the secrets being kept! I did not read the first book and although I didn’t miss out on anything in the story here, I do wish I would have read the first book before hand to meet Fyn and Bridget. I really like Daphne. I like that she doesn’t try to fit in to be like the rest of the royal family and just tries to be herself. I had a feeling her and Lev were going to get into trouble, their chemistry is crazy. My heart broke when Lev treated Daphne like crap, but so happy that his grandmother Mira totally loves her. The whole book Daphne kept mentioning her secret, and why she couldn’t go back to Colorado and finally in the end when she tells all, I was surprised. She is so cute.

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Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Carrie Reed

Lilly Tames Her WorriesLilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful book! I love that this touches on anxiety, especially in children. There is nothing to be ashamed of in having anxiety, but learning of ways to help yourself fight through it and cope is amazing. I love the square breathing technique and think I will actually try it out myself whenever I start feeling anxious. It is nice to see that Lilly uses her newly learned techniques while outside of her house to handle her heebie jeebies, but can still hang onto Hun Bun as her lifeline at home. The artwork in this book is so cute, Lilly’s sad face made me want to cry too.

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