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Love Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Love Between the LinesLove Between the Lines by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Between the Lines by A.Z. Brazeau earns 4 out of 5 stars for me. This was a highly enjoyable, quick read that centers around the burgeoning relationship between protagonist Marlowe Bennet and a book cover model named Heath Rochester. Marlowe is a writer who loves her cats. Heath is a successful model who returns home to take over running his family’s bookstore.The pair, who already have a little bit of history, spark a relationship that is full of enough drama and tension to keep the pages turning. Not only is this story a charming, funny contemporary romance, it also addresses the struggles of mental health maintenance. Marlowe lives with anxiety and attends therapy where she learns realistically helpful strategies. I appreciate every aspect of this story and am glad it is only the first in this series.

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Jordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Jordan's ShadowJordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This story is an emotional roller coaster! Jordan’s Shadow by T.R. Cupak has created a multi-dimensional character who has it all, and then loses it all. Jordan experiences a life-changing event at the age of 17, and her world shifts. Amongst all the darkness in her life, Hunter (Shadow) becomes a source of light in Jordan’s life. This unconventional and twisted tale kept me on the edge of my seat and was easy to finish quickly because the need to figure out what happened next was too intense to quit! This is the first novel I have read by this author but will not be the last. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend this book and author!

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The Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Tears of BoabdilThe Tears of Boabdil by Neil MacDonald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an author you don’t want to overlook! Neil MacDonald is a genius at weaving a story and creating a welcome challenge for his reader. The Tears of Boabdil is a psychological thriller that needs concentration and focus, but is compelling and hard to put down. The unreliable narrator, Vince/Zami, is an undercover agent who is sent to infiltrate a British Jihad group. However, he finds he must choose between his mission and a love he has found along the way. The characters in this story are well-built and you will find yourself rooting for love to win. This is quite different from my usual genre, but I do not regret giving it a chance. The author is wonderful at creating a page-turner that is unpredictable and will keep the reader on their toes. I definitely recommend this book and give it 5 enthusiastic stars.

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Can Dreams Come True? (Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1)Can Dreams Come True? by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Can Dreams Come True? (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 1) by Krysten Lindsay Hager is a delightful, breath of fresh air young adult novel, and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Cecily Taylor experiences all the things a teenager goes through: the ups and downs of friendship, love, and everything that comes with growing up. Her favorite singer, Andrew Holiday, is holding auditions for his new music video, and Cecily takes a chance. Although she has to contend with the jealousies of her boyfriend and friend, she lands the role in the video and gets closer than she ever expected to Andrew Holiday. Can all of Cecily’s dreams really come true? Find out in this first installment! This is an author and series you don’t want to miss out on!

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Climbing the Walls by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Climbing The Walls (Hart & Cole Book 1)Climbing The Walls by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Climbing the Walls (Hart and Cole Book 1) by Sacha T.Y. Fortuné 5 out of 5 stars. This is the best novel I have read in a long time! I love the characters and the way it switches back and forth between them, as it gives perspective to each side of the story. The storyline is very relatable and even pointed out a few lines to my husband! This story centers around a married couple, Nicole and Kris, and their two kids. It shows the highs and lows of married life and the struggle to keep a modern, working family afloat. The writing is clever and fresh and is a page-turner, for sure. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be checking out more by this author.

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8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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8 Second Ride8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I give 8 Second Ride by Shannon Nemechek 4 out of 5 stars. It is not my typical read, but it is quite enjoyable and the characters are relatable. At 40 pages, this story is quick and easy-to-read. Dakota “Tuck” McGraw is an ex-Army Ranger and hopeful National Rodeo Champion. His boss’s spoiled daughter, Jessie, is a thorn in his side, and they don’t agree on much, but that doesn’t last for long! Soon, the chemistry bubbles and as the two take a trip to Vegas for the National Rodeo Championship. What starts out as a rocky relationship, turns steamy and the tension is palpable. This is a recommended read!

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Seconds (Internet Famous Collection) by Cam Johns – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Seconds (Internet Famous, #6)Seconds by Cam Johns
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Seconds (Internet Famous Collection) by Cam Johns 5 out of 5 stars. This steamy, imaginative retelling of Rapunzel is one that you will not want to put down and definitely leaves you wanting more.
Braxton Knight, a hot celebrity chef and restaurateur in Maryland, meets Phoenix Brighton and his world is changed – more than once. This is a shorter story, a quick read, but it contains all the elements of an emotion-packed, tear-jerking, drama-filled adventure that we all look for as readers. Seconds makes you love and care about the characters, and even if it were a thousand pages it wouldn’t be enough. This is the first story I’ve read by this author, and I will absolutely be searching for others.

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Gunner: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Gunner (Eidolon Black Ops #6)Gunner by Maddie Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Gunner: An Eidolon Black Ops Novel by Maddie Wade 5 out of 5 stars! This is an amazing story! When Gunner is young and reckless, he almost causes the death of his best friend, his sister. After growing up with shame and guilt, he is tested once more when she is kidnapped. Can Gunner save his sister and forgive himself? When Gunner meets Lacey, hope stirs for the first time in a long time for the both of them. This story had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through! This author knows how to swirl characters and stories together to create a fantastic escape for the reader into a new world full of suspense and emotion. This book is a must read.

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Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Where Flowers BloomWhere Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars.
I give Where Flowers Bloom by Nikki Vale 5 stars only because I cannot give it more than that. This haunting story is rich with vivid storytelling and lively characters. It sucks you right in.
When Kendyll searches for a new home for her and her husband Vance, she ends up dismissing his wishes to find a more modern house and decides to purchase a grand plantation home. With the help of her new friends, Kendyll begins fixing up her new home and makes some startling discoveries along the way. This book is full of history, intrigue, and steamy romance. I highly recommend this book and this author.

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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The Buccaneers of St. Frederick IslandThe Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars.

The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is an adventure! A group of crime-stopping eighth graders want to get to the bottom of a mysterious occurrence at St. BeSillius’ Catholic School and will stop at nothing until the truth is revealed. Set in 1947, this story contains characters who are lively and colorful. When their friends are targeted, the Buccaneers, including the narrator Lily (code name Sprocket), become entangled with thieves who have stolen their hard-earned fundraising money. Any child will love to go along with the Buccaneers as they set things right and save the day. This book is a quick read and recommended for ages 9-18, but can be enjoyed at any age, and by anyone who appreciates a good pirate tale. I definitely recommend this book to readers.

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Hungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Hungry Business: A Short StoryHungry Business: A Short Story by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Hungry Business: A Short Story” by Maria DeBlassie earns 5 out of 5 stars. This fun, captivating short story is sure to draw you in. It is horrifyingly relatable to anyone who has ever played the dating field and keeps hitting those foul balls. The narrator is fresh and the writing is packed with animated imagery to keep you hooked. This story is a workout; you will be using all the senses to digest this one. My only complaint is that it isn’t longer. Loved it.

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1)Athalie by Jordan Elizabeth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars. Athalie (Sacrificial Chronicles Book 1) by Jordan Elizabeth is the first book by this author that I have picked up, but it surely won’t be the last. This YA fantasy novel is packed with action, adventure, romance, mythology, and enough intrigue to hold the imagination of even the most finicky reader.
In this first installment, Athalie is chosen as the Sapphire Empire’s yearly sacrifice and her future is instantly stripped away from her. However, she convinces the gods to give her a second chance to save her world and the people she loves. The challenges, obstacles, and magic she encounters along the way is sure to provide a mile-a-minute read – I could not read fast enough. I give this book the highest recommendation, and I will definitely be checking out more books by Jordan Elizabeth.

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The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Chrissy Spulak

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THE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischiefTHE GRACEFUL GHOST: A story for girls rich with authentic ballet school detail and sparkling with ghostly mischief by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 out of 5 stars.

The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon is a charming, imaginative story for children, age 9 and above, who may be interested in ballet or the paranormal, though it is certainly not limited to those interests.
The story follows the narratives of two girls: Lauren, a fledgling, yet reluctant, ballerina who wins a scholarship to attend Amberwood, a prestigious dancing school, and Grace, the resident ghost, bound to the school grounds until she can help someone achieve their dreams. Despite having some tough competition amongst her classmates, Lauren’s biggest obstacle lies within. Will she, with the help of the Graceful Ghost, hold on to her spot at the school, or will she end up being sent home? Furthermore, will Grace’s plan to help Lauren along the way enable her to finally leave Amberwood?
This is a refreshing story for children and adults alike. At 141 pages in length, the story is evenly fast-paced, catches the reader’s attention, and holds on tight. It goes beyond being a typical ghost story and examines a variety of emotions and circumstances that any growing child will encounter. An excellent book to share with your child, and a book that a parent can trust their child with for independent reading. This reviewer highly recommends The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon.

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