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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

High School is bad enough, with making and keeping friends. But when you throw a boy into the mix, things change. Friends fight, boys want more and girls are trapped between both worlds. This author has once again impressed me. High School is being brought back in this series. The story is fast paced and once you start you can’t stop til the end. The characters are spot on with their emotions as well as strong within themselves. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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A Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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A Teacher's HeartA Teacher’s Heart by Melissa Lavi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a cute story. This story was so true of children and their first days of school, no matter what age or grade. All parents and teachers are to set the best example to our children. Making their school experience joyful. This author played it out in her story. Shining a well written light on our educators. The story covers all nationalities and sizes of people around the world. This is a must have for all libraries and home bookshelves.

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Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Fetching DreamsFetching Dreams by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Neyah and Abby are pen pals. Both learning about each other’s lives. While the girls are the same age, they live very different lifestyles. Neyah lives in Africa while Abby lives in a city on the other side of the globe. Abby works on her social life, while Neyah gathers contaminated water for her family. Neyah longs for the days when she can go to school, while Abby goes to school everyday. Such an inspiring story for all to read. I found both main characters to be strong independent young girls. Who strive for a better life for each other. This author has captured my heart in this story. I feel every 12 year and older child should get the opportunity to read this story. To have a pen pal from a different country and to learn how fortunate they are to live without fear. As this story unfolds many lives are touched by the strength of these two girls. Fantastic story to read! It’s fast paced and you find yourself wanting so much more. I feel this to be an excellent read for young teens, teachers, librarians and parents. Let’s open our children’s minds and bring back helping others.

 

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Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Holding Up the SkyHolding Up the Sky by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another Fun and fantastic story to read to our children. Colleen and her Dad have a special job. But the children are afraid of Colleen’s dad, and tease her. Read what happens when Colleen’s dad puts his hands down. Also who comes to the rescue when things start happening. This author never ceases to amaze me. Her imagination is and ability to entertain our children. Just another example of why I enjoy reading stories from this author.

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Falling Again (Buckeye Falls Book 3) by Libby Kay – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Falling Again: A Buckeye Falls NovelFalling Again: A Buckeye Falls Novel by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natalie and Anthony are at the forefront of this story. Anthony is trying to fill his father’s shoes by following in his career path. Being Mayor is a tough job, it also takes Anthony away from his wife and children. Natalie is running her new business with a friend. She is also taking on home duties. Keeping her household running, getting the kids to their activities, shopping, cooking, event planning and not having time for herself or her husband. This puts a strain on their marriage. Can these two people get back the love they once had? Or is it too late? I love this story and all of the characters in this series. While this story could be a stand alone, I recommend you read the series as the characters from this series bring the story to life. This author wrote this fast paced intriguing romance, and kept the interest of all readers. This is a romance rollercoaster when it comes to emotions. A romance worth reading.

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Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Walk OffWalk Off by Bree Kraemer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a romance of a different kind. Celia has a young daughter and her father Kyle has no clue. Knowing time was running out Celia had to come clean. Telling Kyle will be the hardest thing she has ever had to face. Next to breaking up with him. But she had her reasons and I understand them all too well. Kyle is a baseball player who has lost his first and only love. Eight years later both Kyle and Celia are face to face for the first time. Celia and Kyle may love each other in their hearts, but will Celia’s secret separate them?
What a strong independent female character Celia is. Kyle too is so strong in his convictions. This author has brought romance out in this story. Her wording is enough to keep you reading. I was caught up in this story before I ended the first chapter. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in this series.

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Huff… Puff… Grind! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Huff... Puff... Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get SmartHuff… Puff… Grind! The 3 Little Pigs Get Smart by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a refreshing Folktale. This time around the little pigs went to school. They learned how to make their home wolf proof. The wolf on the other hand was hungry. Can the pigs come up with a plan that will benefit both themselves and the wolf? Once again this author retold a story with a twist. Opening up the minds of our young children and encouraging them to think ahead. Great story for both parents and children. This is a must have for all libraries.

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Helpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Helpful HudsonHelpful Hudson by Dannielle Pickford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hudson is a great helper, until one day he was not. He had forgotten somebody, can you guess who? Reading this story will help other children find their self worth. This author and illustrator had worked well together. It shows in this story, and the pictures. Children could learn from this story. As could adults while reading to their children. Reading is always helpful and encourages children to love books and reading. I truly enjoyed reading this story to my grandbabies. They loved it too.

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People Safari by Feather Chelle – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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People SafariPeople Safari by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What fun story to read to the kids. Looking from an animal’s perspective was amazing. A great turn around as far as people go. Made a person think, that’s for sure. The author made note of the different houses and vehicles. I laughed so hard when the deer asked where in the house people poop. The story was well written and easy to follow. Even easier for the children to understand. This may have been a new author for me, but not for long as I will be looking and reading more her.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This is Sky and Damon’s story. Sky has her work cut out for her. Her friend wants Damon before the year ends. Only Sky has crushed on him forever. Damon, on the other hand, is more interested in Sky. High School is such a struggle to get through. The bullies, the cheerleaders, the nerds and the jocks. This story deals with many teen issues. That’s what makes this author’s story so believable. It is well written, fast paced and easy to follow. All teens would agree this is like high school all over. Enemy’s to Romance is just how this story reads. So many emotions will be challenged, so many secrets will be opened and somebody is bound to find romance. This is a fantastic story for New Adults as well as adult readers.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This retelling of the famous beanstock has a different view of the story. One being it is Jacqueline who takes the cow to market. Yes she comes back with the 3 beans. But this is where the story changes. Jacqueline learned many lessons that day. As will the children that get to read / listen to this story. Again this author impressed me with her Open Ended story. Many lessons are taught within this book. Along with science, and providing food from our gardens. Great book to introduce children to at the beginning of Spring. I look forward to reading the next folktale by this author.

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Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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This was a hard story to listen to. I generally don’t listen or read historical stories. But this one caught my interest. I am happy I took the time to listen to the story. A story told by a young child of seven. Talks Like Thunder is a remarkably strong young child who had to grow up fast. Her family had been taken from her, then a strange man comes along claiming to be her grandfather. Taking her to a new reservation, where she knows nobody. But that is just the beginning for Talks Like Thunder. Her story is told well and the authors knew their history. While this story was heartbreaking. I felt like I was sitting close by watching and listening. The authors, while new to me, I will be looking for more from them. I am interested to see where they take this series.

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series Book 3) by Isobel Reed – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Hero Complex (Bluestone Series, #3)Hero Complex by Isobel Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a well written romance. This one was just that kind of story. Ivy has set her mind on saving her grandfather’s ranch. While others doubt she can do it. There is one who knows she can. Ace, a wounded marine has many scars who he battles with daily. But the ones that are visible are the ones Ivy does not see. Throwing Ace into self doubt. Most look at him and stare or gasp. Not Ivy, she loves him, shhhh don’t tell anybody. While Ace helps Ivy out running the ranch, he learns people don’t believe a single unwed woman can do men’s work. Therefore his plan is set in motion. But remember Ivy can do what she puts her mind to. This fake engagement has opened many doors for both Ivy and Ace. To see where this story goes, read the book. What a page turner this story was. I could not put it down. The characters make the story, but the author put it to paper. I look forward to reading more from this author. As well as seeing where this author takes this series.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg and her sister are discussing monsters. With Meg being blind, her sister tried to explain the monsters. This is yet another child involvement story. It talks about our senses as well as being blind. This interaction between the sisters, and the humor makes for a fun story to read. I enjoy reading books by this author. So do my grandchildren. Her stories are easy to follow and fun to experiment with. Open-ended books are the BEST! I look forward to reading more from this author.

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The First Sin (South of Eden) Audiobook by Lisa Beth Darling – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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What a different yet modern day Retelling of the Creation of the world. Lucifer re-enters the world as we know it now. His life is completely turned upside down when his father sends him back to the Garden of Eden. Adam is not who I thought he was. He is abusive and all together needs a backbone of respect for Eve and those around him. As Eve is so much stronger and independent. This Retelling in modern day is spot on. I am a Christian and found this story to be humorous and easy to follow. Some of it was heart wrenching and yet again it was still worth my listening too. The author is creative and knows what she is writing about. Some may disagree, but for me it was well worth reading/listening to. I found this story enjoyable and found it to be informative, LOL. Life is too short to take everything too seriously. We all know the story, this is just a different way of looking at things. A Story reinvented and enjoyable.

 

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Elle has had enough! Life had to be better somewhere else. Her past 6 years had been horrible for Elle. Now is the time to take her life back. Blake has had his share of heartbreak. His answer was the bottle, so he thought. Both Elle and Blake must take back their lives. Will these two broken people be able to get out from under their secrets and move on? The author has set up a story some of us have lived through. It was hard in the beginning, the emotions were raw, but the end brought forth a new message. I enjoy reading a strong willed woman, and a stronger male character who can fight their way out, and build back their independence. While this was a hard story for me to read, in the beginning. It soon became a must read book, sending out a whole new outlook. The emotions are raw and the events are real. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Silas Fitzpatrick has had enough of being invisible. As his sixth grade class begins he finds it hard to get adults to listen to him. He is extremely short for his age, due to lacking healthy growth hormones. His grandfather is a great man to email and gives Silas advice as to help him get along at school. Silas also has made friends who see him for who he is, and not by his size. This author has many ways of getting her point out in this story. She helps all the children see that they are so much more. I love how this book is encouraging and would recommend it to all children ages 8 and older. I must say Silas is extremely brave and patient with those around him. I love the interactions between his grandfather as well as his new friend. This should be a must read for all who have or are children. Excellent Story!

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Olivia has had her share of heart break. Garrett left his one true love behind, to follow his musical managing career, and his up and coming band. Now, while both of them fight the second chance for romance. There are still heartbreak feelings. Can the two people work through their delima? Is romance salvageable for them? This was a fast paced romance. It will open many emotions and leave you wanting to read more of this series. This story is a stand-alone but, reading the series only opens your feelings and those we try to avoid. This author is no longer new to me. Her love for rock music is what makes this story fun and easy to follow. I enjoyed reading this story and will be going back to read the others.

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Cabin Eight (The Millersville series)Cabin Eight by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Miranda Diggs seems to find herself in trouble wherever she goes. Helping out with cleaning homes, she forgets things and even caused a fire that destroyed 3 other rooms. Now there are enough fines she will be paying back forever. She has just not found herself, well until she goes on a mind clearing vacation. At which point she finds herself fighting against crimes that continue to follow her. This is a well written crime based thriller. The events that happen are enough to keep you reading. This author has a way with words and getting her point across. I found this to be a fast paced story. The characters are believable as well as the events. Just the twists and turns are enough to keep your interest. Enjoy! Oh No Spoilers!

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From The Ashes Book 1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Where Fire Meets Flame (Yours From the Ashes, #1)Where Fire Meets Flame by Elena Kincaid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley Scott is a Private Detective who has seen more than her share of ugly. Both in crimes and relationships. She has no time, nor does she want time for another relationship. Tristan Cain the tall blue eyed firefighter. Has his own downfalls in the relationship department. Besides, he has other things on his mind, one being getting justice. That is all I can say about this story. I give No Spoilers! This is a story you need to read. The author of this book is very talented with her words. Her story is clearly written and at times I felt like I was seeing the events in my mind. The characters felt like people I know I would love to be friends with, maybe I already am. The story is fast paced and brings forth many emotions. This author was new to me, but not anymore, she climbed onto my must read list.

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Amy’s Rebellion (Gemstone Massacre Book 1) by Julia Goldhirsh – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Amy's RebellionAmy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an exciting read for new adults with a mind for fantasy. Amy’s life started out with her first unwanted killing. But she had no choice in the matter. She leaves what was left and moved into the human world. But even that is unsafe for Amy. She must build her own army of trusted shifters to hopefully beat the evil headed her way. This story was very different for me. Don’t take me wrong. I enjoyed the story, it was just too many fantasy shifters for me. This is an author I had not read from before. That is why I chose this book. The characters were well liked and knew their place in the story. The book was well thought out, well written and easy to keep up with. If you enjoy fantasy stories this book is for you!

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) Audiobook by Liza Snow – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Can I start by saying? UNBELIEVABLE! That is the only word for this story. Cassandra is young but her life experiences make her sound so much older. The time has come, she wants to make her dreams come true. What a battle she is about to enter. Chandler is very talented and is  teaching students about silk aerialists for Cirque De Lys. While he did not want to be teaching, his father gave him no choice. Now that Cassandra shows promise Chandler is having second thoughts. Here you will find romance, suspense and some extremely hot scenes. No Spoilers in this review. The author who wrote this book is top notch! I found it hard to stop reading, as the story heated. Her wording builds a clear picture of all events in this story. Also I am pleased that I got the book in audible. I was able to sit back and listen, as I watched the story play in my mind. So worth every amount of time spent on this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this outstanding series.

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Entanglement (The Echo Series Book 3) by C.R. Alam – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Unexpected Entanglement (Book 3 of the Echo Series)Unexpected Entanglement by C.R. Alam
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This Contemporary Romance has it all. Even though Rowan and Chris tried to fight their emotions. Fake or not things still went from business to wholly hot. Rowan is strong and independent and even though she had a lot to accomplish with her sister’s wedding, she was determined to get it done. Chris on the other hand was not expecting to help out. So now that he got himself in hot water. How will he get himself out of the emotional rollercoaster he jumped into? Will Rowan see herself clear or will she too jump into the rollercoaster? This author left nothing out. Her writing is easy to follow and your emotions will be out of control. She really has a way with words. This story was right on, in the romance series. I can hardly wait to read more from this series. See where the author takes us next.

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8)Breach of Trust by Cynthia Hamilton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love a series that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This one did just that, I could not put it down. As a night reader, This one had it all. So worthy of a night without sleep. Besides the fact that 3 different scenarios were all happening at the same time. No worries though, this author is through and keeps things unconfusing. You have a cry for help, a nasty divorce and poison pen letters messing with the mix. Which one will be solved first? Will the divorce hit home for one of the PI’s? Can help come soon enough? This author has a great way of writing a story to keep her readers entertained. Her characters feel like people we would be friends with. Everyday people with everyday problems. Although these problems I would not like to deal with. I love this series and can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Little Red, the Detective (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale (Science Folktales)Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As we all know the story of Little Red Riding Hood. That may be true. Little Red is off to grannies house. No talking to strangers and “Please pick me some flowers for my tea.” This author did so much more with the story. She made it more about plant discovery and their uses. Which once again gets the children out of the house. There are all kinds of flowers within our neighborhoods. With Spring here new plants and flowers are blooming. What a great time to pick up this book and enjoy the adventure that this author has planned out for her readers. I must say this author has impressed me every time she plans out her stories. My grands have loved each of this author’s story. The projects that follow are amazingly fun as well.
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Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Insomnia (A Short Stories Collection)Insomnia by Kelly Covic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A variety of short scary stories to keep you up and awake. LOL! Each story was fresh and new by this author. Each story was scarier than the last. They got my heart pumping and my nerves on end. A true rollercoaster of a read. This is an author I had not read before. Her imagination was Wild and Scary. The characters were believable which made the stories so realistic. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author. “Read the story they said, it will be fun!”

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God of Fire: Greek Myths A New Retelling Audiobook by Helen Steadman – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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This was a nice travel audible story. Greek Mythology has retold many of these characters and yet I enjoyed this version. The humor as well as the tragic events, made this story enjoyable to listen to. My heart went out for Hephaestus. To have been thrown away because of his looks. If that was not enough Hera threw him from heaven, breaking his little body, from his landing in the sea. But Hephaestus is a fighter. Can he live through these events? Will the unwanted child find a family?This is a New author for me. I would never have picked this book, but it caught my interest. Not only that but it was audible, so I got to listen to the story. So in the end I did enjoy the story. If you like Greek Mythology you will Love this one.

Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) Audiobook by Reggi Dupree – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Gwen Carter has died twice and is down right tired of dying. With her new inheritance she finds herself back in the family home. Hoodoo Texas, a place that ran her off has brought her back. The black magic, ghosts and murder will keep Gwen on her toes as she tries to break the family curse. She is older now but can she prove her innocence and catch the true murderer? No spoilers here. However, this author is new to me and I love his writing skills. The audible version puts you into this story. The laughter and snarky-ness of the characters will bring you back for more. The story is fast paced and easy to follow. But make no mistake you will want to read more from this series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author as well as this series.

The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga (The Hustlers Trilogy) Book 2 By Rowan Rossler Review by Cindy Mayberry

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The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 2)The Challenger: A Sports Romance Saga by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Welcome to Sports Romance at its finest. This is book 2 but it can be read as a standalone. This is Chavez and Flynn’s story. Chavez is hot tempered and uncontrollable. His tennis skills could take him far. Flynn is a motivational speaker and coach. She is the exact opposite and seems to level Chavez out. When these two unlikely souls get together, there is as much action on the court as off the court. But both of them have their own secrets to get past. Will these two come together or will this pull them apart? This story took me by surprise. The author writes an amazing story leaving nothing out. The story is fast paced as well as well written. You can’t help falling in love with the characters. Even though it looks like they have nothing in common, they find out just where they lead each other. This turned out to be an exciting story to read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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Under My Care (Chase Care Book 3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Under My Care (Chase Care Book 3)Under My Care by R.L. Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The unforgettable Peter Walter, Air Force Pararescue Jumper, Physician Assistant and now Facility Director for Chase Care. But let’s be clear if he is needed to rescue someone he does without question. This story starts out with him jumping into a burning building, to rescue a young mother and her 4 year old daughter Linde. Dr. Rowena Andersen along with her two sons decide, in a storm, to head to Chase Care. There is an emergency and she must get there. Peter and Ro have not seen each other since afghanistan. During a mission, an unforgettable mission. That left both hurt and in turmoil. Can these two people see the romance that is between them? Can the current turmoil keep them apart? What will happen can only be answered by reading this story. This author has a way with words.Her personal knowledge and her attention to words make this a high active thriller. She sets you up on page one and you can’t put this story down. The roller coaster of emotion and romance make this a must read! Her characters are strong, independent and easy to fall in love with. This series has been Amazing and I look forward to seeing where this author goes next.

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